bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der Niemannsweg
Authors: Sievers Kai Detlev
Published: March 2020

Der Niemannsweg ist eine lange alleeartige Straße im Norden Kiels, die in ihrem Verlauf einem alten Feldweg folgt und am Rand des Gehölzes Düsternbrook liegt. Ihrer wechselvollen Geschichte während der sieben Jahrzehnte von 1873 bis 1945 geht Prof. Dr. Kai Detlev Sievers in diesem Buch nach. Zu Beginn der 1880er Jahre setzte die zunächst zögerliche, dann rasche Bebauung des Niemannswegs ein. Eine Reihe politischer Veränderungen hinterließen ihre Spuren auch im Niemannsweg: Professoren zogen in die Gegend, wenig später die Seeoffiziere der kaiserlichen Flotte und Kieler Großkaufleute. Der Niemannsweg ist und war Wohnort bekannter Familien wie die der Ahlmanns, Lubinus’ oder Meyers. Weitere bekannte Bewohner des Niemannsweges waren u. a. der Soziologe Ferdinand Tönnies, der Sprachforscher Otto Mensing oder der Kaufmann Carl Lehment. Der Niemannsweg ist »eine der großen Straßen« des Landes, und dies ist die erste kenntnis- und materialreiche Darstellung ihrer Geschichte.
Zwischen Unterordnung und Selbstbehauptung
Authors: Greinert Melanie
Published: March 2020

Die Gottorfer zählen zu den einflussreichsten Fürstenhäusern im nordeuropäischen Raum der Frühen Neuzeit und prägten auf vielfältige Weise die Geschichte der Länder des Ostseeraumes. Die Autorin Melanie Greinert nimmt in ihrem Werk die weiblichen Mitglieder des Hauses und ihre Teilhabe an der Konstituierung und Aufrechterhaltung dynastischer Macht in den Blick und legt damit die erste Monographie vor, in der die Bedingungen, die Möglichkeiten und die Grenzen herrschaftlichen Handelns der Herzoginnen von Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf im höfischen Raum sowie in der kulturellen wie auch politischen Praxis aufgezeigt werden. Die Gesamtdarstellung, in der neben den verschiedenen Wirkungsbereichen der Herzoginnen auch ihre transregionalen Beziehungen dargelegt werden, leistet damit einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Sozial- und Kulturgeschichte von Fürstinnen in der Vormoderne.
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor Materials
Authors: Burns Douglas , Johnson Stephen
Published: March 2020

Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems have been studied in both the USA and the former Soviet Union since the 1950s for use in space science and exploration missions. NTP uses nuclear fission to heat hydrogen to very high temperatures in a short amount of time so that the hydrogen can provide thrust as it accelerates through an engine nozzle. Benefits of NTP systems compared to conventional chemical and solar electric powered propulsion systems include higher fuel efficiency, greater mission range, shorter transit times, and a greater ability to abort missions and return to Earth in the event of system failure. As a result of these benefits, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is evaluating NTP for use in crewed missions to Mars, and plans for a possible mid-2020s flight demonstration of a NTP engine are under development. The extremely harsh conditions that NTP systems must operate in present a number of significant engine design and operational challenges. The objective of this chapter will be to describe the history of NTP material development, describe current NTP material fabrication and design practices, and discuss possible future advances in space propulsion material technologies.
Neuropsychological Alterations in Children Affected by Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Carotenuto Marco , Marotta Rosa , Precenzano Francesco , Ruberto Maria , Parisi Lucia , Gallai Beatrice , Di Folco Annabella , Salerno Margherita , Maltese Agata , Felicia Operto Francesca , Roccella Michele
Published: March 2020

Sleep-related breathing disorders are a group of clinical conditions ranging from habitual snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) during the lifespan. In children, other risk factors are represented by adenotonsillar hypertrophy, rhinitis, nasal structure alteration, cleft palate, velopharyngeal flap surgery, pharyngeal masses, craniofacial malformations, genetic syndrome (i.e. Down syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, and Apert syndrome), genetic hypoplasia mandibular (i.e. Pierre Robin syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Shy-Drager syndrome, and Cornelia De Lange syndrome), craniofacial traumas, chronic or seasonal rhinitis, asthma, neuromuscular syndromes, brainstem pathologies (i.e. Arnold-Chiari malformation and Joubert syndrome), achondroplasia, and mucopolysaccharidosis. OSAS may affect the executive functioning such as motivational ability, planning, behavior modulation, ability to complete an action program, identification of functional strategies to achieve the goal, problem solving, flexibility, monitoring and self-assessment of behavior in relation to results, change of task, or behavior in the light of emerging information, which may be all impaired by nocturnal intermittent hypoxia also during the developmental age. The clinical presentation of OSAS can mimic other neurobehavioral symptoms, such as ADHD syndrome, learning problems, or can exacerbate the Fragile X syndrome, and generalized non-convulsive epilepsy symptoms.
Adrenal İnsidentaloma ve Otonom Kortizol Sekresyonu Vakalarının İzlemi: 14 Yıllık Tek Merkez Çalışması- Retrospektif Kohort
Authors: KIRNAP Nazlı Gülsoy , ÖZTEKİN Sanem , TÜTÜNCÜ Neslihan Başçıl
Published: March 2020

Amaç: Başka endikasyonlar ile yapılan görüntülemelerde tespit edilen adrenal insidentaloma (Aİ) vakalarının çoğu nonfonksiyone benign kitlelerdir. Otonom kortizol sekresyonu (OKS) genellikle Aİ’lerin değerlendirilmesi sırasında tanımlanmış bir klinik antitedir. OKS’de Otonom kortizol sekresyonunda artmış kardiyovasküler hastalık (KVH) riski bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada amacımız; merkezimizde takip edilen Aİ ve özellikle OKS hastalarının uzun dönem klinik, radyolojik ve KVH risk parametrelerini değerlendirmektir.

