bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’impact de la Loi sur la laïcité de l’État sur les conditions de travail des agents et agentes de l’État québécois
Authors: Lampron Louis-Philippe
Published: April 2020

Au-delà des importantes questions soulevées quant à la validité constitutionnelle de la Loi sur la laïcité de l’État, qui alimenteront sans doute les débats politiques et juridiques au cours de la prochaine décennie, est-il vrai de prétendre que cette loi établit un nouveau régime de séparation du religieux et de l’État au Québec? Le présent article a pour objectif de démontrer que les seuls changements concrets que la Loi sur la laïcité imposera aux règles actuellement applicables au Québec se résument à deux interdictions concernant le port de certains signes religieux. Pour le reste, la Loi sur la laïcité se borne essentiellement à codifier des règles et des principes qui s’appliquaient déjà aux agents et agentes des institutions publiques du Québec et qui continueront de s’appliquer même si la Loi sur la laïcité devait être abrogée ou déclarée inconstitutionnelle par les tribunaux au cours des prochaines années.
La conception du territoire par la gouvernance environnementale et le droit constitutionnel : un examen de leur compatibilité à travers l’exemple du bassin versant
Authors: Lillo Alexandre , Nadeau Rachel
Published: April 2020

En vue de protéger la nature, la conception moderne de la gouvernance environnementale est régie par de nombreux principes. L’un des éléments clés réside dans la notion de territoire, laquelle a le potentiel d’articuler la mise en oeuvre des valeurs propres à la gouvernance de l’environnement. Néanmoins, cette conception spécifique du territoire soulève d’importantes interrogations juridiques, notamment de nature constitutionnelle. En effet, les principes du droit constitutionnel délimitent une échelle d’action dissonante de celle qui est préconisée par la gouvernance environnementale. L’objet du présent article est d’étudier la conception du territoire au sein des référentiels que sont la gouvernance environnementale et le droit constitutionnel canadien pour déterminer leur degré de compatibilité. À travers l’exemple du bassin versant, trois questions centrales sont mises en évidence et discutées : quels sont les acteurs et les fondements structurels les plus appropriés à l’établissement d’une gouvernance environnementale dans le contexte canadien et selon quelle échelle territoriale ?
Les règles sanitaires et environnementales dans les accords de libre-échange du Vietnam : vers une meilleure protection de la santé et de l’environnement ?
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Ha , Dao Tri Uc , Doan Hong Nhung
Published: April 2020

Le Vietnam a négocié et signé, au cours des dernières années, une douzaine d’accords de libre-échange avec ses partenaires commerciaux les plus importants. Les règles sanitaires et environnementales dans ces accords permettront d’établir un niveau de protection équivalent ou plus élevé par rapport à celui de l’Accord sur l’application des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce et des accords multilatéraux sur l’environnement. Toutefois, dans le contexte du Vietnam, l’effectivité de la mise en oeuvre de ces règles suscitera des questions en raison, d’une part, de l’absence de règles importantes en cette matière et, d’autre part, de certaines difficultés propres à ce pays.
Efectos del coronavirus en el sistema de enseñanza: aumenta la desigualdad de oportunidades educativas en España.
Authors: Cabrera Leopoldo
Published: April 2020

La pandemia del Coronavirus ha cerrado los centros educativos en España desde mediados de marzo de 2020. No se prevé su apertura en este curso, salvo para exámenes en el Bachillerato y en la Universidad. La enseñanza online, con implantación diferencial por tipo de centros y regiones, sustituye en este período a la enseñanza presencial en los centros escolares. Este modelo educativo telemático incrementa la desigualdad de oportunidades educativas. Pone de manifiesto las carencias materiales de dispositivos electrónicos en los hogares más desfavorecidos, en los hogares de menores rentas y recursos, más aún en los hogares monoparentales, más aún en los hogares con padres de estudios secundarios obligatorios o menos (padre y madre, o peor, sólo uno de ellos), más aún en los alumnos de centros públicos y más aún en los estudiantes que viven en las Comunidades del Sur, incluidas Galicia y Canarias. Si bien todo el alumnado, y sus familias, está afectado negativamente por el cierre de los centros educativos, casi un millón de ellos (variable según las fuentes de registro usadas) lo está aún más por sus condiciones personales y familiares. Este artículo muestra que la enseñanza telemática online actual, sin discutir sus bondades y apoyo para los procesos de aprendizaje, incrementa las desigualdades educativas del alumnado.
La ficción de educar a distancia
Authors: Rogero-García Jesús
Published: April 2020

La suspensión de las clases provocada por el COVID-19 y la decisión de continuar con el curso a distancia han implicado que el sistema educativo haya pasado a funcionar sin la presencia de alumnado y profesorado en la escuela. Este artículo sostiene que, en esas circunstancias, el sistema no puede garantizar el derecho a la educación de todo el alumnado. Su objetivo es analizar qué ideas fundamentan la ficción de que sí puede hacerlo, por qué motivos se ha construido y aceptado esta ficción, y qué efectos negativos puede tener. Por último, se ofrecen propuestas de política pública para mitigar estos efectos.
Entrevistas a equipos directivos
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevistas a equipos directivos sobre la organización del trabajo docente no presencial durante el confinamiento.
Collective forces of tumor spheroids in three-dimensional biopolymer networks
Authors: Mark Christoph , Grundy Thomas J , Strissel Pamela L , Böhringer David , Grummel Nadine , Gerum Richard , Steinwachs Julian , Hack Carolin C , Beckmann Matthias W , Eckstein Markus , Strick Reiner , O'Neill Geraldine M , Fabry Ben
Published: April 2020

