bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The already sluggish global recovery has suffered new setbacks and uncertainty weighs heavily on prospects. The euro area crisis intensified in the first half of 2012 and growth has slowed across the globe, reflecting financial market tensions, extensive fiscal tightening in many countries, and high uncertainty about medium-term prospects. Activity is forecast to remain tepid and bumpy, with a further escalation of the euro-area crisis or a failure to avoid the “fiscal cliff” in the United States entailing significant downside risk.
Revisions to the Special Data Dissemination Standard and Establishment of the Special Data Dissemination Standard Plus—Proposed Decisions
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) is to guide member countries in the dissemination of comprehensive, timely, accessible, and reliable economic and financial statistical data in the context of increasing economic and financial integration. The SDDS not only prescribes that subscribers disseminate certain data categories, but also prescribes that subscribers disseminate the relevant metadata to promote public knowledge and understanding of their compilation practices with respect to the required data categories. The purpose of the Special Data Dissemination Standard Plus (SDDS Plus) is to reinforce and supplement the Fund’s Data Standards Initiatives and assist Fund members who decide to adhere to the SDDS Plus with regard to the publication of comprehensive, timely, accessible, and reliable economic and financial statistical data in a world of continuing economic and financial integration. The SDDS Plus also requires adherents to disseminate metadata to promote public knowledge and understanding of their compilation practices with respect to the required data categories. The Fund decided that the existing rules governing the SDDS are superseded by the new SDDS legal text. The Fund established the SDDS Plus, which is governed by the rules in the SDDS Plus legal text.
Macrofinancial Stress Testing - Principles and Practices
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The recent financial crisis drew unprecedented attention to the stress testing of financial institutions. On one hand, stress tests were criticized for having missed many of the vulnerabilities that led to the crisis. On the other, after the onset of the crisis, they were given a new role as crisis management tools to guide bank recapitalization and help restore confidence. This spurred an intense debate on the models, underlying assumptions, and uses of stress tests. Current stress testing practices, however, are not based on a systematic and comprehensive set of principles but have emerged from trial-and-error and often reflect constraints in human, technical, and data capabilities.
Quota Formula Review - Data Update and Further Considerations - Statistical Appendix
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This appendix discusses the required data, the selection of the database, and the derivation of the data series used for the quota calculations
Extension of the Period for Consent to Increase Quotas Under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas, the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice, and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a six-month extension of the period for consent to increase quotas under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas.1 The current deadline is due to expire on June 30, 2012;2 however, Resolution No. 66-2 provides that the Executive Board may extend the period for consent as it may determine. An extension under the Board of Governor’s Resolution No. 66-2 will also extend the periods of consent for quota increases under the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice (Resolution No. 63-2) and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas (Resolution No. 53-2).
The Consolidated Medium-Term Income and Expenditure Framework
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper updates the consolidated income and expenditure outlook and the projected accumulation of precautionary balances over the medium-term. The paper incorporates and extends the income and budget projections in the companion papers; these projections are also in line with those discussed in the recent paper on the review of precautionary balances.
FY2013-FY2015 Medium-Term Budget
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The FY 13–15 Medium-Term Budget presented in this paper reflects the following main features: Unchanged administrative budget in real terms for FY 13. Overall spending (structural plus crisis/temporary) will be kept unchanged in real terms in FY 13 relative to the FY 12 budget (excluding the one-off additional cost of the 2012 Annual Meetings in Tokyo).Broadly unchanged administrative envelope in nominal terms for FY 13. This reflects the impact of the Executive Board’s decision in March to grant no increase in the staff salary structure in the context of the 2012 Compensation Review. The “structure increase” is the main component in the budget deflator applied to map the real total envelope into nominal terms. A capital budget dominated by the impact of the HQ1 Renewal Program. The final appropriation for this project, approved by the Executive Board in March 2011, is reflected in the proposed capital budget for FY 13.
Proposed Amendment on the Reform of the IMF Executive Board and Fourteenth General Review of Quotas—Status of Acceptances and Consents
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper reviews progress toward implementation of the 2010 Governance and Quota Reforms. It updates the status of consents to the proposed quota increases under the 14th General Review of Quotas and of acceptances of the Proposed Seventh Amendment on the Reform of the Executive Board (“Board Reform Amendment” or “Seventh Amendment”) as set out in the Board of Governors Resolution No. 66-2.
2017 Handbook of IMF Facilities for Low-Income Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This Handbook provides guidance to staff on the financial facilities and non-financial instruments for low-income countries (LICs), defined here as all countries eligible to obtain concessional financing from the Fund.

It updates the previous version of the Handbook that was published in February 2016 (IMF, 2016d) by incorporating modifications resulting from Board papers and related decisions since that time, including Financing for Development—Enhancing the Financial Safety Net for Developing Countries—Further Considerations (IMF, 2016c), Review of Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust – Review of Interest Rate Structure (IMF, 2016b), Eligibility to Use the Fund’s Facilities for Concessional Financing (IMF, 2017a), Large Natural Disasters—Enhancing the Financial Safety Net for Developing Countries (IMF, 2017b) and Adequacy of the Global Financial Safety Net – Proposal for a New Policy Coordination Instrument (IMF, 2017c).

