bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Llibre dels ocells de caça, o Flors de les receptes medicinals per a ocells de caça
Authors: Garcia Sempere Marinela
Published: June 2021

Resum: Edició d’un dels textos de falconeria medievals conservats en català, interessant per l’extensió i per la qualitat de la redacció, amb un vocabulari ric, variat i especialitzat. Està format per la unió de dos tractats diferents i apareix recollit en un extens volum miscel·lani copiat en el segle XV en el qual es recullen, també, altres tractats, de cosmètica femenina, de cuina, etc. Tot i que les fonts del Llibre dels ocells de caça, o Flors de les receptes medicinals per a ocells de caça semblen molt abundants, anotem ací l’edició amb la que permet un acarament més evident per la proximitat entre el text llatí i el català, ja que n’és la font directa; es tracta del De falconibus de sant Albert el Gran o sant Albert Magne, del qual hi ha una versió parcial entre els folis 122v a 138v  del manuscrit.
Paraules clau: edició, tractats de falconeria, edat mitjana, Albert el Gran.
Abstract: This work focuses in the edition of a medieval falconry text written in Catalan. This is an interesting text because of its length and the quality of  its language, with a rich, varied, and specialized vocabulary. It joins two different treatises, copied into a larger 15th-century miscellaneous manuscript, in which other treatises are also collected, such as one on women’s cosmetics, another on cooking, etc. Although the sources of the Llibre dels ocells de caça, o Flors de les receptes medicinals per a ocells de caça seem very abundant, we annotate the edition with the source allowing a more direct comparison because of the proximity between the Latin and Catalan text; namely, the De falconibus by St. Albert the Great, of which there is a partial version in folios 122v to 138v of the manuscript.
Key words: text edition, treatise, falconry, Middle Ages, Albert the Great.
Riuen les meduses: cos i desig a la poesia de Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas i Maria-Mercè Marçal
Authors: Díaz Vicedo Noèlia
Published: June 2021

Resum: Aquest article estudia per primera vegada les continuïtats entre la poesia de Maria-Mercè Marçal (1952-1998) i Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas (1921-2009). Específicament, se centra en l’obra poètica publicada en vida de les dues escriptores i que es troba recollida dins Llengua abolida (1973-1988) (1989) de Marçal i Obra poètica (1997) de Sánchez-Cutillas. Encara que les condicions sociohistòriques són diferents entre les dues poetes, en aquest article intentaré demostrar que l’escriptura en totes dues beu directament de la seua experiència vital donada per la posició del seu cos de dona i la interacció intel·lectual amb el llenguatge i els significats culturals heretats. Des d’aquests qüestionaments, en aquest article oferiré una aproximació al contínuum de la problemàtica de la subjectivitat femenina, nucli de la seua obra, des de la interacció entre cos i llenguatge, paràmetres centrals que ocupen els estudis de la diferència sexual, en particular en la teoria denominada écriture féminine desenvolupada per les filòsofes Hélène Cixous i Luce Irigaray. Paraules clau: cos, desig, Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas, Maria-Mercè Marçal, écriture féminine Abstract: This article explores for the first time the continuities between the poetry of Maria-Mercè Marçal (1952-1998) and Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas (1921-2009). Particularly, it focuses upon the poetic works published during their lifetime, collected in the volumes Abolished Language (1973-1988) (1989) by Marçal and Poetic Works (1997) by Sánchez-Cutillas. Despite their different socio-historical conditions, in this article I analyse how their vital particular experiences as female subjects become the cornerstone of their writing and how the position of their body interacts with language, consequently challenging their inherited socio-cultural significations. In order to discuss my points, I draw upon the parameters developed by the theoretical framework of écriture féminine developed by philosophers Hélène Cixous and Luce Irigaray.Keywords: body, desire, Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas, Maria-Mercè Marçal, écriture féminine
Autismo e Atividade Física Aquática como Ferramenta Terapêutica: uma Revisão Narrativa
Authors: Mattos-Bernardo Rejane , Sá-Caputo Danúbia da Cunha de , Bernardo-Filho Mario , Paineiras-Domingos Laisa Liane
Published: June 2021

