bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Socioeconomic Characteristics and Usability of Online and Mobile Media among Farmers of Punjab
Authors: Kaur Ranjeet , Thapar Sheetal
Published: November 2019

The present paper is an endeavour to analyze the accessibility and usability of online and mobile media among farmers and to find out the relationship between socioeconomic variables and various online and mobile media. The primary data were collected from randomly selected 720 farmers from 16 villages of Punjab through self-structured questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that 99.17 per cent of farmers in the study area had access to mobile phones while 78.05 per cent farmers were using internet on their mobile phones. However, 60.56 per cent farmers had used agri-apps and agricultural websites to obtain agricultural information. Only 43 per cent of them had positive perception towards the usefulness of information attained through online and mobile media. Further, there was a positive correlation of socioeconomic characteristics such as education, income and land with usage of online and mobile media whereas age and experience had shown negative correlation. This implies that with the increase in age and experience of farmers, the possibility of using mobile and online media for agricultural information declined whereas higher education, larger landholdings and more income facilitated greater use of mobile phones and internet for agriculture purposes. Thus, the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers had a direct and deep relationship with the accessibility and usage of online and mobile media among farmers of Punjab. The study recommends that a policy should be framed to educate the elderly farmers regarding the use of the new media. The scope of formal education among the youth should also be expended to realize the full potential of this medium.
Impact of Esterification on Physicochemical Properties of Cellulosic Fabric using Balanites Aegyptiaca Seed Oil
Authors: Omizegba F. I. , Bello K. A. , Adamu H. M. , Boryo D. E. A. , Abayeh J. O. , Akanang H.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the results of some physicochemical properties of cellulosic fabric obtained by esterification using 50 cm3 of oil extracted from the seed of Balanites aegyptiaca.

The oil was extracted under reflux with hexane which gave 40% yield and 0.22% moisture content. The identified cellulosic materials 10 cm and 21 cm x 2.5 cm) were subjected to purification process of scouring, bleaching and mercerization to obtain cleaner, whiter and stronger fabric that could withstand esterification treatment.

The yarn crimp was 25% and 15% for warp and weft direction respectively, while the grey fabric gave the lowest of 5% and 8% for warp and weft directions. The linear density (45 tex) was recorded for the esterified fabric compared to 37 tex for the grey fabric along warp direction. The fabric sett increased from 24 thd/cm for grey to 27 thd/cm for esterified along warp direction and 16 thd/cm to 23 thd/cm along weft direction. There was an obvious reduction in shrinkage from 31 for mercerized fabric to 28 along warp direction after esterification and 21 to 19 along weft direction. The tensile parameter was 262.60 N and 166.24 N with extension of 13.92 mm and 12.23 mm along warp and weft directions respectively while the grey fabric recorded 223.87 N and 109.39 N with extensions of 3.64 mm and 3.56 mm in warp and weft direction respectively. There was a remarkable improvement in the dry and wet crease recovery angles after esterification (105º dry and 65º wet, 102º dry and 59º wet) along warp and weft direction respectively. The grey fabric gave the lowest crease recovery (50º dry and 37º wet, 45º dry and 35º wet) along warp and weft directions respectively.

The esterified fabric recorded lower water absorption. The improvements in the investigated properties may be due to dimensional stability, flexibility and fineness due to esterification. This research is commendable because biodegradable organic seed oil is used to modify the physicochemical properties of cellulosic fabric for the first time. These incredible effects of the seed oil on cellulose is an immense contribution to knowledge, hence the oil is recommended for replacement of the present day toxic chemicals used in textile finishing of cellulosic fabrics.
Effect of Rhustox on Micropropagation of Scoparia dulcis L. through Leaf Explants Culture
Authors: Zeya Sayema , Trivedi Maheshwar Prasad
Published: November 2019

Aim: To investigate the effect of Rhus toxicodendron (30CH) along with different compositions of phytohormones (Auxin and Cytokinin) on the basis of  growth and multiplication of explants under optimum temperature under in-vitro conditions.

Study Design: To establish and design the standard protocol for the in-vitro propagation through leaf explant of Scoparia dulcis  under stress of phytohormones and homeopathic medicine Rhus toxicodendron (30CH).

Place and Duration of Study: The plant materials were  procured from the Herbal Botanical Garden Patna Science College, Department of Botany, Patna University, Patna, Bihar. The experimental part was carried out in Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, between December 2017 to August 2018  in Department of  Botany P.U. Patna.

Methodlogy: The sterilized leaf explants were inoculated into MS media fortified with different phytohormones  (Auxin and Cytokinin) and Rhus tox(30CH) under aseptic environmental conditions for the growth and development of callus, embryoids etc.

Result: The explants in MS medium supplemented with auxins phytohormones and Rhus tox(30CH) exhibited that IAA (0.10 to 2.0 mg/l) and BAP (0.10 to 2.5 mg/l)  induces green and compact calli. Whereas at 0.30mg/l of IAA and 0.50 mg/l BAP induced brown friable calli. 2,4-D (1.5 mg/l) and Kinetin (1.5-6.5mg/l) concentrations induced brown and friable calli. Rhus tox(30CH) (100 µl/100 ml) enhances  proliferation with 2,4-D and Kinetin (1.5/1.5 mg/l.).

