bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A LEGIÃO BRASILEIRA DE ASSISTÊNCIA E O ATENDIMENTO À INFÂNCIA NO BRASIL: O PROJETO NACIONAL DE CRECHES CASULO
Authors: Machado Cortelini Conceição Caroline
Published: November 2019

Este artigo aborda o papel desempenhado pela LBA no atendimento à infância no brasil, entre as décadas de 1970 e 1980. O texto evidencia as funções desempenhadas pela LBA nacionalmente e os desdobramentos de suas ações através do projeto nacional de Creches Casulo em um contexto investigativo específico. A História Cultural é a base epistemológica que fundamenta a análise teórica e o percurso metodológico do trabalho. Toma como documentos de análise textos políticos de abrangência nacional, documentos de abrangência local e as memórias de diversos sujeitos envolvidos no processo. Conclui que as marcas impressas pelo projeto de creches da LBA ainda hoje apresentam fortes repercussões na educação infantil nacional, vinculando as instituições de educação infantil à ideia de prestadoras de favor aos mais necessitados.
O DOCENTE EM FORMAÇÃO E O DOCENTE FORMADOR: UMA VISÃO SOBRE A TECNOLOGIA DIGITAL NA GRADE CURRICULAR
Authors: Falcão Patricia Mirella de Paulo , Mill Daniel
Published: November 2019

Mudanças advindas da utilização das tecnologias digitais têm sido amplamente debatidas e com isso discursos propagam que as crianças dominam tais dispositivos de maneira mais efetiva que os professores, portanto, a formação docente encontra-se em um momento crítico. Entrevistamos 2 coordenadores e 75 alunos do curso de pedagogia, objetivando identificar seus conhecimentos sobre tais tecnologias. Ao final, os dados demonstram que os alunos estão cônscios sobre a necessidade de utilizar a tecnologia na educação, porém não estão sendo preparados para tal. Concluímos que ainda que existam disciplinas na grade curricular dos cursos de pedagogia, parece haver uma espécie de inércia ou desconhecimento da real necessidade acerca da utilização eficiente das tecnologias digitais dentro do cenário escolar.
DA POLÍTICA DE ACESSO À LUTA PELA PERMANÊNCIA: CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO PAIETS AOS INDÍGENAS E QUILOMBOLAS NA UNIVERSIDADE
Authors: Amaral Marcel Jardim , Alves Pereira Vilmar
Published: November 2019

Os órgãos de educação muito recentemente estão se adaptando para a inclusão de indígenas e quilombolas no contexto universitário através de ações afirmativas prevendo o ingresso desses sujeitos aos cursos das mais diversas áreas. Nesta conjuntura, estaria à universidade preparada para receber a diversidade que estes trazem, bem como comprometer-se com a valorização cultural e saberes que cada membro destas comunidades possui, para que estes desiguais não venham a optar por uma possível evasão? Este artigo tem por objetivo tracejar breve relato referente a gêneses do subprograma de Auxílio ao Ingresso nos Ensinos Técnico e Superior, denominado PAIETS Indígena e Quilombola, bem como expor as estratégias criadas com foco no enfrentamento das problemáticas que surgem a partir do ingresso das comunidades tradicionais no ensino superior.
Effect of Silymarin on Cathepsin Activity and Oxidative Stress in TNBS-induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Bayramoglu Gokhan , Senturk Hakan , Kanbak Gungor , Canbek Mediha , Bayramoglu Aysegul , Dokumacioglu Eda , Engur Selin
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the this study was to defined protective effects of silymarin on the experimental colitis induced by intra-colonic application of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS).  The twenty eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly seperated into four groups, each group containing seven rats represent as follows: group 1 determined as control; group 2 determined as colitis-untreated; group 3 determined as colitis rats administered silymarin (50 mg/kg) and group 4 determined as colitis rats administered silymarin (100 mg/kg). Doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg silymarin decreased tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), cathepsin L and cathepsin B and activity of myleperoxidase (MPO) enzyme with respect to the colitis group (p<0.05). Based on the results of the study, it can be said that silymarin can be used as an effective treatment agent in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Urinary Pathogens amongst Parturients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Korubo Inye Faye , Alegbeleye Justina Omoikhefe , Akani Chris Iheanachor
Published: November 2019

Aim: To identify the microorganisms in urine before and after delivery. Also, to identify the incidence, risk factors and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in postpartum bacteriuria.     

Methods: A quasi-interventional study of 50 women who had term vaginal deliveries at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Nigeria, between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Clean catch midstream urine samples collected in sterile containers from parturients before and after delivery were processed. All significant isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Socio-demographic data and data regarding labour and risk factors were collected on a pre-designed proforma and entered on a spread sheet. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: Majority 49 (98%) of the parturients were booked (women that received antenatal care). Eight (16%) of the parturients had bacteriuria pre and post-delivery. Four of the parturients who were negative for bacteriuria before delivery had postpartum bacteria, giving an incidence of 8% for postpartum bacteriuria. The commonest micro-organism isolated post-delivery was Escherichia coli (50%). The number of vaginal examinations, vacuum delivery, episiotomy, perineal tear and bladder catheterization did not significantly increase the risk of postpartum bacteriuria.

