bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple factors influence local perceptions of snow leopards and Himalayan wolves in the central Himalayas, Nepal
Authors: Chetri Madhu , Odden Morten , Devineau Olivier , McCarthy Thomas , Wegge Per
Published: October 2020

An understanding of local perceptions of carnivores is important for conservation and management planning. In the central Himalayas, Nepal, we interviewed 428 individuals from 85 settlements using a semi-structured questionnaire to quantitatively assess local perceptions and tolerance of snow leopards and wolves. We used generalized linear mixed effect models to assess influential factors, and found that tolerance of snow leopards was much higher than of wolves. Interestingly, having experienced livestock losses had a minor impact on perceptions of the carnivores. Occupation of the respondents had a strong effect on perceptions of snow leopards but not of wolves. Literacy and age had weak impacts on snow leopard perceptions, but the interaction among these terms showed a marked effect, that is, being illiterate had a more marked negative impact among older respondents. Among the various factors affecting perceptions of wolves, numbers of livestock owned and gender were the most important predictors. People with larger livestock herds were more negative towards wolves. In terms of gender, males were more positive to wolves than females, but no such pattern was observed for snow leopards. People’s negative perceptions towards wolves were also related to the remoteness of the villages. Factors affecting people’s perceptions could not be generalized for the two species, and thus need to be addressed separately. We suggest future conservation projects and programs should prioritize remote settlements.
Conflicting phylogenetic signals in plastomes of the tribe Laureae (Lauraceae)
Authors: Xiao Tian-Wen , Xu Yong , Jin Lu , Liu Tong-Jian , Yan Hai-Fei , Ge Xue-Jun
Published: October 2020

Background

Gene tree discordance is common in phylogenetic analyses. Many phylogenetic studies have excluded non-coding regions of the plastome without evaluating their impact on tree topology. In general, plastid loci have often been treated as a single unit, and tree discordance among these loci has seldom been examined. Using samples of Laureae (Lauraceae) plastomes, we explored plastome variation among the tribe, examined the influence of non-coding regions on tree topology, and quantified intra-plastome conflict.

Results

We found that the plastomes of Laureae have low inter-specific variation and are highly similar in structure, size, and gene content. Laureae was divided into three groups, subclades I, II and III. The inclusion of non-coding regions changed the phylogenetic relationship among the three subclades. Topologies based on coding and non-coding regions were largely congruent except for the relationship among subclades I, II and III. By measuring the distribution of phylogenetic signal across loci that supported different topologies, we found that nine loci (two coding regions, two introns and five intergenic spacers) played a critical role at the contentious node.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that subclade III and subclade II are successively sister to subclade I. Conflicting phylogenetic signals exist between coding and non-coding regions of Laureae plastomes. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating the influence of non-coding regions on tree topology and emphasizes the necessity of examining discordance among different plastid loci in phylogenetic studies.
Colonization of novel algal habitats by juveniles of a marine tube-dwelling amphipod
Authors: Bueno Marilia , Machado Glauco B.O. , Leite Fosca P.P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Dispersal is an important process affecting population dynamics and connectivity. For marine direct developers, both adults and juveniles may disperse. Although the distribution of juveniles can be initially constrained by their mothers’ choice, they may be able to leave the parental habitat and colonize other habitats. We investigated the effect of habitat quality, patch size and presence of conspecific adults on the colonization of novel habitats by juveniles of the tube-dwelling amphipod Cymadusa filosa associated with the macroalgal host Sargassum filipendula.

Methods

We tested the factors listed above on the colonization of juveniles by manipulating natural and artificial plants in both the field and laboratory.

Results

In the laboratory, juveniles selected high-quality habitats (i.e., natural alga), where both food and shelter are provided, when low-quality resources (i.e., artificial alga) were also available. In contrast, habitat quality and algal patch size did not affect the colonization by juveniles in the field. Finally, the presence of conspecific adults did not affect the colonization of juveniles under laboratory condition but had a weak effect in the field experiment. Our results suggest that C. filosa juveniles can select and colonize novel habitats, and that such process can be partially affected by habitat quality, but not by patch size. Also, the presence of conspecifics may affect the colonization by juveniles. Successful colonization by this specific developmental stage under different scenarios indicates that juveniles may act as a dispersal agent in this species.
The fungal community in non-rhizosphere soil of Panax ginseng are driven by different cultivation modes and increased cultivation periods
Authors: Bao Yu , Qi Bao , Huang Wei , Liu Bao , Li Yu
Published: October 2020

