bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Visual Strategies in Symbolic Illustrated Advertising
Authors: Daly Peter M.
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT: Some symbolic illustrated advertising may remind one of emblems. It is certainly visual culture, but it is also an aspect of emblematics in the material culture. I write from a European perspective, drawing largely on European and American publications. The AIDA formula well sums up the purposes of commercial advertising, and is said to consist of attracting Attention, arousing Interest, creating Desire, and motivating Action. In commercial advertising the desired action is the sale of a product or service. This calls for strategies of persuasion, which can be described rhetorically or thematically. I prefer the thematic approach, and have decided that least following strategies will be discovered: recognition and surprise, riddle and puzzle, wit and humour, patriotism, famous persons, myth, ethnicity, Bible and Christian tradition, and nature, environment and ecology. These are not listed hierarchically and a given ad may employ several of these strategies.

KEYWORDS: Emblems; Advertising; Advertising Strategies.

RESUMEN: Ciertos ejemplos de la publicidad ilustrada simbólica nos hacen pensar en la emblemática. Sin duda se trata de la cultura visual, pero constituye al mismo tiempo un aspecto de la emblemática en la cultura material. Mi perspectiva es europea, y los ejemplos aducidos se originan principalmente en publicaciones europeas y norteamericanas. La llamada fórmula AIDA resume muy bien los propósitos de la publicidad comercial, y consiste en llamar la Atención, suscitar el Interés, crear el Deseo y motivar la Acción. En la publicidad comercial la acción deseada es la venta de un producto o servicio. Esto requiere estrategias de la persuasión, las cuales pueden ser descritas retórica o temáticamente. Prefiero un acercamiento temático y concluyo que las siguientes estrategias se revelarán: reconocimiento y sorpresa, adivinanza y enigma, ingenio y humorismo, patriotismo, personas famosas, mito, etnicidad, Biblia y la tradición cristiana, así como naturaleza, medio ambiente y ecología. Esta lista no pretende ser jerárquica y un anuncio publicitario puede utilizar varias de estas estrategias.

PALABRAS CLAVES: Emblemas; publicidad; estrategias de la publicidad.
Zapata Fernández de la Hoz, Teresa [2016]. La corte de Felipe IV se viste de fiesta. La entrada de Mariana de Austria (1649)
Authors: García Mahíques Rafael
Published: February 2018

Recensión del libro:

ZAPATA FERNÁNDEZ DE LA HOZ, Teresa [2016]. La corte de Felipe IV se viste de fiesta. La entrada de Mariana de Austria (1649), Anejos de Imago: Revista de Emblemática y Cultura Visual, n. 5. Valencia, Universitat de València, 421 pp.
Magnitud de la Segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico en España y sus Comunidades Autónomas y comparación con los países de la Unión Europea
Authors: Murillo F. Javier , Martínez-Garrido Cynthia
Published: February 2018

El objetivo de esta investigación es estimar la magnitud de la segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico en España y por Comunidad Autónoma, comparando los resultados con los países de la Unión Europea. Para ello realiza una explotación especial de los datos PISA-2015, utilizando los índices de Gorard y de Aislamiento. Los resultados indican que la segregación promedio es España en su dimensión de uniformidad es de 0,38 (índice de Gorard) y de 0,32 en su dimensión de exposición (índice de Aislamiento). Estos datos indican que España es uno de los países más segregados de Europa, con cifras análogas a los países de Este más segregados y muy alejadas de los países de su contexto más cercano. La segregación escolar en las Comunidades ofrece resultados extremos, algunas se encuentran entre las más bajas de Europa (Illes Balears, Galicia y Aragón) y otras como la Comunidad de Madrid con una segregación muy alta, solo superada por Hungría dentro de la Unión Europea. Con todo ello se observa la incidencia de las políticas educativas regionales respecto a los criterios de admisión de centros en la segregación escolar, mostrando que políticas como el fomento de la educación privada, de la competencia de centros mediante la publicación de rankings o la creación de un distrito único puede configurar sistemas educativos inequitativos que atentan a la igualdad de oportunidades.
Del campo a la universidad: aspiraciones de jóvenes de familias agricultoras de Chile
Authors: Allendes Sandoval Hernán , Rivera García Enrique
Published: February 2018

En Chile se observan importantes transformaciones a nivel familiar en el medio rural. Los y las jóvenes de hoy responden al trabajo agrícola de forma distinta a sus progenitores, debido principalmente a las aspiraciones que surgen en relación a la apertura de la educación superior en el país. En este contexto de cambio social, la investigación de la que procede este artículo se plantea abordar dos cuestiones: la dimensión subjetiva que subyace al abandono de la agricultura en hijos e hijas de familias agrícolas, y la configuración de las aspiraciones intergeneracionales a partir de la apertura de la educación superior. La investigación se realizó a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas a familias agricultoras en la región de Valparaíso. Los resultados muestran que fenómenos como el envejecimiento de la población agrícola y las aspiraciones de la población joven hacia la educación superior han promovido un proceso paulatino de abandono de la agricultura.
Repensando a Sociologia da Educação no Brasil: ações afirmativas e teorias do sul
Authors: Oliveira Amurabi
Published: February 2018

