bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Animal Models for Meniere’s Disease: A Mini-Review
Authors: Seo Young Joon , Brown Daniel
Published: March 2020

Several novel animal models that represent the pathophysiological process of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) of Meniere’s disease (MD) have been developed. Animal models are important to identify and characterize the pathophysiology of ELH and to corroborate molecular and genetic findings in humans. This review of the current animal models will be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of and developing proper treatments for MD. Surgical animal models will be replaced by medication-induced animal models. Study models previously developed in guinea pigs will be developed in several smaller animals for ease of conducting molecular analysis. In this review, we provided updated resources including our previous studies regarding the current and desirable animal models for MD.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Xanthomonas oryzae Pv. oryzae Isolates
Authors: Kumari Diksha , Parasad Bishun Deo , Sahni Sangita , Ghatak Abhijeet
Published: March 2020

Rice is a model crop for studying host - pathogen interaction with one of the most devastating pathogens viz. Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). In the present investigation, an attempt was made to isolate a virulent strain of Xathomonas oryzae from infected rice leaves and production of antioxidant enzymes, which are widely used in studying host - pathogen interactions. Among five isolates of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, SboBLB3 showed greater virulence as it showed susceptibility symptoms in infected rice leaves. The NCBI accession number of SboBLB3 was MH986180, which was obtained by sequencing 16s rDNA. The increased activity of antioxidant enzymes after SboBLB3 further confirms its virulence. Induction of antioxidant enzymes showed that SboBLB3 is a virulent strain of X. oryzae and can be used in host - pathogen interaction at molecular level.
Formulation and Assessment of Nutritional Functional and Sensory Attributes of Complementary Foods from Maize-Carrot-Pigeon Pea Flour Blends
Authors: Bello Florence A. , Akpaoko Nkpoikana A. , Ntukidem Victor E.
Published: March 2020

Nutritive, less bulk and low cost complementary flour blends were produced from maize, carrot and pigeon pea. Five different blends of flour were formulated from maize, carrot and pigeon pea in the ratio of 100:0:0 (A), 90:5:5 (B), 85:5:10 (C), 80:5:15 (D) and 75:5:20 (E) while commercial formula (sample F) served as control. The formulated complementary flour blends were analyzed for their functional properties, proximate, selected mineral and vitamin compositions while the reconstituted samples (gruel) were evaluated for sensory attributes. The functional properties of the complementary flour blends showed less bulk density (0.72-0.76 g/ml) below the commercial formula (1.26 g/ml), low water and oil absorption capacity as well as swelling index. The proximate composition showed significant (p<0.05) increase and ranged from 4.08-4.91% moisture, 6.15-9.48% crude protein, 1.33-1.48% ash, 1.98-2.71% crude fibre, 3.07-4.15% lipid, and 82.93-86.72% carbohydrate. Vitamins A and C were also increased significantly as the levels of substitution increased from 1.80-2.14 µ/100g and 3.21-4.42 µ/100g, respectively. The sensory scores showed that sample A was most preferred followed by sample B in terms of general acceptability.
PCR-RFLP of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients Deficient in Vitamin D3 in Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Boyvin Lydie , Aké Aya Jeanne Armande , Yayé Yapi Guillaume , Alassani Moumouni Faïza , Séri Kipré Laurent , Bahi Gnogbo Alexis , Moke-Bédji Louise Odile , Djaman Joseph Allico
Published: March 2020

Aims: This study was to identify mutations in patients’ vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene in Côte d'Ivoire, precisely in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients deficient in vitamin D3.

Methodology: Fifty (50) DNA extractions from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from HIV positive and vitamin D3 deficient patients were analyzed after verifying their integrity by quantification of genomic DNA and migration from agarose gel. The use of the restriction enzymes Dpn I, Bg III and Pst I made it possible to carry out the PCR-RLFP of the fragments Fok-1 in exon 2, Bsm-1 and Apa-1 in intron 8 and Taq-1 in exon 9.

Results: The analysis of the DNA fragments Fok-1 in exon 2 and Bsm-1 in intron 8 of the VDR gene from HIV positive patients deficient in vitamin D3 showed a significantly high prevalence of mutant genotype (100% and 98%) respectively p = 0.0001. Furthermore, in this study, a prevalence of 6% of mutant genotype was observed in Taq-1 of exon 9 of the VDR gene.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of mutant genotypes observed in the DNA fragments of Fok-1 in exon 2 and Bsm-1 in intron 8 of the VDR gene studied confirms the presence of mutations in the VDR gene of these patients. It would, therefore, be necessary to sequence the DNA fragments with mutations in order to identify the mutations that affect the VDR gene and that are responsible for the vitamin D3 deficiency observed in these patients.
Induced resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi), in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Zúñiga-Silvestre Carmen Alicia , De-León-García-de-Alba Carlos , Ayala- Escobar Victoria , González-Hernández Víctor A.
Published: March 2020