Continuous cropping obstacles severely hindered the sustained development of the ginseng industry. Among the obstacles, an imbalance of soil microbiome community was considered one of the major culprits. The fungal community is an essential part of the soil microbiome community. Extensive characterization of the fungal community composition and variation during ginseng cultivation will help us understand the mechanism underlying continuous cropping obstacles. By using a high-throughput amplicon sequencing method, the non-rhizospheric fungal community of farmland cultivated ginseng of 2 years old (C2) and 5 years old (C5), understory wild ginseng of 15 years old (W15) and 35 years old (W35), fallow fields which have been abandoned for 10 (F10) years were characterized. Farmland cultivated ginseng and understory wild ginseng harbored distinct non-rhizospheric fungal communities, and extension of cultivation periods enlarged the fungal community difference between two cultivation modes. Extended cultivation periods significantly decreased the OTU richness and PD whole tree indices, and OTU number and cultivation periods were negatively correlated. Extension of cultivation periods led to an increased abundance of pathotrophs. Still, the increased abundance of pathotrophs may not be the leading cause of severe continuous cropping obstacles in farmland cultivated ginseng. Compared with understory wild ginseng, farmland cultivated ginseng had a lower abundance of symbiotrophs and a higher abundance of saprotrophs. This changed symbiotrophs/saprotrophs ratio may have some correlation with the severe continuous cropping obstacles that occurred in farmland cultivated ginseng. Fallowing on the fungal community of the non-rhizosphere soil was generally opposite of that of extension of ginseng cultivation periods. The impacts of farmland cultivation on the fungal community of the non-rhizosphere soil can last for decades, even if the following is practiced.
ALFABETIZAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL I COM APLICAÇÃO DE UMA SEQUÊNCIA DIDÁTICA E CONSTRUÇÃO DE UM AQUÁRIO / SCIENTIFIC LITERACY IN FUNDAMENTAL EDUCATION I WITH THE APPLICATION OF A TEACHING SEQUENCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUARIUM
Authors: De Jesus Fabiana Barbosa , Barreto Maria Auxiliadora Motta
Published: October 2020

Esse artigo apresenta um estudo sobre o ensino de Ciências em uma sala de aula multisseriada com alunos do 4° e 5° ano do Ensino Fundamental. O objetivo geral foi analisar as contribuições de uma sequência didática e a construção de um aquário de água doce no processo de Alfabetização Científica no Ensino Fundamental I. Já os objetivos específicos foram: desenvolver uma sequência didática interdisciplinar; construir um aquário de água doce; compreender o que é um ecossistema; explicar o funcionamento do ecossistema aquático; correlacionar as diferentes disciplinas e observar a interação do ecossistema aquático. Para a realização da pesquisa foi utilizada a metodologia de pesquisa-ação. O resultado final apontou que os alunos aumentaram o seu vocabulário e houve o alcance de indicadores de Alfabetização Científica. Portanto constata-se que a sequência didática desenvolvida é um instrumento facilitador no processo de Alfabetização Científica e pode contribuir com o ensino de ciências.
ARRANJANDO, COMBINANDO E PERMUTANDO NOS ANOS INICIAIS: UM CADERNO DE ATIVIDADES LÚDICAS / ARRANGEMENTS, COMBINATIONS AND PERMUTATIONS IN THE EARLY GRADES: A PLAYFUL ACTIVITY NOTEBOOK
Authors: Rostirola Sandra Cristina Martini , Siple Ivanete Zuchi
Published: October 2020

Esse trabalho aborda à concepção de um produto educacional de um programa de Mestrado Profissional de uma Universidade Pública, contemplando os estudos teóricos realizados e a pesquisa de campo, traçando os caminhos metodológicos assumidos para a elaboração de um caderno de atividades lúdicas, com foco na Alfabetização Estatística. A proposta desse caderno envolve o ensino da Análise Combinatória, nas Séries Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, por meio de atividades lúdicas de cunho cooperativo. Em termos de metodologia de ensino integra a ideia de jogos e Resolução de Problemas por meio da Metodologia de Ensino-Aprendizagem-Avaliação de Matemática através da Resolução de Problemas (ONUCHIC e ALLEVATO, 2014). As atividades lúdicas são apresentadas no contexto da obra literária “Alice no País das Maravilhas” de Carroll (2013). Os aspectos relacionados à Resolução de Problemas são fortalecidos por problematizações, estimulando o raciocínio e a construção de ideias pelo aluno, permitindo a consolidação da Alfabetização Estatística.
STATE MANAGEMENT IN THE AREA OF ENSURING THE SECURITY OF THE COURT AND PARTICIPANTS IN LEGAL PROCEDURES
Authors: Kolomiiets Vadym , Lukianenko Tetiana , Lazareva Daria , Bakaianova Nana , Kadenko Oksana
Published: October 2020

The authors investigated the features of the legal regulation of the functioning and organizational aspects of the activities of the authorities, the competence of which includes ensuring the security of the court, judges, and other participants of legal proceedings.Particular attention is paid to the intergovernmental body of the Council of Europe - The European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ), one of the activities of which is to ensure the proper functioning of the judiciary. The features of the general project between the CDCJ and Ukraine “Support for judicial reform in Ukraine (voluntary contribution)” are identified. The features of the activities of sheriffs in Canada and the USA, the regulatory documents of these countries, which determine the status and competence of the sheriffs in the field of judicial protection, are highlighted. The chronology of the establishment in Ukraine of the state system for protecting the court, judges, and other participants of legal proceedings, from 1997 to the present, is investigated. In the course of the study, the authors have been determined the individual stages of the establishment in Ukraine of the state system for protecting the court, judges, and other participants of legal proceedings; the competence of state bodies to ensure judicial protection and the legal basis for their activities, depending on the period of operation. The content of the norms of some regulatory legal acts of Ukrainian legislation, which regulates the activities of the bodies responsible for ensuring the security of the court, judges, and other participants of legal proceedings, is disclosed. The scheme of “gap” while elemental situational analysis of safety of participants in legal proceedings is examined. A matrix for ranking the factors of complex security of participants of judicial system and recommendations on development of public management in the area of legal and judicial security.
A RECRIAÇÃO DO PRESENTE EM “A NOITE DISSOLVE OS HOMENS”, DE CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE
Authors: Assunção Sergio
Published: October 2020

