bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidecadal Preconditioning of the Maud Rise Polynya Region
Authors: van Westen René M. , Dijkstra Henk A.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. In this paper, we consider Maud Rise polynya formation in a long (250 years) high-resolution (ocean 0.1°, atmosphere 0.5° horizontal model resolution) of the Community Earth System Model. We find a dominant multidecadal time scale in the occurrence of these Maud Rise polynyas. Analysis of the results leads us to the interpretation that a preferred time scale can be induced by the variability of the Weddell Gyre, previously identified as the Southern Ocean Mode. The large-scale pattern of heat content variability associated with the Southern Ocean Mode modifies the stratification in the Maud Rise region and leads to a preferred time scale in convection through preconditioning of the subsurface density, and consequently to polynya formation.
The enigmatic curvature of Central Iberia and its puzzling kinematics
Authors: Pastor-Galán Daniel , Gutiérrez-Alonso Gabriel , Weil Arlo B.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The collision between Gondwana and Laurussia that formed the latest supercontinent, Pangea, occurred during Devonian to Early Permian times and resulted in large-scale orogeny that today transects Europe, northwest Africa and eastern North America. This orogen is characterized by an S shape corrugated geometry in Iberia. The northern curve of the corrugation is the well known and studied Cantabrian (or Ibero-Armorican) Orocline and is convex to the east and towards the hinterland. Largely ignored for decades, the geometry and kinematics of the southern curvature, known as the Central Iberian curve, are still ambiguous and hotly debated. Despite the paucity of data, the enigmatic Central Iberian curvature has inspired a variety of kinematic models that attempt to explain its formation with little consensus. This paper presents the advances and milestones in our understanding of the geometry and kinematics of the Central Iberian curve from the last decade, with particular attention to structural and paleomagnetic studies. When combined, the currently available datasets suggest that the Central Iberian curve did not undergo regional differential vertical-axis rotations during or after the latest stages of the Variscan orogeny, and did not form as the consequence of a single process. Instead, its core is likely a primary curve (i.e. inherited from previous physiographic features of the crust) whereas the curvature in areas outside the core are dominated by folding interference during the Variscan orogeny or more recent Cenozoic (Alpine) tectonics.
A morpheme introducing degrees and its impact on argument structure: The Taiwanese Southern Min u-
Authors: Liu Chen-Sheng Luther
Published: April 2020

In the Taiwanese Southern Min u-V construction, the u-V sequence is an intransitive compound verb denoting a stative scalar property, and the V of the sequence can be a non-gradable lexical verb or an aspectual verb. The morpheme u ‘uVD’ (A) morphosyntactically induces a change in the valency of the lexical V, (B) compositionally changes the denotation of V into a set of events (or time containment relations), and (C) semantically introduces degrees by contributing a structure-preserving map from events, states or time containment relations to their measures along various dimensions (Wellwood 2015). This study has two implications. First, contra Wellwood (2015), the TSM u-V construction provides empirical evidence in support of the degree-theoretic approach for degree structures. Second, Taiwanese Southern Min also adopts the possessive morphosyntactic strategy for predicating gradable properties, but the nominal involved is not necessary to be an abstract property concept nominal (Francez & Koontz-Garboden 2017).
The Romantic Context of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s Fairy Tales, The Golden Pot, The Strange Child and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Authors: Scullion Val , Treby Marion
Published: April 2020

As diaries, letters and the intensive intertextuality of his prose fiction show, the German Romantic writer and composer, E. T. A. Hoffmann (1776-1822), was an obsessive bibliophile and polymath. The aim of this article is to explore how far three of his literary fairy tales, The Golden Pot: A Modern Fairy Tale (1814), The Strange Child (1816) and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816), use the generic conventions of the fairy tale, and how far they are influenced by his voracious reading, his encyclopaedic knowledge of literature, and his engagement with contemporary debates. We conclude with brief observations about his literary legacy in the genres of fairy tales and fantasy fiction.
On the Explanatory Power of the Hypothesis of Semantic Determination to Causative Alternation
Authors: Liu Qian
Published: April 2020

According to the hypothesis of semantic determination, meaning is a key to verb behavior; verb fall into classes on the basis of shared components of meaning, and members in the same semantic class may share patterns of behavior. This paper aims to verify the validity of component analysis in predicting syntactic behavior. It first makes a brief introduction to causative alternation, then compares the meaning components and usage of three verbs, i.e., break, cut and bake. Finally, two contradictions are found in the alternation analysis of these verbs. Therefore, the component analysis cannot completely predict their alternation type. Consequently, the explanatory power of this hypothesis is very limited as far as causative alternation is concerned.
The Impact of Organization Culture on Service Quality Provided by Ministry of Industry and Trade in the State of Kuwait
Authors: Jazza Alshemmari Jasem Mohammed
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to identify the impact of organization culture on service quality provided by Ministry of Industry and Trade in the State of Kuwait, To achieve study goals. A questionnaire was designed and distributed over ministry employees. The study population consists of Ministry of Trade and Industry employees in the State of Kuwait. A convenience sample amounting (100) employees was selected

Several results have been concluded namely: There is a of statistically significant relationship impact of prevailing organization culture on service quality provided by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the State of Kuwait, and there is a growing interest in prevailing organizational culture quality in the ministry, and there is a high quality level that is provided to ministry customers.

