bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pogled članov rehabilitacijskega tima na postavljanje ciljev pri bolnikih po možganski kapi
Authors: Bizovičar Nataša , Kovačec Hermann Teja
Published: October 2019

Izhodišče: Postavljanje ciljev je ključni element rehabilitacijske obravnave bolnikov po možganski kapi. V bolnika usmerjeni pristop ni pomemben le za zdravstvene in rehabilitacijske storitve, ampak ima velik pomen tudi v procesu postavljanja ciljev. Trenutne raziskave na področju rehabilitacijske obravnave bolnikov po možganski kapi še niso dale jasnega odgovora glede najboljše klinične prakse pri postavljanju rehabilitacijskih ciljev. Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti, na kakšen način člani rehabilitacijskega tima pri bolnikih po možganski kapi postavljajo rehabilitacijske cilje, katera ocenjevalna orodja pri tem uporabljajo in katere ovire so prisotne pri postavljanju ciljev.Metode: Anketni vprašalnik je izpolnilo 35 članov rehabilitacijskega tima na Oddelku za rehabilitacijo bolnikov po možganski kapi Univerzitetnega rehabilitacijskega inštituta Republike Slovenije – Soča. Vprašalnik je vseboval vprašanja glede splošnih kliničnih izkušenj pri postavljanju ciljev v procesu rehabilitacije, uporabi ocenjevalnih orodij in težavah, ki se pojavijo pri postavljanju ciljev.Rezultati: Večina članov rehabilitacijskega tima je že uporabljala postavljanje ciljev kot merilo učinkovitosti rehabilitacijske obravnave in so dojemali postavljanje ciljev kot zahteven proces. Najpogostejše ovire pri postavljanju ciljev so bile pomanjkanje časa in značilnosti bolnika (soobolevnost, osebnostne lastnosti in pričakovanja).Zaključek: Naša raziskava je prikazala številne vidike s strani članov rehabilitacijskega tima, ki so pomembni za postavljanje ciljev v rehabilitaciji bolnikov po možganski kapi. Rehabilitacijski proces se bi moral usmeriti v bolnika in voditi do zastavljenih ciljev. V prihodnje bi bilo smiselno razviti jasne smernice glede postavljanja ciljev v rehabilitaciji bolnikov po možganski kapi kot tudi dodatno izobraževanje zdravstvenega osebja tega področja.
Radial access versus femoral access in myocardial infarction – a single-center experience
Authors: Kanič Vojko , Balevski Igor , Granda Samo , Naji Franjo Husam , Krajnc Igor , Kompara Gregor
Published: October 2019

Background

Data on the relationship between radial access (RA) and outcome in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are inconclusive. The aim of our study was to assess whether RA is associated with 30-day mortality in patients with MI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in our center or whether the possible benefit of RA is the result of less bleeding and other confounding factors.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 3501 consecutive patients with MI who underwent PCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The 30-day mortality in the RA and femoral access (FA) groups was observed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

RA patients had a significantly lower 30-day unadjusted mortality [53(3.8%) patients died in the RA group compared to 207(9.8%) patients in the FA group; p<0.0001]. After adjustments for confounders, the difference was no longer significant (adjusted OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.22). Cardiogenic shock, age over 70 years, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia on admission, renal dysfunction on admission, ST-elevation MI, bleeding, the contrast volume/GFR ratio, but not RA, predicted 30-day mortality.

 

Conclusion

RA was not associated with 30-day mortality in patients with MI undergoing PCI. Our study result suggests that the better outcome in the RA group was influenced by confounding factors, especially bleeding and hemodynamic impairment.
(Mis)trusted Contact: Resettlement Knowledge Assets and the Third Space of Refugee Reception
Authors: Kyriakides Christopher , McLuhan Arthur , Anderson Karen , Bajjali Lubna , Elgendy Noheir
Published: October 2019

Drawing on interviews with 204 participants in two studies of privately sponsored refugee resettlement in Ontario, Canada, we explore the resettlement effects of pre-arrival contact on the interactional dynamics between private sponsors and privately sponsored Syrian refugees. Those who had regular pre-arrival contact via digital applications such as Facebook, Skype, and Whatsapp reported more positive, “successful” resettlement experiences than those who had not. This pre-arrival interactive dynamic has theoretical/conceptual implications beyond an understanding of the benefits of “information exchange.” Pre-arrival sponsor-sponsored interaction is not bound by the contexts of displacement or resettlement, but constitutes a “third space” of reception, co-created through trusted contact. We develop the concept of “resettlement knowledge assets” and report on how these assets emerge through pre-arrival trust building, modify the resettlement expectations of both sponsors and sponsored, and reduce resettlement uncertainty.
What Role Does Type of Sponsorship Play in Early Integration Outcomes? Syrian Refugees Resettled in Six Canadian Cities
Authors: Hynie Michaela , McGrath Susan , Bridekirk Jonathan , Oda Anna , Ives Nicole , Hyndman Jennifer , Arya Neil , Shakya Yogendra B. , Hanley Jill , McKenzie Kwame
Published: October 2019

