bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Commercial Gluten Containing and Gluten Free Pastas: Cooking Quality Parameters
Authors: Gokhisar Ozge Kurt , Turhan Mahir
Published: December 2019

Aims: Gluten-free food (GFF) consumers reportedly have problems with the lower cooking quality of gluten-free pastas (GFPs) compared to gluten-containing pastas (GCPs).  This work is designed to compare the cooking quality of commercial GFPs and GCPs population wise for contributing to the resolution of the issue in the market. 

Study Design, Materials and Methodology: Cooking quality parameters of 10 commercial GFPs (maize based and maize-rice based) and 10 commercial GCPs (semolina), namely optimum cooking time (OCT), weight increase (WI), volume increase (VI), cooking loss (CL), and their microstructures were determined.

Results: GCPs had shorter OCT, higher WI and VI, and lower CL than GFPs (P < .05), representing higher cooking quality.  GCPs showed more consistent cooking quality compared to GFPs. GCPs showed more consistent cooking quality compared to GFPs.  GFPs made of maize showed higher cooking quality than GFPs made of maize and rice mixture (P < .05). When considering the microstructure, GCPs has a smooth outer surface where the gluten network provides a framework that holds embedded starch granules.  On the other hand, GFPs has a protruding surface where gelatinized starch provides a framework that holds embedded protein patches, which results poor cooking quality. 

Conclusion: GCPs shows higher cooking quality compared to GFPs. They also exhibited a narrower range for cooking quality parameters indicating their more consistent behavior than those of GFPs.  GFPs made of maize showed higher cooking quality than GFPs made of maize and rice mixture. 

Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work comparing the cooking quality of populations of commercial pastas (10 GFPs versus 10 GCPs) and embodied the issue.
Landscape Ecology: A Helicopter View
Authors: Ekwealor K. U. , Echereme C. B. , Ofobeze T. N. , Okereke C. N.
Published: December 2019

This article reviews some of the main areas of landscape ecology. It includes the ideas and views of authors to the knowledge and understanding of the interplay between spatial heterogeneity and ecological processes, both in terrestrial and aquatic habitats at their varying scales. Moreover, the ecological consequences of landscape disturbance and landscape fragmentation are reviewed. Man and fire are discussed as the main agents of alternation of the natural landscape both at local and global scales. Studies on landscape restoration and management that emphasize the integration of various stakeholders for effective landscape restoration and management for sustainable biodiversity and socioeconomic benefits to man are as well reviewed. This paper further highlights the integration of the innovative remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in the generation and analyses of spatial data. The current integration of population genetics in landscape ecology is also visited in this review.
Demographic and spatial responses of resident bird populations to the arrival of migratory birds within an urban environment
Authors: Ramírez‐Cruz Gonzalo A. , Solano‐Zavaleta Israel , Méndez‐Janovitz Marcela , Zúñiga‐Vega J. Jaime
Published: December 2019

Long‐distance migration allows many bird species to overcome the severe climatic changes that occur in seasonal environments. Migration is highly demanding, and given its cyclical nature, we currently know that it has substantial effects on the population parameters of migratory birds during both breeding and wintering seasons. However, the potential effects of the presence of migratory birds in their wintering grounds on populations of resident birds have remain largely unexplored. Here, we propose the hypothesis that migratory birds negatively affect the habitat occupancy and population abundance of resident birds because of the arrival of numerous individuals during the most limiting months of the year. Here, we studied different species of migratory and resident birds that coexist during winter in an urban ecological reserve located within Mexico City. We used single‐species multiseason occupancy models, two‐species occupancy models, and distance sampling techniques to evaluate changes in occupancy and population density of resident bird species during three consecutive winters. We found an aggregation pattern between two resident species (Psaltriparus minimusandThryomanes bewickii) with three migratory warblers (Cardellina pusilla,Setophaga coronataandSetophaga townsendi). Thus, our results provide evidence of the formation of mixed‐species flocks in our study area. We also conclude that resident birds experience different demographic and behavioral processes during winter that not necessarily result from interspecific interactions with migratory birds.
Uranium and its Inorganic Compounds [BAT Value Documentation, 2012]
Authors: Rettenmeier A.W. , Michalke B.
Published: December 2019

The article contains sections titled:
Enzyme induction by simultaneous action of xenobiotics [BAT Value Documentation, 2013]
Authors: Weistenhöfer W
Published: December 2019

The article contains sections titled:
Designing Microgels for Cell Culture and Controlled Assembly of Tissue Microenvironments
Authors: Caldwell Alexander S. , Aguado Brian A. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: December 2019

Micrometer‐sized hydrogels, termed microgels, are emerging as multifunctional platforms that can recapitulate tissue heterogeneity in engineered cell microenvironments. The microgels can function as either individual cell culture units or can be assembled into larger scaffolds. In this manner, individual microgels can be customized for single or multicell coculture applications, or heterogeneous populations can be used as building blocks to create microporous assembled scaffolds that more closely mimic tissue heterogeneities. The inherent versatility of these materials allows user‐defined control of the microenvironments, from the order of singly encapsulated cells to entire 3D cell scaffolds. These hydrogel scaffolds are promising for moving towards personalized medicine approaches and recapitulating the multifaceted microenvironments that exist in vivo.
Engineering a Novel 3D Printed Vascularized Tissue Model for Investigating Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone
Authors: Cui Haitao , Esworthy Timothy , Zhou Xuan , Hann Sung Yun , Glazer Robert I. , Li Rong , Zhang Lijie Grace
Published: December 2019