The common rust of maize (Zea mays L.), caused by Puccinia sorghi Schw., develops pustules on the leaves of maize plants, reducing the leaf area and production of the photoassimilates necessary for grain filling. The host possesses genes coding for different proteins related to the defense mechanisms that prevent the establishment of the pathogen. However, there are susceptible plants that are unable of preventing pathogen attack. This condition depend on biotic and abiotic factors known as inducers of resistance which are able of activating the physico-chemical or morphological defense processes to counteract the invasion of the pathogen. The Ceres XR21 maize hybrid is susceptible to P. sorghi. In this work, maize hybrid was evaluated under a split-split- plot design established in two spring-autumn cycles in the years 2016 and 2017, in which five commercial products of biological and chemical origin reported as inducers of resistance, plus a fungicide were compared. The results showed that trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole (Consist Max®), sprayed on the foliage with 1.5X the commercially recommended dose, showed significant better response in most evaluated variables, because it controlled better the pathogen P. sorghi and maize plants increased grain yield.
Homes, Communities and Games: Constructing Social Agency in Our Urban Futures
Authors: Bhooshan Shajay , Vazquez Alicia Nahmad
Published: March 2020

The gamification of urban housing design utilising artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game‐changer. The ability of AIs to speedily probe and evaluate the multidimensional combinations of ‘action‐spaces’ of spatial and architectural propositions provides an opportunity to create new models of housing densities ignored by received Modernist assumptions. Shajay Bhooshan and Alicia Nahmad Vazquez, studio masters at London's Architectural Association Design Research Lab (AADRL), explain how.
‘Small Pieces Loosely Joined’: Practices for Super‐local Participative Urbanism
Authors: Hill Dan
Published: March 2020

The evolution of the Internet of Things and digital connectedness of all types will excise old technologies and spatial arrangements and is creating a participatory, lightweight, distributed urban regeneration, allowing new life in the city to spring forth. Dan Hill, Director of Strategic Design at the Swedish government's innovation agency Vinnova, shows us examples.
Enantiopure Chiral Phosphines Bearing a Sulfinyl Group and their Application in Catalytic Enantiodivergent Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrrolines
Authors: Li Hanyuan , Li Bojuan , Zeng Jianwei , Jiang Changzun , He Zhengjie
Published: March 2020

In this work, a type of enantiopure chiral phosphines bearing a polar S=O sulfinyl group as the chiral unit in the molecule has been developed, which can be prepared in either enantiomeric form from commercially available materials by a three‐step route. The enantiopure chiral phosphines can catalyse enantiodivergent asymmetric [4+1] annulation reactions of α,β‐unsaturated imines and allylic carbonates, delivering polysubstituted pyrrolines in either enantiomeric form in up to 99% yield and up to 99% ee, and thus empower a method for dual stereo‐controlled synthesis of chiral pyrrolines. This work accordingly unveils a practical and predictable strategy to realize enantiodivergent synthesis.

magnified image
Low‐Cost Sensor‐Rich Fluidic Elastomer Actuators Embedded with Paper Electronics
Authors: Yang Tilo H. , Shintake Jun , Kanno Ryo , Kao C. Robert , Mizuno Jun
Published: March 2020

Fluidic elastomer actuators (FEAs) are popular actuation ways in soft robotics due to their low cost and simple fabrication process. To realize intelligent soft robotic systems, real‐time monitoring of their deformation and interactions with surrounding objects including shape and proximity is important. Thus, integration of sensors into FEAs while considering cost reduction and mass production is required. Because paper features low cost and recyclability, herein, two paper‐based sensors, resistive strain sensors (RSSs) and capacitive proximity sensors (CPSs), are incorporated into FEAs as the strain‐limiting layers. The RSS exhibits the ability to detect the actuated bending angle with hysteresis ≈0.01% and high repeatability for 30 cycles. The RSS is also able to detect different object sizes being grasped by the FEA. In contrast, the CPS starts detecting object proximity 8 mm away from the sensor surface and functions well at various approaching speeds. The CPS is also capable of distinguishing objects of different materials by their permittivity. Finally, an intelligent soft gripper which carries these two sensors is demonstrated, where bending curvature, object proximity, contact, and release are monitored in real time. The results provide a pathway for the development of low‐cost sensorized soft robotic systems with advanced sensing functionalities.
Access to Formal Banks and New Technology Adoption: Evidence from India
Authors: Mukherjee Satadru
Published: March 2020

This article examines whether improvement in access to credit affects new technology adoption. Using the Additional Rural Incomes Survey and Rural Economic and Demographic Survey Indian household panel data, and bank branch data from the Reserve Bank of India, I evaluate the impact of bank branch expansion on high‐yielding variety seed adoption by Indian households. I use the Indian government's social banking policy to provide exogenous variation in district bank access. This policy, in effect between 1977 and 1990, forced banks to open more branches in financially less developed areas. I find that districts with lower initial financial development experienced a significant rise in new branch openings during the social banking period (1977–1990). Further, I find that households in financially less developed districts were more likely to adopt high‐yielding variety seeds during the social banking period, consistent with the hypothesis that access to credit is an important determinant of new technology adoption. A supplemental analysis using district panel data, which has broader geographic coverage, yields the same positive impact of formal credit access on high‐yielding variety seed usage and provides no evidence of historical trend differences in the use of high‐yielding variety seeds between more and less financially developed areas.
Factors controlling drought resistance in grapevine (Vitis vinifera, chardonnay): application of a new microCT method to assess functional embolism resistance
Authors: Pratt R. Brandon , Castro Viridiana , Fickle Jaycie C. , Madsen Angela , Jacobsen Anna L.
Published: March 2020

Premise

Quantifying resistance to embolism in woody plants is important for understanding their drought response. Methods to accurately quantify resistance to embolism continue to be debated.

