bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient removal from swine wastewater using a thermotolerant strain of Chlorella sp. grown under outdoor conditions
Authors: Gracida‐Valdepeña Miriam L , Navarro‐Aguirre Fernanda , Herrera‐Acosta Karla , Ulloa‐Mercado Gabriela , Meza‐Escalante Edna , Plascencia‐Jatomea Rigoberto , González‐Meza Georgia , Serrano‐Palacios Denisse
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Recently, wastewater effluents from animal farms have been treated using microalgae for the removal of organic and inorganic compounds. Swine wastewater (SW) and wastewater treated by anaerobic digestion (TW) were used as culture media for a wild strain of microalga, Chlorella sp. (Chlorophyta), previously isolated for our research group. This was cultivated under laboratory conditions in a batch culture, and then inoculated in a cascade thin‐layer reactor under outdoor conditions. The kinetic behavior, nutrient removal (COD, NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N and PO34−‐P) efficiency and biochemical composition of the microalga biomass were evaluated.

RESULTS

SW supported the highest growth (339 × 106 cells mL−1 and μ = 0.42 d−1) and the maximal removal of COD (91%), nitrates (87%), ammonium (45%) and phosphate (70%) in a batch culture. Whereas, in continuous cultivation, an adequate operation was achieved at temperatures up to 42 °C, with removals greater than 80% of COD, 70% of nitrates, 90% of ammonium and 60% of phosphates. Also, the produced biomass achieved the highest content of proteins (386 mg g−1 dry weight), carbohydrates (291.49 mg g−1 dry weight) and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, reaching 74.76% of total fatty acids.

CONCLUSIONS

The SW medium showed greater growth of Chlorella than TW using the outdoor thin‐layer cascade reactor. This is an opportunity to use wastewater as nutrient to obtain biomass enriched in compounds with various possibilities for application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Catalytic reduction of 1,4‐benzoquinone to hydroquinone via [FeFe]‐hydrogenase model complexes under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Jingchao , Zhang Tianyong , Jiang Shuang , Ma Xiaoyuan , Shao Xiao , Wang Di , Li Xianggao , Li Bin
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Hydroquinone (HQ) is an important fine chemical raw material and intermediate, which is widely used in chemistry industry. It is great significance to develop a new environmentally‐friendly synthesis method to produce HQ.

RESULTS

Three [FeFe]‐hydrogenase model complexes (μ‐budt)[Fe(CO)3]2[1; budt = SCH(CH3)CH2CH2)S], (μ‐budt)[Fe(CO)3][Fe(CO)2PPh3](2), and (μ‐bust)[Fe(CO)3]2 [3; bust = SCH(CH3)CH2CH2)S(O)] were synthesized by direct CO/L substitution or sulfur based oxygenation. The synthesized new complexes were fully characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and X‐ray crystallography. The electrochemical properties of these model complexes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in CH2CI2 to evaluate the redox properties of the iron atoms. It was indicated that these new complexes are not only electrochemical catalysts for proton reduction of hydrogen, but also efficient catalysts for catalytic the transfer hydrogenation of BQ (1, 4‐benzoquinone) to prepare HQ under mild conditions. Especially,complex 2 exhibited the highest catalytic activity for reduction of BQ with methanol as the proton source, which gave a BQ conversion of 91 % and 72 % selectivity for HQ.

CONCLUSIONS

The complex 2 can be a new type catalyst for catalytic reduction of BQ to HQ under mild reaction conditions. In addition, the Kinetics and mechanism were also investigated for a proposed transfer hydrogenation process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Association of CD14 gene −260C>T and −561C>T polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guan Yin , Huang Xiao‐Feng , Li Pei‐Jie , Cao Wen , Gao Xue‐Hua , Guan Xia
Published: December 2019

Background

Two polymorphisms, −260C>T (rs2569190) and −561C>T (rs5744455), in the CD14 gene have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer. However, the results remain inconclusive. The current meta‐analysis was carried out aiming to confirm the function of these two polymorphisms on the susceptibility of cancer.

Methods

We collected eligible studies from databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP (Weipu). We used logistic regression calculation to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

After strict selection, 24 studies with 5854 cases and 10339 controls for −260C>T and seven studies with 1809 cases and 7289 controls for −561C>T were finally enlisted into our analysis reference material. Pool results revealed that neither −260C>T, nor −561C>T was found to have any association with overall cancer susceptibility. Nevertheless, when stratified by cancer type, we detected a decreased risk associated with other cancers in a heterozygous model (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.93, p = 0.014) and a dominant model (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53–0.93, p = 0.012) for −561C>T. An increased risk was found in other cancers under an allele model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03–1.62, p = 0.026), in laryngeal cancer under a dominant model (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11–1.71, p = 0.003) and for a score ≤ 9 under a recessive model (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.09–1.91, p = 0.009) for −561C>T.

