bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La educación estética del director de arte en los grados universitarios de Publicidad en España
Authors: Suárez-Carballo Fernando , Martins Nuno , Martín-Sanromán Juan-Ramón
Published: July 2021

En el contexto de la creatividad publicitaria, el director de arte es el máximo responsable del aspecto visual de los mensajes, una tarea para la que la sensibilidad estética constituye una cualidad indispensable y, por tanto, se convierte en una competencia fundamental en su formación. Mediante una encuesta cuantitativa y cualitativa organizada en cuatro bloques (contenidos, recursos, métodos y resultados) y una muestra de 21 profesores de Dirección de arte de los grados de Publicidad de la universidad española, este estudio busca analizar el papel que ocupa la educación estética en estas materias, así como las herramientas y métodos empleados por los docentes en este aprendizaje. Entre sus conclusiones, la investigación pone de manifiesto la elevada relevancia del componente estético en estas asignaturas, cuyo enseñanza se complementa con otras materias del mismo plan de estudios; un protagonismo especial de las tareas prácticas en esta materia, que, apoyadas en el análisis teórico de piezas, se centran en el desarrollo de campañas publicitarias y en la composición como ingrediente gráfico principal; un empleo habitual de los servicios de marcadores digitales (bookmarking) de imágenes, portfolios de profesionales cualificados y blogs de diseño gráfico o creatividad como los instrumentos de inspiración más habituales; una extraordinaria relevancia de los procesos de imitación para estimular la cultura visual, con una atención prioritaria al respeto de los principios básicos de diseño gráfico; y, por último, una percepción común del positivo crecimiento del alumno en el aprendizaje estético a partir de los anteriores recursos.
La creatividad en la universidad española
Authors: Pérez-Ordóñez Cristina , Castro-Martínez Andrea , Torres-Martín José Luis , Villena Alarcón Eduardo
Published: July 2021

La creatividad es una habilidad ampliamente estudiada y entendida como una capacidad esencial para el desarrollo del ser humano, en especial en su desempeño educativo y profesional. Desde la entrada en vigor del Espacio Europeo de Enseñanza Superior ha sido considerada como una competencia transversal en la mayoría de los grados universitarios, especialmente en los de Comunicación. El objetivo de este artículo es identificar el abordaje que se hace de la creatividad en todas las asignaturas impartidas en los grados de Comunicación Audiovisual y de Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas en las universidades públicas españolas. De este modo, se ha realizado un análisis de contenidos de las guías docentes de los planes de estudio, un cuestionario a profesorado de estos grados y un panel de expertos del sector profesional, quienes han reflexionado sobre la formación y las destrezas creativas de los nuevos titulados.Los resultados indican que, a pesar de considerarse una cualidad transversal y necesaria para los nuevos profesionales, la creatividad no es tratada como tal en las guías docentes. Si bien en algunas de ellas aparecen recogidos términos relacionados con esta capacidad, en el resto de las programaciones apenas está presente. Se corrobora así la distancia existente entre las necesidades del sector profesional y la formación universitaria de grado, ya que los jóvenes egresados demuestran importantes carencias en cuanto a capacidad creativa.
Cazadores de Historias:
Authors: Roig Telo Antoni , Hofman Vanina Yael , Pires de Sa Fernanda
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se exploran las posibilidades del storytelling como técnica de creatividad en el aula, y se analizan los procesos de creación compartida de historias en el marco del proyecto de innovación e investigación educativa Cazadores de Historias. El proyecto ha sido desarrollado durante dos ediciones (entre 2017 y 2019) en centros de primaria y secundaria de Barcelona, así como en otros contextos educativos no formales. Cazadores de Historias se compone de una serie de talleres en los que se experimenta con el intercambio de mundos narrativos entre las personas participantes, a partir de un juego de mesa creado específicamente para el mismo, punto de inicio de una metodología de co-creación. El juego ha demostrado promover la co-construcción de historias de ficción a partir de premisas que estimulan la reflexión sobre retos tales como la emergencia climática o la lucha contra la discriminación por razones de etnia, diversidad funcional o género. Las dinámicas de Cazadores de Historias permiten observar el desarrollo de una serie de estrategias mediante las cuales el estudiantado conjuga las premisas con sus experiencias personales, su bagaje cultural y el contexto social actual, estimulando una posición de empatía desde la que plantear respuestas posibles a los retos planteados. A partir de esta experiencia se concluye que el storytelling y la ficción aportan un valor relevante como metodología creativa y como herramienta eficaz para abordar de un modo plural desafíos sociales, así como modo de potenciar procesos de creación colectivos y colaborativos en las aulas.
KNEE DEFORMITES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS – META ANALYSIS
Authors: Joksimović Marko , Lilić Ana , Gardašević Novica , Goranović Kosta
Published: July 2021

