Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graphene Encapsulated Ni@N/C Catalyst for Highly Selec- tive Semi-hydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes

Although precious transition metals such as palladium, platinum, and iridium have been widely used in hydro- genation reactions, the earth-abundant transition metal-catalyzed highly selective semi-hydrogenation of alkynes, especially terminal alkynes to terminal alkenes remains challenging and poor developed. We demonstrate herein that excellent selective, cost-effective semi-hydrogenation of terminal alkynes can be realized via novel none precious graphene encapsulated Ni@N/C catalyst. The precise regulation of the graphene layer for the encapsulated nano-catalyst Ni@N/C can avoid metal leaching and increase catalytic stability significantly. Nitrogen has strong interaction with Ni nanoparticles, which regulate the activity of Ni towards selective semi-hydrogenation of terminal alkynes. The substrate having un-functionalized as well as functionalized substituents, challenging hydrogenation sensitive functional groups (olefins, ketones), were semi-hydrogenated with excellent conversion (up to 99%) and selectivity (up to 99%).
Phenolic Extracts from Vaccinium corymbosum L. Loaded in Microemulsions and Liposomes as Enhancers of Olive Oil Oxidative Stability

Phenolics are the most common phytochemicals in a human diet that comprise a variety of compounds with a great diversity of structures and biological functions (antioxidant, anti-infl ammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiproliferative, antiatherosclerotic properties) [Giampieri et al., 2017; Haminiuk et al., 2012]. In addition to being considered as potent bioactive food ingredients they are also used to enhance the color, the fl avor and the shelf life/stability of different foods prone to oxidation, such as edible oils [Aladedunye et al., 2014; Asnaashari et al., 2015]. Among plant-derived sources of natural phenolics, blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are one of the richest sources per serving size [Pérez-Jiménez et al., 2010]. Compo-
Controlling the harmonic conversion efficiency in semiconductor superlattices by interface roughness design

In semiconductor superlattices, when Bragg oscillating electrons interact with an input electromagnetic field, frequency multiplication is possible. An ideal superlattice has a purely antisymmetric voltage current response and can thus produce only odd harmonics. However, real world superlattices can also have even harmonic response and that increases the range of possible output frequencies. These effects have been recently explained with a predictive model that combines an Ansatz solution for the Boltzmann Equation with a Nonequilibrium Green’s Functions approach. This predictive tool, coupled with recent progress on GHz input sources, support the growing interest in developing compact room temperature devices that can operate from the GHz to the THz range. The natural question to ask is what efficiencies can be expected. This paper addresses this issue by investigating power-conversion efficiency in irradiated semiconductor superlattices. Interface imperfections are consistently included in the theory and they strongly influence the power output of both odd and even harmonics. Good agreement is obtained for predicted odd harmonic outputs with experimental data for a wide frequency range. The intrinsic conversion efficiency used is based on the estimated amplitude of the input field inside the sample and thus independent of geometrical factors that characterize different setups. The method opens the possibility of designing even harmonic output power by controlling the interface quality.In semiconductor superlattices, when Bragg oscillating electrons interact with an input electromagnetic field, frequency multiplication is possible. An ideal superlattice has a purely antisymmetric voltage current response and can thus produce only odd harmonics. However, real world superlattices can also have even harmonic response and that increases the range of possible output frequencies. These effects have been recently explained with a predictive model that combines an Ansatz solution for the Boltzmann Equation with a Nonequilibrium Green’s Functions approach. This predictive tool, coupled with recent progress on GHz input sources, support the growing interest in developing compact room temperature devices that can operate from the GHz to the THz range. The natural question to ask is what efficiencies can be expected. This paper addresses this issue by investigating power-conversion efficiency in irradiated semiconductor superlattices. Interface imperfections are consistently included in the theory .
Alpha Mangostin Confers Neuroprotection Against Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s Disease via Modulating Autophagy and AMPK Signaling.

