bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charles de Secondat en el Estado de partidos, o del pluripartidismo como materialización moderna del principio de división de poderes
Authors: Ruipérez Alamillo Javier
Published: December 2020

Nadie puede dudar de la importancia de la doctrina de la división de poderes, en la formulación realizada por Montesquieu, para el moderno Estado Constitucional. Sin embargo, también pocos desconocerán que la virtualidad para explicar las relaciones de poder en los Estados actuales, caracterizados como «Estados de Partidos» (Triepel) ha venido siendo puesta en duda, en el marco de una más amplia crisis de las Democracias representativas. Este trabajo sostiene que, dado que los partidos políticos resultan elementos indispensables de nuestro sistema democrático, la clásica distinción entre poder legislativo, ejecutivo y judicial enunciada por el Barón de la Brède ha de comprenderse conjuntamente con el juego de pesos y contrapesos (vetos) que se produce en las relaciones entre Gobierno y Oposición.No one can doubt the importance of the doctrine of division of powers, in the formulation made by Montesquieu, for the modern Constitutional State. However, few also will ignore that the virtuallity to explain the power relations in the current States, characterized as «State of Parties» (Triepel) has been questioned, in the context of a broader crisis of representative Democracies. This paper argues that, inasmuch as political parties are indispensable elements of our democratic system, the classic distinction between legislative, executive and judicial power enunciated by the Baron de la Brède must be understood together with the set of checks and balances (vetoes) that it occurs in relations between government and opposition.
The environmental risk of storing vehicles over the soil
Authors: Makara Cleyton Nascimento , Kummer Larissa , Monego Maurici Luzia Charnevski Del
Published: December 2020

Automotive vehicles are a potential source of heavy metal contamination of the soil due to their lead-acid batteries and the use of metals in their structure and paint pigments. Understanding the characteristics of heavy metal soil contamination and identifying their environmental exposure provides important information for making decisions regarding remediation of contaminated soils. The objective of the present work was to evaluate metal contamination (Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu e Cr) in 35 soil samples (fraction<2 mm). The samples were collected from two unpaved/unsealed storage areas used by the Highway Patrol (Polícia Rodoviária Federal - PRF) for storing apprehended vehicles, one located in Araucária (AR) and one Colombo (CL), in the metropolitan region of Curitiba/PR, Brazil. Assays were performed to determine organic carbon (OC) and pH. For analysis of metals, the samples were prepared by acid digestion (method EPA 3050-B) and measured by ICP-OES. The results were evaluated according to Resolution CONAMA 420, geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and Pearson correlation analysis. The textural composition of the soil at AR and CL reflect a high degree of heterogeneity and distinct chemical and physical characteristics. The AR site had a higher level of sand and a more acidic pH than CL, and concentrations of the analyzed elements between prevention and investigation values according to Resolution CONAMA 420/2009. The CL site had a higher concentration of clay and OC, and a less acidic pH than AR. Only one collected point at CL had a concentration of Cu above the prevention value. In both AR and CL, the element Cd was below detectability with methodology employed. The spatial distribution of the cars associated with the soil texture and the analyzed elements exhibited a random surface distribution of elements. The OC content, soil pH and texture associated with Igeo, CF and Pearson correlation suggests that both environments suffer an input of metals at different points. The input of heavy metals from stored vehicles and the possible anthropogenic impact on the soil is evident.
Adubação de precisão em plantio de Eucalyptus brassiana x Eucalyptus grandis na Amazônia Oriental
Authors: Rocha Jonas Elias Castro da , Oliveira Sebastião Rodrigo do Remédio Souza de , Sarmanho Gustavo Aires , Mendes Aurélio de Sousa , Matos Gilson Sergio Bastos de , Freitas Luis de Souza , Gama Marcos André Piedade , Oliveira Francisco de Assis , Martins Walmer Bruno Rocha , Cunha Neto Ernandes Macedo da
Published: December 2020

Entender a eficiência vegetal em converter os nutrientes absorvidos em biomassa são indispensáveis para programas nutricionais de precisão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a necessidade nutricional no estágio inicial de desenvolvimento de um plantio clonal do híbrido de eucalipto. Foram instaladas 6 parcelas de 750 m², contendo 100 plantas. Cada parcela representou um tratamento com níveis pré-estabelecidos de 1 a 6, consistindo no máximo biológico, sendo os tratamentos: 0%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% e 150% de adubação. Para todas as variáveis analisadas, os tratamentos que apresentaram diferenças foram: T4 e o T3. Para as taxas de crescimento, os melhores resultados foram para o T4, com coeficiente angular 0, 5379; 0, 0789 e 0, 5888 para as variáveis altura, diâmetro do coleto e diâmetro de copa respectivamente. E o T3 com coeficiente angular de 0, 4928 para altura, 0, 0737 para o diâmetro do coleto e 0, 4992 para o diâmetro de copa. Quanto ao ganho o T4 foi o que obteve maior ganho em altura (30%), diâmetro do coleto (8%) e diâmetro de copa (35%). Assim, o híbrido Eucalyptus brassiana S.T. Blake X Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, apresentou desenvolvimento inicial diferenciado entre os níveis de adubação testados.
Análise da qualidade de lotes de sementes de Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. Ex DC.) Mattos por meio de testes de condutividade elétrica
Authors: Sasaya Mariane Kaori , Melo Roseline da Silva , Oliveira Jullyanna Mendes da Silva , Garlet Juliana
Published: December 2020

