bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought stress modulates secondary metabolites in Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (DC) Alef, var. sabellica L.
Authors: Podda Alessandra , Pollastri Susanna , Bartolini Paola , Pisuttu Claudia , Pellegrini Elisa , Nali Cristina , Cencetti Gabriele , Michelozzi Marco , Frassinetti Stefania , Giorgetti Lucia , Fineschi Silvia , Del Carratore Renata , Maserti Biancaelena
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Consumer preference today is for the consumption of functional food and the reduction of chemical preservatives. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties and health‐promoting qualities of plant secondary metabolites are well known. Due to forecasted climate changes and increasing human population, agricultural practices for saving water have become a concern. In the present study, the physiological responses of curly kale Brassica oleracea L. convar. Acephala (DC) var. sabellica to drought stress and the impact of water limitation on the concentration of selected secondary metabolites were investigated under laboratory‐controlled conditions.

RESULTS

Results indicated that drought stress increased the content of trans‐2‐hexenal, phytol and δ‐tocopherol, and decreased chlorophyll content. Moreover, drought stress increased antioxidant capacity and the expression of AOP2, a gene associated with the biosynthesis of aliphatic alkenyl glucosinolates, and of three genes – TGG1, TGGE and PEN2 – encoding for myrosinases, the enzymes involved in glucosinolate breakdown.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that water limitation during the growing phase might be exploited as a sustainable practice for producing curly kale with a high concentration of nutritionally important health‐promoting bioactive metabolites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterizing watercraft‐related mortality of sea turtles in Florida
Authors: Foley Allen M. , Stacy Brian A. , Hardy Robert F. , Shea Colin P. , Minch Karrie E. , Schroeder Barbara A.
Published: May 2019

Mortality from being struck by a motorized watercraft is considerable for many aquatic vertebrates around the world, including sea turtles. We studied stranded (i.e., dead, sick, or injured) sea turtles found in Florida, USA, during 1986–2014 and identified those with sharp force or blunt force injuries indicative of a vessel strike. About a third of stranded loggerheads (Caretta caretta), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) had a vessel‐strike injury (VSI). The frequency of this injury was lower but still substantial for stranded Kemp's ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii; 26.1%) and hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata; 14.8%). Over the study period, the annual number of stranded loggerheads, green turtles, and Kemp's ridleys with a VSI increased as did the annual number of vessels registered in Florida. Eighty‐one percent of the stranded turtles with a VSI were found in the southern half of Florida and 66% of those were found along the southeast coast. By coastal county, the proportion of stranded sea turtles with a VSI was positively related to the mean annual number of registered vessels. The percentage occurrence of a VSI was highest for adult loggerheads, green turtles, and leatherbacks, and reproductively active individuals appeared to be particularly vulnerable to these injuries. We conducted necropsies on 194 stranded sea turtles with a VSI and concluded that this injury was the cause of death or the probable cause of death in ≥92.8% of these cases. During 2000–2014, we estimate that the mean annual numbers of stranded sea turtles that died from a VSI were 142–229 loggerheads, 101–162 green turtles, 16–32 Kemp's ridleys, 4–6 leatherbacks, and 2–4 hawksbills. Considering that only about 10–20% of sea turtles that died likely washed ashore, the overall annual mortality may have been 5–10 times greater than that represented by strandings. Most of the significant clusters of stranded sea turtles with a VSI occurred at inlets or passes and the probability that a stranded sea turtle had a VSI decreased with increasing distance from inlets or passes, navigable waterways, and marinas. We suggest focusing initial management efforts on reducing watercraft‐related mortality for all sea turtle species around 8 inlets in southeast Florida, reproductively active loggerheads and green turtles along the coast of southeast Florida, and Kemp's ridleys and adult male loggerheads at passes along the coast of southwest Florida. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society
Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process‐integrated statistical process control: An application of demerit chart at furniture manufacturing company
Authors: Sagnak Muhittin , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: May 2019

Statistical process control techniques, especially control charts, have been popular tools for tracking and analysing the quality improvement process. Control charts make measurements in respect to the central line and the upper and lower control limits of a process and allow corrective action to be taken. It may be not adequate when the quality characteristics include properties requiring the usage of linguistic variables (e.g., very poor, poor, average, good, and very good) rather than identifying them just conforming or nonconforming. The demerit chart is a control chart for attributes that allows the arrangement of the relative exact weight (real number), consistent with the various levels of defects. In this paper, in order to hire linguistic weights, a demerit chart was integrated with fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, mainly through the determination of weights in accordance with the degrees of defects, after which the central line and upper and lower limits were calculated.
Identification of novel compound heterozygous mutations in ACO2 in a patient with progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Fukada Masahide , Yamada Keitaro , Eda Shima , Inoue Ken , Ohba Chihiro , Matsumoto Naomichi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Nakayama Atsuo
Published: May 2019

Background

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a sequence of catabolic reactions within the mitochondrial matrix, and is a central pathway for cellular energy metabolism. Genetic defects affecting the TCA cycle are known to cause severe multisystem disorders.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing of genomic DNA of a patient with progressive cerebellar and cerebral atrophy, hypotonia, ataxia, seizure disorder, developmental delay, ophthalmological abnormalities and hearing loss. We also performed biochemical studies using patient fibroblasts.

