bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERFIL DE UTILIZAÇÃO DE MEDICAMENTOS E SUBSTÂNCIAS PSICOATIVAS POR ALUNOS DO ENSINO MÉDIO DA ESCOLA DE APLICAÇÃO DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARÁ EM BELÉM, PARÁ
Authors: Botelho Johnathan Lucas da Silva , Freitas Denilson Barbosa de , Almeida Eduardo Dias , Baptista Ester Roseli , Soler Orenzio
Published: May 2019

Introdução: O uso de substâncias parar alteração do nível de consciência tende a ter início na fase da adolescência. O medicamento pode ser utilizado como uma droga de abuso, causando tantos males quanto aqueles causados por diversas drogas de uso lícito ou ilícito. A adolescência é uma fase de desenvolvimento onde tende a ocorrer os primeiros contatos com o uso de medicamentos psicoativos, bebidas alcoólicas e outras drogas. Assim, sendo o objetivo desta investigação foi conhecer o perfil de utilização de medicamentos e de drogas psicoativas em adolescentes do ensino médio matriculados na Escola de Aplicação da Universidade Federal do Pará. Metodologia: Trata-se e um estudo exploratório, prospectivo, qualitativo e quantitativo, do tipo corte-transverso, tendo como recorte temporal o período entre janeiro a junho de 2017. Resultado: Do total de 272 adolescentes matriculados no ensino médio: 30,88% eram do 1º ano; 43,38% do 2º ano; 25,00% do terceiro, onde prevalece o gênero feminino com 61,76%. Discussão: Sabe-se que a adolescência é uma fase crítica em relação ao consumo de substancias psicoativas, sendo necessário aprimorar esforços na produção de conhecimento para o enfrentamento desta problemática. Conclusão: A utilização de medicamentos, de maconha, álcool e tabaco foi predominante entre os alunos do 2º ano entre o gênero masculino.
ESTUDO DO EFEITO CENTRAL DO ÓLEO DA POLPA DE Attalea phalerata MART. EX SPRENG. EM MODELOS ANIMAIS DE ANSIEDADE E DEPRESSÃO
Authors: Freitas de Lima Fernando , Souza Júnior Paulo Sérgio Vieira , Traesel Giseli Karenina , Menegati Sara Emilia Lima Tolouei , Oesterreich Silvia Aparecida , Vieira Maria Carmo
Published: May 2019

Introdução: A Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. (bacuri) é um fruto com elevado valor nutricional devido apresentar grandes quantidades de minerais e lipídios em sua composição. O óleo do fruto é utilizado na medicina popular em forma oral para o tratamento de congestão pulmonar e anti-inflamatório para doenças articulares. Apresenta em sua composição ácidos graxos insaturados e carotenoides. Estudos indicam que esses compostos exercem importante função sistema imunológico, bem como na prevenção e tratamento de doenças crônicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o efeito central do óleo da polpa de frutos de A. phalerata (OPAP) em modelos experimentais de ansiedade e depressão. Metodologia: Para avaliação foram empregados os teste de Labiritindo em Cruz Elevado, Campo Aberto, Esconder Esferas e Nado Forçado. Resultados e Discussão: Após avaliação dos parâmetros e comportamento dos animais, o óleo apresentou efeito ansiolítico com ausência de sedação no teste de Labirinto em Cruz Elevado e Esconder Esferas. Entretanto, nos experimentos de Campo Aberto e Nado Forçado, os animais não apresentaram alterações comportamentais. Conclusão: Os estudos aplicados são relevantes para o desenvolvimento de fitoterápicos com menores reações adversas no tratamento de ansiedade e depressão.
Perceived Effects of Climate Variability on Cassava Production among Small Scale Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Anarah Samuel E. , Ezeano Caleb I. , Osuafor Ogonna O.
Published: May 2019

Climate variability is one of the predominant themes in agricultural research. Climate variations can seriously affect agricultural production. It brings about changes in weather patterns which in turn give rise to imbalances in seasonal cycles, harm to ecosystems and water supply affecting agriculture and food production. Extreme weather events such as floods, landslides and drought are caused by climate variation. Studies have shown that root crops such as cassava are most vulnerable to the impact of climate variability. This paper therefore investigated the perceived effects of climate variability on cassava production among small scale farmers in Anambra State. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of small scale cassava farmers in the state; identified the activities of small scale cassava farmers that contribute to climate variability; and ascertained the perception and levels of awareness of climate variability by small scale cassava farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting the sample units for the study. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire based on the objectives. Descriptive statistics was used to actualize the objectives while the hypothesis was tested using multiple linear regression model. The result of the socioeconomic variables showed that majority of the small-scale cassava farmers were within the age range of 41-50 years; majority (59.38 %) of the respondents were females; majority (32.03%) have 7 to 11 years of farming experience; majority of the respondents (35.94 %) have farm size of 0.1 to 0.5 hectares; majority of the farmers (42.19 %) belong to 3 to 4 farming organizations; majority of the farmers (42.19 %) make  income of ₦50,000 to ₦100,000; and majority of the farmers (53.13 %) produce  yield of 3000 to 4000 kg of cassava. Result of the activities of small scale cassava farmers that contribute to climate variability show that majority of the farmers (88.28 %) perceived that bush burning contribute to climate variability while (82.03%), (60.16%), (56.25%) and (50.78%) indicated that intensive agricultural land use, use of inorganic fertilizers, use of fossil fuels and deforestation contribute also to climate variability, respectively. Based on the perception and level of awareness of climate variability by small scale cassava farmers in the study area, the result show that the farmers were significantly aware of the following climate variability; early onset of rainfall and early cessation; decreased rainfall days; shorter than normal rainfall; absence of frost; low intensity rainfall; flash flooding; unusual patterns of precipitation and high sunshine intensity. It was also found that significant relationship exists between socio-economic characteristics and production level by the small scale cassava farmers. Recommendations were made based on the findings.
Recurrent inconsistencies in publications that involve Maguire’s germination rate formula
Authors: Pire Reinaldo , Vargas-Simón Georgina
Published: May 2019