Cancer metastases are a challenge for cancer treatment due to their organ specificity and pathophysiological complexity. Engineering 3D in vitro models capable of replicating native cancer dissemination can significantly improve the understanding of cancer biology and can help to guide the development of more effective treatments. In order to better mimic the behavior of native cancer, a triculture metastatic model is created using a stereolithography printing technique with optimized inks for investigating the invasion of breast cancer (BrCa) cells into vascularized bone tissue. The printed system allows to study transendothelial migration and the colony‐forming behavior of metastatic BrCa cells. The key steps of BrCa cell progression including expansion, migration, and colonization are continuously monitored and the interactions between cancer cells, vascular cells, and bone cells are systematically investigated. The study results demonstrate that the 3D printed tissue construct by incorporating multiple cells and various favorable ink matrices provides a suitable model to study the interaction between these cells in a complex vascular microenvironment. As such, the 3D printed tricultured model may serve as a valuable tool for studying metastatic breast cancer progression in bone.
Highly Sensitive and Flexible Pressure Sensor Prepared by Simple Printing Used for Micro Motion Detection
Authors: Ma Zhihua , Wang Wei , Yu Dan
Published: December 2019

Smart wearable flexible sensors with high sensitivity and stability are still challenging nowadays when used for human motion detection, personal health monitoring, or artificial electronic skins. Here, a sensor assembled in a face‐to‐face manner based on fabric is proposed, firstly polyaniline (PANI)/nanonickel (Ni NPs)/COOH‐functionalized MWCNTs (COOH‐MWCNTs) conductive paste is prepared and printed on the cotton fabric. Then the printed fabric is assembled to be a flexible sensor which has double conductive layers. According to the analysis of the scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the synergistic performance of PANI, Ni NPs, and COOH‐MWCNTs is demonstrated. When the pressure is 0–0.1 kPa, gauge factor (GF) is 12.96 kPa−1, and when the pressure is 0.1–1 kPa, the GF is 1.33 kPa−1, indicating superior sensitivity of the sensor compared to traditional textile‐based sensors. It also displays quick response time of 0.2 s and recovery time of 0.3 s. The as‐prepared sensor can effectively monitor human micro motions like face, eye, and fingers movements, and it can also transmit electrical signals agilely by indirect contact. Moreover, a large‐area sensor spatial array is fabricated, and the test indicates the sensor can recognize spatial response.
Macrophage‐Mediated Delivery of Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug Nanoparticles
Authors: Evans Michael A. , Shields C. Wyatt , Krishnan Vinu , Wang Lily Li‐Wen , Zhao Zhongmin , Ukidve Anvay , Lewandowski Michael , Gao Yongsheng , Mitragotri Samir
Published: December 2019

Hypoxia‐activated prodrugs (HAPs) have tremendous clinical potential due to their selective toxicity toward poorly oxygenated tissues, which is a hallmark of solid tumors. Despite their promising results in vitro, HAPs have failed to make a clinical impact. This is largely because tumor hypoxia is located far from blood vessels, making it difficult for HAPs to accumulate in therapeutically sufficient concentrations. Here, a generalized strategy to overcome this barrier by employing macrophages as drug carriers to enhance the penetration and accumulation of HAPs deep in solid tumors is reported. The system leverages the chemotactic and phagocytic abilities of macrophages to improve delivery of nanoparticles encapsulating a model HAP, tirapazamine (TPZ), to the hypoxic regions of solid tumors. A sequence of in vitro assays is used to refine the properties of the system by minimizing carrier cell toxicity while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. It is demonstrated in vivo that the system improves drug accumulation in hypoxic areas of 4T1 breast tumors and slows their growth by itself and in combination with irinotecan. The results provide early evidence that macrophages can significantly improve the transport and efficacy of HAPs by improving their tumor penetration, highlighting a potential strategy to advance them into the clinic.
Electrochemical β‐Selective Hydrocarboxylation of Styrene Using CO2 and Water
Authors: Kim Younghye , Park Gyeong Do , Balamurugan Mani , Seo Jiwon , Min Byoung Koun , Nam Ki Tae
Published: December 2019

