bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective observational study of the efficacy of mixed methylene blue compound injection for treatment of vulvar non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders
Authors: Li Yanli , Shi Jie , Tan Wenfu , Ma Quanfu , Wu Xufeng , Gao Han
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of mixed methylene blue (MB) compound injection for treatment of vulvar non‐neoplastic epithelial disorders (NNEDs).

Methods

A prospective observational study among 118 women with vulvar NNEDs treated with intradermal injection of mixed MB compound at a hospital in Wuhan, China, between 2013 and 2016. Itching score, skin hypopigmentation area percentage (SHAP), and recurrence were assessed by interview and physical examination before and after treatment. Adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Before treatment, mean ± SD itching score was 7.78 ± 1.59. It decreased rapidly immediately after treatment and remained low thereafter (1.82 ± 2.31, 1.69 ± 2.39, 1.97 ± 2.73, 2.05 ± 2.72, and 2.19 ± 2.86 at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). Before treatment, mean ± SD SHAP was 28.01% ± 18.28%. SHAP decreased gradually and remained stably low 6 months later (26.28% ± 17.95%, 21.19% ± 18.42%, 19.19% ± 18.67%, 18.68% ± 18.91%, and 18.65% ± 19.20% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). The recurrence rate in 2 years was 21.2% (25/118) with no major complications.

Conclusions

Intradermal injection of mixed MB compound was found to be an effective and safe treatment for vulvar NNEDs.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03200808.
MRI in evaluation of cyclical hematuria: A rare case of persistent cloaca with Mullerian duct anomaly
Authors: Jana Rupa , Deshmukh Manoj , Udare Ashlesha , Redkar Rajeev
Published: October 2019

A rare case of persistent cloaca with associated Mullerian anomaly, emphasizing the role of pre‐operative MRI for planning appropriate surgical management and obtaining acceptable outcomes.
Phosphate glass fibers facilitate proliferation and osteogenesis through Runx2 transcription in murine osteoblastic cells
Authors: Lin Xiao , Chen Qiang , Xiao Yunyun , Gao Yongguang , Ahmed Ifty , Li Meng , Li Hui , Zhang Kewen , Qiu Wuxia , Liu Xianhu , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Qian Airong
Published: October 2019

Cell–material interactions and compatibility are important aspects of bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering. Phosphate glass fiber (PGF) is an attractive inorganic filler with fibrous structure and tunable composition, which has been widely investigated as a bioactive filler for bone repair applications. However, the interaction of osteoblasts with PGFs has not been widely investigated to elucidate the osteogenic mechanism of PGFs. In this study, different concentrations of short PGFs with interlaced oriented topography were cocultured with MC3T3‐E1 cells for different periods, and the synergistic effects of fiber topography and ionic product of PGFs on osteoblast responses including cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were investigated. It was found that osteoblasts were more prone to adhere on PGFs through Vinculin protein, leading to enhanced cell proliferation with polygonal cell shape and spreading cellular actin filaments. In addition, osteoblasts incubated on PGF meshes showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, extracellular matrix mineralization, and increased expression of osteogenesis‐related marker genes, which could be attributed to the Wnt/β‐catenin/Runx2 signaling pathway. This study elucidated the possible mechanism of PGF on triggering specific osteoblast behavior, which would be highly beneficial for designing PGF‐based bone graft substitutes with excellent osteogenic functions.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA MEG3 deteriorates inflammatory damage by downregulating microRNA‐101a
Authors: Tang Shouyi , Han Junxia , Jiao Hui , Si Jingna , Liu Yingying , Wang Jinlong
Published: October 2019

Valvulopathy is a familiar heart disease, which fearfully harms the health of the body. We studied the effects and mechanism of long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncMEG3) on MVICs cell in inflammatory damage. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometry were respectively used to detect the effect of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), MEG3 and microRNA (miR)‐101a on cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, MEG3 and miR‐101a expression were changed by cell transfection and investigated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, Western blot was used to investigate the levels of Bax, pro‐caspase‐3, cleaved‐caspase‐3, pro‐caspase‐9, cleaved‐caspase‐9, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and related‐proteins of cell pathways. Otherwise, the levels of IL‐1β and IL‐6 were also investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined by ROS assay. We found TNF‐α caused inflammatory damage and upregulated MEG3. MEG3 was overexpressed and silenced in cells. Besides, MEG3 deteriorated inflammatory damage. Furthermore, MEG3 negatively regulated miR‐101a and miR‐101a mimic could reverse the effect of pc‐MEG3. Besides, MEG3 enhanced the JNK and NF‐κB pathways by downregulating miR‐101a. In conclusion, MEG3 deteriorated cell inflammatory damage by downregulating miR‐101a via JNK and NF‐κB pathways.
Development of a novel gene signature in patients without Helicobacter pylori infection gastric cancer
Authors: Lv Xuemei , Zhao Yanyun , Zhang Liwen , Zhou Shuqi , Zhang Bing , Zhang Qiang , Jiang Longyang , Li Xueping , Wu Huizhe , Zhao Lin , Wei Minjie , He Miao
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most fatal common cancers in worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to the development of GC, although the mechanism is still unclear. In our study, we aim to develop a robust messenger RNA (mRNA) signature associated with H. pylori (‐) GC that can sensitively and efficiently predict the prognostic. The RNA‐seq expression profile and corresponding clinical data of 598 gastric cancer samples and 63 normal samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus database. Using gene set enrichment analysis H. pylori (+) GC and H. pylori (‐) GC patients and normal samples to select certain genes for further analysis. Using univariate and multivariate Cox regression model to establish a gene signature for predicting the overall survival (OS). Finally, we identified G2/M related seven‐mRNA signature (TGFB1, EGF, MKI67, ILF3, INCENP, TNPO2, and CHAF1A) closely related to the prognosis of patients with H. pylori (‐) GC. The seven‐mRNA signature was identified to act as an independent prognostic biomarker by stratified analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. It was also validated on two test groups from TCGA and GSE15460 and shown that patients with high‐risk scores based on the expression of the seven mRNAs had significantly shorter survival times compared to patients with low‐risk scores (P < .0001).

