bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots using chloroplast dispersions as precursors and application for Fe3+ ion sensing
Authors: Ran Yong , Wang Shaoyu , Yin Qianye , Wen Aoli , Peng Xiaoxiao , Long Yunfei , Chen Shu
Published: March 2020

Water‐soluble carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized using a one‐step hydrothermal treatment of chloroplast dispersions extracted from fresh leaves as a green carbon source. The CD solution showed an emission peak centred at 445 nm when excited at 300 nm. The synthesized CDs were uniform and monodispersed with an average size of 5.6 nm. When adding ferric(III) ions (Fe3+) to the solution of the original CDs, the fluorescence intensity decreased significantly. Based on the linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and concentration of Fe3+ ions, an effective method for rapid, sensitive and selective Fe3+ sensing in aqueous solution could be established. Under optimum conditions, the extent of the fluorescence quenching of prepared CDs strongly depended on the Fe3+ ions over a wide concentration range 1.0–100.0 μM with a detection limit (3σ/k) of 0.3 μM. Furthermore, the quantitative determination of Fe3+ ions in environmental water samples was realized.
Research on the computer‐aided teaching model of the engineering management specialty based on BIM in China
Authors: Li Xingsu , Liao Qiyun
Published: March 2020

Computer‐aided technology has been widely introduced and popularized in the construction industry and also provides people with a convenient way of working. As an important computer‐aided means, the Building Information Model can help engineers develop correct understanding and give an efficient response to a variety of building information. Thus, it is of great significance to construct a teaching model based on computer‐aided technology for the Engineering Management Specialty in universities. The training of engineering management professionals should be in the direction of comprehensive ability based on data and information. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, this paper analyzes the factors influencing the teaching model of the BIM‐based Engineering Management Specialty, points out the main problems, and puts forward suggestions.
Implementation of a face recognition system as experimental practices in an artificial intelligence and pattern recognition course
Authors: Fernández César , Vicente María Asunción , Martínez‐Rach Miguel O.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we present the methodology developed in a course of Artificial Intelligence and Pattern Recognition. The methodology is focused on building a face recognition system. For this purpose, we developed an own face recognition database named “Medfaces”. This database contains controlled and wild images for the same subjects, and it also contains infrared images and facial expression labels. This methodology has been applied for teaching telecommunications engineering course at Miguel Hernández University of Elche (Spain). We also present the results of our teaching experience in terms of student satisfaction.
There is no place like home: Poverty and the squatter house
Authors: Omeraki Çekirdekci Şahver
Published: March 2020

The house is one of the most important possessions in individuals' lives and consumers perform several practices in order to turn this spatial product into a home. Building on the existing research on home and home possessions, the article challenges the western romantic notion of home by investigating poor migrant consumers' lived experiences with a spatial product that has material deficiencies and it is perceived as inferior by the members of the dominant host culture. Accordingly, this study explores how migrant and at the same time poor consumers turn the squatter house into a home. Through an ethnographic research, the research findings show how spatial, material, symbolic, social, and temporal dimensions shape the private sphere of home and how consumers individually and collectively negotiate all these of forces in order to turn the stigmatized dwelling into a home.
Phytochemical Diversity and Pharmacological Properties of Rhus coriaria
Authors: Elagbar Zaha A. , Shakya Ashok K. , Barhoumi Lina M. , Al‐Jaber Hala I.
Published: March 2020

Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae), sumac, is a common condiment, appetizer and souring agent in the Mediterranean region that has a long history in traditional medicine. R. coriaria has been prescribed for the treatment of many ailments including diarrhea, ulcer, hemorrhoids, hemorrhage, wound healing, hematemesis, and eye ailments like ophthalmia and conjunctivitis. The plant is also used as diuresis, antimicrobial, abortifacient and as a stomach tonic. Sumac is known to be rich in different classes of phytochemicals including tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids and essential oils and continues to be a hot topic for extensive research work designed for revealing its phytochemical constituents and evaluating its bioactive properties. This review summarizes the recent phytochemical and diverse bioactivity studies on R. coriaria, especially those concerned with antitumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory studies.
Modular AND Gate‐Controlled Delivery Platform for Tumor Microenvironment Specific Activation of Protein Activity
Authors: Ju Enguo , Wang Faming , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Chaoying , Dong Kai , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: March 2020

Protein therapeutics have inspired intensive research interest in a variety of realms. It is still urgently required to avoid premature or unexpected activation of therapeutic proteins to achieve great specificity for therapy. Herein, we reported a modular AND gate‐controlled delivery platform for tumor microenvironment specific activation of therapeutic protein activity based on biomineralization of molecular glue‐adhered protein enzyme. The AND gate integrates the specific microenvironment of tumor tissues (acidic pH and a certain concentration of ATP) as inputs and activates the therapeutic activity of protein only when both inputs are active. More importantly, the activity of therapeutic protein would not be activated either at acidic pH or in the presence of ATP, which could greatly avoid the deleterious effect on normal tissues. Besides, this AND gate can be modular design and suitable for a variety of therapeutic proteins and nucleic acids.
Potent Anticancer Efficacy of First‐In‐Class CuII and AuIII Metaled Phosphorus Dendrons with Distinct Cell Death Pathways
Authors: Chen Liang , Fan Yu , Qiu Jieru , Laurent Régis , Li Jin , Bignon Jérôme , Mignani Serge , Caminade Anne‐Marie , Shi Xiangyang , Majoral Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2020

