bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNF31 Regulates Skin Homeostasis by Protecting Epidermal Keratinocytes from Cell Death
Authors: Tang Yong , Tu Hailin , Liu Guangna , Zheng Guoxing , Wang Mingchao , Li Lin , Zhao Xueqiang , Lin Xin
Published: May 2018

Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex plays an important role in regulating TNF-α signaling activation by modifying target proteins with linear (M1-linked) ubiquitin chains. In this study, we report that the epidermis-specific knockout (KO) of RNF31, the catalytic subunit of linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex, results in an early postnatal lethality in mice due to severe skin inflammation. The inflammation was mainly triggered by TNF-α–induced apoptosis in RNF31 KO keratinocytes. Mechanistically, the deficiency of RNF31 not only impaired TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation, but also significantly increased apoptosis. Consistently, deleting TNF receptor 1 could rescue the lethality of RNF31 epidermis-specific KO mice and also the skin inflammation. Collectively, our study provides an in vivo insight that linear ubiquitination is critical for maintaining the homeostasis of keratinocytes, which will shed light on designing therapeutic compounds to treat skin inflammation.
On an Enriques Surface Associated With a Quartic Hessian Surface
Authors: Shimada Ichiro
Published: May 2018

Let $Y$ be a complex Enriques surface whose universal cover $X$ is birational to a general quartic Hessian surface. Using the result on the automorphism group of $X$ due to Dolgachev and Keum, we obtain a finite presentation of the automorphism group of $Y$. The list of elliptic fibrations on $Y$ and the list of combinations of rational double points that can appear on a surface birational to $Y$ are presented. As an application, a set of generators of the automorphism group of the generic Enriques surface is calculated explicitly.
Perceptive Determination of Motivating and Demotivating Factors in Learning EFL Among Saudi Freshmen Studying at Taif University
Authors: Al-Malki Eidhah Abdullah
Published: May 2018

This empirical survey aims at exploring Saudi freshmen students’ instrumental and integrative motivational orientation to learn English as a foreign language as well as to identify what demotivational factors negatively affect their language learning. A 38-item self-developed strongly-agree to strongly-disagree Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 133 Saudi freshmen students from a Saudi university to generate data related to their motivational and demotivational factors. Data analyses were done to calculate percentages and means through descriptive analyses to measure the participants’ preferences for various questionnaire items. The results of this quantitative investigation have revealed that Saudi freshmen students bear stronger instrumental motivation along with a reasonably high integrative motivation and have demonstrated mild negative effect towards learning English caused by various demotivational factors. Among the primary instrumental motivational orientations of Saudi freshmen, the role of English language to enable them to better understand their textbooks and reference material, effectively interact with foreigners during their international travels and enhanced chances to secure better job have been ranked the highest. The results of this survey have disclosed an interesting fact that the participants of this study have exhibited extremely positive attitude towards the target language.  The descriptive analyses also suggest that Saudi freshmen have moderate inhibitory factors against learning the target language related to understanding English language teachers, difficult English textbooks, difficult English grammar and vocabulary and lack of chances of practicing the target language outside the university setting. The participants have mentioned that no major hinderances are caused by inappropriate behavior of their teachers and peers as well as lack of teaching aids. Some pedagogical implications and suggestions have been drawn based on the findings of this empirical survey.
El laberint de la terminologia lingüística a les aules
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodríguez Edita
Published: May 2018

La terminologia gramatical sovint resulta un obstacle en l'ensenyament de la llengua. Després d'una reflexió sobre els objectius de l'assignatura de la llengua en Secundària i Batxillerat, fem una petita proposta sobre quan i quanta gramàtica ensenyar. A continuació, analitzem alguns problemes de la terminologia gramatical, com el fet que diversos termes s'utilitzin per a un concepte o, a contra, el que un terme s'empri per a diversos conceptes. Finalment, ens centrem en la terminologia relacionat amb les oracions i, en particular, amb alguns tipus de subordinació, i expliquem com els problemes de terminologia amaguen problemes conceptuals.
What needs to be changed in grammar teaching?
Authors: Bosque Ignacio
Published: May 2018

This paper analyses the factors that have been complicated complicating the teaching of grammar in pre-university education for years now. We argue against the idea that language is merely a tool that students have to become familiar with and against the notion that linguistic knowledge is the exclusive reserve of experts, while speakers need only concern themselves with using the language. We also explain that grammar teachers, unlike science teachers, do not train the ability to observe, discuss or reflect on grammatical structures. Instead, the many classroom hours devoted to grammar are spent on labelling (often without reflection) parts of speech and syntactic functions.
Balancing influence in a shifting scholarly communication landscape: Creating library-owned, community-aligned infrastructure through individual, local, and community action
Authors: Wipperman Sarah , Martin Shawn , Bowley Chealsye
Published: May 2018

With the acquisition and creation of scholarly communication platforms/infrastructure by major commercial entities, the balance of influence continues to shift. The ACRL/SPARC Forum at the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting brought together library stakeholders for a conversation about how the library community can reassert its influence to shape the open access publishing landscape. Panelists focused on 1) Individual action: “What can one person do?” 2) Local coordinated action: “How can one group or institution effect change?” and 3) Collective action: “How can libraries work together to provide sustainable alternatives?”1
C&RL Spotlight
Authors: Kaspar Wendi
Published: May 2018