In this study, we developed a seven‐mRNA signature related to G2/M checkpoint from H. pylori (‐) GCs that as an independent biomarker potentially with a good performance in predicting OS and might be valuable for the clinical management for patients with GC.
Expression and clinical value of PD‐L1 which is regulated by BRD4 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Lu , Li Pengchong , Zhao Li , Wang Miao , Tong Dongdong , Meng Zilin , Zhang Qian , Li Qing , Zhang Fenghe
Published: October 2019

The programmed cell death‐ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) and bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) are frequently overexpressed in cancer and have even been shown to act synergistically. The aim of this study was to determine their potential oncogenic role .in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). We detected significantly higher expression levels of both PD‐L1 and BRD4 in TSCC tissues compared to normal tissues (P ≤ .05). In addition, the high levels of PD‐L1 were significantly associated with increased tumor lymphatic metastasis (P ≤ .05), tumor staging (P ≤ .01), as well as BRD4 expression (P ≤ .05). Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 in TSCC cells not only reduced their growth rate but also PD‐L1 levels (P ≤ .05), while overexpression of BRD4 upregulated PD‐L1. Bioinformatics analysis showed that c‐MYC and CDK9 were interactive partners of both BRD4 and PD‐L1. While c‐MYC clearly modulated the expression of PD‐L1, as well as reversed the inhibitory effects of JQ1, no obvious association was observed between CDK9 and PD‐L1. We report a novel regulatory axis consisting of BRD4, PD‐L1, and c‐MYC that likely drives TSCC progression, and is a potential prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for TSCC.
IL‐35, a double‐edged sword in cancer
Authors: Yazdani Zahra , Rafiei Alireza , Golpour Monireh , Zafari Parisa , Moonesi Mohammadreza , Ghaffari Sasan
Published: October 2019

Interleukin 35 (IL‐35), a cytokine mainly produced by regulatory T cells (Treg cells), is composed of an Epstein‐Barr virus–induced gene 3 β‐chain and an IL‐12 p35 α‐chain. IL‐35 causes tumorigenicity in cancer, protects cancer cells against apoptosis, and facilitates cancer progression. However, a few reports have referred to its contradictory roles in cancer prevention. Therefore, the exact purpose of this cytokine in cancer development has become a fundamental question that needs to be answered. In this review, we explain the structure of IL‐35 and its receptors and their different signaling pathways. Finally, the function of IL‐35 in some cancers and the possible application of this cytokine in approaches for cancer therapy have been discussed.
Evaluation of a multiplex PCR assay for detection of respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in oropharyngeal swab samples from outpatients
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cao Lan , Xu Zhi , Zhu Pingting , Huang Bing , Li Kuibiao , Xu Yang , Zhang Zhoubin , Wu Yong , Di Biao
Published: October 2019

Background

Respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, initially infect the upper airways but can manifest as severe lower respiratory tract infections in high‐risk patients with significant morbidity and mortality. For syndromic diagnosis, several multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests have been developed for clinics, of which SureX 13 Respiratory Pathogen Multiplex Kit (ResP) can simultaneously detect 13 pathogens directly from airway secretion specimens. The organisms identified are influenza virus A, influenza virus A pdmH1N1 (2009), influenza virus A H3N2, influenza virus B, adenovirus, boca virus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia.

Methods

This study provides performance evaluation data of this assay by comparing with pathogen‐specific PCRs from oropharyngeal swab samples.

Results

Ten pathogens were detected in this assay, of which rhinovirus, adenovirus, and influenza virus A pdmH1N1 (2009) were the most common. The overall agreement between the ResP and the comparator tests was 93.8%. The ResP demonstrated 86.5% agreement for positive results and 97.8% agreement for negative results.