Designed as a comprehensive reference tool for program work on LICs, the Handbook also refers, in summary form, to a range of relevant policies that apply more generally to IMF members. As with all guidance notes, the relevant IMF Executive Board decisions, including the terms of the various LIC Trust Instruments that have been adopted by the Board, remain the sole legal authority on the matters covered in the Handbook
High Level Status Report to the IEO Evaluation of Fund's Recurring Issues
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This is a high-level report on progress in addressing recurring issues identified by the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). The Board endorsed the proposal in the Chairman’s Summing Up for the Independent Evaluation Office Report on Recurring Issues from a Decade of Evaluation – Lessons for the IMF (BUFF/14/58, 6/11/14) that staff prepare a separate high-level report on the status of initiatives that address the recurring issues identified by the IEO, noting that the first staff report could be prepared within two years, followed by similar reports every five years thereafter. The September 2015 Management Implementation Plan set out the actions management would take to follow-up on the Board-endorsed recommendation. The IEO’s 2014 evaluation of Recurring Issues from a Decade of Evaluation: Lessons for the IMF identified five recurring issues: a) Executive Board guidance and oversight; b) Organizational silos; c) Attention to risks and uncertainty; d) Country and institutional context; and e) Evenhandedness. This high-level report provides a broad account of actions taken to address these recurring issues since the publication of the 2014 IEO report; it is not intended as an exhaustive account of initiatives undertaken.

Takeaways. The report concludes that the Fund has made progress in addressing the recurring issues identified by the IEO, and acknowledges the need for taking actions on an ongoing basis to achieve the related objectives. The discussion of the Management Implementation Plan (MIP) left open the question of whether subsequent reports should be prepared, perhaps every five years. The Evaluation Committee concluded that the forthcoming external evaluation of the IEO could look at the monitoring mechanisms more holistically, to provide further input into considering whether or not to continue the preparation every five years of this high-level report.
Predictions of diffusion rates of large organic molecules in secondary organic aerosols using the Stokes–Einstein and fractional Stokes–Einstein relations
Authors: Evoy Erin , Maclean Adrian M. , Rovelli Grazia , Li Ying , Tsimpidi Alexandra P. , Karydis Vlassis A. , Kamal Saeid , Lelieveld Jos , Shiraiwa Manabu , Reid Jonathan P. , Bertram Allan K.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Information on the rate of diffusion of organic molecules
within secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is needed to accurately predict the
effects of SOA on climate and air quality. Diffusion can be important for
predicting the growth, evaporation, and reaction rates of SOA under certain
atmospheric conditions. Often, researchers have predicted diffusion rates of
organic molecules within SOA using measurements of viscosity and the
Stokes–Einstein relation (D∝1/η, where D is the diffusion
coefficient and η is viscosity). However, the accuracy of this
relation for predicting diffusion in SOA remains uncertain. Using
rectangular area fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (rFRAP), we
determined diffusion coefficients of fluorescent organic molecules over
8 orders in magnitude in proxies of SOA including citric acid, sorbitol,
and a sucrose–citric acid mixture. These results were combined with
literature data to evaluate the Stokes–Einstein relation for predicting
the diffusion of organic molecules in SOA. Although almost all the data agree
with the Stokes–Einstein relation within a factor of 10, a fractional
Stokes–Einstein relation (D∝1/ηξ) with ξ=0.93
is a better model for predicting the diffusion of organic molecules in the SOA
proxies studied. In addition, based on the output from a chemical transport
model, the Stokes–Einstein relation can overpredict mixing times of organic
molecules within SOA by as much as 1 order of magnitude at an altitude
of ∼3 km compared to the fractional Stokes–Einstein relation with ξ=0.93. These results also have implications for other areas such as in
food sciences and the preservation of biomolecules.
Temperatures from Energy Balance Models: the effective heat
capacity matters
Authors: Lohmann Gerrit
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Energy balance models (EBM) are highly simplified systems of the climate system. The global temperature is calculated by the radiation budget through the incoming energy from the Sun and the outgoing energy from the Earth. The argument that the temperature can be calculated by the simple radiation budget is revisited. The underlying assumption for a realistic temperature distribution is explored: One has to assume a moderate diurnal cycle due to the large heat capacity and the fast rotation of the Earth. Interestingly, the global mean in the revised EBM is very close to the originally proposed value. The time dependent-EBM predicts a flat meridional temperature gradient for large heat capacities which can be related to very effective vertical diffusion. Motivated by this finding, sensitivity experiments with a complex model are performed where the vertical diffusion in the ocean has been increased. The resulting climate shows a flat meridional temperature gradient and a deeper thermocline. The common pattern of surface temperature anomalies and climate reconstructions suggests a possible mechanism for past climate changes prior to 3 million years ago.
Development and Optimization of a Pulsed Electroacoustic System with Temperature Controlled Electrodes
Authors: Hussain Rashid , Hinrichsen Volker
Published: August 2019

