bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alter e-go: nuestro yo virtual
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: March 2021

A medida que Internet ha ido potenciando su dimensión social, se ha incrementado exponencialmente el número de plataformas que permiten a cualquier persona con acceso a la Red mostrarse, darse a conocer, expresarse y, en definitiva, relacionarse con los demás en el entorno virtual. Así, del mismo modo que las empresas van forjando día a día su identidad digital corporativa, los individuos vamos construyendo nuestra identidad digital personal.
Peranan mediasi orang tua terhadap kecanduan internet pada remaja: Harga diri sebagai mediator
Authors: Pratiwi Ratri , Afiatin Tina
Published: March 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menguji apakah mediasi orang tua memprediksi kecanduaninternet pada remaja dan apakah hubungan ini dimediasi oleh harga diri. Harga diri diyakinisebagai salah satu faktor internal yang memediasi hubungan mediasi orang tua dan kecanduaninternet. Subjek penelitian adalah 413 siswa dari 5 Sekolah Menengah Atas di Kota Yogyakartadengan usia 13-18 tahun. Kriteria subjek penelitian, yaitu pengguna internet aktif danmenggunakan internet minimal enam jam setiap hari, dan tinggal bersama orang tua yangmenggunakan internet. Analisis data dengan analisis regresi didapatkan hasil bahwa (1) mediasiorang tua berperan secara signifikan terhadap harga diri (β= 0,131, p<0,01), (2) Harga diriberperan secara signifikan terhadap kecanduan internet (β= -0,132, p<0,01) (3) Denganmengontrol harga diri, mediasi orang tua berperan secara signifikan terhadap kecanduaninternet (β= -0,290, p<0,01). Artinya, harga diri memediasi secara parsial hubungan antaramediasi orang tua dengan kecanduan internet.
Linguistics for the Age of AI
Authors: McShane Marjorie , Nirenburg Sergei
Published: March 2021

A human-inspired, linguistically sophisticated model of language understanding for intelligent agent systems.

One of the original goals of artificial intelligence research was to endow intelligent agents with human-level natural language capabilities. Recent AI research, however, has focused on applying statistical and machine learning approaches to big data rather than attempting to model what people do and how they do it. In this book, Marjorie McShane and Sergei Nirenburg return to the original goal of recreating human-level intelligence in a machine. They present a human-inspired, linguistically sophisticated model of language understanding for intelligent agent systems that emphasizes meaning—the deep, context-sensitive meaning that a person derives from spoken or written language.

With Linguistics for the Age of AI, McShane and Nirenburg offer a roadmap for creating language-endowed intelligent agents (LEIAs) that can understand,explain, and learn. They describe the language-understanding capabilities of LEIAs from the perspectives of cognitive modeling and system building, emphasizing “actionability”—which involves achieving interpretations that are sufficiently deep, precise, and confident to support reasoning about action. After detailing their microtheories for topics such as semantic analysis, basic coreference, and situational reasoning, McShane and Nirenburg turn to agent applications developed using those microtheories and evaluations of a LEIA's language understanding capabilities.

McShane and Nirenburg argue that the only way to achieve human-level language understanding by machines is to place linguistics front and center, using statistics and big data as contributing resources. They lay out a long-term research program that addresses linguistics and real-world reasoning together, within a comprehensive cognitive architecture.

The open access edition of this book was made possible by generous funding from Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.
Instead of Introduction: How Old Is Sacredness?
Authors:   Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Jonuks Tõnno ,   School of Humanities, Tallinn University, Estonia
Published: March 2021

It is customary that references to history are used to legitimise one’s ideological and religious statements. This method is particularly visible in contemporary pagan and spiritual movements, in which history has a crucial position not only in justifications of religious claims but also in searching inspiration for contemporary beliefs and for providing a structural framework for (re)constructing past religions. The commonest explanation for using history in arguments and rhetoric in religion is to add credibility to one’s claims. Examples can be found in traditional institutional religious organisations, in contemporary spiritual movements, but also in the rhetoric of individual charismatic leaders. Such rhetorical manner is not common to contemporary religions only but can also be followed in historical folk religion (see, e.g., Johanson 2018). For instance, in a record of a heavily worn eighteenth-century copper coin, used for healing magic in the early twentieth century, the old age of the coin is specifically valued.
Predictors of treatment failure during the first year in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Sia Hon-Ke , Kor Chew-Teng , Tu Shih-Te , Liao Pei-Yung , Chang Yu-Chia
Published: March 2021

Background

Diabetes patients who fail to achieve early glycemic control may increase the future risk of complications and mortality. The aim of the study was to identify factors that predict treatment failure (TF) during the first year in adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study conducted at a medical center in Taiwan enrolled 4,282 eligible patients with newly diagnosed T2DM between 2002 and 2017. Data were collected from electronic medical records. TF was defined as the HbA1c value >7% at the end of 1-year observation. A subgroup analysis of 2,392 patients with baseline HbA1c ≥8% was performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis using backward elimination was applied to establish prediction models.

