bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE POSSIBILITY OF USING THE SECTORAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR TOURISM (SQFT) IN PREPARING THE DESCRIPTION OF QUALIFICATION AND ITS REGISTRATIONS IN THE INTEGRATED QUALIFICATION SYSTEM (IQS) ON THE EXAMPLE OF TOUR LEADERS AND TOUR GUIDES
Authors: Zawistowska Hanna
Published: April 2020

Purpose. The aim of the article is to assess the usefulness of the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Tourism Sector to prepare a description of qualifications in the area of pilotage and tour guiding.

Method. The basic method of research was analysing the legislation and source materials relating to the Integrated System of Qualifications (IQS) and Sectoral Qualifications Framework for Tourism Sector (SQFT), which is part of IQS.

Findings. The analysis made it possible to prove the usefulness of the SQFT to prepare a description of qualifications, from the area of pilotage and tour guiding, resulting from its following features: SQFT designates the areas of competence for individual qualification levels; uses of the industry language - including description of the validation of learning outcomes; it makes it easier to determine the level of the Polish and European Qualifications Framework of the described qualifications; it facilitates the identification of the competency profile for individual task groups; it enables greater differentiation of qualifications in the area of pilotage and tour guiding.

Research and conclusions limitations. The analysis covered SQFT for the industry of tour guides and tour leaders as well as leisure time animators.

Practical implications. The analysis covered SQFT for the industry of tour guides and leaders as well as leisure time animators.

Originality. The discussed issues have not been the subject of detailed analysis so far.

Type of paper. The article is a case study.
Grants and Acquisitions
Authors: Galloway Ann-Christe
Published: April 2020

The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) at Saint John’s University has received $1,408,474 in grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support its mission to preserve and share the world’s handwritten heritage. The grant will fund a three-year project to catalog 53,000 digitized manuscripts and create an online database of authors and titles originating from under-represented or little-known literary traditions. Of the total amount, $1,208,474 is an outright grant, and $200,000 must be matched by funds raised by HMML.
People in the News
Authors: Galloway Ann-Christe
Published: April 2020

Janet CarletonCaroline Curry MillsPatricia GuardiolaAshley BlinstrubMelanie BoppRivkah CookeMayra CornRosanne CoustonSharona GinsbergKaren GloverMichael HunterDavid LemmonsCatherine ManciKatherine O’ClairDorothee SchubelNancy ShinChristine WoodsBarry B. BakerWendy Pradt Lougee
Phytochemistry and Toxicity of Methanol Root Extract of Costus lucanusianus
Authors: Kagbo Hope Delesi , Gospel Lilian Ayagogo
Published: April 2020

Costus lucanusianus (ginger lily or monkey sugarcane) is a medicinal plant commonly used to treat various ailments in tropical Africa. The leaves, stem and sometimes the root have been exploited for this purpose. However, it is a common belief in the Niger Delta of Nigeria that the root is poisonous. This study investigated the phytochemical and acute toxicity profiles of the methanol root extract of the plant. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard procedures to test for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, glycosides, triterpenoids/steroids and carbohydrates. The median lethal dose (LD50) was determined using the Arithmetic method of Reed and Muench. This was followed by haematologic, liver and kidney functionality assays at doses of 14, 29 and 58 mg/kg of the methanol root extract. The result obtained showed that the extract contained flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and steroids among others, but anthraquinones and alkaloids were not present. The median lethal dose (LD50) value obtained for the extract was 288 mg/kg. The haematologic assay showed significant, p<0.001, dose-dependent decrease in red blood cell parameters and also some white blood cell parameters (such as white blood cell, neutrophil, monocytes and eosinophil counts). Furthermore, the serum levels of the liver enzymes, electrolytes (except K+), urea and creatinine increased significantly as the doses increased. From the foregoing, it could be concluded that the root of Costus lucanusianus is toxic to the kidney and liver and could be a blood poison (hemotoxic). This confirms the ethnobotanical belief that this part of the plant (root) is poisonous.
Sign‐on letter requests more flexibility in methadone treatment during COVID‐19
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

A sign‐on letter spearheaded by the National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery (NAMA), and harm reduction groups, including the Urban Survivors Union (USU) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is calling for reducing restrictions on methadone and opioid treatment programs (OTPs), so that patients don't have to go to the clinics so often. Included in the over 100 signatories are Patty McCarthy Metcalf of Faces & Voices of Recovery, Ben Levenson of the Levenson Foundation (and former founder of Origins) and many addiction physicians, as well as drug user organizations. Many of the signers have said for months that OTPs should be eliminated entirely.
ASAM recommends virtual treatment of SUD for some patients
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

The American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) says residential substance use disorder (SUD) programs should treat patients with COVID‐19 virtually, not in person. The organization also says to screen new patients by phone before admission and upon arrival, screen current patients and staff, and, if visitors are permitted, screen them as well. Screening is done clinically, not by test.
Tenure Trends in Academic Emergency Medicine Departments in U.S. Medical Schools
Authors: Xierali Imam M. , Nivet Marc A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective was to assess the long‐term trends in tenure status stratified by sex and underrepresented in medicine (URM) status among emergency medicine (EM) department faculty in U.S. medical schools.

Methods

This study used the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster to study trends in tenure status of full‐time faculty from 1989 to 2018. The numbers and proportions of faculty by tenure status were studied over the years and compared across sex and URM minority status. Two‐independent‐sample t‐test and simple linear regression were used for statistical comparisons.

