bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of complexity on decision making in young and older adults
Authors: Badham Stephen P. , Hamilton Calum A.
Published: May 2020

Leading theory hypothesizes that age deficits in decision making may rise as the complexity of decision-related information increases. This suggests that older adults would benefit relative to young adults from simplification of information used to inform decision making. Participants indicated political, nutritional and medical preferences and then chose between politicians, foods and medicines. The amount of information presented was systematically varied but age differences were largely similar for simple and complex trials. Paradoxically, the data showed that decisions based on simpler information could be less aligned with participant’s preferences than decisions based on more complex information. Further analyses suggested that participants may have been responding purely on the basis of their most valued preferences and that when information about those preferences was not presented, decision making became poorer. Contrary to our expectations, simplification of information by exclusion may therefore hinder decision making and may not particularly help older adults.
Justice Beyond Legalism: Cultural Appropriation of Totem Poles on the Pacific Northwest Coast
Authors: Lefroy Isabelle
Published: May 2020

This paper attempts to illuminate and problematize the marriage of capitalism and colonialism that results in the widespread appropriation of Indigenous expressions of culture, and in particular, totem poles. This project questions our understanding of totem poles as they have been presented in the marketplace and restores some of the intricate legal meanings to these incredible works. Interdisciplinary and international in scope, this analysis draws from Canadian law, American tribal court law, international law, and Indigenous legal orders. First, I examine Canadian intellectual property law and colonial policies of cultural erasure. Next, I explore legalism as a potential route for solutions to this issue. I then conduct case studies of three totem poles. I examine one totem pole as a commodity, one functioning as a piece of art and someone’s livelihood, and one as part of a Tlingit legal tradition. This last totem, as a materially appropriated object, provides an opportunity to explore the treatment of totem poles in proper context and also functions as a suggested solution to Indigenous art appropriation, more broadly. My intervention on this last totem reframes these issues in a non-Western legal cannon in order to address these difficult legal questions. My examination of these three totems serves to destabilize our understanding of totem poles sold in the marketplace, and to broaden our understanding of totems as manifestations of Indigenous laws.
De la mémoire à la guerre des humbles : trois livres récents avant d’aller plus loin
:
Andrès, Bernard, L’humour des Poilus canadiens-français de la Grande Guerre (Québec, Les Presses de l’Université Laval, 2018), [x]-174 p.Couture, Joseph Alphonse, Du Saint-Laurent au Rhin : carnets de guerre 1914-1918, édité et annoté par Mourad Djebabla-Brun (Québec, Septentrion, 2018), 266 p.Veyssière, Laurent, Vimy : un siècle d’histoire 1917-2017 (Québec, Septentrion, 2018), 159 p.
Authors: Tremblay Yves
Published: May 2020

Le centenaire de la Première Guerre mondiale a été souligné par de nombreuses parutions, dont beaucoup reflètent les tendances en historiographie, à savoir l’étude des commémorations et des représentations, et d’autres problèmes d’histoire culturelle (ici l’humour). Parallèlement, le genre des souvenirs personnels et des lettres d’individus plus ou moins anonymes connaît une popularité grandissante. C’est aussi le cas au Québec. Trois ouvrages sous revue, d’abord critiqués chacun pour soi, spécialement du point de vue des sources employées, sont ensuite placés dans le contexte de cette historiographie. Enfin, à la lumière d’une offre de sources devenues vraiment exceptionnelle, il est jugé opportun de reprendre certaines questions, comme la conscription et le volontariat, ou le difficile problème de l’endurance aux souffrances propres à la guerre des tranchées, ou les rapports entre les soldats et leurs familles.
ENTRE KALAMAZOO ET ESCANABA
Authors: Lepage Élise
Published: May 2020

Cet article propose une lecture du recueil de poèmes de Marcel Labine intitulé Vivre à Poets’ Corner (Les Herbes rouges, 2015), dans lequel le poète imagine de façon extrêmement concrète un lieu-dit dépeuplé. Convoquant tour à tour les apports théoriques de Pamela Sing, de Pierre Nepveu et de François Paré, on entend montrer comment l’écriture des espaces régionaux ne signifie pas nécessairement faire référence à un ancrage géographique prédéterminé et sclérosant sur les plans esthétique et idéologique. Vivre à Poets’ Corner exemplifie la manière dont certains topoï de la régionalité peuvent être traités, en dehors de tout cadre narratif, de façon à faire intervenir des concepts productifs sur le plan littéraire, tels que l’effacement, la distance, la réinvention, la mort et le rapport au réel.
QUEL REGARD SUR LA VILLE ?
Authors: Manevy Philippe
Published: May 2020