We describe a method for quantifying the contractile forces that tumor spheroids collectively exert on highly nonlinear three-dimensional collagen networks. While three-dimensional traction force microscopy for single cells in a nonlinear matrix is computationally complex due to the variable cell shape, here we exploit the spherical symmetry of tumor spheroids to derive a scale-invariant relationship between spheroid contractility and the surrounding matrix deformations. This relationship allows us to directly translate the magnitude of matrix deformations to the total contractility of arbitrarily sized spheroids. We show that our method is accurate up to strains of 50% and remains valid even for irregularly shaped tissue samples when considering only the deformations in the far field. Finally, we demonstrate that collective forces of tumor spheroids reflect the contractility of individual cells for up to 1 hr after seeding, while collective forces on longer timescales are guided by mechanical feedback from the extracellular matrix.
Soil water consumption, water use efficiency and winter wheat production in response to nitrogen fertilizer and tillage
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Anwar Sumera , Shaobo Yu , Gao Zhiqiang , Sun Min , Ashraf M. Yasin , Ren Aixia , Yang Zhenping
Published: April 2020

Sustainability of winter wheat yield under dryland conditions depends on improving soil water stored during fallow and its efficient use. A 3-year field experiment was conducted in Loess Plateau to access the effect of tillage and N (nitrogen) rates on soil water, N distribution and water- and nitrogen-use efficiency of winter wheat. Deep tillage (DT, 25–30 cm depth) and no-tillage (NT) were operated during fallow season, whereas four N rates (0, 90, 150 and 210 kg ha−1) were applied before sowing. Rates of N and variable rainfall during summer fallow period led to the difference of soil water storage. Soil water storage at anthesis and maturity was decreased with increasing N rate especially in the year with high precipitation (2014–2015). DT has increased the soil water storage at sowing, N content, numbers of spike, grain number, 1,000 grain weight, grain yield, and water and N use efficiency as compared to NT. Grain yield was significantly and positively related to soil water consumption at sowing to anthesis and anthesis to maturity, total plant N, and water-use efficiency. Our study implies that optimum N rate and deep tillage during the fallow season could improve dryland wheat production by balancing the water consumption and biomass production.
Highly Luminescent and Stable Green Quasi‐2D Perovskite‐Embedded Polymer Sheets by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Jia Siqi , Li Guangyu , Liu Pai , Cai Rui , Tang Haodong , Xu Bing , Wang Zhaojin , Wu Zhenghui , Wang Kai , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: April 2020

Perovskite materials serve as promising candidates for display and lighting due to their excellent optical properties, including tunable bandgaps and efficient luminescence. However, their efficiency and stability must be improved for further application. In this work, quasi‐two‐dimensional (quasi‐2D) perovskites embedded in different polymers are prepared by inkjet printing to construct any luminescent patterns/pictures on the polymer substrates. The optimized quantum yield reaches over 65% by polyvinyl‐chloride‐based quasi‐2D perovskite composites. In addition, as‐fabricated perovskite−polymer composites with patterns show excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, light irradiation, and chemical erosion by various solvents. Both quantum yield and lifetime are superior to those reported to date. These achievements are attributed to the introduction of the PEA+cations to improve the luminance and stability of perovskite. This patterned composite can be useful for color‐conversion films with low cost and large‐scale fabrication.
A Printable Metallic Current Collector for All‐Printed High‐Voltage Micro‐Supercapacitors: Instantaneous Surface Passivation by Flash‐Light‐Sintering Reaction
Authors: Chae Changju , Han Jae Hee , Lee Sun Sook , Choi Youngmin , Kim Tae‐Ho , Jeong Sunho
Published: April 2020

Recently, a printable power source that can be implemented on demand in integrated circuitries has gained tremendous attention to facilitate next‐generation, form‐factor free, miniaturized electronic systems. Among various energy storage units, a solid‐state micro‐supercapacitor with in‐plane device architecture has been recognized as a viable candidate with characteristic advantages of long cycle life‐time, high frequency response, and fast charge/discharge rate. However, to date, high performance, all‐printed micro‐supercapacitors have rarely been reported owing to an absence of printable current collector materials that can sustain high voltage conditions. In this study, a multidimensional printable particle mixture comprising Ni nanoparticles, Ni flakes, and a photoreactive polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone is proposed. The highly conductive, printed metallic current collector is generated with a conductive surface passivation layer in a timescale of 10−3 s by flash‐light sintering process. It is revealed that the resulting metallic current collector is stable at a voltage as high as 3 V in the carbon electrode‐based device, enabling the fabrication of an all‐printed solid‐state micro‐supercapacitor with an areal energy density of 79–23 mJ cm−2 at an areal power density of 0.4–12.8 mW cm−2. Arbitrarily designed device circuits can be generated on demand simply by using a digitally programmable printing process, without incorporation of additional interconnection lines.
Printable Solid Electrolyte Interphase Mimic for Antioxidative Lithium Metal Electrodes
Authors: Cho Seok‐Kyu , Kim Hong‐I , An Jin‐Woo , Jung Kwangeun , Bae Hongyeul , Kim Jin Hong , Yim Taeeun , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: April 2020

