bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As Fotografias de Tônia Carrero e sua Construção como Estrela Nacional através das Imagens Veiculadas em o Cruzeiro e Scena Muda (1947-1955)
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Cabral Gabriela Soares , Bonadio Maria Claudia
Published: June 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer relações entre a construção da imagem de Tônia Carrero (1922-2018) enquanto estrela do cinema nacional através de suas fotografias divulgadas nos periódicos O Cruzeiro e Scena Muda durante o período de 1947 e 1955, momento da industrialização da produção cinematográfica brasileira e consequente tentativa de emplacar um estrelismo nacional aos moldes hollywoodianos. Neste período, Tônia Carrero iniciava sua carreira e estrelava filmes da Companhia Cinematográfica Vera Cruz, nos quais interpretando papéis associados ao arquétipo hollywoodiano da good-bad girl. Já em suas fotografias divulgadas na imprensa a construção de sua imagem como estrela era reforçada a partir do uso de roupas, acessórios e poses que conectavam a imagem da atriz ao glamour ou ao erotismo ingênuo das pin-ups – elementos, que eram também explorados pelo cinema hollywoodiano na construção da imagem de suas estrelas.
Boi Neon: A Moda como Metáfora do Contemporâneo e Experiência do Sensível
Authors:   Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Vieira Suellen Cristina , Vargas Alexandre Link
Published: June 2019

A partir do loga-metragem brasileiro, Boi Neon (2006), dirigido por Gabriel Mascaro, este presente artigo tem como objetivo compreender as implicações da temporalidade na experiência estética e sensível da moda e como a mesma se expressa como metáfora do contemporâneo, sob a perspectiva dos autores Giorgio Agamben e Emauelle Coccia. A problemática deste estudo busca entender a formação das identidades dos personagens da narrativa e de como tais atributos podem estar relacionados à formação dos sujeitos contemporâneos. O resultado da análise vem do entrecruzamento dos conceitos e das cenas examinadas através da metodologia de análise fílmica. Dessa forma, foi possível constatar que a construção dos personagens nos leva ao mundo contemporâneo, de sensações, quebras de estereótipos e paradigmas.
La justice négociée de l’énergie éolienne au Québec
Authors: Prémont Marie-Claude
Published: June 2019

La signature d’ententes sur les répercussions et les avantages (ERA) est presque devenue la norme lorsque se réalisent de nouveaux projets d’exploitation des ressources naturelles au Canada. Peu d’études se sont cependant penchées sur le recours à l’ERA dans le contexte de l’implantation au Québec des parcs éoliens. L’auteure explique pourquoi et comment ce mécanisme a fait son apparition à compter de 2003 pour la production d’énergie éolienne. Elle montre que les ERA entre les promoteurs privés de parcs éoliens et les municipalités d’accueil ne relèvent pas de la génération spontanée. Elles sont plutôt la résultante d’une structure juridique complexe graduellement mise en place à compter de l’adoption de la Loi sur la Régie de l’énergie en 1996. L’ERA du secteur éolien du Québec est analysée en tant que composante du triangle de la justice négociée, celui-ci impliquant trois parties — les promoteurs de projets, les communautés locales d’accueil et l’État — qui appuient chacune le mécanisme pour des motifs différents. L’analyse des clauses des ERA conclues en contexte éolien au Québec soulève de sérieuses questions quant à leurs effets sur le rôle qu’accorde la loi aux municipalités et sur les obligations de l’État.
Les dimensions collectives des ententes sur les répercussions et les avantages : bémol sur le discours du contrat privé
Authors: Motard Geneviève
Published: June 2019

Les ententes sur les répercussions et les avantages conclues entre des entreprises ou des organismes publics et des Premières Nations ou des Inuits ont pour objet d’établir une relation de confiance mutuelle de manière à permettre la réalisation de projets extractifs ou d’exploitation de ressources naturelles qui, autrement, susciteraient une opposition sociale. Ces ententes, dites de nature socioéconomique, sont qualifiées de contrats privés par tous les acteurs visés. À partir d’une analyse des parties, de l’objet et des obligations ainsi que des portées intercommunautaire et intergénérationnelle des ententes en question, l’auteure cherche à démontrer que leur dimension collective est largement sous-estimée par le discours du contrat privé. Elle conclut que cette dimension collective devrait amener un encadrement particulier de ces ententes, tant par les autorités autochtones que par les autorités étatiques.
Les droits ancestraux des peuples autochtones au carrefour du droit public et du droit privé : le cas de l’industrie extractive
Authors: Otis Ghislain
Published: June 2019

