bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(j) Alms and the Man: Fiscal Sectarianism in the Legal Statements of the Shiʿi Imams
Authors: Hayes Edmund
Published: March 2019

The sociological dimensions of the development of a sectarian orientation in early Imami Shiʿism have remained sparsely explored since Marshall Hodgson posed the question ‘How did the early Shia become sectarian?’ in 1955. This article explores Imamic hadith statements on the canonical ritual payment of zakāt/ṣadaqa as a way of tracking the crystallisation of communitarian boundaries. It argues that the Shiʿi Imams, especially Imam Bāqir, fit into a common Muslim discourse regarding the payment of zakāt, for example in the case of an unjust Imam. However, the hadiths of the Imam Ṣādiq show a pivot towards the more clearly differentiated Shiʿi juristic positions of the Occultation period. Imamic statements on zakāt, therefore, must be seen as neither identical to Sunni positions, nor to classical Twelver Shiʿi formulations, but rather as dynamic responses to developing circumstances. In using Imamic hadiths to track early Shiʿi doctrine, this article also suggests directions for the development of a methodology for using hadiths to track historical developments, a venture which has barely begun. In dealing with the Shiʿi Hadith corpus, the author calls for an epistemological scepticism, coupled with a methodological positivism, assuming that while Imamic hadiths may merely act as mouthpieces for later doctrinal positions, it is also very possible that they do originate in the circles of the Imams to whom they are ascribed, and should be analysed as such in order to track chronological developments in the Hadith corpus.Keywords: Minorities, sectarianism, Shia, Shiʿism, Hadith, Islamic law, zakāt, ṣadaqa, alms, taxation, charity, group identity
(k) A Dispute between Ḥanafis and Twelvers about Mutʿa (First Half of 2nd c. AH)
Authors: Cilardo Agostino
Published: March 2019

Disputes between scholars of different backgrounds were usual in the first two centuries AH, which was the formative period of the Islamic system of law. At that time each geographical centre, mainly Mecca, Medina, Kūfa, Baṣra, and within each centre, each scholar, was proposing his own legal solution and was justifying it based on his own interpretation of the Quran and the Prophetic tradition. The iḫtilāf literature is rooted in that period. One of the controversial subjects concerns the lawfulness of the temporary marriage (nikāḥ al-mutʿa), which was a matter of sharp divergences between a group of the Shia, the Twelvers, and the remaining law schools. The subject matter of this paper does not concern the legal polemics about mutʿa, rather it exclusively aims to highlight the interpersonal relationships between the scholars involved. At my knowledge, I quote all sources regarding these personal relations. Only the Imami jurist al-Kulaynī reports three hadiths including disputes between the most preeminent representatives of the Twelvers, namely Abū ʿAbd Allāh Ǧaʿfar al-Ṣādiq and Abū Ǧaʿfar, and their Ḥanafi opponents, namely Abū Ḥanīfa and his disciple Zufar. The first controversy was between Abū ʿAbd Allāh and Abū Ḥanīfa; the second involved Abū Ǧaʿfar and Abū Ḥanīfa; the third one concerned Abū Ǧaʿfar and Zufar. The presentation of al-Kulaynī obviously sheds a good light on his school and its representatives and takes for granted the Imami legal justification of the doctrines he describes.Key words: Ḥanafis, Twelvers, mutʿa, interpersonal relationships
(a) Introduction
Authors: Guth Stephan
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
(d) Biradicalist Mimophonic Triradicalism: Sounds, root nuclei and root complements in M. Ḥ. Ḥ. Gabal’s ‘etymological’ dictionary of Arabic (2012)
Authors: Guth Stephan
Published: March 2019

This article presents and discusses the monumental ‘etymological dictionary’, or ‘lexicon’, al-Muʕǧam alištiqāqī al-muʔaṣṣal, by the late Egyptian professor of Arabic language at al-Azhar University, Muḥammad Ḥasan Ḥasan Gabal (d. 2015), and tries to situate it on the map of positions taken in Arabic and Semitic Studies in the West regarding the question whether or not the triradical roots of the Arabic and Semitic lexicon may have developed, via extension, from earlier biradical ones.Key words: biradicalism, triradicalism, root, ištiqāq, traditional ‘Arab’ etymology
(b) ʿĀmmiyya
Authors: Håland Eva Marie
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
(c) Baby Milk
Authors: Hofheinz Albrecht
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
(g) Dérja
Authors: Kallel Myriam Achour , Guellouz Mariem
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
(j) Psychiatrists
Authors: Aardal Maren Buvarp
Published: March 2019

No abstract available.
Non-canonical Arabic Detective Fiction: The Beginnings of the Genre
Authors: Bawardi Basilus , Faranesh Alif
Published: March 2019

The focus of this paper is Arabic detective fiction, which began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the broad-scope enterprise of translations, and the subsequent development of an authentic Arabic detective literature in the early 1960s. This paper traces diachronically the emergence of this popular genre at an entirely non-canonical level, in Egypt in particular, and examines its thematic characteristics. The paper also examines the causes of the lack of canonical detective literature until the early 1980s. It argues that Arabic detective literature, canonical and non-canonical alike, is a true reflection of the power relations and the social, political and cultural struggles in the Arab world. It further claims that Arabic detective literature is one of the most important literary strata in modern Arab literature, through which we can clearly discern changes in values and esthetics in modern Arab society, and examine the relations between money and ruling power in Egypt as a mirror of the entire Arab world and the connection between literature, preservation and the undermining of Arab law and social order.Key words: Non-canonical Arabic detective writing, Arabic popular literature, Detective fiction, Crime fiction.
The Founding of Damascus University 1903-1936: An essay in praise of the pioneers
Authors: Moubayed Sami
Published: March 2019

