bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cinebiografias ficcionais e a representação da Era Vargas na contemporaneidade
Authors: Negrini Márcio Zanetti , Gutfreind Cristiane Freitas
Published: June 2019

Nosso objetivo é identificar as recorrências estéticas e narrativas do período denominado Era Vargas num conjunto de filmes brasileiros que reconhecemos como cinebiografias de ficção. Propomos entender em quais circunstâncias sociais e afetivas os filmes surgem de modo a ressignificar a experiência traumática da ditadura varguista. A discussão é realizada especialmente por meio de Rancière (2012; 2013) e Kracauer (2001), pois os autores possibilitam-nos uma leitura crítica do social em vista dos afetos e da materialidade das imagens fílmicas. Na contemporaneidade, há dissonâncias em relação a como o cinema brasileiro vinha tratando a temática da Era Vargas. Desse modo, notamos atualizações afetivas implicadas ao trabalhismo no cenário político brasileiro, em filmes que privilegiam os aspectos íntimos das personagens através do ficcional e do cotidiano.
Impactos e legados de um desastre em um hospital universitário
Authors: Trevisan Ivana , Witt Regina Rigatto
Published: June 2019

Objective: Disaster victims care establishes the challenge of preparing for hospitalinstitutions to meet increasing demand, while essential services must continue towork. This is a qualitative study carried out in the case study, with the objective ofidentifying and describing the impacts and legacies of attending fire victims at theKiss nightclub for the management of resources of the Hospital de Clínicas de PortoAlegre. Method: the data collection was developed in interviews and consultation ofdocuments. Seventeen professionals involved in the management of care participatedin the study. Results and discussion: the data were analyzed through content analysisof the thematic type. Impacts on human resources management were identified, withrecruitment, training; in the management of material resources with the increase ofnon-standard inputs and materials; in the management of physical resources with theprovision of beds and space for the reception of family members. Among the legacies,an Plano Institucional de Apoio a Catástrofes Externas was developed. Conclusion: theresults confirm the evidence that the learning about risk management happens fromevents experienced by health institutions, whose legacy is reflected in the qualificationof the planning and disaster response. The impacts and legacies identified constitutesubsidies for the qualification of hospital care in disasters.
Percepção sensorial tátil alterada em pessoas com diabetes mellitus
Authors: Noronha Juliana Andreia Fernandes , Felix Lidiany Galdino , Porto Mychelle Oliveira , Costa Thayna Lisboa da , Cardoso Ana Carolina Lima Ramos , Chianca Tânia Couto Machado
Published: June 2019

Introducción: la percepción táctil alterada es una complicación de la diabetes mellitus que antecede a la neuropatía y puede ser identificada por el enfermero. Debe incluir la prueba neurológica de los pies, evaluación de sensibilidad (táctil, dolorosa térmica y vibratoria) y de reflejos de los tendones. Los evaluadores deben estar aptos para implementar las evaluaciones y, para ello, deben capacitarse. Objetivo: establecer el grado de interevaluadores en la prueba de percepción sensorial táctil alterada en pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Método: estudio transversal con tres evaluadores para obtener la concordancia en la evaluación de los pies de pacientes con diabetes en atención ambulatoria de referencia de Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brasil. Se evaluaron 60 miembros inferiores (pies) de 30 pacientes con las pruebas de sensibilidad protectora, térmica, vibratoria, dolorosa y el reflejo del tendón de Aquiles. Se utilizó el coeficiente de Kappa y se adoptó un nivel de significancia con valor p < 0,05 para evaluar la concordancia interevaluadores. Resultados: la mayoría de los pacientes era de sexo femenino, edad promedio 59,9 años, tiempo de diagnóstico 12, 6 años. Se observó concordancia general, con variación en el coeficiente Kappa entre 0,814 y 0,902 entre los evaluadores con estándar de oro. Los índices obtenidos indican concordancias casi perfectas. Conclusión: después de su capacitación, los evaluadores fueron considerados aptos para realizar la evaluación neurológica de los pies de pacientes con diabetes mellitus. La concordancia interevaluadores es fundamental para la investigación clínica pues permite ajustar evaluaciones en distintas técnicas para la recogida de información clínica.
Exploring Liquidity Risk and Interest-Rate Risk: Implications for Profitability and Firm Value in Nigerian Banks
Authors: Ebenezer Olalere Oluwaseyi , Islam Md. Aminul , Yusoff Wan Sallha , Sobhani Farid Ahammad
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of liquidity risk and interest rate risk on profitability and firm value, current studies are typically limited in emerging markets. This study employs a panel data estimation technique and a sample of 16 banks operating in Nigeria over the period from 2009 to 2017 making up to 144 observations. The findings of the study reveal that liquidity risk (loan to deposit ratio and liquid asset ratio) have a significant negative effect on firm value, the net interest margin and GDP have a negative significant impact on firm value for Nigerian banks. The loan to deposit ratio have a negative significant effect on firm value while the liquid asset ratio have a positive effect on firm value. The net interest margin have a negative significant effect on firm value while the asset interest margin have a positive significant impact on firm value. The GDP and inflation both have a positive significant relationship with firm value. The liquidity risk (loan to deposit ratio and liquid asset ratio) have a significant negative impact on return on equity of Nigerian banks. The GDP growth rate have a positive significant effect on the value of firm. Hence, this empirical study emphasizes and contributes to the dynamic role of liquidity risk and interest-rate risk and it's implication on profitability and firm value of banks in Nigeria and suggest that further study can explore a comparative study between Nigeria and financial firms in developed economy.
Atividade de auditoria contábil: um enfoque teórico de sua aplicação em empresas
Authors: Sousa Júnior Alvani Bomfim de , Cruz Crislaine Florence
Published: June 2019