A falta de conhecimento de técnicas e dificuldade em adquirir sementes e mudas de espécies nativas florestais dificultam a implementação de experiências silviculturais apesar da sua grande importância econômica. Desse modo objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar os efeitos das combinações de fatores para análise de vigor por meio de teste de condutividade elétrica adaptando protocolos para sementes de Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. Ex DC.) Mattos. No teste de condutividade elétrica utilizou-se três lotes de sementes de Handroanthus chrysotrichus com períodos de armazenamento distintos (lote I=24meses, lote II=11meses, III= três semanas), e foram testadas diferentes combinações entre volumes de água (40 e 80 mL), quantidade de sementes (20 e 40 sementes), temperatura (25 e 35 C°), e tempo de embebição de sementes (12 e 24 horas). O teste de germinação foi realizado com intuito de validação do teste de vigor onde avaliou-se os parâmetros de germinação final e índice de velocidade de germinação. Todas as combinações avaliadas foram eficientes para análise dos lotes, com os lotes I e II, sempre apresentado maiores valores de condutividade, e menor porcentagem de germinação e Ivg. Assim, para o teste de condutividade elétrica em sementes de H. chrysotrichus recomenda-se utilizar 20 sementes em um volume de 40 mL durante 12 horas de embebição sob temperatura de 35 Co.
Avaliação de projeções climáticas para uma bacia experimental, localizada na região sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Zákhia Estefânia Maria Sousa , Alvarenga Lívia Alves , Tomasella Javier , Martins Minella Alves
Published: December 2020

As mudanças climáticas no século XXI é uma realidade inconteste. Diversos efeitos e impactos vêm sendo registrados sobre o clima e, como consequência, sobre a sociedade em várias regiões do planeta. Eventos extremos cada vez mais severos estão sendo observados, destacando-se secas extremas e chuvas intensas, poucas vezes registradas no passado. O que possibilitou estudos envolvendo mudanças no clima foi à alta performance dos modelos climáticos disponíveis, que simulam as propriedades dinâmicas da atmosfera com uma precisão aceitável. Tal processo acarreta a presença de erros sistemáticos nas saídas dos modelos climáticos, devido a imperfeição ao discretizar os processos que ocorrem na atmosfera. Mediante estas questões, o objetivo deste trabalho consiste em aplicar a técnica de correção de erros sistemáticos percentil por percentil, realizada para a precipitação total e a temperatura média da estação meteorológica da Bacia Hidrográfica do Ribeirão Jaguara (BHRJ), localizada em Minas Gerais e, posteriormente, verificar a tendência da precipitação total e temperatura média ao longo do século utilizando diferentes cenários. Para tal análise, utilizou-se as projeções oriundas dos modelos climáticos Eta-HadGEM2-ES, Eta-MIR­­­­OC5 e Eta-CanESM2, sob os cenários RCP4.5 e RCP8.5. Os resultados mensais das variáveis, projetados pelos três modelos, sugerem que foi possível capturar os padrões de variações mensal até o final do século XXI (2006-2099), com cenários RCP4.5 e RCP8.5, quando comparados aos resultados do clima presente (1961-2005).
Implicaciones pedagógicas de la realidad aumentada para la mejora de la enseñanza de las ciencias en primaria
Authors: González Pérez Alicia , Cerezo Cortijo Isabel
Published: December 2020

La realidad aumentada (RA), con su capacidad para tender puentes entre lo real y lo virtual, abre nuevas oportunidades para construir atractivos entornos de aprendizaje en el actual contexto de crisis a consecuencia de la COVID-19. La RA se considera como uno de los medios pedagógicos para promover la calidad de la enseñanza en las próximas generaciones y es, por ello, que en este artículo se presenta una revisión sistemática de literatura de cómo se está implementando la RA en los centros de primaria para el aprendizaje de las ciencias naturales. Se han analizado en profundidad dieciocho artículos de revistas, todos ellos indexados en Web of Science y que han sido publicados en los últimos cinco años. El propósito de esta investigación ha sido conocer cómo influye el uso de la RA en la motivación, rendimiento académico y en la carga cognitiva del alumnado que estudia ciencias en primaria y con esta tecnología. También, se analizan los recursos de RA para la educación científica más citados en las investigaciones consultadas. Los resultados han mostrado que la RA mejora significativamente la motivación y rendimiento académico del alumnado durante su utilización. Con respecto a la carga cognitiva, se ha demostrado que la inclusión de la RA en la educación científica no conlleva una mayor carga mental para el alumnado. Algunos de los materiales basados en la RA que emergen del análisis de esta selección son las aplicaciones de exploración (libros aumentados, marcadores de RA y puntos de interés para activar la información digital), las herramientas de simulación y los juegos.