Intending to uncover bioactive phytochemicals that may halt or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we previously studied the neuroprotective property of alpha mangostin (AM), obtained from the Garcinia mangostana Linn. in the rat model of PD. Albeit, the intracellular regulatory mechanism behind the observed effects remained to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate AM's autophagic potential behind its neuroprotective effect in the rotenone-induced mouse model of PD. Adult C57BL/6 mice received the chronic treatment of rotenone for 9-consecutive weeks. While AM was administered one hour before the rotenone administration. Behavioral assessment was carried out every 2nd week till 9 weeks. The treatment with the AM significantly restored locomotor and cognitive impairments induced by rotenone. Western blot analysis revealed that rotenone reduced the expression of autophagic markers like LC3II/I, TFEB, Beclin-1 in the cortex, and striatum. It might be due to rotenone-induced reduction in activation of AMPK, the primary regulator of the autophagy process. Interestingly, AM treatment restored the levels of autophagic markers in the cortex and striatum. AM significantly reduced the expression of α-Syn in the striatum but not in the cortex, while it significantly reduced the levels of p-α-Syn in the cortex and observed a strong trend in the striatum, suggests its anti-aggregatory potential against α-Syn. AM also protected rotenone-induced loss of dopaminergic fibres in the striatum and TH+-cells in the SNc. These results demonstrate that AM decreased α-Syn accumulation via autophagy activation by up-regulating the AMPK pathway, elicits neuroprotection against rotenone-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
Genomic evidence of lung carcinogenesis associated with coal smoke in Xuanwei area, China

Genomic evidence of lung carcinogenesis associated with coal smoke in Xuanwei area, China Honglei Zhang 2,∗,†, Chao Liu3,†, Li Li4, Xu Feng2, Qing Wang5, Jihua Li6, Shaobin Xu7, Shuting Wang8, Qianlu Yang1, Zhenghai Shen1, Jinhua Su9, Xiaosan Su2, Ruifen Sun2, Xuhong Zhou2, Junliang Wang2, Yongchun Zhou1, Baowei Jiao 10,11,12, Wanbao Ding13, Xianbao Cao14, Yue Wang15, Yunchao Huang1,∗ and Lianhua Ye1,∗
Relationships between vaccinations, herd introductions, and livestock losses in Northern Tanzania

Abstract This article examines the relationships between livestock vaccinations, herd introduction decisions, and livestock disease–related outcomes. We develop a theoretical model and derive testable hypotheses about the relationships between these outcomes and practices and test them using two-stage least squares regression analysis. We find that vaccinations reduce disease-related livestock deaths, implying that vaccine availability and use may improve herd and household welfare. We do not find robust evidence of increase in disease-related illness due to herd introductions. Our results highlight the role of livestock vaccinations in safeguarding herd value, which is connected to broader household welfare for livestock keepers of Eastern Africa.
etection of Salt Content in Raw Milk on a Gold Electrode through Cyclic Voltammetry

The relationship model of chloride ion content and oxidation peak current was established by the study of curve obtained by using gold electrodes to test cyclic voltammetry in raw milk containing different chloride ion concentrations. The study found that with the increased of chlorine ion content, the potential of the oxidation peak was in positive correlation and the current of the peak increased dramatically. The golden matter appeared in sample liquid. In addition, we observed that corrosion in gold electrode, and the characteristic peak of Au-Cl appeared at 269cm by using SEM and SERS to detect the reaction electrode. The results showed that the gold electrode had the anodized dissolution because of the presence of chloride ion. The prediction model of chloride ion content with a detection limit of 0.05g/L was established by the least square method. The recovery rate and relative standard deviation of the method were respectively from 91.0% to 106.0% and from 3.4% to 4.2%. The method is suitable for rapid detection of milk mixed with salt.
The predictive power of managers' leadership attributes on workers' performance: a case of New Zealand construction industry