Methods

We used a new microCT‐based approach that quantifies embolized conduits and also analyzes conductive conduits by using an x‐ray‐dense, iodine‐rich tracer that moves though the vascular system and can easily be observed in microCT images. Many previous microCT studies assumed that all conduits were initially conductive, which may not be the case if there are developing or occluded conduits. We compared microCT results to a standard benchtop dehydration method and a centrifuge method. During dehydration, we measured gas exchange and quantified water potential at mortality.

Results

Our microCT curves agreed with previously published microCT curves from the same greenhouse‐grown cultivar. We found a significant difference in embolism estimates if we assumed that all water‐filled conduits were functional rather than only those containing tracer. Embolism estimates from microCT differed from both the benchtop and centrifuge methods. The benchtop and centrifuge methods did not differ from one another.

Conclusions

The new microCT method presented here is valuable in sampling species that may contain nonconductive conduits. Disagreement between microCT and two other methods was likely due to differences in the ways they quantify embolism. MicroCT assess the theoretical effect of embolism, whereas benchtop and centrifuge methods directly measure hydraulic conductivity. The theoretical approach does not fully account for the resistances of flow through a complex 3D vascular network.
The fundamentals of process intensification: A book review
Authors: Harmsen Jan
Published: March 2020

The Fundamentals of Process Intensification is summarized, categorized, and evaluated for its use by academics, PhD students, MSc students, and industrial practitioners. The book describes four principles to obtain process intensification (PI) via research. Nearly all established process intensified technologies are described and have been placed in four domains for clarity. Also provided is information for most PI technologies on how to score safety, environment, and economic criteria. Finally, a process design method based on the principles, domains, and criteria scores is presented. The book is very relevant for academic research in PI and the established PI technology descriptions are very helpful for industrial process concept designers. Process synthesis design based on function identification and integration are not covered in this work.
Prospects and Opportunities of 2D van der Waals Magnetic Systems
Authors: Wang Meng‐Chien , Huang Che‐Chun , Cheung Chi‐Ho , Chen Chih‐Yu , Tan Seng Ghee , Huang Tsung‐Wei , Zhao Yue , Zhao Yanfeng , Wu Gang , Feng Yuan‐Ping , Wu Han‐Chun , Chang Ching‐Ray
Published: March 2020

The existence of spontaneous magnetization in low dimensional magnetic systems has attracted intensive studies since the early 60s and research remains very active even now. Only recently, magnetic van der Waals (vdW) systems down to a few layers have been broadly discussed for their magnetic order ground states at finite temperature. The naturally inherited layered structure of the vdW magnetic systems possessing onsite magnetic anisotropy from band electrons can suppress the long‐range fluctuations. This provides an excellent vehicle to study the transition of magnetism to 2D limits both theoretically and experimentally. Here the current status of 2D vdW magnetic system and its potential applications are briefly summarized and discussed.
Nonparametric confidence regions for the symmetry point‐based optimal cutpoint and associated sensitivity of a continuous‐scale diagnostic test
Authors: Adimari Gianfranco , Sinigaglia Andrea
Published: March 2020

In medical research, diagnostic tests with continuous values are widely employed to attempt to distinguish between diseased and non‐diseased subjects. The diagnostic accuracy of a test (or a biomarker) can be assessed by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the test. To summarize the ROC curve and primarily to determine an “optimal” threshold for test results to use in practice, several approaches may be considered, such as those based on the Youden index, on the so‐called close‐to‐(0,1) point, on the concordance probability and on the symmetry point. In this paper, we focus on the symmetry point‐based approach, that simultaneously controls the probabilities of the two types of correct classifications (healthy as healthy and diseased as diseased), and show how to get joint nonparametric confidence regions for the corresponding optimal cutpoint and the associated sensitivity (= specificity) value. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the finite sample performances of the proposed method. Real datasets are also used to illustrate its application.
The degree of collaboration between business units in diversified corporation: A strategic perspective
Authors: Verma Pratima , Kumar Vimal , Jha Ajay , Muthukumaar Vignaesh , Do Manh‐Hoang , Sharma Nagendra K. , Gupta Sachin
Published: March 2020