Nos últimos anos tem havido um crescente debate sobre as chamadas "teorias do Sul", que tornaram visível a necessidade de buscar novas contribuições teóricas para pensar sobre as realidades sociais do "Sul Global", e isso foi percebido em vários campos da Sociologia, o que inclui a Sociologia da Educação. Neste artigo, pretendo realizar um debate teórico sobre o caráter eurocêntrico da Sociologia da Educação no Brasil desde sua gênese, e os limites das teorias sociológicas "do norte" na explicação das realidades educacionais "do sul". Isso não é apenas para indicar a necessidade de desenvolvimento de novas contribuições teóricas da perspectiva do "sul", mas também para reconhecer como devemos repensar as teorias "do norte", reformulando-as em outros contextos sociais. Tomarei como um fio do meu debate a questão da ação racial afirmativa no ensino superior no Brasil.
Más mujeres en los estudios de Informática: una propuesta desde el departamento de formación y orientación laboral
Authors: Fernández Casado Ana Belén , Ibañez Pascual Marta
Published: February 2018

Pese a la relativa paridad entre géneros que se observaba en los albores de la informática, hoy la presencia de mujeres en este tipo de formación es minoritaria. Este hecho, no sólo está cerrando una especialización con alta demanda de empleo, también las aparta del diseño y construcción del nuevo mundo virtual que nos rodea. La elección educativa de chicos y chicas a lo largo de su itinerario formativo sigue asociada a los estereotipos de género; frente a ello, la escuela no logra atraer y retener a las niñas y chicas en estos estudios, es decir, está fallando en su labor de fomentar la igualdad.El texto se divide en dos partes: teórica y empírica/aplicada. En la parte teórica se repasan las razones por las que las chicas no eligen estos estudios. El otro apoyo teórico es nuestra concepción de la Orientación académica y Laboral. En la segunda, y tras explicar el trabajo de campo desarrollado en un Centro de Formación Profesional en el Departamento de Formación y Orientación Laboral (entrevistas semiestructuradas y en profundidad a egresados/as, un grupo de trabajo con docentes y observación participante), la información recopilada se completa con las ajenas, en una propuesta de buenas prácticas: un programa de atracción y retención de mujeres en estos estudios.
Marina Subirats (2017). Coeducación, apuesta por la libertad
Authors: Villar Aguilés Alícia
Published: February 2018

Venimos de una larga historia patriarcal. Una historia que ha construido una sociedad indudablemente centrada en lo masculino. No nos referimos a una sociedad lejana o exótica, sino a la nuestra, la más cercana, que ha sido pensada y dirigida durante siglos por varones, donde las principales instituciones encargadas de la socialización han estado pensadas y regidas por ellos y para ellos. Esa sociedad patriarcal continua enraizada en la actualidad y por ello son necesarias las reflexiones y las aportaciones de personas que defienden al reconstrucción de esta sociedad. Una de las indispensables es Marina Subirats. Su último libro, Coeducación, una apuesta por la libertad, es de lectura sencilla y entretenida, y permite a una persona no necesariamente especializada en perspectiva de género o en conocimientos más profundizados en el temática de la discriminación de las mujeres, acercarse a esa realidad, sobre la que Marina Subirats lleva investigando desde hace años.
Basin of small rivers as an indicator of the environment state
Authors: Mitryasova Olena , Pohrebennyk Volodymyr
Published: February 2018

Background. Small rivers are an important component of the natural environment. Water resources of small rivers are part of the shared water resources and are often the main and sometimes the only one source of local water. Small rivers are the regulators of the water regime of the landscapes, the factors for maintaining balance and redistribution of moisture. The aim is analysis of interaction between parameters of the quality of the water environment like conductivity and nitrates on the example of natural waters of small rivers. Objects are small rivers Bìst and Rosselle (Saardand lands, Germany) and Mertvovod (Mykolaiv region, Ukraine).

Methods. We used the method of correlative analysis which is effective and efficient for the determination of connections between the parameters of water quality that helps to identify sources of pollution, as well as interpret phenomena, forecast the situation related to the change in the quality of natural waters. The hydrochemical monitoring data were obtained from autonomous automated stations that are located on the rivers Bist, Rossel and Mertvovod. We investigated the following correlation dependencies between such combinations of natural waters quality parameters: nitrates and conductivity. Monitoring data are processed using software MS Excel; correlation dependence was defined using the CORREL.

Results. Correlation value is changed in the range from −1 to + 1 that demonstrates the indirect and direct dependence between the selected parameters. If the value is closer to +1, this means the presence of a strong connection, if closer to 0 – weak. The time periods for the calculation of the correlation between the parameters of natural waters quality is selected: 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours respectively. The following time periods allow the best to trace and predict changes in the natural aquatic environment. Correlation analysis of the concentration of nitrates and conductivity showed that for r. Bìst and r. Rosselle dominates is the positive value of the correlation between the study parameters, which proves their strong interaction. However, at certain concentrations of nitrate-ions observed custom phenomenon of sharp decrease in correlation to the «-1», which is explained by the Onsager equation, namely an excess concentration of nitrates is associated with erosion of different types of fertilizers from the fields as a result of rainfall.

