bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Metals in Catalysis: The Functional Relationship of Fe–S Clusters and Molybdenum or Tungsten Cofactor-Containing Enzyme Systems
Authors: Leimkühler Silke
Published: January 2021

Following the “Molybdenum and Tungsten Enzyme conference—MoTEC2019” and the satellite meeting on “Iron–Sulfur for Life”, we wanted to emphasize the link between iron–sulfur clusters and their importance for the biosynthesis, assembly, and activity of complex metalloenzymes in this Special Issue of Inorganics, entitled “Transition Metals in Catalysis: The Functional Relationship of Fe–S Clusters and Molybdenum or Tungsten Cofactor-Containing Enzyme Systems” [...]
ROV Navigation in a Fish Cage with Laser-Camera Triangulation
Authors: Bjerkeng Magnus , Kirkhus Trine , Caharija Walter , T. Thielemann Jens , B. Amundsen Herman , Johan Ohrem Sveinung , Ingar Grøtli Esten
Published: January 2021

Aquaculture net cage inspection and maintenance is a central issue in fish farming. Inspection using autonomous underwater vehicles is a promising solution. This paper proposes laser-camera triangulation for pose estimation to enable autonomous net following for an autonomous vehicle. The laser triangulation 3D data is experimentally compared to a doppler velocity log (DVL) in an active fish farm. We show that our system is comparable in performance to a DVL for distance and angular pose measurements. Laser triangulation is promising as a short distance ranging sensor for autonomous vehicles at a low cost compared to acoustic sensors.
Collocational Development during a Stay Abroad
Authors: Edmonds Amanda , Gudmestad Aarnes
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the current study was to explore if and how additional-language learners may show changes in phraseological patterns over the course of a stay in a target-language environment. In particular, we focused on noun+adjective combinations produced by a group of additional-language speakers of French at three points in time, spanning 21 months and including an academic year in France. We extracted each combination from a longitudinal corpus and determined frequency counts and two strength-of-association measures (Mutual information [MI] score and Log Dice) for each combination. Separate analyses were conducted for frequency and the strength-of-association measures, revealing that phraseological patterns are significantly predicted by adjective position in the case of all three measures, and that MI scores showed significant change over time. We interpret the results in light of past research that has reported contradictory findings concerning change in phraseological patterns following an immersion experience.
Comparison of Different Signal Peptides for the Efficient Secretion of the Sweet-Tasting Plant Protein Brazzein in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Neiers Fabrice , Belloir Christine , Poirier Nicolas , Naumer Christian , Krohn Michael , Briand Loïc
Published: January 2021

Brazzein is a small sweet-tasting protein found in the red berries of a West African evergreen shrub, Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon. Brazzein is highly soluble and stable over a large pH range and at high temperatures, which are characteristics that suggest its use as a natural sweetener. However, Pentadiplandra brazzeana culture is difficult at a large scale, limiting the natural source of brazzein. Heterologous expression of brazzein has been established in numerous systems, including bacteria, yeast, and transgenic plants. Brazzein requires four disulfide bonds to be active in eliciting an intense sweet taste, and the yeast Pichia pastoris appears to be one of the best options for obtaining functional brazzein in high quantities. Employing yeast secretion in the culture medium allows us to obtain fully active brazzein and facilitate purification later. To increase yeast secretion, we compared seven different signal peptides to successfully achieve brazzein secretion using the yeast P. pastoris. The brazzein proteins corresponding to these signal peptides elicited activation of the sweet taste receptor functionally expressed in a cellular assay. Among these tested signal peptides, three resulted in the secretion of brazzein at high levels.
Flexor Digitorum Brevis Muscle Dry Needling Changes Surface and Plantar Pressures: A Pre-Post Study
Authors: Martínez-Jiménez Eva María , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Antolín-Gil Marta San , López-López Daniel , Romero-Morales Carlos , Benito-de-Pedro María , Calvo-Lobo César , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Background: The effects of the dry needling technique and pain reduction have been demonstrated in numerous quality studies. However, the mechanical effects of dry needling are largely unknown. Methods: A total of 18 subjects with flexor digitorum brevis muscle myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre- and post-deep dry needling. We measured static footprint variables in a pre–post study. Main findings: We found differences in rearfoot maximum pressure (119.22–111.63 KPa; p = 0.025), midfoot maximum pressure (13.68–17.26 KPa; p = 0.077), midfoot medium pressure (4.75–6.24 KPa; p = 0.035) and forefoot surface (86.58–81.75 cm2; p = 0.020). All variables with significant differences decrease, with the exception of forefoot surface which showed an increase. Conclusions: After flexor digitorum brevis muscle dry needling, midfoot plantar pressures (maximum and medium) and forefoot surface were increased, and rearfoot maximum pressure was decreased.
Controlled Discrete-Time Semi-Markov Random Evolutions and Their Applications
Authors: Swishchuk Anatoliy , Limnios Nikolaos
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduced controlled discrete-time semi-Markov random evolutions. These processes are random evolutions of discrete-time semi-Markov processes where we consider a control. applied to the values of random evolution. The main results concern time-rescaled weak convergence limit theorems in a Banach space of the above stochastic systems as averaging and diffusion approximation. The applications are given to the controlled additive functionals, controlled geometric Markov renewal processes, and controlled dynamical systems. We provide dynamical principles for discrete-time dynamical systems such as controlled additive functionals and controlled geometric Markov renewal processes. We also produce dynamic programming equations (Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations) for the limiting processes in diffusion approximation such as controlled additive functionals, controlled geometric Markov renewal processes and controlled dynamical systems. As an example, we consider the solution of portfolio optimization problem by Merton for the limiting controlled geometric Markov renewal processes in diffusion approximation scheme. The rates of convergence in the limit theorems are also presented.
Valorization of a By-Product from the Production of Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat for Preparation of Gelatins
Authors: Mokrejš Pavel , Gál Robert , Pavlačková Jana , Janáčová Dagmar
Published: January 2021

