bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content and format preferences of a depression prevention program: A study in perinatal women
Authors: Osma Jorge , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Martínez-Borba Verónica , Barrera Alinne Z
Published: December 2019

Antecedentes: este trabajo explora las diferencias étnicas en preferencias de contenido y formato de un programa preventivo de depresión perinatal. Método: participaron 163 mujeres en etapa perinatal (66.9% embarazadas; 33.1% en el posparto) que se identificaron como latinas (45.4%) y no latinas (64.6%). Resultados: el formato preferido fue individual y en persona para todos los contenidos. Solo cuando el contenido tenía que ver con la comunicación de pareja, considerarían incluir a la pareja. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en función de la etnia en las preferencias de formato. En cuanto al contenido, las mujeres prefirieron “información sobre el proceso de embarazo, incluyendo cambios físicos y psicológicos”. Las mujeres no latinas mostraron una mayor preferencia por “realizar evaluaciones regulares sobre su estado emocional” en comparación a las latinas. Conclusiones: estos resultados deberían considerarse a la hora de diseñar futuros programas de prevención para la depresión perinatal y evidencian la necesidad de trabajar más en las intervenciones online si queremos que se valoren más favorablemente por las mujeres perinatales.

Background: this study investigated ethnic differences in the preferred content and delivery method of a depression prevention program for perinatal women. Method: participants were 163 pregnant (66.9%) and postpartum (33.1%) women. Women identified themselves as Latinas (45.4%) or non-Latinas (54.6%). Results: overall, women preferred individual and onsite therapy across contents. Only when the content was related to improving communication, they were willing to incorporate the partner. There were no ethnic differences in the preferred format. Regarding content, women preferred to receive “information on the pregnancy process including physical and psychological changes.” Non-Latinas had a higher preference for “receiving regular check-ins on their emotional state” than Latinas. Conclusions: these results should be considered when developing future perinatal depression prevention programs and evidence that work needs to be done if we want online interventions to be viewed more favorably by perinatal women.
Forord: Nye tendenser i studiet af islam i Europa og Danmark
Authors: Fibiger Thomas , Jacobsen Brian Arly
Published: December 2019

I stedet for et abstract er her begyndelsen på forordet:

Islam i Danmark og Europa er under stadig forandring. Herboende muslimer forholder sig til de samfund, de lever i. Nye generationer vokser op og fortolker islam i konteksten af deres opvækst i eksempelvis Danmark. Det kan få udtryk af frivillig eller tvungen “tilpasning” til et “dania-islam”. Eksempler i dette nummer af Tidsskrift for Islamforskning er ændringer i opfattelser af f.eks. ægteskab, kvinders rolle i moskémiljøer og regulering af moskéers kald til bøn lokalt i Danmark. Det kan også få udtryk af “afvisning” i et forsøg på at fastholde (forestillede) kulturelle og religiøse værdier eller som reaktion på diskrimination (...)
RÉGULATION ÉMOTIONNELLE ET ALEXITHYMIE : DES PRÉCURSEURS DES CONDUITES ALIMENTAIRES À RISQUE
Authors: Pugliese1 Jessica , Lecours Serge , Boucher Marie-Ève
Published: December 2019

Même si l’association entre l’alexithymie et les troubles de la conduite alimentaire (TCA) est établie, on comprend mal comment une personne en vient à développer des traits de personnalité alexithymiques qui, à leur tour, prédisent les TCA. En s’inspirant de modèles psychanalytiques, cette étude approfondit les connaissances actuelles en testant deux stratégies de régulation émotionnelle comme prédicteurs de cette relation: la suppression expressive et la réévaluation cognitive. Il était attendu que la suppression constante d’une émotion prédise positivement les traits alexithymiques (indicateur de dérégulation émotionnelle), qui à leur tour, prédiraient positivement les symptômes TCA. Inversement, il était suggéré que l’usage de la réévaluation cognitive prédise négativement les traits alexithymiques et donc les symptômes TCA. Les séquences hypothétiques ont été confirmées.
Hybrid demodulation method for distributed acoustic sensing based on coherent detection and pulse pair
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Jiang Junfeng , Wang Shuang , Liu Kun , Ma Zhe , Liang Guanhua , Ding Zhenyang , Zhang Yongning , Niu Panpan , Liu Tiegen
Published: December 2019

A hybrid demodulation method based on coherent detection and pulse pair for distributed acoustic sensing is proposed. The Rayleigh backscattering light of pulse pair is coherent amplified by local reference light. A 3 × 3 fiber coupler is utilized to produce stable 2π/3 phase shift for phase extraction. The digital mixing of the beat signals of two pulses suppress the noise caused by phase drift and vibration on the local reference fiber. Several simulated acoustic waveforms are detected and retrieved. Experimental results show that the system has good linear response. And the equivalent strain of noise is as low as 0.4n
ε.
Development and characterization of a multiplex panel of microsatellite markers for the Reunion free-tailed bat Mormopterus francoismoutoui
Authors: Dietrich Muriel , Le Minter Gildas , Turpin Magali , Tortosa Pablo
Published: December 2019