Conclusion: Escherichia coli is the most common urinary pathogens and sensitive to Nalidixic acid. Routine screening of women for bacteriuria after delivery and an understanding of the antimicrobial sensitivity will help in reducing associated morbidities.
Adoption of Agroforestry Practices among Farmers in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Vihi S. K. , Adedire O. , Ngu-Uma B. K.
Published: November 2019

This study assessed the adoption of agroforestry practices among farmers in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 farmers from four (4) out of the six (6) districts in the Local Government Area for the study. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaires and oral interview and were subjected to both descriptive and logit regression analysis. Findings from the study revealed that the mean age of the farmers was 39 years. Majority of the farmers were male and mostly married. The study also showed that majority of the respondents had at least one form of education with a mean farming experience of 7 years and a mean farm size of 3.5 hectares. A greater percentage of the respondents acquired their farmlands through inheritance. The greater proportion of the farmers affirmed to have had contact with extension agents three times in a year and the majority of them aware of agroforestry. The average number of agroforestry practices adopted by the farmers is approximately 2 with home garden adopted by the majority of the farmers. The results also revealed that the mean annual income of respondents is N113,529. The logit regression result showed that educational level, income, membership of cooperatives and land tenure had a significant relationship with the adoption of agroforestry practices at different levels of probabilities. The major constraints to agroforestry practices as opined by the respondents include; land and tree tenure rights,  long gestation period to obtain benefits, lack of knowledge and skills in agroforestry, low awareness of agroforestry practice and the high cost associated in adopting agroforestry. The study recommended the formulation of a good land use policy so that farmers can acquire land titles to guarantee the security of their land.
Ovicidal and Larvicidal Activities of Saba senegalensis (A.DC) Pichon (Apocynaceae) Extracts and Fractions on Heligmosomoides bakeri (Nematoda, Heligmosomatidae)
Authors: Bonewendé Belemlilga Mohamed , Traoré Aristide , Belemnaba Lazare , Bondo Kini Félix , Ouédraogo Sylvin , Pierre Guissou Innocent
Published: November 2019

Aims: To investigate ovicidal and larvicidal activities of an aqueous decoction (AD) and hydroethanolic macerate (HEM) extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis.

Study Design: In vitro, the ovicidal and larvicidal activities of AD and HEM extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis on the eggs and larvae (L1) of Heligmosomoides bakeri.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia-Pharmacy (MEPHATRA-PH) of Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) between June 2015 and December 2016.

Methodology: The phytochemical groups of the extract and fractions of Saba senegalensis were determined by a colorimetric and Thin Layer Chromatography methods. The eggs were obtained from feces of mice deliberately infected and the larvae from the eggs were incubated at 25 ±2℃ for 72 hours. Eggs and larvae were exposed to increasing concentrations (100; 625; 1250; 2500; 3750 µg/mL) of the different extracts, 48 hours and 24 hours for the eggs and larvae respectively. Distilled water and DMSO 0.1% were used as negative controls while albendazole and levamisole were used as positive controls.

Results: The phytochemical groups of interest are the tannins, saponins, flavonoids and triterpenes. The negative control had given 2.16% of egg hatch inhibition and 0% of larvae mortality mean while the positive control had given 100% in both cases. The extracts inhibited eggs hatching and affected larval survival. Pharmacological effects were concentration-dependent. The ovicidal and larvicidal activity of HEM is more interesting than that of AD with an Emax = 95.60% and an IC50 = 390 µg/mL. It is the same for the larvicidal activity with Emax = 100% and an LC50 = 900 µg/mL.  However, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: These results show the ovicidal and larvicidal properties of the S. senegalensis leaves.
The Effect of Diffraction in the Degree of Bitumen Penetration on Asphalt Mixture Used for Surface Layer
Authors: Basiouny M. E. , Eisa M. S. , Abdallah A. M. , Algahny A. A. Abd
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This research discuss the simulation of the bad bitumen which gives a penetration out of the specification limit and Study the effect of crumb rubber on the performance of asphalt mixture in case of low penetration grade and waste cooking oil in case of high penetration grade.

Presentation of Case: Determination of the permissible limits of the diffraction in the degree of penetration for Suez Bitumen and Alexandria bitumen.

Methodology: 14 asphalt mixtures are designed by using two types of bitumen (Alexandria bitumen and Suez bitumen). By using crumb rubber powder (C.R.P) with contents (6%, 8% and 10%) to decrease penetration for Alex bitumen by (59, 56 and 53) respectively. Then  (-C.R.P-) was added with ratios (5%, 6.5% and 8%) to decrease penetration for Suez bitumen by (59, 56 and 53) respectively. after that waste cooking oil was added with different percentages (0.3%, 0.5% and 1%) for each bitumen type to increase penetration by (71, 74 and 77) respectively.  Marshall Test was implemented for all asphalt mixtures to determine stability value and flow. The ITS Test was performed for all mixtures to determine tensile properties for mixtures.

Results: The results were showed important conclusions for using bitumen with penetration grades (60/70) with increase or decrease in penetration by 7. 

