bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reality show: o formato audiovisual como estratégia estética na busca pela liderança
Authors: Brittos Valério Cruz , Barbosa Rafaela Chagas
Published: November 2017

Este texto toma como epistemologia a economia política da comunicação, que contribui para o estudo dasrelações de poder que perpassam a produção, a distribuição e o consumo dos recursos comunicacionais.Partindo disso, percebe-se que as produções simbólicas da indústria televisiva são constituídas com a motivaçãode obter posições privilegiadas, uma vez que o intuito é estabelecer esse tipo de relacionamento como mercado publicitário e seus consumidores diretos. Na atualidade, um tipo específico de programa vemsendo relevante para alavancar a mercadoria audiência, o reality show (show de realidade), um formato atraentepara os exibidores, por representar baixo custo de produção, em comparação com a teleficção, e porapresentar capacidade de ampliar a audiência. Assim, estuda-se como o programa A fazenda impactou nomontante de público da Rede Record, representando um aumento significativo da média diária de audiênciada emissora, visto que novela, programa de variedades e programa beneficente foram lançados nesse realityshow que, além do mais, pautou a temática dos conteúdos audiovisuais, tanto no jornalismo como no showde variedades dessa emissora, durante os três meses em que ficou no ar.
O valor do corpo na construção da identidade
Authors: Cordeiro Marta
Published: November 2017

A dupla condição do corpo – a qualidade animal, ligada ao funcionamento biológico; e a visibilidade social, ou o corpo como imagem – torna-o objecto primordial na estratégia do mercado de consumo, cujas estratégias se orientam para a preservação da saúde e o melhoramento da aparência. Atualmente, a ideia de identidade como projecto particular, da responsabilidade de cada indivíduo, faz com que o valor de exposição do corpo assegure não apenas a difusão, mas também a própria construção da identidade, situação que gera ansiedade por parte dos indivíduos, livres e simultaneamente desprotegidos pela exaustação dos sistemas interpretativos. A construção da identidade apoia-se nas mensagens divulgadas pelos media – especialmente por meio dos estilos de vida propostos pelas designadas “celebridades” – como forma de minorar as ansiedades decorrentes da necessidade de escolha. A equivalência entre identidade e imagem é demonstrável a partir da análise da obra da artista plástica Cindy Sherman, que faz depender a identidade da alteração da aparência.
O que há de grotesco no riso da cultura trash?
Authors: Castellano Mayka
Published: November 2017

Neste artigo, aproximo o estudo da cultura trash (artefatos da indústria cultural que não atendem aos padrões morais e/ou às normas de qualidade técnica e artística dominantes) das importantes contribuições de pensadores de diferentes épocas sobre o grotesco, especialmente Victor Hugo, Wolfgang Kayser e Mikhail Bakhtin. Com base no exercício metodológico da netnografia e com o apoio de conceitos e argumentações teóricas formuladas no âmbito dos Estudos Culturais, analiso de que forma é possível entendermos a fruição do trash realizada por uma parcela da população jovem por meio do uso de sensibilidades estéticas presentes também em outras formas de cultura e em diferentes contextos sociais.
A “cultura da convergência” e o processo de apuração no Webjornalismo
Authors: Santi Vilso Junior
Published: November 2017

Neste trabalho, por meio da apresentação sistemática de algumas características e conceitos relacionados à “Cultura da Convergência”, a partir de Jenkins, e ao Webjornalismo junto com suas rotinas de produção, especificamente no que diz respeito às mudanças nos processos de apuração jornalística, objetivamos contribuir para a compreensão crítica dos novos tempos do fazer jornalístico, junto com seus efeitos nos modos midiatizados de organização social da atualidade. Também procuramos favorecer o desenvolvimento da capacidade avaliativa em relação aos produtos Webjornalísticos e à prática profissional a eles vinculada, seja ela acadêmica e/ou de mercado, para assim facilitar o entendimento dos “câmbios” nos procedimentos de apuração jornalística no Webjornalismo e/ou no jornalismo do ciberespaço e também a sua contribuição na reconfiguração de nossa matriz cultural, agora assentada num paradigma convergente.
ESFERA PÚBLICA E MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS: AS POSSIBILIDADES DE ATUAÇÃO DO GREENPEACE NO CIBERESPACO
Authors: Pinto Rafaela Caetano , Fossá Maria Ivete Trevisan
Published: November 2017

Este trabalho se propõe, por meio da descrição das tecnologias digitais utilizadas pelo Greenpeace, fazer apontamentos sobre a forma como os movimentos sociais estão se apropriando do ciberespaço para desenvolver suas atividades. Além disso, buscamos, através do modelo de circulação de poder político de Habermas, apontar como a organização Greenpeace influencia os centros decisórios. As possibilidades da internet permitiram a fragmentação do espaço público, tornando-o, assim, um não lugar difuso e multifacetado. Dessa forma, os movimentos sociais, apostam no uso da tecnologia da informação para obter visibilidade e conectar os defensores locais às questões globais.
Antagonismos e aproximações entre Zaratustra e Sócrates
Authors: Frezzatti Júnior Wilson Antonio
Published: November 2017

