bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verificando la integridad del registro arqueológico: análisis de fábricas en las unidades arqueológicas del paleolítico medio/superior de la Cova Gran (Santa Linya, Lleida)
Authors: Roy Sunyer Miquel , Roda Gilabert Xavier , Benito-Calvo Alfonso , Martínez-Moreno Jorge , Mora Torcal Rafael
Published: May 2015

El análisis de fábricas, es decir, la orientación y el ángulo de buzamiento de los objetos, constituye una técnica resolutiva en el estudio de los procesos de formación de yacimientos. En este artículo presentamos una síntesis de las principales aproximaciones realizada alrededor de esta técnica de análisis aplicada en los últimos años en conjuntos arqueológicos, así como su aplicación en el caso de los niveles de la transición paleolítico medio/superior de la Cova Gran. Dicha metodología se integra en nuestro método de excavación, que hemos sistematizado a lo largo de los años con el desarrollo de modelos teóricos y aplicaciones tecnológicas (Mora, 1994; Martínez- Moreno et al., 2011). Aportando nuevos datos a estudios previos, se comparan las fábricas sedimentarias frente a las arqueológicas de dichos niveles, hallando diferencias significativas entre estos dos tipos de fábricas. Tales observaciones, junto con otros atributos, denotan procesos de formación diferenciados que señalan la incidencia de la actividad humana en los procesos tafonómicos de los artefactos arqueológicos así como una escasa incidencia de perturbaciones sin/postdeposicionales en este tramo de la secuencia de la Cova Gran.
SOFTWARES MAIS UTILIZADOS NA FOTOGRAMETRIA PARA AVALIAÇÃO DA POSTURA CORPORAL NOS ESTUDOS E NOS PERIÓDICOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Nunes da Silva Filho José , Vanderson Cezar Da Costa Max , da Costa Aprigio Aline , Roberto de Maio Godoi Filho José , Alex Ferreira Robson
Published: May 2015

The postural assessment method most frequently used among Brazilian studies hasbeen photogrammetry. Objective: To verify that the software most used in photogrammetry currently in experimental studies published in Brazilian journals. A systematic review, following the PRISMA recommendations. The key terms were chosen through Descriptors Health (DeCS) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), finding in Portuguese: Photogrammetry; software; posture; Spinal Diseases; Measurement Equipment, and the English language: Photogrammetry; software; posture; Spinal Diseases; Measurement Equipment. The terms were inserted into the bases of national and international data: SciELO; PUBMED, and the search site Google Scholar (G.S). Were included for analysis 11 articles, which had five different types of software on their assessments, and the software was found more SAPO® (n=6), followed by Corel Draw® (n=2), Proturograma® (n=1) APADIO (n=1) and APAS (n=1). We conclude that the more the software used (SAPO®) ".
Decoupled Sliding Mode Control for a Novel 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator with Actuation Redundancy
Authors: Xuemei Niu , Gao Guoqin , Liu Xinjun , Fang Zhiming
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a decoupled nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller (DNTSMC) for a novel 3-DOF parallel manipulator with actuation redundancy. According to kinematic analysis, the inverse dynamic model for a novel 3-DOF redundantly actuated parallel manipulator is formulated in the task space using Lagrangian formalism and decoupled into three entirely independent subsystems under generalized coordinates to significantly reduce system complexity. Based on the dynamic model, a decoupled sliding mode control strategy is proposed for the parallel manipulator; the idea behind this strategy is to design a nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller for each subsystem, which can drive states of three subsystems to the original equilibrium points simultaneously by two intermediate variables. Additionally, a RBF neural network is used to compensate the cross-coupling force and gravity to enhance the control precision. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed DNTSMC can achieve better control performances compared with the conventional sliding mode controller (SMC) and the DNTSMC without compensator.
Predictors for the Success and Survival of Entrepreneurs in the Construction Industry
Authors: Abd-Hamid Zahidy , Azizan Noor Azlinna , Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: May 2015

A review of entrepreneurship literature suggests that entrepreneurial activities are the most important drivers for economic growth and corporate success, regardless of size, age or industry. Nevertheless, so far, only a few studies, if any, have considered entrepreneurship as a success factor for construction enterprises, although the importance of the construction industry to the nation's economic growth is significant. This paper reports a conceptual framework for formulating the success and survival factors of entrepreneurs in the construction industry. It also integrates four major perspectives in entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial organization, entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial environment.
Recorrido geológico y mineralógico por la comarca de Gúdar-Javalambre: desde Mosqueruela a Linares de Mora a Valdelinares y a Rubielos de Mora
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Pocoví Juan Andrés , Sanz Balagué Joaquim , Vilaltella Jaume
Published: May 2015

En este caso, el presente itinerario se desarrollará totalmente en la denominada Rama Aragonesa de la Cordillera Ibérica (que ya no se abandonará). En este tramo se irán encontrando afloramientos de los materiales mesozoicos (del Triásico, del Jurásico y del Cretácico). Más concretamente, se realizará en por la denominada Cuenca del Maestrazgo, siempre, sin abandonar la denominada Zona de Enlace de la Cordillera Ibérica con el Sistema Mediterráneo; aunque en todos los casos van a predominar las estructuras ibéricas (WNW-ESE) sobre las “catalanas” (NNE-SSW), al hallarnos plenamente dentro del dominio ibérico. Por otra parte, este itinerario discurrirá por una sola de las comarcas de Teruel, concretamente por la de Gúdar – Javalambre, aunque esta comarca incluye sectores tradicionalmente del Maestrazgo, como los del término de Mosqueruela.
Recorrido por el patrimonio geológico y minero de la comarca del Aranda: desde Mesones a Tierga, Trasobares, Calcena y Purujosa
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Pocoví Juan Andrés , Sanz Balagué Joaquim , Vilaltella Jaume
Published: May 2015

