bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image et réalité dans la théorie cinématographique d’André Bazin
Authors: Guercini Maurizio
Published: November 2018

La notion classique de réalisme est au coeur de la réflexion d’André Bazin sur l’image cinématographique. Loin de se réduire à ses aspects technique et psychologique, le réalisme cinématographique doit être entendu dans un sens stylistique et ontologique. Ontologique, car l’image cinématographique parvient à manifester l’essence même de la réalité, qui consiste dans son ambiguïté : Bazin est ici au plus près de la conception bergsonienne de l’art. Stylistique, car cette vocation ontologique de l’image cinématographique ne peut se réaliser qu’en vertu de choix esthétiques : Bazin distingue nettement un cinéma de l’image d’un cinéma de la réalité et reconnaît, au sein de ce dernier, une grande variété d’options stylistiques.
Les revenants : l’Algérie et le retour du refoulé dans le cinéma français
Authors: Mouflard Claire
Published: November 2018

Cette étude comparative du film de Robin Campillo intituléLes revenants(2004) et deCaché(2005) de Michael Haneke porte sur le refoulement dans la conscience collective française des meurtres, tortures et diverses formes de discrimination perpétrés en métropole lors des événements de la guerre d’Algérie (1954-1962) et dans les années ayant suivi l’indépendance de l’ancienne colonie française. Dans ces deux longs métrages, le refoulé est incarné par le personnage du revenant, c’est-à-dire celui que l’on croyait mort et qui revient hanter cette conscience collective nationale tel un spectre jetant une ombre sur la soi-disant impeccabilité de l’identité républicaine française. Les thèmes abordés par ces deux réalisateurs sont analysés en fonction du contexte socio-culturel de l’immigration algérienne en France métropolitaine.
Decline in coral cover and flattening of the reefs around Mauritius (1998–2010)
Authors: Elliott Jennifer A. , Patterson Mark R. , Staub Caroline G. , Koonjul Meera , Elliott Stephen M.
Published: November 2018

Coral reefs are degrading through the impacts of multiple anthropogenic stressors. How are coral reef communities going to change and how to protect them for future generations are important conservation questions. Using coral reef data from Mauritius, we examined changes in cover in 23 benthic groups for a 13-yr period and at 15 sites. Moreover, we determined which land-based stressor out of four (human population, agriculture, tourism, rainfall) correlated the most with the observed changes in coral reef cover. Among the stony corals, Acropora corals appeared to be the most impacted, decreasing in cover at many sites. However, the non-Acropora encrusting group increased in cover at several sites. The increase in abundance of dead corals and rubble at some sites also supported the observations of stony coral decline during the study period. Additionally, the decline in stony corals appeared to be more pronounced in second half of the study period for all sites suggesting that a global factor rather than a local factor was responsible for this decline. There was little change in cover for the other benthic groups, some of which were quite rare. Human population was significantly correlated with changes in coral reef cover for 11 sites, followed by tourism and agriculture. Rainfall, a proxy for runoff, did not appear to affect coral reef cover. Overall, our results showed that there has been a decline of stony coral cover especially the ones with complex morphologies, which in turn suggest that coral reefs around Mauritius have experienced a decline in habitat complexity during the study period. Our study also suggests that humans are an important factor contributing to the demise of coral reefs around the island.
PRÁTICAS DE MONTAGEM TEATRAL UNIVERSITÁRIA E A DIVERSIDADE DAS EXPERIÊNCIAS - APONTAMENTOS SOB O OLHAR DA DIREÇÃO
Authors: De Borba Patrícia de Borba
Published: November 2018

Resumo: Este artigo relata a experiência vivida ao longo de 20 anos como professora da disciplina de Prática de Montagem no Curso de Teatro da Universidade de Blumenau – FURB, destacando alguns aspectos da direção frente às especificidades de cada turma de alunos. Palavras-chave: Teatro universitário. Montagem. Direção. _________________ Abstract: This article reflects on the 20-year experience of teaching performance, with special emphasis on the specific aspects of directing different groups of students. Key-words: Academical theater. Performance. Directing.
ФИЗИОЛОГИЯ ЛЕГОЧНЫХ ВЕНОЗНЫХ СОСУДОВ, "Российский физиологический журнал им. И.М. Сеченова"
Authors: Евлахов В. И. , Поясов И. З.
Published: November 2018