The Company's CEOs are always obsessed with diversification since the early 1960s and this belief is continuing to date. Diversified corporations run multiple businesses to generate various opportunities to gain competitive advantages and differentiate themselves in the market. This study considered the business strategy of business units (BUs) for diversified corporations. Based on the dominating strategy pursued by BUs, this study tried to investigate the level of collaboration between the BUs when these BUs have a similar strategy or different strategy. Thus, this article aims to examine the level of collaboration or coordination between BUs in Indian diversified companies. A survey was carried out with 107 companies for examination and these companies were chosen to be of different sizes and sectors. The findings represent that the level of collaboration is high when the BUs have a similar kind of business strategy while the level of collaboration is low when they have different kinds of business strategies. These findings are useful for the current organizations to seek collaboration between BUs in the diversified corporation.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of an anomalous coronary chronic total occlusion: The added value of three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Young Laura , Harb Serge C. , Puri Rishi , Khatri Jaikirshan
Published: March 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing has had an evolving role in cardiology, although has been largely reserved for planning of structural heart disease interventions. We present a case whereby multimodality imaging, including 3D printing, played a pivotal role in planning a technically feasible approach for complex percutaneous coronary intervention of a chronically occluded anomalous right coronary artery, with creation of a customized guide catheter.
Adult congenital pulmonary valve insertion using a new bioprosthetic aortic valve: Inspiris
Authors: Do‐Nguyen Chi Chi , Kilcoyne Maxwell F. , Stevens Randy M. , Starc James , Madan Nandini , Mahan Vicki , Mesia Cesar Igor , Moulick Achintya
Published: March 2020

We describe successful placement of the Inspiris Resilia aortic valve in the pulmonary position. This valve has advantages for immediate benefit and future percutaneous interventions, making it a promising prosthesis for adult congenital patients.
Hypervalent Iodine(III)‐Catalysed Enantioselective α‐Acetoxylation of Ketones
Authors: Hokamp Tobias , Wirth Thomas
Published: March 2020

An enantioselective catalytic synthesis of α‐acetoxylated ketones through I(I)/I(III) catalysis using a resorcinol/lactamide‐based chiral iodoarene is reported. Catalyst turnover by in situ generation of the active iodine(III) derivative is achieved by oxidation with mCPBA in the presence of acetic acid. The prior transformation of ketones to easily accessible acetyl enol ethers is beneficial and yields up to 97 % with enantioselectivities up to 88 % ee are obtained using only low catalyst loadings of only 5 mol % under mild reaction conditions.
The chemistry of fading Prussian blue fingerprints – Theoretical and experimental analysis of a “forensic dilemma“
Authors: Fischer Rachel , Oetken Marco
Published: March 2020

Latente Fingerabdruckspuren lassen sich mit Hilfe von Berliner Blau als Negativbild visualisieren. Das Verfahren liefert detaillierte Fingerabdrücke und ist zugleich bei geringem Materialeinsatz in kurzer Zeit durchführbar. Bei der Anwendung auf Metallen wie z. B. Kupfer, Eisen oder Zink ist ein Nachteil der Methode feststellbar: Die blauen Negativbilder verblassen innerhalb von Minuten, wobei der Kontrast zur Unterlage geringer und eine Auswertung der Fingerabdrücke unmöglich wird. Das Phänomen der „verblassenden“ Berliner‐Blau‐Fingerabdrücke ist Gegenstand dieses Artikels. Ausgehend von einer Arbeitshypothese werden Modellexperimente dargestellt, die zur Verifikation der Hypothese und zu den daraus abgeleiteten Konservierungsmethoden führen.
Molecular Tuning Nanoarchitectonics for Molecular Recognition and Molecular Manipulation
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: March 2020

Although forefront research fields on molecular machineries and nano‐manipulation have been developed, their current achievements stay mostly in basic science and are far from practical usages in daily life. In this short review, interfacial nanoarchitectonics for structural and functional tuning of molecular machines, molecular receptors, and related molecular objects is conceptually overviewed towards possible applications. As their typical functions, regulation methods of molecular recognitions and the other functions in three mode, (i) fixed structure mode, (ii) switching mode, and (iii) tuning mode, are mainly discussed. The exemplified facts reveal great possibilities in molecular tuning at interfaces. The functional molecules immobilized at interfacial media can be manipulated in relation with macroscopic human motions, which would be one of the promising ways to use molecular‐level functions in life‐related activities.
Hollow Structure for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Akter Monny Sabiha , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2020

Greenhouse gas Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission has attracted world‐wide attention and urgent actions are needed to reduce the impact of CO2 on the climate change challenge. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is regarded as a promising way for utilizing CO2 as a feedstock to produce value‐added chemicals driven by sustainable solar energy. Efficient photocatalysts are crucially important for achieving high performance CO2RR. Taking the advantages of hollow structure in light harvesting, large surface area and ability to enrich the local CO2 concentration, the hollow photocatalysts have demonstrated their great potential for photocatalytic CO2RR. Herein, we provide a concise overview on the mechanism, state‐of‐the‐art advances and future perspective in hollow structured photocatalysts for photocatalytic CO2RR.
A Potential Cathode Material for Rechargeable Potassium‐Ion Batteries Inducing Manganese Cation and Oxygen Anion Redox Chemistry: Potassium‐Deficient K0.4Fe0.5Mn0.5O2
Authors: Masese Titus , Yoshii Kazuki , Tada Kohei , Kato Minami , Uchida Satoshi , Kubota Keigo , Ina Toshiaki , Okumura Toyoki , Huang Zhen-Dong , Furutani Junya , Orikasa Yuki , Senoh Hiroshi , Tanaka Shingo , Shikano Masahiro
Published: March 2020

