bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Multifunctional Interlayer for NASCION‐Based Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiong Shizhao , Liu Yangyang , Jankowski Piotr , Liu Qiao , Nitze Florian , Xie Kai , Song Jiangxuan , Matic Aleksandar
Published: April 2020

NASCION‐type Li conductors have great potential to bring high capacity solid‐state batteries to realization, related to its properties such as high ionic conductivity, stability under ambient conditions, wide electrochemical stability window, and inexpensive production. However, their chemical and thermal instability toward metallic lithium (Li) has severely hindered attempts to utilize Li as anode material in NASCION‐based battery systems. In this work, it is shown how a tailored multifunctional interlayer between the solid electrolyte and Li anode can successfully address the interfacial issues. This interlayer is designed by creating a quasi‐solid‐state paste in which the functionalities of LAGP (Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3) nanoparticles and an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte are combined. In a solid‐sate cell, the LAGP‐IL interlayer separates the Li metal from bulk LAGP and creates a chemically stable interface with low resistance (≈5 Ω cm2) and efficiently prevents thermal runaway at elevated temperatures (300 °C). Solid‐state cells designed with the interlayer can be operated at high current densities, 1 mA cm−2, and enable high rate capability with high safety. Here developed strategy provides a generic path to design interlayers for solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Nitrogen and potassium fertilization in no‐till hard red spring wheat production
Authors: Walsh Olga S.
Published: April 2020

There is a need to develop more efficient nutrient management strategies to maximize wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yields and increase grain protein levels. Urea, most widely used N fertilizer, is susceptible to substantial losses, resulting in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study assessed the effect of N and K fertilization on hard red spring wheat production under dryland no‐till conditions in Montana. A field experiment was conducted during one growing season at two locations in Northcentral Montana. Fertilizer N was applied as urea (46–0–0) or as a urea–KCl (50:50 blend) at planting to achieve two target N rates, 135 and 270 kg N ha−1. Biomass weight, N content, and sensor‐based Normalized Vegetative Difference Index (NDVI), yield, test weight, and grain protein content of wheat was evaluated. Results indicated that: (a) N may increase wheat grain quality (protein content) even when wheat yield is not increased, (b) KCl application, along with N, may result in greater wheat biomass production and grain protein values, and (c) NDVI may be more sensitive to the amount of produced biomass than to N content of that biomass. In conclusion, even if yield response to N is minimal, N is beneficial for improving grain protein content of wheat. Addition of KCl along with N may produce greater wheat biomass and increase biomass N content. The NDVI may be more sensitive to the amount of produced biomass than to its N content.
Summer forage capabilities of tepary bean and guar in the southern Great Plains
Authors: Baath Gurjinder S. , Northup Brian K. , Gowda Prasanna H. , Rocateli Alexandre C. , Singh Hardeep
Published: April 2020

Low nutritive value of perennial warm‐season grasses often causes limitation to stocker cattle production in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP). Exploration of novel legumes capable of generating nutritious summer forage is required to fill forage deficit periods. This 2‐yr field experiment compared the seasonal changes in forage biomass, leaf/stem ratio, and chemical composition of three varieties each of tepary bean [Phaseolus acutifolius (A.) Gray] and guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Tepary bean cultivar Black outperformed soybean and guar varieties by producing 18–48% greater aboveground dry matter (ADM) amounts (6537 kg ha−1) with a leaf/stem ratio of 3.1 at 65 days after planting (DAP). The ADM and leaf nutritive value of soybean were not surpassed by the other five tested legumes, but had the least digestible stems with an in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of 529–581 g  kg−1 in both years. Guar varieties maintained a lower leaf/stem ratio (1.3–1.5 kg kg−1) throughout the growing season, which could limit its value for grazing compared to other legumes. We concluded tepary bean could serve as an alternate forage option to soybean for producers in the SGP. Tepary bean possessed the greatest capabilities for producing adequate biomass yields with superior and consistent nutritive value when grown as a summer forage. Future research should focus on defining management practices for growing tepary bean in extensive production settings for grazing or hay.
Impact of adherence to board‐certified surgeon systems and clinical practice guidelines on colon cancer surgical outcomes in Japan: A questionnaire survey of the National Clinical Database
Authors: Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Kotake Kenjiro , Sugihara Kenichi , Toh Yasushi , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: April 2020