Results

Of all study participants, 1,439 (33.6%) were classified as TF during the first year. For every 1% increase in baseline HbA1c, the risk of TF was 1.17 (95% CI 1.15–1.20) times higher. Patients with baseline HbA1c ≥8% had a higher rate of TF than those with HbA1c <8% (42.0 vs 23.0%, p < 0.001). Medication adherence, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), regular exercise, gender (men), non-insulin treatment, and enrollment during 2010–2017 predicted a significant lower risk of TF in both of the primary and subgroup models.

Conclusions

Newly diagnosed diabetes patients with baseline HbA1c ≥8% did have a much higher rate of TF during the first year. Subgroup analysis for them highlights the important predictors of TF, including medication adherence, performing SMBG, regular exercise, and gender, in achieving glycemic control.
Objetividad, Ecología y Problemática Ambiental
Authors: Di Pasquo Federico , Klier Gabriela , Bussan Tomás Emilio , Del Castillo Daniela
Published: March 2021

En este trabajo indagamos el modo en que la ecología se dirige a su objeto de estudio, la naturaleza. “Ilustramos” este modo de estudiar la naturaleza mediante una crítica a la objetividad desarrollada por Theodore Roszak. Destacando que la ecología opera, en el contexto de la problemática ambiental, <> fuese objetiva. En este marco, problematizamos: (i) cómo se construye un significado de la naturaleza desde la ecología, (ii) cómo se silencia la experiencia del ecólogo en la naturaleza, (iii) cómo se da el vínculo entre valores (espirituales, estéticos o recreativos) y conocimiento ecosistémico y finalmente (iv) abordamos el carácter <> del conocimiento ecosistémico y su posición hegemónica en el contexto de la problemática ambiental. En líneas generales, las conclusiones del presente trabajo se dirigen a relegar al conocimiento ecosistémico a un lugar más modesto dentro de la actual crisis ambiental.
Jean-Pierre Tardieu: Resistencia de los negros en el virreinato de México (siglos XVI-XVII), Madrid: Iberoamericana - Vervuert, 2017, 297 páginas
Authors: Ramírez Manuel
Published: March 2021

El libro de Rocío Quispe-Agnoli, “Nobles de papel. Identidades oscilantes y genealogías borrosas en los descendientes de la realeza inca”, nos traslada a una temática cercana a nuestra realidad hispanoamericana que nos permite volver a pensar sobre el proceso de mestizaje y sus consecuencias culturales en nuestro continente, haciendo de esta investigación del mundo colonial americano, un trabajo de reflexión histórica contemporánea.
El Sistema Nacional Integrado de Cuidados en Uruguay: ¿Acceso equitativo para la ciudadanía en tanto derecho universal?
Authors: Cafaro Mango Ana Laura
Published: March 2021

Para comprender el Sistema Nacional Integrado de Cuidados (SNIC) que se está construyendo actualmente en Uruguay, es imprescindible introducir algunos conceptos básicos: género, construcción de ciudadanía, así como el derecho universal de las ciudadanas y ciudadanos a ser cuidados. Los debates sobre ciudadanía siguen planteando hoy un campo de tensión entre una concepción de ciudadanía universal y una de ciudadanía diferenciada, a partir del reconocimiento de la existencia de antagonismos no derivados del proceso de producción –como puede ser el de género- sino de procesos socio-culturales históricamente instalados. En el presente documento, se realizará un breve recorrido por las políticas de Cuidados en el Uruguay donde – desde el discurso institucional - se destacan fundamentalmente el reconocimiento del valor social de los cuidados, la corresponsabilidad entre familias, Estado, comunidad y mercado, así como la consagración del cuarto pilar de bienestar como componente no tradicional de políticas sociales. La pregunta que surge entonces es si las políticas de Cuidados están logrando un acceso equitativo a quienes son sujetos de derecho en su calidad de ciudadanos y ciudadanas. Y aquí resulta interesante realizar algunas apreciaciones que a nuestro entender podrían estar brindando elementos hacia una plausible respuesta. ¿El SNIC logra poner en cuestión esta crisis socioreproductiva colocando como centralidad el tema de los cuidados como derecho humano universal asumiendo una perspectiva de género?
¿Qué es la identidad indígena? La importancia simbólica del territorio natural en la lucha mapuche
Authors: Balbontin Cristobal
Published: March 2021

El presente ensayo tiene como contexto la agudización de la violencia en el actual conflicto entre comunidades mapuche y el Estado, en las regiones de la Araucanía y Los Ríos de Chile, a propósito de la explotación de recursos naturales como bosques, agua y costas, lo que da cuenta de una falta de marco teórico de lectura adecuada de este conflicto que permita al Estado elaborar políticas públicas que posibilite encontrar una vía de solución pacífica y legítima al conflicto. A partir de lo anterior, este ensayo intenta un diálogo entre la filosofía y la antropología a fin de reflexionar sobre la constitución de la identidad indígena, y cómo -a diferencia de la identidad abstracta del hombre moderno- dicha identidad se organiza a partir de relación con la naturaleza circundante.
Medianización social y transformaciones residenciales recientes en ciudades de La Araucanía
Authors: Vergara Luis
Published: March 2021

