bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Academia como Territorio: Reflexiones sobre Epistemologías Indígenas e Investigación
Authors: Llanes-Ortiz Genner
Published: May 2022

Mi contribución a este volumen tiene que ver con reflexiones que seguramente muchas y muchos investigadores indígenas hemos hecho antes. Sin embargo, espero nos inspire a seguir pensando y explorando juntos y juntas lo que significa hacer investigación desde Abiayala. Y más aún, lo que significa hacer investigación en colaboración, en diálogo y, hasta cierto punto, en complicidad con nuestros pueblos. Así que, de lo que quiero hablarles, es del acto de reivindicar a la academia también como un territorio del quehacer indígena.
El compromiso cultural en las identidades del profesorado de artes en Chile
Authors: García-Huidobro Munita Rosario de Lourdes , Ferrada Sulivan Jorge
Published: May 2022

El escrito comparte la primera fase de la investigación “Identidades profesionales de lo-as artistas-docentes en la Región de Los Lagos. Transformaciones de lo social en compromiso cultural”, realizada en Chile. El objetivo principal es conocer la identidad profesional de los-as profesores de artes de la región de Los Lagos y comprender cómo estas contribuyen hacia el desarrollo cultural. Se presentan los resultados de la encuesta realizada a un grupo de 97 profesores-as de artes visuales en el sur de Chile, que buscó recoger información acerca de las principales experiencias profesionales que afectan la conformación identitaria de estos artistas educadores-as. La estructura de la encuesta online se dividió en cinco apartados, puesto que cada uno abarcó las dimensiones que influyen la conformación de la identidad de los-as artistas-docentes. A saber, (i) la formación y trayectoria profesional, (ii) características de la práctica artística, (iii) conflictos de la práctica artística-docente, (iv) necesidades de la práctica artística-docente y por último, (v) aportes al desarrollo cultural de la región. El análisis de la encuesta se realizó a través del programa estadístico SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), el cual permitió generar cruces y variables entre las preguntas de las cinco dimensiones señalas. Entre los resultados más relevantes pudimos constatar que la diversidad de procedencias en cuanto a la formación inicial del profesorado, junto a los años de experiencia profesional eran cruces relevantes, ya que señalaron diversas formas de vincularse con el compromiso del desarrollo cultural y sus identidades.
¿Un psicoanálisis con los y las trabajadoras? Sobre el libro de Wlosko y Ros (Eds.) El Trabajo entre el placer y el sufrimiento: aportes desde la Psicodinámica del Trabajo
Authors: Matamala Pizarro José
Published: May 2022

Se reseña el libro “El trabajo: entre el placer y el sufrimiento. Aportes desde la psicodinámica del trabajo” compilado y editado por las Doctoras Miriam Wlosko y Cecilia Ross de la Universidad de Lanús, Argentina. En la reseña, se exponen los aportes del libro, se discuten con algunas experiencias realizadas en Chile, se comentan los capítulos y conferencias incluidos y se termina por concluir que el libro viene a contribuir a los estudios del trabajo en Latinoamérica e invita a pensar una práctica clínica-investigativa en el trabajo con los y las trabajadoras.
El relato turístico mapuche: identidad, territorio y políticas públicas
Authors: De la Maza Francisca , Huisca Eugenia
Published: May 2022

El artículo aborda el relato turístico mapuche en los procesos identitarios y territoriales locales focalizados en la Región de La Araucanía. La perspectiva de análisis se centra en concepciones antropológicas relacionadas al turismo indígena, autenticidad, narrativa turística y el relato mapuche. La metodología de investigación es etnográfica por medio de trabajo de campo, incluyendo observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad, reuniones grupales y seguimiento de prensa, relacionadas a diversos ámbitos donde se implementan tanto acciones estatales como autogestionadas vinculadas al desarrollo turístico mapuche. El relato turístico mapuche constituye la principal distinción de la oferta de turismo mapuche, que lo diferencia de cualquier otra experiencia turística. La valoración y construcción cultural e histórica, en este contexto de desarrollo turístico mapuche, son claves para esta distinción que se interrelaciona con otros procesos que viven los sectores mapuches de la región, como son reivindicación territorial, resistencia frente a la presencia de proyectos extractivistas y demandas por derechos políticos vinculados a las condiciones de pérdida y degradación de las tierras. La construcción del relato turístico en general se desarrolla en un contexto de implementación de políticas públicas que fomentan el turismo indígena y que son ejecutados por agentes privados que toman el rol de intermediarios y ejecutores de la política pública. Dependiendo de estos intermediarios/ejecutores, a través de programas y proyectos, el relato puede constituirse en una forma de fortalecimiento identitario y territorial, o en una reproducción de un discurso orientado sólo al potencial turista. En este proceso de construcción de relato se desarrollan diversas situaciones que permiten 99 profundizar en los matices de la acción estatal referido al pueblo mapuche. Se identifican las formas en que el turismo mapuche se expresa en el espacio local no sólo como una oportunidad económica, sino más bien como un proceso de fortalecimiento e incluso de resistencia cultural territorial.
Microbiological Assessment of Smoked Fishes from Various Processing Points in Ado Ekiti Metropolis
Authors: Olawole Akomolede Olumide , Ayodeji Balogun , Christoper M. Samuel
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the research is to isolate and characterize the bacteria present in smoked fish sold in various processing site in ado Ekiti Metropolis. Fifty (50) samples of five (5) species of fish (Mackerel:Somber scomber, Blue whiting: Micromesistius poutassou, Catfish: Clarias gariepinus  Herrings: Clupea harengus, Horse mackerel: Trachurus trachurus ) were obtained from fifteen (15) different processing site in different location in Ado-Ekiti. The study results showed the total heterotrophic bacteria count which ranges from 0.30 x104 – 3.68 x 104 cfu/g, the highest colony count was examined from the panla (Blue whiting {Micromesistius poutassou}.The bacteria organisms isolated and identified in the smoked fish were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus sp, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The study showed that though smoking helps in inhibiting activities of bacteria, however, when not properly carried out, bacterial growth and activities still lead to the deterioration of the fish. Due to public health implication, the state of smoked fish should be paid proper attention by the processors and consumers for their safety through proper processing, storage and handling procedures.
Extreme Value Theory Modeling of Geochemical Anomalies: Block Maxima Approach
Authors: Ayitey Emmanuel , C. Nyarko Christiana , Otoo Henry , Affam Micheal
Published: May 2022

