bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Daubechies Wavelets in the Representation of Analytical Functions
Authors: César Linhares da Silva Paulo
Published: October 2020

This chapter aims to use Daubechies’ wavelets as basis functions to generate analytical functions, thus being able to rewrite the Taylor series using these wavelets. This makes it possible to analyze functions with a high degree of complexity, in problems that require a high degree of precision in their solution. Wavelet analysis can be applied to practical problems that require a high degree of precision, for example, in the study and analysis of electromagnetic propagation in optical fibers, solutions of differential equations involving engineering problems, in the transmission of WiFi signals, in the treatment and analysis of biomedical images, detection of oil sources through the study of seismic signals.
Pyramid Exploration Intervention, Environmental Enrichment, Aerobic Swimming Exercise and Brain Neuroplasticity in the Kainate Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: R. Gorantla Vasavi , Maity Sabyasachi , M. Millis Richard
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have shown that environmental enrichment increases neurogenesis and reverses learning and memory deficits in rats with kainate-induced seizures. We tested the hypothesis that exploring a wooden pyramid for 3h/d augments neurogenesis and attenuates the learning and memory deficits following chemical lesioning of the hippocampus and motor cortex with kainic acid (KA). A pyramid exploration intervention (PEI) was created by subjecting rats to residing in a pyramidal wooden structure of 3 h/d for 30 d. We also compared the effects on neurogenesis for PEI to those for aerobic (swimming) exercise (EX) and environmental enrichment via exploration of a rectangular-shaped wooden cage. Following KA seizures, the PEI increased brain neurogenesis. Differences in measures of neurogenesis were not significantly different than those for EX and EE. Aerobic (swimming) exercise and novel environment exposures appear to increase neural plasticity and may be considered a complementary treatment for epilepsy.
Accelerated Carbonation Curing as a Means of Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: El-Hassan Hilal
Published: October 2020

Globally, carbon dioxide concentration has immensely increased post the industrial revolution. With more greenhouse gases generated from human activities, more radiation is being absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, causing an increase in global temperature. The phenomenon is referred to as the greenhouse gas effect. Alone, the cement industry contributes to approximately 5–8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists and environmentalists have proposed different scenarios to alleviate such emissions. Among these, accelerated carbonation curing has been advocated as a promising mechanism to permanently sequester carbon dioxide. It has been applied to numerous construction applications, including concrete masonry blocks, concrete paving blocks, ceramic bricks, concrete pipes, and cement-bonded particleboards. Experimental results have shown that not only does it significantly reduce the carbon emissions, it also improves the mechanical and durability properties of carbonated products. The process enhances material performance, offers environmental benefits, and provides an excellent means to recycle carbon dioxide.
Gasification of Biomass
Authors: Phong Mai Thanh , Quan Nguyen Dinh
Published: October 2020

Gasification is an indirect combustion of solid and liquid biomass by converting them to combustive syngas. Gasification is an alternative process for the traditional combustion, in which the emission of dust and toxic gases can be minimized. In this chapter, a comparison of these two biomass-to-heat conversion processes applied on biomass is presented in term of environmental impacts and technological benefits with a hope to provide readers a basic view of choices. Gasification is classified as in term of gasification agents, non-catalytic and catalytic process, and plasma assisted process. Popular types of gasification equipment, aka gasifiers, are introduced with working principles, through which the advantages and weakness of technology are briefly discussed.
Nutritional Approaches for Attenuating Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Shimizu Muneshige , Sakuma Kunihiro
Published: October 2020