The ecology and conservation status of many island-restricted bats remain largely unexplored. The free-tailed bat Mormopterus francoismoutoui is a small insectivorous tropical bat, endemic to Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). Despite being widely distributed on the island, the fine-scale genetic structure and evolutionary ecology of M. francoismoutoui remain under-investigated, and therefore its ecology is poorly known. Here, we used Illumina paired-end sequencing to develop microsatellite markers for M. francoismoutoui, based on the genotyping of 31 individuals from distinct locations all over the island. We selected and described 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci with high levels of heterozygosity, which provide novel molecular markers for future genetic population-level studies of M. francoismoutoui.
MemCat: a new category-based image set quantified on memorability
Authors: Goetschalckx Lore , Wagemans Johan
Published: December 2019

Images differ in their memorability in consistent ways across observers. What makes an image memorable is not fully understood to date. Most of the current insight is in terms of high-level semantic aspects, related to the content. However, research still shows consistent differences within semantic categories, suggesting a role for factors at other levels of processing in the visual hierarchy. To aid investigations into this role as well as contributions to the understanding of image memorability more generally, we present MemCat. MemCat is a category-based image set, consisting of 10K images representing five broader, memorability-relevant categories (animal, food, landscape, sports, and vehicle) and further divided into subcategories (e.g., bear). They were sampled from existing source image sets that offer bounding box annotations or more detailed segmentation masks. We collected memorability scores for all 10 K images, each score based on the responses of on average 99 participants in a repeat-detection memory task. Replicating previous research, the collected memorability scores show high levels of consistency across observers. Currently, MemCat is the second largest memorability image set and the largest offering a category-based structure. MemCat can be used to study the factors underlying the variability in image memorability, including the variability within semantic categories. In addition, it offers a new benchmark dataset for the automatic prediction of memorability scores (e.g., with convolutional neural networks). Finally, MemCat allows the study of neural and behavioral correlates of memorability while controlling for semantic category.
The effect of voluntary head movements on postural kinetics in the standing cat
Authors: Song Yang , Wang Meizi , Baker Julien Steven , Gu Yaodong
Published: December 2019

Background

Although the postural instability accompanying bilateral vestibular loss in human and quadrupeds during lateral head movements are well-known, it is still unclear whether or not lateral head turns would indeed activate the postural control system to maintain balance. This study aimed to examine the kinetic parameters in freely standing intact cats during head movements in order to further answer the above question.

Methods

Six intact cats were trained to stand, unrestrained on a force plate and perform voluntary head movements to the left and right positions in response to visual cues. Each trial was divided into two phases, quiet standing with the cat’s head maintaining a straight forward and lateral head position after voluntary head movements. Kinetic parameters including peak pressure and contact area under each limb as well as center of pressure (COP) displacements of the whole body were measured.

Results

Compared to the neutral head position, peak pressure and contact area of the left head position were significantly smaller for the left forelimb while greatly larger for the right forelimb. An exact opposite case of peak pressure and contact area in the forelimbs was found between the right and neutral head positions. In addition, the COP displacements altered oppositely to the head movements, and presented a significantly right shift in the left position and a significantly left shift in the right position.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the lateral displacement of the head in standing intact cats does activate the postural adjustment to maintain balance, which is consistent with the concept that vestibular input can contribute to postural balance during voluntary head turns.
Identification of key genes in non-small cell lung cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Peng Rui , Sun Yan , Wang Jia , Chong Xinyu , Zhang Zheng
Published: December 2019

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and it has become the leading cause of death of malignant tumors. However, its mechanisms are not fully clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the key genes and explore their potential mechanisms involving in NSCLC.

Methods

We downloaded gene expression profiles GSE33532, GSE30219 and GSE19804 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed them by using GEO2R. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used for the functional and pathway enrichment analysis. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by STRING and visualized it by Cytoscape. Further, we performed module analysis and centrality analysis to find the potential key genes. Finally, we carried on survival analysis of key genes by GEPIA.

Results

In total, we obtained 685 DEGs. Moreover, GO analysis showed that they were mainly enriched in cell adhesion, proteinaceous extracellular region, heparin binding. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that transcriptional misregulation in cancer, ECM-receptor interaction, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway were involved in. Furthermore, PPI network was constructed including 249 nodes and 1,027 edges. Additionally, a significant module was found, which included eight candidate genes with high centrality features. Further, among the eight candidate genes, the survival of NSCLC patients with the seven high expression genes were significantly worse, including CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, BIRC5, CCNB2, KIAA0101 and MELK. In summary, these identified genes should play an important role in NSCLC, which can provide new insight for NSCLC research.
Effect of Financial Deepening on Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Time Series Appraisal (1986-2018)
Authors: Chikwado Nwakobi Paschal , Chioma Oleka Dorothy , Chijindu Ananwude Amalachukwu
Published: December 2019