Augmented reality (AR), with its ability to bridge the real and the virtual, opens new opportunities to build attractive learning contexts in the current context of crisis as a result of COVID-19. AR is seen as one of the pedagogical means of promoting the quality of teaching in the coming generations and is therefore that this article presents a systematic literature review of how AR is being implemented in primary schools for science learning. The eighteen selected journal articles, indexed in Web of Science and covering the last five years, have been analysed in depth. The purpose has been to know how the use of AR influences the motivation, academic performance and cognitive burden of students in the study of science. It also analyses the AR resources for scientific education most cited in the research with which they have been worked. The results have shown that AR significantly improves students' motivation and academic performance during use. About cognitive burden, it has been shown that the inclusion of AR in scientific education does not carry a greater mental burden for students. Some of the AR materials emerging from the analysis of this selection are exploration applications (augmented books, AR markers, and points of interest to activate digital information), simulation tools, and games.
An integrated set of XML tools :
Authors: Kramer Thomas R , Kootbally Zeid , Schlenoff Craig
Published: December 2020

This user guide describes an integrated set of C++ software tools for manipulating XML (eXtensible Markup Language) schemas and XML instance files. The tools are: - xmlSchemaParser - parses and reformats XML schema files, prints type derivation hierarchies - xmlInstanceParserGenerator - generates C++ classes and a YACC/Lex instance file parser from an XML schema - it's a software tool that writes software tools - orphanFinder - identifies unused types and undefined types in one to many XML schema files - xmlSchemaAttributeConverter - rewrites an XML schema file, converting attributes to elements All of the tools are invoked by giving a command in a terminal window. The tools were built at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The xmlSchemaParser and the xmlInstanceParserGenerator were originally built in support of the Agility Performance of Robotic Systems project. They have been greatly extended since that time. The orphanFinder and xmlSchemaAttributeConverter are more recent.
”Vi ved godt, at det bare er på ’note-plan´” - Studerendes digitale læringsstrategier i peer feedback via Screencast
Authors: Nordentoft Helle Merete , Møller Karen Louise
Published: December 2020

Screencast er et digitalt format, som giver mulighed for at give tekstnær peer feedback via lyd og billede. Der er forskningsmæssigt belæg for, at det kvalificerer underviserens feedback (Killingback, Ahmed, & Williams, 2019), men det er ikke undersøgt, hvilke digitale læringsstrategier de studerende bruger i anvendelsen af formatet i deres peer feedback. I næranalyser af 10 autentiske screencasts undersøger vi, hvilke digitale læringsstrategier studerende bruger i balancen mellem at give kritisk og anerkendende peer feedback. Med afsæt i Bakhtins dialogbegreb (Bakhtin, 1981) og Goffmans facework teori (Goffman, 1972) identificerer vi tre læringsstrategier i deres dialoger med teksten og den modtager, de forestiller sig. Strategierne viser, hvordan de studerende forhandler deres relation og akademiske faglighed multimodalt gennem fx ord og brug af kropssprog. I deres dialog balancerer de mellem at fremstå som en kompetent akademiker og loyal medstuderende. Brug af feedback på screencast kan udvikle deres faglige, digitale samt arbejdsrettede kompetencer.
Færøernes internationale politik
Authors: Bertelsen Rasmus Gjedssø , Justinussen Jens Christian Svabo
Published: December 2020

Færøerne har repræsentationer i Reykjavik, København, London, Moskva, Bruxelles og Beijing, og har associeret medlemskab i flere internationale organisationer. Færøernes selvstændige ageren på den internationale arena har i de senere år flere gange fanget mediernes søgelys og rejst flere kontroversielle spørgsmål. Senest med Huawei-sagen, hvor Kinas ambassadør i København blev beskyldt for på et besøg i Tórshavn at have presset Landsstyret til at indgå aftale med Huawei om Færøernes fremtidige G5-net og sat det som en betingelse for en mulig handelsaftale med Kina. Nogle år tidligere havde Færøernes fiskerieksport til Rusland og makrelstriden med EU medført hævede øjenbryn i København og aktualiseret spørgsmålet om Færøernes særstilling i Riget. Denne artikel giver et overblik over færøsk udenrigspolitik og går bagom de aktuelle sager (Huawei, Rusland, makrelstrid og EU-boykot) og forsøger at sætte Færøernes internationale politik i en historisk og geostrategisk ramme.
Diseño y validación de un instrumento para evaluar los comportamientos phubbing
Authors: Capilla Garrido Estefanía , Cubo Delgado Sixto , Gutiérrez Esteban Prudencia
Published: December 2020

En este estudio se muestra el proceso llevado a cabo en el diseño y validación de un cuestionario que evalúa los comportamientos phubbing y los efectos que producen en las vidas de las personas. Estas conductas pueden definirse como el acto de ignorar a las personas en un entorno social mirando el teléfono en lugar de prestar atención a la conversación (B?achnio y Przepiorka, 2019). Mediante el método de redes semánticas naturales se describe el procedimiento seguido para la creación del instrumento con la colaboración de un grupo de personas expertas. Se presentan la validación de contenido del cuestionario a través del juicio de personas expertas y la fiabilidad obtenida a través del coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach con una muestra piloto. La muestra que participa en la validación de contenido del cuestionario está compuesta por dieciocho personas expertas, que aportan significados a la palabra phubbing. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen a la investigación ochenta y seis conceptos relacionados con el término phubbing que determinan la estructura del cuestionario en cinco dimensiones: cultural, tecnológica, social, psicológica y comunicacional. Los análisis de la fiabilidad, obtenidos con una muestra piloto de 250 personas, afirman que el instrumento es adecuado para la evaluación de los comportamientos phubbing en personas jóvenes y adultas.
Evolución de la edición científica en revistas de Ciencias Sociales y determinación de Latinoamérica como ecosistema característico
Authors: Aliaga Francisco M.
Published: December 2020