Conclusion:  After 42 days of culture initiation and establishment the callus was 520.0±1.12 mg in the mixture of 2,4-D and Kinetin (1.5 mg/l) in Rhus tox free medium. Whereas weight of callus were found to be 1092±0.74 mg after 42 days in the same medium of 2, 4-D and Kinetin (1.5/5.5 mg/l) supplemented with Rhus tox (100 µl/100 ml). Hence, the investigation proponded that the Rhus tox (CH30) has increased the rate of callus development and plantlet regeneration.
Quality Characteristics of Bread Produced from Wheat and White Kidney Bean Composite Flour
Authors: Ukeyima M. T. , Dendegh T. A. , Isusu S. E.
Published: November 2019

Aim: To evaluate the Quality characteristics of Bread produced from Wheat and Kidney Bean composite flour blend.

Study Design: Composite bread was produced from wheat and kidney bean flour of various proportions (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Proximate (protein, ash, moisture, fibre, fat and carbohydrate) composition, functional (Bulk density, foaming capacity, swelling index, water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity) properties and sensory (appearance, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability) attributes were determined.

Results: Bread was produced from wheat and kidney beans composite (B, C, D and E) flour. The bread samples were subjected to physical, proximate and sensory analyses. The functional properties of the composite flour blends were also determined. The functional properties shows a significant (P<0.05) difference in water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and swelling index with values ranged from 1.10 – 0.60 ml/g, 1.03 – 0.76 ml/g and 5.92 – 2.89 ml/g respectively. The bulk density and foaming capacity shows significant (P<0.05) difference with its values ranging from 0.90 – 0.97 g/ml and 32.69 – 26.94 cm3 respectively as kidney beans flour increases. The result of the physical properties shows significant (P<0.05) difference in dough height, proofing rate, loaf volume, specific volume, baking loss and oven spring with values ranging from 1.169 – 3.39 cm3, 0.01 – 0.02 cm3/min, 0.79 – 1.19 cm3, 0.32 – 0.48 cm3/g, 1.59 – 2.79 and 101.58 – 102.79 respectively while the loaf weight ranged from 243.21 – 246.09 g. proximate composition of the sample were also analyzed and the result shows significant (P<0.05) difference in crude protein, moisture content, ash, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate with values ranging from 8.36 – 10.47%, 22.18 – 23.28%, 0.97 – 1.38%, 11.80 – 12.94%, 0.29 – 0.59% and 51.33 – 57.10% respectively. The results of the sensory scores shows a significant (P<0.05) difference in all the samples analyzed. However, sample C with 15% kidney beans flour was most preferred.

Conclusion: It could be concluded that increased in kidney beans flour addition in the production of composite bread had significant (P<0.05) impact on the proximate, physical and organoleptic properties of the bread. Hence, 85% wheat to 15% kidney bean flour should be used in bread making.
Strength and Dimensional Stability of Cement-bonded Boards Manufactured from Mixture of Ceiba pentandra and Gmelina arborea Sawdust
Authors: Adelusi E. A. , Olaoye K. O. , Adebawo F. G.
Published: November 2019

Cement bonded boards of 6 mm in thickness were produced from the mixture of Ceiba pentandra and Gmelina arborea sawdust. The influence of weight to weight proportion of C. pentandra and G. arborea blended at levels of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 in mass and mixing ratios of cement to wood 2:1 and 3:1 on Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) Water Absorption (WA) and Thickness Swelling (TS) properties of the experimental boards were examined for 24 h and 48 h immersion in cold water. The mean values for MOE and MOR were from 2479.50 to 5294.30 N/mm2 and 0.82 N/mm2 to 3.02 N/mm2 respectively, while the mean values for TS and WA after 24 h in cold water were from 0.53% to 7.35% and 14.8% to 52% respectively, whereas after 48 h in cold water immersion the mean values for TS and WA were from 2.37% to 10.48% and 16.5% to 69.5% respectively. It was observed that, increase in G. arborea (75%) to C. pentandra (25%) and mixing ratio 3:1 (cement/wood) was responsible for increase in MOR and MOE and decrease in TS and WA. The result shows that cement-bonded boards can be manufactured from Ceiba pentandra sawdust when mixed at certain blending proportion and ratio.
Investigating the Relationship between New Diagnostic Technology and Information Technology in Diagnosing Cancer: Focusing on Breast Cancer
Authors: Farzan Nina , Nafissi Nahid , Yaser Foroghi Seyyed , Sadat Madani Shima , Zaheri Mohammad Mahdi , Saghafinya Samine , Shahjooie Fahimeh
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The use of computer-assisted diagnostic tools has increased dramatically in various fields of medicine, especially cancer. It is essential and inevitable to use these tools, especially when there is a need to process large volumes of data, but new diagnostic methods was based on the use of Nano-sensors that have many advantages and they can be used to diagnose breast cancer, one of the most common neoplastic malignancies in the world. The study aims to investigate the relationship between new diagnostic methods and information technology in cancer diagnosis by categorizing research topics and important known aspects of cancer related illness from 1984 to 2017.

Methods: The evaluation conducted in March 2018 and used to access the articles on diagnostic and therapeutic methods from the PubMed, Medline, and Cochran library, WHO, Iranmedex and PsycINFO databases.

Results: The findings of this study in two sections of cancer and biological sensors show that biomarkers detect disease, and health information technology is expanding and innovating new methods. This can play an important role in managing chronic diseases such as cancer.