В обзоре представлены данные литературы о функциях легочных венозных сосудов и механизмах их регуляции. Венозные сосуды легких обеспечивают отток оксигенированной крови к левому сердцу, мобилизацию легочного резервного объема крови, участвуют в поддержании фильтрационно-абсорбционного равновесия, регуляции шунтирующего артериовенозного и бронхопульмонального кровотоков. Крупные легочные вены, впадающие в левое предсердие, являются рефлексогенной зоной, а миокард левого предсердия, покрывающий эти сосуды, может являться источником развития фибрилляции предсердий. Рассмотрены ионные и молекулярные механизмы регуляции сократимости гладкомышечных клеток, роль местных, нейрогенных и гуморальных факторов в изменениях тонуса легочных венозных сосудов. Показано, что констрикторные и дилататорные реакции венозных сосудов легких в ответ на активацию соответственно а- и -адренорецепторов более выражены, чем у легочных артерий. Реакции легочных венозных сосудов в ответ на активацию М-холинергических механизмов неоднозначны и зависят от их исходного тонуса. В случае низкой исходной величины последнего имеют место констрикторные реакции, а при исходно высоком тонусе, напротив, дилататорные. Сделан акцент на значимость активных реакций венозных сосудов легких в регуляции фильтрационно-абсорбционного равновесия и показана их роль в изменениях легочного кровообращения в нормальных условиях и при патологии легочного кровообращения (гипоксия, острая тромбоэмболия легочной артерии, легочная венозная гипертензия). Подчеркнуто, что в исследованиях механизмов регуляции сократимости гладкомышечных клеток, выполняемых с помощью методов молекулярной биологии, не могут быть учтены все факторы, влияющие на сосуды в реальной системе кровообращения. Поэтому необходимы многоплановые исследования, интегрирующие результаты экспериментов проводимых на клеточном, органном и системном уровнях.
ВОЗРАСТНЫЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ПИК-ВОЛНОВЫХ РАЗРЯДОВ У КРЫС ЛИНИИ WAG/Rij С ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКОЙ АБСАНСНОЙ ЭПИЛЕПСИЕЙ, "Российский физиологический журнал им. И.М. Сеченова"
Authors: Габова А.В. , Саркисова К.Ю. , Федосова Е.А. , Шацкова А. Б. , Морозов А.А.
Published: November 2018

Крысы линии WAG/Rij являются моделью генетической абсансной эпилепсии, характеризующейся наличием пик-волновых разрядов (ПВР) на ЭЭГ. Известно, что первые ПВР у крыс линии WAG/Rij возникают в возрасте 2-3 месяцев, а в дальнейшем их число и длительность увеличиваются. Однако эволюция ПВР в процессе прогрессивного развития абсансной эпилепсии у крыс линии WAG/Rij остается неисследованной. Цель настоящей работы - выяснить возрастные изменения частотно-временной динамики, частотного спектра и морфологических характеристик ПВР у крыс линии WAG/Rij. Для достижения этой цели у одних и тех же крыс в возрасте от 2 до 12 месяцев исследовали эволюцию ПВР. Установлено, что ПВР формируются в возрасте 2-4 месяцев, в дальнейшем наблюдают морфологические изменения ПВР. Показано, что в процессе прогрессивного развития абсансной эпилепсии ПВР проходят 3 стадии «созревания». Предполагается, что связанная с возрастом эволюция ПВР у крыс линии WAG/Rij является отражением прогрессивных электрофизиологических изменений в соматосенсорной коре - области мозга, с которой связывают генерацию и генерализацию ПВР.
Jenny Wormald
Authors: Groundwater Anna
Published: November 2018

In the later 20th and early 21st centuries, Jenny Wormald was the most original, and one of the pre-eminent, historians of late medieval and early modern Scotland.
A prehistoric cremation burial at Duns Law Farm, near Duns, Scottish Borders
Authors: Anderson Sue , Johnson Melanie , Clarke Ann , Cressey Mike , Hastie Mhairi
Published: November 2018

A large prehistoric pit was uncovered during a watching brief on a water main installation. The pit was partially stone-lined and two small scoops were identified at the base. These contained one complete and one partial Beaker vessel. The fills of the pit produced a small quantity of cremated human bone which represented a minimum of four individuals (three adults and a juvenile). Also mixed into the fills were sherds of other Beaker vessels, a few lithics, a stone axehead, and fragments of Neolithic pottery. Radiocarbon determinations produced early Neolithic dates for four samples of human bone and a grain of wheat, and one human bone sample produced a Bronze Age date later than the generally accepted currency of Beaker pottery production in Scotland. Interpretation of this strange collection of material is discussed with reference to Neolithic and Bronze Age burial practices; the evidence for the use of this pit in the Neolithic for cremation burial is a rare find and provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period and type of monument.
Kisimul, Isle of Barra part 2
Authors: Franklin Julie , Lochrie Julie
Published: November 2018

Kisimul Castle was taken into the guardianship of Historic Scotland in 2000 and, in order to inform any future works for its upkeep, a programme of archaeological evaluation, building recording and historical research was undertaken in 2001. Following on from this, a detailed programme of post-excavation analysis and research was conducted in 2011–12. The historical and architectural work has been published as Part 1 (Holden 2017). This Part 2 covers the archaeological work. While frustratingly little was revealed by the archaeology in terms of the construction of the castle, it did identify evidence for prehistoric as well as post-medieval occupation. The finds, including a significant quantity of craggan ware pottery and an exquisite gold lace tag, provide an evocative picture of life on the isle and its inhabitants.
Littleferry, Sutherland
Authors: Bradley Richard , Watson Aaron , Scott Ronnie , Jack Annette
Published: November 2018

The paper considers the significance of one of the largest collections of earlier prehistoric artefacts associated with a Scottish dune system. It came from a narrow spit, formerly an offshore island, at the mouth of Loch Fleet and was dominated by large numbers of arrowheads dating from the Early Neolithic period and the Beaker phase. They seem to have been made there, and many were unfinished. The original findspots are inaccessible today, but a programme of field walking in the surrounding area confirmed their exceptional character. Perhaps this remote location was chosen as a production site because of the specialised roles played by the artefacts made there. The results of this project are compared with similar evidence from the Culbin and Luce Sands.
Fractional‐order PID servo control based on decoupled visual model
Authors: Liu Weipeng , Bian Gui‐Bin , Rahman Muhammad Rameez Ur , Zhang Haojie , Chen Haiyong , Wu Wanqing
Published: November 2018