The influence of financial deepening on the economic growth of any nation cannot be underestimated. To this end, the study evaluated the effect of financial deepening on economic growth in Nigeria over a period of thirty three (33) years: 1986 to 2018. Data were collected from statistical bulletins of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and factbooks of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The model estimation followed the Auto-regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) approach with the effect estimated in line with the Granger Causality analysis. We found that economic growth in Nigeria is not affected by financial deepening. The study also stated that the level of growth in the economy is what influences the level of development in the banking sector. The implication is that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) should formulate and implement policies geared toward the deepening of the banking sector and the capital markets to help in the efficient and effective mobilization of resources to accelerate the growth of the Nigerian economy. The insurance sector should not be left out in this regard even though citizens seem not to embrace the need for insurance policies. Impediments to the competition in the banking, insurance and capital market activities should be removed by strict legislation in line with international best practices and participants in the markets be protected as well.
C-Reactive Protein as an Inflammatory Biomarker for the Assessment of Malaria Parasitemia in a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Dada A. , Chinwe Eze N. , Ayodeji Akawa B.
Published: December 2019

Aim: To use C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in assessing` malaria and malaria parasitemia among out-patients in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Out Patients Department (OPD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It was conducted between November 2017 and April 2018.

Methodology: This study was done on 400 subjects between the ages of 11 and 60 years which consisted of 254 falciparum malaria infected patients and 164 non-infected patients. Quantitative analysis of Serum CRP was done using the High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HsCRP) enzyme immunoassay test kit (Biocheck©) while malaria diagnosis was done using microscopy Giemsa thick and thin film prepared on separate slides, slides were observed under the ×10 and ×100 objectives of the light microscope. Slides viewed under a high power field with parasite density less than three (<3), between 3 and 10 (3-10), from eleven to nineteen (11-19) and greater or equal to 20 (≥20) were classified as scanty, one plus (+), two pluses (++) and three pluses (+++) respectively. Data analysis was done using statistical packages for social science (SPSS) version 21.

Results: The results showed a significant (p<0.001) overall mean high serum CRP concentration (25.63±14.40 mg/l) in the malaria infected patients compared to 3.74±1.02 mg/l in the non-infected group, with a direct increment of the CRP level from the scanty to the three pluses with 9.50±0.37 mg/l, 13.51±1.6 mg/l, 44.19±2.62 mg/l and 53.84±1.75 mg/l recorded for scanty, one plus, two pluses and three pluses respectively. CRP correlated positively and significantly with malaria parasitemia (r = 0.89; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The abnormally elevated level of CRP in the infected patients showed that CRP is a positive biomarker for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and can be used as an indicator of the disease coupled with other febrile symptoms.
Assessing the Impact of Factors Driving Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Ahmed Redwan , Sabau Gabriela , Haghiri Morteza
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the causal relationship between global CO2 emissions and six of their potentially contributing factors (i.e., economic growth, energy consumption, population, trade openness, financial development and corruption), by using a panel data collected from 65 countries during 1995 to 2013. We developed a dynamic model and used a four-step testing procedures (i.e., panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests, long-run estimates, i.e. FMOLS estimates and a Granger causality test). The results showed that the most important factors driving global CO2 emissions were economic growth, energy consumption, corruption and financial development. It is recommended that countries develop their own CO2 reducing policies by designing an appropriate combination/mix of policy tools, such as regulation, economic, voluntary and educational/ informational instruments to address their environmental pollution. Countries could consider all dimensions of well-being when they measure their economic development. Imposing pollution taxes on fossil fuel based energy supplies, developing emissions standards, strengthening anti-corruption strategies and educating people about the adverse effects of CO2 emissions on the natural environment and human health are potential policy measures.
A conformação neoliberal das políticas educacionais de ensino superior no governo Lula
Authors: Teles Gabriel
Published: December 2019

Resumo: O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar e reconstituir as políticas educacionais de ensino superior no governo Lula (2003-2010). Nesse sentido, buscamos explicitar a conformação neoliberal em que o ensino superior público passou ao longo desse governo em continuidade aos governos passados. O método de investigação utilizado é o método dialético que, à luz dos conceitos e categorias marxistas, nos auxiliará a analisar a dinâmica da luta de classes no Brasil, focalizando a disputa entre as frações da classe dominante e sua relação com a burocracia governamental ao longo do governo petista.
Duas revoluções - A Revolução Russa (1917) e a Revolução Alemã (1918): sem partido de vanguarda a revolução é derrotada (Ensinamentos para os dias atuais)
Authors: Prestes Anita Leocadia
Published: December 2019

No artigo, a partir da comparação da Revolução Russa (1917) com a Revolução Alemã(1918), afirma-se que, sem partido de vanguarda, o processo revolucionário é levado à derrota.Ressalta-se o papel do reformismo como freio à formação de um partido revolucionário. Talconclusão traz ensinamentos para os dias atuais, sendo abordado o exemplo do Partido dosTrabalhadores no Brasil.
Concepções de ser professor e motivos de escolha pela docência em Educação Física
Authors: Turra Bárbara , Costa Cátia Silvana da , Rossi Fernanda
Published: December 2019