There is little longitudinal research that directly compares the effectiveness of Canada’s Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) and Privately Sponsored Refugee (PSR) Programs that takes into account possible socio-demographic differences between them. This article reports findings from 1,921 newly arrived adult Syrian refugees in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. GARs and PSRs differed widely on several demographic characteristics, including length of time displaced. Furthermore, PSRs sponsored by Groups of 5 resembled GARs more than other PSR sponsorship types on many of these characteristics. PSRs also had broader social networks than GARs. Sociodemographic differences and city of residence influenced integration outcomes, emphasizing the importance of considering differences between refugee groups when comparing the impact of these programs.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES WITHIN A KEY SUBTROPICAL REGION AFFECTED BY THE YACYRETA DAM IN PARAGUAY
Authors: SERVÍN NASICH María Rosa , FACETTI Juan Francisco
Published: October 2019

One of the most striking features of the ecosystem concept is that theircomponents, through natural structures and processes, render ecological functions,which are valued by society. The objective of this research was to identify anddescribe ecosystem services provided by the Natural Reserve Yacyretá, inaccordance with the goal of Paraguay’s National Law Nº 3,001 of 2006 ofconservation, protection, recovery and sustainable development of national naturalresources and biological diversity through fair, timely and adequate valuation andpayment for ecosystem services. The study was conducted during an environmentalmonitoring campaign in October 2016 in the reserve, using an ecosystem serviceschecklist constructed based on the classification provided by The Economics ofEcosystems and Biodiversity. This reserve is part of the conservation, protectionand compensation actions carried out by the Yacyretá Binational Entity in the areaof influence of the dam constructed between Paraguay and Argentina for theHydroelectric Power Station Yacyretá. Its purpose is the protection of ecosystems,communities of biological elements that, due to their rareness, fragility, importanceor singularity deserve a special assessment. This reserve has a highrepresentativeness of the resources of the Ñeembucú eco-region, and the presenceof two ecosystems scarcely represented in Paraguay, such as forests of arary(Callophyllum brasiliense) and a small formation of vegetated dunes. The reserveprovides all four categories of ecosystem services, directly and indirectly. Theseresults will be practical for stablishing conservation strategies to update itsmanagement plan and assess access to the system of valuation and payment forecosystem services.
PHENOLIC COMPOSITION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF GREEN-SOLVENTS-BASED EXTRACTS OF RED ONION WASTES
Authors: OANCEA Simona , RADU Maria
Published: October 2019

Onion represents one of the most important crop, based on its production,consumption and high pharmacological potential supported by its chemicalcomposition. Phytochemicals of phenolic structure, in particular anthocyanins, areamong the strongest antioxidant compounds with large biological and industrialapplications. Because their conventional extraction involves the use of highamounts of polar organic solvents, there is a strong requirement for development ofnew strategies based on greener solvents. The aim of the present paper was toextract valuable compounds of polyphenolic structure from red onion wastes usingdeep eutectic solvents, as green strategy for their isolation. In addition, the totalantioxidant activity as measured by ferric reducing antioxidant capacity assay wasinvestigated. Extraction performed at 40oC in the selected solvent system wasoptimized for two parameters, solvent/sample ratio and extraction time. Theobtained results showed the highest content of anthocyanins and antioxidantactivity at a solvent/sample ratio of 30/1 and the extraction time of 90 min, at 40oC.Regarding the total phenolics and flavonoids, the optimal extraction parameterswere 20/1 solvent/sample ratio and 90 min, at 40oC. Compared to conventionalextraction in organic solvent, the values of the antioxidant activity were similar,while those of the content of bioactive compounds were higher in extracts obtainedin ethanol solution. By further optimization of the extraction process, the obtainedproducts may find useful application in obtaining natural ingredients intended fordifferent purposes.
COMPARATIVE BIODIVERSITY BETWEEN NO-TILL AND CONVENTIONAL TILL ON A CROP ROTATION
Authors: MORENO-GARCÍA Manuel , REPULLO-RUIBÉRRIZ DE TORRES Miguel Ángel , CARBONELL-BOJOLLO Rosa María , ORDÓÑEZ-FERNÁNDEZ Rafaela
Published: October 2019

The technological development that agriculture has suffered in recent decades hasaffected biological diversity in agricultural fields. In particular, the life on the soilsurface, that is mainly constituted by invertebrates. This loss of biodiversity entailsthe disappearance of natural processes that this organisms support. For this reason,it is necessary to implement agronomic management that reduces impacts onagricultural soils. One of these alternatives is no-tillage system, which ischaracterized by the absence of soil ploughing and the maintenance of cropresidues on soil surface. In this sense, the present work has compared the existingbiodiversity in a crop rotation (sunflower-wheat-legume) between plots under notillageand plots under conventional tillage systems. With this objective, insects,arachnids, crustaceans and myriapods have been captured through pitfall traps.Four plots have been sampled, 2 under no-tillage and 2 under conventional tillage.In each plot have been placed 4 sampling areas, consisting of 5 pitfall traps each.The catches made have shown higher biodiversity values in no-tillage compared toconventional tillage. These differences have been significantly higher in terms ofnumber of species captured and with respect to the biodiversity indices ofMargalef, Simpson and Shannon. However, the increases in number of individualscaptured has not been significant as well as the uniformity indices of Pielou andSimpson.
MECHANISMS AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF PUBLIC INTERVENTION IN AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS IN POLAND DURING THE PERIOD OF EU MEMBERSHIP
Authors: WIGIER Marek , WASILEWSKI Adam
Published: October 2019