Results

The number of EM faculty increased from 177 in 1989 to 5,237 in 2018, with the majority of increase in nontenured (from 120 to 4,485) rather than tenured (from 24 to 198) or tenure track (from 28 to 548) faculty. The proportions of tenure‐line faculty increased briefly from 1989 (29.4%) to 1994 (32.5%) and decreased since to 14.2% in 2018. The decreases were greater among men (from 34.5% to 14.9%) or non‐URM (from 32.7% to 14.1%) than women (from 24.8% to 13.1%) or URM (from 30.2% to 15.3%). Compared to other academic departments, EM departments had the second lowest proportion of tenure‐line faculty in 2018.

Conclusion

Emergency medicine faculty size increased rapidly in the past 30 years, with the vast majority of growth in nontenured faculty, regardless of sex or URM status. This highlights the need to review career development and academic promotions for EM particularly among nontenured faculty.
Fortschritte bei aktivitätsbasierten Sonden für die isoformselektive Bildgebung enzymatischer Aktivität
Authors: Gardner Sarah H. , Reinhardt Christopher J. , Chan Jefferson
Published: April 2020

Bis vor kurzem gab es keine allgemeinen Methoden zur Abschätzung der Auswirkungen post‐translationaler Regulierung auf die Enzymaktivität. Aktivitätsbasierte Sensorik (ABS) hat sich zu einem leistungsfähigen Ansatz zur Beobachtung der Aktivitäten von niedermolekularen Verbindungen und Enzymen in lebenden Systemen entwickelt. Erste ABS‐Beispiele wurden genutzt, um allgemeine Enzymaktivität zu messen, jedoch hat sich der Fokus in letzter Zeit zum Erhöhen der Selektivität für die Beobachtung eines einzelnen Enzyms oder einer einzelnen Isoform hin verschoben. Hohe Selektivität wird benötigt, um zwischen verschiedenen Isoformen eines Enzyms zu unterscheiden, da diese infolge von Genduplikation oder alternativem Spleißen signifikante Strukturähnlichkeiten aufweisen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz diskutiert Schlüsselbeispiele von niedermolekularen, isoformselektiven Sonden, wobei der Fokus auf die Relevanz von Isoformunterscheidung, Designstrategien zum Erreichen von Selektivität sowie Anwendungen in der Grundlagenbiologie und dem klinischen Umfeld gelegt wird.
Droplet Precise Self‐Splitting on Patterned Adhesive Surfaces for Simultaneous Multidetection
Authors: Li Huizeng , Fang Wei , Zhao Zhipeng , Li An , Li Zheng , Li Mingzhu , Li Qunyang , Feng Xiqiao , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2020

Precise separation and localization of microdroplets are fundamental for various fields, such as high‐throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry, and the recognition of complex analytes. We have developed a droplet self‐splitting strategy to divide an impacting droplet into predictable microdroplets and deposit them at preset spots for simultaneous multidetection. No matter exchange was observed between these microdroplets, so they could be manipulated independently. Droplet self‐splitting was attributed to anisotropic liquid recoiling on the patterned adhesive surface, as influenced by the droplet Weber number and the width of the low‐adhesive stripe. A quantitative criterion was also developed to judge the droplet self‐splitting capability. The precise separation and distribution of microdroplets enabled simultaneous arrayed reactions and multiple analyte detection using one droplet of sample.
N‐Methylated Peptide Synthesis via Generation of an Acyl N‐Methylimidazolium Cation Accelerated by a Brønsted Acid
Authors: Otake Yuma , Shibata Yusuke , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Fuse Shinichiro
Published: April 2020

The development of a robust amide‐bond formation remains a critical aspect of N‐methylated peptide synthesis. In this study, we synthesized a variety of dipeptides in high yields, without severe racemization, from equivalent amounts of amino acids. Highly reactive N‐methylimidazolium cation species were generated in situ to accelerate the amidation. The key to success was the addition of a strong Brønsted acid. The developed amidation enabled the synthesis of a bulky peptide with a higher yield in a shorter amount of time compared with the results of conventional amidation. In addition, the amidation can be performed by using either a microflow reactor or a conventional flask. The first total synthesis of naturally occurring bulky N‐methylated peptides, pterulamides I–IV, was achieved. Based on experimental results and theoretical calculations, we speculated that a Brønsted acid would accelerate the rate‐limiting generation of acyl imidazolium cations from mixed carbonic anhydrides.
2,4‐Dichlorophenol molecularly imprinted two‐dimensional photonic crystal hydrogels
Authors: Qin Xiatong , Liu Weihao , Liu Genqi , Ren Chenrui , Liu Chenhui , Li Huanhuan , Cao Yunlei
Published: April 2020