As usually occurs, there is quite a variety of topics in the May issue of College & Research Libraries. However, there is interesting thread running through about half of the articles in the issue, speaking to the treatment of media, images, and music. Working on a college campus, it is impossible not to see how embedded media has become in people’s lives, as both consumers and producers. Creating and sharing videos through social media, posting to YouTube channels, and circulation of memes has become an everyday reality. It is a reality that even pervades spoken language in the real world with comments like “You’ve become a meme.”
O DIPR – DIREITO INTERNACIONAL PRIVADO E A EDUCAÇÃO JURÍDICA: UM DIÁLOGO ESSENCIAL
Authors: Gaspar Renata Alvares , Mendonça Samuel
Published: May 2018

O artigo discute a questão do Direito Internacional Privado (DIPr) no contexto da Educação Jurídica. Considera essencial que os currículos dos cursos de graduação em Direito possam abrir mais espaço para o oferecimento de conteúdos do DIPr na consideração das exigências do mundo capitalista e global que orientam um saber cada vez mais participativo e ativo do protagonista do Direito. O problema consiste na pergunta: os cursos de graduação em Direito oferecem, em seus currículos, o DIPr, de forma a possibilitar a realização da justiça? O método utilizado consiste em revisão de literatura e pesquisa empírica, com análise de currículos de quatro instituições de Direito. Como resultados, observa-se a necessidade de reformulação de matrizes curriculares dos cursos de Direito da amostra, para que o DIPr tenha mais espaço na busca de resolução de conflitos e da realização da justiça, embora a Universidad Nacional del Litoral de Argentina tenha apresentado um currículo adequado ao estudo da disciplina.
A DISCRICIONARIEDADE JUDICIAL E AS CONDIÇÕES DE VERDADE DAS PROPOSIÇÕES JURÍDICAS À LUZ DO DEBATE HART E DWORKIN
Authors: Verbicaro Loiane Prado
Published: May 2018

Em um contexto de relativização da cisão entre criação e aplicação do direito, o trabalho tem por objetivo analisar, sob o olhar analítico e conceitual da filosofia, o problema do grau de liberdade interpretativa, a (in) determinabilidade do direito, a (in) existência de resposta correta e a necessidade do uso da discricionariedade judicial, a partir do estudo das condições de verdade das proposições jurídicas e das discussões sobre a possibilidade de juízos interpretativos objetivamente verdadeiros, à luz do realismo e antirrealismo semânticos. A pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa centra-se na análise do positivismo hartiano e do interpretativismo de Ronald Dworkin. Ao contrário da teoria de Dworkin, segundo a qual mesmo nos casos difíceis as proposições jurídicas apresentam um valor de verdade, o pensamento hartiano considera que a existência de casos difíceis conduz à indeterminação do direito e à ideia de que certas proposições carecem do valor de verdade.
A RELAÇÃO LABORAL NA POLICONTEXTURALIDADE VOLTADA A UMA GOVERNANÇA POR NÚMEROS E A OIT COMO ORGANIZAÇÃO MEDIADORA
Authors: Meleu Marcelino Da Silva , Bandeira Laís Cristina
Published: May 2018

O fenômeno da globalização, identificado por alguns como nova etapa do processo de mundialização, acaba transformando o cenário laboral, por colocar em evidencia aspectos econômicos, incrementados por uma concorrência também mundial. Tal situação desperta o interesse pela governança por números de grandes empresas (especialmente multinacionais) situação que acaba fragilizando direitos até então assegurados aos trabalhadores, bem como, desnivelando a concorrência global. Diante deste contexto, questiona-se: A O.I. T pode ser considerada como uma organização internacional de mediação da relação laboral na policontexturalidade? Caso positivo, em que termos podemos identificar esse perfil? Para responder tais questionamentos se utilizará do método sistêmico, preconizado por Niklas Luhmann, que não é indutivo nem dedutivo, uma vez que pretende descrever os sistemas (aberto e fechado) e sua relação com o ambiente para formalizar a pesquisa, que buscará o aprofundamento teórico do estudo pautado em pesquisa bibliográfica.
A DEMOCRACIA DIRETA E A PROTEÇÃO DOS DIREITOS DAS MINORIAS: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A TESE DA TIRANIA DA MAIORIA
Authors: Soares Alessandro
Published: May 2018

Este artigo aborda o tema da democracia direta e a discussão quanto ao seu uso disfuncional refletido no ataque aos direitos de minorias sociais. Não raras vezes, iniciativas e consultas populares têm como finalidade bloquear ou neutralizar garantias de direitos para agrupamentos da sociedade como os indígenas, os imigrantes, as mulheres, as minorias raciais, homossexuais etc. Fala-se, nesse sentido, do risco de a manifestação popular redundar na tirania da maioria. Diante de tal cenário, seria possível então advogar contrariamente aos instrumentos de participação direta. Em chave oposta, argumenta-se neste artigo que a tirania da maioria não é um elemento inerente aos institutos de democracia direta e que a compreensão desse fenômeno exige uma análise de contextos sociais, políticos e normativos institucionais. Objetivando fundamentar essa perspectiva, serão apresentados alguns dados e análises referentes à aplicação dos institutos de democracia direta nos Estados Unidos e Suíça. Ao final, conclui-se que os mecanismos de democracia direta devem ser desenvolvidos dentro de determinado ordenamento jurídico de modo a potencializar a participação cidadã no controle do poder e impedir ou dificultar que temas populistas de caráter conservador sejam apresentados para a decisão direta popular.
« Just allow the space to tell us what we should be… what we should be doing » : l’expérience cinématographique de la musique improvisée
Authors: Dallaire Frédéric
Published: May 2018