Despite the ever‐growing demand for Li metals as next‐generation Li battery electrodes, little attention has been paid to their oxidation stability, which must be achieved for practical applications. Here, a new class of printable solid electrolyte interphase mimic (pSEI) for antioxidative Li metal electrodes is presented. The pSEI (≈1 µm) is directly fabricated on a thin Li metal electrode (25 µm) by processing solvent‐free, UV polymerization‐assisted printing, exhibiting its manufacturing simplicity and scalability. The pSEI is rationally designed to mimic a typical SEI comprising organic and inorganic components, in which ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate and diallyldimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide are introduced as an organic mimic (acting as a moisture‐repellent structural framework) and inorganic mimic (allowing facile Li‐ion transport/high Li+ transference number), respectively. Driven by the chemical/architectural uniqueness, the pSEI enables the thin Li metal electrode to show exceptional antioxidation stability and reliable full cell performance after exposure to humid environments.
High‐Performance [001]c‐Textured PNN‐PZT Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics for Electromechanical Coupling Devices
Authors: Bian Lang , Qi Xudong , Li Kai , Yu Yang , Liu Linjing , Chang Yunfei , Cao Wenwu , Dong Shuxiang
Published: April 2020

[001]C‐Textured 0.55Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.15PbZrO3–0.3PbTiO3 (PNN‐PZT) ceramics are prepared by the templated grain‐growth method using BaTiO3 (BT) platelet templates. Samples with different template contents are fabricated and compared in terms of texture fraction, microstructure, and piezoelectric, ferroelectric and dielectric properties. High piezoelectric performance (d33 = 1210 pC N−1, d33* = 1773 pm V−1 at 5 kV cm−1) and high figure of merit g33⋅d33 (21.92 × 10−12 m2 N−1) are achieved in the [001]C‐textured PNN‐PZT ceramic with 2 vol% BaTiO3 template, for which the texture fraction is 82%. In addition, domain structures of textured PNN‐PZT ceramics are observed and analyzed, which provide clues to the origin of the giant piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling properties of PNN‐PZT ceramics.
Citrate‐Based Tannin‐Bridged Bone Composites for Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Guo Jinshan , Tian Xinggui , Xie Denghui , Rahn Kevin , Gerhard Ethan , Kuzma Michelle Laurel , Zhou Dongfang , Dong Cheng , Bai Xiaochun , Lu Zhihui , Yang Jian
Published: April 2020

Conventional bone composites consistently fail to mimic the chemical composition and integrated organic/inorganic structure of natural bone, lacking sufficient mechanics as well as inherent osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity. Through a facile surface coating process, the strong adhesive, tannic acid (TA), is adhered to the surface of the natural bone component, hydroxyapatite (HA), with and without the immobilization of in situ formed silver nanoparticles. Residual functional groups available on the immobilized TA substituents are subsequently covalently linked to the citrate‐based biodegradable polymer, poly(octamethylene citrate) (POC), effectively bridging the organic and inorganic phases. Due to the synergistic effects of the tannin and citrate components, the obtained citrate‐based tannin‐bridged bone composites (CTBCs) exhibit vastly improved compression strengths up to 323.0 ± 21.3 MPa compared to 229.9 ± 15.6 MPa for POC‐HA, and possess tunable degradation profiles, enhanced biomineralization performance, favorable biocompatibility, increased cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as considerable antimicrobial activity. In vivo study of porous CTBCs using a lumbar fusion model further confirms CTBCs' osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity, promoting bone regeneration. CTBCs possess great potential for bone regeneration applications while the immobilized TA additionally preserves surface bioconjugation sites to further tailor the bioactivity of CTBCs.
Glutathione‐Depleting Nanoenzyme and Glucose Oxidase Combination for Hypoxia Modulation and Radiotherapy Enhancement
Authors: Lyu Meng , Zhu Daoming , Kong Xiangyue , Yang Yang , Ding Shuaijie , Zhou Yunfeng , Quan Hong , Duo Yanhong , Bao Zhirong
Published: April 2020

Nanoenzymes perceive the properties of enzyme‐like catalytic activity, thereby offering significant cancer therapy potential. In this study, Fe3O4@MnO2, a magnetic field (MF) targeting nanoenzyme with a core‐shell structure, is synthesized and applied to radiation enhancement with using glucose oxidase (GOX) for combination therapy. The glucose is oxidized by the GOX to produce excess H2O2 in an acidic extracellular microenvironment, following which the MnO2 shell reacts with H2O2 to generate O2 and overcome hypoxia. Concurrently, intracellular glutathione (GSH)—which limits the effects of radiotherapy (RT)—can be oxidized by the MnO2 shell while the latter is reduced to Mn2+ for T1‐weighed MRI. The core Fe3O4, with its good magnetic targeting ability, can be utilized for T2‐weighed MRI. In summary, the work demonstrates that Fe3O4@MnO2, as a dual T1‐ and T2‐weighed MRI contrast agent with strong biocompatibility, exhibits striking potential for radiation enhancement under magnetic targeting.
Substrate Independent Liquid Phase Epitaxy of HKUST‐1 as Anticoagulant and Antimicrobial Coating
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Qian , Li Weijie , Liu Junfeng , Chen Junying , Fan Yonghong , Weng Yajun
Published: April 2020