Mineral shortages can be avoided if the mineral industry accurately predicts mineral deposits, which is critical given the importance of minerals in Ghana's economy. The goal of this dissertation was to use the block maxima (BM) approach of Extreme Value Theory (EVT) to accurately predict gold (Au) concentration and the time period of occurrence of these geochemical anomalies in Ghana's Wassa-Amenfi region. The information was based on a time series of daily gold concentrations collected between 2010 and 2018 by Ghana's geology and survey department. The shape parameter estimates from the analysis indicated that the Fréchet family of GEV distributions was a good fit for the dataset. The GEV model was used to forecast the occurrence of anomalies every 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years. According to the findings, an extreme Au of 31.06 was expected to occur once every 5 years in Wassa-Amenfi.
Evaluation of Growth, Physiological, and Quality Parameters on Seed Yield of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Upadhyay Piyush , Shrivastava M. K. , Sharma Stuti , Ramakrishnan R. Shiv , Nagre Sachin Prakash , Mohare Salikram
Published: May 2022

Fifty genotypes of Soybean, including two checks (JS 20-98 and JS 20-34), were evaluated to assess the effect of various growth parameters on the seed yield of soybean cultivars and to determine their variability in protein and oil content as well as the correlation between both qualitative characters and yield parameters. The study was carried out during the Kharif season of 2019 at Seed Breeding Farm, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, (MP). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), having three replications. In the present studies, the data regarding Leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), Chlorophyll content index (CCI), oil, and protein percentage showed that there were significant differences among all varieties. The results from these data were analyzed using PCA and correlation analysis. There was a significantly positive correlation of LAI at 30, 45, and 60 DAS with seed yield. There was a significant positive correlation between LAD-1 (30-45DAS) and LAD-2 (45-60DAS) with seed yield and positive correlation between CCI to seed yield. Significantly negative correlation between oil and protein percent with the seed yield of the plant was observed. It was found that genotype EC 456615 had the highest protein content (41.62%), and genotype EC 389170 had the highest oil content (21.50%) among the studied genotypes.
Revisiting Male Sterilization for Contraception in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Where do the Women Stand
Authors: Oranu Emmanuel Okwudili , Nonye-Enyindah Esther
Published: May 2022

Background: The various advancements in the armamentarium of modern contraceptive service are many, yet the methods available for men are few; worse still, their effective participation is embarrassingly low. Considering the high failure rate of the male condom as a contraceptive method and the numerous unwanted effects of the varied female methods, vasectomy remains a promising way to go in contraception; hence the periodic monitoring of its acceptance/practice trend, especially by women, in this part of the globe. 

Objective: To assess the knowledge and willingness to support the practice of vasectomy by women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Method: It was a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire based prospective study of consenting 249 parous women attending the family planning clinic in the 2 University Teaching Hospitals in Port Harcourt. The pre-tested validated questionnaire was administered on the participants by two trained assistants. Data on their socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and willingness to support the practice of vasectomy were obtained and entered into excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS version 20, taking p value of 0.05 at 95 percent confidence interval as significant. The result was expressed in tables of percentages and frequencies.

Results: Of the two hundred and forty nine women who were involved in the study, 224(89.96%) were within the reproductive age grouping 15 – 45 and 25(10.04%) were above 45 years. Most of them, 234 (93.98%) had at least a secondary education. A high percentage of the respondents, 212(83.14%) knows vasectomy does not reduce potency, they could not say for sure if it affects male fertility (51.81%); but 164(65.86%) knows it mechanism of action, 191(76.71%) said it is very effective means of contraception while 184(73.90%) knows it is safe. One hundred and forty one (56.63%) of the women will not give consent for their spouse to have vasectomy done. However, if they are reassured on their worries on vasectomy, 135 (54. 22%) will give their support for the procedure. Reasons for not wanting vasectomy include being a permanent method (30.53%), it surgical method (20.60%) and against their faith (20.22%).