Objetiva-se identificar as concepções de ser professor de estudantes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física, compreender a escolha pela profissão docente e as influências das experiências vividas na graduação (tronco comum) nas decisões dos estudantes. A pesquisa, qualitativa, foi desenvolvida em uma Universidade pública do Estado de São Paulo, com vinte graduandos, por intermédio de questionário aberto. Para os participantes, ser professor é ser um agente de transformação; um profissional detentor de conhecimento que se relaciona com os alunos numa perspectiva horizontal. Quanto aos motivos que levaram à escolha do curso de licenciatura em Educação Física, destacaram-se a identificação com a área; a estabilidade e segurança econômica; a influência das experiências na graduação; a relação dos graduandos com os professores e os procedimentos didático-metodológicos adotados no curso; o anseio de ser um agente de transformação e de transmissão do conhecimento; e influências familiares e/ou escolares. Em relação a seguir ou não na carreira de professor quando concluir a graduação, a maioria dos estudantes respondeu positivamente, mas ainda existem alguns com dúvidas. Conclui-se que as concepções de ser professor resultaram, sobretudo, de representações construídas na trajetória de vida dos estudantes e das influências do tronco comum da graduação, que podem contribuir para a manifestação e configuração de suas decisões docentes. Logo, é relevante (re)pensar como essas representações podem ser (des)construídas e (re)construídas no tronco comum dos cursos de licenciatura no intuito de melhor fundamentar o estudante para suas decisões relacionadas à carreira docente.
A Dual‐Functional Conductive Framework Embedded with TiN‐VN Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Polysulfide and Lithium Regulation toward Stable Li–S Full Batteries
Authors: Yao Yu , Wang Haiyun , Yang Hai , Zeng Sifan , Xu Rui , Liu Fanfan , Shi Pengcheng , Feng Yuezhan , Wang Kai , Yang Wenjin , Wu Xiaojun , Luo Wei , Yu Yan
Published: December 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are strongly considered as next‐generation energy storage systems because of their high energy density. However, the shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), sluggish reaction kinetics, and uncontrollable Li‐dendrite growth severely degrade the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries. Herein, a dual‐functional flexible free‐standing carbon nanofiber conductive framework in situ embedded with TiN‐VN heterostructures (TiN‐VN@CNFs) as an advanced host simultaneously for both the sulfur cathode (S/TiN‐VN@CNFs) and the lithium anode (Li/TiN‐VN@CNFs) is designed. As cathode host, the TiN‐VN@CNFs can offer synergistic function of physical confinement, chemical anchoring, and superb electrocatalysis of LiPS redox reactions. Meanwhile, the well‐designed host with excellent lithiophilic feature can realize homogeneous lithium deposition for suppressing dendrite growth. Combined with these merits, the full battery (denoted as S/TiN‐VN@CNFs || Li/TiN‐VN@CNFs) exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties including high reversible capacity of 1110 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and ultralong cycle life over 600 cycles at 2 C. Even with a high sulfur loading of 5.6 mg cm−2, the full cell can achieve a high areal capacity of 5.5 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C. This work paves a new design from theoretical and experimental aspects for fabricating high‐energy‐density flexible Li–S full batteries.
A Multifunctional Separator Enables Safe and Durable Lithium/Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries under Elevated Temperature
Authors: Zhou Zhenfang , Chen Bingbing , Fang Tingting , Li Yue , Zhou Zhongfu , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Jiujun , Zhao Yufeng
Published: December 2019

Rechargeable metal–sulfur batteries encounter severe safety hazards and fast capacity decay, caused by the flammable and shrinkable separator and unwanted polysulfide dissolution under elevated temperatures. Herein, a multifunctional Janus separator is designed by integrating temperature endurable electrospinning polyimide nonwovens with a copper nanowire‐graphene nanosheet functional layer and a rigid lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide‐polyethylene oxide matrix. Such architecture offers multifold advantages: i) intrinsically high dimensional stability and flame‐retardant capability, ii) excellent electrolyte wettability and effective metal dendritic growth inhibition, and iii) powerful physical blockage/chemical anchoring capability for the shuttled polysulfides. As a consequence, the as constructed lithium–sulfur battery using a pure sulfur cathode displays an outstandingly high discharge capacity of 1402.1 mAh g−1and a record high cycling stability (approximately average 0.24% capacity decay per cycle within 300 cycles) at 80 °C, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art results in the literature. Promisingly, a high sulfur mass loading of ≈3.0 mg cm−2and a record low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 6.0 are achieved. This functional separator also performs well for a high temperature magnesium–sulfur battery. This work demonstrates a new concept for high performance metal–sulfur battery design and promises safe and durable operation of the next generation energy storage systems.
Simulated pollinator declines intensify selection on floral traits that facilitate selfing and outcrossing in Impatiens capensis
Authors: Panique Hazel , Caruso Christina M.
Published: December 2019

Premise

Anthropogenic environmental change is causing pollinator populations to decline. These declines should intensify selection for floral traits that facilitate outcrossing by making plants more attractive to pollinators and/or for floral traits that facilitate selfing in the absence of pollinators. However, the effect of pollinator declines on selection on floral traits could be modified by other environmental factors such as herbivores.