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to present statistical information pertaining to recurrent inconsistencies found in the literature of the last 25 years that involve calculation of the GR and the errors that this may entail when interpreting the seed vigor of different botanical materials.Materiales y métodos: After filtering articles that did not present numerical results or in which the application of Maguire's formula was not clearly indicated, a total of 124 papers were ultimately used in this study.Main results: Germination rate (GR) represents the potential of seeds to germinate and, along with germination percentage (GP), are the two most important measurements when evaluating seed quality. The correct calculation of GR allows the seeds classification according to their vigor and capacity to produce healthy seedlings, so it is very important to rely on the adequate mathematical formula for this purpose. According to the formula developed by Maguire, this parameter is calculated by the sum of values obtained when dividing the GP at different times (i.e. daily) by the total time elapsed since the start of the test. We have found from the relevant literature that different authors have been using different ways of applying the formula, which makes it difficult to directly compare the results.Research highlights: A total of 54.8 % of the papers reviewed, belonging mainly to the theme of forestry, presented objectionable application of the formula. Publication of this warning may help to reduce the occurrence of this situation in the future.Keywords. Germination percentage, germination speed, Maguire’s formula, seed vigor.
Estimation of the influence of genetic polymorphisms of opioid, purinergic and adrenergic receptors on opioid therapies
Authors: Kula Agnieszka , Dawidowicz Miriam , Świętochowski Paweł , Ostrowska Zofia
Published: May 2019

The main aim of this work was to collect and present the polymorphisms that have been identified and tested and that may potentially have an influence on the effect of analgesic therapies. Opioid drugs are one of the most commonly used painkillers in the treatment of postoperative, neoplastic and post-traumatic pain. Opioid receptors and their types: μ, δ, κ, purinergic and adrenergic receptors contribute to nociceptive stimulation and their modulation. The analgesic effect induced by opioids is dependent on many factors, such as age, sex, body mass and the occurrence of different polymorphic variants of genes encoding opioid, purinergic and adrenergic receptors. Many polymorphisms have been identified within the following genes: OPRM, OPRK, OPRD, ADRB1 and P2RX7, encoding the following receptors: μ, κ, δ, purinergic P2X and β1-adrenergic. The most common polymorphism is the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP-single nucleotide polymorphism). The occurrence of some polymorphic forms may generate differences in expression and have an impact on the physicochemical properties of receptors, which results in different levels of analgesia in the population and the generation of side effects. The relation between the occurrence of polymorphic variants of the genes of receptors participating in nociceptive stimulation and the increased or reduced demand for opioids necessary to achieve analgesia has been confirmed. Mechanisms in which polymorphisms affect the modification of the anesthetic response to opioids in most cases remain unknown. Further research on opioid, purinergic and adrenergic receptors polymorphisms may improve the effectiveness of opioid therapies by regulating the dose to the patient’s individual pain phenotype, and may reduce the risk of side effects resulting from using too high doses of the drug.
QTc interval prolongation in asymptomatic HIV – infected patients treated and untreated with antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Siwak Ewa , Suchacz Magdalena M. , Cielniak Iwona , Kubicka Joanna , Pulik Piotr , Sapuła Mariusz , Firląg-Burkacka Ewa
Published: May 2019

Aim: QTc interval prolongation has been found in HIV-infected patients. There are contradictory reports about the effects of antiretroviral drugs on QT interval duration. The aim of the study was to assess if the prolongation of the QTc interval depends on the antiretroviral treatment and other risk factors related to HIV infection.
Material/Methods: 283 adult HIV-infected patients treated in HIV Outpatient Clinic in Warsaw were enrolled in the prospective, single-centre study. Factors related to ART and HIV infection were collected. Electrocardiograms were performed for each patient and QTc interval duration was measured and corrected using Bazett’s heart rate formula.
Results: Prolonged QTc interval was identified in 4.9 % HIV-infected patients (median age 34.5 years, 85% male, 89% HIV RNA<50 copies/mL). The average length of QTc interval in ART HIV(+) patients was 403 ms, in untreated HIV(+) subjects – 398ms and in the control group of healthy individuals – 400ms. ART regimen included PI in 47.4% cases, NNRTI in 24.1% and INI in 28.5% patients. The longest QTc interval was found in patients treated with the PI scheme – 408 ms, shorter with INI – 399ms and with NNRTI – 397ms. A multivariable analysis revealed that only older age and female gender were significantly associated with QTc prolongation.
Conclusions: In the group of young, asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with good immunovirological control, the prevalence of QTc prolongation was low – only 4.9% of subjects.
ARV treatment seem to have no significant influence on the QTc interval duration.
The role of prolactin and its receptor in cancer development
Authors: Partyńska Aleksandra , Jabłońska Karolina , Nowińska Katarzyna , Dzięgiel Piotr
Published: May 2019

Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone which regulates various processes in the body. It takes part in mammary gland development, regulation of lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Expression of a gene encoding PRL was observed in the pituitary gland, in the mammary gland, immune system cells, and adipose tissue. A serum level of PRL depends on many factors, for instance the time of day, sex, levels of various hormones, and stress. Posttranslational modifications result in the appearance of vasoinhibins, characterized by different biological features than in the primary hormone molecule. Elevated levels of prolactin in plasma are associated with hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin receptor (PRLR) is found on the surface of many cells
of normal tissues. Its presence can also be detected in various types of cancer cells. The issue of the roles of PRL and prolactin receptor (PRLR) is worthy of attention, because of their contribution to the regulation of normal metabolic processes and their part in cancer development. Among diseases in which PRL or PRLR have an influence on their progression, breast cancer, prostate cancer or colorectal cancer can be found. As prolactin and its receptor take part in cancer initiation and progression, these molecules have a potential to become a good therapeutic target. The aim of this review is to summarize and systemize the knowledge on the subject of the roles of PRL and PRLR in cancerogenesis.
Introduction to the essence of security and security strategy
Authors: Piwowarski Jacek A.
Published: May 2019

Ensuring freedom from threats to security subjects requires the elaboration of a security strategy. The relationship between security strategy and development strategy is the same as that between security and development themselves – one determines the other. For this reason, the purpose of this article is to discuss the essence of security and its basic conceptual categories, as well as the implementation of its provision through strategic efforts. At the beginning, the essence of the phenomenon of security is presented and the most important definitions are quoted. Similarly, the author discusses the concept of strategy and shows the evolution of its understanding. This allows to discuss the typology of security strategies and to mention the most important figures that became part of history thanks to their achievements in the theory of strategy, including Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte. A few of the most important principles formulated by these figures are recalled, which may be important hints for contemporary strategists as well. Finally, the author gives the most important definitions of ideas related to security: the security environment, the interests of the security subject, opportunities, challenges, risks, threats, rules and methods. Their essence is emphasized in the light of the considerations presented above. The author concludes that the strategic categories are superior to the respective political categories and distinguishes three types of contemporary strategic actions. He also recognizes that the biggest challenge in terms of security is the prevention of threats, e.g. by means of stabilization activities whose essence is to maintain and promote the stability of the security environment.
Military aircraft, ballistic missiles and maneuver rockets as effective means of deterring the potential enemy
Authors: Radomyski Adam , Michalski Daniel
Published: May 2019

In this article, the authors focus on the possibilities of realization and implementation in the national deterrence strategy, paying particular attention to measures that could create a state’s military potential in this area. The article’s aim is to reveal the need to build a deterrence strat-egy in Poland as a necessary element for the implementation of security policy in a changing international environment and the possibility of its implementation with the current potential of the state. In order to determine the possibility of building the military capacity of the deter-rence strategy, the authors reviewed the quantitative and qualitative measures of air robbery and their impact on its implementation. In addition, they proposed a framework for a strategy for the use of military deterrence measures using the concept of the J. Warden. This is carried out based on analysis of the possibilities of the tactical-technical modern means of air attack and means of destruction.
The concept and the essence of personal security
Authors: Sokołowski Mariusz
Published: May 2019

Security is a concept defined in various ways. It is often emphasized that it is one of the constitutive attributes of human beings that define their activity. Presently, there is a tendency to eschew the state-centric concept of security in favour of the anthropocentric one. The fact that the main focus of this anthropocentric concept of security is on personal security situates the above issue within the area of security culture. The contemporary analysis of the threats that affect human safety requires the identification of diverse cause-and-effect relationhips in the complex postmodern reality, both material and non-material one. The emergence of the category of risk, on the other hand, implies the necessity of shifting the key security-related foci from the subjective sphere to the sphere of personal safety. The article is an attempt to systematize the concept of personal security and define its essence in the perspective of security sciences. For the sake of such a research objective, the problem has been formulated in the following way: What is the essence of personal security and how is it defined in the field of security sciences? The issue has been little studied so far, and the adopted qualitative approach forces the author to abandon the research hypothesis, as a non-assumptive approach has been taken in the task of investigating the researched concept. The work uses the method of the critical analysis of subject literature. The resulting systematisation of knowledge in the researched area is an attempt to review the concepts used in security sciences in such a way that allows to organize the concepts regarding personal security.
ATOR SINCERO E ATOR CÍNICO: a análise das interações comunicacionais no contexto organizacional a partir da perspectiva dramatúrgica de Erving Goffman
Authors: Ferreira Dôuglas Aparecido
Published: May 2019