Conclusion

The ResP assay demonstrated a highly concordant performance comparing with pathogen‐specific PCRs for detection of respiratory pathogens in oropharyngeal swabs from outpatients and could aid in the diagnosis of respiratory infections in a variety of clinical scenarios.
The induced damage in the hepatopancreas of Orchestia species after exposure to a mixture of Cu/Zn—An ultrastructural study
Authors: Jelassi Raja , Khemaissia Hajer , Ghemari Chedliya , Raimond Maryline , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima
Published: October 2019

The hepatopancreas of crustaceans species has been recognized as an essential target organ to assess trace elements' effects. Due to its dynamic and capability of detoxifying trace metal, this organ often indicates distinct pathological disturbances. In the present work, we intend to evaluate the bioaccumulation of trace metal in three Orchestia species (Orchestia montagui, Orchestia gammarellus, and Orchestia mediterranea) living in symmetry in the banks of Bizerte lagoon (37°13′8″N 09°55′1″E) after their exposure during 14 days to a mixture of copper and zinc, and to highlight the effect of these metals on their hepatopancreas ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy. At the end of the experiment, results showed that the mortality and the body mass varied according to the used nominal concentrations. Significant alterations were noted in all the treatment groups. The degree of these alterations depends on the used concentration, and they are represented especially by the cells remoteness and the border lyses, the reduction of the nuclear volume, the increase in the cytoplasm density with the presence of trace metal in the nucleus as well as in the vacuole, the disorganization and the destruction of microvilli, the condensation of the majority of cellular organelles and mitochondria swelling. Through this study, Orchestia genus could be an attractive candidate for the biochemical study of trace metal toxicity in Tunisian wetlands.
A framework for assessing collaboration between buyers and suppliers on sustainability goals
Authors: Kashyap Ankita , Lakhanpal Pooja
Published: October 2019

In any dynamic relationship, the success of a sustainable collaboration depends on the ability of each stakeholder to understand the perspectives of the various members of the value chain. The findings of a qualitative investigation conducted in the Delhi National Capital Region in India led to the formation of a framework that identifies the needs and expectations of buyers, their suppliers, and their customers regarding sustainability issues. With such information in hand, organizational managers charged with implementing corporate social responsibility policies will be better able to encourage suppliers' compliance with key social and environmental practices while ensuring customers' satisfaction with the quality and sustainability of the goods and services they offer.
Characterization of two‐dimensional materials from Raman spectral data
Authors: Mishra Preet , Narayan Tripathi Laxmi
Published: October 2019

Two‐dimensional materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides materials such as WS2 and MoS2 are an attractive material platform for optoelectronics devices, photovoltaics, and strain‐induced deterministic single‐photon sources due to high carrier mobility, tunable band gap, and ease of transfer on the desired substrates. In many of these applications, knowing the number of layers is important; for example, only strained monolayer of WSe2 emits single photons at 4.5 K. Here, we present an analytical tool based on open‐source Python modules to determine the number of layers (accurately, up to five layers) by analyzing Raman spectral data. Using the data from spatially resolved Raman measurements on a two‐dimensional material and this tool, the sample morphology in terms of a number of layers can be preliminarily determined.
Polarization Gratings in Azobenzene‐Based Fully Liquid Crystalline Triblock Copolymer
Authors: Bugakov Miron , Sakhno Oksana , Boiko Natalia , Ryabchun Alexander
Published: October 2019

Photosensitive liquid crystalline (LC) block copolymers are a universal platform for designing functional materials for optics and photonics. Here, azobenzene LC ABA triblock copolymer containing mesogenic groups in each block is studied as a medium for the recording of polarization holographic gratings. The fast recording of polarization gratings is successfully performed with two orthogonally circularly polarized light beams of a 532‐nm laser. It is shown that annealing of the recorded polarization grating increases diffraction efficiency considerably, by a factor of 70, and provokes simultaneous erasing of the surface relief grating if it has been recorded. Holographic behavior of the triblock copolymer is compared with that of an azobenzene homopolymer and a random copolymer, which has the same monomer ratio as the triblock copolymer. The obtained results are expected to allow designing new materials for the polarization of optical elements and holographic data storage.
De novo splice site variant of ARID1B associated with pathogenesis of Coffin–Siris syndrome
Authors: Pranckėnienė Laura , Siavrienė Evelina , Gueneau Lucie , Preikšaitienė Eglė , Mikštienė Violeta , Reymond Alexandre , Kučinskas Vaidutis
Published: October 2019

Background

Coffin–Siris syndrome is an extremely rare syndrome associated with developmental and congenital anomalies. It is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants of ARID1A, ARID1B, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and SOX11.

Methods

This case study presents the whole exome sequencing of a patient with characteristic clinical features of Coffin–Siris syndrome. Analysis included Sanger sequencing of complementary DNA and bioinformatic analysis of the variant.

Results

Analysis of cDNA Sanger sequencing data revealed that the donor splice site variant led to skipping of exon 19. Further, bioinformatic analysis predicted abnormal splicing in a translational frameshift of 11 amino acids and the creation of a premature termination codon. Results found a novel de novo splice site variant c.5025+2T>C in the ARID1B and truncated 1 633 amino acid protein NP_065783.3:p. (Thr1633Valfs*11).