This work presents the important steps in developing and optimizing a Pulsed Electroacoustic (PEA) system. The aim is to investigate silicone rubbers (LSR) with different amount of nanofillers. Therefore, the influence of the nanofillers on the acoustic behavior such as the acoustic impedance and the speed of sound are investigated. A detailed description of the acoustic detection unit is provided. To allow the measurement at different absolute temperatures and also at temperature gradients the electrodes are temperature controlled. Reference measurements are performed to give a better and more accurate temperature profile estimation inside the samples. The influence of temperature on the attenuation and dispersion factors of different LSR samples is outlined. A final procedure for signal processing is presented to determine the correct space charge distribution.
Performance of UV and IR Sensors for Inspections of Power Equipment
Authors: Komar Gernot , Pischler Oliver , Schichler Uwe , Vieriu Radu-Laurentiu
Published: August 2019

Electric power infrastructure, such as transmission lines or substations, is usually routinely inspected to assess its condition. The vast majority of typical defects in power transmission equipment manifests itself either through corona phenomena or through thermal effects. Therefore, an IR camera and a solar blind UV camera are sufficient for the detection of most defects in power transmission equipment. In the past, many network operators have relied mostly on manual inspections. In recent years, however, manned as well as unmanned aerial inspection methods, which are significantly more time effective, have become increasingly affordable and are therefore gaining in popularity rapidly.To obtain meaningful measurement results, many factors must be taken into account, which can even be difficult with conventional, static measurements. In the case of highly dynamic measurement practices (airborne or vehicle based), the combination of velocity and distance presents further challenges.This contribution is focused on the detection performance of UV and IR sensors under dynamic conditions. For this purpose, experiments were carried out with a typical IR and UV/corona camera at various distances to artificial defects. Additionally, a method for the automatic evaluation of UV und IR data based on machine learning is presented.
Temperature Influence on Dielectric Response of Rotating Machine Insulation and Its Correction
Authors: Cheng Jialu , Werelius Peter , Taylor Nathaniel
Published: August 2019

Insulation condition is an essential aspect for the operational reliability of high voltage rotating machines in power plants and industrial applications. Insulation resistance (IR) and line-frequency dissipation-factor / power-factor (tanδ) measurement are often performed for the assessment of stator insulation condition. These measured values need to be normalized to a reference temperature (e.g. 40 °C) for comparison and trending and this is traditionally achieved by multiplying the results with a certain factor. However, this correction could be subject to error for an individual device since the correction factors recommended by various standards are average values of a certain number of machines at different conditions. In addition to that, insulation condition also has some influence on the temperature dependent property.With the introduction of Dielectric Frequency Response, DFR and Polarization/Depolarization Current, PDC as more advanced insulation diagnostic methods, with proper modelling, temperature correction can be done based on the insulation condition of an individual device and thus accuracy is considerably improved. In this paper, the background of DFR and its superiority in temperature correction are introduced. After that, the numerical Fourier and Inverse Fourier Transformation algorithm is applied to correct the time domain measurement (IR and PDC).
Dictiones inacabadas: Los manuscritos de El desierto prodigioso y prodigio del desiertoUnfinished Dictions: The Manuscripts of El desierto prodigioso y prodigio del desierto
Authors: Alvarado María Piedad Quevedo
Published: August 2019

This article approaches the two manuscripts of El desierto prodigioso y prodigio del desierto from their unfinished and incomplete condition, and the way their materiality reshape and deepen our understanding of aspects such as authorship, poetic authority, and visuality, which are central in the construction of the text as much as in the complexity of the colonial experience of the New Kingdom of Granada.
Porno blando, política dura: los Cadernos de curiosidades de Catarina de BragançaSoft Porn, Hard Politics: Catherine of Bragança's Cadernos de curiosidades
Authors: Torrejón José Miguel Martínez
Published: August 2019

A study of two Curiosity chapbooks that bring together most disparate elements articulated only in relation to Queen Catherine of Bragança (1638-1705): her wedding to Charles II of England justify the presence of the epitalamic components (celebratory poems on the political dimensions of the event, erotic and eschatologic poetry); documents relative to the destitution of her brother, Afonso VI of Portugal; poetry and documents on the queen's support for Portuguese Jews and converts; formulae and instructions of interest to decorative arts, pastimes and plays with words. By been yuxtaposed, all these elements engage in a dialogue that allow readings different from the meanings each entry has separately.
Un impresor seducido por sor Juana: Los textos de las sueltas novohispanas publicados por José Llopis en Poemas (1691)A Printer Seduced by Sor Juana: The Texts of New Spain Sueltas Published by Joseph Llopis in Poemas (1691)
Authors: Lechuga David Galicia , Reyna Jorge Gutiérrez
Published: August 2019