Este artigo se propõe a realizar uma reflexão teórica sobre o Interacionismo Simbólico e resgata suas principais ideias no intuito de se compreender as complexas relações comunicacionais que se dão no contexto das organizações, principalmente aquelas que envolvem trabalhadores subordinados e subordinadores. Para tanto, foram utilizados os conceitos de ator sincero e ator cínico de Erving Goffman (2013) como operadores analíticos para se entender as estratégias de comunicação e as representações de papéis sociais que marcam um jornal interno.
ESTÉTICA E MEMÓRIA DA CANÇÃO DAS MÍDIAS A PARTIR DOS REGISTROS FONOGRÁFICOS DAS CANTORAS DO RÁDIO NOS ANOS 1950
Authors: Coli Juliana Marília , Farias Raphael Fernandes Lopes
Published: May 2019

Esse artigo analisa como se dá a transmissão de memórias individuais e coletivas por meio das canções e dos processos de performance midiatizada (ZUMTHOR, 1997; 2012; VALENTE, 2013). Escolhemos os anos 1950 por se tratar da gênese da indústria fonográfica brasileira, época a qual temos dedicado nossas pesquisas, elegendo duas cantoras populares do rádio: Juanita Cavalcanti e Dalva de Oliveira. A primeira, de carreira breve, atuou na Rádio Gazeta em meio ao cast lírico; a segunda, de longeva carreira, atuou, sobretudo, em rádios e gravadoras do Rio de Janeiro. Analisando a formação de personas vocais (TAGG, 2012) compreendem-se as influências estéticas, sociais e midiáticas das cantoras, levando em conta a oralidade e as materialidades, e como se criam gostos estéticos e interpretações que marcam períodos e transitam por épocas.
Sales forecasting using multivariate long short term memory network models
Authors: Helmini Suleka , Jihan Nadheesh , Jayasinghe Malith , Perera Srinath
Published: May 2019

In the retail domain, estimating the sales before actual sales become known plays a key role in maintaining a successful business. This is due to the fact that most crucial decisions are bound to be based on these forecasts. Statistical sales forecasting models like ARIMA (Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average), can be identified as one of the most traditional and commonly used forecasting methodologies. Even though these models are capable of producing satisfactory forecasts for linear time series data they are not suitable for analyzing non-linear data. Therefore, machine learning models (such as Random Forest Regression, XGBoost) have been employed frequently as they were able to achieve better results using non-linear data. The recent research shows that deep learning models (e.g. recurrent neural networks) can provide higher accuracy in predictions compared to machine learning models due to their ability to persist information and identify temporal relationships. In this paper, we adopt a special variant of Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network called LSTM model with peephole connections for sales prediction. We first build our model using historical features for sales forecasting. We compare the results of this initial LSTM model with multiple machine learning models, namely, the Extreme Gradient Boosting model (XGB) and Random Forest Regressor model(RFR). We further improve the prediction accuracy of the initial model by incorporating features that describe the future that is known to us in the current moment, an approach that has not been explored in previous state-of-the-art LSTM based forecasting models. The initial LSTM model we develop outperforms the machine learning models achieving 12% - 14% improvement whereas the improved LSTM model achieves 11\% - 13\% improvement compared to the improved machine learning models. Furthermore, we also show that our improved LSTM model can obtain a 20% - 21% improvement compared to the initial LSTM model, achieving significant improvement.
Biochemical traits that Escherichia coli evolved during its adaption to the gastrointestinal tract of humans
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: May 2019

What biochemical tricks did Escherichia coli obtained or evolved during its time as a commensal in the human gastrointestinal system? E. coli is a natural symbiont of the human gastrointestinal tract. Thus, through evolutionary timescales, the bacterium must have co-evolved with humans with conditions in the gastrointestinal tract serving as selection pressure for the evolution of a variety of biochemical and physiological adaptations. These adaptations came about through mutations that arise in the genome, and thus, could be retrospectively profiled to understand the differing evolutionary pressure that selected for specific traits in the bacterium useful for its survival in the changing conditions of the human gut. Using sequenced and annotated genome information of different strains of E. coli as a guide and starting point, possibility exists to use a combination of bioinformatics, biochemical, and genetic approaches to decipher the biochemical tricks that E. coli evolved or pick up during its time as a commensal in the human gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, sequenced genomes serve as a molecular fossil from which we could obtain imprints of the various evolutionary events that impact on the bacterium. Adaptations to changing conditions could also be deciphered through analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). Comparison of the profiled mutations and altered gene sequences between different E. coli strains with different co-evolutionary history with the human gut might help reveal the different length of time in which different E. coli strains have co-evolved with humans. More importantly, multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis could also reveal which genes first evolve due to selection pressure exerted on the bacterium by fluctuating environmental conditions in the human gut. Genetic knockdowns of the putative genes would help indicate the overall essentiality of the genes to the physiology and functioning of the modern E. coli bacterium. The approach outlined should help answer some of the most fundamental questions regarding the evolution of different E. coli strains as well as how natural selection exerts its influence on the physiology of a commensal organism with respect to host adaptation.
Spatiotemporal organization of branched microtubule networks
Authors: Thawani Akanksha , Stone Howard A , Shaevitz Joshua W , Petry Sabine
Published: May 2019

