bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of hub genes and potential molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Cao Ling , Chen Yan , Zhang Miao , Xu De-quan , Liu Yan , Liu Tonglin , Liu Shi-xin , Wang Ping
Published: July 2018

Objective

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In the current study, we aim to identify the hub genes and uncover the molecular mechanisms of GC.

Methods

The expression profiles of the genes and the miRNAs were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The identification of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including miRNAs, was performed by the GEO2R. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and miRNA-gene network were constructed using Cytoscape software. The hub genes were identified by the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plugin, the CytoHubba plugin and miRNA-gene network. Then, the identified genes were verified by Kaplan–Meier plotter database and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in GC tissue samples.

Results

A total of three mRNA expression profiles (GSE13911, GSE79973 and GSE19826) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including 69, 20 and 27cases separately. A total of 120 overlapped upregulated genes and 246 downregulated genes were identified. The majority of the DEGs were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, collagen catabolic process, collagen fibril organization and cell adhesion. In addition, three KEGG pathways were significantly enriched, including ECM-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, and the focal adhesion pathways. In the PPI network, five significant modules were detected, while the genes in the modules were mainly involved in the ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways. By combining the results of MCODE, CytoHubba and miRNA-gene network, a total of six hub genes including COL1A2, COL1A1, COL4A1, COL5A2, THBS2 and ITGA5 were chosen. The Kaplan–Meier plotter database confirmed that higher expression levels of these genes were related to lower overall survival, except for COL5A2. Experimental validation showed that the rest of the five genes had the same expression trend as predicted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, COL1A2, COL1A1, COL4A1, THBS2 and ITGA5 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC. Moreover, ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways play significant roles in the progression of GC.
SPECT/CT image‐based dosimetry for Yttrium‐90 radionuclide therapy: Application to treatment response
Authors: Potrebko Peter S. , Shridhar Ravi , Biagioli Matthew C. , Sensakovic William F. , Andl George , Poleszczuk Jan , Fox Timothy H.
Published: July 2018

This work demonstrates the efficacy of voxel‐based 90Y microsphere dosimetry utilizing post‐therapy SPECT/CT imaging and applies it to the prediction of treatment response for the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A 90Y microsphere dosimetry navigator (RapidSphere) within a commercial platform (Velocity, Varian Medical Systems) was demonstrated for three microsphere cases that were imaged using optimized bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT. For each case, the 90Y SPECT/CT was registered to follow‐up diagnostic MR/CT using deformable image registration. The voxel‐based dose distribution was computed using the local deposition method with known injected activity. The system allowed the visualization of the isodose distributions on any of the registered image datasets and the calculation of dose‐volume histograms (DVHs). The dosimetric analysis illustrated high local doses that are characteristic of blood‐flow directed brachytherapy. In the first case, the HCC mass demonstrated a complete response to treatment indicated by a necrotic region in follow‐up MR imaging. This result was dosimetrically predicted since the gross tumor volume (GTV) was well covered by the prescription isodose volume (V150 Gy = 85%). The second case illustrated a partial response to treatment which was characterized by incomplete necrosis of an HCC mass and a remaining area of solid enhancement in follow‐up MR imaging. This result was predicted by dosimetric analysis because the GTV demonstrated incomplete coverage by the prescription isodose volume (V470 Gy = 18%). The third case demonstrated extrahepatic activity. The dosimetry indicated that the prescription (125 Gy) isodose region extended outside of the liver into the duodenum (178 Gy maximum dose). This was predictive of toxicity as the patient later developed a duodenal ulcer. The ability to predict outcomes and complications using deformable image registration, calculated isodose distributions, and DVHs, points to the clinical utility of patient‐specific dose calculations for 90Y radioembolization treatment planning.
The Global Crisis of Affordable Housing: Architecture Versus Neoliberalism
Authors: Fishman Robert
Published: July 2018

Profiteering from house prices has a lot to answer for. The treatment of housing as just another commodity – central to the neoliberalist approach – has caused untold misery for millions across the world in recent decades. Robert Fishman, urban historian and professor at the Taubman College of Architecture and Planning of the University of Michigan, analyses the sources of the current situation in Western countries and looks at how architects have responded to its challenges. He uncovers examples of outstanding creativity and social engagement.
Beyond Green: Environmental Building Technologies for Social and Economic Equity
Authors: Rhee Pollyanna
Published: July 2018

Affordability and sustainability are buzzwords of the construction debate today – and building with wood may be an answer to both. Not only that; it also has psychological and physical health benefits for the buildings' eventual users. Pollyanna Rhee, a PhD candidate in history and theory of architecture at New York's Columbia University, looks at how architects and initiatives around the world – from North America to Europe to Australia – are using this material for low‐cost housing, notably in the form of sturdy cross‐laminated timber (CLT).
Allies in Equity: A Conversation with an Architect, a Developer and a Former Federal Housing Official
Authors: Kubey Karen
Published: July 2018