The concept of public intervention in agriculture can be understood very broadly,as any act or omission of the operation of public state institutions. The articlediscusses the economic reasons for the public intervention, then presents the typesand effects of intervention implemented by the CAP as well as the impact ofintervention policy on economic decisions of agricultural producers. In the furtherpart of the article, based on the statistic data from 2004-2016, were presented thechanges in agriculture sector. A characteristic feature of this process is thedeagrarisation the national economy and the development of rural areas.Throughout this process, it is extremely important for the ongoing structuralchanges to result in the improvement of the competitive position of farms and longtermand sustainable rural development. Poland’s accession to the EU hasgenerated new economic and organisational conditions to support structuralchanges in the broadly defined food economy and rural areas. Policy instrumentsimplemented within the CAP create chances for the stabilisation of structuralpolicy conditions over the period of several production cycles, thus stimulating thedesired changes in the area structure of farms, the improvements in thecompetitiveness of production, environmental protection and multi-functionaldevelopment of rural areas. Thus they are a fundamental instrument supporting theprocess of modernisation of Polish rural areas and agriculture. The articleconclusions refer to structural changes and to competitiveness of agri-food sector.
NIPS4Bplus: a richly annotated birdsong audio dataset
Authors: Morfi Veronica , Bas Yves , Pamuła Hanna , Glotin Hervé , Stowell Dan
Published: October 2019

Recent advances in birdsong detection and classification have approached a limit due to the lack of fully annotated recordings. In this paper, we present NIPS4Bplus, the first richly annotated birdsong audio dataset, that is comprised of recordings containing bird vocalisations along with their active species tags plus the temporal annotations acquired for them. Statistical information about the recordings, their species specific tags and their temporal annotations are presented along with example uses. NIPS4Bplus could be used in various ecoacoustic tasks, such as training models for bird population monitoring, species classification, birdsong vocalisation detection and classification.
Validation of COI metabarcoding primers for terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Elbrecht Vasco , Braukmann Thomas W.A. , Ivanova Natalia V. , Prosser Sean W.J. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Wright Michael , Zakharov Evgeny V. , Hebert Paul D.N. , Steinke Dirk
Published: October 2019

Metabarcoding can rapidly determine the species composition of bulk samples and thus aids biodiversity and ecosystem assessment. However, it is essential to use primer sets that minimize amplification bias among taxa to maximize species recovery. Despite this fact, the performance of primer sets employed for metabarcoding terrestrial arthropods has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study tests the performance of 36 primer sets on a mock community containing 374 insect species. Amplification success was assessed with gradient PCRs and the 21 most promising primer sets selected for metabarcoding. These 21 primer sets were also tested by metabarcoding a Malaise trap sample. We identified eight primer sets, mainly those including inosine and/or high degeneracy, that recovered more than 95% of the species in the mock community. Results from the Malaise trap sample were congruent with the mock community, but primer sets generating short amplicons produced potential false positives. Taxon recovery from both mock community and Malaise trap sample metabarcoding were used to select four primer sets for additional evaluation at different annealing temperatures (40–60 °C) using the mock community. The effect of temperature varied by primer pair but overall it only had a minor effect on taxon recovery. This study reveals the weak performance of some primer sets employed in past studies. It also demonstrates that certain primer sets can recover most taxa in a diverse species assemblage. Thus, based our experimental set up, there is no need to employ several primer sets targeting the same gene region. We identify several suitable primer sets for arthropod metabarcoding, and specifically recommend BF3 + BR2, as it is not affected by primer slippage and provides maximal taxonomic resolution. The fwhF2 + fwhR2n primer set amplifies a shorter fragment and is therefore ideal when targeting degraded DNA (e.g., from gut contents).
Bees may drive the reproduction of four sympatric cacti in a vanishing coastal mediterranean-type ecosystem
Authors: Guerrero Pablo C. , Antinao Claudia A. , Vergara-Meriño Beatriz , Villagra Cristian A. , Carvallo Gastón O.
Published: October 2019

Background

Sympatric congeneric plants might share pollinators, or each species might avoid competition by evolving specialized traits that generate partitions in pollinator assemblages. In both cases, pollen limitation (a decrease in the quality and quantity of compatible reproductive pollen) can occur, driving the plant mating system to autogamy as a mechanism of reproductive assurance. We assessed the relationships between pollinator assemblages and mating systems in a group of sympatric congeneric plants. We attempted to answer the following questions: (i) How similar are pollinator assemblages among sympatric cactus species? (ii) Which mating systems do sympatric cactus species use?

Methods

We studied sympatricEriosycetaxa that inhabit a threatened coastal strip in a mediterranean-type ecosystem in central Chile. We performed field observations on four taxa and characterized pollinators during the years 2016 and 2017. We estimated differences in the pollinator assemblages using the Bray–Curtis index. To elucidate the mating systems, we conducted hand-pollination experiments using three treatments: manual cross-pollination, automatic self-pollination, and control (unmanipulated individuals). We tested differences in seed production for statistical significance using Kruskal–Wallis analysis.