Cet article explore l’hypothèse suivante : le cinéma peut nous faire voir et entendre la dimension éthique et politique de l’improvisation musicale. Il décrit concrètement les éléments de cette politique de l’improvisation en analysant plusieurs séquences du film Step Across the Border (1990) de Nicolas Humbert et Werner Penzel. Il étudie deux principes relationnels qui structurent la pratique de l’improvisation musicale et cinématographique explorée dans le film. L’implication (intégration du créateur dans l’espace sonore) et la résonance (transformation mutuelle du son, du contexte, de l’auditeur) modifient la dynamique du tournage et souligne le potentiel musical des espaces quotidiens (la rue, le café, la mer, l’usine). De plus, le montage cinématographique a un pouvoir de mise en relation, il crée un espace de résonance qui brouille les frontières entre les musiciens (Fred Frith et ses amis), les cinéastes et les spectateurs. Cette « expérimentation de nouvelles formes sociales de création » (Saladin 2014, p. 205) produit une expérience cinématographique libre et singulière : dans ce film, la musique est un phénomène pluriel qui peut déplacer notre regard, notre écoute, et ainsi interroger nos manières d’interagir avec les autres.
Structure-based analysis of CysZ-mediated cellular uptake of sulfate
Authors: Assur Sanghai Zahra , Liu Qun , Clarke Oliver B , Belcher-Dufrisne Meagan , Wiriyasermkul Pattama , Giese M Hunter , Leal-Pinto Edgar , Kloss Brian , Tabuso Shantelle , Love James , Punta Marco , Banerjee Surajit , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta R , Rost Burkhard , Logothetis Diomedes , Quick Matthias , Hendrickson Wayne A , Mancia Filippo
Published: May 2018

Sulfur, most abundantly found in the environment as sulfate (SO42-), is an essential element in metabolites required by all living cells, including amino acids, co-factors and vitamins. However, current understanding of the cellular delivery of SO42- at the molecular level is limited. CysZ has been described as a SO42- permease, but its sequence family is without known structural precedent. Based on crystallographic structure information, SO42- binding and flux experiments, we provide insight into the molecular mechanism of CysZ-mediated translocation of SO42- across membranes. CysZ structures from three different bacterial species display a hitherto unknown fold and have subunits organized with inverted transmembrane topology. CysZ from Pseudomonas denitrificans assembles as a trimer of antiparallel dimers and the CysZ structures from two other species recapitulate dimers from this assembly. Mutational studies highlight the functional relevance of conserved CysZ residues.
Research on scholarships holders who studied abroad and returned to Serbia
Authors: Vasojevic Nena A. , Kirin Snežana , Marković Predrag J.
Published: May 2018

Knowledge has become the most valuable resource of the new era and the resource of the future. The intention of this study is to improve knowledge about the problem of migration of educated people from Serbia from the perspective of scholarship holders who, after being abroad, returned to their country. The aim of this research is to show the profile of the scholarship holders of post-academic and post-graduate students, who studied abroad and then returned to Serbia. Their motives for departure and return, as well as their perception of integration into the work environment in Serbia and utilization of their knowledge is presented. Methods: For the purpose of this research a questionnaire was constructed which was distributed online. Collected data were analysed using statistical tools. Results: This research has shown that the primary motive for education abroad is the desire for personal development. It has also been shown that an important factor for the return of students from abroad is their expectation of comparative advantage in the labour market and their belief of getting a desired job. Apart from this, it is shown that the scholarship holders only partially used the acquired knowledge and thus, do not have enough influence in the development of their organizations.Conclusion: The main research contribution is reflected in the improvement of the knowledge about the motivation of scholars to return from developed countries and highlighted problems which scholarship holders have after returning.Implications and research limitation: the results obtained can be generalised to countries that are passing or have recently moved a transition, and are similar in cultural characteristics.  The present contains certain limitations that must be taken into account while interpreting final results. The most significant constraint is the sample size, but the obtained results, especially the motives of the scientific experts for a return to the country, are extremely important and can be considered the starting basis for further research.
DO LUGAR QUE SE DISCUTE CULTURA: O PARÁ NO SISTEMA NACIONAL DE CULTURA
Authors: Bogéa Eliana
Published: May 2018

Primeiro é preciso demarcar o lugar de onde se discute cultura uma vez estarmos sujeitos à lei tácita de um determinado lugar, o nosso. Isso porque do lugar de onde estamos não podemos superar a diferença que nos separa da experiência própria à maioria das pessoas, pois ousamos, mas sempre do lugar especial que ocupamos e que nos determina na sociedade. Esse trabalho propõe uma tentativa de estudar a particularidade do nosso lugar paraense e amazônico no contexto do Sistema Nacional de Cultura imerso na experiência do Pará na agenda da 3ª Conferência Nacional de Cultura.
DESAFIOS JURÍDICOS E ADMINISTRATIVOS DA POLÍTICA CULTURAL COMUNITÁRIA: UM ESTUDO DOS PONTOS DE CULTURA NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Lima Luciana Piazzon Barbosa , Ortellado Pablo
Published: May 2018