A lírica moderna redimensionou amplamente a memória das cidades ao incorporar a experiência urbana à legibilidade do poético, situando a poesia sob a perspectiva humana e relacional no espaço cotidiano da comunidade, em face da barbárie produzida pela civilização industrial dos séculos XIX e XX. Nesse sentido, pretende-se abordar a poesia de Carlos Drummond de Andrade sob a tensão entre o barbarismo e a comunhão através do poema “A noite dissolve os homens”, destacando a relevância de sua lírica, ao expressar a negatividade da dimensão humana na composição do tecido social, recriando o presente por meio da experiência do poético.
Tubulin mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders as a tool to decipher microtubule function
Authors: Fourel Geneviève , Boscheron Cécile
Published: October 2020

Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) are a group of severe brain malformations associated with intellectual disability and refractory childhood epilepsy. Human missense heterozygous mutations in the 9 α‐tubulin and 10 β‐tubulin isoforms forming the heterodimers that assemble into microtubules (MTs) were found to cause MCDs. However, how a single mutated residue in a given tubulin isoform can perturb the entire microtubule population in a neuronal cell remains a crucial question. Here, we examined 85 MCD‐associated tubulin mutations occurring in TUBA1A, TUBB2, and TUBB3 and their location in a three‐dimensional (3D) microtubule cylinder. Mutations hitting residues exposed on the outer microtubule surface are likely to alter microtubule association with partners, while alteration of intradimer contacts may impair dimer stability and straightness. Other types of mutations are predicted to alter interdimer and lateral contacts, which are responsible for microtubule cohesion, rigidity, and dynamics. MCD‐associated tubulin mutations surprisingly fall into all categories, thus providing unexpected insights into how a single mutation may impair microtubule function and elicit dominant effects in neurons.
IL35 predicts prognosis in gastric cancer and is associated with angiogenesis by altering TIMP1, PAI1 and IGFBP1
Authors: Li Xiao , Niu Nan , Sun Jing , Mou Yiping , He Xujun , Mei Linhang
Published: October 2020

Tumor angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis. Interleukin‐35 (IL35), a member of the IL12 family, is a dimer composed of IL12A and EBV‐induced gene 3（EBI3）. Elevated plasma IL35 levels have been reported to be associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the role of IL35 in the angiogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. Here, we report that expression of IL35 is correlated with higher microvessel density, distant metastasis and poor prognosis in GC. Moreover, in vitro tube formation assays were performed to show that IL35 may contribute to the tube formation abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. IL12A was observed to be the dominant subunit in promotion of tube formation. IL12A also inhibited expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and enhanced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 in a GC cell line. In conclusion, our data suggest that IL35 is involved in angiogenesis and is associated with poor prognosis for GC.
Regulation bigger than COVID‐19 in problems facing recovery housing
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2020

Last week's virtual convening of national leaders in the recovery residence community offered a bird's‐eye view of numerous threats to sober homes' standing in the continuum of recovery support. Some of these challenges, such as COVID‐19, have had an immediate impact. Others, such as the dissemination of model state legislation to certify recovery residences, could eventually prove far more damaging, leaders fear.
FDA issues guidance on endpoints for OUD medications
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance to help pharmaceutical companies develop drugs to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), defining the endpoints that are acceptable. This guidance, which is final, builds on the draft guidance as well as another guidance about depot buprenorphine products issued last year.
High‐Performance Near‐Infrared Photodetectors Based on Surface‐Doped InSe
Authors: Jang Hanbyeol , Seok Yongwook , Choi YiTaek , Cho Sang‐Hoo , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lee Kayoung
Published: October 2020

2D InSe is one of the semimetal chalcogenides that has been recently given attention thanks to its excellent electrical properties, such as high mobility near 1000 cm2 V−1 s−1 and moderate band gap of ≈1.26 eV suitable for IR detection. Here, high‐performance visible to near‐infrared (470–980 nm wavelength (λ)) photodetectors using surface‐doped InSe as a channel and few‐layer graphenes (FLG) as electrodes are reported, where the InSe top region is relatively p‐doped using AuCl3. The surface‐doped InSe photodetectors show outstanding performance, achieving a photoresponsivity (R) of ≈19 300 A W−1 and a detectivity (D*) of ≈3 × 1013 Jones at λ = 470 nm, and R of ≈7870 A W−1 and D* of ≈1.5 × 1013 Jones at λ = 980 nm, superior to previously reported 2D material‐based IR photodetectors operating without an applied gate bias. Surface doping using AuCl3 renders a band bending at the junction between the InSe surface and the top FLG contact, which facilitates electron‐hole pair separation and immediate photodetection. Multiple doped or undoped InSe photodetectors with different device structures are investigated, providing insight into the photodetection mechanism and optimizing performance. Encapsulation with hexagonal boron nitride dielectric also allows for 3‐month stability.
Single‐Material OECT‐Based Flexible Complementary Circuits Featuring Polyaniline in Both Conducting Channels
Authors: Travaglini Lorenzo , Micolich Adam P. , Cazorla Claudio , Zeglio Erica , Lauto Antonio , Mawad Damia
Published: October 2020