A novel molecularly imprinted two‐dimensional (2‐D) photonic crystal hydrogels (MIPH) for sensitive and label‐free recognition of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) was prepared. The 2‐D photonic crystal template was fabricated by using air‐water interface self‐assembly method. And then the template was embedded with molecularly imprinted polymer, which was synthesized with 2,4‐DCP as imprinted molecules, dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent, acrylic acid and acrylamide as functional monomers, N,N‐methylene bis acrylamide as cross‐linker, azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The imprinted molecules were removed by 0.01 M ammonia solution. The results indicated that the 2,4‐DCP molecularly imprinted 2‐D photonic crystal hydrogels has good response and recognition ability to 2,4‐DCP. When the molar ratio of cross‐linking density of MIPH is 2.3% and the molar ratio of imprinting molecule is 5.0%, the change of Debye ring diameter is the largest. The diameter of Debye ring increased by 7.1 mm when the concentration of 2,4‐DCP changed from 0 to 1 × 10−6 M, and the particle spacing of MIPH reduced 38 nm. In addition, the diameter of the Debye ring hardly changed in the solution of analogues of 2,4‐DCP such as, phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol and so on, indicating that the MIPH has highly sensitivity and specificity.
Micro‐RNA29b enhances the sensitivity of glioblastoma multiforme cells to temozolomide by promoting autophagy
Authors: Xu Jing‐Xuan , Yang Yan , Zhang Xu , Luan Xin‐Ping
Published: April 2020

To explore whether or not aberrant expression of miR‐29b in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells was associated with temozolomide (TMZ) resistance and to elucidate potential underlying mechanisms. Upregulation of miR‐29 in GBM cells was achieved by transfecting miR‐29b mimics. Changes in cell viability were measured by using CCK‐8 assays. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were used to quantify the number of apoptotic cells. The expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins as well as autophagy‐associated proteins, and the expression levels of both apoptotic and autophagic genes were determined by Western blotting. Autophagy flux was monitored by transfecting mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 adenovirus. We halted autophagy by introducing Atg 5‐specific siRNA or the autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (Baf‐A1). We also employed a GBM xenograft mice model to confirm the role of miR‐29b in vivo. miR‐29b overexpression induced inhibition of cell viability, and also induced apoptosis and autophagy in U251 and U87MG cells. Furthermore, upregulation of miR‐29b was able to potentiate the level of antitumor activity of TMZ against tested cells. We also found that autophagy induced by miR‐29b, at least partially, contributed to the increase of TMZ sensitivity in GBM cells. As was evidenced by blockade of autophagy, the application of Atg 5 siRNA or Baf‐A1 was able to significantly reverse these effects. Consistent with observations in vitro, findings of in vivo assessment also confirmed that overexpression of miR‐29b was able to effectively halt tumor growth and enhance the antitumor activity of TMZ. miR‐29b potentiates TMZ sensitivity against GBM cells by inducing autophagy and the combined use of miR‐29 mimic and TMZ might represent a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.
Hypothermia from a two‐component mixture comprising Amoxicillin and Sulbactam
Authors: Dinh Duong Tung Anh , Hoang Ngoc Anh , Doan Thi Linh , Bui Thi Dung , Pham Thi Huong , Nguyen Ngoc Sang , Bui Van Chien , Dinh Van Thuc
Published: April 2020

Hypothermia might be an adverse effect of Amoxicillin and/or Sulbactam, and clinicians should be aware of this effect. Further clinical and laboratory investigations are also needed to confirm and clarify the underlying mechanism of this side effect.
Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Cages for Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen: Enhanced Performance with Iron and Cobalt Dual Metal Centers
Authors: Mercado Rene , Wahl Carolin , En Lu Jia , Zhang Tianjun , Lu Bingzhang , Zhang Peng , Lu Jennifer Q. , Allen A'Lester , Zhang Jin Z. , Chen Shaowei
Published: April 2020

Heteroatom‐doped carbon materials are promising electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, dual metals (Fe an Co) and nitrogen‐codoped porous carbon cages (CHS−FeCo) were synthesized by controlled pyrolysis of silica nanoparticle‐supported melamine‐formaldehyde resin embedded with iron and cobalt precursors, followed by acid etching. Transmission electron microscopy measurements confirmed the formation of hollow carbon cages, and the absence of metal (oxide) nanoparticles suggested atomic dispersion of the metal species within the mesoporous carbon skeletons. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis revealed a composition of mostly carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, with ca. 1 % metals. Electrochemically, the dual‐metal ones showed a significant enhancement of the catalytic performance towards ORR in alkaline media, as compared to samples with single or no metal dopants. This was accounted for by the synergistic interaction between the Fe and Co centers in the carbon samples, as evidenced in X‐ray absorption spectroscopic studies. Remarkably, the CHS−FeCo sample exhibited apparent resistance against KSCN poisoning, where XPS analysis revealed oxidation of KSCN and no metal‐sulfur interaction, in sharp contrast to the Fe counterpart which was easily poisoned. Results from this study suggest that the synergistic interactions between dual metal centers may be exploited for enhanced ORR performance of carbon‐based nanocomposite catalysts.
Comparative Solution Synthesis of Mn Doped (Na,K)NbO3 Thin Films
Authors: Kovacova Veronika , Yang Jung In , Jacques Leonard , Ko Song Won , Zhu Wanlin , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: April 2020

(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) is a promising lead‐free alternative for ferroelectric thin films such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3. One main drawback is its high leakage current density at high electric fields, which has been previously linked to alkali non‐stoichiometry. This paper compares three acetate‐based chemical solution synthesis and deposition methods for 0.5 mol % Mn‐doped KNN film fabrication, using lower crystallization temperature processes in comparison to the sintering temperatures necessary for fabrication of KNN ceramics. This paper shows the crucial role of the A site homogenization step during solution synthesis in preserving alkali chemical homogeneity of Mn doped KNN films. Chemically homogeneous films show a uniform grain size of 80 nm and a leakage current density under 2.8×10−8 A cm−2 up to electric fields as high as 600 kV cm−1, which is the highest breakdown strength reported for KNN thin films. Solution synthesis involving two‐step pyrolysis resulted in films with dense, columnar microstructures, which are interesting for orientation control and enhancement of piezoelectric properties. This study reports detailed solution synthesis and deposition processes with good dielectric, ferroelectric and breakdown field properties. An optimized fabrication method that should couple low leakage current density with dense and oriented microstructures is proposed.
Etched ZIF‐8 as a Filler in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Zhou Yichen , Jia Mingmin , Zhang Xiongfei , Yao Jianfeng
Published: April 2020

