bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIE MIKROINTERWENCJI
Architektura Gryzonii
wobec wyzwań współczesności. Cz. 2.
Authors: Janowski Maciej
Published: October 2020

Badania dotyczą metod zachowania istotnych wartości krajobrazu kulturowego na terenie Gryzonii. Metody te obejmują zarówno wielostopniowe regulacje planistyczne, jak i postawy twórcze architektów ukierunkowane na rozwój lokalnych tradycji budowlanych oraz ochronę obiektów historycznych. Istotną funkcję pełnią architektoniczne mikrointerwencje, które ograniczają nadmierny rozrost miast i wsi przy jednoczesnym zachowaniu historycznych struktur oraz sylwetki zabudowy. Metoda cierpliwego poszukiwania właściwych rozwiązań przestrzenno-formalnych wynika z negocjacyjnego charakteru współpracy architektów z mieszkańcami i traktowania wspólnoty jako klienta/inwestora. Tym samym identyfikacja z miejscem jest kontynuowana mimo zmian, tak w sferze społecznej, jak i w architekturze. Konfrontacja nowych kierunków, tendencji, ideologii z silną oraz głęboko przeżywaną tradycją i środowiskiem uznanym za istotną wartość powoduje weryfikację ich założeń, a w konsekwencji dostosowanie lub odrzucenie. Zmiany są wprowadzane, ale pod warunkiem, że są wpisane w ciągłość historyczną oraz kulturową.
Wzrost
znaczenia komunikacji publicznej wobec ograniczeń wjazdu do centrum miasta
Authors: Grabiński Sebastian
Published: October 2020

Zatłoczenie miast jest jednym z największych problemów obecnej polityki transportowej. Odpowiednie jej kształtowanie pozwoli ograniczyć zjawisko zatłoczenia, czyli kongestii. Często możemy obserwować prace związanie z dobudowaniem pasów ruchu czy powstaniem nowych ulic. Czy jednak taki stan rzeczy prowadzi do polepszenia szybkości przemieszczania się do wyznaczonego celu, szczególnie w tak zwanych godzinach szczytu? Otóż okazuje się, że nie. Posługując się takim rozumowaniem, miasto nie staje się przyjazne ludziom, lecz samochodom. Warto więc skorzystać z rozwiązań już sprawdzonych.
CONSUMER RISK IN THE ONLINE SHOPPING PROCESS IN 2017-2019
Authors: Kostrzewska Martyna , Wrukowska Daria Emilia
Published: October 2020

This paper presents results from two studies of risks connected with online shopping which were conducted in 2017 and 2018 and 2019. The studies were carried out on a group
of 400, 415 and 343 respondents, respectively, using paper questionnaires. The one year gap between the questionnaires allowed conclusions to be drawn not only about the relevance of
factors shaping risk perception but also about the evolution of such perception over time. On the one hand, the studies revealed increased trust towards the online distribution channel,
while on the other hand they showed the increased importance of risk areas such as express and punctual delivery, problem-free contact with the seller, quick solution of technical and
logistical problems, recognition of complaints and delivery of correct products
Are human dental pulp stem cells the future of neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injury therapy?*
Authors: Bar Julia , Deszcz Iwona , Lis-Nawara Anna , Grelewski Piotr
Published: October 2020

This review summarizes results from in vitro and in vivo studies which provide evidence that human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) might be a novel treatment strategy for nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases because of their high potential for neurogenic differentiation and secretion of neuron-related trophic factors. It is also worth underlining that hDPSCs are neural crest-derived cells that possess biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Induced hDPSCs have a high ability to differentiate into neuron-like cells, which show functional activity. hDPSCs express immunomodulatory factors that enhance regeneration and repair of nerve injury. These specific features of undifferentiated and differentiated hDPSCs make these cells promising for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, spinal cord injury as well as peripheral nerve injury. Recently, investigators propose that the tissue engineering technology, including scaffold, stem cells and growth factor, should provide a new strategy for spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury treatment. hDPSCs should be considered as a good choice for peripheral nerve injury therapy, because they have better potential to differentiate into neural and glial cells than stem cells coming from other sources through the expression of neuronal makers and wide range of neurotropic factors secretion. Unique properties of hDPSCs, such as high proliferation rate, trophic factors expression and stronger neuroprotective effects, indicate that these stem cells may be beneficial in neural disease therapy.
Cilia proteins CFAP36 and sentan in induced sputum
as possible new markers of epithelial damage in
obstructive lung diseases: A preliminary study
Authors: Paplińska-Goryca Magdalena , Misiukiewicz-Stępień Paulina , Górska Katarzyna , Krenke Rafał
Published: October 2020

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common chronic
respiratory diseases characterized by inflammation in the lower airways and epithelium
remodeling. Dysfunction of cilium is related to severe asthma and COPD, the role of cilium
proteins in obstructive lung diseases is not known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the
concentration of cilia associated proteins: sentan and CFAP36 in induced sputum (IS) of asthma
and COPD patients.
Materials/Methods: The study involved 15 patients with asthma, 12 patients with COPD and 17 control subjects
(9 non-smoking, 8 smoking) who underwent lung function tests and sputum induction. Sentan,
CFAP36, IL-6, IL-8, concentrations were measured in induced sputum supernatants by ELISA.
Results: The level of CFAP36 in induced sputum was elevated in asthma patients and subjects with
atopy. Cilium protein levels in sputum were not related to spirometric tests results. Both
CFAP36 and sentan concentrations were positively correlated with age. The level of sentan
was associated with airway neutrophilic inflammation and active smoking status. CFAP36
concentration was negatively related to cell viability, whereas sentan level was positively
related, but only in COPD patients.
Conclusions: The results of our study revealed CFAP36 and sentan as possible new markers of epithelial
damage of different origin in obstructive lung diseases.
Effects of Salinity on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Stage
Authors: Uçarlı Cüneyt
Published: October 2020