Results

We identified new compound heterozygous mutations (c.1534G > A, p.Asp512Asn and c.1997G > C, p.Gly666Ala) in ACO2, which encodes aconitase 2, a component of the TCA cycle. In patient fibroblasts, the aconitase activity was reduced to 15% of that of the control, and the aconitase 2 level decreased to 36% of that of the control. As such a decrease in aconitase 2 in patient fibroblasts was partially restored by proteasome inhibition, mutant aconitase 2 was suggested to be relatively unstable and rapidly degraded after being synthesized. In addition, the activity of the father‐derived variant of aconitase 2 (p.Gly666Ala), which had a mutation near the active center, was 55% of that of wild‐type.

Conclusion

The marked reduction of aconitase activity in patient fibroblasts was due to the combination of decreased aconitase 2 amount and activity due to mutations. Reduced aconitase activity directly suppresses the TCA cycle, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, which may lead to symptoms similar to those observed in mitochondrial diseases.
Genetics and genomic medicine in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sirisena Nirmala D. , Dissanayake Vajira H. W.
Published: May 2019

The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 heralded in a new era marked by remarkable advances in biomedical research leading to the establishment of genomics‐based translational medicine mainly in the developed world. However, the development of such advances has been hampered in most parts of the developing world due to scarcity of resources and trained personnel. Genetics and genomic medicine are currently in the process of being integrated into the Sri Lankan health care system. These developments have taken place mainly due to the heightened awareness and increasing demands made by the public for provision of genetic diagnostic and therapeutic services in clinical care. Due to the exorbitant costs incurred in the maintenance of these services and the dearth of adequately trained manpower, only a few centers in the country, mainly in Universities or private sector, are currently engaged in providing these services to the public. This article aims to provide an overview of the genetics and genomic medicine services in Sri Lanka from its early developments to the current state.
n‐3 PUFA Supplementation Alters Retinal Very‐Long‐Chain‐PUFA Levels and Ratios in Diabetic Animal Models
Authors: Gorusupudi Aruna , Chang Fu‐Yen , Nelson Kelly , Hageman Gregory S. , Bernstein Paul S.
Published: May 2019

Scope

Long‐chain (LC)‐PUFAs act as precursors for the special class of retinal lipids known as very‐long‐chain (VLC)‐PUFAs and the effect of diabetes on retinal VLC‐PUFA levels is unexplored. In order to understand the supplemental effect of omega‐3 (n‐3) LC‐PUFAs on decreasing levels of VLC‐PUFAs due to diabetes, Nile rats, which develop diabetes spontaneously, and Akita mouse, a genetic diabetes model, are chosen.

Methods and results

Human retinal punches from donors are collected from an eye bank; lipids are extracted and analyzed to study the alterations in VLC‐PUFAs and their omega‐3/omega‐6 (n‐3/n‐6) ratios. Nile rats are fed a high‐fat diet to induce hyperglycemia, and then an n‐3 PUFA‐rich diet is fed to the experimental group for 2 months. Diabetic male Akita mice and WT mice are fed with 5% fish‐oil mixed in with their chow for 2 months to observe the effect of n‐3 PUFAs. Results indicate that VLC‐PUFA levels are lower in human diabetic and retinopathic retinal punches compared to age‐matched controls. With supplementation of n‐3 PUFAs, there is a significant increase in n‐3/n‐6 VLC‐PUFA ratios in both animal models compared to diabetic controls.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with n‐3 LC‐PUFAs helps to prevent progression of diabetes and associated retinopathy.
A performance comparison of anthropomorphic model observers for breast cone beam CT images: A single‐slice and multislice study
Authors: Han Minah , Baek Jongduk
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In this work, we investigate single‐slice and multislice model observers which can predict human observer performance for simulated single‐slice and multislice breast cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with a constant internal noise level.

Methods

Breast background is generated based on a power spectrum of mammograms, and breast mass is modeled by a spherical signal. Human observer performance is evaluated for detecting 1 and 2 mm signals in different noise structures stemming from different reconstruction filters and image planes in a Feldkamp–Davis–Kress reconstruction. To predict human observer performance, we use single‐slice channelized Hotelling observer (i.e., ssCHO) and multislice CHO (i.e., msCHOa and msCHOb) with dense difference‐of‐Gaussian and Gabor channels. In addition, we use single‐slice nonprewhitening observer with an eye‐filter (i.e., ssNPWE) and multislice NPWE (i.e., msNPWEa and msNPWEb), where ms‐a model estimates the template for each image slice and ms‐b model estimates the template for the central slice. For NPWE, we use the most common eye‐filter with a peak value at a frequency of 4 cyc/deg. In addition, we propose an eye‐filter with a peak value at a frequency of 7 cyc/deg which shows good correlation with human observer performance in single‐slice breast CBCT images. Channel and decision variable internal noise are used for CHO, and decision variable internal noise is used for NPWE. The internal noise level is determined by comparing human and model observer performance for single‐slice images, after which the same level is used for the multislice model observers.