Muscle atrophy occurs under a number of different conditions, including disuse and aging accompanied by the onset of sarcopenia. Although muscle mass is reduced by decreased protein synthesis and/or increased protein degradation, the mechanisms of disuse muscle atrophy and sarcopenia differ. Therefore, nutrition strategies need to be customized for each type of muscle atrophy. Difficulties are associated with assessing the efficacy of nutrients for preventing sarcopenia due to uncontrolled factors in human studies. We herein (a) summarize nutritional epidemiology evidence related to sarcopenia from recent systematic reviews, (b) review nutrient supplementation for attenuating sarcopenia through dietary control, and (c) provide evidence for the efficacy of nutrient supplementation for treating disuse muscle atrophy under dietary control. Epidemiological studies have indicated that diets with a sufficient intake of beneficial foods are useful for preventing sarcopenia. Supplementation with vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein have been suggested to help attenuate sarcopenia in geriatric patients, particularly those who are unable to exercise. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of protein and amino acid supplementation on muscle mass and strength. High-quality studies with controlled diets and physical activities are required to clarify the effects of nutritional interventions on both types of muscle atrophy.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Strategy Training on Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Endurance Runners: A Three-Month Follow-up
Authors: Samadi Hossein , Maleki Behnam , Sohbatiha Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background: Exposure of the athlete to stressful situations in addition to physiological effects will cause the person to feel excited in response to those situations and these changes may have dangerous consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive-emotional regulation strategies and salivary cortisol levels in endurance runners with a three-month follow-up. Methods: The research method was experimental with a pretest-posttest follow up design with a control group. The study population consisted of all beginner endurance runners with age range 16-18 who were voluntarily invited to participate in this research. Twenty-four male beginner runners (mean aged 17.08 ± 0.64 years and athletic background 7.7 ± 1.6 month) were divided into two groups of Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) and control. The intervention protocol of the experimental group consisted of six sessions of mindfulness training and daily homework assignments that were performed under the researcher's supervision and with the help of a qualified clinical psychologist. Salivary Cortisol Kit (SCK) with sensitivity 0.05 μg/dl was used to measure stress and the Gross and John Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was used to assess cognitive-emotional regulation strategies. Results: The results showed a significant difference in cortisol levels, suppression, and reappraisal, between the MBI and control groups in posttest and follow-up steps. The findings showed that salivary cortisol concentration in the MBI group was reduced from pretest (1.09 ± 0.16) to posttest (0.76 ± 0.15) and follow-up (0.72 ± 0.07). Also, the suppression component in the MBI group was reduced from pretest (21.40 ± 1.64) to posttest (15.10 ± 1) and follow-up (16 ± 1.15) and increased the reappraisal component from pretest (22.40 ± 1.17) to posttest (29.10 ± 2.37) and follow up (27.70 ± 2.21) (P value = 0.0001). Conclusions: The findings showed that MBI reduced salivary cortisol concentration and suppression component, while increased the reappraisal component of emotion regulation. The findings suggest that MBI can be used as a new promising method on cognitive emotion regulation strategies and salivary cortisol levels in endurance runners.
Occupational Challenges in the Caregivers of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Motaharinezhad Fatemeh , lajevardi laleh , Hassani Mehraban Afsoon , Ghahari Setareh
Published: October 2020

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The progressive and unpredictable nature of MS indicates the patients’ need for long-term care as well as the increased burden of their primary caregivers’ care and occupational challenges that emerge in their daily life activities. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the occupational challenges caused by engaging in the care process for the caregivers of people with MS Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 21 caregivers of MS patients using a content analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results: Three main themes emerged: Time limitations in occupation implementation, care needs in occupation implementation, and emotional reactions affecting occupations. Conclusions: According to the results, the caregivers of people with MS were faced with a variety of occupational challenges. The time limitations for performing routine occupations and desired activities, unmet patient care-facilitating needs, and the occurrence of psychosocial reactions and behaviors were contributed to these challenges and their exacerbation. Identifying these challenges is both useful for designing interventional programs and to help caregivers to successfully perform their desired occupations in spite of challenges in the care process.
As contribuições da régua de cálculo linear na construção dos saberes e das práticas docentes
Authors: Santos Andressa Gomes dos , Oliveira Adriana Nogueira de , Pereira Ana Carolina Costa
Published: October 2020

No Renascimento, com a expansão do comércio, vender produtos exigia uma resolução mais ágil de cálculos, o que acarretava na utilização de instrumentos matemáticos que facilitavam esses procedimentos. Um deles, bastante disseminado no século XVII, era conhecido como régua de cálculo. Dessa forma, este artigo tem o intuito de apresentar um estudo sobre a régua de cálculo linear, em particular, direcionando as reflexões acerca da construção de saberes e práticas docentes proporcionadas a partir da sua construção e da sua utilização em um curso de extensão universitária. Em relação aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa se caracteriza conforme a pesquisa-ação, tendo um cunho qualitativo, no qual se apreendem recursos para o desenvolvimento e reflexão para se aprimorar a prática. A partir do curso, foi constatado que os participantes mobilizaram saberes fundamentais para formação da prática docente. Dentre os conhecimentos que surgiram, podemos destacar o conhecimento pedagógico e o da matéria do conteúdo desvelado pelos participantes do curso e percebido por meio da fala dos mesmos. Assim, percebe-se a importância desse tipo de abordagem de história e ensino de matemática para a formação de professores.
Pesquisa em educação matemática e subjetividades: possibilidades teórico-metodológicas
Authors: Morais Marcelo Bezerra de , Braúna Jorge Ricardo Ferreira , Souza Daniel Syllas Pereira
Published: October 2020