Conclusion: This study recommends using (C.R.P) with ratios (10% and 5%) from bitumen weight for Alex and Suez bitumen respectively for achieving 53, 59 penetration to obtain 29% increase of stability value and  23.64% for Alex and Suez bitumen mixture  respectively.
Professor Roger James Mercer
Authors: Murrray Diana , Ralston Ian
Published: November 2019

Roger Mercer, President of the Society (2005–8) and previously its Treasurer for ten years to 1987 and a Vice-President (1989–92), died at his home in Duddingston in December 2018.
Storm damage at Craig Phadrig hillfort, Inverness
Authors: Peteranna Mary , Birch Steven
Published: November 2019

In January 2015 severe winter storms caused substantial damage to Craig Phadrig fort (Scheduled Monument 2892) after two wind-blown trees exposed a section of the inner rampart. Prior to consolidation and reinstatement, Scheduled Monument Consent was granted for an archaeological evaluation of the damaged area. This revealed three principal phases of construction, the earliest a massive timber-laced wall burnt in the 4th–3rd century bc. The upper elements of this ruined structure were incorporated into two secondary phases of refortification comprising construction of a palisade along its crest followed several centuries later by reprofiling of the rampart upper bank. The chronology of the second and third phases is more equivocal, with a single 5th–6th century ad radiocarbon date providing a terminus post quem for the erection of the palisade, while the other features indicate activity in the 11th–13th centuries.
Abstract pattern on stone fragments from Applecross
Authors: Thickpenny Cynthia
Published: November 2019

Eighteen early medieval carved stone fragments (Applecross 5.1–5.18) were recently recovered from Applecross, Wester Ross, Scotland, a site that functioned as an important ecclesiastical centre in the early medieval period. These 18 fragments join a pre-existing collection of monuments and other carved stones at Applecross, including three fragments (Applecross 1, 2 and 3) that together likely belonged to the same cross-slab. Both the Applecross slab (Applecross 1–3) and the newly discovered fragments are decorated with relief-carved, geometric ornament common to early medieval Britain and Ireland, including interlace, key and step patterns, and are of exceptional workmanship. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the patterns, which reveals that at least 16 of the 18 new fragments also belonged to the same monument as Applecross 1–3. In particular, the author has applied a new, artist-focused, artwork-centred approach to the study of key pattern and its structure, drawn from her doctoral research of this type of ornament. Through close physical analysis of the internal symmetry of individual spiral units and the negative (carved-out) lines in these key patterns, it is possible to identify where the new fragments were located on the Applecross monument, as well as their orientation within it. Furthermore, detailed analysis of the patterns’ negative lines confirms that Applecross was linked to Nigg and likely also to Rosemarkie – two contemporary, high-status, Pictish ecclesiastical sites in Easter Ross – and that a single carver or team produced stone sculpture in all three places. The Nigg cross-slab and Rosemarkie’s collection of carved stones are widely recognised as amongst the finest in the Pictish corpus, and the Applecross fragments rival them in their supreme, virtuoso quality. This is the first concrete evidence for a single Pictish artistic hand on multiple artworks – a master carver or expert team whose oeuvre spanned both Easter and Wester Ross and who created some of the greatest surviving art-historical monuments in Britain.
The anti-invasion defences of the Forth and Tay estuaries, eastern Scotland
Authors: Barclay Gordon J , Morris Ron
Published: November 2019

The anti-invasion defences of the Second World War are still a prominent part of the modern landscape (Barclay 2013). The defences built during the First World War are, however, less well known. Some of these, indeed, have been misidentified as having been built in the later war, and many places were defended in both conflicts. Even less well known are the defences planned, and in some cases built, between 1900 and 1914, as set out in the Army’s ‘Defence Schemes’ for Scotland, and in the records of individual coast defence batteries. This paper sets out the plans to defend two adjacent parts of Scotland between 1900 and 1919, the coasts of the Tay and Forth estuaries, in the wider context of the defence of the UK.
Neolithic pits and Late Bronze Age roundhouses in the Upper Ury Valley, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Moore Richard , Lingard Claire , Johnson Melanie , Clarke Ann , Hastie Mhairi , Cressey Mike , Cruikshanks Gemma , Hamilton Derek
Published: November 2019

Archaeological monitoring of works on a gas pipeline route in Aberdeenshire, north-west of Inverurie, resulted in the discovery and excavation of several groups of Neolithic pits and four Bronze Age roundhouses. The Neolithic pits were concentrated around the Shevock Burn, a small tributary of the Ury, and in the East and North Lediken areas to the north. They produced significant assemblages of Early Neolithic Impressed Ware and of Modified Carinated Bowl. The Bronze Age roundhouses included the heavily truncated remains of a post-built structure near Pitmachie, the remains of a pair of ring ditch structures near Little Lediken Farm, and another ring ditch structure close to Wrangham village.
UHRF1 downmodulation enhances antitumor effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors in retinoblastoma by augmenting oxidative stress‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Kim Jong Kyong , Kan Guangyan , Mao Yu , Wu Zhixuan , Tan Xionghong , He Heng , Lee Chunsik
Published: November 2019