Discussion. Trend analysis of the studied indicators of Mertvovod water quality was conducted on an average value of each indicator (pH, phosphates, nitrates, BOD, soluble oxygen). We used trend analysis for Mertvovod because we did not have enough data in time. Found a significant increase in phosphates with time. This can be explained by the arrival of various surface active substances and, to a lesser extent, the lack of quality sewage treatment facilities. Positive changes are founded in water object that is related to a decrease in the value of BOD.
Sci-Hub provides access to nearly all scholarly literature
Authors: Himmelstein Daniel S , Romero Ariel R , Levernier Jacob G , Munro Thomas A , McLaughlin Stephen R , Greshake Tzovaras Bastian , Greene Casey S
Published: February 2018

The website Sci-Hub enables users to download PDF versions of scholarly articles, including many articles that are paywalled at their journal’s site. Sci-Hub has grown rapidly since its creation in 2011, but the extent of its coverage was unclear. Here we report that, as of March 2017, Sci-Hub’s database contains 68.9% of the 81.6 million scholarly articles registered with Crossref and 85.2% of articles published in toll access journals. We find that coverage varies by discipline and publisher and that Sci-Hub preferentially covers popular, paywalled content. For toll access articles, green open access via licit services is quite limited, while Sci-Hub provides greater coverage than a major research university. Our interactive browser at https://greenelab.github.io/scihub allows users to explore these findings in more detail. For the first time, nearly all scholarly literature is available gratis to anyone with an Internet connection, suggesting the toll access business model will become unsustainable.
Evaluating the Influence of Plate Boundary Friction and Mantle Viscosity on Plate Velocities
Authors: Osei Tutu A. , Sobolev S. V. , Steinberger B. , Popov A. A. , Rogozhina I.
Published: February 2018

Lithospheric plates move over the low‐viscosity asthenosphere balancing several forces, which generate plate motions. We use a global 3‐D lithosphere‐asthenosphere model (SLIM3D) with visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology coupled to a spectral model of mantle flow at 300 km depth to quantify the influence of intra‐plate friction and asthenospheric viscosity on plate velocities. We account for the brittle‐ductile deformation at plate boundaries (yield stress) using a plate boundary friction coefficient to predict the present‐day plate motion and net rotation of the lithospheric plates. Previous modeling studies have suggested that small friction coefficients (
, yield stress
MPa) can lead to plate tectonics in models of mantle convection. Here we show that in order to match the observed present‐day plate motion and net rotation, the frictional parameter must be less than 0.05. We obtain a good fit with the magnitude and orientation of the observed plate velocities (NUVEL‐1A) in a no‐net‐rotation (NNR) reference frame with
and a minimum asthenosphere viscosity of
Pas to 1020 Pas. Our estimates of net rotation (NR) of the lithosphere suggest that amplitudes
(
/Ma), similar to most observation‐based estimates, can be obtained with asthenosphere viscosity cutoff values of
Pas to
Pas and friction coefficients
.
Dynamical Characterization of a Low Oxygen Submesoscale Coherent Vortex in the Eastern North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Pietri A. , Karstensen J.
Published: February 2018

A submesoscale coherent vortex (SCV) with a low oxygen core is characterized from underwater glider and mooring observations from the eastern tropical North Atlantic, north of the Cape Verde Islands. The eddy crossed the mooring with its center and a 1 month time series of the SCV's hydrographic and upper 100 m currents structure was obtained. About 45 days after, and ∼100 km west, the SCV frontal zone was surveyed in high temporal and spatial resolution using an underwater glider. Satellite altimetry showed the SCV was formed about 7 months before at the Mauritanian coast. The SCV was located at 80–100 m depth, its diameter was ∼100 km and its maximum swirl velocity ∼0.4 m s−1. A Burger number of 0.2 and a vortex Rossby number 0.15 indicate a flat lens in geostrophic balance. Mooring and glider data show in general comparable dynamical and thermohaline structures, the glider in high spatial resolution, the mooring in high temporal resolution. Surface maps of chlorophyll concentration suggest high productivity inside and around the SCV. The low potential vorticity (PV) core of the SCV is surrounded by filamentary structures, sloping down at different angles from the mixed layer base and with typical width of 10–20 km and a vertical extent of 50–100 m.
MitochondrialDNARepair and Genome Evolution
Authors: Christensen Alan C.
Published: February 2018

In plants, replicating the mitochondrial genome is probably a very minor expenditure of energy compared to the other costly activities of the cell, including replicating the much larger nuclear genome, transcription, protein synthesis and active transport. This chapter discusses the angiosperm mitochondrial genomes. The mutational burden hypothesis (MBH) explains an inverse correlation between mutation rate and genome size. The types of DNA damage that occur in mitochondria, the available mechanisms of repair, and selection on the repaired DNA products is taken into account in understanding the patterns of plant mitochondrial genome evolution. Analysis of the evolutionary patterns seen in plant mitochondrial genomes led to hypotheses of what mechanisms of DNA repair are available in plant mitochondria. The mechanism of repair ensures accurate inheritance of genes and has the side‐effect of allowing duplications, rearrangements and the accumulation of junk DNA.
Metal Alloys for Fusion‐Based Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Duyao , Sun Shoujin , Qiu Dong , Gibson Mark A. , Dargusch Matthew S. , Brandt Milan , Qian Ma , Easton Mark
Published: February 2018