Conclusion: Primal diagnosis, reducing the time to diagnose and improving the quality of care during treatment, is one of the health’s information technology (IT) benefits of diagnosing cancer. In general, the results this study indicate that the use of information technology to increase the speed of effective therapeutic stages. Resulting in general health, as well as the relationship of information technology with diagnostic and therapeutic methods in our country can greatly increase the level of health and well-being and development, and create a new way of linking information technology and new diagnostic methods to cancer.
CULTUREMAS DA GASTRONOMIA CEARENSE: MARCAS DE IDENTIDADE LINGUÍSTICA E CULTURAL | CULTUREMS OF CEARENSE GASTRONOMY: LANGUAGES OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL IDENTITY
Authors: Costa Expedito Wellington Chaves , Marçalo Maria João
Published: November 2019

Resumo: Atualmente a língua é uma instituição social diversificada entre grupos e varia ao longo do tempo, sofrendo mudanças ou conservando características de períodos históricos. Deseja-se demonstrar que os culturemas da gastronomia cearense contribuem para a formação da identidade linguística e cutural do povo do Ceará. Para fundamentação, recorre-se, entre outros, a Pamies Bertrán (2012), Biderman (1978), e Luque Nadal (2009). Aqui, a gastronomia é inserida no âmbito da cultura imaterial por representar a tradição histórica e cultural de um povo. Metodologicamente, catalogam-se culturemas da gastronomia cearesense que se desdobram em expressões idiomáticas características do dialeto cearense. Resultados comprovam a influência dos culturemas na identidade linguística do cearense.

Abstract: Today language is a social institution diversified between groups and varies over time, undergoing changes or retaining characteristics of historical periods. It is desired to demonstrate that the Ceará gastronomic culturemas contribute to the formation of the linguistic and cutural identity of the people of Ceará. For reasons of support, we refer to, among others, Pamies Bertrán (2012), Biderman (1978), and Luque Nadal (2009). Here, gastronomy is inserted in the scope of intangible culture because it represents the historical and cultural tradition of a people. Methodologically, we catalog the cul- tures of the Cearense gastronomy that unfold in idiomatic expressions characteristic of the Ceará dialect. Results prove the influence of culturemas on the linguistic identity of Ceará.

Keywords: Culturemas; Gastronomy; Identity; Dialect. 
ESTUDO ETNOLINGUÍSTICO DAS PRÁTICAS SUPERSTICIOSAS REFERENTES À MULHER GRÁVIDA NA CULTURA POPULAR DO MARANHÃO | ETHNOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF SUPERSTECTIVE PRACTICES REGARDING PREGNANT WOMEN IN POPULAR CULTURE OF MARANHÃO
Authors: Matos Heloísa Reis Curvelo
Published: November 2019

Resumo: Nossa visão de mundo diante da cultura do outro é avaliativa e carregada de criticidade. Por quê? A resposta ao questionamento buscamos na Etnolinguística, ramo da Linguística que estuda a relação entre língua, cultura e sociedade. Considerando o aporte teórico de Vasconcellos (1938), Vieira Filho (1953), Cosériu (1987) e Lima (1998), objetivamos investigar e analisar as práticas superstições referentes à mulher grávida na cultura popular do Maranhão, em municípios das Mesorregiões Norte e Leste, considerando tanto o conhecimento folclórico quanto o científico. Para tanto, fizemos pesquisa bibliográfica, entrevistas, a ficha do informante, o questionário; aplicação do questionário a 12 informantes perfiladas. Constatamos que há muitas práticas supersticiosas milenares e indiscutíveis.

Abstract: Why is our world view in the face of the Other culture evaluative and charged with criticality? The answer to this question can be found in the Ethnolinguistic field which is a Linguistic branch that studies the relation between language, culture and society. Considering the theoretical contribution of Vasconcellos (1938), Vieira Filho (1953), Cosériu (1987) and Lima (1998), we aim to investigate and analyze superstitious practices regarding pregnant women in the popular culture of Maranhão in municipalities of North and East Mesoregions, considering both the folkloric and scientific knowledge. To this end, the study was based on bibliographic research and the data collected provided by the interviews of 12 profiled informants. As a result, we found that there are many superstitious practices that are millennial and indisputable

Keywords: Ethnolinguistics; Maranhense popular culture; superstitious practices; pregnant woman. 
DE MORTO DE FOME A CASA DA RUINDADE: VARIAÇÃO FRASEOLÓGICA, NO INTERIOR DO MARANHÃO E DO PIAUÍ, RELATIVA À PESSOA QUE NÃO GOSTA DE GASTAR SEU DINHEIRO | FROM MORTO DE FOME TO CASA DA RUINDADE: PHRASEOLOGICAL VARIATION, IN THE INTERIOR OF MARANHÃO AND ...
Authors: Silva Nádia Letícia Pereira , Ramos Conceição De Maria de Araújo
Published: November 2019

Resumo: Este estudo apresenta resultados da investigação de unidades fraseológicas (UFs) referentes à questão 138 do Questionário Semântico-Lexical do Atlas Linguístico do Brasil – ALiB, área semântica convívio e comportamento social, com base nos dados de 12 localidades do interior do Maranhão e do Piauí integrantes do ALiB. Objetiva-se: investigar a presença de UFs no corpus, considerando-se fatores sociais, e examinar a produtividade dessas UFs. A Geolinguística Pluridimensional e a Lexicologia, particularmente a Fraseologia francesa, com Mejri (1997; 2012;

2017), dão suporte teórico-metodológico ao estudo. Os resultados evidenciam a presença de UFs comuns aos dois estados, tendo em vista sua proximidade geográfica e cultural, destacando-se mão de vaca e pão-duro, como as UFs mais produtivas.