Contextualização: O autismo, tecnicamente chamado de Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA), é definido como uma síndrome presente normalmente antes dos 3 anos de idade. É um distúrbio do desenvolvimento neurológico, com déficits nos aspectos sócio-comunicativos e comportamental, como o isolamento da criança e alterações de na comunicação, na interação social e no uso da imaginação. A atividade física é considerada benéfica para a evolução de crianças com TEA, em especial a terapia aquática. Objetivo: Esta revisão narrativa buscou referências bibliográficas relacionados à TEA e aos benefícios da atividade aquática. Métodos: Trata-se de um levantamento bibliográfico, com a análise de artigos científicos, que discutiram as variáveis comportamentais e habilidades aquáticas desenvolvidas por indivíduos com TEA. Descritores como: autismo; transtorno do espectro autista; atividade física; atividade aquática ou terapia aquática, foram usados em buscas nas bases de dados Scielo, Lilacs e Google Acadêmico, considerando publicações de 2010 a 2019. Resultados: Excluindo-se artigos de revisão, artigos incompletos ou que não ofereciam detalhes sobre a modalidade aquática realizada, 4 artigos de intervenção foram selecionados. Conclusões: Estudos concordaram sobre os efeitos positivos da terapia aquática no manejo deste transtorno, como o ganho de experiências sensoriais e corporais, uma melhor noção de tempo e espaço, a capacidade de analisar e reconhecer as emoções expressas por outros, auxílio no ajuste de movimentos estereotipados, na comunicação e no controle da hiperatividade, proporcionando um ambiente lúdico e prazeroso às crianças e adolescentes com TEA.
Alien plants of Europe: introduction pathways, gateways and time trends
Authors: Arianoutsou Margarita , Bazos Ioannis , Christopoulou Anastasia , Kokkoris Yannis , Zikos Andreas , Zervou Sevasti , Delipetrou Pinelopi , Cardoso Ana Cristina , Deriu Ivan , Gervasini Eugenio , Tsiamis Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) pathways classification framework used in the implementation of the European Union’s (EU) Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species (IAS Regulation) has recently been adopted by the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN), the official information system supporting the implementation of the IAS Regulation. In the current paper, the result of an alignment of the primary introduction pathways of all alien plants in Europe included in the EASIN catalogue is presented, based on the CBD framework. In total, 6,250 alien plant taxa (marine plants excluded), both alien to Europe (native range outside Europe) and alien in Europe (native range partially in Europe) are reported. Altogether 5,175 plant taxa had their primary introduction pathway aligned based on the CBD framework, while for the rest the pathway remains unknown. In addition, the taxonomy, year and country of its first record in the wild are provided for each taxon. Our analyses reveal that the main primary introduction pathways of alien plants into Europe are linked to accidental escapes from ornamental and horticultural activities. Northwestern European countries seem to act as the main gateway areas of alien plants into Europe. Recent first observations of new alien taxa growing spontaneously exhibit a contemporary accelerating trend for plants alien to Europe, particularly linked to ornamental and horticultural activities. On the other hand, the number of new plants alien in Europe seems to have stabilized over the last few decades. The present work can assist in the prioritization of introduction pathways control, with the target of slowing down the rate of alien plants introductions into Europe, following also the requirements of the IAS Regulation.
Promoting effect of rapamycin on osteogenic differentiation of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells
Authors: Lin Yanjun , Zhang Min , Zhou Lin , Chen Xuxi , Chen Jiang , Wu Dong
Published: June 2021

Background

Stem cells located in the maxillary sinus membrane can differentiate into osteocytes. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of rapamycin (RAPA) on the osteogenic differentiation of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells (MSMSCs).

Methods

Colony-forming unit assay, immunophenotype identification assay, and multi-differentiation assay confirmed characteristics of MSMSCs obtained from SD rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM) identified the initial autophagic level of MSMSCs induced by RAPA. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) evaluated subsequent autophagic levels and osteogenic differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and alizarin red staining (ARS) evaluated subsequent osteogenic differentiation. We performed a histological examination to clarify in vivo osteogenesis with ectopic bone mass from BALB/c nude mice.

Results

MSMSCs possessed an active proliferation and multi-differentiation capacity, showing a phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells. The autophagic level increased with increasing RAPA (0, 10, 100, 1,000 nM) and decreased over time. ALP activity and calcium nodules forming in four RAPA-treated groups on three-time points (7, 14, 21 d) showed significant differences. Col1a1, Runx2, and Spp1 expressed most in 100 nM RAPA group on 7 and 14 d. Osteogenesis-related genes except for Ibsp expression between four groups tended to be consistent on 21 d. 100 nM and 10 nM RAPA-treated groups showed more bone formation in vivo.

Conclusion

RAPA can promote osteogenic differentiation of MSMSCs, indicating a possible relationship between osteogenic differentiation and autophagy.
An Assessment of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Mangrove Soils that Support Nypa fruticans and Other Mangrove Species Establishment in the Cameroon Estuary
Authors: Mangwa Dongang Ceraphine , Fuashi Nkwatoh Anthanasius , Azinwie Asongwe Godswill , Bumtu Kamah Pascal
Published: June 2021

Invasion of Nypa palm into mangroves is a problem in the Cameroon Estuary. Soil variability is one of the dominant features that support Nypa palm establishment. The objective was to characterize the soil under the different mangrove stands; Purely Nypa palm stands (A), mixed stands i.e Nypa palm and other mangrove species (B) and other mangrove species i.e Nypa palm free (C), determine the principal soil characteristic critical for Nypa spread.  9 plots of 20 x 20 m were laid in each of the sites.  27 soil samples were collected in the North, West, South East and Center at a depth of 30 cm in these three sites using a soil auger. The results in the three sites indicated that; soils were acidic (3.87- 4.39), pH values did not significantly differ (alpha >0.05), organic matter was low in A (12.32%) and B (16.35%).Soil Organic Carbon ranged from (4.52 to 7.06%). High percentage of organic carbon content was recorded in C (7.06%). Low percentage of organic carbon was found in A (4.52%). Total nitrogen varied from 1.04 g/kg, 1.70g/kg, 1.80 g/kg in sites C, A and B. In all the mangrove stands, the values of Exchangeable Ca content were below 4.0 cmolkg-1. Soil texture in the three sites were; sandy, clay and silt. Power test showed no significant different in soil types between the three sites (p>0.05). According to the component matrix the factor is positively loaded by soil EC, moisture content, organic matter, organic carbon, N, C/N, CEC, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Clay, Silt, and negatively loaded by the percent sand. This study therefore, suggests that since soil plays key role in Nypa palm establishment, there should be constant monitoring of soil quality to forestall drastic changes that will jeopardize the survival of the mangroves. Nypa palm seedlings should also be physically removed from mangrove forest to prevent colonization. In addition, more mangrove seeds should be planted in deforested mangrove areas to close the window of opportunity for the palms.
Evaluation of Interactive Effects of Row Arrangement, Plant Geometry and Mulching on Yield of Early Maturity Maize Hybrid under Traditional Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Manjulatha G. , Rajanikanth E. , Sumalini K. , Sravani D. , Usharani G. , Mallaiah B.
Published: June 2021

