bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Opining Mining of Expatriate Adjustment and Significant Role of Social Media
Authors: Nwaorgu Benson
Published: May 2019

In this research paper, the researcher focused on the opining mining of expatriate adjustment and the significant roleof social media in real life. It is also one of the significant research issues for the person who are having citizenshipof one country and living in another country with a cross-cultural environment. The researcher would identify thefactors of a cross-cultural environment which are suitable and significant for the expatriate adjustment with the helpof social media. The social media is having of its own significant role in adjusting expatriate with respect to opinionmining. The opinion mining is one of the processes of seeking innovation of ideas and thought on the basis ofexisting or currently available in the real world. The social media is playing one of the biggest enablers for expatriatein a cross-cultural environment. The objective of this research paper is to identify the factors which are significantwith respect to opinion mining and social media in a cross-cultural environment. The researcher emphasized that thereason for online communication with respect to social media that flows are concept and opinion which thus play asignificant role in the cohesion and transformation of society. Its minimal concern on the emergence of opinions,widespread, and get benefits. The researcher used the social media for the adjustment with respect to expatriate’sadjustment.
An Increasing Rate of Surgical Management of Closed Tibia Fractures in an Adolescent Population: A National Database Study
Authors: Essilfie Anthony , Sabour Andrew , Hatch George F. “Rick” , VandenBerg Curtis
Published: May 2019

Background:

No consensus exists for the management of closed tibia fractures in the adolescent population.

Methods:

The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to extract data on patients aged 10 to 18 years with closed diaphyseal tibia fractures. The frequency of closed reduction and internal fixation (IF) was calculated, and the temporal trends were evaluated.

Results:

Between 1997 and 2012, the rate of IF for closed tibia fractures in the adolescent population increased by 29.8%. The rate of increase in IF between patients aged 10 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years, and 16 to 18 years was not statistically different (P = 0.092). Analysis of hospital variables demonstrated that large hospitals were more likely to perform IF compared with small- and medium-sized hospitals (P < 0.001). A significant difference exists between the IF and closed reduction groups in the length of hospital stay (3.85 ± 0.07 versus 2.44 ± 0.07; P < 0.001) and cost ($37,400 ± $890 versus $15,300 ± $670; P < 0.001).

Discussion:

The results of this study show a shift in the management of closed tibia shaft fractures in the adolescent population admitted to the hospital, with an absolute rate increase of 29.8% in patients aged 10 to 18 years over a 15-year period.

Level of Evidence:

Level III. A retrospective, comparative study
Artistic Gymnastics Injuries; Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Treatment
Authors: Desai Natasha , Vance Danica D. , Rosenwasser Melvin P. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: May 2019

Artistic gymnastics is a physically demanding sport that requires flexibility, agility, and extreme upper and lower body strength. The specific biomechanics of the sport leads to a unique injury profile. Gymnastic skills require intense upper body weight-bearing, placing unusual forces across the upper extremity joints and predisposing them to injury. In addition, the required body control during air aerobatics (tumbling, twisting, flipping) necessitates precise landing techniques to avoid spine and lower extremity injury. Common gymnastic injuries include those of the spine and upper extremity such as spondylolysis, shoulder instability, ulnar collateral ligament injuries, capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, and several wrist pathologies. Understanding the injury etiology, prevention, and treatment protocols is important for a successful recovery and return to sport.
Mitigating Ammonia Volatilization from Waterlogged Acids Soils Using Organic Amendments
Authors: Ali Maru , Haruna Ahmed Osumanu , Majid Nik Muhamad Abd , Primus Walter Charles , Asap Audrey , Maikol Nathaniel , Jeffary Alicia Vanessa
Published: May 2019

In production agriculture, granular urea is the most used nitrogen fertilizer in crop production. However, increase in soil pH following application of urea causes ammonia volatilization and reduces N use efficiency. To minimize ammonia loss, organic amendments are used, however, type of organic amendment use could affect urea use efficiency. This study was to determine the effects of organic amendments derived from forest litter, Leucaena leucocephala, chicken litter, and cow dung on ammonia volatilization and chemical properties of a waterlogged acid soil. Treatments evaluated were: (i) T1, Soil only, (ii) T2, Existing recommended fertilization, (iii) T3, Biochar-forest litter compost, (iv) T4, Biochar-chicken litter compost, (v) T5, Biochar-cow dung compost, (vi) T6, Biochar-Leucaena compost, and (vii) T7, Biochar-Leucaena - chicken litter compost. Standard procedures were used to quantify ammonia volatilization and soil chemical properties. The findings of this present study also revealed that the total amount of ammonia loss from urea over a period of forty-two days depends on the influence of the organic amendments on urea hydrolysis. Emissions of ammonia from T6 and T7 were significantly higher because, the decomposition of Leucaena leucocephala favours urea hydrolysis compared with those of T3, T4, and T5. Therefore, Leucaena leucocephala composts should be carefully co-applied with urea to minimize ammonia loss if the aim of using this type of amendments is to improve N use efficiency and soil and crop productivity.
Polski patriotyzm i pedagogia Grunwaldu
Authors: Fijałkowski Adam
Published: May 2019

The article presents a historical vision of the Polish patriotism. The author shows the traditions of Polish patriotism in a historical perspective on the example of changes in the function and significance of the symbolic battle of Grunwald/Tannenberg of 1410 (as a case study) in the formation of the Polish patriotic identity. The author also tries to characterise the most important challenges that different educational milieux faced in 1918 and in the first years of the construction of the Second Polish Republic.
Uczyć się od... „wyimaginowanego Innego”
Authors: Połonnikow Alexander , Korczałowa Natalia
Published: May 2019

The article focuses on the current education crisis treated as a crisis of the relevant pedagogical discourse. The authors claim that in the context of dynamic cultural changes the refraction of educational descriptions’ forms is becoming a factor of the educational development blockade. According to the authors, the transformation of the pedagogical discourse that stops this kind of blockade is in line with a radical change of the subject field of pedagogy. This concerns, in the first place, the change of the way of educational reality’s scaling, focusing the pedagogical attention on the ‘molar’ level of education performance as well as the processes of education semiosis and micro-changes that are in place in it. Apart from that, discourse changes indicate the connection with denaturalisation and dereification of educational phenomena that manifest their discursive and opportunistic nature in the new description. Finally, in the new description, the nature of educational processes is radically changed: learning manifests the connection with the loss of capability learning, teaching – with self-experimenting, sign acquisition – with its elimination, whereas identifying oneself with the other – with the others becoming estranged and different. In the latter case, it is about the transformation of otherness realization mode, as well as specific constitution of education subject and forming a special relationship between a student’s position and an imagined Other, his/her concentration on himself/herself due to lack of the Other whose availability or non-availability enables to discover and change the meaning of the student’s current position and semiotic relations realised by him/her
Międzynarodowe testy języka angielskiego: japońskie paradoksy i kontrowersje
Authors: Gromkowska-Melosik Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

The aim of the article is to describe – on the example of teaching English – the reductionistic character of the testing phenomenon. Global international tests (TOEFL and TOEIC) provide excellent arguments to critics of the phenomenon of “testology”, related to reducing the school’s identity and student identity to results of test. An excellent example of this phenomenon is Japanese society. In Japan, where English is considered the cultural and professional capital of individuals, the paradoxes (and absurdities) of testing find their best exemplification. At the same time, the fact that English is completely different from Japanese results in contextualizing language tests in different, sometimes unexpected, cultural aspects of life. In addition, the controversy surrounding the testing of the English language proficiency in Japan is related to the discussion about cultural imperialism. All these issues will be analysed in the article, not only in the Japanese context but also in relation to whole “testing culture”.
Creativechain, la plataforma que distribuye criptomoneda a los artistas
Authors: Broto David
Published: May 2019

Creativechain.org es una plataforma descentralizada de registro y distribución de contenidos multimedia que certifica de manera imborrable la autoría y licencia de cualquier obra o creación.
Agricultural Producers’ Awareness about the Impact of Fertilizers Overuse on the Environment
Authors: Panin Biljana , Štrbac Snežana , Pucarević Mira , Stojić Nataša , Žugić Drakulić Nataša , Prokić Dunja
Published: May 2019

Overuse of fertilizers can have harmful effects on the environment. The Nitrates Directive aims to protect water quality by preventing nitrates from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters and by promoting the use of good farming practices. The paper is based on research about agricultural producers’ awareness about the impact of fertilizers overuse on the environment. Data were collected by face to face interviews with farm owners on 39 farms in Serbia. Analysis of the collected data showed that all farmers use fertilizers. It is important to notice that 79.4% of farmers use chemical fertilizers more than recommended, and 87.1% use organic fertilizers more than recommended. Furthermore, 66.6% of farmers do not know specific harmful pollution effects of nitrates on soil and water. 71.7% of farmers have not heard about the Nitrates Directive. Therefore, it can be concluded that farmers are not sufficiently aware of fertilizers impact on the environment and it is necessary to provide education on this.
Formy adresatywne a otwieranie się społeczeństwa. Analiza norweskich dramatów XX wieku
Authors: Garczyńska Helena Anna
Published: May 2019

Celem artykułu jest przyjrzenie się pewnym zmianom w komunikacji społecznej w Norwegii, dotyczącym form adresatywnych, czyli słów i wyrażeń używanych do zwracania się do rozmówcy. Ponieważ dramat wydaje się być najwłaściwszym materiałem do tego typu badań ze względu na nasycenie go formami deiktycznymi, typowymi dla dialogu mówionego, między innymi właśnie zaimkami i imionami własnymi, materiał do badań pochodzi z wybranych dramatów takich pisarzy ostatniego stulecia jak Henryk Ibsen (Hedda Gabler), Jens Bjørneboe (Til lykke med dagen, Tilfellet Torgersen, Dongery), Cecilie Løveid (Du, bli her!, Måkespisere, Vinteren revner) czy Jon Fosse (Gitarmannen, Nokon kjem til å komme, Dei døde hundane, Sa ka la). Przeanalizowane teksty indykują duże zmiany w systemie adresatywnym: usunięcie z języka większości barier komunikacyjnych (nierówności w obrębie zaimków, tytułów, asymetrii płciowej i nadmiernej uczuciowości), co z jednej strony komunikację ułatwia, z drugiej strony jednak egalitaryzacja nie wpływa na potrzeby społeczne samotnego człowieka, czyli jego chęć do nawiązywania czy utrzymywania kontaktu
The effects of change decomposition on code review—a controlled experiment
Authors: di Biase Marco , Bruntink Magiel , van Deursen Arie , Bacchelli Alberto
Published: May 2019

Background

Code review is a cognitively demanding and time-consuming process. Previous qualitative studies hinted at how decomposing change sets into multiple yet internally coherent ones would improve the reviewing process. So far, literature provided no quantitative analysis of this hypothesis.

Aims

(1) Quantitatively measure the effects of change decomposition on the outcome of code review (in terms of number of found defects, wrongly reported issues, suggested improvements, time, and understanding); (2) Qualitatively analyze how subjects approach the review and navigate the code, building knowledge and addressing existing issues, in large vs. decomposed changes.

Method

Controlled experiment using the pull-based development model involving 28 software developers among professionals and graduate students.

Results

Change decomposition leads to fewer wrongly reported issues, influences how subjects approach and conduct the review activity (by increasing context-seeking), yet impacts neither understanding the change rationale nor the number of found defects.

Conclusions

Change decomposition reduces the noise for subsequent data analyses but also significantly supports the tasks of the developers in charge of reviewing the changes. As such, commits belonging to different concepts should be separated, adopting this as a best practice in software engineering.
Towards an in-depth characterization of Symbiodiniaceae in tropical giant clams via metabarcoding of pooled multi-gene amplicons
Authors: Pochon Xavier , Wecker Patricia , Stat Michael , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique , Lecellier Gaël
Published: May 2019

High-throughput sequencing is revolutionizing our ability to comprehensively characterize free-living and symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae, a diverse dinoflagellate group that plays a critical role in coral reef ecosystems. Most studies however, focus on a single marker for metabarcoding Symbiodiniaceae, potentially missing important ecological traits that a combination of markers may capture. In this proof-of-concept study, we used a small set of symbiotic giant clam (Tridacna maxima) samples obtained from nine French Polynesian locations and tested a dual-index sequence library preparation method that pools and simultaneously sequences multiple Symbiodiniaceae gene amplicons per sample for in-depth biodiversity assessments. The rationale for this approach was to allow the metabarcoding of multiple genes without extra costs associated with additional single amplicon dual indexing and library preparations. Our results showed that the technique effectively recovered very similar proportions of sequence reads and dominant Symbiodiniaceae clades among the three pooled gene amplicons investigated per sample, and captured varying levels of phylogenetic resolution enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the diversity present. The pooled Symbiodiniaceae multi-gene metabarcoding approach described here is readily scalable, offering considerable analytical cost savings while providing sufficient phylogenetic information and sequence coverage.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical Samples in Nasarawa Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Jibril Y. U. , Aliyu Y. , Akwe B. O.
Published: May 2019

Multidrug resistant strain of S. aureus is the most common cause of life-threatening hospital- and community-acquired infections. Multidrug resistant S. aureus infections contribute to patients’ prolonged stay in the hospital, increase in total healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. This work was aimed at determining the occurrence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from some clinical samples (blood and urine) in General Hospital, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. All the 14 samples (7 each for blood and urine) collected in this study yielded positive for S. aureus, which were identified by cultural appearances and confirmed using conventional biochemical tests.The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates indicated that, majority of them exhibited high susceptibility to gentamycin (85.7%), ciprofloxacin (78.6%), vancomycin (71.4%), chloramphenicol (64.3%), teicoplanin (50.0%), and erythromycin (42.9%). All the 14 (100%) isolates tested showed resistance to oxacillin, amoxicillin (85.7%), and cefoxitin (78.6%).
Determination of Some Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats Pre-Treated and Post-Treated with Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium Extracts
Authors: Bristol Ibifiri , Bartimaeus Ebirien-Agana Samuel , Brown Holy
Published: May 2019

The use of herbs in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications have been reported. This study was thus aimed at determining the levels of some biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats pre-treated and post-treated with Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium extracts. Fifty (50) albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g were used for this study. 25 albino rats were used for each phase of the treatment. The pre-treatment phase involved the treatment of the rats with 400 mg/kg b.w (singly) and 200 mg/kg b.w (combined) extracts for 14 days, after which diabetes mellitus was induced using streptozotocin before the rats were sacrificed. The post-treatment phase involved the inducement of diabetes with streptozotocin after which the rats were treated with 400 mg/kg b.w (singly) and 200 mg/kg b.w (combined) extracts for 28 days before the animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture and plasma/serum was collected. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined using standard procedures while glucose was measured with a glucometer. Cardiovascular risk ratios such as Castelli risk ratio I and II and atherogenic index of plasma were also calculated. Results showed that extracts of V. amygdalina (only), G. latifolium (only) and V.A+ GL (combined)significantly (p<0.05) reduced the TC, LDL-C , FBS, MDA and TAC levels while HDL-C level significantly (p<0.05) increased. The cardiac risk indices (CRI-I and CRI-II, and Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in both the pre-treated and post-treated rats were also reduced when compared to diabetic control. It is thus evident that these plants’ extracts possess hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, and antioxidant properties and thus could be used to reduce cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the tradomedicinal use of these plants in the management of cardiovascular complications is highly recommended.
Language
Authors: Bakker J. I. (Hans)
Published: May 2019

Language is an important topic in the social sciences as a result of a shift from a primary concern with ontology or epistemology. The linguistic turn is especially central to the postmodern approach to the study of all aspects of the social. But modernist research paradigms like symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology predate full‐blown postmodernist views. Moreover, C.S. Peirce's emphasis on the semiotic sign and a triadic epistemology make further progress beyond postmodernist critiques possible. The Sapir–Whorf hypothesis about the relationship between culture and the use of specific language patterns (syntax, grammar) is still an area of interest. Use of terms like “radical feminism” and “queer theory” is also relevant to the generally greater awareness of the implications of language use and the ongoing, nonreified structures of language.
Transit and non‐transit 3D EPID dosimetry versus detector arrays for patient specific QA
Authors: Olaciregui‐Ruiz Igor , Vivas‐Maiques Begoña , Kaas Jochem , Perik Thijs , Wittkamper Frits , Mijnheer Ben , Mans Anton
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Despite their availability and simplicity of use, Electronic Portal Imaging Devices (EPIDs) have not yet replaced detector arrays for patient specific QA in 3D. The purpose of this study is to perform a large scale dosimetric evaluation of transit and non‐transit EPID dosimetry against absolute dose measurements in 3D.

Methods

After evaluating basic dosimetric characteristics of the EPID and two detector arrays (Octavius 1500 and Octavius 1000SRS), 3D dose distributions for 68 VMAT arcs, and 10 IMRT plans were reconstructed within the same phantom geometry using transit EPID dosimetry, non‐transit EPID dosimetry, and the Octavius 4D system. The reconstructed 3D dose distributions were directly compared by γ‐analysis (2L2 = 2% local/2 mm and 3G2 = 3% global/2 mm, 50% isodose) and by the percentage difference in median dose to the high dose volume (%∆HDVD50).

Results

Regarding dose rate dependency, dose linearity, and field size dependence, the agreement between EPID dosimetry and the two detector arrays was found to be within 1.0%. In the 2L2 γ‐comparison with Octavius 4D dose distributions, the average γ‐pass rate value was 92.2 ± 5.2%(1SD) and 94.1 ± 4.3%(1SD) for transit and non‐transit EPID dosimetry, respectively. 3G2 γ‐pass rate values were higher than 95% in 150/156 cases. %∆HDVD50 values were within 2% in 134/156 cases and within 3% in 155/156 cases. With regard to the clinical classification of alerts, 97.5% of the treatments were equally classified by EPID dosimetry and Octavius 4D.

Conclusion

Transit and non‐transit EPID dosimetry are equivalent in dosimetric terms to conventional detector arrays for patient specific QA. Non‐transit 3D EPID dosimetry can be readily used for pre‐treatment patient specific QA of IMRT and VMAT, eliminating the need of phantom positioning.
Fast, Efficient, and Targeted Liposome Delivery Mediated by DNA Hybridization
Authors: Li Hongyan , Liu Qing , Crielaard Bart J. , de Vries Jan W. , Loznik Mark , Meng Zhuojun , Yang Xintong , Göstl Robert , Herrmann Andreas
Published: May 2019

Safety and efficacy, two significant parameters in drug administration, can be improved by site‐specific delivery approaches. Here a fast, efficient, and targeted liposome delivery system steered by a DNA hybridization recognition mechanism is presented. For this purpose, lipid‐terminated DNA is inserted in both liposome and cell membranes by simple mixing of the components. Cellular accumulation of cargo encapsulated in the liposomal core is substantially enhanced when the DNA sequence on the cell is complementary to that on the liposome. Additionally, in mixed cell populations, liposomes discriminate targets by their complementary DNA sequences. Exposure of cells to low temperature and endocytosis inhibitors suggests a caveolae‐dependent endocytosis uptake pathway. Mechanistically, hybridization between DNA strands spatially traps liposomes and cell membranes in close proximity, consequently increases the local liposome concentration, and thereby enhances cellular uptake of liposomes and their payload. This programmable delivery system might contribute to new applications in molecular biology and drug delivery.
Using Wool Keratin as a Basic Resist Material to Fabricate Precise Protein Patterns
Authors: Zhu Shuihong , Zeng Wenbin , Meng Zhaohui , Luo Wenhao , Ma Liyun , Li Yanran , Lin Changxu , Huang Qiaoling , Lin Youhui , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: May 2019

The ability to pattern natural polymers at different scales is extremely important for many research areas, such as cell culture, regenerative medicine, bioelectronics, tissue engineering, degradable implants, and photonics. For the first time, the use of wool keratin (WK) as a structural biomaterial for fabricating precise protein microarchitectures is presented. Through straightforward biochemical processes, modified WK proteins become intrinsically photoreactive without significant changes in protein structure or function. Under light irradiation, intermolecular chemical crosslinking between WK molecules can be successfully initiated by using commercially available photoinitiators. As a result, high‐performance WK patterning on the micrometer scale (µm) can be achieved through a combination of water‐based photolithography techniques. By simply mixing with nanoparticles, enzymes, and other dopants, various “functional WK resists” can be generated. In addition, without the addition of any cell‐adhesive ligands, these patterned protein microstructures are demonstrated as bio‐friendly cellular substrates for the spatial guidance of cells on their surface. Furthermore, periodic microfabricated WK structures in complex patterns that display typical iridescent behavior can be designed and formed over macroscale areas (cm).
Light‐Driven Shape Morphing, Assembly, and Motion of Nanocomposite Gel Surfers
Authors: Kim Hyunki , Kang Ji‐Hwan , Zhou Ying , Kuenstler Alexa S. , Kim Yongjin , Chen Chao , Emrick Todd , Hayward Ryan C.
Published: May 2019

Patterning of nanoparticles (NPs) via photochemical reduction within thermally responsive hydrogel films is demonstrated as a versatile platform for programming light‐driven shape morphing and materials assembly. Responsive hydrogel disks, containing patterned metal NPs, form characteristic wrinkled structures when illuminated at an air/water interface. The resulting distortion of the three‐phase (air/water/hydrogel) contact lines induces capillary interactions between two or more disks, which are either attractive or repulsive depending on the selected pattern of light. By programming the shapes of the NP‐rich regions, as well as of the hydrogel objects themselves, the number and location of attractive interactions are specified, and the assembly geometry is controlled. Remarkably, appropriately patterned illumination enables sustained rotation and motion of the hydrogel disks. Overall, these results offer insight into a wide variety of shape‐programmable materials and capillary assemblies, simply by controlling the NP patterns and illumination of these soft materials.
Nitrogen‐Doped MoS2 Foam for Fast Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Tao Peng , He Junjie , Shen Tong , Hao Yu , Yan Jingkai , Huang Zijie , Xu Xueer , Li Meng , Chen Yu
Published: May 2019

A novel 3D porous foam consisting of interlinking N‐doped MoS2 nanosheets is synthesized through a templating‐drying‐carbonization process, where melamine‐formaldehyde is used as both template and nitrogen source. Benefit from the N‐containing MoS2, 3D porous structure, and residual N‐doped carbon, N‐doped MoS2 foam (NMF) exhibits greatly improved electrochemical performance especially in term of rate capability for sodium storage compared with their pristine counterpart. Specifically, NMF shows outstanding rate capability with high reversible capacities reaching up to 407 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles under a current density of 1 A g−1, whereas the charge capacity of pristine MoS2 quickly decays to 60 mAh g−1 after 35 cycles at the same current density. In addition, the important role of pseudocapacitive behavior in the high rate sodium storage performances of NMF is investigated by kinetics calculation. The band structure and partial density of states of NMF are calculated in order to further explore the change of electronic structure induced by N atom doping in MoS2 and its correlation with high rate performance. Furthermore, a Na+ full‐cell with NMF anode and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode is assembled and successfully powered a 2 V light‐emitting diode lamp.
Laser Transfer, Printing, and Assembly Techniques for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Bian Jing , Zhou Laoboyang , Wan Xiaodong , Zhu Chen , Yang Biao , Huang YongAn
Published: May 2019

It is challenging to manufacture large‐area, ultrathin, flexible/stretchable electronics on an industrial scale. Recent ground‐breaking advances in the manufacture of flexible electronics are based on powerful laser processes. Laser irradiation at an internally absorbing interface through a transparent substrate will bring various physical changes and chemical reactions at the interface, accompanied by distinct phenomena. Numerous techniques derived from these phenomena with the unique ability to fabricate materials, structures, and devices on flexible substrates with the advantages of noncontacting processing, high efficiency, adjustable coverage from micro‐ to macroscale, and compatibility with organic and inorganic materials have been developed. The latest impressive progress in these laser‐based techniques for the production of flexible electronics is reviewed, and the key developments in laser lift‐off, laser‐assisted printing, and laser‐assisted transfer printing techniques are highlighted. The fundamental principles of these techniques are discussed along with their basic mechanisms, followed by an exploration of the latest progress and future prospects in the field. The unique features of these techniques and state‐of‐the‐art applications related to flexible electronics are also highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of these techniques are explored, from the essential mechanics, engineering efforts, and novel approaches, to comprehensive combinations with innovative fabrication concepts and device structures.
Sequential horizontal gene transfers from different hosts in a widespread Eurasian parasitic plant, Cynomorium coccineum
Authors: Cusimano Natalie , Renner Susanne S.
Published: May 2019

Premise

Parasitic plants with large geographic ranges, and different hosts in parts of their range, may acquire horizontally transferred genes (HGTs), which might sometimes leave a footprint of gradual host and range expansion. Cynomorium coccineum, the only member of the Saxifragales family Cynomoriaceae, is a root holoparasite that occurs in water‐stressed habitats from western China to the Canary Islands. It parasitizes at least 10 angiosperm families from different orders, some of them only in parts of its range. This parasite therefore offers an opportunity to trace HGTs as long as parasite–host pairs can be obtained and sequenced.

Methods

By sequencing mitochondrial, plastid, and nuclear loci from parasite–host pairs from throughout the parasite's range and with prior information from completely assembled mitochondrial and plastid genomes, we detected 10 HGTs of five mitochondrial genes.

Results

The 10 HGTs appear to have occurred sequentially as C. coccineum expanded from East to West. Molecular‐clock models yield Cynomorium stem ages between 66 and 156 Myr, with relaxed clocks converging on 66–67 Myr. Chinese Sapindales, probably Nitraria, were the first source of transferred genes, followed by Iranian and Mediterranean Caryophyllales. The most recently acquired gene appears to come from a Tamarix host in the Iberian Peninsula.

Conclusions

Data on HGTs that have accumulated over the past 15 years, along with this discovery of multiple HGTs within a single widespread species, underline the need for more whole‐genome data from parasite–host pairs to investigate whether and how transferred copies coexist with, or replace, native functional genes.
Synthese enantiomerenangereicherter, vicinaler tertiärer und quartärer Kohlenstoff‐Stereozentren innerhalb einer acyclischen Kette
Authors: Pierrot David , Marek Ilan
Published: May 2019

Über die schwierige Generierung quartärer Kohlenstoff‐Stereozentren hinausgehend, führt die diastereo‐ und enantioselektive Herstellung acyclischer Kohlenstoffgerüste mit vicinalen quartären und tertiären Stereozentren zu verzerrten Geometrien und stellt innerhalb der organischen Synthese eine anspruchsvolle, aktuelle Aufgabe dar. Im vorliegenden Kurzaufsatz werden mehrere Ansätze diskutiert, welche die zugrundeliegenden Herausforderungen als Folge der begrenzten Anzahl an Herangehensweisen illustrieren.
Wasser: Wie beeinflusst es die CaCO3‐Bildung?
Authors: Du Huachuan , Amstad Esther
Published: May 2019

In der Natur werden biomineralbasierte Materialien mit faszinierenden Eigenschaften produziert, wobei nur eine begrenzte Anzahl von Elementen genutzt wird. Diese Eigenschaften ergeben sich durch eine enge Kontrolle von Struktur und lokaler Zusammensetzung der Biomaterialien. Wir sind weit davon entfernt, ein gleiches Maß an Kontrolle der Eigenschaften synthetischer biomaterialbasierter Verbundstoffe zu erreichen. Ein wesentlicher Grund für diese schlechte Kontrolle ist unser unvollständiges Wissen über den Einfluss der Synthesebedingungen und Additive auf die Struktur und Zusammensetzung der sich bildenden Biomaterialien. Mit diesem Aufsatz geben wir einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand des Wissens über den Einfluss von Synthesebedingungen und Additiven während der verschiedenen Bildungsstadien von CaCO3, einem der häufigsten Biomineralien. Wir korrelieren diesen Einfluss mit Struktur, Zusammensetzung und Eigenschaften der resultierenden CaCO3‐Kristalle und diskutieren derzeit bekannte Mittel zum Abstimmen dieser Parameter. Der Fokus des Aufsatzes liegt auf der Rolle von Wasser bei der Vermittlung der CaCO3‐Bildung.
Synthesis of Enantioenriched Vicinal Tertiary and Quaternary Carbon Stereogenic Centers within an Acyclic Chain
Authors: Pierrot David , Marek Ilan
Published: May 2019

Overcoming the inherent difficulty to prepare quaternary carbon stereogenic centers, the diastereo‐ and enantioselective preparation of acyclic carbon backbones possessing vicinal quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers (i.e. in a 1,2‐relationship) causes distorted geometries and represents a very acute problem in organic synthesis. Several approaches are discussed in this minireview underlining the challenges illustrated by the rather limited number of approaches available to practitioners.
Enhancement in permeability of piperazine‐based thin‐film composite membrane via surface roughening using a highly organic‐soluble additive
Authors: Chae Hee‐Ro , Kim In‐Chul
Published: May 2019

The water permeability of a piperazine‐based thin‐film composite membrane was enhanced via roughening its smooth surface by adding a highly organic‐soluble additive to a piperazine‐aqueous solution. The additive could rapidly diffuse into organic solvent drawing piperazine during interfacial polymerization, and consequent, rapid diffusion of piperazine led to an increase in the size and number of ridges on the surface of the prepared membrane. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was the most effective among the tested additives, and PEG with lower molecular weight exhibited a better effect. Mw 2000 PEG scarcely affected the surface roughness, whereas Mw 200 PEG raised the surface roughness by seven times. As a result, the membranes prepared with Mw 2000 PEG and Mw 200 PEG exhibited 9 and 41% enhanced water permeability compared to the control membrane, respectively, despite their similar hydrophilicity. This difference could be attributed to their different surface roughness. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47913.
Design, synthesis, and docking study of new quinoline derivatives as antitumor agents
Authors: Nasr Eman E. , Mostafa Amany S. , El‐Sayed Magda A. A. , Massoud Mohammed A. M.
Published: May 2019

New quinolines substituted with various heterocycles and chalcone moieties were synthesized and evaluated as antitumor agents. All the synthesized compounds were in vitro screened against 60 human cancer cell lines. Compound 13 showed the highest cytotoxicity toward 58 cell lines, exhibiting distinct growth inhibition values (GI50) against the majority of them, including SR, HL‐60 (TB) strains (leukemia), and MDA‐MB‐435 strains (melanoma), with GI50 values of 0.232, 0.260, and 0.300 µM, respectively. It exhibited great selectivity toward cancer cell lines, with less toxic effect against normal cells represented by skin fibroblast (BJ) and breast epithelial cell lines (MCF‐10F). The enzyme inhibitory activity of compound 13 was evaluated against topoisomerase 1 (Topo 1), epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, where it displayed worthy Topo 1 inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.278 µM compared with camptothecin as a reference drug (IC50 0.224 µM). Docking studies were performed to investigate the recognition profile of compound 13 with the Topo 1 enzyme binding site.
Effects of Allopurinol Dose Escalation on Bone Erosion and Urate Volume in Gout: A Dual‐Energy Computed Tomography Imaging Study Within a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Billington Karen , Doyle Anthony , Frampton Christopher , Tan Paul , Aati Opetaia , Allan Jordyn , Drake Jill , Horne Anne , Stamp Lisa K.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine whether allopurinol dose escalation to achieve serum urate (SU) target can influence bone erosion or monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, as measured by dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) in patients with gout.

Methods

We conducted an imaging study of a 2‐year randomized clinical trial that compared immediate allopurinol dose escalation to SU target with conventional dosing for 1 year followed by dose escalation to target, in gout patients who were receiving allopurinol and who had an SU level of ≥0.36 mmoles/liter. DECT scans of feet and radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline, year 1, and year 2 visits. DECT scans were scored for bone erosion and urate volume.

Results

Paired imaging data were available for 87 patients (42 in the dose‐escalation group and 45 in the control group). At year 2, the progression in the CT erosion score was higher in the control group than in the dose‐escalation group (+7.8% versus +1.4%; P = 0.015). Changes in plain radiography erosion or narrowing scores did not differ between groups. Reductions in DECT urate volume were observed in both groups. At year 2, patients in the control group who had an SU level of <0.36 mmoles/liter and patients in the dose‐escalation group had reduced DECT urate volume (−27.6 to −28.3%), whereas reduction in DECT urate volume was not observed in control group patients with an SU level of ≥0.36 mmoles/liter (+1.5%) (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that long‐term urate‐lowering therapy using a treat‐to‐SU‐target strategy can influence structural damage and reduce urate crystal deposition in gout.
Water‐soluble AIE‐Active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles: Design, Preparation and Application for Specific Detection of Cysteine over Homocysteine and Glutathione in Living Cells
Authors: Ning Zhang‐wei , Wu Song‐ze , Liu Guang‐jian , Ji Yan‐ming , Jia Li‐yan , Niu Xiao‐xiao , Ma Rong‐fang , Zhang Yuan , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: May 2019

Water‐soluble ratiometric AIE‐active fluorescent organic nanoparticles 2OA‐FON for the specific sensing of cysteine over other biothiols are reported. The obtained amphiphilic probe included olefin aldehyde as recognizing unit, tetraphenylethylene as fluorescence reporter and lactose moiety as a hydrophilic group. This work provides a general design strategy based on the introduction of a sugar moiety into a hydrophobic AIEgen to develop ratiometric water‐soluble fluorescent organic nanoparticles.
Impact of protein fouling on nanoparticle capture within the Viresolve® Pro and Viresolve® NFP virus removal membranes
Authors: Fallahianbijan Fatemeh , Giglia Sal , Carbrello Christina , Bell David , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: May 2019

Virus filtration is a robust size‐based technique that can provide the high level of viral clearance required for the production of mammalian‐derived biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies. Several studies have shown that the retention characteristics of some, but not all, virus filters can be significantly affected by membrane fouling, but there have been no direct measurements of how protein fouling might alter the location of virus capture within these membranes. The objective of this study was to directly examine the effect of protein fouling by human immunoglobulin G (IgG) on virus capture within the Viresolve® Pro and Viresolve® NFP membranes by scanning electron microscopy using different size gold nanoparticles. IgG fouling shifted the capture location of 20 nm gold nanoparticles further upstream within the Viresolve® Pro filter due to the constriction and/or blockage of the pores in the virus retentive region of the filter. In contrast, IgG fouling had no measurable effect on the capture of 20 nm nanoparticles in the Viresolve® NFP membrane, and IgG fouling had no effect on the capture of larger 40 and 100 nm nanoparticles in either membrane. These results provide important insights into how protein fouling alters the virus retention characteristics of different virus filters.
A combined screening and in silico strategy for the rapid design of integrated downstream processes for process and product‐related impurity removal
Authors: Vecchiarello Nicholas , Timmick Steven M. , Goodwine Chaz , Crowell Laura E. , Love Kerry R. , Love J. Christopher , Cramer Steven M.
Published: May 2019

Integrated designs of chromatographic processes for purification of biopharmaceuticals provides potential gains in operational efficiency and reductions of costs and material requirements. We describe a combined method using screening and in silico algorithms for ranking chromatographic steps to rapidly design orthogonally selective integrated processes for purifying protein therapeutics from both process‐ and product‐related impurities. IFN‐α2b produced in Pichia pastoris containing a significant product variant challenge was used as a case study. The product and product‐related variants were screened on a set of 14 multimodal, ion exchange, and hydrophobic charge induction chromatography resins under various pH and salt linear gradient conditions. Data generated from reversed‐phase chromatography of the fractions collected were used to generate a retention database for IFN‐α2b and its variants. These data, in combination with a previously constructed process‐related impurity database for P. pastoris, were input into an in silico process development tool that generated and ranked all possible integrated chromatographic sequences for their ability to remove both process and product‐related impurities. Top‐ranking outputs guided the experimental refinement of two successful three step purification processes, one comprising all bind‐elute steps and the other having two bind‐elute steps and a flowthrough operation. This approach suggests a new platform‐like approach for rapidly designing purification processes for a range of proteins where separations of both process‐ and product‐related impurities are needed.
Photometric Analysis of Propolis from the Island of Samothraki, Greece. The Discovery of Red Propolis
Authors: Papachristoforou Alexandros , Koutouvela Evgenia , Menexes George , Gardikis Konstantinos , Mourtzinos Ioannis
Published: May 2019

Propolis presents notable and variable antioxidant activity depending on the territory and the local flora. As a result, propolis collected from areas presenting botanical diversity can become an intriguing research field. In the present study, we examined propolis from different areas of Samothraki, a small Greek island in the north‐eastern Aegean Sea, considered a hot‐spot of plant biodiversity. The analysis of propolis samples presented huge variability in the antioxidant activity, the total polyphenol content and the total flavonoids content. Propolis from two areas presented high antioxidant activity with a maximum at 1741.48 μmol of Trolox equivalents per gram of dry propolis weight, very high polyphenol content, 378.73 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry propolis weight, and high flavonoid content with a maximum concentration of 70.31 mg of quercetin equivalents per gram of dry propolis weight. The samples that presented the best qualitative characteristics were all red propolis which is a type that has never been reported in any part of Europe.
DNA‐Nanoscaffold‐Assisted Selection of Femtomolar Bivalent Human α‐Thrombin Aptamers with Potent Anticoagulant Activity
Authors: Zhou Yu , Qi Xiaodong , Liu Yan , Zhang Fei , Yan Hao
Published: May 2019

Multivalent aptamers that interact with their target proteins through multiple sites exhibit much stronger binding strengths than their monovalent counterparts. In this work, we have designed a single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) library (1015 molecules, each 145 nt) based on a predefined DNA nanostructure designed to present two random‐loop sites for bivalent aptamer evolution. From this library, a group of ultra‐strong bivalent aptamers against human α‐thrombin (with apparent KD values of ≈340 fm) were easily identified through a simple seven‐round conventional systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) procedure. The dominant bivalent aptamers consist of two components, one binding to exosite I and the other to exosite II. The best of these bivalent aptamers show strong allosteric attenuation of the thrombin cleavage activity and also display an extremely potent anticoagulation effect in human plasma, demonstrating their great potential in therapeutic applications. The method developed here can easily be adapted to conventional SELEX techniques, opening a new route for fast selection of multivalent aptamers with superior binding affinity for other targets.
Bio Adipic Acid Production from Sodium Muconate and Muconic Acid: A Comparison of two Systems
Authors: Capelli Sofia , Motta Davide , Evangelisti Claudio , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Prati Laura , Pirola Carlo , Villa Alberto
Published: May 2019

sodium muconate and trans,trans‐muconic acid were heterogeneously hydrogenated to adipic acid, a strategic intermediate for the industry of polyamides and high performance polymers. Hydrogen pressure, metal to substrate ratio, substrate concentration and reaction temperature were varied to study the effect of these parameters on the reaction products. Commercial Pd/AC 5 % was used as catalyst and characterized by TEM, BET and XPS analyses. The results revealed that temperature is the parameter which mainly affect the reaction. Moreover, hydrogenation of trans,trans‐muconic acid is faster than sodium muconate reduction. Full conversion and full yield toward adipic acid was obtained using trans,trans‐muconic acid as substrate after 60 min at the following operating conditions: temperature=70 °C, metal/substrate=1/200 (molPd/molsub), trans,trans‐muconic acid concentration=1.42E‐02M and hydrogen pressure=1 bar. In all reactions (2E)hexenedioic acid was detected as main intermediate.
Enhanced Performance for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3 over Nanosized Cu/SAPO‐34 Catalysts
Authors: Chen Mengyang , Sun Qiming , Yang Guoju , Chen Xiaoxin , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Yibo , Yang Xiangguang , Yu Jihong
Published: May 2019

A series of nanosized Cu/SAPO‐34 catalysts with different silicon contents were successfully synthesized by in situ hydrothermal method by using tetraethylammonium hydroxide and copper‐tetraethylenepentamine as co‐templates. The in situ prepared nanosized Cu/SAPO‐34 catalysts possess strong Brønsted acidity and well‐dispersed Cu species, showing enhanced performance for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 compared with micronsized and nanosized counterparts prepared by post impregnation method. Significantly, Cu/SAPO‐34 nanocatalysts prepared by in situ method maintain the catalytic activity after the hydrothermal aging treatment, suggesting their excellent hydrothermal stability. This work will provide some guidance for the design of highly efficient catalysts for NH3−SCR reactions.