Le présent article a pour sujet l’incidence des droits ancestraux sur la relation juridique entre les peuples autochtones et les sociétés privées travaillant à l’extraction des ressources naturelles en territoire québécois. La première partie aborde les ententes entre les sociétés extractives et les peuples autochtones relativement aux effets et aux retombées d’un projet d’extraction (appelées « ententes sur les répercussions et les avantages » ou ERA). La seconde traite de la responsabilité civile des sociétés extractives quant aux conséquences préjudiciables de leurs activités sur l’exercice des droits ancestraux des Autochtones. Il ressortira de l’ensemble du propos que les rapports entre les acteurs de l’industrie et les Autochtones se trouvent, dès lors qu’existent des droits ancestraux sur les terres visées, au carrefour du droit public et du droit privé. L’auteur s’attache à montrer que le droit québécois de la responsabilité civile, dont la Charte des droits et libertés de la personne, aura un rôle à jouer dans la protection des droits ancestraux des peuples autochtones sur la terre et les ressources. Sans annexer ni dénaturer le régime sui generis de ces droits tel qu’il a émergé dans la sphère du droit public, le droit privé québécois est à même de les accueillir et de les sanctuariser à sa manière. Par ailleurs, le droit public ne fait nullement obstacle à la conclusion des contrats particuliers que sont les ERA même lorsque de tels contrats restreignent l’exercice d’activités autochtones ressortant aux droits ancestraux. Le droit des contrats apparaît plutôt comme un des instruments à la disposition d’un peuple autochtone pour la mise en oeuvre de l’autonomie inhérente à ses droits ancestraux et pour la poursuite de son développement économique et social. L’incertitude quant à l’identité du groupe titulaire des droits ancestraux pourra cependant fragiliser ces ERA si elles ne respectent pas les régimes territoriaux autochtones.
Unified single-cell analysis of testis gene regulation and pathology in five mouse strains
Authors: Jung Min , Wells Daniel , Rusch Jannette , Ahmad Suhaira , Marchini Jonathan , Myers Simon R , Conrad Donald F
Published: June 2019

To fully exploit the potential of single-cell functional genomics in the study of development and disease, robust methods are needed to simplify the analysis of data across samples, time-points and individuals. Here we introduce a model-based factor analysis method, SDA, to analyze a novel 57,600 cell dataset from the testes of wild-type mice and mice with gonadal defects due to disruption of the genes Mlh3, Hormad1, Cul4a or Cnp. By jointly analyzing mutant and wild-type cells we decomposed our data into 46 components that identify novel meiotic gene-regulatory programs, mutant-specific pathological processes, and technical effects, and provide a framework for imputation. We identify, de novo, DNA sequence motifs associated with individual components that define temporally varying modes of gene expression control. Analysis of SDA components also led us to identify a rare population of macrophages within the seminiferous tubules of Mlh3-/- and Hormad1-/- mice, an area typically associated with immune privilege.
Elastic instability during branchial ectoderm development causes folding of the Chlamydosaurus erectile frill
Authors: Montandon Sophie A , Fofonjka Anamarija , Milinkovitch Michel C
Published: June 2019

We study the morphogenesis and evolutionary origin of the spectacular erectile ruff of the frilled dragon (Chlamydosaurus kingii). Our comparative developmental analyses of multiple species suggest that the ancestor of Episquamata reptiles developed a neck fold from the hyoid branchial arch by preventing it to fully fuse with posterior arches. We also show that the Chlamydosaurus embryonic neck fold dramatically enlarges and its anterior surface wrinkles, establishing three convex ridges on each lobe of the frill. We suggest that this robust folding pattern is not due to localised increased growth at the positions of the ridges, but emerges from an elastic instability during homogeneous growth of the frill skin frustrated by its attachment to adjacent tissues. Our physical analog experiments and 3D computational simulations, using realistic embryonic tissue growth, thickness and stiffness values, recapitulate the transition from two to three ridges observed during embryonic development of the dragon’s frill.
Circulating T cell-monocyte complexes are markers of immune perturbations
Authors: Burel Julie G , Pomaznoy Mikhail , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S , Weiskopf Daniela , da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Jung Yunmin , Babor Mariana , Schulten Veronique , Seumois Gregory , Greenbaum Jason A , Premawansa Sunil , Premawansa Gayani , Wijewickrama Ananda , Vidanagama Dhammika , Gunasena Bandu , Tippalagama Rashmi , deSilva Aruna D , Gilman Robert H , Saito Mayuko , Taplitz Randy , Ley Klaus , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern
Published: June 2019

Our results highlight for the first time that a significant proportion of cell doublets in flow cytometry, previously believed to be the result of technical artifacts and thus ignored in data acquisition and analysis, are the result of biological interaction between immune cells. In particular, we show that cell:cell doublets pairing a T cell and a monocyte can be directly isolated from human blood, and high resolution microscopy shows polarized distribution of LFA1/ICAM1 in many doublets, suggesting in vivo formation. Intriguingly, T cell-monocyte complex frequency and phenotype fluctuate with the onset of immune perturbations such as infection or immunization, reflecting expected polarization of immune responses. Overall these data suggest that cell doublets reflecting T cell-monocyte in vivo immune interactions can be detected in human blood and that the common approach in flow cytometry to avoid studying cell:cell complexes should be re-visited.
Massive antibody discovery used to probe structure–function relationships of the essential outer membrane protein LptD
Authors: Storek Kelly M , Chan Joyce , Vij Rajesh , Chiang Nancy , Lin Zhonghua , Bevers Jack , Koth Christopher M , Vernes Jean-Michel , Meng Y Gloria , Yin JianPing , Wallweber Heidi , Dalmas Olivier , Shriver Stephanie , Tam Christine , Schneider Kellen , Seshasayee Dhaya , Nakamura Gerald , Smith Peter A , Payandeh Jian , Koerber James T , Comps-Agrar Laetitia , Rutherford Steven T
Published: June 2019