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is an innovative manufacturing technique, which builds parts incrementally layer by layer. Thus, metal AM has inherent advantages in part complexity, time, and waste saving. However, due to its complex thermal cycle and rapid solidification during processing, the alloys well suit and commercially used for metal AM today are limited. Therefore, it is important to understand the alloying strategy and current progress with materials performance to consider alloy development for metal AM. This review presents the current range of alloys available for metal AM, including titanium, steel, nickel, aluminum, less common alloys (including Mg alloys, metal matrix composites alloys, and low melting point alloys), and compositionally complex alloys (including bulk metallic glasses and high entropy alloys) with a focus on the relationship between compositions, processing, microstructures, and properties of each alloy system. In addition, some promising alloy systems for metal AM are highlighted. Approaches for designing and optimizing new materials for metal AM have been summarized.
A Yolk–Shell Nanoplatform for Gene‐Silencing‐Enhanced Photolytic Ablation of Cancer
Authors: Guo Ranran , Tian Ye , Yang Yueqi , Jiang Qin , Wang Yajun , Yang Wuli
Published: February 2018

Noninvasive near‐infrared (NIR) light responsive therapy is a promising cancer treatment modality; however, some inherent drawbacks of conventional phototherapy heavily restrict its application in clinic. Rather than producing heat or reactive oxygen species in conventional NIR treatment, here a multifunctional yolk–shell nanoplatform is proposed that is able to generate microbubbles to destruct cancer cells upon NIR laser irradiation. Besides, the therapeutic effect is highly improved through the coalition of small interfering RNA (siRNA), which is codelivered by the nanoplatform. In vitro experiments demonstrate that siRNA significantly inhibits expression of protective proteins and reduces the tolerance of cancer cells to bubble‐induced environmental damage. In this way, higher cytotoxicity is achieved by utilizing the yolk–shell nanoparticles than treated with the same nanoparticles missing siRNA under NIR laser irradiation. After surface modification with polyethylene glycol and transferrin, the yolk–shell nanoparticles can target tumors selectively, as demonstrated from the photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging in vivo. The yolk–shell nanoplatform shows outstanding tumor regression with minimal side effects under NIR laser irradiation. Therefore, the multifunctional nanoparticles that combining bubble‐induced mechanical effect with RNA interference are expected to be an effective NIR light responsive oncotherapy.
Gellan Gum Hydrogels with Enzyme‐Sensitive Biodegradation and Endothelial Cell Biorecognition Sites
Authors: da Silva Lucília P. , Jha Amit K. , Correlo Vitor M. , Marques Alexandra P. , Reis Rui L. , Healy Kevin E.
Published: February 2018

The survival of a biomaterial or tissue engineered construct is mainly hampered by the deficient microcirculation in its core, and limited nutrients and oxygen availability to the implanted or colonizing host cells. Aiming to address these issues, we herein propose bioresponsive gellan gum (GG) hydrogels that are biodegradable by metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) and enable endothelial cells adhesion and proliferation. GG is chemically functionalized with divinyl sulfone (DVS) and then biofunctionalized with thiol cell‐adhesive peptides (T1 or C16) to confer GG endothelial cell biorecognition cues. Biodegradable hydrogels are then formed by Michael type addition of GGDVS or/and peptide‐functionalized GGDVS with a dithiol peptide crosslinker sensitive to MMP‐1. The mechanical properties (6 to 5580 Pa), swelling (17 to 11), MMP‐1‐driven degradation (up to 70%), and molecules diffusion coefficients of hydrogels are tuned by increasing the polymer amount and crosslinking density. Human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells depict a polarized elongated morphology when encapsulated within T1‐containing hydrogels, in contrast to the round morphology observed in C16‐containing hydrogels. Cell organization is favored as early as 1 d of cell culture within the T1‐modified hydrogels with higher concentration of peptide, while cell proliferation is higher in T1‐modified hydrogels with higher modulus. In conclusion, biodegradable and bioresponsive GGDVS hydrogels are promising endothelial cell responsive materials that can be used for vascularization strategies.
Advances in Carbon Nanotubes–Hydrogel Hybrids in Nanomedicine for Therapeutics
Authors: Vashist Arti , Kaushik Ajeet , Vashist Atul , Sagar Vidya , Ghosal Anujit , Gupta Y. K. , Ahmad Sharif , Nair Madhavan
Published: February 2018