Identification of new genetic pathways or molecular targets that sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs may improve the efficacy of current chemotherapy. Here, we report that downmodulation of UHRF1 (ubiquitin‐like with PHD and RING finger domains 1) in retinoblastoma (RB) cells increases the sensitivity to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, augmenting apoptotic cell death. We found that UHRF1 depletion downregulates two redox‐responsive genes GSTA4 (glutathione S‐transferase α4) and TXN2 (thioredoxin‐2) in RB cells, and increases the basal level of intracellular oxidative stress. Antioxidant treatment significantly reduced both basal and HDAC inhibitor‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis in UHRF1‐depleted cells. Knockdown of GSTA4 or TXN2 sensitized RB cells to HDAC inhibitors, demonstrating that GSTA4 and TXN2 play key roles in redox homeostasis in RB cells and the susceptibility to HDAC inhibitor treatment upon UHRF1 depletion. In human primary RB, GSTA4 and TXN2 proteins were found to be mostly elevated along with high UHRF1 expression. In addition to augmentation of apoptosis in UHRF1‐depleted RB cells, we also show that UHRF1 downmodulation derepresses the expression of photoreceptor‐specific genes in RB cells in cooperation with a HDAC inhibitor MS‐275 and promotes neuron‐like differentiation. However, further investigation revealed that the enhanced growth‐inhibitory effects of MS‐275 in UHRF1‐depleted cells were still mainly due to robust apoptosis induction rather than differentiation‐mediated growth arrest. Consistent with our findings, UHRF1 depletion in RB cells increased the therapeutic efficacy of MS‐275 in murine orthotopic xenografts. These results provide a novel basis for potential benefits of UHRF1 targeting for RB treatment.
Scattering of therapeutic radiation in the presence of craniofacial bone reconstruction materials
Authors: Toivonen Joonas , Björkqvist Mikko , Minn Heikki , Vallittu Pekka K. , Rekola Jami
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Radiation scattering from bone reconstruction materials can cause problems from prolonged healing to osteoradionecrosis. Glass fiber reinforced composite (FRC) has been introduced for bone reconstruction in craniofacial surgery but the effects during radiotherapy have not been previously studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the attenuation and back scatter caused by different reconstruction materials during radiotherapy, especially FRC with bioactive glass (BG) and titanium.

Methods

The effect of five different bone reconstruction materials on the surrounding tissue during radiotherapy was measured. The materials tested were titanium, glass FRC with and without BG, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and bone. The samples were irradiated with 6 MV and 10 MV photon beams. Measurements of backscattering and dose changes behind the sample were made with radiochromic film and diamond detector dosimetry.

Results

An 18% dose enhancement was measured with a radiochromic film on the entrance side of irradiation for titanium with 6 MV energy while PEEK and FRC caused an enhancement of 10% and 4%, respectively. FRC‐BG did not cause any measurable enhancement. The change in dose immediately behind the sample was also greatest with titanium (15% reduction) compared with the other materials (0–1% enhancement). The trend is similar with diamond detector measurements, titanium caused a dose enhancement of up to 4% with a 1 mm sample and a reduction of 8.5% with 6 MV energy whereas FRC, FRC‐BG, PEEK or bone only caused a maximum dose reduction of 2.2%.

Conclusions

Glass fiber reinforced composite causes less interaction with radiation than titanium during radiotherapy and could provide a better healing environment after bone reconstruction.
Engineered Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines for Validation of CAR T Cell Function
Authors: Repellin Claire E. , Ganesan Priya , Alcudia Javier F. , Lakshmireddy Haritha K. Duggireddy , Patel Puja , Beviglia Lucia , Javitz Harold S. , Sambucetti Lidia , Bhatnagar Parijat
Published: November 2019

A set of genetically engineered isogenic cell lines is developed to express either folate receptor alpha or mesothelin, and a control cell line negative for both antigens. These cell lines also express fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter transgenes. The cell lines are used to authenticate specificity and function of a T‐cell biofactory, a living vector that is developed to express proportionate amounts of engineered proteins upon engaging with disease cells through their specific antigenic biomarkers. The engineered cell lines are also used to assess the cytolytic function and specificity of primary T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors; and the specificity of monoclonal antibodies. The strategy described can be used to generate other cell lines to present different disease‐specific biomarkers for use as quality control tools.
In Pursuit of Zero 2.0: Recent Developments in Nonfouling Polymer Brushes for Immunoassays
Authors: Heggestad Jacob T. , Fontes Cassio M. , Joh Daniel Y. , Hucknall Angus M. , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: November 2019

“Nonfouling” polymer brush surfaces can greatly improve the performance of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays due to the reduction of nonspecific protein adsorption and consequent improvement of signal‐to‐noise ratios. The development of synthetic polymer brush architectures that suppress adventitious protein adsorption is reviewed, and their integration into surface plasmon resonance and fluorescent sandwich immunoassay formats is discussed. Also, highlighted is a novel, self‐contained immunoassay platform (the D4 assay) that transforms time‐consuming laboratory‐based assays into a user‐friendly and point‐of‐care format with a sensitivity and specificity comparable or better than standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) directly from unprocessed samples. These advancements clearly demonstrate the utility of nonfouling polymer brushes as a substrate for ultrasensitive and robust diagnostic assays that may be suitable for clinical testing, in field and laboratory settings.
Toward Efficient Carbon and Water Cycles: Emerging Opportunities with Single‐Site Catalysts Made of 3d Transition Metals
Authors: Wan Gang , Zhang Guanghui , Lin Xiao‐Min
Published: November 2019