The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) with a conjugated polymer as the active material is the elementary unit of organic bioelectronic devices. Improved functionalities, such as low power consumption, can be achieved by building complementary circuits featuring two or more OECTs. Complementary circuits commonly combine both p‐ and n‐type transistors to reduce power draw. While p‐type OECTs are readily available, n‐type OECTs are less common mainly due to poor stability of the n‐type active channel material in aqueous electrolyte. Here, a complementary circuit is made using a pair of OECTs having polyaniline (PANI) as the channel material in both transistors. PANI, with a finite electrochemical window accessible at voltages lower than 1 V, exhibits a peak in current versus gate voltage when used as an active channel in an OECT. The current peak has two slopes, one n‐like and one p‐like, which correspond to different electrochemical regimes of the same underlying conjugated polymer. The electrochemistry enables the design of a complementary circuit using only PANI as the channel material. The PANI‐based circuit is shown to have excellent performance with gain of ≈7 and is transferred on a flexible biocompatible chitosan substrate with demonstrated operation in aqueous electrolyte.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase PRMT5 Regulates Fatty Acid Metabolism and Lipid Droplet Biogenesis in White Adipose Tissues
Authors: Jia Zhihao , Yue Feng , Chen Xiyue , Narayanan Naagarajan , Qiu Jiamin , Syed Sabriya A. , Imbalzano Anthony N. , Deng Meng , Yu Peng , Hu Changdeng , Kuang Shihuan
Published: October 2020

The protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an emerging regulator of cancer and stem cells including adipogenic progenitors. Here, a new physiological role of PRMT5 in adipocytes and systemic metabolism is reported. Conditional knockout mice were generated to ablate the Prmt5 gene specifically in adipocytes (Prmt5AKO). The Prmt5AKO mice exhibit sex‐ and depot‐dependent progressive lipodystrophy that is more pronounced in females and in visceral (than subcutaneous) white fat. The lipodystrophy and associated energy imbalance, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance are exacerbated by high‐fat‐diet. Mechanistically, Prmt5 methylates and releases the transcription elongation factor SPT5 from Berardinelli‐Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2 (Bscl2, encoding Seipin) promoter, and Prmt5AKO disrupts Seipin‐mediated lipid droplet biogenesis. Prmt5 also methylates Sterol Regulatory Element‐Binding Transcription Factor 1a (SREBP1a) and promotes lipogenic gene expression, and Prmt5AKO suppresses SREBP1a‐dependent fatty acid metabolic pathways in adipocytes. Thus, PRMT5 plays a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism and lipid droplet biogenesis in adipocytes.
Impact of spleen size and splenectomy on outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for myelofibrosis: A retrospective analysis by the chronic malignancies working party on behalf of European society for blood and marrow transplantation (EBMT)
Authors: Polverelli Nicola , Mauff Katya , Kröger Nicolaus , Robin Marie , Beelen Dietrich , Beauvais David , Chevallier Patrice , Mohty Mohamad , Passweg Jakob , Rubio Marie Thérèse , Maertens Johan , Finke Jürgen , Bornhäuser Martin , Vrhovac Radovan , Helbig Grzegorz , Mear Jean‐Baptiste , Castagna Luca , Reményi Péter , Angelucci Emanuele , Karakasis Dimitrios , Rifòn Jose , Sirait Tiarlan , Russo Domenico , de Wreede Liesbeth , Czerw Tomasz , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Hayden Patrick , McLornan Donal , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

The role of spleen size and splenectomy for the prediction of post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HCT) outcome in myelofibrosis remains under debate. In EBMT registry, we identified a cohort of 1195 myelofibrosis patients transplanted between 2000‐2017 after either fludarabine‐busulfan or fludarabine‐melphalan regimens. Overall, splenectomy was performed in 202 (16.9%) patients and its use decreased over time (28.3% in 2000‐2009 vs 14.1% in 2010‐2017 period). By multivariate analysis, splenectomy was associated with less NRM (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44‐0.93, P = .018) but increased risk of relapse (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01‐2.02, P = .042), with no significant impact on OS (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.67‐1.12, P = .274). However, in subset analysis comparing the impact of splenectomy vs specific spleen sizes, for patients with progressive disease, an improved survival was seen in splenectomised subjects compared to those patients with a palpable spleen length ≥ 15 cm (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28‐0.69, P < .001), caused by a significant reduction in NRM (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14‐0.49, P < .001), without significantly increased relapse risk (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.87‐2.49, P = .147). Overall, despite the possible biases typical of retrospective cohorts, this study highlights the potential detrimental effect of massive splenomegaly in transplant outcome and supports the role of splenectomy for myelofibrosis patients with progressive disease and large splenomegaly.
CHARACTERISTICS and considerations in the medical treatment of COVID‐19 in children
Authors: Imai Kazunori , Matsushima Asako , Saitoh Shinji
Published: October 2020