Potassium‐ion (K‐ion) rechargeable batteries, considered to be lucrative low‐cost battery options for large‐scale and capacious energy storage systems, have been garnering tremendous attention in recent years. However, due to the scarcity of cathode materials that can allow the reversible reinsertion of large K‐ions at feasible capacities, the viability of K‐ion batteries has been greatly undercut. Herein, a potential cathode material is explored in the K2O–Fe2O3–MnO2 ternary phase system, which not only demonstrates reversible K‐ion reinsertion but also manifests relatively fast rate capabilities. The titled cathode compound, K0.4Fe0.5Mn0.5O2, demonstrates a reversible capacity of ≈120 mAh g−1 at 10 h of (dis)charge (viz., C/10 rate) with ≈85% of the capacity retained at a 1 h of (dis)charge (1 C rate), which is considered to be good capacity retention. In addition, both hard and soft X‐rays are used to unravel the mechanism by which K‐ions are reversibly inserted into K0.4Fe0.5Mn0.5O2. The results reveal a cumulative participation of both manganese cations and oxygen anions in K0.4Fe0.5Mn0.5O2, illustrating its potential as a high‐capacity K‐ion battery cathode material that relies on both anion and cation redox. Further development of related high‐capacity cathode compositions can be anticipated.
Preparation of rapeseed oil with superhigh canolol content and superior quality characteristics by steam explosion pretreatment technology
Authors: Yu Gaiwen , Guo Tingting , Huang Qingde
Published: March 2020

In this study, rapeseed was pretreated by steam explosion pretreatment technology and subsequently pressed to prepare rapeseed oil. GC, UPLC, and HPLC techniques were employed to analyze the quality characteristics of the rapeseed oil, including the canolol content and other quality characteristics. Additionally, the effect of steam explosion pretreatment technology on the canolol content of rapeseed oil was studied and the formation mechanism of canolol elucidated. The results revealed that when the steam explosion pressure reached 1.0 MPa, the canolol content of the tested oil increased from 41.21 to 2,168.69 mg/kg (52.63‐fold increase) and that sinapic acid played a significant role in the conversion of canolol. Thus, the sinapine was converted into the intermediate (sinapic acid) by hydrolysis, which in turn was transformed into canolol through decarboxylation. The instantaneous high‐energy environment generated by steam explosion pretreatment could intensify the hydrolysis and decarboxylation reactions of sinapine and sinapinic acid, thereby significantly increasing the canolol content of the oil. To prove the superiority of steam explosion pretreatment, we compared it with other pretreatment technologies, including traditional high‐temperature roasting and popular microwave pretreatment. The results revealed that rapeseed oil prepared by steam explosion pretreatment displayed the best quality characteristics. This study can be a reference for the preparation process of rapeseed oil with superhigh canolol content and superior quality characteristics using steam explosion pretreatment.
Anisian granodiorites and mafic microgranular enclaves in the eastern Kunlun Orogen, NW China: Insights into closure of the eastern Paleo–Tethys
Authors: Li Yanjun , Wei Junhao , Santosh M. , Li Huan , Liu Huiwen , Niu Mingwei , Liu Ben
Published: March 2020

Granitoids and their mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) provide important insights into magmatic activity and tectonic evolution associated with accretionary orogens. Here we investigate the origin of Middle Triassic granodiorites and MMEs in the central segment of the eastern Kunlun Orogen (EKLO) in NW China, which is an important region to evaluate the history of closure of the Paleo–Tethys, through zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate the coeval formation of granodiorites and their MMEs during the Anisian (ca. 245 Ma). The granodiorites are calc‐alkaline and metaluminous with high SiO2 contents and Mg# values. They are characterized by enrichment of LREEs and LILEs, and depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti. Their Sr–Nd –Hf isotopic compositions indicate that the magmas were derived from enriched mantle and Paleoproterozoic basement. The monzodioritic‐dioritic MMEs exhibit low SiO2 contents and high Al2O3 and MgO with high Mg# values, enrichment in LREEs and LILEs, and depletion in HFSEs with negative Nb, Ta, Ti, and P. In contrast, the gabbroic MMEs show higher Mg# values and Cr contents. Both types of MMEs have Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions similar to the host granodiorites, and originated from mixing of lower crust‐ and enriched mantle‐derived magmas. The mantle‐derived sources were metasomatized by slab‐derived melts. The Middle Permian to Middle Triassic magmatism, metamorphism, sedimentation, and tectonics in the EKLO suggest northward subduction of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean as represented by the A'nyemaqen Ocean. The magma mixing that generated the Anisian granodiorites and MMEs was likely associated with slab break‐off of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean. The formation of the Anisian magmatic rocks in the EKLO suggest that the cessation of subduction of the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and onset of collision took place during the late stage of Middle Triassic.
Autophagy regulation by microRNAs: Novel insights into osteosarcoma therapy
Authors: Jamali Zeinab , Taheri‐Anganeh Mortaza , Shabaninejad Zahra , Keshavarzi Abdolkhalegh , Taghizadeh Hajar , Razavi Zahra Sadat , Mottaghi Reza , Abolhassan Mohammadreza , Movahedpour Ahmad , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: March 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a kind of primary bone cancer that is considered as the leading cause of children death. Surgery and chemotherapy are considered as common treatment approaches for OS; the rate of survival for patients is almost 60–70%. Besides the used therapeutic approaches, it seems that there is a crucial need to launch new treatments for OS. In this regard, more understanding about cellular and molecular pathways involved in OS can contribute to recovery and develop new therapeutic platforms. Autophagy is a cellular machinery that digests and degrades dysfunctional proteins and organelles, so it can regulate the cell proliferation and survival. Most of the time, OS cells use autophagy to increase their survival and proliferation and to gain the ability to resist chemotherapy. Although, there are several controversial evidences on how OS cells use autophagy. A variety of cellular and molecular pathways, that is, microRNAs (miRNAs) can modulate autophagy. MiRNAs are some endogenous, approximately 22 nucleotide RNAs that have an important role in posttranscriptional regulation of mRNAs by targeting them. There are many evidences that the various miRNA expressions in OS cells are dysregulated, so it can propel a normal cell to cancerous one by influencing the cell survival, apoptosis, and autophagy, and eventually increased chemoresitance. Hence, miRNAs can be considered as new biomarkers for OS diagnosis, and according to the role of autophagy in OS progression, miRNAs can use inhibiting or promoting autophagy agents. The present review summarizes the effects of aberrant expression of miRNAs in OS diagnosis and treatment with focus on their roles in autophagy.
R‐spondin‐mediated WNT signaling potentiation in mammary and breast cancer development
Authors: Tocci Johanna M. , Felcher Carla M. , García Solá Martín E. , Kordon Edith C.
Published: March 2020