Results

For single‐slice images, all model observers predict human observer performance well. When the same internal noise level for the single‐slice model observer is used for the multislice model observer, CHO with channel internal noise produces a higher performance than the human observer. In contrast, msCHO and msNPWEb with decision variable internal noise produce a similar performance to the human observer. Especially, ssNPWE and msNPWEb with the proposed eye‐filter predict the human observer performance better than the other model observers for different noise structures.

Conclusions

ssCHO/ssNPWE and msCHO/msNPWEb with decision variable internal noise can predict human observer performance for single‐slice and multislice images with the same internal noise level. In the presence of breast anatomical background, ssNPWE and msNPWEb with the proposed eye‐filter predict human observer performance better than the other model observers for different noise structures.
CEST MRI monitoring of tumor response to vascular disrupting therapy using high molecular weight dextrans
Authors: Chen Hanwei , Liu Dexiang , Li Yuguo , Xu Xiang , Xu Jiadi , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Zhou Shibin , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Liu Guanshu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Vascular disrupting therapy of cancer has become a promising approach not only to regress tumor growth directly but also to boost the delivery of chemotherapeutics in the tumor. An imaging approach to monitor the changes in tumor vascular permeability, therefore, has important applications for monitoring of vascular disrupting therapies.

Methods

Mice bearing CT26 subcutaneous colon tumors were injected intravenously with 150 kD dextran (Dex150, diameter, d~ 20 nm, 375 mg/kg), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α; 1 µg per mouse), or both (n = 3 in each group). The Z‐spectra were acquired before and 2 h after the injection, and the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals in the tumors as quantified by asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym) at 1 ppm were compared.

Results

The results showed a significantly stronger CEST contrast enhancement at 1 ppm (∆MTRasym = 0.042 ± 0.002) in the TNF‐α‐treated tumors than those by Dex150 alone (∆MTRasym = 0.000 ± 0.005, P = 0.0229) or TNF‐α alone (∆MTRasym = 0.002 ± 0.004, P = 0.0264), indicating that the TNF‐α treatment strongly augmented the tumor uptake of 150 kD dextran. The MRI findings were verified by fluorescence imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Conclusions

High molecular weight dextrans can be used as safe and sensitive CEST MRI contrast agents for monitoring tumor response to vascular disrupting therapy and, potentially, for developing dextran‐based theranostic drug delivery systems.
Comparing questionnaires across cultures: Using Mokken scaling to compare the Italian and English versions of the MOLES index
Authors: Aleo Giuseppe , Bagnasco Annamaria , Watson Roger , Dyson Judith , Cowdell Fiona , Catania Gianluca , Zanini Milko Patrick , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora , Sasso Loredana
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aims of this study were (a) to translate the MOLES index from English to Italian and (ii) to compare the two versions using non‐parametric item response theory.

Design

An online survey was used to gather data.

Methods

Forward and back translation was used to prepare the Italian version of the MOLES which was then analysed using the non‐parametric item response theory of Mokken scaling.

Results

Mokken scales were found in both the English and the Italian versions of the MOLES index. However, the two scales—while the total scale score was not significantly different—showed different properties, and Mokken scaling selected different items from each scale.
Content and impact of articles published by school psychology faculty
Authors: Hulac David M. , Aspiranti Kathleen , Jacobson Madeline , Schneider Maryia , Johnson Natalie
Published: May 2019

School Psychology faculty members are expected to publish articles in peer‐reviewed journals that impact the fields of education and psychology. Both the content and the impact of the articles school psychologists publish may change across time and differ from other disciplines. The current analysis sought to understand average article impact, content, and research focus, and to describe those articles that have the highest impact factor. All of the articles (n = 3670) published by school psychology faculty between January, 2010 and December, 2015 were collected and examined. Three reviewers were trained over 2 hr to read abstracts and to classify the content of those abstracts. The literature was systematically classified into four categories: assessment, consultation, intervention, and professional issues. The title, keywords, and abstract were used to find the category of best fit for each publication. The majority of articles published fall into the broad category of Professional Issues. The average article is cited 17.68 times in Google Scholar and 4.9 times in Web of Science. These data will be useful to understand publication content trends and identify gaps in research.
Synthesis and characterization of polylactide‐PAMAM “Janus‐type” linear‐dendritic hybrids
Authors: Chandrasiri Indika , Abebe Daniel G. , Gupta Sudipta , Williams Jon Steven Dal , Rieger William D. , Simms Briana L. , Yaddehige Mahesh Loku , Noh YeRim , Payne Molly E. , Fortenberry Alexander W. , Smith Adam E. , Ilavsky Jan , Grayson Scott M. , Schneider Gerald J. , Watkins Davita L.
Published: May 2019