Nosso objetivo com este artigo é discutir referenciais teórico-metodológicos que se mostram potentes para desenvolver pesquisas que abordam a subjetividade em pesquisas em Educação Matemática. Para tanto, apresentaremos algumas compreensões gerais de três metodologias de pesquisa – História Oral, Sociopoética e Cartografia – e, junto a elas, lançaremos mão de algumas pesquisas para exemplificar como as subjetividades foram abordadas naquele exercício de investigação e o que foi possível elaborar de compreensões. É possível apontar que as metodologias têm características específicas, mas convergem quanto ao cuidado na manutenção do caráter científica, a atenção aos princípios éticos das abordagens, principalmente com os sujeitos envolvidos, e a possibilidade de propiciar aos investigadores aproximações às subjetividades, mesmo que de formas diferentes. Além disso, a partir das pesquisas citadas, advogamos em defesa da possibilidade e necessidade de desenvolver pesquisas em Educação Matemática nas quais evidenciemos os sujeitos e suas subjetividades, sendo necessário, portanto, buscarmos contextos mais sensíveis nas investigações.
Validade de construto e confiabilidade: uma escala para a satisfação discente
Authors: Dutra Vanussa Braga Resende , Mattos Viviane Leite Dias de
Published: October 2020

Este estudo apresenta a etapa de validação de construto de um instrumento desenvolvido com a finalidade de mensurar o nível de satisfação dos discentes de cursos de graduação em Matemática. A amostra foi composta por 142 discentes de duas instituições de ensino superior localizadas no extremo sul do Brasil. Depois de uma Análise Exploratória de Dados e avaliação de sua fatorabilidade, a identificação e extração de fatores foi feita por meio de uma Análise de Componentes Principais e uma Análise Fatorial Exploratória com o Método dos Eixos Principais, aplicadas à pontuação atribuída à importância de cada item.  Também foi realizada uma análise de confiabilidade por meio do coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. A análise permitiu identificar quatro fatores, denominados de “Recursos materiais e humanos”, “Professor”, “Metodologia” e “Disciplinas”, que por meio de 19 itens conseguiram explicar 68,98% da variância.
Um estudo sobre as contribuições das narrativas na Formação Continuada de Professores de Matemática e a constituição docente
Authors: Santos Rafael Marques Dos , Wirzbicki Sandra Maria , Bonotto Danusa de Lara
Published: October 2020

Na atualidade pesquisadores tem pensado muito acerca da formação (continuada) de professores de Matemática e quais os elementos contribuem para a sua constituição profissional. As narrativas estão presentes na análise desses processos de formação contínua. Desse modo, neste artigo, objetiva-se apresentar e discutir pesquisas realizadas na forma de dissertações e teses no período de 2009 a 2019 disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia (IBICT), acerca da temática ‘Formação continuada de professores de Matemática, narrativas e constituição docente’. Nesse movimento, foram identificados títulos, resumos, palavras-chave e as referências utilizadas que tratam da Formação de professores de Matemática, narrativas e constituição docente. Dentre os 81 trabalhos identificados, selecionamos por meio da leitura do resumo 11 dissertações e 4 teses para análise que apresentavam dados da temática pesquisada, a qual seguiu os procedimentos da Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Buscamos reconhecer nas pesquisas os referenciais teóricos utilizados, a metodologia de análise e os resultados obtidos. Evidenciamos ao longo do trabalho que os pesquisadores utilizaram teóricos com aproximações conceituais para fundamentar suas pesquisas. Nesse sentido, foi possível discutir o que os autores apresentam no que diz respeito à formação continuada de professores de Matemática e as reflexões que emergem através das narrativas para a identidade profissional e sua constituição docente. Assim compreendemos que o registro narrativo repercute em potencial instrumento de reflexão e formação para os professores de Matemática.
How to become an adjective when you're not strong (enough)?
Authors: Pfaff Alexander
Published: October 2020

This article attempts to put a new spin on (the development of) weakly inflected adjectives, with a partic- ular focus on North Germanic, by recycling some traditional ideas. Point of departure is the observation that the Proto-Norse demonstrative hinn had ended up as a functional element in the extended adjectival projection in Old Norse – not as a definite article in the extended nominal projection (an otherwise well- known grammaticalization process). Following the old idea that weak inflection originally involved nominalization, it is argued that weak “adjectives” maintained their nominal status beyond Proto-Gemanic. Thus the weakening demonstrative originally occurs as a determiner in some nominal projection. At some stage prior to Old Norse, this constellation is reanalyzed at the phrasal level, from noun phrase to adjectival phrase, a process in which the demonstrative gets “trapped” inside the adjectival projection and is reanalyzed as adjectival article. This process termed phrasal reanalysis is operative at three levels, (i) lexical: N0 >> A0; (ii) phrasal: NP >> AP; (iii) functional: demonstrative >> adjectival article.
A New Modal Cycle
Authors: Van Gelderen Elly
Published: October 2020

A new set of modals is appearing in contemporary English. The epistemic modals with perfect have are forming a new class including mighta, coulda, woulda, shoulda, and musta, when they are used with an additional have and without a (present) perfect meaning. I look at their structure and examine possible determinacy violations when they (and the core modals) move to C. The data come from corpus and internet sources; the study is not a quantitative one because the change is not yet particularly frequent.
Remarks on prepositional object clauses in Germanic
Authors: Gunkel Lutz , Hartmann Jutta
Published: October 2020