The effective deposition of metal–organic frameworks on kinds of biomaterials is still challenging and highly desirable. Using polydopamine as the effective nucleation center, HKUST‐1 is successfully prepared on three kinds of inert biomaterials, i.e., titanium oxide film (Ti–O), 316L stainless steel (316L SS), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Characterization of the surfaces by powder X‐ray diffraction confirm the oriented crystal growth of HKUST‐1 on the polydopamine coated substrates. There are no significant difference in catalytical NO generation and surface copper content of the three samples with HKUST‐1 deposition. All keep a NO release speed of ≈2.5 × 10−10 mol cm−2 min−1, thus platelet activation on the HKUST‐1 modified surfaces are inhibited compared to that of the unmodified ones. Ex vivo test shows thrombi formation is dramatically reduced. The HKUST‐1 coated surfaces elicit 95% reduction in the bacterial attachment of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The endothelial cells and macrophages culture results support good biocompatibility of the modified surfaces. It provides a promising, facile, and effective approach for surface modification of blood contact biomaterials.
High‐Purity Hybrid Structural Colors by Enhancing Optical Absorption of Organic Dyes in Resonant Cavity
Authors: Yang Zhengmei , Ji Chengang , Cui Qingyu , Guo Lingjie Jay
Published: April 2020

This work presents a novel approach of incorporating an ultrathin dye film into a classic dielectric‐absorber‐dielectric‐metal resonator configuration for generating high‐purity reflective structural colors. Utilizing a thin film of organic dye having the same color as the targeted reflection color as a part of the cavity layer in the structure, its absorption at complementary color wavelengths is significantly enhanced due to the strong cavity resonances, hence reflection at the unwanted wavelengths strongly suppressed, leading to the improved purity of the desired reflective color. This design principle can be applied to create essentially all colors, and is demonstrated by experiment to produce high‐purity blue and red colors. In addition, the fabricated device exhibits outstanding stability under UV exposure without additional protections compared to traditional organic pigments. The proposed method in this work largely simplifies the design process of high‐purity structural colors, which paves the way for more potential applications in various fields.
A Pulsatile Flow System to Engineer Aneurysm and Atherosclerosis Mimetic Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Hosseini Vahid , Mallone Anna , Mirkhani Nima , Noir Jerome , Salek Mehdi , Pasqualini Francesco Silvio , Schuerle Simone , Khademhosseini Ali , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Vogel Viola
Published: April 2020

Alterations of blood flow patterns strongly correlate with arterial wall diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm. Here, a simple, pumpless, close‐loop, easy‐to‐replicate, and miniaturized flow device is introduced to concurrently expose 3D engineered vascular smooth muscle tissues to high‐velocity pulsatile flow versus low‐velocity disturbed flow conditions. Two flow regimes are distinguished, one that promotes elastin and impairs collagen I assembly, while the other impairs elastin and promotes collagen assembly. This latter extracellular matrix (ECM) composition shares characteristics with aneurysmal or atherosclerotic tissue phenotypes, thus recapitulating crucial hallmarks of flow‐induced tissue morphogenesis in vessel walls. It is shown that the mRNA levels of ECM of collagens and elastin are not affected by the differential flow conditions. Instead, the differential gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) is flow‐dependent, and thus drives the alterations in ECM composition. In further support, treatment with doxycycline, an MMP inhibitor and a clinically used drug to treat vascular diseases, halts the effect of low‐velocity flow on the ECM remodeling. This illustrates how the platform can be exploited for drug efficacy studies by providing crucial mechanistic insights into how different therapeutic interventions may affect tissue growth and ECM assembly.
Copper‐Catalyzed Electrophilic Etherification of Arylboronic Esters with Isoxazolidines
Authors: Katahara Seiya , Takahashi Tenga , Nomura Kengo , Uchiyama Masanobu , Sato Takaaki , Chida Noritaka
Published: April 2020

A copper‐catalyzed electrophilic etherification of arylboronic esters is reported. Isoxazolidines are utilized as easily available and stable [RO]+ surrogates to give 1,3‐amino aryl ethers. The O‐selective arylation of isoxazolidines takes place without causing competitive N‐arylation. In contrast to previously reported anionic conditions, our copper‐catalyzed conditions are mild enough to achieve high functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies and DFT calculations support that the reaction proceeds via a transmetalation/oxidative addition pathway, followed by a Lewis acid‐promoted reductive elimination to induce the crucial O‐selectivity.
Luminescence Enhancement based Sensing of L‐Cysteine by Doped Quantum Dots
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi , Roy Shilaj , Bhandari Satyapriya
Published: April 2020