The carboxylation of hydrocarbons using CO2 as a one‐carbon building block is an attractive route for the synthesis of carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Until now, chemical carboxylation catalyzed by organometallic nucleophiles and reductants has been generally adopted particularly for the precise selectivity control of carboxylation sites. As another approach, electrochemical carboxylation has been attempted but these carboxylation reactions are limited to only a few pathways. In the case of styrene, dicarboxylation at the α‐ and β‐positions is mostly observed with electrochemical carboxylation while site‐selective hydrocarboxylations are hardly achieved. In this study, electrochemical β‐selective hydrocarboxylation of styrene using CO2 and water is developed, in which the site selectivity can be precisely controlled between β‐hydrocarboxylation and dicarboxylation without the aid of homogeneous catalysts. In this platform, water is used as proton source in the β‐hydrocarboxylation of styrene where its addition results in significant enhancement of the selectivity toward β‐hydrocarboxylation. This work provides insights into new strategies for site‐selectivity‐controllable carboxylation with CO2 using an electrochemical platform.
SnO2 as Advanced Anode of Alkali‐Ion Batteries: Inhibiting Sn Coarsening by Crafting Robust Physical Barriers, Void Boundaries, and Heterophase Interfaces for Superior Electrochemical Reaction Reversibility
Authors: Zhao Shiqiang , Sewell Christopher D. , Liu Ruiping , Jia Songru , Wang Zewei , He Yanjie , Yuan Kunjie , Jin Huile , Wang Shun , Liu Xueqin , Lin Zhiqun
Published: December 2019

Superior reaction reversibility of electrode materials is urgently pursued for improving the energy density and lifespan of batteries. Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a promising anode material for alkali‐ion batteries, having a high theoretical lithium storage capacity of 1494 mAh g− based on the reactions of SnO2 + 4Li+ + 4e− ↔ Sn + 2Li2O and Sn + 4.4Li+ + 4.4e− ↔ Li4.4Sn. The coarsening of Sn nanoparticles into large particles induced reaction reversibility degradation has been demonstrated as the essential failure mechanism of SnO2 electrodes. Here, three key strategies for inhibiting Sn coarsening to enhance the reaction reversibility of SnO2 are presented. First, encapsulating SnO2 nanoparticles in physical barriers of carbonaceous materials, conductive polymers or inorganic materials can robustly prevent Sn coarsening among the wrapped SnO2 nanoparticles. Second, constructing hierarchical, porous or hollow structured SnO2 particles with stable void boundaries can hinder Sn coarsening between the void‐divided SnO2 subunits. Third, fabricating SnO2‐based heterogeneous composites consisting of metals, metal oxides or metal sulfides can introduce abundant heterophase interfaces in cycled electrodes that impede Sn coarsening among the isolated SnO2 crystalline domains. Finally, a perspective on the future prospect of the structural/compositional designs of SnO2 as anode of alkali‐ion batteries is highlighted.
Fluidization of spherical versus elongated particles: Experimental investigation using magnetic particle tracking
Authors: Mema Ivan , Buist Kay A. , Kuipers J.A.M. (Hans) , Padding Johan T.
Published: December 2019

In biomass processing fluidized beds are used to process granular materials where particles typically possess elongated shapes. However, for simplicity, in computer simulations particles are often considered spherical, even though elongated particles experience more complex particle–particle interactions as well as different hydrodynamic forces. The exact effect of these more complex interactions in dense fluidized suspensions is still not well understood. In this study we use the magnetic particle tracking technique to compare the fluidization behavior of spherical particles to that of elongated particles. We found a considerable difference between fluidization behavior of spherical versus elongated particles in the time‐averaged particle velocity field as well as in the time‐averaged particle rotational velocity profile. Moreover, we studied the effect of fluid velocity and the particle's aspect ratio on the particle's preferred orientation in different parts of the bed, which provides new insight in the fluidization behavior of elongated particles.
A new society established within AIChE and Industry 4.0 and the Digital Transformation
Authors: Rinker Michael
Published: December 2019

This is a commentary on AIChE's newly formed Advanced Manufacturing and Processing Society (AMPS) and the first conference that AMPS organized on Industry 4.0 and the Digital Transformation.
Green synthesis approach for Fe (III), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Ni (II)‐Schiff base complexes, spectral, conformational, MOE‐docking and biological studies
Authors: Al‐Hazmi Gamil A.A. , Abou‐Melha Khlood S. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M. , Althagafi Ismail , Shaaban Fathy , Zaky Rania
Published: December 2019

Green synthesis of Fe (III), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Ni (II)‐Schiff's‐base complexes from 2‐oxo‐N‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐(1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)acetamide(H2L)ligand. All new complexes were characterized via several spectroscopic and analytical techniques, to establish their molecular and structural formulae. All complexes appeared have 1:1 molar ratio (M:L). The ligand contributed as a neutral poly‐dentate towards the metal ions. Moreover, material‐studio program was used to predict the most fitted atomic‐skeletons for investigated compounds by applying DFT method. MOE docking module (vs. 2015) was used to examine the degree of inhibition for new compounds versus three infected‐cell proteins (1bqb, 2gt1 and 4esw). Also, antimicrobial and colorimetric assess for compounds that bind DNA were performed
Mechanical properties and thermal stability of porous polyimide/hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles composite films prepared by using polystyrene microspheres as the pore‐forming template
Authors: Jia Weihong , Wang Jinqing , Ma Limin , Ren Sili , Yang Shengrong
Published: December 2019