The mammary gland is a secretory organ, which develops as a network of growing epithelial ducts composed of luminal and basal cells that invade the surrounding adipose tissue through a series of developmental cycles. Mammary stem cells (MaSCs) maintain an accurate tissue homeostasis, and their proliferation and cell fate determination are regulated by multiple hormones and local factors. The WNT pathway plays a critical role in controlling the enormous tissue expansion and remodeling during mammary gland development through the maintenance and differentiation of MaSCs, and its deregulation has been implicated in breast cancer (BC) initiation and progression. The R‐spondins (RSPOs) are four secreted proteins that strongly enhance target cell sensitivity to WNT ligands. Moreover, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G‐protein‐coupled receptors (LGRs) 4–6 are considered obligate high‐affinity receptors for RSPOs and have been described as stem cell markers. Importantly, elevated RSPO expression has been recently identified in several tumor types from patients, including BC, and it has been reported that they play a significant role in mammary tumor progression in experimental models. In this review, exploring our present knowledge, we summarize the role of the RSPO‐LGR axis as a WNT‐enhancing signaling cascade in the MaSC compartment and during the normal and neoplastic mammary gland development. In addition, we include an updated expression profile of the RSPOs and their action mediators at the cell membrane, the LGRs, and the ubiquitin‐ligases ZNRF3/RNF43, in different BC subtypes. Finally and based on these data, we discuss the significance of tumor‐associated alterations of these proteins and their potential use as molecular targets for detection and treatment of BC.
American College of Clinical Pharmacy Global Health Practice and Research Network's opinion paper: Pillars for global health engagement and key engagement strategies for pharmacists
Authors: Crowe Susie J. , Karwa Rakhi , Schellhase Ellen M. , Miller Monica L. , Abrons Jeanine P. , Alsharif Naser Z. , Andrade Christina , Cope Rebecca J. , Dornblaser Emily K. , Hachey David , Holm Michelle R. , Jonkman Lauren , Lukas Stephanie , Malhotra Jodie V. , Njuguna Benson , Pekny Chelsea R. , Prescott Gina M. , Ryan Melody , Steeb David R. , Tran Dan N.
Published: March 2020

The scope of pharmacy practice in global health has expanded over the past decade creating additional education and training opportunities for students, residents and pharmacists. There has also been a shift from short‐term educational and clinical experiences to more sustainable bidirectional partnerships between high‐income countries (HICs) and low‐ to middle‐income countries (LMICs). As more institutional and individual partnerships between HICs and LMICs begin to form, it is clear that there is a lack of guidance for pharmacists on how to build meaningful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial programs. The aim of this paper is to provide guidance for pharmacists in HICs to make informed decisions on global health partnerships and identify opportunities for engagement in LMICs that yield mutually beneficial collaborations. This paper uses the foundations of global health principles to identify five pillars of global health engagement when developing partnerships: (a) sustainability, (b) shared leadership, (c) mutually beneficial partnerships, (d) local needs‐based care and (e) host‐driven experiential and didactic education. Finally, this paper highlights ways pharmacists can use the pillars as a framework to engage and support health care systems, collaborate with academic institutions, conduct research, and interface with governments to improve health policy.
Cuprous sulfide deposition method for visualization of latent fingermarks on unfired cartridge cases
Authors: Najdoski Metodija , Oklevski Slobodan , Demiri Sani , Stojkovikj Sasho
Published: March 2020

