bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productivity of winter wheat plants under drought
Authors: Zhuk O. I.
Published: March 2020

Aim. The goal of research was to study the effects of soil drought on the productivity of winter wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Methods. Wheat plants of the cultivars of Zolotocolosa and Astarta were grown under optimal nutrition and moisture to the earing-flowering phase. After the beginning of it the experimental plants were transferred to drought conditions for 8 days, after that the optimal water supply was restored to the end of the vegetation. The yield structure was analyzed in mature plants. Results. It is established that the effect of drought in the critical phase of ontogenesis led to a decrease in plant height, ear size, mass and number of grains in it. At the same time, the number of grains in ears of plants decreased more significantly in the cultivar Zolotocolosa compared to the Astarta, especially in the tillers. The loss of grains mass from the ear was lower in cultivar Zolotocolosa than to the Astarta. Conclusions. Water deficit in the soil in the critical phase of ear-flowering led to a decrease in the productivity of wheat plants due to the inhibition of growth, the laying and the formation elements of the ear and grains, that depended on the specificity of the cultivar. Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., stem, ear, productivity, drought.
Breeding and genetic patterns in trait expression and efficiency of creation of spring barley cultivars
Authors: Kozachenko M. R. , Vasko N. I. , Naumov O. H. , Solonechnyi P. M. , Solonechna O. V. , Vazhenina O. Ye. , Kompanets K. V.
Published: March 2020

Aim. Solutions of scientific problems of increasing the efficiency of genetic breeding methods are important objectives in the creation of valuable spring barley cultivars. Methods. Analyses of variance, variation, correlation and regression as well as genetic methods of analyzing features of genotypes in the diallel crossing and top-crossing design were used. Results. The important scientific problems with regard to increasing the efficiency of breeding for yield capacity, brewing quality and starch fraction composition were solved by establishing morphological and biological characteristics, dispersion, correlation, variability, adaptability, breeding and genetic peculiarities of inheritance, heritability, components of genetic variation, combining ability of plant traits as well as the effectiveness of hybridization and mutagenesis methods. As a result of the patterns established, the efficiency of the creation of economically valuable spring barley cultivars was increased. Conclusions. The new solutions of important scientific problems of raising the efficiency of breeding for yield capacity and grain quality were proposed and generalized. On this basis, valuable cultivars were created. As of 2017, 17 of them have been were included in the State Register of Plant Varieties suitable for dissemination inUkraine.

Keywords: breeding-genetic patterns, Hordeum vulgare L., cultivar, breeding method, yield capacity and grain quality.
The value of alien representatives of Prunus L. genus for flowering cherries breeding
Authors: Opalko A. I. , Polishchuk V. V. , Opalko O. A. , Kosar K. P.
Published: March 2020

Aim. The necessity to search for sources and donors of deficit features for east cherry tree breeding (sakura) and to classify the collection of this promising woody ornamental plant for domestic horticulture determined the conduction of our research. Methods. The availability of some representatives of sakura collection of NDP «Sofiyivka» for breeding was studied with conventional methods, namely, flower color, intensity and duration of flowering, fruit attractiveness, form of a tree crown, vigor and other traits, which determine plant attractiveness for gardens, parks and street plantations, were estimated. Results. Among sakura cultivars which present interest for breeding and are characterized by high ornamental nature along with their adaptability to the conditions of most of the regions in Ukraine, such well-known cultivars as ‘Ama-no-gawa’, ‘Kanzan’, ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ and ‘Royal Burgundy’ are to be mentioned. Despite the information concerning the feasibility of spontaneous and the success of artificial intercultivar and interspecific hybridization of Prunus serrulata with other cultivars and other Prunus s. l. genera, at present we have not received P. serrulata hybrids. Conclusions. To enhance the breeding productivity of flowering cherry tree, namely hybridization efficiency of P. serrulata with donors and sources of ornamental traits, it is advisable to involve new initial material on a wide genetic basis not only by economic-valuable features, but also considering the cases of S-genes genetic incompatibility.

Keywords: Amygdaloideae Arn., Prunus sensu lato, initial material for breeding, gametophytic self-incompatibility, oriental flowering cherries (sakura).
Evaluation of toxicity and genotoxicity of nano nanoparticles Ag2S, synthesised by biological matrix, on Drosophila melanogaster Mg. (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Protsenko O. V. , Yasinskiy Ya. , Horiunova I. I. , Plohovska S. H. , Borovaya M. N. , Postovoitova A. S. , Pirko N. M. , Pirko Ya. B. , Yemets A. I. , Demydov S. V. , Kozeretska I. A.
Published: March 2020

Aim. To evaluate the toxicity and genotoxicity of Ag2S quantum dots that had been synthesized by the mycelium of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus on Drosophila melanogaster. Methods. The toxicity of nanoparticles was determined by assessing the survival rate of imagos and larvae. Genotoxicity was studied in the reparation test. The influence of nanoparticles on the development of the D. melanogaster reproductive system was determined by evaluating the number of ovariols. Results. The toxic effects of ionic silver and the absence of such effects in biosynthetic Ag2S nanoparticles had been shown. The negative influence of biosynthesized Ag2S nanoparticles and biomaterials and ionic silver on the development of D. melanogaster reproductive system had been revealed. There was no genotoxic effect for all investigated specimens. Conclusions. Ag2S biosynthesized quantum dots do not have a toxic and genotoxic effects on D. melanogaster at the concentration of 1.5 mg/ml. However, the action of Ag2S (salt), the biological matrix Pleurotus and biosynthetic Ag2S nanoparticles leads to a decrease in the number of ovariols.