Zeolite ZIF‐8 has been etched with acid to form microporous ZIF‐8‐E crystals. These were then introduced into a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane matrix to enhance its CO2/N2 separation performance. Open through pores of size about 100 nm formed in the ZIF‐8 crystals allow the ingrowth of polyethersulfone chains, ensuring a reduction in the number of nonselective voids, thereby achieving better interaction between ZIF‐8‐E and PES. As a result, the CO2/N2 separation performance of the ZIF‐8‐E/PES membrane increased significantly, showing a CO2 permeability of 15.7 Barrer and a CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 6.5.
Direct Measurement of the Visible to UV Photodissociation Processes for the PhotoCORM TryptoCORM
Authors: Cercola Rosaria , Fischer Kaitlyn C. , Sherman Summer L. , Garand Etienne , Wong Natalie G. K. , Hammerback L. Anders , Lynam Jason M. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. , Dessent Caroline E. H.
Published: April 2020

PhotoCORMs are light‐triggered compounds that release CO for medical applications. Here, we apply laser spectroscopy in the gas phase to TryptoCORM, a known photoCORM that has been shown to destroy Escherichia coli upon visible‐light activation. Our experiments allow us to map TryptoCORM's photochemistry across a wide wavelength range by using novel laser‐interfaced mass spectrometry (LIMS). LIMS provides the intrinsic absorption spectrum of the photoCORM along with the production spectra of all of its ionic photoproducts for the first time. Importantly, the photoproduct spectra directly reveal the optimum wavelengths for maximizing CO ejection, and the extent to which CO ejection is compromised at redder wavelengths. A series of comparative studies were performed on TryptoCORM‐CH3CN which exists in dynamic equilibrium with TryptoCORM in solution. Our measurements allow us to conclude that the presence of the labile CH3CN facilitates CO release over a wider wavelength range. This work demonstrates the potential of LIMS as a new methodology for assessing active agent release (e.g. CO, NO, H2S) from light‐activated prodrugs.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic and Antiviral Activity Profiling of All‐Four Isomeric Series of Pyrido‐Fused 7‐Deazapurine Ribonucleosides
Authors: Veselovská Lucia , Kudlová Natálie , Gurská Soňa , Lišková Barbora , Medvedíková Martina , Hodek Ondřej , Tloušťová Eva , Milisavljevic Nemanja , Tichý Michal , Perlíková Pavla , Mertlíková‐Kaiserová Helena , Trylčová Jana , Pohl Radek , Klepetářová Blanka , Džubák Petr , Hajdúch Marián , Hocek Michal
Published: April 2020

All four isomeric series of novel 4‐substituted pyrido‐fused 7‐deazapurine ribonucleosides possessing the pyridine nitrogen atom at different positions were designed and synthesized. The total synthesis of each isomeric fused heterocycle through multistep heterocyclization was followed by glycosylation and derivatization at position 4 by cross‐coupling reactions or nucleophilic substitutions. All compounds were tested for cytostatic and antiviral activity. The most active were pyrido[4′,3′:4,5]pyrimidine nucleosides bearing MeO, NH2, MeS, or CH3groups at position 4, which showed submicromolar cytotoxic effects and good selectivity for cancer cells. The mechanism involved activation by phosphorylation and incorporation to DNA where the presence of the modified ribonucleosides causes double‐strand breaks and apoptosis.
The Effects of Weak and Strong CYP3A Induction by Rifampicin on the Pharmacokinetics of Five Progestins and Ethinylestradiol Compared to Midazolam
Authors: Wiesinger Herbert , Klein Stefan , Rottmann Antje , Nowotny Bettina , Riecke Kai , Gashaw Isabella , Brudny‐Klöppel Margarete , Fricke Robert , Höchel Joachim , Friedrich Christian
Published: April 2020

It is known that co‐administration of CYP3A inducers may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing progestins as mono‐preparations or combined with ethinylestradiol. In a randomized clinical drug‐drug interaction study, we investigated the effects of CYP3A induction on the pharmacokinetics of commonly used progestins and ethinylestradiol. Rifampicin was used to induce CYP3A. The progestins chosen as victim drugs were levonorgestrel, norethindrone, desogestrel, and dienogest as mono‐products, and drospirenone combined with ethinylestradiol. Postmenopausal women (n = 12–14 per treatment group) received, in fixed sequence, a single dose of the victim drug plus midazolam without rifampicin, with rifampicin 10 mg/day (weak induction), and with rifampicin 600 mg/day (strong induction). The effects on progestin exposure were compared with the effects on midazolam exposure (as a benchmark). Unbound concentrations were evaluated for drugs binding to sex hormone binding globulin. Weak CYP3A induction, as confirmed by a mean decrease in midazolam exposure by 46%, resulted in minor changes in progestin exposure (mean decreases: 15–37%). Strong CYP3A induction, in contrast, resulted in mean decreases by 57–90% (mean decrease in midazolam exposure: 86%). Namely, the magnitude of the observed induction effects varied from weak to strong. Our data might provide an impetus to revisit the currently applied clinical recommendations for oral contraceptives, especially for levonorgestrel and norethindrone‐containing products, and they might give an indication as to which progestin could be used, if requested, by women taking weak CYP3A inducers—although it is acknowledged that the exact exposure‐response relationship for contraceptive efficacy is currently unclear for most progestins.
First‐Principles Study on the Molecular Mechanism of Solar‐Driven CO2 Reduction on H‐Terminated Si
Authors: Ji Yongfei , Wang Gang , Fan Ting , Luo Yi
Published: April 2020