Several recommendations have been suggested, the most important of which are: to delegate some powers to e employees, and to involve employees in the decisions that are taken and related to their work. Attention has to be paid to non-rigidity in administrative decisions, and to develop the service provided to citizens
Werken aan mogelijkheden
Authors: Boutellier Hans
Published: April 2020

Werken aan mogelijkheden

Naar aanleiding van 25 jaar Vereniging voor Beleidsonderzoek staat dit artikel stil bij de rol van beleidsonderzoek. Het belang daarvan wordt nogal eens onderschat – zowel door beleidsmakers als onderzoekers zelf. Vanuit een wat breder perspectief bezien blijkt het voor de huidige samenleving – getypeerd als ‘een pragmacratie’ – echter een onmisbare functie te vervullen. Beleid en praktijk zijn vaak indirect gebaseerd op wetenschappelijke concepten, onderzoeksresultaten en toekomstverkenningen. Vooral de sociale wetenschappen maken zichtbaar wat mogelijk is, en beleidsonderzoek doet dat dan ook nog eens op een tijdige, oplossingsgerichte manier. Daarbij zijn er verschillende manieren om impact te hebben, waarbij de beleidsonderzoeker moet vasthouden aan zijn onafhankelijkheid en controleerbaarheid.

Dit artikel is een uitwerking van de lezing van Hans Boutellier op het VBO-congres op 7 november 2019 en is gebaseerd op het gelijknamige hoofdstuk uit Het seculiere experiment: Over westerse waarden in radicale tijden (herziene versie, 2019). Zie ook het essay van Peter van Hoesel, Beleidsonderzoek in de periode 1970-1995, Beleidsonderzoek Online februari 2020.
Enkele opmerkingen over beëindiging van de arbeidsovereenkomst met een bestuurder van een rechtspersoon na ontslag: opzeggen of ontbinden?
Authors: de Groot C.
Published: April 2020

Enkele opmerkingen over beëindiging van de arbeidsovereenkomst met een bestuurder van een rechtspersoon na ontslag: opzeggen of ontbinden?

Een rechtspersoon die een bestuurder heeft ontslagen zal in veel gevallen ook de resterende arbeidsovereenkomst met die bestuurder willen beëindigen. Bij een vereniging, een naamloze vennootschap en een besloten vennootschap kan dat op grond van Boek 2 BW eenvoudig door de arbeidsovereenkomst op te zeggen. Bij een stichting ligt dat anders: een stichting moet de arbeidsovereenkomst beëindigen met inachtneming van de regels van het arbeidsovereenkomstenrecht. Dat betekent door opzegging van de arbeidsovereenkomst na daarvoor toestemming te hebben gekregen van het Uitvoeringsinstituut werknemersverzekeringen, of door de kantonrechter te verzoeken de arbeidsovereenkomst te ontbinden. De voorgestelde Wet bestuur en toezicht rechtspersonen zal aan deze uitzonderingsituatie een einde maken.
Deliberation Out of the Laboratory into Democracy
Authors: Renson Thibaut
Published: April 2020

Deliberation Out of the Laboratory into Democracy Quasi-Experimental Research on Deliberative Opinions in Antwerp’s Participatory Budgeting

The theoretical assumptions of deliberative democracy are increasingly embraced by policymakers investing in local practices, while the empirical verifications are often not on an equal footing. One such assertion concerns the stimulus of social learning among participants of civic democratic deliberation. Through the use of pre-test/post-test panel data, it is tested whether participation in mini-publics stimulates the cognitive and attitudinal indicators of social learning. The main contribution of this work lies in the choice of matching this quasi-experimental set-up with a natural design. This study explores social learning across deliberation through which local policymakers invite their citizens to participate in actual policymaking. This analysis on the District of Antwerp’s participatory budgeting demonstrates stronger social learning in real-world policymaking. These results inform a richer theory on the impacts of deliberation, as well as better use of limited resources for local (participatory) policymaking.
Nowoczesne technologie monitorowania robót ziemnych. Praktyczne wdrożenie na przykładzie budowy Kwatery Południowej OUOW Żelazny Most
Authors: Rybka Iwona , Nowobilski Tomasz , Stolarz Marta
Published: April 2020

Roboty ziemne są nieodzownym elementem każdego procesu inwestycyjnego, a prawidłowy ich przebieg uzależniony jest od wiedzy i kompetencji osób nimi zarządzających oraz wykorzystywanych metod. Ciągły rozwój narzędzi umożliwiających gromadzenie, przetwarzanie i analizę dużych ilości danych umożliwia szybsze, dokładniejsze i bardziej efektywne zarządzanie budową w porównaniu do metod tradycyjnych. W artykule przedstawiono najważniejsze narzędzia technologii BIM wykorzystywane do analizy robót ziemnych prowadzonych na dużej inwestycji geotechnicznej w Polsce, jaką jest budowa Kwatery Południowej Obiektu Unieszkodliwiania Odpadów Wydobywczych Żelazny Most (OUOW Żelazny Most). Przeprowadzona analiza pozwoliła na wskazanie korzyści i ograniczeń wynikających z zastosowania wybranych narzędzi technologii BIM w procesie inwestycyjnym.
Techniczna
i ekonomiczna propozycja rozwiązania problemu ścian trójwarstwowych w budynkach wielopłytowych
Authors: Runkiewicz Leonard , Szulc Jarosław , Sieczkowski Jan
Published: April 2020