Conclusion: The knowledge of vasectomy of women in Port Harcourt is high but their willingness to support this practice is low. Reassurance on their concerns improved their support for the procedure. Sustained adequate counseling is needed to surmount this obstacle to the much desired practice of vasectomy in this part of the world.
Evaluation of Unilateral Sinonasal Lesions
Authors: Marzouk Manar Emad , Ebeid Kamal Abd Elmonem , El-Sheikh Mohamed Nasser , Hegazy Hasan Mustafa
Published: May 2022

Background: Sinonasal lesions are a common occurrence in people of all ages. Nasal and paranasal sinus lesions are quite deceiving; Thus, the presenting characteristics, nasal endoscopy, clinical examination, histopathology, and radiographic findings are all used in conjunction to provide a diagnosis. The aim of this research was to observe a much of higher percentage of unilateral sinus pathology. Comprehensive evaluation of patient age, presenting symptoms, sex, nasoendoscopic examination and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results help in the diagnosis of unilateral sinus disease with finding the same result in patient who had endoscopic sinus surgery performed in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department of Tanta University Hospital.

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 100 adult and pediatric patients who were suffering from nasal obstruction, epistaxis, proptosis, headache, and space occupying lesions in one side of nose including inflammatory, benign and malignant lesions. All cases underwent complete taking of history, endoscopic assessment, otorhinogological examination, CT, MRI for evaluation of unilateral opacification of paranasal sinuses and other routine preoperative laboratory investigation.

Results: Of all affected sinuses, right maxillary sinus and nasal cavity were the most significantly affected sinuses in malignant tumor group than both inflammatory disease group and benign tumor group (P = 0.002, 0.001 respectively) while left maxillary, right ethmoid, left ethmoid, right sphenoid, left sphenoid, right frontal and left frontal showed insignificant differences in affection among the three groups. All performed radiology to the patients was insignificantly different among the three groups (P = 0.211). The main symptoms were significantly different among the three groups (P <0.001). Preoperative biopsy taking was significantly increased in malignant tumor group than both inflammatory disease and benign tumor group (P = 0.001). Diseases in the patients were significantly different among the three groups (P <0.001). Patients with excellent results of the operation was significantly decreased in malignant tumor group than benign tumor group (P = 0.001). The type of surgery was significantly different among the three groups (P <0.001).

Conclusions: Unilateral nasal polyps are associated with a high rate of malignancy and should be carefully examined using endoscopy and histology.
Plant Space Biology in the Genomics Age
Authors: Meyers Alexander , Wyatt Sarah E.
Published: May 2022

Advances in molecular technologies have ushered in a new age of understanding across all disciplines of biology. Research in plant biology has capitalised on these novel capabilities, unlocking new understanding of how plants respond to a myriad of conditions. Plant growth in spaceflight environments represents a decades‐long endeavour, but the past 20 years have produced a wealth of data aimed toward understanding gravitational biology and informing the optimisation of plant growth for long‐duration spaceflight missions. The spaceflight environment subjects plants to low gravity and ionising radiation, which have a variety of downstream impacts on plant growth and well‐being. Omics technologies have revealed a perplexing web of stress responses to spaceflight, and optimally growing plants in these environments requires characterising the mechanistic origins of those responses. Here, we review the plant omics data gathered to date from spaceflight experiments and highlight trends and future directions as we move forward into a new age of discovery.
Using a daily monitoring system to reduce treatment position override rates in external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Yu Naichang , Magnelli Anthony , LaHurd Danielle , Mastroianni Anthony , Murray Eric , Close Mike , Hugebeck Brian , Suh John H. , Xia Ping
Published: May 2022

Purpose/objectives: To report our 7‐year experience with a daily monitoring system to significantly reduce couch position overrides and errors in patient treatment positioning.

Materials and methods: Treatment couch position override data were extracted from a radiation oncology–specific electronic medical record system from 2012 to 2018. During this period, we took several actions to reduce couch position overrides, including reducing the number of tolerance tables from 18 to 6, tightening tolerance limits, enforcing time outs, documenting reasons for overrides, and timely reviewing of overrides made from previous treatment day. The tolerance tables included treatment categories for head and neck (HN) (with/without cone beam CT [CBCT]), body (with/without CBCT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and clinical setup for electron beams. For the same time period, we also reported treatment positioning–related incidents that were recorded in our departmental incident report system. To verify our tolerance limits, we further examined couch shifts after daily kilovoltage CBCT (kV‐CBCT) for the patients treated from 2018 to 2021.

Results: From 2012 to 2018, the override rate decreased from 11.2% to 1.6%/year, whereas the number of fractions treated in the department increased by 23%. The annual patient positioning error rate was also reduced from 0.019% in 2012, to 0.004% in 2017 and 0% in 2018. For patients treated under daily kV‐CBCT guidance from 2018 to 2021, the applied couch shifts after imaging registration that exceeded the tolerance limits were low, <1% for HN, <1.2% for body, and <2.6% for SBRT.