En esta ocasión se realizará un itinerario localizado en un área totalmente situada dentro la comarca aragonesa y zaragozana del Aranda, desde principio a fin, entre las localidades de Mesones y Purujosa, pasando además por los municipios de de Tierga, Trasobares y Calcena. Por otra parte, el recorrido se centrará en su totalidad en el Sistema Ibérico. Encontrándose diferentes afloramientos de los materiales paleozoicos y también de los mesozoicos, en diferentes tramos del recorrido. En el primer caso, nos encontraremos fundamentalmente con afloramientos de los materiales mesozoicos del Triásico, del Jurásico y del Cretácico, que encontraremos fundamentalmente por los alrededores de Mesones, por los de Tierga, Trasobares, Calcena y Purujosa. Sin embargo, también encontraremos afloramientos paleozoicos del Ordovícico, especialmente en las Minas de Mesones y en torno a Valdelaplata, entre otros lugares del recorrido. No obstante, a lo largo del recorrido nos centraremos fundamentalmente en el conocimiento del Patrimonio Geológico y Minero. Sin duda alguna, la conservación, valorización y utilización de este patrimonio es un importante factor económico a tener en cuenta.
INIDICADORES DA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR BRASILEIRA DE 2003 a 2013: dados e resultados das políticas públicas implementadas
Authors: Silva de Camargo Murilo
Published: May 2015

O último decênio, de 2003 a 2013, foi marcado por profundas transformações na educação brasileira. Nesse período, o orçamento do Ministério da Educação do Brasil (MEC) triplicou, passando de R$ 34,9 bilhões para R$ 109,2 bilhões, em valores corrigidos monetariamente. Em termos de percentual de investimento público total em educação em relação ao Produto Interno Bruto (PIB), passou de 4,5% em 2003 para 5,7% em 2009, e para 6,4% em 2012, sobre um PIB 68% maior. De fato, o orçamento do Ministério da Educação cresceu, em valores atualizados, 205,7% no intervalo de tempo em questão. Neste contexto de aumento real do investimento em educação na década, este trabalho se propõe apresentar as principais políticas públicas para a educação superior planejadas e desenvolvidas no período, bem como acompanhar o desenvolvimento dos principais indicadores que possibilitam realizar uma análise sobre a evolução da educação superior brasileira. Este trabalho aborda os principais indicadores da educação superior brasileira: número de matrículas na graduação, mestrado e doutorado; número de universidades públicas e de câmpus; financiamento da educação superior; recursos para assistência estudantil; avaliação da educação superior; bolsas de mestrado e doutorado; e produção científica. Analisamos ainda o alcance da expansão e os desafios ainda existentes.
A TEORIA DA AFILIAÇÃO: notas para pensar a adaptação de novos públicos ao Ensino Superior
Authors: Rocha Sampaio Sônia Maria Rocha Sampaio , Gonçalves dos Santos Georgina
Published: May 2015

O conceito de afiliação do sociólogo francês Alain Coulon constitui uma utilização da etnometodologia aos processos intelectuais, institucionais e culturais que cercam a adaptação de estudantes à educação superior e é compreendido em três tempos distintos: do estranhamento, da aprendizagem e o tempo da afiliação. A consolidação dessa espécie de “profissão temporária” é crucial para a manutenção da condição estudantil de jovens em instituições dessa natureza. Esse artigo apresenta e discute a utilidade do conceito de afiliação institucional e intelectual para que as universidades brasileiras, que vivem, desde 2008, importantes transformações em consequência da adesão ao Programa de Apoio a Planos de Reestruturação e Expansão das Universidades Federais (REUNI) otimizem seu funcionamento, desenvolvendo um sistema de gestão acadêmica capaz de acompanhar as exigências decorrentes da abertura da educação superior para novos públicos. Isso implica enfrentar, com novas estratégias, o abandono e o fracasso na educação superior. No plano humano, isso produz desmotivação, o medo do futuro, um déficit de formação e, frequentemente, menores chances de emprego num mundo extremamente competitivo, com consequências sobre a qualidade do nosso desenvolvimento como nação. Sobre o plano socioeconômico, os investimentos públicos tornam-se “não produtivos”, ou seja, não repercutem, como deveriam, na redução das desigualdades e na inclusão das novas gerações no sistema produtivo e de serviços.
POLÍTICA DE AVALIAÇÃO EM PROGRAMAS DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO DE EXCELÊNCIA EM EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Wassen Joyce , Monteiro de Aguiar Pereira Elisabete , Balzan Newton Cesar
Published: May 2015