To understand how chromosomes are segregated, it is necessary to explain the precise spatiotemporal organization of microtubules (MTs) in the mitotic spindle. We use Xenopus egg extracts to study the nucleation and dynamics of MTs in branched networks, a process that is critical for spindle assembly. Surprisingly, new branched MTs preferentially originate near the minus-ends of pre-existing MTs. A sequential reaction model, consisting of deposition of nucleation sites on an existing MT, followed by rate-limiting nucleation of branches, reproduces the measured spatial profile of nucleation, the distribution of MT plus-ends and tubulin intensity. By regulating the availability of the branching effectors TPX2, augmin and γ-TuRC, combined with single-molecule observations, we show that first TPX2 is deposited on pre-existing MTs, followed by binding of augmin/γ-TuRC to result in the nucleation of branched MTs. In sum, regulating the localization and kinetics of nucleation effectors governs the architecture of branched MT networks.
The relationship between spatial configuration and functional connectivity of brain regions revisited
Authors: Bijsterbosch Janine Diane , Beckmann Christian F , Woolrich Mark W , Smith Stephen M , Harrison Samuel J
Published: May 2019

Previously we showed that network-based modelling of brain connectivity interacts strongly with the shape and exact location of brain regions, such that cross-subject variations in the spatial configuration of functional brain regions are being interpreted as changes in functional connectivity (Bijsterbosch et al., 2018). Here we show that these spatial effects on connectivity estimates actually occur as a result of spatial overlap between brain networks. This is shown to systematically bias connectivity estimates obtained from group spatial ICA followed by dual regression. We introduce an extended method that addresses the bias and achieves more accurate connectivity estimates.
Asymmetric recruitment and actin-dependent cortical flows drive the neuroblast polarity cycle
Authors: Oon Chet Huan , Prehoda Kenneth E
Published: May 2019

During the asymmetric divisions of Drosophila neuroblasts, the Par polarity complex cycles between the cytoplasm and an apical cortical domain that restricts differentiation factors to the basal cortex. We used rapid imaging of the full cell volume to uncover the dynamic steps that underlie transitions between neuroblast polarity states. Initially, the Par proteins aPKC and Bazooka form discrete foci at the apical cortex. Foci grow into patches that together comprise a discontinuous, unorganized structure. Coordinated cortical flows that begin near metaphase and are dependent on the actin cytoskeleton rapidly transform the patches into a highly organized apical cap. At anaphase onset, the cap disassembles as the cortical flow reverses direction toward the emerging cleavage furrow. Following division, cortical patches dissipate into the cytoplasm allowing the neuroblast polarity cycle to begin again. Our work demonstrates how neuroblasts use asymmetric recruitment and cortical flows to dynamically polarize during asymmetric division cycles.
Ecosystem effects of fishing & El Niño at the Galápagos Marine Reserve
Authors: Eddy Tyler D. , Friedlander Alan M. , Salinas de León Pelayo
Published: May 2019

The Galápagos Archipelago is home to a diverse range of marine bioregions due to the confluence of several cold and warm water currents, resulting in some of the most productive tropical marine ecosystems in the world. These ecosystems are strongly influenced by El Niño events which can reduce primary production by an order of magnitude, dramatically reducing energy available throughout the food web. Fisheries are an important component of the local economy, although artisanal and illegal overfishing have dramatically reduced the productivity of invertebrate and finfish resources in recent decades, resulting in reductions in catches for local fishers. The regionally-endemic sailfin grouper (Myctereoperca olfax), locally known as bacalao, was once the most important fished species in the Galápagos, but is now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN due to its limited range and dramatic declines in catch over time. It is unknown how reduction of this predatory species has affected ecosystem structure and function. In the absence of stock assessments, we used an estimate of unfished bacalao biomass from fishers’ ecological knowledge along with unfished biomass estimates of other heavily exploited stocks—lobster (Panulirus penicillatus and P. gracilis) and sea cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus)—to create historical, unfished versions of existing modern day ecosystem models. We used the unfished and modern versions of the ecosystem models to test the ecosystem effects of bacalao exploitation at the Bolivar Channel, located in the cold, west upwelling bioregion of the archipelago during both El Niño and non El Niño years, and at Floreana Island, in the warmer, central bioregion. Fishers’ ecological knowledge indicates that at present, the biomass of bacalao is at least seven times lower than when unfished. This reduced bacalao biomass is linked with a greatly reduced ecosystem role compared to when unfished, and ecosystem role is further reduced in El Niño years. Allowing bacalao populations to rebuild to at least half of unfished biomass would partially restore their role within these ecosystems, while also resulting in greater fisheries catches. Comparing ecosystem impacts caused by fishing and El Niño, fishing has had a greater negative impact on bacalao ecosystem role than regular El Niño events.
The Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) on Serum Copper Level in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: . Shamim-Ara-Sarkar , Rahman Habibur , Jahan Israt , Ahmed Md. Ranzu
Published: May 2019

Background: Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes irregular, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Serum copper level may change due to long term use of antiepileptic drugs.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the serum copper level in childhood epilepsy treated with long-term Anti-Epileptic Drug (AED).