Conclusions

In the present study, we conclude that the CD14 –260C>T and −561C>T polymorphisms might not be associated with overall cancer risk. Further studies are encouraged to confirm this conclusion.
Postharvest melatonin treatment reduces chilling injury in sapota fruit
Authors: Mirshekari Amin , Madani Babak , Yahia Elhadi M , Golding John B , Vand Shokrollah Haji
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Sapota is a popular tropical fruit characterized by a very short postharvest life. Low‐temperature storage prolongs postharvest life of sapota fruit, but chilling injury symptoms can develop if the storage temperature is less than 14 °C. There have been no reports on the effects of postharvest melatonin application on the development of chilling injury in sapota fruit during cold storage. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of postharvest melatonin application (0, 30, 60 and 90 μmol L−1) during cold storage (8 °C) for up to 30 days with an additional 1‐day shelf life at ambient temperature.

RESULTS

All melatonin treatments reduced chilling injury symptoms, reduced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, H2O2 and superoxide anion (O2−), and increased proline content and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and reduced the activities of phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Postharvest melatonin treatment could be a useful strategy for reducing chilling injury during cold storage and transport of sapota fruit. The results indicate that melatonin reduces chilling injury of sapota fruit through maintaining membrane integrity, SOD and CAT activities, and reducing PLD and LOX activities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The state of diversity based on race, ethnicity, and sex in otolaryngology in 2016
Authors: Ukatu Ceisha C. , Welby Berra Lauren , Wu Qiwei , Franzese Christine
Published: December 2019

Objective

To compare the representation of women and racial minorities among otolaryngology residents and faculty to other surgical specialties.

Methods

Information from 2016 regarding female and minority representation among medical school graduates, otolaryngology applicants, otolaryngology residents, otolaryngology faculty and residents, and faculty in other surgical specialties was obtained from the publicly available registries from the American Medical Association and the American Association of Medical Colleges. The data obtained was used to explore the differences between the various stages of training in otolaryngology and to compare the female and minority diversity of otolaryngology residents with residents in other surgical specialties.

Results

Women and African Americans were underrepresented at the resident level compared with their level of representation as medical school graduates. Women were underrepresented in otolaryngology resident applicants (P < .001), but equally represented between otolaryngology residency applicants and residents (P = .582). African Americans were equally represented between medical school graduates and otolaryngology resident applicants (P = .871), but underrepresented in otolaryngology residents (P < .001). Asian Americans and Hispanics were underrepresented among otolaryngology faculty compared with their representation in otolaryngology residency programs (P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Otolaryngology has the lowest percentage of African‐American residents and faculty compared to other surgical specialties. The representation of women in otolaryngology residencies is higher than most surgical specialties but worse than general surgery, integrated plastics, and medical school graduates.

Conclusion

Otolaryngology lags behind other surgical specialties in representation of minorities and women. Continued efforts should be made to increase diversity in the field of otolaryngology, especially in regard to underrepresented minorities.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2019
The Developmental Origin of the Auricula Revisited
Authors: Veugen Christianne C. A. F. M. , Dikkers Frederik G. , de Bakker Bernadette S.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Congenital auricular anomalies are common. Additionally, the auricle plays an important role in the staging of human embryos. However, little is known about the embryological development of the auricle. The most commonly reproduced developmental theory by His (1885) describes six hillocks; three on the first and three on the second pharyngeal arch. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of this theory by modern techniques and to expand the knowledge of the embryological development and morphology of the auricle.

Study Design

22 human embryos from the Carnegie collection between Carnegie stage 13 and 23 (28–60 days) were selected based on their histological quality.

Methods

Histological sections of the selected embryos were examined. Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were prepared. Additionally, literature research was performed.

Results

The hillocks were absent in most stages. Contrary to common knowledge, the auricle is almost entirely innervated by branches of the facial nerve. The branches of the trigeminal nerve only innervate the tragus and the anterior external auditory meatus (EAM). Consequently, this indicates that almost the entire auricle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch, with the exception of the tragus and the anterior EAM.

Conclusions

The 3D reconstructions show the anatomy and development of the auricle to be different from concepts presented in current textbooks. As a consequence, we propose that preauricular sinuses should be classified as first pharyngeal arch anomalies.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:2467–2474, 2020
A metabolomic data fusion approach to support gliomas grading
Authors: Righi Valeria , Cavallini Nicola , Valentini Antonella , Pinna Giampietro , Pavesi Giacomo , Rossi Maria Cecilia , Puzzolante Annette , Mucci Adele , Cocchi Marina
Published: December 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of brain tumors. However, despite the development of MRI techniques, the differential diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) primary pathologies, such as lymphoma and glioblastoma or tumor‐like brain lesions and glioma, is often challenging. MRI can be supported by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to enhance its diagnostic power and multiproject‐multicenter evaluations of classification of brain tumors have shown that an accuracy around 90% can be achieved for most of the pairwise discrimination problems. However, the survival rate for patients affected by gliomas is still low. The High‐Resolution Magic‐Angle‐Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HR‐MAS NMR) metabolomics studies may be helpful for the discrimination of gliomas grades and the development of new strategies for clinical intervention. Here, we propose to use T2‐filtered, diffusion‐filtered and conventional water‐presaturated spectra to try to extract as much information as possible, fusing the data gathered by these different NMR experiments and applying a chemometric approach based on Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR). Biomarkers important for glioma's discrimination were found. In particular, we focused our attention on cystathionine (Cyst) that shows promise as a biomarker for the better prognosis of glioma tumors.
Estimating and forecasting residential electricity demand in Odisha
Authors: Meher Shibalal
Published: December 2019