A Auditoria tem por finalidade examinar cientificamente, de forma sistemática, livros, contas, comprovantes e outros registros financeiros de uma empresa, com o propósito de determinar a integridade do sistema de controle interno contábil das demonstrações financeiras. É um ramo da contabilidade e importante instrumento na prevenção e combate a erros e fraudes nas organizações, com a função de reduzir e, até mesmo, dirimir a prática desses delitos. Atualmente, pode-se observar que a Auditoria, cada vez mais, centra-se na orientação para tomada de decisão que vise à melhor eficiência e eficácia das empresas, nos procedimentos adotados em lançamentos de fatos contábeis, do que para penalizar o erro praticado por elas por falta de conhecimento. Preocupa-se, também, com a manutenção dos sistemas financeiros para melhor adequá-los às normas da Lei em vigor, indicando sugestões para eventuais desvios de incompatibilidade com a legislação. A presente monografia tem como objetivo evidenciar os principais procedimentos da Auditoria em empresas comerciais, confirmando recomendações e sugestões mais adequadas nesse processo. Com uma visão mais apurada do trabalho de Auditoria, destaca-se a importância do controle minucioso realizado por ela, constituindo-se em instrumento de amplo controle para os empresários, auxiliando na captação de informações confiáveis de sua situação patrimonial e financeira. Para a realização do presente estudo foram desenvolvidas leituras e interpretações em material disponível eletronicamente, além de pesquisas bibliográficas. Como resultado, pretende-se ampliar a discussão sobre o tema, esclarecendo dúvidas e ampliando o conhecimento, com a intenção de atualizar-se para ganhar espaço dentro de um mercado de trabalho cada vez mais competitivo.
Ophiostoma ulmi DNA naturally introgressed into an isolate of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi is clustered around pathogenicity and mating type loci
Authors: Et-Touil Abdelali , Dusabenyagasani Mathieu , Bouvet Guillaume F. , Brasier Clive M. , Bernier Louis
Published: June 2019

The invasive fungal pathogensOphiostoma ulmiandO. novo-ulmihave caused two successive pandemics of Dutch elm disease since the beginning of the 20thcentury. In nature, the highly aggressiveO. novo-ulmimay hybridize with the less aggressiveO. ulmi. Growth rate and molecular analyses were conducted on an unusual, moderately aggressiveO. novo-ulmiisolate, AST27, carrying an introgressed pathogenicity gene,Pat1-m; on highly aggressiveO. novo-ulmiisolate H327; onO. ulmiisolates Q412T and W9; and on progeny from laboratory crosses between H327 and AST27. Genetic analysis indicated that thePat1andMat1(mating type) loci were in different linkage groups corresponding toO. novo-ulmiH327 chromosomes 1 and 2, respectively. Most of the molecular differences between the nuclear genomes of H327 and AST27 occurred in the vicinity ofPat1andMat1. In addition, two putative quanti-tative trait loci,Mgr1andMgr2, which influence mycelial growth rate at 21°C and 28°C, the optima forO. novo-ulmiandO. ulmi, were linked toMat1andPat1, respectively.
Enjeux et défis du « tourisme urbain »
Authors: Guibert Christophe , Khomsi Mohamed Reda , Bellini Nicola
Published: June 2019

Le dossier thématique de ce numéro de la revue Téoros se veut une contribution à une réflexion sur le phénomène du tourisme urbain et l’impact à long terme de ce dernier sur les territoires. Il s’agit de réflexions ponctuelles qui, tout de même, abordent des questions clés, surtout sur le plan de l’encadrement conceptuel. Quatre articles composent ce dossier thématique. Ils répondent, chacun à sa manière, aux mutations et aux transformations continues que le tourisme fait aux villes.
La mise en tourisme : un concept entre déconstruction et reconstruction
Authors: Kadri Boualem , Bondarenko Maria , Pharicien Jean-Phariste
Published: June 2019

La diffusion du tourisme dans le monde aboutit à une transformation des lieux à but touristique pour tous les pays, régions et villes désireux de recevoir une partie de la manne procurée par le tourisme mondial. Ce processus demise en tourismeest davantage perçu comme économique (apports financiers) et spatial (transformation du lieu) alors qu’il touche aussi, sinon davantage, la société et les populations des territoires concernés. L’expression « mise en tourisme » apparaît ainsi comme une sorte « d’enchantement sémantique » visant à approcher un processus autrement plus complexe que sa réduction à une dimension économique, spatiale ou même de marketing. Comment appréhender la mise en tourisme dans le discours scientifique, notamment en matière de tourisme urbain ? Trois volets scientifiques sont proposés : d’une part, une lecture analytique des écrits francophones sur la mise en tourisme comparés aux écrits anglophones ; d’autre part, une analyse sémantique des définitions de mise en tourisme de la ville obtenues auprès de chercheurs francophones (Europe, Canada, Afrique du Nord) ; finalement, la définition modèle obtenue à travers l’analyse sémantique est révisée dans le contexte des écrits anglophones sur le processus de transformation des lieux à des fins touristiques.
Les secteurs sauvegardés : des outils de tourisme urbain durable avant l’heure ?
Authors: Férérol Marie-Eve
Published: June 2019