Methods

We studied the effect of simulated pollinator declines on selection on floral traits of Impatiens capensis, a mixed‐mating species that produces both obligately selfing cleistogamous flowers and primarily outcrossing chasmogamous flowers. We measured directional selection differentials via seeds per plant on two traits that facilitate outcrossing (chasmogamous flower size and number) and one trait that facilitates selfing (cleistogamous flower number) in ambient, reduced pollinator access, and reduced pollinator access combined with increased foliar herbivory treatments.

Results

Reduced pollinator access intensified selection for larger chasmogamous flowers and more cleistogamous flowers. In contrast, increased herbivory did not affect selection on any floral trait.

Conclusions

Reduced pollinator access intensified selection for a trait that facilitates outcrossing, suggesting that even species such as I. capensis that can autonomously self‐pollinate have the potential to respond to pollinator declines by evolving floral traits that reinforce interactions between plants and pollinators. However, reduced pollinator access also intensified selection for a trait that facilitates selfing, suggesting that I. capensis could adapt to pollinator declines by evolving floral traits that maintain the production of both selfed and outcrossed seeds.
Exploring the Condensation Reaction between Aromatic Nitriles and Amino Thiols To Optimize In Situ Nanoparticle Formation for the Imaging of Proteases and Glycosidases in Cells
Authors: Chen Zixin , Chen Min , Cheng Yunfeng , Kowada Toshiyuki , Xie Jinghang , Zheng Xianchuang , Rao Jianghong
Published: December 2019

The condensation reaction between 6‐hydroxy‐2‐cyanobenzothiazole (CBT) and cysteine has been shown for various applications such as site‐specific protein labelling and in vivo cancer imaging. This report further expands the substrate scope of this reaction by varying the substituents on aromatic nitriles and amino thiols and testing their reactivity and ability to form nanoparticles for cell imaging. The structure–activity relationship study leads to the identification of the minimum structural requirement for the macrocyclization and assembly process in forming nanoparticles. One of the scaffolds made of 2‐pyrimidinecarbonitrile and cysteine joined by a benzyl linker was applied to design fluorescent probes for imaging caspase‐3/7 and β‐galactosidase activity in live cells. These results demonstrate the generality of this system for imaging hydrolytic enzymes.
Directed Evolution of a Tryptophan 2,3‐Dioxygenase for the Diastereoselective Monooxygenation of Tryptophans
Authors: Wei Yanxin , Lu Chen , Jiang Shengsheng , Zhang Yanyan , Li Qiuchun , Bai Wen‐Ju , Wang Xiqing
Published: December 2019

Herein, we report an engineered enzyme that can monooxygenate unprotected tryptophan into the corresponding 3a‐hydroxyhexahydropyrrolo[2,3‐b]indole‐2‐carboxylic acid (HPIC) in a single, scalable step with excellent turnover number and diastereoselectivity. Taking advantage of directed evolution, we analyzed the stepwise oxygen‐insertion mechanism of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenases, and transformed tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase from Xanthomonas campestris into a monooxygenase for oxidative cyclization of tryptophans. It was revealed that residue F51 is vital in determining the product ratio of HPIC to N′‐formylkynurenine. Our reactions and purification procedures use no organic solvents, resulting in an eco‐friendly method to prepare HPICs for further applications.
Fluorescence Self‐Reporting Precipitation Polymerization Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Constructing Optical Nanoagents
Authors: Wang Guan , Zhou Liangyu , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Engui , Zhou Lihua , Chen Dong , Sun Jiangman , Gu Xinggui , Yang Wantai , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2019

Precipitation polymerization is becoming increasingly popular in energy, environment and biomedicine. However, its proficient utilization highly relies on the mechanistic understanding of polymerization process. Now, a fluorescence self‐reporting method based on aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is used to shed light on the mechanism of precipitation polymerization. The nucleation and growth processes during the copolymerization of a vinyl‐modified AIEgen, styrene, and maleic anhydride can be sensitively monitored in real time. The phase‐separation and dynamic hardening processes can be clearly discerned by tracking fluorescence changes. Moreover, polymeric fluorescent particles (PFPs) with uniform and tunable sizes can be obtained in a self‐stabilized manner. These PFPs exhibit biolabeling and photosensitizing abilities and are used as superior optical nanoagents for photo‐controllable immunotherapy, indicative of their great potential in biomedical applications.
Quantum‐Chemical Study of the FeNCN Conversion‐Reaction Mechanism in Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Kaixuan , Fehse Marcus , Laurita Angelica , Arayamparambil Jeethu Jiju , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Stievano Lorenzo , Dronskowski Richard
Published: December 2019

We report a computational study on 3d transition‐metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co) carbodiimides in Li‐ and Na‐ion batteries. The obtained cell voltages semi‐quantitatively fit the experiments, highlighting the practicality of PBE+U as an approach for modeling the conversion‐reaction mechanism of the FeNCN archetype with lithium and sodium. Also, the calculated voltage profiles agree satisfactorily with experiment both for full (Li‐ion battery) and partial (Na‐ion battery) discharge, even though experimental atomistic knowledge is missing up to now. Moreover, we rationalize the structural preference of intermediate ternaries and their characteristic lowering in the voltage profile using chemical‐bonding and Mulliken‐charge analysis. The formation of such ternary intermediates for the lithiation of FeNCN and the contribution of at least one ternary intermediate is also confirmed experimentally. This theoretical approach, aided by experimental findings, supports the atomistic exploration of electrode materials governed by conversion reactions.
Cooperative effect of Fe and Ti species over Fe–Ti–Ox catalysts on the catalytic hydrolysis performance of hydrogen cyanide
Authors: Zhu Xinfeng , Mao Yanli , Liu Hongpan , Kang Haiyan , Liu Biao , Song Zhongxian , Liu Xueping , Guo Yifei , Du Huixian , Zhang Qiulin
Published: December 2019