In football, the knee joint is one of the most stressed joints during the game itself, especially for professional football players where there are higher physical requirements. Factors such as race, weight, vitamin contribution, metabolic/ hormone disorders, environment and football practice can affect the knee angle. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of playing football on changes in the knee joint. The following electronic databases were used to search the literature: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EBSCO in the period from 2006 to 2019. The sample of respondents included the male participants who played football, who were of different training status and age categories. The studies were included only if there were differences in the angle of the knee – genu varum or genu valgum in football players. Most researchers concluded that there are significant differences in the knee joint in respondents who played football and respondents who play no sports. The authors believe that the most critical period in which deformities can occur is the period of adolescence, while later this process slows down. People who have played other sports, as well as football players, have an increased risk of developing knee deformities. From the reviewed works, we can conclude that intense physical exercise and frequent competition can encourage the development of deformities.
A Need or a Force? Shadow Education in Hong Kong From Secondary School Parent’s Perspective
Authors: Cheng Ching Ho
Published: July 2021

It is becoming more common for students in Hong Kong to take extra lessons after school. Several surveys indicate that more than 70% of students need to take private tutoring classes after school in their final year of secondary school (Bray, 2013). This indicates that “shadow
education” has become a trend in Hong Kong. There are different types of private tutoring classes in Hong Kong, such as one-on-one tutoring or tutorial classes for groups of five to eight students. These classes aim to help students to perform better in public examination, but it has
become more competitive in recent years. Even if students have satisfactory results at school, they may be expected to take extra classes, since doing so has become a societal trend. However, do students really need to take so many classes after school? Does the quantity of private tutoring
lessons taken correlate with good academic results? This study investigates why parents in Hong Kong are sending their children to learning centers after school. Do these children really need extra classes, or are they being affected by the surrounding area?
A novel mitochondrial Kv1.3–caveolin axis controls cell survival and apoptosis
Authors: Capera Jesusa , Pérez-Verdaguer Mireia , Peruzzo Roberta , Navarro-Pérez María , Martínez-Pinna Juan , Alberola-Die Armando , Morales Andrés , Leanza Luigi , Szabó Ildiko , Felipe Antonio
Published: July 2021

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 plays an apparent dual physiological role by participating in activation and proliferation of leukocytes as well as promoting apoptosis in several types of tumor cells. Therefore, Kv1.3 is considered a potential pharmacological target for immunodeficiency and cancer. Different cellular locations of Kv1.3, at the plasma membrane or the mitochondria, could be responsible for such duality. While plasma membrane Kv1.3 facilitates proliferation, the mitochondrial channel modulates apoptotic signaling. Several molecular determinants of Kv1.3 drive the channel to the cell surface, but no information is available about its mitochondrial targeting. Caveolins, which are able to modulate cell survival, participate in the plasma membrane targeting of Kv1.3. The channel, via a caveolin-binding domain (CBD), associates with caveolin 1 (Cav1), which localizes Kv1.3 to lipid raft membrane microdomains. The aim of our study was to understand the role of such interactions not only for channel targeting but also for cell survival in mammalian cells. By using a caveolin association-deficient channel (Kv1.3 CBDless), we demonstrate here that while the Kv1.3–Cav1 interaction is responsible for the channel localization in the plasma membrane, a lack of such interaction accumulates Kv1.3 in the mitochondria. Kv1.3 CBDless severely affects mitochondrial physiology and cell survival, indicating that a functional link of Kv1.3 with Cav1 within the mitochondria modulates the pro-apoptotic effects of the channel. Therefore, the balance exerted by these two complementary mechanisms fine-tune the physiological role of Kv1.3 during cell survival or apoptosis. Our data highlight an unexpected role for the mitochondrial caveolin–Kv1.3 axis during cell survival and apoptosis.
Sykepleierstudenters erfaringer med Respons – et nytt lærings- og vurderingsverktøy i praksisstudier
Authors: Amsrud Kirsten Eika , Skaug Eli-Anne , Saunes Jorunn , Undheim Liv-Thorhild , Lyberg Anne
Published: July 2021

Vurdering av kompetanse i praksisstudier er en kjent utfordring i sykepleierutdanninger både i Norge og internasjonalt. Denne studien utforsker sykepleierstudenters erfaringer med det nye lærings- og vurderingsverktøyet Respons. Studien har en kvalitativ tilnærming med et beskrivende og utforskende design. Det var 27 sykepleierstudenter fra tre læresteder som deltok i utprøving av det nye verktøyet, 21 av disse møtte til påfølgende intervju i fokusgrupper. Dataanalysen er gjennomført i tråd med prinsipper for kvalitativ innholdsanalyse og ledet til to kategorier: Styrket eierskap og framdrift i læringsprosessen og Økt tillit til vurderingens kvalitet.

Mange av informantene beskrev en mer aktiv holdning til egen læring og tettere samhandling med sine praksisveiledere. Flere var opptatt av at Respons i større grad enn tidligere vurderingsverktøy bidro til løpende vurdering. Informantene la også vekt på at Respons sikrer en felles standard for vurdering. Studien understøtter behovet for å utforske hvordan læringsutbyttestyrt pedagogikk utspiller seg i praksishverdagen.