Partant d’une réflexion sur la perception problématique de la ville dans la somme romanesque de Jean-Simon DesRochers, cet article se concentre sur le personnage de Bruno, itinérant étroitement lié à l’espace urbain. En tant que « chronotype », Bruno apparaît comme le révélateur d’un certain état du discours social : condamné à l’invisibilité, l’itinérant bénéficie de solidarités ponctuelles ou s’inscrit dans des micro-communautés marginales, au sein d’une société globalement fragmentée. Mais il est également porteur d’une poétique romanesque singulière : au-delà de son apparente facture réaliste, voire hyperréaliste, L’année noire mobilise en effet de nombreux intertextes poétiques qui constituent Bruno en avatar du voyant hugolien ou rimbaldien.
The Missing and the Missed of Lanark County, Ontario
Authors: Morrison Kelly
Published: May 2020

In 1923, The Volunteer monument in Almonte, Ontario was erected and dedicated to the district’s soldiers who fell in the Great War. It was designed by renowned sculptor and professor, R. Tait McKenzie, and modelled after the late Lt. Alexander George Rosamond, heir to Almonte’s esteemed Rosamond family paper mills. The seemingly simple design of a pensive bronze soldier perched atop a stone plinth, flanked by the names of his fallen comrades, is anything but simplistic in its symbolism. This article details the background, conception and realization of The Volunteer, considering the ways in which it reflects the history of the peoples who settled the region, and the collective Great War experience of Almonte and greater Lanark County. Further, in as much as the monument was specifically raised to honour the lost men of Almonte and the Township of Ramsay, this article questions whether, and in what ways, it succeeds or falters in its purpose.
Arte e interactividad (I). Los logros de la reconciliación del arte, la ciencia y la tecnología
Authors: Báscones Pere
Published: May 2020

TVC Multimedia es una empresa filial de la CCRTV que nació hace 6 años con el objetivo de adaptar el mundo multimedia los contenidos, habilidades y capacidades técnicas propias de la televisión.
Helena López
Authors: Mosaic
Published: May 2020

'El boom de Internet hizo que mucha gente invirtiera mucho dinero en productos comunicativos a través de Internet y en aplicaciones y en desarrollo tecnológico que no ha visto después un beneficio directo.
Teniendo esto presente en PutPut Comunicacions siempre intentamos que el cliente tenga muy claro qué es lo que va a hacer en la red y por qué quiere estar. Incluso nos hemos encontrado con la paradoja de quitarles la idea de que necesitaban una página en Internet'.
Isolation of Probiotic Bacteria from Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Their Antagonistic Efficacy against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Mohanta Moni Krishno , Mallick Preonty , Haque Md. Fazlul , Hasan Md. Ariful , Saha Ananda Kumar
Published: May 2020

The probiotic bacteria isolated from prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii was studied for their morphological and biochemical characteristics as well as their antagonistic efficacy against pathogenic bacteria. A total of three probiotic bacteria viz. White Colour Bacteria (WCB), Red Colour Bacteria (RCB) and Yellow Colour Bacteria (YCB) were isolated from intestine of healthy prawn while three pathogenic bacteria viz. PB1, PB2 and PB3 were isolated from infected antennae and muscles of moribund prawn. Depending on their physical and biochemical features, the probiotic isolates were gram-positive, rod shaped and motile bacteria belonging to Bacillus spp. and the pathogenic bacteria were also identified as gram-negative, cocci shaped and motile bacteria fit in Enterococcus spp., Vibrio spp. and Micrococcus spp. The optimum culture conditions of all isolates were at pH 7.0 and 37°C temperature. Results on the antibiogram profile of pathogenic bacteria revealed that majority of the isolates were sensitive (43.58%) or intermediate (30.76%) against thirteen antibiotics. The probiotic bacterial antagonistic activities were tested against Enterococcus, Vibrio and Micrococcus spp.by cross-streak method. The results indicate that the strain of YCB showed inhibitory effects against Enterococcus spp. (5 mm), Vibrio spp. (5 mm) and Micrococcus spp. (3 mm). Similarly, WCB showed inhibitory effects against Enterococcus spp. (4 mm), Vibrio spp. (3 mm) and Micrococcus spp. (4 mm). RCB strains showed inhibition against Micrococcus spp. (3 mm) only, but not against Enterococcus spp. and Vibrio spp. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the isolated probiotic bacteria could be a good candidate to consider for further studies to control the pathogenic bacteria in prawn culture.
The Response of Green Manuring of Sesbania aculeate on growth and Yield of Rice in Flood Prone Area of Coastal Odisha
Authors: Sahoo T. R. , Mishra P. , Rahman F. H. , Mohapatra N. M. , Mishra S. N.
Published: May 2020

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field at Ratanpur village of Marshaghai block of Kendrapara, Odisha to evaluate effect of green manuring and other nutrient management on yield and economics of rice. The village is an adopted village by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kendrapara, in which various activities in agriculture are going on under National innovations in climate-resilient agriculture (NICRA) program to combat the flood-affected area of the locality. The experiment consists of five treatments like green manuring + NPK (60: 30: 30 Kg/ha), green manuring + NPK (80: 40: 40 Kg/ha), green manuring + FYM (2.5 t/ha) + NPK (60: 30: 30 Kg/ha), green maturing + FYM (5 t/ha) + NPK (60: 30: 30 Kg/ha) and farmer’s practice i.e., NPK (80: 40: 40 Kg/ha). Results revealed that green manuring of Dhaincha along with application of FYM @ 5 t/ha clubbed with NPK @ 60: 30: 30 Kg/ha recorded highest grain yield (3.95 t/ha), straw yield (4.86 t/ha) and other yield attributing characters. The same treatment resulted in the highest economic return i.e., B:Cratio of 1.51.
Technological Gap Analysis of Cauliflower Growers towards Quality Production in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Prakash Satya , Singh B. , Yadav K. G. , Lodhi S. K. , Singh Rajat , Kumari A. R.
Published: May 2020