The interaction of a presynthesized orange emitting Mn2+‐doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with L‐Cysteine (L−Cys) led to enhance emission intensity (at 596 nm) and quantum yield (QY). Importantly, the Mn2+‐doped ZnS QDs exhibited high sensitivity towards L−Cys, with a limit of detection of 0.4±0.02 μM (in the linear range of 3.3–13.3 μM) and high selectivity in presence of interfering amino acids and metal ions. The association constant of L−Cys was determined to be 0.36×105 M−1. The amplified passivation of the surface of Mn2+‐doped ZnS QDs following the incorporation and binding of L−Cys is accounted for the enhancement in their luminescence features. Moreover, the luminescence enhancement‐based detection will bring newer dimension towards sensing application.
Cloning, characterization, and enzymatic identification of a new tryptophan decarboxylase from Ophiorrhiza pumila
Authors: You Dawei , Feng Yue , Wang Can , Sun Chengtao , Wang Yao , Zhao Degang , Kai Guoyin
Published: April 2020

Tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC, EC 4.1.1.28) catalyzes tryptophan decarboxylation to form tryptamine through the cofactor pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP), a crucial stage in the production of the terpenoid indole alkaloids like camptothecin (CPT). A new gene encoding TDC was identified from the CPT‐producing plant Ophiorrhiza pumila by transcriptome analysis, termed OpTDC2. It contained a 1,536 bp open reading frame that encodes a 511 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 57.01 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.39. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis showed the closest similarity (85%) with the TDC from Mitragyna speciosa. Moreover, the highest expression of OpTDC2 was observed in the O. pumila root. To achieve high‐efficiency expression of OpTDC2 in Escherichia coli, we fused the TF tag onto the N‐terminal of the OpTDC2. Optimum enzymatic activity was observed at 45 °C, pH 8 and cofactor concentration of 0.1 mM. The catalytic reaction was strongly inhibited by metal ions of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+. The l‐tryptophan was particularly catalyzed compared with d‐tryptophan. Besides, the Km and kcat of the OpTDC2 were 1.08 mM and 0.78 Sec−1, respectively. The results provided information on new functional OpTDC2 that might be used in synthetic biology for the enhanced biosynthesis of CPT in O. pumila.
Thin‐layer chromatography/fluorescence detection approach for sensitive and selective determination of hepatitis C virus antiviral (velpatasvir): application to human plasma
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Abdel‐Lateef Mohamed A. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Ali Ramadan
Published: April 2020

A validated thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) method combined with fluorescence detection mode was developed for the selective determination of a recently approved anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug (velpatasvir). The separation was performed on silica gel 60 F254 plates using ethylacetate:methanol:triethylamine (48:1.5:1.0, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. Plates were scanned in the fluorescence mode after excitation at 335 nm. This method provided an excellent separation of velpatasvir from sofosbuvir with RF values of 0.22 and 0.46 for velpatasvir and sofosbuvir, respectively, after scanning the developed plates in the ultraviolet detection mode at 335 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range 4–40 ng/band with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The developed procedure was validated according to ICH guidelines with a detection limit of 1.30 ng/band and quantitation limit of 3.95 ng/band. The suggested method could selectively determine velpatasvir with high sensitivity in a synthetic tablet powder containing a co‐formulated anti‐HCV drug (sofosbuvir) without any interference from excipients or sofosbuvir. In addition, the method was successfully applied for determination of velpatasvir in spiked human plasma with adequate % recovery.
Middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly: First prenatal report of a ZIC2 missense mutation
Authors: Gounongbé Caroline , Marangoni Martina , Gouder de Beauregard Vanessa , Delaunoy Mélanie , Jissendi Patrice , Cassart Marie , Désir Julie
Published: April 2020

We present a case of a middle interhemispheric variant of antenatal discovery associated with a de novo missense variant (NM_007129.5: c.1109G>A p.(Cys370Tyr)) in the ZIC2 gene. Our case represents the first prenatal description of a ZIC2 missense mutation found in association with syntelencephaly.
Herpes zoster in an 11‐month‐old immunocompetent infant: A rare case report
Authors: Sah Chandra Mohan , Shrestha Sandeep , Chaudhary Nagendra
Published: April 2020

Herpes zoster generally occurs after the exposure of VZV following varicella. This case report emphasizes a rare case of HZ in an infant without prior history of varicella or its exposure in the baby, other siblings, and mother during or after the pregnancy.
Generation of a Key Synthon of Indole Alkaloid Synthesis by Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Indole 2‐Methylenephosphorylation
Authors: Niu Yuan , Bai Peng‐Bo , Lou Qin‐Xin , Yang Shang‐Dong
Published: April 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed Catellani‐type reaction of indole with diethyl (iodomethyl)phosphonate has been developed. This new protocol provides an efficient and concise route to 2‐methylene phosphonate indoles, which are key synthons for the construction of indole alkaloids.
Palladium/Copper‐catalyzed Oxidation of Aliphatic Terminal Alkenes to Aldehydes Assisted by p‐Benzoquinone
Authors: Komori Saki , Yamaguchi Yoshiko , Murakami Yuka , Kataoka Yasutaka , Ura Yasuyuki
Published: April 2020