Abstract

Assessment of competence in clinical studies is a well-known challenge in nursing education both in Norway and internationally. The aim of this study was to investigate nursing students' experiences with the new learning and assessment tool Response. The study has a qualitative approach with a descriptive and exploratory design. The new tool was tested by 27 nursing students. The following interviews in focus groups included 21 students. A process of content analysis identified two categories: Strengthened ownership and progress in the learning process and increased confidence in the quality of assessment.

The findings revealed experiences of a more active attitude to the students’ own learning process and a closer interaction with their supervisors. Furthermore, the students reported that the new assessment tool contributed to ongoing assessment and ensured a common standard for assessment. Finally, the study supports the need to explore how learning outcome-driven policy unfolds in everyday practice.
A synthetic defective interfering SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yao Shun , Narayanan Anoop , Majowicz Sydney A. , Jose Joyce , Archetti Marco
Published: July 2021

Viruses thrive by exploiting the cells they infect, but in order to replicate and infect other cells they must produce viral proteins. As a result, viruses are also susceptible to exploitation by defective versions of themselves that do not produce such proteins. A defective viral genome with deletions in protein-coding genes could still replicate in cells coinfected with full-length viruses. Such a defective genome could even replicate faster due to its shorter size, interfering with the replication of the virus. We have created a synthetic defective interfering version of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the Covid-19 pandemic, assembling parts of the viral genome that do not code for any functional protein but enable the genome to be replicated and packaged. This synthetic defective genome replicates three times faster than SARS-CoV-2 in coinfected cells, and interferes with it, reducing the viral load of infected cells by half in 24 hours. The synthetic genome is transmitted as efficiently as the full-length genome, suggesting the location of the putative packaging signal of SARS-CoV-2. A version of such a synthetic construct could be used as a self-promoting antiviral therapy: by enabling replication of the synthetic genome, the virus would promote its own demise.
Role of Argwadha Nitya Virechana in Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus-II): A Case Study
Authors: Deshpande Shilpa Bhaskarrao , Parwe Shweta , Nisargandha Milind
Published: July 2021

Diabetes Mellitus is now considered a pandemic. Especially in India, the number of patients increased at 14% prediabetic, becoming the capital of Diabetes. It is a clinical syndrome which is characterize by an increased level of blood sugar. In Ayurveda, the ṁadhumeha is explained as a type of prameha. The kinds of madhumeha is of two. One is dhatukshaya, and other is avaranjanya. The avaranjanya type of Madhumeha is allowed to be treated with the shodhana process. In which vamana and virechana are effective.

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the efficacy of Nitya Virechana in the management of madhumeha.

Case report: A single case study of a 59 yrs old male patient who was already diagnosed with madhumeha before 21 days. Symptoms such as pippasa, shramdaurbalya, Bahumutrata were present; after investigation, he was advised for Nitya Virechana.

Result: Symptomatic assessment of the patient was carried out after treatment i.e. after Nitya Virechana and outcome was satisfactory, and the quality of life of patient was significantly improved.

Conclusion: Nitya Virechana brought about good relief in symptoms in patients with Madhumeha and controlling the blood sugar level.
People’s Bamboo Production Status and their Livelihood Improvement in Dimla Upazila, Nilphamari District, Bangladesh
Authors: Noman Md. Rubayet Al Ferdous , Goswami Pallab , Bhattacharje Tama Rani , Rahman Md. Sadekur , Huda Saiful
Published: July 2021

The bamboos are an amazingly multipurpose and useful group of plants. It is a fundamental part of human livelihood strategies in many places worldwide. This study focus was to know the state of bamboo, its’ production and the available bamboo made products, to identify the knowledge requirement for increasing the bamboo production, to identify the ways of livelihood improvement by bamboo production and explore the causes of bamboo declining along with suggestion to overcome this. Data were collected using pre-tested interview schedule from a sample of 105 bamboo clump owners. This data collection was conducted in Tepa Kharibari union of Dimla Upazila under Nilphamari district during 1st December 2017 to 15th January 2018.  Besides the descriptive statistical parameter, rank order was used for the analysis. The findings revealed that the bamboo production is declining at a gradual rate and has already decreased considerably in the study area. It is also explored that the local people mostly mentioned knowledge about better variety of bamboo is considered for increasing bamboo production. Furthermore, the means of livelihood is significantly influenced by bamboo production. The local people’s livelihood therefore, is mostly improved through increasing income and creating employment opportunities. It is warning that due to rapid increasing of residents/houses bamboo production is declining as there are not enough homesteads or fallow land in the study area to have a bamboo clump.
Amoeba
Authors: Anderson O Roger
Published: July 2021

Amoebae are single‐celled eukaryotic microorganisms that move by cytoplasmic streaming and possess characteristic surface projections of the cell known as pseudopodia. They are categorised among the heterotrophic protozoa and are grouped with photosynthetic protozoa and algae in an eclectic group, the protists. Modern molecular genetic research has begun to clarify the evolutionary relationships among the amoeboid protists, leading to a more natural classification system. The focus here is on the naked amoebae (formerly known as gymnamoebae) that are included in the taxonomic group Amoebozoa. They are important as members of microbial communities where they are significant links in the food webs, promote purification of water in the natural environment and waste water treatment plants and contribute to the fertility of aquatic and terrestrial environments. Only a few are known to be human pathogens or carriers of pathogens, including the pathogenic bacterium causing Legionnaires disease.