Damascus University, a pioneer in Levantine academia, has generally been ignored by Syriatologists and historians. Its story speaks volumes about the founding fathers of the Syrian Republic, however, and the anti-colonial movement under French Mandate rule. This article looks its the founding yea8rs under Ottoman times and ends with the tenure of its founder and first president Riḍà Saʿīd. Given that collapse of higher education in Syria at present, because of the current war, it is imperative to look back and see how Syrian academics emerged from times of war to revamp their university after the turmoil of World War I and French occupation. Present academics might find inspiration and a roadmap for the future in looking at the university’s past and the deeds of its founders.
TAXA DE RECORRIBILIDADE, TAXA DE REVERSIBILIDADE E EFICIÊNCIA JUDICIAL
Authors: Gico Junior Ivo Teixeira , Arake Henrique Haruki Cavalcante
Published: March 2019

O presente artigo explora como um estudo da taxa de recorribilidade e da taxa de reversibilidade de um determinado órgão jurisdicional pode revelar a dinâmica processual em qualquer jurisdição e apontar soluções para melhorar a prestação do serviço público adjudicatório. Após uma contextualização da lógica juseconômica do litigio, apresenta-se a metodologia de estimativa das referidas taxas e realiza-se um experimento exploratório com alguns casos do TJDFT.
Impact of Hydroxyurea on Survival and Risk of Thrombosis Among Older Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Zhu Mengxin , Zeidan Amer M. , Wang Rong , Wang Xiaoyi , Davidoff Amy J. , Huntington Scott F. , Giri Smith , Gore Steven D. , Ma Xiaomei
Published: March 2019

Background: Current guidelines recommend hydroxyurea (HU) as frontline therapy for patients with high-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) to prevent thrombosis. However, little is known about the impact of HU on thrombosis or survival among these patients in the real-world setting. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of older adults (aged ≥66 years) diagnosed with ET from 2007 through 2013 using the linked SEER-Medicare database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the effect of HU on overall survival, and multivariable competing risk models were used to assess the effect of HU on the occurrence of thrombotic events. Results: Of 1,010 patients, 745 (73.8%) received HU. Treatment with HU was associated with a significantly lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43–0.64; P<.01). Every 10% increase in HU proportion of days covered was associated with a 12% decreased risk of death (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86–0.91; P<.01). Compared with nonusers, HU users also had a significantly lower risk of thrombotic events (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.41–0.64; P<.01). Conclusions: Although underused in our study population, HU was associated with a reduced incidence of thrombotic events and improved overall survival in older patients with ET.
Detection of toxic materials at Death Valley and Death Spring, a new ecosystem in Tashan District, Southern Iran
Authors: Valiallahi Jalal , Fatemi Motlagh Reza
Published: March 2019

Death Valley and its stream form a unique landscape in the Tashan district of southern Iran. The water from the headstream of Death Spring to 100 meters downstream and the air around it are lethally dangerous and cause death. The color of the stream beds changes to five different colors. In this study, sampling of sediment and water took place in two seasons and at five stations. Historical information about the area was also collected and analyzed. The heavy metal concentrations in the water and sediment were high; in successive order from high to low, they were Fe > Al > Ag > Pb > Zn > Mn > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co > Sb. The toxic gas is H2S, and the treated concentration of this gas rises up to 410 ppm making the surrounding air toxic as well. The Gas emission has Geological origin. At the source of Death spring the Sulfur compounds in the water, soil, and sediment do not allow the growth of any macroscopic plants or animals. The current study aimed to identify the eco-touristic capacities and mortal danger in this valley, and to carry out environmental action plans, such as installing warning plates and notes to protect people and animals, so that all can benefit from the clean air and mineral water of 7 clean springs at the higher regions of Death Spring and enjoy the pleasant landscape of this area without being injured by the lethal gas of Death Valley. Other wonders of this area are also introduced.
A calcium transport mechanism for atrial fibrillation in Tbx5-mutant mice
Authors: Dai Wenli , Laforest Brigitte , Tyan Leonid , Shen Kaitlyn M , Nadadur Rangarajan D , Alvarado Francisco J , Mazurek Stefan R , Lazarevic Sonja , Gadek Margaret , Wang Yitang , Li Ye , Valdivia Hector H , Shen Le , Broman Michael T , Moskowitz Ivan P , Weber Christopher R
Published: March 2019