W artykule przedstawiono założenia nowelizacji ustawy o wspieraniu termomodernizacji i remontów budynków, ukierunkowane na spełnienie aktualnych wymagań technicznych. Na konieczność podjętych działań wskazuje w szczególności Raport
z przeglądu funkcjonowania ustawy o wspieraniu termomodernizacji i remontów w latach 2009–2016, przygotowany w Ministerstwie Infrastruktury i Budownictwa, dokument Budownictwo wielkopłytowe. Raport o stanie technicznym [9], opracowany na podstawie wieloletniej działalności Instytutu Techniki Budowlanej (ITB) oraz m.in. pracy statutowej Ocena bezpieczeństwa i trwałości budynków wykonanych metodami uprzemysłowionymi [10], prowadzonej w latach 2016–2018. W wyniku przeprowadzonych na szeroką skalę badań
in situ budynków wielkopłytowych zwrócono uwagę m.in. na zasadność naprawy i wzmocnienia zewnętrznych ścian trójwarstwowych – rekomendacja ITB stanowiła jedną z podstaw podjętej inicjatywy ustawodawczej. Beneficjentami nowelizacji ustawy w większości są wspólnoty i spółdzielnie mieszkaniowe, które
z uwagi na ograniczone środki budżetowe nie są
w stanie samodzielnie (bez wsparcia centralnego) rozwiązać problemu termomodernizacji oraz remontów znajdujących się w ich zasobach budynków wzniesionych w technologiach wielkopłytowych.
Development of New Advanced Ti-Mo Alloys for Medical Applications
Authors: Vizureanu Petrică , Simona Bălțatu Mădălina , Victor Sandu Andrei
Published: April 2020

The use of titanium and titanium-based alloys with applications in implantology and dentistry has made remarkable progress in the promotion of new technologies and new materials that have been developed in recent years. This is justified thanks to their excellent mechanical, physical, and biological performance. Today’s generation promotes new titanium alloys, with nontoxic elements and long-term performance and without rejection of the human body. This book chapter describes new original compositions of Ti-based alloys for medical applications, with improved properties compared to existing classical alloys (C.p. Ti, Ti6Al4V, CoCrMo, etc.). The addition of nontoxic elements such as Mo, Si, Zr, and Ta brings benefits as reduced modulus of elasticity, increased corrosion resistance, and improved biocompatibility.
Emerging Technologies to Increase Extraction, Control Microorganisms, and Reduce SO2
Authors: Morata Antonio , Loira Iris , Guamis Buenaventura , Raso Javier , Manuel del Fresno Juan , Escott Carlos , Antonia Bañuelos María , Álvarez Ignacio , Tesfaye Wendu , González Carmen , Antonio Suárez-Lepe Jose
Published: April 2020

This chapter reviews the main non-thermal technologies with application in enology and their impact in: the extraction of phenolic compounds from grapes, the elimination of indigenous microorganisms, and the subsequent effect in SO2 reduction. The technologies are physical processes with null or low repercussion in temperature and therefore gentle with sensory quality of grapes. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), ultra high pressure homogenization (UHPH), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), electron-beam irradiation (eBeam), ultrasound (US), and pulsed light (PL) have interesting advantages and some drawbacks that are extensively reviewed highlighting the potential applications in current technology.
Defining Normal Healthy Term Newborn Automated Hematologic Reference Intervals at 24 Hours of Life
Authors: Ianni Barbara , McDaniel Holly , Savilo Elena , Wade Christine , Micetic Becky , Johnson Scott , Gerkin Richard
Published: April 2020

Context.—

Automated analyzers have advanced the field of clinical hematology, mandating updated complete blood count (CBC) reference intervals (RIs) to be clinically useful. Contemporary newborn CBC RI publications are mostly retrospective, which some authors have cited as one of their cardinal limitations and recommended future prospective studies.

Objective.—

To prospectively establish accurate hematologic RIs for normal healthy term newborns at 24 hours of life given the limitations of the current medical literature.

Design.—

This prospective study was conducted at an academic tertiary care center, and hematology samples were collected from 120 participants deemed to be normal healthy term newborns. Distributions were assessed for normality and tested for outliers. Reference intervals were values between the 2.5th percentile and 97.5th percentile.

Results.—

The novel RIs obtained for this study population are as follows: absolute immature granulocyte count, 80/μL to 1700/μL; immature granulocyte percentage, 0.6% to 6.1%; reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent, 31.7 to 38.4 pg; immature reticulocyte fraction, 35.9% to 52.8%; immature platelet count, 4.73 × 103/μL to 19.72 × 103/μL; and immature platelet fraction, 1.7% to 9.8%.