Cauliflower is the main crop among the Cole crops. It is grown in all states of India. The Leading Cauliflower producing states are Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh it is grown from June to March according suitability of their varieties. The varieties are recommended according the grown season. Some varieties are suitable to show in month of May and June and some varieties are suitable to show in the month of October and November, according to its growing season. To get the higher yield and good quality curds production technologies have been developed by the scientists. But due to some reasons the Farmers are not adapting the recommended practices during cultivation. They are facing many problems for quality curd production. Some physical disorder and disease decline the yield and quality both. Resulting y Cauliflower growers are not getting good returns. Keeping in view this study on Technological gap analysis of cauliflower growers towards quality production in western Uttar Pradesh was carried out .study revealed that for higher yield and quality production technological practices should be adapted by the cauliflower growers. Bedre [1] also agreed.
Fever Cases Associated with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection among Children Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoro C. I. , Ihenetu F. C. , Dunga K. E. , Achigbu K. , Obasi C. C. , Odinaka K. K. , Anikwo E. S.
Published: May 2020

Background: Malaria is a major cause of fever in endemic countries, although the prevalence of malaria has been declining across Sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of clinical presentation attributable to febrile illness due to malaria to febrile illnesses have remained high. It is therefore important to determine the proportion of fever cases attributable to malaria.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among children aged 1-72 months presenting at a tertiary facility in Imo state Nigeria from 1st March, 2014 to 31st October, 2015.

Children between 1-72 months of age with documented fever at presentation or history of fever in the last 24 hours without signs of severe malaria and those without any history of anti-malarial drugs administration were considered eligible. Fever was regarded as axillary temperature of ≥37.5°C. For all subjects (febrile and afebrile), the presence of Plasmodium falciparum was assessed microscopically by a WHO Certified malaria microscopist. Malaria parasite density was grouped as 1-1000, 1001–10000, and >10,000 parasites/µl respectively according to World Health Organization guidelines for grouping malaria parasitamae while data was analysed using SPSS 20.1v.

Results: Overall malaria prevalence of both febrile and afebrile at point of assessment but with history of fever in the last 24 hours was 24.3%. Prevalence by microscopy was 26% among the 289 children who were febrile as at point of examination. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between malaria prevalence in males as against females.

Age group 49-72 months had the highest prevalence (42.6%), while age groups 25-48 and 1-24 months recorded prevalence of 35.7% and 25%, respectively (P<0.05). About 22.5% of afebrile patients had positive Plasmodium parasitaemia. The Geo-mean (range) of parasitaemia was 1427(8-180,000) parasite/µl while mean body temperature ± SD was 37.0±0.9°C. About 8% of the children had high parasite density.

Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum although linked with majority of fever is not the cause of fever in all instances. Healthcare providers should make more effort to correctly diagnose non-malaria febrile cases so as to optimize clinical outcomes for the patients and minimize possible over diagnosis and overtreatment of malaria.
In vitro Evaluation of Spectrum of Antimicrobial Activities of Leaves and Stem Bark Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia against Some Pathogenic Clinical Isolates from University of Uyo Medical Centre
Authors: Agboke A. A. , Ubak I. F. , Nwosu C. N. , Ekanem M. H. , Momoh M. A.
Published: May 2020

Antimicrobial activities of the leaves and stem bark in aqueouse and ethanol extracts of Alchornea cordifolia were evaluated using tube dilution assay to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of the plant parts and to determine spectrum of activities considering the antimicrobial effect on Gram positive, Gram negative and yeast (Candida albicans), these organisms are known to be pathogenic in nature. Results showed leaves extracts, both aqueouse and ethanol exerted higher activities than the stem bark extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.95 mg/mL – 15.63 mg/mL, although the stem bark extract exhibited good inhibitory activities as well with MIC values ranging from 3.91 mg/mL – 62.50 mg/mL. The antimicrobial spectrum of activities against the organisms was determined by the ratio (R) of MBC/MIC. The leaf extract is bactericidal against the Gram-positive and Gram negative organism with the exception of E. coli that MBC was not determined and, fungicidal against Candida albicans with (R) MBC/MIC ≤ 2. The stem bark extracts were bactericidal against all the Gram positive organisms but bacteriostatic against Salmonella spp and fungistatic against Candida albicans with (R) MBC/MIC ≥ 2. This study revealed that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaf and stem bark of A. cordifolia plant exhibited strong antibacterial activities on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus Subtilis, (Gram positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp (Gram negative) and also exhibit anti-fungal activity against the Candida albicans. The leaf extract exhibited broad antimicrobial spectrum with bactericidal activities against Gram positive, Gram negative and yeast (Candida albicans).
The Anxiety and Stress of the Public during the Spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alrawili Abdulrahman S. , Alkhawaja Faisal Z.
Published: May 2020

Aim: This study aims to assess the public anxiety and stress during the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID‐19).