The porous polyimide/hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PI/HMSNs) composite films were fabricated via blending polymerization by using polystyrene (PS) microspheres as the pore‐forming template. The morphologies, microstructures, thermal stability, thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), and mechanical performances of the porous PI/HMSNs films were characterized in detail. Results showed that the uniform dispersion of HMSNs benefits from the strong hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the hydroxyl groups of HMSNs and poly(amic acid) chains. Both weight loss and TEC of the porous PI/HMSNs films are lower than those of the pure porous PI film. When 0.8 wt % HMSNs and 7.0 wt % PS were added into the PI matrix, the Young's modulus and tensile strength of composite film increased by about 32.4% and 68.1% compared with those of the pure porous PI film. Conclusively, the introduction of HMSNs in the porous PI matrix is an important strategy to enrich the diversity of porous structure, improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the porous PI material simultaneously. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48792.
From zero crossings to quantile‐frequency analysis of time series with an application to nondestructive evaluation
Authors: Li Ta‐Hsin
Published: December 2019

Represented by the pioneering works of Professor Benjamin Kedem, zero crossings of time‐series data have been proven useful for characterizing oscillatory patterns in many applications such as speech recognition and brainwave analysis. Robustness against outliers and nonlinear distortions is one of the advantages of zero crossings in comparison with traditional spectral analysis techniques. This paper introduces a new tool of spectral analysis for time‐series data that goes beyond zero crossings. It is called quantile‐frequency analysis (QFA). Constructed from trigonometric quantile regression, QFA transforms a time series into a bivariate function of quantile level and frequency variable. For each fixed quantile level, it corresponds to a periodogram‐like function, called the quantile periodogram, which characterizes the oscillatory behavior of the time series round the quantile. By coupling QFA with functional principal component analysis, new dimension‐reduced features are proposed for discriminant analysis of time series. The usefulness of these features is demonstrated by a case study of classifying real‐world ultrasound signals for nondestructive evaluation of aircraft panels. Various machine learning classifiers are trained and tested by cross‐validation. The results show a clear advantage of the QFA method over its ordinary‐periodogram–based counterpart in delivering higher out‐of‐sample classification accuracy.
Magnetized Bose–Einstein condensate stars with boundary conditions depending on magnetic field
Authors: Quintero Angulo Gretel , Pérez Martínez Aurora , Pérez Rojas Hugo
Published: December 2019

In this article, we analyze the impact of the magnetic field‐dependent boundary conditions on the solutions of the γ‐structure equations for magnetized Bose–Einstein condensate stars (BECs). We consider two cases: pure BECs and BECs surrounded by a magnetic field. As they correspond to different physical situations, they lead to different numerical behaviors, having important effects on the stability of the solutions, as well as on the observables of the star. The differences between the mass–radii curves obtained in each situation are presented and discussed.
A rapid assay to screen adenosine deaminase inhibitors from Ligustri Lucidi Fructus against metabolism of cordycepin utilizing ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guan Huida , Qi Shenglan , Liu Wei , Ma Chao , Wang Changhong
Published: December 2019

Cordycepin has recently received increased attention owing to its extensive pharmacological activity. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is widely distributed in mammalian blood and tissues; as a result, cordycepin is quickly metabolized upon entering into the body and converted into the inactive metabolite 3′‐deoxyinosine, thus limiting its activity when administered alone. We herein present a novel ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for screening ADA inhibitors against the metabolism of cordycepin. Cordycepin and 3′‐deoxyinosine were chosen as substrate and product, respectively. A proper separation was achieved for all analytes within 3 min. 3′‐Deoxyinosine was quantified in the presence or absence of potential ADA inhibitors to evaluate ADA activity. The assay can simultaneously determine substrate and product, with the endogenous substance and ADA inhibitors added not interfering in its activity. After optimizing the enzymatic incubation and UHPLC–MS/MS conditions, Km and Vmax values for ADA deamination of cordycepin were 95.18 ± 7.85 μm and 363.90 ± 12.16 μmol/min/unit, respectively. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid from Ligustri Lucidi Fructus were chosen as ADA inhibitors with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 21.82 ± 0.39 and 18.41 ± 0.14 μm, respectively. A non‐competitive inhibition model was constructed and this assay can be used to screen other potential ADA inhibitors quickly and accurately.
Purification of human recombinant anti‐mullerian hormone and its derivatives
Authors: Rak Alexandra Ya. , Trofimov Alexander V. , Pigareva Natalia V. , Protasov Eugeny A. , Karabanova Elena A. , Ischenko Alexander M.
Published: December 2019

Anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH) is a cytokine of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily able to induce apoptosis in cells bearing specific AMH type II receptors (AMHRII). AMHRII is overexpressed in some malignant cells, so at present recombinant AMH (rAMH) is considered as a new candidate antineoplastic drug. The use of rAMH may be especially effective in case of such severe diseases as ovarian, prostate and breast cancer. However, the development of a new drug is hampered by the laboriousness of obtaining highly purified rAMH and by the lack of data about the pharmacological characteristics of rAMH derivatives. In this work, we obtained preparations of prohormone, half‐cleaved rAMH and a C‐terminal fragment of rAMH, which was confirmed by qualitative and quantitative analyses. To obtain rAMH and its derivatives we used a previously developed highly effective producer strain containing the optimized human AMH gene. The production process has been divided into several stages: (a) rAMH biosynthesis in the bioreactor; (b) culture media preparation; (c) purification of rAMH and its derivatives using immunoaffinity chromatography and reversed‐phase HPLC; (d) identification of the purified proteins by immunoblotting and analytical reversed‐phase HPLC; and (e) evaluation of the hormone forms activity. The obtained proteins may be used in preclinical trials and in vitro study of rAMH derivatives properties.
Endothelial intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 contributes to cell aggregate formation in CHO cells cultured in serum‐free media
Authors: Louie Salina , Heidersbach Amy , Blanco Noelia , Haley Benjamin , Rose Christopher M. , Liu Peter S. , Yim Mandy , Tang Danming , Lam Cynthia , Sandoval Wendy N. , Shaw David , Snedecor Brad , Misaghi Shahram
Published: December 2019

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been adapted to grow in serum‐free media and in suspension culture to facilitate manufacturing needs. Some CHO cell lines, however, tend to form cell aggregates while being cultured in suspension. This can result in reduced viability and capacity for single cell cloning (SCC) via limiting dilution, and process steps to mitigate cell aggregate formation, for example, addition of anti‐cell‐aggregation agents. In this study, we have identified endothelial intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) as a key protein promoting cell aggregate formation in a production competent CHO cell line, which is prone to cell aggregate formation. Knocking out (KO) the ICAM‐1 gene significantly decreased cell aggregate formation in the culture media without anti‐cell‐aggregation reagent. This trait can simplify the process of transfection, selection, automated clone isolation, and so on. Evaluation in standard cell line development of ICAM‐1 KO and wild‐type CHO hosts did not reveal any noticeable impacts on titer or product quality. Furthermore, analysis of a derived nonaggregating cell line showed significant reductions in expression of cell adhesion proteins. Overall, our data suggest that deletion of ICAM‐1 and perhaps other cell adhesion proteins can reduce cell aggregate formation and improve clonality assurance during SCC.
Chemical Characterization of Five TunisianEucalyptusEssential Oils Species
Authors: Elaissi Ameur , Moumni Sarra , Roeleveld Kevin , Larbi Khouja Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Hydrodistillation of the dried leaves of fiveEucalyptusspecies,E. albaReinw.exBlume,E. citriodoraHook.,E. paniculataSm., harvested from Choucha arboreta (region of Sejnane, northwest of Tunisia),E. pimpinianaMaidenfrom Mjez Elbab arboreta (north east of Tunisia) andE. bicolorA.CunnexHookfrom Sidi Smail arboreta (center of Tunisia), in March 2017, afforded essential oils in yields varying from 1.3±0.2 to 6.0±0.9 % according to the species.E. citriodoraprovided the highest mean percentage of essential oil amongst all the species. Analysis by GC (RI) and GC/MS allowed the identification of 138 components representing 84.6–98.7 % of the total oil. The content of the different samples varied according to the species. The main components were citronellol, followed by 1,8‐cineole,α‐pinene,τ‐cadinol, 7‐epi‐α‐eudesmol,trans‐pinocarveol, spathulenol, aromadendrene,γ‐cadinene andδ‐cadinene. The principal components and the hierarchical cluster analyses separated the five leaf essential oils into three groups, each group constituted a chemotype.
Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Fukuhara Sotaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Hirata Yoshito , Ono Kosuke , Hamaoka Michinori , Shimizu Seiichi , Hashimoto Shinji , Kuroda Shintaro , Ohira Masahiro , Ide Kentaro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ohdan Hideki
Published: December 2019

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare neoplasm with a variable malignant potential and a high risk of recurrence. No general treatment guidelines have been established. Fortunately, we were able to minimize immunosuppressant after liver transplantation because of a full HLA‐matched case. There was no recurrence 1 year after treatment.
An infant with refractory cytomegalovirus‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Uemura Suguru , Mori Takeshi , Nino Nanako , Sakakibara Nana , Takafuji Satoru , Myojin Shota , Takami Yuichi , Morioka Ichiro , Nishimura Noriyuki , Kugo Masaaki , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: December 2019

The present case underscores the importance of considering the association of severe thrombocytopenia or immune thrombocytopenia with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection because CMV‐induced thrombocytopenia occasionally requires antiviral therapy.
CeO2 Encapsulated by Iron, Sulfur, and Nitrogen‐Doped Carbons for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalytic Activity
Authors: Ji Mingjun , He Bing , Yu Yue , Yu Xiaodan , Xing Shuangxi
Published: December 2019