Advances in the chemical and electrochemical transformation of carbon and water are vital for delivering affordable and environmentally friendly energy sources and chemicals. Central to this challenge is the performance of materials. Traditionally, noble metal particles or metal complexes have been used as catalysts for many reactions. Recently, 3d transition‐metal single‐site catalysts (3dTM‐SSCs) have emerged as potentially transformational candidates for the next‐generation high‐performance noble‐metal‐free catalysts. Designing catalysts at the molecular level can lead to a more efficient utilization of metal atoms and at the same time enhance catalytic performance under harsh reaction conditions. Despite this promise, several fundamental issues remain, in particular the structural evolution of 3dTM‐SSCs during the synthesis, the molecular‐level insights into the structure of the active sites, catalytic mechanisms, and the long‐term cycling stability. Here, the material chemistries that facilitate the 3dTM‐SSCs generation through a controlled pyrolytic synthesis are discussed, with focus on elucidating the underlying performance descriptors that can tune the catalytic properties in various critical reactions in carbon and water cycles. The current challenges and possible solutions for improving these novel catalytic materials are also highlighted.
[4+2]‐Cycloaddition of para‐Quinone Methides with Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐Triazines: Access to 1,3‐Benzoxazine Derivatives
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Zhou Shuang‐Jing , Xu Guo‐Yong , Wang Long , Yang Qing‐Qing , Xuan Jun
Published: November 2019

A [4+2]‐cycloaddition of para‐quinone methides with hexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazines is reported. The reaction occurs under very mild conditions (catalyst‐, ligand‐, and base‐free), exhibits a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, and affords a series of biologically important 1,3‐benzoxazine derivatives in good to excellent yields. Moreover, the successful late‐stage functionalization of pharmaceutically relevant compounds further renders the approach valuable.

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Graphene‐Oxide‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Oxindoles with Arenes and Thiophenols
Authors: Wu Hongru , Qiu Chuntian , Zhang Zhaofei , Zhang Bing , Zhang Shaolong , Xu Yangsen , Zhou Hongwei , Su Chenliang , Loh Kian Ping
Published: November 2019

Here, we explore the GO‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of oxindoles with arenes and thiophenols for the rapid synthesis of 3‐aryloxindoles and 3‐sulfenylated oxindoles. Control experiments and small‐molecule mimicking studies reveal that the acidic nature and quinone‐type functionalities of GO are synergistically utilized for the coupling reaction. The reaction proceeds under simple and mild reaction conditions, exhibits good functional group tolerance, and can be easily scaled up to the gram level.

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Enzymatic O‐Prenylation of Diverse Phenolic Compounds by a Permissive O‐Prenyltransferase from the Medicinal Mushroom Antrodia camphorata
Authors: He Junbin , Hu Zhimin , Dong Zeyuan , Li Bin , Chen Kuan , Shang Zhanpeng , Zhang Meng , Qiao Xue , Ye Min
Published: November 2019

Prenylated compounds are pharmacologically attractive natural products that are widely distributed in nature. Prenyltransferases (PTs) could catalyze the transfer of prenyl moieties to aromatic acceptors and increase the structural diversity and biological activity of natural products. In this work, a permissive O‐prenyltransferase AcaPT was discovered from Antrodia camphorata, a precious medicinal mushroom in Taiwan. AcaPT exhibited robust O‐prenylation capability toward structurally diverse drug‐like phenolic compounds, including antrodins, flavonoids, and coumarins. In total, 23 O‐prenylated products were obtained by scaled‐up enzymatic synthesis. AcaPT could be used as an efficient biocatalyst to synthesize O‐prenylated derivatives for drug discovery.

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Enantioselective Construction of Spiro[chroman‐thiazolones]: Bifunctional Phosphonium Salt‐Catalyzed [2+4] Annulation between 5‐Alkenyl Thiazolones and ortho‐Hydroxyphenyl‐Substituted para‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Tan Jian‐Ping , Zhang Hongkui , Jiang Zhiyu , Chen Yuan , Ren Xiaoyu , Jiang Chunhui , Wang Tianli
Published: November 2019

The enantioselective formal [2+4] annulation of 5‐alkenyl thiazolones with hydroxyl‐substituted para‐quinone methides was disclosed by dipeptide‐based phosphonium salt catalysts. A wide range of functionalized spiro‐chroman‐thiazolone molecules bearing three contiguous 3° and/or 4° stereocenters were readily constructed in high yields with excellent stereoselectivities (>20:1 dr and up to >99.9% ee) under low catalyst loading and mild reaction conditions. The practicality and utility of this protocol were demonstrated by the scaled‐up preparation and elaborations of product.