Étude de cas centrée sur Bayonne, cet article porte sur la patrimonialisation de l’urbain et les conditions de la valorisation touristique. L’analyse de la compatibilité du tourisme urbain avec les principes du développement durable, soit un champ de recherches contemporain, sera plus particulièrement explorée. Pour ce faire, l’angle choisi est celui des secteurs sauvegardés. Par leur philosophie, par les aménagements et les réflexions qu’ils ont entraînés, ne peuvent-ils pas être considérés comme des outils de tourisme urbain durable avant l’heure ? Tout au long de l’article, nous aurons une approche historique, architecturale et urbanistique.
Partage de l’espace et coprésence au sein d’une petite ville patrimonialisée et touristifiée
Authors: Ouellet Annie
Published: June 2019

Cet article porte sur la question du partage de l’espace entre différents types d’habitants coprésents au sein de villes mises en tourisme et en patrimoine. Alors que ce sont généralement les relations entre des visiteurs (touristes) et des visités (résidents) considérés comme deux groupes opposés qui sont abordées, nous souhaitons ici appréhender le partage de l’espace dans une ville touristifiée au prisme d’une double entrée capitalistique. Au fil d’une recherche menée dans la petite ville de Sarlat (Dordogne, France) et mobilisant des entretiens semi-directifs, deux types de capitaux nous sont apparus déterminants pour saisir l’acceptabilité du partage de l’espace. Les rapports que ces habitants (temporaires ou permanents) entretiennent tant aux autres qu’aux lieux, s’ils sont intimement liés à l’espace-temps dans lequel ils se trouvent (quotidien et hors quotidien), ne peuvent être compris uniquement grâce à ceux-ci. Le capital social et culturel, dans une dimension bourdieusienne, et le capital d’autochtonie, à travers la question de l’attachement aux lieux, permettent ainsi de dépasser la catégorisation binaire visiteurs-visités.
Le tourisme, une inquiétante évasion : Le tourisme international vu du Nord
Authors: Laplante Marc
Published: June 2019

Sans en faire un polar, je veux reconstituer de façon alerte les cadres physiques et mentaux dans lesquels vivent la majorité des gens des sociétés riches, hyperindustrialisées, postmodernes, etc. Par la suite, je tracerai un portrait-robot des grandes et petites manœuvres de l’industrie internationale du loisir-tourisme. J’arriverai à comprendre – je l’espère – comment ces entreprises fabriquent et commercialisent des productions, des produits, des biens et des services capables de satisfaire plusieurs catégories de touristes diversement riches, instruits et jouissant de temps plus ou moins longs libérés d’obligations. Enfin, je poserai quelques questions troublantes : Quand on part en voyage d’agrément durant ses temps libres, est-ce qu’on sort vraiment de chez soi ? Est-ce qu’on sort vraiment de l’ordinaire ? Les autres touristes qu’on croise constamment sur les sites touristiques sont-ils vraiment des étrangers, des gens très différents de moi ? Les expériences proposées aux visiteurs sont-elles vraiment nouvelles ? Si les réponses à de telles questions sont négatives, il faudra accepter l’idée que le départ touristique est une évasion de la prison du quotidien. Et s’il s’agit d’une évasion, cela devrait inquiéter. Pourquoi ? Parce qu’une telle évasion ne soulage pas des maux qui l’ont provoquée, au-delà d’un bref moment de relaxation lié au décrochage de l’horloge des obligations ; parce qu’elle risque de s’étendre dans le temps comme dans l’espace
Rendre compte d’une expérience de visite : se dire et se redire dans des entretiens d’explicitation composites
Authors: Wadbled Nathanaël
Published: June 2019

S’ils ont déjà pu raconter leur visite, les participants à une enquête qui racontent leur expérience touristique s’y replongent généralement pour la première fois de manière aussi intime. Le participant cherche la manière la plus adéquate d’en rendre compte en négociant avec ses compétences linguistiques. L’enjeu est de parvenir à formuler discursivement une épreuve perceptive et affective. L’enquêteur ne doit pas simplement enregistrer ce qu’on lui déclare, mais s’interroger sur ce que le participant veut dire, sans présager la signification des termes utilisés comme étant évidente, ni subsumer les significations données sous les différentes catégories analytiques. C’est à cette condition que peut être menée une évaluation de l’expérience touristique telle qu’elle est vécue par les touristes eux-mêmes et non telle qu’elle est espérée par les acteurs ou analysée par les chercheurs. La technique de l’entretien d’explicitation composite est une réponse à cette problématique : les participants à l’enquête disent et redisent ce qu’ils ont vécu afin de se faire comprendre au mieux.
Assembling Victory
Authors: Tubb Lisa
Published: June 2019

Located approximately forty kilometres outside of Toronto, Defense Industries Limited (DIL) established one of the largest wartime factories not only in Canada, but also the British Empire, in 1941. For ‘bomb girl’ Louise Johnson, a worker at DIL, her role and impact in the war machine was quite clear: “We knew our importance. If the boys didn’t have shells, they couldn’t win the war.” This paper explores the experience of working in a munitions factory through a case study of Defense Industries Limited in Ajax, Ontario. This study will contribute to a wider understanding of home front service and sacrifice, by shedding light on local, micro-level histories, and on the individuals who contributed greatly to Canada’s munitions production during the Second World War.
Chief of this River
Authors: Fehr Rick , Macbeth Janet , Sands Macbeth Summer
Published: June 2019