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during March to August’ 2013. Sample size was one hundred, among these fifty were case (epileptic child who had received  anti-epileptic drugs (Carbamazepine and/or Valproic acid) for more than three months) and rest fifty were control (newly diagnosed epileptic child, who yet not received antiepileptic drug).

Result: The mean copper level was 1.11±0.32 µg/ml in case group and 0.96±0.20 µg/ml in control group, which was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The use of one drug or multiple drugs in the treatment of epileptic patients may play significant role in increasing copper serum level.
Hypoxia‐induced secretion stimulates breast cancer stem cell regulatory signalling pathways
Authors: Jacobsson Hanna , Harrison Hannah , Hughes Éamon , Persson Emma , Rhost Sara , Fitzpatrick Paul , Gustafsson Anna , Andersson Daniel , Gregersson Pernilla , Magnusson Ylva , Ståhlberg Anders , Landberg Göran
Published: May 2019

It is well known that tumour cells are dependent on communication with the tumour microenvironment. Previously, it has been shown that hypoxia (HX) induces pronounced, diverse and direct effects on cancer stem cell (CSC) qualities in different breast cancer subtypes. Here, we describe the mechanism by which HX‐induced secretion influences the spreading of CSCs. Conditioned media (CM) from estrogen receptor (ER)‐α‐positive hypoxic breast cancer cell cultures increased the fraction of CSCs compared to normal growth conditions, as determined using sets of CSC assays and model systems. In contrast, media from ERα‐negative hypoxic cell cultures instead decreased this key subpopulation of cancer cells. Further, there was a striking overrepresentation of JAK‐STAT‐associated cytokines in both the ERα‐positive and ERα‐negative linked hypoxic responses as determined by a protein screen of the CM. JAK‐STAT inhibitors and knockdown experiments further supported the hypothesis that this pathway is critical for the CSC‐activating and CSC‐inactivating effects induced by hypoxic secretion. We also observed that the interleukin‐6‐JAK2‐STAT3 axis was specifically central for the ERα‐negative hypoxic behaviour. Our results underline the importance of considering breast cancer subtypes in treatments targeting JAK‐STAT or HX‐associated processes and indicate that HX is not only a confined tumour biological event, but also influences key tumour properties in widespread normoxic microenvironments.
Fiber Reinforced Layered Dielectric Nanocomposite
Authors: Rahman Muhammad M. , Puthirath Anand B. , Adumbumkulath Aparna , Tsafack Thierry , Robatjazi Hossein , Barnes Morgan , Wang Zixing , Kommandur Sampath , Susarla Sandhya , Sajadi Seyed Mohammad , Salpekar Devashish , Yuan Fanshu , Babu Ganguli , Nomoto Kazuki , Islam SM , Verduzco Rafael , Yee Shannon K. , Xing Huili G. , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: May 2019

Polymer dielectrics find applications in modern electronic and electrical technologies due to their low density, durability, high dielectric breakdown strength, and design flexibility. However, they are not reliable at high temperatures due to their low mechanical integrity and thermal stability. Herein, a self‐assembled dielectric nanocomposite is reported, which integrates 1D polyaramid nanofibers and 2D boron nitride nanosheets through a vacuum‐assisted layer‐by‐layer infiltration process. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits hierarchical stacking between the 2D nanosheets and 1D nanofibers. Specifically, the 2D nanosheets provide a thermally conductive network while the 1D nanofibers provide mechanical flexibility and robustness through entangled nanofiber–nanosheet morphologies. Experiments and density functional theory show that the nanocomposites through thickness heat transfer processes are nearly identical to that of boron nitride due to synergistic stacking of polyaramid units onto boron nitride nanosheets through van der Waals interactions. The nanocomposite sheets outperform conventional dielectric polymers in terms of mechanical properties (about 4–20‐fold increase of stiffness), light weight (density ≈1.01 g cm−3), dielectric stability over a broad range of temperature (25–200 °C) and frequencies (103–106 Hz), good dielectric breakdown strength (≈292 MV m−1), and excellent thermal management capability (about 5–24 times higher thermal conductivity) such as fast heat dissipation.
Nanoscale Parallel Circuitry Based on Interpenetrating Conductive Assembly for Flexible and High‐Power Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Luo Shaojuan , Xie Luoyuan , Han Fei , Wei Wei , Huang Yang , Zhang Han , Zhu Minshen , Schmidt Oliver G. , Wang Lei
Published: May 2019