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of the institutional medical structure and of the implemented clinical practice guidelines for improving colon cancer surgical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a web‐based questionnaire survey among departments registered at the National Clinical Database in Japan from October 2014 to January 2015 to assess the association between quality indicators (QIs), including structure and process indicators (clinical practice guideline adherence), and the risk‐adjusted odds ratio for operative mortality (AOR) after right hemicolectomy for colorectal cancer during the study period.

Results

Among the 2064 departments registering at least one colorectal surgery during the study period, we obtained responses from 814 departments (39.4%). Our analysis on data from 22 816 patients with right hemicolectomy demonstrated that three structural QIs (certification of training hospitals by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery and the presences of board‐certified gastroenterological and colorectal surgeons) were associated with significantly lower AOR (P < .001, P = .02, and P = .05, respectively). The “performed at the doctor's discretion” answer was associated with poorer short‐term outcomes in six process QIs than other answers.

Conclusion

The board certification system for gastroenterological and colorectal surgeons and the adherence to the clinical guidelines improve the operative mortality after right hemicolectomy. It is desired to clarify the most suitable QIs to reduce the operative mortality after colorectal surgery.
Minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer
Authors: Park Hyunmi , Lee Tae‐Hoon , Kim Seon‐Hahn
Published: April 2020

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) follows the same principles as the total mesorectal excision (TME) in the rectum of following the embryological planes for right‐sided cancers. The number of lymph nodes yielded increased with a resultant improvement in the oncological outcomes and by reducing local recurrence rates. Hohenberger's radical CME and CVL and the East's modified CME with D3 lymphadenectomy, which traditionally followed the embryological plane dissection for most of its intraabdominal cancer resection, have both shown to harvest significantly higher number of lymph nodes leading to a higher overall survival rate than the traditional right hemicolectomies of the West. To achieve the oncologically superior excision of the CME, awareness of the significant vascular anatomical variation will enhance the precision of the oncosurgery as well as minimize the risk of vascular complications. There has been an increasing body of evidence emerging on the safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS); both its oncological safety as well as complication rates in the hands of expert and trained surgeons. The surgical technique of a CME right hemicolectomy is described step by step to aid standardization. There is mounting evidence that CME + CVL/ D3 improves survival in patients with colon cancer. Whilst the technical aspect of MIS is more challenging than the left, with a standardized technique and systematic teaching method, safety and benefits for patients can be achieved.
Infraspecific diversification of the star cloak fern (Notholaena standleyi) in the deserts of the United States and Mexico
Authors: Kao Tzu‐Tong , Rothfels Carl J. , Melgoza‐Castillo Alicia , Pryer Kathleen M. , Windham Michael D.
Published: April 2020

Premise

Not all ferns grow in moist and shaded habitats. One well‐known example is Notholaena standleyi, a species that thrives in deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This species exhibits several “chemotypes” that differ in farina (flavonoid exudates) color and chemistry. By integrating data from molecular phylogenetics, cytology, biochemistry, and biogeography, we circumscribed the major evolutionary lineages within N. standleyi and reconstructed their diversification histories.

Methods

Forty‐eight samples were selected from across the geographic distribution of N. standleyi. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using four plastid and five nuclear markers. Ploidy levels were inferred using spore sizes calibrated by chromosome counts, and farina chemistry was compared using thin‐layer chromatography.

Results

Four clades are recognized, three of which roughly correspond to previously recognized chemotypes. The diploid clades G and Y are found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, respectively; they are estimated to have diverged in the Pleistocene, congruent with the postulated timing of climatological events separating these two deserts. Clade P/YG is tetraploid and partially overlaps the distribution of clade Y in the eastern Chihuahuan Desert. It is apparently confined to limestone, a geologic substrate rarely occupied by members of the other clades. The cryptic (C) clade, a diploid group known only from southern Mexico and highly disjunct from the other three clades, is newly recognized here.