Conclusion

Truncated ARID1B resulted in loss of the BAF250 domain, which is part of SWI/SNF‐like ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling complex. The severe clinical manifestation presented by the proband was attributed to the disappearance of the BAF250 domain in the ARID1B protein. Our finding provides strong evidence that this pathogenic variant of exon 19 caused a frameshift mutation in the ARID1B at the terminal exon, resulting in the expression of a severe phenotype of CSS.
Induced polarization applied to biogeophysics: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Kessouri P. , Furman A. , Huisman J.A. , Martin T. , Mellage A. , Ntarlagiannis D. , Bücker M. , Ehosioke S. , Fernandez P. , Flores‐Orozco A. , Kemna A. , Nguyen F. , Pilawski T. , Saneiyan S. , Schmutz M. , Schwartz N. , Weigand M. , Wu Y. , Zhang C. , Placencia‐Gomez E.
Published: October 2019

This paper provides an update on the fast‐evolving field of the induced polarization method applied to biogeophysics. It emphasizes recent advances in the understanding of the induced polarization signals stemming from biological materials and their activity, points out new developments and applications, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. The focus of this review is on the application of induced polarization to study living organisms: soil microorganisms and plants (both roots and stems). We first discuss observed links between the induced polarization signal and microbial cell structure, activity and biofilm formation. We provide an up‐to‐date conceptual model of the electrical behaviour of the microbial cells and biofilms under the influence of an external electrical field. We also review the latest biogeophysical studies, including work on hydrocarbon biodegradation, contaminant sequestration, soil strengthening and peatland characterization. We then elaborate on the induced polarization signature of the plant‐root zone, relying on a conceptual model for the generation of biogeophysical signals from a plant‐root cell. First laboratory experiments show that single roots and root system are highly polarizable. They also present encouraging results for imaging root systems embedded in a medium, and gaining information on the mass density distribution, the structure or the physiological characteristics of root systems. In addition, we highlight the application of induced polarization to characterize wood and tree structures through tomography of the stem. Finally, we discuss up‐ and down‐scaling between laboratory and field studies, as well as joint interpretation of induced polarization and other environmental data. We emphasize the need for intermediate‐scale studies and the benefits of using induced polarization as a time‐lapse monitoring method. We conclude with the promising integration of induced polarization in interdisciplinary mechanistic models to better understand and quantify subsurface biogeochemical processes.
Costs Associated with the Treatment of Low Back Disorders: A Comparison of Surgeons and Physiatrists
Authors: Standaert Christopher J. , Li Justin W. , Glassman Stuart J. , Manolov Nikolay E. , Thomas Santhosh A. , Lee Anthony A. , Dolak Melanie A. , Stinneford M. Kate
Published: October 2019

Background

Spine care is costly and subject to wide variability. Defining costs and patterns of care for different specialties is critical to improving value.

Objective

Determine costs, utilization, and differences therein for nonoperative and operative specialists in treating low back disorders. We hypothesized costs associated with nonoperative specialists would be lower.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Medicare Limited Data Set (5% sample), 2011 to 2014.

Participants

A total of 170 011 patients saw a primary care provider for a low back disorder between 1 July 2011, and 1 January 2013. Excluding those seen for a low back disorder in the preceding 6 months, final cohorts totaled 11 829 patients subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist (specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation; 3183 patients) or surgeon (orthopedic or neurosurgeon; 8646 patients) within the following 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Total Medicare expenditures, spine‐specific costs, spine surgical rates over 24 months.

Results

Cohorts had comparable demographics, initial diagnoses, and baseline mean per‐member per‐month (PMPM) total spending. Mean 2‐year spine‐specific spending was $3978 for the physiatrist cohort and $7387 for the surgeon cohort. Comparatively, the physiatrist cohort had lower total mean 2‐year spine‐specific spending (−$3409; 95% confidence interval [CI] −$3824 to −$2994), mean PMPM total spending (−$122/mo; CI −$184 to −$60), and surgical rate (7.8% vs. 18.9%, risk ratio [RR] = 0.41; CI 0.36‐0.47). Surgery predominantly drove cost differential. Mean PMPM total spending for both cohorts remained elevated at 24 months compared to baseline mean spending (physiatrist: +$293; CI $447 to $138; surgeon: +$325; CI $425 to $225).

Conclusions

Following a new episode of a low back disorder, substantial costs were seen for those subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist or surgeon. Costs were considerably lower for those first seen by a physiatrist. Patients in both cohorts displayed long‐term increases in health care costs. Our data suggest that early engagement in nonoperative care, when appropriate, may improve value.
MS‐Based Biomarker Discovery in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Lung Cancer
Authors: Matthiesen Rune
Published: October 2019

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is a lung fluid. BALF is extracted from the lungs by a bronchoscope. The first step is to instill saline liquid into the lungs followed by extraction. The extracted liquid is depleted from cells by low spin centrifugation. The biochemical content of BALF is mainly composed of phospholipids and proteins and to less extent nucleic acids (DNA, miRNA, mRNA). The proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, and lipids mirror the pathophysiological state of the patient and are consequently regarded as a rich source of biomarkers with already some examples of established clinical applications. Recently, in Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2019, 13, 1900028, Sim et al. established a novel MS‐based proteomics protocol for BALF lung cancer sample analysis by combining antibody‐based depletion of high abundant BALF proteins, high pH peptide fractionation, and label free quantitation on a high resolution Orbitrap Fusion instrument. They demonstrate an improvement in BALF sample coverage compared with some previous published methodologies. Notably, the result from the study supports the hypothesis that BALF more than serum reflects the lung cancer proteome and for this reason is a promising source for lung cancer biomarkers.
Assessment of the awareness, adherence, and barriers to low back pain clinical practice guidelines by practicing physiotherapists in a low‐resourced country
Authors: Akindele Mukadas , Rabiu Mubasshir , Useh Efe
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for low back pain (LBP) management have been developed, but adherence to CPGs seems to be challenging as developing them in the first place. This cross‐sectional survey study was carried out to determine the awareness level, the level of adherence, and barriers to adherence to CPGs of LBP among physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Methods

A total of 189 participants were recruited for this study using the convenience sampling technique. The data were collected using researcher‐designed questionnaires, the data were analysed using SPSS Version 20, and barriers to adherence to CPGs of LBP was analysed using simple thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics, frequency, and percentage were used to summarize the data, whereas inferential statistic of chi square and Fisher's exact were used to test the association between sociodemographic variables and adherence.