Yöntemler: Toplam 279 Aİ vakasının klinik, radyolojik, hormonal ve labaratuvar takiplerini retrospektif değerlendirdik.

Bulgular: Aİ’lerin %76,7 ’si nonfonsiyone Aİ (NFAİ), %13,3’i OKS, %3,9’u Cushing sendromu, %1,8’i feokromositoma, %3,6 ’sı primer aldosteronizm, %0,7’si adrenokortikal karsinom (AKK) idi. Ortalama takip süresi 3,5±2,3 (1-14) yıl idi. Feokromositoma ve AKK vakaları diğer adrenal adenomlara göre anlamlı büyüktü (sırası ile 48±16,04, 71,5±16,23 ve ortalama 25,8±12,9 mm p
Soliter Pulmoner Nodüllerin Değerlendirilmesi: Malign Lezyonların Ayırıcı Tanısında F-18 FDG PET/BT’ Nin Tanısal Değeri
Authors: SEMİRGİN Sibel Uçak , BIÇAKÇI Nilüfer
Published: March 2020

Amaç: Soliter pulmoner nodüllerde tedavi yaklaşımının doğru şekilde belirlenmesi açısından malign - benign lezyon ayırıcı tanısının yapılması oldukça önemlidir. Flor-18 florodeoksiglukoz (F-18 FDG) PET/BT, morfolojik ve metabolik bilgiyi bir arada sunarak lezyon karakterizasyonuna önemli katkı sağlayan bir görüntüleme yöntemidir. Çalışmamızda, soliter pulmoner nodüllerde F-18 FDG PET/BT yönteminin malign lezyon ayırıcı tanısına katkısının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntemler: Bilgisayarlı tomografide maksimum aksiyel çapı 1-3 cm arasında soliter pulmoner nodül saptanan, nodül karakterizasyonu amacı ile F-18 FDG PET/BT tetkiki uygulanan 54 hastaya ait bulgular retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi. Tüm hastaların histopatolojik tanıları mevcuttu. Nodüllerin maksimum aksiyel çapları ve maksimum standardize tutulum değerleri (maksSTD) belirlenerek histopatolojik son tanılar ile karşılaştırıldı. MaksSTD için 2,5 eşik değer olarak kabul edildiğinde (benign
Evaluation of high dilutions extract of pyroligneous on the development of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Rodrigues Cleverson , Massaroto João Aguilar , Peres Grace Queiroz David , Matos Dilânia Lopes de , Peres Walmor Moya , Yamashita Oscar Mitsuo , Carvalho Marco Antonio Camillo de
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research was to evaluate the fungitoxicity of high dilutions of tectonic (Tectona grandis) extract in mycelial growth, sporulation and germination of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In a completely randomized design with six dynamizations of the pyroligneous extract (3, 9, 15, 21, 27 and 33 CH) and three controls (distilled water, mother tincture, 30% hydroalcoholic solution) with four replicates each. All treatments were diluted to 0.1% in BDA medium. Mycelial growth rate index, relative percentage of mycelial development (PRD%), inhibition of sporulation and spore germination (%) were evaluated. The treatments did not differ among them for mycelial growth, percentage of spore germination and IVCM. The PRD and sporulation variables varied according to the dynamization, with a maximum reduction of 7% in PRD (33 CH) and a 70% increase in sporulation (3 and 21 CH). The dynamized pirolenous extract did not present expressive fungitoxicity in the growth, sporulation and germination of C. gloeosporioides.
Estimativa da área foliar do meloeiro irrigado em função do número de folhas
Authors: Maia Celsemy Eleutério , Silva Neto José Mariano da , Braga Ana Quézia Carvalho
Published: March 2020

Dados de área foliar são comumente utilizados em diversos experimentos na agricultura, no entanto, geralmente, são determinados utilizando-se de equipamentos caros e análises destrutivas. Diversos métodos têm sido desenvolvidos para estimar a área foliar de folhas que comumente empregam medidas como comprimento e largura, entretanto, são métodos trabalhosos pelo fato de exigir que a medição seja feita de forma individual. Assim, o presente trabalho faz uso de uma relação de regressão para estimar de forma não destrutiva a área foliar do meloeiro, envolvendo apenas o número de folhas. O método foi testado em 5 cultivares de melão:  Melody (melão amarelo), Goldex (melão amarelo), pele-de-sapo, AF-646 (melão amarelo), Orange Flesh e Torreon (cantaloupe). Os valores de área foliar e número de folhas foram obtidos em pelo menos cinco épocas distintas durante o ciclo da cultura, totalizando 938 amostras. As equações ajustadas para cada cultivar foram comparadas pelo teste de identidade de modelo para se verificar a hipótese de nulidade de que as equações são iguais estatisticamente.  Para as 5 cultivares, os coeficientes de determinação (R2) entre a área foliar medida real e a área foliar estimada foram iguais ou maiores a 0,9. Assim, a relação encontrada apresenta-se como uma ferramenta promissora  para pesquisas que exigem estimativas não destrutivas precisas da área foliar de meloeiros.
Definición de alfabetización informacional de CILIP, 2018
Authors: Sales Dora
Published: March 2020

Se traduce al castellano la nueva definición de alfabetización informacional de CILIP (Reino Unido), cuyo original se publicó en 2018. Se trata de una definición con enorme potencial, que enfatiza la relevancia de la ALFIN en la sociedad actual, para todas las personas, no sólo en el contexto educativo.