Abstract: This paper presents research results of phraseological units (UFs) refering the question 138 of the Semantic-Lexical Questionnaire of the Linguistic Atlas of Brazil - ALiB, semantic area, social interaction and social behavior, based on the data from 12 localities in the interior of Maranhão and Piauí, members of the ALiB. Aim: to investigate the presence of UFs in the corpus, considering social factors, and to examine the productivity of these UFs. Pluridimensional Geolinguistics and Lexicology, particularly French Phraseology, with Mejri (1997, 2012, 2017) provide theoretical and methodological support for the paper. The results show the presence of common UFs in the two states, considering their geographic and cultural proximity, standing out cow's hand and gingerbread, as the most productive UFs.

Keywords: Phraseologisms; Lexical Variation; ALiB Project; VALEXTRA Project.
Rise, Fall and Reinvention: The Architect's Shifting Identity
Authors: Bayley Stephen
Published: November 2019

Taking stock of architects' hubris in actuality and fiction, London‐based design critic and curator Stephen Bayley asks why, recently, the architect has ceased to be a clown or hero in the eyes of popular culture. He posits that the reinvention of the architect is necessary to reclaim this lost prominence, good or bad, in the eyes of the public.
Design for Sensory Reality: From Visuality to Existential Experience
Authors: Pallasmaa Juhani
Published: November 2019

Purely ocular‐centric perception is still dominant in architectural creation. Decrying the narrowness of this approach, Finnish architect, writer and educator Juhani Pallasmaa argues for a more holistic appreciation of architecture as a way of communicating the power and embodied experience of the built environment through all the body's senses.
The Personal is Universal: On Aldo Rossi's Autobiography
Authors: Graziadei Robin Monotti
Published: November 2019

Italian architect Aldo Rossi's rise to fame, and recognition by professionals and public alike, was predicated on him putting across his personal passions and memories of life experience. Italian‐born, London‐based architect and tutor Robin Monotti Graziadei investigates how the intertwining of architecture with the personal imperatives of the architect produced some extraordinary work.
Working with Architects: Working with Architects
Authors: Kelly Crispin
Published: November 2019

The small‐scale London development and investment company Baylight Properties encourages a nimble spatial and material dialogue away from the normal slick representation of fait‐accompli solutions. Its founder, architect Crispin Kelly, describes how this produces highly particular architecture born out of exploration and mutual respect – such as the extraordinary Walmer Yard.
China's Global Introspection: Managing Critical Thinking
Authors: Williams Austin
Published: November 2019

Austin Williams, architect, course leader at London's Kingston University and expert correspondent on contemporary China's architecture scene, presents a brief vignette of architectural culture behind the Chinese firewall and the particular issues that affect it.
New Architecture of the South Pacific: How the Māori Worldview is Changing New Zealand's Built Environment
Authors: Harvey Justine
Published: November 2019

Auckland‐based architectural design writer Justine Harvey documents a new phenomenon in New Zealand's architectural community: an imperative that focuses on reflecting the Māori sensibility. This embodies respect for the land and a generous approach to interaction – giving and not taking, architecturally and socially.
‘They've Lost It’: A Balancing Act: MVRDV and the Language of Marketing
Authors: Knikker Jan
Published: November 2019

Jan Knikker spent a decade honing the public and professional image of OMA before joining MVRDV, another Rotterdam‐based international practice, in 2008 and running its business development, contracts and public relations. He describes MVRDV's corporate communications with clients, which are built on a foundation of speaking their language and being pragmatic. The downside is that not communicating in the sophist ways of the profession can alienate architects from themselves.
Holding On to Our Principles: Why Manifestoes Matter
Authors: Bryans Thomas
Published: November 2019

Forming a fledgling architectural practice can be challenging and the ideals of its founders buffeted in the wake of commercial realism. Thomas Bryans describes his UK studio, IF_DO, and their establishment of a manifesto of preoccupations and objectives to keep them on target.
The Public Role of the Architect: Architecture is the Medium – What is the Message?
Authors: Ritchie Ian
Published: November 2019

At a time of worldwide political fractionalisation and growing social and economic disparity, Ian Ritchie discusses the public role, responsibilities and self‐created myths of the architect and how these are conveyed vis‐à‐vis society, the public, the profession and the wider world.
The Selfie of an Architect
Authors: Coates Nigel
Published: November 2019

In bringing his experience as an architect, teacher, founder of the avant‐garde NATO group in the 1980s, and product and interior designer, Nigel Coates lets us have his personal take on the identity of the architect while evoking the importance of an architect's education and their ownership of ideas, as well as the power of social media – not for him polite corporate mediocrity and conformity.
Opioid withdrawal not lethal to fetus, if via medication taper
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2019

First of all, this story is not about Craig Towers, M.D., the charismatic Tennessee‐based OB‐GYN whose methods for detoxing pregnant women from opioids are not endorsed as standard of care by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It is, however, about debunking the myth that pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) must be maintained on agonist medication (methadone or buprenorphine). They don't need to be. They can be tapered instead.
New CSAT director shares views with AATOD attendees
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2019