Keywords: Ag2S nanoparticles, D. melanogaster, toxicity, genotoxicity.
Genetic transformation of Nicotiana tabacum with the yeast TPS1 and TPS2 genes involved in trehalose synthesis
Authors: Kvasko A. Yu. , Isayenkov S. V. , Krasnoperova E. E. , Dmytruk K. V. , Yemets A. I.
Published: March 2020

Aim. The aim of the study was the creation of vector constructions with yeast genes of trehalose synthesis TPS1 and TPS2 and their using for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of N. tabacum. Methods. Strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 carrying vector constructions — pGWВ2-TPS1 and pGWВ2-TPS2 with TPS1 and TPS2 target genes respectively under 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus and selectable hpt gene of hygromycin phosphotransferase has been used for plants transformation. N. tabacum leaf explants were used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The medium with the addition of hygromycin was applied to transgenic lines selection. Results. The created vector constructions pGWВ2-TPS1 and pGWВ2-TPS2 has been used in genetic N. tabacum transformation. Target genes TPS1 and TPS2 were integrated applied of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and transgenic lines of N. tabacum were selected with addition at 25 mg/L hygromycin into the medium. Molecular analysis confirmed the transgenic nature of selected lines. Conclusions. Sensitivity of selected lines for sugars content into the medium was established for shoots and roots formation of tobacco plants. Conditions for increase of transformation frequency and rooting of transgenic lines of plant after integrated of target TPS1 and TPS2 genes were investigated. Keywords: trehalose, yeast genes TPS1, TPS2, genetic transformation, Nicotiana tabacum.
Den europæiske stats dannelse
Authors: Harste Gorm
Published: March 2020

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Klimaeksperter og lægmænd. Hvad betyder forskelle i risikoopfattelse for klimapolitikken?
Authors: Brandt Urs Steiner
Published: March 2020

Klimaændringer opfattes af klimaeksperter som et alvorligt globalt miljøproblem, der nødvendiggør massiv indgriben. Den folkelige opbakning synes dog ikke at reflektere denne bekymring. Spørgsmålet er, hvorfor der er denne forskel i risikoopfattelsen. Uenigheden mellem eksperter og lægmænd er vigtig at forstå, da den kan have alvorlige konsekvenser for effektiviteten af den førte klimapolitik. Kombinationen af økonomisk beslutningsteori og adfærdspsykologi kan give et bud på, hvorfor ikke-eksperter har en anden risikovurdering end eksperter. Hvis politikere, af vælgerhensyn, i det mindste delvist baserer klimapolitikken på ikke- eksperters vurdering, betyder det, at der er en stor risiko for en fejlslagen klimapolitik. En ændret og bedre kommunikation af klimaproblemets risikoprofil kunne imidlertid harmonisere klimaeksperter og befolkningens risikoopfattelse og dermed fremme en effektiv klimapolitisk indsats.
DISCRIMINATION À L’EMBAUCHE DES CANDIDATES D’ORIGINE MAGHRÉBINE DANS LA RÉGION DE LA
CAPITALE-NATIONALE
Authors: Brière Simon , Fortin Bernard , Lacroix Guy
Published: March 2020

Pour des CV semblables en tout point, Samira Benounis recevra-t-elle moins
d’invitations à un entretien d’embauche que Valérie Tremblay dans la région de la
Capitale-Nationale (Québec, Canada) ? Cet article tente de répondre à cette question à
partir d’une expérience utilisant la méthode de testing par envoi de CV fictifs.
Nos résultats suggèrent que, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, la probabilité d’être
invitée à un entretien d’embauche diminue d’environ 10 unités de pourcentage lorsque la
candidate a un nom d’origine maghrébine plutôt que québécoise. Ce constat suggère la
présence d’une discrimination à l’embauche des candidates d’origine maghrébine dans la
région de la Capitale-Nationale.
TROIS ÉVALUATIONS DE POLITIQUE DE CAPITAL HUMAIN VISANT LES JEUNES ENFANTS ET ADOLESCENTS DU QUÉBEC : CONSTATS ET PISTES POUR L’AVENIR
Authors: Merrigan Philip
Published: March 2020

Dans ce texte, nous présentons les résultats d’évaluations empiriques de trois grandes politiques de capital humain du Québec visant les jeunes enfants et les adolescents : la politique de garde à tarification réduite du gouvernement du Québec, la réforme scolaire du primaire et du secondaire, et la politique de subvention des écoles privées. Nous montrons que les deux premières devront être profondément modifiées pour atteindre leurs objectifs de capital humain, alors que d’autres travaux sont nécessaires pour une évaluation finale de la dernière.
REAL IMPLICATIONS OF CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT: REVIEW OF MAIN RESULTS AND NEW EVIDENCE FROM A DIFFERENT METHODOLOGY
Authors: Dionne Georges , Mnasri Mohamed
Published: March 2020