Risk for Atrial Fibrillation (AF), the most common human arrhythmia, has a major genetic component. The T-box transcription factor TBX5 influences human AF risk, and adult-specific Tbx5-mutant mice demonstrate spontaneous AF. We report that TBX5 is critical for cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, providing a molecular mechanism underlying the genetic implication of TBX5 in AF. We show that cardiomyocyte action potential (AP) abnormalities in Tbx5-deficient atrial cardiomyocytes are caused by a decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2)-mediated SR calcium uptake which was balanced by enhanced trans-sarcolemmal calcium fluxes (calcium current and sodium/calcium exchanger), providing mechanisms for triggered activity. The AP defects, cardiomyocyte ectopy, and AF caused by TBX5 deficiency were rescued by phospholamban removal, which normalized SERCA function. These results directly link transcriptional control of SERCA2 activity, depressed SR Ca2+ sequestration, enhanced trans-sarcolemmal calcium fluxes, and AF, establishing a mechanism underlying the genetic basis for a Ca2+-dependent pathway for AF risk.
High virulence gene diversity in Streptococcus pyogenes isolated in Central Italy
Authors: Bencardino Daniela , Di Luca Maria Chiara , Petrelli Dezemona , Prenna Manuela , Vitali Luca Agostino
Published: March 2019

Globally, Streptococcus pyogenes poses a continuous burden on human health, causing both self-limiting and life-threatening diseases. Therefore, studying the profile of virulence genes and their combinations is essential to monitor the epidemiology and pathogenic potential of this important species. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze related genetic features of clinical strains collected in Italy in 2012 in order to obtain a valid picture of their virulence profile that could be compared to similar studies made in other countries approximately in the same period. We conducted emm typing and fibronectin-collagen-T antigen (FCT) region typing in 122 Streptococcus pyogenes strains. Furthermore, several additional virulence genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction. We found correlations between emm types and FCT region profiles. emm1 strains were mainly associated with FCT2 and FCT6, while emm89 and emm12 strains were associated with FCT4. FCT5 was mainly represented in emm4, emm6, and emm75 strains. Significantly, we defined subtypes for each FCT type based on the differences in single and double loci compared to the reference scheme used for the classification of the FCT region. In addition, new FCT-region variants with differences in multiple loci were also recorded. Cluster analysis based on virulence gene profiling showed a non-random distribution within each emm type. This study added new data to existing studies conducted worldwide and revealed new variability scores in circulating Streptococcus pyogenes strains and new assortments in well-established virulence gene signatures.
Marketing Efficiency of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batata (L) Lam) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Girei A. A. , Turai H. M. , Filli F. B.
Published: March 2019

The study assessed the marketing efficiency of orange fleshed sweet potato in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study covered six (6) Local Government Areas out of the thirteen (13). Two (2) LGAs each out of the three (3) Agricultural zones were selected. A random sampling technique was adopted and a sample size of (90) respondents was used. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression model was used as tools of analysis. Results of the study showed that 38.9% of the respondents were still young and within the active age of 21-30. Also, majority 77.8% of the OFSP marketers, were married. The regression result of the determinants of OFSP market pricing efficiency shows a coefficient of multiple determination adjusted (R -2) of 0.595 which indicates that 59.5% variation in marketing efficiency of OFSP is explained by the independent variables. The independent variable marital status was positively significant at 1% level of probability which implies that an increase in marital status will increase the marketing of OFSP at 1% level of probability while input level though significant but was inversely significant at 5% level of probability and this implies that an increase in input level will have a decrease in the input level at 5% level of probability. Age of Respondent, gender, years of experience, quantity marketed and educational level was not significant. The study recommended that young, active and educated youths in the study area should take up OFSP marketing as a profitable venture that is capable of generating employment and self-reliance, instead of relying on government jobs.
Diagnostic Mydriasis: Any Effects on Systolic Blood Pressure?
Authors: Adediji A. K. , Adio A. O. , Fiebai B. , Pedro-Egbe C. N.
Published: March 2019

Aims: To determine the effects of diagnostic mydriasis using 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine on the systolic blood pressures of patients attending the Eye Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Study Design:  Interventional comparative hospital based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between November 2016 and January 2017.

Methodology: This was an interventional ‘within-patient’ comparative hospital-based study conducted over 3 months, in which the eyes of 137 subjects requiring pupillary dilatation for dilated fundus examination received 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rates, pre and post dilation intraocular pressures (IOP), were amongst the parameters measured.

Results: There were 137 study participants - 86 males (62.8%) and 51 females (37.2%). The mean age of participants was 44.87±15.94 years. The highest proportion of participants had refractive errors - 53.3% and 54.0% in the right and left eyes respectively. There were slight reductions in systolic (122.54±16.89 mmHg to 122.51±20.88 mmHg) and diastolic (79.35±11.47 mmHg to 78.12±12.62 mmHg) blood pressures. These differences in BP were however not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between Systolic blood pressure and Post dilation IOP (p=0.0001).
Posture Invariant Personal Identification System Using Convex Hulls: Ear Biometrics
Authors: Jayaram M. A. , Prashanth G. K.
Published: March 2019

Aims: In this work we have set forth two aims, i. to find a unique methodology to capture the shape of human ears using convex hulls and ii. to develop a rotation invariant personal identification system

Study Design: Application of convex hulls to capture the shape of the human ear in a precise manner.

Place and Duration of Study: Research Center, Department of Master of Computer Applications, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru, India, between June 2014 and July 2018.

Methodology: The work focused in this part is about using convex hulls for capturing the ear shape to utmost accuracy in two different orientations: i. orientation with respect to plane of the ear which accounted for rotation and ii. Orientation with respect to perpendicular axis through the ear plane which accounted for tilting. In order to meet the objective of developing a rotation invariant personal identification system. Thirteen parameters namely area, aspect ratio, bari centric coordinate, convexity, concavity, eccentricity, circular equi-diameter, Euler number, faret’s diameter, form factor, orientation, perimeter and solidity were considered.