Se analiza la evolución de la edición científica desde sus orígenes hasta los cambios más recientes, identificando tendencias y problemáticas principales. Se hace un análisis específico de la edición de revistas de Ciencias Sociales en el ámbito hispano y, más en profundidad, en Latinoamérica, identificando las características y perfiles que lo definen como un grupo diferenciado con características y problemáticas propias y con propuestas alternativas de gran interés
Laços de amizade e a fundação de direitos: uma análise dos livros VIII e IX da Ética Nicomaqueia
Authors: Pilotto Figueiredo Camila
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this article is to carry out an analysis of books VIII and IX of the work EN, in order to verify whether it is possible to find different types of rights through the various bonds of friendship (philia) described in these books. To this end, we will first carry out a detailed analysis of the aforementioned books, describing the main characteristics listed by Aristotle to define a relationship of friendship, having as a background the notion of proper function (ergon). Finally, we will analyze which of these relationships create rights, and we will do so through the the concept of sufficient reason and the Holfedian apparatus.
Sentimentos e utilidade: uma investigação da moral em bases humeanas
Authors: de Mesquita Silveira Matheus
Published: December 2020

The article main purpose is to develop an argument concerning the central problem of Hume's practical philosophy. The initial approach consists in determine the influence that reason and sentiments have on how moral judgments are ordinarily made. It will be argued that the base of moral distinctions is found in sentiments, with reason having an instrumental role in the process. In order to explain which principle offers a north to sentiments and is the moral compass of individuals, the second point developed in this article converges to investigating moral sentiments and utility from the humean argument about the natural virtue of benevolence and the artificial virtue of justice. To answer these questions, the argument will be grounded essentially on the Investigations on the Principles of Morals, using the Treatise of Human Nature and Hume’s commentators when is necessary to reinforce or clarify a specific point.
Consideraciones sócio-politicas en el marco dela ontologia orientada a objetos
Authors: Arribas Brais
Published: December 2020

In this article we will deal with the way in which Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO), elaborated by the American philosopher Graham Harman, faces the study of the social objects. Similarly, its most important implications in the field of practical philosophy will be analysed. To this end we will continue, in addition to the work of Harman, that of Levy R. Bryant and Timothy Morton, authors who assume the basic postulates of the OOO develop their possibilities in the context of ethics and ecology.
Combination of circulating miR-145-5p/miR-191-5p as biomarker for breast cancer detection
Authors: Ashirbekov Yeldar , Abaildayev Arman , Omarbayeva Nazgul , Botbayev Dauren , Belkozhayev Ayaz , Askandirova Anel , Neupokoyeva Alena , Utegenova Gulzhakhan , Sharipov Kamalidin , Aitkhozhina Nagima
Published: December 2020

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. At present, there is a need to search for new, accurate, reliable, minimally invasive and cheap biomarkers in addition to existing methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of BC. The main goal of this study was to test the diagnostic value of six circulating miRNAs in Kazakh women.

Materials and methods

TaqMan-based miRNA profiling was conducted using plasma specimens from 35 BC women patients and 33 healthy women samples (control group).

Results

The level of all seven miRNAs (including endogenous control) normalized by synthetic cel-miR-39 were significantly elevated in the group of BC patients. Normalization using miR-222-3p as endogenous control reduced differences in level of miRNAs between groups; as a result, only three miRNAs were significantly upregulated in the group of BC patients—miR-145-5p (P = 6.5e−12), miR-191-5p (P = 3.7e−10) and miR-21-5p (P = 0.0034). Moreover, ROC analysis showed that the use of miR-145-5p and miR-191-5p, both individually (AUC = 0.931 and 0.904, respectively) or in combination (AUC = 0.984), allows to accurately differentiate BC patients from healthy individuals.

Conclusions

Two plasma miRNAs—miR-145-5p and miR-191-5p—are potential biomarkers for diagnosis of BC in the Kazakh population. The findings need to be further substantiated using a more representative sample.
Clinical features and prognostic factors of spinal fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors: a long-term, single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Sun Haitao , He Shaohui , Zhao Yuechao , Ye Chen , Yang Xinghai , Xu Wei , Xiao Jianru
Published: December 2020

Background

Spinal fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors (FMTs) are extremely rare. Few studies have reported on the features and outcomes of this condition that affects the axial skeleton. We explored the clinical characteristics and factors affecting the prognosis of spinal FMTs.

Methods

We retroactively assessed the survival of 51 patients with spinal FMTs who underwent surgical and adjuvant treatments in our center between April 2006 and September 2018. Factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Variables with p value ≤ 0.05 were subjected to multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. A two-sided P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 50.8 ± 35.6 months (Range 4.2–172.6). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the 5-year DFS was 10% (95% CI [31.09-42.56]) and the 5-year OS was 53% (95% CI [61.28–97.20]). Multivariate analysis showed that en bloc excision was associated with better DFS (HR 0.214, 0.011) and OS (HR 0.273, 0.043), radiotherapy negatively affected OS (HR 0.353, 0.033), and the recurrence and Ki-67 index <5% significantly affected DFS (HR 3.008, 0.008 and 2.754, 0.029).