In spite of significant advancement in hydrogel technology, low mechanical strength and lack of electrical conductivity have limited their next‐level biomedical applications for skeletal muscles, cardiac and neural cells. Host–guest chemistry based hybrid nanocomposites systems have gained attention as they completely overcome these pitfalls and generate bioscaffolds with tunable electrical and mechanical characteristics. In recent years, carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based hybrid hydrogels have emerged as innovative candidates with diverse applications in regenerative medicines, tissue engineering, drug delivery devices, implantable devices, biosensing, and biorobotics. This article is an attempt to recapitulate the advancement in synthesis and characterization of hybrid hydrogels and provide deep insights toward their functioning and success as biomedical devices. The improved comparative performance and biocompatibility of CNT–hydrogels hybrids systems developed for targeted biomedical applications are addressed here. Recent updates toward diverse applications and limitations of CNT hybrid hydrogels is the strength of the review. This will provide a holistic approach toward understanding of CNT‐based hydrogels and their applications in nanotheranostics.
Multimodality Imaging of Silica and Silicon Materials In Vivo
Authors: Karaman Didem Şen , Sarparanta Mirkka P. , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Airaksinen Anu J.
Published: February 2018

Recent progress in the development of silica‐ and silicon‐based multimodality imaging nanoprobes has advanced their use in image‐guided drug delivery, and the development of novel systems for nanotheranostic and diagnostic applications. As biocompatible and flexibly tunable materials, silica and silicon provide excellent platforms with high clinical potential in nanotheranostic and diagnostic probes with well‐defined morphology and surface chemistry, yielding multifunctional properties. In vivo imaging is of great value in the exploration of methods for improving site‐specific nanotherapeutic delivery by silica‐ and silicon‐based drug‐delivery systems. Multimodality approaches are essential for understanding the biological interactions of nanotherapeutics in the physiological environment in vivo. The aim here is to describe recent advances in the development of in vivo imaging tools based on nanostructured silica and silicon, and their applications in single and multimodality imaging.
Functionalization of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Photoactive Materials
Authors: Hao Jina , Xu Xiaoyu , Fei Honghan , Li Liangchun , Yan Bing
Published: February 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are intriguing platforms with multiple functionalities. Additional functionalization of MOFs generates novel materials for various applications. Here, three main topics are examined regarding the functionalization of MOFs for use as photoactive materials. The first is chemical approaches for postsynthetic modification of the metal clusters and organic linkers in MOFs; that is, sites on pore surfaces and chemical trapping of photoactive moieties within the pores, which create materials with chemical functionalities for water splitting and CO2 reduction by light. The second topic focuses on the functionalization of MOFs for photochemical response and the versatile applications of such materials. State‐of‐the‐art research on functionalizing MOFs through photochemical reactions on the pore surface and within the pores as guests is also summarized. The third topic introduces the functionalization of MOFs for photofunctional materials, including photoluminescent tuning and integration, photoluminescent LED devices and barcodes, and photophysical applications for chemical sensing. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on the fields are given.
Nanosculpting of Atomically Thin 2D Materials for Site‐Specific Photoluminescence Modulation
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: February 2018

Nanomanufacturing techniques to generate patterned structures of mechanically exfoliated two‐dimensional (2D) materials by lithography, gas phase etching, and electron beam/ion beam irradiation have gained significant interest. Such control over patterning in monolayers of WS2 and MoS2 will aid the development of novel, miniaturized devices for nanoelectronic and nanophotonic applications. In this study a controlled site‐specific nanosculpting of WS2 and MoS2 monolayers grown on SiO2/Si substrate by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is reported. Nanoindentation by sharp diamond Berkovich tip with ≈50 nm radius is used to make periodic arrays of indents to spatially modulate photoluminescence (PL) intensity up to more than an order of changes. To demonstrate systematic strain variation, relatively shallow indentations are also carried out with conical tip of ≈5 µm radius. Raman and PL measurements carried out near the indented region indicate a systematic variation in strain with respect to load and location. Further, nanosculpting to design nonperiodic structures is achieved by performing nanoindentation in close proximity to each other with detailed Raman and PL mapping. The developed approach of indentation‐based site‐specific nanosculpting of 2D materials and modulation of PL intensity provides direct pathways to design a variety of patterned structures and nanoscale devices for photodetector applications.
γ‐Regioselective Functionalization of 3‐Alkenylindoles via 1,6‐Addition to Extended Alkylideneindolenine Intermediates
Authors: Bertuzzi Giulio , Lenti Lucia , Giorgiana Bisag Denisa , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Petrini Marino , Bernardi Luca
Published: February 2018

Alkylideneindolenines are widely employed key electrophilic intermediates for the α‐functionalization of the C‐3 side chain of indoles. However, the reactivity of their extended (vinylogous) counterparts has not been carefully explored so far. These intermediates can undergo 1,4‐ or 1,6‐addition with functionalization at α‐ or γ‐position of the side chain, resulting in regioisomeric mixtures of products. This work demonstrates that a complete γ‐regioselectivity can be achieved in the reaction of 3‐indol‐3‐yl allylic alcohols with various nucleophiles. This process is catalysed by just 1 mol% zinc(II) triflate at room temperature and entails the 1,6‐selective addition of the nucleophile to an extended protonated alkylideneindolenine generated in situ. Indoles, pyrroles, anilines and thiols can be efficiently used as nucleophilic partners for this reaction, delivering the corresponding 3‐vinyl substituted, γ‐functionalised indole products in moderate to good yields.

magnified image
Direct Observation of an Imidoylnitrene: Photochemical Formation of PhC(=NMe)−N and Me−N from 1‐Methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole
Authors: Abe Manabu , Bégué Didier , Santos‐Silva Hugo , Dargelos Alain , Wentrup Curt
Published: February 2018