Conclusions.—

This prospective study has defined hematologic RIs for this newborn population, including new advanced clinical parameters from the Sysmex XN-1000 Automated Hematology Analyzer. These RIs are proposed as the new standard and can serve as a strong foundation for continued research to further explore their value in diagnosing and managing morbidities such as sepsis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
Darwinism as the Missing Link in Kant’s Critical Philosophy
Authors: Kalinin Igor K.
Published: April 2020

I proceed from the hypothesis that the difficulties in Kant’s presentation of his plan and, accordingly, the implicit reason for the critical attitude to this plan on the part of many contemporary philosophers stem from the fact that he had no theoretical link at his disposal which would offer a more solid scientific grounding for his entire system. I believe that Darwinism is such a link which bolsters the central but ungrounded thesis of the Critique of Pure Reason on the existence of a priori synthetic judgments. The synthesis of Darwinism and critical philosophy dictates, however, a substantial restructuring of the latter since some of its key elements prove to be weak in the light of modern studies and need to be revised or even reversed. The first reversal explored in this article determines the origin of the categories which are now revealed not “from the top down” where Kant sought them, i. e. not in logical functions in accordance with metaphysical deduction and not in self-consciousness as transcendental deduction claims, but “from the bottom up” if one considers things in the evolutionary dimension, i. e. in the instincts. The second reversal shifts the freedom of will which Kant placed in the same ontological basket with things in themselves at “the top,” to another level of the pyramid of ontologies, by changing dualism to pluralism because dualism is too narrow to accommodate all the autonomous components of critical philosophy. Thus spirit and freedom find a new place separate from the sphere of physical nature; the category of adaptation explains how different ontologies can coexist; while the problem of two interpretations of transcendental idealism (two-world vs. two-aspect interpretation) finds a solution through their reconciliation.
Mental Health Literacy Affects Mental Health Attitude: Is There a Gender Difference?
Authors: Lee Hee Yun , Hwang Junseon , Ball Jennifer G. , Lee Jongwook , Yu Youngmi , Albright David L.
Published: April 2020

Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to compare the levels of and factors associated with mental health attitude between males and females. Of particular interest was ascertaining the degree to which mental health literacy was related to mental health attitude and whether
this relationship would vary by gender. Methods: A total of 732 participants aged 18 years or more were recruited from attendees at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. We used the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) to measure attitude toward and literacy of mental health. Results:
Our multivariate analysis reported that males' mental health attitude was significantly lower than females. Some factors associated with mental health attitude differed by gender as well. Among men, receiving more social support, experiencing higher levels of depression, and being married
predicted greater mental health attitude. Among women, older age was associated with lower mental health attitude levels. However, mental health literacy was the strongest factor regardless of gender. Men and women with greater mental health literacy had a more positive mental health attitude.
Conclusions: Provision of tailored mental health literacy education both for males and females could potentially improve the public's mental health attitude toward mental illness.
Developing and Testing Message Strategies to Reduce Indoor Tanning
Authors: Jordan Amy B. , Bleakley Amy , Alber Julia M. , Lazovich DeAnn , Glanz Karen
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Indoor tanning, which is most common among 18-25-year-old white women, increases the risk of skin cancer. To address this problem, we developed and tested messages with a national sample of indoor tanners to determine beliefs that would encourage them to quit. Methods:
Messages discouraging indoor tanning using different persuasive themes (skin cancer risk, appearance risk, well-being enhancement) were developed based on formative research and a review of intervention efforts. We conducted an online experiment to test the final messages with a national sample
of 480 indoor tanners. Results: Messages that emphasized skin cancer risk out-performed messages that focused on well-being enhancement or damage to appearance in terms of intention to quit indoor tanning. Analyses revealed 2 key mediators: perceived argument strength and beliefs related
to the effects of indoor tanning. Conclusions: Theory- and evidence-informed public health communications can contribute to improving health-related behaviors. Focusing on the risk of skin cancer may be the most effective strategy to reduce indoor tanning among young white women.
The Theological Polemics of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield: Differences in Their Understanding of the "Great Awakening" of the 1740s in New England
Authors: Khruleva Irina Yur'evna
Published: April 2020

The first "Great Awakening" took hold of all British colonies in North America in the 1730s-1750s and developed contemporaneously with the Enlightenment movement, which had a significant impact on all aspects of life in the colonies, influencing religion, politics and ideology. The inhabitants of the colonies, professing different religious views, for the first time experienced a general spiritual upsurge. The colonies had never seen anything like the Great Awakening in scale and degree of influence on society. This was the first movement in American history that was truly intercolonial in nature, contributing to the formation of a single religious and partially ideological space in British America. The beginning of the Great Awakening in British America was instigated by both the colonial traditions of religious renewal (the so-called "revivals") and new ideas coming from Europe, hence this religious movement cannot be understood without considering its European roots nor not taking into account its transatlantic nature. The development of pietism in Holland and Germany and the unfolding of Methodism on the British Isles greatly influenced Protestant theology on both sides of the Atlantic. This article explores the differences in understanding the nature of the Great Awakening by its two leaders - J. Edwards and J. Whitefield.
Issues in the Classification and Typology of Antique Masonry in the Writings of Foreign and Russian Scholars
Authors: Grigorev Andrei
Published: April 2020