It is rare for children to be in serious condition or die from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2]) except for those with underlying diseases such as chronic lung disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppressive disease. Recently, patients with hyperinflammatory shock have been identified among children who are confirmed to have or are suspected of having SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The presenting signs and symptoms are characterized by prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and cardiac involvement without any signs of pneumonia on chest computed tomography. However, it is uncertain at this time whether SARS‐CoV‐2 infection affects this syndrome. Compared with adults, quite a few children are asymptomatic even when infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, which could make these children serious sources of infection at home or in medical institutions. Considering these characteristics, it is important to take appropriate precautions during medical examinations and perform infection control in emergency departments to save the lives of both the children and adult patients. Most healthy children are suffering from huge stress due to restrictions against going outside and school closures as social means to control infection. It is possible that children are socially isolated when they come to the emergency department, and they might require mental or social support even if they are only complaining about their physical condition. Health‐care providers are required to examine the children’s circumstances carefully and cooperate with workers in other professions appropriately.
Designing Biomaterial Platforms for Cardiac Tissue and Disease Modeling
Authors: House Andrew , Atalla Iren , Lee Eun Jung , Guvendiren Murat
Published: October 2020

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. There is a growing demand for in vitro cardiac models that can recapitulate the complex physiology of the cardiac tissue. These cardiac models can provide a platform to better understand the underlying mechanisms of cardiac development and disease and aid in developing novel treatment alternatives and platforms toward personalized medicine. Herein, a summary of engineered cardiac platforms is presented. Basic design considerations for replicating the heart's microenvironment are discussed considering the anatomy of the heart. This is followed by a detailed summary of the currently available biomaterial platforms for modeling the heart tissue in vitro. These in vitro models include 2D surface modified structures, 3D molded structures, porous scaffolds, electrospun scaffolds, bioprinted structures, and heart‐on‐a‐chip devices. The challenges faced by current models and the future directions of in vitro cardiac models are also discussed. Engineered in vitro tissue models utilizing patients’ own cells can potentially revolutionize the way we develop treatment and diagnostic alternatives.
Elucidation of the Chemical Role of the Pyroclastic Materials on the State of Conservation of Mural Paintings from Pompeii
Authors: Pérez‐Diez Silvia , Fernández‐Menéndez Luis Javier , Morillas Héctor , Martellone Alberta , De Nigris Bruno , Osanna Massimo , Bordel Nerea , Caruso Francesco , Madariaga Juan Manuel , Maguregui Maite
Published: October 2020

Pyroclastic strata have always been thought to protect the archaeological remains of the Vesuvian area (Italy), hence allowing their conservation throughout the centuries. In this work, we demonstrate that they constitute a potential threat for the conservation state of the mural paintings of Pompeii. The ions that could be leached from them and the ion‐rich groundwater coming from the volcanic soil/rocks may contribute to salt crystallisation. Thermodynamic modelling not only allowed to predict which salts can precipitate from such leaching events but also assisted the identification of additional sources of sulfates and alkali metals to explain the formation of the sulfates identified in efflorescences from the mural paintings of Pompeii. For the future, fluorine, mainly related to a volcanic origin, can be proposed as a marker to monitor the extent of the impact in the mural paintings of Pompeii in situ.
15N NMR Hyperpolarization of Radiosensitizing Antibiotic Nimorazole by Reversible Parahydrogen Exchange in Microtesla Magnetic Fields
Authors: Salnikov Oleg G. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Svyatova Alexandra , Trofimov Ivan A. , Kabir Mohammad S. H. , Gelovani Juri G. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V. , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: October 2020

Nimorazole belongs to the imidazole‐based family of antibiotics to fight against anaerobic bacteria. Moreover, nimorazole is now in Phase 3 clinical trial in Europe for potential use as a hypoxia radiosensitizer for treatment of head and neck cancers. We envision the use of [15N3]nimorazole as a theragnostic hypoxia contrast agent that can be potentially deployed in the next‐generation MRI‐LINAC systems. Herein, we report the first steps to create long‐lasting (for tens of minutes) hyperpolarized state on three 15N sites of [15N3]nimorazole with T1 of up to ca. 6 minutes. The nuclear spin polarization was boosted by ca. 67000‐fold at 1.4 T (corresponding to P15N of 3.2 %) by 15N−15N spin‐relayed SABRE‐SHEATH hyperpolarization technique, relying on simultaneous exchange of [15N3]nimorazole and parahydrogen on polarization transfer Ir‐IMes catalyst. The presented results pave the way to efficient spin‐relayed SABRE‐SHEATH hyperpolarization of a wide range of imidazole‐based antibiotics and chemotherapeutics.
A Genetic Code Expansion‐Derived Molecular Beacon for the Detection of Intracellular Amyloid‐β Peptide Generation
Authors: Sappakhaw Khomkrit , Jantarug Krittapas , Slavoff Sarah A. , Israsena Nipan , Uttamapinant Chayasith
Published: October 2020

Polypeptides generated from proteolytic processing of protein precursors, or proteolytic proteoforms, play an important role in diverse biological functions and diseases. However, their often‐small size and intricate post‐translational biogenesis preclude the use of simple genetic tagging in their cellular studies. Herein, we develop a labeling strategy for this class of proteoforms, based on residue‐specific genetic code expansion labeling with a molecular beacon design. We demonstrate the utility of such a design by creating a molecular beacon reporter to detect amyloid‐β peptides, known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, as they are produced from amyloid precursor protein (APP) along the endocytic pathway of living cells.
Dinuclear Triple‐Stranded Helicates Composed of Tetradentate Ligands with Aluminum(III) Chromophores: Optical Resolution and Multi‐color Circularly Polarized Luminescence Properties
Authors: Ono Toshikazu , Ishihama Kohei , Taema Ai , Harada Takunori , Furusho Kiyonao , Hasegawa Masashi , Nojima Yuki , Abe Masaaki , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: October 2020