Key Concepts

Amoebae, though considered to be primitive unicellular organisms, have a highly complex cellular organisation and exhibit diverse behaviour.

Amoeboid protists, a group of pseudopod‐bearing unicellular organisms, are an eclectic group of phylogenetically diverse organisms that have adapted a similar amoeboid morphology through convergent evolution.

Naked amoebae lack a substantial surface coat or layer that distinguishes them from the testate amoebae, enclosed by an external test or tectum with one or more openings where the pseudopodia emerge.

Amoebae prey on a wide variety of other unicellular organisms, including bacteria and protists, though the smaller amoebae are almost exclusively bacterial predators.

Free‐living amoebae are significant members of aquatic and terrestrial communities where they serve as links at the base of the food web, promote remineralisation of nutrients through predation on bacteria and help to clarify waste water supply by removing bacteria and promoting the degradation of suspended waste particles.
Spleen
Authors: Steiniger Birte
Published: July 2021

The spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ present in all vertebrates, which monitors the blood. It consists of sessile stroma cells (fibroblasts), migratory cells of the immune system, blood‐filled spaces and unique vessels. Splenic functions and microanatomy differ according to the species investigated. Certain functions such as immunological monitoring of blood‐borne antigens, destruction of intravasal microorganisms and aged or abnormal blood cells, are more or less invariant. In rodents and humans, the spleen is composed of two large compartments, the white pulp and the red pulp. The white pulp harbours dense accumulations of more or less migratory lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells, which crawl on a meshwork of specialised fibroblasts. The red pulp is composed of connective tissue containing arterioles, sheathed and postsheath capillaries, sinuses and venules/veins. The sinuses represent a spleen‐specific initial part of the venous circulation. The connective tissue of the red pulp cords is filled with blood and represents the only place where an open circulation occurs in the body.

In addition to describing the microanatomical compartments of rat and human spleens, the article deals with the course of acute B lymphocyte immune reactions in rat and mouse spleens and with the consequences of splenectomy in humans.

Key Concepts

The spleen monitors the antigen composition of the blood.

The monitoring is predominantly carried out by lymphocytes recirculating through the spleen in the white pulp and by sessile macrophages in the red pulp cords.

Specialised fibroblasts recruit lymphocytes and macrophages to their compartments with the help of several mechanisms, such as secretion of chemokines or expression of certain adhesion molecules.

The splenic red pulp cords are the only location in the body with an open circulation. This means that blood flows in spaces not lined by any barrier‐forming cells such as endothelia.

The open circulation thus permits a direct contact between the blood and resident macrophages.

In rodents and humans, the spleen contains a special type of B lymphocytes, termed 'B cells of marginal zone (MZ) phenotype'. These cells represent preactivated B cells, which fulfil memory functions and/or recognise polysaccharide antigens. They are easily activated to become antibody‐secreting plasma cells.

In humans, splenectomy leads to the loss of this B cell type in the blood and to a reduced resistance against bacteria with polysaccharide capsules. In addition, the most effective phagocyte compartment of the body, the splenic red pulp, is lost. This necessitates special precautions, especially in children, to avoid overwhelming postsplenectomy infections.
Molecular Genetics of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
Authors: Brewer Niambi S , Allen Robyn S , Mullins Mary C , Kaplan Frederick S , Shore Eileen M
Published: July 2021

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP, MIM# 135100) is an autosomal‐dominant genetic disorder, caused by heterozygous mutations in theACVR1gene. While most with FOP have the same single‐nucleotide substitution (c.617G>A; R206H), occasional variant mutations inACVR1have also been identified. The defining clinical features of FOP are malformations of the great toes and progressive heterotopic (extraskeletal) ossification (HO). However, the clinical presentations among FOP patients vary and, at least in some cases, there appear to be genotype–phenotype correlations with specificACVR1mutations, even among the small number of patients. FOP‐associatedACVR1mutations are activating mutations that enhance signalling through the BMP‐pSmad1/5 signalling pathway and direct the induction of cartilage and bone cell differentiation to form ectopic bone in postnatal soft connective tissues. Recent studies examining the molecular mechanisms, reveal that the mutant ACVR1 receptors have lost the normal constraints that regulate the activation of the ACVR1 receptor signalling complex.

Key Concepts

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder of heterotopic ossification.

FOP is caused by heterozygous activating mutations in theACVR1gene.

Most FOP patients share the identicalACVR1c.617G>A mutation that causes a single amino acid substitution (R206H).

Additional variant mutations have been identified inACVR1and are associated with distinct clinical manifestations in some cases.

ACVR1 is a type I receptor in the BMP signalling pathway, an important pathway in regulating bone formation.