The imidoylnitrene 8, N‐methyl‐C‐phenylimidoylnitrene, has been generated by laser photolysis of 1‐methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole 6 at 5 K and characterized by its ESR spectrum (|D/hc|=0.9602, |E/hc|=0.0144 cm−1). In addition, the triplet excited states of 6 and of 2‐methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole 11 were also observed by ESR spectroscopy in the 5 K matrices (6: |D/hc|=0.123 cm−1, E/hc=0.0065 cm−1, 11: |D/hc|=0.126 cm−1, |E/hc|=0.0056 cm−1). The imidoylnitrene 8 is unstable both thermally (disappearing at 80 K) and photochemically (disappearing on continued irradiation at 266 nm). Methyl(phenyl)carbodiimide is the end product of photolysis.
Scalable, Stereocontrolled Formal Syntheses of (+)‐Isoschizandrin and (+)‐Steganone: Development and Applications of Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Atroposelective C−H Alkynylation
Authors: Liao Gang , Yao Qi‐Jun , Zhang Zhuo‐Zhuo , Wu Yong‐Jie , Huang Dan‐Ying , Shi Bing‐Feng
Published: February 2018

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are an interesting class of molecules because of their unique structure based on an axially chiral biaryl moiety as well as their significant biological activity. Herein, we describe the development of a palladium‐catalyzed atroposelective C−H alkynylation and its application in gram‐scale, stereocontrolled formal syntheses of (+)‐isoschizandrin and (+)‐steganone. tert‐Leucine was identified as an efficient, catalytic transient chiral auxiliary. A wide range of enantiomerically enriched biaryl compounds were prepared by this approach in good yields (up to 99 %) with excellent enantioselectivity (up to >99 % ee).
Metformin in the first trimester and risks for specific birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Dukhovny Stephanie , Van Bennekom Carla M. , Gagnon David R. , Hernandez Diaz Sonia , Parker Samantha E. , Anderka Marlene , Werler Martha M. , Mitchell Allen A.
Published: February 2018

Background

We assessed associations between first‐trimester metformin use for pregestational diabetes and specific major birth defects.

Methods

We compared risks associated with first‐trimester metformin use by diabetic women to nondiabetic women on no diabetes medication; we calculated crude odds ratios by exact logistic regression and adjusted by inverse probability weighting. Confounding by diabetes was assessed by comparing risks for metformin‐exposed diabetic women to those for insulin‐exposed diabetics and nondiabetics treated with metformin for subfertililty.

Results

Among 9,279 nonmalformed controls and 24,375 malformed cases, diabetics who used metformin (with or without insulin) had increased adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for several birth defects associated with diabetes. However, women treated with metformin for subfertility had aORs similar to or lower than those for diabetic metformin users, and many approximated the null. For atrial septal defect secundum, anorectal defects, and limb reduction defects, the estimates for metformin when used for subfertility were 2–3‐fold.

Conclusion

While metformin use for diabetes was associated with an increased risk of many birth defects, when metformin was used for subfertility most defects had aORs that approximated the null, while only three defects had modestly increased aORs, two of which had lower confidence bounds that included the null. Our study does not suggest that metformin poses an appreciable risk for major birth defects, but further studies are necessary.
Further evaluation of observational and mechanical measures of physical activity
Authors: Van Camp Carole M. , Berth Diane
Published: February 2018

Recent behavioral research has used a variety of methods to quantify physical activity, including direct observation using the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity (OSRAC), and automated devices such as heart rate (HR) monitors, pedometers, and Fitbit Accelerometers. The current study evaluated the concurrent validity of these measures, as well as the reliability of the pedometers and Fitbits. Four children engaged in 15 activities listed in the OSRAC coding system while their HRs and steps taken were measured. The results indicated that for most activities, HR covaried with the OSRAC activity levels, although some exceptions were noted. Steps per minute as measured by the Fitbit also covaried with the OSRAC activity levels and Fitbit data were reliable when activities did not involve subjects losing contact with the ground. Pedometers produced similar but less reliable steps per minute data.
Responsive eLearning exercises to enhance student interaction with metabolic pathways
Authors: Roesler William J. , Dreaver‐Charles Kristine
Published: February 2018

Successful learning of biochemistry requires students to engage with the material. In the past this often involved students writing out pathways by hand, and more recently directing students to online resources such as videos, songs, and animated slide presentations. However, even these latter resources do not really provide students an opportunity to engage with the material in an active fashion. As part of an online introductory metabolism course that was developed at our university, we created a series of twelve online interactive activities using Adobe Captivate 9. These activities targeted glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycogen metabolism, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation. The interactive exercises consisted of two types. One involved dragging objects such as names of enzymes or allosteric modifiers to their correct drop locations such as a particular point in a metabolic pathway, a specific enzyme, and so forth. A second type involved clicking on objects, locations within a pathway, and so forth, in response to a particular question. In both types of exercises, students received feedback on their decisions in order to enhance learning. The student feedback received on these activities was very positive, and indicated that they found them to increase their confidence in the material and that they had learned the key principles of each pathway. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):223–229, 2018.
Quantitative assessment of metal dysregulation in β‐thalassemia patients in comparison with healthy controls by ICP‐MS and chemometric analyses
Authors: Farooq Sabiha , Mazhar Wardah , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Ansari Saqib Hussain , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: February 2018