Conclusions: The daily monitoring system, which enables a timely review of overrides, significantly reduced the number of treatment couch position overrides and ultimately resulted in a decrease in treatment positioning errors. For patients treated with daily kV‐CBCT guidance, couch position shifts after CBCT image guidance demonstrated a low rate of exceeding the set tolerance.
Drug Protein‐Stabilized Biomimetic Amorphous Mineral Nanoparticles as Superior Drug Carriers
Authors: Lei Jing‐Shi , Zheng Yi , Meng Yu‐Feng , Wang Fei , Feng Yan‐Hui‐Zhi , Wang Hai‐Cheng , Mao Li‐Bo , Yu Shu‐Hong , Wang Zuo‐Lin
Published: May 2022

Minerals such as calcium carbonates and calcium phosphates are often used as drug protein carriers, which are urgently required for drug protein‐based therapy, due to their high biocompatibility. However, their performance is constrained by some obstacles, such as the low loading capacity and short circulation half‐life. Inspired by the in vivo growth of biominerals via the soluble protein‐stabilized amorphous precursors, herein drug proteins are directly used to stabilize amorphous carbonated calcium phosphate (ACCP) in a controlled mineralization environment. The bioactivity of the drugs in the ACCP carrier is preserved due to the mild synthesis condition. The intrinsically high absorption capability of the ACCP nanoparticles (NPs) leads to an ultra‐high protein loading capacity. In addition, the amorphous nature of the carrier ensures the homogeneous distribution of the protein molecules in the carrier, by which the drugs exhibit long‐term release in vitro. The effectiveness of this strategy by the high osteogenic ability of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 loaded ACCP NPs is demonstrated. Therefore, this biomimetic strategy provides a promising nanoplatform for drug protein‐based applications.
2D MBenes: A Novel Member in the Flatland
Authors: Nair Varun G. , Birowska Magdalena , Bury Dominika , Jakubczak Michał , Rosenkranz Andreas , Jastrzębska Agnieszka M.
Published: May 2022

2D MBenes, early transition metal borides, are a very recent derivative of ternary or quaternary transition metal boride (MAB) phases and represent a new member in the flatland. Although holding great potential toward various applications, mainly theoretical knowledge about their potential properties is available. Theoretical calculations and preliminary experimental attempts demonstrate their rich chemistry, excellent reactivity, mechanical strength/stability, electrical conductivity, transition properties, and energy harvesting possibility. Compared to MXenes, MBenes’ structure appears to be more complex due to multiple crystallographic arrangements, polymorphism, and structural transformations. This makes their synthesis and subsequent delamination into single flakes challenging. Overcoming this bottleneck will enable a rational control over MBenes’ material–structure–property relationship. Innovations in MBenes’ postprocessing approaches will allow for the design of new functional systems and devices with multipurpose functionalities thus opening a promising paradigm for the conscious design of high‐performance 2D materials.
Femtosecond Laser Ablation Assisted NFC Antenna Fabrication for Smart Contact Lenses
Authors: Mirzajani Hadi , Istif Emin , Abbasiasl Taher , Mirlou Fariborz , Özkahraman Ecem Ezgi , Hasanreisoglu Murat , Beker Levent
Published: May 2022

Smart contact lenses (SCLs) have drawn substantial interest for continuous health monitoring applications. Even though most of the reported works utilize near‐field communication (NFC) or inductive coupling for wireless powering and data transmission, developing a scalable and rapid fabrication technique for annular ring antennas confined in a small contact lens area is still an unsolved challenge. Here, femtosecond laser ablation is employed for the first time as a simple, single‐step, and highly precise fabrication technique for NFC antennas using conventional flexible printed circuit board materials. Antenna lines with depth and width of 9 and 35 μm are achieved, respectively. The antenna with a footprint of 19.5 mm2 is characterized in biological solution followed by aging, and bending tests, and a frequency deviation of less than %1 is recorded. A real‐life application is demonstrated by fabricating an SCL embedded with the antenna, an NFC chip, and an electrochemical sensor for wireless monitoring of glucose in artificial tear solution by a smartphone. The device could successfully quantify biologically relevant glucose concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1 mM with a limit‐of‐detection of 66 μM. In addition, device response to interfering molecules is less than ±1 nA, and the spike‐and‐recovery test is successfully demonstrated.
Imaging of Love Waves and Their Interaction with Magnetic Domain Walls in Magnetoelectric Magnetic Field Sensors
Authors: Müller Cai , Durdaut Phillip , Holländer Rasmus B. , Kittmann Anne , Schell Viktor , Meyners Dirk , Höft Michael , Quandt Eckhard , McCord Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