Methodology: The survey was prepared using CDC “Daily Life & Coping with Coronavirus Disease 2019” section. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software. The descriptive data were represented by frequencies and percentages.

Results: About 91% of the 304 respondents fear and worry about their own health and the health of their families and about 82.24% of them are worried about the effect of the disease spreading on work and study. The majority of the respondents think that people infected with the Coronavirus will experience social rejection and avoidance from others (61.51%) but only 12.5% think that people with the disease may be deprived of health care, education, housing and work.

Conclusion: COVID-19 spreading increase the stress and worry of the public regarding their health, their family health and negative economic effect of the disease. It is important to increase the awareness regarding COVID-19 and to improve the communication of health care professionals and the public with infected patients.
Construction and Improvement of Civil Code from the Perspective of Ecology
Authors: Chungang Miao
Published: May 2020

With the continuous introduction of policy documents, China's ecological civilization construction is gradually advancing. Ecological civilization needs legal response. China's General Principles of Civil Law established "green principle" as the basic principle of civil law for the first time, and carried out through various systems in the specific provisions of civil code. This paper adopts the sociological analysis method to sort out the interaction between legislation and society, and then puts forward some Suggestions to improve the legislation of civil code. In the published draft of civil code, the Ecologization of Torts Law is the highlight, and the compensation system for ecological environment damage is detailed and specific. However, there is still much room for improvements in property rights, contract and personality rights. In order to meet the needs of ecological civilization construction, the real right system should be adjusted in the concept of real right and  the attitude of animals; the contract system should make a breakthrough in the named contract types and regulate carbon trading; in the specific personality right system, the environmental right should be protected by the expansion of the protection of rights and interests in the tort liability law.
Nanoscale Organization of a Platinum(II) Acetylide Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Molecular Glass for Photonics Applications
Authors: Cooper Thomas M. , Haley Joy E. , Stewart David J. , Long Stephanie , Krein Douglas M. , Burke Aaron R. , Arias Eduardo , Moggio Ivana , Turlakov Gleb , Ziolo Ronald F. , Biler Michal , Linares Mathieu , Norman Patrick
Published: May 2020

The fabrication, molecular structure, and spectroscopy of a stable cholesteric liquid crystal platinum acetylide glass obtained from trans‐Pt(PEt3)2(CC−C6H5−CN)(CC−C6H5−COO−Cholesterol), are described and designated as PE1‐CN‐Chol. Polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments show room temperature glassy/crystalline texture with crystal formation upon heating to 165 °C. Further heating results in conversion to cholesteric phase. Cooling to room temperature leads to the formation of a cholesteric liquid crystal glass. Scanning tunneling microscopy of a PE1‐CN‐Chol monolayer reveals self‐assembly at the solid−liquid interface with an array of two molecules arranged in pairs, oriented head‐to‐head through the CN groups, giving rise to a lamella arrangement. The lamella structure obtained from molecular dynamics calculations shows a clear phase separation between the conjugated platinum acetylide and the hydrophobic cholesterol moiety with the lamellae separation distance being 4.0 nm. Ultrafast transient absorption and flash photolysis spectra of the glass show intersystem crossing to the triplet state occurring within 100 ps following excitation. The triplet decay time of the film compared to aerated and deoxygenated solutions is consistent with oxygen quenching at the film surface but not within the film. The high chromophore concentration, high glass thermal stability, and long triplet lifetime in air show that these materials have potential as nonlinear absorbing materials.
Advances in Organic Transistor‐Based Biosensors
Authors: Wang Juan , Ye Dekai , Meng Qing , Di Chong‐an , Zhu Daoben
Published: May 2020

Organic transistors are promising candidates for various biosensing applications owing to their flexibility, biocompatibility, and large‐scale processability. Until now, the construction of state‐of‐the‐art biosensors based on organic transistors, which relies on the fine‐tuned interaction between active layers and target analytes, is highly desired but remains challenging. Herein, the key strategies for constructing sensitive and selective biosensors based on organic transistors via device engineering are summarized. Recent achievements, including the molecular design of organic semiconductors, bio‐receptors assembly through the molecular immobilization, and strategies for overcoming the Debye screening effect, are discussed in a focused manner.
Hydrogel‐Based Janus Micromotors Capped with Functional Nanoparticles for Environmental Applications
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Zhu Hong , Zhao Zhe , You Chunyu , Kong Ye , Zhao Yuting , Liu Jinrun , Chen Hong , Shi Xiaojie , Makarov Denys , Mei Yongfeng
Published: May 2020