Results

Eriosyce subgibbosashowed a distinctive pollinator assemblage among the sympatric species that we studied (similarity ranged from 0% to 8%); it was visited by small bees and was the only species that was visited by the giant hummingbirdPatagona gigas. Pollinator assemblages were similar betweenE. chilensis(year 2016 = 4 species; 2017 = 8) andE. chilensisvar.albidiflora(2016 = 7; 2017 = 4); however, those ofE. curvispinavar.mutabilis(2016 = 7; 2017 = 6) were less similar to those of the aforementioned species.E. curvispinavar.mutabilisshowed the highest interannual variation in its pollinator assemblage (18% similarity). Reproduction inE. subgibbosalargely depends on pollinators, although it showed some degree of autogamy. Autonomous pollination was unfeasible inE. chilensis, which depended on flower visitors for its reproductive success. BothE. chilensisvar.albidifloraandE. curvispinavar.mutabilisshowed some degree of autogamy.

Discussion

We observed differences in pollinator assemblages betweenE. subgibbosaand the remainingEriosycetaxa, which depend on hymenopterans for pollen transfer. Pollinator assemblages showed considerable interannual variation, especially those ofE. subgibbosa(ornithophilous syndrome) andE. curvispinavar.mutabilis(melitophilous syndrome). Autogamous reproduction in these taxa may act as a reproductive assurance mechanism when pollinator availability is unpredictable. Our study contributes to improving our understanding of the reproductive systems of ecological interactions between threatened species in a Chilean mediterranean-type ecosystem.
Quantifying the inhibitory effect of Bcl‐xl on the action of Mff using live‐cell fluorescence imaging
Authors: Ma Yunyun , Du Mengyan , Yang Fangfang , Mai Zihao , Zhang Chenshuang , Qu Wenfeng , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaoping , Chen Tongsheng
Published: October 2019

Mitochondrial fission regulates mitochondrial function and morphology, and has been linked to apoptosis. The mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), a tail‐anchored membrane protein, induces excessive mitochondrial fission, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of Bcl‐xl, an antiapoptotic protein, on the action of Mff by using live‐cell fluorescence imaging. Microscopic imaging analysis showed that overexpression of Mff induced mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis, which were reversed by coexpression of Bcl‐xl. Microscopic imaging and live‐cell fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis demonstrated that Bcl‐xl reconstructs the Mff network from punctate distribution of higher‐order oligomers to filamentous distribution of lower‐order oligomers. Live‐cell fluorescence resonance energy transfer two‐hybrid assay showed that Bcl‐xl interacted with Mff to form heterogenous oligomers with 1 : 2 stoichiometry in cytoplasm and 1 : 1 stoichiometry on mitochondria, indicating that two Bcl‐xl molecules primarily interact with four Mff molecules in cytoplasm, but with two Mff molecules on mitochondria.
Endoplasmic reticulum quality control of LDLR variants associated with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Kizhakkedath Praseetha , John Anne , Al‐Sawafi Buthaina K. , Al‐Gazali Lihadh , Ali Bassam R.
Published: October 2019

Loss‐of‐function mutations in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene can cause familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), but detailed functional evidence for pathogenicity is limited to a few reported mutations. Here, we investigated the cellular pathogenic mechanisms of three mutations in LDLR causing FH, which are structurally identical to pathogenic mutations in the very low‐density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR). Similar to the VLDLR mutants, LDLR mutants D482H and C667F were found to be localized to the ER, while D445E, which is a conserved amino acid change, did not affect the trafficking of the receptor to the plasma membrane, as confirmed by the N‐glycosylation profile. Although the ER‐retained mutant proteins were soluble, induction of ER stress was observed as indicated by spliced X‐box binding protein‐1 (XBP‐1) mRNA levels. The mutants were found to associate with ER quality control components, and their stability was enhanced by inhibitors of proteasome. Our results contribute to the growing list of transport‐deficient class II LDLR variants leading to FH and provide evidence for the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation in their stability.
Evaluating the sensitivity of Halcyon’s automatic transit image acquisition for treatment error detection: A phantom study using static IMRT
Authors: Ray Xenia , Bojechko Casey , Moore Kevin L.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The Varian Halcyon™ electronic portal imaging detector is always in‐line with the beam and automatically acquires transit images for every patient with full‐field coverage. These images could be used for “every patient, every monitor unit” quality assurance (QA) and eventually adaptive radiotherapy. This study evaluated the imager’s sensitivity to potential clinical errors and day‐to‐day variations from clinical exit images.

Methods

Open and modulated fields were delivered for each potential error. To evaluate output changes, monitor units were scaled by 2%–10% and delivered to solid water slabs and a homogeneous CIRS phantom. To mimic weight changes, 0.5–5.0 cm of buildup was added to the solid water. To evaluate positioning changes, a homogeneous and heterogeneous CIRS phantom were shifted 2–10 cm and 0.2–1.5 cm, respectively. For each test, mean relative differences (MRDs) and standard deviations in the pixel‐difference histograms (σRD) between test and baseline images were calculated. Lateral shift magnitudes were calculated using cross‐correlation and edge‐detection filtration. To assess patient variations, MRD and σRD were calculated from six prostate patients’ daily exit images and compared between fractions with and without gas present.