The narratives of European settlement in Canada have largely excluded the presence of Indigenous peoples on contested lands. This article offers an exploration of an Anishinaabeg community and a regional chief in early nineteenth century Upper Canada. The community known as the Chenail Ecarté land, and Chief Zhaawni-binesi, have become historically obscure. Through the use of primary documents the authors explore the community’s history, its relocation, and Chief Zhaawni-binesi’s role in the War of 1812 and in community life. Ultimately, the paper charts the relocation of the community in the face of mounting settler encroachment. The discussion attempts to increase knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous history in Southwestern Ontario.
British-Canada’s Land Purchases, 1783-1788
Authors: Reimer Gwen
Published: June 2019

This article examines several of the earliest land purchases in Ontario as phases in a single strategic plan by the British Crown to secure settlement lands and safe communication routes in the aftermath of the American War of Independence. Between 1783 and 1788 British colonial authorities executed a series of right-of-way and land cession agreements with Indigenous nations for lands extending from the St. Lawrence River, westward along the north shore of Lake Ontario, and northward along the historic carrying places linking Toronto, Lake Simcoe and Lake Huron. Viewing the Crawford, Gunshot, Toronto and Matchedash purchases as contiguous in time and space offers both clarity and context to a period of colonial treaty-making in Canada from which few records have survived. Archival holdings contain scant records of proceedings, deeds, maps or boundary descriptions for these treaties. For decades, Indian Affairs officials were concerned about the lack of documentation to validate the terms and extent of these land purchases and it was not until 1923 that the Gunshot and Matchedash surrenders were supposedly confirmed and the boundaries of those tracts encompassed within the terms of the Williams Treaties. For historical researchers, the determination of dates, geography and terms of early colonial treaty agreements remains a challenge. This article contributes both a broader context and greater detail about four such transactions between British authorities and Indigenous nations in southern Ontario in the eighteenth century.
Dispositivo de inovação: produção da/o estudante ativa/o no ensino superior
Authors: Godinho Leal Rafaela Esteves , Sales Shirlei Rezende
Published: June 2019

As/os professoras/es do ensino superior são convocadas/os a inovar em suas práticas educacionais, utilizando metodologias que favoreçam a produção de estudantes ativas/os. Estas/es são caracterizadas/os pela autonomia, protagonismo e participação nas atividades de aprendizagem. As/os discentes são incitadas/os, assim, a autogovernarem suas condutas no sentido de se corresponsabilizarem por suas aprendizagens. Nessa direção, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as técnicas discursivas acionadas na produção dessa/e estudante autônoma/o e protagonista da sua formação. O corpus da investigação é constituído pelos ditos em circulação nos Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos de Graduação (PPC), em um curso na modalidade a distância de formação de professoras/es universitárias/os, bem como entrevistas realizadas com participantes dessa formação. Utilizaram-se como referencial as ferramentas teóricas e analíticas do filósofo Michel Foucault, a saber: dispositivo, discurso, poder, técnica e autogoverno. Por meio da rede metodológica que articulou elementos da netnografia educacional, de entrevistas narrativas e da análise do discurso de inspiração foucaultiana desenvolveu-se o argumento de que a autonomia, a participação e o protagonismo são acionados como técnicas de governo que incidem sobre a conduta das/os estudantes e se integram ao dispositivo de inovação. Conclui-se que a produção dessa/e discente ativa/o atende ao funcionamento da “sociedade da inovação”.
Maintenance of homeostatic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular synapse requires continuous IP3-directed signaling
Authors: James Thomas D , Zwiefelhofer Danielle J , Frank C Andrew
Published: June 2019

Synapses and circuits rely on neuroplasticity to adjust output and meet physiological needs. Forms of homeostatic synaptic plasticity impart stability at synapses by countering destabilizing perturbations. The Drosophila melanogaster larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a model synapse with robust expression of homeostatic plasticity. At the NMJ, a homeostatic system detects impaired postsynaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitter and activates a retrograde signal that restores synaptic function by adjusting neurotransmitter release. This process has been separated into temporally distinct phases, induction and maintenance. One prevailing hypothesis is that a shared mechanism governs both phases. Here, we show the two phases are separable. Combining genetics, pharmacology, and electrophysiology, we find that a signaling system consisting of PLCβ, inositol triphosphate (IP3), IP3 receptors, and Ryanodine receptors is required only for the maintenance of homeostatic plasticity. We also find that the NMJ is capable of inducing homeostatic signaling even when its sustained maintenance process is absent.

Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Glycolysis upregulation is neuroprotective as a compensatory mechanism in ALS
Authors: Manzo Ernesto , Lorenzini Ileana , Barrameda Dianne , O'Conner Abigail G , Barrows Jordan M , Starr Alexander , Kovalik Tina , Rabichow Benjamin E , Lehmkuhl Erik M , Shreiner Dakotah D , Joardar Archi , Liévens Jean-Charles , Bowser Robert , Sattler Rita , Zarnescu Daniela C
Published: June 2019