FeOx, TiO2, and Fe–Ti–Ox catalysts were synthesized and used in the catalytic hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Nearly 100% HCN conversion was achieved at 250 °C over the Fe–Ti–Ox catalyst. TiO2 rutile was detected over TiO2, but not over Fe–Ti–Ox, which suggested that the interaction between Fe and Ti species could inhibit the TiO2 phase transition. Furthermore, the interaction between Fe and Ti species over Fe–Ti–Ox could promote the selectivity of NH3 and CO. The mechanism of hydrolysis of HCN over FeOx, TiO2, and Fe–Ti–Ox can be given as follows: HCN + H2O → methanamide → ammonium formate → formic acid → H2O + CO.
Synthesis of new α‐aminophosphonates using nanoscale nickel‐based metal–organic framework as a heterogeneous catalyst and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Rasal Sarika A. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Shimpi Navinchandra G.
Published: December 2019

An elegant approach was presented for the synthesis of novel α‐aminophosphonates: a three‐component one‐pot condensation of 3‐(trifluoromethyl)aniline, substituted aromatic aldehydes, and diethyl phosphite using a nickel‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF). The Ni‐MOF was synthesized using 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid and further characterized using various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy analyses. Ni‐MOF seems to be an eco‐friendly, an easily recyclable, and heterogeneous catalyst up to the eighth run with minimal reduction in its catalytic activity. The synthesized α‐aminophosphonates were also investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In few cases, compounds 4a–4x show similar as well as higher antibacterial activity. Among the synthesized α‐aminophosphonates, 4a–4x had more potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria while compounds 4h, 4m, 4n, 4q, 4u, 4v, and 4w exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
Palladium based heterogeneous catalyst by evaporation‐induced self‐assembly: use of biopolymer as a surface functionalizing and reducing agent
Authors: Sarkar Debashish , Bahadur Jitendra
Published: December 2019

Palladium‐based composites are widely used as a heterogeneous catalyst in carbon–carbon coupling reactions and in catalytic converters used in the car industry. In this work, we demonstrate a simple, green and scalable synthesis procedure to obtain palladium (Pd) based heterogeneous catalyst. Surface functionalized silica microparticles were obtained in one‐step by spray‐drying a colloidal suspension of silica nanoparticles and gum arabic, an environmental‐friendly biopolymer. Subsequently, palladium nanoparticles were reduced and attached to the substrate by gum arabic. The as‐synthesized composite was characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), small angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The Pd@SiO2 composite was used as a catalyst in the reduction reaction of 4‐nitrophenol by sodium borohydride. The catalyst showed good recycling properties. The present environmental‐friendly approach for fabrication of Pd‐based heterogeneous catalyst circumvents various complex chemical steps involved in conventional chemical methods and could be generalized for the production of ceramic or magnetite‐based Pd composites.
Die Gänstorbrücke in Ulm – Untersuchung, Probebelastung und Brückenmonitoring
Authors: Müller Andreas , Sodeikat Christian , Schänzlin Jörg , Knab Franz , Albrecht Lukas , Groschup Robin , Obermeier Philipp
Published: December 2019

Bei der 1950 in Ulm über die Donau errichteten Gänstorbrücke handelt es sich um eine der ältesten Spannbetonbrücken in Deutschland. Bereits bei Untersuchungen in den 1980er Jahren zeigte sich, dass Spanngliedhüllrohre unvollständig verpresst wurden, der Spannstahl Korrosionserscheinungen aufweist und lokal Chlorideintragungen in den Beton stattgefunden haben. Im Jahr 2018 wurden bei umfangreichen Bauwerksuntersuchungen erhebliche standsicherheitsrelevante Korrosionsschäden an Spanngliedern vorgefunden. Da eine vollumfängliche Zustandsprüfung aufgrund der großen Anzahl an Spanngliedern nicht mit vertretbarem Aufwand möglich ist und nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, dass sich der Bauwerkszustand bis zur Realisierung eines Ersatzneubaus weiter verschlechtert, wurde ein Monitoringsystem installiert. Zur Kalibrierung des Messsystems und zur Festlegung von Warn‐ und Alarmwerten wurde eine Probebelastung mit definierten Verkehrslasten durchgeführt. Die Vorgehensweise bei den Untersuchungen, die Konzeptionierung der Probebelastung und des Monitoringsystems sowie wesentliche Ergebnisse werden im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags vorgestellt.
Development and validation of a rapid and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the determination of polyphyllin II in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yang Qiaoling , Li Hongjing , Gui Mingzhu , Li Zhiling , Sun Huajun
Published: December 2019