A decoupled visual model and a fractional PID controller are designed aiming at the problem of the view distortion in the fillet weld welding process. Firstly, the intersection point coordinates of two laser stripes are selected as the image characteristics, and the decoupled visual model is designed to the tracking control of the fillet weld seam so that the control value in two directions is decoupled, reducing the difficulty of control. In addition to this, the image may produce distortion in the dynamic tracking process, causing nonlinearity and coupling in two directions. To solve this problem, the fractional‐order PID controller is designed so that the adjustment range and the control ability are improved better than the traditional PID controller. Some experiments verify that the desired performance can be achieved by using the proposed methods.
The Axon Initial Segment is the Dominant Contributor to the Neuron's Extracellular Electrical Potential Landscape
Authors: Bakkum Douglas J. , Obien Marie Engelene J. , Radivojevic Milos , Jäckel David , Frey Urs , Takahashi Hirokazu , Hierlemann Andreas
Published: November 2018

Extracellular voltage fields, produced by a neuron's action potentials, provide a widely used means for studying neuronal and neuronal‐network function. The neuron's soma and dendrites are thought to drive the extracellular action potential (EAP) landscape, while the axon's contribution is usually considered less important. However, by recording voltages of single neurons in dissociated rat cortical cultures and Purkinje cells in acute mouse cerebellar slices through hundreds of densely packed electrodes, it is found, instead, that the axon initial segment dominates the measured EAP landscape, and, surprisingly, the soma only contributes to a minor extent. As expected, the recorded dominant signal has negative polarity (charge entering the cell) and initiates at the distal end. Interestingly, signals with positive polarity (charge exiting the cell) occur near some but not all dendritic branches and occur after a delay. Such basic knowledge about which neuronal compartments contribute to the extracellular voltage landscape is important for interpreting results from all electrical readout schemes. Finally, initiation of the electrical activity at the distal end of the axon initial segment (AIS) and subsequent spreading into the axon proper and backward through the proximal AIS toward the soma are confirmed. The corresponding extracellular waveforms across different neuronal compartments could be tracked.
Highly Improved Cycling Stability of Anion De‐/Intercalation in the Graphite Cathode for Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Wen‐Hao , Ning Qiu‐Li , Xi Xiao‐Tong , Hou Bao‐Hua , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Yang Yang , Chen Bin , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: November 2018

Conventional ion batteries utilizing metallic ions as the single charge carriers are limited by the insufficient abundance of metal resources. Although supercapacitors apply both cations and anions to store energy through absorption and/or Faradic reactions occurring at the interfaces of the electrode/electrolyte, the inherent low energy density hinders its application. The graphite‐cathode‐based dual‐ion battery possesses a higher energy density due to its high working potential of nearly 5 V. However, such a battery configuration suffers from severe electrolyte decomposition and exfoliation of the graphite cathode, rendering an inferior cycle life. Herein, a new surface‐modification strategy is developed to protect the graphite cathode from the anion salvation effect and the deposition derived from electrolyte decomposition by generating an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Such SEI‐modified graphite exhibits superior cycling stability with 96% capacity retention after 500 cycles under 200 mA g−1 at the upper cutoff voltage of 5.0 V, which is much improved compared with the pristine graphite electrode. Through several ex situ studies, it is revealed that the artificial SEI greatly stabilizes the interfaces of the electrode/electrolyte after reconstruction and gradual establishment of the optimal anion‐transport path. The findings shed light on a new avenue toward promoting the performance of the dual‐ion battery (DIB) and hence to make it practical finally.
Organohalide Lead Perovskites: More Stable than Glass under Gamma‐Ray Radiation
Authors: Yang Shuang , Xu Zeyuan , Xue Sha , Kandlakunta Praneeth , Cao Lei , Huang Jinsong
Published: November 2018

Organohalide metal perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductor materials for use as space solar cells and radiation detectors. However, there is a lack of study of their stability under operational conditions. Here a stability study of perovskite solar cells under gamma‐rays and visible light simultaneously is reported. The perovskite active layers are shown to retain 96.8% of their initial power conversion efficiency under continuous irradiation of gamma‐rays and light for 1535 h, where gamma‐rays have an accumulated dose of 2.3 Mrad. In striking contrast, a glass substrate shows obvious loss of transmittance under the same irradiation conditions. The excellent stability of the perovskite solar cells benefits from the self‐healing behavior to recover its efficiency loss from the early degradation induced by gamma‐ray irradiation. Defect density characterization reveals that gamma‐ray irradiation does not induce electronic trap states. These observations demonstrate the prospects of perovskite materials in applications of radiation detectors and space solar cells.
Nanoscale Mechanosensing of Natural Killer Cells is Revealed by Antigen‐Functionalized Nanowires
Authors: Le Saux Guillaume , Bar‐Hanin Netanel , Edri Avishay , Hadad Uzi , Porgador Angel , Schvartzman Mark
Published: November 2018