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, with TDP-43 inclusions as a major pathological hallmark. Using a Drosophila model of TDP-43 proteinopathy we found significant alterations in glucose metabolism including increased pyruvate, suggesting that modulating glycolysis may be neuroprotective. Indeed, a high sugar diet improves locomotor and lifespan defects caused by TDP-43 proteinopathy in motor neurons or glia, but not muscle, suggesting that metabolic dysregulation occurs in the nervous system. Overexpressing human glucose transporter GLUT-3 in motor neurons mitigates TDP-43 dependent defects in synaptic vesicle recycling and improves locomotion. Furthermore, PFK mRNA, a key indicator of glycolysis, is upregulated in flies and patient derived iPSC motor neurons with TDP-43 pathology. Surprisingly, PFK overexpression rescues TDP-43 induced locomotor deficits. These findings from multiple ALS models show that mechanistically, glycolysis is upregulated in degenerating motor neurons as a compensatory mechanism and suggest that increased glucose availability is protective.
Robo2 regulates synaptic oxytocin content by affecting actin dynamics
Authors: Anbalagan Savani , Blechman Janna , Gliksberg Michael , Gordon Ludmila , Rotkopf Ron , Dadosh Tali , Shimoni Eyal , Levkowitz Gil
Published: June 2019

The regulation of neuropeptide level at the site of release is essential for proper neurophysiological functions. We focused on a prominent neuropeptide, oxytocin (OXT) in the zebrafish as an in vivo model to visualize and quantify OXT content at the resolution of a single synapse. We found that OXT-loaded synapses were enriched with polymerized actin. Perturbation of actin filaments by either cytochalasin-D or conditional Cofilin expression resulted in decreased synaptic OXT levels. Genetic loss ofrobo2orslit3displayed decreased synaptic OXT content androbo2mutants displayed reduced mobility of the actin probe Lifeact-EGFP in OXT synapses. Using a novel transgenic reporter allowing real-time monitoring of OXT-loaded vesicles, we show thatrobo2mutants display slower rate of vesicles accumulation. OXT-specific expression of dominant-negative Cdc42, which is a key regulator of actin dynamics and a downstream effector of Robo2, led to a dose-dependent increase in OXT content in WT, and a dampened effect inrobo2mutants. Our results link Slit3-Robo2-Cdc42, which controls local actin dynamics, with the maintenance of synaptic neuropeptide levels.
Molecular organization and dynamics of the fusion protein Gc at the hantavirus surface
Authors: Bignon Eduardo A , Albornoz Amelina , Guardado-Calvo Pablo , Rey Félix A , Tischler Nicole D
Published: June 2019

The hantavirus envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc mediate virion assembly and cell entry, with Gc driving fusion of viral and endosomal membranes. Although the X-ray structures and overall arrangement of Gn and Gc on the hantavirus spikes are known, their detailed interactions are not. Here we show that the lateral contacts between spikes are mediated by the same 2-fold contacts observed in Gc crystals at neutral pH, allowing the engineering of disulfide bonds to cross-link spikes. Disrupting the observed dimer interface affects particle assembly and overall spike stability. We further show that the spikes display a temperature-dependent dynamic behavior at neutral pH, alternating between ‘open’ and ‘closed’ forms. We show that the open form exposes the Gc fusion loops but is off-pathway for productive Gc-induced membrane fusion and cell entry. These data also provide crucial new insights for the design of optimized Gn/Gc immunogens to elicit protective immune responses.
'Online' integration of sensory and fear memories in the rat medial temporal lobe
Authors: Wong Francesca S , Westbrook R Fred , Holmes Nathan M
Published: June 2019

How does a stimulus never associated with danger become frightening? The present study addressed this question using a sensory preconditioning task with rats. In this task, rats integrate a sound-light memory formed in stage 1 with a light-danger memory formed in stage 2, as they show fear when tested with the sound in stage 3. Here we show that this integration occurs ‘online’ during stage 2: when activity in the region that consolidated the sound-light memory (perirhinal cortex) was inhibited during formation of the light-danger memory, rats no longer showed fear when tested with the sound but continued to fear the light. Thus, fear that accrues to a stimulus paired with danger simultaneously spreads to its past associates, thereby roping those associates into a fear memory network.
Cooperation between tropomyosin and α-actinin inhibits fimbrin association with actin filament networks in fission yeast
Authors: Christensen Jenna R , Homa Kaitlin E , Morganthaler Alisha N , Brown Rachel R , Suarez Cristian , Harker Alyssa J , O'Connell Meghan E , Kovar David R
Published: June 2019

We previously discovered that competition between fission yeast actin binding proteins (ABPs) for binding F-actin facilitates their sorting to different cellular networks. Specifically, competition between endocytic actin patch ABPs fimbrin Fim1 and cofilin Adf1 enhances their activities, and prevents tropomyosin Cdc8’s association with actin patches. However, these interactions do not explain how Fim1 is prevented from associating strongly with other F-actin networks such as the contractile ring. Here, we identified α-actinin Ain1, a contractile ring ABP, as another Fim1 competitor. Fim1 competes with Ain1 for association with F-actin, which is dependent upon their F-actin residence time. While Fim1 outcompetes both Ain1 and Cdc8 individually, Cdc8 enhances the F-actin bundling activity of Ain1, allowing Ain1 to generate F-actin bundles that Cdc8 can bind in the presence of Fim1. Therefore, the combination of contractile ring ABPs Ain1 and Cdc8 is capable of inhibiting Fim1’s association with F-actin networks.
Global transcriptomic analysis identifiesSERPINE1as a prognostic biomarker associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Bodong , Bai Zhigang , Yin Jie , Zhang Zhongtao
Published: June 2019

Background

The plasminogen activation system plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis. In this work, we aim to identify key regulators of plasminogen activation associated with tumorigenesis and explore potential mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Gene profiling datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened for and obtained by the GEO2R tool. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to verify molecular signatures and pathways among The Cancer Genome Atlas or GEO datasets. Correlations between SERPINE1 and markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were analyzed using the GEPIA database and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Interactive networks of selected genes were built by STRING and Cytoscape software. Finally, selected genes were verified with the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter database.