Salinity is the major environmental stress source that restricts on agricultural productivity and sustainability in arid and semiarid regions by a reduction in the germination rate and a delay in the initiation of germination and subsequent seedling establishment. Salt negatively effects the crop production worldwide. Because most of the cultivated plants are salt-sensitive glycophytes. Salt stress affects the seed germination and seedling establishment through osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and oxidative stress. Salinity may adversely influence seed germination by decreasing the amounts of seed germination stimulants such as GAs, enhancing ABA amounts, and altering membrane permeability and water behavior in the seed. Rapid seed germination and subsequent seedling establishment are important factors affecting crop production under salinity conditions. Seed priming is one of the useful physiological approaches for adaptation of glycophyte species to saline conditions during germination and subsequent seedling establishment. In seed priming, seeds are exposed to an eliciting solution for a certain period that allows partial hydration without radicle protrusion. Seed priming is a simple, low cost, and powerful biotechnological tool used to overcome the salinity problem in agricultural lands.
Neurofeedback for Chronic Pain
Authors: Patel Kajal , Sivan Manoj , Henshaw James , Jones Anthony
Published: October 2020

Neurofeedback is a novel neuromodulatory therapy where individuals are given real-time feedback regarding their brain neurophysiological signals in order to increase volitional control over their brain activity. Such biofeedback platform can be used to increase an individual’s resilience to pain as chronic pain has been associated with abnormal central processing of ascending pain signals. Neurofeedback can be provided based on electroencephalogram (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings of an individual. Target brain rhythms commonly used in EEG neurofeedback for chronic pain include theta, alpha, beta and sensorimotor rhythms. Such training has not only been shown to improve pain in a variety of pain conditions such as central neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, but has also been shown to improve pain associated symptoms such as sleep, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Adverse events associated with neurofeedback training are often self-limited and resolve with decreased frequency of training. Provision of such training has also been explored in the home setting whereby individuals have been encouraged to practice this as and when required with promising results. Therefore, neurofeedback has the potential to provide low-cost yet holistic approach to the management of chronic pain.
Ultra-Precise MEMS Based Bio-Sensors
Authors: Pachkawade Vinayak
Published: October 2020

This chapter evaluated the state-of-the art MEMS sensors used for bio sensing applications. A new class of resonant micro sensor is studied. A sensor structure based on the array of weakly coupled resonators is presented. It is shown that due to the weak coupling employed between the resonators in an array manifest ultra-high sensitivity of the output to the added analytes/biomolecules. Due to the highly-precise output of such bio-sensors, minimum detectable mass in the range of sub-actogram is also possible using such MEMS sensors. Analytical modeling of such micro biosensors is presented in this chapter to understand the key performance parameters. Furthermore, role of these new classes of MEMS resonant biosensors operating at ambient temperature and/or pressure is also discussed.
ANTUNES, Ricardo. O privilégio da servidão: o novo proletariado de serviços na era digital. São Paulo: Boitempo, 2018. 325 p.
Authors: Farias Silvio Kanner , Costa Gilson Silva
Published: October 2020

O título da obra de Ricardo Antunes “O privilégio da servidão: o novo proletariado de serviços na era digital” possui duas interpretações: uma mais trágico-poética e outra, diríamos, mais técnico-científica. Um livro denso, resultado consolidado de trabalhos anteriores, tanto teóricos quanto empíricos e que apresenta fortes componentes para elaborações novas, apesar de tratar de temas recorrentes em diversos debates e discursos sobre o novo mundo do trabalho. Esses debates também contam com a presença de outros autores europeus como Ursula Huws (2003), com a obra “A formação do cibertariado – trabalho virtual em um mundo real”, e Guy Standing (2013), com o livro “O precariado: a nova classe perigosa”, e de brasileiros como Ruy Braga (2017), com “A rebeldia do precariado: trabalho e neoliberalismo no sul global”, e Giovanni Alves (2000), com “O novo (e precário) mundo do trabalho: reestruturação produtiva e crise do sindicalismo” – que também tratam da temática, entre outros.
Protestant Missionaries in Literature
Authors: Davis Christian R. ,   Marquette University Press
Published: October 2020