The growing demand for electricity has put pressure on generation of electricity based on fossil fuel, resulting in emission of carbon dioxide. In order to design policy for demand side management, proper knowledge on determinants of electricity demand as well as prediction of future demand is required. However, study on estimation and forecasting of residential demand in developing countries like India has received less attention. This study is the first attempt to estimate and forecast residential electricity demand in the state of Odisha, which is the pioneer of electricity reform in India. It employs ARDL model to estimate residential electricity demand; while ARIMA, VAR and VEC models are employed to forecast future demand. The results show that income and price of electricity are significant determinants of residential electricity demand. The higher price elasticity compared to income elasticity reveals that price could be used as an effective instrument for demand side management. The forecast results show that VAR has the lowest error, which predicts per capita residential electricity demand to be double by 2030–31. This would help the policy makers to plan for demand side management and electricity generation so as to avoid shortage of electricity supply.
Quality evaluation of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database (JADER)
Authors: Tsuchiya Masami , Obara Taku , Sakai Takamasa , Nomura Kaori , Takamura Chizuko , Mano Nariyasu
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system plays an important role in pharmacovigilance by providing information from clinical settings in the postmarketing environment. The Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database contains a portion of Japanese ADR reports, and no previous study has described the quality or characteristics of ADR reports in the JADER.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the JADER database and to evaluate the quality of ADR reports contained in the JADER using the documentation‐grading scheme developed by the World Health Organization.

Methods

Of 478 508 ADR reports in the JADER, the analysis set consisted of 395 091 reports meeting inclusion criteria. An analysis was carried out to evaluate the quality of the reports according to the type of report, the type of sender, and the qualification of the reporter. Annual changes in the number of reports from medical institutions submitted by pharmacists were compared with changes in the number submitted by physicians.

Results

The distribution of documentation grade differed according to the type of report, the type of sender, and the qualification of the reporter. Regarding “medical institution reports”, the quality of reports was similar among qualification types, while the quality of reports submitted by physicians was higher for “company reports” and “study reports” (P < .0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study showed that the quality of the ADR reports in the JADER differed among the type of report, the sender of the report, and the qualification of the reporter.
Determination of the pressure dependence of polymer melt viscosity using a combination of oscillatory and capillary rheometer
Authors: Raha Sumanta , Sharma Harindranath , Senthilmurugan M. , Bandyopadhyay Sumanda , Mukhopadhyay Prasanta
Published: December 2019

For an accurate simulation of a high‐pressure injection molding process by using the CAE software, it is important to understand the pressure sensitivity of a polymer's melt viscosity. The current work describes a method for the determination of the pressure dependence parameter D3 of the Cross‐WLF model. It uses a combined rheological technique using both dynamic and capillary rheometers. Three grades of polycarbonate homopolymers were studied in this work and their complex viscosities were measured using a dynamic shear rheometer. The dynamic data were used to obtain six out of the seven parameters of the Cross‐WLF, except D3. A capillary rheometer fitted with a counter pressure chamber was further used to characterize the pressure dependence of the zero shear viscosity and to determine the D3 parameter. Finally, the derived parameters were validated by carrying out injection molding with a box tool and comparing the actual pressure profiles with simulation results using the Autodesk® MoldFlow® software. The validation results indicated that actual pressure profiles from the simulation were found to be less than 10% than that of injection molding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:517–523, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ratiometric pH Sensing in Living Cells Using Carbon Dots
Authors: Macairan Jun‐Ray , Zhang Issan , Clermont‐Paquette Adryanne , Naccache Rafik , Maysinger Dusica
Published: December 2019

The ability to precisely sense physiological pH changes in the cellular environment is exceedingly difficult. Novel technologies are thus required to address this challenge. Fluorescent nanomaterials can be exploited to this effect because their optical properties can exhibit strong pH dependence. Herein, an intracellular pH‐sensing probe is developed via a facile microwave‐reaction synthesis method for the preparation of carbon dots (CDs) using glutathione and formamide. The CDs possess unique optical properties allowing for concomitant fluorescence in the blue and red regions of the spectrum. These dots are investigated as pH‐sensors using the red fluorescence signatures at 650 and 680 nm. The two fluorescence bands respond differently following pH changes in their environment and could thus be used for ratiometric measurements. Cytotoxicity studies of the CDs in glioblastoma cells show no decrease in cell viability up to 100 μg mL−1 (24 h). Fluorescence imaging reveals that the dots localize in lysosomal compartments. Moreover, they can sense changes in lysosomal pH in response to serum and amino acid starvation, as well as administration of diclofenac and metformin, drugs currently in clinical trials for combination treatments of cancer. These CDs offer a new self‐referencing approach for live intracellular pH sensing in 2D‐ and 3D‐cell models.
Identification and field evaluation of the sex pheromone of Apolygus lucorum (Hemiptera: Miridae) in China
Authors: Zhang Tao , Mei Xiangdong , Zhang Xiaofang , Lu Yanhui , Ning Jun , Wu Kongming
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The plant bug, Apolygus lucorum Meyer‐Dür, has begun a resurgence and has become a key pest in cotton in northern China, with the wide‐scale adoption of transgenic Bt cotton. We attempted to develop a new approach to the control of this plant bug by identifying and utilizing its sex pheromone.