Apesar das várias críticas contra Sócrates e Platão que encontramos nos textos de Nietzsche, podemos encontrar também algumas semelhanças. A principal delas está em uma importante característica da postura filosófica: a crítica aos valores vigentes. Zaratustra e Sócrates desconfiamdos conceitos e valores vigentes, propondo a sua superação. Entretanto, Nietzsche/Zaratustra supera a dualidade de qualidades absolutas opostas que fundamenta a metafísica e a crença na linguagem. A noção de vida entendida como processo contínuo de autossuperação é central para afilosofia nietzscheana: não há um único caminho possível para o potencial criador humano. A superação contínua dos valores de Zaratustra é antagonista ao bem e à verdade eternos e absolutos de Sócrates.
Mitfreude: o projeto nietzscheano de uma “ética da amizade” em Humano, demasiado humano
Authors: Ponton Olivier
Published: November 2017

O presente artigo pretende mostrar a formulação do projeto nietzscheano de uma “ética da amizade” no período de Humano, demasiado humano, a partir do conceito de “alegria partilhada” [Mitfreunde], por meio do qual Nietzsche se confronta com a moral da compaixão schopenhaueriana. Tal confronto, que se estende durante todas as obras do chamado segundo período, atingindo até mesmo o Zaratustra, desemboca na formulação de uma possível “ética da amizade”.
Assim falou Zaratustra como poema didático
Authors: Julião José Nicolao
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem por objetivo interpretar a obra de Nietzsche Assim falou Zaratustra (ZA), de 1883-1885, como sendo um ensaio no qual o autor experimenta diversos estilos e entre estes, o poema didático é, sem dúvida, um dos que mais se destacam. Para o proposto, consideramos de suma importância,sobretudo, duas questões, a saber que: primeiro, Nietzsche, na época do Za,apesar do seu afastamento do Romantismo, desde a fase intermediária da sua produção intelectual, ele ainda guardava influências marcantes do movimento artístico; segundo, a ideia de superação apresentada no livro ganha lugar de destaque em nossa interpretação, pois parece ser o Leitmotiv de toda a trama.
Uma reflexão sobre tolerância e subjetivação à luz de Nietzsche
Authors: Pimenta Neto Olímpio José
Published: November 2017

Este escrito consiste na elaboração filosófica pessoal de algumas experiências difíceis. A partir de um debate acadêmico sobre matéria de interesse coletivo, fomos instados a pensar nas condições mais ou menos propícias para a criação de um ambiente no qual poderia prevalecer a prática da tolerância. Impôs-se articular o tema à questão da formação das subjetivida desfomentada no departamento de filosofia a que pertencemos. Uma circunstância estranha: apesar da escassa ocorrência nominal desses assuntos em Nietzsche, optamos por referenciar a reflexão ao seu pensamento, assumindo a tarefa como uma tentativa ou, em sentido preciso,como um ensaio.
CONSIDERAÇÕES TEÓRICAS SOBRE IDENTIDADE DE LUGAR À LUZ DA ABORDAGEM HISTÓRICO-CULTURAL
Authors: Quintela Ponte Alexandre , Áurea Cruz Bomfim Zulmira , Garcia Pascual Jesus
Published: November 2017

Este artigo traz como principal foco de discussão o conceito de identidade de lugar. A proposta éfazer, inicialmente, uma contextualização do tema a partir das categorias espaço, lugar e não-lugar. Estadiscussão inicial visa compreender essas categorias como construções semióticas e ideológicas, as quaisse moldam a partir das interações humanas com o ambiente para além da simples ocupação física. Emseguida, apresentaremos a metodologia histórico-cultural de base materialista histórico-dialética, quepossibilitará compreender a argumentação final do artigo; nesta etapa, o método será abordadohistoricamente com o objetivo de apontar as bases fundamentais à sustentação da visão de homemadotada por este estudo. Finalmente, discorreremos criticamente sobre identidade de lugar. Para estatarefa, elegemos como principal centro de revisão teórica a concepção defendida por Proshansky,Fabian e Kaminoff. Identificamos que a linha de argumentação epistemológica desses autores segueuma vertente marcada pelo pragmatismo de Dewey e o interacionismo simbólico de George Mead.Assim, pensamos que pesquisar a relação de identificação das pessoas com os ambientes, tendo comométodo a abordagem histórico-cultural, exige definir esta categoria não pelo modelo de Proshansky etal., mas centrado epistemologicamente no próprio método histórico-cultural sob o risco de incongruênciateórica. Portanto, defendemos uma concepção de identidade de lugar amalgamada à teoria da afetividadeproposta por Bader Sawaia, onde afeto está ontologicamente ligado às dimensões ética e política.Consequentemente, identidade de lugar é pensada não apenas em termos de identificação com oambiente, mas como possibilidade de vinculação afetiva e transformadora da realidade psicossocial.
Escola: Um espaço de revelação da violência doméstica contra crianças e adolescentes1
Authors: Elsen Ingrid , Navas Sanches Próspero Elisete , Navas Sanches Elizabeth , Floriano Cristiano José , Sgrott Bruna Cristina
Published: November 2017