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Overview of Power Management for Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Fang Chunlong , Tong Tong , Bu Tianzhao , Cao Yuanzhi , Xu Shaohang , Qi Youchao , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2019

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have demonstrated enormous potential applications for acquiring human motion energy and ambient mechanical energy, which is the foundation of energy for the new era. However, with alternating current (AC) pulse and huge inherent impedance, the TENGs usually exhibit low‐energy supply efficiency when either powering conventional electronics or charging energy storage devices directly. Efficient power management has always been a technical bottleneck for the TENGs toward practical applications in self‐powered microsystems. Over the past years, several strategies of power management have been proposed, such as rectification, electromagnetic transformation, capacitive transformation, and direct current (DC) conversion, which can be used for voltage regulation, impedance matching, and efficiency improvement for electronics. Herein, the recent advances on power management for TENGs are systematically reviewed and analyzed, which has exhibited manageable triboelectric power by electronics as an important research issue of TENGs. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives in this field are discussed.
Cs2CO3‐Promoted [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of 4‐Aryliden‐5(4H)‐Oxazolones and β‐Nitrostyrenes: Access to Spirocycloalkyloxazolones
Authors: Dai Chenlu , Xie Zengyang , Li Mingshuang , Wang Cunde
Published: November 2019

An eco‐friendly, straightforward, and three‐component [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of 4‐aryliden‐2‐phenyl‐5(4H)‐oxazolones and substituted β‐nitrostyrenes to construct diversified 3‐oxa‐1‐azaspiro[4.5]dec‐1‐en‐4‐ones has been developed with good yields and regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. This reaction proceeds via a one‐pot [2+2+2] cycloaddition utilizing cesium carbonate as a promoter and shows high atom economy under the reaction conditions.
Effect of structure development on the rheological properties of PVDF/HNBR‐based thermoplastic elastomer and its vulcanizates
Authors: Saha Subhabrata , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: November 2019

The present work demonstrates the structure‐rheology relationship of novel polyvinylidene fluoride/hydrogenated nitrile rubber blends with special reference to the effect of mixing time, which has not been amply discussed in the literature. In between 50 and 70 wt% rubber content, a yield in complex viscosity and secondary plateau in storage modulus were discerned due to interconnected droplets‐matrix morphology manifesting the thermoplastic elastomeric nature of the blends (TPEs). Such network‐like structure altered the rheological properties like relaxation time, capillary viscosity, die swell, elastic responses of the TPE with respect to the trend as expected according to the rule of mixing. Interestingly, in the early stages of mixing, when the dispersed size was bigger, the effect of physical network on the rheological properties was suppressed. During dynamic vulcanization (TPV), both lower and higher frequency responses in oscillatory shear flow, steady shear rheological properties, recoverable strain etc. have changed notably with mixing time. For example, although the complex viscosity of the TPV was higher at a lower frequency as compared to its TPE, it was significantly lower at a higher frequency at the beginning of dynamic curing; however, viscosity increased appreciably with time. Temperature‐dependendent rheological properties were also influenced with mixing time of the compositions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48758.
EPR Spectroscopic Studies of Lipoxygenases
Authors: Gaffney Betty J.
Published: November 2019

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are sources of diverse natural, and chemically designed products. The enzyme lipoxygenase selectively oxidizes fatty acid acyl chains using controlled free radical chemistry; the products are regio‐ and stereo‐chemically unique hydroperoxides. A conserved structural fold of ≈600 amino acids harbors a long and narrow substrate channel and a well‐shielded catalytic iron. Oxygen, a co‐substrate, is blocked from the active site until a hydrogen atom is abstracted from substrate bis‐allylic carbon, in a non‐heme iron redox cycle. EPR spectroscopy of ferric intermediates in lipoxygenase catalysis reveals changes in the metal coordination and leads to a proposal on the nature of the reactive intermediate. Remarkably, free radicals are so well controlled in lipoxygenase chemistry that spin label technology can be applied as well. The current level of understanding of steps in lipoxygenase catalysis, from the EPR perspective, will be reviewed.
Zustandserfassung von Betonfahrbahndecken mit Verdacht auf eine schädigende Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion
Authors: Mielich Oliver , Zwerger Valentin
Published: November 2019

Der Erhaltungsbedarf von Betonfahrbahndecken mit Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion lässt sich nur sehr schwer planen. Die dafür notwendige Zustandserfassung erfolgt bisher über das visuelle Erscheinungsbild, AKR‐provozierende Betonuntersuchungen sowie polarisationsmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Dünnschliffen. Eine Prognose der Schadensentwicklung ist mit diesen Untersuchungen nicht möglich. Es ist lediglich eine Bewertung dahingehend möglich, ob eine Schädigung nicht mehr zu erwarten oder ob noch weiteres Restschädigungspotenzial vorhanden ist. Die oftmals signifikante Zustandsverschlechterung der Betondecke lässt sich auf eine unerkannte Horizontalrissbildung im Fahrbahndeckenbeton zurückführen. Im Kontext mit einer Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion (AKR) findet man Horizontalrisse im Bereich der Fugenkreuze, der Querfugen und der Längsfugen vor, die dann mehrere Zentimeter in die Fahrbahnplatte hineinreichen. Der Beitrag erläutert anschaulich, welche Folgen eine schädigende AKR und andere Belastungen in einer Fahrbahnplatte haben. Er stellt zum ersten Mal einen systematischen Zusammenhang zwischen einer schädigenden AKR in einer Fahrbahnplatte und den Horizontalrissen im Bereich der Fugen her.
Implementation of research on potential drug target cloning and characterization in a biochemistry laboratory
Authors: Wu Chun , McCune Tyler S.
Published: November 2019