The complex behavior of horizontally polarized surface shear waves in magnetoelectric surface acoustic wave based magnetic field sensor devices is revealed by time‐resolved magnetooptical microscopy with picosecond temporal and submicron spatial resolution. The imaging of the propagating waves in the magnetoelectric composites is realized through the functional soft‐magnetic layer by coupled magnetoelastic interactions. Partial surface wave reflections, wave front dephasing, and secondary wave generation occur, which originate from structures and magnetic domain walls. Closure domain structures bend and reflect the magnetic surface waves. Strain stimulated magnetic domain walls display dynamic periodic expansions, which propagate along the domain walls and change the magnetomechanical response also in the surrounding regions. The revealed spatial and temporally varying nondeterministic response restricts the noise performance of the surface acoustic wave based magnetic field sensors and thus confines the sensor's limit of detection. Magnetic time‐resolved optical imaging is shown to be a powerful method for the operando characterization of magnetoelectric devices and in‐plane displacement surface acoustic wave fields that are not accessible by other methods.
Productivity and water use of ratoon rice cropping systems with water‐saving, drought‐resistant rice
Authors: Xia Fangzhao , Wang Wukai , Weng Yulin , Ali Ihsan , Zhao Jinsong , Nie Zhongnan , Li Xinghua , Yao Xuan , Yang Tewu
Published: May 2022

Water‐saving, drought‐resistant rice (WDR) (Oryza sativa L.) is a type of new rice cultivars with high drought resistance and low water consumption in the production phase. Ratoon rice cropping is regarded as a resource‐efficient rice production system with low cost and high profit. The development of ratoon rice system with WDR is conducive to the sustainable production of rice and the expansion of rice plantation; however, no such attempt has been made. In this study, a field experiment was conducted for 2 yr to evaluate the feasibility of developing new ratoon rice cropping systems using WDR compared with using common lowland rice (CLR). The productivity, regenerative capacity, and water use efficiency (WUE) were investigated in the water‐saving cultivation system using two WDR cultivars—Jieyou 652 and Jieyou 804—and in the conventional flooding cultivation system using the CLR cultivar Fengliangyouxiang 1. The irrigation WUE for the WDR systems was 89.8–214.8% and 243.4–765.6% higher than for the CLR system in the main and ratoon cropping seasons, respectively. The grain yield was not significantly different in the main cropping season between the WDR and CLR systems; nevertheless, it was lower in the WDR systems because of shorter growth duration and smaller panicles in the ratoon season. Higher accumulations of dry matter (DM), nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), and nitrogen in the stubble of main‐season crops is helpful to the promotion of regenerative capacity of WDR in the ratoon season.
Identification of key regulatory genes involved in the sporophyte and gametophyte development in Ginkgo biloba ovules revealed by in situ expression analyses
Authors: D'Apice Greta , Moschin Silvia , Nigris Sebastiano , Ciarle Riccardo , Muto Antonella , Bruno Leonardo , Baldan Barbara
Published: May 2022

Premise

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the role of the most important key genes that regulate ovule development is widely known. In nonmodel species, and especially in gymnosperms, the ovule developmental processes are still quite obscure. In this study, we describe the putative roles of Ginkgo biloba orthologs of regulatory genes during ovule development. Specifically, we studied AGAMOUS (AG), AGAMOUS‐like 6 (AGL6), AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), BELL1 (BEL1), Class III HD‐Zip, and YABBY Ginkgo genes.

Methods

We analyzed their expression domains through in situ hybridizations on two stages of ovule development: the very early stage that corresponds to the ovule primordium, still within wintering buds, and the late stage at pollination time.

Results

GBM5 (Ginkgo ortholog of AG), GbMADS8 (ortholog of AGL6) and GbC3HDZ1‐2‐3 were expressed in both the stages of ovule development, while GbMADS1, GbAGL6‐like genes (orthologs of AGL6), GbBEL1‐2 and YABBY Ginkgo orthologs (GbiYAB1B and GbiYABC) seem mostly involved at pollination time. GbANTL1 was not expressed in the studied stages and was different from GbANTL2 and GbBEL1, which seem to be involved at both stages of ovule development. In Ginkgo, the investigated genes display patterns of expression only partially comparable to those of other studied seed plants.

Conclusions

The expression of most of these regulatory genes in the female gametophyte region at pollination time leads to suggest a communication between the sporophytic maternal tissue and the developing female gametophyte, as demonstrated for well‐studied model angiosperms.
carba‐Nucleopeptides (cNPs): A Biopharmaceutical Modality Formed through Aqueous Rhodamine B Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Immel Jacob R. , Bloom Steven
Published: May 2022

Exchanging the ribose backbone of an oligonucleotide for a peptide can enhance its physiologic stability and nucleic acid binding affinity. Ordinarily, the eneamino nitrogen atom of a nucleobase is fused to the side chain of a polypeptide through a new C−N bond. The discovery of C−C linked nucleobases in the human transcriptome reveals new opportunities for engineering nucleopeptides that replace the traditional C−N bond with a non‐classical C−C bond, liberating a captive nitrogen atom and promoting new hydrogen bonding and π‐stacking interactions. We report the first late‐stage synthesis of C−C linkedcarba‐nucleopeptides (cNPs) using aqueous Rhodamine B photoredox catalysis. We prepare brand‐newcNPs in batch, in parallel, and in flow using three long‐wavelength photochemical setups. We detail the mechanism of our reaction by experimental and computational studies and highlight the essential role of diisopropylethylamine as a bifurcated two‐electron reductant.
Evaluation of performance properties of poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) rubber reinforced with N,N‐Dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride treated precipitated silica
Authors: Saleem R. Mohammed , Natchimuthu N.
Published: May 2022