El capitalismo neoliberal ha impulsado procesos de reestructuración de las clases sociales al interior de los espacios urbanos, los que han derivado en nuevas formas de construir ciudad. Este artículo analiza la manera en que las transformaciones en la estructura social de clases de las últimas décadas han impactado en las dinámicas urbanas de tres ciudades de La Araucanía: Temuco, Angol y Villarrica. Los resultados dan cuenta de que estas ciudades avanzan hacia procesos de medianización de su estructura social a la vez que han disminuido los grupos asociados a clase baja. En ese contexto, se muestra cómo aquellas dinámicas sociales se expresan en clave territorial al interior de los espacios urbanos de la Región, complementándose con dinámicas inmobiliarias locales que se mueven entre el incremento de la mixtura social del espacio y la expulsión de las clases bajas de las áreas urbanas consolidadas. Se finaliza reflexionando sobre la necesidad de avanzar hacia la comprensión de cómo las particularidades de estas ciudades tienen capacidad para construir comunidades en ellas.
IMPORTANCE OF SHODHANA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SAMANYA SHODHANA OF TAMRA
Authors: Sahu Archana , Kujur Mridu Sanjana , Sahu Lalchand , Thakur Rakesh Singh , Parhate Saroj
Published: March 2021

Rasa Shastra is a branch of Ayurveda, which deals with the uses of drugs originated mainly from metals and minerals substances like Tamra Bhasma. Raw Tamra may contain impurities, heterogeneous and unwanted qualities. Aim of Shodhana is to make it purified and make it free from toxicity and suitable for the body. In this study Shodhana of Tamra was performed by classical method mentioned in Rasa Ratna Samucchya. In this process for Samanya Shodhana of Tamra. It was heated and after red hot it was quenched for 7 times in Tila Taila, Takra, Gomutra, Kanji and Kulattha kwatha in order. Total weight loss of Tamra after Samanya Shodhana was 13.33%, which shows removal of impurities. Literally, Shodhana is a procedure of elimination of Doshas in a drug. After Shodhana Loss on weight of Tamra, pH and colour changes of all liquid media were observed.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SHARBAT ALOO BALOO
Authors: Ahmad Imtiyaz , Shamsi Shariq , Shadab Mohd
Published: March 2021

Sharbat (Syrup) is one of the important dosage forms of Unani system of the medicine (USM). In the form of Sharbat, numbers of formulations are manufactured because of its various advantages in respiratory system, digestive system and urinary system. Out of these, Sharbat Aloo baloo (SAB) is one of the important formulations, being used in urinary system to cure the renal calculi and stone in bladder. Both of these diseases are very common and present everywhere. SAB is very effective for both diseases, hence was selected and prepared as per the ratio of drug and sugar (1:4) given in Bayaz Kabeer and then evaluated for its standardization on different physicochemical parameters. Physico-chemical evaluation was done on three batches of SAB of different volumes (one litre batch, five lire batch and ten litre batch). Physico-chemical standards of SAB were fixed on various parameters like (a) organoleptic properties (appearance, colour, odour and taste) (b) Viscosity (c) pH values (d) Ash values (e) Extractive values (f) Alcohol soluble matter (g) Water soluble matter (h) Specific gravity at 25ºC (i) Refractive index (j) Sugar quantity (total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar) (k) Estimation of calcium, potassium and phosphorus (l)TLC finger printing. The results obtained for the various Physico-chemical tests of lab samples of SAB may be taken as standard values for future reference.
ANTEROGRADE AMNESIA (SMRITI VIBHRAMS) AYURVEDIC TREATMENT: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Bishnoi Poonam , Kumar Pankaj
Published: March 2021

Anterograde amnesia is the inability to acquire and retain new information. Amnesia has an incidence of 5 per 1,00,000 population per year. It usually effects patients between the age of 40 and 60 years, at an average age of 61 years. The disease anterograde amnesia and smriti Vibhrams are similar in their etiology, sign and symptoms. Smriti Vibhrams refers to a state characterized by deviation from normalcy this means either reduced memory or selective memory. In this case a 36-year-old male having chief complained is unable to retain knowledge, poor concentration and disremembering. Neurological exam and psychological test have been done for the proper diagnosis. With the help of this we diagnosed Anterograde amnesia vis-à-vis Smriti Vibhrams. Treatment includes Sadhyovamana, Classical Virechana, Pratimarsha nasya and oral medications. The treatment was found to be good in Anterograde amnesia. Patient got 40-50% relief. This was a single case study, and a single case study may not be sufficient enough to prove significance of any treatment, but it gives an idea for the line of treatment to be adopted in such cases.
Catalytic Performance of TiO2–Carbon Mesoporous-Derived from Fish Bones in Styrene Oxidation with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidant
Authors: Nurhadi Mukhamad , Kusumawardani Ratna , Wirawan Teguh , Sumari Sumari , Lai Sin Yuan , Nur Hadi
Published: March 2021