Results: The system was checked by conducting identification experiments. The recognition rate of 100%, 95%, 85% and 77% was noticed for 00, 22.50, 450, 67.50 orientations respectively when Euclidean distance matching criteria was implemented. Apart from this, similarity measures were also considered for matching test image with template image. In this connection Cosine, Jaccard and Dice similarity measures were used. Cosine similarity measure showed relatively higher recognition rates of 84%, 82%, 75.6% and 74.6% for 00, 22.50, 450, and 67.50 orientations respectively. Similarly Jaccard similarity measure performed with 78%, 75.25%, 74.25% and 72.8% for the four orientations respectively. Dice similarity measure exhibited 75%, 73%, 68% and 72% for the four orientations respectively. The overlapping similarity measure showed a drastic behavior by arriving at only two groups and with reduced recognition rates of 72%, 69%, 67% and 64% respectively.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the outcome of the research would be of immense help to the research community in the realm of ear biometrics. In addition, the contribution of head posture invariant person recognition system will definitely inspire the research community as well as the developers of biometric systems to explore the area of ear biometric related personal identification system.
Performance Evaluation of Feature Extraction Techniques in Multi-Layer Based Fingerprint Ethnicity Recognition System
Authors: Aworinde H. O. , Afolabi A. O. , Falohun A. S. , Adedeji O. T.
Published: March 2019

This paper is set out to evaluate the performance of feature extraction techniques that can determine ethnicity of an individual using fingerprint biometric technique and deep learning approach. Hence, fingerprint images of one thousand and fifty-four (1054) persons of three different ethnic groups (Yoruba, Igbo and Middle-Belt) in Nigeria were captured. Kernel Principal Component Analysis (K-PCA) and Kernel Linear Discriminant Analysis (KLDA) were used independently for feature extraction while Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was used for supervised learning of the features and classification.

The results showed that out of sixty (60) individual fingerprints tested, eight (8) were classified as Yoruba, forty-eight (48) as Igbo and four (4) as Hausa. The Recognition Accuracy for K-PCA was 93.97% and KLDA was 97.26%. For Average Recognition time, K-PCA used 9.98seconds while KLDA used 10.02seconds. The memory space utilized by K-PCA was 94.57KB while KLDA utilized 52.17KB.

T-Test paired sample statistics was carried out on the result obtained; the outcome presented reveal that KLDA outperformed the K-PCA technique in terms of Recognition Accuracy. The relationship between the average recognition time () and threshold value () was found to be polynomial of order four (4) with a high correlation coefficient for KPCA and polynomial of order three (3) with a high correlation coefficient for KLDA. In terms of computation time analysis, KLDA is computationally more expensive than KPCA by reason of processing speed.
Exact Arithmetic of Zero and Infinity Based on the Conventional Division by Zero 0/0 = 1
Authors: Ufuoma Okoh
Published: March 2019

The chief object of this work is to create an exact and consistent arithmetic of zero, denoted 0, and infinity (zero divisor), written as 1/0 and denoted ∞  , based on the conventional division by zero $$ \dfrac{{0}}{{0}}=1. $$ Manifold and undeniable applications of this arithmetic are given in this work in order to show its usefulness.
Modules Whose Endomorphism Rings are Baer
Authors: Abdelwhab Thoraya , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study modules whose endomorphism rings are Baer, which we call endoBaer modules. We provide some characterizations of endoBaer modules and investigate their properties. Some classes of rings R are characterized in terms of endoBaer R-modules. It is shown that a direct summand of an endoBaer modules inherits the property, while a direct sum of endoBaer modules does not. Necessary and sucient conditions for a nite direct sum of endoBaer modules to be an endoBaer module are provided.
Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) “With Mother” on Progesterone, Testosterone and Estrogen of Wistar Rats
Authors: Franca Okoye Ngozi , Oghenevware Ekpudjureni
Published: March 2019

Aim: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) with mother" has been singled out as an especially helpful health remedy. This present research evaluated the effect of ACV ‘with mother’ on hormones (testosterone, estrogen and progesterone) of Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen rats with average weight range of 120 g were grouped into six groups. Three groups served as the control for each week (week 1, 2 and 3) while the remaining three groups were treated with 1 ml of ACV twice daily. The animals were treated for a total of 21 days. After each week the animals in that group were sacrificed and laboratory analyses were performed.

Results: After oral administration of the product, the results revealed significant reductions in a time dependent manner with the highest reductions obtained on the last week of experiment. The result obtained for estrogen showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in week one with test value (7.74±0.19 mlU/ml) as compared to control (8.36±0.01 mlU/ml).For progesterone, there was an increase (p<0.05). The highest test value was obtained in week 3, (3.64±0.08 mlU/ml) as compared to control value (3.15±0.01 mlU/ml). However, there was also a reduction in testosterone level.