This study revisits the question of whether risk management has real implications on firm value, risk, and accounting performance using a new dataset on the hedging activities of U.S. oil producers. In light of the controversial results in the literature, this paper estimates the hedging premium question for firms by using a more robust econometric methodology, namely essential heterogeneity models, that controls for bias related to selection on unobservables and self-selection in the estimation of marginal treatment effects (MTE). We find that oil producers with higher propensity scores for the use of more extensive hedging activities tend to have higher marginal firm value and higher marginal risk reduction and realize stronger marginal accounting performance. These oil producers with higher propensity scores also have significant average treatment effects (ATE) for firm financial value, idiosyncratic risk and systematic risk.
LE RÔLE DE L’ORIGINE SOCIALE DU MIGRANT DANS LA RELATION ENTRE LES TRANSFERTS DE FONDS ET LES INÉGALITÉS DE REVENU
Authors: Kratou Hajer , Goaied Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Cet article étudie le rapport entre les transferts de fonds des travailleurs migrants et les inégalités de revenu dans les pays récipiendaires. Nous cherchons en particulier à vérifier si la relation est non linéaire et tributaire d’un ensemble de facteurs tel que l’origine sociale du migrant. L’étude porte sur un panel de 66 pays en développement couvrant la période 1984-2010 et tient compte de l’endogénéité potentielle des transferts de fonds. Les conclusions montrent que les transferts de fonds permettent de réduire les inégalités de revenu dans les pays économiquement développés et/ou les pays qui exportent moins de main-d’oeuvre qualifiée et dont les coûts migratoires sont faibles, à l’instar de la région MENA, de l’Europe de l’Est et de l’Asie centrale. En revanche, les migrants originaires de l’Afrique subsaharienne ne connaissent pas ce phénomène.
CIBLAGE D’INFLATION ET PERFORMANCE MACROÉCONOMIQUE : NOUVELLE APPROCHE, NOUVELLE RÉPONSE
Authors: Ftiti Zied , Goux Jean-François , Boukhatem Jamel
Published: March 2020

Ce papier se veut une contribution au débat quant à l’efficacité, en termes de performance économique, du régime de ciblage d’inflation en s’appuyant sur une analyse statistique descriptive et comparative de l’inflation et de la croissance économique appuyée par une analyse économétrique des doubles différences (differences-in-differences approach) pour différents échantillons. Un résultat important de ce travail est qu’on réconcilie les deux courants de la littérature, celui qui est en faveur du ciblage d’inflation et celui qui ne l’est pas. Plus précisément, nous montrons que le ciblage d’inflation est plus efficace dans le cas des pays émergents où l’inflation est toujours un défi d’actualité. Dans ce type de pays, cette politique monétaire assure la stabilité des prix avec une croissance soutenable. Cependant, pour le cas des pays industrialisés, nos résultats montrent que cette politique monétaire sacrifie la croissance économique au profit de la stabilité des prix. Ce dernier résultat s’avère important justifiant de ce fait les critiques de Stiglitz (2008) et de Blanchard et al. (2010) où ce régime monétaire a contribué à la grande dépression suivant la crise des subprimes.
A Review of Human Rights Education in Higher Education
Authors: Vissing Yvonne , Williams Jane
Published: March 2020

The United Nation created the World Programme for Human Rights Education to advance implementation of human rights education (HRE). This study is an exploration of some aspects of the Second Phase of the Programme as it pertains to the incorporation of human rights education into higher
education settings. It concludes that there is a global attempt to integrate HRE into higher education, particularly at the course level in medical, legal, and political departments. Content and pedagogical approaches vary significantly. The role of higher education in stimulating HRE research
is under-developed. Higher education has a powerful opportunity to do much more to integrate and advance HRE in the future.
The Effect of Gender on Job Satisfaction Among Teachers in Arab Government Schools in Israel
Authors: Shamma Fathi , Badarny Lialy Abuleil
Published: March 2020

The study investigated the job satisfaction level among teachers working in Arab government schools in Israel. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of 200 teachers. The SPSS statistical package was used to analyze the data collected. The results
of the study indicated a high level of job satisfaction. There were no significant statistical differences in job satisfaction due to gender. In view of the findings, the study recommended that teachers should be encouraged and empowered to increase their job satisfaction level, as this would
help Arab government schools in Israel to achieve their goals and outcomes.
Identification of scavenger receptor B1 as the airway microfold cell receptor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Haaris S , Nair Vidhya R , Ruhl Cody R , Alvarez-Arguedas Samuel , Galvan Rendiz Jorge L , Franco Luis H , Huang Linzhang , Shaul Philip W , Kim Jiwoong , Xie Yang , Mitchell Ron B , Shiloh Michael U
Published: March 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can enter the body through multiple routes, including via specialized transcytotic cells called microfold cells (M cell). However, the mechanistic basis for M cell entry remains undefined. Here, we show that M cell transcytosis depends on the Mtb Type VII secretion machine and its major virulence factor EsxA. We identify scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) as an EsxA receptor on airway M cells. SR-B1 is required for Mtb binding to and translocation across M cells in mouse and human tissue. Together, our data demonstrate a previously undescribed role for Mtb EsxA in mucosal invasion and identify SR-B1 as the airway M cell receptor for Mtb.
Jeg håndhilser før jeg penetrerer
Authors: Uri Helene
Published: March 2020

I dette essayet utforsker jeg hva kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid kan bety for meg som romanforfatter og som skrivekunstner. Utgangspunktet er ungdomsromanen Stillheten etterpå (2018), og jeg er særlig opptatt av hvordan litterære personer blir til. I teksten henter jeg eksempler fra flere romaner jeg har skrevet, men bakteppet er ungdomsromanen. Jeg uttrykker skepsis til å skrive om egen (skjønnlitterær) skriving, men i løpet av arbeidet med dette essayet kommer jeg et stykke på vei. For eksempel gjør jeg rede for hvordan skifte av synsvinkel er en metode jeg har nytte av. Men noe forblir uforklarlig, og slik må det være.
Monitoring nearshore ecosystem health using Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) as an indicator species
Authors: Bowen Lizabeth , Counihan Katrina L. , Ballachey Brenda , Coletti Heather , Hollmen Tuula , Pister Benjamin , Wilson Tammy L.
Published: March 2020