A violência doméstica contra crianças e adolescentes (VDCA) acompanha a trajetória humana desde os mais antigos registros, e tornou-se parte do cotidiano das famílias. Atualmente, é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública, haja vista a forma disseminada e intensificada com que tem se caracterizado. Com o objetivo de identificar, junto ao corpo docente, as percepções relacionadas à VDCA no âmbito escolar, realizou-se um estudo exploratório descritivo, de natureza qualitativa. Foram entrevistados docentes e orientadores pedagógicos de duas escolas públicas municipais de Itajaí (SC), que atendem alunos do ensino fundamental. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas no período de outubro de 2007 a fevereiro de 2008, totalizando 14 professores e cinco orientadores pedagógicos entrevistados. A análise das falas dos entrevistados trouxe à tona o tema “a escola como ambiente favorável à proteção dos direitos da criança e do adolescente e de revelação da situação de violência doméstica”, além das cinco categorias a seguir: (1) os professores conhecem o fenômeno da violência; (2) os professores detectam no cotidiano escolar que as crianças sofrem violência; (3) a violência gera sentimentos ambíguos nos professores; (4) a VDCA é um fenômeno que poderia ser mais bem enfrentado na escola; e (5) da suspeita de VDCA à notificação: um processo pouco participativo. Os resultados oferecem subsídios para que o espaço escolar seja examinado com mais atenção e novas estratégias sejam criadas e implantadas, tornando-o mais participativo, democrático e com o comprometimento de todos os envolvidos.
Intervenção com pais: Impactos em curto e longo prazo no comportamento infantil
Authors: Cia Fabiana , Joan Barham Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

Este estudo avaliou o impacto de um programa de intervenção educativa com pais sobre os problemas de comportamento das crianças. Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos: (a) GE1 – 29 pais/mães, apenas os pais receberam intervenção; (b) GE2 – 36 pais/mães, apenas as mães receberam intervenção; e GC – 34 pais/mães que não receberam intervenção. Pais e mães avaliaram os comportamentos dos filhos no pré-teste, pós-teste e follow-up. Ambos os pais indicaram diminuição nos problemas de comportamento externalizantes e total na fase de pós-teste para GE1 e GE2; e as avaliações dos pais também indicaram menor índice de problemas de comportamento internalizantes no pós-teste para GE1. Ao comparar pós-teste e follow-up, as avaliações das mães indicaram menores índices de problemas de comportamento externalizantes e total no follow-up para GE1 e GE2.
Brinquedotecas hospitalares em Belém: Criação, espaço e funcionamento
Authors: Barbosa Sindeaux Lima Mayara , Maria Colino Magalhães Celina
Published: November 2017

A brinquedoteca hospitalar é um direito assegurado às crianças por meio da Lei n. 11.104/051, entretanto ainda não foi concretizado integralmente no país. Este estudo objetivou descrever e analisar as condições de serviços e espaços disponibilizados pelas brinquedotecas hospitalares em Belém do Pará. Fizeram parte da pesquisa quatro hospitais que possuem este serviço. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais com dez técnicos, observações dos atendimentos e registro fotográfico. Dentre os principais resultados encontrados estão: (a) todos os hospitais eram públicos; (b) existem poucos registros acerca da implantação e funcionamento desses espaços; (c) no tocante ao acervo lúdico, este se diferenciou em relação à quantidade; (d) as equipesapresentam composição diferenciada em relação ao número de membros e formação; (e) são oferecidas atividades livres e dirigidas. O estudo permitiu verificar aspectos que favorecem a concretização dos objetivos de uma brinquedoteca e reflexões sobre possibilidades de melhorias.
A psicoterapia breve psicanalítica como proposta clínica no núcleo de atendimento e pesquisa da conjugalidade do instituto Sedes Sapientiae
Authors: R. M. Barone Bartilotti Márcia , Hegenberg Mauro , Tamashiro Alice , D. Modenesi Ana Cláudia , Fusaro Aparecida , Simões Juliana , Miranda Luciane , Maki Mirian
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem como propósito apresentar os fundamentos teóricos e clínicos que embasam a proposta de psicoterapia breve de orientação psicanalítica no campo da conjugalidade, realizada pelo Núcleo de Atendimento e Pesquisa da Conjugalidade (NAPC) da Clínica Psicológica do Instituto Sedes Sapientiae. A psicoterapia breve de orientação psicanalítica é definida pelo respeito ao vértice psicanalítico, aliado ao limite de tempo previamente estabelecido e à presença de um foco. O foco é discriminado a partir das angústias de castração, de fragmentação e de perda de objeto e elucidado nas relações com os tipos de personalidade — obsessivo, narcísico e erótico — definidos por Freud e modificados por Bergeret e Hegenberg. A elucidação e a compreensão dos tipos de personalidade de cada um dos membros do casal e suas respectivas angústias possibilita o esclarecimentodas questões que advêm a partir dessas diferenças; diferenças essas geradoras dos conflitos conjugais que mobilizam o casal a buscar ajuda psicoterapêutica. A descrição de um caso clínico ilustra o manejo.
A gestão social sob a ótica do referencial de Michel Foucault
Authors: Faé Rogério
Published: November 2017