β‐Thalassemia is one of the most common inherited disorders and is widely distributed throughout the world. Owing to severe deficiencies in red blood cell production, blood transfusion is required to correct anemia for normal growth and development but causes additional complications owing to iron overload. The aim of this study is to quantify the biometal dysregulations in β‐thalassemia patients as compared with healthy controls. A total of 17 elements were analyzed in serum samples of β‐thalassemia patients and healthy controls using ICP‐MS followed by chemometric analyses. Out of these analyzed elements, 14 showed a significant difference between healthy and disease groups at p < 0.05 and fold change >3. A PLS‐DA model revealed an excellent separation with 89.8% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity and the overall accuracy of the model was 92.2%. This metallomic study revealed that there is major difference in metallomic profiling of β‐thalassemia patients specifically in Co, Mn, Ni, V and Ba, whereas the fold changes in Co, Mn, V and Ba were found to be greater than that in Fe, providing evidence that, in addition to Fe, other metals are also altered significantly and therefore chelation therapy for other metals may also needed in β‐thalassemia patients.
Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients at low surgical risk: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials and propensity score matched observational studies
Authors: Witberg Guy , Lador Adi , Yahav Dafna , Kornowski Ran
Published: February 2018

Background

Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is officially indicated for high risk aortic stenosis (AS) patients, the procedure is increasingly being performed in patients who are not at high surgical risk, including a substantial number of low risk patients. However, data on the benefit of TAVR in this patient population is limited.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with propensity score matching (PSM) of TAVR versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients who are at low surgical risk. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The secondary outcomes included stroke, myocardial infarction, bleeding, and various procedural complications.

Results

Six studies (2 RCTs and 4 PSM studies) totaling 3,484 patients were included. Follow‐up ranged from 3 months to 3 years (median 2 years). The short‐term mortality was similar with either TAVR or SAVR (2.2% for TAVR and 2.6% for SAVR, RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.56–1.41, P = 0.62), however, TAVR was associated with increased risk for intermediate‐term mortality (17.2% for TAVR and 12.7% for SAVR, RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.11–1.89, P = 0.006). In terms of periprocedural complications, TAVR was associated with reduced risk for bleeding and renal failure and an increase in vascular complications and Pacemaker implantation.

Conclusions

In patients who are at low surgical risk, TAVR seems to be associated with increased mortality risk. Until more data in this population is available, SAVR should remain the treatment of choice for these patients.
Pasta color and viscoelasticity: Revisiting the role of particle size, ash, and protein content
Authors: Joubert Marianne , Morel Marie‐Hélène , Lullien‐Pellerin Valérie
Published: February 2018

Background and objectives

An original experimental approach allowing an unbiased estimate of the impact of three semolina factors (particle size distribution, protein, and ash contents) on durum wheat pasta quality was developed.

Findings

By different combinations of the milling fractions from five durum wheat batches displaying contrasted protein levels, 18 blends were obtained covering six levels of protein content (9.2%–13.5%), four levels of ash content (0.66%–1.15%), and three modes of particle size distributions (fine semolina or coarse semolina and mixes of flour and coarse semolina) with distinct median diameter and SPAN. Results showed that dry pasta color was mainly affected by the ash content increase. In addition, dry pasta brightness was also negatively impacted by the protein content. Cooked pasta viscoelastic index was only found positively impacted by semolina protein content but in a nonlinear dose–response relationship and clearly depends on the cooking time.

Conclusions

Pasta color can be optimized by managing the milling process to limit the presence of grain outer layers content in semolina, but pasta brightness and cooked pasta viscoelastic index were found specifically related to the protein content.

Significance and novelty

The sample set allowed testing the effect of one semolina trait keeping the two other constant and highlighted that beyond a protein content around 12%, no significant gain in pasta viscoelasticity was observed even in case of overcooking.
Bottom‐Up Design of Nitrogen‐Containing Carbon Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Shibuya Riku , Kondo Takahiro , Nakamura Junji
Published: February 2018

Pyridinic nitrogen species on nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts were recently found to create active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Bottom‐up assembly of pyridinic‐nitrogen‐containing aromatic molecules on graphitic carbon electrodes is a promising synthesis method to design ORR carbon catalysts with a high density of active sites. Herein, we report the preparation of a model catalyst by dropping a solution of dibenz[a,c]acridine (DA) molecules onto a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. The DA molecules form a two‐dimensional ordered structure along the direction of the HOPG substrate by self‐organization. Adsorbed DA on the HOPG surface shows high ORR activity in terms of specific activity per pyridinic nitrogen and is comparable to that of pyridinic‐nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts.
Spectral clustering in eye‐movement researches
Authors: Gere Attila , Kovács Sándor , Sipos László
Published: February 2018