Results

The results obtained showed that only a small percentage (27.50%) of the respondents adhered to LBP CPGs, whereas higher percentage (78.80%) was aware to the LBP CPGs. There were no significant associations between age (p = .90, χ2 = 0.72), certification courses (p = .476, χ2 = 0.508), place of practice (p = .380, χ2 = 0.845), and adherence to CPGs of LBP, respectively. However, there was a statistical significant association between specialization (p = .009, χ2 = 16.725), political zone (p = .007, χ2 = 15.243), awareness (p = .003, χ2 = 8.957), and adherence to CPGs of LBP, respectively.

Conclusion

Small proportions of the respondents adhered to the LBP CPGs, whereas higher population were aware of the LBP CPGs, and some of the characteristics of the physiotherapists influence adherence to LBP CPGs.
The impact of ant mutualistic and antagonistic interactions on the population dynamics of sap‐sucking hemipterans in pear orchards
Authors: Sanchez Juan A , López‐Gallego Elena , La‐Spina Michelangelo
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Ants are known to establish antagonistic and mutualistic interactions with honeydew‐producing hemipterans, depending on the species involved and the ecological context. The aim of this work was to infer the role that such interactions play in the population dynamics of psyllids and aphids in pear orchards. Interactions were inferred from field data and periodical sampling along a 4‐year study, and from interaction assays performed under controlled conditions.

RESULTS

A decline in the abundance of the pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyriL.), parallel to an increase in the abundance of aphids, was registered over 4 years. Ants were the dominant species, representing about 90% of the predators, followed by spiders and predatory hemipterans (namelyPilophorus gallicusRemane). Ant abundance increased over the 4 years, matching the population dynamics of aphids. Evidence of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions were found for ant–aphid and ant–psyllid, respectively: (i) ant–aphid abundances on pear trees were positively correlated, and ants reduced predation on aphids by generalist predators, and (ii) ant–psyllid abundances were negatively correlated, ants have a negative effect on the psyllid population growth rates, and ants were found to prey on the psyllid.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of their high abundance in comparison with other predators and the mutualistic–antagonistic relationships with aphids–psyllids, ants are considered to be the principal force behind the decline of pear psyllid populations and the increase in aphid numbers. In summary, ants contribute positively to biological control by the suppresion of pests (i.e. the psyllid) which are more damaging than those they protect (i.e. aphids). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
GaN‐Based Monolithic Inverter Consisting of Enhancement‐ and Depletion‐Mode MOSFETs by Si Ion Implantation
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Miwa Kiyomasa , Yokoyama Taichi , Yamane Keisuke , Wakahara Akihiro , Sekiguchi Hiroto
Published: October 2019

Herein, the effects of Si ion implantation on GaN in a dose range of 1011–1014 cm−2 towards a GaN‐based monolithic inverter circuit consisting of n‐channel enhancement‐ and depletion‐mode MOSFETs (E‐MOSFET and D‐MOSFET) are investigated. The implantation dose dependence is investigated by capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurement of Si‐implanted GaN metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. Enhanced stretches of C–V curve in voltage bias direction in higher dose samples and its nonlinear dependence on Si dose are discussed. Characteristics of E‐ and D‐MOSFET fabricated on p‐GaN with Mg doping concentration of on sapphire substrate are presented. The operation of E‐ and D‐MOSFET with normally‐on and normally‐off characteristics is obtained. To further improve MOSFET characteristics, a low Mg concentration p‐GaN layer with [Mg] of 1×1017 cm−3 on GaN substrate is used for monolithic E‐ and D‐MOSFET fabrication. Improved E‐MOSFET characteristics are confirmed by effective mobility of 38 cm2 (V s)−1. The successful operation of an enhancement/depletion (E/D)‐type inverter with a maximum voltage gain 1.5 beyond unity is presented in monolithic E‐ and D‐MOSFET on the same chip.
Portfolio concentration and fund manager performance
Authors: Hung Pi‐Hsia , Lien Donald , Chien Yun‐Ju
Published: October 2019