In recent decades, food waste management has become a key priority of industrial and food companies, state authorities and consumers as well. The paper describes the biotechnological processing of mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) by-product, rich in collagen, into gelatins. A factorial design at two levels was used to study three selected process conditions (enzyme conditioning time, gelatin extraction temperature and gelatin extraction time). The efficiency of the technological process of valorization of MDCM by-product into gelatins was evaluated by % conversion of the by-product into gelatins and some qualitative parameters of gelatins (gel strength, viscosity and ash content). Under optimal processing conditions (48–72 h of enzyme conditioning time, 73–78 °C gelatin extraction temperature and 100–150 min gelatin extraction time), MDCM by-product can be processed with 30–32% efficiency into gelatins with a gel strength of 140 Bloom, a viscosity of 2.5 mPa.s and an ash content of 5.0% (which can be reduced by deionization using ion-exchange resins). MDCM is a promising food by-product for valorization into gelatins, which have potential applications in food-, pharmaceutical- and cosmetic fields. The presented technology contributes not only to food sustainability but also to the model of a circular economy.
Comparison of Bifurcated Halogen with Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: January 2021

Bifurcated halogen bonds are constructed with FBr and FI as Lewis acids, paired with NH3 and NCH bases. The first type considered places two bases together with a single acid, while the reverse case of two acids sharing a single base constitutes the second type. These bifurcated systems are compared with the analogous H-bonds wherein FH serves as the acid. In most cases, a bifurcated system is energetically inferior to a single linear bond. There is a larger energetic cost to forcing the single σ-hole of an acid to interact with a pair of bases, than the other way around where two acids engage with the lone pair of a single base. In comparison to FBr and FI, the H-bonding FH acid is better able to participate in a bifurcated sharing with two bases. This behavior is traced to the properties of the monomers, in particular the specific shape of the molecular electrostatic potential, the anisotropy of the orbitals of the acid and base that interact directly with one another, and the angular extent of the total electron density of the two molecules.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of Fluorescent Probes for Plasma Membrane Labelling
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Lilienkampf Annamaria , Bradley Mark
Published: January 2021

The cellular plasma membrane plays a fundamental role in biological processes, including cell growth, signaling and transport. The labelling of the plasma membrane with targeted fluorescent probes offers a convenient and non-invasive way to image the morphological changes and dynamics of a membrane in real-time and, despite many examples of fluorescent plasma membrane probes, a “universal targeting/anchoring moiety” is still required. In this study, a small number of stearic acid-based probes labelled with 6-carboxyfluorescein was designed and fabricated via solid-phase synthesis in which variations in both charge and hydrophobicity were explored. To ease the synthesis process, a gram-scale synthesis of the Fmoc-Lys(6-carboxyfluoresein diacetate)-OH building block was developed, allowing the discovery of optimal probes that carried a positively charged amino group and a stearic acid tail that exhibited intense plasma membrane brightness and robust retention.
Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Warhead-Decorated Psoralens as (Immuno)Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Schiffrer Eva Shannon , Proj Matic , Gobec Martina , Rejc Luka , Šterman Andrej , Mravljak Janez , Gobec Stanislav , Sosič Izidor
Published: January 2021