Protestant cross-cultural missionaries have appeared as characters in literary narratives for some two hundred years. These narratives use three patterns. The first, showing godly missionaries supported by divine interventions, includes nonfiction accounts of missionaries like Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot, and Don Richardson. The second pattern, showing missionaries as orthodox fanatics, includes Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Maugham’s “Rain,” and Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible. The third pattern, common in postcolonial novels, portrays missionaries with ambivalence and humor and includes elements of Bakhtin’s “carnivalesque”: comic-grotesque imagery, obscenities, and feasts. This postcolonial missionary character represents not oppression but freedom and appears in such novels as Anand’s Untouchable, Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, and Vargas Llosa’s The Storyteller.
A charming German in the jaws of American politics: US influence on Willy Brandt's political profiling and Eastern politics
Authors: Beštić-Bronza Slavojka
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to show to what extent and by what mechanisms the United States influenced the political formation of the personality and activities of West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. Special emphasis was placed on American influences during the implementation of Brandt's most famous political concept, 'Eastern Politics', which provides the chronological context of the development of relations in line with pan-European and world political movements and their correlation with Brandt's political path in exile and later in occupied Germany, and, finally, in the newly created independent Federal Republic of Germany. Circumstances, personal (dis)inclinations, and mutual influences gave birth to a rather ambivalent relationship, created mainly due to the interests of both parties, which overlapped in certain periods of time, while later they moved away and became cold, even often hostile.
Personality's influence on political orientation extends to concrete stances of political controversy in Germany – Cross-nationally and consistently
Authors: Grünhage Thomas , Reuter Martin
Published: October 2020

Growing evidence suggests that the general personality structure predisposes the political or ideological orientation. Here, we first replicated findings of associations between Big Five factors openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness, and self-reported political orientation in a large German sample. However, the new aspect of our study is the addition of Wahl-O-Mat (WoM; a prominent voting advice application) as a measure of concrete policy-positions. Here, a score of accordance between a participant’s and the several German parties’ stances on current and relevant policy-issues is computed. Given that political science identifies trends towards a dealignment of voters with political parties and a decreasing significance of socio-structural factors, an issue-based approach to vote choice may become critical in the future. Therefore, we investigated whether personality’s influence on political orientation also extends to stances about specific issues and, thus, is not restricted to self-placements. As expected, WoM-scores also showed meaningful correlations with personality traits: accordance with right-of-center-parties is negatively related to openness and agreeableness and positively related to conscientiousness. Finally, we recruited smaller samples in the United States, Denmark, Sweden, Turkey, Spain, Australia, and Bulgaria and showed that the associations mentioned above are cross-nationally replicable. We conclude that personality influences not only self-perceived political identity but also attitudes towards current issues of political controversy. In both cases, the effects of personality were mediated by Right-Wing-Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation.
The influence of meteorological factors on phytochemical composition of Artemisia pontica L.
Authors: Saunoriūtė Sandra , Ragažinskienė Ona , Ivanauskas Liudas , Marksa Mindaugas , Šeinauskienė Erika
Published: October 2020

In order to increase the diversity of medicinal plants and biologically active compounds accumulated in them, considerable attention is given to introduction of Artemisia L. genus plants in Lithuania. The aim of our study was to determinate the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils of Artemisia pontica L. introduced in Lithuania. The object of investigation – Artemisiae pontici herba were prepared in the Scientific Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Scientific Department of Botanical Garden at Vytautas Magnus University in 2018–2019. Essential oils were separated by hydrodistillation method, their composition was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry methods in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2018–2020. The obtained results showed that a statistically significant (p > 0.05) higher amount and diversity of compounds from Artemisiae pontici herba essential oils were assessed in 2018 when HTC = 1.32. A strong correlation (r = 0.740) was assessed between the average of active temperatures and precipitation in 2019. The content of compounds was by 33.3% lower when HTC = 0.91. The other major compounds were 1,8-cineole (46.86%), 1,4-cineole (37.92%) and camphor (29.41–33.02%).
Consumer surplus and budget constrained preference maximization: A note
Authors: Lahiri Somdeb
Published: October 2020

The paper attempts to rectify what appear to be popular but elementary misconceptions about the concept of consumer surplus in the context of Marshallian demand curves. It is primarily addressed to teachers of microeconomics at the undergraduate level or in MBA programs of business schools. The main text informs the reader about the model/context and the results we are concerned with, all of the latter being a comprehensive teaching note, relegated to an appendix of the paper. Thus, the potential instructor may use the main text to motivate himself/herself and at the same time inform his/her students as to the topic i.e. the rehabilitation of consumer surplus as an exact measure of welfare from the stand-point of cost benefit analysis. Thereafter the appendix can be referred to for a more formal presentation. The technical results contained in the appendix begin by showing that willingness to pay is the area under the demand curve if and only if consumers are surplus maximizers. The last result in the appendix is a theoretically ‘happy ending’ since it shows that for purposes of applied economics, budget constrained preference maximization implies surplus maximization and hence for such consumers, willingness to pay is indeed the area under the demand curve up to the quantity consumed.
Cruise Tourists in Spitsbergen around 1900
Authors: Spring Ulrike
Published: October 2020

This article examines the early commodification of the Arctic, using emerging cruise tourism to Spitsbergen as an example. Its objective is to investigate how an Arctic tourism discourse emerged around 1900 and what its central characteristics were. Covering the period between 1893, when German Arctic cruise tourism took off, and 1914, the article argues that early cruise tourists drew on exploration, adventure and leisure discourses in order to frame their experiences. However, unlike explorers and explorer travellers (Laing and Frost 2014), they wished only to a limited extent to experience adventure themselves, or report transformative experiences due to the sublime landscape; rather, the travel narratives indicate that they were interested above all in observing adventure, this process being facilitated by the advanced technology and luxurious lifestyle of the cruise ships. As the article demonstrates, this ambivalence between images of a wild, uncontrolled and sublime Arctic and an Arctic controlled by modern technology and modern life helped to map the Arctic as a tourism space.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of herpangina children in Beijing, China: a surveillance study
Authors: Zhao Tian-Shuo , Du Juan , Li Hong-Jun , Cui Yan , Liu Yaqiong , Yang Yanna , Cui Fuqiang , Lu Qing-Bin
Published: October 2020

Background

Herpangina is a highly infectious disease, which is usually prevalent in preschool children.