The development of an anti‐Markovnikov Wacker‐type oxidation for simple aliphatic alkenes is a significant challenge. Herein, a variety of aldehydes can be selectively obtained from various unbiased aliphatic terminal alkenes using PdCl2(MeCN)2/CuCl in the presence of p‐benzoquinone (BQ) under mild reaction conditions. Isomerization of the terminal alkene to the internal alkene was suppressed via slow addition of the starting material to the reaction mixture. In addition to the Pd catalyst, CuCl and BQ were essential in order to obtain the anti‐Markovnikov product with high selectivity. Terminal alkenes bearing a halogen substituent afforded their corresponding aldehydes with high anti‐Markovnikov selectivity. The halogen acts as a directing group in the reaction. DFT calculations indicate that a μ‐chloro Pd(II)−Cu(I) bimetallic species with BQ coordinated to Cu is the catalytically active species in the case of a terminal alkene without a directing group.
Flexibility Potential of Photovoltaic Power Plant and Biogas Plant Hybrid Systems in the Distribution Grid
Authors: Bär Katharina , Wageneder Stefanie , Solka Felix , Saidi Abdessamad , Zörner Wilfried
Published: April 2020

The potential of combining biogas and photovoltaic (PV) power plants in hybrid systems in the German distribution grid is analyzed. The focus of the present research is on balancing the intermittent power supply from PV power plants with the controllable power production of combined heat and power (CHP) units of biogas plants within a period of seconds. To achieve an increase of the total energy feed‐in of biogas and PV power plants to the electricity grid, a biogas plant energy management system is described. System parameters, such as the variable feed‐in of PV power plants or power ramps of the start‐up process of controllable biogas plant CHP unit, are described and adapted to the global installed capacity of PV power plant and biogas plants in the German distribution grid.
Reproducibility of “the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology system for reporting respiratory cytology” – A retrospective analysis of 101 cases of CT‐guided FNAC
Authors: Boler Anup Kumar , Banu Nasreen , Bose Koushik , Roy Shreosee , Bandyopadhyay Arghya
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology is a popular investigative procedure in diagnosing pulmonary lesions. The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) has already outlined a categorical system for reporting respiratory cytology. Though each category has a known malignancy risk, their inter observer reproducibility have not been well documented. This study was directed towards establishing the reproducibility of this categorical system in diagnosing pulmonary lesions.

Method

One hundred and one consecutive cytology specimens obtained by CT‐guided FNA from lung lesions were independently reviewed by 3 experienced cytopathologists, who allotted each case to 1 of 6 PSC categories. Statistical analysis for percent overall agreement was done using Fleiss' Kappa.

Result

Percent overall agreement was 71.29% and free marginal kappa was 0.66. On combining categories “suspicious” and “malignant” percent overall agreement was 79.54% and free marginal kappa was 0.74.

Conclusion

There was substantial agreement among the observers as regards reproducibility of categories which can improve if we combine certain categories, especially “suspicious” and “malignant.”
Effect of tower base painting on willow ptarmigan collision rates with wind turbines
Authors: Stokke Bård G. , Nygård Torgeir , Falkdalen Ulla , Pedersen Hans C. , May Roel
Published: April 2020

Birds colliding with turbine rotor blades is a well‐known negative consequence of wind‐power plants. However, there has been far less attention to the risk of birds colliding with the turbine towers, and how to mitigate this risk.

Based on data from the Smøla wind‐power plant in Central Norway, it seems highly likely that willow ptarmigan (the only gallinaceous species found on the island) is prone to collide with turbine towers. By employing a BACI‐approach, we tested if painting the lower parts of turbine towers black would reduce the collision risk.

Overall, there was a 48% reduction in the number of recorded ptarmigan carcasses per search at painted turbines relative to neighboring control (unpainted) ones, with significant variation both within and between years.

Using contrast painting to the turbine towers resulted in significantly reduced number of ptarmigan carcasses found, emphasizing the effectiveness of such a relatively simple mitigation measure.
Two cases of successful treatment of acute right heart failure with Impella RP®
Authors: Santer David , Boltres Anita , Koechlin Luca , Hunziker Patrick , Jeger Raban , Maurer Markus , Grapow Martin , Eckstein Friedrich , Reuthebuch Oliver
Published: April 2020

Post‐operative right coronary artery occlusion is a serious complication that demands acute coronary revascularization to prevent myocardial infarction. We present two cases with acute right coronary artery obstruction caused by (1) transfemoral aortic valve implantation and (2) acute type A aortic dissection. Although coronary artery bypass grafting was performed intraoperatively, right heart failure was observed in both cases. The Impella RP® device offers temporary right ventricular mechanical support; wherefore, we decided to deploy it in both patients. The devices were uneventfully and successfully implanted to bridge for recovery of the right heart. We report the perioperative course of the patients as well as their condition at 1 year follow‐up.
Mathematical modeling for prilling processes in ammonium nitrate production
Authors: Gezerman Ahmet Ozan
Published: April 2020