Conclusions

Spinal FMTs are rare. Surgery is the treatment of choice and en bloc excision is strongly recommended to improve outcomes. Disease recurrence and the Ki-67 marker are correlated with the progression of these tumors.
ARIMA Model for Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Yahaya Atanu, Enebi , Etuk Ette, Harrison , Kingdom Nwuju, , Chimee Nwaoha, William
Published: December 2020

A nation’s GDP is an important index reflecting development in economy and incomes. This paper uses the annual data of Nigeria’s GDP from 1981 to 2019 as the research data. An Augmented Dick Fuller test was used to test for stationarity of the data and was seen to be stationary at the second differencing. ARIMA (1, 2, 1) was identified as an appropriate model using Eviews 11 software after comparing the AIC values. The Ljung-Box test of the Residual satisfied that the model was adequate and was used to forecast the out of sample data. And with a Theil inequality of 0.022008, the model forecasting ability is deemed be a good.
Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Colloidal Nano Silver for Applications in Nano Medicine
Authors: Ignatov Ignat , Drossinakis Christos
Published: December 2020

Colloidal Silver in European Union is food additive. The aim of the study is to show the common effects of colloidal nano silver and electromagnetic fields. The influence on colloidal nano silver with concentration of 30 ppm was studied using the method of Drossinakis in electromagnetic waves in the range of ν=20 -70 Hz. The research was performed with the methods for spectral analyses Nonequilibrium energy spectrum (NES) and Differential nonequilibrium energy spectrum (DNES). The study was performed with research of parameters of pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP). The control sample is the sample with colloidal nano silver. The sample was taken after the influence with electromagnetic fields on the sample with colloidal nano silver.

The effect of electromagnetic fields is connected with increasing of the effects of colloidal nano silver.  There are proofs with differences between samples and control sample with parameters of

NES, DNES, pH, ORP.
Tunable, Grating‐Gated, Graphene‐On‐Polyimide Terahertz Modulators
Authors: Di Gaspare Alessandra , Pogna Eva Arianna Aurelia , Salemi Luca , Balci Osman , Cadore Alisson Ronieri , Shinde Sachin Maruti , Li Lianhe , di Franco Cinzia , Davies Alexander Giles , Linfield Edmund Harold , Ferrari Andrea Carlo , Scamarcio Gaetano , Vitiello Miriam Serena
Published: December 2020

An electrically switchable graphene terahertz (THz) modulator with a tunable‐by‐design optical bandwidth is presented and it is exploited to compensate the cavity dispersion of a quantum cascade laser (QCL). Electrostatic gating is achieved by a metal grating used as a gate electrode, with an HfO2/AlOx gate dielectric on top. This is patterned on a polyimide layer, which acts as a quarter wave resonance cavity, coupled with an Au reflector underneath. The authors achieve 90% modulation depth of the intensity, combined with a 20 kHz electrical bandwidth in the 1.9–2.7 THz range. The modulator is then integrated with a multimode THz QCL. By adjusting the modulator operational bandwidth, the authors demonstrate that the graphene modulator can partially compensate the QCL cavity dispersion, resulting in an integrated laser behaving as a stable frequency comb over 35% of the operational range, with 98 equidistant optical modes and a spectral coverage ~1.2 THz. This paves the way for applications in the terahertz, such as tunable transformation‐optics devices, active photonic components, adaptive and quantum optics, and metrological tools for spectroscopy at THz frequencies.
Nanomaterials Facilitating Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer at Interfaces
Authors: Wang Ruiwen , Li Huidong , Sun Jinzhi , Zhang Lu , Jiao Jia , Wang Qingqing , Liu Shaoqin
Published: December 2020

Electrochemically active bacteria can transport their metabolically generated electrons to anodes, or accept electrons from cathodes to synthesize high‐value chemicals and fuels, via a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Harnessing of this microbial EET process has led to the development of microbial bio‐electrochemical systems (BESs), which can achieve the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy and enable electricity generation, hydrogen production, electrosynthesis, wastewater treatment, desalination, water and soil remediation, and sensing. Here, the focus is on the current understanding of the microbial EET process occurring at both the bacteria–electrode interface and the biotic interface, as well as some attempts to improve the EET by using various nanomaterials. The behavior of nanomaterials in different EET routes and their influence on the performance of BESs are described. The inherent mechanisms will guide rational design of EET‐related materials and lead to a better understanding of EET mechanisms.
Silicon‐Based Intermediate‐Band Infrared Photodetector Realized by Te Hyperdoping
Authors: Wang Mao , García‐Hemme Eric , Berencén Yonder , Hübner René , Xie Yufang , Rebohle Lars , Xu Chi , Schneider Harald , Helm Manfred , Zhou Shengqiang
Published: December 2020

Si‐based photodetectors satisfy the criteria of being low‐cost and environmentally friendly, and can enable the development of on‐chip complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible photonic systems. However, extending their room‐temperature photoresponse into the mid‐wavelength infrared (MWIR) regime remains challenging due to the intrinsic bandgap of Si. Here, we report on a comprehensive study of a room‐temperature MWIR photodetector based on Si hyperdoped with Te. The demonstrated MWIR p‐n photodiode exhibits a spectral photoresponse up to 5 µm and a slightly lower detector performance than the commercial devices in the wavelength range of 1.0–1.9 µm. The correlation between the background noise and the sensitivity of the Te‐hyperdoped Si photodiode, where the maximum room‐temperature specific detectivity is found to be 3.2 × 1012 cmHz1/2 W−1 and 9.2 × 108 cmHz1/2 W−1 at 1 µm and 1.55 µm, respectively, is also investigated. This work contributes to pave the way towards establishing a Si‐based broadband infrared photonic system operating at room temperature.
Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Pandemic: From Diagnosis to Treatment Strategies
Authors: Hadisi Zhina , Walsh Tavia , Dabiri Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Seyfoori Amir , Hamdi David , Mirani Bahram , Pagan Erik , Jardim Armando , Akbari Mohsen
Published: December 2020