This is the Spanish translation of the new CILIP (United Kingdom) definition of information literacy, originally published in 2018. It is a definition with enormous potential, which enhances the relevance of IL in today's society, for all people, not only in the educational context.
New Hungarian Mechanistic-Empirical Design Procedure for Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Tóth Csaba , Primusz Péter
Published: March 2020

Certain elements of the currently used Hungarian pavement design method are based on the mechanistic-empirical pavement design principles, although they are not always readily implemented in practice. When designing a new pavement structure, it is only possible to select predetermined composition from a catalogue. The use of the Hungarian design catalogue is unquestionably comfortable, but nowadays special requirements (e.g. economy, sustainability) have been formulated as well. Those requirements increasingly call for the development of a method that can be used under Hungarian conditions, which can provide for the employment of various material properties. Instead of offering a predefined solution it needs to provide a useful tool for designers to enable realistic comparisons of engineering alternatives. This paper introduces the results of an ongoing research that aims to provide an alternative procedure for the design of newly constructed asphalt pavements. It establishes the framework for better characterization of the material properties of the natural subgrade and bound pavement layers compared to the utilization of predetermined designs. It also provides opportunity to consider local, environmental, geographical and other conditions and innovative building and technology capabilities.
Piezo1/2 mediate mechanotransduction essential for bone formation through concerted activation of NFAT-YAP1-ß-catenin
Authors: Zhou Taifeng , Gao Bo , Fan Yi , Liu Yuchen , Feng Shuhao , Cong Qian , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhou Yaxing , Yadav Prem S , Lin Jiachen , Wu Nan , Zhao Liang , Huang Dongsheng , Zhou Shuanhu , Su Peiqiang , Yang Yingzi
Published: March 2020

Mechanical forces are fundamental regulators of cell behaviors. However, molecular regulation of mechanotransduction remain poorly understood. Here, we identified the mechanosensitive channels Piezo1 and Piezo2 as key force sensors required for bone development and osteoblast differentiation. Loss of Piezo1, or more severely Piezo1/2, in mesenchymal or osteoblast progenitor cells, led to multiple spontaneous bone fractures in newborn mice due to inhibition of osteoblast differentiation and increased bone resorption. In addition, loss of Piezo1/2 rendered resistant to further bone loss caused by unloading in both bone development and homeostasis. Mechanistically, Piezo1/2 relayed fluid shear stress and extracellular matrix stiffness signals to activate Ca2+ influx to stimulate Calcineurin, which promotes concerted activation of NFATc1, YAP1 and ß-catenin transcription factors by inducing their dephosphorylation as well as NFAT/YAP1/ß-catenin complex formation. Yap1 and ß-catenin activities were reduced in the Piezo1 and Piezo1/2 mutant bones and such defects were partially rescued by enhanced ß-catenin activities.
The relationship between propagule pressure and establishment success in alien bird populations: a re-analysis of Moulton & Cropper (2019)
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Cassey Phillip , Lockwood Julie L. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: March 2020

A recent analysis by Moulton & Cropper (2019) of a global dataset on alien bird population introductions claims to find no evidence that establishment success is a function of the size of the founding population. Here, we re-analyse Moulton & Cropper’s data and show that this conclusion is based on flawed statistical methods—their data in fact confirm a strong positive relationship between founding population size and establishment success. We also refute several non-statistical arguments against the likelihood of such an effect presented by Moulton & Cropper. We conclude that a core tenet of population biology—that small populations are more prone to extinction—applies to alien populations beyond their native geographic range limits as much as to native populations within them.
Public School Teachers’ Attitude towards Action Research in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro
Authors: Declaro-Ruedas Mary Yole Apple , Ruedas Emmanuel G.
Published: March 2020

This descriptive research study was conducted to determine the self-efficacy of the public school teachers in conducting action research; their attitude towards action research and identify the possible factors that hindered teachers from doing action research & their influence level. The study was conducted in the different public schools in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro from May to July 2016. The public school teachers from the Department of Education-Magsaysay District were purposively selected as the respondents of the study. The study adopted and modified the Attitudes toward Research (ATR) scale and self-efficacy test to suit the needs of the research objectives. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentage were used to describe and quantify the variables. The result shows that the public school teachers in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro have an "average" level of research self-efficacy. They tend to hold "positive" attitudes toward research. The "very high" influential factors that hindered teachers from doing action research were work over-load which leaves little time or no time for conducting research, lack of practical training/experience in how to do action research and lack of research centres and research specialist in school or division.
Commonly Found Zoonotic Parasite Species in Dogs and Cats from a Prominent Pet Market of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Barua Priyanka , Musa Sharmin , Ahmed Rezwana , Khanum Hamida
Published: March 2020

Background: Zoonotic parasite species are those parasites of animal origin that can be transferred to human. They possess the threat of high infection rate among both animals and human and should be monitored carefully.