The catalytic performance of titania-supported carbon mesoporous-derived from fish bones (TiO2/CFB) has been investigated in styrene oxidation with aqueous H2O2. The preparation steps of (TiO2/CFB) catalyst involved the carbonization of fish bones powder at 500 °C for 2 h. followed by impregnation of titania using titanium(IV) isopropoxide (500 µmol) precursor, and calcined at 350 °C for 3 h. The physical properties of the adsorbents were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies. The catalytic test was carried out using styrene oxidation with H2O2 as an oxidant at room temperature for 24 h. Its catalytic activity was compared with Fe2O3/CFB, CuO/CFB, TiO2, and CFB catalysts. It is demonstrated that the catalytic activity of TiO2/CFB catalyst has the highest compared to Fe2O3/CFB, CuO/CFB, TiO2, and CFB catalysts in the oxidation of styrene with styrene conversion ~23% and benzaldehyde selectivity ~90%. Kinetics of TiO2/CFB catalyzed oxidation of styrene has been investigated and mechanism for oxidation of styrene has been proposed. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA   License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Effect of Ground Conditions and Mesh Size of Net-type Barrier on Debris Flow Behavior
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Jin , Lee Ji-Sung , Kim Yun-Tae
Published: March 2021

Debris flow is a type of landslide that occurs mainly in mountain valley areas during heavy rainfall. Various types of barriers have been installed in South Korea to reduce the damage caused by debris flows. However, there is no reasonable design standard when installing the barrier, and an experimental study for the performance evaluation of barriers is insufficient. In this study, the performance of the net-type barrier was evaluated by analyzing the effect of the ground conditions and mesh size of the net-type barrier on the debris flow behavior by reducing the front velocity and deposition volume. As a result, for areas with less fine content, the efficiency of the net-type barrier increased as the mesh size of the net-type barrier decreased. Accordingly, the ground conditions and mesh size of the net-type barrier significantly influence the performance of the net-type barrier. The damage caused by debris flow can be sufficiently reduced through the reasonable design of a net-type barrier.
Field Evaluation of Load Bearing Capacity and Embedment Depth of Existing Ballastless Plate Girder Bridge Foundations
Authors: Yoo Hyeonwoo , Oh Jeongho , Ahn Sinwhan
Published: March 2021

The ballastless plate girder bridge, classified as a structure type that requires an emergent replacement among domestic railway bridges, generally tends to upgrade to a ballasted track along with continuous welded rail (CWR). The axial forces of the CWR due to the temperature change need to be distributed to the bridge foundations. Because most of the existing ballastless plate girder bridges of over 50 years of age do not provide any design information, such bridge foundations are regarded as unknown foundations, and therefore, it is crucial to identify the structural adequacy and dimension. In this study, an effort was made to establish a correlation between the standard penetration test (SPT) and mid-size pneumatic cone penetration test (MPCP) to estimate the load bearing capacity of an unknown foundation. A field test was conducted to estimate the depth of the unknown foundation by employing SPT and MPCP as the source wave part. The magnitude of the shear wave was mitigated by the presence of PVC and steel pipes, such that it might be possible to identify the embedment depth of unknown foundations.
Drought Risk Assessment for Upland Crops using Satellite-derived Evapotranspiration and Soil Available Water Capacity
Authors: Jeon Min-Gi , Nam Won-Ho , Lee Hee-Jin , Hong Eun-Mi , Hwang Seonah , Hur Seung-Oh
Published: March 2021

Agricultural drought can have long-lasting and harmful impacts on both the agricultural ecosystem and economy. Recently, as climate change has increased global warming, the frequency and intensity of droughts are increasing as weather and environmental factors that directly affect agriculture are rapidly changing. In South Korea, severe droughts have occurred every year for the past seven years. Compared to paddies supplied with water from agricultural reservoirs, upland crops are highly vulnerable to drought due to a lack of irrigation facilities. The consumption requirements for upland crops cannot be satisfied by rainfall alone and require supplementation through irrigation. The amount of upland crop consumption and irrigation water should be calculated not only by the amount of evaporation but also by taking into account the soil moisture movement. Soil moisture is a key variable for defining the agricultural drought index; however, in situ soil moisture observations are unavailable for many areas. Remote sensing techniques can allow surface soil moisture observations at different tempo-spatial resolutions. Soil available water content is an important factor used in evaluating upland drought impacts. It is recognized as a major factor in water resource circulation. This study proposes a practical method to perform drought risk assessments for upland crops based on evaporation and soil moisture by utilizing Famine Early Warning Systems Network evaporation acidity satellite images provided by the United States Geological Survey.
Study of the Characteristics of Wind over Nuclear Power Plants in Korea
Authors: Oh Su-Bin , Kim Chun-Ji , Lee Sang-Hyun , Lee Hyun-Ha , Jin Chun-Sil , Jeong Seung-Yeong
Published: March 2021