First‐in‐class CuII and AuIII metaled phosphorus dendrons were synthesized and showed significant antiproliferative activity against several aggressive breast cancer cell lines. The data suggest that the cytotoxicity increases with reducing length of the alkyl chains, whereas the replacement of CuII with AuIII considerably increases the antiproliferative activity of metaled phosphorus dendrons. Very interestingly, we found that the cell death pathway is related to the nature of the metal complexed by the plain dendrons. CuII metaled dendrons showed a potent caspase‐independent cell death pathway, whereas AuIII metaled dendrons displayed a caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathway. The complexation of plain dendrons with AuIII increased the cellular lethality versus dendrons with CuII and promoted the translocation of Bax into the mitochondria and the release of Cytochrome C (Cyto C).
Global trends in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma incidence from 1993 to 2012
Authors: Florio Andrea A. , Ferlay Jacques , Znaor Ariana , Ruggieri David , Alvarez Christian S. , Laversanne Mathieu , Bray Freddie , McGlynn Katherine A. , Petrick Jessica L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ECCs) are highly lethal bile duct tumors. Their incidence can be difficult to estimate because of changes in cancer coding over time. No studies to date have examined their global incidence and trends with high‐quality topography‐ and histology‐specific cancer registry data. Therefore, this study examined ICC and ECC incidence with the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database.

Methods

Regional and national cancer registry data were used to estimate age‐standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person‐years, 95% confidence intervals, and average annual percent changes (AAPCs) for ICC in 38 countries and for ECC in 33 countries from 1993 to 2012. ICC and ECC trends were tabulated and plotted by country. Rates versus birth cohort by age were plotted, and an age‐period‐cohort analysis was performed to assess age and cohort incidence rate ratios.

Results

The highest rates of ICC and ECC were in Asia, specifically South Korea (ASR for ICC, 2.80; ASR for ECC, 2.24), Thailand (ASR for ICC, 2.19; ASR for ECC, 0.71), and Japan (ASR for ICC, 0.95; ASR for ECC, 0.83). Between 1993 and 2012, incidence rates of both ICC and ECC increased in most countries. The largest ASR increases over the study period occurred in Latvia (AAPC, 20.1%) and China (AAPC, 11.1%) for ICC and in Thailand (AAPC, 8.8%) and Colombia (AAPC, 8.5%) for ECC.

Conclusions

In the 20 years examined, ICC and ECC incidence increased in the majority of countries worldwide. ICC and ECC incidence may continue to increase because of metabolic and infectious etiologic factors. Efforts to further elucidate risk factors contributing to these increases in incidence are warranted.
Differential expression of five prosomatostatin genes in the central nervous system of the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula
Authors: Sobrido‐Cameán Daniel , Tostivint Hervé , Mazan Sylvie , Rodicio María Celina , Rodríguez‐Moldes Isabel , Candal Eva , Anadón Ramón , Barreiro‐Iglesias Antón
Published: March 2020

Five prosomatostatin genes (PSST1, PSST2, PSST3, PSST5, and PSST6) have been recently identified in elasmobranchs (Tostivint et al., General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2019, 279, 139–147). In order to gain insight into the contribution of each somatostatin to specific nervous systems circuits and behaviors in this important jawed vertebrate group, we studied the distribution of neurons expressing PSST mRNAs in the central nervous system (CNS) of Scyliorhinus canicula using in situ hybridization. Additionally, we combined in situ hybridization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunochemistry for better characterization of PSST1 and PSST6 expressing populations. We observed differential expression of PSST1 and PSST6, which are the most widely expressed PSST transcripts, in cell populations of many CNS regions, including the pallium, subpallium, hypothalamus, diencephalon, optic tectum, midbrain tegmentum, and rhombencephalon. Interestingly, numerous small pallial neurons express PSST1 and PSST6, although in different populations judging from the colocalization of TH immunoreactivity and PSST6 expression but not with PSST1. We observed expression of PSST1 in cerebrospinal fluid‐contacting (CSF‐c) neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular organ and the central canal of the spinal cord. Unlike PSST1 and PSST6, PSST2, and PSST3 are only expressed in cells of the hypothalamus and in some hindbrain lateral reticular neurons, and PSST5 in cells of the region of the entopeduncular nucleus. Comparative data of brain expression of PSST genes indicate that the somatostatinergic system of sharks is the most complex reported in any fish.
Segregation of Dispersed Silica Nanoparticles in Microfluidic Water‐in‐Oil Droplets: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Sheshachala Sahana , Grösche Maximilian , Scherr Tim , Hu Yong , Sun Pengchao , Bartschat Andreas , Mikut Ralf , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: March 2020