Aims: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic parasite species in cats and dogs from a prominent pet market of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology: A total of 60 animals (30 dogs and 30 cats) were selected from different pet shops in Katabon pet market, Nilkhet, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The hosts were dogs of foreign breed; German Spitz, German Shephed (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats of local breed (Felis catus). They were age matched: Puppies/Kittens (≥6 months - 1 year), young (>1- 2 years) and adults (>2 - 3 years) for both dogs and cats. Feces were collected and Formol Ether concentration technique was done prior to identify parasite’s egg, ova and larvae by microscopy.

Results: We were able to identify 17 different parasite species of zoonotic importance in total 60 animals. 8 species were common in both animals (Taenia spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Capillaria spp., Toxascaris leonina and Trichuris vulpis). Apart from 8 common species, 2 more species were exclusively identified in dogs and 7 species in cats. Capillaria spp. had the highest prevalence in both dogs (86.67%) and cats (90%) followed by Trichuris vulpis (83.33% in dogs, 90% in cats). Other highly prevalent parasites in dogs were A. lumbricoides and Toxocara canis (prevalence 76.67% for both); in cats were - T. leonina, Toxocara cati, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma spp. (prevalence 76.67%, 73.33%, 60% and 60%, respectively). According to the age group of hosts, in both dogs and cats, puppies or kittens and young hosts had higher prevalence of parasites compared to adults.

Conclusion: Proper training should be given to pet handlers when handling the food/feces of pets to reduce the risk of zoonotic infection and mass people should be aware about the risk of zoonotic parasite species to avoid potential health hazards.
Determination of Swelling and Dimensional Stability of Some Nigerian Timber Species
Authors: Ajuziogu G. C. , Amujiri A. N. , Njoku E. U. , Ozokolie C. B. , Ojua E. O.
Published: March 2020

Aim: The absorption of moisture and dimensional distortion are the major shortcomings of wood utilization as building and furniture materials. This study was aimed at determining the moisture content, swelling ability and dimension stability of five selected timber species.

Methods: The samples were collected with the help of the Forest Ranger from the Forestry Department of Enugu State, Nigeria, attached to the Nsukka timber market. The wood samples were evaluated for moisture content change, shrinkage or swelling (%) coefficient, amount of swelling and dimensional change.

Results: The change in moisture content across the five species was in the order of Gmelina aborea < Milicia excels < Daniellia oliveri < Alstonia bonnie < Antiaris toxicaria. At 12hrs, Gmelina aborea recorded significantly (P < 0.05) the highest dimension change (46 ± 0.70%) in the radial dimension (direction) as compared to the other species except for Antiaris toxicaria. The swelling coefficient and the amount of swelling were observed to have a strong positive correlation with the dimensional change in the sampled wood.

Conclusion: The lower swelling coefficient and the amount of swelling observed in Milicia excels among the five timber species, make it a more suitable species for industrial use.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Mahato Manimala , Biswas Saikat , Dutta Dhananjoy
Published: March 2020

A field experiment was carried out during summer season of 2018 at Instructional Farm, Jaguli, BCKV, West Bengal to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics in hybrid maize. The treatments were T1-100% RDF (150:75:75 kg/ha N, P2O5 and K2O) (control), T2- 75% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 2t/ha, T3-75% RDF+ Yeast Vinasse @ 2t/ha, T4-75% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 2t/ha+ soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha, T5-75% RDF+ Yeast Vinasse @ 2t/ha+ soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha, T6-75% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 2t/ha+ Foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% and T7-75% RDF+ Yeast Vinasse @ 2t/ha+ Foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% replicated thrice in RBD. The result of the experiment revealed that application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha along with 75% RDF and 0.5% foliar application of ZnSO4 (T6) exhibited maximum plant height (250.97 cm), LAI (4.58), dry matter accumulation (1680.38 g/m2), number of grains/cob (402.64), cob length (22.34 cm), grain yield (9.04 t/ha), stover yield (13.50 t/ha), net return (Rs.77112/ha), BCR (2.33) and uptake of N, P2O5 and K2O (200.54, 66.45 and 119.12 kg/ha respectively) over application of 100% RDF. However, T6 was statistically at par with the T4 and T7, which produced 8.94 and 8.75 t/ha grains respectively. Therefore, the study concluded that integrated application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha along with 75% RDF and 0.5% foliar application of ZnSO4 can be recommended for better grain yield and higher profit of summer maize.
Security Detection in Audio Events: A Comparison of Classification Methods
Authors: Nasser Alissar
Published: March 2020

The security of public places is becoming important with the increased rate of violence and subversion. Recently, several types of research have been proposed to automatically detect abnormal behavior in public places like a car crash, violence or other hazardous events in an attempt to improve security and save lives. Furthermore, most of the researches are using supervised classifications techniques to classify the audio signals. This paper proposes the use of the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) to reduce the number of MFCC features extracted from the audio signal and then apply an unsupervised classification algorithm. Moreover, this paper presents the results of several supervised and unsupervised classification methods for audio events detection and compares these results with the result of the proposed approach. Experiments are done using a real data set recorded at the mean of public transportation. The obtained results reveal that K-means on 2 KPCA components gave good results for triggering a true alarm as well as detecting a false alarm; where the percentages of false and missed alarms were 4.5% and 7.8% respectively; whereas these values were 0.8% and 9.3% respectively for kernel k-means. Notwithstanding the DNN network gave the best results with a false alarm rate of 0% and 1.4% missed alarm.
Post-operative Paediatric Pain Assessment and Management at a Tertiary Health Facility, Southern Nigeria: Surgeons’ Perspectives and Practice
Authors: Eke G. K. , Okoro P. E.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Whereas advances in perioperative care of children continue to be made with increasing evidence-based practice for postoperative analgesia, inadequate relief of postoperative pain resulting in significant morbidity and mortality is still being reported.