An emerging approach to ecosystem monitoring involves the use of physiological biomarker analyses in combination with gene transcription assays. For the first time, we employed these tools to evaluate the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula), which is important both economically and ecologically, as a bioindicator species in the northeast Pacific. Our objectives were to (1) develop biomarker and gene transcription assays with which to monitor the health of the Pacific razor clam, (2) acquire baseline biomarker and gene transcription reference ranges for razor clams, (3) assess the relationship between physiological and gene transcription assays and (4) determine if site-level differences were present. Pacific razor clams were collected in July 2015 and 2016 at three sites within each of two national parks in southcentral Alaska. In addition to determining reference ranges, we found differences in biomarker assay and gene transcription results between parks and sites which indicate variation in both large-scale and local environmental conditions. Our intent is to employ these methods to evaluate Pacific razor clams as a bioindicator of nearshore ecosystem health. Links between the results of the biomarker and gene transcription assays were observed that support the applicability of both assays in ecosystem monitoring. However, we recognize the need for controlled studies to examine the range of responses in physiology and gene transcripts to different stressors.
HUBUNGAN BRAND EXPERIENCE, BRAND IMAGE, BRAND SATISFACTION, DAN BRAND LOYALTY DALAM PESPEKTIF FOUR-STAGE LOYALTY MODEL (STUDI TERHADAP MAHASISWA PENGGUNA SMARTPHONE DI TARAKAN)
Authors: Rahmat Rahmat , Marso Marso
Published: March 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menguji pengaruh langsung brand experience terhadap brand image, brand satisfaction, dan brand loyalty. Populasi penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa di Tarakan.  Sampel penelitian ini terdiri dari 128 responden yang ditarik dengan metode nonprobability sampling. Software yang digunakan untuk menguji validitas dan reliabilitas instrumen serta menguji hipotesis penelitian ini adalah SmartPLS 3.0 Professional. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa brand experience berpengaruh langsung secara positif dan signifikan terhadap brand image, pengaruh langsung brand experience terhadap brand satisfaction tidak signifikan, pengaruh langsung brand experience terhadap brand loyalty tidak signifikan, brand image berpengaruh langsung secara positif dan signifikan terhadap brand satisfaction, pengaruh langsung brand image terhadap brand loyalty tidak signifikan, dan brand satisfaction berpengaruh langsung secara positif dan signifikan terhadap Brandloyalty. Selain membahas hasil pengujian pengaruh langsung, peran brand image dan brand satisfaction sebagai variabel mediator juga dibahas dalam penelitian ini. Secara teoritis, hasil penelitian ini berkontribusi dalam pengembangan anteseden loyalitas pelanggan; sedangkan secara pragmatis, temuan penelitian ini dapat bermanfaat sebagai bahan dalam merumuskan strategi untuk meningkatkan loyalitas pengguna Smartphone
PENGARUH TAMPILAN WEB DAN HARGA TERHADAP MINAT BELI DENGAN KEPERCAYAAN SEBAGAI INTERVENING VARIABLE PADA E-COMMERCE SHOPEE
Authors: Japarianto Edwin , Adelia Stephanie
Published: March 2020

E-commerce dipengaruhi oleh berbagai macam faktor, misalnya tampilan web dan harga, serta kepercayaan yang ikut andil dalam mempengaruhi pertumbuhan minat beli online.Dari penelitian ini penulis menemukan bahwa hubungan antara tampilan web dan harga pada minat beli dengan kepercayaan sebagai intervening variable-nya di e-commerce Shopee menunjukkan bahwa kepercayaan merupakan variabel intervening, membuat variabel independen lebih kuat apabila secara langsung berhubungan  ke variabel dependen. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah pengguna aplikasi Shopee yang menggunakan aplikasi Shopee dalam tiga bulan terakhir dan membuka aplikasi Shopee minimal lima kali.
Relationship between circulating levels of cortisol at slaughter and changes of some parameters of the camel meat during ageing
Authors: Abdelilah Lemrhamed Rabab Tabite, , Abbadi Najia El , Belhouari Abderrahmane , Faye Bernard , Khasmi Mohammed El
Published: March 2020

Relationship between serum levels of cortisol at slaughter and changes of some parameters of meat was investigated in 50 male camels, during ageing for 10 days at 4±1°C. Blood was sampled at slaughter to determine serum levels of cortisol and oblique abdominal external muscle was collected after slaughter to analyze pH, electrical conductivity (EC), drip loss (DL), cooked loss (CL), moisture, solids, ashes, protein total, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), catalase activiry (CATa), malondialdehyde (MDA), shrinkage, R-value and total haem pigment (THP) at days 0 (four hours postmortem), 5 and 10 of refrigerated storage. The camels were divided into 3 groups (Gr) with different serum levels of cortisol at slaughter (low, high and very high levels): Gr1 (13.07-67.9 ng/mL, n= 24), Gr2 (80.29-107.21 ng/mL, n= 7) and Gr3 (133.7-198.04 ng/mL, n= 19). Compared to Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 had a significant (P<0.05) increase of pH, EC, DL, CL, THP, dimensional shrinkage and MDA, and a significant (P<0.05) decrease of CATa at the 5th and 10th postmortem days. However, the bleeding efficiency, moisture, ashes, R-value and levels of Ca, Pi, Na, K and total protein showed no significant differences between twoo cortisol groups. The antemortem circulating levels of cortisol were positively correlated with postmortem pH, EC, DL, CL, THP, dimensional shrinkage and MDA, and negatively correlated with CATa. The analysis of circulating cortisol at slaughtering may predict the quality and oxidant stress status of camel meat during postmortem cold storage.
Precision orientation herbicide spraying against weeds in plastic-mulched fields of spring hybrid millet
Authors: Guo Meijun , Song Xi-e , Shen Jie , Wang Jianming , Zhao Xiatong , Liu Shaoguang , Dong Shuqi , Yuan Xiangyang , Wen Yinyuan , Guo Pingyi , Shi Xiaoxin , Shi Yongfeng
Published: March 2020