An approach for incorporating preliminary drug discovery research into a biochemistry laboratory is described. During a total of 42 hr (one 3‐hr laboratory section a week for 14 weeks), students were exposed to bioinformatics; molecular cloning; protein expression, purification, and characterization; and enzymatic kinetic assays. This research‐oriented laboratory not only includes the standard elements of common undergraduate biochemistry laboratory manuals but also emphasizes the logical connections among biochemistry laboratory techniques. Moreover, this approach exposed students to laboratory research and the concept of drug discovery.
Functional brain alterations in auditory hallucination subtypes in individuals with auditory hallucinations without the diagnosis of specific neurological diseases and mental disorders at the current stage
Authors: Lin Xiaodong , Zhuo Chuanjun , Li Gongying , Li Jie , Gao Xiangyang , Chen Ce , Jiang Deguo
Published: November 2019

Background

We explored common and distinct pathological features of different subtypes of auditory hallucinations (AHs) to elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms.

Methods

We recruited 39 individuals with constant commanding and commenting auditory verbal hallucinations (CCCAVHs), 49 with own thought auditory verbal hallucinations (OTAVHs), 46 with nonverbal AHs (NVAHs), 32 with replay AVHs (RAVHs), and 50 healthy controls. Functional connectivity density mapping was used to investigate global functional connectivity density (gFCD) alterations in these AH groups relative to the control group.

Results

We observed common brain functional alterations among four subtypes of AHs, such as increased gFCD in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus and mesial frontal lobe, and decreased gFCD in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex. Increased gFCD was detected in the bilateral insula in CCCAVH individuals, bilateral thalamus in OTAVH individuals, bilateral precuneus in NVAH individuals, and bilateral hippocampus in RAVH individuals. The common and distinct gFCD alterations among four AH subtypes were located in main components of the frontoparietal, default mode, salience, central executive, and memory networks. Different AH subtypes exhibited specific aberrant patterns.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that aberrant functional activity and metabolism in the abovementioned networks play key roles in the occurrence of AHs. Our findings provide evidence for distinct gFCD alterations in specific AH subtypes.
Does China's carbon emissions trading policy improve the technology innovation of relevant enterprises?
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Jun , Shi Wei , Jiang Lin
Published: November 2019

China's carbon emissions trading (CET) policy aims to force relevant enterprises to implement low‐carbon technology innovation and address environmental challenges through marketization means. However, how China's CET policy may affect enterprise technology innovation and whether this effect may differ in industries remain to be further investigated. Therefore, based on the panel data of listed enterprises covered by the CET policy in China during 2009–2017, this paper employs the difference‐in‐difference (DID) and DID‐based propensity score matching models to evaluate the effect of CET on technology innovation. The empirical results indicate that the effect of China's CET on the technology innovation of related enterprises is generally not significant during the sample period, but this effect presents evident industrial heterogeneity. Specifically, among the eight CET‐covered industries, the CET policy helps to improve technology innovation for power and aviation enterprises but not in the other six industries (i.e., steel, chemical, building material, petrochemical, nonferrous metals, and paper), which implies that China's CET policy still has great potential for promoting the technology innovation of related enterprises. In addition, the central findings remain robust when the system generalized method of moment and DID‐based coarsened exact matching models are applied to consider the influence of omitted variables, unobservable confounders, and different matching methods.
Outcomes of fractional flow reserve‐guided percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Omran Jad , Enezate Tariq , Abdullah Obai , Al‐Dadah Ashraf , Walters Daniel , Patel Mitul , Reeves Ryan , Mahmud Ehtisham
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment has been validated as an effective tool to guide revascularization of stable coronary artery disease. The role of utilizing FFR in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is less established.

Methods

The study population was extracted from the National Readmissions Data (NRD) 2014 using International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, clinical modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes for ACS, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), FFR, and periprocedural complications. Study endpoints included all‐cause of in‐hospital mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding, coronary dissection, total number of stents used, stroke, vascular complications (VCs), and the total charges of index hospitalization.

Results

A total of 304,548 discharges that had the diagnosis of ACS and treated invasively within the same index hospitalization (average age 65.1 years; 64% male) were identified. Among these, 7,832 had FFR guided invasive treatment (2.6%) which was associated with significantly lower in‐hospital all‐cause mortality (1.1 vs. 3.1%, p < .01), shorter LOS (4.6 vs. 5.3 days, p < .01), less AKI (12.5 vs. 14.6%, p < .01), less bleeding (7.0 vs. 8.5%, p < .01), and lower total charges ($99,805 vs. $105,736). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of stroke (2.2 vs. 2.3%, p = .41), coronary dissection (0.7 vs. 0.8%, p = .34), VC (1.3 vs. 1.0% p = .01) or the total number of stents used (55.5 vs. 54.5% p = .34).