The immunoproteasome is a multicatalytic protease that is predominantly expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin. Its elevated expression has been associated with autoimmune diseases, various types of cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Selective inhibition of its catalytic activities is therefore a viable approach for the treatment of these diseases. However, the development of immunoproteasome-selective inhibitors with non-peptidic scaffolds remains a challenging task. We previously reported 7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one (psoralen)-based compounds with an oxathiazolone warhead as selective inhibitors of the chymotrypsin-like (β5i) subunit of immunoproteasome. Here, we describe the influence of the electrophilic warhead variations at position 3 of the psoralen core on the inhibitory potencies. Despite mapping the chemical space with different warheads, all compounds showed decreased inhibition of the β5i subunit of immunoproteasome in comparison to the parent oxathiazolone-based compound. Although suboptimal, these results provide crucial information about structure–activity relationships that will serve as guidance for the further design of (immuno)proteasome inhibitors.
11-Keto-α-Boswellic Acid, a Novel Triterpenoid from Boswellia spp. with Chemotaxonomic Potential and Antitumor Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Schmiech Michael , Ulrich Judith , Lang Sophia Johanna , Büchele Berthold , Paetz Christian , St-Gelais Alexis , Syrovets Tatiana , Simmet Thomas
Published: January 2021

Boswellic acids, and particularly 11-keto-boswellic acids, triterpenoids derived from the genus Boswellia (Burseraceae), are known for their anti-inflammatory and potential antitumor efficacy. Although boswellic acids generally occur as α-isomers (oleanane type) and β-isomers (ursane type), 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) was found only as the β-isomer, β-KBA. Here, the existence and natural occurrence of the respective α-isomer, 11-keto-α-boswellic acid (α-KBA), is demonstrated for the first time. Initially, α-KBA was synthesized and characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and a highly selective, sensitive, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed by Design of Experiments (DoE) using a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase. This method allowed the selective quantification of individual 11-keto-boswellic acids and provided evidence for α-KBA in Boswellia spp. oleogum resins. The contents of α-KBA as well as further boswellic acids and the composition of essential oils were used to chemotaxonomically classify 41 Boswellia oleogum resins from 9 different species. Moreover, α-KBA exhibited cytotoxicity against three treatment-resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines in vitro and also induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 xenografts in vivo. The respective β-isomer and the acetylated form demonstrate higher cytotoxic efficacies against TNBC cells. This provides further insights into the structure-activity relationship of boswellic acids and could support future developments of potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor drugs.
Melanogenesis Promoting Effect, Antioxidant Activity, and UPLC-ESI-HRMS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds of Argan Leaves Extract
Authors: Bourhim Thouria , Villareal Myra O. , Couderc François , Hafidi Abdellatif , Isoda Hiroko , Gadhi Chemseddoha
Published: January 2021

The use of natural products for the regulation of skin pigmentation is gaining popularity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of argan leaves extract (ALE) on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, determined its antioxidant activity, then quantified and identified its phenolic components. B16 cells were treated with various concentrations of ALE, then the cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assay while the melanin content was determined using spectrophotometric methods. The expression level of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1) and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) was evaluated by Western blotting. The antioxidant activity of ALE was investigated using four different assays while UPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis was used to characterize the ALE phenolic profile. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified, of which six are reported for the first time to be present in ALE. ALE treatment increases the melanin content of B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. This was revealed by the observed ALE-increased expression level of TYR, DCT, and TRP-1. These bioactivities may be mainly attributed to its high flavonoids content. Argan leaves have the potential for use as a treatment for hypopigmentation disorders and as a bioactive component of cosmetic products that aim to increase pigmentation.
Resources and Methods for Engineering “Designer” Glycan-Binding Proteins
Authors: Warkentin Ruben , Kwan David H.
Published: January 2021

This review provides information on available methods for engineering glycan-binding proteins (GBP). Glycans are involved in a variety of physiological functions and are found in all domains of life and viruses. Due to their wide range of functions, GBPs have been developed with diagnostic, therapeutic, and biotechnological applications. The development of GBPs has traditionally been hindered by a lack of available glycan targets and sensitive and selective protein scaffolds; however, recent advances in glycobiology have largely overcome these challenges. Here we provide information on how to approach the design of novel “designer” GBPs, starting from the protein scaffold to the mutagenesis methods, selection, and characterization of the GBPs.
Specificity of Molecular Fragments Binding to S100B versus S100A1 as Identified by NMR and Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS)
Authors: Young Brianna D. , Yu Wenbo , Rodríguez Darex J. Vera , Varney Kristen M. , MacKerell Alexander D. , Weber David J.
Published: January 2021