Polyphyllin II, a major steroidal saponin isolated from Paris polyphylla, exhibits significant pharmacological activities. In this study, a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the determination of polyphyllin II in plasma. Polyphyllin II and polyphyllin VII (internal standard) were separated on a Waters Acquity™ HSS T3 column and the mass analysis was performed in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization ion source. Results showed that the method was sensitive (lower limit of quantitation 0.5 ng/ml), precise (<15%) and linear in the range of 0.5–500 ng/ml (r > 0.99). Interestingly, the sensitivity in current study was ~10 times higher than that in the previous study. The results of the pharmacokinetic study of polyphyllin II in rats suggested that polyphyllin II was poorly absorbed into blood and reached its highest concentration at ~3.67–5.00 h with a slow elimination half‐life of 8.34–13.37 h. The bioavailability was 6.1–8.2%. The results indicated that the absorption of polyphyllin II may primarily occur via passive diffusion in rats. This study provides valuable information that can be used as a reference for the pharmacokinetic investigation of other steroidal saponins.
Hepatitis E virus‐associated Guillain–Barre syndrome: Revision of the literature
Authors: Liu Hang , Ma Ying
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The association between preceding infection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) has been found for more than a decade, while hepatitis E virus‐associated Guillain–Barre syndrome (HEV‐associated GBS) still remains poorly understood. Initially discovered in 2000, the association between GBS and HEV has been focused by neurologists increasingly. Five percent of patients with GBS had preceding acute HEV infection in the Netherlands and higher rate was found in Bangladesh (11%) where HEV is endemic.

Method

An extensive review of relevant literature was undertaken.

Results

Hepatitis E virus infection may induce GBS via direct viral damage according to recent research findings. On the other hand, the presence of antiganglioside GM1 or GM2 antibodies in serum of some HEV‐associated GBS patients indicates that HEV infection may trigger GBS by activating autoimmune response to destroy myelin or axon mistakenly. Management of HEV‐associated GBS has no obvious difference from GBS. It mainly consists of supportive therapy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PLEX) was used in most reported cases, which is the main strategy for clinical treatment of HEV‐associated GBS. Whether antiviral therapy could be additional strategy other than the routine therapy to shorten the length of disease course is one of the most urgent problems and requires further study.

Conclusions

An overview of possible pathogenesis will gain a first insight into why HEV, traditionally recognized as only hepatotropic, can induce many neurological disorders represented by GBS. Moreover, understanding of the underlying mechanisms may contribute to development of a novel therapeutic strategy. This review also summarizes management and clinical characteristics of HEV‐associated GBS, aiming to achieve early recognition and good recovery.
Exploring challenges and solutions in applying green human resource management practices for the sustainable workplace in the ready‐made garment industry in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Asadul , Hunt Abigail , Jantan Amer Hamzah , Hashim Haslinda , Chong Choo Wei
Published: December 2019

The study aimed to explore challenges and solutions in applying green human resource management practices for the sustainable workplace. The field of enquiry is ready‐made garments factories, with the study drawing on qualitative research. The researchers interviewed 12 managers from leading ready‐made garments factories in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The participants interviewed provided rich qualitative data and identified a number of challenges such as a poor level of knowledge, no rules for practicing, a lack of managerial interest and organisational support, high costs of practicing, and high employee turnover as the main challenges in applying green human resource management practices in the factories of the industry. The study also found that strict rules and regulations, monitoring, courses in universities, training programs, and monetary incentives could be effective solutions in applying green human resource management practices in the organisations. This study is amongst the first in academic research to reveal the challenges and solutions in applying green human resource management practices in organisations; therefore, primary data could be useful for academicians and policymakers for further research and subsequent decision‐making.
RETRACTED: Combination of aloin and metformin enhances the antitumor effect by inhibiting the growth and invasion and inducing apoptosis and autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Sun Ruijie , Zhai Ruiren , Ma Changlin , Miao Wei
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a devastating and highly metastatic cancer worldwide. Metformin (MET) is the priority drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, it possesses multiple biological effects like anticancer and hepatoprotective activity. Herein, we examined the effects of aloin (barbaloin) and MET as well as combination treatment in HCC cell line in vitro and in vivo. As a result, aloin and MET alone exhibited inhibitory effects on proliferation and invasion of HepG2 and Bel‐7402 cells. Specially, combination treatment of aloin and MET showed enhanced inhibitory effects in vitro. Aloin and MET alone induced apoptosis and autophagy in vitro. Similarly, aloin and MET cooperated to promote apoptosis and autophagy in HepG2 and Bel‐7402 cells. In the HepG2 xenograft models, aloin in combination with MET confine tumor growth and facilitate apoptosis and autophagy. Both the in vitro and in vivo results showed that aloin and MET alone as well as combination treatment activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Overall, our research demonstrated that the concomitant treatment with aloin and MET enhances the antitumor effect by inhibiting the growth and invasion as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy in HCC through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Nickel‐Doped Porous ZnO Nanosheets Functionalized with CuInS2 Nanoparticles: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Chromium (VI) Reduction
Authors: Gu Shuo , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhou Xiaoyu , Xie Fazhi , Wang Xiufang , Tang Zhi
Published: December 2019