Solar‐driven conversion of CO2 with H‐terminated silicon has recently attracted increasing interest. However, the molecular mechanism of the reaction is still not well understood. A systematic study of the mechanism has been carried out with first‐principles calculations. The formation energies of the intermediates are found to be insensitive to the structure of the surface. On the fully H‐terminated Si(111) surface, several pathways for the conversion of CO2 into CO at a coordinatively saturated Si site are studied, including the conventional COOH* pathway and the direct insertion of CO2 into Si−H and Si−Si bonds. Although the barrier of the COOH* pathway is lowest among the three pathways, it is higher than that for OH* elimination, which suggests that CO2 should be converted by other types of active site. The reaction at the isolated and dual coordinatively unsaturated (CUS) Si sites, which can be generated by light illumination, heat, and Pd loading, are then studied. The results suggest that the most efficient pathway to convert CO2 is to convert it into CO and O* at an isolated CUS Si site before O* reacts with a terminating H* to form adsorbed OH* and generate new isolated CUS Si sites. Therefore, the CUS Si site catalyzes the reaction until all H* is converted into OH*. The results provide new insight into the mechanism of the reaction and should be helpful for the design of more efficient Si‐based catalysts for CO2 conversion.
Of detectability and camouflage: evaluating Pollard Walk rules using a common, cryptic butterfly
Authors: Riva Federico , Gentile Giorgio , Bonelli Simona , Acorn John H. , Denes Francisco V. , Crosby Andrew D. , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: April 2020

Estimating distribution and abundance of species depends on the probability at which individuals are detected. Butterflies are of conservation interest worldwide, but data collected with Pollard walks—the standard for national monitoring schemes—are often analyzed assuming that changes in detectability are negligible within recommended sampling criteria. The implications of this practice remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of sampling conditions on butterfly counts from Pollard walks using the Arctic fritillary, a common but cryptic butterfly in boreal forests of Alberta, Canada. We used an open population binomial N‐mixture model to disentangle the effects of habitat suitability and phenology on abundance of Arctic fritillaries, and its detectability by sampling different conditions of temperature, wind, cloud cover, and hour of the day. Detectability varied by one order of magnitude within the criteria recommended for Pollard walks (P varying between 0.04 and 0.45), and simulations show how sampling in suboptimal conditions increases substantially the risk of false‐absence records (e.g., false‐absences are twice as likely than true‐presences when sampling 10 Arctic fritillaries at P = 0.04). Our results suggest that the risk of false‐absences is highest for species that are poorly detectable, low in abundance, and with short flight periods. Analysis with open population binomial N‐mixture models could improve estimates of abundance and distribution for rare species of conservation interest, while providing a powerful method for assessing butterfly phenology, abundance, and behavior using counts from Pollard walks, but require more intensive sampling than conventional monitoring schemes.
Copper(I)/Bpy‐Catalyzed C‐2‐H Benzylation of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones with N‐Tosylhydrazones
Authors: Li Fei , Gu Xiao‐Juan , Zeng Chang‐E. , Li Xia , Liu Bo , Huang Guo‐Li
Published: April 2020

A general and efficient copper‐catalyzed C–H benzylation reaction of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones with N‐tosylhydrazones is reported. The formation of new C(sp3)–C(sp2) bonds through cross‐coupling occurs at the electron‐poor C‐2 position of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one and represents an exceedingly practical method to afford 2‐benzylated quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. A possible reaction mechanism for this transformation was proposed. This catalytic transformation has the potential to be an important synthetic application for the late‐stage functionalization of advanced synthetic intermediates.
Fabrication of Conductive Polypyrrole Doped Chitosan Thin Film for Sensitive Detection of Sulfite in Real Food and Biological Samples
Authors: Adeosun Waheed A. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Marwani Hadi M.
Published: April 2020

In this study, we reported electrochemical synthesis of conductive polypyrrole‐chitosan (PPY‐CHI) thin film for sensitive detection of sulfite in real samples. The synthesized PPY‐CHI film was characterized in terms of surface morphology, optical property, binding energy, conductivity and electrochemical properties. The synthesized copolymeric PPY‐CHI film displayed good electrocatalytic behaviour towards oxidation of sulfite. The synthesized PPY‐CHI film was used for sulfite detection using differential pulse voltammetric technique with detection limit, sensitivity and linearity of 0.21 μM (S/N=3), 15.28 μA μM cm−2 and 50–1100 μM respectively. In addition, the current responses of PPY‐CHI film towards sulfite were repeatable, reproducible response and unaffected by selected electroactive interferents. Finally, the synthesized PPY‐CHI was successfully and satisfactorily applied for determination of sulfite in real food and biological samples. The results obtained from this study highly placed PPY‐CHI film as a promising sensor for sensitive and accurate detection of sulfite in food and biological samples for human health protection.
Carbon‐Modified CuO/ZnO Catalyst with High Oxygen Vacancy for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Ye Haichuan , Na Wei , Gao Wengui , Wang Hua
Published: April 2020