This paper focuses on the three series of villancicos and the auto sacramental titled El divino Narciso that were first published in Spain in a reedition of the first volume of the works of sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (Barcelona: Joseph Llopis, 1691). These texts had circulated in New Spain as sueltas and were published again with changes in the Segundo volumen (Sevilla: Tomás Lopez de Haro, 1692). In order to determine the sources from which Llopis took these texts and his intentions in bringing them to the press, this paper aims, firstly, to underscore the textual differences among witnesses in order to establish relationships among them; secondly, to interpret relevant information regarding book trade and the dissemination of books in New Spain, as well as Llopis's own editorial practices.
Necrotizing Infections of the Hand and Wrist: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Authors: Choueka Jack , De Tolla Jadie E.
Published: August 2019

Necrotizing infections of the hand and wrist are important clinical entities because of their rapidly progressive and potentially lethal nature. These infections encompass a spectrum of diseases with overlapping signs and symptoms, which can be subtle and nonspecific. If the brief prodromal period of these infections goes unrecognized, a local area of devitalized tissue can evolve into fulminant infection, multiorgan failure, and potentially death. Early recognition and treatment including administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical débridement are paramount to improving patient outcomes.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Earth Science Research, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Luo Lesley
Published: August 2019

Earth Science Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.

Earth Science Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/reviewer and e-mail the completed application form to esr@ccsenet.org.

Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2

Bahareh Shoghli, University Of North Dakota, USA

Esmat Ahmed Abou El-Anwar, National Research Centre, Egypt

Fehmi ARIKAN, General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration Company, Turkey

Helber Gomes, Federal University of São Paulo and Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Research, Brazil

Iyad Ahmed Abboud, Taibah University, Jordan

Khalid Ubeid, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Palestine

P. Sathees Kumar, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, INDIA

Sanjeet Kumar Verma, University of Campinas, Brazil

Saumitra Misra, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Students’ Views on the Use of Critical Thinking-Based Pedagogical Approach for Vocabulary Instruction
Authors: Elyas Tariq , Al-Zahrani Budor S.
Published: August 2019

This research aimed to explore students’ views towards the use of a critical thinking pedagogical model for vocabulary instruction. From this end, a questionnaire was utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to investigate the students’ opinions about such an educational experience. Data analysis revealed that the meaningful and purposeful critical thinking vocabulary tasks triggered learners’ motivation while engaging their higher cognitive abilities in solving the tasks and enabling them to reflect on their topics based on their personal and life experiences. This challenging process led learners to have more opportunities for practicing ‘elaborative rehearsal’, and as a result, to process the targeted vocabulary deeper. This created a stronger association with the taught vocabulary, which ultimately enabled them to be encoded in the learners’ long-term memory. Based on these findings, the authors recommend that teachers, teacher educators, and curriculum designers should draw upon the findings of these studies and consider the advisability of embedding critical thinking-based teaching methods across all strata of the EFL teaching system: policy documents, curricula, teacher training courses and the language classrooms.
An Empirical Study on Postgraduate Education of Business English in China
Authors: Lu Xuemei , Zhu Wenzhong
Published: August 2019

The development of business English (BE) program cannot separate from that of its closely-related discipline. However, little is known about business English disciplinary development from the angle of postgraduate education in China. Through questionnaires and interviews on 64 postgraduate students of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (hereinafter referred to as GDUFS), this paper conducts empirical research on and analysis of its postgraduate education from the perspectives of curriculum setting, teacher construction, and tutorial system. The results show that most respondents are content with these dimensions of the postgraduate education of business English, which demonstrates the current postgraduate education in GDUFS is highly recognized and satisfied. It aims to have some implications for the reform and practice of postgraduate education and disciplinary construction in terms of business English in China. This research also discovers some noteworthy problems and put forward some suggestions.
Information literacy: Models for the curriculum
Authors: MacAdam Barbara
Published: August 2019

Information literacy: Models for the curriculum
DANSKER FØRST OG AMERIKANER SAA?
Authors: Kulturstudier Redaktionssekretær
Published: August 2019

I perioden 1908-1930 afholdtes en række dansk-amerikanske stævner på danske folkehøjskoler med det formål at (gen)etablere danske udvandreres tilhørsforhold til Danmark. Med udgangspunkt i disse stævner undersøger artiklen, hvordan hjemlandsturisme er blevet anvendt som et transnationalt redskab til at producere dansk identitet. Artiklen demonstrerer, at den danskamerikanske hjemlandsturisme markerer begyndelsen på en transnational kulturudveksling, som er bemærkelsesværdig, dels fordi den finder sted allerede i begyndelsen af det 20. århundrede, og dels fordi den var motiveret af en grundtvigiansk organisation med en klar nationalistisk agenda. Eftersom den tidligste dansk-amerikanske hjemlandsturisme ikke tidligere er blevet udforsket, bidrager artiklen til at fortælle et hidtil ukendt kapitel af den danskamerikanske historie.
Bacteriophages of Klebsiella spp., their diversity and potential therapeutic uses
Authors: Herridge Warren P , Shibu Preetha , O'Shea Jessica , Brook Thomas C , Hoyles Lesley
Published: August 2019