This research examines the relationships among portfolio concentration, fund manager skills, and fund performance in Taiwan's equity mutual fund industry, yielding several empirical findings as follows. First, after controlling for other factors, concentrated equity funds tend to have smaller net asset values, larger fund flows, higher turnover rates, and a younger age and prevail in smaller fund families. Second, concentrated fund managers buy and sell stocks more smartly based on economic trends or market factors than do diversified fund managers, i.e., they have better market‐timing abilities. Third, only partial evidence supports the premise that concentrated equity funds have better next‐quarter risk‐adjusted performances than do diversified ones, as these fund managers' skills positively correlate to risk‐adjusted fund performance. Fourth, fund managers who have better stock‐picking abilities and intensively invest in certain industries generally exhibit better Carhart's alpha in the next quarter than do other fund managers. Fifth, fund managers' stock‐picking abilities more closely relate to long‐term performance than do their market‐timing abilities. Lastly, positive performance persistence is much stronger than negative performance persistence, but concentrated funds do not have stronger performance persistence than do diversified funds.
Analysis and design of chattering‐free discrete‐time sliding mode control
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Zhang Na , Shen Ganghui , Xia Yuanqing
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the disturbance observer–based chattering‐free discrete‐time sliding mode control (DSMC) approach is proposed for systems with external disturbances. The proposed disturbance observer, which makes full use of the state and input information at the current and last steps, improves the estimation accuracy and achieves accurate compensation for disturbances. Then, with the help of disturbance observer, a new reaching law, which contains not only a nonsmooth term with a dynamically adjusted gain parameter but also a second order difference of the disturbance, is proposed to reduce the range of the quasi‐sliding mode band and eliminate chattering. The proposed DSMC approach realizes the active disturbance rejection and strong robustness. Finally, a simulation example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Direct Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell to Converting Methane into Methanol
Authors: Santos Monique C. L. , Nunes Livia C. , Silva Luis M. G. , Ramos Andrezza S. , Fonseca Fabio C. , de Souza Rodrigo F. B. , Neto Almir O.
Published: October 2019

Methane is the main constituent of natural gas and can be converted in higher value‐added products for electricity cogeneration. It could be used as a solid membrane reactor (SMR) for application in Alkaline Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (AAEMFC). The investigation for the conversion of methane was based on sodium borohydride (NaBH4) method using Pt/C Basf, Pd/C, Ni/C as catalysts. The electrocatalysts were prepared with 20 wt% of metals loading on carbon. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a face‐centered cubic structure (FCC) for Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts, was observed Ni/NiO phases for Ni/C electrocatalyst. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) exhibited a good dispersion of nanoparticles and some agglomerations on the support, with a mean size of 6.4 nm for Pd/C, 5.7 nm for Ni/C and near to 2 nm size for Pt/C. The experiments with AAEMFC showed that all materials can carry out the reaction spontaneously. Pt/C catalyst presents energy density higher than the other materials. FTIR data suggest that methane was converted into small products organic molecules such as methanol and formate in different potentials for Pt/C, Pd/C, and Ni/C. The products were quantified by Raman spectroscopy. The high conversion efficiency obtained was about 20% at 0.3 V using Pt/C catalyst, the maximum conversion over Pd/C was 17.5% at 0.15 V, associated with the formation of a thin layer of PdO on the catalytic surface. The highest conversion rate (13%) was observed in closed circuit potentials to the short circuit in the cell with Ni/C catalyst. The results suggest that for the selective conversion of methane to methanol are most promising using materials containing Pt or Pd.
Sulfobetaine N‐Chloramines: Chemical Synthesis and Antibacterial Application
Authors: Li Lingdong , Wang Hande , Jin Yanan , Wang Peiqi , Jia Dongxue
Published: October 2019

A series of sulfobetaine N‐chloramines, covalently combining an N‐chloramine unit and a sulfobetaine unit with varied intercharge linkers, were chemically synthesized. Preliminary antibacterial tests showed that the antibacterial activity decreased as the methylene linker increases from ‐(CH2)2‐ to ‐(CH2)8‐ except the linker of ‐(CH2)6‐, which exerted remarkable bactericidal efficacy unusually. In addition, the analogue with the linker of ‐(CH2)10‐ displayed the highest bactericidal efficacy among all synthetic N‐chloramines, probably due to its neutral zwitterionic characteristic on structure. Our research provided highly efficacious antibacterial agents together with the vital references to design novel ionic N‐chloramine biocides.
Synthesis of Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Polyoxometalate/Metal Oxide/CS Polymer (PMnW11@TiO2@CS): Nanocatalyst for Oxidative Desulfurization of Real Fuel
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Fereyduni Mohsen
Published: October 2019

A new type of organic‐inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst was synthesized by composition of Mn(II)‐substituted Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (PMnW11), titaniumdioxide(TiO2)and chitosan polymer (CS)viasol‐gel method. The synthesized nanocomposite (PMnW11@TiO2@CS) was characterized by fouriour transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. PMnW11@TiO2@CS was used as a new hybrid nanocatalyst for catalytic oxidative desulfurization (CODS) of real and model fuel in the presence of CH3COOH/H2O2in the volume ratio of 1/2 as oxidant system at 35 °C after 60 min. On the basis of the suggested CODS system, mercaptan and sulfur content of real fuel could be removed lowered with 97%. The CODS of dibenzothiophene molecules, which are difficult to remove, could be reached to 98%. The main factors affecting on the CODS efficiency were investigated in detail. The PMnW11@TiO2@CS was demonstrated an excellent recyclability performance in the CODS reactions for five times without noticeable decrease in catalytic activity.
Anti‐Cancerous Brucine and Colchicine: Experimental and Theoretical Characterization
Authors: Afzal Aboothahir , Thayyil Mohamed Shahin , Shariq Mohammad , Mary Yohannan Sheena , Resmi Kaippallil Sundaresan , Thomas Renjith , Islam Nasarul , Abinu Ajithan Jyothi
Published: October 2019