Conclusion: In conclusion, ACV reduces the levels of estrogen and testosterone but increased progesterone level of Wistar rats.
Foraminiferal Assemblage from the Karai Shale, Uttattur Group, Southern India
Authors: Harini L. , Venkatachalapathy R.
Published: March 2019

To study the foraminiferal assemblage from the Karai shale, one hundred and nineteen surface sediment samples were collected systematically. The collected samples were processed using standard micropaleontological techniques. Ninety- eight species of well - preserved foraminifera were obtained from the samples. Of the ninety-eight species, eighty-nine were benthic foraminifera and nine were planktic foraminifera. The specific identification of the foraminifera was done after comparing them with those described and illustrated by various workers from the Cretaceous of Southern India. The age of the samples was assigned as Albian based on the presence of planktic foraminiferal species viz. Hedbergella delrioensis, Hedbergella planispira, Praeglobotruncana delrioensis, Praeglobotruncana stephani, Planomalina buxtorfi and Thalmanninella balernaensis.
PENERAPAN PRINSIP FENG SHUI PADA KAPLING DAN BANGUNAN RUMAH DI PERUMAHAN SURABAYA
Authors: Wijaya Angeline , Kwanda Timoticin , Rahardjo Jani
Published: March 2019

Feng shui adalah sebuah ilmu yang mempelajari bagaimana cara manusia untuk hidup selaras dengan alam dan lingkungan sekitar. Prinsip feng shui pada dasarnya sederhana, karena mengikuti pola yin yang atau keseimbangan. Sehingga dengan penerapan nilai-nilai feng shui yang baik pada rumah tinggal, maka akan memberikan kenyamanan bagi penghuni rumah dan memberikan nilai serta harga jual yang lebih tinggi. Perumusan masalah dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui seberapa dalam faktor feng shui yang dipertimbangkan oleh penghuni. Kemudian mencari adanya hubungan antara unsur feng shui yang dipercaya dengan penerapan terhadap penyelesaian masalah feng shui secara desain dan non-desain. Chi square digunakan untuk melihat apakah ada  hubungan antara prinsip feng shui dengan aplikasinya. Hasil yang ditemukan menunjukkan bahwa faktor feng shui yang paling dipertimbangkan oleh penghuni rumah tinggal yang bermasalah menurut prinsip feng shui adalah faktor denah rumah. Dan didapatkan hasil yang menyatakan bahwa adanya hubungan antara kepercayaan terhadap faktor feng shui dengan penerapan pada faktor bentuk kapling, faktor benda di sekitar bangunan, faktor posisi rumah terhadap jalan, faktor bentuk bangunan, faktor denah rumah, dan faktor nomor rumah, cermin feng shui dan ba gua.
Sexual dimorphisms in the transcriptomes of murine salivary glands
Authors: Mukaibo Taro , Gao Xin , Yang Ning‐Yan , Oei Maria S. , Nakamoto Tetsuji , Melvin James E.
Published: March 2019

Transcriptional profiling identified 933 sexually dimorphic genes out of the 14 371 protein‐coding genes expressed in the three major murine salivary glands: parotid, sublingual, and submandibular. Most (89%) sex‐specific genes were enriched in a single gland, while only 0.5% of the sexually dimorphic genes were enriched in all glands. The sublingual gland displayed a strong male sex bias (94% of sex‐enriched genes), while a sex preference was not obvious in the parotid or submandibular glands. A subset of transcription factor genes was correlated with the expression of gland‐specific, sex‐enriched genes. Higher expression of Cftr chloride and Scnn1 sodium channels in the male submandibular correlated with greater NaCl reabsorption. In conclusion, adult salivary glands display sex‐ and gland‐specific differences in gene expression that reflect their unique functional properties.
Identification of a putative nuclear localization signal in the tumor suppressor maspin sheds light on its nuclear import regulation
Authors: Reina Jeffrey , Zhou Lixin , Fontes Marcos R. M. , Panté Nelly , Cella Nathalie
Published: March 2019

The tumor suppressor activity of maspin (mammary serine protease inhibitor) has been associated with its nuclear localization. In this study we explore the regulation of maspin nuclear translocation. An in vitro nuclear import assay suggested that maspin can passively enter the nucleus. However, in silico analysis identified a putative maspin nuclear localization signal (NLS), which was able to mediate the nuclear translocation of a chimeric protein containing this NLS fused to five green fluorescent protein molecules in tandem (5GFP). Dominant‐negative Ran‐GTPase mutants RanQ69L or RanT24N suppressed this process. Unexpectedly, the full‐length maspin fused to 5GFP failed to enter the nucleus. As maspin's putative NLS is partially hidden in its three‐dimensional structure, we suggest that maspin nuclear transport could be conformationally regulated. Our results suggest that maspin nuclear translocation involves both passive and active mechanisms.
UAP56 associates with DRM2 and is localized to chromatin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Azevedo Jacinthe , Picart Claire , Dureau Laurent , Pontier Dominique , Jaquinod‐Kieffer Sylvie , Hakimi Mohamed‐Ali , Lagrange Thierry
Published: March 2019

Repeated sequence expression and transposable element mobilization are tightly controlled by multilayer processes, which include DNA 5′‐cytosine methylation. The RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, which uses siRNAs to guide sequence‐specific directed DNA methylation, emerged specifically in plants. RdDM ensures DNA methylation maintenance on asymmetric CHH sites and specifically initiates de novo methylation in all cytosine sequence contexts through the action of DRM DNA methyltransferases, of which DRM2 is the most prominent. The RdDM pathway has been well described, but how DRM2 is recruited onto DNA targets and associates with other RdDM factors remains unknown. To address these questions, we developed biochemical approaches to allow the identification of factors that may escape genetic screens, such as proteins encoded by multigenic families. Through both conventional and affinity purification of DRM2, we identified DEAD box RNA helicases U2AF56 Associated Protein 56 (UAP56a/b), which are widespread among eukaryotes, as new DRM2 partners. We have shown that, similar to DRM2 and other RdDM actors, UAP56 has chromatin‐associated protein properties. We confirmed this association both in vitro and in vivo in reproductive tissues. In addition, our experiments also suggest that UAP56 may exhibit differential distribution in cells depending on plant organ. While originally identified for its role in splicing, our study suggests that UAP56 may also have other roles, and our findings allow us to initiate discussion about its potential role in the RdDM pathway.
Plant Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Morais Camilo LM , Butler Holly J , McAinsh Martin R , Martin Francis L
Published: March 2019