RESULTS

Extracts from A. lucorum adults and nymphs were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection (GC–EAD) to identify the sex pheromone components. (E)‐4‐Oxo‐2‐hexenal and (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate were the major sex pheromone components from females and were also electrophysiology‐active towards male antennae. For males, (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal and hexyl butyrate were the major sex pheromone components. These three components, however, were not detected in nymphs. Field tests showed that binary blends of (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal and (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate at a ratio of 3:2 resulted in trapping the greatest numbers of A. lucorum males. A long‐term dispenser was developed by loading the pheromone components dissolved in sunflower oil into polyethylene vials. Further field evaluation showed that the polyethylene dispensers attracted significantly more bugs even when deployed in the field for 5 weeks.

CONCLUSION

We identified the sex pheromone of A. lucorum and developed a type of high‐efficiency and long‐term lure. Our results could expand knowledge of the pheromones of plant bugs, and provide novel technologies to monitor and control this pest. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement‐Mode β‐Ga2O3 Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistor with High Breakdown Voltage over 3000 V Realized by Oxygen Annealing
Authors: Lv Yuanjie , Zhou Xingye , Long Shibing , Wang Yuangang , Song Xubo , Zhou Xuanze , Xu Guangwei , Liang Shixiong , Feng Zhihong , Cai Shujun , Fu Xingchang , Pu Aimin , Liu Ming
Published: December 2019

Herein, high‐performance enhancement‐mode (E‐mode) β‐Ga2O3 metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) are achieved on Si‐doped homoepitaxial films. Oxygen annealing (OA) treatment under the gate region is used to effectively exhaust the channel electron, resulting in the normally off operation of the device. The threshold voltage, defined as that at the drain current of 0.1 mA mm−1, for the fabricated device is extracted to be 4.1 V. Moreover, double source‐connected field plates are used to suppress the peak electric fields in both Ga2O3 channel and SiNx passivation layer. The fabricated β‐Ga2O3 MOSFETs with gate‐to‐drain distance (Lgd) of 17 μm exhibit a record high breakdown voltage over 3000 V. It is shown that the OA treatment is a new way to obtain high‐performance E‐mode β‐Ga2O3 power MOSFETs.
Density functional approximations for consistent spin and oxidation states of oxoiron complexes
Authors: Vlahovic Filip , Gruden Maja , Stepanovic Stepan , Swart Marcel
Published: December 2019

We report here a computational study on a series of FeII, FeIII, and FeIV hydroxo/oxoiron complexes with a broad palette of ligands. We are interested in assessing the robustness of widely used density functionals for their prediction and description of structures and spin states for the examined oxoiron complexes. We have used a variety of density functional approximations (S12g, LDA, BP86‐D3, OPBE, SSB‐D, B3LYP‐D3, S12h, and MVS), in all cases including solvation and relativistic effects explicitly. One of the main observations of this detailed study is the excellent performance of S12g for both accurate structures and spin state splittings. Moreover, our results show that in general all density functionals can be used as a reliable computational tool for reproducing and predicting geometries, determining the oxidation state of iron, and most are able as well to providing good descriptions of spin state energetics.
Context and Implications Document for: Concretising Design Thinking: A Content Analysis of Systematic and Extended Literature Reviews on Design Thinking and Human‐Centred Design
Authors: Baker Fredrick W. , Moukhliss Sarah
Published: December 2019

This guide accompanies the following article: Baker III. F.W. & Moukhliss, S. Concretising Design Thinking: A Content Analysis of Systematic and Extended Literature Reviews on Design Thinking and Human‐Centred Design, Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3186.
Resilient filtering for cyber‐physical systems under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Ma Renjie , Shi Peng , Wang Zhenhuan , Wu Ligang
Published: December 2019

Owing to the deep integration of control, computation, and communication, cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) play an important role in wide real‐world applications. In this paper, we investigate the problem of resilient filter design of CPSs under malicious denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks launched by adversaries. Firstly, based on two standard assumptions concerning with the frequency and duration of DoS attacks, we state the H∞ filtering problem for the CPSs under DoS attacks. Then, sufficient conditions are developed to ensure that, when there are DoS attacks, the filtering error dynamics of the underlying CPSs is mean square exponential stable with a prescribed H∞ disturbance attenuation performance. Furthermore, a switched filter is designed for CPSs under DoS attacks. Examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed new design techniques.
First‐principles study on the adhesive and electronic property of c‐BN(111)/Cu(111) interface
Authors: Wang Shen , Li Da , Zeng Qiang , Xiong Min , Zhang Qiao , Wu Kaipeng
Published: December 2019