Louis Trevisan, M.D., came to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) only a few months ago as its new director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). An addiction psychiatrist, he was at the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) conference in Orlando last month for most of the meeting, focusing on the opioid crisis.
Silk Lattice Structures from Unidirectional Silk Fiber–Reinforced Composites for Breaking Energy Absorption
Authors: Wen Jiao , Zeng Yang , Wu Change , Guan Juan , Guo Hongbo
Published: November 2019

Lightweight lattice structures engineered at various length scales have attracted considerable research and development (R&D) efforts. Natural silk fibers and their composites have shown great energy absorption potential and impact resistance. Herein, lattice structures are designed and fabricated from silk‐reinforced epoxy resin plastics (SFRPs). Unidirectional SFRPs from prepreg display excellent flexural modulus (6 GPa), flexural strength (194 MPa), and outstanding interlaminar shear strength (155 MPa), which is attributed to the strong physical and chemical affinity between silk and epoxy resin. The silk composite lattices (SCLs) of varied densities with pyramidal cores are fabricated from silk/epoxy resin prepreg. Under compression, combined fracture modes of Euler buckling (EB)/fracture crushing (FC) prolong the failure process of SCLs, and the specific energy reaches 7 J g−1, to surpass most plant fiber–reinforced composite lattices of a similar density. The new lattice structure well integrates the energy‐absorbing feature of natural silks and the lightweight characteristic of lattices for structural composite applications.
The Stability of Oxygen‐Free Copper Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion after Room Temperature Storage for 12 Months
Authors: Alawadhi Meshal Y. , Sabbaghianrad Shima , Huang Yi , Langdon Terence G.
Published: November 2019

Ultrafine‐grained copper samples produced by high‐pressure torsion are stored at room temperature for 12 months to investigate microstructural stability and the self‐annealing phenomena. The results show that samples processed by low numbers of turns exhibit less thermal stability after storage for 12 months in comparison with samples processed by high numbers of turns. A significant decrease in the hardness is recorded near the edges of the discs processed by 1/4, 1/2, and 1 turn due to recrystallization and grain growth, whereas a minor drop in hardness values is observed in the samples processed by 3, 5, and 10 turns. This drop in hardness is related to a recovery mechanism.
3D Printing of Powder‐Based Inks into Functional Hierarchical Porous TiO2 Materials
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Liu Ting , Guo Wei , Sun Yinghui , Liang Chu , Cao Kunli , Guan Tianfu , Liang Zhiqiang , Jiang Lin
Published: November 2019

Integrating multifunctional semiconducting metal oxide powders into a 3D printing technique to construct hierarchical porous structures is highly desirable and remains a significant challenge. Herein, an extrusion‐based 3D printing strategy is developed that can assemble TiO2 powders into hierarchical porous structures with multiscale pores at both the macro‐ and microscale. Powder‐based TiO2 inks with a significant shear‐thinning behavior and adequate storage modulus and yield stress are developed to meet the requirements of 3D printing of TiO2 in an air environment without the need for an additional solidification treatment, which provides good printing flexibility. The hierarchical porous structures with a relatively high compressive strength provide the 3D‐printed TiO2 structures with great potential for use in many applications, including filtration, thermal insulation, biomedical scaffolds, catalyst supports, and energy conversion. Compared with scaffolds with a compact morphology, the hierarchical porous TiO2 scaffold as a photoelectrode achieves a higher nitrogen photofixation yield due to its high surface adsorption and activation capacity caused by its porous morphology. Importantly, the powder‐based ink design and extrusion‐based 3D printing approach are readily extended to other semiconducting metal oxides such as ZnO and their composites.
Oral ferroportin inhibitor VIT‐2763: First‐in‐human, phase 1 study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Richard Frank , van Lier Jan Jaap , Roubert Bernard , Haboubi Teba , Göhring Udo‐Michael , Dürrenberger Franz
Published: November 2019

Restriction of iron availability by ferroportin inhibition is a novel approach to treating non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (β‐thalassemia intermedia). This first‐in‐human, Phase I study (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu; EudraCT no. 2017‐003395‐31) assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single‐ and multiple‐ascending doses (SAD and MAD) of the oral ferroportin inhibitor, VIT‐2763, in healthy volunteers. Participants received VIT‐2763 5/15/60/120/240 mg or placebo in the SAD phase and VIT‐2763 60/120 mg once daily, VIT‐2763 60/120 mg twice daily, or placebo for 7 days in the MAD phase. Seventy‐two participants completed treatment. VIT‐2763 was well tolerated and demonstrated a similar safety profile to the placebo. There were no serious or severe adverse events, or discontinuations due to adverse events. VIT‐2763 absorption was relatively fast, with detectable levels 15 to 30 minutes post‐dose. Following multiple dosing there was no apparent change in absorption and accumulation was minimal. Mean elimination half‐life was 1.9 to 5.3 hours following single dosing, and 2.1 to 3.8 hours on Day 1 and 2.6 to 5.3 hours on Day 7, following repeated dosing. There was a temporary decrease in mean serum iron levels with VIT‐2763 single doses ≥60 mg and all multiple doses; mean calculated transferrin saturation (only assessed following multiple dosing) also temporarily decreased. A shift in mean serum hepcidin peaks followed administration of all iron‐lowering doses of VIT‐2763. This effect was less pronounced after 7 days of multiple dosing (aside from with 120 mg once daily). These results support the initiation of clinical studies in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia and documented iron overload due to ineffective erythropoiesis.
Evolutionary selection and morphological integration in the vertebral column of modern humans
Authors: Arlegi Mikel , Veschambre‐Couture Christine , Gómez‐Olivencia Asier
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The main objective is to quantify integration, modularity, and response to selection in the presacral vertebral column of modern humans.