FOP mutant ACVR1 receptors have lost regulatory constraints that control how downstream signalling is activated.
Utilization of CBCT to improve the delivery accuracy of Gamma Knife radiosurgery with G‐frame
Authors: Claps Lindsey , Mathew Damien , Dusenbery Kathryn , Reynolds Margaret , Watanabe Yoichi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To quantify the G‐frame based stereotactic coordinate definition accuracy of Leksell coordinate G‐frame‐based Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) by the on‐board cone‐beam CT (CBCT) and establish remedial action rules to minimize the delivery errors.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 108 patients (a total of 201 tumors) treated by GKRS with G‐frame for head fixation. After co‐registering the CBCT images and plan reference images, the Leksell GammaPlan (LGP) treatment planning system provided the amount of geometric translation and rotation required to minimize the position difference between the plan and treatment. The software also calculated maximum displacement, which characterizes the position shift more clearly. We studied how much these predicted dosimetric quantities changed if the treatment was delivered without correcting the patient's position.

Results

The maximum displacement of the patient position obtained from the co‐registration of CBCT and plan reference images was 0.81 ± 0.38 mm (0.24–2.03 mm). The target coverage decreased by 3.3 ± 7.0% on average (−48.5% to +35.7%). The decrease of the target coverage, however, became smaller as the target volume increased. In particular, if the volume was greater than 2 cm3, the %change in target coverage was always less than −5%.

Conclusions

The position differences reported by the registration module of LGP were within the accuracy limit of image registration for most clinical cases, but the errors could be larger in some cases. Therefore, we propose the following decision process. We do not advise position adjustment for G‐frame based GKRS if the maximum displacement is less than 1 mm. When this limit is exceeded, however, another criterion should be applied to the decision making by considering the tumor size (or the treatment volume) together with the acceptable change of the tumor coverage.
Influenza Virus Infects and Depletes Activated Adaptive Immune Responders
Authors: Bohannon Caitlin D. , Ende Zachary , Cao Weiping , Mboko Wadzanai P. , Ranjan Priya , Kumar Amrita , Mishina Margarita , Amoah Samuel , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Mittal Suresh K. , Lovell Jonathan F. , García‐Sastre Adolfo , Pfeifer Blaine A. , Davidson Bruce A. , Knight Paul , Sambhara Suryaprakash
Published: July 2021

Influenza infections cause several million cases of severe respiratory illness, hospitalizations, and hundreds of thousands of deaths globally. Secondary infections are a leading cause of influenza's high morbidity and mortality, and significantly factored into the severity of the 1918, 1968, and 2009 pandemics. Furthermore, there is an increased incidence of other respiratory infections even in vaccinated individuals during influenza season. Putative mechanisms responsible for vaccine failures against influenza as well as other respiratory infections during influenza season are investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are used from influenza vaccinated individuals to assess antigen‐specific responses to influenza, measles, and varicella. The observations made in humans to a mouse model to unravel the mechanism is confirmed and extended. Infection with influenza virus suppresses an ongoing adaptive response to vaccination against influenza as well as other respiratory pathogens, i.e., Adenovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae by preferentially infecting and killing activated lymphocytes which express elevated levels of sialic acid receptors. These findings propose a new mechanism for the high incidence of secondary respiratory infections due to bacteria and other viruses as well as vaccine failures to influenza and other respiratory pathogens even in immune individuals due to influenza viral infections.
Ortho‐C–H addition of 2‐substituted pyridines with alkenes and imines enabled by mono(phosphinoamido)‐rare earth complexes
Authors: Lin Hailong , Li Yongrui , Wang Jinyu , Zhang Mei , Jiang Tao , Li Jing , Chen Yanhui
Published: July 2021

We here reported a special catalytic performance of mono(phosphinoamido)‐ligated rare earth complexes in ortho‐C–H functionalization of pyridines with nonpolar alkenes and polar imines. Upon treatment with one equiv. of borate reagent B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], complex NP1‐Sc can act as an efficient catalyst for ortho‐C–H alkylation of pyridines towards alkenes. In the presence of 1:1 mixed secondary amine of HN (SiMe3)2 and HNBn2, complex NP2‐Gd can catalyze ortho‐C–H addition of pyridines towards imines, effectively. A wide range of substrates were subjected to the catalysis to render the one step synthesis of a variety of ortho‐alkylated and ortho‐aminoalkylated pyridine derivatives in good yields and an excellent regioselectivity and chemoselectivity.
Octa‐substituted Zinc(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) phthalocyanines with 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane‐1‐one: Synthesis, sensitive protonation behaviors, Ag(I) induced H‐type aggregation properties, antibacterial–antioxidant activity, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Bilgiçli Ahmet T. , Kandemir Tugberk , Tüzün Burak , Arıduru Rana , Günsel Armağan , Abak Çağla , Yarasir M. Nilüfer , Arabaci Gulnur
Published: July 2021