Gestão social tem se caracterizado como um conceito-chave que abrange uma série de práticas que oscilam desde ações gerencialistas direcionadas para a simples manutenção ou atualização do sistema capitalista até formas de produção qualificadas como anticapitalistas (Fischer, 2002). Entende-se gestão social como enunciado contido em um campo discursivo — que é definido como espaço no qual é possível a análise de um enunciado considerado em sua singularidade, a partir da compreensão das condições de sua existência, da definição de seus limites e de suas correlações com outros enunciados (Foucault, 2000). Sendo assim, este ensaio foi pensado com o propósito de analisar, sob a ótica do referencial de Michel Foucault, algumas das formas de articulação da prática discursiva que valoriza a gestão social como instrumento de manutenção e reforço da lógica capitalista de mercado, qualificada como formação discursiva predominante no contexto em que estamos inseridos. Assim direcionado, este texto inicia com a introdução de alguns dos aspectos do referencial foucaultiano que serão relevantes para a análise ora proposta. Quanto às estratégias verificadas no campo em estudo, serão examinadas: a) a articulação proporcionada pela lógica sistêmica no campo da gestão social, principalmente em aspectos que possibilitam o direcionamento dos esforços para o desenvolvimento; b) estratégias utilizadas pelos organismos financiadores internacionais e, mais especificamente, pelo Banco Mundial para influenciar os processos de cooperação técnica; e c) a forma de incorporação a este campo do conceito de capital social, conforme proposto por Francis Fukuyama (1996; 2006) e por Pierre Bourdieu (1980).
Modulation of O2 reduction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria
Authors: Rydström Lundin Camilla , Brzezinski Peter
Published: November 2017

Respiratory supercomplex factor (Rcf) 1 is a membrane‐bound protein that modulates the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CytcO) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria. To investigate this regulatory mechanism, we studied the interactions of CytcO with potassium cyanide (KCN) upon removal of Rcf1. While the addition of KCN to the wild‐type mitochondria results in a full reduction of heme a, with the rcf1Δ mitochondria, a significant fraction remains oxidized. Upon addition of ascorbate in the presence of O2 and KCN, the reduction level of hemes a and b was a factor of ~ 2 larger with the wild‐type than with the rcf1Δ mitochondria. These data indicate that turnover of CytcO was less blocked in rcf1Δ than in the wild‐type mitochondria, suggesting that Rcf1 modulates the structure of the catalytic site.
Airborne Gravimetry of GEOHALO Mission: Data Processing and Gravity Field Modeling
Authors: Lu Biao , Barthelmes Franz , Petrovic Svetozar , Förste Christoph , Flechtner Frank , Luo Zhicai , He Kaifei , Li Min
Published: November 2017

Airborne gravimetry is a crucial method to improve our knowledge about the Earth gravity field, especially in hard‐to‐access regions. Generally, the accuracy of airborne gravimetry is several milligals, which is suitable for filling the so‐called polar gaps in satellite‐derived global gravity field models. Here some investigations based on airborne gravity measurements from the GEOHALO mission over Italy are presented. To subtract the vertical accelerations from the values measured by the gravimeter, four different versions of kinematic accelerations were derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) recordings. To remove the high‐frequency noise, a low‐pass filter with a cutoff wavelength of 200 s was applied to both Chekan‐AM measurements and kinematic accelerations from GNSS. To investigate how future airborne gravity campaigns could be designed, a dedicated flight track was repeated two times showing that the equipment worked well also at higher altitude and speed. From the final best results follows an RMS of gravity differences at crossover points of 1.4 mGal, which, according to the law of error propagation, implies the accuracy of a single measurement to be
 mGal. To demonstrate how a satellite‐only gravity field model can be improved by airborne measurements, a gravity field model for the GEOHALO region has been computed. To compute also an improved regional geoid model, the point mass modeling (PMM) and the remove‐compute‐restore (RCR) technique, using a recent satellite‐only model and residual terrain modeling (RTM), were applied. Finally, GNSS/leveling points have been used to check the quality of the regional point mass model.
Seismic Signatures of Hydrothermal Pathways Along the East Pacific Rise Between 9°16′ and 9°56′N
Authors: Marjanović Milena , Fuji Nobuaki , Singh Satish C. , Belahi Thomas , Escartín Javier
Published: November 2017

We apply wave equation‐based techniques to 2‐D seismic data to characterize the nature of zero‐age upper crust at the East Pacific Rise from 9°16′ to 9°56′N. The final velocity model reveals a number of low‐velocity anomalies, complex in shape, extending down to ~1 km below the seafloor. We attribute them to the presence of hydrothermal flow. Depending on their spatial correlation with the previously identified tectonic discontinuities in bathymetry and presence of venting, we classify them as downgoing and upgoing pathways, respectively. This distinction is not always clear; within the third‐order discontinuities at 9°20′ and 9°37′N, both pathways may be present. The region north of 9°44′N, known for its magmatic robustness and volcanic activity, is represented by five low‐velocity perturbations. Three of these anomalies are spatially correlated with the fourth‐order discontinuities and attributed to the presence of the on‐axis recharge zones. The remaining two anomalies underlie two vent clusters, marked as hydrothermally active sites after the last documented eruption event. These velocity anomalies can be thus identified as the up‐flow pathways or at least their remnants. By comparing our results to the available interdisciplinary data sets, we show that the interaction between the tectono‐magmatic and hydrothermal processes is not straightforward due to different timescales at which they operate. However, for developing, maintaining, and driving vigorous, high‐temperature hydrothermal flow, the high crustal permeability and high thermal regime must coexist in time and space.
Quantifying the Uncertainties in an Ensemble of Decadal Climate Predictions
Authors: Strobach Ehud , Bel Golan
Published: November 2017

Meaningful climate predictions must be accompanied by their corresponding range of uncertainty. Quantifying the uncertainties is nontrivial, and different methods have been suggested and used in the past. Here we propose a method that does not rely on any assumptions regarding the distribution of the ensemble member predictions. The method is tested using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 1981–2010 decadal predictions and is shown to perform better than two other methods considered here. The improved estimate of the uncertainties is of great importance both for practical use and for better assessing the significance of the effects seen in theoretical studies.
A Caveat Note on Tuning in the Development of Coupled Climate Models
Authors: Dommenget Dietmar , Rezny Michael
Published: November 2017