Cells sense their environment by transducing mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. Commonly used tools to study cell mechanosensing provide limited spatial and force resolution. Here, a novel nanowire‐based platform for monitoring cell forces is reported. Nanowires are functionalized with ligands for cell immunoreceptors, and they are used to explore the mechanosensitivity of natural killer (NK) cells. In particular, it is found that NK cells apply centripetal forces to nanowires, and that the nanowires stimulate cell contraction. Based on the nanowire deformation, it is calculated that cells apply forces of down to 10 pN, which is the smallest value demonstrated so far by microstructured platforms for cell spreading. Furthermore, the roles of: i) nanowire topography and ii) activating ligands in the cell immune function are studied and it is found that only their combination produces enhanced population of activated NK cells. Thus, a mechanosensing mechanism of NK cells is proposed, by which they integrate biochemical and mechanical stimuli into a decision‐making machinery analogous to the AND logic gate, whose output is the immune activation. This work reveals unprecedented mechanical aspects of NK cell immune function and introduces an innovative nanomaterial for studying cellular mechanics with unparalleled spatial and mechanical resolution.
Computational fluid dynamics after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery—possible empty nose syndrome in the context of middle turbinate resection
Authors: Maza Guillermo , Li Chengyu , Krebs Jillian P. , Otto Bradley A. , Farag Alexander A. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Zhao Kai
Published: November 2018

Background

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare and debilitating disease with a controversial definition, etiology, and treatment. One puzzling fact is that patients who undergo an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) often have resection of multiple anatomic structures, yet seldom develop ENS. In this pilot study, we analyzed and compared the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and symptoms among post‐EEA patients, ENS patients, and healthy subjects.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of 4 post‐EEA patients were collected and analyzed using CFD techniques. Two patients had significant ENS symptoms based on results of the Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐item Questionnaire (score >11), whereas the other 2 were asymptomatic. As a reference, their results were compared with previously published CFD results of 27 non‐EEA ENS patients and 42 healthy controls.

Results

Post‐EEA patients with ENS symptoms had a similar nasal airflow pattern as non‐EEA ENS patients. This pattern differed significantly from that of EEA patients without ENS symptoms and healthy controls. Overall, groups with ENS symptoms exhibited airflow dominant in the middle meatus region and a significantly lower percentage of airflow in the inferior turbinate region (EEA with ENS, 17.74 ± 4.00% vs EEA without ENS, 51.25 ± 3.33% [t test, p < 0.02]; non‐EEA ENS, 25.8 ± 17.6%; healthy subjects, 36.5 ± 15.9%) as well as lower peak wall shear stress (EEA with ENS, 0.30 ± 0.13 Pa vs EEA without ENS, 0.61 ± 0.03 Pa [p = 0.003]; non‐EEA ENS, 0.58 ± 0.24 Pa; healthy subjects, 1.18 ± 0.81 Pa).

Conclusion

These results suggest that turbinectomy and/or posterior septectomy may have a varying functional impact and that ENS symptoms go beyond anatomy and correlate with aerodynamic changes. The findings open the door for CFD as a potential objective diagnosis tool for ENS.
Synthesis of Polysubstituted Iodoarenes Enabled by Iterative Iodine‐Directed para and ortho C−H Functionalization
Authors: Wu Yichen , Bouvet Sébastien , Izquierdo Susana , Shafir Alexandr
Published: November 2018

Among halogenated aromatics, iodoarenes are unique in their ability to produce the bench‐stable halogen(III) form. Earlier, such iodine(III) centers were shown to enable C−H functionalization ortho to iodine via halogen‐centered rearrangement. The broader implications of this phenomenon are explored by testing the extent of an unusual iodane‐directed para C−H benzylation, as well as by developing an efficient C−H coupling with sulfonyl‐substituted allylic silanes. Through the combination of the one‐shot nature of the coupling event and the iodine retention, multisubstituted arenes can be prepared by sequentially engaging up to three aromatic C−H sites. This type of iodine‐based iterative synthesis will serve as a tool for the formation of value‐added aromatic cores.
Kristall‐Engineering: ein Blick in die Zukunft
Authors: Nangia Ashwini K. , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: November 2018

Kristall‐Engineering befasst sich traditionell mit Molekülkristallen. Intermolekulare Wechselwirkungen im Zusammenhang mit der Kristallpackung werden aufgeklärt, und die so erhaltenen Kenntnisse werden für den Entwurf neuer Festkörper mit gewünschten physikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften genutzt. Wir besprechen fünf Themenbereiche, die in den Umfang des Kristall‐Engineerings fallen und für die wir annehmen, dass sorgfältig geplante Forschungsarbeiten zu einem erheblichen Gewinn für die Wissenschaft mit Nutzen für die Gesellschaft führen könnten. Wir berühren Themen und Gebiete für künftige Forschungsförderung und Translationsbemühungen vor dem Hintergrund aktueller gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungen, bei denen zunehmend Anwendungen und nutzbare Produkte erwartet werden. Die fünf Themenbereiche sind: 1) pharmazeutische Feststoffe; 2) industrielle Festkörperreaktionen; 3) mechanische Eigenschaften mit praktischen Anwendungen; 4) Festkörper mit MOF‐ und COF‐Gerüsten; 5) neue Materialien für die Solarenergiegewinnung und fortgeschrittene Polymere.
Divergent Synthesis of Natural Derivatives of (+)‐Saxitoxin Including 11‐Saxitoxinethanoic Acid
Authors: Walker James R. , Merit Jeffrey E. , Thomas‐Tran Rhiannon , Tang Doris T. Y. , Du Bois J.
Published: November 2018