Herein, we present a facile and comprehensive synthetic methodology for the preparation of polyester‐polyamidoamine (PAMAM) (i.e., polyester: polylactide [PLA] (hydrophobic) and polyamidoamine, PAMAM [hydrophilic]) polymers. A library of PLA‐PAMAM linear dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) in which both l and d, l polylactide were employed in mass ratios of 30:70, 50:50, 70:30, and 90:10 (PLA:PAMAM) were synthesized and analyzed. When placed in aqueous media, the immiscibility of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments leads to nanophase‐segregation exhibited as the formation of aggregates (e.g., vesicles, worms, and/or micelles). By employing both stereochemical configurations of PLA, the differentiation in mass ratios of PLA‐PAMAM aided in elucidating the structure–property relationships of the LDBC system and provided a means toward the control of nanoparticle morphology. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering afford the size and shape of the nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 10.6 for low mass ratios to 122.4 nm for high mass ratios of PLA‐PAMAM and positive zeta‐potential values between +24.7 mV and +48.2 mV. Furthermore, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) studies were employed to obtain more detailed information on the morphological assemblies constructed via direct dissolution. Such insights provide a pathway toward nanomaterials with unique morphologies and tunable properties deemed relevant in the development of next generation biomaterials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1448–1459
Cobalt Based Nanoparticles Embedded Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Koo Sung Hwan , Li Dong Jun , Yun Taeyeong , Choi Dong Sung , Lee Kyung Eun , Lee Gil Yong , Oh Youngtak , Lim Joonwon , Padmajan Sasikala Suchithra , Lee Ho Jin , Kim In Ho , Jung Hong Ju , Jain Rishabh , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: May 2019

Efficient water electrolysis catalyst is highly demanded for the production of hydrogen as a sustainable energy fuel. It is reported that cobalt derived nanoparticle (CoS2, CoP, CoS|P) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite aerogel catalysts for highly active and reliable hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts. 7 nm level cobalt derived nanoparticles are synthesized over graphene aerogel surfaces with excellent surface coverage and maximal expose of active sites. CoS|P/rGO hybrid aerogel composites show an excellent catalytic activity with overpotential of ≈169 mV at a current density of ≈10 mA cm−2. Accordingly, efficient charge transfer is attained with Tafel slope of ≈52 mV dec−1 and a charge transfer resistance (Rct) of ≈12 Ω. This work suggests a viable route toward ultrasmall, uniform nanoparticles decorated graphene surfaces with well‐controlled chemical compositions, which can be generally useful for various applications commonly requiring large exposure of active surface area as well as robust interparticle charger transfer.
Structure‐Dependent Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Composites
Authors: Lertcumfu Narumon , Sayed Farheen N. , Shirodkar Sharmila N. , Radhakrishnana Sruthi , Mishra Avanish , Rujijanagul Gobwute , Singh Abhishek K. , Yakobson Boris I. , Tiwary Chandra S. , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: May 2019

The physical and chemical properties of polymorphs of iron oxides are utilized for electronic, energy, and biomedical applications. To design a functional material with arresting interplay at the interfaces and boundaries between polymorphs of iron oxide (Fe3O4 – magnetite with Fe2O3 – hematite), two different approaches of synthesis are adopted, namely, mechanical mixing and in situ growth. Unlike mechanically mixed composites, the in situ‐synthesized composites show the development of a highly distinct non‐stoichiometric, Fe21.34O32 phase at the boundary. The atomically diffused composition at boundary is found to govern the fourfold increase in conductivity. By varying the ratio of constituent iron oxide polymorphs, the dielectric constant can be tuned and is found to be highly frequency dependent with minimum loss in tan δ plot. The inherent ferromagnetism of Fe3O4 reveals to be retained in composite samples.
Edge States and Capacitance of a 2D Topological Insulator
Authors: Braginsky Leonid S. , Entin Matvey V.
Published: May 2019

The planar capacitance of the 2D topological insulator (TI) based on HgTe layer is studied. It is assumed that the width of the HgTe layer is close to the critical value corresponding to zero energy gap. The developed width fluctuations lead to the formation of internal edge states at the interfaces between ordinary and topological insulating phases. The edge states energies cover the entire energy gap. These states are recharging under applied voltage. The geometric capacitance CG is found in the percolation approach. Besides, the quantum capacitance has been calculated. At last, the problem of non‐local capacitance in a random network of the edge states is considered.
Magneto‐Structural Properties of the Layered Quasi‐2D Triangular‐Lattice Antiferromagnets Cs2CuCl4−xBrx for x = 0, 1, 2, and 4
Authors: Thallapaka Satya K. , Wolf Bernd , Gati Elena , Postulka Lars , Tutsch Ulrich , Schmidt Burkhard , Thalmeier Peter , Ritter Franz , Krellner Cornelius , Li Ying , Borisov Vladislav , Valentí Roser , Lang Michael
Published: May 2019