Following the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world is now combating a third large‐scale outbreak caused by a coronavirus, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). After the rapid spread of SARS‐coronavirus (CoV)‐2 (the virus causing COVID‐19) from its origin in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020. From the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, a significant number of studies have been conducted to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus, and to aid in developing effective treatment regimens, therapeutics, and vaccines. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the rapidly evolving areas of clinical care and management of COVID‐19. The emerging strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease are explored, and the development of effective vaccines is reviewed.
Predicting Vibrational Spectroscopy for Flexible Molecules and Molecules with Non‐Idle Environments
Authors: Kirchner Barbara , Blasius Jan , Esser Lars , Reckien Werner
Published: December 2020

Flexible molecules and non‐idle environments can present severe problems in the prediction of vibrational spectra. This work focuses on infrared and vibrational circular dichroism for which the latter is extremely sensitive to such complicated situations. Here two possible ways to perform spectroscopy calculations for such situations are investigated. The first approach is based on static quantum chemical calculations employing cluster‐weighting. The second approach is rooted in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations using the time correlations approach. For the present example ((R)‐butan‐2‐ol), excellent spectra from simulations are obtained for gas and bulk, when the former is averaged over trajectories with all possible starting conformers and these are scaled to match the experimental spectrum. The cluster‐weighted approach is inferior to the simulations but still reaches very good results at much less computational cost. A simplified, but computationally less expensive simulation approach is considered by approximating the electric and magnetic moments, which are input quantities in the correlation function, by classical equations and different populations analysis for the required partial charges. The results are inferior to the full simulations but still give satisfying results at the advantage of being much faster to calculate.
Ionic Liquid in Li Salt Electrolyte: Modifying the Li+ Transport Mechanism by Coordination to an Asymmetric Anion
Authors: Brinkkötter Marc , Mariani Alessandro , Jeong Sangsik , Passerini Stefano , Schönhoff Monika
Published: December 2020

In binary ionic liquid/Li salt electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries the use of asymmetric anions reduces the tendency for crystallization and enables liquid systems with high Li concentration. The ionic liquid composed of the N‐(methoxyethyl)‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr12O1) cation and the (fluorosulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (FTFSI) asymmetric anion at molar Li FTFSI fractions up to 0.6 are investigated by 19F and 7Li chemical shifts, 1H, 19F, and 7Li electrophoretic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Thereby, the local coordination environment of Li is elucidated and correlated with the Li+ ion transport properties. At low Li salt fraction, the preferred Li+ coordination is to the trifluoromethanesulfonyl side of the anion, resulting in vehicular Li+ transport in stable, net negatively charged Li‐anion clusters causing negative Li transference numbers. The Li coordination is, however, shifting to the fluorosulfonyl group at salt fractions >0.4, as consistently evidenced by DFT and 19F NMR. Herein, Li+ mobilities give evidence of an increasing relevance of structural Li+ ion transport, which is key toward developing efficient ionic liquid–based batteries. This knowledge will serve further tailored design of cations and anions, which reduces crystallization and promote structural transport in ionic liquids for safe and high‐power batteries.
Characterization of the GABRB2‐Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: el Achkar Christelle M. , Harrer Merle , Smith Lacey , Kelly McKenna , Iqbal Sumaiya , Maljevic Snezana , Niturad Cristina E. , Vissers Lisenka E. L. M. , Poduri Annapurna , Yang Edward , Lal Dennis , Lerche Holger , Møller Rikke S. , Olson Heather E. ,   for the GABRB2 Working Group
Published: December 2020

Objective

We aimed to characterize the phenotypic spectrum and functional consequences associated with variants in the gene GABRB2, coding for the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunit β2.

Methods

We recruited and systematically evaluated 25 individuals with variants in GABRB2, 17 of whom are newly described and 8 previously reported with additional clinical data. Functional analysis was performed using a Xenopus laevis oocyte model system.

Results

Our cohort of 25 individuals from 22 families with variants in GABRB2 demonstrated a range of epilepsy phenotypes from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fifty‐eight percent of individuals had pharmacoresistant epilepsy; response to medications targeting the GABAergic pathway was inconsistent. Developmental disability (present in 84%) ranged from mild intellectual disability to severe global disability; movement disorders (present in 44%) included choreoathetosis, dystonia, and ataxia. Disease‐associated variants cluster in the extracellular N‐terminus and transmembrane domains 1–3, with more severe phenotypes seen in association with variants in transmembrane domains 1 and 2 and the allosteric binding site between transmembrane domains 2 and 3. Functional analysis of 4 variants in transmembrane domains 1 or 2 (p.Ile246Thr, p.Pro252Leu, p.Ile288Ser, p.Val282Ala) revealed strongly reduced amplitudes of GABA‐evoked anionic currents.