Objective: To appraise surgeons' perspectives and practice of paediatric post-operative pain assessment and management at a tertiary health facility in southern Nigeria.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey carried out between September and December 2019, a semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire was distributed to surgeons/trainees in departments/units where paediatric patients undergo both major and minor surgeries. Their perspectives and practice of postoperative pain assessment and management were analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Seventy-nine respondents completed the survey, including 19(24%) consultants, 32(40.5%) senior registrars, and 22(27.9%) junior registrars. Two-third of respondents (n=51, 64.6%) had more than 10 years working experience post-graduation. Involving parents/caregivers to assess postoperative pain was the most common strategy used by respondents (n=69, 87.3%), and most of them (n=67, 84.8%) do not make use of any pain assessment tools. 

Non-pharmacologic strategies for postoperative pain management were applied/prescribed sometimes (n=20, 25%) or rarely (n=20, 25%). Paracetamol and NSAIDs were the commonest non-opioid analgesics used while pentazocine was the commonly used opioid. Many respondents (n=66, 83.5%) had never prescribed morphine for postoperative analgesia in children. Seventeen percent of respondents do not prescribe postoperative analgesia to newborns.

Conclusion: Findings of this study show that the practice in our institution falls short of the recommended multimodal approach to paediatric postoperative pain care. Development of standard protocols and training of providers of postoperative care are recommended.
Protective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Spirulina platensis on Reproductive Characteristic and Biochemical Profile in Female Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Lead Acetate
Authors: Sorelle Deutcheu Nienga , Ferdinand Ngoula , Herve Tchoffo , Laura Mabou Nguemo Jeasmine , Narcisse Vemo Bertin , Joseph Tchoumboue
Published: March 2020

The effect of ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis (EESP) on reproductive function of female guinea pigs exposed to oxidative stress induced by lead acetate was explored. 60 mature female guinea pigs were used. They were divided into 6 groups of 10 guinea pigs each. For 3 months, pigs in Groups 1 were orally given distilled water daily; Group 2 were treated with lead; Group 3: received lead acetate and Vitamin C while Groups 4,5 and 6 were given lead acetate with 50, 100 and 200 mg of EESP/kg.bw respectively by gavage. At the end of trial (90 days), 6 female pigs per group were sacrificed and some reproductive characteristics, oxidative stress and hepatic toxicity markers were evaluated. Results revealed that, exposure to Lead acetate induced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of fertility index, reproductive organs and hormone concentrations. It equally led to a significant (p < 0.05) decline of serum content in superoxide dismutase, catalase and total peroxidase activities. The reverse effect was noted in malondialdehyde concentration, hepatic and renal toxicity biomarkers. Histological examination of the ovaries of lead treated females revealed lesions and severe degenerative changes in the structures of the ovaries. However, the administration of ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis to treated females alleviated the toxicity of reproductive function and oxidative damage induced by lead acetate. In conclusion, the exposure of animals to lead acetate had negative effects on guinea pig reproductive characteristics. The co-exposition to lead acetate and ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis however, reestablishes normal reproductive characteristic values.
Effect of Grid Instability on Power Generation System's Reliability
Authors: Bassey Joseph Benedict , Odesola Isaac F.
Published: March 2020

Aims: Reliability assessment of power generation system may be performed with the concept of system adequacy, security or both. Grid being a major component in the power distribution chain is seen to have some influence on the state of the generation system reliability because of the perturbation that may arise from it. In this study, the generation system reliability is evaluated using both the system adequacy and security concept.

Study Design: To capture the system security problems attributed to grid disturbance, the generation system is structured into two component systems (1 - generation component and 2 - transmission component) with a series arrangement.

Methodology: The reliability indices such as, mean time to failure, mean time to repair, failure rate and repair rate are assessed on component bases and with respect to the entire generation system.

Results: The effect of failure rate of the transmission component on the entire generation system failure rate was evaluated as 66.25%, 55.55%, 33.33%, 55.00% and 35.72% in year 2013, 2014, 2017 2018 and 2019 respectively for FIPL Power Plant and 52.94%, 82.35%, 61.38% and 100% effect was evaluated in the year 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively for GT5 of Omoku Power Plant.