Aim: To study the grain yield performance of early maturity maize hybrid under rainfed conditions in relation to row arrangement, plant geometry and mulching.

Place of Study: A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural research station, Karimnagar during kharif 2011-12.

Methodology: The experiment was carried out in red sandy loam soils, in a split- split plot design with main plots as row arrangement (2) i.) Equal rows at 67cm ii). Paired row at 84: 50cm (Between and within paired rows), Sub plots as plant geometry (3) i.) with 40000 Plants/ha (intra row spacing of 37 cm) ii.) with 50000 Plants /ha (intra spacing of 30cm) iii.) with 60000 Plants/ha (intra row spacing of 25cm) and Sub- sub plots as mulching treatments (2) i.) without mulching ii.) with surface mulch @ 5 t/ha. The results indicated that there is no significant difference in grain yield of early maturity maize hybrid, when the crop is grown in equal row spacing of 67cm (5148 kg/ha) or paired row spacing of 84:50cm (4962 kg/ha). The grain yield of maize crop with 60000 Plants /ha (i.e., 25 cm intra row spacing) recorded higher grain yield of 5339 kg/ha followed by maize crop with 50000 Plant /ha (i.e., 30 cm intra row spacing) with 5097 kg/ha grain yield and 4729 kg/ha with 40000 Plant/ha (i.e., 37 cm intra row spacing). When crop rows were mulched with grass and dried weed material @ 5t/ha significantly increased the maize grain yield (5724 kg/ha) by 23 % than compared to the crop kept without mulch (4386 kg/ha). Consequently, the maize crop with surface mulching resulted in higher net returns (Rs.31770/ha) and benefit cost ratio of 1.7 over no mulching. While, the interaction for all parameters was non significant.

Results: It can be concluded that farmers can either follow equal row spacing or paired row spacing based on situation, as there is no significant difference in terms of yield by either method. Mulching of inter row of maize crop under rainfed conditions has resulted in 23% increased yield than that of crop kept without mulch.
The Development of Chinese Investments in Central African Countries Exceed that of France
Authors: Eka Fred
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this article is to study the role that market potential plays precisely in the attractiveness of territories. We will try to analyze and compare the localization of Chinese and French green fDI in Central Africa. The econometric study identifies the main factors on which the economic attractiveness of the territories is based. Our results indicate that the choice of mode and country of establishment will depend on the combination of the advantages of the firm and the host area. The impact that market potential has in particular is fundamental, particularly in Central Africa.
Physiological evaluation of premature neonates submitted to bath and humanized bath / Avaliação fisiológica de neonatos prematuros submetidos ao banho de imersão em banheira e banho humanizado
Authors: Araújo Bárbara Bertolossi Marta de , Martins Thamires Aparecida de Souza , Miranda Ana Flávia Rêgo de , Morais Angela Sousa de , Mesquita Bárbara de Castro , Souza Vitorine Andrade Gonçalves de
Published: June 2021

Objetivos: descrever e comparar os sinais fisiológicos apresentados pelos bebês prematuros durante o banho de imersão em banheira e banho humanizado.  Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal e observacional, realizado através da filmagem e análise dos banhos. Participaram do estudo todos os prematuros hemodinamicamente estáveis. A coleta de dados ocorreu de junho de 2018 até junho de 2019.  A análise de dados ocorreu por estatística descritiva. Resultados: o banho de imersão em banheira apresentou uma grande perda na temperatura corporal de 50% (15) dos prematuros. O banho humanizado não apresentou perda de significativa de temperatura em nenhum neonato. Conclusão: a técnica humanizada promove uma melhor assistência ao recém-nascido prematuro, gerando menos alterações fisiológicas.
Pier Luigi Nervi’s design process of hangars
Authors: Kimura Satoru , Taji Takahiro
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this paper are to report the construction process of hangars in Orvieto and Orbetello by the construction company of Nervi and Bartoli, and to analyze the formation process of the design philosophy proposed by Nervi through a model experiment conducted on both hangars. Nervi initially attempted to design a hangar with pin joints. This indicates that although Nervi was initially uncertain of the structural safety of a vault roof with rigid joints, he eventually understood its structural safety through experiments. In conclusion, Nervi arrived at a hyperstatic structure of the diagonal rib vault which consisted of crossing each arch in the design process of the hangar in three phases. Furthermore, the joint between the roof composed of them and the pillar is ultimately rigidly joined instead of pin junctions after sketching the relevant plans. Nervi’s design philosophy is to connect each member with a rigid joint, a solid monolithic structure, that is, to constitute a hyperstatic structure, which was seen in the design process of the airplane hangar.
Mammalian Embryo: Establishment of the Embryonic Axes
Authors: Thowfeequ Shifaan , Srinivas Shankar
Published: June 2021