This paper analyses the variation we find in the realization of finite clausal complements in the position of prepositional objects in a set of Germanic languages. The Germanic languages differ with respect to whether prepositions can directly select a clause (North Germanic) or not and instead need a prepositional proform (Continental West Germanic). Within the Continental West Germanic languages, we find further differences with respect to the constituent structures. We propose that German strong vs. weak prepositional proforms (e.g. drauf vs. darauf) differ with respect to their syntax, while this is not the case for the Dutch forms (ervan vs. daarvan). What the Germanic languages under consideration share is that the prepositional element can be covert, except in English. English shows only limited evidence for the presence of P with finite clauses in the position of prepositional objects generally, but only with a selected set of verbs. This investigation is a first step towards a broader study of the nature of clauses in prepositional object positions and the implications for the syntax of clausal complementation.
Intertextuality and failed taboo humour in advertising
Authors: Dore Margherita
Published: October 2020

Humour is often exploited in advertising to enhance the positive image of a brand or corporate company, as well as to promote products or services. Advertisers seek the involvement of the audience via covert or overt references that, in their opinion, may trigger humour and, hypothetically, result in a positive customer response. However, using intertextual humour in advertising can sometimes be risky because, even though the ideal interlocutor is supposed to be familiar with the humorous reference the author alludes to, the latter can never be certain of whether it will be favourably received. The matter is further complicated if the advert relies on references that play on taboo or transgressive topics, which some may find humorous while others will consider distasteful. After all, humour is a phenomenon that varies according to individual cultures and historical time, as well as in terms of how it is perceived and whether it is appreciated. In this context, this study focuses on the use of intertextual taboo humour in adverts and campaigns that exploit both verbal and non-verbal texts. It particularly explores the reasons for the target clientele’s reaction, which has had a boomerang effect on the brand and company itself. The suggested hypothesis is that the simultaneous exploitation of verbal and non-verbal intertextual references (consciously or unconsciously) activates multiple targets and scripts that cause the intended humour to fail in its scope.
Humour and intertextuality in online spoof news
Authors: Shilikhina Ksenia M.
Published: October 2020

The paper discusses spoof news as a parody of the traditional genre of news and the role of intertextual references in the creation of the intended humorous or satirical effect. The study is based on the texts published by various online sources specialising in the production and spreading of spoof news. On the surface, the main aim of such non-bona fide pieces of news is not to misinform the readers, but rather to entertain them. However, along with entertainment, these texts also convey serious social implications. They implicitly undermine social norms and values and existing stereotypes about social roles and patterns of behaviour. The non-bona fide mode of such news can be signalled by a variety of intertextual references, e.g., fictional quotations, allusions to well-known texts, events or realia. The aim of the study is to demonstrate how these intertextual references create satirical effect and convey social criticism.
Mitochondrial genomes of twelve species of hyperdiverse Trigonopterus weevils
Authors: Narakusumo Raden Pramesa , Riedel Alexander , Pons Joan
Published: October 2020

Mitochondrial genomes of twelve species of Trigonopterus weevils are presented, ten of them complete. We describe their gene order and molecular features and test their potential for reconstructing the phylogeny of this hyperdiverse genus comprising > 1,000 species. The complete mitochondrial genomes examined herein ranged from 16,501 bp to 21,007 bp in length, with an average AT content of 64.2% to 69.7%. Composition frequencies and skews were generally lower across species for atp6, cox1-3, and cob genes, while atp8 and genes coded on the minus strand showed much higher divergence at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. Most variation within genes was found at the codon level with high variation at third codon sites across species, and with lesser degree at the coding strand level. Two large non-coding regions were found, CR1 (between rrnS and trnI genes) and CR2 (between trnI and trnQ), but both with large variability in length; this peculiar structure of the non-coding region may be a derived character of Curculionoidea. The nad1 and cob genes exhibited an unusually high interspecific length variation of up to 24 bp near the 3′ end. This pattern was probably caused by a single evolutionary event since both genes are only separated by trnS2 and length variation is extremely rare in mitochondrial protein coding genes. We inferred phylogenetic trees using protein coding gene sequences implementing both maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, each for both nucleotide and amino acid sequences. While some clades could be retrieved from all reconstructions with high confidence, there were also a number of differences and relatively low support for some basal nodes. The best partition scheme of the 13 protein coding sequences obtained by IQTREE suggested that phylogenetic signal is more accurate by splitting sequence variation at the codon site level as well as coding strand, rather than at the gene level. This result corroborated the different patterns found in Trigonopterus regarding to A+T frequencies and AT and GC skews that also greatly diverge at the codon site and coding strand levels.
Priming productive study strategies with preparatory quizzes in an engineering course
Authors: Gyllen Justin G. , Stahovich Thomas F. , Mayer Richard E. , Entezari Negin , Darvishzadeh Amirali
Published: October 2020