Materials and methods

Seventeen linear variables on each presacral vertebra were collected in 108 modern humans producing a total of ~39,000 measurements. Then, we studied patterns and magnitudes of integration at regional, vertebral, and intra‐vertebral levels. Additionally, we calculated the ability of vertebrae to respond to selection by quantifying differences in evolvability, flexibility, and constraint throughout the spine.

Results

The results indicate that caudal vertebrae are more evolvable than those located more cranially in the presacral vertebral column, following an increasing pattern of evolvability from the cervical to the lumbar region. Additionally, the atlas and fifth lumbar vertebra show the lowest values of integration, while central thoracic vertebrae display the highest magnitudes of integration.

Discussion

These results could be related to three main factors: body plan organization expressed by the Hox genes, the strong developmental constraints that determine the number of mammalian vertebrae, and, finally, the functional requirements of an adaptation to bipedal locomotion in the human lineage.
α‐Amino‐3‐Hydroxy‐5‐Methyl‐4‐Isoxazolepropionic Acid Receptor Plasticity Sustains Severe, Fatal Status Epilepticus
Authors: Adotevi Nadia , Lewczuk Ewa , Sun Huayu , Joshi Suchitra , Dabrowska Natalia , Shan Sarah , Williamson John , Kapur Jaideep
Published: November 2019

Objective

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is associated with high mortality. We tested whether α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor plasticity plays a role in sustaining seizures, seizure generalization, and mortality observed during focal onset status epilepticus. We also determined whether modified AMPA receptors generated during status epilepticus could be targeted with a drug.

Methods

Electrically induced status epilepticus was characterized by electroencephalogram and behavior in GluA1 knockout mice and in transgenic mice with selective knockdown of the GluA1 subunit in hippocampal principal neurons. Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in CA1 neurons was studied using patch clamp electrophysiology. The dose response of N,N,H,‐trimethyl‐5‐([tricyclo(3.3.1.13,7)dec‐1‐ylmethyl]amino)‐1‐pentanaminiumbromide hydrobromide (IEM‐1460), a calcium‐permeable AMPA receptor antagonist, was determined.

Results

Global removal of the GluA1 subunit did not affect seizure susceptibility; however, it reduced susceptibility to status epilepticus. GluA1 subunit knockout also reduced mortality, severity, and duration of status epilepticus. Absence of the GluA1 subunit prevented enhancement of glutamatergic synaptic transmission associated with status epilepticus; however, γ‐aminobutyric acidergic synaptic inhibition was compromised. Selective removal of the GluA1 subunit from hippocampal principal neurons also reduced mortality, severity, and duration of status epilepticus. IEM‐1460 rapidly terminated status epilepticus in a dose‐dependent manner.

Interpretation

AMPA receptor plasticity mediated by the GluA1 subunit plays a critical role in sustaining and amplifying seizure activity and contributes to mortality. Calcium‐permeable AMPA receptors modified during status epilepticus can be inhibited to terminate status epilepticus. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:84–96
Conjugated Copper–Catecholate Framework Electrodes for Efficient Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Jingjuan , Zhou Yi , Xie Zhen , Li Yang , Liu Yunpeng , Sun Jie , Ma Yanhang , Terasaki Osamu , Chen Long
Published: November 2019

A conjugated copper(II) catecholate based metal–organic framework (namely Cu‐DBC) was prepared using a D2‐symmetric redox‐active ligand in a copper bis(dihydroxy) coordination geometry. The π‐d conjugated framework exhibits typical semiconducting behavior with a high electrical conductivity of ca. 1.0 S m−1 at room temperature. Benefiting from the good electrical conductivity and the excellent redox reversibility of both ligand and copper centers, Cu‐DBC electrode features superior capacitor performances with gravimetric capacitance up to 479 F g−1 at a discharge rate of 0.2 A g−1. Moreover, the symmetric solid‐state supercapacitor of Cu‐DBC exhibits high areal (879 mF cm−2) and volumetric (22 F cm−3) capacitances, as well as good rate capability. These metrics are superior to most reported MOF‐based supercapacitors, demonstrating promising applications in energy‐storage devices.
Simulation vs. Understanding: A Tension, in Quantum Chemistry and Beyond. Part C. Toward Consilience
Authors: Hoffmann Roald , Malrieu Jean‐Paul
Published: November 2019

In the last part of our Essay, we outline a future of consilience, with a role both for fact‐seekers, and for searchers for understanding. We begin by looking at theory and simulation, surrounded as they are by and interacting with experiment, especially in Chemistry. Experimenters ask questions both conceptual and numerical, and so draw the communities together. Two case studies show what brings the theoretician authors joy in this playground, and two more detailed ones make it clear that computation/simulation is anyway deeply intertwined with theory‐building in what we do, or for that matter, anywhere in the profession. From a definition of science we try to foresee how simulation and theory will interact in the AI‐dominated future. We posit that Chemistry's streak of creation provides in that conjoined future a link to Art, and a passage to a renewed vision of the sacred in science.
Indandione‐Terminated Quinoids: Facile Synthesis by Alkoxide‐Mediated Rearrangement Reaction and Semiconducting Properties
Authors: Du Tian , Gao Ruiheng , Deng Yunfeng , Wang Cheng , Zhou Qian , Geng Yanhou
Published: November 2019