A study of the magnetic susceptibility under variable hydrostatic (He gas) pressure on single crystals of Cs2CuCl4−xBrx is presented. This work includes the border compounds x = 0 and 4, known as good realizations of the distorted triangular‐lattice spin‐1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet, as well as the recently discovered well‐ordered isostructural systems Cs2CuCl3Br1 and Cs2CuCl2Br2. For the determination of the exchange coupling constants J and J′ of their anisotropic triangular lattice, the susceptibility data are fitted by the recently proposed J–J′ model [Schmidt and Thalmeier, New J. Phys. 2015, 17, 073025]. Its application on magnetic susceptibility data, validated for the border compounds, yields a degree of frustration J′/J = 0.47 for Cs2CuCl3Br1 and J′/J ≃ 0.63–0.78 for Cs2CuCl2Br2, making these systems particular interesting representatives of this family. From the evolution of the magnetic susceptibility under pressure up to about 0.4 GPa, the maximum pressure applied, two observations were made for all the compounds investigated here. First, it has been found that the overall energy scale, given by Jc = (J2 + J′2)1/2, increases under pressure, whereas the ratio J′/J remains unchanged in this pressure range. These experimental observations are in accordance with the results of DFT calculations performed for these materials. Secondly, for the magnetoelastic coupling constants, extraordinarily small values are obtained, about two orders of magnitude smaller compared to other Cu‐based quantum magnets. These observations have been assigned to a structural peculiarity of this class of materials, consisting of well‐isolated magnetic units not sharing any common coordination element.
Determination of Carrier Diffusion Length Using Transient Electron Photoemission Microscopy in the GaAs/InSe Heterojunction
Authors: Juarez‐Perez Emilio J. , Qi Yabing
Published: May 2019

Carrier diffusion length and lifetime parameters for electron transport at nanoscale semiconductor slabs have been fitted using a 1D model and the decay data extracted from transient photoemission electron microscopy. Meanwhile, a conventional photoluminescence quenching measurement needs two separate samples with an active material between blocking and quenching layers to characterize the carrier transport properties. In this work, only one few‐layer monocrystalline sample of γ‐InSe containing different thicknesses of active material is used to obtain a common diffusion coefficient consistent with previously reported values for vertical carrier diffusion in layered InSe.
Two‐sample homogeneity testing: A procedure based on comparing distributions of interpoint distances
Authors: Montero‐Manso Pablo , Vilar José A.
Published: May 2019

A new test statistic using interpoint distances is proposed to address the two‐sample problem for multivariate populations. The test statistic compares univariate distributions of within and between samples pairwise distances using a Cramér‐von Mises‐type statistic. The critical values are approximated by means of a permutation procedure and the regularity conditions required to ensure the consistency of the test are established. Unlike other two‐sample procedures, our approach compares the whole distributions of interpoint distances instead of just a few moments, thus obtaining a higher capability to detect differences in their shape or in other moments. An extensive simulation study and experiments with real data sets considered in related papers show a satisfactory performance of the proposed test under a range of alternative distributions. Compared to other two‐sample tests based on interpoint distances, the experiments reveal a more robust behavior in a high‐dimensional setting, being one of the most powerful tests under both location and scales changes.
A Straightforward Synthesis of Tribromomethyl Carbinols from Aldehydes and Bromoform with Potassium Hydroxide as the Catalyst
Authors: Hasimujiang Balati , Cheng Zhao , Wusiman Abudureheman , Yang Ying , Abudu Rexit Abulikemu
Published: May 2019

KOH was used as the catalyst for an efficient synthesis of tribromoethyl carbinols from aldehydes and bromoform. The new synthesis method has many advantages, such as the low price of the raw materials and catalyst, the wide range of substrates such as, aromatic, aliphatic and heterocyclic aldehydes. It's worth mentioning that the reaction could be scaled up to grams in excellent yield (99%), in the presence of 10 mol% KOH.
Fluorescence Based Platform to Discriminate Protein Using Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Carneiro Cruz Antônio Alvernes , Freire Rafael Melo , Froelich Deise Beatriz , Alves de Lima Ari Clesius , Muniz André Rodrigues , Ferreira Odair Pastor , Fechine Pierre Basílio Almeida
Published: May 2019