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is a prospective approach to alleviate both global warming and energy problems. CuO/ZnO is proven to be an efficient catalyst, in which ZnO carriers prepared by different methods directly affect the catalytic activity. Herein, a novel method is used to apply a zeolite imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)‐derived ZnO to the carrier of copper‐based catalyst. In the process of thermal transformation from ZIF‐8 to ZnO, the carrier ZnO‐400 is specially modified by carbon inherited from ZIF‐8, and the corresponding CuO/ZnO‐400 catalyst still has special carbon modification, which is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the pyrolysis temperature of ZIF‐8 affects the surface oxygen defects of ZnO and the CuO/ZnO‐400 catalyst has a large oxygen vacancy concentration, which is proven by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and XPS. Consequently, the CuO/ZnO‐400 catalyst achieves the best CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity due to more oxygen vacancies and carbon modification.
Microglia senescence occurs in both substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area
Authors: Shaerzadeh Fatemeh , Phan Leah , Miller Douglas , Dacquel Maxwell , Hachmeister William , Hansen Carissa , Bechtle Alexandra , Tu Duan , Martcheva Maia , Foster Thomas C. , Kumar Ashok , Streit Wolfgang J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: April 2020

During aging humans lose midbrain dopamine neurons, but not all dopamine regions exhibit vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Microglia maintain tissue homeostasis and neuronal support, but microglia become senescent and likely lose some of their functional abilities. Since aging is the greatest risk factor for Parkinson's disease, we hypothesized that aging‐related changes in microglia and neurons occur in the vulnerable substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) but not the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We conducted stereological analyses to enumerate microglia and dopaminergic neurons in the SNc and VTA of 1‐, 6‐, 9‐, 18‐, and 24‐month‐old C57BL/J6 mice using sections double‐stained with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Iba1. Both brain regions show an increase in microglia with aging, whereas numbers of TH+ cells show no significant change after 9 months of age in SNc and 6 months in VTA. Morphometric analyses reveal reduced microglial complexity and projection area while cell body size increases with aging. Contact sites between microglia and dopaminergic neurons in both regions increase with aging, suggesting increased microglial support/surveillance of dopamine neurons. To assess neurotrophin expression in dopaminergic neurons, BDNF and TH mRNA were quantified. Results show that the ratio of BDNF to TH decreases in the SNc, but not the VTA. Gait analysis indicates subtle, aging‐dependent changes in gait indices. In conclusion, increases in microglial cell number, ratio of microglia to dopamine neurons, and contact sites suggest that innate biological mechanisms compensate for the aging‐dependent decline in microglia morphological complexity (senescence) to ensure continued neuronal support in the SNc and VTA.
Beneficial effects of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the rat model
Authors: Abo‐Salem Osama Mohamed , Ali Tarek Mohamed , Harisa Gamaleldin Ibrahim , Mehanna Osama Mahmoud , Younos Ibrahim Hamdy , Almalki Waleed Hassan
Published: April 2020

Diabetic neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous pain with hyperalgesia and allodynia. We investigated whether (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate could improve diabetic neuropathic pain development through hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/once) and treated with (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (25 mg/kg/orally/once/daily/5 weeks). Diabetic rats showed an increase in serum levels of glucose, nitric oxide, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol with a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and body weight. Also, there was an elevation in brain malondialdehyde with a marked reduction in brain levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, diabetic rats showed a clear reduction in plasma levels of insulin and an increase in plasma cytokines (interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α). Moreover, diabetic rats exhibited hyperalgesia as indicated by a hot plate, tail immersion, formalin, and carrageenan‐induced edema tests as well as brain histopathological changes (neuron degeneration, gliosis, astrocytosis, congestion and hemorrhage). (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate treatment ameliorated alterations in body weight, biochemical parameters, pain sensation, and histopathological changes in brain tissue. (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate offers promising hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, which can prevent the development and progression of diabetic neuropathic pain.
Substitutional carbon defects in silicon: A quantum mechanical characterization through the infrared and Raman spectra
Authors: Gentile Francesco S. , Platonenko Alexander , El‐Kelany Khaled E. , Rérat Michel , D'Arco Philippe , Dovesi Roberto
Published: April 2020

The infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of eight substitutional carbon defects in silicon are computed at the quantum mechanical level by using a periodic supercell approach based on hybrid functionals, an all electron Gaussian type basis set and the CRYSTAL code. The single substitutional C
s case and its combination with a vacancy (C
sV and C
sSiV) are considered first. The progressive saturation of the four bonds of a Si atom with C is then examined. The last set of defects consists of a chain of adjacent carbon atoms C, with i = 1–3. The simple substitutional case, C
s, is the common first member of the three sets. All these defects show important, very characteristic features in their IR spectrum. One or two C related peaks dominate the spectra: at 596 cm−1 for C
s (and C
sSiV, the second neighbor vacancy is not shifting the C
s peak), at 705 and 716 cm−1 for C
sV, at 537 cm−1 for C and C (with additional peaks at 522, 655 and 689 for the latter only), at 607 and 624 cm−1, 601 and 643 cm−1, and 629 cm−1 for SiC, SiC, and SiC, respectively. Comparison with experiment allows to attribute many observed peaks to one of the C substitutional defects. Observed peaks above 720 cm−1 must be attributed to interstitial C or more complicated defects.
Resistance to lean mass gain in constitutional thinness in free‐living conditions is not overpassed by overfeeding
Authors: Ling Yiin , Galusca Bogdan , Martin François‐Pierre , Bartova Simona , Carayol Jérôme , Moco Sofia , Epelbaum Jacques , Grouselle Dominique , Boirie Yves , Montaurier Christophe , Cuenco Joyceline , Minnion James S. , Thomas Thierry , Mure Sylvie , Hager Jörg , Estour Bruno , Gheldof Nele , Germain Natacha
Published: April 2020