O programa Cultura Viva constituiu-se como uma experiência inovadora na política cultural brasileira ao fomentar segmentos historicamente marginalizados por meio do apoio aos Pontos de Cultura. No entanto, sua implementação encontrou entraves jurídicos e administrativos que acabaram por se refletir na prestação de contas das instituições beneficiadas. Buscando contribuir com o aprimoramento do programa, realizamos um diagnóstico destes entraves e, por meio da experiência dos Pontos de Cultura do estado de São Paulo, verificamos que a estrutura administrativa das instituições e sua experiência na gestão de recursos públicos não representam fatores relevantes para a existência ou não de problemas na prestação de contas, sendo definidores o formato da prestação de contas, a capacitação recebida e a comunicação com os órgãos gestores da política. Desmistificando o discurso de que o problema deve ser atribuído à incapacidade administrativa dos Pontos de Cultura, apontamos para a necessidade de revisão dos instrumentos reguladores do programa e, mais amplamente, das políticas assentadas sobre a parceria do Estado com instituições da sociedade civil.
A DEMOCRACIA INACABADA: RELAÇÕES SOCIEDADE-ESTADUAIS NO CONTEXTO DA POLÍTICA PONTO DE CULTURA NO ESTADO DE ALAGOAS
Authors: Gillman Anne
Published: May 2018

Este artigo apresenta os resultados preliminares de um estudo qualitativo de Pontos de Cultura no estado de Alagoas, refletindo sobre como o programa pode alterar relações Estado-sociedade de maneiras que impulsionem processos de democratização. Em primeiro lugar, o programa facilita relações entre gestores estaduais e participantes, levando aprendizagem que ajuda eles a exercer seus direitos como cidadãos. Em segundo lugar, para além dos serviços públicos diretamente entregues por Pontos, ele permite parcerias que contribuem a capacidade do governo local para fornecer bens públicos. Finalmente, ele aumenta a autonomia de participantes frente poderes locais, ajudando-os a realizar atividades culturais independentes da dinâmica política. Exemplos apresentadas não representam a totalidade do programa, mas sugerem o seu potencial.
DO DO-IN ANTROPOLÓGICO À POLÍTICA DE BASE COMUNITÁRIA - 10 ANOS DO PROGRAMA CULTURA VIVA: UMA TRAJETÓRIA DA RELAÇÃO ENTRE ESTADO E SOCIEDADE
Authors: Calabre Lia , Lima Deborah Rebello
Published: May 2018

Resumo: O foco deste artigo é refletir sobre a trajetória do Programa, uma política pública criada pelo Ministério da Cultura do Brasil em 2004 e que ganhou grande visibilidade em outras partes do mundo. O objetivo principal da discussão é analisar como a ação governamental problematiza o campo de avaliação de políticas públicas, além de tensionar as formas de relacionamento entre Estado e grupos sociais.
Em tempos de crise: o MINC e a politização do campo cultural brasileiro
Authors: Barbalho Alexandre
Published: May 2018

O artigo analisa a configuração do campo cultural brasileiro a partir da crise desencadeada com a extinção e posterior recriação do Ministério da Cultura entre abril e junho de 2016. Para tanto, a fonte privilegiada foi a cobertura da imprensa, a partir da qual foi possível acessar a posição de diversos agentes, não só os do campo cultural e do midiático, mas também de outros campos que se posicionaram sobre o processo. A hipótese explorada nesse artigo é a de que ocorreu o fortalecimento institucional do campo, a partir da gestão do ministro da Cultura Gilberto Gil, acompanhado de sua “politização” - um dos valores a guiar as disposições e tomadas de posição de seus agentes.
Patrimônio cultural e recursos da Lei Rouanet de 2007 a 2016
Authors: De Bem Judite Sanson , Araujo Margarete Panerai , Waismann Moisés , Rodrigues Noemia Fatima
Published: May 2018

Este trabalho apresenta uma reflexão sobre políticas públicas de cultura, destacando a Lei Rouanet, como principal fonte de financiamento desta área no Brasil e a destinação de recursos para a preservação do patrimônio, entre 2007 e 2016, período que compreende um ciclo dos gastos públicos em cultura. Os procedimentos utilizados na demonstração desse artigo foram bibliográficos. Percebe-se, o conflito clássico entre necessidades e escassez à medida que se infere o sucesso dessas estratégias de valorização crescente da cultura como meio de desenvolvimento cultural através do papel dos gastos em patrimônio, mas por outro lado os reflexos do setor público e privado no destino de recursos.
Entrevista com Ana de Hollanda
Authors: Rocha Renata , Oliveira Gleise , Barbalho Alexandre
Published: May 2018