New chiroptical chromophores, dinuclear triple‐stranded helicates, composed of tetradentate ligands with aluminum(III) ions, are described. These are synthesized in two steps using inexpensive pyrrole derivatives, hydrazine, and aluminum chloride. These molecular architectures (ALPHY) show multi‐color (cyan, yellow, and orange) photoluminescence in solution and in the solid‐state, which depends on the substituents of the ligands. The photoluminescence quantum yields of helicates were up to 54 %. The right‐handed (P) and left‐handed (M) helicates are so stable that they do not undergo racemization in some solvents and are mirror images according to circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with an absolute luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) of up to the 10−3 order. Mixing the different helicates produces white‐light emission with CPL characters. This study offers a glimpse into the potential applications of chromophores with diverse photophysical properties.
Discovery of Key TIPS‐Naphthalene for Efficient Visible‐to‐UV Photon Upconversion under Sunlight and Room Light**
Authors: Harada Naoyuki , Sasaki Yoichi , Hosoyamada Masanori , Kimizuka Nobuo , Yanai Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

While many studies have been done on triplet–triplet annihilation‐based photon upconversion (TTA‐UC) to produce visible light with high efficiency, the efficient TTA‐UC from visible to UV light, despite its importance for a variety of solar and indoor applications, remains a challenging task. Here, we report the highest visible‐to‐UV TTA‐UC efficiency of 20.5 % based on the discovery of an excellent UV emitter, 1,4‐bis((triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl)naphthalene (TIPS‐Nph). TIPS‐Nph is an acceptor with desirable features of high fluorescence quantum yield and high singlet generation efficiency by TTA. TIPS‐Nph has a low enough triplet energy level to be sensitized by Ir(C6)2(acac), a superior donor that does not quench UV emission. The combination of TIPS‐Nph and Ir(C6)2(acac) realizes the efficient UV light production even with weak light sources such as an AM 1.5 solar simulator and room LEDs.
A novel approach to spinal anaesthesia to avoid aerosol‐generating procedures in a patient with COVID‐19 presenting for laser prostate surgery
Authors: Oon Z. , Ha C.
Published: October 2020

General anaesthesia involves aerosol‐generating procedures which, in the context of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, increases the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission from patients to staff. This risk can be minimised by performing spinal or regional anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia where possible. We report the successful management of a patient utilising spinal anaesthesia in a patient with COVID‐19 undergoing urgent holmium laser enucleation of prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. A combination of bupivacaine, diamorphine and midazolam was administered intrathecally which provided adequate anaesthesia despite the prolonged surgical duration. Nebulised lidocaine was also given to prevent coughing during the procedure. This report demonstrates that it is possible and safe to use spinal anaesthesia to perform prolonged surgical procedures that are normally conducted under general anaesthesia using a combination of intrathecal adjuncts to facilitate effective block duration. In addition, the novel use of nebulised lidocaine for its antitussive effects in a patient with COVID‐19 is highlighted.
New metal complexes of sulfonamide: Synthesis, characterization, in‐vitro anticancer, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antibacterial studies
Authors: Danish Muhammad , Raza Muhammad Asam , Khalid Hirra , Iftikhar Umara , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem
Published: October 2020

In this research work a sulfonamide from tranexamic acid has been synthesized followed by its metal complexation. p‐Bromo benzene sulfonyl chloride was used to synthesize sulfonamide using eco‐friendly atmosphere. The sulfonamide prepared from tranexamic acid has been utilized for the preparation of metal complexes with various metals like Ni, Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Sn, and Sr. All synthesized compounds were characterized by applying different spectral techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), mass spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The biological activities such as radical scavenging activity, enzyme inhibition, antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer were performed. It was concluded from the results that compounds showed moderate to good activity. Cu complex of sulfonamide showed the highest antioxidant potential (87.69 ± 1.8% with IC50 137 ± 1.0 μg) while Cr complex depicted the highest activity against both enzymes; AChE (73.51 ± 1.7% with IC50 165 ± 1.1 μg) and BChE (70.05 ± 1.3% with IC50 152 ± 1.8 μg). Mn complex showed good results against six bacterial strains comparable with standard drug. Cr complex depicted highest anticancer activity against MCF7 and human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) cell lines 45.73% and 25.40%, respectively. These results concluded that metal complexes of sulfonamide may be good induction in the future for medical purposes.
Glass bubble reinforced polyurethane foams with high mechanical strength for cryogenic temperature insulation
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Dae , Kim Jeong‐Hyeon , Ahn Jae‐Hyeok , Lee Jae‐Myung
Published: October 2020