Results

MRDs responded linearly to output and buildup changes with a standard deviation of 0.3%, implying a 1% output change and 0.2 cm changes in buildup could be detected with 2.5σ confidence. Shifting the homogenous phantom laterally resulted in detectable MRD and σRD changes, and the cross‐correlation function calculated the shift to within 0.5 mm for the heterogeneous phantom. MRD and σRD values were significantly associated with the presence of gas for five of the six patients.

Conclusions

Rapid analyses of automatically acquired Halcyon™ exit images could detect mid‐treatment changes with high sensitivity, though appropriate thresholds will need to be set. This study presents the first steps toward developing effortless image evaluation for all aspects of every patient’s treatment.
PeriSim: A Simulator for Optimizing Peristaltic Table Control
Authors: McKenzie Ross M. , Roberts Jamie O. , Sayed Mohammed E. , Stokes Adam A.
Published: October 2019

Peristaltic conveyance can be used for the sorting and transport of delicate and nonrigid objects such as meat or soft fruit. The non‐linearity and stochastic behavior of peristaltic systems make them difficult to control. Optimizing controllers using machine learning represents a promising path to effective peristaltic control but currently, there is no suitable simulated model of a peristaltic table in which to run these optimizations. A simple, simulated model of a peristaltic conveyor that can be used for optimizing peristaltic control on a variety of peristaltic tables is presented. This simulator is demonstrated through a limited control problem evaluated on our real‐world system that is built for peristaltic conveyance. This simulator is available as the python package PeriSim so that it can be used by the robotics community for peristaltic control development.
Continuum between Relational and Therapeutic Models of Self‐help in Mental Health: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Petrini Fausto , Graziani Elena , Caputo Maria Angela , Meringolo Patrizia
Published: October 2019

Highlights

Proximity between services and groups may influence the self‐help methodology.

By means of a qualitative study we tried to highlight the deep meaning of self‐help for members.

Through analyzing qualitative data and organizational characteristics of the groups, two sub‐cultures emerged.

Suggestions emerged for services and professionals on how to support groups eliciting no distortion.
Sex differences in adult famine mortality in medieval London
Authors: DeWitte Sharon N. , Yaussy Samantha L.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Recurrent famine events during the medieval period might have contributed to excess mortality during the Black Death in London, England (c. 1349–1350). Previous research using conventional methods of age estimation revealed that adult males experienced lower risks of mortality under “normal” (attritional) but not famine mortality conditions following the Black Death. However, given the biases inherent in conventional age estimation methods, this study reassesses sex differences in risks of medieval adult famine mortality using ages estimated via transition analysis, which avoids some of the limitations of conventional age estimation methods.

Materials and Methods

We apply hazards analysis (the Gompertz model of adult mortality) to ages estimated for human skeletal remains (n= 1245) from London cemeteries dated to the pre‐Black Death (c. 1000–1250 CE) and post‐Black Death (c. 1350–1540 CE) periods.

Results

The results reveal no sex differences in risks of mortality before the Black Death but indicate that adult males faced lower risks of mortality after the Black Death during conditions of normal and famine mortality.

Conclusions

These findings largely support those of our previous research, which suggested that selective mortality during the Black Death or sex‐biased improvements in standard of living following the epidemic reduced risk of mortality for adult males in the post‐Black Death period under normal mortality conditions. However, the use of transition analysis age estimates also revealed a reduced risk of mortality for post‐Black Death adult males under famine conditions.
P2‐Na0.67AlxMn1−xO2: Cost‐Effective, Stable and High‐Rate Sodium Electrodes by Suppressing Phase Transitions and Enhancing Sodium Cation Mobility
Authors: Liu Xiangsi , Zuo Wenhua , Zheng Bizhu , Xiang Yuxuan , Zhou Ke , Xiao Zhumei , Shan Peizhao , Shi Jingwen , Li Qi , Zhong Guiming , Fu Riqiang , Yang Yong
Published: October 2019

Sodium layered P2‐stacking Na0.67MnO2 materials have shown great promise for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the undesired Jahn–Teller effect of the Mn4+/Mn3+ redox couple and multiple biphasic structural transitions during charge/discharge of the materials lead to anisotropic structure expansion and rapid capacity decay. Herein, by introducing abundant Al into the transition‐metal layers to decrease the number of Mn3+, we obtain the low cost pure P2‐type Na0.67AlxMn1−xO2 (x=0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) materials with high structural stability and promising performance. The Al‐doping effect on the long/short range structural evolutions and electrochemical performances is further investigated by combining in situ synchrotron XRD and solid‐state NMR techniques. Our results reveal that Al‐doping alleviates the phase transformations thus giving rise to better cycling life, and leads to a larger spacing of Na+ layer thus producing a remarkable rate capability of 96 mAh g‐1 at 1200 mA g‐1.
Revisiting the Electroplating Process for Lithium‐Metal Anodes for Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Sun Xiaowen , Zhang Xinyue , Ma Qingtao , Guan Xuze , Wang Wei , Luo Jiayan
Published: October 2019