Janus nano/micromotors have been developed into various sizes, shapes, and functions for a blaze of applications especially in biomedical and environmental fields. Here, a fabrication method of Janus micromotors is reported by capping hydrogel microspheres with functional nanoparticles (NPs). Microspheres are prepared in droplet microfluidics relying on hydrogel polymerization to obtain spheres with diameters from 20 to 500 µm. By solidifying a hydrogel layer onto microspheres, functional NPs of MnO2 (catalyst of H2O2), TiO2 (photocatalyst), and Fe3O4 (magnetic guidance) are adhered onto microspheres resulting in Janus micromotors revealing different functionalities. Dynamics of Janus micromotors (diameter around 250 µm) are explored by analyzing their trajectories in terms of mean squared displacement when immersed in H2O2 solutions of different concentrations, illuminated by light and guided in an external magnetic field. TiO2 Janus micromotors perform well for water purification tasks as is exemplarily demonstrated with a degradation of Methylene Blue dye in water. The proposed fabrication method is versatile and enables to achieve adjustable coverage of a microsphere with NPs as well as to realize multifunctional Janus micromotors by adhering different NPs (e.g., MnO2 and Fe3O4) on a sphere. This method provides an attractive way to fabricate multifunctional Janus micromotors in a cost‐effective manner for environmental applications.
Physiological processes associated with soybean genetic progress in Argentina
Authors: de Felipe Matías , Borras Lucas , Truong Sandra K. , McCormick Ryan F. , Rotundo José L.
Published: May 2020

The main physiological processes associated with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genetic yield progress in central temperate Argentina are largely unknown. This knowledge is critical to identify opportunities to accelerate yield gains via trait‐based hybridization. Our objectives were to: (a) evaluate the influence of biomass accumulation vs. harvest index (HI) in explaining genetic progress, and (b) assess the role of radiation and/or N capture and use efficiency (RUE and NUE, respectively) as drivers of biomass accumulation. We tested 173 cultivars released from 1980 to 2014 in two high‐yielding environments. Additionally, a crop modeling exercise was performed to demonstrate the physiological perception that any genetic increase in RUE would only translate into more yield if there is enough water for the realization of that RUE. Observed genetic progress was 42 kg ha−1 yr−1, or ∼1% yr−1, and was mostly explained by increased aboveground biomass accumulation. This higher biomass of modern cultivars was associated with increased RUE and total N uptake. This suggests that, if residual genetic variation is still present in current soybean cultivars, future genetic improvements should focus on further improving N uptake to increase RUE. Increases in RUE are associated with increased stomatal conductance and water use. Therefore, it would be expected that genetic progress is faster in environments with increased rainfall. Our modeling exercise was consistent with this hypothesis and showed that soybean genetic progress simulated in different locations within a rainfall gradient was positively associated with cumulative seasonal precipitation.
Improving CH4/N2 selectivity within isomeric Al‐based MOFs for the highly selective capture of coal‐mine methane
Authors: Lv Daofei , Wu Ying , Chen Jiayu , Tu Yuanhua , Yuan Yinuo , Wu Houxiao , Chen Yongwei , Liu Baoyu , Xi Hongxia , Li Zhong , Xia Qibin
Published: May 2020

Selectively separating CH4 from N2 in coal‐mine methane is significantly important in the chemical industry, but challenging and energy‐intensive. Using porous materials as adsorbents can separate CH4/N2 mixtures with low energy consumption, but most adsorbents encounter the problem of poor separation selectivity. Here, we propose a strategy for improving CH4/N2 selectivity by controlling pore wall environment in two isomeric Al‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with four highly symmetric polar sites for strengthened adsorption affinity toward CH4 over N2. At 298 K and 100 kPa, CAU‐21‐BPDC with four highly symmetric polar sites in the pore walls exhibits 2.4 times higher CH4/N2 selectivity than CAU‐8‐BPDC without four highly symmetric polar sites. Gas adsorption isotherms, CH4/N2 selectivity calculations, Qst of CH4, interaction energy calculations, adsorption density distributions of CH4 and N2, and breakthrough curves reveal that CAU‐21‐BPDC is a potential candidate for selective capture coal‐mine methane.
Specific learning disorders in sex chromosome aneuploidies: Neural circuits of literacy and mathematics
Authors: Karipidis Iliana I. , Hong David S.
Published: May 2020

Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are associated with an increased risk for specific learning disorders (SLD). Individuals with Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) show an increased incidence of developmental dyslexia and individuals with Turner Syndrome (TS) are often affected by developmental dyscalculia. Accordingly, KS frequently coincides with verbal deficits, and TS with visual–spatial impairments. Though neurocognitive profiles of KS and TS are well‐established, little is known about the neurobiology underling learning in SCA. This review summarizes current structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in KS and TS related to literacy and mathematical skills. It includes studies that focus on correlates between brain anatomy and cognition in SCA and on functional brain responses during learning‐related tasks and at rest. We highlight important neural circuits that are related to domain‐specific skills of literacy and mathematics. We discuss how identifying neuroendophenotypes of learning in SCA might contribute to developing a novel framework for SLD that accounts for potential genetic effects on learning, and from the X and Y chromosomes specifically. Future research directions are considered to establish clear brain‐behavior relationships that might ultimately improve the treatment of SLD in SCA across development.
Ontogenetic changes of diploic channels in modern humans
Authors: Rangel‐de Lázaro Gizéh , Neubauer Simon , Gunz Philipp , Bruner Emiliano
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The diploic channels are bony passages of veins, running within frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. In this study, we investigate ontogenetic changes of these channels in a sample of nonadult and adult modern humans.