One approach to encourage productive study strategies is to incorporate preparatory quizzes (or pre‐quizzes) in which students are required to submit answers to questions before the underlying material is covered in class. In the present study, students took an introductory mechanical engineering class that either included pre‐quizzes (treatment group) or did not (control group). Students in the treatment group visited the online textbook more often and earlier in advance of deadlines, indicating better management of their study time—behaviors that have been shown to be productive study strategies. They also performed better in the course, indicating that techniques intended to prime productive study strategies can pay off. Finally, measures of productive learning strategies correlated with measures of course performance for both groups. These findings support the pretesting principle, which holds that students study more effectively and learn better when they take practice tests before a lesson.
Terahertz Polarizers Based on 2D Ti3C2Tz MXene: Spin Cast from Aqueous Suspensions
Authors: Li Guangjiang , Montazeri Kiana , Ismail Mostafa K. , Barsoum Michel W. , Nabet Bahram , Titova Lyubov V.
Published: October 2020

Herein, the fabrication of terahertz (THz) polarizers is reported on by simply spin casting two‐dimensional (2D) MXene Ti3C2Tz nanosheets on a photolithographically patterned THz‐transparent substrate and subsequent immersion in acetone. Lines 30 nm‐thick and 10–20 μm wide result in electric field (E) extinction ratios (ER) of up to 3 dB, or power ER of up to 6 dB. Simulations show the possibility of achieving ER beyond 16 dB, or power ER higher than 32 dB by increasing the thickness of the MXene lines to 1.5–2 μm and optimizing the metasurface patterns. The Ti3C2Tz nanosheets are solution‐processed and can be deposited on a variety of substrates, including flexible ones. Once encapsulated, chemically stable THz polarizers, that combine high performance and low production costs, can be readily manufactured, with characteristics that compare favorably with the much more involved metallic wire grid polarizers, including gold and tungsten. Moreover, recent demonstration of dynamic tunability of Ti3C2Tz THz conductivity by ultrafast optical pulses opens the possibility of using MXene wire‐grids in high‐speed THz modulators.
Progress in Electrochemical Trifluoromethylation Reactions
Authors: Bhaskaran Rasmi P. , Babu Beneesh P.
Published: October 2020

The importance of fluorinated organic molecules in drugs and pharmaceuticals led to the development of several synthetic methods for introducing fluorine into bioactive molecules and trifluoromethylation is one of the key approaches for the same. Electrochemical organic synthesis has emerged as one of the most sustainable, green synthetic strategies in recent years and new developments in electroorganic synthesis also focus on electrochemical trifluoromethylation of organic compounds. A considerable number of reports have appeared in recent literature and this review surveys all the recent developments in electrochemical trifluoromethylation reactions. This highly sustainable trifluoromethylating protocol will emerge further soon and pave the way for more energy‐efficient and green protocols.

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Impact of COVID‐19 on Medium‐Term Export Prospects for Soybeans, Corn, Beef, Pork, and Poultry
Authors: Mallory Mindy L.
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has altered life in innumerable ways in many countries across the globe. In this article I review what the virus did to patterns of US and Brazilian exports of major commodities during the first surge of the virus during April and May 2020, and also speculate on what may happen during the beginning of North American winter in late 2020. The analysis highlights how grains versus meats have been vulnerable to trade disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic. US exports of beef and pork were particularly impacted by a wave of processing facility shutdowns in the wake of COVID‐19 outbreaks among workers. Poultry exports saw declines from their highs but remain strong, even though poultry‐processing facilities have also faced issues with outbreaks and shutdowns. Trends in 2020 grain and oilseed exports have not been affected by the pandemic.
Resistance status of Myzus persicae to pesticide and its relationship with enzymes
Authors: Cai Hailin , Yang Liu , Zuo Zhiping , Liao Wenyu , Yang Zhongxia
Published: October 2020

This study determined the resistance to five different insecticides, and assessed the change in enzymes in three Myzus persicae populations in Liuyang, Guiyang, and Longshan tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)‐growing areas in Hunan province, China. The activities of the detoxification, protective, and digestive enzymes were determined using biochemical analysis. Results indicated that the Liuyang population had high resistance to Imidacloprid, and moderate resistance to Aacetamiprid and Cyhalothrin. The Longshan population showed low resistance to Phoxim, while the Liuyang and Guiyang populations both exhibited reduced susceptibility. All three populations exhibited reduced susceptibility to Methomyl. Field populations exhibited higher activity of detoxification enzymes [acetylcholinesterase (AchE), carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and mixed‐function oxidase (MFO)], protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and peroxidase [POD]), and digestive enzymes (amylase [AMS]) than the susceptible population. The Liuyang population showed the highest detoxification, protective, and digestive enzyme activity of all aphid populations. The AchE activity and resistance level to acetamiprid was significantly, positively correlated. The CarE, CAT, and AMS activity and resistance to Imidacloprid were also significantly, positively correlated. The correlation between enzyme activity and resistance to methomyl was negative, except for AchE. When CarE, CAT, and AMS activity was up to 60, aphids exhibited low resistance to Imidacloprid, and when AchE activity was up to 90, aphids exhibited medium resistance to Imidacloprid. These results provide the theoretical basis for predicting regional resistance of M. persicae to Imidacloprid and Acetamiprid, which can be used to delay evolution of resistance of M. persicae to insecticides in the field.
Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals and agents among healthcare workers in Bhutan
Authors: Rai Rajni , El‐Zaemey Sonia , Dorji Nidup , Fritschi Lin
Published: October 2020