The success of subsidised housing programmes is inextricably linked to broader issues of policy, infrastructure and community development. Guest‐ Editor Karen Kubey discussed the subject with three of its key players in northern California: architect Michael Pyatok, developer Joshua Simon and former federal housing official (now academic) Carol Galante. Problems posed by zoning laws, opportunities offered by infill sites, and the importance of early engagement with residents to establish programme, were among the topics they discussed.
Ni‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Cross‐Coupling of Potassium Polyfluorobenzoates with Unactivated Phenol and Phenylmethanol Derivatives
Authors: Chen Quan , Wu Aizhen , Qin Shengxiang , Zeng Meiqi , Le Zhiping , Yan Zhaohua , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2018

A Ni‐catalyzed decarboxylative cross‐coupling of potassium polyfluorobenzoates with unactivated phenol and phenylmethanol derivatives is described. This novel transformation provides a practical and efficient protocol towards the synthesis of important polyfluorobiaryls and polyfluorinated diarylmethanes, and greatly enlarges the range of electrophiles utilized in decarboxylative coupling. Remarkably, preliminary mechanistic studies indicated the essential role of Zn(OAc)2 might lie in the enhancement of decarboxylation step.

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Photoexcitation in Solids: First‐Principles Quantum Simulations by Real‐Time TDDFT
Authors: Lian Chao , Guan Mengxue , Hu Shiqi , Zhang Jin , Meng Sheng
Published: July 2018

An efficient and state‐of‐the‐art real‐time time‐dependent density functional theory (rt‐TDDFT) method is presented, as implemented in the time‐dependent ab initio package (TDAP), which aims at performing accurate simulations of the interaction between laser fields and solid‐state materials. The combination of length‐gauge and velocity‐gauge electromagnetic field has extended the diversity of materials under consideration, ranging from low dimensional systems to periodic solids. Meanwhile, by employing a local basis presentation, systems of a large size are simulated for long electronic propagation time, with moderate computational cost while maintaining a relatively high accuracy. Non‐perturbative phenomena in materials under a strong laser field and linear responses in a weak field can be simulated, either in the presence of ionic motions or not. Several quintessential works are introduced as examples for applications of this approach, including photoabsorption properties of armchair graphene nanoribbon, hole‐transfer ultrafast dynamics between MoS2/WS2 interlayer heterojunction, laser‐induced nonthermal melting of silicon, and high harmonic generation in monolayer MoS2. The method demonstrates great potential for studying ultrafast electron‐nuclear dynamics and nonequilibrium phenomena in a wide range of quantum systems.
Tin Oxide as a Protective Heterojunction with Silicon for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation in Strongly Acidic or Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Moreno‐Hernandez Ivan A. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: July 2018

Photoelectrodes without a p–n junction are often limited in efficiency by charge recombination at semiconductor surfaces and slow charge transfer to electrocatalysts. This study reports that tin oxide (SnOx) layers applied to n‐Si wafers after forming a thin chemically oxidized SiOx layer can passivate the Si surface while producing ≈620 mV photovoltage under 100 mW cm−2 of simulated sunlight. The SnOx layer makes ohmic contacts to Ni, Ir, or Pt films that act as precatalysts for the oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) in 1.0 m KOH(aq) or 1.0 m H2SO4(aq). Ideal regenerative solar‐to‐O2(g) efficiencies of 4.1% and 3.7%, respectively, are obtained in 1.0 m KOH(aq) with Ni or in 1.0 m H2SO4(aq) with Pt/IrOx layers as OER catalysts. Stable photocurrents for >100 h are obtained for electrodes with patterned catalyst layers in both 1.0 m KOH(aq) and 1.0 m H2SO4(aq).
Interface Modification by Ionic Liquid: A Promising Candidate for Indoor Light Harvesting and Stability Improvement of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Chao , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Zhang Cong‐Cong , Lee Harrison K. H. , Pockett Adam , Barbé Jérémy , Tsoi Wing Chung , Yang Ying‐Guo , Carnie Matthew J. , Gao Xing‐Yu , Yang Wen‐Xing , Durrant James R. , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Jain Sagar M.
Published: July 2018

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently attracting significant interest owing to their promising outdoor performance. However, the ability of indoor light harvesting of the perovskites and corresponding device performance are rarely reported. Here, the potential of planar PSCs in harvesting indoor light for low‐power consumption devices is investigated. Ionic liquid of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4) is employed as a modification layer of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester) (PCBM) in the inverted PSCs. The incorporation of [BMIM]BF4 not only paves the interface contact between PCBM and electrode, but also facilitates the electron transport and extraction owing to the efficient passivation of the surface trap states. Moreover, [BMIM]BF4 with excellent thermal stability can act as a protective layer by preventing the erosion of moisture and oxygen into the perovskite layer. The resulting devices present a record indoor power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 35.20% under fluorescent lamps of 1000 lux, and an impressive PCE of 19.30% under 1 sun illumination. The finding in this work verifies the excellent indoor performance of PSCs to meet the requirements of eco‐friendly economy.
A Porous Organic Poly(triphenylimidazole) Decorated with Palladium Nanoparticles for the Cyanation of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Yu Haiwen , Xu Siqi , Liu Yijiang , Chen Hongbiao , Li Huaming
Published: July 2018