Ministra da Cultura de janeiro de 2011 a setembro de 2012. Depoimento cedido em 18 de maio de 2016, Rio de Janeiro - RJ.
Microstructured Anodes by Surface Wrinkling for Studies of Direct Electron Transfer Biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Abbaszadeh Amirdehi Mehran , Saem Sokunthearath , Zarabadi Mir Pouyan , Moran‐Mirabal Jose M. , Greener Jesse
Published: May 2018

A method for producing hierarchical wrinkled gold surfaces is used to continuously change characteristic microstructure dimensions of a bioanode in a microbial fuel cell, while conserving the total electroactive surface area and material chemistry. Using this approach, the effect of anode topography on power outputs from direct electron transfer from Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms can be isolated and studied without the competing effects associated with additive manufacturing. Despite having the same electroactive surface area for all structured anodes, tall and well‐spaced features perform best. Anodes with the shortest, most closely packed structures, on the other hand, do not perform any better than planar surfaces with the same footprint and lower electroactive surface area. It is postulated that large interfold spacing provides better electrical contact between the biofilm and the electrode via improved bacterial packing density at the electrode surface. Rigorous attention to structural dimensions rather than total electroactive surface area is proposed as an important direction for future bioanode optimization in microbial fuel cells containing direct electron transfer electroactive biofilms.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Annulation of 2‐Alkenyl Anilides with Alkynes through C−H Activation: Direct Access to 2‐Substituted Indolines
Authors: Font Marc , Cendón Borja , Seoane Andrés , Mascareñas José Luis , Gulías Moisés
Published: May 2018

A RhIII complex featuring an electron‐deficient η5‐cyclopentadienyl ligand catalyzed an unusual annulation between alkynes and 2‐alkenyl anilides to form synthetically appealing 2‐substituted indolines. Formally, the process can be viewed as an allylic amination with concomitant hydrocarbonation of the alkyne. Mechanistic experiments indicate that this transformation involves an unusual rhodium migration with a concomitant 1,5‐H shift.
Readily Processable Hole‐Transporting Peropyrene Gels
Authors: Martínez‐Abadía Marta , Antonicelli Gabriella , Saeki Akinori , Mateo‐Alonso Aurelio
Published: May 2018

The development of organic electronics requires scalable solution‐processing methods that enable the fabrication of electronic devices over large areas at low cost. The preparation of peropyrene gels constituted of 3D networks of entangled 1D ribbon‐like fibrils that extend over the μm scale are now reported. OFETs were easily fabricated by depositing the gels in the sol state over bottom‐gate bottom‐contact transistors and by allowing its gelation thereafter. Electrical characterisation of such field‐effect transistors shows a good balance between processability and performance with hole mobilities that are two orders of magnitude higher than those observed in thin films obtained from non‐gelating solvents under the same conditions.
Manipulating the Flow of Nanoconfined Water by Temperature Stimulation
Authors: Wu Keliu , Chen Zhangxin , Li Jing , Xu Jinze , Wang Kun , Wang Shuhua , Dong Xiaohu , Zhu Zhouyuan , Peng Yan , Jia Xinfeng , Li Xiangfang
Published: May 2018

The manipulation of a nanoconfined fluid flow is a great challenge and is critical in both fundamental research and practical applications. Compared with chemical or biochemical stimulation, the use of temperature as controllable, physical stimulation possesses huge advantages, such as low cost, easy operation, reversibility, and no contamination. We demonstrate an elegant, simple strategy by which temperature stimulation can readily manipulate the nanoconfined water flow by tuning interfacial and viscous resistances. We show that with an increase in temperature, the water fluidity is decreased in hydrophilic nanopores, whereas it is enhanced by at least four orders of magnitude in hydrophobic nanopores, especially in carbon nanotubes with a controlled size and atomically smooth walls. We attribute these opposing trends to a dramatic difference in varying surface wettability that results from a small temperature variation.
Introduction of organic/inorganic Fe3O4@MCM‐41@Zr‐piperazine magnetite nanocatalyst for the promotion of the synthesis of tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene and pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone derivatives
Authors: Pourhasan‐Kisomi Reyhaneh , Shirini Farhad , Golshekan Mostafa
Published: May 2018

Fe3O4@MCM‐41@Zr‐MNPs modified with piperazine is easily prepared and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The characterization results showed that Zr highly dispersed in the tetrahedral environment of silica framework and piperazine is successfully attached to the surface of the nanocatalyst in connection with zirconium. The prepared nanosized reagent (10–30 nm), shows excellent catalytic activity in the synthesis of tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene and pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinone derivatives. All reactions are performed under mild and completely heterogeneous reactions conditions in high yields during short reaction times. On the other hand and due to its superparamagnetic nature the catalyst can be easily separated by the application of an external magnetic field and reused for several times.
Spectroscopic, thermal, biological activity, molecular docking and density functional theoretical investigation of novel bis Schiff base complexes
Authors: Zayed Ehab M. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Hassan Walid M.I. , Elkholy Asmaa K. , Moustafa H.
Published: May 2018