Dispersed negatively charged silica nanoparticles segregate inside microfluidic water‐in‐oil (W/O) droplets that are coated with a positively charged lipid shell. We report a methodology for the quantitative analysis of this self‐assembly process. By using real‐time fluorescence microscopy and automated analysis of the recorded images, kinetic data are obtained that characterize the electrostatically‐driven self‐assembly. We demonstrate that the segregation rates can be controlled by the installment of functional moieties on the nanoparticle's surface, such as nucleic acid and protein molecules. We anticipate that our method enables the quantitative and systematic investigation of the segregation of (bio)functionalized nanoparticles in microfluidic droplets. This could lead to complex supramolecular architectures on the inner surface of micrometer‐sized hollow spheres, which might be used, for example, as cell containers for applications in the life sciences.
Mcl1 protein levels and Caspase‐7 executioner protease control axial organizer cells survival
Authors: Sena Elena , Bou‐Rouphael Johnny , Rocques Nathalie , Carron‐Homo Clémence , Durand Béatrice C.
Published: March 2020

Background

Organizing centers are groups of specialized cells that secrete morphogens, thereby influencing development of their neighboring territories. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death reported to limit the size of organizers. Little is known about the identity of intracellular signals driving organizer cell death. Here we investigated in Xenopus the role of both the anti‐apoptotic protein Myeloid‐cell‐leukemia 1 (Mcl1) and the cysteine proteases Caspase‐3 and Caspase‐7 in formation of the axial organizing center—the notochord—that derives from the Spemann organizer, and participates in the induction and patterning of the neuroepithelium.

Results

We confirm a role for apoptosis in establishing the axial organizer in early neurula. We show that the expression pattern of mcl1 is coherent with a role for this gene in early notochord development. Using loss of function approaches, we demonstrate that Mcl1 depletion decreases neuroepithelium width and increases notochord cells apoptosis, a process that relies on Caspase‐7, and not on Caspase‐3, activity. Our data provide evidence that Mcl1 protein levels physiologically control notochord cells' survival and that Caspase‐7 is the executioner protease in this developmental process.

Conclusions

Our study reveals new functions for Mcl1 and Caspase‐7 in formation of the axial signalling center.
Amino acid δ15N underestimation of cetacean trophic positions highlights limited understanding of isotopic fractionation in higher marine consumers
Authors: Matthews Cory J. D. , Ruiz‐Cooley Rocio I. , Pomerleau Corinne , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: March 2020

Compound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of amino acids (AAs) has been rapidly incorporated in ecological studies to resolve consumer trophic position (TP). Differential 15N fractionation of “trophic” AAs, which undergo trophic 15N enrichment, and “source” AAs, which undergo minimal trophic 15N enrichment and serve as a proxy for primary producer δ15N values, allows for internal calibration of TP. Recent studies, however, have shown the difference between source and trophic AA δ15N values in higher marine consumers is less than predicted from empirical studies of invertebrates and fish. To evaluate CSIA‐AA for estimating TP of cetaceans, we compared source and trophic AA δ15N values of multiple tissues (skin, baleen, and dentine collagen) from five species representing a range of TPs: bowhead whales, beluga whales, short‐beaked common dolphins, sperm whales, and fish‐eating (FE) and marine mammal‐eating (MME) killer whale ecotypes. TP estimates (TPCSIA) using several empirically derived equations and trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) were 1–2.5 trophic steps lower than stomach content‐derived estimates (TPSC) for all species. Although TPCSIA estimates using dual TDF equations were in better agreement with TPSC estimates, our data do not support the application of universal or currently available dual TDFs to estimate cetacean TPs. Discrepancies were not simply due to inaccurate TDFs, however, because the difference between consumer glutamic acid/glutamine (Glx) and phenylalanine (Phe) δ15N values (δ15NGlx‐Phe) did not follow expected TP order. In contrast to pioneering studies on invertebrates and fish, our data suggest trophic 15N enrichment of Phe is not negligible and should be examined among the potential mechanisms driving “compressed” and variable δ15NGlx‐Phe values at high TPs. We emphasize the need for controlled diet studies to understand mechanisms driving AA‐specific isotopic fractionation before widespread application of CSIA‐AA in ecological studies of cetaceans and other marine consumers.
DNA quantitation and degradation assessment: a quantitative PCR protocol designed for small forensic genetics laboratories
Authors: Simoes Dutra Correa Heitor , Brescia Gloria , Cortellini Venusia , Cerri Nicoletta , Verzeletti Andrea
Published: March 2020