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Gram-negative bacteria dictate permeability of metabolites, antibiotics, and toxins. Elucidating the structure-function relationships governing OMPs within native membrane environments remains challenging. We constructed a diverse library of >3000 monoclonal antibodies to assess the roles of extracellular loops (ECLs) in LptD, an essential OMP that inserts lipopolysaccharide into the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Epitope binning and mapping experiments with LptD-loop-deletion mutants demonstrated that 7 of the 13 ECLs are targeted by antibodies. Only ECLs inaccessible to antibodies were required for the structure or function of LptD. Our results suggest that antibody-accessible loops evolved to protect key extracellular regions of LptD, but are themselves dispensable. Supporting this hypothesis, no α-LptD antibody interfered with essential functions of LptD. Our experimental workflow enables structure-function studies of OMPs in native cellular environments, provides unexpected insight into LptD, and presents a method to assess the therapeutic potential of antibody targeting.
False head complexity and evidence of predator attacks in male and female hairstreak butterflies (Lepidoptera: Theclinae: Eumaeini) from Mexico
Authors: Novelo Galicia Eric , Luis Martínez Moisés Armando , Cordero Carlos
Published: June 2019

In many butterfly species, the posterior end of the hindwings of individuals perching with their wings closed resembles a butterfly head. This “false head” pattern is considered an adaptation to deflect predator attacks to less vulnerable parts of the body. The presence of symmetrical damage in left and right wings is considered evidence of failed predator attacks to perching butterflies. In this research, we tested the prediction derived from the deflection hypothesis that the degree of resemblance of the false head area (FH) to a real head, as measured by the number of FH “components” (eyespots, “false antennae”, modified outline of the FH area and lines converging on the FH area) present in the hindwings, is positively correlated to the frequency of symmetrical damage in the FH area. We studied specimens from two scientific collections of butterflies of the subfamily Theclinae (Lycaenidae) belonging to the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Colección Nacional de Insectos [CNIN] and Museo de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias [MZFC]). We scored the presence of symmetrical damage in a sample of 20,709 specimens (CNIN: 3,722; MZFC: 16,987) from 126 species (CNIN: 78 species; MZFC: 117 species; 71 species shared by both collections) whose hindwings vary in the number of FH components, and found that, as predicted, the proportion of specimens with symmetrical damage increases as the number of FH components increases. We also tested the hypothesis that behavioural differences between the sexes makes males more prone to receive predator attacks and, thus, we predicted a higher frequency of symmetrical damage in the FH of males than in that of females. We found that the frequency of symmetrical damage was not significantly different between males and females, suggesting that behavioural differences between the sexes produce no differences in the risk of being attacked. Overall, our results provide support to the idea that the FH of butterflies is an adaptation that deflects predator attacks to less vulnerable parts of the body in both sexes.
Multi-gene incongruence consistent with hybridisation inCladocopium(Symbiodiniaceae), an ecologically important genus of coral reef symbionts
Authors: Brian Joshua I. , Davy Simon K. , Wilkinson Shaun P.
Published: June 2019

Coral reefs rely on their intracellular dinoflagellate symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) for nutritional provision in nutrient-poor waters, yet this association is threatened by thermally stressful conditions. Despite this, the evolutionary potential of these symbionts remains poorly characterised. In this study, we tested the potential for divergent Symbiodiniaceae types to sexually reproduce (i.e. hybridise) withinCladocopium, the most ecologically prevalent genus in this family. With sequence data from three organelles (cobgene, mitochondrion; psbAncrregion, chloroplast; and ITS2 region, nucleus), we utilised the Incongruence Length Difference test, Approximately Unbiased test, tree hybridisation analyses and visual inspection of raw data in stepwise fashion to highlight incongruences between organelles, and thus provide evidence of reticulate evolution. Using this approach, we identified three putative hybridCladocopiumsamples among the 158 analysed, at two of the seven sites sampled. These samples were identified as the commonCladocopiumtypes C40 or C1 with respect to the mitochondria and chloroplasts, but the rarer types C3z, C3u and C1# with respect to their nuclear identity. These fiveCladocopiumtypes have previously been confirmed as evolutionarily distinct and were also recovered in non-incongruent samples multiple times, which is strongly suggestive that they sexually reproduced to produce the incongruent samples. A concomitant inspection of next generation sequencing data for these samples suggests that other plausible explanations, such as incomplete lineage sorting or the presence of co-dominance, are much less likely. The approach taken in this study allows incongruences between gene regions to be identified with confidence, and brings new light to the evolutionary potential within Symbiodiniaceae.
Antibacterial Effects of Methanol Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum L on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolated from Urine
Authors: Onwubiko Chinaza , Udobi Chinweizu Ejikeme
Published: June 2019

There are major concerns about rising levels of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This is due to the difficulties in treating the infections which they cause and .the ease with which they spread in hospitals. This has necessitated the continuous search for alternative anti-MRSA agents. Efforts in this study was therefore directed at isolation of MRSA from the urine of patients and its susceptibility to the methanol extract and aqueous fraction of Bryophyllum pinnatum . Urine samples from the urine of patients were screened for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus using conventional microbiological methods. Confirmed isolates were screened for methicillin resistance by confirming their susceptibility or otherwise to 30µg cefoxitin. Detection of Mec A gene by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was further used to confirm some MRSA isolates. Conventional susceptibility testing methods were used to compare the activity of both methanol extract of Brophyllum pinnatum and its aqueous fraction on the MRSA isolates. Results obtained confirmed the susceptibility of the MRSA isolates to the extracts and that their activity was time dependent. It also showed that the extract was only moderately toxic with an LD50 of 866.03mg/kg body weight and that at the MIC and 2xMIC their activity was only bacteriostatic. Results obtained are intended to be used to prove that in the search for alternative anti- MRSA agents from natural sources, Bryophyllum pinnatum will be a possible candidate for further investigation.
Comparison between Planting and Sowing as Forms of Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) Propagation and Investigation of Different Seeding Depths
Authors: Santos Matheus Azevedo Dos , Bianchini Aloisio , Pereira Pedro Silvério Xavier , Daros Rodrigo Fernandes , Deus Matheus Santos De , Silva Vitor Sthevan Mendes Da , Gurka Carlos Augusto Queiroz , Costa Patrícia Monique Crivelari Da
Published: June 2019

Amaranth is a broad leaf pseudocereal native to South and Central America and can be used as a source of high protein grain, as a leafy vegetable and has the potential to grow as fodder. The objective of this work was to evaluate some characteristics of amaranth agronomic interest (Amaranthus spp), as the best way of propagation of the crop, whether by planting of seedlings or direct seeding, and also to determine the most suitable depth of sowing of amaranth. Three treatments were established to conduct the first experiment, seedling versus no-tillage using the BRS-Alegria variety: the first (T1) was the planting of seedlings with 15 days old, previously produced in a greenhouse, on the day of establishment of the experiment in the beds; the second (T2) was the direct sowing in the soil on the day of establishment of the experiment in the beds; and the third (T3) was the transplanting of surplus seedlings from the first treatment, after two weeks of establishment of the experiment in the beds. The T1 treatment was the one that presented the best performance in the attributes of lap diameter and dry mass of plants, being not different, only, at plant height, in relation to T2 treatment. The treatments T2 and T3 presented the same performance for all attributes studied. The second experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the best sowing depth for the Amaranthus varieties: BRS-Alegria, Diócus, Princes, Verde (Amaranthus cruentus) and Inca (Amaranthus caudatus), under zero millimeters soil), five millimeters, and ten millimeters deep. The BRS - Alegria, Verde and Diócus varieties showed the best results when tested at 0, 5 and 10mm depth, with the average of plants emerged at 15 days after sowing, of 71.4; 65.9 and 61.0 respectively. The worst results were found in the Princes and Inca varieties, with average values of emerged plants of 51.3 and 47.2, respectively. As for the seeding depths, the best were 10 and 5 mm, with plants emerged after 15 days, of 86.9 and 77.9, respectively. The worst result was for the 0mm depth with an average of 13.3 emerged plants.
Creative Quality of Educational Managers in Functional Education as a Panacea to Achieving Sustainable Development in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeaku Stella N.
Published: June 2019

This paper investigated creative quality of educational managers in functional education as a panacea to achieving sustainable development in Anambra State, Nigeria. Three research questions were answered and a null hypothesis tested. The population was all the principals in Public secondary schools in Anambra State. Two hundred male and female principals were sampled for the study. A self-developed structured questionnaire titled Creative Quality of Educational Managers in Functional Education as a panacea to Achieving Sustainable Development Questionnaire (CQEMFEPSDQ)’ was used for data collection. Data were analysed with mean and t-test at .05 alpha. Major findings of the study included Education system, variables for the absence of creative and quality Educational Managers and strategies towards ensuring the prevalence of creative and quality Educational Managers in Nigeria’s Educational Sector. The conclusion of the study was that without creative and quality educational managers, the chances of achieving sustainable National development will be very slim, if not non-existent. Based on the findings, it was concluded that government should completely overhaul the system of appointing educational managers.
Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition of Four Selected Tropical Medicinal Plants Namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina
Authors: Mgbeje Bob I. A. , Umoh Ezekiel Udo , Emmanuel-Ikpeme Christine
Published: June 2019

Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the leaves of four selected tropical medicinal plants namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina.

Methodology: The phytochemicals in the plant leaves were extracted by cold maceration in ethanol and subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals.

Results: The qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed the presence of the bioactive compounds alkaloids, Saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, polyphenols, specific cardiac glycosides, tannins, phytates and reducing compound in the leaves of each plant at varying quantities. Resins were only detected in O. gratissimum. From the quantitative analysis, Gongronema latifolium had the highest percentage content of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars. Ocimum gratissimum had the highest flavonoid content.