Methods

This study analyzed the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of herpangina children to demonstrate the epidemiology of herpangina. Clinical manifestations, laboratory indicators and pharyngeal swabs were collected from children with herpangina who were monitored by Tongzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, 2008. Utilizing pharyngeal swabs, virus extraction and amplification were performed for nucleotide identification and sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on all sequences amplified in this study and strains retrieved from GenBank.

Results

Among 190 children with herpangina, 69.0% (131/190) were positive for enterovirus. Eight genotypes were identified, mainly including CV-A6 (39/131), CV-A4 (25/131), CV-A10 (24/131). The phylogenetic analysis showed one CV-A6 strain of Tongzhou was imported from Japan. CV-A10 strains were clustered into five groups (A-E). The dominant cluster of CV-A10 was Group E6 between 2009 and 2013, and converted to Group E5 after 2013. CV-A6 was the predominant pathogen causing herpangina in Tongzhou in 2018, followed by CV-A4 and CV-A10.

Conclusions

The circulation of coxsackievirus had spatiotemporal cluster. In controlling the transmission of herpangina, the surveillance and reporting system should be enhanced.
HISTÓRIA DA QUÍMICA COMO CAMINHO PARA DISCUSSÃO DA MULHER NA CIÊNCIA / HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY AS A WAY FOR DISCUSSION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Authors: Guimarães Lucas Peres , Castro Denise Leal de
Published: October 2020

O trabalho aqui desenvolvido tem como objetivo investigar as ideias dos alunos a respeito de cientistas e como relacionam a mulher com a ciência. A História da Química no Ensino foi destacada a partir do episódio histórico referente à cientista Lise Meitner e toda sua trajetória envolvendo a fissão nuclear. A investigação foi feita com uma turma de primeiro ano do Ensino Médio de uma escola particular do município de Barra Mansa (RJ). Concluímos que as alunas e os alunos investigados tinham uma visão distorcida dos cientistas, com ideia de uma ciência masculinizada. Mas a problematização do episódio histórico de Lise Meitner e a descoberta da fissão nuclear proporcionaram uma reflexão inicial dos estereótipos apresentados pelos estudantes.
UMA PROPOSTA LÚDICA PARA INTRODUÇÃO AO ENSINO DE PROPORÇÕES ESTEQUIOMÉTRICAS / A PLAYFUL PROPOSAL FOR INTRODUCING THE TEACHING OF STOICHIOMETRIC PROPORTIONS
Authors: Benedetti Filho Edemar , Cavagis Alexandre Donizeti Martins , Valdemar Carvalho Danilo
Published: October 2020

Cálculos estequiométricos é um tópico que gera dificuldades de aprendizagem a alunos. O presente artigo propõe uma atividade lúdica experimental a estudantes de escolas públicas na preparação de um bolo, estabelecendo-se analogias entre os ingredientes e os reagentes de uma reação química. Houve estimulo às discussões em grupo, melhorando a capacidade cognitiva e argumentativa desses alunos, propondo ideias e avaliando soluções em grupo. Os resultados mostraram-se bastante satisfatórios, grande envolvimento coletivo na prática e o desenvolvimento de habilidades importantes ao pleno exercício da cidadania. Além disso, a atividade serviu para aproximar um assunto específico de Química através de um procedimento prático comum no dia-a-dia, de uma maneira dinâmica, contribuindo, dessa forma, para uma aprendizagem sobre as proporções estequiométricas.
APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA EM PROJETOS: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA EM CLASSE MULTISSÉRIE NOS ANOS INICIAS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL / PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: A REPORT OF MULTISERIES CLASS EXPERIENCE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Authors: Lima Silvana Ferreira , Nunes Enilene Da Conceição , De Souza Ronilson Freitas
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho relata o uso da metodologia ativa denominada de Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos (ABP) como alternativa pedagógica diferenciada para favorecer o processo de ensino-aprendizagem em ciências da natureza em uma turma multisseriada (27 alunos - do 1º e 2º ano) de uma escola pública municipal. Para verificar se esta atividade favoreceu o processo de ensino-aprendizagem foi analisado os desenhos, relatos orais, diário de bordo, cartas e atividades lúdicas. Notou-se o entusiasmo, participação em grupo,  cooperação e interações ativas dos alunos nas fases (âncora, produção de artefatos, questão motriz, aprendizagem expendicionária e avaliação), tais resultados apontaram que a ABP pode ser uma proposta interdisciplinar útil em classes multissérie do município de Salvaterra, pois propiciou a assimilação dos conceitos estudados e resolução de problemas simples e do cotidiano, facilitando o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, bem como, incentivou a investigação científica infanto-juvenil.
FAAS, FT-IR and XRD Identification of Natural and Heat Treated Opals Located in Wadla Woreda, North Wello, Ethiopia
Authors: Habte Adere Tarekegne , Mekonnen Shiferaw Dessie , Alene Adugna Nigatu , Abate Gietu Yirga
Published: October 2020