Electroplating has been studied for centuries, not only in the laboratory but also in industry for machinery, electronics, automobile, aviation, and other fields. The lithium‐metal anode is the Holy Grail electrode because of its high energy density. But the recyclability of lithium‐metal batteries remains quite challenging. The essence of both conventional electroplating and lithium plating is the same, reduction of metal cations. Thus, industrial electroplating knowledge can be applied to revisit the electroplating process for lithium‐metal anodes. In conventional electroplating, some strategies like using additives, modifying substrates, applying pulse current, and agitating electrolyte have been explored to suppress dendrite growth. These methods are also effective in lithium‐metal anodes. Inspired by that, we revisit the fundamental electroplating theory for lithium‐metal anodes in this Minireview, mainly drawing attention to the theory of electroplating thermodynamics and kinetics. Analysis of essential differences between traditional electroplating and plating/stripping of lithium‐metal anodes is also presented. Thus, industrial electroplating knowledge can be applied to the electroplating process of lithium‐metal anodes to improve commercial lithium‐metal batteries and the study of lithium plating/stripping can further enrich the classical electroplating technique.
Hypervalent Iodine Based Reversible Covalent Bond in Rotaxane Synthesis
Authors: Kandrnálová Markéta , Kokan Zoran , Havel Václav , Nečas Marek , Šindelář Vladimír
Published: October 2019

Reversible covalent bonds play a significant role in achieving the high‐yielding synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules. Still, only a handful of such bonds have been successfully employed in synthetic procedures. Herein, we introduce a novel approach for the fast and simple preparation of interlocked molecules, combining the dynamic bond character of bis(acyloxy)iodate(I) anions with macrocyclic bambusuril anion receptors. The proof of principle was demonstrated on rotaxane synthesis, with near‐quantitative yields observed in both the classical and “in situ” approach. The rotaxane formation was confirmed in the solid‐state and solution by the X‐ray and NMR studies. Our novel approach could be utilized in the fields of dynamic combinatorial chemistry, supramolecular polymers, or molecular machines, as well inspire further research on molecules that exhibit dynamic behavior, but owing to their high reactivity, have not been considered as constituents of more elaborate supramolecular structures.
Asymmetric Dearomatization of Indole Derivatives with N‐Hydroxycarbamates Enabled by Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Cheng Yuan‐Zheng , Zhao Qing‐Ru , Zhang Xiao , You Shu‐Li
Published: October 2019

Dearomatization of indoles provides efficient synthetic routes for substituted indolines. In most cases, indoles serve as nucleophiles. Reported here is an asymmetric dearomatization reaction of indole derivatives that function as electrophiles. The combination of a photocatalyst and chiral phosphoric acid open to air unlocks the umpolung reactivity of indoles, enabling their dearomatization with N‐hydroxycarbamates as nucleophiles. A variety of fused indolines bearing intriguing oxy‐amines were constructed in excellent yields with moderate to high enantioselectivities. Mechanistic studies show that the realization of two sequential single‐electron transfer oxidations of the indole derivatives is key, generating the configurationally biased carbocation species while providing the source of stereochemical induction. These results not only provide an efficient synthesis of enantioenriched indoline derivatives, but also offer a novel strategy for further designing asymmetric dearomatization reactions.
Intestinal proteolytic profile changes during larval development of Anticarsia gemmatalis caterpillars
Authors: da Silva Júnior Neilier R. , Vital Camilo E. , de Almeida Barros Rafael , Faustino Verônica A. , Monteiro Luana P. , Barros Edvaldo , de Oliveira Eugênio E. , de Oliveira Ramos Humberto J. , de Almeida Oliveira Maria G.
Published: October 2019

Soybean is one of most consumed and produced grains in the world, and Anticarsia gemmatalis is a pest that causes great damage to this crop due to severe defoliation during its larval phase. Plants have mechanisms that lead to the inhibition of proteases in the intestine of these herbivores, hampering their development. Understanding this complex protease inhibitor is important for pest control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic profiles of the intestinal proteases of the soybean caterpillar at different instars. For this, the proteolytic profile of the gut in the third, fourth, and fifth instars were analyzed. Irreversible inhibitors of proteases were separately incubated with A. gemmatalis enzyme extracts at the third, fourth, and fifth instar to assess the contribution of these proteases to total proteolytic activity. The enzymatic extracts were also evaluated with specific substrates to confirm changes in the specific activities of trypsin‐like, chymotrypsin‐like, and cysteine proteases at different instars. The results showed that the protease profile of A. gemmatalis gut changes throughout its larval development. The activity of cysteine proteases was more intense in the first instar. On the contrary, the serine proteases showed major activities in the late stages of the larval phase. Zymogram analysis and protein identification by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry indicated serine protease as the main protease class expressed in the fifth instar. These results may shift the focus from the rational development of the protease inhibitor to A. gemmatalis and other Lepidoptera, as the expression of major proteases is not constant.
Identification and characterization of miRNAs in an endoparasitoid wasp, Pteromalus puparum
Authors: Xiao Shan , Wang Beibei , Li Kai , Xiong Shijiao , Ye Xinhai , Wang Jiale , Zhang Jiao , Yan Zhichao , Wang Fang , Song Qisheng , Stanley David W. , Ye Gongyin , Fang Qi
Published: October 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a form of endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate protein‐coding gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. So far, knowledge of miRNAs in parasitoids remains rudimentary. We investigated miRNAs in Pteromalus puparum, a pupal endoparasitoid wasp with genome and transcriptome sequences completed. In this study, we constructed eight small RNA libraries from selected developmental stages and genders: male embryos, male larvae, male pupae, male adults, mixed‐sex embryos, mixed‐sex larvae, mixed‐sex pupae, and female adults. We identified 254 mature miRNAs with 5p/3p arm features originated from 75 known and 119 novel miRNA genes in P. puparum, 88 of which reside in 26 clusters. The miRNAs in more than half of the clusters exhibit a consistent expression pattern, indicating they were co‐transcribed from a long transcript. Comparing miRNA expression in the eight libraries, we found that 84 mature miRNAs were differentially expressed between embryos and larvae, 20 between larvae and pupae, and 26 between pupae and adults. We found some miRNAs were differentially expressed between sexes in embryos (10), larvae (29), pupae (8), and adults (14). Target predictions resulted in 211,571 miRNA–mRNA interactions for 254 different mature miRNAs. These miRNAs may be involved in sexual and developmental regulation of gene expression.
Exploring the inquiry‐based learning structure to promote scientific culture in the classrooms of higher education sciences
Authors: Mello P. S. , Natale C. C. , Trivelato S. L. F. , Marzin‐Janvier P. , Vieira L. Q. , Manzoni‐de‐Almeida D.
Published: October 2019