In most mammals, due to implantation and the requirement for extraembryonic tissues during embryogenesis, the development of the foetal axes is a relatively late event. Consequently, the definitive body axes of the organism are established in the founder tissue of the foetus well after polarised asymmetries have arisen in the conceptus. Anterior–posterior axial polarity in the foetus has its origin in an extraembryonic tissue, the visceral endoderm. Directional cell movements in the visceral endoderm help position the primitive streak – a structure that plays a key role in gastrulation and establishing the pattern of the primary body axes. Subsequently, asymmetries along the left–right axis are generated, mediated by a specialised organiser called the node. Since these are fundamental events that the remainder of embryonic development is predicated on, defects in these processes generally lead to embryos that fail to develop further.

Key Concepts

The mammalian embryo first generates structures and tissues that contribute to the placenta; therefore, there are various axes of asymmetry in the early conceptus that are not present in the final foetus.

There is a progressive increase in the degree of asymmetry in the pre‐implantation conceptus from an approximately spherically symmetrical zygote, to a radially symmetrical early blastocyst and finally a bilaterally symmetrical late blastocyst.

The epiblast, which gives rise to the foetus, does not appear to have intrinsic axial information but receives axial patterning cues from an extraembryonic tissue called the anterior visceral endoderm.

The anterior visceral endoderm defines the site of gastrulation by restricting the formation of the primitive streak to the opposite end of the epiblast.

The migratory movement of the anterior visceral endoderm is crucial to the proper orientation of the anterior–posterior axis.

A specialised structure called the node, located at the distal end of the primitive streak, plays a central role not only in the organisation of the primary body axes but also in generating left–right asymmetries.
Covalent Nucleophilic Catalysis: Structures of Enzyme Intermediates in Covalent Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Ringe Dagmar
Published: June 2021

Enzyme catalysis relies on several factors, such as proper fit of the substrate to the enzyme active site and interactions between substrate and residues that will aid in the chemical reaction. The overall effect is to lower the energy barrier for the reaction. One factor that is observed in some reactions is the formation of an intermediate covalent adduct to a residue in the active site in what is considered the first half of the reaction.

This intermediate then goes on to react with another substrate to finish the overall reaction. Sometimes these covalent intermediates can be captured and characterised structurally. The chemical structure of an intermediate can define how a reaction proceeds, how the enzyme responds to binding of substrate, which residues of the active site are involved in the chemical transformation and how the substrate undergoes the rearrangements needed to produce the products.

Capture of intermediates is not straightforward and requires different strategies, such as trapping with altered reaction conditions, use of low temperature and the use of mutants that prevent the second half of the reaction to proceed. A number of residues are able to form adducts to a ligand, depending on the nucleophilicity of the atom which undergoes the addition to a substrate (or part of a substrate).

Key Concepts

Covalent intermediates can lower the energy barrier in an enzyme‐catalysed reaction.

Catalysis by an enzyme allows a reaction to occur under conditions that would be unfavourable or exceedingly slow in the absence of the enzyme. Strategies to accomplish this feat depend on the structure and physical properties of the protein to promote precise orientation of a substrate relative to the catalytic residues in an active site and stabilising unstable species with polarising bonds and forming covalent adducts.

Structures of covalent intermediates help to define the mechanism by which an enzyme achieves its catalytic power.

The structure of covalent intermediates can be trapped by a number of strategies, such as altering reaction conditions such as pH, by drastically lowering the temperature in order to prevent the second half of the reaction to occur or using mutants that prevent the second half of the reaction to occur.

The most common covalent intermediates involve acylation, phosphorylation, glycosylation and Schiff base formation.

Formation of a covalent adduct can lower the energy barrier of a reaction.
Quantification of the Knudsen Effect on the Effective Gas Diffusion Coefficient in Partially Saturated Pore Distributions
Authors: Strangfeld Christoph
Published: June 2021

The effective gas diffusion coefficient describes the process of gas diffusion in porous materials. Several materials have a significant number of micropores in the lower nanometre range leading to a reduction of gas diffusion (Knudsen effect). In the case of partial pore saturation during adsorption, the available pore space is further reduced, as is the gas diffusion. In this study, the influence of partially saturated pores on the Knudsen effect and on the gas diffusion is quantified. Three different pore geometries are investigated (slit, cylindrical and spherical pores) and three different types of pore size distribution, including a broad equal distribution, three narrow normal distributions and two measured distributions of concrete. Besides the intensive computation of the exact pore saturation, a simplified model with low computational requirements is suggested. This study shows that the influence of the water layer thickness on the effective diffusion becomes significant for pore radii below 50 nm and the assumed pore geometry is important. At the end, the overall effect is quantified for an amorphous material with most pore radii below 30 nm. At a moisture level of 50% relative humidity, the effective diffusion is reduced by 35% due to partial saturation.
Alternative Lone‐Pair ns2‐Cation‐Based Semiconductors beyond Lead Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Li Tianshu , Luo Shulin , Wang Xinjiang , Zhang Lijun
Published: June 2021