A new chemical method for visualization of latent fingermarks on unfired cartridge cases is reported in this research. The method is based on two‐step immersion of the cartridge cases in aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid and acidified sodium thiosulfate at room temperature. The chemical reactions that are occurring on the cartridge case's surface are leading to deposition of material in the furrows between the papillary line ridges thus visualizing the latent fingermark. The qualitative chemical composition of the as‐deposited material was studied using X‐ray powder diffraction analysis thus revealing that it corresponds to a low‐crystalline hexagonal chalcocite phase cuprous sulfide (Cu2S). The performance of the method was studied on fresh and aged fingermarks, and according to the results, it can visualize latent fingermarks that are up to 9 months old. The newly proposed method provides good performance considering the most important qualitative and quantitative parameters that describe each fingermark, that is, satisfactory contrast between the papillary line ridges and the background furrows, possibility of recognizing the pattern of each fingermark (arch, loop, and whorl), clarity and continuity of the friction ridges, and clarity of the second level characteristics and features. The proposed method is simple, fast, inexpensive, and reliable.
A systematic review of argumentation related to the engineering‐designed world
Authors: Wilson‐Lopez Amy , Strong Ashley R. , Hartman Christina M. , Garlick Jared , Washburn Karen H. , Minichiello Angela , Weingart Sandra , Acosta‐Feliz Jorge
Published: March 2020

Background

Across academic disciplines, researchers have found that argumentation‐based pedagogies increase learners' achievement and engagement. Engineering educational researchers and teachers of engineering may benefit from knowledge regarding how argumentation related to engineering has been practiced and studied.

Purpose/Hypothesis

Drawing from terms and concepts used in national standards for K‐12 education and accreditation requirements for undergraduate engineering education, this study was designed to identify how arguments and argumentation related to the engineering‐designed world were operationalized in relevant literature.

Methodology

Specified search terms and inclusion criteria were used to identify 117 empirical studies related to engineering argumentation and educational research. A qualitative content analysis was used to identify trends across these studies.

Findings

Overall, engineering‐related argumentation was associated with a variety of positive learner outcomes. Across many studies, arguments were operationalized in practice as statements regarding whether an existing technology should be adopted in a given context, usually with a limited number of supports (e.g., costs and ethics) provided for each claim. Relatively few studies mentioned empirical practices, such as tests. Most studies did not name the race/ethnicity of participants nor report engineering‐specific outcomes.

Conclusions

Engineering educators in K‐12 and undergraduate settings can create learning environments in which learners use a range of epistemic practices, including empirical practices, to support a range of claims. Researchers can study engineering‐specific outcomes while specifying relevant demographics of their research participants.
Is bone mineral density lower in the necrotic lesion in pre‐collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head?
Authors: Baba Shoji , Motomura Goro , Ikemura Satoshi , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Hatanaka Hiroyuki , Kawano Koichiro , Xu Mingjian , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether bone mineral density (BMD) of the necrotic lesion in precollapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is reduced according to Hounsfield unit (HU) values on computed tomography (CT). The superior one‐third of the femoral head in the coronal section was set as the region of interest (ROI) for the measurement of HU values. First, HU values of 101 control participants were assessed to identify relevant confounding factors. Next, the relationship between HU values and BMD on dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was verified. Then the mean HU value of the ROI in patients with pre‐collapse ONFH was compared with that in propensity score‐matched control participants. Finally, the HU values of the lateral boundary in the patients with and without subsequent collapse were compared. Multivariable analysis showed that both age and BMI were significantly correlated with the HU value, which showed a strong correlation with the BMD of the femoral neck on DXA (r = 0.92). In 25 ONFH patients and 25 propensity‐matched control participants, no significant difference was found in the HU value of the ROI (p = .54). The mean HU value of the lateral boundary in patients with subsequent collapse was found to be significantly higher than that in patients without subsequent collapse (p < .01). The assessment of HU values on CT was useful for the evaluation of BMD of the femoral head. The current assessment did not demonstrate reduced bone mineral density of the necrotic lesion in pre‐collapse ONFH
Do patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis exhibit specific differences in the subgingival microbial composition? A systematic review
Authors: Montenegro Sheyla Christinne Lira , Retamal‐Valdes Belen , Bueno‐Silva Bruno , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Feres Magda
Published: March 2020

Background

The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions grouped the diseases previously recognized as chronic (CP) or aggressive (AgP) periodontitis under a single category named periodontitis. The rationale for this decision was the lack of specific patterns of immune‐inflammatory response or microbial profiles associated with CP or AgP. However, no previous studies have compiled the results of all studies comparing subgingival microbial data between these clinical conditions. Thus, this systematic review aimed to answer the following focused question: “Do patients with AgP periodontitis present differences in the subgingival microbiota when compared with patients with CP?”

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to June 2019 for studies of any design (except case reports, case series, and reviews) comparing subgingival microbial data from patients with CP and AgP.

Results

A total of 488 articles were identified and 56 were included. Thirteen studies foundAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanselevated in AgP in comparison with CP, whileFusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, andCampylobacter rectuswere elevated in AgP in a few studies. None of these species were elevated in CP. However, the number of studies not showing statistically significant differences between CP and AgP was always higher than that of studies showing differences.