The interface properties of c‐BN/Cu composite play an important role in its application. In this work, we employed first‐principles calculation to investigate the bonding properties and electronic characteristics of the c‐BN(111)/Cu(111) interface. The adhesion properties, partial density of states (PDOS), charge density, and charge density difference of different interfaces were analyzed. The results show that the interface of B‐termination “OT” stacking mode is the most stable one. The density of states at the c‐BN(111)/Cu(111) interface is similar to that of c‐BN bulk phase, indicating that the electronic states of the c‐BN layer are not affected by the Cu atoms. The PDOS diagram shows that the 2p orbital of B atoms and the 2p orbital of N atoms are hybridized in the c‐BN layer. Besides, 2p orbital of B(N) atoms and 3d orbital of Cu atoms are hybridized in the interface. The covalent bonds and ionic bonds in the interface of N‐termination and B‐termination OT stacking mode structures are stronger than that of “SL” and “TL” stacking mode. So, the OT stacking mode has larger adhesive energy. Furthermore, Cu and c‐BN can form a good coherent interface, which can be used to prepare c‐BN/Cu composites and functional materials with excellent mechanical properties.
Safety surveillance and the estimation of risk in select populations: Flexible methods to control for confounding while targeting marginal comparisons via standardization
Authors: Shi Xu , Wellman Robert , Heagerty Patrick J. , Nelson Jennifer C. , Cook Andrea J.
Published: December 2019

We consider the critical problem of pharmacosurveillance for adverse events once a drug or medical product is incorporated into routine clinical care. When making inference on comparative safety using large‐scale electronic health records, we often encounter an extremely rare binary adverse outcome with a large number of potential confounders. In this context, it is challenging to offer flexible methods to adjust for high‐dimensional confounders, whereas use of the propensity score (PS) can help address this challenge by providing both confounding control and dimension reduction. Among PS methods, regression adjustment using the PS as a covariate in an outcome model has been incompletely studied and potentially misused. Previous studies have suggested that simple linear adjustment may not provide sufficient control of confounding. Moreover, no formal representation of the statistical procedure and associated inference has been detailed. In this paper, we characterize a three‐step procedure, which performs flexible regression adjustment of the estimated PS followed by standardization to estimate the causal effect in a select population. We also propose a simple variance estimation method for performing inference. Through a realistic simulation mimicking data from the Food and Drugs Administration's Sentinel Initiative comparing the effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers on incidence of angioedema, we show that flexible regression on the PS resulted in less bias without loss of efficiency, and can outperform other methods when the PS model is correctly specified. In addition, the direct variance estimation method is a computationally fast and reliable approach for inference.
Synthesis, Morphology and Magnetic Properties of Fe3C/CNTs Composites by a g‐C3N4 Route
Authors: Ye Zhantong , Qie Yaqin , Fan Zhipeng , Liu Yixuan , Chen Xiaodong , Shi Zhan , Yang Hua
Published: December 2019

Herein, the Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanotubes (Fe3C/CNTs) were successfully prepared through a simple method using g‐C3N4 from thermal polymerization of melamine. The structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the prepared samples were investigated by various technologies. The results show that the Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanotubes exhibit good magnetic properties with high saturated magnetization (83.7 emu g−1). Importantly, this simple approach provides a way to synthesize metal carbides encapsulated in carbon nanotubes.
A Gr/αFe2O3/Carbon Paste Electrode Developed as an Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Rizatriptan Benzoate: An Antimigraine Drug
Authors: Nouri Maedeh , Rahimnejad Mostafa , Najafpour Ghasem , Akbar Moghadamnia Ali
Published: December 2019

In this research, a new electrochemical sensor was proposed for determining rizatriptan benzoate (RZB) with high sensitivity. To this end, a nanocomposite consisting of graphene (Gr) and hematite iron oxide (αFe2O3) was used to modify a carbon paste electrode (CPE). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to study the morphology of the fabricated electrode; cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were utilized to evaluate the modified electrode's capabilities. The findings demonstrated the high sensitivity of the designed electrode in the determination of RZB. In addition, to optimize the response of the electrochemical sensor, changes in the voltammetric behavior of RZB under different scan rates and pH conditions were explored. The results showed that under optimal conditions, RZB concentrations between 2 and 50 μM induced an oxidation anodic peak current that could detect the substance with a low limit of merely 0.42 μM. The findings of the present study demonstrated the fabricated electrode high sensitivity, low detection limit, wide linear dynamic range, remarkable reproducibility, rapid response, and high current peak response in detecting various concentrations of RZB. Furthermore, a kinetically facile system with minimal charge transfer resistance and adequate RZB diffusion was present on the electrode surface. Finally, the proposed electrode was successfully utilized in the detection of RZB in various samples.
A Water Soluble Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Aryl Aziridino Carboxylic Acid Decorated Mn (II) Complex Increased Root Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Thakur S. K. , Goswami K. , Bhattacharjee S. , Soni U. , Guchhait P. , Eswaran S. V.
Published: December 2019