The bis‐guanidinium toxins are a collection of natural products that display nanomolar potency against select isoforms of eukaryotic voltage‐gated Na+ ion channels. We describe a synthetic strategy that enables access to four of these poisons, namely 11‐saxitoxinethanoic acid, C13‐acetoxy saxitoxin, decarbamoyl saxitoxin, and saxitoxin. Highlights of this work include an unusual Mislow–Evans rearrangement and a late‐stage Stille ketene acetal coupling. The IC50 value of 11‐saxitoxinethanoic acid was measured against rat NaV1.4, and found to be 17.0 nm, similar to those of the sulfated toxins gonyautoxin II and III.
Organocatalytic and Scalable Syntheses of Unsymmetrical 1,2,4,5‐Tetrazines by Thiol‐Containing Promotors
Authors: Mao Wuyu , Shi Wei , Li Jie , Su Dunyan , Wang Xiaomeng , Zhang Lyuye , Pan Lili , Wu Xiaoai , Wu Haoxing
Published: November 2018

Despite the growing application of tetrazine bioorthogonal chemistry, it is still challenging to access tetrazines conveniently from easily available materials. Described here is the de novo formation of tetrazine from nitriles and hydrazine hydrate using a broad array of thiol‐containing catalysts, including peptides. Using this facile methodology, the syntheses of 14 unsymmetric tetrazines, containing a range of reactive functional groups, on the gram scale were achieved with satisfactory yields. Using tetrazine methylphosphonate as a building block, a highly efficient Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction was developed for further derivatization under mild reaction conditions. Tetrazine probes with diverse functions can be scalably produced in yields of 87–93 %. This methodology may facilitate the widespread application of tetrazine bioorthogonal chemistry.
P3s and the Water–Energy Nexus: Opportunities for Water Sector Energy Projects
Authors: Tobey Bruce , McGinnis Sean
Published: November 2018

A public–private partnership study informs best practices for water–energy projects that can reduce costs and environmental impacts.
Early detection of cervical cancer based on high‐risk HPV DNA‐based genosensors: A systematic review
Authors: Mahmoodi Pegah , Fani Mona , Rezayi Majid , Avan Amir , Pasdar Zahra , Karimi Ehsan , Amiri Iraj S. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: November 2018

Human papillomavirus type (HPV) is a common cause of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in humans. HPV types 16 and 18 as the highest risk types are related with gynecologic malignancy and cervical cancer (CC) among women worldwide. Recently, considerable development of genosensors, which allows dynamic monitoring of hybridization events for HPV‐16 and 18, has been a topic of focus by many researchers. In this systematic review, we highlight the route of development of DNA‐based genosensory detection methods for diagnosis of high risk of HPV precancer. Biosensor detection methods of HPV‐16 and 18 was investigated from 1994 to 2018 using several databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Scientific Information Database. Manual search of references of retrieved articles were also performed. A total of 50 studies were reviewed. By analyzing the most recent developed electrochemical biosensors for the identification of HPV, we observed that the sensor platform fabricated by Wang et al. holds the lowest detection limit reported in the literature for the DNA of HPV‐16. Up to this date, optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric systems are the main transducers used in the development of biosensors. Among the most sensitive techniques available to study the biorecognition activity of the sensors, we highlight the biosensors based fluorescent, EIS, and QCM. The current systematic review focuses on the sensory diagnostic methods that are being used to detect HPV‐16 and 18 worldwide. Special emphasis is given on the sensory techniques that can diagnosis the individuals with CC. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):101–117, 2019
Vicenin‐2 acts as a radiosensitizer of the non‐small cell lung cancer by lowering Akt expression
Authors: Baruah Taranga Jyoti , Kma Lakhon
Published: November 2018

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a very high rate of incidence and is resistant to chemo‐ and radiotherapy. Vicenin‐2 (VCN‐2) is a flavonoid obtained from Ocimum sanctum L. and it has been reported to have radioprotective, anticancer, and radiosensitizing properties. We have conducted this study to check the effect of VCN‐2 on the cell viability and the effect on PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog), PI3KCA (Phosphatidylinositol 4, 5‐biphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform/PI3K 110α subunit), and Akt1 when VCN‐2 was used alone and in combination with radiation in the NSCLC cell line NCI‐H23 (H23). We have also checked the effect of VCN‐2 on various pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic genes and the ultra‐morphological changes that occurred in the cells when VCN‐2 is used alone and in combination with radiation. VCN‐2 was able to lower cancer cell survival and phosphorylated Akt while promoting the expression of pro‐apoptotic genes and down‐regulating anti‐apoptotic genes. We also observed the apoptosis‐associated ultra‐morphological changes in the VCN‐2‐treated cells. Our study have demonstrated that VCN‐2 can be a potential chemotherapeutic and radiosensitizing agent in NSCLC. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):200–210, 2019
Parametric optimization of polycaprolactone synthesis catalysed by Candida antarctica lipase B using response surface methodology
Authors: Pakalapati Harshini , Arumugasamy Senthil Kumar , Jewaratnam Jegalakshimi , Wong Yong Jie , Khalid Mohammad
Published: November 2018

A statistical approach with D‐optimal design was used to optimize the process parameters for polycaprolactone (PCL) synthesis. The variables selected were temperature (50°C‐110°C), time (1‐7 h), mixing speed (50‐500 rpm) and monomer/solvent ratio (1:1‐1:6). Molecular weight was chosen as response and was determined using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI TOF). Using the D‐optimal method in design of experiments, the interactions between parameters and responses were analysed and validated. The results show a good agreement with a minimum error between the actual and predicted values.
Downregulation of lncRNA NEAT1_2 radiosensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells through regulation of miR‐101‐3p/WEE1 axis
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Nuobei
Published: November 2018