A new porous organic poly(triphenylimidazole), PTPI‐Me, was prepared through a Yamamoto self‐coupling reaction of 2,4,5‐tris‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazole (TPI‐Me) in the presence of bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)nickel(0). The polymer was subsequently decorated with Pd nanoparticles (NPs) to afford a heterogeneous cyanation catalyst, Pd@PTPI‐Me. Pd NPs with an average diameter of 2.7 nm were grown within the PTPI‐Me framework, owing to the coordination of the imidazole rings to the Pd species. The resultant Pd@PTPI‐Me catalyst, with a Pd loading of 0.13 mmol g−1, exhibited superior catalytic activity for the cyanation of aryl iodides. More importantly, the heterogeneous catalyst was also readily recycled and displayed negligible deactivation after five cycles.
Boron Ester‐Catalyzed Amidation of Carboxylic Acids with Amines: Mechanistic Rationale by Computational Study
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Ye , Hu Ben , Xu Zhong‐Yan , Zhang Rui‐Xue , Liu Tian‐Tian , Bi Siwei
Published: July 2018

A novel boron ester‐catalyzed amidation reaction of carboxylic acids and amines with unprecedented functional group tolerance was recently reported. To gain deeper insights into this reaction, a computational study with density functional theory methods was performed in this manuscript. Calculations indicate that the amidation starts with the condensation of carboxylic acids with the boron ester catalyst. The resulting monoacyloxylated boron species further undergoes the carboxylic acid‐assisted nucleophilic addition with amines to generate the amide product and a monohydroxyboron species. The condensation of the carboxylic acid with the monohydroxyboron species with the assistance of an amine regenerates monoacyloxylated boron species to finish the catalytic cycle. The rate‐determining step is catalyst regeneration and the amine‐coordinated monohydroxyboron species is the resting state in the catalytic cycle. The present results are consistent with the previous NMR study and the observed reaction orders of catalyst and substrates; it is expected to benefit further reaction optimization.
Responsive Fluorescence Probe for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hypochlorous Acid in Live Cells and Animals
Authors: Feng Huan , Meng Qingtao , Wang Yue , Duan Chengchen , Wang Cuiping , Jia Hongmin , Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhang Run
Published: July 2018

The development of effective bioanalytical methods for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of HOCl in vitro and in vivo plays a key role for better understanding the roles of this molecule in normal and diseased conditions, but remains challenging due to the highly reactive nature of HOCl and the complicated biological conditions. In this work, a new fluorescence probe, PQI, was developed for monitoring of the HOCl level in biological samples. PQI was easily synthesized by a one‐step condensation reaction. Upon addition of HOCl, significant changes in the absorption spectra and the color of the solution were noticed, facilitating the “naked eye” detection of HOCl in PBS buffer. The fluorescence of PQI was found to be significantly increased within a few seconds, leading to “OFF‐ON” fluorescence response towards HOCl. The sensing mechanism, oxidation of thioether by HOCl, was confirmed by HRMS titration analysis. PQI features a large Stokes shift, high sensitivity and selectivity, and rapid fluorescence response towards HOCl. Quantitative detection of HOCl in single live cells was demonstrated through fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis. PQI was then successfully used in visualisation of HOCl in live zebrafish and nude mice.
Control Schemes for Autonomous Car‐following Systems with two Classical Compensators
Authors: Zhu Wen‐Xing , Zhang Li‐Dong
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we improve the dynamics of an autonomous car‐following system with two classical compensation methods: proportional‐differential (PD) and velocity feedback (VF) control methods. Based on an optimal velocity model, the system transfer function was derived and control block diagram was given with an open‐loop transfer function. Three theorems were proposed and proven with the use of small gain theorem. The analytical results show that two compensation factors play important roles in stabilizing the car‐following system. In the simulation, three dynamical models were derived in reverse from the closed‐loop transfer function and the numerical results show that, with increasing factors, the stability of car‐following was enhanced and traffic jams were eliminated. The analytical results are supported by the numerical results.
Rationale and design of a randomized study to assess the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia: The BERSON clinical trial
Authors: Lorenzatti Alberto J. , Eliaschewitz Freddy G. , Chen Yundai , Fialkow Jonathan , Lu Juming , Baass Alexis , Monsalvo Maria Laura , Hsu Hui‐Chun , Somaratne Ransi , Ge Junbo
Published: July 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and diabetic dyslipidemia is a major contributor to cardiovascular risk in these patients. Here we report the rationale and design of a phase 3, double‐blind study specifically designed to evaluate the lipid‐lowering efficacy of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab in patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia who are on background statin therapy. In the BERSON (evolocumaB Efficacy for LDL‐C Reduction in subjectS with T2DM On background statiN) trial, patients with T2DM, a screening low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level of ≥ 2.6 mmol/L (≥100 mg/dL) or ≥ 3.4 mmol/L (≥130 mg/dL), and with or without statin treatment at screening, respectively, were enrolled and started on atorvastatin 20 mg/day for a lipid stabilization period of at least 4 weeks. Then, patients were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1:1 ratio to receive atorvastatin 20 mg once daily plus either evolocumab 140 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), evolocumab 420 mg every month (QM), placebo Q2W, or placebo QM. The co‐primary outcome measures were the percentage change from baseline in LDL‐C at week 12 and the percentage change from baseline in LDL‐C at the mean of weeks 10 and 12. The BERSON trial has completed enrollment. The study completed in the first half of 2018, and will provide information on the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in patients with T2DM and dyslipidemia.
Quinone‐Fused Pyrazoles through 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions: Synthesis of Tricyclic Scaffolds and in vitro Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation on Glioblastoma Cancer Cells
Authors: Bertuzzi Giulio , Crotti Simone , Calandro Pierpaolo , Bonini Bianca Flavia , Monaco Ilaria , Locatelli Erica , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Zani Paolo , Strocchi Elena , Mazzanti Andrea , Chiariello Mario , Franchini Mauro Comes
Published: July 2018