Conclusion: These results showed that there is a significant influence of grid disturbances on the reliability state of the two gas turbine power plants in Nigeria. Measures on possible reliability state improvement of the power generation systems were suggested to include training and retraining of technical personnel on the management of major equipment in the generation and transmission stations.
Do examples of failure effectively prepare students for learning from subsequent instruction?
Authors: Hartmann Christian , van Gog Tamara , Rummel Nikol
Published: March 2020

Studies on the productive failure (PF) approach have demonstrated that attempting to solve a problem prepares students more effectively for later instruction compared to observing failed problem‐solving attempts prior to instruction. However, the examples of failure used in these studies did not display the problem‐solving‐and‐failing process, which may have limited the preparatory effects. In this quasi‐experiment, we investigated whether observing someone else engaging in problem solving can prepare students for instruction, and whether examples that show the problem‐solving‐and ‐failing process are more effective than those that only show the outcome of this process. We also explored whether the perceived model–observer similarity had an impact on the effectiveness of observing examples of failure. The results showed that observing examples effectively prepares students for learning from instruction. However, observing the model's problem‐solving‐and‐failing process did not prepare students more effectively than merely looking at the outcome. Studying examples were more effective if model–observer similarity was high.
Coating of Crystalline BaTiO3 Layer on Ni Nanoparticles for Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Electrode
Authors: Zhang Jiameng , Hao Yanan , Li Haihong , Dai Qionglin , Guo Limin
Published: March 2020

The base‐metal electrode (BME) is widely applied in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to replace the Pd/Ag electrode, whereas the oxidation and low shrinkage temperature during sintering is difficult to be resolved in nanosized electrode powders. Herein, a facile two‐step route for the fabrication of the crystalline BaTiO3 (BT) layer on Ni nanoparticles is developed. The amorphous BT layer is first coated on Ni nanoparticles by a normal precipitation method. Then, the as‐prepared Ni@BT powders are hydrothermally treated at alkaline conditions to facilitate the crystallization of the coating layer. Due to the dense and uniform crystalline BT layer, the Ni@BT powders show significantly enhanced sintering and antioxidation performance, which provides a high‐performance electrode for BME MLCC.
A Glycotherapeutic Approach to Functionalize Biomaterials‐Based Systems
Authors: Gadekar Anuja , Bhowmick Sirsendu , Pandit Abhay
Published: March 2020

In addition to being one of the primary building block materials of living cells, glycans are also favorable candidates for therapeutic applications. In the mid‐20th century, the progress of glycans in the drug discovery field became surpassed by protein and DNA‐focused treatments. However, the emergence of new analytical tools and methods to synthesize structurally specific glycans has encouraged and motivated the scientific community toward the development of glycan‐based therapeutics. This review discusses the reemergence of glycan‐based agents in the last decade and the technical strategies that played a key role in bringing the glycan‐based treatments into the limelight of modern medicine. The review also includes the application of native glycans as the therapeutic agents along with the chemically engineered cell surface glycans and proteins to meet the preclinical and clinical scenario. Glycan‐based therapeutic materials hold a huge potential that can be harnessed to meet the clinical needs in medicine.
Fabrication and Characterization of Ultra‐Lightweight, Compact, and Flexible Thermoelectric Device Based on Highly Refined Chip Mounting
Authors: Ekubaru Yusufu , Sugahara Tohru , Ibano Kenzo , Suetake Aiji , Tsurumoto Maki , Kagami Noriko , Suganuma Katsuaki
Published: March 2020

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a promising power source for realizing a self‐powered sensor, which is a primary component of the rapidly developing Internet of Things. Here, the fabrication of a prototype for a compact and flexible TEG (CF‐TEG) using ultra‐fine chip mounting technique is reported. The CF‐TEG consisting of 84 p‐n pairs was fabricated on a 10 × 10 mm2 flexible substrate. A temperature difference (dT) of 150 K is successfully established for this TEG. Its maximum output voltage and power density are obtained as 2.4 V and 185 mW cm−2, respectively, which corresponds to a conversion efficiency of 1.12% at dT = 150 K. Further, the experimental results are validated through theoretical analysis in which the contact effects are taken into account. This analysis is also used to elucidate the effect of thermal and electrical contact resistance on the output power. It is observed that ≈40% output power of this device is lost by these resistances, which proves that the contact properties significantly affect the performance of the TEG device.
Combining three grain mutants for improved‐quality sweet corn
Authors: Jompuk Choosak , Jitlaka Chadamas , Jompuk Peeranuch , Stamp Peter
Published: March 2020

Our goal was to improve sweet corn (Zea mays L.) by the novel approach of combining three grain mutants in one plant, shrunken‐2 (sh2sh2), purple (Pr1Pr1C1C1), and opaque‐2 (o2o2), for increased sugar, anthocyanin, and tryptophan content, respectively. We crossed purple opaque‐2 waxy maize with sweet corn inbred lines. In the segregating selfed progenies, the opaque‐2 gene was detected by the genetic marker phi057, the two other genes by the visual markers purple and shrunken. The purple opaque‐2 sweet corn performed well in field tests; it had high total sugar content as required for sweet corn, improved protein quality indicated by 30% higher tryptophan content, and a 10‐fold higher anthocyanin content than yellow kernel maize. This new sweet corn germplasm is a first step toward developing specialty maize with increased health benefits.
Efficient land water management practice and cropping system for increasing water and crop productivity in semi‐arid tropics
Authors: Kamdi Prasad Jairam , Swain Dillip Kumar , Wani Suhas P
Published: March 2020