Lead halide perovskites have emerged in the last decade as advantageous high‐performance optoelectronic semiconductors, and have undergone rapid development for diverse applications such as solar cells, light‐emitting diodes , and photodetectors. While material instability and lead toxicity are still major concerns hindering their commercialization, they offer promising prospects and design principles for developing promising optoelectronic materials. The distinguished optoelectronic properties of lead halide perovskites stem from the Pb2+ cation with a lone‐pair 6s2 electronic configuration embedded in a mixed covalent–ionic bonding lattice. Herein, we summarize alternative Pb‐free semiconductors containing lone‐pair ns2 cations, intending to offer insights for developing potential optoelectronic materials other than lead halide perovskites. We start with the physical underpinning of how the ns2 cations within the material lattice allow for superior optoelectronic properties. We then review the emerging Pb‐free semiconductors containing ns2 cations in terms of structural dimensionality, which is crucial for optoelectronic performance. For each category of materials, the research progresses on crystal structures, electronic/optical properties, device applications, and recent efforts for performance enhancements are overviewed. Finally, the issues hindering the further developments of studied materials are surveyed along with possible strategies to overcome them, which also provides an outlook on the future research in this field.
Visco‐Poroelastic Electrochemiluminescence Skin with Piezo‐Ionic Effect
Authors: Lee Jong Ik , Choi Hanbin , Kong Seok Hwan , Park Sangsik , Park Dongmok , Kim Joo Sung , Kwon Sung Hyun , Kim Jungwook , Choi Soo Hyung , Lee Seung Geol , Kim Do Hwan , Kang Moon Sung
Published: June 2021

Following early research efforts devoted to achieving excellent sensitivity of electronic skins, recent design schemes for these devices have focused on strategies for transduction of spatially resolved sensing data into straightforward user‐adaptive visual signals. Here, a material platform capable of transducing mechanical stimuli into visual readout is presented. The material layer comprises a mixture of an ionic transition metal complex luminophore and an ionic liquid (capable of producing electrochemiluminescence (ECL)) within a thermoplastic polyurethane matrix. The proposed material platform shows visco‐poroelastic response to mechanical stress, which induces a change in the distribution of the ionic luminophore in the film, which is referred to as the piezo‐ionic effect. This piezo‐ionic effect is exploited to develop a simple device containing the composite layer sandwiched between two electrodes, which is termed “ECL skin”. Emission from the ECL skin is examined, which increases with the applied normal/tensile stress. Additionally, locally applied stress to the ECL skin is spatially resolved and visualized without the use of spatially distributed arrays of pressure sensors. The simple fabrication and unique operation of the demonstrated ECL skin are expected to provide new insights into the design of materials for human–machine interactive electronic skins.
Large‐Area Semi‐Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Large Stokes Shift Aggregation‐Induced Fluorinated Emitters Obtained Through a Sustainable Synthetic Approach
Authors: Corsini Francesca , Nitti Andrea , Tatsi Elisavet , Mattioli Giuseppe , Botta Chiara , Pasini Dario , Griffini Gianmarco
Published: June 2021

In this study, the design, fabrication, and characterization of semi‐transparent large‐area luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) in thin‐film configuration is reported, incorporating a novel organic luminophore (PFPBNT) emitter based on a π‐conjugated core flanked by two naphthothiophene units obtained through a chemically sustainable synthetic approach. As found experimentally and validated through computational modeling, PFPBNT exhibits aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior, broad absorption in the UV–vis spectrum and significant Stokes shift (≈4632 cm–1), thereby making it an excellent candidate as luminophore in thin‐film LSCs based on a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix, where it is found to show good compatibility, homogeneous distribution, and excellent photostability. After extensive device optimization, PFPBNT/PMMA LSCs with suitable luminophore concentration (12.5 wt%) showed an internal photon efficiency of 17.3% at a geometrical gain of 6.25 under solar‐simulated illumination. The size scalability of these systems was also evaluated by means of ray‐tracing simulations on devices of up to 1 m2 surface area. This work demonstrates semi‐transparent large‐area thin‐film LSCs incorporating chemically sustainable AIEgen luminophores, thus opening the way to the development of synthetically affordable, efficient, and stable emitters for the photovoltaic field.
The “cognitive clock”: A novel indicator of brain health
Authors: Boyle Patricia A. , Wang Tianhao , Yu Lei , Wilson Robert S. , Dawe Robert , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Schneider Julie A. , Beck Todd , Rajan Kumar B. , Evans Denis , Bennett David A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

We identified a “cognitive clock,” a novel indicator of brain health that provides person‐specific estimates of cognitive age, and tested the hypothesis that cognitive age is a better predictor of brain health than chronological age in two independent datasets.

Methods

The initial analyses were based on 1057 participants from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and the Religious Orders Study who began without impairment and underwent cognitive assessments up to 24 years. A shape invariant model characterized the latent pattern of cognitive decline, conceptualized here as the “cognitive clock,” and yielded person‐specific estimates of cognitive age. Survival analyses examined cognitive versus chronological age for predicting Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment and mortality, and regression analyses examined associations of cognitive versus chronological age with neuropathology and brain atrophy. Finally, we applied the cognitive clock to an independent validation sample of 2592 participants from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a biracial population‐based study, to confirm the predictive utility of cognitive age.