O artigo apresenta o resultado da pesquisa com 8 Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação (PPGE) classificados, no triênio 2007-2009, como de excelência pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal em Nível Superior (CAPES). Analisa, do ponto de vista de seus coordenadores, as políticas que determinam a construção dessa excelência, a qual se expressa pelos conceitos 6 e 7 e os elementos que contribuíram para a construção da excelência de seus PPGE. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi a entrevista. A criação de Programas de Pós-Graduação (PPG) no Brasil tem sido fundamental para o desenvolvimento e consolidação da pesquisa e qualificação de mestres e doutores no país. A qualidade desses programas é a finalidade da avaliação empreendida pela CAPES. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que cada PPGE possui características e condições de produção distintas, mesmo sendo classificados com conceitos semelhantes e que nem todos os coordenadores demonstram ter em seus PPGE condições adequadas para a realização de atividades acadêmicas - recursos acadêmicos, estruturais e financeiros. A respeito dos elementos que contribuem para a construção da excelência de seus PPGE, destacam aspectos como: padrões de qualidade da própria Instituição de Ensino Superior; grupos de pesquisa; linhas de pesquisa bem definidas; liderança acadêmica nas áreas de especialidades; entre outros. Quanto ao processo da CAPES, analisam importante que se avalie a qualidade dos PPGE, porém, apontam sugestões e contribuições para o aperfeiçoamento do modelo avaliativo. 
JUNTAR SABER COM SABER: reflexões sobre o programa Residência Docente
Authors: Ricci Cláudia Sapag
Published: May 2015

Há quase dez anos a Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes) tem, entre as suas atribuições, o fomento à formação inicial e continuada de profissionais da Educação Básica. Vários são os programas organizados conforme os distintos momentos de formação docente: inicial, continuada e extensão, comprometida com a pesquisa e a divulgação científica. O objetivo desse texto é apresentar reflexões sobre um desses programas: o Programa Residência Docente. Trata-se de um projeto que alia as reflexões acadêmicas e os desafios do cotidiano escolar, propiciando o desenvolvimento profissional num diálogo entre os saberes-fazeres da escola onde atua o residente e de outro contexto escolar: o Centro Pedagógico da UFMG.
A ESCOLA PÚBLICA E SEU ENTORNO SOCIAL – uma questão em aberto
Authors: Lerche Vieira Sofia , Maia Vidal Eloisa
Published: May 2015

Este artigo procura aproximar-se do tema escola, família e comunidade do seu entorno, buscando por meio de uma incursão na literatura, estudos e relatos refletir sobre essa complexa relação. Procura também identificar possíveis matrizes geradoras que a orientam no cenário da política educacional brasileira. A presença de iniciativas que envolvem a relação entre a escola e seu entorno no país nem sempre foi foco de ação deliberada por parte do Poder Público Foi apenas a partir de meados dos anos noventa que o Poder Público passou a ter foco deliberado sobre iniciativas que direta ou indiretamente envolvem esta relação: o Programa Dinheiro Direto na Escola (PDDE), o Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento dos Conselhos Escolares e o Programa Escola Aberta. O trabalho analisa ainda dados de pesquisas sobre a visão de diretore(a)s e professore(a)s sobre a matéria, partindo de duas diferentes fontes de informação: dados dos questionários do Diretor e Professor da Prova Brasil 2011 e projeto de investigação sobre 15 municípios na região do Maciço de Baturité – Ceará, desenvolvido com financiamento do CNPq. Os dados obtidos confirmam o caráter positivo dessa relação, mostrando, entretanto, que a relação entre a escola e a família aparece como uma questão em aberto. Em outros termos, um nó ainda não suficientemente dissolvido. 
Exploring the Effect of Aluminium Solute Atoms on Nanomechanical Properties of Copper‐Aluminium System using Nanoindentation
Authors: Verma Sandhya
Published: August 2024

In this work, nanomechanical properties for Cu and Cu–Al (where Al = 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) alloys are determined using nanoindentation with Berkovich tip. Nanoindentation experiments are performed using trapezoidal load function where maximum load (Pm) varies from 1000 to 9000 μN at an equal interval of 1000 μN by maintaining equal loading and unloading rate. It is found that Cu8Al sample shows lower depth of penetration (h) at any load (P) in comparison to other samples due to more pinning of dislocations or hinderance of the dislocation movement by solute (Al) atoms during nanoindentation deformation. In addition, it is observed that the recovery is maximum for Cu8Al sample among all samples; however, this recovery is reducing with the increasing Pm for all samples. Thereafter, the elasticity and plasticity index are calculated from the area under the P–h curves, which shows that the elastic index is maximum for Cu8Al and minimum for Cu. Furthermore, the nanomechanical properties (reduced elastic modulus [Er] and hardness [H]) are reported for all samples and significant indentation size effect is observed for Cu8Al due to dislocation structure during deformation.
Strength and Plasticity Synergistic Enhancement Mechanism for AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Using Electrically Assisted Electromagnetic Forming
Authors: Wang Shu , Liu Sheng , Du Zhihao , Zhou Chuan , Sun Xiaoming , Cui Xiaohui
Published: August 2024