Conclusions

Our results reveal a complex intraspecific diversification history of N. standleyi, traceable to a variety of evolutionary drivers including classic allopatry, parapatry with or without changes in geologic substrate, and sympatric divergence through polyploidization.
Constitutive modeling of injection‐molded short‐fiber composites: Characterization and model application
Authors: Amiri‐Rad Ahmad , Wismans Martijn , Pastukhov Leonid V. , Govaert Leon E. , van Dommelen Johannes A. W.
Published: April 2020

A previously developed constitutive model for short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics is applied to an injection‐molded component with a complex geometry and microstructure. This macro‐scale continuum‐based model is able to capture the anisotropic viscoelastic‐viscoplastic response of the material. In injection‐molded short‐fiber composites, the anisotropic mechanical properties depend strongly on the fiber orientation distribution, which generally displays a marked variation throughout the product. This makes the material characterization and model application challenging. In this article, two characterization and model application strategies are proposed. These techniques, together with the developed constitutive model provide a strong tool for reliable prediction of the mechanical response of an injection molded product, where inputs to the finite element analysis are obtained directly from a numerical simulation of the injection molding process. In this article, from the output provided by an injection molding process simulation software such as Moldflow, the distribution of anisotropic elastic and plastic properties throughout the component is found and the data is imported to the finite element mesh. Mechanical tests are performed on a validation product and results are compared with model predictions from finite element simulations. Through this comparison, the performance of the constitutive model and also proposed procedures for characterization and model application are investigated.
Hyaluronic acid microneedles‐laden collagen cryogel plugs for ocular drug delivery
Authors: Saraswathy Krishnapriya , Agarwal Gopal , Srivastava Akshay
Published: April 2020

Particle loaded hydrogels have shown to provide prolonged delivery of drug in a controlled manner. We propose that embedding drug‐loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles in supermacroporous collagen type‐I (Col‐I) cryogel plugs may enhance the hydration and provide prolonged release of drug for ocular diseases. In this study, we have fabricated Col‐I cryogel and HA‐microneedles embedded Col‐I cryogel at sub‐zero temperature using 4S‐arm Star‐PEG as a crosslinker. The fabricated novel Col‐I cryogels have shown supermacroporous morphology with solvent uptake capacity of nearly 90% due to large pore volume and high interconnectivity. These features of the cryogel enable the release the drug in a controlled and sustained manner. The fabricated cryogels have demonstrated nearly 50% degradation in simulated tear fluid within 15 days of duration. Moreover, the microneedles incorporated cryogels have shown prolonged release of required therapeutic concentration of drug that may satisfy the present dire need for antibacterial drug delivery in eyes. The variation in the drug release kinetics from Col‐I cryogel and HA‐microneedles‐laden‐Col‐I cryogels have been studied in different release media (PBS and Simulated tear fluid).
Coumarin‐containing hybrids and their antibacterial activities
Authors: Feng Dongxu , Zhang Aihua , Yang Yuan , Yang Peng
Published: April 2020

Infections caused by Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria are one of the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy for bacterial infections, but the emergence and wide spread of drug‐resistant pathogens have already become a huge issue for public healthcare systems. The coumarin moiety, which is ubiquitous in nature, could bind to the B subunit of DNA gyrase in bacteria and inhibit DNA supercoiling by blocking the ATPase activity; hence, coumarin derivatives possess potential antibacterial activity. Several coumarin‐containing hybrids such as coumermycin A1, clorobiocin, and novobiocin have already been used in clinical practice for the treatment of various bacterial infections; thus, it is conceivable that hybridization of the coumarin moiety with other antibacterial pharmacophores may provide opportunities for the development of novel antibiotics. This review outlines the advances in coumarin‐containing hybrids with antibacterial potential in the recent 5 years and the structure–activity relationships are also discussed.
Potable Water Reuse in Small Inland Communities: Oasis or Mirage?
Authors: Scruggs Caroline E. , Lawler Desmond F. , Tchobanoglous George , Thomson Bruce M. , Schwarzman Megan R. , Howe Kerry J. , