bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art on monolingual lexicography for Denmark (Danish)
Authors: Trap-Jensen Lars
Published: April 2019

This minireview provides an overview of the lexicographic situation in Denmark, introducing the most important dictionary works. The major historical dictionaries are mentioned but the main focus is on contemporary lexicography and the companies and institutions currently active in the field. In particular, it is noted whether dictionaries are digitally available and if they are subject to regular updating.
State-of-the-art on monolingual lexicography for Estonia
Authors: Kallas Jelena , Langemets Margit , Koppel Kristina , Tuulik Maria
Published: April 2019

The paper describes the state of the art of monolingual lexicography in Estonia. Firstly, we describe the current situation in Estonia and the main public functions performed by the Institute of the Estonian Language. Secondly, we provide an overview of the primary types of monolingual academic dictionaries (dictionaries of Standard Estonian and explanatory dictionaries) published in Estonia since the 20th century. Monolingual learner’s lexicography has emerged as a new field in the 2010s, focusing on basic vocabulary and collocations. Thirdly, we give a short overview of accessibility policy and availability of language resources for Estonian. Finally, we envisage the future work in the field of lexicography in the Institute. Within the framework of the new dictionary writing system Ekilex the Institute is moving away from presenting separate interfaces for different dictionaries towards a unified data model in order to provide the data in the aggregated form.
Establishing the Citation Form for Inherent Complement Verbs in Igbo Dictionaries
Authors: Oweleke Esther N.
Published: April 2019

Inherent Complement Verbs (ICVs) in Igbo are verbs that consist of CV roots which obligatorily co-exist with their meaning-specifying nominals. They consist of two morphemes of the type CV + Nominal and the two parts form a semantic unit. These verbs exist as such in the lexicon. Using the dictionaries of Williamson (1972), Igwe (1999) and Echeruo (2001) for data collection, the paper highlighted the problems created by these verbs in Igbo lexicography. It specifically addresses the problem of establishing the citation-form for ICVs and their arrangement in Igbo dictionaries. Findings reveal some significant facts that would help improve the production and quality of Igbo dictionaries. The use of the imperative, infinitive and other inflectional forms as headwords in the extant dictionaries demonstrates the lack of uniformity of citation form and the absence of an established citation-form in Igbo dictionaries. Group arrangement of ICVs in the dictionaries based on certain morpho-semantic criteria constitutes a major challenge for the lexicographer and the dictionary user. The choice of citation and arrangement in extant Igbo dictionaries makes quick accessibility and retrieval of information tedious and often times fruitless, so defeats the very purpose of a reference work which a dictionary is expected to fulfil. The paper concludes with useful suggestions for future Igbo lexicographers.
Understanding transdermal buprenorphine and a practical guide to its use for chronic cancer and non-cancer pain management
Authors: O’Brien, MB, FRCPI Tony , Ahn, MD Jin Seok , Chye, MBBS, FRACP, FFPMANZCA, FAChPM Richard , Le, MBBS (Hons), MPH, FRACP, FAChPM Brian , Lu, MD, DABPN, DPBPM Henry , Olarte, MD Gabriel , Palladini, MD Mariana , Salti, MD, EDRA Amar , Shao, MD, PhD Yu-Yun , Yaakup, MBBS, MMED (UKM), PgDip Hayati , Buemio, MD Kristal Cielo , Colin, MD Consuelo Gutierrez , Hadjiat, MD Yacine
Published: April 2019

Transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) has demonstrated effectiveness in treating a range of chronic pain conditions, including cancer pain, nociceptive pain, and neuropathic pain and has a favorable safety profile. Worldwide, clinical experience of its use is relatively limited. There is considerable misunderstanding about the pharmacology, mechanism of action, and safety of buprenorphine. There is also limited guidance on the appropriate use of TDB for chronic pain management. This article presents an overview of TDB and also provides practical recommendations for its use as part of a multifaceted strategy in chronic cancer and non-cancer pain.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAMMETRY DIGITAL SURFACE MODEL (DSM) OF THE SUBMERGED SITE OF THE ANCIENT LIGHTHOUSE NEAR QAITBAY FORT IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
Authors: Abdelaziz M. , Elsayed M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Underwater photogrammetry in archaeology in Egypt is a completely new experience applied for the first time on the submerged archaeological site of the lighthouse of Alexandria situated on the eastern extremity of the ancient island of Pharos at the foot of Qaitbay Fort at a depth of 2 to 9 metres. In 2009/2010, the CEAlex launched a 3D photogrammetry data-gathering programme for the virtual reassembly of broken artefacts. In 2013 and the beginning of 2014, with the support of the Honor Frost Foundation, methods were developed and refined to acquire manual photographic data of the entire underwater site of Qaitbay using a DSLR camera, simple and low cost materials to obtain a digital surface model (DSM) of the submerged site of the lighthouse, and also to create 3D models of the objects themselves, such as statues, bases of statues and architectural elements. In this paper we present the methodology used for underwater data acquisition, data processing and modelling in order to generate a DSM of the submerged site of Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse. Until 2016, only about 7200 m2 of the submerged site, which exceeds more than 13000 m2, was covered. One of our main objectives in this project is to georeference the site since this would allow for a very precise 3D model and for correcting the orientation of the site as regards the real-world space.
THE ENHANCEMENT OF UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSETS USING AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)
Authors: Malliri A. , Siountri K. , Skondras E. , Vergados D. D. , Anagnostopoulos C.-N.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Τhe development in the fields of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) management and Maritime Archaeology, yields an interdisciplinary and creative academic framework, such as the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector that has been proved to build intelligent systems and applications. However, the ways to fully make use of these technologies are still being explored, as their potential have not been exploited yet. Underwater archaeological sites, semi (/or fully) submerged settlements, ancient ports and shipwrecks, unlike land sites, are not accessible to public due to their special (sub) marine environment and depth. In this paper, an innovative research idea of using Augmented Reality (AR) for maintaining the memory and the information of underwater archaeological sites, is presented. Although the “artificial” visual documentation cannot replace the authentic values of the underwater tangible heritage, the AR technology can contribute to the protection of the intangible properties and the conquered knowledge of the past of a place. This research work will focus, among other case studies, on the (semi) submerged fortifications and their contiguous contents of the acropolis of Halai in east Lokris, Greece. Hence, along with the climate change that may lead more antiquities covered by water during the following years, the advances in the communication field and the up-coming 5G and cloud technologies will make the idea fully applicable, contributing to the enhancement of the coastal and the underwater archaeological remains.
3D MODELING OF RIO MIERA WRECK SHIP MERGING OPTICAL AND MULTIBEAM HIGH RESOLUTION POINTS CLOUD
Authors: Prado E. , Gómez-Ballesteros M. , Cobo A. , Sánchez F. , Rodriguez-Basalo A. , Arrese B. , Rodríguez-Cobo L.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. 3D reconstruction and virtual reality (VR) technology provide many opportunities for the documentation and dissemination of underwater cultural heritage. Advances in the development of underwater exploration technology have allowed for the first time to accurately reconstruct a complete 3D model of the cargo Río Miera in the Cantabrian Sea. Sunk on December 6, 1951 after a strong collision, the cargo ship Río Miera rests on a sandy bottom about 40 meters deep, very close to the Cantabrian coast. Located in an area of strong currents is a classic objective of the region for the most experienced divers. The survey was carried out this summer in R/V Ramón Margalef of the IEO, acquiring acoustic data with multibeam echo sounders and hundreds of images acquired by a remotely piloted underwater vehicle. The campaign is part of the PhotoMARE project - Underwater Photogrammetry for MArine Renewable Energy. This work describes the workflow regarding the survey, images and acoustic data acquisition, data processing, optic 3D point cloud color enhancement and acoustic and optic dataset merging procedure to obtain a complete 3D model of wreck Río Miera in Cantabrian Sea. Through this project, Spanish Institute of Oceanography – IEO have advanced – combining acoustic and image methods - in the generation of 3D models of archaeological sites and submerged structures.
THE PROGRESS OF SURVEY TECHNIQUES IN UNDERWATER SITES: THE CASE STUDY OF CAPE STOBA SHIPWRECK
Authors: Costa E.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The experience on a 10-11th century AD cargo of amphoras of the shipwreck of Cape Stoba, in the island of Mljet, in Croatia could be considered an important example to describe the progress of documentation and survey on a shipwreck. In the first part of the paper, we describe some of the used feasible methods of documentation and their advantages and disadvantages. In the second part, we introduce the three-dimensional reconstruction of the items recovered during the archaeological excavation and how these elements could be integrated to the different types of documentation: bi-dimensional plans, three-dimensional coordinates and multi-image photogrammetry.3D reconstruction allows to decrease and optimize time and work during the excavation and to obtain a complete range of data for post-excavation study, permitting to better document, represent and investigate the position of the cargo. Furthermore, 3D modelling offers an attractive display for the public, who can better appreciate cultural heritage and archaeological evidence.
Dimensions of Sustainable Research Collaborations in Philippine Universities
Authors: Torrentira Jr. Moises Cansana , Torrentira Jr. Moises Cansana
Published: April 2019

The study was conducted to identify dimensions that sustain research collaborations between universities and industries and government agencies in the Philippines. A total of twenty-five participants including regional directors of national government agencies, local government unit heads, managing heads of business chambers, research heads, deans and presidents and vice-presidents of state universities and colleges in Davao Region, Southeastern Philippines served as key informants. The gathered data was processed using INVIVO qualitative software and thematic content analysis.The study found out that there is growing evidence that universities, industries, and government agencies increasingly rely on each other to carry out research. When sectors collaborate in research, they effectively contribute to economic growth. Hence, in order to sustain successful research collaborations, the following dimensions were culled out from the study: First, typologies of research collaboration include capability-building, management partnership, institutional partnership, and reinforcement. Second, collaborative governance is necessitated through personal relation, establishing rapport, and transparency. Third, collaborative leadership is strengthened by political leadership, micro-leadership, and leadership by character. Fourth, the collaborative research agenda setting where stakeholders and their thrusts and priorities must be involved should be considered. Fifth, research collaboration is sustained by the university's provision of collaborative research enabling resources. Sixth, the university faculty's motivation fosters collaborative research.  And finally, strategic actions were formulated to ensure the sustainability of research collaborations.The study concluded with the development of a framework showing the dimensions for the sustainability of research collaborations in Philippine universities.
Crowd Voting: Impacts on Product Sales in Marketplaces
Authors: Alves Milton Ruiz Rodrigues
Published: April 2019

In the current time of information, we live in times that the expectations of thinkers as Lévy (1998) have become a reality. The profile of the consumer has changed as he connected with other consumers and begun to demand that there is a dialogue between the company and society. This new scenario required that technology was further developed and that the process of communication was made faster by means of online platforms that make the exchange of information viable and encourages it. The crowdsourcing arose with the availability of the crowd’s intellectual capital that has changed the way companies interact and organize themselves as they come to realize the strategic importance of this information. In order to fully understand this new scenario, we have created three hypothesis that have served as guide for this paper, which are: H1 – Crowdsourcing affects products’ performance; H2 – negative reviews from crowd voting provide the same effects that positive reviews; and H3- Crowd voting provides information about consumer`s perception of the product being offered. Therefore, this paper aims to understand if the crowdsourcing affects product’s performance of the companies that use crowdsourcing by analyzing the theoretical basis of crowdsourcing and also by reviewing a data-base with reviews made by consumers during a four-year period. Based on the review of the correlations between the variables obtained in Amazon’s data base based on the reviews offered by the consumers, this work suggests that the crowdsourcing does affect the product’s performance.
Provider exclusions in US private health insurance contracts
Authors: M. Costello Michael
Published: April 2019

Two national newspaper articles published in the Fall of 2018 addressed the issue of private health insurance provider contracts that act to exclude specific health systems from health plan networks.  Inevitably, the question arises: Are such agreements illegal restraints of trade actionable under federal and state antitrust laws? A long-standing tenet of antitrust law is that it exists to protect competition not competitors.  Excluding providers may be a legitimate outgrowth of the contracting process and therefore legal.  However, an examination of the contracting process may reveal anticompetitive intent to restrain trade.  The specific facts surrounding provider exclusion must be analyzed carefully in an effort to determine if there is illegal restraint of trade.
How to design a blended method to teach BLS-AED for undergraduate nursing and medical education
Authors: Castillo Jordi , Martinez Laura , Martinez M.Angels , Melero Alicia , Moret Enrique , Rodríguez Mònica
Published: April 2019

New technology can help to spread knowledge and skills related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Historically, virtual methods have not been strongly recommended for Consell Català de Resuscitació (CCR), but many authors have begun to investigate new methods for achieving lower costs, widespread distribution, increased accessibility to information and more frequent updates of content. Moodle platforms, videos, web pages and other technologies have been introduced in the learning world. The authors posit that a blended approach of traditional methods with virtual methods without moving away from standard recommendations could facilitate the introduction of these new methods into our teaching practice. In this article, the authors present how to design a blended method. The first pilot test was designed with undergraduate medical and nursing students in their fourth year. Their suggestions led the authors to use the Moodle platform of their University as a conductive thread. A second pilot with non-students led to the need for a website where the learners could find the videos with e-learning content. Three videos were seen during the practice time. The debate notes the need for having an official method of blended or virtual approaches to teach Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in an efficient and cost-saving way.
A new report on Hesperomyces coleomegillae (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales) parasitism of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in Brazil
Authors: Inácio Carlos Antonio , De Paulo Hagabo Honorato , Almeida Jonas Dias , Rembinski Jessica , Menezes Elen Lima Aguiar , Silva Alessandra Carvalho
Published: April 2019

For the first time, the genus Hesperomyces has been reported to infect Coleomegilla maculata in laboratory mass rearing in Brazil. Thalli were found growing on several parts of this ladybird species, including the head, elytra, legs, and abdomen. Infested adults died after 60 days.
Análise do desempenho das Residências Médicas de Medicina de Família e Comunidade e Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família segundo os indicadores do PMAQ-AB das equipes da Atenção Primária
Authors: Gonçalves Dulce Pimenta , Cardoso Maria  Clara Lélis Ramos , Silva Thatiane Lais Santos , Magalhães Tatiana Almeida de , Araújo Alisson
Published: April 2019

Introdução: A Residência Médica de Medicina de Família e Comunidade e a residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família contribuem, para além do aprendizado, à qualidade do atendimento à comunidade, e a avaliação desse processo mantém a qualidade do serviço, sendo os indicadores instrumentos que permitem planejamentos em saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho da Residência Médica de Medicina de Família e Comunidade e residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família da Atenção Básica pelo monitoramento dos indicadores de qualidade do PMAQ-AB. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo transversal com análise da série histórica de dados secundários do PMAQ-AB (2011 a 2013) referentes aos indicadores do 1º e 2º ciclo das equipes com residentes e ou egressos da residência da Atenção Básica. Realizou-se análise descritiva, com frequência absoluta e relativa, e média e desvio padrão dos dados. Resultados: 38,6% das equipes no 1º ciclo e 34,66% do 2º ciclo apresentavam egressos da residência. Atendimentos de pré-natal média de 8,75 (±2,24), gestantes com pré-natal em dia, média de 91,43% (±8,91). Crianças menores de quatro meses com aleitamento exclusivo, 82,51% (±13,17) e 93,91% (±6,59) de crianças menores de um ano com vacina em dia. Pessoas com diabetes 60,27% (±16,28) e hipertensão 61,31% (±12,04). Consultas médicas por cuidado continuado/programado com média de 26,00% (±22,22). Satisfação do usuário 100% com desempenho mediano ou acima da média. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou predominância de avaliação positiva das equipes avaliadas acerca dos indicadores da saúde da mulher, criança, produção geral e avaliação externa, porém alcançou baixo desempenho no indicador de doenças crônicas.
Carta de Porto Alegre sobre Saúde Planetária (1º Simpósio Internacional de Saúde Planetária, Porto Alegre, 2017)
Authors: Sirena Sergio Antonio , Baldisserotto Julio , Stein Airton Tetelbon , Dora Carlos , Barros Enrique , Jotz Geraldo Pereira
Published: April 2019

Os participantes do 1º Simpósio Internacional de Saúde Planetária, reunidos em Porto Alegre, propõem que se dissemine a discussão do tema e se articule a resposta e a contribuição do sistema de saúde aos crescentes desafios que enfrenta a saúde da população decorrentes da mudança climática, poluição, redução da biodiversidade e outros fatores ambientais
Why Is There a Doctrine of Method in Critique of Pure Reason?
Authors: Baghai Farshid ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2019

Kant characterizes Critique of Pure Reason as “a treatise on the method” (KrV B xxii). But he does not clearly work out the Doctrine of Method of the Critique. Most interpreters of the Critique do not work out the Doctrine of Method either. This paper outlines the systematic place and significance of the Doctrine of Method within the structure of the Critique. It suggests that the Doctrine of Method supplies the methodological conditions, or systematic laws, of possible cognitions of reason. In other words, the Doctrine of Method is the primary locus of critique or reason’s self-cognition, i.e., reason’s cognition of the laws that make its possible cognitions systematic.
Understanding the “Trinamic”
Authors: Gregg Heather S. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2019

Violent non-state actors are of particular security concern today and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. This article uses a net assessment approach to analyze the threat posed by religiously motivated, violent non-state actors and how governments can better understand these threats, their popular support, and how to minimize their effects. It proposes that the goal of governments should be to “win” critical populations away from non-state actors that require their support to survive. Using ISIS as an example, the article demonstrates that a purely enemy-centric approach to countering violent non-state actors that use religion is likely to alienate critical populations whose support is necessary to defeating these threats.
A review of particulate matter emissions and impacts on human health: A focus on Canadian agricultural and rural emission sources
Authors: Spencer Jennifer , Van Heyst Bill
Published: April 2019

Particulate matter (PM) has been documented in an increasing number of research studies as having a known or suspected negative impact on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.1 million deaths were caused by ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2010. While many Canadian studies focus on health impacts from PM2.5, there is a gap with respect to rural sourced PM2.5 and health impacts in these areas. This paper reviews the impact PM2.5 has on Canadians’ health, investigates where PM2.5 data is being gathered, and outlines the sources of PM2.5 reported. Secondary inorganic aerosols that are formed in and around animal production facilities due to the higher prevalence of ammonia gas is of particular interest. The conclusion drawn is that the reporting and gathering of rural sourced PM2.5 data is lacking, leading to a gap in the data used to determine the impacts on Canadian human health.
Bacterial community composition and diversity of two different forms of an organic residue of bioenergy crop
Authors: Cipriano Matheus A.P. , Suleiman Afnan K.A. , da Silveira Adriana P.D. , do Carmo Janaína B. , Kuramae Eiko E.
Published: April 2019

The use of residue of sugarcane ethanol industry named vinasse in fertirrigation is an established and widespread practice in Brazil. Both non-concentrated vinasse (NCV) and concentrated vinasse (CV) are used in fertirrigation, particularly to replace the potassium fertilizer. Although studies on the chemical and organic composition of vinasse and their impact on nitrous oxide emissions when applied in soil have been carried out, no studies have evaluated the microbial community composition and diversity in different forms of vinasse. We assessed the bacterial community composition of NCV and CV by non-culturable and culturable approaches. The non-culturable bacterial community was assessed by next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and culturable community by isolation of bacterial strains and molecular and biochemical characterization. Additionally, we assessed in the bacterial strains the presence of genes of nitrogen cycle nitrification and denitrification pathways. The microbial community based on16S rRNAsequences of NCV was overrepresented by Bacilli and Negativicutes while CV was mainly represented by Bacilli class. The isolated strains from the two types of vinasse belong to class Bacilli, similar toLysinibacillus, encode fornirKgene related to denitrification pathway. This study highlights the bacterial microbial composition particularly in CV what residue is currently recycled and recommended as a sustainable practice in sugarcane cultivation in the tropics.
Evaluation of Microbial and Nutritional Quality of Fermented Dried Roasted Thick Porridge (Mkarango)
Authors: Cheruiyot E. C. , Mbugua S. K. , Okoth M. W. , Abong O. G. , Kaindi D. M.
Published: April 2019

Most of the products of maize flour fermentation in Kenya undergo wild fermentation in a natural process. One of these is locally roasted maize flour commonly known by its local name Mkarango which is popular in the Western region of Kenya where it is used in different ways. Mkarango is mostly made through wild fermentation which is known to pose health risks as it is unhygienic and time-consuming, with the quality of the resultant product being inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population of lactic acid bacteria, and sensory characteristics of dried roasted thick porridge (mkarango). Six different mkarango products made with addition of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis in different ratios were studied for microbial quality, mineral element content and sensory characteristics. Titratable acidity and pH properties of the products were also determined. These were done following recommended standards. After 24 hours of fermentation, products with Yeast+ L. plantarum+ L. brevis (1:2) and Milk+ L. plantarum+ L. brevis (1:2) had the highest pH values (5.12) while products with Milk+ L. plantarum+ L. brevis (2:1) had the lowest pH values (4.8). Yeast, molds, and Lactic Acid Bacteria had the highest in all the samples tested while Enterobacteriaceae the least. The overall acceptability of the product of the product prepared from Milk + L. plantarum + L. brevis (2:1) had the final score of 4.7 on the 5-point hedonic scale. The results of the trace elements zinc and iron ranged from 2.7 mg/100 g to 3.9 mg/100 g and 2.7 mg/100 g to 16.9 mg/100 g on the product respectively. Fermentation creates an environment that is conducive for the population of lactic acid bacteria. This results in increased volume of lactic acid that is responsible for improved nutritional quality of Mkarango.
Relationship between Characteristics of Farmers and Impact of ICT Enabled Web Portal (Krishinet)
Authors: Singh Vinod , Kameswari V. L. V.
Published: April 2019

ICT can be used reasonably in transferring the modern agricultural technologies to the farmers. ICT has many applications in agricultural extension most especially in accessing required information and knowledge. Hence, the present investigation was carried out in Jabalpur, Patan, Sihora and Panagar Blocks of Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh. The main objective of the study was to analyse the relationship between selected profile characteristics of farmers and impact of Krishinet Portal. A total of 280 respondents were purposively selected for the study through simple random technique. The results of the study shown that majority of the respondents (48.57%) were middle aged (38-51 years), educated upto higher secondary level (24.64%), had medium family size (51.79%), had lower income (Rs. 33000 to 55000 p.a.) (38.22%), had small (2.5 to 5 acre) land holding (43.57%), had medium information seeking behavior (58.21%), had positive attitude towards KGK (61.78%), had positive attitude towards ICT (69.29%), had medium innovativeness (52.14%) and medium economic motivation (62.50%). The relationship between selected profile characteristics and impact of Krishinet portal indicated that education, annual income, operational land holding, information seeking behavior, attitude towards KGK and attitude towards ICT were positively significantly related, which means the respondents who is more educated, more annual income, large size of operational land holding, high information seeking behavior, positive attitude towards KGK and positive attitude towards ICT, getting more benefit from use of Krishinet portal.
Angiotensin 1-7: A Second Window of Protection in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Mohamed Mazin Salaheldin Abdalla , Ibrahim Muntaser , Abdelwhab Muhanad S.
Published: April 2019

The effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system on the human body are so diverse and our knowledge about them is ever growing. Angiotensin 1-7 has been proven to play protective roles in patients with cardiovascular disorders including but not limited to hypertension.

As is the case with Africa, the prevalence of hypertension in Sudan is rising, and its complications could be delayed by pharmacologically manipulating the levels of renin-angiotensin system metabolites.

The aim of this review is to compare the advantageous and deleterious effects of Angiotensin 2 in contrast to those of Angiotensin 1-7 and to assert the well-established protective effects of Angiotensin 1-7 (systemically and locally) in hypertensive patients
Acid Phosphatases from the Bread Fruit Artocarpus communis Seeds as Novel Plant Phosphorylating Biocatalysts
Authors: Konan Hubert Kouassi , Koffi Michel Djary , Yapi Desire Yapi Assoi , Kouame Lucien Patrice
Published: April 2019

Aims: Investigation on the phosphotransferase activity of two non-specific acid phosphatases (EC 3.1.3.2) designated as AP1 and AP2, previously isolated from breadfruit (Artocarpus communis) seeds for further biotechnological and industrial applications.

Methodology: Transphosphorylation reactions were tested with sodium pyrophosphate as the phosphoryl donor and phenol as its acceptor. Transfer products were quantified by using high performance liquid chromatography.

Results: The two acid phosphatases were able to catalyse phosphoconjugates synthesis using pyrophosphate as the phosphoryl donor and phenol as acceptor. The optimal conditions of transphosphorylation reactions indicated that this synthesis was highly dependent on pH, temperature, time course, donor and acceptor concentrations and enzyme amount. A very short period (1.25 h) was observed for these synthesis reactions catalysed by acid phosphatases isolated from breadfruit (Artocarpus communis) seeds. This suggested energy saving during biotransformation processes. The high average yields of 84.20 and 66.78% obtained for AP1 and AP2, respectively, made them useful to phosphorylate a wide range of nucleophile compounds such as nucleotides often used as food additives and pharmaceutical intermediates.

Conclusion: The acid phosphatase AP1 would be the most promising on the basis the better synthesis product yield (84.20%). The two biocatalysts could be considered as new valuable tools for bioprocesses.
Robust Superlubricity of Gold–Graphite Heterointerfaces
Authors: Yaniv Rotem , Koren Elad
Published: April 2019

Noncommensurate 2D interfaces hold great promise toward low friction and nanoelectromechanical applications. For identical constituents, the crystals interlock at specific rotational configurations leading to high barriers for slide. In contrast, nonidentical constituents comprising different lattice parameters should enable robust superlubricity for all rotational configurations. This is however not the case for gold–graphite interfaces, as both theory and experiments show scaling behavior of the sliding force as a function of the interface contact area. By simulating the sliding force for gold–graphite interfaces, this work shows that the origin for high force barriers at special angular configurations is a result of commensurability between the moiré structure and the contact geometry. Consequently, this paper suggests new geometries that can potentially overcome such commensurability effects to enable robust superlubricity.
A Liquid‐Metal–Elastomer Nanocomposite for Stretchable Dielectric Materials
Authors: Pan Chengfeng , Markvicka Eric J. , Malakooti Mohammad H. , Yan Jiajun , Hu Leiming , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Majidi Carmel
Published: April 2019

Stretchable high‐dielectric‐constant materials are crucial for electronic applications in emerging domains such as wearable computing and soft robotics. While previous efforts have shown promising materials architectures in the form of dielectric nano‐/microinclusions embedded in stretchable matrices, the limited mechanical compliance of these materials significantly limits their practical application as soft energy‐harvesting/storage transducers and actuators. Here, a class of liquid metal (LM)–elastomer nanocomposites is presented with elastic and dielectric properties that make them uniquely suited for applications in soft‐matter engineering. In particular, the role of droplet size is examined and it is found that embedding an elastomer with a polydisperse distribution of nanoscale LM inclusions can enhance its electrical permittivity without significantly degrading its elastic compliance, stretchability, or dielectric breakdown strength. In contrast, elastomers embedded with microscale droplets exhibit similar improvements in permittivity but a dramatic reduction in breakdown strength. The unique enabling properties and practicality of LM–elastomer nanocomposites for use in soft machines and electronics is demonstrated through enhancements in performance of a dielectric elastomer actuator and energy‐harvesting transducer.
Dual‐Confined SiO Embedded in TiO2 Shell and 3D Carbon Nanofiber Web as Stable Anode Material for Superior Lithium Storage
Authors: Cai Xin , Liu Wen , Yang Siyuan , Zhang Shengsen , Gao Qiongzhi , Yu Xiaoyuan , Li Jun , Wang Hongqiang , Fang Yueping
Published: April 2019

Silicon‐based materials (Si, SiOx, etc.) have intrigued numerous attentions to replace the graphite anode materials for high performance new‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, dual‐confined SiO composites are developed as novel anode material for efficient lithium‐ion batteries. The SiO‐based anodes are prepared from commercial SiO microparticles via simple electrospinning, in which TiO2 coated SiO particles are well embedded in the 3D interconnected carbon nanofiber web. Owing to the protective TiO2 shell with extra capacitive activity, along with the conductive carbon nanofiber network affording sufficient void space to accommodate the volume expansion of SiO upon cycling, the dual‐confined SiO anode can maintain its structural integrity and exhibit high reversible activity. It realizes acceptable initial Columbic efficiency and a stable discharge capacity of 760 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 200 cycles, with an average capacity drop of 0.11% per cycle for continuous cycling. Besides, the ternary SiO@TiO2/carbon nanofiber composite allows for facilitated charge transport and electrolyte penetration in virtue of its 3D porous web structure, which contributes to a high‐rate capacity of 338 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1. These inexpensive and stable SiO/carbon nanofiber composites can be potential alternative toward cost‐efficient lithium‐ion battery anode.
Understanding Quality Control of Hard Metals in Industry ‐ A Quantum Mechanics Approach
Authors: Lattemann Martina , Xie Ruiwen , Lizárraga Raquel , Vitos Levente , Holmström Erik
Published: April 2019

For many decades, the magnetic saturation of, for example, hard metals (HM) such as WC‐Co‐based cemented carbides, has been used as process and quality control in industry to ensure consistency of product properties. In an urge to replace cobalt as a binder phase, a demand on understanding the magnetic response as a function of composition on the atomic scale is growing. In this paper, a theoretical description of the measured weight‐specific magnetic saturation of hard metals as a function of the tungsten weight fraction present in the cobalt binder phase, based on first‐principle calculations, is established for standard WC‐Co. The predicted magnetic saturation agrees well with the experimental one. Furthermore, it is proposed that the theoretical description can be extended to alternative and more complex binder phases which allows to transfer the production control to those hard metals.
PI3Kgamma Inhibitor Attenuates Immunosuppressive Effect of Poly(l‐Glutamic Acid)‐Combretastatin A4 Conjugate in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Qin Hanjiao , Yu Haiyang , Sheng Jiyao , Zhang Dawei , Shen Na , Liu Linlin , Tang Zhaohui , Chen Xuesi
Published: April 2019

Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have great potential for cancer treatment. Poly(l‐glutamic acid)‐combretastatin A4 conjugate (PLG‐CA4) is a novel class of VDAs. Though it has notable antitumor activity, it can induce host immune responses that promote tumor growth. Here, PLG‐CA4 induces the polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) toward the M2‐like phenotype in 4T1 metastatic breast cancer (Control 30% vs PLG‐CA4 53%; p < 0.05). Compared to the monotherapy of PLG‐CA4, inhibition of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) attenuates the immunosuppressive effect of PLG‐CA4 treatment by decreasing the number of M2‐like TAMs (2.0 × 104 to 1.5 × 104 per tumor) and potential enhancement of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (3.0 × 104 to 5.7 × 104 per tumor). Importantly, PI3Kγ inhibitor synergizing with PLG‐CA4 significantly extends the mean survival time from 52 days in monotherapy‐treated mice to 61.8 days. Additionally, the combination of PLG‐CA4 and PI3Kγ inhibitor improves the tumor therapeutic effect of NLG919, an inhibitor of immune checkpoint indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO). As far as it is known, this is the first demonstrated study that VDAs induce the reshaping of macrophages to the M2‐like phenotype. The findings also indicate a potential therapeutic strategy of the combination VDAs with an accurate immune modifier in the tumor to reverse the immune resistance.
Selbstvorspannende ultrahochfeste Betonelemente
Authors: Kromoser Benjamin , Strieder Emanuel , Kirnbauer Johannes
Published: April 2019

Durch thermische Nachbehandlung können die Eigenschaften von Materialien gezielt beeinflusst werden. Ein Beispiel dafür ist Beton. Durch den Erwärmungsprozess können der Aushärtungsprozess beschleunigt und etwaig vorhandene puzzolanische Zuschlagstoffe zugunsten einer Verbesserung der mechanischen Eigenschaften aktiviert werden. Eisenbasierte Formgedächtnislegierungen reagieren unter bestimmten Umständen auch sensitiv auf Temperatureinwirkung. Eine vorab mechanisch eingeprägte Form, die beispielsweise durch Vordehnen hergestellt wird, kann durch eine thermische Behandlung wieder rückgängig gemacht werden. Wird diesem „Formgedächtniseffekt“ ein Widerstand entgegengesetzt, so führt dieser zu einer Zugkraft im Metallteil, die gezielt als Vorspannung genutzt werden kann. Bewehrt man nun Beton mit Stäben oder Matten aus einer eisenbasierten Formgedächtnislegierung und behandelt die Bauteile entsprechend thermisch nach, kann ein Selbstvorspannungseffekt erzeugt werden, der sich vorteilhaft auf die Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Steifigkeit der Bauteile auswirkt. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über eine erste Machbarkeitsstudie zu diesem Ansatz. Nach einer Beschreibung der verwendeten Ausgangsmaterialien wird eine erste Serie von Dreipunktbiegeversuchen präsentiert, anhand derer der beschriebene Effekt bereits experimentell nachgewiesen werden konnte. Abschließend werden mögliche Anwendungsfelder vorgestellt.
Highly Efficient g‐C3N4 Nanorods with Dual Active Sites as an Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Desalegn Bezawit Z. , Jadhav Harsharaj S. , Seo Jeong Gil
Published: April 2019

Finding metal‐free, carbon‐based, highly active, and durable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for the development of electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Herein, we report the synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanorods using a hydrothermal method. The transformation of bulk g‐C3N4 (denoted as g‐B‐CN) to g‐C3N4 1D nanorods (denoted as g‐CN) endowed the material with abundant active sites, increased electrochemical active surface area, and enhanced charge transfer. g‐CN exhibited high activity and durability in catalyzing the OER. The optimized g‐CN achieved a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 316 mV vs. RHE in 1 M KOH, with a Tafel slope of 125 mV dec−1. The high catalytic performance of g‐CN is mainly attributed to the abundantly exposed unique active sites originatingfrom the 1D morphology and the presence of an oxidized pyridinic nitrogen; elucidating the important role of elaborate morphology tailoring and co‐doping of heteroatoms in catalyzing the OER.
Differentiating Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Into Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Surendran Harshini , Rajamoorthy Mohanapriya , Pal Rajarshi
Published: April 2019

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) not only offer great opportunities for the study of human development but also have tremendous potential for future clinical cell‐based therapies. The protocol outlined here is used to differentiate hiPSCs into lung epithelial cell types through a process that faithfully recapitulates the stepwise events observed in vivo. From pluripotency, cells are differentiated to a definitive endoderm fate, followed by progression into anteriorized foregut endoderm that has the ability to give rise to both proximal and distal epithelial cells. Furthermore, this methodology allows for the study of lung dysfunction and disease modeling using patient‐derived cells, as well as high‐throughput pharmacological screening and eventually personalized therapies. Recently we were able to reproduce this protocol using the working cell bank of an hiPSC line made under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) conditions, a necessary step for the future clinical application of these cells. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Toxicology in the Super‐Resolution Era
Authors: Cole Richard
Published: April 2019

Light microscopy has played a central role in science for the past couple of hundred years and will continue to do so. Multiple super‐resolution microscopy techniques have been in the headlines for smashing what for more than 100+ years was believed to be the limits of optical microscopy. This resolution improvement enables the visualization of molecular structures and processes on the nano scale. While certain scientific questions in toxicology can benefit from modalities within the super‐resolution suite, due diligence is required for efficiency and to achieve optimal results. For a given hypothesis being tested, there are biophysical issues that need to be considered before heading down the super‐resolution road. All commercially available super‐resolution modalities, along with cautions and tips, will be discussed. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Golden codeword–based modulation schemes for single‐input multiple‐output systems
Authors: Xu Hongjun , Pillay Narushan
Published: April 2019

The Golden code has full rate and full diversity. The Golden codeword matrix contains two pairs of super symbols. Based on one pair of super symbols, two modulation schemes, Golden codeword–based M‐ary quadrature amplitude modulation (GC‐MQAM) and component‐interleaved GC‐MQAM (CI‐GC‐MQAM), are proposed for single‐input multiple‐output (SIMO) systems. Since the complexities of the maximum likelihood detection for the proposed GC‐MQAM and CI‐GC‐MQAM are proportional to O(M2) and O(M4), respectively, low complexity detection schemes for the proposed GC‐MQAM and CI‐GC‐MQAM are further proposed. In addition, the theoretical average bit error probabilities (ABEPs) for the proposed GC‐MQAM and CI‐GC‐MQAM are derived. The derived ABEPs are validated through Monte Carlo simulations. Simulation and theoretical results show that the proposed GC‐MQAM can achieve the error performance of signal space diversity. Simulation and theoretical results further show that the proposed CI‐GC‐16QAM, ‐64QAM, and ‐256QAM with three receive antennas can achieve approximately 2.2, 2.0, and 2.1 dB gain at a bit error rate of 4 × 10−6 compared with GC‐16QAM, ‐64QAM, and ‐256QAM, respectively.
Differential associations of ferritin and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with fasting glucose and diabetes risk in community dwelling older men
Authors: Carrivick Simon , Alfonso Helman , Golledge Jonathan , Clancy Paula , Flicker Leon , Gunton Jenny E. , Hankey Graeme J. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Norman Paul E. , Yeap Bu B.
Published: April 2019

Aims

We examined associations of ferritin and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with fasting glucose and prevalent diabetes in older men.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of 4153 community‐dwelling men aged 70 to 89 years in Western Australia. Plasma ferritin, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and glucose were assayed. Diabetes was ascertained from self‐report, medications, and fasting glucose.

Results

There were 577 men with diabetes (13.9%). In the whole cohort, ferritin was associated with fasting glucose (0.051 mmol/L per 1 SD increase in ferritin, P = .006) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated (−0.085 mmol/L per 1 SD, P < .001). Ferritin was not associated with prevalent diabetes (highest vs. lowest quartile; >225 vs <66 μg/L: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74‐1.27, P = .83). Higher vitamin D was associated with decreased odds of prevalent diabetes (highest vs lowest quartile; >82 nmol/L vs <53 nmol/L: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43‐0.75, P < .001). There was no interaction between ferritin and vitamin D on diabetes risk.

Conclusions

In older men, ferritin is associated with fasting glucose but not prevalent diabetes. Higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are independently associated with lower fasting glucose and reduced risk of diabetes. Clinical trials are required to determine whether interventions, which raise vitamin D concentrations, would reduce incidence of diabetes in this expanding demographic group.
Simultaneous quantification of ten key Kratom alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa leaf extracts and commercial products by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sharma Abhisheak , Kamble Shyam H. , León Francisco , Chear Nelson J.‐Y. , King Tamara I. , Berthold Erin C. , Ramanathan Surash , McCurdy Christopher R. , Avery Bonnie A.
Published: April 2019

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a psychoactive plant popular in the United States for the self‐treatment of pain and opioid addiction. For standardization and quality control of raw and commercial kratom products, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC−MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of ten key alkaloids, namely: corynantheidine, corynoxine, corynoxine B, 7‐hydroxymitragynine, isocorynantheidine, mitragynine, mitraphylline, paynantheine, speciociliatine, and speciogynine. Chromatographic separation of diastereomers, or alkaloids sharing same ion transitions, was achieved on an Acquity BEH C18 column with a gradient elution using a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and aqueous ammonium acetate buffer (10mM, pH 3.5). The developed method was linear over a concentration range of 1–200 ng/mL for each alkaloid. The total analysis time per sample was 22.5 minutes. The analytical method was validated for accuracy, precision, robustness, and stability. After successful validation, the method was applied for the quantification of kratom alkaloids in alkaloid‐rich fractions, ethanolic extracts, lyophilized teas, and commercial products. Mitragynine (0.7%–38.7% w/w), paynantheine (0.3%–12.8% w/w), speciociliatine (0.4%–12.3% w/w), and speciogynine (0.1%–5.3% w/w) were the major alkaloids in the analyzed kratom products/extracts. Minor kratom alkaloids (corynantheidine, corynoxine, corynoxine B, 7‐hydroxymitragynine, isocorynantheidine) were also quantified (0.01%–2.8% w/w) in the analyzed products; however mitraphylline was below the lower limit of quantification in all analyses.