In Indian semi‐arid tropics (SATs), low water and crop productivity in Vertisols and associated soils are mainly due to poor land management and erratic and low rainfall occurrence. This study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 at the ICRISAT in India to test the effect of broad bed furrows (BBF) as land water management against conventional flatbed planting for improving soil water content (SWC) and water and crop productivity of three cropping systems: sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench]–chickpea (Cicer arientinumL.) and maize (Zea mays)–groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) as sequential and pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum(L.)] + pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan(L.) Millsp.] as intercropping, grown under different nutrients management involving macronutrients (N, P, and K) only and combined application of macro‐ and micronutrients. The results stated that the SWC in BBF was higher over flatbed by 9.35–10.44% in 0‐ to 0.3‐m, 4.56–9.30% in 0.3‐ to 0.6‐m and 3.85–5.26% in 0.6‐ to 1.05‐m soil depths during the cropping season. Moreover, depletion of the soil water through plant uptake was higher in BBF than in flatbed. Among the cropping systems, sorghum–chickpea was the best in bringing highest system equivalent yield and water productivity with the combined application of macro‐ and micronutrients. The BBF minimized water stress at critical crop growth stages leading to increase crop yield and water productivity in SATs. Thus, BBF along with the application of macro‐ and micronutrients could be an adaptation strategy to mitigate erratic rainfall due to climate change in SATs.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Sappanin‐Type Homoisoflavonoids
Authors: Lee Jungeun , Kwon Sangil , Seo Seung‐Yong
Published: March 2020

Homoisoflavanones, 3‐benzylchroman‐4‐ones, which are naturally occurring sappanin‐type homoisoflavonoids, possess a 16‐carbon skeleton and a single chiral center. In this paper, we present various asymmetric synthesis of homoisoflavanones that have been developed. The first approach is a lipase‐catalyzed desymmetrization of 2‐benzylpropane‐1,3‐diol and its diacetate. Three approaches for the synthesis of an optically active 3‐benzylchroman‐4‐one are asymmetric protonation of the silyl enol ether derived from a racemic homoisoflavanone, iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐phenoxymethylcinnamic acid, and Evans asymmetric aldol reaction. Recently, our group performed Noyori ruthenium‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation with dynamic kinetic resolution, followed by alcohol oxidation of 3‐benzylchroman‐4‐ol.
Chimpanzee ranging responses to fruit availability in a high‐elevation environment
Authors: Green Samantha J. , Boruff Bryan J. , Niyigaba Protais , Ndikubwimana Innocent , Grueter Cyril C.
Published: March 2020

Most primates experience seasonal fluctuations in the availability of food resources and face the challenge of balancing energy expenditure with energy gain during periods of resource scarcity. This is likely to be particularly challenging in rugged, montane environments, where available energy is relatively low and travel costs are high. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) show extensive behavioral diversity across study sites. Yet, as most research has focused on low‐ and mid‐elevation sites, little is known on how chimpanzees respond to periods of low fruit availability in harsh montane environments. We use focal follow and phenology data to investigate how fruit availability influences daily path length and monthly home range in chimpanzees living in Nyungwe National Park, a montane forest in Rwanda. Nyungwe chimpanzees decreased their daily travel distances during periods of fruit scarcity. However, this decrease in travel effort did not correspond with a decrease in foraging area. Instead, monthly homes ranges shifted location across the study period. Nyungwe chimpanzees occupy a relatively wide altitudinal range and the shifts in monthly home range location may reflect differences in the altitudinal distribution of food resources. Chimpanzee monthly diet was often dominated by one or two species and each of these species were confined to different elevation zones. One important species, Podocarpus latifolius, grew only at high elevations (2,600–2,950 m) and chimpanzees ranged at the altitudinal peak of their range for 2 consecutive months while feeding on this species. Thus, while high elevations are often thought to be harsh environments for primates, they can be an important part of a species’ home range when they provide a refugium for densely distributed, important food species.
A Simple and Versatile Method for the Construction of Nearly Ideal Polymer Networks
Authors: Huang Xin , Nakagawa Shintaro , Li Xiang , Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Yoshie Naoko
Published: March 2020

Polymer networks usually contain numerous inhomogeneities that deteriorate their physical properties and should be eliminated to create reliable, high‐performance materials. A simple method is introduced for the production of nearly ideal networks from various vinyl polymers through controlled polymerization and subsequent crosslinking. Monodisperse star polymers with bromide end groups were synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization and end‐linked with dithiol linkers using thiol–bromide chemistry. This simple procedure formed nearly ideal polymer networks, as revealed from elasticity of the formed gel and model conjugation reactions involving linear polymers. The versatility of this method was demonstrated by preparing networks of common vinyl polymers, including polyacrylates, polymethacrylate, and polystyrene. This method can be used to prepare multiple functional nearly ideal gels and elastomers and to explore fundamental aspects of polymer networks.
Coupled Electrical Conduction in Coordination Polymers: From Electrons/Ions to Mixed Charge Carriers
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chu Junhao , Hu Ming
Published: March 2020

The coupled transport of ions and electrons is of great potential for next‐generation sensors, energy storage and conversion devices, optoelectronics, etc. Coordination polymers (CPs) intrinsically have both transport pathways for electrons and ions, however, the practical conductivities are usually low. In recent years, significant advances have been made in electronic or ionic conductive coordination polymers, which also results in progress in mixed ionic‐electronic conductive coordination polymers. Here we start from electronic and ionic conductive CPs to mixed ionic‐electronic conductive CPs. Recent advances in the design of mixed ionic‐electronic conductive CPs are summarized. In addition, devices based on mixed conduction are selected.
The impact of dose modification and temporary interruption of ibrutinib on outcomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients in routine clinical practice
Authors: Parikh Sameer A. , Achenbach Sara J. , Call Timothy G. , Rabe Kari G. , Ding Wei , Leis Jose F. , Kenderian Saad S. , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Koehler Amber B. , Schwager Susan M. , Muchtar Eli , Fonder Amie L. , McCullough Kristen B. , Nedved Adrienne N. , Smith Matthew D. , Slager Susan L. , Kay Neil E. , Finnes Heidi D. , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: March 2020