High‐rate capability has become an important feature for energy storage devices, but it is often accompanied with a significant reduction in energy density. Therefore, developing an energy storage technology that combines high‐rate capability with high energy density is a great challenge for next‐generation electronic devices. Here, parallel circuitry is constructed at the nanoscale to lower the resistance for ion and electron transport that largely determines the rate performance. The parallel circuitry is constructed through intertwining continuous carbon nanotubes with an interpenetrating conductive assembly based on hierarchically layered MXene (Ti3C2Tx
) functionalized by KMnO4 (MnOx
@Ti3C2Tx
). The assembly shows ultrafast rate capability, e.g., maintaining 50% capacity when the current density increases from 0.1 to 10 A g−1. Investigations of the kinetics and charge storage mechanisms confirm the efficiency of the designed parallel circuitry in improving rate capability by providing rapid pathways for ions and electrons, as well as dividing the current flow evenly into individual MnOx
@Ti3C2Tx
flakes in the assembly. The flexible MnOx
@Ti3C2Tx
based electrode endows zinc ion batteries with outstanding mechanical robustness and good power delivering performance. The paradigm presented here paves a new way for designing electrodes with high‐rate capability toward next‐generation energy storage technologies.
A New Strategy to Build a High‐Performance P′2‐Type Cathode Material through Titanium Doping for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Yun Ji , Choi Ji Ung , Jo Jae Hyeon , Jo Chang‐Heum , Kim Jongsoon , Myung Seung‐Taek
Published: May 2019

Herein, Ti4+ in P′2‐Na0.67[(Mn0.78Fe0.22)0.9Ti0.1]O2 is proposed as a new strategy for optimization of Mn‐based cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries, which enables a single phase reaction during de‐/sodiation. The approach is to utilize the stronger Ti–O bond in the transition metal layers that can suppress the movements of Mn–O and Fe–O by sharing the oxygen with Ti by the sequence of Mn–O–Ti–O–Fe. It delivers a discharge capacity of ≈180 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles (86% retention), with S‐shaped smooth charge–discharge curves associated with a small volume change during cycling. The single phase reaction with a small volume change is further confirmed by operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The low activation barrier energy of ≈541 meV for Na+ diffusion is predicted using first‐principles calculations. As a result, Na0.67[(Mn0.78Fe0.22)0.9Ti0.1]O2 can deliver a high reversible capacity of ≈153 mAh g−1 even at 5C (1.3 A g−1), which corresponds to ≈85% of the capacity at 0.1C (26 mA g−1). The nature of the sodium storage mechanism governing the ultrahigh electrode performance in a full cell with a hard carbon anode is elucidated, revealing the excellent cyclability and good retention (≈80%) for 500 cycles (111 mAh g−1) at 5C (1.3 A g−1).
Light‐Activated Tissue‐Integrating Sutures as Surgical Nanodevices
Authors: Ghosh Deepanjan , Urie Russell , Chang Andy , Nitiyanandan Rajeshwar , Lee Jung Keun , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Rege Kaushal
Published: May 2019

Sutures are typically the primary means of soft tissue repair in surgery and trauma. Despite their widespread use, sutures do not result in immediate sealing of approximated tissues, which can result in bacterial infection and leakage. Nonabsorbable sutures and staples can be traumatic to tissue, and the trauma can be exacerbated by their subsequent removal. Use of cyanoacrylate glues is limited because of their brittleness and toxicity. In this work, laser‐activated tissue‐integrating sutures (LATIS) are described as novel nanodevices for soft tissue approximation and repair. Incorporation of gold nanorods within fibers generated from collagen result in LATIS fibers which demonstrate robust photothermal responses following irradiation with near infrared laser light. Compared to conventional sutures, LATIS fibers result in greater biomechanical recovery of incised skin in a mouse model of skin closure after spine surgeries. Histopathology analyses show improved repair of the epidermal gap in skin, which indicate faster tissue recovery using LATIS. The studies indicate that LATIS‐facilitated approximation of skin in live mice synergizes the benefits of conventional suturing and laser‐activated tissue integration, resulting in new approaches for faster sealing, tissue repair, and healing.
Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lan Minhuan , Zhao Shaojing , Liu Weimin , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Pengfei
Published: May 2019

As an emerging clinical modality for cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) takes advantage of the cytotoxic activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated by light irradiating photosensitizers (PSs) in the presence of oxygen (O2). However, further advancements including tumor selectivity and ROS generation efficiency are still required. Substantial efforts are devoted to design and synthesize smart PSs with optimized properties for achieving a desirable therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the recent progress in developing intelligent PSs for efficient PDT, ranging from single molecules to delicate nanomaterials. The strategies to improve ROS generation through optimizing photoinduced electron transfer and energy transfer processes of PSs are highlighted. Moreover, the approaches that combine PDT with other therapeutics (e.g., chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and radiotherapy) and the targeted delivery in cancer cells or tumor tissue are introduced. The main challenges for the clinical application of PSs are also discussed.
A Fermi‐Level‐Pinning‐Free 1D Electrical Contact at the Intrinsic 2D MoS2–Metal Junction
Authors: Yang Zheng , Kim Changsik , Lee Kwang Young , Lee Myeongjin , Appalakondaiah Samudrala , Ra Chang‐Ho , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Cho Kyeongjae , Hwang Euyheon , Hone James , Yoo Won Jong
Published: May 2019