Radioresistance is a major obstacle in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) radiotherapy. Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) has been postulated to be implicated in the development of HCC radioresistance. We investigated the role of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1_2 (NEAT1_2) in radioresistance of HCC and its molecular mechanism in this study. We found that NEAT1_2 and WEE1 were upregulated, and miR‐101‐3p was downregulated in HCC tissues, as well as HCC cell lines. Downregulation of WEE1 sensitized the radiosensitivity of HCC cells, as evidenced by decreased survival fractions of Huh7 and PLC5 cells and increased percentage of apoptotic cells. Also, knockdown of NEAT1_2 exerted a reinforcing effect on the radiosensitivity of HCC cells. In addition, WEE1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR‐101‐3p. Upregulation of miR‐101‐3p obviously decreased the mRNA and protein levels of WEE1 compared with that in the miR‐NC group, while transfection of anta‐miR‐101‐3p presented the opposite effects. In parallel, NEAT1_2 was identified to interact with miR‐101‐3p, and NEAT1_2 upregulated the expression of WEE1 in Huh7 cells through sponging miR‐101‐3p. Besides, the reinforcing effect of NEAT1_2 silencing could be attenuated by downregulation of miR‐101‐3p. To conclude, our results support the concept that downregulation of lncRNA NEAT1_2 radiosensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells through regulation of miR‐101‐3p/WEE1 axis.
Icosahedral Carbaboranes with Peripheral Hydrogen–Chalcogenide Groups: Structures from Gas Electron Diffraction and Chemical Shielding in Solution
Authors: Baše Tomáš , Holub Josef , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Hnyk Drahomír , Lane Paul D. , Wann Derek A. , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Tikhonov Denis , Reuter Christian G. , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: November 2018

Carbaboranes 1,2‐(EH)2‐closo‐1,2‐C2B10H10 (E=S, Se) were prepared, in the case of E=Se for the first time. Their semi‐experimental equilibrium molecular structures were established by the concerted use of quantum‐chemical calculations and gas electron diffraction. A method was developed and implemented to quantify the contribution of experimental data to each refined structural parameter. The accuracy of the experimental structures and those calculated at the MP2 level of theory were gauged by comparison of experimental 11B NMR chemical shifts with quantum‐chemically computed values; the inclusion of electron correlation (GIAO‐MP2) provided superior results. For the purpose of geometrical prediction, the remaining group 16 elements were considered, and the icosahedral structures for E=O and Te were also computed; for E=O the same theoretical approach was used as for E=S, and for E=Te a description similar to that for E=Se was employed.
Quantification of Cellular Proteostasis in Live Cells by Fluorogenic Assay Using the AgHalo Sensor
Authors: Fares Matthew , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2018

Proper cellular proteostasis is essential to cellular fitness and viability. Exogenous stress conditions compromise proteostasis and cause aggregation of cellular proteins. We have developed a fluorogenic sensor (AgHalo) to quantify stress‐induced proteostasis deficiency. The AgHalo sensor uses a destabilized HaloTag variant to represent aggregation‐prone cellular proteins and is equipped with a series of fluorogenic probes that exhibit a fluorescence increase when the sensor forms either soluble oligomers or insoluble aggregates. Herein, we present protocols that describe how the AgHalo sensor can be employed to visualize and quantify proteome stress in live cells using a direct fluorescence read‐out and visualization with a fluorescence microplate reader and a microscope. Additionally, protocols for using the AgHalo sensor in combination with fluorogenic probes and commercially available HaloTag probes to enable two‐color imaging experiments are described. These protocols will enable use of the AgHalo sensor to visualize and quantify proteostasis in live cells, a task that is difficult to accomplish using previous, always‐fluorescent methods. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A knowledge‐based approach to manage configurable business processes
Authors: Benallal Wehbi , Barhamgi Mahmoud , Benslimane Djamal , Maamar Zakaria , Faci Noura , Bellaaj Ameni
Published: November 2018

This paper stresses out the struggle of organizations when managing multiple variants of the same business process. Each variant constitutes a response to structural and/or functional needs that overtime become unsustainable due to the multiplicity and complexity of these needs. To mitigate this struggle, a knowledge‐based approach for capturing these versions into a single configurable business process and splitting this process into fragments is discussed in the paper. The approach builds a configuration knowledge base to track the business process variability (ie, particularities of each business process variant). Variants are represented as a new configurable process structure tree resulting from fragmenting a business process. Implementation of the approach is, also, reported in this paper.
Three‐phase step‐up/step‐down isolated dc‐dc converter with wide‐range duty cycle for low dc renewable energy sources applications
Authors: Mayer Robson , Berrehil El Kattel Menaouar , Vidal Garcia Oliveira Sérgio
Published: November 2018

Renewable sources of low voltage are an important resource in power generation systems. Many provide high output current at low voltage, as the photovoltaic modules and fuel cells systems, therefore, become more popular considering the safety requirements. In this paper, a novel current‐fed three‐phase dc‐dc converter with high‐frequency isolation transformer is proposed. This one has the main features as high dc voltage gain, reduced switches count, minimize the volume of the output/input filters, the frequency ripple of the input current and output voltage are three times higher than the switching frequency, best losses distribution and reduced stresses in the circuit. Moreover, it operates with wide‐range duty cycle, the soft‐start can be used, which allows the input current and the output voltage to be started gradually. Operating with a duty cycle of 1/3 and 2/3, the input current ripple is canceled. The proposed converter is studied qualitatively and quantitatively, being presented the operation principle in continuous and discontinuous conduction mode, dc voltage gain in each operation mode, and the voltage and current stresses for the power components sizing. To validate the operation of the proposed converter, the laboratory design example and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance and validate the claims of the converter for wide load variation. Experimental results are presented for a 4‐kW prototype, operating in R2 region for continuous conduction mode. Additionally, experimental results in R1 and R3 regions are obtained.
Effect of Arsenic Coordination State on the Structure, Aromaticity, and Optical Properties of Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsoles
Authors: Green Joshua P. , Gupta Arvind K. , Orthaber Andreas
Published: November 2018