Conclusion

In patients presenting with an ACS FFR‐ guided PCI, as compared to angiography guided PCI, was associated with lower rates of in‐hospital mortality, shorter LOS, less AKI, bleeding and lower hospital charges. There was no significant difference in terms of the incidence of stroke, coronary dissection, VC or the total number of stents used.
Moleküle und Strukturbeweise teilen
Authors: Schloerer Nils , Kuhn Stefan
Published: November 2019

Die größte freie Datenbank für NMR‐Spektroskopie organischer Moleküle, nmrshiftdb, ermöglicht nicht nur den Vergleich und die Verifizierung von Spektren, sondern auch deren Vorhersage für neue Verbindungen.
Orchestrating mitochondria in neurons: Cytoskeleton as the conductor
Authors: Cardanho‐Ramos Carlos , Faria‐Pereira Andreia , Morais Vanessa Alexandra
Published: November 2019

Mitochondria are crucial to support synaptic activity, particularly through ATP production and Ca2+ homeostasis. This implies that mitochondria need to be well distributed throughout the different neuronal sub‐compartments. To achieve this, a tight and precise regulation of several neuronal cytoskeleton players is necessary to transport and dock mitochondria. As post‐mitotic cells, neurons are highly dependent on mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and several cytoskeleton proteins have been implicated in mitophagy. Therefore, all of these processes are orchestrated by the crosstalk between mitochondria and the neuronal cytoskeleton to form a coordinated and tuned symphony.
Single‐Solvent, Ligand‐Free, Gram‐Scale Synthesis of Cs4PbBr6 Perovskite Solids with Robust Green Photoluminescence
Authors: Wei Yunwei , Sun Ruijia , Li Yuehua , Zhang Yuhai , Lu Yizhong , Li Xiaoming , Chen Guozhu , Cao Bingqiang , Li Cuncheng , Zeng Haibo
Published: November 2019

The preparation of luminescent Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids with current methods either needs a complex procedure, or needs a variety of ligands, and a combination of good solvents and anti‐solvents. The potential environmental risks are inevitable when they are produced in large scale. Herein, an environmentally friendly route for the mass production of luminescent Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids using a single solvent under ambient conditions is presented. Gram‐scale Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids are produced within tens of minutes using a small amount of DMF, specifically, 4 mL DMF solution can produce over 10 g products per batch. Because no ligands and anti‐solvents are utilized in the whole procedures, the ligand‐free Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids are facilely harvested after the evaporation of solvent. More importantly, the solvent vapor can be recovered and reutilized, which can eliminate the environmental pollution caused by organic solvent. The experimental results revealed that the solvent, reaction time, and PbBr2/CsBr molar ratios are crucial for the formation of Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids and their luminescent performances. Such Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solids exhibit strong green PL emission, high PL quantum yield and reversible fluorescent response towards heat and light, which enable them to be suitable for applications in optoelectronic devices.
Research on color harmony of building façades
Authors: Li Ke‐Run , Yang Ya‐Qian , Zheng Zhi‐Qiang
Published: November 2019

In this study, the 28 primary colors and 11 complementary colors suggested by Chang et al in their investigation on building colors in Wanhua District of Taipei City were taken as color samples. The two‐color combination mode was adopted to obtain 308 simulation photos, and two‐color harmony was discussed from the perspective of visual evaluation using psychophysical tests. This study explored building façade color harmony in the CIELAB color space, and the relationship between the color attributes (hue, lightness, and chroma) and the color harmony, and between the differences of the color attributes and color harmony. It found that a high lightness of a building's primary color is associated with a high level of building color harmony, while the color harmony is reduced when the color falls in the green or blue sector in the CIELAB color space; a greater lightness difference between building façade colors is associated with a higher level of building color harmony, while the colors are disharmonized when they tend to the blue sector in the CIELAB color space. The contribution of this study is to summarize the principles for the application of building color harmony in urban renewal, and proposed suggestions on building color harmony in the urban renewal process.
High‐performance digital logic implementation approach using novel Memristor‐based multiplexer
Authors: Karimi Ahmad , Rezai Abdalhossein
Published: November 2019

This paper presents and evaluates novel approaches to design efficient Memristor‐based multiplexers. Three novel algorithms and structures are proposed based on IMP logic operation. These novel algorithms and structures are developed based on Memristors and crossbar Nano wires. The proposed Memristor‐based multiplexers can store the output inside the Memristors. So, the proposed multiplexers have the ability to compute in memory. The proposed multiplexers are simulated using Pspice. The number of required Memristors and necessary steps to accumulate the output for the proposed 2 to 1 multiplexers is reduced in comparison with the former best MUXs. Moreover, these novel multiplexers are utilized to design ISCAS'85 benchmark circuits. The results show improvements in terms of total propagation delay and the required layout area.
Small‐signal modelling for time‐length compensation algorithm in current controlled converters
Authors: Xu Shen , Wang Chong , Lu Shengli , Sun Weifeng
Published: November 2019

A unified small‐signal modeling method is proposed for current controlled converters using discrete‐time analysis method. The relationship between the controlled current and the duty ratio is performed by discrete‐time analysis which automatically incorporates the sample‐and‐hold effect. The proposed small‐signal mode is accurate when the modulation frequency varies from zero to half the switching frequency. It is very easy to apply the proposed model to all current controlled converters. When an amplitude peak in the current‐loop gain is observed at half the switching frequency, subharmonic oscillation can be predicted. Based on the proposed model, a time‐length compensation algorithm for elimination of subharmonic oscillation can be analyzed while other small‐signal modeling methods cannot be applied in this condition. Simulations and experiments are committed to verify the analysis.