For over 10 years, quantitative PCR (qPCR) for DNA quantitation has been reported in forensics. However, assays have not been described for small qPCR platforms. Thus, technological advancement is not always implemented in small forensic genetics laboratories. A duplex qPCR assay is reported, using a StepOne instrument and targeting a short and a long human DNA region. This study was performed according to international validation guidelines, including sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, precision, accuracy, contamination assessment, known and case‐type samples, and degradation studies. Characterization of the genetic markers, species specificity, and population studies had already been conducted. Moreover, case‐type samples were quantified, amplified using commercial kits and the number of alleles detected was recorded. Sensitivity was shown to be 10 pg/µL. Standard curve replicates demonstrated the assay is accurate, precise, as well as fairly repeatable and reproducible. The NGM Detect kit was shown to yield higher peaks than Identifiler Plus and NGM Select for degraded samples. Moreover, quality sensors were always present and proved useful. The quantification values of the large target showed a correlation with the number of alleles detected in the STR profiles for known and casework samples. The degradation index was shown to be informative, with a value of 10 or higher indicating dropout. It is suggested that after quantitation, samples with low or degraded DNA be amplified using newer amplification kits containing quality sensors to confirm that the low‐quality profile was not affected by inhibition.
Remission in adolescents with bulimia nervosa: Empirical evaluation of current conceptual models
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Matheson Brittany E. , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: March 2020

Objective

The few randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating adolescent treatment for bulimia nervosa (BN) suggest variability in both rates of, and criteria for remission. The current study examined reactivity in remission rates, relative to various conceptualizations of remission in a single RCT data set.

Method

A data set of adolescents with BN who participated in an RCT (N = 110) was used to evaluate remission models based upon behavioral symptoms (e.g., binge eating), psychological symptoms (Eating Disorder Examination [EDE] scores), and combinations of these criteria.

Results

At end‐of‐treatment (EOT), a remission model defined by behavioral symptom abstinence plus meaningful reduction in EDE global scores yielded comparable remission rates to a model defined by behavioral abstinence alone (i.e., 29% remitted). Participants with higher EOT EDE global scores were less likely to be abstinent from behavioral symptoms at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up (ps < .001).

Discussion

Reduction in psychological symptoms with behavioral abstinence did not inform remission status at EOT, over and above behavioral symptom change alone. However, psychological symptom improvement by EOT may predict positive prognosis in posttreatment assessment. Results underscore the necessity of including psychological symptom improvement, as well as consistency across research and practice, in defining remission in adolescent BN.
Trialling Water-Treatment Residuals in the Remediation of Former Mine Site Soils: Investigating Improvements Achieved for Plants, Earthworms, and Soil Solution
Authors: Arab Karrar A.H. , Thompson David F. , Oliver Ian W.
Published: March 2020

During clarification processes of raw water, a vast amount of by-product known as “drinking water-treatment residuals” (WTRs) are produced, being principally composed of hydroxides of the Al or Fe salts added during water treatment plus the impurities they remove. Aluminum-based (Al-WTR) and iron-based (Fe-WTR) materials were applied at 10% w/w to degraded, bare (unvegetated) soils from a restored coal mining site in central England (pH <3.9) to study their potential amelioration effects on earthworm mortality, biomass yield of seedling plants, and element concentrations in plant tissues, earthworm tissues, and soil solutions. A separate treatment with agricultural lime was also conducted for comparison to evaluate whether any observed improvements were attributable to the liming capacity of the WTRs. After completion of the trials, all samples were subjected to a wet–dry cycle, and the experiments were repeated (i.e., simulating longer-term effects in the field). Both types of WTRs significantly increased the biomass of plants, and in some treatments, survival of earthworms was also enhanced compared to nonamended soils. Excess plant tissue element concentrations and element concentrations in soil solutions were reduced in amended soils. The implications are that adding WTRs to mining-impacted soils is a potentially viable, sustainable, and low-cost remediation method that could be used globally to improve the soil condition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1277–1291. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
South‐South and triangular cooperation in ICT4D
Authors: Walsham Geoff
Published: March 2020

This paper addresses cooperation between countries in the Global South based on information and communications technologies (ICTs) and also triangular cooperation including partners in the developed countries. It is argued that now is an important time for research and action in this space and in information and communications technologies for development (ICT4D) more generally. Some opportunities are identified, selecting mainly from papers in the IFIP WG9.4 conference in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania, in May 2019. The paper has a strong critical dimension, asking questions such as who is driving ICT4D projects, who benefits from the work, and are the less advantaged adequately included in the process. The paper ends with five broad principles on which further ICT4D research could build.
Three‐dimensional mapping of the attenuation coefficient in optical coherence tomography to enhance breast tissue microarchitecture contrast
Authors: Foo Ken Y. , Chin Lixin , Zilkens Renate , Lakhiani Devina D. , Fang Qi , Sanderson Rowan , Dessauvagie Benjamin F. , Latham Bruce , McLaren Sally , Saunders Christobel M. , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: March 2020