Conclusion: Taken together, G. latifolium on balance had a higher phytochemical content than the other three plants and thus should be more versatile in the treatment of a whole range of diseases. This was followed by V. amygdalina, O. gratissimum and P. guineense in that order. The fact that most of these phytochemicals have antioxidant activity may be responsible for their antidiabetic activities and use in treatment of other free radical prone diseases.
Newly identified APN splice isoforms suggest novel splicing mechanisms may underlie circRNA circularization in moth
Authors: Gao Meijing , Liu Yuan , Wang Yun , Zhang Xiao , Dong Sa , Liu Xianjin
Published: June 2019

Circular RNA (circRNA) have long been considered by‐products of splicing errors, but the coordination of RNA transcription and exon circularization events remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated this question using genes encoding aminopeptidases N (APNs), which are receptors of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. We cloned and sequenced the cDNA of ten APN genes (HaAPN1‐10) located in the same APN gene cluster, and detected 20 and 14 novel splicing isoforms with exon skipping in HaAPN1 and HaAPN3, respectively, whereas no or very few variants were found in the remaining genes. Further study identified 14 and 6 circular RNA (circRNA) in HaAPN1 and HaAPN3, respectively. Neither novel splicing isoforms nor circRNA were detected in HaAPN2 and HaAPN5. Distinct from the conventional GT/AG splicing signal, short co‐directional repeats were involved in the splicing of the linear and circular isoforms of HaAPN1 and HaAPN3. Identification of the splice sites revealed that the linear isoforms may be related in some way to the circularization. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis and detection of circRNA of the APN gene of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (PxAPN3), showed that circRNA formation is relatively conserved during the lepidopteran evolutionary process. These results contribute to an improved understanding of lepidopteran APNs and this novel class of insect circRNA.
Physical and biological impacts of collimator‐scattered protons in spot‐scanning proton therapy
Authors: Ueno Koki , Matsuura Taeko , Hirayama Shusuke , Takao Seishin , Ueda Hideaki , Matsuo Yuto , Yoshimura Takaaki , Umegaki Kikuo
Published: June 2019

To improve the penumbra of low‐energy beams used in spot‐scanning proton therapy, various collimation systems have been proposed and used in clinics. In this paper, focused on patient‐specific brass collimators, the collimator‐scattered protons' physical and biological effects were investigated. The Geant4 Monte Carlo code was used to model the collimators mounted on the scanning nozzle of the Hokkaido University Hospital. A systematic survey was performed in water phantom with various‐sized rectangular targets; range (5–20 cm), spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) (5–10 cm), and field size (2 × 2–16 × 16 cm2). It revealed that both the range and SOBP dependences of the physical dose increase had similar trends to passive scattering methods, that is, it increased largely with the range and slightly with the SOBP. The physical impact was maximized at the surface (3%–22% for the tested geometries) and decreased with depth. In contrast, the field size (FS) dependence differed from that observed in passive scattering: the increase was high for both small and large FSs. This may be attributed to the different phase‐space shapes at the target boundary between the two dose delivery methods. Next, the biological impact was estimated based on the increase in dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) and relative biological effectiveness (RBE). The LETd of the collimator‐scattered protons were several keV/μm higher than that of unscattered ones; however, since this large increase was observed only at the positions receiving a small scattered dose, the overall LETd increase was negligible. As a consequence, the RBE increase did not exceed 0.05. Finally, the effects on patient geometries were estimated by testing two patient plans, and a negligible RBE increase (0.9% at most in the critical organs at surface) was observed in both cases. Therefore, the impact of collimator‐scattered protons is almost entirely attributed to the physical dose increase, while the RBE increase is negligible.
Two‐Dimensional Arrays of Transition Metal Nitride Nanocrystals
Authors: Xiao Xu , Wang Hao , Bao Weizhai , Urbankowski Patrick , Yang Long , Yang Yao , Maleski Kathleen , Cui Linfan , Billinge Simon J. L. , Wang Guoxiu , Gogotsi Yury
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of low‐dimensional transition metal nitride (TMN) nanomaterials is developing rapidly, as their fundamental properties, such as high electrical conductivity, lead to many important applications. However, TMN nanostructures synthesized by traditional strategies do not allow for maximum conductivity and accessibility of active sites simultaneously, which is a crucial factor for many applications in plasmonics, energy storage, sensing, and so on. Unique interconnected two‐dimensional (2D) arrays of few‐nanometer TMN nanocrystals not only having electronic conductivity in‐plane, but also allowing transport of ions and electrolyte through the porous nanosheets, which are obtained by topochemical synthesis on the surface of a salt template, are reported. As a demonstration of their application in a lithium–sulfur battery, it is shown that 2D arrays of several nitrides can achieve a high initial capacity of >1000 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and only about 13% degradation over 1000 cycles at 1 C under a high areal sulfur loading (>5 mg cm−2).
In Situ Method Correlating Raman Vibrational Characteristics to Chemical Expansion via Oxygen Nonstoichiometry of Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Sediva Eva , Defferriere Thomas , Perry Nicola H. , Tuller Harry L. , Rupp Jennifer L. M.
Published: June 2019