State‐of‐the‐art coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) have substantial errors in their simulations of climate. In particular, these errors can lead to large uncertainties in the simulated climate response (both globally and regionally) to a doubling of CO2. Currently, tuning of the parameterization schemes in CGCMs is a significant part of the developed. It is not clear whether such tuning actually improves models. The tuning process is (in general) neither documented, nor reproducible. Alternative methods such as flux correcting are not used nor is it clear if such methods would perform better. In this study, ensembles of perturbed physics experiments are performed with the Globally Resolved Energy Balance (GREB) model to test the impact of tuning. The work illustrates that tuning has, in average, limited skill given the complexity of the system, the limited computing resources, and the limited observations to optimize parameters. While tuning may improve model performance (such as reproducing observed past climate), it will not get closer to the “true” physics nor will it significantly improve future climate change projections. Tuning will introduce artificial compensating error interactions between submodels that will hamper further model development. In turn, flux corrections do perform well in most, but not all aspects. A main advantage of flux correction is that it is much cheaper, simpler, more transparent, and it does not introduce artificial error interactions between submodels. These GREB model experiments should be considered as a pilot study to motivate further CGCM studies that address the issues of model tuning.
Emplacement and Deformation of Mesozoic Gabbros of the High Atlas (Morocco): Paleomagnetism and Magnetic Fabrics
Authors: Calvín P. , Ruiz‐Martínez V. C. , Villalaín J. J. , Casas‐Sainz A. M. , Moussaid B.
Published: November 2017

A paleomagnetic and magnetic fabric study is performed in Upper Jurassic gabbros of the central High Atlas (Morocco). These gabbros were emplaced in the core of preexisting structures developed during the extensional stage and linked to basement faults. These structures were reactivated as anticlines during the Cenozoic compressional inversion. Gabbros from 19 out of the 33 sampled sites show a stable characteristic magnetization, carried by magnetite, which has been interpreted as a primary component. This component shows an important dispersion due to postemplacement tectonic movements. The absence of paleoposition markers in these igneous rocks precludes direct restorations. A novel approach analyzing the orientation of the primary magnetization is used here to restore the magmatic bodies and to understand the deformational history recorded by these rocks. Paleomagnetic vectors are distributed along small circles with horizontal axes, indicating horizontal axis rotations of the gabbro bodies. These rotations are higher when the ratio between shales and gabbros in the core of the anticlines increases. Due to the uncertainties inherent to this work (the igneous bodies recording strong rotations), interpretations must be qualitative. The magnetic fabric is carried by ferromagnetic (s.s.) minerals mimicking the magmatic fabric. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) axes, using the rotation routine inferred from paleomagnetic results, result in more tightly clustered magnetic lineations, which also become horizontal and are considered in terms of magma flow trend during its emplacement: NW‐SE (parallel to the general extensional direction) in the western sector and NE‐SW (parallel to the main faults) in the easternmost structures.
Mutual influence of secondary and key drug‐resistance mutations on catalytic properties and thermal stability of TEM‐type β‐lactamases
Authors: Grigorenko Vitaly , Uporov Igor , Rubtsova Maya , Andreeva Irina , Shcherbinin Dmitrii , Veselovsky Alexander , Serova Oksana , Ulyashova Maria , Ishtubaev Igor , Egorov Alexey
Published: November 2017

Highly mutable β‐lactamases are responsible for the ability of Gram‐negative bacteria to resist β‐lactam antibiotics. Using site‐directed mutagenesis technique, we have produced in vitro a number of recombinant analogs of naturally occurring TEM‐type β‐lactamases, bearing the secondary substitution Q39K and key mutations related to the extended‐spectrum (E104K, R164S) and inhibitor‐resistant (M69V) β‐lactamases. The mutation Q39K alone was found to be neutral and hardly affected the catalytic properties of β‐lactamases. However, in combination with the key mutations, this substitution resulted in decreased KM values towards hydrolysis of a chromogenic substrate, CENTA. The ability of enzymes to restore catalytic activity after exposure to elevated temperature has been examined. All double and triple mutants of β‐lactamase TEM‐1 bearing the Q39K substitution showed lower thermal stability compared with the enzyme with Q39 intact. A sharp decrease in the stability was observed when Q39K was combined with E104K and M69V. The key R164S substitution demonstrated unusual ability to resist thermal inactivation. Computer analysis of the structure and molecular dynamics of β‐lactamase TEM‐1 revealed a network of hydrogen bonds from the residues Q39 and K32, related to the N‐terminal α‐helix, towards the residues R244 and G236, located in the vicinity of the enzyme's catalytic site. Replacement of Q39 by lysine in combination with the key drug resistance mutations may be responsible for loss of protein thermal stability and elevated mobility of its secondary structure elements. This effect on the activity of β‐lactamases can be used as a new potential target for inhibiting the enzyme.
Biomimetic Materials and Fabrication Approaches for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kim Hwan D. , Amirthalingam Sivashanmugam , Kim Seunghyun L. , Lee Seunghun S. , Rangasamy Jayakumar , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: November 2017