S100B, a biomarker of malignant melanoma, interacts with the p53 protein and diminishes its tumor suppressor function, which makes this S100 family member a promising therapeutic target for treating malignant melanoma. However, it is a challenge to design inhibitors that are specific for S100B in melanoma versus other S100-family members that are important for normal cellular activities. For example, S100A1 is most similar in sequence and structure to S100B, and this S100 protein is important for normal skeletal and cardiac muscle function. Therefore, a combination of NMR and computer aided drug design (CADD) was used to initiate the design of specific S100B inhibitors. Fragment-based screening by NMR, also termed “SAR by NMR,” is a well-established method, and was used to examine spectral perturbations in 2D [1H, 15N]-HSQC spectra of Ca2+-bound S100B and Ca2+-bound S100A1, side-by-side, and under identical conditions for comparison. Of the 1000 compounds screened, two were found to be specific for binding Ca2+-bound S100A1 and four were found to be specific for Ca2+-bound S100B, respectively. The NMR spectral perturbations observed in these six data sets were then used to model how each of these small molecule fragments showed specificity for one S100 versus the other using a CADD approach termed Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS). In summary, the combination of NMR and computational approaches provided insight into how S100A1 versus S100B bind small molecules specifically, which will enable improved drug design efforts to inhibit elevated S100B in melanoma. Such a fragment-based approach can be used generally to initiate the design of specific inhibitors for other highly homologous drug targets.
Theoretical Evaluation of Novel Thermolysin Inhibitors from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus. Possible Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Lamazares Emilio , MacLeod-Carey Desmond , Miranda Fernando P. , Mena-Ulecia Karel
Published: January 2021

The search for new antibacterial agents that could decrease bacterial resistance is a subject in continuous development. Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria possess a group of metalloproteins belonging to the MEROPS peptidase (M4) family, which is the main virulence factor of these bacteria. In this work, we used the previous results of a computational biochemistry protocol of a series of ligands designed in silico using thermolysin as a model for the search of antihypertensive agents. Here, thermolysin from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus, a metalloprotein of the M4 family, was used to determine the most promising candidate as an antibacterial agent. Our results from docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann (MM-PBSA) method, ligand efficiency, and ADME-Tox properties (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) indicate that the designed ligands were adequately oriented in the thermolysin active site. The Lig783, Lig2177, and Lig3444 compounds showed the best dynamic behavior; however, from the ADME-Tox calculated properties, Lig783 was selected as the unique antibacterial agent candidate amongst the designed ligands.
Novel Methods to Manipulate Autolysis in Sparkling Wine: Effects on Yeast
Authors: Gnoinski Gail B. , Schmidt Simon A. , Close Dugald C. , Goemann Karsten , Pinfold Terry L. , Kerslake Fiona L.
Published: January 2021

Sparkling wine made by the traditional method (Méthode Traditionelle) develops a distinct and desirable flavour and aroma profile attributed to proteolytic processes during prolonged ageing on lees. Microwave, ultrasound and addition of β-glucanase enzymes were applied to accelerate the disruption of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and added to the tirage solution for secondary fermentation in traditional sparkling winemaking. Scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry analyses were used to observe and describe yeast whole-cell anatomy, and cell integrity and structure via propidium iodide (PI) permeability after 6-, 12- and 18-months post-tirage. Treatments applied produced features on lees that were distinct from that of the untreated control yeast. Whilst control yeast displayed budding cells (growth features) with smooth, cavitated and flat external cell appearances; microwave treated yeast cells exhibited modifications like ‘doughnut’ shapes immediately after treatment (time 0). Similar ‘doughnut’-shaped and ‘pitted/porous’ cell features were observed on progressively older lees from the control. Flow cytometry was used to discriminate yeast populations; features consistent with cell disruption were observed in the microwave, ultrasound and enzyme treatments, as evidenced by up to 4-fold increase in PI signal in the microwave treatment. Forward and side scatter signals reflected changes in size and structure of yeast cells, in all treatments applied. When flow cytometry was interpreted alongside the scanning electron microscopy images, bimodal populations of yeast cells with low and high PI intensities were revealed and distinctive ‘doughnut’-shaped cell features observed in association with the microwave treatment only at tirage, that were not observed until 12 months wine ageing in older lees from the control. This work offers both a rapid approach to visualise alterations to yeast cell surfaces and a better understanding of the mechanisms of yeast lysis. Microwave, ultrasound or β-glucanase enzymes are tools that could potentially initiate the release of yeast cell compounds into wine. Further investigation into the impact of such treatments on the flavour and aroma profiles of the wines through sensory evaluation is warranted.
Solubility Determination of c-Met Inhibitor in Solvent Mixtures and Mathematical Modeling to Develop Nanosuspension Formulation
Authors: Ravi Maharjan , Julu Tripathi , Kim Nam Ah , Park Kyeung Eui , Jeong Seong Hoon
Published: January 2021