Interpretation

GABRB2‐related epilepsy ranges broadly in severity from genetic generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Developmental disability and movement disorder are key features. The phenotypic spectrum is comparable to other GABAA receptor‐encoding genes. Phenotypic severity varies by protein domain. Experimental evidence supports loss of GABAergic inhibition as the mechanism underlying GABRB2‐associated neurodevelopmental disorders. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:573–586
Quantum Critical Lines in the Ground State Phase Diagram of Spin‐1/2 Frustrated Transverse‐Field Ising Chains
Authors: Fumani F. Khastehdel , Nemati S. , Mahdavifar S.
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on the ground state phase diagram of a 1D spin‐1/2 quantum Ising model with competing first and second nearest neighbour interactions known as the axial next nearest neighbour Ising model in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. Here, using quantum correlations, both numerically and analytically, some evidence is provided to clarify the identification of the ground state phase diagram. Local quantum correlations play a crucial role in detecting the critical lines either revealed or hidden by symmetry‐breaking. A non‐symmetry‐breaking disorder transition line can be identified by the first derivative of both entanglement of formation and quantum discord between nearest neighbour spins. In addition, the quantum correlations between the second neighbour spins can also be used to reveal Kosterlitz–Thouless phase transition when their interaction strength grows and becomes closer to the first nearest neighbour one. The results obtained using the Jordan–Wigner transformation confirm the accuracy of the numerical case.
Präbiotische Peptid‐Synthese und spontane Amyloid‐Bildung im Inneren eines protozellulären Kompartiments
Authors: Kwiatkowski Witek , Bomba Radoslaw , Afanasyev Pavel , Boehringer Daniel , Riek Roland , Greenwald Jason
Published: December 2020

Zelluläres Leben erfordert ein hohes Maß an molekularer Komplexität und Selbstorganisation, von denen einige in einem präbiotischen Kontext entstanden sein müssen. Hier demonstrieren wir, wie beide dieser Eigenschaften in einem plausibel präbiotischen System entstehen können. Wir fanden heraus, dass chemische Gradienten in einfachen Mischungen von aktivierten Aminosäuren und Fettsäuren zur Bildung von amyloidartigen Peptidfibrillen führen können, die innerhalb eines protozellulären Kompartiments lokalisiert sind. Bei diesem Prozess wirken die Fettsäure‐ oder Lipidvesikel sowohl als Filter, der die selektive Passage von aktivierten Aminosäuren ermöglicht, als auch als Barriere, welche die Diffusion der amyloidogenen Peptide blockiert, die sich spontan innerhalb der Vesikel bilden. Diese Synergie zwischen zwei unterschiedlichen Bausteinen des Lebens induziert eine signifikante Zunahme der molekularen Komplexität und räumlichen Ordnung und bietet damit einen Weg für die frühe molekulare Evolution, die zu einer lebenden Zelle führen könnte.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Enantioselective Borylation of Unbiased Methylene C(sp3)−H Bonds at the Position β to a Nitrogen Center
Authors: Du Rongrong , Liu Luhua , Xu Senmiao
Published: December 2020

Reported herein is the pyrazole‐directed iridium‐catalyzed enantioselective borylation of unbiased methylene C−H bonds at the position β to a nitrogen center. The combination of a chiral bidentate boryl ligand, iridium precursor, and pyrazole directing group was responsible for the high regio‐ and enantioselectivity observed. The method tolerated a vast array of functional groups to afford the corresponding C(sp3)−H functionalization products with good to excellent enantioselectivity.
Physiological‐based pharmacokinetic modeling trends in pharmaceutical drug development over the last 20‐years; in‐depth analysis of applications, organizations, and platforms
Authors: El‐Khateeb Eman , Burkhill Susan , Murby Susan , Amirat Hamza , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Ahmad Amais
Published: December 2020

We assess the advancement of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation (M&S) over the last 20 years (start of 2000 to end of 2019) focusing on the trends in each decade with the relative contributions from different organizations, areas of applications, and software tools used. Unlike many of the previous publications which focused on regulatory applications, our analysis is based on PBPK publications in peer‐reviewed journals based on a large sample (>700 original articles). We estimated a rate of growth for PBPK (>40 fold/20 years) that was much steeper than the general pharmacokinetic modeling (<3 fold/20 years) or overall scientific publications (∼3 fold/20 years). The analyses demonstrated that contrary to commonly held belief, commercial specialized PBPK platforms with graphical‐user interface were a much more popular choice than open‐source alternatives even within academic organizations. These platforms constituted 81% of the whole set of the sample we assessed. The major PBPK applications (top 3) were associated with the study design, predicting formulation effects, and metabolic drug–drug interactions, while studying the fate of drugs in special populations, predicting kinetics in early drug development, and investigating transporter drug interactions have increased proportionally over the last decade. The proportions of application areas based on published research were distinctively different from those shown previously for the regulatory submissions and impact on labels. This may demonstrate the lag time between the research applications versus verified usage within the regulatory framework. The report showed the trend of overall PBPK publications in pharmacology drug development from the past 2 decades stratified by the organizations involved, software used, and area of applications. The analysis showed a more rapid increase in PBPK than that of the pharmacokinetic space itself with an equal contribution from academia and industry. By establishing and recording the journey of PBPK modeling in the past and looking at its current status, the analysis can be used for devising plans based on the anticipated trajectory of future regulatory applications.
The modified fuzzy mortality model based on the algebra of ordered fuzzy numbers
Authors: Szymański Andrzej , Rossa Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