Background

Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals among healthcare workers can result in long‐term adverse health outcomes. Research on such exposures from low‐ and middle‐income countries is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of exposures to a range of chemicals used in healthcare settings among Bhutanese healthcare workers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers (n = 370) working in three hospitals in the western region of Bhutan. Demographic and occupational information was collected, and exposures to asthmagens, carcinogens, ototoxic and other agents were assessed using a web‐based tool. The prevalence of exposure to these chemicals was calculated and the circumstances resulting in such exposures were examined.

Results

The prevalence of exposure to one or more asthmagen, carcinogen, and ototoxic agent was 98.7%, 28.1%, and 7.6%, respectively; and was 6.2% for anesthetic gases and 2.2% for antineoplastic drugs. The most common exposures were to latex, and cleaning and disinfecting agents in the asthmagens group; formaldehyde in the carcinogens group; and p‐xylene among ototoxic agents. The circumstances resulting in exposures were using latex gloves, using bleach and chlorhexidine for cleaning, using formaldehyde as a disinfectant and in the laboratory, and using p‐xylene in the laboratory.

Conclusions

The results indicate that a large proportion of Bhutanese healthcare workers are occupationally exposed to chemicals linked to chronic diseases, with exposure prevalence higher than in high‐income countries. The study provides information that can be used to formulate policies and to implement control measures to protect healthcare workers.
Ultra‐rapid emergency genomic diagnosis of Donahue syndrome in a preterm infant within 17 hours
Authors: Bamborschke Daniel , Özdemir Özkan , Kreutzer Mona , Motameny Susanne , Thiele Holger , Kribs Angela , Dötsch Jörg , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Cirak Sebahattin
Published: October 2020

Genetic diseases are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The clinical differential diagnosis in severely ill neonates, especially in premature infants, is challenging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostics is a valuable tool, but the turnaround time is often too long to provide a diagnosis in the time needed for clinical guidance in newborn intensive care units (NICU). To minimize turnaround time, we developed an ultra‐rapid whole genome sequencing pipeline and tested it in clinical practice. Our pilot case, was a preterm infant presenting with several crises of dehydration, hypoglycaemia and hyponatremia together with nephrocalcinosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Whole genome sequencing was performed using a paired‐end 2x75bp protocol. Sequencing data were exported after 50 sequencing cycles for a first analysis. After run completion, the rapid‐sequencing protocol, a second analysis of the 2 x 75 paired‐end run was performed. Both analyses comprised read‐mapping and SNP−/indel calling on an on‐site Edico Genome DRAGEN server, followed by functional annotation and pathogenicity prediction using in‐house scripts. After the first analysis within 17 h, the emergency ultra‐rapid protocol identified two novel compound heterozygous variants in the insulin receptor gene (INSR), pathogenic variants in which cause Donohue Syndrome. The genetic diagnosis could be confirmed by detection of hyperinsulinism and patient care adjusted. Nonetheless, we decided to pursue RNA studies, proving the functional effect of the novel splice variant and reduced expression levels of INSR in patients skin fibroblasts.
Water‐Stable DMASnBr3 Lead‐Free Perovskite for Effective Solar‐Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Romani Lidia , Speltini Andrea , Ambrosio Francesco , Mosconi Edoardo , Profumo Antonella , Marelli Marcello , Margadonna Serena , Milella Antonella , Fracassi Francesco , Listorti Andrea , De Angelis Filippo , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Water‐stable metal halide perovskites could foster tremendous progresses in several research fields where their superior optical properties can make differences. In this work we report clear evidence of water stability in a lead‐free metal halide perovskite, namely DMASnBr3, obtained by means of diffraction, optical and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Such unprecedented water‐stability has been applied to promote photocatalysis in aqueous medium, in particular by devising a novel composite material by coupling DMASnBr3 to g‐C3N4, taking advantage from the combination of their optimal photophysical properties. The prepared composites provide an impressive hydrogen evolution rate >1700 μmol g−1 h−1 generated by the synergistic activity of the two composite costituents. DFT calculations provide insight into this enhancement deriving it from the favorable alignment of interfacial energy levels of DMASnBr3 and g‐C3N4. The demonstration of an efficient photocatalytic activity for a composite based on lead‐free metal halide perovskite in water paves the way to a new class of light‐driven catalysts working in aqueous environments.
One‐Step Azolation Strategy for Site‐ and Chemo‐Selective Labeling of Proteins with Mass‐Sensitive Probes
Authors: Tang Kuei C. , Raj Monika
Published: October 2020