Opals are naturally occurring hydrous silica materials (SiO2*nH2O), and have been largely used in jewelry and as decorative elements in artworks due to their optical properties. In this study, we present some gemological properties, a combined spectroscopic (FAAS, FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) identification of natural and heat treated opals obtained from the main deposits in North Wollo, Ethiopia. The gemological measurements, FTIR and XRD spectra for natural and heat treated samples are nearly identical, FAAS shows clear differences on their color this may be due to the concentration differences of metals. Both of these opals showed spectra and diffraction patterns typical of Opal-CT, with clearly deﬁned patterns and main peaks in the 2θ range of cristobalite and tridymite, called microcrystalline opals.
Assessment of Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic and Antimicrobial Activities of Methanolic Seeds Extract of Peganum harmala L. (Nitrariaceae)
Authors: Ansari Mohd Nazam
Published: October 2020

Background: Many plants and herbs have been shown to possess antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial activities. The present study was developed to determine the possible antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects of methanolic extract of Peganum harmala L. (MEPH) in diarrhea and hyperactive gut.

Methodology: The crude MEPH was studied using the in-vivo castor oil-induced diarrhea model in mice, while isolated rat ileum was used in the in-vitro studies. Antimicrobial efficacy of MEPH was tested against different bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia), Yeast (Candida albicans) and Fungus (Aspergillus niger) using in-vitro assays.

Results: In the castor oil-induced diarrhea, MEPH at 100 and 200 mg/kg showed 40% and 80% protection in mice while positive control drug, loperamide showed 100% protection. In the in-vitro experiments, MEPH dose-dependently (0.01 to 0.3 mg/mL) inhibited carbachol and high K+-induced contractions at comparable EC50 values similar to papaverine, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. The PDE inhibitory like effect was further confirmed when pre-incubated ileum tissues with MEPH (0.1 and 0.3 mg/mL) shift the isoprenaline-mediated inhibitory CRCs against carbachol to the left, similar to papaverine. In antibacterial assay, MEPH showed efficacy against two Gram positive bacteria (S. aureus, and B. subtilis) and one Gram negative bacteria (E. coli). But extract didn’t show any effect against K. pneumoniae. The MEPH also showed efficacy against fungal strain (A. niger) and yeast strain (C. albicans).

Conclusions: MEPH shows antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects because of its antimotility effect which were possibly due to the inhibition of PDE enzyme. The study has shown an optimal antimicrobial activity of MEPH as all bacteria, yeast and fungal strains were found sensitive except K. pneumoniae. MEPH proved efficacy against both enteric and non-enteric pathogens causing diarrhea, thus confirming its role in both the infectious and non-infectious diarrhea.
Polysaccharide–Peptide Conjugates: A Versatile Material Platform for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Song Hai‐Qing , Fan Yaqian , Hu Yang , Cheng Gang , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: October 2020

Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, have been widely studied for numerous biomedical applications because of their bioactivity, natural origin, and biodegradability. To address the different needs of a broad spectrum of biomedical applications, natural polymers are modified with or conjugated to small molecular compounds, synthetic and natural polymers, and inorganic nanomaterials and surfaces. Among these hybrid materials, polysaccharide–peptide conjugates have drawn much attention due to their design flexibility, biocompatibility, tunable degradability, and structure similarity to naturally occurring glycoproteins. In the past 20 years, polysaccharide–peptide conjugates have demonstrated the promising potential to address many long‐standing medical challenges. Thus, the design, conjugation chemistry and method, and biomedical applications of polysaccharide–peptide conjugates are summarized and discussed in this review. The conjugation techniques are reviewed from the view of the chemical reactions. Meanwhile, some inspiring examples of polysaccharide–peptide conjugates in biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems, nucleic acid delivery carriers, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial applications, are highlighted. Moreover, the outlook on the challenges and demands of polysaccharide–peptide conjugates is also elaborated.
Multiple Active Sites Carbonaceous Anodes for Na+ Storage: Synthesis, Electrochemical Properties and Reaction Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Lu Yun , Shin Kang Ho , Yu Yufeng , Hu Yezhou , Liang Jianing , Chen Ke , Yuan Haocheng , Park Ho Seok , Wang Deli
Published: October 2020

Owing to the earth‐abundant resources, cost effective materials and stable electrochemical properties, sodium‐ions batteries (SIBs) show long‐term potential in responding to the rapid consumption of lithium resources and the ever‐increasing development of new energy storage devices. Nevertheless, the intrinsic properties of the large ion radius (Na+ 1.02 Å vs Li+ 0.76 Å) and positive reduction potential (Na/Na+ −2.71 V vs Li/Li+ −3.04 V) may impede ion diffusion, thus causing serious volume expansion, resulting in poor cycling stability. To address these issues, the incorporation of active sites into carbonaceous anode is considered as an efficient strategy to enhance interfacial compatibility, enlarge interlayer distance, and supply reversible Faradic pseudo‐capacitance. Herein, the multiple active sites carbonaceous anodes for SIBs anode are comprehensively reviewed. Typically, carbonaceous materials are categorized into diffusion and surface controlled based on Na storage mechanism, and the concepts of intrinsic/extrinsic active sites are proposed according to the types of active sites. Furthermore, to reveal the reaction kinetics and guide the rational design of high performance anodes, the (spectro) electrochemical analysis methods and corresponding key parameters are introduced. Additionally, primary superiorities, essential issues, and supposed solutions of multiple active sites carbonaceous Na anodes are discussed and the future development directions are also proposed. This review may provide new design thoughts for high performance carbonaceous Na storage anodes.
Multiscale Designed Niobium Titanium Oxide Anode for Fast Charging Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Te , Lu Lei‐Lei , Yin Yi‐Chen , Li Feng , Zhang Tian‐Wen , Song Yong‐Hui , Tan Yi‐Hong , Yao Hong‐Bin
Published: October 2020