Abstract Extant literature provides evidence of a direct relationship between leadership and organisational outcomes. Affective leadership styles would create shared values, commitment and teamwork amongst organisational members, which correspondingly enhances overall goal achievement. More of this knowledge area is required of the construction industry in New Zealand, particularly from the viewpoint of workers. This study investigates the relationship between leadership styles and worker performance outcomes for construction organisations in Wellington, New Zealand. Data were obtained from workers using the well-known Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to determine the relationship between identified leadership attributes and worker performance outcomes. The study found that there was a significant relationship between all of the leadership style attributes and worker performance outcomes. Specifically, transformational leadership was found to be the most prominent leadership style adopted. The result shows that workers accomplished set tasks and goals as an outcome of this leadership style. Regarding leadership attributes, the study found that managers exhibited more of Idealised Influence (Attributed) and Inspirational Motivation attributes than others. Also, it was found that managers' failure to engage with worker and respond to urgent matters when required (Lassiez-Faire and Management by Exception (Passive)) were identified as major deterrents to the performance of workers. This study provides extended knowledge on the importance of leadership styles with the New Zealand construction industry.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots a fluorescent probe for detection of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and cell imaging

Abstract As one of the main ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine Gastrodia elata, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (PHBA) has many pharmacological effects. Therefore, the monitoring of PHBA level is of great significance to exact valuation of the pharmacokinetics and toxic effect of PHBA in body fluids. In order to achieve the sensitive detection of PHBA, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) have been designed. NCDs were successfully prepared through a hydrothermal strategy with chrysanthemum as the precursor. The transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern were used for the characterization of NCDs. The as-prepared NCDs showed bright fluorescence with excitation/emission maxima of 290/421 nm and exhibited a fluorescence quenching response to PHBA under the optimal conditions. A good linear response was constructed at the PHBA concentration, ranging 10.0–150.0 μM with a detection limit of 63 nM based on the mechanisms of static quenching and inner filter effect. The proposed probe has been successfully applied to the detection of PHBA in blood and urine samples. In addition, the as-prepared NCDs with good biocompatibility were utilized for cell imaging. These results suggested that NCDs were promising probes for biosensing and bioimaging.
Neutrophil extracellular trap formation index predicts occurrences of deep surgical site infection after laparotomy

Background Deep surgical site infections (DSSIs) are serious complications after laparotomy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a vital role in the development of DSSI. Here, we focused on a new approach to predicting the occurrence of DSSI through the detection of the NET formation index (NFI), and compared its prediction ability with other clinical infection indicators. Methods Patients who received laparotomy were prospectively enrolled in this study. General information, APACHE II score, SOFA score, and serum infection indicators were recorded. The postoperative abdominal drainage fluid was collected within 3 days after the operation for quantification of the NFI. Results A total of 92 consecutive patients were included, with 22 patients were diagnosed with DSSI. The NFI in the DSSI group was 32.70%±19.33% while the corresponding index was 10.70%±8.25% in the non-DSSI group (P<0.01). The mean APACHE II and SOFA score had significant differences between the two groups. The NFI was positively correlated with the APACHE II score (P<0.01, r=0.269) and SOFA score (P=0.013, r=0.258). Patients with a high NFI (NFI >13.86%) had a higher risk of developing DSSI. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the NFI, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were 0.912, 0.748 and 0.731, respectively. Conclusions In this cohort of surgical patients, the quantification of the NFI had a considerable predictive value for early identification of DSSI. The NFI in drainage fluid turned out to be a more sensitive and specific predictor of DSSI than serum infection indicators including CRP and PCT.
Light-induced effects on crystal size and photo-stability of colloidal CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals

CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have been synthesized using the hot injection method. The CsPbBr3 PNCs exhibit a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 73%. A comprehensive study of UV light interaction with the CsPbBr3 PNCs was performed. SEM images, photoluminescence spectra, x-ray Diffraction and PLQY measurements were obtained for different time of UV exposure. The exposure to UV light modifies the crystal size (from 10 × 10 nm to 12 × 95 nm) and morphology (change from nanocubic to nanorods form). The XRD spectra show a change from tetragonal to cubic crystalline structure. In addition, the interaction of UV light modifies the optical properties of the PNCs by varying the photoluminescence. The material remains stable for a period of 1 h, however, with exposure to UV light, the PNCs show a decrement in QY from 73.3% to 46.6% after 30 days. These results indicate that light-induce variation in morphological and photo-stability of CsPbBr3 PNCs.
Evaluating the Effect of Vitamin C on Myocardial Angiogenesis Under Oxidative Stress Induced by Exhaustive Exercise in Rat

Background: The main purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of exhaustive swimming with the consumption of a vitamin C supplement on indices of myocardial oxidative stress and gene expression related to angiogenesis. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of normal (C), 100 and 200 mg/kg of vitamin C, (VC100 and VC200), exercise with 100 and 200 mg/kg of vitamin C (Ex+VC100 and Ex+VC200) and exercise without treatment (Ex). Finally, the serum activity of serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and heart tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters, besides gene expression of Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT-1) and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) was measured. Results: Significant increase in LDH level was seen in group Ex which was remarkably attenuated in group Ex+VC200 (p<0.001). The tissue oxidative stress was observed in group Ex where daily intake of vitamin C could remarkably regulate this property (p<0.01). Vitamin C could ameliorate significant upper gene expression of VEGF-B and MMP-2 remarkably (p<0.05). Conclusion: Oxidative condition in myocardial besides over expression of MMP-2, could be concluded as a detrimental condition resulting from exhaustive swimming that continued by the proteolytic release of CK and LDH from the muscle. Upper gene expression of VEGF-B and MMP-2 besides no changes of ANGPT-1 can be concluded as an early stage of angiogenesis. All these events were somehow attenuated by vitamin C which confirmed its beneficial effects as an antioxidant and the role of oxidation properties in the regulation of angiogenesis.
Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization of Liquid Fuel Catalyzed by P–Mo–V Heteropoly Acids in the Presence of Aldehyde