Brucine and colchicine are alkaloids, which are found abundantly in Asian Countries, having medicinal values in Ayurveda and is used widely in China. But surprisingly, it is reported recently in the literature that both brucine and colchicine possess anti‐cancerous effects. A comprehensive quantum computational study of brucine and colchicine to determine its structural and electronic properties is lacking in the literature. The optimized molecular geometries, electronic and vibrational spectral analysis, Frontier Molecular orbital analysis, natural bonding orbitals (NBO), non linear optical properties (NLO), Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were studied by Density Functional Theory (DFT) method by Computational Chemistry tool Gaussian‐09 with B3LYP/6‐311++G(d, p) basis set. Relaxed energy scans on dihedral angles in brucine and colchicine were performed to generate potential energy surfaces (PES) corresponding to rotational motions for conformational analysis. Theoretical Light Harvesting Efficiency (LHE) parameter for different halogen substitutions for brucine and colchicine were determined by TD‐DFT method. Molecular electrostatic potential surfaces (MEP) of the title compounds were generated to find the reactive molecular sites. Nonlinear optical properties (NLO) analysis showed that the first hyper polarizability values of brucine and colchicine are 25.56 and 22.15 times than that of urea. The in‐silica molecular docking analysis of brucine and colchicine were done using the Maestro ‐ Schrodinger suite 8.0 with cancer target proteins.
Aerobic Oxidative C(CO)–C Bond Cleavage under Catalyst‐Free and Additive‐Free Conditions
Authors: Tian Xinzhe , Ren Yun‐Lai , Cheng Xinqiang , Lu Weiwei
Published: October 2019

It was found that C(CO)–C bonds could undergo aerobic oxidative cleavage under catalyst‐free and additive‐free conditions. In the presence of environmentally friendly reagents including O2 and H2O, a series of 1,1‐diphenylacetones, diphenyl‐acetaldehydes, phenylacetones and their derivatives were smoothly converted into the desired products.
Novel Fabrication Of N/S Co‐doped Hierarchically Porous Carbon For Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Heli , Qi Xiujun , Peng Daqing , Chen Yaxin , Wei Denghu , Ju Zhicheng , Zhuang Quanchao
Published: October 2019

It has been demonstrated that embedding potassium ions into graphitic carbon is viable. However, the large ionic radius of potassium‐ions is a severe obstacle of potassium‐ion transmission between the cathode and anode. Therefore, it is urgent to find an electrode material with larger interlayer spacing to facilitate potassium‐ion intercalation/deintercalation. Herein, hierarchically nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped porous carbon (NSPC) have been prepared with sodium polyacrylate as the carbon precursor and sodium chloride as the template. When used as the anode materials for PIBs, NSPC shows reversible capacities of 289.7 mAh g−1 after 70 cycles at 50 mA g−1 and 156.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. The high reversible capacity and excellent cyclic performance of NSPC can be ascribed to the three‐dimensional structure with nitrogen and sulfur co‐doping, which improves electronic conductivity and enlarged interlayer spacing, facilitating potassium‐ion insertion. This work provides some insights into the fabrication of heteroatom‐doped carbon materials and is helpful for the design of high‐performance anode materials for PIBs.
Green Synthesis of a Metal‐Free 0D/2D Heterojunction: A Cost‐Effective Approach
Authors: Xavier Marilyn Mary , George Jis , Divya K. S. , Adarsh N. N. , Nair P. Radhakrishnan , Mathew Suresh
Published: October 2019

Photocatalyst derived from 0D/2D heterojunction composite is highly attractive for their great potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. Herein we constructed a 0D/2D heterojunction built from carbon quantum dots (CD) and carbon nitride sheets (GCN) by microwave irradiation, which ensures the uniform dispersion of CDs. The electric field generated at the interface of this heterojunction favored the prevention of rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. The successful heterojunction formation is due to the uniform dispersion of CDs, acting as electron sink over the sheets. A four‐fold enhancement in photocatalytic activity is obtained for this heterojunction, compared to pristine carbon nitride. With the support of the scavenger studies, the possible mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity is proposed. Interestingly, herewith we report an eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of CD/GCN composite material by using cheaply available and non‐hazardous precursors such as urea and glucose.
Preparation and Characterization of Composites of Hydroxypropyl Tapioca Starch and Zein
Authors: Liu Jie , Lai Rui , Wang Xiangli , Wang Haiyang , Liu Yawei
Published: October 2019

Hydroxypropyl tapioca starch and zein composites are prepared and the properties of composites are investigated. Starch granules can readily aggregate in the presence of zein to form large granules more than 30 µm. The total preparation concentration of zein and starch of 45% can be critical, as inferred from the relation between the zein content and the particle size of the composite. An increase of zein content or reaction time allows the starch granules to be adhered with zein, wrapped by zein, or even be embedded in the zein matrix. The characteristic peaks of zein shifting to the lower wavenumber and that of hydrogen bonds moving to higher wavenumbers in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicate the interaction between zein and starch. Zein reduces the viscosity, increases gelatinization temperature, and decreases gelatinization enthalpy of the composites compared with that of starch. This insight may be helpful in designing and preparing composites of zein and starch with promising properties.
Functionalized Silicas for Metal‐Free and Metal‐Based Catalytic Applications: A Review in Perspective of Green Chemistry
Authors: Rajendran Antony , Rajendiran Marimuthu , Yang Zhi‐Fen , Fan Hong‐Xia , Cui Tian‐You , Zhang Ya‐Gang , Li Wen‐Ying
Published: October 2019