A silylated derivative of 4‐phenyl‐dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsole (DTAs) was synthesized, and the effect of coordinating of DTAs compounds to Pd on their structural and optical properties was investigated. Coordination of the As to Pd was found to increase the structural aromaticity of the ring system as measured by the harmonic oscillator measure of heterocyclic electron delocalization (HOMHED), and the pyramidalization of the As atoms was also found to show a good correlation with the HOMHED values. However, coordination had a more subtle impact on the optical properties than seen for phosphorus‐containing analogues as the metal‐ligand interactions were weaker.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Hygromycin Aminocyclitol Moiety and its C2 Epimer
Authors: Carrau Gonzalo , Bellomo Ana Inés , Suescun Leopoldo , Gonzalez David
Published: November 2018

This manuscript describes the enantioselective synthesis of the aminocyclitol moiety of the antibiotic hygromycin A in eight steps and 39 % overall yield from a non‐chiral starting material. The sequence made use of an initial enzymatic step to transfer chirality to an aromatic ring and was followed by selective organic chemistry transformations (oxidation, protection, azidation, hydrolysis) of the six‐membered ring in order to achieve the target. The approach is also amenable to the synthesis of other related unnatural analogues as exemplified by the synthesis of the C2 epimer of the natural aminocyclitol. All the intermediates were fully characterized, and the absolute stereochemistry assigned by spectrometric methods.
Brønsted Acid Promoted Regioselective C‐3 Arylation and Heteroarylation of Spiro‐epoxyoxindoles for the Construction of All Carbon Quaternary Centres: A Detailed Study
Authors: Hajra Saumen , Maity Subrata , Roy Sayan , Maity Ramkrishna , Samanta Srikrishna
Published: November 2018

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of all carbon quaternary centres has been developed via Brønsted acid‐promoted highly regioselective intermolecular Friedel–Crafts reactions of heteroarenes or arenes with spiro‐epoxyoxindoles. In addition, we have successfully performed the ring opening reaction in relatively cheap condition using water as a solvent. Beneficially, we have utilized the methodology as the key step for the synthesis of advanced precursors of various natural and unnatural indole alkaloids.
LINE‐1 hypomethylation is associated with radiation‐induced genomic instability in industrial radiographers
Authors: Cho Yoon Hee , Jang Yoonhee , Woo Hae Dong , Kim Yang Jee , Kim Su Young , Christensen Sonja , Cole Elizabeth , Choi Soo Yong , Chung Hai Won
Published: November 2018

Global DNA hypomethylation is proposed as a potential biomarker for cancer risk associated with genomic instability, which is an important factor in radiation‐induced cancer. However, the associations among radiation exposure, changes in DNA methylation, and carcinogenesis are unclear. The aims of this study were (1) to examine whether low‐level occupational radiation exposure induces genomic DNA hypomethylation; and (2) to determine the relationships between radiation exposure, genomic DNA hypomethylation and radiation‐induced genomic instability (RIGI) in industrial radiographers. Genomic DNA methylation levels were measured in blood DNA from 40 radiographers and 28 controls using the LINE‐1 pyrosequencing assay and the luminometric methylation assay. Further, the micronucleus‐centromere assay was performed to measure aneuploidy of chromosomes 1 and 4 as a marker of delayed RIGI. Genomic DNA methylation levels were significantly lower in radiographers than those in controls. LINE‐1 hypomethylation was not significantly correlated with recent 1‐year, recent 3‐year, or total cumulative radiation doses in radiographers; however, LINE‐1 hypomethylation significantly correlated with the cumulative radiation dose without recent 3‐year exposure data (D3dose, r = −0.39, P < 0.05). In addition, LINE‐1 hypomethylation was a significant contributor to aneuploidy frequency by D3dose (F (2, 34) = 13.85, P < 0.001), in which a total of 45% of the variance in aneuploidy frequency was explained. Our results provide suggestive evidence regarding the delayed effects of low‐dose occupational radiation exposure in radiographers and its association with LINE‐1 hypomethylation; however, additional studies using more subjects are needed to fully understand the relationship between genomic DNA hypomethylation and RIGI. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60: 174–184, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seed‐Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchical α‐MnO2/Nitride TiO2 Taper Nanorod Arrays on Carbon Fiber Paper with Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Su Xiaohui , Feng Guangwen , Yu Lin , Li Qiong , Zhang Huanhua , Song Wei , Hu Guanghui , Pan Zhanchang
Published: November 2018