Fast charging of lithium ion batteries is essential for next‐generation energy‐storage systems. However, the poor ionic and electronic transport of anodes with its rather high mass loading limits the practical applications of this technology. Herein, a multiscale design from niobium titanium oxide anode material to electrode structure is proposed for fast charging lithium ion batteries with a practical level of areal capacity (3 mAh cm−2). At the atomic scale, the introduction of oxygen vacancy and surface carbon coating enables niobium titanium oxide (TiNb2O7−x@C) to possess excellent ionic and electronic conductivity. For the microscopic electrode structure, 1D TiNb2O7−x@C fibers are tightly assembled to form a high‐speed transport network of ions and electrons throughout the electrode. As a result, the obtained TiNb2O7−x@C electrode shows excellent rate capability (1.83 mAh cm−2 at 1 C) and cycling stability under an areal capacity of 3 mAh cm−2 (2.35 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C) in half‐cells. Significantly, a full‐cell coupled with practical level mass loading of lithium cobalt oxide cathode is demonstrated to deliver 1.55 mAh cm−2 at 3 C for the first time.
Superwetting Shape Memory Microstructure: Smart Wetting Control and Practical Application
Authors: Cheng Zhongjun , Zhang Dongjie , Luo Xin , Lai Hua , Liu Yuyan , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2020

Smart control of wettability on superwetting surfaces has aroused much attention in the past few years. Compared with traditional strategies such as adjusting the surface chemistry, regulating the surface microstructure is more difficult, though it can bring lots of new functions. Recently, it was found that, based on the shape memory effect of a shape memory polymer, the surface microstructure can be controlled more easily and precisely. Here, recent developments in the smart control of wettability on superwetting shape memory microstructures and corresponding applications are summarized. The primary concern is the superhydrophobic surfaces that have demonstrated numerous attractive functions, including controllable droplet storage, transportation, bouncing, capture/release, and reprogrammable gradient wetting, under variation of the surface microstructure. Finally, some achievements in wetting control on other superwetting surfaces (such as superomniphobic surfaces and superslippery surfaces) and perspectives on future research directions are also discussed.
Nanomedicine Approaches to Negotiate Local Biobarriers for Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Mustfa Salman Ahmad , Maurizi Eleonora , McGrath John , Chiappini Ciro
Published: October 2020

Topical treatments have been widely adopted to address a broad range of conditions across multiple sites thanks to their convenience, versatility, and effectiveness. While bypassing systemic biobarriers and avoiding systemic side effects by delivering directly to the target tissue, topical treatments still face significant local biobarriers that limit their efficacy. The toolset available for nanodelivery systems and their inherent multifunctionality can contribute to simultaneously address otherwise intractable challenges related to barrier function evasion, drug solubility, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, smart and sustained release, quantitative co‐delivery, and local targeting which are key to successful topical treatments. This review summarizes the outstanding challenges associated with the topical treatments of key diseases of the skin, mucosae, eyes, and ears, and highlights how nanodelivery systems are being developed to address them effectively.
Photodynamic Pattern Memory Surfaces with Responsive Wrinkled and Fluorescent Patterns
Authors: Chen Shuai , Ma Tianjiao , Bai Jing , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: October 2020

Reversible pattern systems, namely pattern memory surfaces, possessing tunable morphology play an important role in the development of smart materials; however, the construction of these surfaces is still extensively challenging because of complicated methodologies or chemical reactions. Herein, a functionalized basement is strategically integrated with a multi‐responsive supramolecular network based on hydrogen bonding between aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) and copolymers containing amidogen (poly(St‐co‐Dm) to establish a bilayer system for near‐infrared (NIR)‐driven memory dual‐pattern, where both the fluorescence emission and wrinkled structures can be concurrently regulated by a noninvasive NIR input. The motion of the AIEgens and photo‐to‐thermal expansion of the modified base allow temporal erasing of the fluorescent wrinkling patterns. Meanwhile, when exposed to 365 nm UV radiation, the fluorescent patterns can be independently regulated through photocyclization. The fluorescent wrinkling pattern presented herein is successfully demonstrated to promote the level of information security and capacity. This strategy provides a brand‐new approach for the development of smart memory interfaces.
Visualizing and understanding inherent features in SD‐OCT for the progression of age‐related macular degeneration using deconvolutional neural networks
Authors: Saha Sajib , Wang Ziyuan , Sadda Srinivas , Kanagasingam Yogesan , Hu Zhihong
Published: October 2020