This study shows the synthesis and characterization of 4,5‐bis(4‐propionylphenoxy)phthalonitrile (2) and its octa‐substituted phthalocyanine derivatives [ZnPc(3), CuPc(4), and CoPc(5)]. A combination of standard spectroscopic techniques has characterized the newly synthesized phthalonitrile derivative and phthalocyanines. The aggregation behaviors of new octa‐substituted phthalocyanines have been evaluated by ultraviolet–visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy. The metal ion‐sensitive behaviors of new octa‐substituted phthalocyanines in the presence of soft metal ions have been performed by UV‐vis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The quenching efficiency (Ksv) of Ag+ ions against ZnPc(3) was found using the Stern–Volmer equation. The binding constant (Ka) and binding stoichiometry (n) of ZnPc(3) with Ag+ ions were calculated using the modified Benesi–Hildebrand equation. Sensitive protonation behaviors of octa‐substituted phthalocyanines have been investigated by titration experiments as well as computational calculations. The ZnPc(3) and CuPc(4) were exhibited H‐type aggregation behaviors toward Ag+ ions. However, the protonation of octa‐substituted zinc and copper phthalocyanine during the titration with HCl caused J‐type self‐aggregation properties. In vitro antioxidant properties of the new compounds were investigated by the radical scavenging ability of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), chelating ability to ferrous ions, and reducing power methods. Additionally, in vitro antibacterial activities of the octa‐substituted phthalocyanines were determined. Finally, optimized structures of novel compounds [(2), ZnPc(3), CuPc(4), and CoPc(5)] were obtained on the HF (Hartree–Fock), B3LYP (Becke, 3‐parameter, Lee‐Yang‐Parr), M06–2X methods with 3–21 g, 6–31 g and SDD basis set. Then, biological activities of novel phthalonitrile and its phthalocyanine derivatives toward breast, liver, and lung cancer proteins were compared with molecular docking studies.
Treatment of wastewater containing high concentrations of ammonia nitrogen using ion exchange resins
Authors: Wang Jiping , Zhang Zhijie , Liu Guangsheng , Chen Guoyuan , Chang Chein‐Chi
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen in water will induce active biogeochemical effects, such as denitrification and anammox, which release N2O, a greenhouse gas, leading to increasing global warming. Therefore, it is necessary to find an economical and efficient method to treat ammonia nitrogen in the field of wastewater treatment. In this study, two cation exchange resins, D61 and D708, were selected to analyze external environment conditions suitable for the adsorption of ammonia nitrogen by conducting orthogonal experiments. The kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms were discussed, and cation exchange resins with a high selectivity to NH4+ were selected. The optimum adsorption temperature, pH, and rotation speed for the D61 resin were found to be 32°C, 5, and 150 r/min, respectively. The optimum adsorption temperature and rotation speed for the D708 resin were 40°C and 150 r/min, respectively. The kinetic data could be accurately described using the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation. The results showed that physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms may coexist in the adsorption of NH4+‐N. The adsorption process can easily occur and that it is not limited by the pH or rotational speed. The maximum adsorption capacities of the D61 and D708 resins were 44.93 and 31.34 mg/g, respectively; removing ammonia nitrogen from 1 m3 of wastewater requires only 100–110 g of ion exchange resin. The cost is $1.78/m3 of raw wastewater treated. This is a good alternative to other nitrogen removal systems, particularly in comparison with conventional physicochemical methods and the nitrification–denitrification biochemical process employed currently.
Effect of nano fillers on the properties of polytetrafluoroethylene composites: Experimental and theoretical simulations
Authors: Xiao Wei , Ji Xin
Published: July 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has excellent corrosion resistance and a low coefficient of friction; however, its high wear rate and low hardness severely limit its use. In the work, nano particles were used as fillers for PTFE. The composites were prepared by the homogeneous mixing of PTFE and other fillers and sintered at high temperatures. The work aimed to investigate the effect of various nano fillers (nanocarbon powders, graphene, fullerene, nano graphite powders, and nano copper powders) on the mechanical, thermal, and frictional properties of composites. The results of the experiments showed that the addition of graphene could improve the stress and strain values of the composites, and all the nano fillers could improve the thermal conductivity of the PTFE composites. The friction experiments showed that fullerenes could significantly improve the wear resistance of PTFE composites. In the theoretical simulation, the thermal conductivity of PTFE composites was predicted using ANSYS software, with the changes in the temperature and friction force in the friction process. The theoretical simulation results matched with the experimental values, which proved the accuracy of the theoretical simulations.
Effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation on cognitive and motor functions in poststroke patients
Authors: Bao Xiao , Li Li , Liu Howe , Shi Hong‐Fei , Xu Shu , Wang Ming‐Hong , Xie Ju‐Ying
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation on cognitive and motor functions in poststroke patients. All patients were divided into Group A and Group B based on different interventions (Group A: acupuncture + conventional rehabilitation, Group B: conventional rehabilitation alone). Acupuncture was conducted once a day, five times a week for 8 weeks, and rehabilitation (including physical therapy and occupational therapy) was conducted for 2 hr per session, once a day, five times a week for 8 weeks. Mini‐mental State Examination (MMSE) and Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (FMA) were used to assess the motor and cognitive functions at baseline and the end of 8 weeks. After the intervention, FMA and MMSE scores were improved significantly in the two groups (p <.05), compared with the scores prior to intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, a statistically significant difference in the FMA and MMSE scores was observed between the Group A and the Group B. The results suggested that the combined intervention is more effective than the conventional rehabilitation alone in improving cognitive and motor functions in poststroke patients.
Text analysis using deep neural networks in digital humanities and information science
Authors: Suissa Omri , Elmalech Avshalom , Zhitomirsky‐Geffet Maayan
Published: July 2021