To establish a strategy for public protective action from radioactive leakage in the event of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accidents, long-term records of wind data collected at the Korean NPPs were analyzed. Wind characteristics related to the advection and diffusion of radioactive pollutants were examined by analyzing the wind direction, speed, and land-sea breezes for NPPs (Hanbit, Hanul, Wolsong, Kori, and Shin-Kori) in Korea. The study also analyzed the characteristics of calm winds causing the accumulation of radioactive materials. The wind characteristics of each NPP differ depending on the seasonal and daily variabilities; thus, a detailed time-scaled airflow database is required. In addition, the findings, through continuous updates of the airflow database, will contribute to improving preparedness.
One‐Step 3D Printing of Heart Patches with Built‐In Electronics for Performance Regulation
Authors: Asulin Masha , Michael Idan , Shapira Assaf , Dvir Tal
Published: March 2021

Three dimensional (3D) printing of heart patches usually provides the ability to precisely control cell location in 3D space. Here, one‐step 3D printing of cardiac patches with built‐in soft and stretchable electronics is reported. The tissue is simultaneously printed using three distinct bioinks for the cells, for the conducting parts of the electronics and for the dielectric components. It is shown that the hybrid system can withstand continuous physical deformations as those taking place in the contracting myocardium. The electronic patch is flexible, stretchable, and soft, and the electrodes within the printed patch are able to monitor the function of the engineered tissue by providing extracellular potentials. Furthermore, the system allowed controlling tissue function by providing electrical stimulation for pacing. It is envisioned that such transplantable patches may regain heart contractility and allow the physician to monitor the implant function as well as to efficiently intervene from afar when needed.
Laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy: Review of its current status
Authors: Marubashi Shigeru , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: March 2021

The laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy procedure has been developing rapidly. Although its use has increased worldwide, it is still only performed by experienced surgeons at a limited number of institutions. However, technical innovations have improved the feasibility of more widespread use of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy. The advantages of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy should not be overemphasized, and the fundamental principle of “living‐donor safety first” cannot be neglected. This review aims to summarize the current status of laparoscopic living‐donor hepatectomy and to emphasize that, while this procedure may soon be used as a reliable, donor‐friendly substitute for traditional open donor hepatectomy, its safety and efficacy require further substantiation first.
Improved Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolium Salts via Oxidative [3+2] Cycloaddition of Triazenes with Alkynes and Their Deprotonative Functionalization
Authors: Sawaguchi Daiki , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Sakuma Masaaki , Niitsuma Kenta , Kase Daiya , Michii Shota , Ozawa Miyuki , Sakai Yusuke , Sakamaki Kentaro , Ueyama Kyohei , Haraguchi Ryosuke
Published: March 2021

1,2,3‐Triazolium units are present in various functionalized molecules, including mesoionic carbenes, organocatalysts, and anion recognition receptors. While the oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition of triazenes with alkynes is one of the most efficient methods to construct the 1,2,3‐triazolium skeleton, the effect of reaction parameters and substrate scope in the reaction has not been fully studied. Herein, we developed a practical protocol for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazolium salts and significantly expanded the substrate scope of triazenes and alkynes. Also, an efficient method for the deprotonative functionalization of 1,2,3‐triazolium salts was achieved.
Improving Analytical Performance of Laser‐induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Strontium, the Minor Impurity Element, in Salts Using Multiple Filter‐Paper Sampling
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Ngo Van Tho , Park Jeong , Ham Kyung‐Sik , Singh Vivek K. , Nam Sang‐Ho , Lee Yonghoon
Published: March 2021

Strontium (Sr) is an element of toxicological concern due to its close chemical proximity to Ca. In this work, Sr in sea salts collected from China and South Korea was analyzed by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The precision could be improved by using multiple filter‐paper sampling and intensity normalization using a weak Na I line as a reference signal. The analyte signal variation between filter‐paper pieces as well as that within a single filter‐paper piece could be corrected by the suggested method. The limit of detection of ~2 ppm and the precision of ~5% could be obtained. As a measure of accuracy, the root‐mean‐square error was estimated to be 9 ppm. The multiple filter‐paper sampling can be performed easily on the salt production sites and improves the LIBS analysis precision resulting to sufficient quantification capability for minor metallic elements in edible sea salt products.
The Effect of Visible Light on the Catalytic Activity of PLP‐Dependent Enzymes
Authors: Gerlach Tim , Nugroho David Limanhadi , Rother Dörte
Published: March 2021

Pyridoxal 5’‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent enzymes are a versatile class of biocatalysts and feature a variety of industrial applications. However, PLP is light sensitive and can cause inactivation of enzymes in certain light conditions. As most of the PLP‐dependent enzymes are usually not handled in dark conditions, we evaluated the effect of visible light on the activity of PLP‐dependent enzymes during production as well as transformation. We tested four amine transaminases, from Chromobacterium violaceum, Bacillus megaterium, Vibrio fluvialis and a variant from Arthrobacter species as well as two lysine decarboxylases, from Selenomonas ruminantium and the LDCc from Escherichia coli. It appeared that five of these six enzymes suffered from a significant decrease in activity by up to 90 % when handled in laboratory light conditions. Surprisingly, only the amine transaminase variant from Arthrobacter species appeared to be unaffected by light exposure and even showed an activation to 150 % relative activity over the course of 6 h regardless of the light conditions.
Allostatic load: Developmental and conceptual considerations in a multi‐system physiological indicator of chronic stress exposure
Authors: Doan Stacey N.
Published: March 2021