A hierarchical porous α‐MnO2 nanowire network and long nitrided TiO2 (N‐TiO2) taper nanorod arrays are grown on seeded carbon fiber paper (SCFP) by a two‐step hydrothermal synthesis. The α‐MnO2/N‐TiO2/SCFP electrode shows a high areal capacitance of 400.3 mF cm−2 at 1.34 mA cm−2, excellent cycling stability with no capacitance reduction after 5000 cycles, and good rate capability. The areal capacitance of α‐MnO2/N‐TiO2/SCFP is much larger than that of α‐MnO2/N‐TiO2 grown on carbon fiber paper without seeding (α‐MnO2/N‐TiO2/CFP). The enhanced performance can be attributed to the more open longer taper nanorod structure to achieve more favorable electrolyte ion access and provide larger specific surface allowing for improved and effective mass loading of active materials. The α‐MnO2/N‐TiO2/SCFP may provide a general method for increasing the areal capacitance of composite electrode by adjusting the structure of the nanostructured current collectors using a simple and effective seeded hydrothermal synthesis.
Enhanced anti‐microbial activity in green concrete specimens containing fly ash, nanophase modifiers, and corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Harilal Manu , Uthaman Sudha , George R.P. , Anandkumar B. , Thinaharan C. , Philip John , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: November 2018

This study reports the anti‐bacterial properties of green concrete containing fly ash, nanoparticle modifiers, and a corrosion inhibitor. Four different concrete specimens, namely control concrete containing ordinary portland cement (CC), fly ash concrete containing 40 wt % fly ash (CF), modified fly ash concrete containing nano‐TiO2 and nano‐CaCO3 (1 wt % each) called CFN, and CFN with 2 wt % corrosion inhibitor (CFNI) are used in the present study. Among the four specimens exposed to microbial culture, CFNI showed minimal bacterial attachment and biofilm density, which is further corroborated from Epifluorescence microscopy and 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy. The CFNI specimens showed the least pH reduction among the four, which resulted in the enhanced microbial resistance. The results unambiguously confirm the synergetic effects of nanophase modifiers and NaNO2 based inhibitor in controlling microbial activity in concrete specimens. The results have promising applications in formulating concrete structures that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13102, 2019
Impact of building design parameters precision on heating and cooling load calculations
Authors: Abasnezhad Sajad , Soltani Nima , Markarian Elin , Fakhim Hamed Aghabalayi , Khezerloo Hamed
Published: November 2018

Energy efficiency of buildings is of paramount importance due to limited fossil resources, environmental issues, and increasing energy demand. Thus, in recent years building energy analysis using various programs has experienced a rapid growth. However, these programs are expensive and time consuming. In this study, mechanical engineering building of Tabriz University located in northwest of Iran is analyzed to attain a simplified building model that can reduce the computational time and effort. Therefore, 10 models are considered with distinctive design accuracies. EnergyPlus software has been employed to perform energy analysis of the building. The findings show that building materials, internal walls and zoning of the building are determining factors in thermal loads of the building. However, shadings, number of occupants, and electrical appliances have negligible impact. Thus, it can be concluded that the model in which a detailed envelope design is considered and interior walls, shades, electrical appliances, and duration of occupancy are omitted, has the optimum performance in terms of time saving and accuracy of load calculation. Moreover, to gain more reliable results, it is recommended to consider zones in model No.5. The difference between natural gas and electricity consumption of the first and last models is 20,302 m3 (2200$) and 1157 kWh (90$) that indicates the significance of proper HAVC sizing. It is worth mentioning that all monetary units are presented in 2018 U.S. dollar. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 741–749, 2019
Shaking table tests of a reinforced concrete bridge pier with a low‐cost sliding pendulum system
Authors: Brito Miguel B. , Ishibashi Hiroki , Akiyama Mitsuyoshi
Published: November 2018

After the occurrence of various destructive earthquakes in Japan, extensive efforts have been made to improve the seismic performance of bridges. Although improvements to the ductile capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers have been developed over the past few decades, seismic resilience has not been adequately ensured. Simple ductile structures are not robust and exhibit a certain level of damage under extremely strong earthquakes, leading to large residual displacements and higher repair costs, which incur in societies with less‐effective disaster response and recovery measures. To ensure the seismic resilience of bridges, it is necessary to continue developing the seismic design methodology of RC bridges by exploring new concepts while avoiding the use of expensive materials. Therefore, to maximize the postevent operability, a novel RC bridge pier with a low‐cost sliding pendulum system is proposed. The seismic force is reduced as the upper component moves along a concave sliding surface atop the lower component of the RC bridge pier. No replaceable seismic devices are included to lengthen the natural period; only conventional concrete and steel are used to achieve low‐cost design solutions. The seismic performance was evaluated through unidirectional shaking table tests. The experimental results demonstrated a reduction in the shear force transmitted to the substructure, and the residual displacement decreased by establishing an adequate radius of the sliding surface. Finally, a nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to estimate the seismic response of the proposed RC bridge pier.
An edge‐based pressure stabilization technique for finite elements on arbitrarily anisotropic meshes
Authors: Frei Stefan
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we analyze a stabilized equal‐order finite element approximation for the Stokes equations on anisotropic meshes. In particular, we allow arbitrary anisotropies in a subdomain, for example, along the boundary of the domain, with the only condition that a maximum angle is fulfilled in each element. This discretization is motivated by applications on moving domains as arising, for example, in fluid‐structure interaction or multiphase‐flow problems. To deal with the anisotropies, we define a modification of the original continuous interior penalty stabilization approach. We show analytically the discrete stability of the method and convergence of order
in the energy norm and
in the L2‐norm of the velocities. We present numerical examples for a linear Stokes problem and for a nonlinear fluid‐structure interaction problem, which substantiate the analytical results and show the capabilities of the approach.