The design and synthesis of highly stable, low‐cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction to supersede noble‐metal catalysts is critical for their application in the field of fuel cells. Herein, we report a facile approach for the synthesis of CeO2 encapsulated by iron, sulfur, and nitrogen‐doped carbon nanoparticles (CeO2@Fe,S,N−C NPs) by pyrolyzing CeO2@polypyrrole, which is obtained in the presence of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate as a surfactant and FeCl3 as an oxidant during the polymerization of pyrrole on the CeO2 surface. As Fe and S are effectively doped into the N‐doped carbon derived from polypyrrole, a large number of active sites are created, which greatly enhances the catalytic activity of the sample. The achieved sample displays excellent catalytic activity with an onset and halfwave potential of 0.924 V and 0.835 V, respectively, and a limiting current density of 5.45 mA cm−2 at the potential of 0.4 V vs. RHE. Moreover, it illustrates a high durability and strong methanol tolerance, endowing it with the prospect of applications in energy conversion.
Evaluation of Bioelectromethanogenesis Part I: Energy Calculations
Authors: Enzmann Franziska , Gronemeier Denise , Holtmann Dirk
Published: December 2019

Bioelectromethanogenesis, a technology to convert electrical energy into CH4, is on the transition from lab‐scale to industrial application. But the question arises if it is really a sustainable technology or just another scientific artifact. Especially the energy efficiency is a crucial aspect to allow conclusions about the applicability. In this paper, the basics of energy calculations are applied to literature data to model the energy efficiency. Different scenarios were calculated, showing that further research has to be conducted to turn bioelectromethanogenesis into a feasible technology.
A novel geometric fuzzy membership functions for mouth and eye brows to recognize emotions
Authors: Priya R. Vishnu , Bharat Rawal
Published: December 2019

In this article, the novel geometrical fuzzy membership functions are proposed to accurately recognize the emotions. The four corner features are taken from both the eyebrows and mouth regions of the expressive static image without considering reference face. The quadrilateral shape is defined from the features and it failed to match with the basic geometric shapes. This quadrilateral is given to the proposed novel fuzzy membership functions to calculate the degree of impreciseness and vagueness exists in the defined quadrilateral. As the result, the 12 fuzzy features are obtained and evaluated by the various classifiers. Both CK and JAFFE datasets are used in the experiment to prove the performance of the proposed method compared to some of the recent methods. It is observed the proposed method gives the highest accuracy rate of 98.4% and 99.15% against contemporary methods. The proposed work achieves the statistical measures of 97.8% of sensitivity, 99.2% of specificity, 97.9% of positive predictive value, and 97.8% of F‐measure. Moreover, the proposed work achieves encouraging results compared to the recent Google API using publicly available datasets. This achievement is due to the fact of exactly identified the impreciseness and vagueness in the defined quadrilateral. The proposed approach avoids reference face and uses the least number of fuzzy features compared to state‐of‐the‐art approaches that reduces the pre‐processing, computational, and learning times.
Co‐citation analysis of literature in e‐science and e‐infrastructures
Authors: Mustafee Navonil , Bessis Nik , Taylor Simon J.E. , Hou Jianhua , Matthew Peter
Published: December 2019

Advances in computer networking, storage technologies, and high‐performance computing are helping global communities of researchers to address increasingly ambitious problems in Science collaboratively. E‐Science is the “science of this age”; it is realized through collaborative scientific enquiry which requires the utilization of non‐trivial amounts of computing resources and massive data sets. Core to this is the integrated set of technologies collectively known as e‐Infrastructures. In this paper, we explore the e‐Science and the e‐Infrastructure knowledge base through co‐citation analysis of existing literature. The dataset for this analysis is downloaded from the ISI Web of Science and includes over 12,000 articles. We identify prominent articles, authors, and articles with citation bursts. The detection of research clusters and the underlying seminal papers provide further insights. Our analysis is an important source of reference for academics, researchers, and students starting research in this field.
Assessment of ARX expression, a novel biomarker for metastatic risk in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, in endoscopic ultrasound fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Hackeng Wenzel M. , Morsink Folkert H. M. , Moons Leon M. G. , Heaphy Christopher M. , Offerhaus G. Johan A. , Dreijerink Koen M. A. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A.
Published: December 2019

Background

The transcription factors ARX and PDX1, and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) were recently described as prognostic markers for resected non‐functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). ALT positive tumors with ARX expression relapse most often. Currently, tumor size is the only preoperative marker used to decide whether or not to operate, thus additional preoperative prognostic markers are needed. Therefore, it is critical to assess the performance of these biomarkers on preoperative cytologic specimens.

Methods

Endoscopic fine‐needle aspiration cellblock material and corresponding surgical specimens of 13 patients with PanNETs were assessed for histology, immunohistochemical staining of ARX, PDX1, Synaptophysin, Ki67, and telomere‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect ALT, and then associated with clinicopathological features. Scoring for ARX and PDX1 was performed blinded by two independent observers.

Results

Of the 13 surgical specimens, 8 were ARX+/PDX1−, 2 ARX−/PDX1+, and 3 ARX+/PDX1+. Concordance between cytologic and surgical specimens for ARX protein expression was 100%, whereas concordance for PDX1, ALT, and WHO tumor grade was 85%, 91%, and 73%, respectively. There was a perfect inter‐observer agreement in ARX and PDX1 scoring.