Effective intraoperative tumor margin assessment is needed to reduce re‐excision rates in breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). Mapping the attenuation coefficient in optical coherence tomography (OCT) throughout a sample to create an image (attenuation imaging) is one promising approach. For the first time, three‐dimensional OCT attenuation imaging of human breast tissue microarchitecture using a wide‐field (up to ~45 × 45 × 3.5 mm) imaging system is demonstrated. Representative results from three mastectomy and one BCS specimen (from 31 specimens) are presented with co‐registered postoperative histology. Attenuation imaging is shown to provide substantially improved contrast over OCT, delineating nuanced features within tumors (including necrosis and variations in tumor cell density and growth patterns) and benign features (such as sclerosing adenosis). Additionally, quantitative micro‐elastography (QME) images presented alongside OCT and attenuation images show that these techniques provide complementary contrast, suggesting that multimodal imaging could increase tissue identification accuracy and potentially improve tumor margin assessment.
Indomethacin decreases insulin secretion by reducing KCa3.1 as a biomarker of pancreatic tumor and causes apoptotic cell death
Authors: Karatug Kacar Ayse
Published: March 2020

Insulinomas originate from pancreatic β cells and it is the most widely known tumor. Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, which is used for blocking the production of some natural substances that cause inflammation and decrease pain. In this study, I aimed to investigate the effects of indomethacin on rat insulinoma INS‐1 cells. The relationship between cell death and insulin metabolism was determined with the administration of indomethacin. The cell viability by WST‐1; the apoptosis and necrosis levels by ELISA kits; malondialdehyde levels by spectrophotometer; and beclin, intracellular insulin, insulin secretion, KCa3.1, insulin receptor (IR), glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2), activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), Elk1, c‐Jun, Akt and phosphorylated ATF2, Elk1, c‐Jun, Akt, intracellular betacellulin and betacellulin secretion levels by Western blot analysis investigated. The Ins1, Ins2, IR, GLUT2, ATF2, Elk1, c‐Jun, Akt, and Betacellulin gene expression levels were determined by the real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction method. Apoptotic cell death was observed with the administration of indomethacin. The insulin secretion and Ins1, Ins2 gene expression levels decreased. The insulin receptor and GLUT2 levels increased, while KCa3.1 (KCNN4) levels decreased with the administration of indomethacin to insulinoma INS‐1 cells. A decrease was observed in the total c‐Jun, phosphorylated ATF2, Elk1, c‐Jun, and Akt levels. Betacellulin secretion levels increased. In insulinoma INS‐1 cells, apoptotic cell death occurred in the following manner: (i) indomethacin might decrease insulin secretion by reducing KCa3.1, (ii) might inactivate the JNK/ERK pathway with the inactivity of transcription factors.
Safety and efficacy of plasma exchange via direct femoral vein puncture in autoimmune blistering diseases
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Takahashi Ryohei , Morita Shinya , Oya Mototsugu
Published: March 2020

Plasma exchange (PE) is performed for patients with autoimmune blistering diseases by using multiple vascular access routes. We retrospectively examined the safety and the efficacy of PE using direct femoral vein puncture (FVP) technique, by comparing with that using double‐lumen catheter (DLC). The troubles related to vascular route, such as catheter occlusion, insufficient blood flow and hematoma, were not different between the FVP group (4.6%) and the DLC group (6.7%), whereas access‐related infections occurred more frequently in the DLC group (6.7%) than the FVP group (0.4%). Regarding the efficacy, the removal rate of autoantibodies in PE using the FVP technique was similar or lower, as compared with that using the DLC. These results suggest that PE with the FVP technique is able to be performed safely in patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, although the removal of autoantibodies is not superior to that using the DLC.
Synthesis and characterization of VO–vanillin complex immobilized on MCM‐41 and its facile catalytic application in the sulfoxidation reaction, and synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones and disulfides in green media
Authors: Nikoorazm Mohsen , Khanmoradi Maryam
Published: March 2020

In this work, a vanillin complex is immobilized onto MCM‐41 and characterized by FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and BET techniques. This supported Schiff base complex was found to be an efficient and recoverable catalyst for the chemoselective oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides and thiols into their corresponding disulfides (using hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant) and also a suitable catalyst for the preparation of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives in water at 90°C. Using this protocol, we show that a variety of disulfides, sulfoxides, and 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives can be synthesized in green conditions. The catalyst can be recovered and recycled for further reactions without appreciable loss of catalytic performance.
Quasispecies dynamics of a hepatitis E virus 4 from the feces and liver biopsy of an acute hepatitis E patient during virus clearance
Authors: Mei Xue , Dai Fahui , Zou Jingyi , Zhang Huiying , Yuan Zhenghong , Qian Zhiping , Yi Zhigang
Published: March 2020

The presence of a quasispecies in hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been documented, however, the implications of a quasispecies in HEV‐host interaction are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the whole genome sequences of a HEV 4d from the feces and liver biopsy of a patient during the icteric and convalescent phases in an acute hepatitis E infection. Viral RNAs were extracted, reversely transcribed and seven fragments encompassing the entire viral genome were amplified and cloned. By sequencing multiple colonies of each cloned viral genome amplicon with Sanger sequencing, we verified the existence of the HEV quasispecies or intra‐host genetic variations within the fecal and liver biopsy samples. There were broader genetic variations in the HEV ORF1 region including the PCP, HPX, and RdRp regions during the convalescent phase whereas more genetic variations in the ORF2 P domain during the icteric phase. The quasispecies dynamics might reflect host immune pressure during viral clearance.
Droughts projection over the Niger and Volta River basins of West Africa at specific global warming levels
Authors: Oguntunde Philip G. , Abiodun Babatunde J. , Lischeid Gunnar , Abatan Abayomi A.
Published: March 2020