The article examines the problems in developing approaches for the description and stylistic interpretation of antique masonry, as well as the issues in their stylistic dating. The task of dating construction remains belonging to the 7th century B.C.E. to the turn of the era, has attracted the scholarly attention of the scientific community since the 1940s and has been considered by both foreign and Russian researchers. The article's research object is the construction remains of Greek civil and military architecture in the Mediterranean and the Northern Black Sea regions - territories considered to have been the center and periphery of the Greek Oikumena. The study applied the comparative-typological method, the synchronization of objects in time and space, and dating by analogy. Both in Russian and foreign studies a significant amount of data has been collected for the analysis and construction of appropriate conclusions regarding the distribution and popularity of certain masonry in particular periods of time. However, due to the presence of many factors affecting the ancient construction and stone-carving craft, a number of exceptions due to local natural, economic, raw material, and administrative factors can be distinguished in the observed patterns. Thus, the whole picture of the formation of the construction and stone-carving craft (with the allocation of the corresponding types of masonry in a certain historical period) can be reconstructed only with a comprehensive examination of all of them. As the most interesting objects in this regard, the article cites a number of architectural remains belonging to the monuments of the distant chora of Tauric Chersonesos dating to the second half of the 4th century B.C.E.
The Phenomenon of Heterogeneity of the Armenian Diaspora in Moscow (Late 20th - Early 21st Centuries): Towards the Topic Establishment
Authors: Gevorkyan Galina Nikolaevna
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research is the phenomenon of heterogeneity among the world's oldest Armenian diaspora. The research object is the modern Armenians living in Moscow. The author examines in detail the concept of “heterogeneity”, its essence and the need to use this term in order to comprehend the basic components of the national and cultural identity of the Armenians and its binding foundations. To describe the multi-layered nature of the Armenian diaspora, which was formed as a result of migrations for centuries, the author examines the particularities and the general formation process of the Armenian diaspora in Russia and particularly in the capital. The empirical basis of this study is the "field" materials from the year 2018 that were collected within the framework of the project “The Formative Features and the Development of the Armenian Diaspora in Moscow at the End of the 20th - Beginning of the 21st Centuries”, supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research grant No. 18-59-0500718. The survey of participants, representatives of the Armenian diaspora of different sex, age, place of birth and social status, was carried out in the form of a questionnaire with elements of a formalized interview. Based on the survey, the author provides a classification of the Spyurk into national-cultural subgroups, as well as a currently relevant analysis of the specifics of the Armenian diaspora's functioning in Moscow. As a result of this study, the author made a number of preliminary conclusions about the most relevant assimilation and integration trends among representatives of Moscow Armenians.
Need to Culturally Adapt and Improve Access to Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions for Canadian South-Asians: A Call to Action
Authors: Naeem Farooq , Khan Tasneem , Fung Kenneth , Narasiah Lavanya , Guzder Jaswant , Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: April 2020

Research into social determinants of mental and emotional health problems highlighted the need to understand the cultural factors. Mental health of immigrants is influenced by a variety of cultural, psychological, social, and economic factors. There is some evidence to suggest that South Asian people have higher rates of mental and emotional health problems than the rest of the Canadian population. Limited research also suggests that psycho-social factors are highly likely to be responsible for these high rates of mental health problems. These psychosocial factors may be impeding access and engagement with the services. These socially determined emotional and mental health problems are more likely to respond to psychosocial interventions than biological treatments. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) might offer the way forward. CBT can be offered in a low-cost, low intensity format in a variety of settings, thus addressing the attached stigma. However, these interventions need to be culturally adapted, as these are underpinned by a Western value system. CBT has been culturally adapted and found to be effective in this group elsewhere. This opinion paper describes the need to enhance research on psychosocial determinants of the mental and emotional health problems, status, and the psychosocial determinants of health amongst South Asians in Canada to inform our understanding of the cultural specificity of psychosocial interventions.
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Evaluation of Varieties of Pepper Fruits in Akpan Andem Market in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Umoh O. T. , Uyoh V. E. , Ette A. P. , Eyibio E. E. , Oghenekevwe A. O. , Osaro-Odin E. P. , Ikotidem S. A.
Published: April 2020

The results of this research showed significant difference in the phytochemical contents of Capsicum baccatum L. (Yellow), Capsicum baccatum L. (Red), Capsicum Chinese Jacq., Capsicum annuum L. (Cayenne), Capsicum annuum L. (Bell) in terms of total Saponin, Tanins and Cardiac glucosides. The concentrations of flavonoids, Alkaloids and Anthraquinones were similar in the five species of Capsicum studied and it could be attribute to cultivation, ripeness, storage and soil salinity, among other factors. Reducing power assay is one of established method for evaluation of antioxidant potential of a test sample which was employed in the course of this work. Basically, it involves reduction of Fe3+ into Fe2+ with the formation of Perl’s Prussian blue colour complex wherein absorbance is read at 700 nm. This reducing ability varies with respect to various concentrations of antioxidant present in the samples. The Different fruit composition of the five pepper species indicates that apart from the evident morphological differences in terms of fruit shape and appearance, they also differ in their content of phytochemicals.
The crystal structure of aFusarium oxysporumferuloyl esterase that belongs to the tannase family
Authors: Dimarogona Maria , Topakas Evangelos , Christakopoulos Paul , Chrysina Evangelia D.
Published: April 2020