Klebsiella spp. are commensals of the human microbiota, and a leading cause of opportunistic nosocomial infections. The incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing serious infections is increasing, and K. oxytoca is an emerging pathogen. Alternative strategies to tackle infections caused by these bacteria are required as strains become resistant to last-resort antibiotics such as colistin. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that can infect and kill bacteria. They and their gene products are now being considered as alternatives or adjuncts to antimicrobial therapies. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the potential for lytic phages to combat MDR K. pneumoniae infections. Ready access to cheap sequencing technologies has led to a large increase in the number of genomes available for Klebsiella-infecting phages, with these phages heterogeneous at the whole-genome level. This review summarises our current knowledge on phages of Klebsiella spp. and highlights technological and biological issues relevant to the development of phage-based therapies targeting these bacteria.
Meiotic cellular rejuvenation is coupled to nuclear remodeling in budding yeast
Authors: King Grant A , Goodman Jay S , Schick Jennifer G , Chetlapalli Keerthana , Jorgens Danielle M , McDonald Kent L , Ünal Elçin
Published: August 2019

Production of healthy gametes in meiosis relies on the quality control and proper distribution of both nuclear and cytoplasmic contents. Meiotic differentiation naturally eliminates age-induced cellular damage by an unknown mechanism. Using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy in budding yeast, we found that nuclear senescence factors – including protein aggregates, extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA circles, and abnormal nucleolar material – are sequestered away from chromosomes during meiosis II and subsequently eliminated. A similar sequestration and elimination process occurs for the core subunits of the nuclear pore complex in both young and aged cells. Nuclear envelope remodeling drives the formation of a membranous compartment containing the sequestered material. Importantly, de novo generation of plasma membrane is required for the sequestration event, preventing the inheritance of long-lived nucleoporins and senescence factors into the newly formed gametes. Our study uncovers a new mechanism of nuclear quality control and provides insight into its function in meiotic cellular rejuvenation.
USP49 potently stabilizes APOBEC3G protein by removing ubiquitin and inhibits HIV-1 replication
Authors: Pan Ting , Song Zheng , Wu Liyang , Liu Guangyan , Ma Xiancai , Peng Zhilin , Zhou Mo , Liang Liting , Liu Bingfeng , Liu Jun , Zhang Junsong , Zhang Xuanhong , Huang Ryan , Zhao Jiacong , Li Yonghong , Ling Xuemei , Luo Yuewen , Tang Xiaoping , Cai Weiping , Deng Kai , Li Linghua , Zhang Hui
Published: August 2019

The antiviral activity of host factor apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G, A3G) and its degradation mediated by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vif protein are important topics. Although accumulating evidence indicates the importance of deubiquitination enzymes (DUBs) in innate immunity, it is unknown if they participate in A3G stability. Here, we found that USP49 directly interacts with A3G and efficiently removes ubiquitin, consequently increasing A3G protein expression and significantly enhancing its anti-HIV-1 activity. Unexpectedly, A3G degradation was also mediated by a Vif- and cullin-ring-independent pathway, which was effectively counteracted by USP49. Furthermore, clinical data suggested that USP49 is correlated with A3G protein expression and hypermutations in Vif-positive proviruses, and inversely with the intact provirus ratio in the HIV-1 latent reservoir. Our studies demonstrated a mechanism to effectively stabilize A3G expression, which could comprise a target to control HIV-1 infection and eradicate the latent reservoir.
A crystal structure of a collaborative RNA regulatory complex reveals mechanisms to refine target specificity
Authors: Qiu Chen , Bhat Vandita D , Rajeev Sanjana , Zhang Chi , Lasley Alexa E , Wine Robert N , Campbell Zachary T , Hall Traci M Tanaka
Published: August 2019

In the Caenorhabditis elegans germline, fem-3 Binding Factor (FBF) partners with LST-1 to maintain stem cells. A crystal structure of an FBF-2/LST-1/RNA complex revealed that FBF-2 recognizes a short RNA motif different from the characteristic 9-nt FBF binding element, and compact motif recognition coincided with curvature changes in the FBF-2 scaffold. Previously, we engineered FBF-2 to favor recognition of shorter RNA motifs without curvature change (Bhat et al., 2019). In vitro selection of RNAs bound by FBF-2 suggested sequence specificity in the central region of the compact element. This bias, reflected in the crystal structure, was validated in RNA-binding assays. FBF-2 has the intrinsic ability to bind to this shorter motif. LST-1 weakens FBF-2 binding affinity for short and long motifs, which may increase target selectivity. Our findings highlight the role of FBF scaffold flexibility in RNA recognition and suggest a new mechanism by which protein partners refine target site selection.
Phytochemicals, In vitro Bioavailability of Beta Carotene and Anti-nutrient Composition of Some Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Umerah N. N. , Nnam N. M.
Published: August 2019

Background/Objective: Vegetables and fruits are important sources of protective substances, which are highly beneficial for the maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. The study was designed to determine the phytochemicals, In-vitro-bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrient composition of some neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Methodology: The frequently occurred underutilized fruits and vegetables were selected for the study. The food crops were harvested and identified at the Herbarium in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Twenty underutilized fruits and vegetables each were cleaned and analysed for phytochemicals, In vitro bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrients composition using standard methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency.