Results

A total of 104 overlapped upregulated and 61 downregulated DEGs were obtained. Multiple GO and KEGG terms associated with the extracellular matrix were enriched among the DEGs. SERPINE1 was identified as the only regulator of angiogenesis and the plasminogen activator system among the DEGs. A high level of SERPINE1 was associated with a poor prognosis in GC. GSEA analysis showed a strong correlation between SERPINE1 and EMT, which was also confirmed with the GEPIA database and qRT-PCR validation. FN1, TIMP1, MMP2, and SPARC were correlated with SERPINE1.The KM plotter database showed that an overexpression of these genes correlated with a shorter survival time in GC patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, SERPINE1 is a potent biomarker associated with EMT and a poor prognosis in GC. Furthermore, FN1, TIMP1, MMP2, and SPARC are correlated with SERPINE1 and may serve as therapeutic targets in reversing EMT in GC.
Age-related kinematic performance should be considered during fast head-neck rotation target task in individuals aged from 8 to 85 years old
Authors: Hage Renaud , Dierick Frédéric , Roussel Nathalie , Pitance Laurent , Detrembleur Christine
Published: June 2019

Kinematic behavior during fast cervical rotations is a useful parameter for assessing sensorimotor control performances in neck-pain patients. However, the influence of age in asymptomatic individuals from children to older people still needs to be explored. Our aim was to assess the impact of age on sensorimotor control performance of the head-neck with execution time and kinematic variables (time of task, mean speed/acceleration/deceleration, overshoots (OSs), minimum/maximum speed) during standardized fast rotation target task using the DidRen Laser test. A total of 80 volunteers were stratified in four different age-groups: Children (8–14 years): n = 16; Young Adults (18–35 years): n = 29; Old Adults (36–64 years): n = 18; Seniors (65–85 years): n = 17. Results showed that to perform the test, Children were slower (69.0 (60.6–87.3)s) compared to Young Adults (49.6 (45.6–55.6)s) with p < 0.001, and Old Adults (51.7 (48.4–55.8)s) with p < 0.001. It was also slower in Seniors (57 (52.3–67.6)s) compared to Young Adults with p < 0.013. Mean speed was slower in Children (9.4 ± 2.3 °s−1) and Seniors (10.6 ± 2.4 °s−1) compared to Young Adults (13.7 ± 1.9 °s−1) with p < 0.001 and Old Adults (13.3 ± 2.4 °s−1) with p < 0.001. Mean acceleration was slower for Children (8.4(7.6–10.2) °s−2) compared to Young Adults (11.1 (8.8–15.3) °s−2) with p < 0.016, and Old Adults (12.0(8.4–15.3) °s−2) with p < 0.015. Mean deceleration was slower for Children (−1.9(−2.6–1.4) °s−2) compared to Young Adults (−2.9(−3.7–2.5) °s−2) with p < 0.001 and Old Adults (−3.2(−3.7–2.3) °s−2) with p < 0.003. The DidRen Laser test allows us to discriminate age-specific performances for mean speed, acceleration and deceleration. Seniors and Children needed to be slower to become as precise as Young Adults and Old Adults. No difference was observed for OSs which assesses accuracy of movement. Age should therefore be considered as a key parameter when analyzing execution time and kinematic results during DidRen Laser test. These normative data can therefore guide clinicians in the assessment of subjects with neck pain.
Assessment of Reaeration Equations for River Tungabhadra, Karnataka, India and Generation of the Refined Equation
Authors: Ranjith S. , Shivapur Anand. V. , Kumar P. Shiva Keshava , Hiremath Chandrashekarayya. G.
Published: June 2019

The ability of a water body to self-purify itself is dependent on its re-aeration rate (Ka). This rate is necessary to calculate the dissolved oxygen content in the waterbody. This rate also depends on some variables that include the stream velocity, stream bed slope, cross section area, water depth, frictional velocity, discharge rate, Froude’s number and a number of other things. For the purpose of this study, thirteen empirical equations are considered when evaluating the performance of the re-aeration rates. This is done with respect to the size of the Tungabhadra river. Observation of the re-aeration rate for this study was done using mass balance approach. The data needed for this was gotten from field investigation data obtained from 288 separate samples (6 different sites) between the period March, 2017 to December, 2018. The performance evaluation of the re-aeration equation was done via the implementation of least square techniques. The following statistical error methods were applied in due course; standard error, normal mean method and mean multiplicative method. The results of the methods are 0.16, -0.0006 and 2.75. The coefficient of correlation for this was 0.91 and by interpretation, it shows an efficient outcome.
Coelomic Fluid Evaluation in Clinically Normal Ochre Sea Stars Pisaster ochraceus: Cell Counts, Cytology, and Biochemistry Reference Intervals
Authors: Wahltinez Sarah J. , Stacy Nicole I. , Lahner Lesanna L. , Newton Alisa L.
Published: June 2019