Hyperspectral imaging can generate spatial chemical information in plants. The imaging acquisition system is basically composed of a radiation source, sample stage, objective lens, spectrograph, CCD camera and a computer to store and process derived data. Most hyperspectral imaging acquisition approaches are nondestructive in nature and require minimum sample preparation, thus producing chemically rich information without modifying a sample's features. Data processing is mainly performed via multivariate image analysis (MIA), where computed‐based methods are employed for preprocessing, feature extraction and multivariate analysis towards classification. Applications vary according to the desired information of interest, but they mainly include textural analysis, chemical and biochemical analysis and plant disease identification. Successful studies in these areas reinforce the sensitivity and versatility of hyperspectral imaging in plants.

Key Concepts

Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful tool for analysing plants.

Both spatial and spectral information are acquired via hyperspectral imaging, generating chemically rich information with spatial distribution.

Most hyperspectral imaging techniques are nondestructive in nature and require minimal sample preparation.

Data are processed by computational‐based methods, in particular, by using multivariate image analysis (MIA) techniques for feature extraction and classification.

Hyperspectral imaging is a versatile analytical technique with many applications in plant studies, such as textural analysis, chemical and biochemical analysis and disease identification.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Alkaloids
Authors: de Oliveira Brás Heleno
Published: March 2019

Alkaloids have been used for centuries due to their biological properties. They have been obtained mainly from plants, and are used in medicine. Many have beneficial pharmacological properties, some are psychotropic, and others are toxic to humans and animals. These properties have motivated the development of methods for their analysis in plant materials and pharmaceutical products. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the technique of choice by many analysts for the analysis of alkaloids in various scientific areas. The continuous development of new and more efficient stationary phases and detection systems has provided the conditions for the successful analysis of various classes of alkaloids. This article, with literature survey extended up to 2018, shows examples of HPLC analysis of important classes of alkaloids. Most examples involve pharmacologically useful alkaloids. Toxic and psychotropic alkaloids examples are also covered in separate sections. The analytical conditions are shown in tabular form, and the data provided in each example may be sufficient as a starting point for the practical analyst.
T
epidisphaeraceae
Authors: Kovaleva O.L. , Elcheninov A.G. , Kublanov I.V. , Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Elizaveta
Published: March 2019

Te.pi.di.sphae.ra.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Tepidisphaera
, type genus of the family; suff.
‐aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Tepidisphaeraceae
, the family of
Tepidisphaera
.

Planctomycetes / Phycisphaerae / Tepidisphaerales / Tepidisphaeraceae

Cells are Gram‐negative. Occur as single cocci or form shapeless aggregates. Divide by binary fission and have no observable peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall and no invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane. Neutrophiles, moderate thermophiles. Aerobes, facultative anaerobes. Grow on a wide range of carbohydrates. Do not require NaCl for growth. The cellular fatty acid profiles consist mainly of iso and anteiso acids (iso‐C
16:0
, anteiso‐C
15:0
, and anteiso‐C
17:0
). The major quinone is MK‐6.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 53 (genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Tepidisphaera
Kovaleva, Merkel, Novikov, Baslerov, Toshchakov and Bonch‐Osmolovskaya 2015, 553
VP
.
L
imnohabitans
Authors: Kasalický Vojtěch
Published: March 2019

Lim.no.ha'bi.tans. Gr. n.
limne
lake; L. pres. part. habitans inhabiting; N.L. part. adj. used as a masc. n.
Limnohabitans
lake dweller, referring to the type of ecosystem inhabited by these bacteria.

Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Burkholderiales / Comamonadaceae / Limnohabitans

The genus
Limnohabitans
harbors freshwater bacteria with opportunistic lifestyle. Bacteria exhibit mainly free‐living life, but they were also reported as symbionts/epibionts of crustacean
Daphnia magna
or the freshwater polyp
Hydra vulgaris
. Free‐living
Limnohabitans
have a fast‐growing strategy profiting from diverse dissolved autochtonous or allochtonous organic carbohydrates. They are vulnerable to protists grazing; however, they sustain their abundance by a short doubling time.

Limnohabitans
bacteria are cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in stagnant freshwater systems (up to 35% of total bacterioplankton); their abundance decreases with pH lower than 6. Their abundance correlates best with the phytoplankton extracellular production, which means that they are usually preferable present in epilimnion of lakes rather than in hypolimnion.

Isolations of
Limnohabitans
strains revealed their variable morphology in size (volume range 0.03–0.8 µm
3
) and shapes (including small cocci, rods, curved cells, and large solenoids). The strains are characterized by mid‐sized genomes of 2.6–5 Mb with G + C content 51–61%. Cultivated strains require complex media and grow as aerobic chemoorganotrophs, or facultative anaerobes. An important part of the isolated strains are aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophs, with pigments bacteriochlorophyll
a
and carotenoids spheroiden and spheroidenone. Some strains possess genes for autotrophic CO
2
fixation with RuBisCO. They grow well in liquid media; growth on agar plates is possible but delicate. Currently (August 2018), the genus contains four described species.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 51–61.