Precipitated silica, treated with N,N‐Dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/Lithium Chloride (LiCl) at different LiCl concentrations, is used as reinforcing filler for poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) rubber (SBR). DMAc/LiCl treatment of silica reduces hydrogen bonding within silica particles and improve its dispersion in rubber. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data of treated DMAc/LiCl silica have indicated increased free hydroxyl groups as LiCl concentration in DMAc increases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations revealed smaller silica agglomerates, reduced scan height distribution and surface roughness. Better dispersion and reduced storage hardening of DMAc/LiCl treated silica‐filled SBR masterbatches, in the presence of bis‐(triethoxy silylpropyl)‐tetrasulphide (TESPT), are indications of easier processing of these compounds as observed from Mooney viscosity data. Mooney scorch time values at 125°C for compounds containing treated silica have indicated increased cure rates. Moving die rheometer data at 150°C have shown that combination of TESPT and DMAc/LiCl enhanced the processing safety of SBR compounds. Optimum concentration of LiCl combined with TESPT has resulted in enhanced crosslink density, physical properties, reduced swelling and heat build‐up in SBR vulcanizates.
Investigation of co‐electrospun gelatin:TiO2/polycaprolactone:silk fibroin scaffolds for wound healing applications
Authors: Golipour Hassan , Ezzatzadeh Elham , Sadeghianmaryan Ali
Published: May 2022

Electrospinning is a facile technique to create porous nanofiber scaffolds with a high capability of natural environment mimicking. Here, co‐electrospinning of gelatin:TiO2, polycaprolactone:silk fibroin (G:T/P:F) was investigated with the aim of wound healing. Polycaprolactone improved the mechanical properties and gelatin:TiO2enhanced cellular interactions. Silk fibroin was extracted from theBombyx morisilkworm and increased the cellular and mechanical properties of the designed scaffolds. The morphology of the scaffolds was observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and confirmed bead free porous nanofibrous structure. The fiber diameter rose after silk fibroin and TiO2addition but it was in the favorable fiber range. The contact angle, swelling, and mechanical properties of the G:T/P:F scaffolds supplied the requirements for skin tissue engineering. The designed scaffold showed over 80% cell viability with filopodia formation after 48 h according to cell adhesion observations and MTT assay results. The DAPI and LIVE/DEAD staining results confirmed high cell viability and the scratch assay observations proved the high wound healing potential of the G:T/P:F scaffolds. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were shown. It seems the designed scaffold can be useful in skin tissue regeneration. Further research may address the suggested skin scaffold.
Effect of phosphorylated lignin on flame retardancy of polypropylene‐based composites
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hun , Jang Dawon , Yang Inchan , Jo Seong Mu , Lee Sungho
Published: May 2022

Polypropylene (PP) is a synthetic polymer with excellent physical properties useful for various industries. However, its flammability in air limits its applications. In the present work, lignin filler was modified by phosphorylation, and characterized through chemical, structural, thermal, and morphological analyses. The resultant products were incorporated into PP to increase the flame retardancy of PP‐based composites. Although, the mechanical properties of the PP composites containing 30 wt% filler deteriorated, the tensile strength was maintained. An addition of phosphorylated lignin (pL) into PP decreased the heat release rate from 1136.5 to 777.2 kW/m2 and the total smoke release from 25.1 to 9.6 m2/m2. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy images of the pL incorporated composites after the combustion test revealed that the solid char formed on the composites acted as a protective layer for PP. Thus, incorporating pL into PP is a feasible approach for improving its flame retardancy.
Classifying papers into subfields using Abstracts, Titles, Keywords and KeyWords Plus through pattern detection and optimization procedures: An application in Physics
Authors: Pech Gerson , Delgado Catarina , Sorella Silvio Paolo
Published: May 2022

Classifying papers according to the fields of knowledge is critical to clearly understand the dynamics of scientific (sub)fields, their leading questions, and trends. Most studies rely on journal categories defined by popular databases such as WoS or Scopus, but some experts find that those categories may not correctly map the existing subfields nor identify the subfield of a specific article. This study addresses the classification problem using data from each paper (Abstract, Title, Keywords, and the KeyWords Plus) and the help of experts to identify the existing subfields and journals exclusive of each subfield. These “exclusive journals” are critical to obtain, through a pattern detection procedure that uses machine learning techniques (from software NVivo), a list of the frequent terms that are specific to each subfield. With that list of terms and with the help of optimization procedures, we can identify to which subfield each paper most likely belongs. This study can contribute to support scientific policy‐makers, funding, and research institutions—via more accurate academic performance evaluations—, to support editors in their tasks to redefine the scopes of journals, and to support popular databases in their processes of refining categories.
An asymptotic state estimator design and synchronization criteria for fractional order time‐delayed genetic regulatory networks
Authors: Anbalagan Pratap , Hincal Evren , Ramachandran Raja , Baleanu Dumitru , Cao Jinde , Niezabitowski Michał
Published: May 2022