Coelomic fluid sampling is a noninvasive technique that is used to access the body fluid of sea stars for diagnostics and research. Given recent mortality events including sea star wasting disease, which has killed millions of sea stars along the Pacific coast since 2013, there is a need for validated diagnostic tests to evaluate sea star health. The objectives of this study were to establish coelomic fluid reference intervals for clinically normal ochre sea stars Pisaster ochraceus in an open system aquarium, to describe the cytologic findings, and to compare the chemistries of coelomic fluid with open system tank water. Coelomic fluid from 26 clinically normal sea stars was sampled for coelomocyte counts, cytologic evaluation, and biochemical analysis including magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and total protein. The number of coelomocytes and total protein did not fit normal distribution and were excluded from analyses. Reference intervals were established for other chemistry analytes. There was no statistical difference in biochemistries between sea star coelomic fluid and water from five open system tanks, which supports previous evidence that sea stars are osmoconformers. Very low numbers of coelomocytes were observed cytologically. These results provide a useful baseline and diagnostic tool for health assessments of sea stars.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Dual Drug Dimer‐Loaded PEGylated Bilirubin Nanoparticles for Improved Drug Delivery and Enhanced Immune‐Chemotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Xiaotong , Hu Chuan , Tong Fan , Liu Rui , Zhou Yang , Qin Lin , Ouyang Liang , Gao Huile
Published: June 2019

The application of combinational therapy makes up for the limitation of monotherapy and achieves superior treatment against cancer. However, the combinational therapy remains restricted by the poor tumor‐specific delivery and the abscopal effect. Herein, reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive PEGylated bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs) are developed to encapsulate two glutathione‐activatable drugs, including dimer‐7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (d‐SN38) and dimer‐lonidamine (d‐LND). Dimerization of the drugs significantly increases the drug loading capacity and the encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles. With the assistance of iRGD peptide (cRGDKGPDC), the cellular uptake of BRNPs is more than double when compared with the control. In response to high levels of intracellular ROS, d‐SN38 and d‐LND are rapidly released from nanoparticles (SL@BRNPs). Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic experiments verify combining SL@BRNPs with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody greatly inhibits the primary tumor of breast cancer, improves CD8+ T cells levels, and CD8+ T cells/Tregs ratios in the tumor. Additionally, it shows high immune memory effect and can prevent the growth of lung metastasis. Taken together, the strategy pioneers a new way for the rational design of nanoassemblies through the combination of activatable drug dimers and stimuli‐responsive drug release, and a successful application of novel drug delivery systems in combination with the immune checkpoint blockade antibody.
A General Synthesis of Crumpled Metal Oxide Nanosheets as Superior Chemiresistive Sensing Layers
Authors: Kim Rheehyun , Jang Ji‐Soo , Kim Dong‐Ha , Kang Joon‐Young , Cho Hee‐Jin , Jeong Yong Jin , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: June 2019

Metal oxide nanosheets having high mesoporosity, grain size distribution of 5–10 nm, and ultrathin thickness have attracted much attention due to their intriguing properties such as high surface‐to‐volume ratio and superior chemical activities. However, 2D nanostructures tend to restack, inducing a decrease in accessible surface area and a number of pores. To solve this problem, herein, a unique synthetic method of crumpled metal oxide nanosheets using spray pyrolysis of metal ion–coated graphene oxide, followed by heat treatment, is reported. This method is applicable not only to single‐component metal oxides but also to heterogeneous multicomponent metal oxides in which composition can be controlled. Crumpled SnO2, ZnO, and Co3O4 as well as SnO2/ZnO and SnO2/Co3O4 nanosheets with heterogeneous interfaces are successfully synthesized and used as superior gas sensing layers. Because of the abundant reaction sites, well‐developed porosity for high gas accessibility, the formation of heterojunctions, the crumpled SnO2/ZnO and SnO2/Co3O4 nanosheets exhibit outstanding sensing performance (Rair/Rgas = 20.25 toward 5 ppm formaldehyde, and Rair/Rgas = 14.13 toward 5 ppm acetone, respectively). This study can contribute to the realization of a family of heterogeneous crumpled metal oxide nanosheets that can be applied to various research fields.
Layered Germanium Hybrid Perovskite Bromides: Insights from Experiments and First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Chang Xueqing , Marongiu Daniela , Sarritzu Valerio , Sestu Nicola , Wang Qingqian , Lai Stefano , Mattoni Alessandro , Filippetti Alessio , Congiu Francesco , Lehmann Alessandra Geddo , Quochi Francesco , Saba Michele , Mura Andrea , Bongiovanni Giovanni
Published: June 2019

Metal halide perovskites are maturing as materials for efficient, yet low cost solar cells and light‐emitting diodes, with improving operational stability and reliability. To date however, most perovskite‐based devices contain Pb, which poses environmental concerns due to its toxicity; lead‐free alternatives are of importance to facilitate the development of perovskite‐based devices. Here, the germanium‐based Ruddledsen–Popper series (CH3(CH2)3NH3)2(CH3NH3)n−1GenBr3n+1 is investigated, derived from the parent 3D (n = ∞) CH3NH3GeBr3 perovskite. Divalent germanium is a promising, nontoxic alternative to Pb2+ and the layered, 2D structure appears promising to bolster light emission, long‐term durability, and moisture tolerance. The work, which combines experiments and first principle calculations, highlights that in germanium bromide perovskites the optical bandgap is weakly affected by 2D confinement and the highly stereochemically active 4s2 lone pair preludes to possible ferroelectricity, a topic still debated in Pb‐containing compounds.
Co Nanoislands Rooted on Co–N–C Nanosheets as Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalyst for Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Yu Peng , Wang Lei , Sun Fanfei , Xie Ying , Liu Xu , Ma Jingyuan , Wang Xiuwen , Tian Chungui , Li Jinghong , Fu Honggang
Published: June 2019