The solubility and dissolution thermodynamics of new c-Met inhibitor, ABN401, were determined in eleven solvents and Transcutol® HP–water mixture (TWM) from 298.15 to 318.15 K. The experimental solubilities were validated using five mathematical models, namely modified Apelblat, van’t Hoff, Buchowski–Ksiazaczak λh, Yalkowsky, and Jouyban–Acree van’t Hoff models. The experimental results were correlated and utilized further to investigate the feasibility of nanosuspension formation using liquid anti-solvent precipitation. Thermodynamic solubility of ABN401 increased significantly with the increase in temperature and maximum solubility was obtained with Transcutol® HP while low solubility in was obtained water. An activity coefficient study indicated that high molecular interaction was observed in ABN401–Transcutol® HP (THP). The solubility increased proportionately as the mole fraction of Transcutol® HP increased in TWM, which was also supported by a solvent effect study. The result suggested endothermic and entropy-driven dissolution. Based on the solubility, nanosuspension was designed with Transcutol® HP as solvent, and water as anti-solvent. The mean particle size of nanosuspension decreased to 43.05 nm when the mole fraction of ABN401 in THP, and mole fraction of ABN401 in TWM mixture were decreased to 0.04 and 0.1. The ultrasonicated nanosuspension appeared to give comparatively higher dissolution than micronized nanosuspension and provide a candidate formulation for in vivo purposes.
Shaping the Future of Digitally Enabled Health and Care
Authors: Spargo Maureen , Goodfellow Nicola , Scullin Claire , Grigoleit Sonja , Andreou Andreas , Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Guerra Bárbara , Manso Marco , Larburu Nekane , Villacañas Óscar , Fleming Glenda , Scott Michael
Published: January 2021

People generally need more support as they grow older to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. Older people living with chronic conditions are particularly dependent on healthcare services. Yet, in an increasingly digital society, there is a danger that efforts to drive innovations in eHealth will neglect the needs of those who depend on healthcare the most—our ageing population. The SHAPES (Smart and Healthy Ageing through People Engaging in Supportive Systems) Innovation Action aims to create an open European digital platform that facilitates the provision of meaningful, holistic support to older people living independently. A pan-European pilot campaign will evaluate a catalogue of digital solutions hosted on the platform that have been specifically adapted for older people. ‘Medicines control and optimisation’ is one of seven themes being explored in the campaign and will investigate the impact of digital solutions that aim to optimise medicines use by way of fostering effective self-management, while facilitating timely intervention by clinicians based on remote monitoring and individualised risk assessments powered by artificial intelligence. If successful, the SHAPES Innovation Action will lead to a greater sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment in people living with chronic conditions as they grow older.
Is Organization of Living Systems Explained by Probability?
Authors: Sato Naoki
Published: January 2021

Traditionally, life has been thought improbable without assuming a special principle, such as vital power. Here, I try to understand organization of living systems in terms of a more rational and materialistic notion. I have introduced the notion of inhomogeneity, which is a novel interpretation of “negentropy”, and equivalent to “bound information”, according to the probabilistic interpretation of entropy. Free energy of metabolites is a labile inhomogeneity, whereas genetic information is a more stable inhomogeneity. Dynamic emergence can result from the conflict between two inhomogeneities, one labile and another stable, just like dialectic synthesis results from the conflict between thesis and antithesis. Life is a special type of dynamic emergence, which is coupled with reproduction mediated by genetic information. Biological membrane formation is taken as an example to formulate self-organization of biological systems through dynamic emergence. This system is ultimately driven by the Sun/Earth temperature difference, and is consistent with an increase in probability in the world. If we consider all entropy production related to life, such as degradation of materials and death of organisms, and ultimately the cooling of the Sun, probability always increases with the progress of living systems.
Making Sense of Murder: The Reality versus the Realness of Gang Homicides in Two Contexts
Authors: Urbanik Marta-Marika , Roks Robert
Published: January 2021

Despite the proliferation of research examining gang violence, little is known about how gang members experience, make sense of, and respond to peer fatalities. Drawing from two ethnographies in the Netherlands and Canada, this paper interrogates how gang members experience their affiliates’ murder in different street milieus. We describe how gang members in both studies made sense of and navigated their affiliates’ murder(s) by conducting pseudo-homicide investigations, being hypervigilant, and attributing blameworthiness to the victim. We then demonstrate that while the Netherland’s milder street culture amplifies the significance of homicide, signals the authenticity of gang life, and reaffirms or tests group commitment, frequent and normalized gun violence in Canada has desensitized gang-involved men to murder, created a communal and perpetual state of insecurity, and eroded group cohesion. Lastly, we compare the ‘realness’ of gang homicide in The Hague with the ‘reality’ of lethal violence in Toronto, drawing attention to the importance of the ‘local’ in making sense of murder and contrasting participants’ narratives of interpretation.
Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Adverse Neurodevelopment after Postnatal Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Raper Jessica , Chahroudi Ann
Published: January 2021