There is an urgent demand to develop a cheap, fast and robust methodology to sense proteins, since these biomolecules are often used as biomarker responsible for diagnosing of some diseases, such as cancer. In this regard, we report a theoretical and experimental study, as well as a cheap and effective ‘chemical‐nose’ strategy based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and metallic cations (M) to discriminate proteins at concentration as low as 50 nM. Thus, the CQDs were firstly synthesized through citric acid thermolysis and their characteristics were fully investigated by UV‐Vis absorption, fluorescence, infrared (FTIR), XPS and Raman spectroscopies and atomic force microscopy (AFM). These results pointed out for quasi‐spherical CQDs with diameters in the range of 1.2‐7 nm, presence of stacked graphitic layers and oxygenated functional groups, as well as disordered carbon. Based on the structural and morphological features, computational simulations were carried out to obtain a better understanding of the atomic structure. Our results evidenced a carbon‐based nanoparticle formed by stacked graphene nanoflakes containing defects due to the presence of functional groups within the graphene layers. Afterwards, a ‘tongue’‐based approach was developed by using three distinct CQDs – M (M=Fe3+, Cu2+ or Ni2+) ensembles, which allowed us to acquire different and reproducible fluorescence patterns for four proteins (bovine serum albumin, hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochrome C) at 50 nM. Subsequently, the pattern recognition was performed using linear discriminant analysis and 36 samples were correctly identified affording 100% of accuracy.
A Review of Steel Scrap Melting in Molten Iron‐Carbon Melts
Authors: Penz Florian M. , Schenk Johannes
Published: May 2019

In the current economic climate, the recycling of steel scrap is become one of the most interesting tasks for the optimization of integrated steel plants. Steelmaking aspects such as jet/bath interaction, slag formation or foaming, lime dissolution as well as slag/metal reactions have received more attention in recent years than the melting and dissolution phenomena of steel scrap in molten steel baths. Since the dynamic modeling of steelmaking processes ‐ especially the Linz Donawitz oxygen steelmaking process (LD) ‐ is becoming more important, interest in the melting and dissolution behaviour is increasing. Several researchers have investigated the complex transactions of coupled heat and mass transfer in the past. Small‐scale experiments are carried out under conditions where only mass transfer or heat transfer were considered. A few authors have reported on pilot‐scale investigations or commercial converters. The coupled heat and mass transfer has also been analyzed by several authors in mathematical models and numerical simulations. The present paper reviews the research on steel scrap melting and dissolution done in the last 50 years. A summary of all reported heat and mass transfer coefficients will be given and the differences between natural and forced convection will be explained. In addition, an overview of recently published numerical simulation describing the problem will give an outlook for future work.
Potency Analysis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Using a Phospho-STAT Matrix Loop Analytical Approach
Authors: Chinnadurai Raghavan , Rajakumar Augustine , Schneider Andrew J. , Bushman Wade A. , Hematti Peiman , Galipeau Jacques
Published: May 2019

Potency assays for mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) need to be defined in advanced clinical trials. Here, we have developed an assay matrix approach that captures the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation of MSCs upon stimulation with their combined secretome that arose with the interaction of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Secretome of heat-inactivated (HI) MSCs cocultured with and without activated PBMCs was used as an internal reference. We have compared the short-term phosphorylation status of STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6 on MSCs derived from human bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord using phosflow technology. Secretome of live MSCs cocultured with activated PBMCs downregulate STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation on MSCs, whereas the secretome of HI-MSCs or PBMCs do not. Thus, investigation of the combined secretome of MSC and PBMC interaction on MSCs determine the potency of MSCs as the generator and sensor of the secretome. Bone marrow, adipose, and umbilical cord MSCs are comparable in modulating STAT1 and STAT3 responses. Measurements of STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation on MSCs as responder cells correlate and predict allogeneic T-cell suppression. Our comparative phosphomatrix approach between live and reference HI-MSCs defines the potency of MSCs as both stimulators and responders as part of a robust platform for predictive potency analysis. Stem Cells  2019;37:1119–1125
Islamic business research
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir
Published: May 2019

The Islamic finance industry, which is deeply rooted in Islamic law (Sharia), will undoubtedly have an increasingly large impact on modern finance in the years to come. Since its formal establishment in the 1970s, the industry has already grown to US$2.2 trillion, with a growth rate that outpaces that of conventional finance. The purpose of this special issue is to inspire academic researchers, regulators and standard setters, and providers and users of Islamic funding to advance the research of critical issues related to the efficiency of Islamic finance.
Signatures of sex: Sex differences in gene expression in the vertebrate brain
Authors: Gegenhuber Bruno , Tollkuhn Jessica
Published: May 2019