Few independent slip system causes poor formability of magnetic alloys at room temperature. Electromagnetic forming (EMF) is a high‐rate forming method, which improves formability of magnetic alloy. However, conventional EMF weakens energy utilization, and reduces strength and plasticity of formed parts. In this work, a novel electrical assisted electromagnetic forming (EAEMF) is proposed to improve energy utiization and properties of AZ31B alloy. nergy utilization of EAEMF is 100% higher than that of EMF under same height limit, which is due to the greater temperature and electromagnetic force acting on the sheet during EAEMF. Moreover, average tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the EAEMF specimen are 7.5%, 6.7%, and 50% higher than those of the EMF‐produced sample, respectively. This is because EAEMF promotes grain refinement, induces more twins and dislocations, which is beneficial for enhancing strength and plasticity. Particularly, twin density of EAEMF sample increased by 70%, grain size decreased by 26.6% owing to dynamic recrystallization. In addition, EAEMF weakened basal texture, increased deformation region and more uniform plastic deformation, provided more interfaces to accommodate disocations, which ensured the increase of plasticity. Therefore, this study proves the feasibility and superiority of EAEMF, providing new prospect for improving property of magnesium alloy parts.
Nanominerals Packaged in pH‐Responsive Alginate Microcapsules Exhibit Selective Delivery in Small Intestine and Enhanced Absorption and Bioavailability
Authors: Bhagat Stuti , Singh Sanjay
Published: August 2024

Mineral supplementation is crucial for human nutrition to facilitate appropriate growth, disease prevention, and improved reproductive health. The conventional forms of mineral supplementation involve an ionic form of elements mixed with biomolecules; however, suffer from unfavorable reactions under an acidic environment of stomach, ROS generation, and poor absorption in the small intestine. To address this, nanominerals (NMs) of six essential mineral elements are synthesized and packed in pH‐responsive microcapsule. Each NMs is coated with biomolecules that are known to rapidly absorb through the intestinal epithelium. Microcapsules are found intact at acidic pH (pH: 2.0–6.5); however, selectively release NMs at pH ≥7.0. The in vitro study demonstrates that the mixture of NMs and microcapsules is biocompatible and exhibits excellent ROS scavenging ability at physiological pH. Oral administration of NMs‐loaded microcapsules to rats shows enhanced levels of minerals, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, and total antioxidant activity in blood. The liver, kidneys, and spleen show enhanced expression of Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD enzymes due to high absorption and bioavailability of ZnO, Cu2O, and MnO2 NMs through the intestine. Thus, the pH‐responsive microcapsules hold promise to effectively stealth the encapsulated nutrient materials from the acidic environment of stomach and precisely deliver them to small intestine.
Enhanced Self–Assembly and Spontaneous Separation for Ultrathin, Air‒Floating Graphene Macrofilms and their Application in Ultrasensitive In‐Site Growth Sensors
Authors: Ding Guomin , Yang Bowen , Chen Kun , Wang Hong , Chen Junlei , Mei Qilin
Published: August 2024

Self‐assembled graphene films at air‐liquid interface have great potential for multiple applications. However, the large size and ultrathin thickness for graphene‐based films are hardly achieved simultaneously because of poor assembly ability of graphene oxide (GO) and cautious film transfer process (FTP). Herein, the ethanol‐based binary solution with supramolecular clusters and weak polarity is introduced to enhance the assembly performance of GO. In this regime, GO film is formed within 52 s, and its formation temperature can be as low as −20 °C. More importantly, the attractive force between the formed GO film and this binary solution is 62% lower than that between GO film and traditional aqueous solution. On this basis, for the first time a spontaneous separation of the self‐assembled GO film from solution is reported, and the air‒floating graphene films (AGFs) with nanoscale thickness and centimeter‐scale diameter are prepared without FTP. By means of this separation behavior, the in situ growth AGFs sensors are fabricated, and they express fast response and ultrahigh sensitivity to imperceptible change in temperature and disturbances that are hardly recognized by common sensors. Therefore, a new accessible strategy is demonstrated to prepare ultrathin graphene macrofilms, which can be the excellent candidates for multifunctional, ultrasensitive sensors.
Radical Carbocyclization Intercepted Reductive C−C Bond Formation Between 1,n‐Enynes or Dienes and Electron‐Poor Olefins/Alkynes
Authors: Hazra Subhadeep , Patel Manveer , Saha Jaideep
Published: August 2024

Metal hydride catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) reaction of 1,6‐enyne and electron‐poor alkene progresses through a radical cascade, involving ene‐yne cyclization and exocyclic C−C bond formation superseding the direct reductive olefin cross‐coupling; which is realized in the current study. The generality of this reaction manifold is demonstrated with a range of functionalized 1,6‐enyne and dienes and involving structurally distinct electron‐poor olefins and alkynes as partners. Current work unveils a merger of MHAT‐based olefin‐hydro functionalization with radical ene‐one cyclization.
Plant‐Derived Phytochemicals and Their Nanoformulations for Inducing Programed Cell Death in Cancer
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Long , Wang Haifan , Zhang Yuxing
Published: August 2024

Phytochemicals are a diverse class of compounds found in various plant‐based foods and beverages that have displayed the capacity to exert powerful anticancer effects through the induction of programed cell death (PCD) in malignancies. PCD is a sophisticated process that maintains in upholding tissue homeostasis and eliminating injured or neoplastic cells. Phytochemicals have shown the potential to induce PCD in malignant cells through various mechanisms, including modulation of cell signaling pathways, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interaction with critical targets in cells such as DNA. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that nanomaterials loaded with phytochemicals may enhance cell death in tumors, which can also stimulate antitumor immunity. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the anticancer effects of phytochemicals and their potential as a promising approach to cancer therapy, is provided. The impacts of phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, apigenin, quercetin, and some approved plant‐derived drugs, such as taxanes on the regulation of some types of PCD, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, anoikis, autophagic cell death, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, are discussed. The underlying mechanisms and the potential of nanomaterials loaded with phytochemicals to enhance PCD in tumors are also explained.
Anticipation of Large Intrinsic Spin Hall Conductivity in Mercury Chalcogenides: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: N Suneetha , K. S Ananthram , Tarafder Kartick
Published: August 2024