Although the Zika virus (ZIKV) typically causes mild or no symptoms in adults, during the 2015−2016 outbreak, ZIKV infection in pregnancy resulted in a spectrum of diseases in infants, including birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders identified in childhood. While intense clinical and basic science research has focused on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of prenatal ZIKV infection, less is known about the consequences of infection during early life. Considering the neurotropism of ZIKV and the rapidly-developing postnatal brain, it is important to understand how infection during infancy may disrupt neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the current knowledge regarding early postnatal ZIKV infection. Emerging clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that ZIKV infection during infancy can result in negative neurologic consequences. However, clinical data regarding postnatal ZIKV infection in children are limited; as such, animal models play an important role in understanding the potential complications of ZIKV infection related to the vulnerable developing brain. Preclinical data provide insight into the potential behavioral, cognitive, and motor domains that clinical studies should examine in pediatric populations exposed to ZIKV during infancy.
SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION FACTOR (REFLECTIONS ON THE BOOK BY V.O. BETIN «CONSTRUCTION AND ECONOMIC COMPLEX — THE LOCOMOTIVE OF DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL SYSTEMS»)
Authors: Basin E.V.
Published: January 2021

The article is a review of the book indicated in the title. The reviewer believes that, being a high-class educational and professional publication made in the format of an innovative educational module, it can also claim the status of a scientific and monographic publication. According to the final forecast conclusion of the reviewer, the book will be interesting and useful for a wide range of readers: specialists in the field of theory of state (Federal and sub-Federal) management, and the corresponding categories of managers-practitioners who train and are trained in specialized and other institutions of General and higher professional education.
ON PRICING IN THE GLOBAL OIL AND GAS MARKET
Authors: Trofimov S.E.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the key factors influencing pricing in the global oil market, conducted a retrospective analysis of its stages. It was noted that the vast majority of factors are closely interconnected, significantly correlated and dependent on each other. In this conditions, it became almost impossible to determine the actual degree of influence of each of them on the dynamics of oil quotations, which testified to the insufficient reliability of the factor analysis and the need to apply methods of technical analysis of securities at the index stage, in particular, analysis of time series with the isolation of trend, cycle and random components. A conclusion was made on the need to improve the quality of forecasting the dynamics of oil prices as an instrument to increase the efficiency of the functioning of the mechanism of the state regulation of the oil and gas complex, which made it possible to more reliably predict the oil and gas revenues of the budget, the main macroeconomic indicators, develop public programs, scenarios of long-term socio-economic development, etc.
Understanding Hyaluronan Receptor (CD44) Interaction, HA-CD44 Activated Potential Targets in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Chaudhry Gul-e-Saba , Akim Abdah , Naveed Zafar Muhammad , Safdar Naila , Sung Yeong Yik , Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul Tengku
Published: January 2021

Cancer is a complex mechanism involving a series of cellular events. The glycoproteins such as hyaluronan (HA) are a significant element of extracellular matrix (ECM), involve in the onset of cancer developmental process. The pivotal roles of HA in cancer progression depend on dysregulated expression in various cancer. HA, also gain attention due to consideration as a primary ligand of CD44 receptor. The CD44, complex transmembrane receptor protein, due to alternative splicing in the transcription process, various CD44 isoforms predominantly exist. The overexpression of distinct CD44 isoforms (CD44v) standard (CD44s) depends on the tumour type and stage. The receptor proteins, CD44 engage in a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis. HA-CD44 interaction trigger survival pathways that result in cell proliferation, invasion ultimately complex metastasis. The interaction and binding of ligand-receptor HA-CD44 regulate the downstream cytoskeleton pathways involve in cell survival or cell death. Thus, targeting HA, CD44 (variant and standard) isoform, and HA-CD44 binding consider as an attractive and useful approach towards cancer therapeutics. The use of various inhibitors of HA, hyaluronidase (HYALs), and utilizing targeted Nano-delivery of anticancer agents and antibodies against CD44, peptides gives promising results invitro and invivo. However, they are in clinical trials with favourable and unfavourable outcomes, which reflects the need for various modifications in targeting agents and a better understanding of potential targets in tumour progression pathways.
Comments on "Dissolution Enhancement of Atorvastatin Calcium by Cocrystallization"
Authors: Emami Shahram , Shayanfar Ali
Published: January 2021