Type species
:
Limnohabitans curvus
Hahn, Kasalický, Jezbera, Brandt, Jezberová and Šimek 2010a, 1362.
Principles of tumorigenesis and emerging molecular drivers of SHH‐activated medulloblastomas
Authors: Menyhárt Otília , Győrffy Balázs
Published: March 2019

SHH‐activated medulloblastomas (SHH‐MB) account for 25–30% of all medulloblastomas (MB) and occur with a bimodal age distribution, encompassing many infant and adult, but fewer childhood cases. Different age groups are characterized by distinct survival outcomes and age‐specific alterations of regulatory pathways. Here, we review SHH‐specific genetic aberrations and signaling pathways. Over 95% of SHH‐MBs contain at least one driver event – the activating mutations frequently affect sonic hedgehog signaling (PTCH1, SMO, SUFU), genome maintenance (TP53), and chromatin modulation (KMT2D, KMT2C, HAT complexes), while genes responsible for transcriptional regulation (MYCN) are recurrently amplified. SHH‐MBs have the highest prevalence of damaging germline mutations among all MBs. TP53‐mutant MBs are enriched among older children and have the worst prognosis among all SHH‐MBs. Numerous genetic aberrations, including mutations of TERT, DDX3X, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are almost exclusive to adult patients. We elaborate on the newest development within the evolution of molecular subclassification, and compare proposed risk categories across emerging classification systems. We discuss discoveries based on preclinical models and elaborate on the applicability of potential new therapies, including BET bromodomain inhibitors, statins, inhibitors of SMO, AURK, PLK, cMET, targeting stem‐like cells, and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies. An enormous amount of data on the genetic background of SHH‐MB have accumulated, nevertheless, subgroup affiliation does not provide reliable prediction about response to therapy. Emerging subtypes within SHH‐MB offer more layered risk stratifications. Rational clinical trial designs with the incorporation of available molecular knowledge are inevitable. Improved collaboration across the scientific community will be imperative for therapeutic breakthroughs.
Highly Catalytic Amorphous Ni–P Synthesized via Pulsed Electrodeposition
Authors: Hasannaeimi Vahid , Mukherjee Sundeep
Published: March 2019

Ni–P coatings have attracted wide attention due to their good tribological properties, corrosion resistance, and high catalytic activity. The surface properties impact the overall catalytic performance of Ni–P as electrocatalysts. In this study, highly catalytic amorphous Ni–P electrodeposits are synthesized using pulsed electrodeposition technique. Pulse parameters show a significant effect on the morphology, crystallinity, and electro‐catalytic activity of the deposits. The Ni–P deposits are found to be amorphous up to the duty cycle of 50%, whereas higher duty cycles (toward direct current deposition) result in a transition to nanocrystalline structure. This is attributed to an indirect reduction process involving intermediate phosphine leading to co‐deposition of phosphorus and nickel. Change in pulse frequency results in significant variations in surface morphology. Methanol electro‐oxidation in alkaline environment is studied as a function of surface morphology for the amorphous Ni–P catalysts. Up to four‐fold increase in oxidation peak current is observed for nano‐morphologies with large electrochemical surface area synthesized at pulse frequency of 50 Hz. This demonstrates the potential of pulsed electrodeposition as a versatile toolbox for obtaining highly catalytic amorphous Ni–P as a potential substitute for expensive noble‐metals used in direct alcohol fuel cells.
3D Porous Cu Current Collectors Derived by Hydrogen Bubble Dynamic Template for Enhanced Li Metal Anode Performance
Authors: Qiu Hailong , Tang Tianyu , Asif Muhammad , Huang Xiaoxiao , Hou Yanglong
Published: March 2019

Lithium (Li) metal is the most ideal anode material for high‐energy density batteries. However, the high activity of Li metal, the large volume change, and Li dendrite formation during cycling hinder its practical application. Herein, 3D porous Cu synthesized through a simple time‐saving hydrogen bubble dynamic template method is used as a host for the improved performance Li metal anode. Contrary to the planar Cu foil, the synthesized 3D porous structure can reduce the local current density, suppress the mossy/dendritic Li growth, and buffer the volume change in the Li metal anode. Highly stable Coulombic efficiency is achieved at different specific current densities (0.5, 1, and 2 mA cm−2) with a capacity of 1.0 mAh cm−2. Moreover, symmetrical Li|Li‐3D Cu cells show more stable cyclic performance with a lower overpotential even at a high current density of 3 mA cm−2.
Single‐Crystalline Vanadium Dioxide Actuators
Authors: Shi Run , Cai Xiangbin , Wang Weijun , Wang Jingwei , Kong Dejun , Cai Nianduo , Chen Pengcheng , He Pingge , Wu Zefei , Amini Abbas , Wang Ning , Cheng Chun
Published: March 2019