Aerobic oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of model liquid fuel (dodecane spiked with dibenzothiophene (DBT)) was carried out in the presence of bulk and supported Keggin-type heteropoly acids H3+nPMo12-nVnO40 (HPA-n, n = 0–3) as heterogeneous catalysts and benzaldehyde as a sacrificial reductant. In the presence of bulk H4PMo11VO40 (HPA-1), 100% of DBT was removed from fuel (converted to DBT sulfone) at 60 °C and ambient air pressure. Multiple catalyst reuse without loss of activity was demonstrated. The ODS reaction was strongly inhibited by radical scavengers. An unbranched radical chain mechanism was proposed.
Novel QTL for lodging resistance, PRL4, improves physical properties with high non-structural carbohydrate accumulation of basal culms in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Resistance to lodging, an important problem in rice production, has three types: low plant height, strong culm, and high strength of the lower part of the plant. The determinants of strength of the lower part remains unclear, compared with plant height and culm strength. This study identified a new genetic factor involved in the strength of the lower part, as assessed by pushing resistance, using chromosomal segment substitution lines (CSSLs) to clarify the determinants of strength of the lower part by functional analysis of the CSSL and the introgression line (IL) harboring the identified quantitative trait locus (QTL). QTL analysis identified the QTL for increasing pushing resistance on chromosome 4, PRL4 , which was not related to days to heading. The CSSL with PRL4 showed increased pushing resistance and physical strength of the basal culm, but decreased filled grain ratio and grain weight. The IL with PRL4 , developed by backcrossing this CSSL, improved pushing resistance and the strain of culm until breaking under compression, and did not decrease yield traits. These lines with PRL4 increased the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) in the basal culm at the fully ripe stage. Thus, the genetic control of NSC accumulation in culms by PRL4 may improve the strength of the lower part by enhancing culm toughness with strength and ductility.
Fundamental Study of Alginate-Based 3D Platforms for the Propagation and Pancreatic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease affecting millions of people worldwide, wherein the insulin producing pancreatic islets are destroyed. Shortage of donor cells, combined with immune rejection, limits transplantation as a viable therapy. However, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the capacity to become any cell type, and the potential to provide an unlimited supply of hPSC-derived insulin producing cells. Additionally, immune rejection is still a hurdle which must be overcome before hESC-based therapy for T1D can be brought to fruition. It is therefore necessary to develop suitable culture and differentiation strategies which employ cell encapsulation with an appropriate material which can protect the new insulin producing cells from the body’s immune system and is supportive of hPSC biomanufacturing. Alginate encapsulation has been previously used for providing the needed immune protection of donor insulin-producing cells for transplantation. Therefore, in this work we first showed that alginate encapsulation supports efficient differentiation of hPSCs to insulin producing cells, and also significantly enhanced maturation of hPSCs compared to 2D controls. Previous studies for islet encapsulation have also shown that alginate hydrogel composition significantly affects the capacity for immune isolation. However, such capsule compositions could modify the differentiation of the encapsulated cells. Thus, we next evaluated the effect of capsule composition on material properties and thus on pancreatic differentiation of encapsulated hESCs. Our results clearly showed that even in the presence of chemical differentiation factors, Fundamental Study of Alginate-Based 3D Platforms for the Propagation and Pancreatic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Thomas Richardson, PhD University of Pittsburgh, 2017 v substrate stiffness greatly affects the efficiency of pancreatic differentiation. Taking this a step further, we developed a high throughput 3D alginate array platform that allowed for multivariate perturbations of insoluble differentiation cues, namely alginate stiffness and cell-cell contact, during pancreatic differentiation. Our results accordingly indicated that while stiffness did influence proliferation and pancreatic differentiation, the effect of cell-cell contact was more significant. Finally, we developed an e-cadherin mimicking peptide-conjugated alginate substrate which mimics cell-cell contact, to meet the biomanufacturing needs of hPSCs. The designed biomimetic substrate supported single cell survival and propagation, as well as maintained hPSC pluripotency and differentiation potency. Overall, the findings from this dissertation represent a significant advancement in strategies supporting the propagation and pancreatic differentiation for biomanufacturing of hPSCs as an effective cell therapy treatment for T1D.
Enhancement in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Plants with Application of Roholtiella sp. (Nostocales) under Soilless Cultivation

Cyanobacteria are found to be renewable and sustainable additives for growth improvement in crops. Extracts and biomass of three nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria namely, Roholtiella sp. (QUCCCM97), Nostoc ellipsosporum (QUCCCM99), and Desmonostoc danxiaense (QUCCCM112) isolated from Qatar desert environment were tested for their ability to enhance the growth of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings. Soilless cultivation experiments were carried out by applying the biomass and the aqueous extract of the three cyanobacteria separately. Seedlings were transplanted to Hoagland’s solution under regulated conditions. In total, 2, 4, and 6 mL L−1 of the three microalgae extract as well as 1 and 2 mg L−1 of the three microalgae biomasses (as biofertilizer) were added to the Hoagland solution. An assessment of seedling growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, spad index, number of leaves per plant, and growth rate was performed. However, among the different doses and concentrations of investigated QUCCCM97, 99, and 112, our findings revealed that shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (g), the number of leaves per plant, and growth rate were positively affected and significantly increased at maximum dose/concentration compared to control plants. With QUCCCM97, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, the number of leaves, and the growth rate increased by 17.5%, 40.3%, 26.0%, 21.6%, and 22.8%, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, with QUCCCM99, the same parameters increased by 12.3%, 25.3%, 15.1%, 9.3%, 51.8%, respectively. While in presence of QUCCCM112, they increased by 8.7%, 30.1%, 15.6%, 5.4%, 48.6%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that extracts and biomass of cyanobacteria strains investigated here, and particularly Roholtiella sp. (Nostocales), have an enhancement potential of the seedling growth and could be used in modern agriculture to enhance productivity under the soilless system and ensure sustainability.