This article examines student engagement in an inquiry‐based learning activity, planned to provide students with elements in the social, epistemic, and conceptual dimensions related to the scientific practice in immunology. The activity was applied to 39 groups of students enrolled in immunology or biochemistry courses in a public university in Brazil. Students performed data‐collection through the execution of an in vitro assay. We analyzed how students represent data and use them to support their claims in their written constructs. To clarify which are the productive epistemologies in students' reports, we developed a framework for epistemic practice analysis. Our findings point to a pattern of several epistemic practice categories in their written text, mostly related to the particular contingences of data analysis, rather than to theoretical concepts. In addition, we observed that students performed literary inscriptions to represent their data; however, they tended not to cite all data obtained in their written texts. These results suggest that immunology education strategies should provide students with approaches that explore the role of data representation in the scientific text rhetoric. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(6):672–680, 2019.
Using a noninfectious MVM surrogate for assessing viral clearance during downstream process development
Authors: Orchard Joshua D. , Cetlin David , Pallansch Melanie , Barlow Robert , Borman Jon , Dhar Arun , Pallansch Luke , Dickson Matthew
Published: October 2019

Viral contamination is an inherent risk during the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. As such, biopharmaceutical companies must demonstrate the viral clearance efficacy of their downstream process steps prior to clinical trials and commercial approval. This is accomplished through expensive and logistically challenging spiking studies, which utilize live mammalian viruses. These hurdles deter companies from analyzing viral clearance during process development and characterization. We utilized a noninfectious minute virus of mice‐mock virus particle (MVM‐MVP) as a surrogate spiking agent during small scale viral filtration (VF) and anion exchange chromatography (AEX) studies. For VF experiments, in‐process mAb material was spiked and processed through Asahi Kasei P15, P20, P35, and BioEX nanofilters. Across each filter type, flux decay profiles and log reduction values (LRVs) were nearly identical for either particle. For AEX experiments, loads were conditioned with various amounts of sodium chloride (9, 20, 23, and 41 mS/cm), spiked with either particle and processed through a Q‐SFF packed column. LRV results met our expectations of predicting MVM removal.
Using poly(vinyldodecylimidazolium bromide) for the in‐situ product recovery of n‐butanol
Authors: Vincent Rachel H. , Parent J. Scott , Daugulis Andrew J.
Published: October 2019

The mitigation of end‐product inhibition during the biosynthesis of n‐butanol is demonstrated for an in‐situ product recovery (ISPR) system employing a poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) absorbent. The thermodynamic affinity of poly(vinyldodecylimidazolium bromide) [P(VC12ImBr)] for n‐butanol, acetone and ethanol versus water was measured at conditions experienced in a typical acetone‐ethanol‐butanol (ABE) fermentation. In addition to providing a high n‐butanol partition coefficient (PC = 6.5) and selectivity (αBuOH/water = 46), P(VC12ImBr) is shown to be biocompatible with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Clostridium acetobutylicum. Furthermore, the diffusivity of n‐butanol in a hydrated PIL provides absorption rates that support ISPR applications. Using a 5 wt% PIL phase fraction relative to the aqueous phase mass, P(VC12ImBr) improved the volumetric productivity of a batch ABE ISPR process by 31% relative to a control fermentation. The concentration of n‐butanol in the P(VC12ImBr) phase was sufficient to increase the alcohol concentration from 1.5 wt% in the fermentation medium to 25 wt% in the saturated PIL, thereby facilitating downstream n‐butanol recovery.
Discovery of Small‐Molecule Modulators of Protein–RNA Interactions by Fluorescence Intensity‐Based Binding Assay
Authors: Byun Wan Gi , Lim Donghyun , Park Seung Bum
Published: October 2019