Results

The “cognitive clock” showed that cognition remained stable until a cognitive age of about 80, then declined moderately until 90, then declined precipitously. In the initial dataset, cognitive age was a better predictor of dementia, mild cognitive impairment and mortality than chronological age, and was more strongly associated with neuropathology and brain atrophy. Application of the cognitive clock to the independent validation sample provided further support for the utility of cognitive age as a strong prognostic indicator of adverse outcomes.

Discussion

Cognitive age is a robust prognostic indicator of adverse health outcomes and may serve as a useful biomarker in aging research.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Acid‐Free Neutral Oxoborane
Authors: Wang Hanqiang , Zhang Jie , Yang Jingting , Xie Zuowei
Published: June 2021

An efficient synthesis of an acid‐free neutral oxoborane of the type carboranyl‐B(carbene)=O has been developed via a serendipitous discovery from the reaction of 1,2‐[BBr(carbene)]‐o‐carborane with AgOTf. This represents a new type of oxoborane. The stabilization of this oxoborane may be attributed to 1) kinetic stabilization provided by a bulky 3D carboranyl ligand and 2) thermodynamic stabilization offered by a carbene ligand. Crystallographic analyses support the presence of the shortest terminal B=O double bond ever reported thus far. Its reactivity has also been examined.
Design of a Waste Paper‐Derived Chemically ‘Reactive’ and Durable Functional Material with Tailorable Mechanical Property Following an Ambient and Sustainable Chemical Approach
Authors: Shome Arpita , Rather Adil M. , Borbora Angana , Srikrishnarka Pillalamarri , Baidya Avijit , Pradeep Thalappil , Manna Uttam
Published: June 2021

Controlled tailoring of mechanical property and wettability is important for designing various functional materials. The integration of these characteristics with waste materials is immensely challenging to achieve, however, it can provide sustainable solutions to combat relevant environmental pollutions and other relevant challenges. Here, the strategic conversion of discarded and valueless waste paper into functional products has been introduced following a catalyst‐free chemical approach to tailor both the mechanical property and water wettability at ambient conditions for sustainable waste management and controlling the relevant environmental pollution. In the current design, the controlled and appropriate silanization of waste paper allowed to modulate both the a) porosity and b) compressive modulus of the paper‐derived sponges. Further, the association of 1,4‐conjugate addition reaction between amine and acrylate groups allowed to obtain an unconventional waste paper‐derived chemically ‘reactive’ sponge. The appropriate covalent modification of the residual reactive acrylate groups with selected alkylamines at ambient conditions provided a facile basis to tailor the water wettability from moderate hydrophobicity, adhesive superhydrophobicity to non‐adhesive superhydrophobicity. The embedded superhydrophobicity in the waste paper‐derived sponge was capable of sustaining large physical deformations, severe physical abrasions, prolonged exposure to harsh aqueous conditions, etc. Further, the waste paper‐derived, extremely water‐repellent sponges and membranes were successfully extended for proof‐of‐concept demonstration of a practically relevant outdoor application, where the repetitive remediation of oil spillages has been demonstrated following both selective absorption (25 times) of oils and gravity‐driven filtration‐based (50 times) separation of oils from oil/water mixtures at different harsh aqueous scenarios.
Melatonin: A regulator of the interplay between FoxO1, miR96, and miR215 signaling to diminish the growth, survival, and metastasis of murine adenocarcinoma
Authors: Oshiba Rehab T. , Touson Ehab , Elsherbini Yasser M. , Abdraboh Mohamed E.
Published: June 2021

Melatonin (Mel.), also known as the magic hormone, is a nocturnally secreted hormone orchestrates the clearance of free radicals that have been built up and cumulated during day. This study aims to detect the impact of pineal gland removal on the incidence of tumor development and to assess the signaling pathways via which exogenous melatonin counteract cancer growth. This goal has been achieved by novel approach for pineal destruction using dental micromotor which validated by melatonin downregulation in blood plasma. Mice were injected sub‐cutenously with Ehrlich cells to develop solid tumor as a murine model of breast cancer. The increase at tumor markers carcino embryonic antigen, TNFα, and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells was over countered by exogenous melatonin supplementation (20 mg/kg) daily for 1 month. The anticancer effects of melatonin were significantly mediated by scavenging H2O2 and NO and diminishing of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde. The real‐time polymerase chain Rx analyses indicated a significant effect of Melatonin in upregulating the expression of miR215, fork head box protein O1 (foxO1), and downregulation of miR96. Flowcytometric analyses indicated a significant effect of melatonin on induction of cell cycle arrest at G1 phase which was further confirmed by Ki67 downregulation. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated the role of melatonin in upregulating P53‐dependent apoptosis and downregulating CD44 signaling for survivin, matrix metallo‐protein kinase 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor to inhibit cell survival and metastasis. In conclusion, this study sheds the light on M./P53/miR215/CD44 with an emphasis on M./miR96//foxO1 signaling cascades, as a novel pathway of melatonin signaling in adenocarcinoma to diminish cancer cell growth, survival and metastasis.
Simultaneous determination of meropenem and imipenem in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Peng Li , Wang Xinyu , Dang Hongwan
Published: June 2021