Results: The result showed that 0 - 40% of beta carotene were bioavailable in the fruits studied.  The antinutrient levels in fruits were cyanide (0.02-3.47 mg), oxalate 1.22-12.38 mg and phytate traces- 12.60 mg. The range of phytochemicals in the fruits were tannins trace-10.40 mg, flavonoids 0-0.10%, saponins trace-0.051 mg, lycopene trace-94.20 mg, and phenol 0-4.01mg. The antinutrient levels in vegetables were cyanide 0.35-13.20 mg, oxalate 2.27-24.69 mg and phytate traces- 2.57 mg.  The result showed that 22- 68.80% of beta carotene were bio available in the vegetables studied. The phytochemicals in the vegetables were tannins 0.10-10.30 mg, flavonoids trace-0.20%, saponins trace-0.10 mg, lycopene trace-31.20 mg and phenol 0.01-3.31 mg.

Conclusion: The use of these neglected fruits and vegetables is imperative because of their nutritional and health benefit.
Quality Evaluation of Ogi from Acha (Digitaria exilis), Soybean (Glycine max) and Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Composite Flour
Authors: Ukeyima Moses Terkula , Acham Israel Okpunyi , Awojide Comfort Temitope
Published: August 2019

Ogi was produced from composite flour of fermented Acha, roasted Soybean and Carrot.  The raw materials were blended in varying proportions. Proximate composition, functional properties and sensory characteristics of the formulated Ogi samples were evaluated. The results of the proximate composition showed a significant increase in moisture (5.36% to 9.94%), protein (3.94% to 16.98%), fat (1.89% to 10.23%), crude fiber (1.80% to 3.12%) and ash (0.35% to 0.99%); while a decrease was observed in carbohydrate (86.66% to 58.74%) with increase in supplementation with roasted Soybean flour and constant addition of carrot flour along with the milk flavor. The functional properties showed significant increase in foam capacity (5.99% to 7.97%), Swelling index (2.46 v/v to 3.08 v/v) and Least gelation capacity (8.10% to 14.0%); while a decrease was observed in bulk density (0.84 g/mL to 0.72 g/mL), water absorption capacity (1.40% to 1.10%) and foaming stability (3.39% to 2.79%). Sensory characteristics result revealed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in aroma and overall acceptability with increasing incorporation of roasted Soybean flour and constant addition of Carrot flour with milk flavor. Aside the control sample (containing 100% fermented Acha flour) there was preference for Sample C (70% fermented Acha flour: 15% roasted Soybean flour: 10% Carrot flour: 5% Milk flavor) and Sample D (60% fermented Acha flour: 25% roasted Soybean flour: 10% `Carrot flour: 5% Milk flavor) in terms of color (6.65 and 6.25), taste (6.95 and 6.35), aroma (6.45 and 6.30), mouth feel (6.10 and 6.35) and overall acceptability (6.50 and 6.50) respectively, among the blend formulations. Supplementation of fermented Acha with roasted Soybean and Carrot flour considerably increased the protein and fat contents of the blend; hence Soybean should be used for supplementation of cereal based product in order to improve their nutritional composition.
New theories of nicotine‐psychosis link challenge the old
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

For some time, the link between cigarette smoking and schizophrenia has been clear. For decades, it has been assumed that this was due to one of two causes: “reverse causation” (smoking relative to the illness, by self‐medication or institutionalization) or by confounding (such as social factors or cannabis use).
Modeling the Metal–Insulator Phase Transition in LixCoO2 for Energy and Information Storage
Authors: Nadkarni Neel , Zhou Tingtao , Fraggedakis Dimitrios , Gao Tao , Bazant Martin Z.
Published: August 2019

An electro‐chemomechanical phase‐field model is developed to capture the metal–insulator phase transformation along with the structural and chemical changes that occur in LixCoO2 in the regular operating range of 0.5 < x < 1. Under equilibrium, in the regime of phase coexistence, it is found that transport limitations lead to kinetically arrested states that are not determined by strain‐energy minimization. Further, lithiation profiles are obtained for different discharging rates and the experimentally observed voltage plateau is observed. Finally, a simple model is developed to account for the conductivity changes for a polycrystalline LixCoO2 thin film as it transforms from the metallic phase to the insulating phase and a strategy is outlined for memristor design. The theory can therefore be used for modeling LixCoO2‐electrode batteries as well as low voltage nonvolatile redox transistors for neuromorphic computing architectures.
Recent Advances in Transistor‐Based Artificial Synapses
Authors: Dai Shilei , Zhao Yiwei , Wang Yan , Zhang Junyao , Fang Lu , Jin Shu , Shao Yinlin , Huang Jia
Published: August 2019