Feruloyl esterases are enzymes of industrial interest that catalyse the hydrolysis of the ester bond between hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic acid and sugars present in the plant cell wall. Although there are several structures of biochemically characterized feruloyl esterases available, the structural determinants of their substrate specificity are not yet fully understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of a feruloyl esterase fromFusarium oxysporum(FoFaeC) at 2.3 Å resolution. Similar to the two other tannase‐like feruloyl esterases,FoFaeC features a large lid domain covering the active site with potential regulatory role and a disulphide bond that brings together the serine and histidine of the catalytic triad. Differences are mainly observed in the metal coordination site and the substrate binding pocket.

Enzymes

E.C.3.1.1.73.

Databases

The sequence ofFoFaeC has been deposited with UniProt with accession code A0A1D3S5H0_FUSOX and the atomic coordinates of the three‐dimensional structure with Protein Data Bank, with PDB code:6FAT.
Homodimerization of coronin A through the C‐terminal coiled‐coil domain is essential for multicellular differentiation of Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Fiedler Thomas , Fabrice Tohnyui Ndinyanka , Studer Vera , Vinet Adrien , Faltova Lenka , Kammerer Richard A. , Steinmetz Michel O. , Sharpe Timothy , Pieters Jean
Published: April 2020

Coronin proteins are widely expressed among eukaryotic organisms. Most coronins consist of a WD‐repeat domain followed by a C‐terminal coiled coil. Dictyostelium discoideum expresses a single short coronin coronin A, which has been implicated in both actin modulation and multicellular differentiation. Whether coronin A's coiled coil is important for functionality, as well as the oligomeric state of coronin A is not known. Here, we show that the coiled‐coil domain in Dictyostelium coronin A functions in homodimerization, is dispensable for coronin A stability and localization but essential for multicellular differentiation. These results allow a better understanding of the role for the coiled‐coil domain of coronin A in oligomerization and demonstrate that its presence is essential for multicellular differentiation.
Meningococcal factor H binding protein as immune evasion factor and vaccine antigen
Authors: Principato Silvia , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rappuoli Rino
Published: April 2020

Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis and a main component of the two licensed vaccines against serogroup B meningococcus (Bexsero and Trumenba). fHbp is a surface‐exposed lipoprotein that enables the bacterium to survive in human blood by binding the human complement regulator factor H (fH). When used as vaccine, the protein induces antibodies with potent bactericidal activity. While the fHbp gene is present in the majority of N. meningitidis serogroup B isolates, the expression level varies up to 15 times between different strains and more than 700 different sequence variants have been described. Antigenically, the protein has been divided into three variants or two subfamilies. The 3D structure of fHbp alone, in combination with fH or in complex with bactericidal antibodies, has been key to understanding the molecular details of the protein. In this article, we will review the biochemical and immunological properties of fHbp, and its key role in meningococcal pathogenesis, complement regulation, and immune evasion.
The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor: virological and biological beauty
Authors: Excoffon Katherine J. D. A.
Published: April 2020

The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is an essential multifunctional cellular protein that is only beginning to be understood. CAR serves as a receptor for many adenoviruses, human group B coxsackieviruses, swine vesicular disease virus, and possibly other viruses. While named for its function as a viral receptor, CAR is also involved in cell adhesion, immune cell activation, synaptic transmission, and signaling. Knockout mouse models were first to identify some of these biological functions; however, tissue‐specific model systems have shed light on the complexity of different CAR isoforms and their specific activities. Many of these functions are mediated by the large number of interacting proteins described so far, and several new putative interactions have recently been discovered. As antiviral and gene therapy strategies that target CAR continue to emerge, future work poised to understand the biological implications of manipulating CAR in vivo is critical.
Insight into the Regulatory Function of Human Hair Keratins in Wound Healing Using Proteomics
Authors: Gao Feiyan , Li Wenfeng , Kan Jinlan , Ding Yi , Wang Yumei , Deng Jia , Qing Rui , Wang Bochu , Hao Shilei
Published: April 2020

Keratins derived from human hair possess excellent wound healing qualities. However, their functional contribution to this process is poorly understood. In this study, the regulatory function of human hair keratins in wound healing is investigated using proteomic analysis by dividing keratins into different groups based on their molecular weight distributions: low molecular weight keratins (LMWK, 10–30 kDa), medium molecular weight keratins (MMWK, 30–50 kDa), and high molecular weight keratins (HMWK, >50 kDa). Keratin hydrogels with different molecular weights exhibit various morphologies, rheological properties, degradation rates, and wound healing activities. Using proteomic analysis, LMWK and HMWK hydrogels exhibit a stronger regulatory ability for wound healing at days 1 and 7, respectively. The major functions of LMWK during wound healing are regulation of cells communication and function. In contrast, proteins associated with energy metabolism are significantly expressed after HMWK hydrogel treatment at day 1, and these play an important role in cellular growth and reactive oxygen species scavenging at day 7. These results demonstrate that the wound healing qualities of human hair keratins are influenced by their molecular weight distribution, and the proteomic analysis sheds new light on the regulatory function of human hair keratins during wound healing.
Progress in Brain‐Compatible Interfaces with Soft Nanomaterials
Authors: Jeong Yong‐Cheol , Lee Han Eol , Shin Anna , Kim Dae‐Gun , Lee Keon Jae , Kim Daesoo
Published: April 2020