The report carried out detailed first‐principle calculations of Mercury chalcogenides (HgX; X = Te, Se and S) using density functional theory, verifying the bulk band inversion property with different exchange‐correlation functionals. The Wannier function method is used to study the non‐trivial topology of HgX systems, spin Berry curvature, and intrinsic spin Hall conductivity. Quantized intrinsic spin Hall conductivity is observed in the HgX systems. Large intrinsic spin Hall conductivity is found in the systems due to a strong spin Berry curvature accumulation near the triply degenerate points in the Brillouin zone. Calculation shows that the intrinsic spin Hall conductivity for all three HgX systems has stable plateaus, with Mercury Telluride having a maximum width of up to 1.05 eV. The maximum intrinsic spin Hall conductivity of –931/e () is obtained in mercury sulfide, higher than the reported values for spin Hall conductivity and the plateau width in typical topological insulators such as , , and as well as in transition metal pnictides (TaX, X = As, P and N) and transition metal iridates.
Stabilizing Bicontinuous Emulsions with Sub‐Micrometer Domains Solely by Nanoparticles
Authors: Sprockel Alessio J. , Vrijhoeven Tessa N. , Siegel Henrik , Steenvoorden Ffion E. , Haase Martin F.
Published: August 2024

Nanoparticle‐stabilized, bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) find potential applications as battery, separation membrane, and chemical reactor materials. Decreasing the liquid domain sizes of bijels to sub‐micrometer dimensions requires surfactants, complicating bijel synthesis and postprocessing into functional nanomaterials. This work introduces surfactant‐free bijels with sub‐micrometer domains, solely stabilized by nanoparticles. To this end, the covalent surface functionalization of silica nanoparticles is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, mass spectrometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Bijels are generated with the functionalized nanoparticles via solvent transfer induced phase separation (STrIPS), enabling the optimization of nanoparticle functionalization and surface ionization. Nanoparticles of intermediate functionalization and controlled negative surface charge stabilize bijels with sub‐micrometer liquid domains. This remarkable control over bijel synthesis provides urgently needed progress to facilitate the widespread implementation of bijels as nanomaterials in research and applications.
Multifaceted regulation of chiroptical properties and self‐assembly behaviors of chiral fluorescent polymers
Authors: He Youling , Zhang Junqian , Ma Chaoyang , Liu Junkai , Guo Jingjing , Han Ting , Hu Rongrong , Li Bing Shi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2024

The multifaceted regulation of the chiroptical properties and self‐assembly behaviors of chiral fluorescent polymers is of great significance yet remains challenging to achieve. Herein, a series of novel salen‐based chiral fluorescent polymers with aggregation‐induced emission and varied substitution manners were facilely and efficiently synthesized. Multiple factors were systematically investigated on the chiroptical properties and self‐assembly performance of these polymers, which include molecular structures, solvent environments, metal coordination, and liquid crystal (LC) assemblies. Sutle change in the solvent composition can lead to diverse assembly morphologies of all these chiral polymers, from single‐handed helical fibers, helical toroids or loops, to spherical structures, consequently leading to an aggregation‐reduced circular dichroism (CD) phenomenon. The polymers bearing salen units show highly selective and reversible coordination with Zn2+ and can also induce multiple responses in the absorption, luminescence, CD, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of these chiral fluorescent polymers via a coordination‐ and dissociation‐initiated self‐assembly tuning. Furthermore, a small amount of the chiral fluorescent polymer in can induce achiral nematic 4‐cyano‐4′‐n‐pentylbiphenyl (5CB) to form ordered chiral nematic LC phase with significant improvement in their CD and CPL signal. The absolute absorption and luminescent dissymmetry factors of the resulting supramolecular assemblies can reach the order of 10−1.
Boosting disassembly of π–π stacked supramolecular nanodrugs under tumor microenvironment by introducing stimuli‐responsive drug‐mates
Authors: Xu Wenzhe , Yang Ruixu , Xue Yingke , Chen Yang , Liu Shuwei , Zhang Songling , Wang Yonggang , Liu Yi , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2024