This study investigates possible impacts of four global warming levels (GWLs: GWL1.5, GWL2.0, GWL2.5, and GWL3.0) on drought characteristics over Niger River basin (NRB) and Volta River basin (VRB). Two drought indices—Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)—were employed in characterizing droughts in 20 multi‐model simulation outputs from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX). The performance of the simulation in reproducing basic hydro‐climatological features and severe drought characteristics (i.e., magnitude and frequency) in the basins were evaluated. The projected changes in the future drought frequency were quantified and compared under the four GWLs for two climate forcing scenarios (RCP8.5 and RCP4.5). The regional climate model (RCM) ensemble gives a realistic simulation of historical hydro‐climatological variables needed to calculate the drought indices. With SPEI, the simulation ensemble projects an increase in the magnitude and frequency of severe droughts over both basins (NRB and VRB) at all GWLs, but the increase, which grows with the GWLs, is higher over NRB than over VRB. More than 75% of the simulations agree on the projected increase at GWL1.5 and all simulations agree on the increase at higher GWLs. With SPI, the projected changes in severe drought is weaker and the magnitude remains the same at all GWLs, suggesting that SPI projection may underestimate impacts of the GWLs on the intensity and severity of future drought. The results of this study have application in mitigating impact of global warming on future drought risk over the regional water systems.
A 27‐year review of mergers and acquisitions research in 27 leading management journals
Authors: Gomes Emanuel , Alam Sunbir , Tarba Shlomo Y. , Vendrell‐Herrero Ferran
Published: March 2020

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by providing a systematic review of over 500 academic articles across 27 management journals over a 27‐year time frame. There appears to be a mixture of empirical and conceptual articles, with a larger proportion being empirical but an increasing number leaning towards a conceptual nature. Our findings show that most studies follow a quantitative approach and use large samples, mostly originating from existing databases. There is an emergence of thematic areas related to the strategic factors influencing M&As, but with the human dimension, gaining increasing attention over time.
Site‐Selective Bi2Te3–FeTe2 Heterostructure as a Broadband Saturable Absorber for Ultrafast Photonics
Authors: Zhang Linfei , Liu Jiefeng , Li Junzi , Wang Zhuo , Wang Yingwei , Ge Yanqi , Dong Weilong , Xu Ning , He Tingcao , Zhang Han , Zhang Wenjing
Published: March 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials have unique structural and optoelectronic properties and have very important applications in energy, environment, and high‐performance optoelectronic sensing. Among them, the nonlinear optical properties and related applications are hot research fields. Herein, a novel 2D Bi2Te3–FeTe2 heterostructure is successfully prepared by Fe3+ induction and site‐selective overgrowth using a seed‐mediated growth method. This heterostructure has a plate−satellite geometry with an open spatially separated surface. The Z‐scan measurement characterizes the nonlinear transmittance of the heterostructure and proves the broadband saturation absorption behavior experimentally, which are superior to those of some mainstream 2D materials. In addition, the femtosecond‐transient absorption spectra reveal an ultrashort recovery time of 1.7 ps at pump wavelength of 780 nm. By integrating the Bi2Te3–FeTe2 saturable absorber into fiber laser, a 164.7‐ps pulse and a 481‐fs pulse are produced at center wavelengths of 1064 and 1550 nm, respectively, which are better than that of the Bi2Te3 nanoplate‐based mode‐locking. A new approach for the synthesis of 2D composites with spatially separated structures is provided. It is demonstrated that the synthesized Bi2Te3–FeTe2 heterojunction can be a promising broadband nonlinear optical material in ultrafast optical applications.
Ultrafast Response of a Hybrid Device Based on Strongly Coupled Monolayer WS2and Photonic Crystals: The Effect of Photoinduced Coulombic Screening
Authors: Tang Yuxiang , Zhang Yanbin , Ouyang Hao , Zhao Maoxiong , Hao Hao , Wei Ke , Li Han , Sui Yizhen , You Jie , Zheng Xin , Xu Zhongjie , Cheng Xiangai , Shi Lei , Jiang Tian
Published: March 2020