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been rendered water soluble as an aryl aziridino derivative decorated with carboxylic acids as a Mn (II) complex (III). This leads to increased root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. The discovery of Nano‐carbon materials (NCMs) [Fullerenes, Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) and Graphene] has been recognized by the award of two Nobel prizes. Large‐scale industrial use of NCMs is hampered by their low solubility in most common solvents. The tensile strength of SWCNTs is approximately twenty three times more than that of steel and yet it is five times lighter. Successful functionalization makes CNTs more soluble allowing for many more possible applications in biomedical and material science (Solar cells). Synthesis of the water soluble SWCNT‐aryl‐aziridino‐carboxylic acid decorated Mn (II) complex (III) is described here along with its characterization using UV‐Visible, FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy, EPR, TEM, Cyclic voltammetry techniques, confirming successful functionalization. SWCNT has been made water soluble by a two‐step procedure not involving any harsh steps like treatment with conc. acids. This has been achieved by reaction with an aryl azide followed by alkaline KMnO4 oxidation, when the above complex SWCNT−Mn (II) complex (III) was obtained. This complex has been observed to lead to increased root length growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.
In Situ Formation of Hierarchical Bismuth Nanodots/Graphene Nanoarchitectures for Ultrahigh‐Rate and Durable Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhao Yuanxin , Ren Xiaochuan , Xing Zhenjiang , Zhu Daming , Tian Weifeng , Guan Cairu , Yang Yong , Qin Wenming , Wang Juan , Zhang Lili , Huang Yaobo , Wen Wen , Li Xiaolong , Tai Renzhong
Published: December 2019

Metallic bismuth (Bi) has been widely explored as remarkable anode material in alkali‐ion batteries due to its high gravimetric/volumetric capacity. However, the huge volume expansion up to ≈406% from Bi to full potassiation phase K3Bi, inducing the slow kinetics and poor cycling stability, hinders its implementation in potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). Here, facile strategy is developed to synthesize hierarchical bismuth nanodots/graphene (BiND/G) composites with ultrahigh‐rate and durable potassium ion storage derived from an in situ spontaneous reduction of sodium bismuthate/graphene composites. The in situ formed ultrafine BiND (≈3 nm) confined in graphene layers can not only effectively accommodate the volume change during the alloying/dealloying process but can also provide high‐speed channels for ionic transport to the highly active BiND. The BiND/G electrode provides a superior rate capability of 200 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and an impressive reversible capacity of 213 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 500 cycles with almost no capacity decay. An operando synchrotron radiation‐based X‐ray diffraction reveals distinctively sharp multiphase transitions, suggesting its underlying operation mechanisms and superiority in potassium ion storage application.
Pullets had higher bursal and thymic weight indices and more antibody response to La Sota vaccination than broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Igwe Amarachukwu O. , Ihedioha John I. , Eze Didacus C. , Okoye John O. A.
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the immune responses to La Sota vaccination, used in protection of chickens against Newcastle disease, in light weight type breeds of chickens (pullets) and heavy weight type breeds of chickens (broilers) used in commercial poultry production. Seven‐week‐old 50 White Marshall broilers (Br) and 50 Isa Brown pullets (Pu) were randomly divided into four groups: vaccinated broilers chickens; (VBr), unvaccinated broiler chickens (UBr), and vaccinated pullet chickens (VPu) and unvaccinated pullet chickens (UPu). Chickens in groups VBr and VPu were vaccinated with La Sota vaccine, whereas groups UBr and UPu were not vaccinated. On day 0 post vaccination (PV), six chickens from group Br and Pu, and on day 4 PV, three chickens from each four groups were sacrificed and the bursa weight index (BWI), thymus weight index (TWI) and the splenic weight index (SWI) were obtained. The chickens were observed for clinical signs and lesions. Serum samples were collected from the chickens in all the groups on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 PV and assayed for haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies. The BWI, TWI and SWI were 0.37 ± 0.05, 0.35 ± 0.17, 0.65 ± 0.26 for pullets and 0.11 ± 0.04, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.36 ± 0.17 for broilers on day 0 PV. On day 4 PV there was no significant difference (p < .05) between the indices of the vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. The geometrical mean antibody titres (GMT) of the pullets were 2 to 3 times higher than those of the broilers on days 7 to 28 PV. Vaccination did not produce clinical signs or lesions. The above observations show that naturally pullets produce higher antibodies than broilers because of their higher BWI.
∆Ms theory precision confronts flavour anomalies
Authors: Di Luzio Luca , Kirk Matthew , Lenz Alexander , Rauh Thomas
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Based on recent HQET sum rule and lattice calculations we present updated Standard Model predictions for the mass differences of neutral B mesons:

$$ \varDelta {M}_s^{\mathrm{SM}}=\left({18.4}_{-1.2}^{+0.7}\right){\mathrm{ps}}^{-1} $$

Δ

M
s
SM

=

18.4

−
1.2

+
0.7

ps

−
1

and

$$ \varDelta {M}_d^{\mathrm{SM}}=\left({0.533}_{-0.036}^{+0.022}\right){\mathrm{ps}}^{-1} $$