A series of 1,3‐indandione‐terminated π‐conjugated quinoids were synthesized by alkoxide‐mediated rearrangement reaction of the respective alkene precursors, followed by air oxidation. This new protocol allows access to quinoidal compounds with variable termini and cores. The resulting quinoids all show LUMO levels below −4.0 eV and molar extinction coefficients above 105 L mol−1 cm−1. The optoelectronic properties of these compounds can be regulated by tuning the central cores as well as the aryl termini ascribed to the delocalized frontier molecular orbitals over the entire molecular skeleton involving aryl termini. n‐Channel organic thin‐film transistors with electron mobility of up to 0.38 cm2 V−1 s−1 were fabricated, showing the potential of this new class of quinoids as organic semiconductors.
Blending chitosan‐g‐poly(caprolactone) with poly(caprolactone) by electrospinning to produce functional fiber mats for tissue engineering applications
Authors: de Cassan Dominik , Becker Alexander , Glasmacher Birgit , Roger Yvonne , Hoffmann Andrea , Gengenbach Thomas R. , Easton Christopher D. , Hänsch Robert , Menzel Henning
Published: November 2019

Use of electrospun fiber mats for tissue engineering applications has become increasingly prominent. One of the most important polymers in research, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), however, lacks biological performance, easy access to modifications and cellular recognition sites. To improve these properties and to enable further modifications, PCL was blended with chitosan grafted with PCL (CS‐g‐PCL) and subsequently processed via electrospinning. In this way, chitosan was enriched at the fiber's surface presenting cationic amino groups. The fiber mats were analyzed by various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, analyzing thermal properties and crystallinity, showed that an increased content of CS‐g‐PCL in blend composition leads to a higher overall crystallinity in produced fiber mats. Blending CS‐g‐PCL into PCL significantly increased initial cellular attachment and proliferation as well as cell vitality, while maintaining adequate mechanical properties, fiber diameter, and interstitial volume. As proof of principle for easy access to further modification, fluorescently labeled alginate (Alg‐FA) was attached to the fiber's surface and verified by CLSM. Hence, blending CS‐g‐PCL with PCL can overcome an inherent weakness of PCL and create bioactive implants for tissue engineering applications. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48650.
The impact of polymer matrix blends on thermal and mechanical properties of boron nitride composites
Authors: Zhou Tony , Smith Matthew K. , Berenguer Joao Paulo , Quill Tyler J. , Cola Baratunde A. , Kalaitzidou Kyriaki , Bougher Thomas L.
Published: November 2019

To improve mechanical and thermal properties of a hexagonal boron nitride platelet filled polymer composites, maleic anhydride was studied as a coupling agent and compatibilizer. Injection molded blends of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and maleic anhydride with boron nitride filler were tested for thermal conductivity and impact strength to determine whether adding maleic anhydride improved interfacial interactions between matrix and filler and between the polymers. Adding both HDPE and maleic anhydride to ABS as the matrix of the composite resulted in a 40% improvement in impact strength without a decrease in thermal conductivity when compared to an ABS matrix. The best combination of thermal conductivity and impact strength was using pure HDPE as the matrix material. The effective medium theory model is used to help explain how strong filler alignment helps achieve high thermal conductivity, greater than 5 W/m K for 60 wt % boron nitride. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48661.
Cranial Musculature in Herbivorous Dinosaurs: A Survey of Reconstructed Anatomical Diversity and Feeding Mechanisms
Authors: Nabavizadeh Ali
Published: November 2019

Herbivorous dinosaurs exhibited diverse cranial feeding mechanisms. Although osteological, microwear, and biomechanical research has revealed some of this diversity, the evolutionary reorientation of cranial musculature throughout nonavian herbivorous Dinosauria and its influence on feeding mechanisms requires more study. Here, cranial muscle reconstructions in herbivorous dinosaurs are reviewed and informative anatomical characters are compared across 142 dinosaur genera (84 ornithischians, 36 sauropodomorphs, and 22 herbivorous nonavian theropods), both through examination of specimens and literature. Traits include those relating to the temporal region, adductor chamber, palate, and mandibular attachments, such as the coronoid elevation and retroarticular process. Findings reveal many combinations of anatomical traits influencing a diversity of feeding mechanisms. Some primarily more orthal feeders, including herbivorous theropods, nonsauropod sauropodomorphs, basal ornithischians, and derived stegosaurs (which also show varying degrees of coinciding slight palinal motion and long‐axis hemimandibular rotation), possess traits indicative of more prominent temporal musculature and moderately sized palatal musculature. However, orthal feeding sauropods and pachycephalosaurs possess traits indicative of greatly reduced, low‐angled temporal musculature, and enhanced palatal musculature producing a primarily vertical, orthal feeding vector. Among ankylosaurs, hadrosaurids, and neoceratopsians, a rostrolabial temporal muscle expansion is present (with a tall coronoid elevation in hadrosaurids and ceratopsids) for greater temporal muscle support and mechanical advantage for complex palinal feeding motions. This also aids in long‐axis hemimandibular rotation against the predentary in hadrosaurs and ankylosaurs. This diversity in cranial muscle architecture provides an informative spectrum of numerous adaptations acquired given the evolution of various anatomical constraints in the skull. Anat Rec, 303:1104–1145, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Role of alternative splicing signatures in the prognosis of glioblastoma
Authors: Xie Zu‐cheng , Wu Hua‐yu , Dang Yi‐wu , Chen Gang
Published: November 2019

Background

Increasing evidence has validated the crucial role of alternative splicing (AS) in tumors. However, comprehensive investigations on the entirety of AS and their clinical value in glioblastoma (GBM) are lacking.