This paper mainly investigates the asymptotic state estimator design and impulsive controlled synchronization for fractional‐order time‐delayed genetic regulatory networks (FOTDGRNs). Different from the existing state estimator results, the asymptotic state estimator design of FOTDGRNs is studied by using a novel algebraic method, fractional‐order Lyapunov–Razumikhin method, and some famous inequality techniques. Afterward, a suitable impulsive controller is designed for the global asymptotic synchronization criteria for addressing master–slave systems. At last, the paper comes up with two numerical cases to justify the applicability of our theoretical outcomes.
Reliable control strategy based on sliding mode observer against FDI attacks in smart grid
Authors: Li Jian , Yang Defu , Su Qingyu
Published: May 2022

This paper is concerned with the reliable operation of cyber‐physical systems under false data injection attacks. First of all, a robust adaptive sliding mode observer is designed to estimate the state of the power system; different from the traditional sliding mode observer, the observer we designed is not only robust to state errors but also can automatically adjust the parameter of attack identification. Secondly, a method of attack reconstruction has been given to estimate the actual attack signal. Finally, a reliable sliding mode control strategy is proposed to eliminate the impact of false data injection attacks; compared with the existing results, the designed defense strategy utilizes the reconstructed attack signal in the attack identification scheme and state error signal at the same time. Moreover, a power system with 3 generator buses and 6 load buses is taken as an simulation example to verify the availability of the proposed control strategy.
The control methods of Knee‐Ankle‐Toe Active Transfemoral Prosthesis in stance phase
Authors: Geng Yanli , Wu Zhengen , Chen Yawei , Lin Bai , Xuan Bokai
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a Knee‐Ankle‐Toe Active Transfemoral Prosthesis (KATATP) is designed for improving the walking performance of the amputees. The main contents are as follows: First, the mechanical model of the prosthesis with three joints is established to help analyze the kinematics and dynamics characteristics of the joints; second, the Drive Torque Calculation cell is proposed to calculate the torque required for the movement of prosthesis joints; third, the motor, which provides the desired torque, drives the prosthesis; finally, experimental results indicate that the KATATP can help the amputee obtain more natural and symmetrical walking gaits. Moreover, the plantar pressure information of the amputated side is close to that of the sound side.
Single‐particle correlation study: Chemical interface damping in gold nanorods coated with mesoporous silica shell
Authors: Heo Seong Eun , Ha Ji Won
Published: May 2022

Chemical interface damping (CID) is the most recently suggested plasmon damping pathway induced by adsorbate molecules in gold nanoparticles. Despite recent advances in this field, CID has not been studied in gold nanorods coated with mesoporous silica shells (AuNRs@mSiO2). Herein, we conducted a single‐particle correlation study to elucidate CID using p‐nitrothiophenol (p‐NTP) as adsorbates in single AuNRs@mSiO2. Through surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy studies, we confirmed that p‐NTP with a strong electron‐withdrawing group was effectively adsorbed on the AuNR cores. Following the chemisorption of p‐NTP, a strong CID was observed with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) linewidth broadening through the preferred interaction between sulfur and the Au surfaces. Furthermore, we presented the molecular binding effect on the LSPR linewidth of single AuNRs@mSiO2 during the reaction with p‐NTP in real‐time. Thus, the result further supported that the CID could be used to develop LSPR sensors having low sensitivity to the medium dielectric constant.
Relationship between perceived threat of COVID‐19 and burnout among frontline nurses: A mediation analysis
Authors: Gisilanbe Vetbuje Benard , Farmanesh Panteha , Sousan Arman
Published: May 2022

Background

Burnout of nurses during the Coronavirus of 2019 pandemic can end up extremely expensive for societies. It is found that positive religious coping (PRC) and a secure God attachment are effective for shielding against the adverse consequences of being exposed to stressful situations.

Methods

This research explores the relationships among God attachment, religious coping, and burnout among nurses who are confronted with COVID‐19 as a perceived threat through a model based on the combination of attachment theory and the Job Demands‐Resources model. Analysis was done using SMART‐PLS.

Results

The results reveal that perceived threat of COVID‐19 (PTC) positively correlates with burnout among nurses and that secure attachment to God and PRC can buffer this relationship, while insecure attachment to God, including anxious and avoidant attachment, along with negative religious coping positively mediates the relationship between PTC and burnout.

Conclusion

Finally, this study suggests managerial implications of these findings for healthcare organizations and a recommendation for helping out staff to help them manage such threats and their attachment to God.
Protective Effects of Grapefruit Essential Oil againstStaphylococcus Aureus‐Induced Inflammation and Cell Damage in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Zhang Xiaona , Xu Heran , Hua Jinglin , Zhu Ziying , Wang Min
Published: May 2022