Neural interfaces facilitating communication between the brain and machines must be compatible with the soft, curvilinear, and elastic tissues of the brain and yet yield enough power to read and write information across a wide range of brain areas through high‐throughput recordings or optogenetics. Biocompatible‐material engineering has facilitated the development of brain‐compatible neural interfaces to support built‐in modulation of neural circuits and neurological disorders. Recent developments in brain‐compatible neural interfaces that use soft nanomaterials more suitable for complex neural circuit analysis and modulation are reviewed. Preclinical tests of the compatibility and specificity of these interfaces in animal models are also discussed.
Polysilazane‐Based Coatings with Anti‐Adherent Properties for Easy Release of Plastics and Composites from Metal Molds
Authors: Barroso Gilvan , Döring Michael , Horcher Alexander , Kienzle Andreas , Motz Günter
Published: April 2020

Polysilazanes are excellent coating materials, because of their self‐crosslinking in air at low temperatures, high chemical and thermal stability, elevated hardness, and excellent adhesion to many different substrates. Therefore, coatings of two chemically different polysilazanes (crosslinked Durazane 1800 (HTTS)/perhydropolysilazane (PHPS)) are deposited by either dip or spray coating and crosslinked at 200 or 300 °C in air to investigate the chemical composition, surface energy, and coating adhesion in dependency on the precursor type and crosslinking temperature. The silazane HTTS possesses a higher amount of nonpolar organic groups resulting in a lower surface free energy. The anti‐adherence properties are investigated by using a phenolic resin via pull‐off adhesion, which is slightly reduced from 13 MPa for uncoated aluminum to less than 10 MPa for HTTS coated substrates. The addition of different amounts of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) particles causes a remarkable reduction of the surface free energy leading to a strongly reduced pull‐off adhesion of less than 4 MPa of the phenolic resin from the HTTS/PTFE coated substrates. The anti‐adherent properties remain even after repeated pull‐off tests. Because of the excellent properties, the HTTS/PTFE coatings are a very suitable system for easy mold release of plastic parts from metal molds and to replace commercial nonstick PTFE coatings.
Harps Enable Water Harvesting under Light Fog Conditions
Authors: Shi Weiwei , van der Sloot Thomas W. , Hart Brandon J. , Kennedy Brook S. , Boreyko Jonathan B.
Published: April 2020

Fog harvesting is useful for passively collecting fresh water in arid regions, but the efficiency of current mesh‐based harvesters is compromised by their poor drainage. Inspired by the linear needles of redwood trees, “fog harps” are developed whose array of vertical wires enables an unobstructed drainage pathway. A full‐scale (1 m2 frame) fog harp is fabricated by winding a stainless steel wire around a spinning aluminum frame featuring threaded rods. The fog harp is field tested for a full year at a local farm (Blacksburg, VA, USA), alongside the control case of a mesh harvester. Under moderate fog conditions, the fog harp collects anywhere from 2 to 78 times more water compared to the mesh harvesters. Under light fog conditions, the fog harp collects up to several hundred milliliters of water per day while the mesh is unable to collect any water at all. The water harvesting performance of fog harps is therefore unprecedented in two ways: they substantively elevate the performance ceiling when exposed to healthy fog while also enabling, for the first time, appreciable water harvesting under light fog.
Anisotropic Collective Charge Excitations in Quasimetallic 2D Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Tang Chi Sin , Yin Xinmao , Yang Ming , Wu Di , Wu Jing , Wong Lai Mun , Li Changjian , Tong Shi Wun , Chang Yung‐Huang , Ouyang Fangping , Feng Yuan Ping , Wang Shi Jie , Chi Dongzhi , Breese Mark B. H. , Zhang Wenjing , Rusydi Andrivo , Wee Andrew T. S.
Published: April 2020

The quasimetallic 1T′ phase 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) consist of 1D zigzag metal chains stacked periodically along a single axis. This gives rise to its prominent physical properties which promises the onset of novel physical phenomena and applications. Here, the in‐plane electronic correlations are explored, and new mid‐infrared plasmon excitations in 1T′ phase monolayer WSe2 and MoS2 are observed using optical spectroscopies. Based on an extensive first‐principles study which analyzes the charge dynamics across multiple axes of the atomic‐layered systems, the collective charge excitations are found to disperse only along the direction perpendicular to the chains. Further analysis reveals that the interchain long‐range coupling is responsible for the coherent 1D charge dynamics and the spin–orbit coupling affects the plasmon frequency. Detailed investigation of these charge collective modes in 2D‐chained systems offers opportunities for novel device applications and has implications for the underlying mechanism that governs superconductivity in 2D TMD systems.
Stable Seamless Interfaces and Rapid Ionic Conductivity of Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO Composite Electrolyte for High‐Rate and High‐Voltage All‐Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Chen Hao , Adekoya David , Hencz Luke , Ma Jun , Chen Su , Yan Cheng , Zhao Huijun , Cui Guanglei , Zhang Shanqing
Published: April 2020