Effective integration of perovskite films into devices requires knowledge of their electro‐chemomechanical properties. Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool for probing such properties as the films' vibrational characteristics couple to the lattice volumetric changes during chemical expansion. While lattice volumetric changes are typically accessed by analyzing Raman shifts as a function of pressure, stress, or temperature, such methods can be impractical for thin films and do not capture information on chemical expansion. An in situ Raman spectroscopy technique using an electrochemical titration cell to change the oxygen nonstoichiometry of a model perovskite film, Sr(Ti,Fe)O3−y , is reported and the lattice vibrational properties are correlated to the material's chemical expansion. How to select an appropriate Raman vibrational mode to track the evolution in oxygen nonstoichiometry is discussed. Subsequently, the frequency of the oxygen stretching mode around Fe4+ is tracked, as it decreases during reduction as the material expands and increases during reoxidation as the material shrinks. This methodology of oxygen pumping and in situ Raman spectroscopy of oxide films enables future in operando measurements even for small material volumes, as is typical for applications of films as electrodes or electrolytes utilized in electrochemical energy conversion or memory devices.
DNP‐Supported Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy of Proteins Inside Mammalian Cells
Authors: Narasimhan Siddarth , Scherpe Stephan , Lucini Paioni Alessandra , van der Zwan Johan , Folkers Gert E. , Ovaa Huib , Baldus Marc
Published: June 2019

Elucidating at atomic level how proteins interact and are chemically modified in cells represents a leading frontier in structural biology. We have developed a tailored solid‐state NMR spectroscopic approach that allows studying protein structure inside human cells at atomic level under high‐sensitivity dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) conditions. We demonstrate the method using ubiquitin (Ub), which is critically involved in cellular functioning. Our results pave the way for structural studies of larger proteins or protein complexes inside human cells, which have remained elusive to in‐cell solution‐state NMR spectroscopy due to molecular size limitations.
Positionelle und geometrische Isomerisierung von Alkenen: der Gipfel der Atomökonomie
Authors: Molloy John J. , Morack Tobias , Gilmour Ryan
Published: June 2019

Strategien zur raumzeitlichen Steuerung von Alkenen durch einen äußeren Reiz sind angesichts der Allgegenwart von Rohstoff‐Olefinen in der Chemie und ihren Folgeanwendungen notwendig. Angelehnt an den 1‐0‐Schalter, der den Sehzyklus von Säugetieren durch eine selektive geometrische Isomerisierung von Retinal ermöglicht, werden Strategien zur geometrischen und positionellen Manipulation des zweidimensionalen Raums von Alkenen mittels chemischer, thermischer und lichtinduzierter Prozesse intensiv untersucht. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beleuchtet den aktuellen Stand der Forschung zur Aktivierung und dem Ermöglichen von Direktionalität in diesen fundamentalen chemischen Transformationen.
Development and application starch films: PBAT with additives for evaluating the shelf life of Tommy Atkins mango in the fresh‐cut state
Authors: Leal Ingrid Lessa , da Silva Rosa Yasmin Carolino , da Silva Penha Josenai , Cruz Correia Paulo Romano , da Silva Melo Pollyana , Guimarães Danilo Hansen , Barbosa Josiane Dantas Viana , Druzian Janice Izabel , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza
Published: June 2019

In this study, formulations of cassava starch and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) flexible films were developed, with glycerol, coconut nanocellulose, annatto, and citric acid in different concentrations, as well as the effectiveness of the selected materials in fresh‐cut mangoes storage was evaluated. The tensile strength of the different formulations varied from 1.90 (E4) to 6.65 MPa (E3c), and the strain varied from 206.31 (E1c) to 278.41% (E8); this variation was dependent on the percentage of the polymer matrix incorporated. Theawvalues of the formulations ranged from 0.396 (E2) to 0.569 (E3c). The Formulations E4 and E7 (with additives) presented good properties and were selected to condition mangoes. The micrographs of these films showed regions of micropores that can facilitate the diffusion of water from the packaged product to the surface, allowing decreases in moisture andaw, which is associated with higher color maintenance during fruit storage. E7 presented better barrier properties than E4 (lower values of WVP and water solubility) which may have influenced in a positive way to maintain the stability of the package in the studied period. E7 can be considered as a viable alternative for minimally processed mango storage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48150.
Glutaminase 1 Inhibition Reduces Glycolysis and Ameliorates Lupus‐like Disease in MRL/lpr Mice and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Kono Michihito , Yoshida Nobuya , Maeda Kayaho , Suárez‐Fueyo Abel , Kyttaris Vasileios C. , Tsokos George C.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Glutaminase 1 (Gls1) is the first enzyme in glutaminolysis. The selective Gls1 inhibitor bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES) suppresses Th17 development and ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The present study was undertaken to investigate whether inhibition of glutaminolysis is beneficial for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the involved mechanisms.

Methods

MRL/lpr mice were treated with BPTES or vehicle control, and disease activity was examined. Then naive CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE were cultured under Th17‐polarizing conditions with BPTES or vehicle. Furthermore, using newly generated Gls1 conditional‐knockout mice, in vitro Th17 differentiation was examined, and EAE was induced in the mice. Glutaminolysis and glycolysis were measured with an extracellular flux analyzer. The expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) was examined by Western blotting.