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Studying the Effect of Amino Acid Substitutions in the M2 Ion Channel of the Influenza Virus on the Antiviral Activity of the Aminoadamantane DerivativeIn VitroandIn Silico
Authors: Garaev Timur Mansurovich , Odnovorov Artyom Irorevich , Lashkov Alexander Aleksandrovich , Grebennikova Tatiana Vladimirovna , Finogenova Marina Pavlovna , Sadykova Galina Kadymovna , Prilipov Alexei Gennadievich , Timofeeva Tatiana Anatol'evna , Rubinsky Sergey Vadimovich , Norkina Svetlana Nikolaevna , Zhuravleva Marina Mikhailovna
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The aminoadamantane derivative of L-histidyl-1-adamantayl ethylamine hydrochloride (HCl*H-His-Rim) has showed a high inhibition level against influenza A virus strains in vitro. The aim of this work is to search and establish evidence of the direct effect of the drug on influenza A virus proton channel M2. Methods: The compound HCl*H-His-Rim was obtained by classical peptide synthesis methods. Influenza A virus mutants of A/PuertoRico/8/34(H1N1) strain were obtained by reverse genetics methods. The mutant samples of the virus were cultured on chicken embryos with a virus titer in the hemagglutination test. ELISA was carried out on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) monolayer cells when multiplying the virus 10-4-10-6. The binding stability of HCl*H-His-Rim was compared to those of M2 (S31N) and M2 (S31N_A30T) channels by molecular dynamic (MD) modeling. The calculation was performed taking into account the interaction with the model lipid bilayer (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) in the presence of water molecules in accordance with the three-center model. Results: It was found that HCl*H-His-Rim is a direct action drug against influenza A. The most likely conformation of drug binding to target protein has been shown. It has been found that the A30T mutation reduces the binding energy of the drug, and the results obtained in vitro have confirmed the data calculated in silico. Conclusion: The mechanism of action of HCl*H-His-Rim is directly related to the suppression of the function of the proton channel M2 of influenza A virus.
Investigating Students’ Perceptions of Cognitive Presence in
Relation to Learner Performance in Blended Learning Courses: A
Mixed‑Methods Approach
Authors: Almasi Mustapha , Zhu Chang
Published: January 2021

Cognitive presence sustains the learning community through
intellectual discourse. Previous studies have explored cognitive
presence using mainly quantitative measures in relation to students’
perceived learning. This study adopts a mixed‑method approach to
investigate students’ perception of cognitive presence, its
relationship with academic performance, and its manifestation in
blended learning courses in selected Tanzanian universities. The
study adds empirical evidence about the emerging blended learning
courses. A total of 351 students were involved in the study. The
findings show that students reported a high cognitive presence (mean
= 3.9, SD = .51). Furthermore, cognitive presence predicted student
performance. Qualitative data show that students explored
information through interaction in group discussions and
presentations, with the main push being questions from instructors
(teaching presence). Students integrated and applied their knowledge
by discussing among themselves, teaching others, and practicing what
they had learned. Nevertheless, lack of prompts for feedback, time
constraints and lack of confidence were linked with low levels of
cognitive presence. The study concludes that students experience
high cognitive presence, which predicts their academic performance.
The findings imply that cognitive presence tends to influence
student performance, regardless of the varying levels of its
manifestation.
Blackboard Collaborated‑Based Instruction in an Academic
Writing Class: Sociocultural Perspectives of Learning
Authors: Motlhaka Hlaviso
Published: January 2021

Academic writing in higher education involves acculturation
of discourse characterised by new and unfamiliar social, cultural
and academic conventions which remain a huge challenge for
instructors and students worldwide. This study aimed at
investigating the use of Blackboard Collaborated‑Based Instruction
to improve academic writing skills of second language writers.
Drawing from Vygotsky’s sociocultural framework, this study is
premised on online collaborative writing tasks which encourage peer
feedback and the exchange of ideas that gives sense of an audience
larger than one consisting only of the teacher. Data were collected
through metacognitive reflective interview of eight first‑year
students registered for a Bachelor of Education degree programme.
The findings show that Blackboard Collaborated‑Based Instruction
provided second language writers with an online learning community
in which they collaborate and help each other in editing, revising,
and improving their academic essay through peer feedback. The
findings also provide an insight into how learning academic writing
skills is facilitated by scaffolding between peers wherein
Blackboard Collaborated‑Based Instruction serves as a mediator in
students’ development of academic writing.
Knowledge Geography for Measuring the Divergence in
Intellectual Capital of Russia
Authors: Mikhaylov Andrey S. , Mikhaylova Anna A. , Singh Vivek K. , Hvaley Dmitry V.
Published: January 2021