Stable and seamless interfaces among solid components in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are crucial for high ionic conductivity and high rate performance. This can be achieved by the combination of functional inorganic material and flexible polymer solid electrolyte. In this work, a flexible all‐solid‐state composite electrolyte is synthesized based on oxygen‐vacancy‐rich Ca‐doped CeO2 (Ca–CeO2) nanotube, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), namely Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO. Ca–CeO2 nanotubes play a key role in enhancing the ionic conductivity and mechanical strength while the PEO offers flexibility and assures the stable seamless contact between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes in ASSBs. The as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity of 1.3 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C, a high lithium ion transference number of 0.453, and high‐voltage stability. More importantly, various electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ca–CeO2 helps dissociate LiTFSI, produce free Li ions, and therefore enhance ionic conductivity. The ASSBs based on the as‐prepared Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO composite electrolyte deliver high‐rate capability and high‐voltage stability.
The Sodium Storage Mechanism in Tunnel‐Type Na0.44MnO2 Cathodes and the Way to Ensure Their Durable Operation
Authors: Chae Munseok S. , Kim Hyojeong J. , Bu Hyeri , Lyoo Jeyne , Attias Ran , Dlugatch Ben , Oliel Matan , Gofer Yosef , Hong Seung‐Tae , Aurbach Doron
Published: April 2020

Tunnel‐type sodium manganese oxide is a promising cathode material for aqueous/nonaqueous sodium‐ion batteries, however its storage mechanism is not fully understood, in part due to the complicated sodium intercalation process. In addition, low cyclability due to manganese dissolution has limited its practical application in rechargeable batteries. Here, the intricate sodium intercalation mechanism of Na0.44MnO2 is revealed by combination of electrochemical characterization, structure determination from powder X‐ray diffraction data, 3D bond valence difference maps, and barrier‐energy calculations of the sodium diffusion. NaI is proposed as an important electrolyte solution additive. It is shown to form a thin, beneficial, and durable cathode surface film that prevents manganese dissolution. The addition of 0.01 m NaI to electrolyte solutions based on alkyl carbonate solvents and NaClO4 greatly improves the cycling efficiency, raising the capacity retention from 86% to 96% after 600 cycles. This study determines the core aspects of the sodium intercalation mechanism in tunnel‐type sodium manganese oxide and shows how it can serve as a durable cathode material for rechargeable Na batteries.
Charge Pumping Strategy for Rotation and Sliding Type Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Bai Yu , Xu Liang , Lin Shiquan , Luo Jianjun , Qin Huaifang , Han Kai , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: April 2020

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging approach for harvesting energy from the living environment. But its performance is limited by the maximum density of surface charges created by contact electrification. Here, by rationally designing a synchronous rotation structure, a charge pumping strategy is realized for the first time in a rotary sliding TENGs, which is demonstrated to enhance the charge density by a factor of 9, setting up a record for rotary TENGs. The average power is boosted by more than 15 times compared with normal TENGs, achieving an ultrahigh average power density of 1.66 kW m−3, under a low drive frequency of 2 Hz. Moreover, the charge pumping mechanism enables decoupling of bound charge generation and the severity of interfacial friction in the main TENG, allowing surface lubricants to be applied for suppressing abrasion and lowering heat generation. The adaptability of the strategy to rotation and sliding type TENGs in low‐frequency agitations provides a breakthrough to the bottleneck of power output for mechanical energy harvesting, and should have a great impact on high‐power TENG design and practical applications in various fields.
Chlorinated Fullerene Dimers for Interfacial Engineering Toward Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with 22.3% Efficiency
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Fabao , Wang Pang , Sun Rui , Ma Wan , Chen Mengting , Miao Weiqiang , Liu Dan , Wang Tao
Published: April 2020

A major limit for planar perovskite solar cells is the trap‐mediated hysteresis and instability, due to the defective metal oxide interface with the perovskite layer. Passivation engineering with fullerenes has been identified as an effective approach to modify this interface. The rational design of fullerene molecules with exceptional electrical properties and versatile chemical moieties for targeted defect passivation is therefore highly demanded. In this work, novel fulleropyrrolidine (NMBF‐X, XH or Cl) monomers and dimers are synthesized and incorporated between metal oxides (i.e. TiO2, SnO2) and perovskites (i.e. MAPbI3 and (FAPbI3)x(MAPbBr3)1‐x). The fullerene dimers provide superior stability and efficiency improvements compared to the corresponding monomers, with chlorinated fullerene dimers being most effective at coordinating with both metal oxides and perovskite via the chlorine terminals. The non‐encapsulated planar device delivers a maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.3% without any hysteresis, while maintaining over 98% of initial efficiency after ambient storage for 1000 h, and exhibiting an order of magnitude improvement of the T80 lifetime.