Developing non‐precious‐metal bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution reaction (ORR/OER) catalysts is a major task for promoting the reaction efficiency of Zn–air batteries. Co‐based catalysts have been regarded as promising ORR and OER catalysts owing to the multivalence characteristic of cobalt element. Herein, the synthesis of Co nanoislands rooted on Co–N–C nanosheets supported by carbon felts (Co/Co–N–C) is reported. Co nanosheets rooted on the carbon felt derived from electrodeposition are applied as the self‐template and cobalt source. The synergistic effect of metal Co islands with OER activity and Co–N–C nanosheets with superior ORR performance leads to good bifuctional catalytic performances. Wavelet transform extended X‐ray absorption fine spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy certify the formation of Co (mainly Co0) and the Co–N–C (mainly Co2+ and Co3+) structure. As the air‐cathode, the assembled aqueous Zn–air battery exhibits a small charge–discharge voltage gap (0.82 V@10 mA cm−2) and high power density of 132 mW cm−2, outperforming the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, the cable flexible rechargeable Zn–air battery exhibits excellent bendable and durability. Density functional theory calculation is combined with operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to further elucidate the active sites of oxygen reactions at the Co/Co–N–C cathode in Zn–air battery.
Scalable Fabrication of Porous Microchannel Nerve Guidance Scaffolds with Complex Geometries
Authors: Shahriari Dena , Loke Gabriel , Tafel Ian , Park Seongjun , Chiang Po‐Han , Fink Yoel , Anikeeva Polina
Published: June 2019

Microchannel scaffolds accelerate nerve repair by guiding growing neuronal processes across injury sites. Although geometry, materials chemistry, stiffness, and porosity have been shown to influence nerve growth within nerve guidance scaffolds, independent tuning of these properties in a high‐throughput manner remains a challenge. Here, fiber drawing is combined with salt leaching to produce microchannels with tunable cross sections and porosity. This technique is applicable to an array of biochemically inert polymers, and it delivers hundreds of meters of porous microchannel fibers. Employing these fibers as filaments during 3D printing enables the production of microchannel scaffolds with geometries matching those of biological nerves, including branched topographies. Applied to sensory neurons, fiber‐based porous microchannels enhance growth as compared to non‐porous channels with matching materials and geometries. The combinatorial scaffold fabrication approach may advance the studies of neural regeneration and accelerate the development of nerve repair devices.
Polymeric Microneedle Arrays: Versatile Tools for an Innovative Approach to Drug Administration
Authors: Dardano Principia , Battisti Mario , Rea Ilaria , Serpico Luigia , Terracciano Monica , Cammarano Aniello , Nicolais Luigi , De Stefano Luca
Published: June 2019

Mainly designed and realized as a painless alternative to the hypodermic syringe, microneedle‐based devices are currently approaching commercial market placement. The considerable academic and industrial investment in this technology is reflected by a multitude of papers published and patents registered every year, which is also a sign of a field in full fermentation. New materials and innovative methodologies are continuously exploited in search of the best performance at the lowest cost. For these reasons, an updated review, focused predominantly on the last year of scientific production, is a useful guideline in this rapidly changing panorama. This report provides a critical review of microneedle technologies presented in the very recent literature with a particular focus on those closest to the needs of the healthcare field. Although a few devices are already commercial, further effort is still needed to achieve complete clinical translation and therapeutic efficacy competitive with or superior to those of the devices used as standards and adopted by national health systems.
Mimicking the Dissolution Mechanisms of pH‐Responsive Drug Release Formulations in Atomistic MD Simulations
Authors: Katiyar Ratna S. , Jha Prateek K.
Published: June 2019

Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)‐doxorubicin (DOX) formulations dissolved in water are performed to mimic three common drug release mechanisms of pH‐responsive polymer–drug formulations. The effect of formulation matrix swelling in a reverse manner is mimicked by performing sequential water removal during the MD simulations followed by re‐equilibration, until an amorphous state devoid of water is achieved. Then, MD simulations for different PAA and DOX compositions are performed that mimic the different dissolution stages of an eroding and non‐swellable matrix, respectively. An Arrhenius law dependence of diffusion coefficient is established on the changes in PAA–DOX interaction energy, which in turn shows power law dependence on concentration. Together, the three sets of simulations demonstrate how the molecular‐level interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, ionic complexation) drive macroscopic changes in the drug release behavior described in terms of drug/water diffusion coefficients, and also highlight the potential of atomistic simulations in the prediction of drug release behavior of novel polymer–drug formulations using the diffusion coefficients obtained in atomistic simulations.
Commercialization of Lithium Battery Technologies for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zeng Xiaoqiao , Li Matthew , Abd El‐Hady Deia , Alshitari Wael , Al‐Bogami Abdullah S. , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: June 2019

The currently commercialized lithium‐ion batteries have allowed for the creation of practical electric vehicles, simultaneously satisfying many stringent milestones in energy density, lifetime, safety, power, and cost requirements of the electric vehicle economy. The next wave of consumer electric vehicles is just around the corner. Although widely adopted in the vehicle market, lithium‐ion batteries still require further development to sustain their dominating roles among competitors. In this review, the authors survey the state‐of‐the‐art active electrode materials and cell chemistries for automotive batteries. The performance, production, and cost are included. The advances and challenges in the lithium‐ion battery economy from the material design to the cell and the battery packs fitting the rapid developing automotive market are discussed in detail. Also, new technologies of promising battery chemistries are comprehensively evaluated for their potential to satisfy the targets of future electric vehicles.