A novel and straightforward synthesis of highly substituted isoquinoline‐5,8‐dione fused tricyclic pyrazoles is reported. The key step of the synthetic sequence is a regioselective, Ag2CO3 promoted, 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of C‐heteroaryl‐N‐aryl nitrilimines and substituted isoquinoline‐5,8‐diones. The broad functional group tolerability and mild reaction conditions were found to be suitable for the preparation of a small library of compounds. These scaffolds were designed to interact with multiple biological residues, and two of them, after brief synthetic elaborations, were analyzed by molecular docking studies as potential anticancer drugs. In vitro studies confirmed the potent anticancer effects, showing promising IC50 values as low as 2.5 μm against three different glioblastoma cell lines. Their cytotoxic activity was finally positively correlated to their ability to inhibit PI3K/mTOR kinases, which are responsible for the regulation of diverse cellular processes in human cancer cells.
Green Chemistry in Higher Education: State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Trends
Authors: Płotka‐Wasylka Justyna , Kurowska‐Susdorf Aleksandra , Sajid Muhammad , de la Guardia Miguel , Namieśnik Jacek , Tobiszewski Marek
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, there is increasing interest in global sustainability, and thus, university students would like to know how human actions affect the health status of our planet. This is mainly due to their basic knowledge of problems such as global warming and greenhouse gases. Students would like to gain knowledge on how to safeguard the earth for future generations. This must involve changes in education programs at interested institutions and universities. To ensure that future generations of chemists are equipped with proper knowledge, significant efforts are needed. Thus, this article aims to present the history of green chemistry, its milestones, and ideas on how to teach this subject. A discussion of awareness in the field of green chemistry and of existing teaching materials is presented. In addition, green chemistry metrics, which should be known and used by professors and students, are described. Teaching methods for green chemistry are also given, with special attention paid to organic and analytical chemistry education.
Direct Recycling of Aged LiMn2O4 Cathode Materials used in Aqueous Lithium‐ion Batteries: Processes and Sensitivities
Authors: Wang Han , Whitacre Jay F.
Published: July 2018

Aged LiMn2O4 cathode materials were collected from aqueous electrolyte lithium‐ion batteries after long‐term cycling. The aged LiMn2O4 cathode materials, which had variable states of charge, were recycled using two different “direct“ methods: solid‐state, and hydrothermal. X‐ray diffraction and electrochemical analysis revealed that the hydrothermal method yielded a recycled product with higher phase purity, electrochemical energy storage capacity. Additionally, the importance of the state of charge of the aged LiMn2O4 on the recycled product varied depending on the methodology used. While the recycled products from the solid‐state method were sensitive to the state of charge of the aged LiMn2O4, the state of charge of the aged LiMn2O4 doesn't have an obvious effect on the hydrothermally recycled product.
Impacts of temperature, morpholine, and chronic radiation on the embryonic development of round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum)
Authors: Lim Michael Y.-T. , Manzon Richard G. , Somers Christopher M. , Boreham Douglas R. , Wilson Joanna Y.
Published: July 2018