Δ

M
d
SM

=

0.533

−
0.036

+
0.022

ps

−
1

study their impact onnew physics models that address the present hints of anomalous data in b → sℓℓ transitions. We also examine future prospects of further reducing the theory uncertainties and discuss the implications of a 2025 scenario with

$$ \varDelta {M}_s^{\mathrm{SM}\;2025}=\left(18.4\pm 0.5\right) $$

Δ

M
s

SM

2025

=

18.4
±
0.5

ps
−1. In particular, the latter yields upper bounds M

Z′ ≲ 9TeV and

$$ {M}_{S_3}\lesssim 30\mathrm{TeV} $$

M

S
3

≲
30
TeV

for the minimal Z′ and S
3 lepto-quark explanations of the b → sℓℓ anomalies, respectively.
Vector and scalar mesons’ mixing from QCD sum rules
Authors: Chen Ze-Sheng , Zhang Zhu-Feng , Huang Zhuo-Ran , Steele T.G. , Jin Hong-Ying
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study

$$ \overline{q} $$

q
¯

q-hybrid mixing for the light vector mesons and

$$ \overline{q} $$

q
¯

q-glueball mixing for the light scalar mesons in Monte-Carlo based QCD Laplace sum rules. By calculating the two-point correlation function of a vector

$$ \overline{q} $$

q
¯

γ

μ

q (scalar

$$ \overline{q} $$

q
¯

q) current and a hybrid (glue- ball) current we are able to estimate the mass and the decay constants of the corresponding mixed “physical state” that couples to both currents. Our results do not support strong quark/gluonic mixing for either the 1
−−
or the 0++ states.
Assessment of Polygala paniculata (Polygalaceae) characteristics for evolutionary studies of legume–rhizobia symbiosis
Authors: Tokumoto Yuji , Hashimoto Kayo , Soyano Takashi , Aoki Seishiro , Iwasaki Wataru , Fukuhara Mai , Nakagawa Tomomi , Saeki Kazuhiko , Yokoyama Jun , Fujita Hironori , Kawaguchi Masayoshi
Published: December 2019

Root nodule (RN) symbiosis is a mutualistic interaction observed between nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria and nodulating plants, which are scattered in only four orders of angiosperms called nitrogen-fixing clade. Most of legumes engage in RN symbiosis with rhizobia. Molecular genetic analyses with legumes and non-leguminous nodulating plants revealed that RN symbiosis utilizes early signalling components that are required for symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. However detailed evolutionary processes are still largely unknown. Comparative analyses with non-nodulating species phylogenetically related to legumes could be better strategies to study the evolution of RN symbiosis in legumes. Polygala paniculata is a non-leguminous species that belongs to a family different from legumes but that is classified into the same order, Fabales. It has appropriate characteristics for cultivation in laboratories: small body size, high fertility and short lifecycles. Therefore, we further assessed whether this species is suitable as a model species for comparative studies with legumes. We first validated that the plant we obtained in Palau was truly P. paniculata by molecular phylogenetic analysis using rbcL sequences. The estimated genome size of this species was less than those of two model legumes, Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. We determined conditions for cultivation in vitro and for hairy root formation from P. paniculata seedlings. It would facilitate to investigate gene functions in this species. The ability of P. paniculata to interact with AM fungi was confirmed by inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis, suggesting the presence of early signalling factors that might be involved in RN symbiosis. Unexpectedly, branching of root hairs was observed when inoculated with Mesorhizobium loti broad host range strain NZP2037, indicating that P. paniculata has the biological potential to respond to rhizobia. We propose that P. paniculata is used as a model plant for the evolutionary study of RN symbiosis.
Breast reconstruction with the omentum flap: a case report with unsatisfactory outcome and review of the literature
Authors: Spinelli Rossella , Lanthaler Monika , Tasch Christoph , Nitto Agnese , Pierer Gerhard , Bauer Thomas
Published: December 2019

Background

Recently, breast reconstruction with the greater omentum flap has gained more attention, although it has been only rarely reported in the literature. An unpleasant case presented by us here prompted us to perform a literature search on breast reconstruction with the omentum flap concerning postoperative results and complication rates.

Case presentation

We here present the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with severe infection 3 months after omentum flap reconstruction in a distant local hospital. Intraoperative revision showed an inflammatory, completely necrotic flap that had to be removed.

Conclusion

The literature review shows that the omentum flap can be reasonably used only in one-sided reconstructions of very small breasts. Due to the limited indications, unpredictable flap volume, and our negative experience, we recommend that this type of reconstruction be used with restraint.
Correction to: “Most of the Haggadot Are Only Opinions”: Cambridge University Library T-S Misc.35.14
Authors: Outhwaite Ben
Published: December 2019

Figures 1 and 2 should have been published in the above-mentioned article. The omitted figures and figure captions appear on the next pages.

Figure 1. Solomon ben Judah, letter. Cambridge University Library T-S Misc.35.14 recto. Reproduced by kind permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library.

Figure 2. Solomon ben Judah, letter. Cambridge University Library T-S Misc.35.14 verso. Reproduced by kind permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library.
Algorithmic Decision-Making and the Control Problem
Authors: Zerilli John , Knott Alistair , Maclaurin James , Gavaghan Colin
Published: December 2019