An efficient and reliable method using LC–MS/MS was established and validated for the simultaneous quantification of meropenem and imipenem in rat plasma. An electronic spray ion source in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for the detection and the transitions were m/z 384.6 → m/z 141.2 for meropenem, m/z 300.1 → m/z 141.8 for imipenem and m/z 423.4 → m/z 207.1 for matrine (IS). The calibration curves of meropenem and imipenem were linear in the range of 0.50–200 μg/mL. Satisfactory separation was achieved with a total run time of 3.0 min, the injection volume was 3 μl. The retention times of meropenem, imipenem and IS were 1.19, 1.14 and 1.13 min, respectively. Meropenem and imipenem are easily hydrolyzed in plasma. HEPES was used as a stabilizer and added to the plasma samples immediately after centrifugation. Extractions of meropenem, imipenem and IS were carried out by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The specificity, precision and accuracy, stability, recovery and matrix effects were within acceptance limits. This method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of intravenous injection of meropenem and imipenem single administration or combined with sulbactam in rats. We found that sulbactam has no influence on the pharmacokinetics behavior of meropenem or imipenem.
How does a brand's psychological distance in an advergame influence brand memory of the consumers?
Authors: Sreejesh S. , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Ghosh Tathagata
Published: June 2021

Advergames are computer games through which marketers promote their brands. While many studies have explored the influence of gamification of advertising, little is known about the nature of the consumer‐brand interaction and its effect on consumers' cognitive reactions. We address this gap by conducting three experiments in which we manipulate (a) consumers' level of message construal depending upon their interactions with the brands to complete game tasks, and (b) regulatory focus (RF) (individual‐level and game‐induced). We measure the effects on consumers' brand memory and also examine the mediating role of flow experience. Different samples comprising of post‐graduate students and adults are used in the experiments. Results reveal that a low (vs. high) construal level yields stronger brand memory. Also, a fit between RF (promotion and prevention) and construal level (high and low) results in better brand memory. Flow experience mediates the effects of the independent variables on brand memory.
Real‐Time and Label‐Free Measurement of Deubiquitinase Activity with a MspA Nanopore
Authors: Shorkey Spencer A. , Du Jiale , Pham Ryan , Strieter Eric R. , Chen Min
Published: June 2021

Covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) to cellular proteins as a post‐translational modification can result in altered function of modified proteins. Enzymes regulating Ub as a post‐translational modification, such as ligases and deubiquitinases, are challenging to characterize in part due to the low throughput of in‐vitro assays. Single‐molecule nanopore based assays have the advantage of detecting proteins with high specificity and resolution, and in a label‐free, real‐time fashion. Here we demonstrate the use of a MspA nanopore for discriminating and quantifying Ub proteins. We further applied the MspA pore to measure the Ub‐chain disassembly activity of UCH37, a proteasome associated deubiquitinase. The implementation of this MspA system into nanopore arrays could enable high throughput characterizations of unknown deubiquitinases as well as drug screening against disease related enzymes.
Understanding the Structure‐Activity Relationship of Ni‐Catalyzed Amide C−N Bond Activation using Distortion/Interaction Analysis
Authors: Xie. Pei‐Pei , Qin Zhi‐Xin , Zhang Shuo‐Qing , Hong Xin
Published: June 2021

Transition metal‐catalyzed amide C−N bond activation has emerged as a powerful strategy to utilize amides in synthetic transformations. The key mechanistic basis for the rational design of amide reagents is the structure‐activity relationship of amide C−N bond activation. In this work, the controlling factors of Ni/PCy3‐catalyzed amide C−N bond activation barrier are elucidated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and distortion/interaction analysis. We found that the substrate distortion is the key factor that differentiates the amide reactivity in the C−N bond activation. The substrate distortion of amide is associated with two distinctive structure‐activity relationships. The general planar amides undergo a classic three‐membered ring oxidative addition to cleave the C−N bond, in which the C−N heterolytic bond dissociation energy has a linear relationship with the activation barrier. The twisted amides have a chelation‐assisted transition state for the amide C−N bond cleavage, and the twisted angle τ can serve as a predictive parameter for the reactivity of the twisted amides. The understanding of the structure‐activity relationship of amide C−N bond activation provides a rational and predictive basis for future reaction designs involving transition metal‐catalyzed amide C−N bond activation.
Hydrogen Evolution Mediated by Cobalt Diimine‐Dioxime Complexes: Insights into the Role of the Ligand Acid/Base Functionalities.
Authors: Sun Dongyue , Karippara Harshan Aparna , Pécaut Jacques , Hammes‐Schiffer Sharon , Costentin Cyrille , Artero Vincent
Published: June 2021

The benchmarking of the performance for H2evolution of cobalt diimine‐dioxime catalysts is provided based on a comprehensive study of their catalytic mechanism. The latter follows an ECE'CC pathway with intermediate formation of a Co(II)‐hydride intermediate and second protonation possibly at a basic site of the ligand, acting as a proton relay. This suggests an intramolecular coupling between the hydride and protonated ligand as the proton concentration‐independent rate‐determining step controlling the turnover frequency for H2evolution.
Through Bridge Spin Coupling in Homo‐ and Heterobimetallic Porphyrin Dimers upon Stepwise Oxidations: A Spectroscopic and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Kumar Amit , Usman Mohammad , Samanta Deepannita , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: June 2021