Developmental researchers studying how stress affects health have often focused on specific, individual, physiological parameters such as cortisol. Yet, recent theories of stress biology emphasize that the stress response is multi‐faceted and engages distinct yet interconnected physiological systems, including metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular systems that respond to one another. Moreover, advocates of a systems approach also argue that the confluence of changes across several physiological systems presents a health risk, even when one indicator alone is not predictive of health outcomes. Allostatic load is one potential multi‐system indicator of stress, capturing the cumulative, physiological burden of chronic stress exposure on the body. At the same time, studying allostatic load during early development raises several issues, including how allostatic load is operationalized, the clinical importance of commonly used biomarkers during distinct periods of development, and the fundamental role of timing. In this review paper, we discuss the potential of allostatic load in the context of studies of stress in developmental science, review developmental studies that have assessed allostatic load, and articulate critical conceptual questions regarding the study of allostatic load during the childhood years.
Tmem100‐BAC‐EGFP mice to selectively mark and purify embryonic endothelial cells of large caliber arteries in mid‐gestational vascular formation
Authors: Kinugasa‐Katayama Yumi , Watanabe Yusuke , Hisamitsu Takashi , Arima Yuichiro , Liu Norika M. , Tomimatsu Ayaka , Harada Yukihiro , Arai Yuji , Urasaki Akihiro , Kawamura Teruhisa , Saito Yoshihiko , Nakagawa Osamu
Published: March 2021

Embryonic vascular development is achieved through the complex arrays of differentiation, proliferation, migration and mutual interaction of different cell types, and visualization as well as purification of unique cell populations are fundamental in studying its detailed mechanisms using in vivo experimental models. We previously demonstrated that Tmem100 was a novel endothelial gene encoding a small transmembrane protein, and that Tmem100 null mice showed embryonic lethality due to severe impairment of vascular formation. In the present study, we generated an EGFP reporter mouse line using a 216 kb genomic region containing mouse Tmem100 gene. A novel line designated as Tmem100‐BAC‐EGFP mice precisely recapitulated the Tmem100 expression profile at the mid‐gestational stage, which was highly enriched in endothelial cells of large caliber arteries in mouse embryos. FACS experiments demonstrated that Tmem100‐BAC‐EGFP mice served to selectively purify a specific population of arterial endothelial cells, indicating their usefulness not only for the research concerning Tmem100 expression and function but also for comparative analysis of multiple endothelial cell subgroups in embryonic vascular development.
A fish tale: a century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish
Authors: Hou Loren , McMahan Caleb D. , McNeish Rae E. , Munno Keenan , Rochman Chelsea M. , Hoellein Timothy J.
Published: March 2021

Plastic is pervasive in modern economies and ecosystems. Freshwater fish ingest microplastics (i.e., particles <5 mm), but no studies have examined historical patterns of their microplastic consumption. Measuring the patterns of microplastic pollution in the past is critical for predicting future trends and for understanding the relationship between plastics in fish and the environment. We measured microplastics in digestive tissues of specimens collected from the years 1900–2017 and preserved in museum collections. We collected new fish specimens in 2018, along with water and sediment samples. We selected four species: Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass), Notropis stramineus (sand shiner), Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish), and Neogobius melanostomus (round goby) because each was well represented in museum collections, are locally abundant, and collected from urban habitats. For each individual, we dissected the digestive tissue from esophagus to anus, subjected tissue to peroxide oxidation, examined particles under a dissecting microscope, and used Raman spectroscopy to characterize the particles' chemical composition. No microplastics were detected in any fish prior to 1950. From mid‐century to 2018, microplastic concentrations showed a significant increase when data from all fish were considered together. All detected particles were fibers, and represented plastic polymers (e.g., polyester) along with mixtures of natural and synthetic textiles. For the specimens collected in 2018, microplastics in fish and sediment showed similar patterns across study sites, while water column microplastics showed no differences among locations. Overall, plastic pollution in common freshwater fish species is increasing and pervasive across individuals and species, and is likely related to changes in environmental concentrations. Museum specimens are an overlooked source for assessing historical patterns of microplastic pollution, and for predicting future trends in freshwater fish, thereby helping to sustain the health of commercial and recreational fisheries worldwide.
Cytoplasmic delivery of quantum dots via microelectrophoresis technique
Authors: Han Mengke , Zhao Jiangbo , Fabian Joseph Mahandas , Evans Samuel , Mustafa Sanam , Ruan Yinlan , Wiederman Steven , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike
Published: March 2021