Foxtail millet (Setaria italic [L.] P. Beauv.) is an important food and fodder crop that is cultivated worldwide. However, weeds severely inhibit the growth of spring foxtail millet, and no suitable herbicide or method is available for weed control in foxtail millet fields. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various herbicides and their safety toward hybrid foxtail millet, that is, ‘Zhangzagu 10’. The present study was conducted using seven herbicides applied by precision orientation spraying between plastic mulches in a foxtail millet field. All herbicide treatments exhibited no significant difference on foxtail millet shoot and root biomass. No difference in grain yield was observed among herbicide treatments, including MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid), mesotrione, acetochlor, trifluralin, and pendimethalin, at the recommended dosage in field efficacy evaluation trial. For the same herbicide, the tendency of weed control increased with the increase in herbicide concentration. Following this finding, all herbicides applied at the highest dosage controlled weeds by 92.06% compared with the other treatments utilizing lower concentration. At the same concentration level, mesotrione controlled all weed populations was the highest observed among all herbicides, followed by prometryne and MCPA. Mesotrione controlled all weeds by at least 76.85%, exhibiting the highest weed injury among the herbicides and satisfying the requirement for weed species control. Finally, comprehensive analyses showed that mesotrione at 0.8 L ha-1, yielded the highest comprehensive evaluation value in foxtail millet field. Thus, this herbicide can be a good option in controlling weeds in foxtail millet field. This new model can aid in protecting hybrid ‘Zhangzagu 10’ foxtail millet seeds or seedlings against herbicide damage and is a good option in expanding the application range of herbicide in foxtail millet.
An integrated chemical and technological approach for assessing Portuguese wheat flours quality and lengthening bread shelf-life
Authors: Lidon Fernando Cebola , Daccak Diana , Scotti-Campos Paula , Silva Maria Manuela , Bagulho Ana Sofia , Pais Isabel , Galhano Carlos , Ramalho José Cochicho , Moreira José , Pessoa Maria Fernanda , Reboredo Fernando Henrique
Published: March 2020

The current trend of large-scale bread production is to facilitate processing at an industrial level, considering the use of flour mixtures with different chemical and technological parameters and incorporating food additives. Accordingly, costs can be minimized, whereas the quality and the shelf-life of the final product might increase, but a full characterization of the flours that must be used and the selection of the food additives to be incorporated into the dough is required. In this context, three Portuguese wheat flour varieties were evaluated (FariRamos, Nacional and AJMiranda), as well as two types of food additives with the aim to increase bread shelf-life. In these flours, the levels of K, S, P, Ca and Cl prevailed, but the moisture and ash contents of FariRamos were the highest and lowest, respectively. The colour of all flours was generally within the desired standard values. Nacional flour contained a higher fat content, but all the flours showed a higher relative abundance of linoleic acid (C18:2), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1). AJMiranda flour revealed a higher content of wet gluten and protein, but the SDS sedimentation index showed a higher value in the FariRamos flour. The fall index, which directly monitors the activity of the α-amylase enzyme, showed a lower value in AJMiranda and Nacional. Through farinograph and alveographyc analysis it was found that FariRamos has a tenacious gluten, but AJMiranda and Nacional had a balanced gluten, yet all of them can be classified as medium flours. Bread making with a mix of FariRamos, AJMiranda and Nacional flours and incorporating preservative food additives revealed the highest shelf-life (11-days) with methyl p-hydroxybenzoate [0.05 %] and benzoic acid [0.1 %], but the colour of the breads showed a relationship of intensity of white colour that depended on the additive used. At the end of the shelf-life, molds of the Eurotium, Trichoderma and Cladosporium genera developed in the bread. It was concluded that the chemical and technological approach applied in the characterization of the flour varieties, can be directly used to define the quality and shelf-life in the bakery industry, allowing the establishment of minimum commercialization prices.
Economic analysis of low-temperature grain drying
Authors: Santana Pricila Araújo , Carvalho Lopes Daniela de , Steidle Neto Antonio José
Published: March 2020

The main objective of this study was to simulate the economic feasibility of low-temperature grain drying systems considering Brazilian conditions and using three drying capacities, seven grain types and two furnace fuels. For this, 42 scenarios were simulated and compared among themselves by using an economic analysis based on the cash flow model with project lifetime of 20 years. The indices net present value, payback period, benefit-cost ratio and internal rate of return were applied during the analyses. Simulations showed that drying of coffee and beans in large systems presented higher economic feasibility, regardless of the furnace fuel used. All simulated scenarios were cost-effective provided that at least two drying cycles are performed per year. Labor costs, social taxes, grain type and drying capacity most affected the profitability of this kind of investment, while the furnace fuel less influenced the evaluated economic indices.
1‐Stearoyl‐2‐docosahexaenoyl‐phosphatidic acid interacts with and activates Praja‐1, the E3 ubiquitin ligase acting on the serotonin transporter in the brain
Authors: Lu Qiang , Murakami Chiaki , Murakami Yuki , Hoshino Fumi , Asami Maho , Usuki Takako , Sakai Hiromichi , Sakane Fumio
Published: March 2020