In ammonium nitrate (AN) production, determining the standard particle size for the granulation process is a fundamental problem. Therefore, a system model is proposed for this final stage of the manufacturing process. In the proposed model, prilling is simulated by analyzing data from the continuity, hydrodynamics, and mass and energy transfers. The direction of the movement of AN particles, the temperature, and humidity distribution of the cooling air with variation in particle size, and the height of the prilling tower are calculated. The air temperature profile determined by the model is compared with that of an actual AN plant. The comparison shows that the results obtained by the model are consistent with the plant data. In addition, it is shown that an increase in the cooling rate of particles has the potential to enhance the properties of AN particles. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the granulation process is conducted to estimate the impact of the parameters of the proposed model such as the prilling tower height, particle size, and temperature. Thus, this model could be used to obtain more accurate results at an industrial plant.
Modelling Enzymatic Mechanisms with QM/MM Approaches: Current Status and Future Challenges
Authors: Magalhães Rita P. , Fernandes Henriques S. , Sousa Sérgio F.
Published: April 2020

Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods are presently a well‐established alternative for the study of enzymatic reaction mechanisms. They enable the description of a small part of the enzyme, where reactions take place through QM, while the majority of the thousands of atoms that comprise these biomolecules are handled through MM. While different “flavors” and variations in the QM/MM field exist, this review will focus more on the application of the ONIOM methodology, presenting a fresh perspective on the application of this popular method in light of the growth in computational power and level of sophistication of the different methodologies that it can combine. In addition to a brief presentation of the basic principles behind these methods, this review will discuss different examples of applicability, common choices, practical considerations, and main problems involved, stemming from our experience in this field. Finally, a reflection on the future challenges for the next decade in the QM/MM modeling of enzymatic mechanisms is presented.
Quantitative proteomic analysis to determine differentially expressed proteins in axenic amastigotes of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major
Authors: Ashrafmansouri Marzieh , Amiri‐Dashatan Nasrin , Ahmadi Nayebali , Rezaei‐Tavirani Mostafa , SeyyedTabaei Seyyedjavad , Haghighi Ali
Published: April 2020

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is commonly caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica. In the present study, the differential expression of proteins was identified in the amastigote‐like forms of L. tropica and L. major in Iranian isolates. Initially, the samples were cultured and identified using PCR‐RFLP technique. The Leishmania isolates were then grown in host‐free (axenic) culture and prepared to amastigote‐like forms, followed by the extraction of their proteins. To identify significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of two types of Leishmania, the label‐free quantitative proteomic technique was used based on sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry. A total of 51 up/down‐DEPs (fold change >2 and p‐value <.05) were identified between the axenic amastigote forms of L. major and L. tropica. Of these, 34 and 17 proteins were up‐regulated in L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Several enriched GO terms were identified via biological process analyses for DEPs; furthermore, the metabolic process and translation were disclosed as top category in the up‐regulated proteins of both L. major and L. tropica species. Also, the KEGG analysis revealed carbon metabolism and metabolic pathways term as the top pathways in the proteins up‐regulated in L. major and L. tropica, respectively. Taken together, the numerous novel DEPs identified between the studied species could help fully understand the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and provide potential drug targets and vaccine candidates.
Evaluating the impact of a 15‐year academic partnership to promote sustainable engagement, education, and scholarship in global health
Authors: Karwa Rakhi , Miller Monica L. , Schellhase Ellen , Tran Dan , Manji Imran , Njuguna Benson , Fletcher Sara , Kanyi John , Maina Mercy , Jakait Beatrice , Kigen Gabriel , Kipyegon Victor , Aruasa Wilson , Crowe Susie , Pastakia Sonak D.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

In 2003, Purdue University College of Pharmacy (PUCOP) in West Lafayette, Indiana, began the Purdue Kenya Partnership (PKP) in collaboration with the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi University, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Eldoret, Kenya. PUCOP's involvement utilized a tripartite approach of engagement, education, and scholarship to provide and expand sustainable access to high quality care.

Objective

This paper discusses outcomes and impacts of this academic partnership.

Methods

Purdue Kenya Partnership's progress in achieving its stated mission was evaluated using an outcome‐approach logic model. This model highlighted inputs, activities, and results which encompassed outputs, outcomes, and impact. A comprehensive set of ratios were calculated to quantify annual change in PKP investments against estimated metrics for engagement, education, and scholarship. These metrics were weighted by involvement level and pharmacist effort in various clinical domains. Descriptive statistics were completed that identified cumulative and totals per year for each collected data type of data collected.

Results

Purdue Kenya Partnership implementation utilized initial inputs of human resources, financial capital, and strategic partnerships. These inputs supported pharmacy involvement in 16 distinct care programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings which supported the care of 457 833 individual patients and grown a clinical pharmacy staff from 0 to 22 practicing clinical pharmacists. Five unique educational programs have been established which have graduated 457 trainees. Purdue Kenya Partnership has generated over $6.2 million in grant funding and disseminated 302 peer reviewed manuscripts, posters, and oral presentations combined. Ratios describing trends in engagement, education, and scholarship as a result of using the locally focused PKP approach highlight higher initial costs compared with much lower costs per outcome several years into the partnership.