Conclusion

ARX can reliably be determined in cytologic specimens and has low inter‐observer variability. For cytology, false‐positive PDX1 expression was observed, possibly due to contamination or sampling, while ALT had a false‐negative case due to incomplete sampling. As previously observed, tumor grade is underestimated in cytologic specimens. Thus, ARX and ALT are the most promising markers to predict metastatic behavior in PanNETs, thereby warranting further validation in larger studies.
Premenstrual symptoms as a marker of ovarian hormone sensitivity in eating disorders
Authors: Hardin Sabrina L. , Thornton Laura M. , Munn‐Chernoff Melissa A. , Baker Jessica H.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Research indicates a link between ovarian hormones and eating pathology, suggesting that some women with an eating disorder may be ovarian hormone sensitive. Using premenstrual symptoms (PMS) as an indirect measure of ovarian hormone sensitivity, we investigated the association between 11 PMS domains and four core eating disorder symptoms: body dissatisfaction, binge eating, purging, and restriction.

Method

Participants were young adult women (N = 455) who completed an online survey. PMS were assessed using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems and eating pathology with the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory. Pearson correlations were calculated between PMS domains and eating disorder symptoms followed by a stepwise regression to create a more refined model for each eating disorder symptom, including relevant covariates.

Results

Significant correlations between a majority of eating disorder symptoms and PMS emerged (r's = .13–.37; p < .01). Backward regression revealed significant PMS domain predictors for each symptom. The final models captured a small‐to‐moderate amount of variance for each eating disorder symptom (R2 = 0.06–0.25).

Discussion

Women who experience physical and psychological PMS may be at risk for eating disorder symptoms; PMS could be a marker of ovarian hormone sensitivity in women at risk for an eating disorder. Future studies should address mechanisms underlying this association.
Nutrient supply patterns across the Sandhill Fen reclamation watershed and regional reference fens in Alberta, Canada: An ion exchange membrane study
Authors: Hartsock Jeremy A. , Bremer Eric , Vitt Dale H.
Published: December 2019

Using Plant Root Simulator (PRS®) probes, we evaluate nutrient supply rates at the Sandhill Fen reclamation watershed across a gradient of increasing water table position and compare observations with three reference fens (a poor, moderate‐rich, and saline fen). Our objectives were threefold: (a) determine the behavior of PRS probes across multiple peatland classes, (b) determine which type of peatland Sandhill Fen is most analogous to in terms of nutrient supply patterns and site chemistry, and (c) attempt to provide a repeatable approach for assessing nutrient supply in peatlands. In terms of porewater chemistry, conditions at Sandhill Fen were quite unique, yet, most comparable to the saline fen. Consistent with porewater analysis, PRS probes had low nitrate supply at all sites, high calcium and magnesium supply at all sites (except the poor fen), and much higher sulfur supply at Sandhill Fen. Site differences in PRS probe measurements were smaller for 20‐ than 2‐day burial periods due to displacement of less strongly held elements (e.g., potassium) on ion exchange membranes. Because long‐term incubations may underrepresent supply rates for weakly held ions due to displacement by divalent ions, we recommend that reclamation assessments over a wide range of fen types should use a relatively short burial period of 1 to 3 days. With few exceptions (sulfate and iron), nutrient supply patterns at Sandhill Fen were quite comparable to the reference fens. For future wetland reclamation performance assessments in the AOSR, PRS probes could serve an important role for evaluating belowground functional components.
Returns to investment in postharvest loss reduction technologies among mango farmers in Embu County, Kenya
Authors: Mujuka Esther , Mburu John , Ogutu Ackello , Ambuko Jane
Published: December 2019

Horticultural production is a source of livelihood for many smallholder farmers in Kenya. However, the potential is hampered by high postharvest losses estimated at 40%–50% in fruit and vegetables. The losses are attributed to various factors including postharvest handling, lack of storage technologies, lack of processing facilities, and poor market access. Consequently, some farmer groups have resorted to aggregation of their mangoes and engagement in small scale processing of mangoes into shelf stable products that cannot be marketed widely. In order to bridge the lack of capacity of smallholder farmers, the University of Nairobi's postharvest project with support from the Rockefeller Foundation's YieldWise Initiative seeks to upgrade two fruit aggregation centers by creating awareness and providing existing, applicable, and proven postharvest loss reduction technologies such as tunnel solar driers, brick coolers, charcoal, and CoolbotTM cold storage technologies. However, the potential economic impact of the proposed investment is not known. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the potential economic returns to investment in postharvest loss reduction technologies among smallholder mango farmers in Embu County of Kenya. A critical overview on methods employed in analyzing returns to investment in agricultural technologies has been provided. The economic surplus model was used to estimate the potential benefits of the investment. Using the cost–benefit analysis (CBA) approach, a maximum adoption rate of 10% over 10 years, and a 10% discount rate, it was found that the investment was worthwhile. The NPV was US $ 1.3 billion. The IRR and BCR were 28% and 4.29, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that the investment is viable at higher adoption and lower discount rates indicating the need to promote the technologies even under more difficult macroeconomic conditions.
Possible use of organic compounds on shelf life and quality properties of peeled pomegranate
Authors: Kaveh Hamed , Vatandoost Safieh
Published: December 2019