To develop a convolutional neural network visualization strategy so that optical coherence tomography (OCT) features contributing to the evolution of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) can be better determined. We have trained a U‐Net model to utilize baseline OCT to predict the progression of geographic atrophy (GA), a late stage manifestation of AMD. We have augmented the U‐Net architecture by attaching deconvolutional neural networks (deconvnets). Deconvnets produce the reconstructed feature maps and provide an indication regarding the inherent baseline OCT features contributing to GA progression. Experiments were conducted on longitudinal spectral domain (SD)‐OCT and fundus autofluorescence images collected from 70 eyes with GA. The intensity of Bruch's membrane‐outer choroid (BMChoroid) retinal junction exhibited a relative importance of 24%, in the GA progression. The intensity of the inner retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and BM junction (InRPEBM) showed a relative importance of 22%. BMChoroid (where the AMD feature/damage of choriocapillaris was included) followed by InRPEBM (where the AMD feature/damage of RPE was included) are the layers which appear to be most relevant in predicting the progression of AMD.
Strong stabilizing selection on timing of germination in a Mediterranean population of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zacchello Giulia , Vinyeta Mariona , Ågren Jon
Published: October 2020

Premise

Timing of germination can strongly influence plant fitness by affecting seedling survival and by having cascading effects on later life‐history traits. In seasonal environments, the period favorable for seedling establishment and growth is limited, and timing of germination is likely to be under stabilizing selection because of conflicting selection through survival and fecundity. Moreover, optimal germination time may vary among genotypes because of inherent differences in later life‐history traits.

Methods

To examine how germination time affects survival, fecundity, and the relative fitness of two genotypes differing in time to first flower, we conducted a field experiment in an Italian population of the winter annual Arabidopsis thaliana, in which seedling establishment occurs mainly in November. We transplanted seedlings of the local genotype and of a Swedish genotype monthly from August to December and monitored survival and fecundity.

Results

Only seedlings transplanted in November and December survived until reproduction, and fitness of the November cohort was 35 times higher than that of the December cohort, indicating strong stabilizing selection on timing of germination. There was no evidence of conflicting selection: seedling survival, adult survival, and fecundity were all highest in the November cohort. Moreover, the relative fitness of the two genotypes did not differ significantly between cohorts.

Conclusions

The very narrow window of opportunity for seedling establishment was related to rapid seasonal changes in soil moisture and temperature, suggesting that rate of seasonal change is an important aspect to consider for understanding spatiotemporal variation in selection on phenological traits.
Epilepsy and movement disorders in CDG: Report on the oldest‐known MOGS‐CDG patient
Authors: Lo Barco Tommaso , Osanni Elisa , Bordugo Andrea , Rodella Giulia , Iascone Maria , Tenconi Romano , Barone Rita , Dalla Bernardina Bernardo , Cantalupo Gaetano
Published: October 2020

Congenital glycosylation disorders (CDG) are inherited metabolic diseases due to defective glycoprotein and glycolipid glycan assembly and attachment. MOGS‐CDG is a rare disorder with seven patients from five families reported worldwide. We report on a 19‐year‐old girl with MOGS‐CDG. At birth she presented facial dysmorphism, marked hypotonia, and drug‐resistant tonic seizures. In the following months, her motility was strongly limited by dystonia, with forced posture of the head and of both hands. She showed a peculiar hyperkinetic movement disorder with a rhythmic and repetitive pattern repeatedly documented on EEG‐polygraphy recordings. Brain MRI showed progressive cortical and subcortical atrophy. Epileptic spasms appeared in first months and ceased by the age of 7 years, while tonic seizures were still present at last assessment (19 years). We report the oldest‐known MOGS‐CDG patient and broaden the neurological phenotype of this CDG.
Advantage and validation of vendor‐independent software for myocardial strain analysis compared to vendor‐specific software
Authors: Chamberlain Robert , Shiino Kenji , Scalia Gregory M. , Sabapathy Surendran , Chan Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

One of the main limitations incorporating strain imaging into widespread clinical practice is inter‐vendor incompatibility. This poses a problem when serial strain measurements are required in a multi‐vendor echocardiography laboratory.

Methods

This study sought to compare the variability of two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking global and regional longitudinal strain using vendor‐specific software and vendor‐independent software from images acquired by two different commercially available ultrasound systems. Forty subjects underwent two sequential echocardiographic acquisitions using different ultrasound systems (GE Vivid E9 and Philips iE33). Global longitudinal strain and regional peak longitudinal strain were derived using vendor‐specific software (EchoPAC BT 13 v201 and QLAB version 10.3) and vendor‐independent software (TomTec Image Arena version 4.6). Agreement and reproducibility of global and regional strain between vendor‐specific and vendor‐independent software were assessed by independent blinded observers.

Results

Global longitudinal strain derived from vendor‐independent software was comparable to global longitudinal strain derived from vendor‐specific software, whilst regional strain was lower in agreement compared to global longitudinal strain. There was good overall agreement and high inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility using vendor‐independent software for global longitudinal strain and regional strain.