Various strategies have been explored to overcome critically sized bone defects via bone tissue engineering approaches that incorporate biomimetic scaffolds. Biomimetic scaffolds may provide a novel platform for phenotypically stable tissue formation and stem cell differentiation. In recent years, osteoinductive and inorganic biomimetic scaffold materials have been optimized to offer an osteo‐friendly microenvironment for the osteogenic commitment of stem cells. Furthermore, scaffold structures with a microarchitecture design similar to native bone tissue are necessary for successful bone tissue regeneration. For this reason, various methods for fabricating 3D porous structures have been developed. Innovative techniques, such as 3D printing methods, are currently being utilized for optimal host stem cell infiltration, vascularization, nutrient transfer, and stem cell differentiation. In this progress report, biomimetic materials and fabrication approaches that are currently being utilized for biomimetic scaffold design are reviewed.
Functionalizing PLGA and PLGA Derivatives for Drug Delivery and Tissue Regeneration Applications
Authors: Martins Cláudia , Sousa Flávia , Araújo Francisca , Sarmento Bruno
Published: November 2017

Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) is one of the most versatile biomedical polymers, already approved by regulatory authorities to be used in human research and clinics. Due to its valuable characteristics, PLGA can be tailored to acquire desirable features for control bioactive payload or scaffold matrix. Moreover, its chemical modification with other polymers or bioconjugation with molecules may render PLGA with functional properties that make it the Holy Grail among the synthetic polymers to be applied in the biomedical field. In this review, the physical–chemical properties of PLGA, its synthesis, degradation, and conjugation with other polymers or molecules are revised in detail, as well as its applications in drug delivery and regeneration fields. A particular focus is given to successful examples of products already on the market or at the late stages of trials, reinforcing the potential of this polymer in the biomedical field.
Covalent Organic Framework Electrocatalysts for Clean Energy Conversion
Authors: Lin Chun‐Yu , Zhang Detao , Zhao Zhenghang , Xia Zhenhai
Published: November 2017

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising for catalysis, sensing, gas storage, adsorption, optoelectricity, etc. owning to the unprecedented combination of large surface area, high crystallinity, tunable pore size, and unique molecular architecture. Although COFs are in their initial research stage, progress has been made in the design and synthesis of COF‐based electrocatalysis for the oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and CO2 reduction in energy conversion and fuel generation. Design principles are also established for some of the COF materials toward rational design and rapid screening of the best electrocatalysts for a specific application. Herein, the recent advances in the design and synthesis of COF‐based catalysts for clean energy conversion and storage are presented. Future research directions and perspectives are also being discussed for the development of efficient COF‐based electrocatalysts.
Self‐Assembled Hybrid Materials Based on Organic Nanocrystals and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Niazov‐Elkan Angelica , Weissman Haim , Dutta Sounak , Cohen Sidney R. , Iron Mark A. , Pinkas Iddo , Bendikov Tatyana , Rybtchinski Boris
Published: November 2017

Organic crystalline materials are used as dyes/pigments, pharmaceuticals, and active components of photonic and electronic devices. There is great interest in integrating organic crystals with inorganic and carbon nanomaterials to create nanocomposites with enhanced properties. Such efforts are hampered by the difficulties in interfacing organic crystals with dissimilar materials. Here, an approach that employs organic nanocrystallization is presented to fabricate solution‐processed organic nanocrystal/carbon nanotube (ONC/CNT) hybrid materials based on readily available organic dyes (perylene diimides (PDIs)) and carbon nanotubes. The hybrids are prepared by self‐assembly in aqueous media to afford free‐standing films with tunable CNT content. These exhibit excellent conductivities (as high as 5.78 ± 0.56 S m−1), and high thermal stability that are superior to common polymer/CNT hybrids. The color of the hybrids can be tuned by adding various PDI derivatives. ONC/CNT hybrids represent a novel class of nanocomposites, applicable as optoelectronic and conductive colorant materials.
Functionalized 2D Clay Derivative: Hybrid Nanosheets with Unique Lead Sorption Behaviors and Interface Structure
Authors: Yan Zhaoli , Fu Liangjie , Yang Huaming
Published: November 2017

Clay mineral and its derivatives can play an important role in stabilizing functional‐groups and nanostructures. Here, a TP‐SiNSs (TiSi2O5(OH)2·(OH2)2) nanocomposite, with highly dispersed and stabilized TiO2 precursor (TP, Ti(OH)4 gel) on template‐free 2D silica nanosheets (SiNSs, Si2O3(OH)2), is presented, which is derived from kaolinite, a natural 2D layer mineral. Unique lead sorption behaviors are observed for balanced hydrophobicity–hydrophilicity, short sorption equilibrium time (within 5 min), large applied sorption capacities (≈38 000 kg polluted drinking water per kg TP‐SiNSs, effluent Pb(II) contents <10 µg L−1), and excellent renewability. The highly dispersed surface titanium hydroxyl groups, together with 2D hierarchical porous nanostructure of TP‐SiNSs effectively facilitate the selective adsorption of Pb(II) ions, inhibit the pore blockage after Pb(II) adsorption, and prolong the service life. The detailed adsorption mechanism as a function of pH value and ion concentration is clarified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the higher adsorption selectivity of TP‐SiNSs for Pb(II) over Ca(II) and Mg(II) is attributed to surface complex on TP‐SiNSs, which induces strong bonding between Pb(II) and titanium hydroxyl groups. The interface geometry and electronic structure calculations demonstrate that the stabilized and spatially distributed titanium hydroxyl group on TP‐SiNSs can greatly enhance the surface adsorption ability.
Effects of W/Ir Top Electrode on Resistive Switching and Dopamine Sensing by Using Optimized TaOx‐Based Memory Platform
Authors: Samanta Subhranu , Maikap Siddheswar , Roy Anisha , Jana Surajit , Qiu Jian‐Tai
Published: November 2017