Eye tracking is a widely used technology to capture the eye movements of participants completing different tasks. Several eye‐tracking parameters are measured, which later can be used to characterize the gazing pattern of the individuals. Clustering based on the path walked on by the participants may enable the researchers to create clusters based on the unconscious personality and thinking style. Common clustering methods generally are unable to handle path data; hence, new dynamic variables are needed. Spectral clustering can handle these types of data well. Spectral clustering handles clustering as a graph partitioning problem without making specific assumptions on the form of the clusters and uses eigenvectors of matrices derived from the data. This way, data are mapped to a low‐dimensional space, which can be easily clustered. Different food choice tasks were presented, and each of the 149 participants had to choose 1 product of the presented 4 and later from 8 alternatives. A new measure was introduced based on all 3 consecutive points from the fixations, and the areas of the triangles formed by these 3 points were computed. The new eye‐movement index captures the temporal variation and also considers the orientation of the fixation points. Spectral clustering resulted 5 balanced clusters defined by Dunn, Silhouette, and C‐indices. Results were compared to the most widely applied hierarchical and centroid‐based clustering (k‐means) methods. Spectral clustering achieved the best results in clustering indices and cluster sizes proved to be more balanced; hence, it outperforms the commonly used applied hierarchical and k‐means.
A novel ranking distance measure combining Cayley and Spearman footrule metrics
Authors: Sipos László , Gere Attila , Popp József , Kovács Sándor
Published: February 2018

Defining the appropriate ranking distance measures among rankings is a classic area of study. The goal of our work is to identify a combination of methodologies, which is proven to be capable for the determination of a proper ranking system. In our study, we used 3 well‐established metrics: Kendall tau, Spearman footrule, and Cayley distance and a novel metric created by the combination of Cayley and Spearman footrule metrics. The results of the newly introduced metric depend on how fast we can trade a permutation of items to the reference permutation according to the Spearman footrule. On the other hand, the distance also depends on the number of cycles and the inversions in the cycle. Two case studies—chemometric data of phytonutrients of tomato varieties and sensometric data of orange juices—were used to test the performance of the studied ranking distance metrics. The properties of the new metric were compared to the traditional metrics regarding the normality of their distributions, significant number of differences between the rating objects, and the quality of the rankings. Results were validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and significant differences by Wilcoxon matched pairs test.
Critical Impact of Peptidoglycan Precursor Amidation on the Activity of l,d‐Transpeptidases from Enterococcus faecium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ngadjeua Flora , Braud Emmanuelle , Saidjalolov Saidbakhrom , Iannazzo Laura , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine , Hugonnet Jean‐Emmanuel , Mengin‐Lecreulx Dominique , Patin Delphine , Ethève‐Quelquejeu Mélanie , Fonvielle Matthieu , Arthur Michel
Published: February 2018

The bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan contains unusual l‐ and d‐amino acids assembled as branched peptides. Insight into the biosynthesis of the polymer has been hampered by limited access to substrates and to suitable polymerization assays. Here we report the full synthesis of the peptide stem of peptidoglycan precursors from two pathogenic bacteria, Enterococcus faecium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the development of a sensitive post‐derivatization assay for their cross‐linking by l,d‐transpeptidases. Access to series of stem peptides showed that amidation of free carboxyl groups is essential for optimal enzyme activity, in particular the amidation of diaminopimelate (DAP) residues for the cross‐linking activity of the l,d‐transpeptidase LdtMt2 from M. tuberculosis. Accordingly, construction of a conditional mutant established the essential role of AsnB indicating that this DAP amidotransferase is an attractive target for the development of anti‐mycobacterial drugs.
Highly Functionalized β‐Cyclodextrins by Solid‐Supported Synthesis
Authors: Vurgun Nesrin , Nitz Mark
Published: February 2018

Using covalent capture, a high yielding selective mono‐functionalization of heptakis‐[6‐deoxy‐6‐(2‐aminoethylsulfanyl)]‐β‐CD with a 5‐mercaptopentyl functional group has been achieved. Here, we demonstrate the immobilization of the mono‐thiol functionalized β‐CD on PEGA resin via a disulfide bond, enabling solid‐phase elaboration of the remaining six primary amines. To showcase the potential of this method, the amines were elaborated to tripeptides through standard Fmoc‐peptide chemistry. A small library of CD‐tripeptide conjugates was generated which, when reduced from the solid support, could be tagged at the released thiol with an environmentally sensitive fluorophore. The resulting library of sensors showed potential for the differential sensing of various bile salts. The described methodology provides a rapid and versatile route to synthesize highly functionalized libraries of CD derivatives that may be tailored towards applications in sensing, catalysis, and multivalent displays.
Examining Reactions to Workplace Diversity: The Role of Dissimilarity–Attraction in Teams
Authors: Schaffer Bryan S.
Published: February 2018

This paper examines existing theory for understanding diversity in teams and offers propositions consistent with a unique dissimilarity–attraction framework. Prior relational demography research is examined and collective findings are used to purport this new direction for the field. Given current organizational and societal norms that emphasize a shift to a more proactive approach to diversity and inclusion, dissimilarity itself is suggested to signal positive cues for social identification and initial attraction among team members. The analyses may offer new approaches for framing hypotheses in relational demography research. Practical implications for management hinge on the notion that an understanding of these processes can have real and substantial impacts on team dynamics and associated competitive advantage. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.