During incubation, round whitefish embryos may experience fluctuating or elevated temperatures from natural (e.g., seasonal temperature changes) and/or anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic sources like once-through cooling discharges from nuclear power plants can also expose embryos to chemicals (e.g., morpholine) and/or radiation. To examine the effects of these potential stressors on embryogenesis, round whitefish were incubated under fluctuating or constant temperatures, with morpholine or 137Cs gamma rays. We report the percentage of prehatch and posthatch mortality, developmental rate, hatch dynamics, and morphometrics at 4 development stages. Embryos reared at constant temperatures had delayed developmental stage onset and median hatch, higher mortality at constant 8 °C, and lower mortality at ≤5 °C, compared with embryos reared under seasonal temperature regimes. Embryos incubated with ≥500 mg L−1 morpholine (>200× regulatory limits) had advanced hatch, reduced body size, and increased prehatch (100% at 1000 mg L−1) and posthatch (≈95% at 500 mg L−1) mortality compared with controls. Relative to controls, embryos irradiated with ≥0.16 mGy/d had larger body mass early in development, and all irradiated embryos had decreased posthatch mortality; the lowest dose was >300× discharge limits. Our study suggests that fluctuating or elevated temperatures and high-dose morpholine can alter development rate, hatch dynamics, and growth, and/or increase mortality compared with embryos reared at constant temperatures of ≤5 °C; conversely, low-dose irradiation had transient developmental effects but may benefit early posthatch survival. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2593–2608. © 2018 SETAC.
Influence of tooth location on coronally advanced flap procedures for root coverage
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Tavelli Lorenzo , Ravidà Andrea , Stefanini Martina , Suárez‐López del Amo Fernando , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: July 2018

Background

The efficacy of Coronally Advance Flap (CAF) has been extensively evaluated and several parameters influencing the results, such as interproximal attachment loss, recession defect size, papilla dimension, flap thickness, have also been identified. However, the influence of tooth location has not been systematically investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of tooth location on the outcomes of CAF.

Methods

A literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane libraries and hand‐searched journal until September 2017 was performed to identify clinical studies reporting the outcome of CAF for localized gingival recessions (GRs) for each single tooth.

Results

Eighteen articles reporting 399 localized GRs treated with CAF were included in the present systematic review. Canines and incisors were related to a higher mRC and CRC than premolars and molars (odds ratio 1.63) (p < 0.05), while the right side showed a higher CRC than the left side (odds ratio 1.60) (p < 0.05). No differences were found between maxillary and mandibular dentition (p > 0.05). The addition of a graft such as Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) with or without Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) was shown to enhance the outcomes compared to CAF alone (p < 0.05). CRC was negatively affected by initial clinical attachment level (p < 0.05), but not from the initial recession depth (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Tooth location plays an important role on mRC and CRC following CAF. The addition of CTG or substitutes, especially with biological agents (EMD), enhance the clinical outcomes compared to CAF alone.
Contribution of organic amendments to soil organic matter detected by thermogravimetry
Authors: Tokarski David , Kučerík Jiří , Kalbitz Karsten , Demyan Michael Scott , Merbach Ines , Barkusky Dietmar , Ruehlmann Joerg , Siewert Christian
Published: July 2018

Sustainable soil management requires reliable and accurate monitoring of changes in soil organic matter (SOM). However, despite the development of improved analytical techniques during the last decades, there are still limits in the detection of small changes in soil organic carbon content and SOM composition. This study focused on the detection of such changes under laboratory conditions by adding different organic amendments to soils. The model experiments consisted of artificially mixing soil samples from non‐fertilized plots of three German long‐term agricultural experiments in Bad Lauchstädt (silty loam), Grossbeeren (silty sand), and Müncheberg (loamy sand) with straw, farmyard manure, sheep faeces, and charcoal in quantities from 3 to 180 t ha−1each. In these mixtures we determined the organic carbon contents by elemental analysis and by thermal mass losses (TML) determined by thermogravimetry. The results confirmed the higher reliability of elemental analysis compared to TML for organic carbon content determination. The sensitivity of both methods was not sufficient to detect the changes in organic carbon content caused by small quantities of organic amendments (3 t ha−1or 0.1–0.4 g C kg−1soil). In the case of elemental analysis, the detectability of changes in carbon content increased with quantities of added amendments, but the method could not distinguish different types of organic amendments. On the contrary, the based on analysis of degradation temperatures, the TML allowed this discrimination together with their quantitative analysis. For example, added charcoal was not visible in TML from 320 to 330°C, which is used for carbon content determination. However, increasing quantities of charcoal were reflected in a higher TML around 520°C. Furthermore, differences between measured (with TML110–550) and predicted mass loss on ignition using both organic carbon (with TML330) and clay contents (with TML140) were confirmed as a suitable indicator for detection of organic amendments in different types of soils. We conclude that thermogravimetry enables the sensitive detection of organic fertilizers and organic amendments in soils under arable land use.
Extraction and determination of heavy metals in soil and vegetables irrigated with treated municipal wastewater using new mode of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on the solidified deep eutectic solvent followed by GFAAS
Authors: Habibollahi Mohammad Hossein , Karimyan Kamaleddin , Arfaeinia Hossein , Mirzaei Nezam , Safari Yahya , Akramipour Reza , Sharafi Hooshmand , Fattahi Nazir
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

In this research, a new extraction method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and the solidification of deep eutectic solvent has been developed for the determination of heavy metals in soil and vegetables prior to their analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). In this method, a green solvent consisting of 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and 1‐undecanol was used as an extraction solvent, yielding the advantages of material stability, low density and a suitable freezing point near room temperature.