Methods

The AS profiles and clinical survival data related to GBM were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify survival‐associated AS events. A risk score was calculated, and prognostic signatures were constructed using seven different types of independent prognostic AS events, respectively. The Kaplan‐Meier estimator was used to display the survival of GBM patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to compare the predictive efficacy of each prognostic signature. Enrichment analysis and protein interactive networks were conducted using the gene symbols of the AS events to investigate important processes in GBM. A splicing network between splicing factors and AS events was constructed to display the potential regulatory mechanism in GBM.

Results

A total of 2355 survival‐associated AS events were identified. The splicing prognostic model revealed that patients in the high‐risk group have worse survival rates than those in the low‐risk group. The predictive efficacy of each prognostic model showed satisfactory performance; among these, the Alternate Terminator (AT) model showed the best performance at an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.906. Enrichment analysis uncovered that autophagy was the most enriched process of prognostic AS gene symbols in GBM. The protein network revealed that UBC, VHL, KCTD7, FBXL19, RNF7, and UBE2N were the core genes in GBM. The splicing network showed complex regulatory correlations, among which ELAVL2 and SYNE1_AT_78181 were the most correlated (r = −.506).

Conclusions

Applying the prognostic signatures constructed by independent AS events shows promise for predicting the survival of GBM patients. A splicing regulatory network might be the potential splicing mechanism in GBM.
Single‐Benzene‐Based Solvatochromic Chromophores: Color‐Tunable and Bright Fluorescence in the Solid and Solution States
Authors: Liu Huijing , Yan Sisi , Huang Rongrong , Gao Zhipeng , Wang Gang , Ding Liping , Fang Yu
Published: November 2019

The search for structurally simple chromophores with superior fluorescence brightness and a wide range of solvent compatibility is highly desirable. Herein, a new type of single‐benzene‐based solvatochromic chromophore with a symmetric bifunctional structure, in which azetidine and ethoxycarbonyl moieties serve as the electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups, respectively, is reported. This chromophore exhibits an extraordinary wide range of solvent compatibility and preserves excellent fluorescence quantum yields from nonpolar n‐hexane to polar methanol and even in water. Unusually, the symmetric structure of the chromophore shows a distinct color change from bright green to red with increasing solvent polarity and possesses large Stokes shifts (λ=132–207 nm) in the tested solvents. Moreover, this single‐benzene‐based chromophore displays good photochemical stability in both solution and solid states, and even exhibits reversible mechanochromic luminescence.
An Unsymmetrical Squaraine‐Based Activatable Probe for Imaging Lymphatic Metastasis by Responding to Tumor Hypoxia with MSOT and Aggregation‐Enhanced Fluorescent Imaging
Authors: Lin Yi , Sun Lihe , Zeng Fang , Wu Shuizhu
Published: November 2019

Optoacoustic imaging has great potential for preclinical research and clinical practice, and designing robust activatable optoacoustic probes for specific diseases is beneficial for its further development. Herein, an activatable probe has been developed for tumor hypoxia imaging. For this probe, indole and quinoline were linked on each side of an oxocyclobutenolate core to form an unsymmetrical squaraine. A triarylamine group was incorporated to endow the molecule with the aggregation enhanced emission (AEE) properties. In aqueous media, the squaraine chromophore aggregates into the nanoprobe, which specifically responds to nitroreductase and produces strong optoacoustic signals due to its high extinction coefficient, as well as prominent fluorescence emission as a result of its AEE feature. The nanoprobe was used to image tumor metastasis via the lymphatic system both optoacoustically and fluorescently. Moreover, both the fluorescence signals and three‐dimensional multispectral optoacoustic tomography signals from the activated nanoprobe allow us to locate the tumor site and to map the metastatic route.
Numerical methods for smoothest reflectance reconstruction
Authors: Burns Scott A.
Published: November 2019

Three numerical methods are presented for finding the smoothest reflectance curve associated with a given triplet of tristimulus values. The methods differ in how “smooth” is defined, and also differ in the domain of colors over which they are applicable. The first method is very quick and applies to any tristimulus values, but sometimes can yield reflectance curves with portions that fall outside the range 0 to 1. The second method applies to colors within the spectral locus (real colors) and guarantees that the reflectances produced are positive. The third method applies to colors within the object color solid (object colors) and guarantees that the reflectances fall within the range 0 to 1. The methods are shown to create reflectances that closely resemble those of real colors (natural and synthetic). Focus is given to implementing the numerical methods in very short MATLAB/Octave functions and to understanding the numerical behavior of the methods near the limits of their respective domains of applicability in terms of matrix conditioning and discretization artifacts.