Nanoparticles with specific properties and functions have been developed for various biomedical research applications, such as in vivo and in vitro sensors, imaging agents and delivery vehicles of therapeutics. The development of an effective delivery method of nanoparticles into the intracellular environment is challenging and success in this endeavor would be beneficial to many biological studies. Here, the well‐established microelectrophoresis technique was applied for the first time to deliver nanoparticles into living cells. An optimal protocol was explored to prepare semiconductive quantum dots suspensions having high monodispersity with average hydrodynamic diameter of 13.2–35.0 nm. Micropipettes were fabricated to have inner tip diameters of approximately 200 nm that are larger than quantum dots for ejection but less than 500 nm to minimize damage to the cell membrane. We demonstrated the successful delivery of quantum dots via small electrical currents (–0.2 nA) through micropipettes into the cytoplasm of living human embryonic kidney cells (roughly 20–30 μm in length) using microelectrophoresis technique. This method is promising as a simple and general strategy for delivering a variety of nanoparticles into the cellular environment.
Geochemistry of 2.21 Ga giant radiating dyke swarm from the Western Dharwar Craton, India: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic evolution
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Sarma Drona Srinivasa
Published: March 2021

The Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) exhibits numerous exposures of NNW–SSE to NW–SE trending mafic dykes. Geochemistry of four 2.21 Ga NNW–NW trending dykes and 21 other similar trending dykes provides new insights into the geochemical behaviour, mantle source characteristics, and tectonic history of mafic magmatic event, which have also affected the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC). Based on modal mineralogy and texture, these dykes can be classified into dolerite, olivine dolerite, gabbro, and olivine gabbro. They show basaltic to basaltic‐andesitic composition and have sub‐alkaline tholeiitic nature. LaN/LuN ratio classifies the dykes into two groups: Group I, with values close to 2, shows relatively flat REE patterns while, Group II, with values 4–6, has inclined REE patterns. In general, both groups show LREE enrichment and most of the samples exhibit negative Nb–Ta and Ti anomalies, indicating crustal contamination. However, negative Zr–Hf anomaly and low Th/Nb values (0.14–0.73) noticed within the samples preclude significant crustal inputs. Petrogenetic modelling using batch melting equation suggests that the dykes fractionated from two distinct mantle melts and had slightly different sources, both within the spinel–garnet transition zone. The overall composition of these 2.21 Ga dykes is consistent with a mantle plume‐induced heterogeneous source that was previously modified by some ancient subduction event. Coeval dykes from EDC exhibit similar geochemical behaviour, mantle source characteristics, and tectonic history. These and other synchronous dykes from distant cratons, viz. Superior, Slave, Greenland, represent a 2.21 Ga large igneous province event, which is linked with the Sclavia/Superia supercraton.
Influence of peristalsis on the convective flow of two immiscible fluids in a vertical channel
Authors: Sankranthi Vijaya Kumar , Akkiraju Naga Satya Srinivas
Published: March 2021

This article explores the flow characteristics of peristaltic transport of two immiscible fluids in a vertical channel with heat transfer are studied. The flow domain is divided into the core region and a peripheral region, respectively. The solution is derived analytically in the form of temperature from which the stream function and axial velocity corresponding to each region are found. The two regions are separated by an interface, which is determined by using nonlinear algebraic equation. In peristaltic transport, the importance of physical quantities like pumping, axial velocity, temperature distribution, and interface are discussed for different considerations of interest governing the flow parameters. It is noticed that the increase in enhances the pressure change at a given flow rate. It shows that increasing enhances the displacement of fluid particles, which yields to increase in axial velocity. The increase in heat source/sink parameter yields the increase in temperature of the fluid, which, in turn, results in an increase in temperature distribution.
Bimetal oxalate‐derived synthesis of laponite‐decorated CoFe2O4 porous nanostructures for activation of peroxymonopersulfate towards degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Wei Dandi , Liu Yishan , Song Yaya , Liu Wenjie , Zhao Liqian , Wang Lu , Wu Ronglan , Yang Chao
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radical have been widely employed for oxidation degradation of organic contaminants. Catalytic activation of peroxymonopersulfate (PMS) with transition metal oxides holds great promise for the generation of sulfate radical. In this work, laponite‐decorated CoFe2O4 porous nanostructures have been prepared through the thermal decomposition of laponite/oxalates, and evaluated as a magnetic catalyst to activate PMS for the oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB).

RESULTS

The decoration of porous CoFe2O4 microparticles with laponite was evidenced because of the presence of the vibration mode of SiO (at 1359 cm−1) in Fourier transform infrared spectra and the uniform distribution of Si and Mg elements from elemental mapping images. Decorating with laponite also resulted in an increase in amount of surface hydroxyl oxygen species, which facilitated the formation of CoOH complex for PMS activation. Furthermore, the enhanced activation of PMS with laponite‐decorated CoFe2O4 resulted in a faster removal (98.04%) of RhB as compared to undecorated CoFe2O4 (79.62%) within 56 min. Meanwhile, the rate constant increased from 0.0288 (CoFe2O4) to 0.0679 min−1 (laponite‐decorated CoFe2O4). The degradation rate of RhB progressively increased with reaction temperature and catalyst dosage. Scavenging and electron paramagnetic resonance tests manifested that the sulfate and superoxide radicals served as the major active species for the oxidation of RhB molecules.