RESULTS

Under optimal conditions, enrichment factors are in the range of 114–172. The calibration graphs are linear in the range of 0.02–200 µg kg−1 and limits of detection are in the range of 0.01–0.03 µg kg−1. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method based on seven replicate measurements of 0.80 µg kg−1 of Hg and 0.20 µg kg−1 of Pb and Cd in analyzed samples were in the range of 2.3–4.1% and 3.7–6.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A new deep eutectic solvent consists of two parts: 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and 1‐undecanol in a molar ratio of 1:2. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was also assessed by determining the concentration of the studied metal ions in a polluted farmland soil standard reference material. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Technical Note: Emission expectation maximization look‐alike algorithms for x‐rayCTand other applications
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

In emission tomography, the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is easy to use with only one parameter to adjust ― the number of iterations. On the other hand, theEMalgorithms for transmission tomography are not so user‐friendly and have many problems. This paper develops a new transmission algorithm similar to the emissionEMalgorithm.

Methods

This paper develops a family of emission‐EM‐look‐alike algorithms by expressing the emissionEMalgorithm in the additive form and changing the weighting factor. One of the family members can be applied to transmission tomography such as the x‐ray computed tomography (CT).

Results

Computer simulations are performed and compared with a similar algorithm by a different group using the transmissionCTnoise model. Our algorithm has the same convergence rate as theirs, and our algorithm provides better contrast‐to‐noise ratio for lesion detection.

Conclusions

For any noise variance function, an emission‐EM‐look‐alike algorithm can be derived. This algorithm preserves many properties of the emissionEMalgorithm such as multiplicative update, non‐negativity, faster convergence rate for the bright objects, and ease of implementation.
Anders als die anderen: mesoionische Carbene
Authors: Klenk Sinja , Suntrup Lisa , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: July 2018

1,2,3‐Triazol‐5‐ylidene sind eine Klasse von mesoionischen Carbenen, die derzeit oft als Liganden rwendet werden. Sie zeigen ungewöhnliche Bindungssituationen und Donoreigenschaften. Metallkomplexe solcher Liganden eignen sich für die homogene Katalyse, ahmen Enzymfunktionen nach und finden Anwendung in Photochemie und medizinischer Forschung.
Regionales Fonds‐Stipendiatentreffen in München
Authors: Frischhut Sabine , Kunkel Nathalie , Wylezich Thomas
Published: July 2018

Anfang April trafen sich in München Stipendiaten des Fonds der Chemischen Industrie an der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU) München zu einem regionalen Stipendiatentreffen. Die Veranstaltung hatten Rasmus Linser, Professor für NMR‐Spektroskopie, und sein Arbeitskreis organisiert. 23 Nachwuchswissenschaftler, die der FCI mit Liebig‐, Doktoranden‐ oder Kekulé‐Stipendium fördert, nutzten die Gelegenheit, sich auszutauschen und ihre Arbeitsgebiete vorzustellen.
Fakten und Trends: Chemiestudiengänge in Deutschland
Authors: Prereira Jaé Angela
Published: July 2018

Die Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker erhebt jährlich umfangreiche statistische Daten zu den Chemiestudiengängen. Im Vergleich zu 2017 ist die Anzahl der Studienanfänger leicht gestiegen. Es gab mehr Bachelor‐ sowie Masterabschlüsse. Die Zahl der Doktoranden erreichte ihren Höchststand seit Beginn der Statistik. Auf hohem Niveau blieb die Zahl der Promotionen. Nahezu alle Bachelorabsolventen an Universitäten und 70 % an Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW) schlossen ein Masterstudium an. 86 % der Masterabsolventen von Universitäten und 12 % von HAW begannen eine Doktorarbeit. Der Berufseinstieg blieb schwierig.
Appreciative management assessed by physiotherapists working in public or private sector: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Niemi Riitta , Roos Mervi , Harmoinen Merja , Partanen Katri , Suominen Tarja
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To describe how appreciative management occurs in the working environment of physiotherapists.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey. The data was collected with an electronic questionnaire. The survey instrument was Appreciative Management Scale. The participants were 474 physiotherapists working in clinical or managerial positions from public or private sector.

Results

Appreciative management was realized on an average level within physiotherapy. The highest scoring dimension was Equality and the weakest was Systematic Management. Appreciative management and all of its four categories were associated with the management education received by the manager, the respondent's position, and his or her current duties. The dimension of Appreciation of Know‐how and its subdimensions of Guidance and Autonomy were recognized more often when the manager's basic training was in physiotherapy rather than another field.