Knowledge is becoming a paramount resource of innovation
economies. The efficient management of generation, use, accumulation
and transfer of knowledge within a non‑linear innovation process
plays a critical role in economic growth. Knowledge geography
registers the uneven landscape of the national innovation system and
captures the key excellence clusters at different hierarchical
levels – from local nodes to cities and regions. While the spatial
patterns of knowledge commercialization are primarily considered via
production processes at the regional level (regional innovation
systems, regional innovation clusters), knowledge generation has to
be monitored and assessed at the level of cities. Urban settlements
accommodate communities of people and a population of firms that
form unique configurations of innovation ecosystems that sculpture
the intellectual capital of regions and states. This paper presents
the distribution of knowledge‑generating centres in Russia by
undertaking an in‑depth evaluation of bibliometric data for 440
settlements across the country for a period of 2013‑2017. Methods of
spatial scientometrics enable to register the intellectual capital
accumulated in a certain locality and analyse development
trajectories of urban settlements. Russia is an interesting case of
studying the spatial patterns of knowledge generation. The large
territorial extent of the country, the remoteness of individual
cities from each other, their heterogeneity in size, level of
development, and knowledge specialization makes it a highly diverse
context. Research results suggest that knowledge domain
characteristics are formed irrespective of the population figures,
whereas the development dynamics of small and medium‑sized cities
are specific. Smaller cities strive to be integrated into
inter‑regional and international collaboration in order to overcome
the shortage of local resources. A limited gross volume of research
output generated by small and medium‑sized cities creates extreme
indicator values as compared to the major cities and the national
average. The study concludes with a typology of cities taking into
account the specific features of knowledge generation
dynamics.
Knowledge Sharing Barriers in Russian Universities’
Administrative Subdivisions
Authors: Blagov Evgeny , Begler Alena , Pleshkova Anastasiia
Published: January 2021

Thе paper investigates the influence of a set of twelve
various nature knowledge sharing barriers (shortly, KSBs) on the
knowledge sharing speed and quality in the administrative
subdivisions of six leading Russian universities. The respondents
have been answering the questionnaire including questions regarding
the KSBs’ perceived strength from the knowledge requester and
knowledge holder positions, thus creating four models tested via the
IBM SPSS Statistics 22 package as linear regression equations. The
testing results are showing statistically significant influence of
several KSBs on the knowledge sharing speed and quality. The
methodology and results of the study have both practical
applicability and theoretical value, as administrative subdivisions
are considerably unpopular objects of knowledge sharing research in
higher educational institutions, in contrast to the research and
teaching subdivisions. Several further research development
directions are suggested, considering both the sample extension and
changes in the research methodology.
The Continuous Recombination of Codification and
Personalisation KM strategies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bolisani Ettore , Padova Antonella , Scarso Enrico
Published: January 2021

It is increasingly considered important to understand how
companies plan their Knowledge Management (KM) strategy. The
literature provides evidence that there may be different possible
approaches to KM strategy. A significant distinction has been made
between “codification” and “personalization”. Sometimes, these two
approaches have been seen to be alternative to one another. In other
cases scholars argued that a company can follow a strategy that
mixes the two approaches depending on diverse intertwined factors.
Still, on this topic, the literature provides various and sometimes
contrasting results that need clarification and confirmation.
Especially, there is the need to understand if changes in internal
and external conditions may induce modifications in a firm’s KM
strategy.The goal of the study is to analyse how the mix of
codification and personalisation can vary over time in the same
company, due to changing organizational and environmental
conditions. With this purpose, the evolution of KM initiatives of a
multinational company was investigated. The findings of the study
confirm that the strategic mix can change over the years due to
modifications in the factors of the company’s internal and external
context. Furthermore, the case shows that the different factors have
different weight and play a different role in influencing such
changes. Specifically, in the investigated case, the factors related
to the competitive context affected the evolution of the KM strategy
more significantly than internal factors (which were just enablers
or constraints of the evolutionary path). In addition, the study
shows that this classic distinction between codification and
personalization may not be easy to use in practical terms, due to
the complexity of KM activities and needs in a company: this point
can represent a fresh start of a future research agenda.
Detrivialization as a Strategy to Challenge Organizational
Groupthink
Authors: Mnasri Salaheddine , Papakonstantinidis Stavros
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on knowledge
construction and knowledge sharing within the field of
organizational communication. The research underlines the importance
of exploring human learning contextually, descriptively,
interpretively, and inductively. Through a participant‑observer
methodological approach, the study contributes to the literature by
introducing detrivialization as a strategy to explore ’participants’
rhetoric related to their organizational procedures. The paper
describes a case study that took place for 18 months in a cancer
research lab in Belgium, where employees seemed unable to question
several taken‑for‑granted practices. The present research primarily
reveals the consequences of trivialization, when the rationale of
essential organizational practices go unnoticed until
observer‑participant challenges the status quo. Also, the study
highlights the outcomes of the detrivialization approach, which
triggers unprecedented knowledge. Finally, the paper introduces the
(de)trivialization dynamic model, which can depict the consequences
of opening black‑boxes in organizational contexts. This research is
a new approach in organizational ethnomethodology, revisiting
’Garfinkel’s (1967) breaching experiment to describe science in
action. The suggested model offers a methodological approach for
exploring trivialized organizational dynamics and challenging
groupthink. Detrivialization is an opposite approach to
trivialization, to offer a new debate topic to scholars aiming to
conduct ethnographic research and discourse analysis in
organizational communication.