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) is a common skin pathogenic bacterium, over‐colonization can induce skin infections, while its metabolites can also produce irritation to the skin, often accompanied by eczema dermatitis, specific dermatitis and other skin diseases. Grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the fruit of grapefruit (Citrus maxima(Burm) Merr.), a citrus plant that is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids and high flavanones. Due to its good odor and biological activity such as anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, etc., grapefruit essential oil has been widely used as an additive in food. To evaluate the potential application of grapefruit essential oil as raw materials in cosmetics products and health foods, we developed a cell damage model of skin inflammation stimulated byS. aureusmetabolites. Compared to that of lime essential oil, an internal control, we found that grapefruit essential oil could significantly promote HaCaT cells proliferation, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced byS. aureusmetabolites, inhibit the upregulated expression of IL‐1 and COX‐2. In the 3D epidermal model, grapefruit essential oil could recover the decreased LOR and FLG contents caused byS. aureusmetabolites. These results demonstrated pharmacological evidence for the anti‐inflammatory effect of grapefruit essential oil, suggesting a potential application of grapefruit essential oil as cosmetic raw materials for repair and alleviating of skin inflammation caused byS. aureus.
Essential Oils of Three Balkan Abies Species: Chemical Profiles, Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity toward Artemia salina and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mitić Zorica S. , Stojanović‐Radić Zorica Z. , Jovanović Snežana Č. , Cvetković Vladimir J. , Nikolić Jelena S. , Ickovski Jovana D. , Mitrović Tatjana Lj. , Nikolić Biljana M. , Zlatković Bojan K. , Stojanović Gordana S.
Published: May 2022

This study focused on the essential oils (EOs) isolated from needles with twigs of three indigenous Balkan Abies species (A. alba, A. × borisii‐regis and A. cephalonica) regarding their chemical composition, antimicrobial activity and toxicity toward crustaceans and insects. Even though distinct phytochemical profiles of dominant volatiles were revealed for each species, β‐pinene and α‐pinene represented the first two major volatiles in all three EOs. Antimicrobial activity of EOs has shown inhibitory effect against all 17 studied strains (ATCC and respiratory isolates) in the range of 0.62–20.00 mg/mL (MICs). Further, all three EOs exhibited strong toxicity (LC50<100 μg/mL) in Artemia salina lethality bioassay, but with significant differences that depended on the EO type. Additionally, tested EOs have shown a certain level of toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster, mostly at the highest tested concentration (3 %) which caused significant prolongation of developmental time, larvicidal effect and pupal mortality. In the three biological assays performed, there was no observed inhibitory effect or weakest activity for A. alba EO. Further, A. cephalonica EO has shown the highest levels of antimicrobial activity and toxicity toward A. salina, while in relation to the insecticidal potential, A. cephalonica and A. × borisii‐regis EOs exhibited similar level of toxicity against D. melanogaster.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2022

Mild improvement of adolescent PTSD with ifenprodil tartrate

Safety, but ineffectiveness, of vortioxetine in treating depression
Effects of water, salt, and mixing on the rheological properties of bread dough at large and small deformations: A review
Authors: Sun Xinyang , Koksel Filiz , Scanlon Martin G. , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective

A direct relationship between dough rheology and bread quality has been clearly revealed to show remarkable significance of studying dough rheological properties throughout breadmaking processes. This review paper has presented the effects of basic ingredients and mixing conditions on dough rheological properties at large and small deformations.

Findings

At both large and small deformations, dough rheological parameters have indicated that the variation in dough strength is due to a manipulation of ingredients and mixing conditions. The rheological properties of doughs over a wide range of formulations and processing conditions have been well characterized using the basic rheological models varying in the degree of complexity. Particularly, a power‐law gel model with only two parameters has a good ability for describing the strength and linear viscoelastic behavior of dough.

Conclusions

To devise strategies for achieving a desirable product quality, a deep understanding of the effects of ingredients and mixing conditions on dough rheology is in great need.

Significance and Novelty

Dough rheology insights not only benefit the bakery industry by screening suitable wheat flours for breadmaking, but also provide knowledge of how to improve dough handling properties during bakery manufacturing.
Can the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 cause pneumonia in young patients without risk factors?
Authors: Ito Noriaki , Kitahara Yoshihiro , Miwata Kei , Okimoto Mafumi , Takafuta Toshiro
Published: May 2022

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has rapidly spread worldwide since December 2021. In daily medical practice, pneumonia does not often appear as a complication of the Omicron variant. We present a case of COVID‐19 pneumonia by the Omicron variant in young patients without obvious risk factors.
Chiral probe for mass spectrometric identification and quantitation of levodropropizine and its enantiomer, dextrodropropizine
Authors: Zhang Caiyu , Liu Yang , Liu Rui , Li Wei , Liu Changxiao , He Lan
Published: May 2022

Acyl chlorides react rapidly with hydroxyl and amino groups in the absence of catalysts and therefore hold great promise for chiral mass spectrometry. Herein, a tandem mass spectrometry method based on derivatization with (−)‐camphanic acid chloride as a simple chiral probe was developed for the highly sensitive detection and quantitation of levodropropizine and its enantiomer, namely, dextrodropropizine. The diastereomeric derivatization products were quantified based on the relative abundances of their fragment ions produced upon collision‐induced dissociation in positive‐ion mode. The reactive site was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and two‐dimensional total correlation spectroscopy, and the reaction mechanism was proved by stoichiometry studies. The degree of isomer recognition was investigated at different collision energies and determined as Rchiral ≈ 1.5. Thus, this study gives the way to the mass spectrometric identification and quantitation of levodropropizine and its enantiomer, and the developed method represents a new and practical technique for rapid and sensitive determination and quality control of enantiomers of chiral drugs.