Conclusions

It is important that managers in physiotherapy recognize the characteristics of appreciative management, so they can include them as part of their good practice and as part of their own leadership style. Managers in physiotherapy need to be encouraged to participate in management education and also enable the participation of others. A background in physiotherapy can be seen to further the practice and development of physiotherapy. Offering physiotherapists challenging assignments and enabling their career development in physical therapy units is therefore of great importance.
Ultrafast Electron Dynamics in Topological Materials
Authors: Marsi Marino
Published: July 2018

Topological materials present unprecedented opportunities for the functionalization of advanced concepts employed in the description of quantum matter. Ultrafast dynamics studies of these materials, based on the use of light pulses with duration of the order of the femtosecond, make it possible to investigate basic questions concerning the out‐of‐equilibrium behavior of Dirac and Weyl fermions, as well as to explore novel opportunities for their possible technological applications. An overview is presented of the main experimental results and trends in the domain.
Model uncertainties in numerical simulations of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Cervenka Vladimir , Cervenka Jan , Kadlec Lukas
Published: July 2018

Numerical simulation based on the nonlinear fine element analysis requires a global safety format, which includes a model uncertainty. A general method for assessment of a global safety factor of model uncertainty is proposed for a particular resistance model. A set of 33 laboratory tests of reinforced concrete elements published by other authors is used for the model validation. It covers a wide range of failure models from brittle to ductile, and the member cross section size range from 0.1 to 4 m. The numerical model used for simulation is the fracture‐plastic constitutive model for concrete developed by the authors and implemented in the nonlinear finite element analysis in a commercial software.
Regulatory frameworks: Integration, partnerships and dialogue
Authors: Karimova Tahmina , Manrique Elizabeth Echeverría
Published: July 2018

International labour standards ensure a just transition to a green economy. They provide the legal foundation to deal with social issues of the green economy, and can promote decent working conditions in green sectors. Some countries are integrating decent work agenda in their environmental legislation. Social dialogue can help a transition to sustainable economies. It can prevent and reduce the environmental impact of enterprises, and improve working conditions, as appropriate environmental regulations and practices also help to prevent and minimize risks to worker health
Protecting workers and the environment
Authors: Maitre Nicolas , Behrendt Christina , Canonge James , Cotinguiba Luis , Duran Fabio , Schmitt Valérie , Urban Stefan , Capaldo Jeronim , Montt Guillermo
Published: July 2018

The need for social protection systems will increase as temperatures increase, precipitation patterns change and natural disasters become more common and intense. Unemployment protection schemes need to cover all workers and support those who lose their jobs in the shift to an environmentally sustainable economy. Cash transfer programmes help people cope with environmental events. Public employment programmes can combine economic, social and environmental objectives to support adaptation to and mitigation of environmental degradation. Payment for ecosystem services can also target environmental and social objectives. Extending social protection and green investment leads to positive economic and social outcomes.
Interactions resolve state-dependence in a toy-model of AdS black holes
Authors: Bzowski Adam , Gnecchi Alessandra , Hertog Thomas
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We show that the holographic description of a class of AdS black holes with scalar hair involves dual field theories with a double well effective potential. Black hole microstates have significant support around both vacua in the dual, which correspond to perturbative degrees of freedom on opposite sides of the horizon. A solvable toy-model version of this dual is given by a quantum mechanical particle in a double well potential. In this we show explicitly that the interactions replace the state-dependence that is needed to describe black hole microstates in a low energy effective model involving the tensor product of two decoupled harmonic oscillators. A naive number operator signals the presence of a firewall but a careful construction of perturbative states and operators extinguishes this.
Development and characterization of an inducible mouse model for glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Raggi Federica , Pissavino Anna Livia , Resaz Roberta , Segalerba Daniela , Puglisi Andrea , Vanni Cristina , Antonini Francesca , Del Zotto Genny , Gamberucci Alessandra , Marcolongo Paola , Bosco Maria Carla , Grillo Federica , Mastracci Luca , Eva Alessandra
Published: July 2018

Background and aims

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD1b) is a rare metabolic and immune disorder caused by a deficiency in the glucose‐6‐phosphate transporter (G6PT) and characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis, myeloid dysfunction, and long‐term risk of hepatocellular adenomas. Despite maximal therapy, based on a strict diet and on granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor treatment, long‐term severe complications still develop. Understanding the pathophysiology of GSD1b is a prerequisite to develop new therapeutic strategies and depends on the availability of animal models. The G6PT‐KO mouse mimics the human disease but is very fragile and rarely survives weaning. We generated a conditional G6PT‐deficient mouse as an alternative model for studying the long‐term pathophysiology of the disease. We utilized this conditional mouse to develop an inducible G6PT‐KO model to allow temporally regulated G6PT deletion by the administration of tamoxifen (TM).