Simulating biological synapses with electronic devices is a re‐emerging field of research. It is widely recognized as the first step in hardware building brain‐like computers and artificial intelligent systems. Thus far, different types of electronic devices have been proposed to mimic synaptic functions. Among them, transistor‐based artificial synapses have the advantages of good stability, relatively controllable testing parameters, clear operation mechanism, and can be constructed from a variety of materials. In addition, they can perform concurrent learning, in which synaptic weight update can be performed without interrupting the signal transmission process. Synergistic control of one device can also be implemented in a transistor‐based artificial synapse, which opens up the possibility of developing robust neuron networks with significantly fewer neural elements. These unique features of transistor‐based artificial synapses make them more suitable for emulating synaptic functions than other types of devices. However, the development of transistor‐based artificial synapses is still in its very early stages. Herein, this article presents a review of recent advances in transistor‐based artificial synapses in order to give a guideline for future implementation of synaptic functions with transistors. The main challenges and research directions of transistor‐based artificial synapses are also presented.
Realization of Quantum Hall Effect in Chemically Synthesized InSe
Authors: Yuan Kai , Yin Ruoyu , Li Xinqi , Han Yimo , Wu Meng , Chen Shulin , Liu Shuai , Xu Xiaolong , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Muller David A. , Shi Junjie , Gao Peng , Wu Xiaosong , Ye Yu , Dai Lun
Published: August 2019

Recently, 2D electron gases have been observed in atomically thin semiconducting crystals, enabling the observation of rich physical phenomena at the quantum level within the ultimate thickness limit. However, the observation of 2D electron gases and subsequent quantum Hall effect require exceptionally high crystalline quality, rendering mechanical exfoliation as the only method to produce high‐quality 2D semiconductors of black phosphorus and indium selenide (InSe), which hinder large‐scale device applications. Here, the controlled one‐step synthesis of high‐quality 2D InSe thin films via chemical vapor transport method is reported. The carrier Hall mobility of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) encapsulated InSe flakes can be up to 5000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 1.5 K, enabling to observe the quantum Hall effect in a synthesized van der Waals semiconductor. The existence of the quantum Hall effect in directly synthesized 2D semiconductors indicates a high quality of the chemically synthesized 2D semiconductors, which hold promise in quantum devices and applications with high mobility.
Supercapacitors in Motion: Autonomous Microswimmers for Natural‐Resource Recovery
Authors: Beladi‐Mousavi Seyyed Mohsen , Khezri Bahareh , Matějková Stanislava , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2019

An electroadsorption technique similar to the ultrafast charging mechanism in supercapacitors is utilized to remove metals with different sizes and hydrophilicities from contaminated water using self‐propelled microswimmers. The swimmers carry graphite fibre or bismuth with a layered crystal structure providing high electrostatic double‐layer capacitances. Unlike previous methods, this electrochemical technique does not only utilize the surface of the swimmers, but due to the interlayer spacing of the graphite and bismuth, it is able to store metals in ≈400 layers, allowing removal and recovery of >50 ppm lithium in only 5 min. A larger interlayer distance between bismuth sheets allows the removal of bigger cations (sodium and calcium), expanding the application of this method to a large variety of natural elements. Finally, magnetic navigation of charged swimmers to an oxygen‐saturated media causes oxidation and thus immediate release of the metal ions from the swimmers.
Crystal‐to‐Gel Transformation Stimulated by a Solid‐State E→Z Photoisomerization
Authors: Tong Fei , Chen Shaolong , Li Zhiwei , Liu Mingyue , Al‐Kaysi Rabih O. , Mohideen Umar , Yin Yadong , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: August 2019

The molecule (E)‐(5‐(3‐anthracen‐9‐yl‐allylidene)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐[1,3] dioxane‐4,6‐dione) (E‐AYAD) undergoes E→Z photoisomerization. In the solid state, this photoisomerization process can initiate a physical transformation of the crystal that is accompanied by a large volume expansion (ca. 10 times), loss of crystallinity, and growth of large pores. This physical change requires approximately 10 % conversion of the E isomer to the Z isomer and results in a gel‐like solid with decreased stiffness that still retains its mechanical integrity. The induced porosity allows the expanding gel to engulf superparamagnetic nanoparticles from the surrounding liquid. The trapped superparamagnetic nanoparticles impart a magnetic susceptibility to the gel, allowing it to be moved by a magnetic field. The photoinduced phase transition, starting with a compact crystalline solid instead of a dilute solution, provides a new route for in situ production of functional porous materials.
A Genetically Encoded, Phage‐Displayed Cyclic‐Peptide Library
Authors: Wang Xiaoshan Shayna , Chen Peng‐Hsun Chase , Hampton J. Trae , Tharp Jeffery M. , Reed Catrina A. , Das Sukant K. , Wang Duen‐Shian , Hayatshahi Hamed S. , Shen Yang , Liu Jin , Liu Wenshe Ray
Published: August 2019