Combining computational technologies and humanities is an ongoing effort aimed at making resources such as texts, images, audio, video, and other artifacts digitally available, searchable, and analyzable. In recent years, deep neural networks (DNN) dominate the field of automatic text analysis and natural language processing (NLP), in some cases presenting a super‐human performance. DNNs are the state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms solving many NLP tasks that are relevant for Digital Humanities (DH) research, such as spell checking, language detection, entity extraction, author detection, question answering, and other tasks. These supervised algorithms learn patterns from a large number of “right” and “wrong” examples and apply them to new examples. However, using DNNs for analyzing the text resources in DH research presents two main challenges: (un)availability of training data and a need for domain adaptation. This paper explores these challenges by analyzing multiple use‐cases of DH studies in recent literature and their possible solutions and lays out a practical decision model for DH experts for when and how to choose the appropriate deep learning approaches for their research. Moreover, in this paper, we aim to raise awareness of the benefits of utilizing deep learning models in the DH community.
Recent Progress in LDH@Graphene and Analogous Heterostructures for Highly Active and Stable Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Nayak Susanginee , Parida Kulamani
Published: July 2021

Photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a plethora of green technological process, which transforms copiously available photon energy into valuable chemical energy. With the augmentation of modern civilization, developmental process of novel semiconductor photocatalysts proceeded at a sweltering rate, but the overall energy conversion efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts in PC/PEC is moderately poor owing to the instability ariseing from the photocorrosion and messy charge configuration. Particularly, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as reassuring multifunctional photocatalysts, turned out to be intensively investigated owing to the lamellar structure and exceptional physico‐chemical properties. However, major drawbacks of LDHs material are its low conductivity, sluggish mass transfer and structural instability in acidic media, which hinder their applicability and stability. To surmount these obstacles, the formation of LDH@graphene and analogus heterostructures could proficiently amalgamate multi‐functionalities, compensate distinct shortcomings, and endow novel properties, which ensure effective charge separation to result in stability and superior catalytic activities. Herein, we aim to summarize the currently updated synthetic strategies used to design heterostructures of 2D LDHs with 2D/3D graphene and graphene analogus material as graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and MoS2 as mediator, or interlayer support, or co‐catalyst or vice versa for superior PC/PEC water splitting activities along with long‐term stabilities. Furthermore, latest characterization technique measuring the stability along with variant interface mode for imparting charge separation in LDH@graphene and graphene analogus heterostructure has been identified in this field of research with understanding the intrinsic structural features and activities.
TEMPO‐Mediated Selective Synthesis of Isoxazolines, 5‐Hydroxy‐2‐isoxazolines, and Isoxazoles via Aliphatic δ‐C(sp3)‐H Bond Oxidation of Oximes
Authors: Mondal Santanu , Biswas Sourabh , Ghosh Krishna Gopal , Sureshkumar Devarajulu
Published: July 2021

Selective synthesis of three different bioactive heterocycles; isoxazolines, 5‐hydroxy‐2‐isoxazolines and isoxazoles from the same starting material using TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl) as a radical initiator is reported. Selectivity was achieved using different oxidants with TEMPO. The reaction goes through a 1,5‐HAT (hydrogen atom transfer) process resulting in products with good yields. This strategy offers a straightforward route to three different heterocycles from oximes via radical‐mediated C(sp3)‐H oxidation.
Survival of patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer and with a history of previous cancer
Authors: Pruitt Sandi L. , Gerber David E. , Zhu Hong , Heitjan Daniel F. , Maddineni Bhumika , Xiong Danyi , Singal Amit G. , Tavakkoli Anna , Halm Ethan A. , Murphy Caitlin C.
Published: July 2021

Patients with previous cancer are often excluded from clinical trials despite limited evidence about their prognosis. We examined the effect of previous cancer on overall and colorectal cancer (CRC)‐specific survival of patients newly diagnosed with CRC. This population‐based cohort study from the U.S.A. included patients aged ≥66 years and diagnosed with CRC between 2005 and 2015 in linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data. We estimated the stage‐specific effects of a previous cancer on overall survival using Cox regression and on CRC‐specific survival using competing risk regression. We also examined the effect of previous cancer type, timing, and stage on overall survival. Of 112,769 patients, 14.1% were previously diagnosed with another cancer––commonly prostate (32.9%) or breast (19.4%) cancer, with many (47.1%) diagnosed <5 years of CRC. For all CRC stages except IV, in which there was no difference, patients with previous cancer (vs. without) had worse overall survival. However, patients with previous cancer had improved CRC‐specific survival. Overall survival for those with stage 0–III CRC varied by previous cancer type, timing, and stage; for example, patients with previous melanoma had overall survival equivalent to those with no previous cancer. Our results indicate that, in general, CRC patients with previous cancer have worse overall survival but superior CRC‐specific survival. Given their equivalent survival to those without previous cancer, patients with previous melanoma and those with stage IV CRC with any type of previous cancer should be eligible to participate in clinical trials.
Immunophenotype‐associated gene signature in ductal breast tumors varies by receptor subtype, but the expression of individual signature genes remains consistent
Authors: Behring Michael , Ye Yuanfan , Elkholy Amr , Bajpai Prachi , Agarwal Sumit , Kim Hyung‐Gyoon , Ojesina Akinyemi I. , Wiener Howard W , Manne Upender , Shrestha Sadeep , Vazquez Ana I.
Published: July 2021