Materials and methods

Using computed tomography scans of dried crania, we provide quantitative comparisons of lumen size, branch length, volume, and vascular asymmetries, and correlations with age, cranial size, and bone thickness.

Results

The vascular system displays progressive but nonlinear changes throughout ontogeny, becoming even more complex with adulthood. Vascular variables are significantly different in frontal, parietal, and occipital bones for most of the postnatal ontogeny. Diploic channels of the left and right sides are developed similarly. Vascular variables display a nonlinear association with age and cranial size in modern humans. Cranial bone thickness is shown to be a major determinant of lumen size, branch length, and volume.

Conclusions

A previous radiographic survey suggested that diploic channels are more developed in adult modern humans than in nonadults. Recent advances in digital anatomy have been used in this study to investigate this craniovascular structure. The complexity of the channels increases during development, with a noticeable boost in adults. Taking into account the potential metabolic differences and constraints associated with modern human brain size and shape, the vascular differences found might be related to endocranial thermoregulation.
Effect of dual chemical modification on the properties of biodegradable films from achira starch
Authors: Cabrera Canales Zaira Esmeralda , Rodríguez Marín María Luisa , Gómez Aldapa Carlos Alberto , Méndez Montealvo Guadalupe , Chávez Gutiérrez Miguel , Velazquez Gonzalo
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dual modification (acid hydrolysis and succination) on the structural, mechanical, thermomechanical, and permeability properties of films from achira starch. Micrographs of films revealed a smooth surface and some remnants of starch granules, indicating a partial gelatinization. Tensile strength and percentage of elongation increased in films from double modified starch (10.50 MPa and 42.83%, respectively). The OH groups formed in the amylose and amylopectin chains during the hydrolysis and the alkoxide groups (RO−) generated during the succination resulted in high values of water vapor permeability (3.215 × 10−10 g/s m Pa). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of films from hydrolyzed–succinated starch was decreased due to the reduction of the molecular weight of the polymeric chains and the presence of succinate groups that reduced the molecular interactions of the polymeric chains, increasing the mobility and therefore decreasing the softening temperature.
Gone with the wind: Seasonal distribution and habitat use by the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in the Maldives, implications for conservation
Authors: Harris Joanna L. , McGregor Peter K. , Oates Yvonne , Stevens Guy M. W.
Published: May 2020

Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are one of the ocean's largest and most charismatic species. Pressure from targeted and bycatch fisheries coupled with their conservative life‐history traits including slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity has led to catastrophic declines of the global population. The species is now listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The global M. alfredi population is widely distributed in highly fragmented subpopulations. The Maldives supports the world's largest known subpopulation that undergoes seasonal migrations which are thought to be linked to peaks in ocean productivity induced by the South Asian Monsoon. Although the species is protected from targeted fisheries in the region, increasing pressures from habitat degradation and unsustainable tourism activities mean their effective conservation relies upon knowledge of the species' habitat use, seasonal distribution, and the environmental influences on such movements.

Photo‐ID sighting records collected between 2005 and 2017 were used to identify key aggregation sites throughout the archipelago, and multiple linear regression and prediction analysis identified the environmental variables affecting variations in the intra‐annual sighting frequency of M. alfredi.

Mobula alfredi were recorded at 273 different sites, 48 of which, with >100 sightings at each, were classified as key areas of habitat use. South‐west monsoon winds and chlorophyll‐a concentration predominantly affected the monthly percentage of M. alfredi sighted on the down‐current side of the atolls.

In a country where climate change and touristic pressure are increasingly threatening this species and its habitat, the identification of key areas of habitat use and temporal changes in the use of these sites highlight the areas that should be prioritized for protection enabling more effective conservation management.
Regenerative medicine, organ bioengineering and transplantation
Authors: Edgar L , Pu T , Porter B , Aziz J M , La Pointe C , Asthana A , Orlando G
Published: May 2020

Background

Organ transplantation is predicted to increase as life expectancy and the incidence of chronic diseases rises. Regenerative medicine-inspired technologies challenge the efficacy of the current allograft transplantation model.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using the PubMed interface of MEDLINE from the National Library of Medicine. Results were examined for relevance to innovations of organ bioengineering to inform analysis of advances in regenerative medicine affecting organ transplantation. Data reports from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient and Organ Procurement Transplantation Network from 2008 to 2019 of kidney, pancreas, liver, heart, lung and intestine transplants performed, and patients currently on waiting lists for respective organs, were reviewed to demonstrate the shortage and need for transplantable organs.