Resistive switching with best structural optimization by taking 100 devices of each structure including tungsten/iridium (W/Ir) top electrode effects and dopamine sensing by inserting 2 nm thick Al2O3 interfacial layer in TaOx‐based memory platform are reported for the first time. Statistical analysis of device‐to‐device switching uniformity for the formation voltage, low resistance state, and high resistance state is executed at low current compliance of 30 μA by inserting 2 nm thick Al2O3 layer underneath of W electrode in W/Al2O3/TaOx/TiN structure. Incorporation of defective layer (TaOx) into Ta2O5 layer is clearly observed from the high‐resolution transmission electron microscope image of stressed device. A long program/erase endurance of >108 cycles under low current of 30 μA with pulse width of 100 ns and retention of >900 h at 85 °C is obtained. Diode‐like rectifying at 1 μA with higher ratio of >5000, nonlinearity factor of >300, and complementary resistive switching are achieved by using Ir electrode. Transport mechanism is dominated by Schottky conduction. Dopamine at a low concentration of 1 × 10−12m is detected through porous Ir in Ir/Al2O3/TaOx/TiN structure owing to oxidation at the Ir/Al2O3 interface for the first time, which will be useful for early diagnosis of human diseases.
Strain‐Induced Rolled Thin Films for Lightweight Tubular Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Singh Devendra , Kutbee Arwa T. , Ghoneim Mohamed T. , Hussain Aftab M. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: November 2017

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are interesting energy harvesters of otherwise wasted heat. Here, a polymer‐assisted generic process and its mechanics to obtain sputtered thermoelectric (TE) telluride material‐based 3D tubular structures with unprecedented length (up to seamless 4 cm and further expandable) are shown. This length allows for large temperature differences between the hot and the cold ends, a critical but untapped enabler for high power generation. Compared with a flat slab, better area efficiency is observed for a rolled tube and compared with a solid rod architecture, a rolled tube uses less material (thus making it lightweight and cost effective) and has competitive performance advantage due to a smaller contact area. It is also shown that a tubular architecture thermopile‐based TEG is able to generate up to 5 μW of power (eight pairs of p‐ and n‐type thermopiles) through a temperature difference of 60 °C. The demonstrated process can play an important role in transforming 2D atomic crystal structure TE materials into 3D tubular thermopiles for effective TEG application, which can maintain higher temperature differences by longer distances between hot and cold ends.
Direct Exfoliation of High‐Quality, Atomically Thin MoSe2 Layers in Water
Authors: Liu Yi‐Tao , Zhu Xiao‐Dong , Xie Xu‐Ming
Published: November 2017

The discovery of 2D materials has brought us to a conceptually new, wonderful microscopic world. Large surface areas combined with extraordinary electronic, electrochemical, and thermal properties make these atomically thin, layered materials fascinating candidates for diverse applications, ranging from sensing to energy storage and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, it is essential to solve the problem of scalable and green production of 2D materials before being able to bring them from laboratory to industry. In this sense, the exfoliation of 2D materials in water, free from any stabilizer, is very important since it is a gateway technology toward their production as well as future applications. This Communication reports the direct exfoliation of atomically thin MoSe2 layers in water, which bypasses the Hansen solubility parameters theory and suggests potential for liquid‐phase exfoliation of 2D materials. A combination of long‐time sonication and high‐speed centrifugation results in a substantial fraction of monolayers. When applied in the field of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, these atomically thin MoSe2 layers can significantly outperform bulk MoSe2. The finding may point towards industrial scale production of 2D materials by simultaneously ensuring high product quality, laudable monolayer yield, and good environmental compatibility.
Thermal stability, fire behavior, and fumes emission of polyethylene nanocomposites with halogen‐free fire retardants
Authors: Sałasińska Kamila , Borucka Monika , Celiński Maciej , Gajek Agnieszka , Zatorski Wojciech , Mizera Kamila , Leszczyńska Milena , Ryszkowska Joanna
Published: November 2017

The synergism between nanoparticles and different kinds of halogen‐free fire retardants leading to reduction in flammability and smoke generation of polyethylene was investigated. The composites were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, oxygen index test, cone calorimeter measurements, and a single‐chamber test. Moreover, the semivolatile and volatile compounds evolved in the thermal degradation processes of polyethylene were determined using a steady state tube furnace and gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer. Morphological and structural characteristics as well as thermomechanical properties of the composites were characterized using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The obtained data were compared to the results received for polyethylene and polymer with bromine‐containing fire retardants. The incorporation of nanofillers and halogen‐free fire retardants caused a reduction in combustibility as a consequence of the formation of char. Furthermore, the presence of nanoparticles has a beneficial effect on the inhibition of dripping. The polyethylene with carbon nanotubes, zinc borate, and aluminum hydroxide exhibited better combined properties of fire behavior and production of nontoxic smoke compared to the remaining composition and reference materials.
3D‐Bioprinted Osteoblast‐Laden Nanocomposite Hydrogel Constructs with Induced Microenvironments Promote Cell Viability, Differentiation, and Osteogenesis both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhai Xinyun , Ruan Changshun , Ma Yufei , Cheng Delin , Wu Mingming , Liu Wenguang , Zhao Xiaoli , Pan Haobo , Lu William Weijia
Published: November 2017