Numerous reports have demonstrated the construction of supramolecular nanodrugs (SNDs) via the π–π stacking of drug molecules for antitumor applications because most drugs possess aromatic rings or other planar conjugate units. However, the destruction of π–π stacking and the subsequent disassembly of SNDs under tumor microenvironment (TME), which is the precondition for drug release, have not been clearly described. In this work, based on a disassembly model of π–π stacked naphthoquinone SNDs, the influence of co‐assembled drugs on disassembly is delineated. Both the experimental observation and computational simulation indicate that the disassembly of SNDs under simulated TME highly depends on the disassembly activation energy (ΔEdis) of neighboring π–π stacked molecules. Owing to the high ΔEdis, the disassembly of self‐assembled naphthoquinone SNDs is greatly restricted. Meaningfully, the ΔEdis is the sum of a series of activation energy according to the specific stimuli of TME. Thus, a concept of stimuli‐responsive drug‐mates is proposed for boosting the disassembly of π–π stacked SNDs, namely the foremost co‐assembly of π‐conjugated drugs with additional drug molecules that possess relatively weak π–π interaction but high TME responsiveness. Further computational simulation reveals that the introduction of stimuli‐responsive drug‐mates significantly lowers the ΔEdis, thus accelerating the disassembly of SNDs and the release of drug payloads. Holding the advantages of π‐conjugated drug library, the concept of stimuli‐responsive drug‐mates gives an extensive design of π–π stacked SNDs toward heterogeneous nidus microenvironment responsiveness, which highlights the superiority of widely used drug co‐assembly strategy in constructing multifunctional SNDs.
Religious Involvement Is Associated With Higher Fertility and Lower Maternal Investment, but More Alloparental Support Among Gambian Mothers
Authors: Shaver John H. , Chvaja Radim , Spake Laure , Hassan Anushé , Badjie Jainaba , Prentice Andrew M. , Cerami Carla , Sear Rebecca , Shenk Mary K. , Sosis Richard
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Human childrearing is cooperative, with women often able to achieve relatively high fertility through help from many individuals. Previous work has documented tremendous socioecological variation in who supports women in childrearing, but less is known about the intracultural correlates of variation in allomaternal support. In the highly religious, high‐fertility setting of The Gambia, we studied whether religious mothers have more children and receive more support with their children.

Methods

We randomly sampled 395 mothers and 745 focal children enrolled in the Kiang West (The Gambia) Longitudinal Population Study cohort. Structured interviews asked mothers who and how often people invest in their children, and about their religious practices. Data were collected at participants' homes on electronic tablet‐based long‐form surveys and analyzed using the Bayesian hierarchical models.

Results

Religiosity was weakly associated with women's higher age‐adjusted fertility. Maternal religiosity was negatively related to maternal investment in focal children, but positively associated with total allomaternal support. Specifically, a woman's religiosity was positively associated with allomaternal support from matrilineal kin, other offspring, and affinal kin, but unrelated to paternal, patrilineal, and non‐kin investment.

Conclusions

These results suggest that higher fertility among religious mothers may be supported by high levels of investment from biological and affinal kin. Matrilineal kin, other siblings, and affinal kin seem to be the most responsive to a woman's religiosity. Our findings cast doubt on interpretations of women's religious behaviors as signals of fidelity, and instead suggest they may be part of strategies to enable collective allomaternal resources and higher relative fertility.
Aberrant behavior checklist in youth with Prader–Willi syndrome: Preliminary study of cross‐sectional and longitudinal behavior characterization
Authors: Kim Soo‐Jeong , Kim Lydia , Howard Waylon , McNulty Bridget , Salehi Parisa
Published: August 2024

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the loss of paternal genes on chromosome 15. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) is a standardized rating scale for assessing problematic behaviors in persons with developmental disabilities. Our study aims to describe ABC scores in youth with PWS and track their change over time. The analysis included 69 patients. Mean ABC scores were compared in four age groups (5–8, 9–12, 13–16, and 17–22 years). A statistically significant difference was found only in the Irritability subscale, with lower scores in the 5–8 age group compared to the 9–12 age group. For change over time, scores for Irritability, Lethargy, Stereotypic Behavior, Hyperactivity subscales, and Total score were likely to decrease after age 12. Irritability subscale scores of males were predicted to increase more than those of females between ages of 5 and 12 . The Lethargy score in the nondeletion group had a greater reduction than the deletion group in the 12–20 year range. This study highlights the need for systematic collection and characterization of behavioral data given the burden of maladaptive behaviors that often persist for a lifetime.
Revisiting Relativistic Electrically Charged Polytropic Spheres
Authors: Aceña Andrés , Cardin Guntsche Bruno , Gentile de Austria Iván
Published: August 2024

The problem of the structure and physical properties of electrically charged static spherically symmetric solutions of the Einstein‐Maxwell system of equations is revisited, where the matter model is a polytropic gas. A relativistic polytrope equation of state (EOS) is considered and the electric charge density is assumed to be proportional to the rest mass density. Families of solutions corresponding to various sets of parameters are constructed and analyzed their stability and compliance with the causality requirement, emphasizing the possibility of obtaining black hole mimickers. Concretely, this study wants to test how much electric charge a given object can hold and how compact it can be. It is concluded that there is a microscopic bound on the charge density to rest mass density ratio coincident with the macroscopic bound regarding the extremal Reissner‐Nordström (ERN) black hole. The macroscopic charge to mass ratio for the object can exceed the corresponding microscopic ratio if the object is non‐extremal. Crucially, the only way to construct a black hole mimicker is by taking a subtle limit in which an electrically counterpoised dust (ECD) solution is attained.
Polyanionic Receptors for Carboxylates in Water
Authors: Ren Xudong , Flint Alister J. , Austin Daniel , Davis Anthony P.
Published: August 2024

Receptors for carboxylate anions have many possible biomedical applications, including mimicry of the vancomycin group of antibiotics. However, binding carboxylates in water, the biological solvent, is highly challenging due to the hydrophilicity of these polar anions. Here we report, for the first time, the recognition of simple carboxylates such as acetate and formate in water by synthetic receptors with charge‐neutral binding sites. The receptors are solubilised by polyanionic side‐chains which, remarkably, do not preclude anion binding. The tricyclic structures feature two identical binding sites linked by polyaromatic bridges, capable of folding into closed, twisted conformations. This folding is hypothesised to preorganise the structures for anion recognition, mimicking the process which generates many protein binding sites. The architecture is suitable for elaboration into enclosed structures with potential for selective recognition of biologically relevant carboxylates.
The effect of feeding rate ratio on the properties of coaxial electrospun PLA/PEG nanofibers
Authors: Hu Baoji , Xu Feiyang , Zhao Ningbo , Zhai Manman , Ma Jingyu , Yue Wanli , Li Mengying , Wang Xu , Shao Weili
Published: August 2024