In this study, glass bubble (GB) is added to polyurethane (PU) foams at different weight ratios—0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt% —to investigate the changes in the mechanical and thermal properties of the foam. By conducting several tests and measurements, the density, cell morphology, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity of the foam are studied. In particular, the effect of GB additives is examined by conducting compression tests at various temperatures (−163, −100, −40, and 20°C). Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microscope reveal that the foams exhibit higher stability below 0.5 wt%, which improves the thermal performance. On the other hand, the compressive strength of the foams increases for all weight ratios of GB, and it increases sharply at 0.75 wt%. In addition, the chemical interactions and the dispersion of additives in the PU matrix are investigated through Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray diffractions analysis. It is found that the synthesis of PU foams with GB nanoparticles is an efficient method for improving the mechanical properties and insulation performance of the foam for LNG insulation technology.
Intact microstructure of the right corticostriatal pathway predicts creative ability in healthy adults
Authors: Rahmani Farzaneh , Sanjari Moghaddam Hossein , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Creativity is one of the most complex functions of the human brain. The corticostriatal pathways have been implicated in creative thinking, yet few studies have addressed the microstructural underpinnings of creative ability, especially those related to the corticostriatal dopaminergic circuitry. We hypothesized that performance in creativity tests can be predicted based on diffusion metrics of the corticostriatal pathways and basal ganglia.

Methods

A total of 37 healthy adults were included. Neuropsychological tests of creativity, including the alternative uses task (AUT), test of creative imagery abilities (TCIA), remote associates test (RAT), and creative achievement questionnaire (CAQ), as well as diffusion MRI data were acquired for each participant.

Results

We demonstrated an independent effect of TCIA originality and TCIA transformativeness subscores, and RAT score in predicting the mean diffusivity (MD), mean axial diffusivity (AD), mean fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean generalized FA of the right corticostriatal pathway. We also observed independent effects of AUT elaboration subscore in predicting the AD of the right substantia nigra, and radial diffusivity (RD) of the right globus pallidus.

Conclusion

Our results put a further spin on the “creative right brain” notion and question the presence of high‐creative and low‐creative networks in the brain.
Essential Oils of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum and Their in Vitro Anti‐Arthritic Potential
Authors: Marrelli Mariangela , Amodeo Valentina , Viscardi Florinda , De Luca Michele , Statti Giancarlo , Conforti Filomena
Published: October 2020

Wild Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (C.Presl) Bég. flowers, fruits and leaves were extracted with steam distillation and obtained essential oils (EOs) were characterized using GC/MS. The study was designed to verify the potential effectiveness of fennel EOs in the treatment of inflammation and arthritis. Since tissue proteins denaturation is a major cause of arthritic diseases, fennel EOs and their main constituents were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the heat‐induced proteins degradation using bovine serum albumin as a protein model. Moreover, the in vitro inhibitory effects of the three EOs on the pro‐inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) production were verified in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Estragole (28.81–33.40 %), anethole (24.16–27.40 %), fenchone (9.76–18.48 %), α‐phellandrene (1.63–8.37 %) and limonene (5.54–6.05 %) were the major constituents. All the EOs showed a concentration‐dependent biological activity, being the flower EO the most effective in inhibiting NO production (IC50=232.2±11.3 μg/mL). The leaf EO showed a very good bovine serum albumin (BSA) anti‐denaturation activity (IC50=95.9±2.4 μg/mL). Moreover, four components were proved to be effective in protecting protein from heat‐induced degradation, being α‐phellandrene the most active compound (IC50=73.2±1.9 μg/mL).
Comparing goals to outcomes for graduates of a competency‐based education program
Authors: Navarre Cleary Michelle
Published: October 2020

Background

The case for the efficacy of competency‐based education (CBE) has been hampered by the lack of research on the outcomes of CBE programs. Because so many programs are relatively new, the outcomes data that have been published do not extend much beyond graduation. In addition, it focuses almost exclusively on job‐related outcomes even though CBE learners have multiple goals.

Aims

This study seeks to assess the enduring outcomes of a CBE program by comparing the goals students articulated upon starting the program to the outcomes they identified several years after it.

Methods

The initial goals that 68 graduates articulated when they began this program were used to develop a survey that was sent to the 58 students for whom contact information was available. Thirty‐three responded to the survey, resulting in a 57% response rate.

Results & Discussion

This CBE program had an enduring positive impact on the goals the students articulated when they started the program. Students started the program with more professional and personal than social goals, and they reported more professional and personal outcomes. The impact of the CBE program was most pronounced in personal outcomes.

Conclusion

This study offers a limited contribution to the nascent research into the efficacy of CBE. It raises several questions for further study, including the extent to which the primary value of CBE is degree completion.
Look‐alikes, sound‐alikes: Three cases of insidious medication errors
Authors: Heck Johannes , Groh Adrian , Stichtenoth Dirk O. , Bleich Stefan , Krause Olaf
Published: October 2020

Physicians should be aware of look‐alike/sound‐alike (LASA) drug names. Clearly legible drug prescriptions, preferably via electronic drug prescription systems, and the use of Tall Man lettering may help to prevent LASA medication errors.
Unilateral laterothoracic exanthema in an adult
Authors: Chamli Amal , Souissi Asmahene , Midassi Olfa , Mokni Mourad
Published: October 2020