Heterojunction nanocomposites comprising Nickel‐doped porous ZnO nanosheets decorated with CuInS2 nanoparticles (CuInS2/Ni−ZnO) were prepared through a facile two‐step process. Compared with pure ZnO nanosheets, the Ni doping modifies the energy band structure and narrows the bandgap from 3.1 eV to 2.4 eV, thus enhancing the absorption of visible light. The production of high‐quality CuInS2/Ni−ZnO nanosheets with well‐matched band energy alignment facilitates effective charge transportation and separation. Benefiting from these favorable properties, the as‐prepared CuInS2/Ni−ZnO heterojunction nanosheets exhibit higher photocatalytic activity for reduction of Cr (VI) than CuInS2 and Ni−ZnO in the presence of visible light. The CuInS2/Ni−ZnO‐5 (2 % Ni) composite shows the best photocatalytic activity, which is 7.2 and 5.4 times higher than that of the Ni−ZnO and CuInS2. 98 % of Cr (VI) (50 mg/L) can be reduced within 25 min. Moreover, the activity and structure of the CuInS2/Ni−ZnO catalyst are maintained after five cycles. Combining theoretical calculations and experimental results, a possible photocatalysis mechanism of the CuInS2/Ni−ZnO heterojunction nanocomposites is proposed.
Boron–Nitrogen Double Tweezers Comprising Arylboronic Esters and Diamines: Self‐Assembly in Solution and Adaptability as Hosts for Aromatic Guests in the Solid State
Authors: Herrera‐España Angel D. , Höpfl Herbert , Morales‐Rojas Hugo
Published: December 2019

The thermodynamic stability of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 boron–nitrogen (B←N) adducts formed between aromatic boronic esters with mono‐ and diamines was studied in solution by NMR and UV‐vis spectroscopy with association energies (ΔG°) ranging from −11 to −28 kJ mol−1. The effect of different substituents in the boronic ester, the nature of the diamine linker, and the effect of the solvent was explored. Stable 2 : 1 B←N adducts with diamines such as 1,3‐diaminopropane were produced in solutions of hydrogen‐bonding acceptor solvents (acetonitrile and ethyl acetate), which can be isolated in the solid state as crystalline solvates, whereas the use of noncoordinating solvents such as 1,2‐dichloroethane afforded mainly 1 : 1 B←N adducts. In suitable combinations, aromatic bis‐pyridyl diamines produced stable 2 : 1 B←N adducts that were isolated either as solvent‐free solids, solvates, or cocrystals. In these crystalline forms, double‐tweezer hosts were observed with an exceptional syn/anti conformational guest‐adaptability driven by simultaneous donor‐acceptor and C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the tweezer cavities, resembling preorganized covalent tweezer hosts. Interestingly, cocrystals with electron‐rich guests such as tetrathiafulvalene and pyrene showed non‐centrosymmetric crystal lattices with infinite π‐stacked donor–acceptor columns.
A simple void node and loop‐free three‐dimensional routing protocol for multi‐hop wireless networks
Authors: Begum Afruza , Hussain Md Anwar
Published: December 2019

Wireless networks are now very essential part for modern ubiquitous communication systems. The design of efficient routing and scheduling techniques for such networks have gained importance to ensure reliable communication. Most of the currently proposed geographic routing protocols are designed for 2D spatial distribution of user nodes, although in many practical scenarios user nodes may be deployed in 3D space also. In this paper, we propose 3D routing protocols for multihop wireless networks that may be implemented in two different ways depending on how the routing paths are computed. When the routing paths to different user nodes from the base station in the wireless network are computed by the base station, we call it centralized protocol (3DMA‐CS). A distributed routing (3DMA‐DS) protocol is implemented when respective routing path of each user node to the base station is computed by the user node. In both of these protocols, the user (base station) selects the relay node to forward packets in the direction of destination, from the set of its neighbours, which makes minimum angle with the reference line drawn from user (base station) to the base station (user), within its transmission range. The proposed protocols are free from looping problem and can solve the void node problem (VNP) of multihop wireless networks. Performance analysis of the proposed protocol is shown by calculating end‐to‐end throughput, average path length, end‐to‐end delay, and energy consumption of each routing path through extensive simulation under different network densities and transmission ranges.
Umweltwirkungen von Bauprodukten – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen beim Vergleich verschiedener Wandkonstruktionen
Authors: Walther Hartmut B.
Published: December 2019

Life cycle assessments quantify the environmental impact of goods and services. Increasingly, their results should be used for variant comparisons in construction planning and procurement.
For the ecological assessment of wall building materials, this should not be limited to the assessment of the blocks, but the influence of insulation, plaster and mortar have to be taken into account as well. The considered wall should also fulfil predetermined properties such as a certain U‐value.

The LCA data available today still do not permit any comparison of variants. For this, product‐specific life cycle assessments/environmental product declarations would have to exist on the basis of uniform background data. Because the latter are being constantly developed and there are hardly any product‐specific calculations, comparisons today are very inaccurate and subject to great uncertainties.