New Schiff base ligand (H2L, 1,2‐bis[(2‐(2‐hydroxyphenylimino)‐methyl)phenoxy]ethane) came from condensation reaction of bisaldehyde and 2‐aminophenol was synthesized in a molar ratio 1:2. Metal complexes and the ligand were completely discussed with spectroscopic and theoretical mechanism. The complexes with Fe(III), Cr(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Th(IV) and Zn(II) have been discussed and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, mass spectroscopy, thermal, magnetic measurements, and 1H NMR. The results proved that the Schiff base was a divalent anion with hexadentate O4N2 donors came from the etheric oxygens (O1, O2), azomethine nitrogens (N1, N2) and deprotonated phenolic oxygens (O3, O4). Density Functional Theory using (B3LYP/6‐31G*) level of theory were implemented to predict molecular geometry, Mulliken atomic energetic and charges of the ligand and complexes. The calculation display that complexes had weak field ligand. The binding energy ranged from 650.5 to 1499.0 kcal/mol for Mn(II) and Th(IV) complexes, respectively. The biological behavior of the Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes were displayed against bacteria and fungi organisms. Fe(III) complex gave remarkable biological activity in comparison with the parent bis Schiff base.
Encapsulation of palladium chloride using 2‐formylbenzoic acid supported by Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified with SiO2 and propylamine, its characterization and its application for Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Mostafavi Hamid , Islami Mohammad Reza , Momeni Tikdari Ahmad
Published: May 2018

A magnetically separable heterogeneous nanocatalyst, Fe3O4@SiO2(CH2)3N―CH―Ar@Pd(0), was simply prepared and characterized using various techniques. The catalytic activity of this nanocatalyst was evaluated via the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid under various experimental conditions such as kind of base, solvent and temperature. This nanocatalyst is completely magnetically recoverable because of the superparamagnetic behaviour of Fe and can be reused with sustained selectivity and activity.
Grain Thin Stillage Protein Utilization: A Review
Authors: Ratanapariyanuch Kornsulee , Shim Youn Young , Wiens Daniel J. , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: May 2018

Ethanol production from grains produces wet grain and thin stillage (TS) as major coproducts. The grain fuel ethanol industry is massive, producing 58 billion L per year in the USA alone, and TS production is four to five times this volume. In short, through its coproducts TS and distiller's grains, the ethanol industry is a major supplier of inexpensive protein. However, obtaining this protein can be costly. In spite of its high water content, TS is typically concentrated by evaporation and then sold as distiller's solubles, or combined with wet grain and dried for use as an animal feed ingredient called “distillers’ dried grains with solubles”. The processes used for protein concentration and TS clarification are reviewed, including the addition of clarifying agents, centrifugation, dissolved air and anoxic gas flotation, filtration, size exclusion, and biorefinery processes. Biorefinery processes are being developed that will lower the energy inputs required for evaporation while greatly improving protein concentration. The protein concentrates could potentially be used in higher‐quality animal feed or even in food products.
Physicochemical Characterization, Fatty Acid And Tocopherol Content of Moringa ovalifolia (African Moringa) Oil From Namibia
Authors: Cheikhyoussef Natascha , Kandawa‐Schulz Martha , Böck Ronnie , de Koning Charles , Cheikhyoussef Ahmad , Muhammad Umar Badeggi , Hussein Ahmed A.
Published: May 2018

Moringa ovalifolia tree is indigenous to Namibia and is a multipurpose tree whose leaves, pods, fruits, and flowers are edible. The tree is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the region and easily cultivated. In this paper, we investigate the physicochemical characteristics of the oil extracted from M. ovalifolia seeds collected from Remhoogte Farm, Khomas region, Namibia. The oil yield was 34.86 ± 2.47%. The oil contained a high level of monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid (18:1) being the dominant one. The oil had high levels of tocopherol, with a total of 44.56 mg 100 g−1 of oil, comprising α‐tocopherol (33.94 mg 100 g−1), β‐tocopherol (6.64 mg 100 g−1), and δ‐tocopherol (3.98 mg 100 g−1). High levels of stigmasterol (142.41 mg 100 g−1) and β‐sitosterol (330.70 mg 100 g−1) were also detected. The seed oil exhibited good‐quality characteristics, making it a useful new seed oil to be considered for food and nonfood applications.
Effects of technology breaks on media multitasking with college students
Authors: Guinness Kendra E. , Beaulieu Lauren , MacDonald Jacquelyn M.
Published: May 2018

Media multitasking involves alternating between completing academic tasks and using technology for nonacademic purposes. We evaluated the effects of technology breaks on media multitasking during independent study with 2 undergraduate students. The intervention involved teaching participants to implement noncontingent technology breaks. Participants were instructed that they could check their text messages, e‐mails, or social media during technology breaks. The initial schedule of breaks was determined by the participants' media multitasking during baseline, and the schedule of breaks was gradually thinned. The results showed that the technology breaks decreased media multitasking for both participants despite there being no programmed consequences for media multitasking. Additionally, the participants implemented the technology breaks with a high level of fidelity. Our findings demonstrate the utility of an antecedent‐based self‐management strategy at decreasing media multitasking with college students.
The determination of capreomycin in human plasma by LC–MS/MS using ion‐pairing chromatography and solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Thuboy Blessings , Kellermann Tracy , Castel Sandra , Norman Jennifer , Joubert Anton , Garcia‐Prats Anthony J. , Hesseling Anneke C. , Wiesner Lubbe
Published: May 2018

A bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the quantification of capreomycin (Cm) analogs, Cm IA and Cm IB, in human plasma. This implemented ion‐pairing solid phase extraction, followed by ion‐pairing high‐performance liquid chromatography, with tandem mass spectrometry detection. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Discovery C18, 5 μm, 4.6 × 50 mm analytical column. An isocratic mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid and 4mm heptafluorobutyric acid (80:20; v/v) was used at a flow‐rate of 500 μL/min. An AB Sciex API 3000 mass spectrometer at unit resolution, in multiple reaction monitoring mode, was used for detection. Electrospray ionization was used for ion production. The method was successfully validated for the range 469–30,000 ng/mL for Cm IA and for Cm IB, with cefotaxime as the internal standard. The within‐ and between‐day precision determinations for Cm IA and IB, expressed as the percentage coefficient of variation, were < 20.0% at the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and < 8.2% at all other test concentrations. Recovery of both analogs was > 72.3% and reproducible at the low, medium and high end of the calibration range. No significant matrix effects were observed for the analyte. The assay performed well when applied to clinical samples generated from children in a clinical multidrug resistant tuberculosis research study in South Africa.
Development and validation of an HPLC‐UV method for quantification of elvitegravir and two other new antiretrovirals, dolutegravir and rilpivirine, in the plasma of HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Tempestilli Massimo , Ammassari Adriana , D'Avolio Antonio , Cicalini Stefania , Gallo Anna Loredana , Fazio Simone , Antinori Andrea , Pucillo Leopoldo P.
Published: May 2018

Therapeutic drug monitoring may be crucial in selected clinical conditions for the management of HIV infection. In recent years, new antiretrovirals have been introduced and in particular elvitegravir (EVG) is now recommended for first‐line and simplification treatment as well as dolutegravir (DTG) and rilpivirine (RPV). The aim of this study was to develop and validate a high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method for determining EVG and new antiretrovirals DTG and RPV in human plasma. Solid‐phase extraction was applied to a 600 μL plasma sample. Chromatographic separation of the three drugs and internal standard was achieved with a gradient of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer on a C18 reverse‐phase analytical column with a 20 min analytical run time. EVG and DTG were detected at 265 nm and RPV at 290 nm. Mean intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were < 10%; the mean accuracy was <15%. Extraction recovery ranged between 105 and 82% for the drugs analyzed. Calibration curves were optimized according to the expected ranges of drug concentrations in patients; the coefficient of determination was >0.997 for all drugs. This method allows for monitoring EVG, DTG and RPV in the plasma of HIV‐positive patients using HPLC‐UV.
Development, validation and comparison of surrogate matrix and surrogate analyte approaches with UHPLC–MS/MS to simultaneously quantify dopamine, serotonin and γ‐aminobutyric acid in four rat brain regions
Authors: Liu Rong‐xia , Xian You‐yan , Liu Sha , Yu Fei , Mu Hong‐jie , Sun Kao‐xiang , Liu Wan‐hui
Published: May 2018

As biomarkers, endogenous neurotransmitters play critical roles in the process of neuropsychiatric diseases, and neurotransmitter levels in different brain regions can contribute to neurological disease diagnosis and treatment. Due to the lack of a blank matrix for endogenous neurotransmitters, surrogate‐matrix and surrogate‐analyte approaches have been used for the determination of neurotransmitters to solve this problem. In this study, we capitalised on the high accuracy, precision, and throughput of UHPLC‐MS/MS and developed new methods based on the two approaches. Both approaches satisfied FDA and EMA validation criterias after an appropriate parallelism assessment, and they were used to further quantify the three endogenous neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rat brain four regions (cortex, striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus) which represent the catecholamines, indolamines, and amino acids, respectively. Comparison of the results in the same rats (n = 10) showed there was no significant difference in DA, 5‐HT, or GABA levels between the two approaches (P > 0.05). The concentrations of DA and GABA were highest in striatum and hypothalamus, respectively, and the levels of 5‐HT were paralleled in striatum and hippocampus almost 2‐fold higher than other regions. This is the first study to compare these two approaches in the determination of endogenous neurotransmitter content in the rat brain, and the surrogate‐matrix approach proved to be simple, rapid, and reliable, considering cost, matrix similarity, and practicality.
Criminal responsibility: Meta‐analysis and study space
Authors: Kois Lauren E. , Chauhan Preeti
Published: May 2018