An osteoblast‐laden nanocomposite hydrogel construct, based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)/laponite XLG nanoclay ([Mg5.34Li0.66Si8O20(OH)4]Na0.66, clay)/hyaluronic acid sodium salt (HA) bio‐inks, is developed by a two‐channel 3D bioprinting method. The novel biodegradable bio‐ink A, comprised of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–clay nanocomposite crosslinked hydrogel, is used to facilitate 3D‐bioprinting and enables the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to growing cells. HA with encapsulated primary rat osteoblasts (ROBs) is applied as bio‐ink B with a view to improving cell viability, distribution uniformity, and deposition efficiency. The cell‐laden PEG–clay constructs not only encapsulated osteoblasts with more than 95% viability in the short term but also exhibited excellent osteogenic ability in the long term, due to the release of bioactive ions (magnesium ions, Mg2+ and silicon ions, Si4+), which induces the suitable microenvironment to promote the differentiation of the loaded exogenous ROBs, both in vitro and in vivo. This 3D‐bioprinting method holds much promise for bone tissue regeneration in terms of cell engraftment, survival, and ultimately long‐term function.
SLC6A3 polymorphism and response to methylphenidate in children with ADHD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Soleimani Robabeh , Salehi Zivar , Soltanipour Soheil , Hasandokht Tolou , Jalali Mir Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly used treatment for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. However, the response to MPH is not similar in all patients. This meta‐analysis investigated the potential role of SLC6A3 polymorphisms in response to MPH in children with ADHD. Clinical trials or naturalistic studies were selected from electronic databases. A meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model. Cohen's d effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Sensitivity analysis and meta‐regression were performed. Q‐statistic and Egger's tests were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the quality of evidence. Sixteen studies with follow‐up periods of 1–28 weeks were eligible. The mean treatment acceptability of MPH was 97.2%. In contrast to clinical trials, the meta‐analysis of naturalistic studies indicated that children without 10/10 repeat carriers had better response to MPH (Cohen's d: −0.09 and 0.44, respectively). The 9/9 repeat polymorphism had no effect on the response rate (Cohen's d: −0.43). In the meta‐regression, a significant association was observed between baseline severity of ADHD, MPH dosage, and combined type of ADHD in some genetic models. Sensitivity analysis indicated the robustness of our findings. No publication bias was observed in our meta‐analysis. The GRADE evaluations revealed very low levels of confidence for each outcome of response to MPH. The results of clinical trials and naturalistic studies regarding the effect size between different polymorphisms of SLC6A3 were contradictory. Therefore, further research is recommended.
Vulnerable voices on fire preparedness: Policy implications for emergency and community services collaboration
Authors: Ingham Valerie , Redshaw Sarah
Published: November 2017

An investigation of household preparedness and community connections was undertaken in the NSW Blue Mountains. The research employed a qualitative approach. Upon receiving ethical approval, interviews and focus groups with a total of 31 vulnerable residents were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis included the manual coding of individual transcripts and key word queries entered into NVivo 10. Fire planning for community resilience within Australia focusses on property preparation and an emergency warning system designed to assist the evacuation decisions of residents. In this article, we report on vulnerable residents and their preparedness for the October 2013 bushfires. Our findings demonstrate that the vulnerable people interviewed did not consider property preservation as a priority, and their knowledge and engagement with the warning system and evacuation procedures was limited. Of practical value, the research found local community services and emergency planning committees should collaboratively plan for vulnerable community members who are unable to take a very active role in preparing themselves or their dependents to face a bushfire or similar disaster. In addition, preparedness and warning communications should be devised and targeted to more clearly assist vulnerable people during the lead up to, and in the midst of, a disaster.
Targeting hypersensitive corticostriatal terminals in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Yepes Gabriel , Guitart Xavier , Rea William , Newman Amy H. , Allen Richard P. , Earley Christopher J. , Quiroz César , Ferré Sergi
Published: November 2017

Objective

The first aim was to demonstrate a previously hypothesized increased sensitivity of corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals in the rodent with brain iron deficiency (BID), a pathogenetic model of restless legs syndrome (RLS). The second aim was to determine whether these putative hypersensitive terminals could constitute a significant target for drugs effective in RLS, including dopamine agonists (pramipexole and ropinirole) and α2δ ligands (gabapentin).

Methods

A recently introduced in vivo optogenetic–microdialysis approach was used, which allows the measurement of the extracellular concentration of glutamate upon local light‐induced stimulation of corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals. The method also allows analysis of the effect of local perfusion of compounds within the same area being sampled for glutamate.

Results

BID rats showed hypersensitivity of corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals (lower frequency of optogenetic stimulation to induce glutamate release). Both hypersensitive and control glutamatergic terminals were significant targets for locally perfused pramipexole, ropinirole, and gabapentin, which significantly counteracted optogenetically induced glutamate release. The use of selective antagonists demonstrated the involvement of dopamine D4and D2receptor subtypes in the effects of pramipexole.

Interpretation

Hypersensitivity of corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals can constitute a main pathogenetic mechanism of RLS symptoms. Selective D4receptor agonists, by specifically targeting these terminals, should provide a new efficient treatment with fewer secondary effects. Ann Neurol 2017;82:951–960