Results

Treatment of MRL/lpr mice with BPTES improved autoimmune pathology in a Th17‐dependent manner. T cells from patients with SLE treated with BPTES displayed decreased Th17 differentiation (P < 0.05). Using the conditional‐knockout mice, we demonstrated that both in vitro Th17 differentiation (P < 0.05) and the development of EAE were dependent on Gls1. Gls1 inhibition reduced glycolysis and the expression of HIF‐1α protein, which induces glycolysis.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that inhibition of glutaminolysis represents a potential new treatment strategy for patients with SLE and Th17‐related autoimmune diseases. Mechanistically, we have shown that inhibition of glutaminolysis affects the glycolysis pathway by reducing HIF‐1α protein in Th17 cells.
Progression of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: The Importance of Pneumoproteins Krebs von den Lungen 6 and CCL18
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Tashkin Donald P. , Kuwana Masataka , Li Ning , Roth Michael D. , Charles Julio , Hant Faye N. , Bogatkevich Galina S. , Akter Tanjina , Kim Grace , Goldin Jonathan , Khanna Dinesh , Clements Philip J. , Furst Daniel E. , Elashoff Robert M. , Silver Richard M. , Assassi Shervin
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL‐6) and CCL18 levels and the severity and progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc)–related interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

Patients enrolled in the Scleroderma Lung Study II (cyclophosphamide [CYC] versus mycophenolate mofetil [MMF]) were included. Baseline and 12‐month plasma samples were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to assess CCL18 and KL‐6 levels. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) were measured every 3 months. Joint models were created to investigate the relationship between baseline CCL18 and KL‐6 levels and the course of the FVC and DLco over 1 year according to treatment arm.

Results

Baseline KL‐6 and CCL18 levels each correlated with the extent of radiographic fibrosis. Levels of both CCL18 and KL‐6 declined significantly at 1 year. In both treatment arms (n = 71 for CYC, n = 62 for MMF), a higher baseline KL‐6 level predicted progression of ILD based on the course of FVC (P = 0.024 for CYC; P = 0.005 for MMF) and DLco (P < 0.001 for CYC; P = 0.004 for MMF) over 1 year. A higher baseline CCL18 level predicted progression of ILD based on the course of the FVC (P < 0.001 for CYC; P = 0.007 for MMF) and DLco (P = 0.001 for CYC; P < 0.001 for MMF) over 1 year, as well as mortality (P = 0.0008 for CYC arm only).

Conclusion

In a rigorously conducted clinical trial for SSc‐related ILD, KL‐6 and CCL18 levels correlated with ILD severity and declined with immunosuppression. Patients with higher baseline KL‐6 and CCL18 levels were more likely to experience disease progression despite treatment. KL‐6 and CCL18 levels could be used to identify patients with a progressive ILD phenotype who may benefit from a more aggressive initial treatment approach.
Iterative modeling of wind turbine power curve based on least‐square B‐spline approximation
Authors: Bao Yunong , Yang Qinmin , Sun Youxian
Published: June 2019

Power curve plays a vital role in design, operation, control, and condition monitoring of wind turbines. Especially, it provides necessary information for wind farm maintenance decisions, allowing for not only comparison among the same type of wind turbines installed in different places, but also the same one at different time stamps. A standardized power curve iterative modeling procedure of wind turbines is proposed based on actual supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data for performance evaluation in an online manner with guaranteed smoothness. The data are firstly preprocessed for anomaly detection by following normalization correction and then sliced into different wind speed bins. The least‐square B‐spline approximation method is iteratively implemented for power curve construction based on dominant points selected from the bin centroids, and turbulence intensity correction and outlier detection are conducted iteratively for refining identification results. Finally, the test results based on actual operating SCADA data demonstrate better performance in comparison with two counterparts.
A Vascular Thrombus Therapy Method Based on Magnetic‐Induced Vibration
Authors: Dai Hongfen , Liu Xiaowei , Hu Pan , Liu Juan , Ming Shuping
Published: June 2019

A vascular thrombus therapy method based on magnetic‐induced vibration is presented. It is a mechanicalway of removing vascular thrombus that adopts the combined use of two concepts, namely (i) magnetic‐induced vibration of magnetostrictive materials and (ii) changes in physical form of thrombus under high‐frequency impact and vibration. This method has many advantages that (i) eliminate the side effects of drug treatment, (ii) reduce the complexity of traditional mechanical method, and (iii) improve the reliability of treatment. Practical results obtained from the simulations and experiments are included. They verify the proposed system and indicate that this method can effectively treat vascular thrombus and reduce patient's suffering and costs. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:391–401. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A new generation of predictive models: The added value of hybrid models for manufacturing processes of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Narayanan Harini , Sokolov Michael , Morbidelli Massimo , Butté Alessandro
Published: June 2019