Results

Regenerative medicine technologies aim to repair and regenerate poorly functioning organs. One goal is to achieve an immunosuppression-free state to improve quality of life, reduce complications and toxicities, and eliminate the cost of lifelong antirejection therapy. Innovative strategies include decellularization to fabricate acellular scaffolds that will be used as a template for organ manufacturing, three-dimensional printing and interspecies blastocyst complementation. Induced pluripotent stem cells are an innovation in stem cell technology which mitigate both the ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells and the limitation of other progenitor cells, which lack pluripotency. Regenerative medicine technologies hold promise in a wide array of fields and applications, such as promoting regeneration of native cell lines, growth of new tissue or organs, modelling of disease states, and augmenting the viability of existing ex vivo transplanted organs.

Conclusion

The future of organ bioengineering relies on furthering understanding of organogenesis, in vivo regeneration, regenerative immunology and long-term monitoring of implanted bioengineered organs.
Cadmium binding characterization and mechanism of a newly isolated strain Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Tao
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to screen a strain for the removal of Cd2+ from aqueous solution and investigate the characterization and mechanism of the Cd2+ binding process. A novel strain of yeast showed high tolerance of cadmium, namely Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3, was isolated from soils, which could resist 22,000 mg/L and 18,000 mg/L Cd2+ on PDA (potato dextrose agar) plate and in PDA liquid medium, respectively. Cd2+ binding experiment showed that the strain could remove Cd2+ from aqueous solution effectively, the maximum Cd2+ removal rate of 84.45% was achieved at initial Cd2+ concentration 30 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that sorption of Cd2+ by cells could be associated with changes in the cell surface morphology. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the important role of the functional groups OH, CO, NH2, COO, PO, and CH on the cell surface in the binding of Cd2+. The comparison of the binding ability of different cellular parts indicated a significant role of the cell wall played in the Cd2+ binding process. Pretreatment of the cells by boiling or ultrasonication could improve the biosorption capacity of QN‐3. In addition, QN‐3 exhibited selective and preferential property of binding capacity for other heavy metals, such as Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. These data suggested the promising use of Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3 as an effective and friendly biosorbent for cadmium or other heavy metals decontamination in the environment.
Charactering tumor microenvironment reveals stromal‐related transcription factors promote tumor carcinogenesis in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Haining , Ni Shujuan , Wang Hanbo , Zhang Qiongyan , Weng Weiwei
Published: May 2020

Transcription factors represent the crucial role of controlling gene transcription in cancer development and progression. However, their functions in gastric cancer have not been thoroughly characterized. For this study, we comprehensively evaluated the correlation between infiltration patterns of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells and TFs expression in the cohort of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) from TCGA database. We integrally explored differential expression panel and prognostic value of candidate TFs in TCGA‐STAD cohort. Notably, we found a key transcription factor named HEYL, which its expression level was correlated with stromal component transformation of TME. HEYL was regularly high expressed in gastric cancer and correlated with patients’ poor prognosis. Knockdown of HEYL prominently abrogated the tendency of cell proliferation, migration, and progression in gastric cancer. Consistently, overexpression of HEYL strikingly accelerated the gastric carcinoma development through activating oncogenic signaling pathways and transcriptional activation of cadherin 11 (CDH11). Our findings not only identified the close relationship between TFs and TME phenotype, but also emphasized the crucial importance of TFs, especially HEYL, which could be identified as a candidate biomarker to evaluate prognostic risk and therapeutic effect in gastric cancer.
Characteristics of non‐culprit plaques in acute coronary syndrome patients with calcified plaque at the culprit lesion
Authors: Kim Hyung Oh , Kim Chong Jin , Cho Jin‐Man , Soeda Tsunenari , Kurihara Osamu , Russo Michele , Araki Makoto , Lee Hang , Minami Yoshiyasu , Jang Ik‐Kyung
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate the non‐culprit plaques (NCPs) characteristics in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with calcified plaques (CP).

Background

Recently, a new in vivo classification of calcified culprit plaques in patients with ACS was proposed. Characteristics of NCPs in this group of patients are unknown.

Methods

A total of 692 NCPs from 492 ACS patients were retrospectively compared based on the culprit plaque phenotype: 71 from CP patients, 383 from plaque rupture (PR) patients, 238 from plaque erosion (PE) patients.

Results

NCPs of CP patients had greater maximal calcium thickness, wider calcium arc, longer calcium length, and greater calcium index, compared to PR or PE patients (CP vs. PR: all p < .001, CP vs. PE: all p < .001). Thin‐cap fibroatheroma was less prevalent (p = .023), fibrous cap was thicker (p = .035), and mean lipid arc was narrower in CP than in PR (p < .001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, NCPs of CP patients had greater calcium burden and less vulnerability. This information may help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of ACS and to develop strategy for tailored management.
Function‐integrative Lightweight Engineering – Design Methods and Applications
Authors: Modler Niels , Winkler Anja , Filippatos Angelos , Weck Daniel , Dannemann Martin
Published: May 2020

Function‐integrative lightweight engineering represents an essential element in modern design methods. Currently, there is a great need for the incorporation of sensors, actuators and electronics in novel, demand‐oriented components. In contrast to a subsequent, mostly adhesive bonding, structural integration offers numerous advantages, for example in terms of space requirements and robustness. This paper demonstrates the potential of integrated sensors for various industrial sectors based on selected examples from mechanical engineering, aviation, mobility, sports, and medical technology.
Validation of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Leukemia instrument in patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are not candidates for intensive therapy
Authors: Peipert John Devin , Yount Susan E. , Efficace Fabio , Loefgren Christina , Pierson Renee , He Jianming , Cella David
Published: May 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to validate the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Leukemia (FACT‐Leu) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are not candidates for intensive therapy.