Currently 2D crystals are being studied intensively for use in future nanoelectronics, as conventional semiconductor devices face challenges in high power consumption and short channel effects when scaled to the quantum limit. Toward this end, achieving barrier‐free contact to 2D semiconductors has emerged as a major roadblock. In conventional contacts to bulk metals, the 2D semiconductor Fermi levels become pinned inside the bandgap, deviating from the ideal Schottky–Mott rule and resulting in significant suppression of carrier transport in the device. Here, MoS2 polarity control is realized without extrinsic doping by employing a 1D elemental metal contact scheme. The use of high‐work‐function palladium (Pd) or gold (Au) enables a high‐quality p‐type dominant contact to intrinsic MoS2, realizing Fermi level depinning. Field‐effect transistors (FETs) with Pd edge contact and Au edge contact show high performance with the highest hole mobility reaching 330 and 432 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K, respectively. The ideal Fermi level alignment allows creation of p‐ and n‐type FETs on the same intrinsic MoS2 flake using Pd and low‐work‐function molybdenum (Mo) contacts, respectively. This device acts as an efficient inverter, a basic building block for semiconductor integrated circuits, with gain reaching 15 at VD = 5 V.
Peptide‐Based Supramolecular Nanodrugs as a New Generation of Therapeutic Toolboxes against Cancer
Authors: Chang Rui , Zou Qianli , Xing Ruirui , Yan Xuehai
Published: May 2019

Peptides are an important class of biomaterials that are widely used in the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, bioavailability, and structural diversity. They self‐assemble into a variety of architectures by weak intermolecular interactions such as π‐effects, van der Waals forces, ionic attraction, the hydrophobic effect, and hydrogen bonding, resulting in many advantages in cancer treatment. Self‐assembling peptide nanostructures perform two functions: they act as nanocarriers to deliver drugs to tumor sites, and they regulate drug properties, for example, enhancing drug stability, improving the optical properties of photosensitizers, and increasing the immune response. This review focuses on peptide‐based supramolecular nanodrugs or nanocarriers for different cancer treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy. In particular, peptides with special bioactive properties, such as tumor targeting, microenvironmental responsiveness, and antigenicity, will be highlighted for their utility in the effort to conquer cancer.
The Nature of Proton Shuttling in Protic Ionic Liquid Fuel Cells
Authors: Smith Daniel E. , Walsh Darren A.
Published: May 2019

It has been proposed previously that protic ionic liquids (PILs) such as diethylmethylammonium triflate could be used as the electrolytes in nonhumidified, intermediate temperature H2 fuel cells, potentially offering the prospect of high conductivity and performance, even under anhydrous conditions. In this contribution, a combination of electroanalytical chemistry and fuel‐cell polarization analyses is used to demonstrate for the first time that the pure PILs cannot support proton shuttling between the electrodes of fuel cells. Only through the inclusion of dissolved acidic or basic proton shuttles can viable protic ionic fuel cells be fabricated, which has major consequences for the use of these neoteric electrolytes in fuel cells.
Reaction Medium as the Installing Reservoir for Key Functionalities in the Molecules
Authors: Kumar Verma Praveen , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Sawant Sanghapal D.
Published: May 2019

The solvent is an important entity in a chemical reaction, generally, required for the effective collision of the reactant molecules. By looking at the chemical nature, physic‐chemical properties, and more importantly, smart selection, reaction solvents attract synthetic chemists for their effective use as reagents in a chemical reaction. For the installation of small key functionalities in the molecules, reaction solvents provide attractive, atom‐economical, greener, and also less costly alternatives to other reagent‐based strategies. For instance, particular reaction solvents can serve as a multipurpose building block for various units, such as O, −CO, S, C, N, −SOMe, −NMe2, −CONMe2, −Me, −CHO, −CN, etc. The use of a reaction solvent as a reagent can be highly beneficial for some complex design in case of some contradictory reagents, waste management and byproduct minimization. The present review article highlights the recent progress in solvent use as a multipurpose precursor and will be helpful for the development of effective synthetic methodologies and their utility in the design of complex molecules, particularly for late‐stage modifications in drug discovery programs.
Preparation of porous silicon rubber membranes by breath figure method
Authors: Wei Anqi , Guo Huiming , Li Jianping , Jiang Jingzhe , Ji Yue , Qiang Huijuan , Jiang Yan , Zhang Hongwen , Liu Hongbo
Published: May 2019

A series of porous silicon rubber membranes with regularity and uniform size had been prepared by breath figure method form polydimethylsiloxane and hydrogen silicon oil (Si‐H1341). Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of polymer, different methods of cast films, co‐solvents, solid particle dispersants, temperature, solution concentration, and molecular weight of silicon rubber are considered and discussed in the article to analyze effects of experiment situations on porosity of porous silicon rubber membranes. Remarkably, using the method of blending silicon rubber with branch hydrophilic silica‐gel, large area hydrophilic modification of the silicon rubber can be achieved, and it is easy to form pores with regular structure. With synergies of co‐solvents, the excellent porosity with more rounded pore shape and better regularity is acquired. The results indicate that the pore size of the silicon were affected greatly by the addition of co‐solvent, the boiling point of solvent, molecular weight of raw materials, and reaction temperature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47912.