Background

Constitutional thinness (CT), a non‐malnourished underweight state with no eating disorders, is characterized by weight gain resistance to high fat diet. Data issued from muscle biopsies suggested blunted anabolic mechanisms in free‐living state. Weight and metabolic responses to protein caloric supplementation has not been yet explored in CT.

Methods

A 2 week overfeeding (additional 600 kcal, 30 g protein, 72 g carbohydrate, and 21 g fat) was performed to compare two groups of CTs (12 women and 11 men) to normal‐weight controls (12 women and 10 men). Bodyweight, food intake, energy expenditure, body composition, nitrogen balance, appetite hormones profiles, and urine metabolome were monitored before and after overfeeding.

Results

Before overfeeding, positive energy gap was found in both CT genders (309 ± 370 kcal in CT‐F and 332 ± 709 kcal in CT‐M) associated with higher relative protein intake per kilo (1.74 ± 0.32 g/kg/day in CT‐F vs. 1.16 ± 0.23 in C‐F, P < 0.0001; 1.56 ± 0.36 in CT‐M vs. 1.22 ± 0.32 in C‐M, P = 0.03), lower nitrogen (7.26 ± 2.36 g/day in CT‐F vs. 11.41 ± 3.64 in C‐F, P = 0.003; 9.70 ± 3.85 in CT‐M vs. 14.14 ± 4.19 in C‐M, P = 0.02), but higher essential amino acids urinary excretion (CT/C fold change of 1.13 for leucine and 1.14 for arginine) in free‐living conditions. After overfeeding, CTs presented an accentuated positive energy gap, still higher than in controls (675 ± 540 in CTs vs. 379 ± 427 in C, P = 0.04). Increase in lean mass was induced in both controls genders but not in CTs (a trend was noticed in CT women), despite a similar nitrogen balance after overfeeding (5.06 ± 4.33 g/day in CTs vs. 4.28 ± 3.15 in controls, P = 0.49). Higher anorectic gut hormones' tone, glucagon‐like peptide 1 and peptide tyrosine tyrosine, during test meal and higher snacking frequency were noticed before and after overfeeding in CTs.

Conclusions

The blunted muscle energy mechanism, previously described in CTs in free‐living state, is associated with basal saturated protein turn over suggested by the concordance of positive nitrogen balance and an increased urine excretion of several essential amino acids. This saturation cannot be overpassed by increasing this spontaneous high‐protein intake suggesting a resistance to lean mass gain in CT phenotype.
Financial barriers in a county genetics clinic: Problems and solutions
Authors: Erwin Deanna J. , LaMaire Christina , Espana Alex , Eble Tanya N. , Dhar Shweta U.
Published: April 2020

A genetic evaluation may lead to a clinical or molecular diagnosis, which helps clarify prognosis, tailor surveillance protocols based on risks associated with the genetic condition, and aid in assessment of risk to family members. However, individuals of low socioeconomic and/or minority status often have limited access to genetics services, which contributes to healthcare disparities (Journal of Community Genetics, 2018, 9, 233). Our county hospital system, dedicated to providing health care to the underserved, offers a unique opportunity to reduce healthcare inequalities in genetics. This retrospective chart review included 2,304 patients evaluated at an outpatient county hospital genetics clinic between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, during which time genetic testing was recommended for most patients (58.5%) for a total of 1,429 recommended genetic tests. Most tests were obtained through non‐hospital financial resources (56.5%), and loss to follow‐up during the phlebotomy stage was the most common reason for tests not to be ordered (41.9%) and not to be completed (36.4%). The experience in our clinic suggests that identifying financial avenues, such as commercial laboratory financial assistance programs in addition to county hospital funds, can support obtaining genetic testing and allow healthcare providers to overcome financial barriers to genetic testing.
NGLY1 deficiency—A rare congenital disorder of deglycosylation
Authors: Lipari Pinto Patrícia , Machado Catarina , Janeiro Patrícia , Dupont Juliette , Quintas Sofia , Sousa Ana Berta , Gaspar Ana
Published: April 2020