Methods

A sample of 317 patients with AML who were not eligible for intensive chemotherapy completed the FACT‐Leu and EuroQol 5‐Dimension (EQ‐5D) measures (Utility Index and Visual Analogue Scale) every 28 days until the end of treatment. Internal consistency reliability was estimated with Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity was examined with correlations between FACT‐Leu and EQ‐5D scales, and known‐groups validity was examined by determining whether FACT‐Leu scales distinguished between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ratings (PSRs) and between maximum adverse event toxicities at the baseline. This study examined responsiveness to change by anchoring change in the FACT‐Leu scales to a 0.10 change in the EQ‐5D Health Utility Index.

Results

Cronbach's α usually exceeded the threshold for good (≥0.80) or excellent reliability (≥0.90). Correlations between FACT‐Leu and EQ‐5D scales were moderate (r > 0.50) or high (r > 0.70). FACT‐Leu scales distinguished between ECOG PSR groups with large effect sizes for an ECOG PSR of 0 versus an ECOG PSR of 2 (0.50 ≤ d < 0.80). In addition, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General, Additional Concerns, FACT‐Leu Total, and Trial Outcomes Index scales distinguished between patients with grade 3 or lower maximum adverse event toxicities and those with maximum adverse event toxicities higher than grade 3, but effect sizes were small (d < 0.50). Finally, FACT‐Leu scale coefficients for a 0.10 change in the 5‐level version of the EQ‐5D HUI ranged between −0.01 and 4.30.

Conclusions

The FACT‐Leu is a suitable outcome measure for AML clinical trials among patients not eligible for intensive therapy, and it may have value for clinical monitoring.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group, Phase 1 Clinical Trial Comparing the Pharmacokinetic, Safety, and Immunogenicity of the Biosimilar HS016 and the Originator Adalimumab in Chinese Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Cao Guoying , Yu Jicheng , Wu Jufang , Wang Jingjing , Xue Yu , Yang Xiaoli , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2020

A comparison of the immunogenicity, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties of HS016 and its originator, adalimumab, was conducted in Chinese healthy male subjects. This was a phase 1 single‐center, randomized, parallel‐group double‐blind clinical trial. Chinese healthy male subjects (1:1) allocated to HS016 and adalimumab groups were treated with single subcutaneous injections (40 mg/0.8 mL). The pharmacokinetic equivalence of HS016 and adalimumab was assessed by (1) the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last detectable drug concentration (AUC0‐t), (2) the AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞), and (3) the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). Other pharmacokinetic parameters (time to Cmax, apparent clearance, and half‐life), safety, and immunogenicity were also evaluated. A total of 136 subjects were randomly divided into HS016 (n = 68) or adalimumab (n = 68) groups. The geometric means of AUC0‐t, AUC0‐∞, and Cmax were similar for HS016 and adalimumab. The 90%CIs of AUC0‐t (87.2% to 106.1%), AUC0‐∞ (87.4% to 108.4%), and Cmax (98.6% to 113.6%) were all within the prespecified bioequivalence criteria (80% to 125%). The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar in both groups, with most TEAEs being mild; only 3 (4.4%) subjects in the HS016 group experienced moderate TEAEs. No significant differences in the time to Cmax, apparent clearance, half‐life, and immunogenicity were detected. The pharmacokinetic profile of HS016 was equivalent to that of the originator, adalimumab, with similar safety and immunogenicity profiles. HS016 may be considered for assessment in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Generating a Cost‐Effective, Weekend‐Free Chemically Defined Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC) Culture Medium
Authors: Fonoudi Hananeh , Lyra‐Leite Davi M. , Javed Hoor A. , Burridge Paul W.
Published: May 2020

We have previously developed a cost‐effective chemically defined medium formula for weekend‐free culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), costing ∼3% of the price of commercial medium. This medium, which we termed B8, is specifically optimized for robust and fast growth of hiPSCs and for a weekend‐free medium change regimen. We demonstrated that this medium is suitable for reprogramming of somatic cells into hiPSCs and for differentiation into a variety of lineages. Here, we provide a protocol for simple generation of the most cost‐effective variant of this medium, along with a protocol for making Matrigel‐coated plates and culturing, passaging, cryopreserving, and thawing hiPSCs. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of a highly optimized, robust, and cost‐effective human induced pluripotent stem cell culture medium

Basic Protocol 2: Weekend‐free maintenance and passaging of human induced pluripotent stem cells in B8 medium