We have described copper(II)‐iron(III) and copper(II)‐manganese(III) heterobimetallic porphyrin dimers and compared them with the corresponding homobimetallic analogs. UV‐visible spectra are very distinct in the heterometallic species while electrochemical studies demonstrate that these species, as compared to the homobimetallic analog, are much easier to oxidize. Combined Mössbauer, EPR, NMR, magnetic and UV‐visible spectroscopic studies show that upon 2e‐oxidation of the heterobimetallic complexes only ring‐centered oxidation occurs. The energy differences between HOMO and LUMO are linearly dependent with the low‐energy NIR band obtained for the 2e‐oxidized complexes. Also, strong electronic communication between two porphyrin rings through the bridge facilitates coupling between various unpaired spins present while the coupling model depends on the nature of metal ions used. While unpaired spins of Fe(III) and the porphyrin π‐cation radical are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled, such coupling is rather weak between Mn(III) and a porphyrin π‐cation radical. Moreover, the coupling between two π‐cation radicals are much stronger in the 2e‐oxidized complexes of dimanganese(III) and copper(II)‐manganese(III) porphyrin dimers as compared to their diiron(III) and copper(II)‐iron(III) analogs. Furthermore, coupling between the unpaired spins of a π‐cation radical and copper(II) is much stronger in the 2e‐oxidized complex of copper(II)‐iron(III) porphyrin dimer as compared to its copper(II)‐manganese(III) analog. The Mulliken spin density distributions in 2e‐oxidized homo‐ and heterobimetallic complexes show symmetric and asymmetric spread between the two macrocycles, respectively. In both the 2e‐oxidized heterobimetallic complexes, the Cu(II) porphyrin center acts as a charge donor while Fe(III)/Mn(III) porphyrin center act as a charge acceptor. The experimental observations are also strongly supported by DFT calculations.
Effects of geometric parameters of rectangular cooling channel on pyrolysis carbon deposition in fuel‐cooled plates
Authors: Huang Qin , Chen Yu , Bao Zewei , Zhu Quan , Wang Jianli
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the effects of the geometric parameters of a rectangular cooling channel on the amount of pyrolysis carbon deposition in the channel unit of real fuel‐cooled plates under the constraints of fixed overall plate shape and total flow rate are studied. A decoupling algorithm for simulating the carbon deposition on surfaces of three‐dimensional (3D) channels is firstly established, and a carbon deposition rate model is extended for 3D channels. Using the developed method, the processes of pyrolysis carbon deposition in five fuel‐cooled plates with various channel parameters are simulated. The effects of structural parameters on heat transfer, pyrolysis reaction, distribution of carbon deposition, and total carbon deposition amount are discussed. The results show that the channel geometric parameters indirectly affect pyrolysis carbon deposition in two ways: by changing the wall temperature where the carbon deposition reaction occurs through affecting the heat transfer and by changing the concentration of precursors through changing the residence time of fuel. A parameter θ related to the rectangular channel structure and the number of channels is defined. Under the geometric constraints of the channel unit, the smaller design parameter θ is beneficial to reduce carbon deposition in the channel.
Synthesis of stream‐split heat exchanger networks using non‐structural model considering serial equipment in stream branches and submixing of substreams
Authors: Kayange Heri Ambonisye , Cui Guoming , Xu Yue , Xiao Yuan
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a non‐structural model with stream splits, for heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis, that allows for submixing of substreams within splits and series connection of exchanger units in a substream. In a submix, one substream totally combines with another non‐isothermally, and by allowing this feature, the designer incurs only piping costs, which are significantly low compared to other HEN costs, and benefits from increased possibility of manipulating substream temperatures. An algorithm employing random walk principles and compulsive evolution is applied for HEN optimization. The method's randomness, which enhances its explorative searching power and efficiency, is an attractive property that matches the proposed model. Four case studies from the literature are solved and annual cost savings of $1800, $7769, and $4771/year are achieved for three of them in comparison with published best solutions, attesting to the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Poly‐l‐lysine Glycoconjugates Inhibit DC‐SIGN‐mediated Attachment of Pandemic Viruses
Authors: Cramer Jonathan , Aliu Butrint , Jiang Xiaohua , Sharpe Timothy , Pang Lijuan , Hadorn Adrian , Rabbani Said , Ernst Beat
Published: June 2021

The C‐type lectin receptor DC‐SIGN mediates interactions with envelope glycoproteins of many viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2, ebola, and HIV and contributes to virus internalization and dissemination. In the context of the recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, involvement of DC‐SIGN has been linked to severe cases of COVID‐19. Inhibition of the interaction between DC‐SIGN and viral glycoproteins has the potential to generate broad spectrum antiviral agents. Here, we demonstrate that mannose‐functionalized poly‐l‐lysine glycoconjugates efficiently inhibit the attachment of viral glycoproteins to DC‐SIGN‐presenting cells with picomolar affinity. Treatment of these cells leads to prolonged receptor internalization and inhibition of virus binding for up to 6 h. Furthermore, the polymers are fully bio‐compatible and readily cleared by target cells. The thermodynamic analysis of the multivalent interactions reveals enhanced enthalpy‐driven affinities and promising perspectives for the future development of multivalent therapeutics.