Pathogenic variants in the NGLY1 gene are associated with a Congenital Disorder of Deglycosylation (CDDG) characterized by delays in reaching developmental milestones, complex hyperkinetic movement disorder, transient elevation of transaminases, and alacrima or hypolacrima. To date, only few cases of NGLY1 deficiency have been identified and reported in the literature. This report highlights a first child of non‐consanguineous parents with no relevant family history who presented with hypotonia and poor weight gain since birth. At 2 months, the child developed paroxysmal cervical dystonia, posteriorly resolving spontaneously by age of 3. Subsequently, delays in reaching developmental milestones, ataxia, dyskinesia, visual impairment due to cone rod retinal dystrophy, low triglycerides, and persistently elevated liver transaminases were observed. Extensive etiological investigation was performed, including array‐CGH and metabolic evaluation with no abnormalities to note. Trio whole exome analysis identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of the NGLY1 gene, c.1891del (p.Gln631Serfs*7), consistent with CDDG. Both parents were confirmed to be heterozygous carriers. The authors discuss in this case, the clinical presentation, the diagnostic challenges, and review other relevant NGLY1 deficiency cases previously reported in the literature. This case, along with the previous reported in the literature, indicates that pathogenic variants in NGLY1 cause a recognizable phenotype and should be considered in patients with a typical presentation. It also suggests that decreased sweating is not present universally in these patients.
Biogeophysical impacts of land use/land cover change on 20th century anthropogenic climate compared to the impacts of greenhouse gas change
Authors: Yan Mi , Liu Jian , Wang Zhiyuan , Ning Liang
Published: April 2020

The accumulated biogeophysical impact of historical land use/land cover change (LUCC) on the 20th century anthropogenic climate is compared to that of greenhouse gas concentration (GHGC) change by examining four experiments with the Community Earth System Model, including a control run, an LUCC run, a GHGC run and a combined anthropogenic run. Globally, the biogeophysical effect of historical LUCC can offset the warming induced by increased GHG. The overall impacts of LUCC and GHGC tend to be linear in their combination. The linearity of the LUCC and GHGC impacts is stronger on the projected temperature than on the projected precipitation. However, the nonlinearity also shows up in some regions where internal variability is strong. It is also found that the precipitation change scaled to the global mean temperature change induced by LUCC is larger than that induced by GHGC due to more effective changes in water vapour content and atmospheric stability. Regionally, LUCC and GHGC have comparable effects on warming over the mid‐latitudes of Asia and the mid‐low latitudes of the Americas, whereas the LUCC has a pronounced contribution to cooling over high‐latitude regions in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). LUCC and GHGC have the largest impacts on surface temperature over the mid‐high latitudes, particularly over the NH, through local and remote processes; in contrast, their impacts on precipitation are primarily over tropical regions through teleconnection processes. Our results propose that more attention should be paid to the interactions between external forcings and internal variabilities, especially over the regions where nonlinearity is strong, such as Europe, North Africa, southern Australia and northwest North America.
From Implicit Theories to Creative Achievements: The Mediating Role of Creativity Motivation in the Relationship between Stereotypes, Growth Mindset, and Creative Achievement
Authors: Li Pin , Zhang Zhitian Skylor , Zhang Yanna , Zhang Jia , Nunez Miguelina , Shi Jiannong
Published: April 2020

Research has demonstrated that implicit theories of creativity are crucial in shaping an individual’s behavior and real‐life decisions toward being creative. The present study proposed and examined the underlying mechanisms of how two kinds of implicit theories—the growth mindset of the creative self and the stereotype of creative others—are associated with creative achievements through the mediating role of creativity motivation. Participants were 606 undergraduate students who were enrolled in an education major in two universities in China. Overall, the study found that Chinese students held a positive image toward a creative student, regarding him or her as highly competent, warm, and popular. Student perceptions of a creative other were positively related to their growth mindset of creativity. Moreover, results verified both the mediating role of creativity motivation on growth mindset, as well as the effect of positive stereotyping of the creative other on students’ creative achievement. These findings point to promising creativity motivation strategies including the cultivation of a malleable view of creativity and of creative role models, that may, in turn, promote creative achievement by encouraging students to do, learn, and accomplish new things.
Sustained release of collagen‐affinity SDF‐1α from book‐shaped acellular fibrocartilage scaffold enhanced bone‐tendon healing in a rabbit model
Authors: Li Muzhi , Chen Yang , Hu Jianzhong , Shi Qiang , Li Xing , Zhao Chunfeng , Chen Can , Lu Hongbin
Published: April 2020

Rapid and functional bone‐tendon (B‐T) healing remains a difficulty in clinical practice. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to address this problem. However, the majority of tissue engineering scaffolds are loaded with stem cells to enhance the regenerability in B‐T healing, which is complicated and inconvenient for clinical application. Accordingly, developing a cell‐free scaffold with chemotactic function and chondrogenic inducibility may be an effective approach. In this study, a collagen affinity peptide derived from the A3 domain of von Willebrand factor (a hemostasis factor) was fused into the C‐terminal of a stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) to synthesize a recombinant SDF‐1α capable of binding collagen and chemotactic activity. The recombinant SDF‐1α was then tethered on the collagen fibers of a book‐shaped acellular fibrocartilage scaffold (BAFS), thus fabricating a novel scaffold (C‐SDF‐1α/BAFS) with chemotactic function and chondrogenic inducibility. In vitro tests determined that this scaffold was noncytotoxic and biomimetic, could attract stem cells migrating to the scaffold using sustainably released C‐SDF‐1α, and inducedthe interacting stem cells down the chondrogenic lineage. In vivo, the C‐SDF‐1α/BAFS significantly enhanced the B‐T healing in a rabbit partial patellectomy model, as shown by the larger cartilaginous metaplasia region, better fibrocartilage regeneration, additional bone formation, and improved biomechanical properties. Therefore, the findings of the study demonstrate that the C‐SDF‐1α/BAFS could potentially be applied for B‐T healing.