Actuators that convert other forms of energy to mechanical energy have attracted extensive interest for their critical applications in microelectromechanical systems and miniature robotics. Recently, it is discovered that vanadium dioxide (VO2)‐based microscale bimorph actuators demonstrate comprehensive superiority of actuation performances, taking the good of the giant theoretical power density (7 J cm−3) and ultrafast response (∼picosecond) of crystalline VO2, while they still suffer from the intrinsic shortcomings of complex structures. Here, “single‐crystalline VO2 actuators” (SCVAs) that have unique self‐bending behavior upon temperature change are reported. This is realized by facilely and precisely controlling the phase structures via lateral stoichiometry‐engineering in VO2 nanobeams at the nanoscale level. These SCVAs exhibit remarkable actuation performances and admirable stability, which are equivalent or even superior to the reported VO2‐based conventional bimorph actuators. It is noteworthy that the gradual, reversible, and predictable bending of SCVAs enables a precise actuation control of related mechanics, such as the quantitative wind detector and thermal micromechanical claw. This work demonstrates the possibility of this strategy to enable single crystalline actuators excellent performance by internally lateral and gradual strain‐engineering.
Ultrastable and Reversible Fluorescent Perovskite Films Used for Flexible Instantaneous Display
Authors: Tan Yeshu , Li Ruiying , Xu Hao , Qin Yuanshuai , Song Tao , Sun Baoquan
Published: March 2019

All‐inorganic halide perovskite materials are regarded as promising materials in information display applications owing to their tunable color, narrow emission peak, and easy processability. However, the photoluminescence (PL) stability of halide perovskite films is still inferior due to their poor thermal stability and hygroscopic properties. Herein, all‐inorganic perovskite films are prepared through vacuum thermal deposition method to enhance thermal and hygroscopic stability. By intentionally adding extra bromide source, a structure of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals embedded in a CsPb2Br5 matrix (CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5) is formed via an air exposure process, leading to impressive PL stability in ambient atmosphere. In addition, the as‐fabricated CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 structure shows enhanced PL intensity due to the dielectric confinement. The CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 structure film can almost reserve its initial PL intensity after four months, even stored in ambient atmosphere. The PL intensity for CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 films vanishes at elevated temperature and recovers by cooling down in a short time. The reversible PL conversion process can be repeated over hundreds of times. Based on the reversible PL property, prototype thermal‐driven information display devices are demonstrated by employing heating circuits on flexible transparent substrates. These robust perovskite films with reversible PL characteristics promise an alternative solid‐state emitting display.
Steady State Luminescence Enhancement in Plasmon Coupled Core/Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhan Shiping , Xiong Jian , Nie Guozheng , Wu Shaobing , Hu Junshan , Wu Xiaofeng , Hu Shigang , Zhang Jian , Gao Yongyi , Liu Yunxin
Published: March 2019

Plasmon enhanced upconversion luminescence has been deeply investigated and finds extensive applications from fluorescent sensors to cancer therapy. Here, the steady state luminescence enhancement is shown in plasmonic substrate coupled upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The plasmonic Au‐nanohole‐nanoplate bilayer arrays (PABAs) are designed for generating full‐covered local field which couple both the excitation and the emission field of core/shell UCNPs. By tuning the coupling distance through a 3 nm thick inert shielding shell on upconversion nanoparticles, the plasmon enhanced upconversion luminescence enhancement is found independent on excitation power. This effect will greatly facilitate the applications of plasmon enhanced upconversion nanoparticles as biosensors even under extremely weak excitation. E.g., PABA‐supported core/inert–shell UCNPs are employed as a fluorescent sensor for detecting acetic acid gas, and a linear relationship between upconversion luminescent intensity and acetic acid concentration can be obtained as expected, accompanied by a detection limit of 81 nmol mL−1, which is one order of magnitude lower than the best level ever reported.
DNA Nanotechnology Enters Cell Membranes
Authors: Huo Shuaidong , Li Hongyan , Boersma Arnold J. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: March 2019

DNA is more than a carrier of genetic information: It is a highly versatile structural motif for the assembly of nanostructures, giving rise to a wide range of functionalities. In this regard, the structure programmability is the main advantage of DNA over peptides, proteins, and small molecules. DNA amphiphiles, in which DNA is covalently bound to synthetic hydrophobic moieties, allow interactions of DNA nanostructures with artificial lipid bilayers and cell membranes. These structures have seen rapid growth with great potential for medical applications. In this Review, the current state of the art of the synthesis of DNA amphiphiles and their assembly into nanostructures are first summarized. Next, an overview on the interaction of these DNA amphiphiles with membranes is provided, detailing on the driving forces and the stability of the interaction. Moreover, the interaction with cell surfaces in respect to therapeutics, biological sensing, and cell membrane engineering is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and an outlook on this promising class of DNA hybrid materials are discussed.
A Direct Approach to 3‐Azo‐Substituted 2‐Oxindoles at Room Temperature by Nickel‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling Reaction
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Cailong , Lu Zhenxin , Huang Gaofeng , Ye Jinxiang , Gao Yu , Chen Haijun
Published: March 2019

Herein, we report a nickel‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction for the synthesis of 3‐azo‐substituted 2‐oxindoles. The key intermediates of 3‐arylazohexahydropyrrolo‐[2,3‐b]indoles undergo further transformation to provide 3‐azo‐substituted 2‐oxindoles in the presence of H2O, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate salts and catalytic amount of NiBr2. This reaction can be performed in an open flask at room temperature and exhibits a broad functional‐group tolerance in moderate to excellent yields.