CONCLUSION

The above results demonstrated positive effects of laponite on the textural property, surface chemical states and catalytic activity of porous CoFe2O4 microparticles. This study provides an insight into the promising role of laponite as an additive in improving PMS activation.
Extraction performance evaluation and theoretical analysis of removal of phenol from oil mixture using a dual‐functionalized ionic liquid: 1‐hydroxyethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium propionate
Authors: Xu Xin , Li Fangfang , Al‐Haimi Akram Ali Nasser Mansoor , Ma Yixin , Zhang Lianzheng , Xu Dongmei , Gao Jun , Wang Yinglong
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Phenol is an important chemical and has many applications in industry. It is mainly produced from coal tar. At present, the commonly used method in industry is caustic washing, which produces a lot of wastewater containing phenolic components, resulting in environmental contamination. Herein, a dual‐functionalized ionic liquid, 1‐hydroxyethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium propionate, was synthesized as a candidate for recovering phenol from a coal tar oil mixture.

RESULTS

The performance of the ionic liquid was investigated by extraction experiments with various factors, including phase ratio, contact temperature and contact time. The optimal separation conditions for removing phenol using the ionic liquid were as follows: mDFIL:moil = 1:5; contact temperature, 25 °C; contact time, 30 min. The corresponding removal efficiency was 95.9%. The intermolecular interaction for separating phenol with the ionic liquid was verified to be hydrogen bond attraction using quantum chemical calculations and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental and calculated results showed that 1‐hydroxyethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium propionate was a suitable extractant for removal of phenol from the oil mixture. This provides a reference for the dephenolization process of coal tar in industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effect of roasted peanut allergen Ara h 3 protein on the sensitization of Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Wang Shuo , Sun Xiaodong , Wang Minjia , Deng Zhirui , Niu Bing , Chen Qin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Roasted peanut is widely loved as a kind of food with rich taste. However, peanut allergy is one of the major threats to human health, which affects about 5% of children and 1.4–2% of adults in the world.

RESULTS

To evaluate the sensitization mechanism of peanut allergen Ara h 3, Caco‐2 cells as the model, which has the similar structure and function to differentiated small intestinal epithelial cells. Compared with Ara h 3‐raw (purified from raw peanut) group, more significant results such as the inhibited Caco‐2 cell viability and proliferation, the increased secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the decreased transepithelial electrical resistance were obtained in Ara h 3‐roasted (purified from roasted peanut) group. Accordingly, oxidative stress and NF‐κB signaling pathway were more imbalanced, which lead to the increased of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1). Then, the gene expression of tight junction proteins ZO‐1, occludin and JAM‐1 were reduced, which proved that the integrity of the Caco‐2 monolayer barrier is severely damaged.

CONCLUSION

These finding identify the mechanisms of the allergenicity of roasted peanut allergy proteins are probably associated with intestinal uptake and cytokine dependent allergies. The aggravated allergic reaction might be caused by the increment of TSLP, IL‐6, IL‐8 and MCP‐1 due to the activated NF‐κB signaling pathway, and the enhanced transport of Ara h 3‐roasted protein by Caco‐2 monolayer. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diagnostic accuracy of gray scale muscle ultrasound screening for pediatric neuromuscular disease
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Wijntjes Juerd , O'Brien Travis G. , Sorenson Eric J. , Cazares Gonzalez Meaghan L. , van Alfen Nens
Published: March 2021

Objective

Gray scale ultrasound (US) has been demonstrated to be a sensitive and specific tool in the diagnosis of pediatric neuromuscular disease (NMD). With recent advances in genetic testing, the diagnostic work up for NMD has evolved. The purpose of this study was to compare the current diagnostic value of gray scale US to previously defined sensitivities and specificities to determine when this test can add value to a patient's diagnostic workup.

Methods

Standardized quantitative gray scale US imaging was performed on 148 pediatric patients presenting for electrodiagnostic testing to evaluate for NMD. Patients were categorized as having an NMD, a non‐NMD, or as “uncertain.” The US results were defined as normal, borderline or abnormal based on echointensity values. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the test were calculated.

Results

Forty‐five percent of the patients had an NMD, 54% a non‐NMD, and in 1% the diagnosis remained uncertain. US was abnormal in 73% of myopathies, 63% of neuromuscular junction disorders, 60% of generalized neuropathies and 58% of focal neuropathies. After excluding patients in whom muscle US was not expected to be abnormal (eg, sensory neuropathy), sensitivity was 83%, specificity 79%, PPV 75%, NPV 86%, and accuracy 81%.

Conclusions

Quantitative gray scale muscle US still has good diagnostic value as a screening tool in pediatric NMD. As with any diagnostic test, muscle US is best used in conjunction with history and physical examination to increase specificity and diagnostic yield.