Background

In silico deconvolution of invasive immune cell infiltration in bulk breast tumors helps characterize immunophenotype, expands treatment options, and influences survival endpoints. In this study, we identify the differential expression (DE) of the LM22 signature to classify immune‐rich and ‐poor breast tumors and evaluate immune infiltration by receptor subtype and lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Using publicly available data, we applied the CIBERSORT algorithm to estimate immune cells infiltrating the tumor into immune‐rich and immune‐poor groups. We then tested the association of receptor subtype and nodal status with immune‐rich/poor phenotype. We used DE to test individual signature genes and over‐representation analysis for related pathways.

Results

CCL19 and CXCL9 expression differed between rich/poor signature groups regardless of subtype. Overexpression of CHI3L2 and FES was observed in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) relative to other subtypes in immune‐rich tumors. Non‐signature genes, LYZ, C1QB, CORO1A, EVI2B, GBP1, PSMB9, and CD52 were consistently overexpressed in immune‐rich tumors, and SCUBE2 and GRIA2 were associated with immune‐poor tumors. Immune‐rich tumors had significant upregulation of genes/pathways while none were identified in immune‐poor tumors.

Conclusions

Overall, the proportion of immune‐rich/poor tumors differed by subtype; however, a subset of 10 LM22 genes that marked immune‐rich status remained the same across subtype. Non‐LM22 genes differentially expressed between the phenotypes suggest that the biologic processes responsible for immune‐poor phenotype are not yet well characterized.
Stacked Thiazole Orange Dyes in DNA Capable of Switching Emissive Behavior in Response to Structural Transitions
Authors: Takada Tadao , Nishida Koma , Honda Yurika , Nakano Aoi , Nakamura Mitsunobu , Fan Shuya , Kawai Kiyohiko , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Yamana Kazushige
Published: July 2021

Functional nucleic acids with the capability of generating fluorescence in response to hybridization events, microenvironment or structural changes are valuable as structural probes and chemical sensors. We now demonstrate the enzyme‐assisted preparation of nucleic acids possessing multiple thiazole orange (TO) dyes and their fluorescent behavior, that show a spectral change from the typical monomer emission to the excimer‐type red‐shifted emission. We found that the fluorescent response and emission wavelength of the TO dyes were dependent on both the state of the DNA structure (single‐ or double‐stranded DNA) and the arrangement of the TO dyes. We showed that the fluorescent behavior of the TO dyes can be applied for the detection of RNA molecules, suggesting that our approach for preparing the fluorescent nucleic acids functionalized with multiple TO dyes could be useful to design a fluorescence bioimaging and detection technique of biomolecules.
An Iron Porphyrin Complex with Pendant Pyridine Substituents Facilitates Electrocatalytic CO2Reduction via Second Coordination Sphere Effects
Authors: Ramuglia Anthony R. , Budhija Vishal , Ly Khoa H. , Marquardt Michael , Schwalbe Matthias , Weidinger Inez M.
Published: July 2021

A bispyridylamine‐based hanging unit within the ligand framework of a newly synthesized iron porphyrin complex (Py2XPFe) can act, on the one hand, as a hydrogen bonding site to facilitate proton transfer in catalysis and, on the other hand, as coordination site for a second Lewis acidic metal center. The bispyridylamine group in close proximity of the iron porphyrin center is able to mediate electrocatalytic CO2reduction in anhydrous MeCN. The hydrogen bonding interactions within the hanging group affect the kinetics of catalysis likely through stabilization of the [FeI(CO2H)]−intermediate, increasing the overall rate of catalysis when compared to the non‐functionalized analog,TMPFe(TMP=tetramesitylporphyrin). The rate constants (kapp) of the reduction reaction were calculated using the FOWA method which resulted in a higher TOFmaxfor the complexPy2XPFecompared withTMPFein neat MeCN (1.7×102vs. 1.1×101 s−1). The addition of weak Brønsted acids to the reaction mixture (TFE or PhOH) shows an increase in the rate of catalysis for both complexes, yet thePy2XPFeanalog displays higher TOFmaxat each relative acid concentration, suggesting the hanging group beneficially impacts the rate of catalysis in the presence of these proton sources. The addition of Lewis acidic Sc3+toPy2XPFealso results in an increase in current density of the CO2reduction reaction. Resonance Raman as well as1H‐NMR spectroscopy indicates coordination to the pyridine substituents.