Quantum interactions between transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and optical cavities are rapidly becoming an appealing research topic since these interactions underly a broad spectrum of optical phenomena. Here, we fabricate a simple device in which coherent strong coupling interactions occur between a photonic crystal (PhC) slab and monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2). Both steady‐state angle‐resolved spectroscopy and transient absorption microscopy (TAM) are employed to explore the coupling behavior of this device. Specifically, anticrossing dispersions are observed in the hybrid device, indicating a Rabi splitting of 40.2 meV. A newly formed spectral feature emerges in the transient absorption (TA) spectrum of this polariton device under near‐resonant excitation, which is subsequently evidenced to be a signature of the upper hybrid exciton–polariton state. Moreover, by carefully analyzing the ultrafast responses of both bare WS2and the WS2‐PhC polariton device excited both off resonance and near resonance, it is found that nonequilibrium thermal decay induces Coulombic screening in the monolayer WS2, which has a major impact on the formation of exciton–polariton. The results of this work could not only improve the current understanding of photophysics in the strong light–matter coupling regime but also lay the foundation for tailoring the development of TMD‐based coherent devices.
Biochemical, serological, and genetic aspects related to gene HLA‐DQB1 and its association with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
Authors: Singh Gur Charn , Ahmed Mehboob , Zaid Muhammad , Hasnain Shahida
Published: March 2020

Background

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is the autoimmune disorder of destruction of β cells of pancreas, creating insulin deficiency condition, which leads to hyperglycemia, polyuria, polydipsia, ketoacidosis, and other metabolic disorder especially in children. Different genetic aspects and environmental factors are involved in pathophysiology of the disease. About 20 genes are associated with this disease in which the most common is the different combination of haplotype DRB1‐DQA1‐DQB1 present at HLA gene. At HLA‐DQB1, there are some SNPs which are associated with T1DM. In T1DM, there are number of biochemical, serological parameters which show some abnormalities leading to some complications.

Methods

Samples were subjected to all biochemical and serological techniques to get the measurement of concentration of glucose, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL and LDL cholesterol), urea, creatinine, albumin, insulin, anti‐insulin antibodies, C‐peptides, and leptin. All these values were compared with controls values and statistical analysis was also done on these values. At molecular level, two primers set which were allele specific at HLA‐DQB1, were used to amplify the SNPs, homozygous and heterozygous conditions were stated.

Results

PCR results for the studied population showed that most of samples have heterozygous condition for these SNPs of this allele specific region on HLA‐DQB1. Very few of them have homozygous state for it. Even in the control sample have the same conditions.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, there is dire need of studies about SNPs and haplotypes related to HLA‐DQB1 which show association with T1DM.
A multimodal computer‐aided diagnostic system for precise identification of renal allograft rejection: Preliminary results
Authors: Shehata Mohamed , Shalaby Ahmed , Switala Andrew E. , El‐Baz Maryam , Ghazal Mohammed , Fraiwan Luay , Khalil Ashraf , El‐Ghar Mohamed Abou , Badawy Mohamed , Bakr Ashraf M. , Dwyer Amy , Elmaghraby Adel , Giridharan Guruprasad , Keynton Robert , El‐Baz Ayman
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Early assessment of renal allograft function post‐transplantation is crucial to minimize and control allograft rejection. Biopsy — the gold standard — is used only as a last resort due to its invasiveness, high cost, adverse events (e.g., bleeding, infection, etc.), and the time for reporting. To overcome these limitations, a renal computer‐assisted diagnostic (Renal‐CAD) system was developed to assess kidney transplant function.

Methods

The developed Renal‐CAD system integrates data collected from two image‐based sources and two clinical‐based sources to assess renal transplant function. The imaging sources were the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) extracted from 47 diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) scans at 11 different b‐values (b0, b50, b100, ..., b1000 s/mm), and the transverse relaxation rate (R2*) extracted from 30 blood oxygen level‐dependent MRI (BOLD‐MRI) scans at 5 different echo times (TEs = 2, 7, 12, 17, and 22 ms). Serum creatinine (SCr) and creatinine clearance (CrCl) were the clinical sources for kidney function evaluation. The Renal‐CAD system initially performed kidney segmentation using the level‐set method, followed by estimation of the ADCs from DW‐MRIs and the R2* from BOLD‐MRIs. ADCs and R2* estimates from 30 subjects that have both types of scans were integrated with their associated SCr and CrCl. The integrated biomarkers were then used as our discriminatory features to train and test a deep learning‐based classifier, namely stacked autoencoders (SAEs) to differentiate non‐rejection (NR) from acute rejection (AR) renal transplants.

Results

Using a leave‐one‐subject‐out cross‐validation approach along with SAEs, the Renal‐CAD system demonstrated 93.3% accuracy, 90.0% sensitivity, and 95.0% specificity in differentiating AR from NR. Robustness of the Renal‐CAD system was also confirmed by the area under the curve value of 0.92. Using a stratified tenfold cross‐validation approach, the Renal‐CAD system demonstrated its reproducibility and robustness by a diagnostic accuracy of 86.7%, sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 90.0%, and AUC of 0.88.