Superior to linear peptides in biological activities, cyclic peptides are considered to have great potential as therapeutic agents. To identify cyclic‐peptide ligands for therapeutic targets, phage‐displayed peptide libraries in which cyclization is achieved by the covalent conjugation of cysteines have been widely used. To resolve drawbacks related to cysteine conjugation, we have invented a phage‐display technique in which its displayed peptides are cyclized through a proximity‐driven Michael addition reaction between a cysteine and an amber‐codon‐encoded Nϵ‐acryloyl‐lysine (AcrK). Using a randomized 6‐mer library in which peptides were cyclized at two ends through a cysteine–AcrK linker, we demonstrated the successful selection of potent ligands for TEV protease and HDAC8. All selected cyclic peptide ligands showed 4‐ to 6‐fold stronger affinity to their protein targets than their linear counterparts. We believe this approach will find broad applications in drug discovery.
Control of Multicolor and White Emission by Adjusting the Equilibrium between Fluorophores, Lewis Acids, and Their Complexes in Polymers
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Yoshigoe Yusuke , Kuninobu Yoichiro
Published: August 2019

Multicolor emissive materials consisting of a single luminophore, a Lewis acid, and their complex were developed. The emission colors can be tuned by changing the concentration of the solution and the ratio of mixed solvents. Various emission colors in the solid state were observed when the complexes were added to polymers in different amounts. The color change is due to equilibrium disruption between the single luminophore, the Lewis acid, and the complex thereof. White emission was observed by appropriately controlling the equilibrium by changing the amount of the complex in the polymer.
Redox‐Neutral Coupling between Two C(sp3)−H Bonds Enabled by 1,4‐Palladium Shift for the Synthesis of Fused Heterocycles
Authors: Rocaboy Ronan , Anastasiou Ioannis , Baudoin Olivier
Published: August 2019

The intramolecular coupling of two C(sp3)−H bonds to forge a C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond is enabled by 1,4‐Pd shift from a trisubstituted aryl bromide. Contrary to most C(sp3)−C(sp3) cross‐dehydrogenative couplings, this reaction operates under redox‐neutral conditions, with the C−Br bond acting as an internal oxidant. Furthermore, it allows the coupling between two moderately acidic primary or secondary C−H bonds, which are adjacent to an oxygen or nitrogen atom on one side, and benzylic or adjacent to a carbonyl group on the other side. A variety of valuable fused heterocycles were obtained from easily accessibleortho‐bromophenol and aniline precursors. The second C−H bond cleavage was successfully replaced with carbonyl insertion to generate other types of C(sp3)‐C(sp3) bonds.
New less toxic zeolite‐encapsulated Cu(II) complex nanomaterial for dual applications in biomedical field and wastewater remediation
Authors: Shebl Magdy , Khalil Saied M.E. , Kishk Mona A.A. , El‐Mekkawi Doaa M. , Saif M.
Published: August 2019

A new dual‐functional Cu(II) complex and its nanohybrid form encapsulated into NaY zeolite cavities were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analyses, X‐ray fluorescence, infrared, 1H NMR, electronic, electron spin resonance and mass spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction, surface area and transmission electron microscopy in addition to conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The encapsulated Cu(II) complex was catalytically tested for degradation of industrial wastewater. The decolorization and mineralization results indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite host is an effective heterogeneous catalyst for real industrial wastewater remediation. In addition, both free and encapsulated Cu(II) complexes were tested as anti‐microbial and anti‐tumour agents. The results show that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite has a high activity (IC50 = 14.4 μg ml−1). The results of in vivo toxicity experiments indicate that the Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite is a less toxic biocompatible material (LD50 = 1245 mg kg−1). The catalytic properties, cytotoxicity and toxicity of the new nanohybrid Cu(II) complex encapsulated into zeolite make it a promising eco‐friendly and biocompatible material for water remediation and biomedical applications.
Molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and in silico characterization of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase from Bombyx mori
Authors: Palaka Bhagath Kumar , Velmurugan Ilavarasi Anbumani , Sapam Tuleshwori Devi , Kotapati Kasi Viswanath , Nallala Venkata Satyanarayana , Khan Mohd. Babu , Ampasala Dinakara Rao
Published: August 2019

The present study was aimed to explore the molecular and structural features of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase of Bombyx mori (BmUAP), an essential enzyme for chitin synthesis in insects. The BmUAP cDNA sequence was cloned and expression profiles were monitored during the molting and feeding stages of silkworm larvae. The effect of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) on BmUAP expression, and on silkworm molting was studied, which revealed that 20E regulates its expression. Multiple sequence alignment of various pyrophosphorylases revealed that the residues N223, G290, N327, and K407 of human UAP (PDB ID: 1JV1) were found to be highly conserved in BmUAP and all other eukaryotic UAPs considered for the study. Phylogenetic analysis inferred that the UAPs possess discrete variations in primary structure among different insect Orders while sharing good identity between species of the Order. The structure of BmUAP was predicted and its interactions with uridine triphosphate, N‐acetylglucosamine‐1‐phosphate, and UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine were analyzed. Virtual screening with a library of natural compounds resulted in five potential hits with good binding affinities. On further analysis, these five hits were found to be mimicking substrate and product, in inducing conformational changes in the active site. This work provides crucial information on molecular interactions and structural dynamics of insect UAPs.