The danger of human operators devolving responsibility to machines and failing to detect cases where they fail has been recognised for many years by industrial psychologists and engineers studying the human operators of complex machines. We call it “the control problem”, understood as the tendency of the human within a human–machine control loop to become complacent, over-reliant or unduly diffident when faced with the outputs of a reliable autonomous system. While the control problem has been investigated for some time, up to this point its manifestation in machine learning contexts has not received serious attention. This paper aims to fill that gap. We argue that, except in certain special circumstances, algorithmic decision tools should not be used in high-stakes or safety-critical decisions unless the systems concerned are significantly “better than human” in the relevant domain or subdomain of decision-making. More concretely, we recommend three strategies to address the control problem, the most promising of which involves a complementary (and potentially dynamic) coupling between highly proficient algorithmic tools and human agents working alongside one another. We also identify six key principles which all such human–machine systems should reflect in their design. These can serve as a framework both for assessing the viability of any such human–machine system as well as guiding the design and implementation of such systems generally.
A novel method to distinguish β-methylphenylethylamines from isomeric α-methylphenylethylamines by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Tsumura Yukari , Kiguchi Akio , Komatsuzaki Satoshi , Ieuji Kei
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Various phenylethylamines have been detected lately in dietary or sports supplements. N-Methyl-2-phenylpropan-1-amine (phenpromethamine) and 2-phenylpropan-1-amine (β-methylphenylethylamine, BMPEA) are known to produce mass spectra almost identical to those produced by methamphetamine (MA) and amphetamine (AP), respectively, when analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). They may interfere with the analysis of MA and AP. The aims of the present study were to determine whether some substances other than phenpromethamine and BMPEA give mass spectra similar to those given by MA or AP and to develop an analytical method of distinguishing phenpromethamine from MA and BMPEA from AP by derivatization.

Methods

Twenty isomers of MA or AP were selected to be analyzed using LC/MS. Six reagents were examined for derivatization of MA, AP, phenpromethamine, and BMPEA. Three mass spectrometers from two manufacturers were evaluated for their ability to reproduce the data.

Results

All isomers except phenpromethamine and BMPEA were shown to be distinguishable from MA and AP by their mass spectra. For the discrimination of isomeric pairs, derivatization using N-succinimidyl-4-nitrophenylacetate was found to be the best for tandem mass spectrometry and that using 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride was the best for in-source collision-induced dissociation. One or more ions from each pair of isomers gave adequate difference in their relative intensities according to the World Anti-Doping Agency criteria.

Conclusions

The newly developed method was proved to be usable for discriminating among those phenylethylamines.
Role of Adult Tissue-Derived Pluripotent Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Leppik Liudmila , Sielatycka K. , Henrich D. , Han Z. , Wang H. , Eischen-Loges M. J. , Oliveira K. M. C. , Bhavsar M. B. , Ratajczak M. Z. , Barker J. H.
Published: December 2019

Background

Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) consist of a heterogeneous mix of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), monocytes, lymphocytes and pluripotent stem cells. Whereas the importance of MSC and EPC has been well documented in bone healing and regeneration studies, the role of pluripotent stem cells is still poorly understood. In the present study we evaluated if and how Very Small Embryonic Like cells (VSEL), isolated from rat BM-MNC, contribute to bone healing.

Methods

Large bone defects were made in the femurs of 38 Sprague Dawley female rats and treated with β-TCP scaffold granules seeded with male VSEL; BM-MNC, VSEL-depleted BM-MNC or scaffold alone, and bone healing was evaluated at 8 weeks post-surgery.

Results

Bone healing was significantly increased in defects treated with VSEL and BM-MNC, compared to defects treated with VSEL-depleted BM-MNC. Donor cells were detected in new bone tissue, in all the defects treated with cells, and in fibrous tissue only in defects treated with VSEL-depleted BM-MNC. The number of CD68+ cells was the highest in the VSEL-depleted group, whereas the number of TRAP positive cells was the lowest in this group.

Conclusions

Based on the results, we can conclude that VSEL play a role in BM-MNC induced bone formation. In our rat femur defect model, in defects treated with VSEL-depleted BM-MNC, osteoclastogenesis and bone formation were decreased, and foreign body reaction was increased.
Petrochemistry and Sr, Nd, Pb Isotopic Characteristics of Basic Dykes of Mikir Hills, Assam
Authors: Dhurandhar A.P. , Pandey U.K. , Raminaidu Ch.
Published: December 2019

The basic dykes in Mikir Hills have gabbroic composition. The prominent trends of these dykes are E-W in Southern part of Mikir Hills and NE-SW trend in the Northern Part of Mikir Hills. The geochemical characterization of dyke rock shows that they are sub-alkaline to alkaline basalt in nature, medium to high potassic, high titanium, Fe enriched tholeiites. The evolved nature of magma is represented by low Mg# 39.34 to 49.76 and are characterized by relatively low abundances of MgO, Cr, Ni, Zr, Y and high Rb, Ba, Th, Nb, indicating the within plate basalt (WPB) and continental rift basalt (CRB) chemical affinity. This dyke activity may be related to the extensional tectonics related to Proterozoic rifting hence, showing characteristics of continental rift basalt (CRB) type. The nine samples of gabbro define a five-point Rb-Sr isochron age of 1200±67 Ma with 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70477±0.00042 with MSWD of 0.85. The Sm-Nd model ages (TDM) varies from 1600 to 2018Ma (εNd +0.11 to -2.04) indicates that the protolith from which these gabbroid rocks are derived is mostly Palaeo- to Meso-Proterozoic in age. The isotopic evolution of initial Sr, Nd and Pb reveals crustal contamination.