Conclusion

The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of accurate, noninvasive identification of AR at an early stage using the Renal‐CAD system.
Ubuntu diplomacy: Broadening soft power in an African context
Authors: Madise Dikeledi , Isike Christopher
Published: March 2020

Ubuntu is an African philosophical worldview that has increasingly gained prominence since South Africa's democratic transition in 1994. It places emphasis on the world's common humanity and its consequent interdependence. Through content analysis, the article examines the soft power that is inherent in South Africa's foreign policy, as codified in the 2011 White Paper on South African Foreign Policy–Building a Better World: Diplomacy of Ubuntu. In its findings, the article established a distinction between Joseph Nye's original conceptualization of soft power, formulated from a United States realist foreign policy perspective, and the one inherent in South Africa's humanist foreign policy guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu. This distinction is premised on the geopolitical disparities between the two nations. The article further examines South Africa's wielding of soft power within the African continent, the first audience of the country's diplomacy of Ubuntu.
A glutathione S‐transferase (BdGSTd9) participates in malathion resistance via directly depleting malathion and its toxic oxide malaoxon in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Meng Li‐Wei , Peng Meng‐Lan , Chen Meng‐Ling , Yuan Guo‐Rui , Zheng Li‐Sha , Bai Wen‐Jie , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is a widespread agricultural pest that has evolved resistance to many commonly used insecticides including malathion. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes that metabolize insecticides directly or indirectly. The specific mechanism used by GSTs to confer malathion resistance in B. dorsalis is unclear.

RESULTS

BdGSTd9 was identified from B. dorsalis and was expressed at twice the level in a malathion‐resistant strain (MR) than in a susceptible strain (MS). By using RNAi of BdGSTd9, the toxicity of malathion against MR was increased. Protein modelling and docking of BdGSTd9 with malathion and malaoxon indicated key amino acid residues for direct binding in the active site. In vitro assays with engineered Sf9 cells overexpressing BdGSTd9 demonstrated lower cytotoxicity of malathion. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that malathion could be broken down significantly by BdGSTd9, and it also could deplete the malathion metabolite malaoxon, which possesses a higher toxicity to B. dorsalis. Taken together, the BdGSTd9 of B. dorsalis could not only deplete malathion, but also react with malaoxon and therefore enhance malathion resistance.

CONCLUSION

BdGSTd9 is a component of malathion resistance in B. dorsalis. It acts by depleting both malathion and malaoxon. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultra Thin Films of Yttrium Iron Garnet with Very Low Damping: A Review
Authors: Schmidt Georg , Hauser Christoph , Trempler Philip , Paleschke Maximilian , Papaioannou Evangelos Th.
Published: March 2020

Thin film Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) is a promising material for integrated magnonics. To introduce YIG into nanofabrication processes it is necessary to fabricate very thin YIG films with a thickness well below 100 nm while retaining the extraordinary magnetic properties of the material, especially its long magnon lifetime and spin wave propagation length. Herein, a brief introduction into the topic is given and the various results published over the last decade in this area are reviewed and discussed. Especially for ultrathin films it turns out that pulsed layer deposition and sputtering are the most promising candidates. In addition, the application of room‐temperature deposition and annealing for lift‐off based nanopatterning is discussed, as well as the properties of nanostructures obtained by this method over the past years.
Ion chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as a powerful technique for halogens and sulfur determination in egg powder and its fractions
Authors: Mesko Marcia Foster , Toralles Isis Gonçalves , Coelho Junior Gilberto Silva , Rondan Filipe Soares , Costa Vanize Caldeira , Hartwig Carla Andrade , Scaglioni Priscila Tessmer
Published: March 2020

Rationale

To increase the consumption of egg powder and its fractions a suitable quality control method is required to obtain more information on its nutritional composition. The proposed method enables the quantification of important elements for the functioning of the human organism, such as halogens and sulfur, in egg powder and its fractions.

Methods

Up to 350 mg of egg powder or its fractions (egg white powder and egg yolk powder) were digested by microwave‐induced combustion using 20 bar pressure of oxygen. The analytes were absorbed in 100 mmol L−1 of NH4OH solution. The determination of halogens (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine) and sulfur was performed in a single analysis using ion chromatography with conductivity detection coupled to mass spectrometry.

Results

Using the proposed method, spike recoveries between 99% and 104% for all analytes were obtained, and results agreed with certified values of reference materials (agreements were between 100% and 109%). The relative standard deviations were below 8%. The variation in elemental concentration over a wide range in different fractions (whole egg powder, egg white powder, and egg yolk powder) and different brands was also observed.

Conclusions

The proposed method provides reliable information about minerals in whole egg powder and its fractions, contributing to better quality control of these products. Because these food products are widely consumed, these results suggest the safe ingestion levels of these elements.
Job resources and burnout: Work motivation as a moderator
Authors: Trépanier Sarah‐Geneviève , Vallerand Robert J. , Ménard Julie , Peterson Clayton
Published: March 2020

This longitudinal study (T1 n = 399; T2 n = 279) investigated the moderating role of work motivation in the relationship between job resources (control and recognition) and burnout. Overall, job recognition and control resulted in more burnout for employees with poor‐quality work motivation (high controlled or low autonomous motivation). These results suggest that poor‐quality motivation renders employees more vulnerable to certain resources in their work environment, as these job characteristics stimulate compensatory behaviours (e.g., overinvesting in one's job to boost one's sense of self‐worth or to obtain others' approval), leading to energy depletion over time.