Women and men differ in disease prevalence, symptoms, and progression rates for many psychiatric and neurological disorders. As more preclinical studies include both sexes in experimental design, an increasing number of sex differences in physiology and behavior have been reported. In the brain, sex‐typical behaviors are thought to result from sex‐specific patterns of neural activity in response to the same sensory stimulus or context. These differential firing patterns likely arise as a consequence of underlying anatomic or molecular sex differences. Accordingly, gene expression in the brains of females and males has been extensively investigated, with the goal of identifying biological pathways that specify or modulate sex differences in brain function. However, there is surprisingly little consensus on sex‐biased genes across studies and only a handful of robust candidates have been pursued in the follow‐up experiments. Furthermore, it is not known how or when sex‐biased gene expression originates, as few studies have been performed in the developing brain. Here we integrate molecular genetic and neural circuit perspectives to provide a conceptual framework of how sex differences in gene expression can arise in the brain. We detail mechanisms of gene regulation by steroid hormones, highlight landmark studies in rodents and humans, identify emerging themes, and offer recommendations for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Sex Determination
A novel pilot‐scale tubular bioreactor‐enhanced floating treatment wetland for efficient in situ nitrogen removal from urban landscape water: Long‐term performance and microbial mechanisms
Authors: Cui He , Yang Yinchuan , Ding Yu , Li Dan , Zhen Guangyin , Lu Xueqin , Huang Minsheng , Huang Xiao
Published: May 2019

In order to strengthen in situ nitrogen removal of urban landscape water, a novel pilot‐scale tubular bioreactor‐enhanced floating treatment wetland (TB‐EFTW) was constructed, and the long‐term performance and responsible microbial mechanisms were investigated in this study. The results showed that the system could remove 81.5% nitrogen from the landscape water after 240 days' operation. Moreover, the contribution rate of plant absorption to nitrogen was low (8.3%), which indicated that microbial biotransformation rather than plant absorption played a more key role in nitrogen removal in TB‐EFTW system. The declining dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration along the axial direction of tubular bioreactor (TB) resulted in the sequential bacterial community of nitrifying, aerobic denitrifying, and anoxic denitrifying bacteria in the front, middle, and final part of TB. High‐throughput sequencing results demonstrated that the internal environment of the system realized the coexistence of nitrifying, aerobic denitrifying and anoxic denitrifying process. The reason was mainly because that oxic‐anoxic (O‐A) areas were formed in sequence along the axial direction of tubular bioreactor. Overall, a unique advantage in nitrogen removal was achieved in TB‐EFTW, which could provide important references for in situ treatment of urban landscape water.

Practitioner points

TB‐EFTW strengthened nitrogen removal for in situ urban landscape water treatment.

Microbial conversion played a key role in nitrogen removal of the TB‐EFTW system.

The unique distribution of oxic‐anoxic (O‐A) areas was formed in sequence along the TB.

Nitrification, aerobic, and anoxic denitrification were synergistically involved in the TB.
Monitoring the social behavior of a bachelor mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) dyad participating in touchscreen‐mediated cognitive testing
Authors: Leeds Austin , Lukas Kristen E.
Published: May 2019

Cognitive testing of primates in zoos is becoming increasingly common. Cognition experiments are generally thought to be beneficial as they provide participants with an opportunity to engage in species‐specific cognitive functioning, perhaps more so than with traditional forms of environmental enrichment. However, testing may increase competition and aggression between conspecifics if it has monopolizable features or creates social tension within groups. The purpose of this study was to monitor the social behavior of a bachelor mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) dyad participating in a touchscreen‐mediated cognition study. The mandrills' behavior was monitored before and after testing sessions for 8 months. Positive changes in the mandrills' affiliative behavior were observed. Rates of play, presentations, and silent bared‐teeth face increased posttesting. No change in rates of agonism were observed between pre‐ and posttesting conditions. The observed positive changes in affiliative behavior suggest cognitive testing was enriching for the mandrills and participating in testing improved their welfare. Zoos beginning cognitive studies should monitor participant behavior to ensure their welfare is not compromised and is, ideally, enhanced.
Husbandry, morbidity, and mortality of slender‐tailed cloud rats (Phleomys pallidus)
Authors: Sykes John M. , Wilson Claudia , McAloose Denise
Published: May 2019

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo has been housing and breeding slender‐tailed cloud rats (Phleomys pallidus) since 1985. Records of 82 animals from 1985 to 2013 were reviewed for this study. The animals were kept successfully in small family groups with a single adult male, multiple adult females, and their offspring. Sexual maturity was noted at approximately 2 years of age and gestation length ranged from 52 to 55 days. Animals were fed a diet including a complete commercial pelleted feed, mixed greens, carrot or yam, mixed hard nuts, and locally sourced browse. Medical conditions requiring treatment in neonates were often fatal whereas most medical conditions in adults were survivable. The most common cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates was maternal neglect or trauma (42%, 5/12 antemortem problems; cause of death in 32%, 8/25). The most significant problems in adults were cryptococcal pneumonia and trauma.Cryptococcussp. was the cause of death in 11 cases (34%, 11/32) and significant comorbidity in an additional three cases. Treatment with antifungal medications was attempted but was unsuccessful in four cases. Many cases of trauma were treated successfully with conservative management or limited intervention. In four cases, treatment was complicated by extensive self‐mutilation after surgical repair of traumatic lesions, which resulted in death or euthanasia. Lymphoplasmacytic thyroiditis was a common postmortem finding in adults (95%, 21/22 for which the thyroid gland was examined histologically). It is unclear if thyroiditis resulted in functional hypothyroidism so the significance of this finding is undetermined.
Impact of an automated hand hygiene monitoring system and additional promotional activities on hand hygiene performance rates and healthcare-associated infections
Authors: Boyce John M. , Laughman Jennifer A. , Ader Michael H. , Wagner Pamela T. , Parker Albert E. , Arbogast James W.
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Determine the impact of an automated hand hygiene monitoring system (AHHMS) plus complementary strategies on hand hygiene performance rates and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Design:

Retrospective, nonrandomized, observational, quasi-experimental study.