Methods

We generated a conditional G6PT‐deficient mouse utilizing the CRElox strategy. Histology, histochemistry, and phenotype analyses were performed at different times after TM‐induced G6PT inactivation. Neutrophils and monocytes were isolated and analyzed for functional activity with standard techniques.

Results

The G6PT‐inducible KO mice display the expected disturbances of G6P metabolism and myeloid dysfunctions of the human disorder, even though with a milder intensity.

Conclusions

TM‐induced inactivation of G6PT in these mice leads to a phenotype which mimics that of human GSD1b patients. The conditional mice we have generated represent an excellent tool to study the tissue‐specific role of the G6PT gene and the mechanism of long‐term complications in GSD1b.
Kinship in Action, Kinship in Flux: Uncertainties and Transformations in Okiek Marriage Arrangement
Authors: Kratz Corinne A.
Published: July 2018

For Okiek in Kenya, marriage arrangement is a nexus where transformations of personhood and social relations, changes in land tenure, and shifting state engagements come together in ways that shape individual and family lives as well as communities. This article sketches transformations in Okiek life and marriage arrangement and considers how Okiek have managed interlineage discussions central to marriage arrangement. It explores the social dynamics, evocative rhetorics, uncertainties, and moral imaginations through which people constitute lineages and affinal relations in changing circumstances, and situates these processes within a longer historical trajectory of socioeconomic and demographic change.
The crackling sound of Leidenfrost stars
Authors: Brunet P.
Published: July 2018

Liquid drops deposited on a hot plate can experience a boiling crisis, when the vapour flux is strong enough to ensure the levitation of the drop and the relative insulation of the liquid from the solid. It is often denoted Leidenfrost effect, after the German Johann Gottlob Leidenfrost, who first reported it in 1756. While many studies have encompassed various applied issues associated with this phenomenon, aiming to control and prevent its appearance, Ma & Burton (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 846, 2018, pp. 263–291) focused on the spontaneous appearance of a standing wave at the free surface, together with temporal oscillations, making the drop adopt the shape of a star. Their far-reaching study presents exhaustive results using six different liquids with a range of different volumes and temperatures, in which they systematically extracted the drop dynamics together with the pressure fluctuations in the vapour cushion below.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Discontinued Use of the E-Cigarette
Authors: Alexis-Garsee Camille , Meehan Stephanie , van den Akker Olga
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Many UK smokers use e-cigarettes as a quitting aid; however, a substantial number discontinue use of the e-cigarette and revert to smoking. Understanding why this may happen is important both for individuals and for stop smoking services.

Aims: To explore young adult smokers’ experiences of use and discontinued use of the e-cigarette.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants who tried e-cigarettes for at least seven days and returned to smoking. Data was transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results: Findings suggested participants held conflicting attitudes about using e-cigarettes, which undermined attempts to quit smoking, and led to the discontinuation of the e-cigarette. These conflicts centred on participants’ discomfort with the e-cigarette or vaping identity, lack of abstinence self-efficacy and navigation of barriers to e-cigarette use. The complex interplay of these factors may have led to an underestimation of the individual effort required to continue vaping and reinforced participants’ perception of the e-cigarette as an inferior product to the cigarette.

Conclusions: Future research should focus on the role of identity, self-efficacy, control and smokers’ expectations of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation as these may be important factors to consider for a more tailored service for e-cigarette users.
Too attentive to our duty: the fundamental conflict underlying human rights protection in the UK
Authors: Douglas Benedict
Published: July 2018

Are we defined by the choices we make or the duties we owe? This paper argues that there is a conflict between the fundamental conception of the individual as possessing the capacity to choose how to live, which has been held to be the foundation of the European Convention on Human Rights, and the understanding of the individual as a bearer of duties which has long underpinned the UK Constitution. Through case law analysis, it is shown that the tension between these two understandings of the individual underlies the troubled acceptance of the Human Rights Act 1998, and influences the UK judiciary's substantive interpretations of the Convention rights. It is ultimately argued that for the Convention rights to be fully accepted in the UK, the evolution from a duty to a choice-based understanding of the individual, which was artificially accelerated by the Human Rights Act, must be more widely accepted by society and the courts.
Burden Sharing: Income, Inequality and Willingness to Fight
Authors: Anderson Christopher J. , Getmansky Anna , Hirsch-Hoefler Sivan
Published: July 2018

What explains citizens’ willingness to fight for their country in times of war? Using six waves of the World Values Survey, this study finds that individual willingness to fight is negatively related with country-level income inequality. When income inequality is high, the rich are less willing to fight than the poor. When inequality is low, the poor and rich differ little in their willingness to fight. This change in the willingness to fight between low and high inequality countries is greater among the rich than among the poor. This article explores several explanations for these findings. The data are consistent with the argument that high inequality makes it more attractive for the rich to buy themselves out of military service.