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a key role in promoting green chemistry through many routes. The functionalizable reactive silanols highlight silica as a beguiling support for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts. Metal active sites anchored on functionalized silica (FS) usually demonstrate the better dispersion and stability due to their firm chemical interaction with FSs. Having certain functional groups in structure, FSs can act as the useful catalysts for few organic reactions even without the need of metal active sites which are termed as the covetous reusable organocatalysts. Magnetic FSs have laid the platform where the effortless recovery of catalysts is realized just using an external magnet, resulting in the simplified reaction procedure. Using FSs of multiple functional groups, we can envisage the shortened reaction pathway and, reduced chemical uses and chemical wastes. Unstable bio‐molecules like enzymes have been stabilized when they get chemically anchored on FSs. The resultant solid bio‐catalysts exhibited very good reusability in many catalytic reactions. Getting provoked from the green chemistry aspects and benefits of FS‐based catalysts, we confer the recent literature and progress focusing on the significance of FSs in heterogeneous catalysis. This review covers the preparative methods, types and catalytic applications of FSs. A special emphasis is given to the metal‐free FS catalysts, multiple FS‐based catalysts and magnetic FSs. Through this review, we presume that the contribution of FSs to green chemistry can be well understood. The future perspective of FSs and the improvements still required for implementing FS‐based catalysts in practical applications have been narrated at the end of this review.
Photocatalytic treatment of tetracycline antibiotic wastewater by silver/TiO2 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide and artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Tabatabai‐Yazdi Fatemeh‐Sadat , Ebrahimian Pirbazari Azadeh , Esmaeili Khalilsaraei Fatemeh , Asasian Kolur Neda , Gilani Neda
Published: October 2019

In this work, we focused on facile preparation of ternary nanocomposites containing TiO2 nanosheets, reduced graphene oxide, and different quantities of silver for photocatalytic treatment of tetracycline (TC) antibiotic wastewater. Plasmonic silver nanoparticles were deposited on TiO2 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite via a photodeposition method (TGA(x) samples). The as‐obtained samples were identified by variety of techniques such as XRD, UV‐Vis DRS, FESEM/EDX, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation experiments of TC (in concentration of 30 mg/L) were carried out by synthesized nanocomposites, and the degradation efficiency of TGA (0.076) (the optimal sample) was evaluated as 52.56% after 3 hr of irradiation under visible light. The obtained results showed that in TGA(x) samples, the reduced graphene oxide acts as a bridge for transferring photoinduced electrons from plasmonic silver nanoparticles to TiO2 nanosheetes. A three‐layered artificial neural network model with four input variables (irradiation time, catalyst dosage, initial concentration of TC, and silver nitrate content) and one output variable (% degradation) was optimized with 11 hidden neurons. The relative importance of the independent variables was calculated using Garson formula and the initial concentration of TC was found as the most influencing parameter (relative importance of 31%) on the treatment efficiency.

Practitioner points

TiO2 nanosheets synthesized on the reduced graphene oxide by hydrothermal method.

Plasmonic silver nanoparticles deposited on TNs/rGO by photodeposition method

The photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) was modeled by artificial neural network.
A Multi-method Assessment of Risk and Protective Factors in Family Violence: Comparing Italian and Migrant Families
Authors: Milani Luca , Miragoli Sarah , Grumi Serena , Di Blasio Paola
Published: October 2019

Child maltreatment is a major public health issue, which threatens psychophysical well-being of almost 100,000 minors in Italy. The prevalence and social burden of this issue clearly indicate the need for preventive efforts, early identification of victimized children, and a rapid risk assessment of families referred to Child Protection Services (CPS). The present chapter proposes an evidence-based multi-method assessment system, specific for highlighting risk and protective factors in family functioning. The assessment system is comprised of six modules:

One in-depth protocol for identifying proximal and distal risk and protective factors of maltreatment and recidivism against children.

One exploratory tool for assessing the residual social capital in an at-risk family.

Four screening surveys for assessing parenting stress, parental child abuse potential, parents’ resilience, and traumatic symptoms in children.

In our proposal, distal risk factors imply a condition of vulnerability but exert an indirect influence on the child’s developmental trajectory, while proximal factors, both risk and protective, exert a direct influence on the adaptation of the child. Research foundations of the assessment system lie on several studies carried out from 2008 to present: the chapter proposes a brief review of main outcomes, focusing especially on risk and protective factors assessed using the in-depth protocol (Di Blasio, P. (Ed.). (2005). Tra rischio e protezione: La valutazione delle competenze parentali. Milano, Italy: Unicopli). A better comprehension of risk and protective factors in family violence may inform and guide preventive interventions, and our assessment system is meant to assist professionals in both decision-making and protection of children in all of these levels.