The chemical modification of proteins in a site‐selective manner leads to many advances in various scientific fields. The major challenges with conventional N‐terminal bioconjugation techniques are the lack of universal sequence compatibility and poor mass‐detection sensitivity of the resulting bioconjugates. This approach efficiently analyzes proteolytic fragments and native proteins in a complex mixture. Multiple chemical steps are usually required for the site‐selective synthesis of bioconjugates with enhanced mass‐detection sensitivity. We present a single‐step, versatile strategy for the selective modification of protein N‐termini with mass boosters. The chemical tag enhances the peptide detection by multiple orders thus leading to the unambiguous analysis of the resulting bioconjugates. We demonstrate that tagging proteolytic fragments with mass sensitivity probes in a complex mixture improves the detection of resulting bioconjugates.
Proteomic and metabolomic approach to rationalize the differential mosquito larvicidal toxicity in Bacillus sp. isolated from the mid‐gut of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae
Authors: Colvin Domnic , Dhuri Vishnu , Samant Mahesh , Verma Hirday , Lokhande Rama , Kale Avinash
Published: October 2020

From the distinct wild locations of the Mumbai (India), dead Culex mosquito larvae were collected. The mid‐gut micro‐flora of these dead mosquito larvae was isolated on three different media that were selective for only the Gram‐positive bacteria. These bacteria were tested against the third instar stage of Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, cultured in the laboratory, for their larvicidal activity. After performing the toxicity assay four times in duplicates, the average statistical values showed four bacteria exhibiting differential toxicities. Identification of these strains was done by 16S rRNA sequencing and their respective surface morphologies were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The differential toxicities of the four identified Bacillus strains were rationalized by performing differential proteomics and metabolomics approach using LC‐MS and these results were analyzed against customized mosquito larvicidal toxin database which was further compared with the in silico p‐BLAST data of that respective Bacillus sp. from the NCBI database. The presence and significance of the various mosquitocidal toxins in the identified Bacillus sp. are elucidated. The present study also attempted to identify new bacterial species exhibiting mosquitocidal toxicities that have not been reported earlier.
Factors (type, colour, density, and shape) determining the removal of marine plastic debris by seabirds from the South Pacific Ocean: Is there a pattern?
Authors: Hidalgo‐Ruz Valeria , Luna‐Jorquera Guillermo , Eriksen Marcus , Frick Hanna , Miranda‐Urbina Diego , Portflitt‐Toro Matias , Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Robertson Christopher J.R. , Scofield R. Paul , Serratosa Juan , Suazo Cristián G. , Thiel Martin
Published: October 2020

While floating near the sea surface plastic debris interacts with a number of external factors, including many different organisms. Seabirds have the most extensive documented history of interactions with plastics, through ingestion, entanglement, and nest construction.

In the present study, eight seabird species from the South Pacific Ocean were used as a proxy to determine potential patterns of removal of marine plastic debris, and three hypotheses were tested in relation to their feeding habits and nesting areas.

Plastics from abiotic compartments (Chilean continental coast, South Pacific Gyre, and Rapa Nui beaches) and biotic compartments (surface‐feeding seabirds, diving seabirds, and nesting areas) were compared, according to their type, colour, shape, and density.

Continental beaches had a relatively wide range of colours and shapes, with many non‐buoyant plastics. Samples from the South Pacific Gyre (SPG) and Rapa Nui (Easter Island) beaches comprised mainly hard, rounded, buoyant, and white/grey plastics.

These results indicate that the composition of floating plastics from terrestrial sources changes during transport with oceanic currents, reducing the proportion of prey‐like plastics present in the subtropical gyres.

The stomach contents of surface‐feeding and diving seabirds were dominated by hard, white/grey, and round plastic items, similar to plastics from the SPG, suggesting non‐selective (accidental or secondary) ingestion.

Nesting areas had a more variable composition of brightly coloured plastics, suggesting a pattern of selective removal of plastics by seabirds, probably from oceanic sources.