Serotonin transporter (SERT) is involved in serotonergic system regulation and in the pathophysiology/therapeutics of serotonin‐/SERT‐related diseases such as obsessive‐compulsive disorder, depression, autism, and schizophrenia. We recently revealed that diacylglycerol (DG) kinase (DGK) δ induces ubiquitination/degradation of SERT in a DGK activity‐dependent manner through Praja‐1 E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase. However, it is still unclear how Praja‐1 activity is regulated by DGKδ. Here, we reveal that 1‐stearoyl‐2‐docosahexaenoyl (18:0/22:6)‐phosphatidic acid (PA) and 18:0/22:6‐DG are simultaneously decreased and accumulated, respectively, in the DGKδ‐knockout mouse brain, indicating that DGKδ selectively phosphorylates 18:0/22:6‐DG to generate 18:0/22:6‐PA. Moreover, we find that 18:0/22:6‐PA selectively binds to Praja‐1 and enhances its activity. These results strongly suggest that 18:0/22:6‐PA generated by DGKδ activates Praja‐1 to degrade SERT in the brain.
Hematoma enlargement characteristics in deep versus lobar intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Sembill Jochen A. , Kuramatsu Joji B. , Gerner Stefan T. , Sprügel Maximilian I. , Roeder Sebastian S. , Madžar Dominik , Hagen Manuel , Hoelter Philip , Lücking Hannes , Dörfler Arnd , Schwab Stefan , Huttner Hagen B.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Hematoma enlargement (HE) is associated with clinical outcomes after supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study evaluates whether HE characteristics and association with functional outcome differ in deep versus lobar ICH.

Methods

Pooled analysis of individual patient data between January 2006 and December 2015 from a German‐wide cohort study (RETRACE, I + II) investigating ICH related to oral anticoagulants (OAC) at 22 participating centers, and from one single‐center registry (UKER‐ICH) investigating non‐OAC‐ICH patients. Altogether, 1954 supratentorial ICH patients were eligible for outcome analyses, which were separately conducted or controlled for OAC, that is, vitamin‐K‐antagonists (VKA, n = 1186) and non‐vitamin‐K‐antagonist‐oral‐anticoagulants (NOAC, n = 107). Confounding was addressed using propensity score matching, cox regression modeling and multivariate modeling. Main outcomes were occurrence, extent, and timing of HE (>33%/>6 mL) and its association with 3‐month functional outcome.

Results

Occurrence of HE was not different after deep versus lobar ICH in patients with non‐OAC‐ICH (39/356 [11.0%] vs. 36/305 [11.8%], P = 0.73), VKA‐ICH (249/681 [36.6%] vs. 183/505 [36.2%], P = 0.91), and NOAC‐ICH (21/69 [30.4%] vs. 12/38 [31.6%], P = 0.90). HE extent did not differ after non‐OAC‐ICH (deep:+59% [40–122] vs. lobar:+74% [37–124], P = 0.65), but both patients with VKA‐ICH and NOAC‐ICH showed greater HE extent after deep ICH [VKA‐ICH, deep: +94% [54–199] vs. lobar: +56% [35–116], P < 0.001; NOAC‐ICH, deep: +74% [56–123] vs. lobar: +40% [21–49], P = 0.001). Deep compared to lobar ICH patients had higher HE hazard during first 13.5 h after onset (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.85 [1.03–3.31], P = 0.04), followed by lower hazard (13.5–26.5 h, HR: 0.46 [0.23–0.89], P = 0.02), and equal hazard thereafter (HR: 0.96 [0.56–1.65], P = 0.89). Odds ratio for unfavorable outcome was higher after HE in deep (4.31 [2.71–6.86], P < 0.001) versus lobar ICH (2.82 [1.71–4.66], P < 0.001), and only significant after small‐medium (1st volume‐quarter, deep: 3.09 [1.52–6.29], P < 0.01; lobar: 3.86 [1.35–11.04], P = 0.01) as opposed to large‐sized ICH (4th volume‐quarter, deep: 1.09 [0.13–9.20], P = 0.94; lobar: 2.24 [0.72–7.04], P = 0.17).

Interpretation

HE occurrence does not differ among deep and lobar ICH. However, compared to lobar ICH, HE after deep ICH is of greater extent in OAC‐ICH, occurs earlier and may be of greater clinical relevance. Overall, clinical significance is more apparent after small–medium compared to large‐sized bleedings.
Multiplex SERS Detection of Metabolic Alterations in Tumor Extracellular Media
Authors: Plou Javier , García Isabel , Charconnet Mathias , Astobiza Ianire , García‐Astrain Clara , Matricardi Cristiano , Mihi Agustín , Carracedo Arkaitz , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: March 2020