Pomegranate cultivar (“Ardestani”) peeled and packed in polyethylene containers and treated with different natural products. Two concentrations of Aloe vera gel (10 and 15%), two different levels of saffron petal extracts (10 and 20% V/V) and two concentrations of saffron style extract (0.1 and 1% V/V) and control in one storage condition (7°C and 85% RH) were the treatments that applied by a full factorial randomized method. We examined natural substances for their possible application in extending the shelf life of fresh‐cut horticultural products to find a new approach for packaging and exporting pomegranates. About 13.8% mass loss in the 12th day of storage occurred because of higher enzymatic activity and lower membrane resistance. Our results show that all treatments significantly reduced mass loss, and Aloe vera gel treatments combined with saffron petal extract were the best. Although all treatments decreased ion leakage, Aloe vera gel and saffron petal extract reduced it significantly. Ion leakage incidence of arils at day 12 was lower in Aloe vera gel and saffron petal extract treatment compare to control. Application of both saffron extracts on arils reduced decay incidence and chilling injury from 86.67% to 6.67% and 60% to 26.67%, respectively. Total acidity, soluble solids content, total phenol content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity of arils changed differently in different treatments, and saffron petal extract significantly was the best one and increased anthocyanin content, total phenol content, and antioxidant capacity in arils. The microbial contamination increased in more extended storage, although both saffron extracts were successfully suppressed mold and bacteria growth below acceptable limits in 14 days at 7°C.
Closing down the shop: Optimal health and wealth dynamics near the end of life
Authors: Hugonnier Julien , Pelgrin Florian , St‐Amour Pascal
Published: December 2019

Near the end of life, health declines, mortality risk increases, and curative care is replaced by uninsured long‐term care, accelerating the fall in wealth. Whereas standard explanations emphasize inevitable aging processes, we propose a complementaryclosing down the shopjustification where agents' decisions affect their health and the timing of death. Despite preferring to live, individuals optimally deplete their health and wealth towards levels associated with high death risk and gradual indifference between life and death. Reinstating exogenous aging processes reinforces the relevance of closing down. Using Health and Retirement Study–Consumption and Activities Mail Survey data for elders, a structural estimation of the closed‐form decisions identifies, tests, and confirms the relevance of closing down.
Nexus between trade, CO2 emissions, renewable energy, and health expenditure in Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Rehman Alam , Khan Farman Ullah , Shah Muhammad Haroon , Khan Faridoon
Published: December 2019

As a result of the recent energy crisis and rapid industrialization in Pakistan, significant attention has turned toward alternative energy resources, CO2 emissions, and health‐related issues. The adoption of renewable energies will not only accomplish the energy demand in the economy but will also provide a healthy environment. Therefore, it is essential to understand the linkages between trade, renewable energy, CO2 emissions, and health expenditures with a special focus on an emerging economy like Pakistan. This study used time series data from the 1998‐2017 period and adopted the simultaneous equation approach for empirical analysis. The results show that an increase in trade volume positively contributes to the amount of CO2 emissions and, as a result, CO2 increases health expenditures. Conversely, renewable energy has a negative association with health expenditures and CO2 emission, signifying the importance of renewable energy in enhancing environmental quality and reducing health expenditures, which are adversely affected due to CO2 emissions. The empirical findings suggest that the government of Pakistan needs proper policy guidelines for renewable energy adoption in the industrial sector and that such guidelines can be further accommodated and adjusted in other determinants of the economy.
Photoluminescence of Doped YAG Transparent Ceramics Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Wagner Avital , Ratzker Barak , Kalabukhov Sergey , Galun Ehud , Dariel Moshe P. , Frage Nachum
Published: December 2019

Doped transparent ceramics have potential for a wide range of optical applications derived from their easily controllable fluorescence properties. The aim of this contribution is to present and discuss an effective fabrication method for doped transparent yttrium aluminum garnet ceramics. The powder synthesis route was adapted from common co‐precipitation methods and the powder densification was performed by spark plasma sintering. Parameters of the fabrication process were optimized for different lanthanide dopants in order to obtain highly transparent single‐ and multi‐doped ceramics. The photoluminescence properties of the samples were measured and discussed. The use of lithium fluoride as a sintering additive was confirmed to be favorable and post‐sintering heat treatments were shown to be necessary for certain dopants. Finally, the photoluminescence lifetime of dopants in a multi‐doped sample were measured and the energy transfer efficiency between dopants was determined.
Introduction to the special section on prevention science: From generic rules to differential adaptations
Authors: Romano John L. , Israelashvili Moshe
Published: December 2019

Prevention science as an interdisciplinary specialty is addressed in this introduction to the special section of the journal. The six papers that comprise the special section are briefly summarised, especially noting the global regions that are represented, that is, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand and South America. Attention to the importance of differential adaptations of prevention interventions developed in one region, country or locale but implemented in another is emphasised. The Guest Editors reflect on the importance of developing cross‐national collaborations to further the advance of prevention science globally.