While some correlates of criminal responsibility (CR) outcomes are consistent, others are not. Study‐level characteristics, such as sample selection, variability in the operational definition of insanity, or other unknown influences may explain discrepant findings. It is critical to systematically consolidate and assess the literature in order to guide future work. We conducted the first meta‐analysis and study space analysis (see Malpass et al., ) in this area. 15 studies met inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis, which encompassed 19,500 cases. Summary effects for psycholegal cases indicated that older age, female sex, educational attainment, and unemployment were associated with insanity. Those classified insane more often had psychiatric histories and psychotic disorders. Finally, individuals opined or found insane were less likely to have criminal histories but more likely to have been opined incompetent to stand trial in the past. Importantly, virtually all summary effects were impacted by study design. Study space analyses (N = 7) revealed a dearth of literature that thoroughly addressed theoretically important variables. Taken together, the project provides a comprehensive, empirical analysis of CR correlates and a systematic call for future research.
Add‐on Preferential Groups (APG): Analyzing student preferences of teaching methods
Authors: Vieira Camilo , Magana Alejandra J. , Boutin Mireille
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes an assessment approach herein called the Add‐on Preferential Groups (APG) model. The proposed model is used to analyze and identify students' perceptions and preferences between add‐on instructional methods and base traditional methods such as classroom lectures. The model groups students based on their responses to the perceived usefulness of a set of instructional approaches, and uses a traditional lecture‐based method as base for comparison. It includes three levels of analysis that focus on different aspects and groupings of student perceptions and relative preferences; each level is visualized using a 2D gray‐scale graph representing the fractions of students falling into different perception and preference groups. In addition, the model uses permutation tests to validate the significance of the differences among the perception and preference groups. The paper shows how this model was applied to analyze students' responses to an end of the semester survey in a graduate course.
Inverse association of vitamin D3 levels with lung cancer mediated by genetic variation
Authors: Haznadar Majda , Krausz Kristopher W. , Margono Ezra , Diehl Christopher M. , Bowman Elise D. , Manna Soumen Kanti , Robles Ana I. , Ryan Bríd M. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Harris Curtis C.
Published: May 2018

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient required for normal physiological function and recognized for its role regulating calcium metabolism. Recent work is beginning to emerge demonstrating a role for vitamin D in chronic illnesses, such as cancer. Circulating serum levels of 25(OH)D2/3 were quantitatively measured using sensitive ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) in 406 lung cancer cases and 437 population controls, while 1,25(OH)2D2/3 levels were measured in a subset of 90 cases and 104 controls using the same method, from the NCI‐MD case–control cohort. 25(OH)D3 levels were inversely associated with lung cancer status across quartiles (Q2 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.8; Q3 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.8; Q4 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2–0.9; Ptrend = 0.004). Levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 were also inversely associated with lung cancer status (Q2 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.03–0.7; Q3 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.01–0.4; Q4 vs. Q1: ORadjusted = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01–0.3; Ptrend<0.0001). Although the observed trends were similar for the 25(OH)D2 (Ptrend = 0.08), no significant associations were seen between vitamin D2 and lung cancer status. Additionally, genotyping of 296 SNPs in the same subjects resulted in findings that 27 SNPs, predominantly in CYP24A1 and VDR genes, were significantly associated with lung cancer status, affected mRNA expression, and modulated vitamin D levels. These findings suggest a protective role for vitamin D3 in lung cancer, with similar trends but insignificant findings for D2. Vitamin D3 levels appeared to be modulated by genetic variation in CYP24A1 and VDR genes. Additional research to illuminate the mechanism(s) through which vitamin D exacerbates effects against lung carcinogenesis is warranted.
Long‐term oncological outcomes of local excision versus radical resection for early colorectal cancer in young patients without preoperative chemoradiotherapy: a population‐based propensity matching study
Authors: Cao Bin , Min Li , Zhu Shengtao , Shi Haiyun , Zhang Shutian
Published: May 2018

The incidence and mortality of colorectal carcinoma are rising in young adults. This population‐based propensity matching study aimed to compare long‐term oncological outcomes of local excision with radical resection for early localized colorectal cancer (CRC) in young patients without preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Patients under 45 years old with T1 colon or rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent local excision or radical resection were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2014. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was compared using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) between local excision and radical resection. After propensity score matching procedure, total of 1719 patients were included in the analysis, among which 573 treated with local excision and 1146 treated with radical resection. The median follow‐up was 80 months (interquartile range(IQR): 37–132), with 1074 patients followed for ≥5 years and 508 patients followed for ≥10 years. Five‐year CSS of local excision versus radical resection was 93.4% versus 96.7% for colon cancer and 96.6% versus 98.4% for rectal cancer. Ten‐year CSS of local excision versus radical resection was 91.4% versus 94.0% for colon cancer and 92.8% versus 96.7% for rectal cancer. On multivariable analysis, compared with radical resection, local excision was not associated with inferior CSS for colon (HR 1.74, 95% CI: 0.92–3.29, P = 0.090) and rectal cancer (HR 2.16, 95% CI: 0.99–4.71, P = 0.052). There is no evidence of differential long‐term oncological outcomes between local excision and radical resection. These findings supported clinical application of local excision for early colon and rectal cancer in young adults.
Conformation Analysis of GalNAc‐Appended Sugar Amino Acid Foldamers as Glycopeptide Mimics
Authors: Sunkari Yashoda Krishna , Pulukuri Kiran Kumar , Kandiyal Pancham Singh , Vaishnav Jayanti , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Chakraborty Tushar Kanti
Published: May 2018

Sugar amino acid (SAA)‐based foldamers with well‐defined secondary structures were appended with N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) sugars to access sequence‐defined, multidentate glycoconjugates with full control over number, spacing and position. Conformation analysis of these glycopeptides by extensive NMR spectroscopic studies revealed that the appended GalNAc units had a profound influence on the native conformational behaviour of the SAA foldamers. Whereas the 2,5‐cis glycoconjugate showed a helical structure in water, comprising of two consecutive 16‐membered hydrogen bonds, its 2,5‐trans congener displayed an unprecedented 16/10‐mixed turn structure not seen before in any glycopeptide foldamer.