Protein–RNA interactions mediate various cellular processes, the dysregulation of which has been associated with a list of diseases. Thus, novel experimental tools for monitoring protein–RNA interactions are highly desirable to identify new chemical modulators of these therapeutic targets. In this study, we constructed simple fluorescence intensity‐based protein–RNA binding assays by testing multiple environment‐sensitive organic fluorophores. We selected the oncogenic interaction between Lin28 and the let‐7 microRNA and the important immunomodulatory Roquin–Tnf CDE interaction as representative targets. We adapted this assay to high‐throughput screening for the identification of pyrazolyl thiazolidinedione‐type molecules as potent small‐molecule inhibitors of protein–microRNA interactions. We clearly showed the structure–activity relationships of this new class of Lin28–let‐7 interaction inhibitors, and confirmed that cellular mature let‐7 microRNAs and their target genes could be modulated upon treatment with the pyrazolyl thiazolidinedione‐type inhibitor. We expect that our simple and adaptable screening approach can be applied for the development of various assay systems aimed at the identification of bioactive small molecules targeting protein–RNA interactions.
Identification and Characterization of Citrus Peel Uronic Acid Oxidase
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Tan Yee Ling , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin
Published: October 2019

Uronic acid‐rich plant materials such as pectin are potential renewable feedstocks for the chemical industry. Uronic acid oxidase activity was first reported in extracts of citrus leaves, and was subsequently found to be widely distributed in plants, with the highest activity detected in extracts of the pectin‐rich citrus peel. Herein we report the identification of the primary sequence of uronic acid oxidase from extracts of the peel of Citrus sinensis, by partial purification and protein mass spectrometry. Activity of the enzyme, a member of the berberine bridge family, was confirmed by recombinant expression in Pichia pastoris. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme is reported. Our findings facilitate further investigation of the biological function of uronic acid oxidation in the economically important orange fruit, and also provide a basis for the development of a catalyst for bioconversion of uronic acids.
Achievement of High Photocatalytic Performance to BaTi4O9 Toward Overall H2O Splitting
Authors: Hiramachi Yuichi , Fujimori Hirotaka , Yamakata Akira , Sakata Yoshihisa
Published: October 2019

The improvement of photocatalytic activity of BaTi4O9 to overall H2O splitting was investigated. From the evaluation of co‐catalysts, Rh0.7Cr1.3O3 was preferable. However, this co‐catalyst was degrading with the progress of the photocatalytic reaction. When CoOx was co‐loaded as the co‐catalyst for O2 evolution reaction over the surface, the steady progress of the photocatalytic reaction can be confirmed. Here, effective way and condition for loading CoOx co‐catalyst as well as effective preparation method of BaTi4O9 were demonstrated in order to improve the photocatalytic activity of BaTi4O9 with Rh0.7Cr1.3O3 and CoOx co‐catalysts to the overall H2O splitting. As the results, the photocatalyst prepared by preferable method and condition showed high photocatalytic activity to the overall H2O splitting, where the apparent quantum yield (AQY) at 313 nm reached to 41 %.
Undiscovered Potential: Ge Catalysts for Lactide Polymerization
Authors: Rittinghaus Ruth D. , Tremmel Jakub , Růžička Ales , Conrads Christian , Albrecht Pascal , Hoffmann Alexander , Ksiazkiewicz Agnieszka N. , Pich Andrij , Jambor Roman , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: October 2019

Polylactide (PLA) is a high potential bioplastic that can replace oil‐based plastics in a number of applications. To date, in spite of its known toxicity, a tin catalyst is used on industrial scale which should be replaced by a benign catalyst in the long run. Germanium is known to be unharmful while having similar properties as tin. Only few germylene catalysts are known so far and none has shown the potential for industrial application. We herein present Ge complexes in combination with zinc and copper, which show amazingly high polymerization activities for lactide in bulk at 150 °C. By systematical variation of the complex structure, proven by single‐crystal XRD and DFT calculations, structure–property relationships are found regarding the polymerization activity. Even in the presence of zinc and copper, germanium acts as the active site for polymerizing probably through the coordination–insertion mechanism to high molar mass polymers.
Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Tianjun , Liu Yanpeng , Zeng Yi , Chen Jinping , Yang Guoqiang , Li Yi
Published: October 2019

The solar generation of hydrogen by water splitting provides a promising path for renewable hydrogen production and solar energy storage. Upconversion of low‐energy photons into high‐energy photons constitutes a promising strategy to enhance the light harvesting efficiency of artificial hydrogen production systems. In the present study, upconversion micelles are integrated with Cd0.5Zn0.5S to construct solar energy conversion systems. The upconversion micelle is employed to upconvert red photons to cyan photons. Cd0.5Zn0.5S is sensitized by upconverted cyan light to produce hydrogen, but not by incident red light without triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC). The performance of the upconversion photocatalytic system was dramatically affected by the concentration of Cd0.5Zn0.5S and the irradiation intensity. This novel system was able to produce about 2.3 μL hydrogen after 5 h of red light (629 nm) irradiation (2.4 mW cm−2). The present study provides a candidate for applications using low‐energy photons for solar hydrogen generation.