To study the impact of dose modification and temporary interruption of ibrutinib in routine clinical practice, we conducted a retrospective study of consecutive CLL patients treated with ibrutinib outside the context of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic, (Rochester, MN) from 11/2013 to 12/2017. Of 209 patients, 131 (74%) had unmutated IGHV, 38 (20%) had TP53 disruption, and 47 (22%) were previously untreated. A total of 87/209 (42%) patients started reduced dose ibrutinib (<420 mg daily; n = 43, physician preference; n = 33, concomitant medications; and n = 11, other). During 281 person‐years of treatment, 91/209 patients had temporary dose interruption (54%, nonhematologic toxicity; 29%, surgical procedures; 10%, hematologic toxicity; and 7%, other). After a median follow‐up of 24 months, the estimated median event‐free survival (EFS) was 36 months, and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. On multivariable analyses, temporary ibrutinib interruption (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.37, P = .006) and TP53 disruption at ibrutinib initiation (HR: 1.81, P = .048) were associated with shorter EFS, whereas only TP53 disruption (HR: 2.38, P = .015) was associated with shorter OS. Initial ibrutinib dose and dose modification during therapy did not appear to impact EFS or OS. These findings illustrate the challenges associated with continuous oral therapy with ibrutinib in patients with CLL.
Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) Improve SIRT1 Expression and Glycogen Content in High Fat Diet‐Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Oza Manisha J. , Kulkarni Yogesh A.
Published: March 2020

Flowering tops of Trifolium pratense L. (Fabaceae) are known for its traditional medicinal values. In present study, our aim was to investigate effect of standardized aqueous extract of flowering tops of Trifolium pratense L. on insulin resistance and SIRT1 expression in type 2 diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding high fat diet and administering low dose of streptozotocin. Diabetic animals were treated with standardized aqueous extract at three different doses. Parameters such as blood glucose, lipid profile, glycohemoglobin, insulin sensitivity, HOMA‐IR and liver glycogen content were measured. Changes in morphology and expression of SIRT1 in pancreatic tissue were measured in histopathological and immunohistological studies. Aqueous extract treatment showed reduction in hyperglycemia and improved insulin sensitivity. Extract treatment also showed reduction in formation of glycated hemoglobin and improved liver glycogen level. Histopathological study revealed protecting effect of extract in pancreatic tissue against hyperglycemia induced damage. Treatment increased expression of SIRT1 in rat pancreatic tissue. Results indicate that the aqueous extract of Trifolium pratense had beneficial role in improving insulin sensitivity and SIRT1 expression.
Double‐Cubane [8Fe9S] Clusters: A Novel Nitrogenase‐Related Cofactor in Biology
Authors: Jeoung Jae‐Hun , Martins Berta M. , Dobbek Holger
Published: March 2020

Three different types of electron‐transferring metallo‐ATPases are able to couple ATP hydrolysis to the reduction of low‐potential metal sites, thereby energizing an electron. Besides the Fe‐protein known from nitrogenase and homologous enzymes, two other kinds of ATPase with different scaffolds and cofactors are used to achieve a unidirectional, energetic, uphill electron transfer to either reduce inactive Co‐corrinoid‐containing proteins (RACE‐type activators) or a second iron‐sulfur cluster‐containing enzyme of a unique radical enzymes family (archerases). We have found a new cofactor in the latter enzyme family, that is, a double‐cubane cluster with two [4Fe4S] subclusters bridged by a sulfido ligand. An enzyme containing this cofactor catalyzes the ATP‐dependent reduction of small molecules, including acetylene. Thus, enzymes containing the double‐cubane cofactor are analogous in function and share some structural features with nitrogenases.
Five‐year follow‐up of patients who underwent everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffold implantation
Authors: Wiebe Jens , Hofmann Felix J. , Dörr Oliver , Bauer Timm , Boeder Niklas , Liebetrau Christoph , Blachutzik Florian , Möllmann Helge , Elsässer Albrecht , Achenbach Stephan , Hamm Christian W. , Nef Holger M.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate very long‐term results after unrestricted everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) implantation.

Background

Previous randomized studies mainly included selected patients differing from those seen during daily routine and long‐term data from all‐comers registries are sparse.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing BRS implantation were included in this observational, single center study. Clinical follow‐up was conducted up to 5 years. Endpoint of interest was the composite of target lesion failure (TLF), including target‐vessel myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization and cardiac death. Furthermore, ARC‐defined scaffold thrombosis (ScT) were assessed.

Results

A total of 176 patients with a median age of 64 (55 – 72) years were analyzed, of which 59.6% presented an acute coronary syndrome. A total of 183 mainly complex lesions (55.8%) were treated. At 5 years, the rate for TLF was 21.6%. Definite or probable ScT rate was 4.1%. The rate of ScT within the first year was 2.8% and afterwards 1.2%. Notably, no ScT was seen later than 2 years.

Conclusions

Although this real‐world registry displays high rates of clinical events during long‐term follow‐up, no ScT was seen after 2 years.