Setting:

Single, 93-bed nonprofit hospital.

Methods:

Hand hygiene compliance rates were estimated using direct observations. An AHHMS, installed on 4 nursing units in a sequential manner, determined hand hygiene performance rates, expressed as the number of hand hygiene events performed upon entering and exiting patient rooms divided by the number of room entries and exits. Additional strategies implemented to improve hand hygiene included goal setting, hospital leadership support, feeding AHHMS data back to healthcare personnel, and use of Toyota Kata performance improvement methods. HAIs were defined using National Healthcare Safety Network criteria.

Results:

Hand hygiene compliance rates generated by direct observation were substantially higher than performance rates generated by the AHHMS. Installation of the AHHMS without supplementary activities did not yield sustained improvement in hand hygiene performance rates. Implementing several supplementary strategies resulted in a statistically significant 85% increase in hand hygiene performance rates (P < .0001). The incidence density of non–Clostridioies difficile HAIs decreased by 56% (P = .0841), while C. difficile infections increased by 60% (P = .0533) driven by 2 of the 4 study units.

Conclusion:

Implementation of an AHHMS, when combined with several supplementary strategies as part of a multimodal program, resulted in significantly improved hand hygiene performance rates. Reductions in non–C. difficile HAIs occurred but were not statistically significant.
A second-order integral model for buoyant jets with background homogeneous and isotropic turbulence
Authors: Lai Adrian C. H. , Law Adrian Wing-Keung , Adams E. Eric
Published: May 2019

Buoyant jets or forced plumes are discharged into a turbulent ambient in many natural and engineering applications. The background turbulence generally affects the mixing characteristics of the buoyant jet, and the extent of the influence depends on the characteristics of both the jet discharge and ambient. Previous studies focused on the experimental investigation of the problem (for pure jets or plumes), but the findings were difficult to generalize because suitable scales for normalization of results were not known. A model to predict the buoyant jet mixing in the presence of background turbulence, which is essential in many applications, is also hitherto not available even for a background of homogeneous and isotropic turbulence (HIT). We carried out experimental and theoretical investigations of a buoyant jet discharging into background HIT. Buoyant jets were designed to be in the range of $1<z/l_{M}<5$, where $l_{M}=M_{o}^{3/4}/F_{o}^{1/2}$ is the momentum length scale, with $z/l_{M}<\sim 1$ and $z/l_{M}>\sim 6$ representing the asymptotic cases of pure jets and plumes, respectively. The background turbulence was generated using a random synthetic jet array, which produced a region of approximately isotropic and homogeneous field of turbulence to be used in the experiments. The velocity scale of the jet was initially much higher, and the length scale smaller, than that of the background turbulence, which is typical in most applications. Comprehensive measurements of the buoyant jet mixing characteristics were performed up to the distance where jet breakup occurred. Based on the experimental findings, a critical length scale $l_{c}$ was identified to be an appropriate normalizing scale. The momentum flux of the buoyant jet in background HIT was found to be conserved only if the second-order turbulence statistics of the jet were accounted for. A general integral jet model including the background HIT was then proposed based on the conservation of mass (using the entrainment assumption), total momentum and buoyancy fluxes, and the decay function of the jet mean momentum downstream. Predictions of jet mixing characteristics from the new model were compared with experimental observation, and found to be generally in agreement with each other.
Lump Sum Agreements: Their Continuing Contribution to the Law of International Claims
Authors: Lillich Richard B. , Weston Burns H.
Published: May 2019

Since there exists no international judicial system to adjudicate international claims in the ordinary course of events, individuals and business enterprises with grievances against a foreign country have looked, both jointly and severally, either to the “espousal” of their claims by their government—a discretionary act guaranteeing no ultimate redress—or, assuming their government has been able to negotiate a compromis with the foreign country involved, to the adjudication of their claims by an ad hoc international tribunal, almost always one without funds from which to pay awards once rendered. However, the volume and complexity of the claims spawned by World War II, the arrival of Marxist governments in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, and the emergence of an economically restless Third World have rendered the espousal process increasingly less effective; and efforts to establish ad hoc international tribunals have been almost uniformly unproductive during the past four decades (the Algerian Accords establishing the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal being the rare exception that proves the general proposition).