In order to clarify the effect of feeding rate ratio (Rsr) for polylactic acid (PLA) to polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the performance of thermal regulation nanofibers, PLA and PEG solutions were used as the outer and inner spinning solutions, respectively, to develop PLA/PEG nanofibers (NFp‐p) through coaxial electrospinning. NFp‐p nanofibers with Rsr of 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 were labeled PR1, PR2, and PR3, respectively. The morphology, chemical structure, mechanical properties, and thermal performance of NFp‐p were tested, and the thermal regulation function was investigated. The results showed that increasing Rsr could increase the diameter of NFp‐p, with PR1 having the smallest average diameter (520 nm). PR1 had the lowest water contact angle (122.4°), and higher Rsr enhanced the encapsulation effect of PLA on PEG. The mechanical properties of NFp‐p were significantly improved compared to pure PLA, with PR1 and PR3 exhibiting the highest breaking stress (2.5 MPa) and breaking strain (213%). The thermal performance of NFp‐p could be regulated by Rsr, with PR1 showing a more pronounced endothermic peak due to the melting of PEG, and the highest phase‐change enthalpy (13.2 J/g). Lower Rsr enhanced the thermal regulation function of NFp‐p, and PR1 showed superior thermal regulation performance.
Removal of copper and cobalt ions from aqueous solutions using starch‐xanthate based novel smart hydrogel via adsorption technique: Swelling, adsorption isotherm, and kinetic study
Authors: Chaurasiya Arbind , Pande Poorn Prakash , Shankar Ravi , Dey Kajal Kumar , Kumar Praveen
Published: August 2024

The concentration of harmful metal ions is growing globally, which raises the risk to both human and ecological health. The use of “adsorption” technique has been found to be very effective, for the removal of toxic metal ions. Among other things, hydrogels as an adsorbent work effectively for the removal of toxic metal ions and other aquatic pollutants. The newly designed potato starch‐xanthate (SX) based hydrogel (SX‐modified hydrogel) has been synthesized using a mixture of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) monomers, with the help of free‐radical graft copolymerization technique. The synthesized SX‐modified hydrogel has been characterized by several analytical techniques, namely, UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, point of zero charge (ΔpHPZC) analysis, x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The main objective of the current work is to remove the Cu2+ and Co2+ ions from wastewater using SX‐modified hydrogel as well as to study the swelling and water retention properties of the SX‐modified hydrogel. The swelling ratio of SX‐modified hydrogel has been found to be 312.31, 374.01, and 410.20 g/g at optimum pH 10, temperature 35°C, time 675 min in gray wastewater, tap water, and distilled water, respectively. The maximum percentage removal of Cu2+ and Co2+ ions by SX‐modified hydrogel has been found as 97.7% and 94.2%, respectively, at optimum conditions. The Langmuir isotherm model fits best with the experimental data, with maximum adsorption capacity of 515.46 mg/g for Cu2+ and 483.09 mg/g for Co2+ ions, respectively. The kinetic studies suggest that the adsorption process is governed by the second order kinetic model with rate constant of 2.06 × 10−4 g/(mg min) for Cu2+ and 1.79 × 10−4 g/(mg min) for Co2+ ions, respectively. The negative ΔG values suggest the adsorption process is spontaneous in nature. In addition, the positive ΔH values support the adsorption process is endothermic in nature. The SX‐modified hydrogel showed a remarkable desorption efficiency with 96.7% for Cu2+ and 92.5% for Co2+ ions and reusability for four consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. It can be concluded that the SX‐modified hydrogel has showed an effective, economical, easy, low energy consuming, and significant potential in the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metal ions.
Influence of curing temperature on shape memory performance of polyethylenimine‐based shape memory polymer coated cotton fabric
Authors: Garg Hema , Mohanty Jayashree , Das Apurba , Tripathi Bijay P. , Kumar Bipin
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the effect of curing temperature on the shape memory behavior and coating adhesion of polyethylenimine‐based shape memory polyurethane (PEI‐SMPU) to cotton fabric. The study utilized a dip‐coating process to apply a PEI‐SMPU solution to cotton fabrics, followed by curing at temperatures ranging from 100 to 160°C. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform coating, and significant adhesion, and surface roughness was substantially reduced as evidenced by atomic force microscopy. The fabric's shape memory performance improved with increasing cure temperature, exhibiting excellent recovery (90%) at lower SMPU concentrations (1%). The results indicated that the tear strength of the fabric decreased with increasing curing temperature, attributed to constrained yarn mobility due to increased SMPU cross‐linking. The study successfully correlates the thermal and mechanical properties of SMPU‐coated fabrics with the interaction between SMPU and fabric, emphasizing the preservation of their laundering durability after multiple wash cycles. These findings contribute to the development of smart textiles with improved performance and longevity.
Room temperature luminescence of 1,N2‐etheno‐2‐aminopurine in poly (vinyl alcohol) films
Authors: Wielgus‐Kutrowska Beata , Wierzchowski Jacek , Stachelska‐Wierzchowska Alicja , Krasowska Joanna , Lee Bong , Pham Danh , Alexander Emma , Sagoo Rajveer , Gryczynski Zygmunt , Gryczynski Ignacy
Published: August 2024