The composition and intercellular interactions of tumor cells in the tissues dictate the biochemical and metabolic properties of the tumor microenvironment. The metabolic rewiring has a profound impact on the properties of the microenvironment, to an extent that monitoring such perturbations could harbor diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. A growing interest in these phenomena has inspired the development of novel technologies with sufficient sensitivity and resolution to monitor metabolic alterations in the tumor microenvironment. In this context, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can be used for the label‐free detection and imaging of diverse molecules of interest among extracellular components. Herein, the application of nanostructured plasmonic substrates comprising Au nanoparticles, self‐assembled as ordered superlattices, to the precise SERS detection of selected tumor metabolites, is presented. The potential of this technology is first demonstrated through the analysis of kynurenine, a secreted immunomodulatory derivative of the tumor metabolism and the related molecules tryptophan and purine derivatives. SERS facilitates the unambiguous identification of trace metabolites and allows the multiplex detection of their characteristic fingerprints under different conditions. Finally, the effective plasmonic SERS substrate is combined with a hydrogel‐based three‐dimensional cancer model, which recreates the tumor microenvironment, for the real‐time imaging of metabolite alterations and cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
Nitric Oxide Release Device for Remote‐Controlled Cancer Therapy by Wireless Charging
Authors: Li Bin , Ji Ping , Peng Si‐Yuan , Pan Pei , Zheng Di‐Wei , Li Chu‐Xin , Sun Yun‐Xia , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: March 2020

Traditional phototherapies face the issue that the insufficient penetration of light means it is difficult to reach deep lesions, which greatly reduces the feasibility of cancer therapy. Here, an implantable nitric oxide (NO)‐release device is developed to achieve long‐term, long‐distance, remote‐controllable gas therapy for cancer. The device consists of a wirelessly powered light‐emitting diode (wLED) and S‐nitrosoglutathione encapsulated with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), obtaining the NO‐release wLED (NO‐wLED). It is found that NO release from the NO‐wLED can be triggered by wireless charging and the concentration of produced NO reaches 0.43 × 10−6 m min−1, which can achieve a killing effect on cancer cells. In vivo anticancer experiments exhibit obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of orthotopic cancer when the implanted NO‐wLED is irradiated by wireless charging. In addition, recurrence of cancer can be prevented by NO produced from the NO‐wLED after surgery. By illumination in the body, this strategy overcomes the poor penetration and long‐wavelength dependence of traditional phototherapies, which also provides a promising approach for in vivo gas therapy remote‐controlled by wireless charging.
Ferromagnetic Liquid Metal Putty‐Like Material with Transformed Shape and Reconfigurable Polarity
Authors: Cao Lingxiao , Yu Dehai , Xia Zishuo , Wan Haoyu , Liu Chuanke , Yin Tao , He Zhizhu
Published: March 2020

It is remarkably desirable and challenging to design reconfigurable ferromagnetic materials with high electrical conductivity. This has attracted great attention due to promising applications in many fields such as emerging flexible electronics and soft robotics. However, the shape and magnetic polarity of existing ferromagnetic materials with low conductivity are both hard to be reconfigured, and the magnetization of insulative ferrofluids is easily lost once the external magnetic field is removed. A novel reconfigurable ferromagnetic liquid metal (LM) putty‐like material (FM‐LMP) with high electrical conductivity and transformed shape, which is prepared through homogenously mixing neodymium–iron–boron microparticles into the gallium‐based LM matrix, and turning this liquid‐like suspension into the solid‐like putty‐like material by magnetization, is reported to achieve this. The induction magnetic field of FM‐LMP is mainly attributed to the magnetic alignment of the dispersed ferromagnetic microparticles, which can be conveniently demagnetized by mechanical disordering and reversibly reconfigured through microparticle realignment by applying a weak magnetic field. FM‐LMP with a low fraction of microparticles can be used as printable conductive ink for paper electronics, which are further exploited for applications including magnetic switching, flexible erasable magnetic recording paper, and self‐sensing paper‐based soft robotics using magnetic actuation.
A Unified Linear Viscoelastic Model of the Cell Nucleus Defines the Mechanical Contributions of Lamins and Chromatin
Authors: Wintner Oren , Hirsch‐Attas Nivi , Schlossberg Miriam , Brofman Fani , Friedman Roy , Kupervaser Meital , Kitsberg Danny , Buxboim Amnon
Published: March 2020

The cell nucleus is constantly subjected to externally applied forces. During metazoan evolution, the nucleus has been optimized to allow physical deformability while protecting the genome under load. Aberrant nucleus mechanics can alter cell migration across narrow spaces in cancer metastasis and immune response and disrupt nucleus mechanosensitivity. Uncovering the mechanical roles of lamins and chromatin is imperative for understanding the implications of physiological forces on cells and nuclei. Lamin‐knockout and ‐rescue fibroblasts and probed nucleus response to physiologically relevant stresses are generated. A minimal viscoelastic model is presented that captures dynamic resistance across different cell types, lamin composition, phosphorylation states, and chromatin condensation. The model is conserved at low and high loading and is validated by micropipette aspiration and nanoindentation rheology. A time scale emerges that separates between dominantly elastic and dominantly viscous regimes. While lamin‐A and lamin‐B1 contribute to nucleus stiffness, viscosity is specified mostly by lamin‐A. Elastic and viscous association of lamin‐B1 and lamin‐A is supported by transcriptional and proteomic profiling analyses. Chromatin decondensation quantified by electron microscopy softens the nucleus unless lamin‐A is expressed. A mechanical framework is provided for assessing nucleus response to applied forces in health and disease.
Single‐Cell Encapsulation via Click‐Chemistry Alters Production of Paracrine Factors from Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Oh Byeongtaek , Swaminathan Vishal , Malkovskiy Andrey , Santhanam Sruthi , McConnell Kelly , George Paul M.
Published: March 2020