Conclusion

These results suggested an association ofA. actinomycetemcomitanswith AgP, but neither this species nor the other species studied to date were unique to or could differentiate between CP and AgP (PROSPERO #CRD42016039385).
Kinetic modeling of the ethylbenzene/xylene isomerization reaction over HZSM‐5 zeolites revisited
Authors: Farahani Shokoufeh Hosseinieh , Falamaki Cavus , Alavi Seyed Mehdi
Published: March 2020

In this article, a binderless dealuminated HZSM‐5 zeolite (Si/Al = 41.4) was used as a catalyst for the isomerization of a mixture of ethylbenzene and xylene. The experimental results indicated that at low residence times the catalyst is effective to isomerize the ethylbenzene into xylenes. A comprehensive kinetic model considering chemisorption, surface chemical reactions, and diffusional processes was developed for this reaction. The intrinsic activation energy (71.99 kJ mol−1) for the surface reaction of ethylbenzene into m‐xylene was calculated for the first time, and the corresponding intrinsic activation energies for o‐xylene to m‐xylene and m‐xylene to p‐xylene surface reactions were calculated to be 59.45 and 50.68 kJ mol−1, respectively. Lower apparent values have been reported in the literature, and we rationalize that they correspond to multistep processes and intrinsically include a negative activation energy pertaining to chemisorption. The results also revealed that the ethylbenzene diffusion within the zeolite channels was four orders of magnitude smaller than p‐xylene.
One‐Step Microwave Approach to Generate Carbon Dots/Gelatin Composite with Both Thermoresponsive Sol–Gel Transition and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Wang Xia , Liu Hui , Wu Wencheng , Xiong Yanfei , Chen Wei , Cao Kaiyuan , Wang Yifeng , Chen Yanjun
Published: March 2020

Carbon dots (CDs) have drawn considerable research interest for their attractive applications in sensors, bioimaging, and photonic devices. Here, an aqueous gelatin solution is employed as the only reactant to directly generate a CDs/gelatin composite through a green and simple one‐step microwave approach. The resulting CDs/gelatin composite owns a typical excitation‐dependent photoluminescence property that comes from CDs, which can be potentially applied for multicolor fluorescence bioimaging. More importantly, the CDs/gelatin composite possesses a thermoresponsive sol–gel transition property that is associated with gelatin, which can be exquisitely enlisted to fabricate CDs/gelatin gel beads and fluorescent gel patterns. Also the release of CDs from the gel beads can be triggered by the thermoresponsive sol–gel transition. Thus, for the first time this study creates the CDs/gelatin composite with both thermoresponsive sol–gel transition and fluorescence properties, which is promising for applications in stimuli‐responsive materials, nanocomposites, controlled release, and fluorescence imaging.
Prevention of denervated muscle atrophy with accelerated nerve‐regeneration by babysitter procedure in rat facial nerve paralysis model
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Matsumine Hajime , Osaki Hironobu , Ueta Yoshifumi , Kamei Wataru , Shimizu Mari , Fujii Kaori , Niimi Yosuke , Miyata Mariko , Sakurai Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The “babysitter” procedure is a reconstruction technique for facial nerve complete paralysis and uses the movement source from the healthy facial nerve with a cross‐nerve graft. First, an end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy is performed between the affected facial nerve trunk and hypoglossal nerve for continuously delivering stimuli to the mimetic muscles for preventing the atrophy of mimetic muscles. Despite favorable clinical results, histological and physiological mechanisms remain unknown. This study attempted to establish a model for the “babysitter” procedure and find its efficacy in rats with facial nerve complete paralysis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 16 Lewis rats were used and divided into 2 groups; cross nerve graft (n = 8) and babysitter groups (n = 8). The facial nerve trunk was transected in both groups. Babysitter group underwent a two‐stage procedure. Cross nerve graft group underwent only the transfer of nerve graft from the healthy side to affected side. The animals were assessed physiologically by compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and the regenerated nerve tissues were evaluated histopathologically at 13 weeks after surgery.

Results

Facial nucleus stained with retrograde tracers proved the re‐innervation of affected facial muscle by the babysitter procedure. In CMAP, the amplitude of babysitter group was significantly higher than that of the cross‐facial nerve graft group (p < .05). Histological examination found a significant difference in myelin g‐ratio between two groups (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study investigated the “babysitter” procedure for rat facial nerve palsy. Babysitter procedure shortened the denervation period without mimic muscle atrophy.
Convergence of the two‐fluid compressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson system to the incompressible Euler equations
Authors: Kwon Young‐Sam , Li Fucai
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider the combined quasi‐neutral and inviscid limits of the two‐fluid compressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson system in the unbounded domain
with the ill‐prepared initial data. We prove that the weak solutions of the compressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson system converge to the strong solution of the incompressible Euler equation as long as the latter exists. Moreover, the convergence rates are also obtained.
Global existence and analyticity of solution for the generalized Hall‐magnetohydrodynamics system
Authors: Wang Yuzhu , Li Weijia
Published: March 2020

We investigate the global existence and analyticity of mild solution to the three‐dimensional generalized Hall‐magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) system in this work. We prove the global existence and analyticity of solutions in the corresponding critical spaces. The work extends global existence and analyticity of solutions to Hall‐MHD system in Duan and MHD system in Wang and Ye and Zhao, to the generalized Hall‐MHD system with 1/2 ≤ α,β ≤ 1.