We studied spectral properties of 1,N2‐etheno‐2‐aminopurine after immobilization in poly (vinyl alcohol) films. The absorption spectrum of 1,N2‐ε2APu consists of two peaks centered at 300 and 370 nm, and the fluorescence spectrum has maximum at about 460 nm. The fluorescence quantum efficiency is 62%. The fluorescence anisotropy reaches a value of 0.3 at longer wavelengths, while it is low at shorter wavelengths (corresponding to the second single excited state). The 1,N2‐ε2APu has a relatively long fluorescence lifetime of about 16 ns and a noticeable room temperature phosphorescence with a lifetime of about 220 ms. A broad phosphorescence emission band (425–675 nm) is centered at about 530 nm and markedly overlaps with fluorescence at shorter wavelengths. Surprisingly, the phosphorescence excitation spectrum of 1,N2‐ε2APu‐doped poly (vinyl alcohol) film differs from the absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra. The strongest room temperature phosphorescence excitation is about 335 nm. At longer excitation wavelengths, above 450 nm, where fluorescence cannot be excited, a triplet excitation is still possible. The 1,N2‐ε2APu phosphorescence anisotropy spectra confirm direct triplet state excitation. The ability to excite molecules at long wavelengths can find applications in the study of biological molecules that are unstable when excited at high energies.
A time‐efficient computational binding affinity estimation protocol with utilization of limited experimental data: A case study for adenosine receptor
Authors: Cho Ilkwon , Moon Sunghyun , Cho Kwang‐Hwi
Published: August 2024

Estimating binding affinity is a crucial step in the drug discovery process. In computer‐aided drug design, this challenge can be divided into two main tasks: finding the correct binding pose and estimating the binding free energy. In this study, we propose a new binding affinity estimation protocol that utilizes molecular docking with limited experimental data and estimates binding affinity using molecular dynamics simulation. A custom scoring function was employed during docking to identify an improved initial binding pose, and the linear interaction energy method with an optimized coefficient was used for binding affinity estimation. The protocol was validated with an external data set and applied to modafinil and its derivatives to rank their binding affinities to adenosine A2A receptors (ADORA2A) as a case study. This approach could be both time‐efficient and valuable for computational drug discovery, particularly when experimental data is limited.
Revealing the optimal traditional processing methods and its protective effects against febrile seizures of Arisaema cum bile
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Meng , Wu Xu , Wang Jing , Zou Ting , He Su‐Rong , Zhang Qiao , Song Yi‐Jun , Wang Chang‐Li , Zhao Chong‐Bo
Published: August 2024

Arisaema cum bile (known as Dan Nanxing in Chinese, DNX) is a herbal medicine used for treating febrile seizure (FS), which commonly prepared by using Arisaematis Rhizoma and animal bile. This study was designed to explore the optimal processing time of DNX and its potential mechanism on the anti‐FS effect. A total of 17 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were the characteristic ones to distinguish different fermentation stages of DNX by using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS), such as 2‐heptanone monomer, and heptanal monomer. DNX with fermentation for 3 months had an obvious pattern of VOCs with others, which could be regarded as the optimal fermentation time. The Enterococcus and Staphylococcus might be the core bacteria on the production of VOCs. Additionally, DNX (2.8 g/kg, p.o.) reversed hot water bath‐induced FSs of rats, as indicated by increased seizure latency and decreased seizure duration time. It also prevented hippocampal neuronal loss, increased GABAAR, and decreased GRIA1 expression. At the genus level, relative abundance of Enterococcus and Akkermansia were enriched after DNX treatment. These findings suggested that fermentation for 3 months might be the optimal process time for DNX, and DNX possess an anti‐FS effect through regulating neurotransmitter disorder and gut microbiota.
FGFR3 alterations in bladder cancer: Sensitivity and resistance to targeted therapies
Authors: Noeraparast Maxim , Krajina Katarina , Pichler Renate , Niedersüß‐Beke Dora , Shariat Shahrokh F , Grünwald Viktor , Ahyai Sascha , Pichler Martin
Published: August 2024

In this review, we revisit the pivotal role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) in bladder cancer (BLCA), underscoring its prevalence in both non‐muscle‐invasive and muscle‐invasive forms of the disease. FGFR3 mutations in up to half of BLCAs play a well‐established role in tumorigenesis, shaping distinct tumor initiation patterns and impacting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emphasizing the importance of considering epithelial‐mesenchymal transition profile and TME status, we revisit their relevance in predicting responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in FGFR3‐mutated BLCAs. This writing highlights the initially promising yet transient efficacy of the FGFR inhibitor Erdafitinib on FGFR3‐mutated BLCA, stressing the pressing need to unravel resistance mechanisms and identify co‐targets for future combinatorial studies. A thorough analysis of recent preclinical and clinical evidence reveals resistance mechanisms, including secondary mutations, epigenetic alterations in pathway effectors, phenotypic heterogeneity, and population‐specific variations within FGFR3 mutational status. Lastly, we discuss the potential of combinatorial treatments and concepts like synthetic lethality for discovering more effective targeted therapies against FGFR3‐mutated BLCA.