The new trends in fuzzy analysis are based on the algebraic approach to fuzzy numbers. The essential idea in such an approach is representing the membership function of a fuzzy number as an element of any square‐integrable function space. As a starting point, we consider the Koissi–Shapiro model known as a fuzzy version of the Lee–Carter mortality model, in which triangular membership functions of fuzzy variables are assumed. In our approach, the algebra of ordered fuzzy numbers is used to reformulate the fuzzy Lee–Carter mortality model and to improve the prediction accuracy.
KRAS G12V mutation upregulates PD‐L1 expression via TGF‐β/EMT signaling pathway in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Li‐Na , Ma Yun‐Fang , Li Zhen , Hu Jia‐An , Xu Zhi‐Hong
Published: December 2020

Although clinical data suggest remarkable promise for targeting programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and ligand (PD‐L1) signaling in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is still largely undetermined which subtype of patients will be responsive to checkpoint blockade. In the present study, we explored whether PD‐L1 was regulated by mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), which is frequently mutated in NSCLC and results in poor prognosis and low survival rates. We verified that PD‐L1 levels were dramatically increased in KRAS mutant cell lines, particularly in NCI‐H441 cells with KRAS G12V mutation. Overexpression of KRAS G12V remarkably elevated PD‐L1 messenger RNA and protein levels, while suppression of KRAS G12V led to decreased PD‐L1 levels in NCI‐H441 cells. Consistently, higher levels of PD‐L1 were observed in KRAS‐mutated tissues as well as tumor tissues‐derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells using a tumor xenograft in B‐NDG mice. Mechanically, both in vitro and in vivo assays found that KRAS G12V upregulated PD‐L1 via regulating the progression of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, pembrolizumab activated the antitumor activity and decreased tumor growth with KRAS G12V mutated NSCLC. This study demonstrates that KRAS G12V mutation could induce PD‐L1 expression and promote immune escape via transforming growth factor‐β/EMT signaling pathway in KRAS‐mutant NSCLC, providing a potential therapeutic approach for NSCLC harboring KRAS mutations.
miR‐424: A novel potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor in malignancies
Authors: Dastmalchi Narges , Baradaran Behzad , Banan Khojasteh Seyed Mahdi , Hosseinpourfeizi Mohammadali , Safaralizadeh Reza
Published: December 2020

microRNAs are endogenous, noncoding RNAs. Showing both tumor‐suppressive and oncogenic characteristics, miRNAs can regulate important processes in malignancies. This review aimed at highlighting the recent studies on the contribution of miR‐424 to the modulation of carcinogenesis and exploring its probable clinical effectiveness in the diagnosis and therapy of malignancies. The data were extracted from all papers published from 2013 until 2020. Mature miR‐424 leads to the degradation of its target transcripts or the suppression of translation via binding to the molecular targets. miR‐424 is involved in modulating p53, PI3K/Akt, Wnt, and other molecular pathways, thereby regulating cellular growth, apoptosis, differentiation, chemoresistance, and cancer immunity. miR‐424 was introduced as a tumor‐suppressive miR in numerous types of cancers while as an oncogene in several cancers. Regarding the cancer dependent role of miR‐424, it may be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker and a potential candidate for the treatment of cancers.
Stromal‐derived miR‐486‐5p promotes metastasis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells by targeting the CADM1/tight junctions axis in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sun Bing , Han Yu , Shi Minhua
Published: December 2020

Serum microRNA has been demonstrated as a noninvasive predictor for the progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The role of microRNA‐486‐5p (miR‐486‐5p) in NSCLC seems to be paradoxical. On the one hand, elevated expression of miR‐486‐5p in serum is associated with unfavorable survival; on the other hand, miR‐486‐5p was notably reduced in NSCLC tissues and acted as a tumor‐suppressor to inhibit NSCLC metastasis. The expression of miR‐486‐5p was analyzed in serum and tissue samples and their relationship was explored. The miR‐486‐5p‐expressing cells were isolated by fluorescent‐activated cell sorting. The downstream target of miR‐486‐5p was identified by bioinformatics prediction and experimental confirmation. Functional studies of miR‐486‐5p on NSCLC metastasis were determined by endothelial permeability assay and trans‐endothelial invasion assay. We found that the expression of miR‐486‐5p was remarkably increased in serum, while dramatically downregulated in tumor tissues of NSCLC. However, the level of miR‐486‐5p in serum was positively correlated with that in tumor tissues. Next, we identified CD31+ vascular endothelial cells in the lung stroma as miR‐486‐5p‐expressing cells. According to bioinformatics prediction, quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR, luciferase reporter assay, and western blot, miR‐486‐5p directly targeted the cell adhesion molecule 1/tight junctions axis in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, endothelial permeability assay and trans‐endothelial invasion assay confirmed that miR‐486‐5p promoted NSCLC metastasis. Highly elevated expression of miR‐486‐5p in CD31+ vascular endothelial cells increased vascular permeability and promoted NSCLC metastasis. In conclusion, stromal‐derived miR‐486‐5p is responsible for the paradoxical effect of miR‐486‐5p in serum and tumor tissue.