Conclusion

The PKP's global health approach of prioritizing the population's care needs (“leading with care”) has enabled the development of sustainable engagement, education, and scholarship infrastructure with significant gains in all three domains.
Thionyl chloride‐mediated synthesis of 2‐azaindolizine sulfur‐bridged dimers by CH bond direct chalcogenation of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridines
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh R. , Lad Nitin P. , Patil Shashikant M. , Gaikwad Nitin D.
Published: April 2020

Thionyl chloride‐mediated chalcogenation of imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine serves as a new protocol for the synthesis of rare bisimidazopyridyl sulfides. This method provides the new route to synthesis of 2‐azaindolizine sulfur‐bridged dimers called chalcogenide under metal‐free, elemental sulfur‐free conditions without the use of polar solvents in regio‐selective manner, at room temperature with the simple operational procedure.
Unique transcriptional signatures of sleep loss across independently evolved cavefish populations
Authors: McGaugh Suzanne E. , Passow Courtney N. , Jaggard James Brian , Stahl Bethany A. , Keene Alex C.
Published: April 2020

Animals respond to sleep loss with compensatory rebound sleep, and this is thought to be critical for the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Sleep duration varies dramatically across animal species, but it is not known whether evolutionary differences in sleep duration are associated with differences in sleep homeostasis. The Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, has emerged as a powerful model for studying the evolution of sleep. While eyed surface populations of A. mexicanus sleep approximately 8 hr each day, multiple blind cavefish populations have converged on sleep patterns that total as little as 2 hr each day, providing the opportunity to examine whether the evolution of sleep loss is accompanied by changes in sleep homeostasis. Here, we examine the behavioral and molecular response to sleep deprivation across four independent populations of A. mexicanus. Our behavioral analysis indicates that surface fish and all three cavefish populations display robust recovery sleep during the day following nighttime sleep deprivation, suggesting sleep homeostasis remains intact in cavefish. We profiled transcriptome‐wide changes associated with sleep deprivation in surface fish and cavefish. While the total number of differentially expressed genes was not greater for the surface population, the surface population exhibited the highest number of uniquely differentially expressed genes than any other population. Strikingly, a majority of the differentially expressed genes are unique to individual cave populations, suggesting unique expression responses are exhibited across independently evolved cavefish populations. Together, these findings suggest sleep homeostasis is intact in cavefish despite a dramatic reduction in overall sleep duration.
β‐ecdysone promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: You Wei‐Li , Xu Zheng‐Long
Published: April 2020

Background

β‐ecdysone (βEcd) has numerous pharmacological effects, although its role in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has not yet been explored.

Methods

In cell experiments, BMSCs were induced to differentiate by osteogenic induction medium (OIM) or βEcd. In animal experiments, an osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) rat model was established using lipopolysaccharide plus methylprednisolone and treating the rats with βEcd. The osteogenic differentiation capacity of human BMSCs (hBMSCs) was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining. Histopathological changes in rat femoral head tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of RUNX2, COL1A1, OCN and phosphorylated Akt in BMSCs from rat femoral head tissues were measured by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot analysis.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium nodules in the βEcd‐treated BMSC group dose‐dependently increased compared to those in the control and OIM groups. The hematoxylin and eosin staining results indicated that femoral head tissues of ONFH rats showed typical osteonecrosis, which could be ameliorated by βEcd. Western blot, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated that the expression levels of RUNX2, COL1A1 and OCN in hBMSCs and femoral head tissue models were obviously increased after βEcd treatment, and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase and Akt phosphorylation were also increased.

Conclusions

βEcd may be beneficial for the recovery of ONFH patients by accelerating osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which may be a novel therapy for related diseases.
Factors affecting technical success of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Maruta Akinori , Iwata Keisuke , Iwashita Takuji , Yoshida Kensaku , Ando Nobuhiro , Toda Katsuhisa , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Masahito
Published: April 2020

Background/Purpose

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD), including endoscopic nasogallbladder drainage (ENGBD) and endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS), has been reported to be an effective treatment for acute cholecystitis. However, ETGBD is considered to be more difficult than percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), and few studies have evaluated the factors that affect technical success of the procedure. We investigated the factors predicting its technical success from among patient characteristics and image findings before treatment.

Methods

Three hundred twenty three patients who underwent ETGBD for acute cholecystitis from November 2006 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The technical success rate was 72.8% (235/323). The technical success rate by cystic duct direction was as follows: proximal/distal, 65.9%/93.6%; right/left: 74.0%/65.2%; cranial/caudal, 83.5%/20.0%. The clinical response rate was 96.2% (226/235). Adverse events were encountered in 5.9% of cases (19/323), including cystic duct injury (11 patients), pancreatitis (five patients), and bleeding (three patients). In both univariate and multivariate analysis, presence of cystic duct stone, dilation of the common bile duct (CBD), and cystic duct direction (proximal and caudal branches) were identified as significant factors affecting technical failure of ETGBD.

Conclusion

Although ETGBD was an effective and safe procedure for acute cholecystitis, it has a limited success rate. The presence of cystic duct stone, dilation of CBD, and cystic duct direction (proximal and caudal branches) can serve as important predictors of ETGBD difficulties. These findings should be considered before procedures and the necessary adaptation of ETGBD made.