Extracellular matrix (ECM) properties affect multiple cellular processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and protein synthesis. Thus, a polymeric‐cell delivery system with the ability to manipulate the extracellular environment can act as a fundamental regulator of cell function. Given the promise of stem cell therapeutics, a method to uniformly enhance stem cell function, in particular trophic factor release, can prove transformative in improving efficacy and increasing feasibility by reducing the total number of cells required. Herein, a click‐chemistry powered 3D, single‐cell encapsulation method aimed at synthesizing a polymeric coating with the optimal thickness around neural progenitor cells is introduced. Polymer encapsulation of neural stem cells significantly increases the release of neurotrophic factors such as VEGF and CNTF. Cell encapsulation with a soft extracellular polymer upregulates the ADCY8‐cAMP pathway, suggesting a mechanism for the increase in paracrine factors. Hence, the described single‐cell encapsulation technique can emerge as a translatable, nonviral cell modulation method and has the potential to improve stem cells' therapeutic effect.
Postoperative hemiparesis due to conversion disorder after moderate sedation: a case report
Authors: Jotwani R. , Turnbull Z. A.
Published: March 2020

Peri‐operative conversion disorder that manifests as postoperative muscle weakness is an uncommon diagnosis made through exclusion of neurological, metabolic or iatrogenic aetiologies. We present a case where a patient with a considerable history of physical and psychological trauma suffered from prolonged right‐sided hemiparesis following a breast biopsy under moderate‐to‐deep sedation. Conversion disorder following moderate‐to‐deep sedation has yet to be discussed in the literature, as all previous cases have described postoperative conversion disorder in the setting of general or central neuraxial anaesthesia. Our recommendation is for practitioners to keep conversion disorder on the list of differential diagnoses, despite the depth of sedation or type of anaesthetic utilised, and perform the same detailed neurological, metabolic and psychiatric assessment when considering postoperative weakness.
Facile and eco‐benign synthesis of a novel MnFe2O4@SiO2@Au magnetic nanocomposite with antibacterial properties and enhanced photocatalytic activity under UV and visible‐light irradiations
Authors: Shirzadi‐Ahodashti Mina , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad Ali , Ghoreishi Seyedeh Masoumeh , Naghizadeh Ali , Mortazavi‐Derazkola Sobhan
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this research is to prepare novel, inexpensive, eco‐friendly and efficient magnetic nanocomposites for degradation of pollutant from wastewater and their potential antibacterial activity. To reach this goal, we have synthesized magnetic MnFe2O4@SiO2@Au (MnFe@Si@Au) nanocomposites through ultrasound assisted co‐precipitation technique in presence of carbohydrate and Crataegus fruits extract, for the first time. The influence of capping agents including sucrose, glucose, PVA and reducing agents such as C. microphylla and C. pentagyna on the morphology, size, purity, photocatalytic and antibacterial behavior of magnetic nanocomposites were investigated. The FT‐IR, XRD, VSM, EDS, FE‐SEM, TEM and BET analysis were performed to confirm the formation of magnetic nanocomposites. MnFe@Si@Au nanocomposites have shown promising potential in degradation of organic contaminants including rhodamine b (RhB), 2‐naphthol (2‐NPH), methyl violet (MV), erythrosine (ER) and eriochrome black T (EBT) under both radiation conditions. The results show that degradation of the anionic contaminants is more than cationic contaminants under UV and visible irradiations. As well as, these synthesized spherical MnFe@Si@Au nanocomposites show excellent antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis bacteria. In addition to the features mentioned, another prominent feature of this nanocatalyst is retaining their photocatalytic activity after five cycles of utilization.
Structure‐preserving model reduction of port‐Hamiltonian systems based on projection
Authors: Huang Yao , Jiang Yao‐Lin , Xu Kang‐Li
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider structure‐preserving model reduction for multi‐input multi‐output port‐Hamiltonian systems based on projection. Specifically, we prove that the reduced system, the projection matrix of which is constructed by solving specific Sylvester equations, satisfies the right (or left) tangential interpolation condition and retains the port‐Hamiltonian structure; hence it remains passive. Based on the tangential interpolation, we propose two structure‐preserving model reduction algorithms for port‐Hamiltonian systems and present several numerical examples to illustrate their effectiveness.
Lessons learned from 19 years of high‐resolution X‐ray spectroscopy of galaxy clusters with the reflection grating spectrometer on board XMM‐Newton
Authors: Pinto Ciro , Fabian Andrew C. , Sanders Jeremy S. , de Plaa Jelle
Published: March 2020

The intracluster medium (ICM) contains the vast majority of the baryonic matter in galaxy clusters and is heated to X‐ray radiating temperatures. X‐ray spectroscopy is therefore a key to understanding both the morphology and the dynamics of galaxy clusters. Here we recall crucial evolutionary problems of galaxy clusters unveiled by 19 years of high‐resolution X‐ray spectroscopy with the reflection grating spectrometer (RGS) on board XMM‐Newton. Its exquisite combination of effective area, spectral resolution, and excellent performance over two decades has enabled transformational science and important discoveries such as the lack of strong cooling flows, the constraints on ICM turbulence, and cooling–heating balance. The ability of RGS to resolve individual ICM spectral lines reveals in great detail the chemical enrichment in clusters by supernovae and asymptotic giant branch stars. RGS spectra clearly show that the ICM plasma is overall in thermal equilibrium, which is unexpected given the wealth of energetic phenomena such as jets from supermassive black holes and mergers.