Unilateral laterothoracic exanthema (ULE) is a benign self‐limited condition that spontaneously resolves in a few weeks. Occurring mostly in childhood, although few rare cases in adults have been also reported. Diagnosis of ULE is clinical, and laboratory investigations are not required.
Characterizing Polyoxovanadate‐Alkoxide Clusters Using Vanadium K‐Edge X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Meyer Rachel L. , Greer Samuel M. , Blake Anastasia V. , Cary Samantha K. , Ditter Alexander S. , Daly Scott R. , Li Feng , Kozimor Stosh A. , Matson Ellen M. , Mocko Veronika , Seidler Gerald T. , Stein Benjamin W. , Weinstein Samuel D.
Published: October 2020

A number of technologies would benefit from developing inorganic compounds and materials with specific electronic and magnetic exchange properties. Unfortunately, designing compounds with these properties is difficult because metal⋅⋅⋅metal coupling schemes are hard to predict and control. Fully characterizing communication between metals in existing compounds that exhibit interesting properties could provide valuable insight and advance those predictive capabilities. One such class of molecules are the series of Lindqvist iron‐functionalized and hexavanadium polyoxovanadate‐alkoxide clusters, which we characterized here using V K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Substantial changes in the pre‐edge peak intensities were observed that tracked with the V 3d‐electron count. The data also suggested substantial delocalization between the vanadium cations. Meanwhile, the FeIII cations were electronically isolated from the polyoxovanadate core.
High Efficiency Sky‐Blue Gold(III)‐TADF Emitters**
Authors: Zhou Dongling , Cheng Gang , Tong Glenna So Ming , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: October 2020

Highly efficient sky‐blue luminescent gold(III) complexes with emission quantum yields up to 82 %, lifetimes down to 0.67 μs and emission peak maxima at 470–484 nm were prepared through a consideration of pincer gold(III) donor–acceptor complexes. Photophysical studies and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations revealed that the emission nature of these gold(III) complexes is most consistent with TADF. Solution‐processed OLEDs with these gold(III) complexes as dopants afforded electroluminescence maxima at 465–473 nm with FWHM of 64–67 nm and maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of up to 15.25 %. This research demonstrates the first example of gold(III)‐OLEDs showing electroluminescence maxima at smaller than 470 nm, and highlights the potential of using gold(III)‐TADF emitters in the development of high efficiency blue OLEDs and blue emissive dopant in WOLEDs.
Silica‐Supported Phosphine–Gold Complexes as an Efficient Catalytic System for a Dearomative Spirocyclization
Authors: Cao Zhen , Scalabre Antoine , Nlate Sylvain , Buffière Sonia , Oda Reiko , Pouget Emilie , Bibal Brigitte
Published: October 2020

The combination of metal catalyst and inorganic silica frameworks provides a greener approach to recyclable catalysis. In this study, three phosphine–gold chloride complexes have been successfully covalently grafted onto chiral silica nanohelices. The resulting 3D ensembles showed chiroptical properties that allowed the monitoring of the supported ligands. The heterogeneous gold chloride catalysts in cooperation with silver triflate exhibited high reactivity in various reactions, especially in the spirocyclization of aryl alkynoate esters, for which a catalytic loading of 0.05 mol % could be employed. The heterogeneous catalysts could be easily recovered and recycled seven or eight times without any loss of efficiency. By adding more silver triflate, 25 cycles with full conversion were achieved owing to a complex catalytic system based on silica and metallic species.
A Nanoprobe Based on Gated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for The Selective and Sensitive Detection of Benzene Metabolite t,t‐Muconic Acid in Urine
Authors: Domínguez Marcia , Blandez Juan F. , Lozano‐Torres Beatriz , de la Torre Cristina , Licchelli Maurizio , Mangano Carlo , Amendola Valeria , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: October 2020

Benzene is a highly toxic aromatic hydrocarbon. Inhaling benzene can cause dizziness, vertigo, headaches, aplasia, mutations and, in the most extreme cases, cancer. Trans,trans‐muconic acid (t,t‐MA) is one of the metabolization products of benzene. Although different analytical methods have been reported for the determination of t,t‐MA, these are often expensive, require trained personnel, are not suitable for on‐site measurements, and use hazardous organic solvents. For these reasons, the development of reliable, selective and sensitive methods for rapid and in situ detection of t,t‐MA are of importance. Addressing this challenge, a nanodevice for the selective and sensitive quantification of t,t‐MA in urine is reported. The nanodevice used is achieved using mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with a dye reporter and capped with a dicopper(II) azacryptand. Pore opening and payload release is induced rapidly (10 min) and selectively with t,t‐MA in urine, using a simple fluorimeter without sample pretreatment.
Generation of α‐Boryl Radicals and Their Conjugate Addition to Enones: Transition‐Metal‐Free Alkylation of gem‐Diborylalkanes
Authors: Wu Chaoqiang , Bao Zhicheng , Dou Bowen , Wang Jianbo
Published: October 2020

A transition‐metal‐free method for the alkylation of gem‐diborylalkanes with α,β‐unsaturated ketones has been developed. It is demonstrated that the α‐boryl radicals can be generated efficiently from gem‐diborylalkanes with the aid of catechol and oxidants. The α‐boryl radicals formed through such process can be engaged in conjugate addition reaction with α,β‐unsaturated ketones. This transformation is a straightforward method for the synthesis of γ‐borylketones.