The present study reveals extensive interactions of seabirds with plastics on a broader scale, which is highly relevant given that the impacts of plastics on seabirds are increasing worldwide, compromising their efficient conservation.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) leaf extracts
Authors: Filip Snežana , Đurović Saša , Blagojević Stevan , Tomić Ana , Ranitović Aleksandra , Gašić Uroš , Tešić Živoslav , Zeković Zoran
Published: October 2020

The main goal of this study was to establish the chemical profile of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) leaf extracts, obtained by conventional maceration technique, and to examine its antimicrobial activity. The identification and quantification of the extract compounds were done using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography, with a diode array detector coupled with triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. Thirty‐one polyphenolic compounds were detected and identified in the ethanolic extracts, whereby 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid was found to be the dominant compound. Among other compounds, pentacosane and palmitic acid were the most abundant compounds in the dichloromethane extract. The preliminary antimicrobial activity screening shows that Gram‐positive bacteria tend to be more sensitive to the investigated extracts. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152. From these results, Osage orange leaves can be considered as plant material with significant antimicrobial properties.
The effects of obesity on the human body part II: Nervous, respiratory, and lymphatic systems
Authors: Dupont Graham , Bordes Stephen J. , Lachkar Stefan , Wahl Lauren , Iwanaga Joe , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: October 2020

This second installment of The Effects of Obesity on the Human Body considers the nervous, respiratory, and lymphatic systems. Those with obesity face countless psychological hurdles in addition to the respiratory burden and widespread inflammation that can suppress the immune system, resulting in the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues.
Challenges of Using Expansion Microscopy for Super‐resolved Imaging of Cellular Organelles
Authors: Büttner Maximilian , Lagerholm Christoffer B. , Waithe Dominic , Galiani Silvia , Schliebs Wolfgang , Erdmann Ralf , Eggeling Christian , Reglinski Katharina
Published: October 2020

Expansion microscopy (ExM) has been successfully used to improve the spatial resolution when imaging tissues by optical microscopy. In ExM, proteins of a fixed sample are crosslinked to a swellable acrylamide gel, which expands when incubated in water. Therefore, ExM allows enlarged subcellular structures to be resolved that would otherwise be hidden to standard confocal microscopy. Herein, we aim to validate ExM for the study of peroxisomes, mitochondria, nuclei and the plasma membrane. Upon comparison of the expansion factors of these cellular compartments in HEK293 cells within the same gel, we found significant differences, of a factor of above 2, in expansion factors. For peroxisomes, the expansion factor differed even between peroxisomal membrane and matrix marker; this underlines the need for a thorough validation of expansion factors of this powerful technique. We further give an overview of possible quantification methods for the determination of expansion factors of intracellular organelles, and we highlight some potentials and challenges.
Activity‐Based Protein Profiling of Chitin Catabolism
Authors: Zegeye Elias K. , Sadler Natalie C. , Lomas Gerard X. , Attah Isaac K. , Jansson Janet K. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Anderton Christopher R. , Wright Aaron T.
Published: October 2020

The microbial catabolism of chitin, an abundant and ubiquitous environmental organic polymer, is a fundamental cog in terrestrial and aquatic carbon and nitrogen cycles. Despite the importance of this critical bio‐geochemical function, there is a limited understanding of the synergy between the various hydrolytic and accessory enzymes involved in chitin catabolism. To address this deficit, we synthesized activity‐based probes (ABPs) designed to target active chitinolytic enzymes by modifying the chitin subunits N‐acetyl glucosamine and chitotriose. The ABPs were used to determine the active complement of chitinolytic enzymes produced over time by the soil bacterium Cellvibrio japonicus treated with various C substrates. We demonstrate the utility of these ABPs in determining the synergy between various enzymes involved in chitin catabolism. The strategy can be used to gain molecular‐level insights that can be used to better understand microbial roles in soil bio‐geochemical cycling in the face of a changing climate.
Defining the role of 17β‐estradiol in human endometrial stem cells differentiation into neuron‐like cells
Authors: Hasanzadeh Elham , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Mahmoodi Narges , Mellati Amir , Nekounam Houra , Basiri Arefeh , Asadpour Shiva , Ghasemi Diba , Ai Jafar
Published: October 2020

Human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) that can be differentiated into various neural cell types have been regarded as a suitable cell population for neural tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Considering different interactions between hormones, growth factors, and other factors in the neural system, several differentiation protocols have been proposed to direct hEnSCs towards specific neural cells. The 17β‐estradiol plays important roles in the processes of development, maturation, and function of nervous system. In the present research, the impact of 17β‐estradiol (estrogen, E2) on the neural differentiation of hEnSCs was examined for the first time, based on the expression levels of neural genes and proteins. In this regard, hEnSCs were differentiated into neuron‐like cells after exposure to retinoic acid (RA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and also fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) in the absence or presence of 17β‐estradiol. The majority of cells showed a multipolar morphology. In all groups, the expression levels of nestin, Tuj‐1 and NF‐H (neurofilament heavy polypeptide) (as neural‐specific markers) increased during 14 days. According to the outcomes of immunofluorescence (IF) and real‐time PCR analyses, the neuron‐specific markers were more expressed in the estrogen‐treated groups, in comparison with the estrogen‐free ones. These findings suggest that 17β‐estradiol along with other growth factors can stimulate and upregulate the expression of neural markers during the neuronal differentiation of hEnSCs. Moreover, our findings confirm that hEnSCs can be an appropriate cell source for cell therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and neural tissue engineering.