Due to the lack of complete understanding of metabolic networks and reaction pathways, establishing a universal mechanistic model for mammalian cell culture processes remains a challenge. Contrarily, data‐driven approaches for modeling these processes lack extrapolation capabilities. Hybrid modeling is a technique that exploits the synergy between the two modeling methods. Although mammalian cell cultures are among the most relevant processes in biotechnology and indeed looks ideal for hybrid modeling, their application has only been proposed but never developed in the literature. This study provides a quantitative assessment of the improvement brought by hybrid models with respect to the state‐of‐the‐art statistical predictive models in the context of therapeutic protein production. This is illustrated using a dataset obtained from a 3.5 L fed‐batch experiment. With the goal to robustly define the process design space, hybrid models reveal a superior capability to predict the time evolution of different process variables using only the initial and process conditions in comparison to the statistical models. Hybrid models not only feature more accurate prediction results but also demonstrate better robustness and extrapolation capabilities. For the future application, this study highlights the added value of hybrid modeling for model‐based process optimization and design of experiments.
Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Properties of Aggregation‐Enhanced Emission‐Active Unsymmetrical PtII Metallomesogens through Self‐Assembly
Authors: Cuerva Cristián , Campo José A. , Cano Mercedes , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: June 2019

Herein, we report a series of unsymmetrical bispyrazolate‐type PtII compounds that exhibit mesomorphism at low temperatures and photophysical multi‐stimuli‐responsive properties. These PtII compounds show a great ability to be self‐assembled by intermolecular Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interactions in the solid state, so generating a columnar stacking of molecules that is responsible for the formation of the mesophases. By controlling the nature of the molecular assembly through external stimuli such as the temperature, the pressure, or the presence of vapours or solvents, it is possible to modulate the luminescence behaviour of these materials. The PtII monomers emit a greenish light, whereas aggregation of molecules produces a redshifted emission. These metallomesogens also show a high stability and successive grinding/fuming cycles can be performed without degradation of the sample. The application of these materials is very attractive as rewritable luminescent platforms, and their use is already demonstrated.
Temperature, Hydrostatic Pressure, and Osmolyte Effects on Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Protein Condensates: Physical Chemistry and Biological Implications
Authors: Cinar Hasan , Fetahaj Zamira , Cinar Süleyman , Vernon Robert M. , Chan Hue Sun , Winter Roland H. A.
Published: June 2019

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and other biomolecules play a critical role in the organization of extracellular materials and membrane‐less compartmentalization of intra‐organismal spaces through the formation of condensates. Structural properties of such mesoscopic droplet‐like states were studied by spectroscopy, microscopy, and other biophysical techniques. The temperature dependence of biomolecular LLPS has been studied extensively, indicating that phase‐separated condensed states of proteins can be stabilized or destabilized by increasing temperature. In contrast, the physical and biological significance of hydrostatic pressure on LLPS is less appreciated. Summarized here are recent investigations of protein LLPS under pressures up to the kbar‐regime. Strikingly, for the cases studied thus far, LLPSs of both globular proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins/regions are typically more sensitive to pressure than the folding of proteins, suggesting that organisms inhabiting the deep sea and sub‐seafloor sediments, under pressures up to 1 kbar and beyond, have to mitigate this pressure‐sensitivity to avoid unwanted destabilization of their functional biomolecular condensates. Interestingly, we found that trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), an osmolyte upregulated in deep‐sea fish, can significantly stabilize protein droplets under pressure, pointing to another adaptive advantage for increased TMAO concentrations in deep‐sea organisms besides the osmolyte's stabilizing effect against protein unfolding. As life on Earth might have originated in the deep sea, pressure‐dependent LLPS is pertinent to questions regarding prebiotic proto‐cells. Herein, we offer a conceptual framework for rationalizing the recent experimental findings and present an outline of the basic thermodynamics of temperature‐, pressure‐, and osmolyte‐dependent LLPS as well as a molecular‐level statistical mechanics picture in terms of solvent‐mediated interactions and void volumes.
Modeling Thioredoxin Reductase‐Like Activity with Cyclic Selenenyl Sulfides: Participation of an NH⋅⋅⋅Se Hydrogen Bond through Stabilization of the Mixed Se−S Intermediate
Authors: Arai Kenta , Matsunaga Takahiko , Ueno Haruhito , Akahoshi Nozomi , Sato Yuumi , Chakrabarty Gaurango , Mugesh Govindasamy , Iwaoka Michio
Published: June 2019

At the redox‐active center of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a selenenyl sulfide (Se−S) bond is formed between Cys497 and Sec498, which is activated into the thiolselenolate state ([SH,Se−]) by reacting with a nearby dithiol motif ([SHCys59,SHCys64]) present in the other subunit. This process is achieved through two reversible steps: an attack of a cysteinyl thiol of Cys59 at the Se atom of the Se−S bond and a subsequent attack of a remaining thiol at the S atom of the generated mixed Se−S intermediate. However, it is not clear how the kinetically unfavorable second step progresses smoothly in the catalytic cycle. A model study that used synthetic selenenyl sulfides, which mimic the active site structure of human TrxR comprising Cys497, Sec498, and His472, suggested that His472 can play a key role by forming a hydrogen bond with the Se atom of the mixed Se−S intermediate to facilitate the second step. In addition, the selenenyl sulfides exhibited a defensive ability against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in cultured cells, which suggests the possibility for medicinal applications to control the redox balance in cells.