Conclusions

Vendor‐independent software provides good agreement with vendor‐specific software for global longitudinal strain. However, minor variability exists for regional strain measurements between vendor‐independent and vendor‐specific software. Good agreement of strain measurements derived by vendor‐independent software suggests vendor‐independent software could potentially be useful for serial follow‐up of global longitudinal strain.
Engineered Coatings via the Assembly of Amino‐Quinone Networks
Authors: Zhong Qi‐Zhi , Richardson Joseph J. , He Ai , Zheng Tian , Lafleur René P. M. , Li Jianhua , Qiu Wen‐Ze , Furtado Denzil , Pan Shuaijun , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Wan Ling‐Shu , Caruso Frank
Published: October 2020

Engineering coatings with precise physicochemical properties allows for control over the interface of a material and its interactions with the surrounding environment. However, assembling coatings with well‐defined properties on different material classes remains a challenge. Herein, we report a co‐assembly strategy to precisely control the structure and properties (e.g., thickness, adhesion, wettability, and zeta potential) of coatings on various materials (27 substrates examined) using quinone and polyamine building blocks. By increasing the length of the amine building blocks from small molecule diamines to branched amine polymers, we tune the properties of the films, including the thickness (from ca. 5 to ca. 50 nm), interfacial adhesion (0.05 to 5.54 nN), water contact angle (130 to 40°), and zeta potential (−42 to 28 mV). The films can be post‐functionalized through the in situ formation of diverse nanostructures, including nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanocrystals. Our approach provides a platform for the rational design of engineered, substrate‐independent coatings for various applications.
Herstellung von Boranaloga von Enaminen über Hydroaminierung einer Bor‐Bor‐Dreifachbindung
Authors: Brückner Tobias , Heß Merlin , Stennett Tom E. , Rempel Anna , Braunschweig Holger
Published: October 2020

Ein durch N‐heterocyclische Carbene stabilisiertes Diborin geht bei Umsetzung mit primären Aminen schnelle, katalysatorfreie Hydroaminierungsreaktionen in hohen Ausbeuten ein. Die erhaltenen 1‐Amino‐2‐hydrodiborene können als Boranaloga von Enaminen beschrieben werden. Die elektronischen Eigenschaften der organischen Substituenten der Stickstoffatome beeinflussen die Struktur und die Folgereaktivität der Diborene. Mit elektronenreichen Anilinderivaten besteht die Möglichkeit einer zweiten Hydroaminierung, wodurch 1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dihydrodiborane gebildet werden. Der elektronische Einfluss des Alkylsubsituenten von Isopropylamin führt nach Bildung des Diborens zu einer unerwarteten borvermittelten intramolekularen N‐Dearylierung einer Carbeneinheit.
Electrochemically Tuned Oxidative [4+2] Annulation and Dioxygenation of Olefins with Hydroxamic Acids
Authors: Wei Bang‐Yi , Xie Dong‐Tai , Lai Sheng‐Qiang , Jiang Yu , Fu Hong , Wei Dian , Han Bing
Published: October 2020

This work represents the first [4+2] annulation of hydroxamic acids with olefins for the synthesis of benzo[c][1,2]oxazines scaffold via anode‐selective electrochemical oxidation. This protocol features mild conditions, is oxidant free, shows high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope of both alkenes and hydroxamic acids, and is compatible with terpenes, peptides, and steroids. Significantly, the dioxygenation of olefins employing hydroxamic acid is also successfully achieved by switching the anode material under the same reaction conditions. The study not only reveals a new reactivity of hydroxamic acids and its first application in electrosynthesis but also provides a successful example of anode material‐tuned product selectivity.
A Stable N‐Heterocyclic Silylene with a 1,1′‐Ferrocenediyl Backbone
Authors: Weyer Nadine , Heinz Myron , Schweizer Julia I. , Bruhn Clemens , Holthausen Max C. , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: October 2020

The N‐heterocyclic silylene [{Fe(η5‐C5H4‐NDipp)2}Si] (1DippSi, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) shows an excellent combination of pronounced thermal stability and high reactivity towards small molecules. It reacts readily with CO2 and N2O, respectively affording (1DippSiO2)2C and (1DippSiO)2 as follow‐up products of the silanone 1DippSiO. Its reactions with H2O, NH3, and FcPH2 (Fc=ferrocenyl) furnish the respective oxidative addition products 1DippSi(H)X (X=OH, NH2, PHFc). Its reaction with H3BNH3 unexpectedly results in B−H, instead of N−H, bond activation, affording 1DippSi(H)(BH2NH3). DFT results suggest that dramatically different mechanisms are operative for these H−X insertions.
Catalysis with Palladium(I) Dimers
Authors: Fricke Christoph , Sperger Theresa , Mendel Marvin , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: October 2020

Dinuclear PdIcomplexes have found widespread applications as diverse catalysts for a multitude of transformations. Initially their ability to function as pre‐catalysts for low‐coordinated Pd0species was harnessed in cross‐coupling. Such PdIdimers are inherently labile and relatively sensitive to oxygen. In recent years, more stable dinuclear PdI−PdIframeworks, which feature bench‐stability and robustness towards nucleophiles as well as recoverability in reactions, were explored and shown to trigger privileged reactivities via dinuclear catalysis. This includes the predictable and substrate‐independent, selective C−C and C−heteroatom bond formations of poly(pseudo)halogenated arenes as well as couplings of arenes with relatively weak nucleophiles, which would not engage in Pd0/PdIIcatalysis. This Minireview highlights the use of dinuclear PdI complexes as both pre‐catalysts for the formation of highly active Pd0and PdII−H species as well as direct dinuclear catalysts. Focus is set on the mechanistic intricacies, the speciation and the impacts on reactivity.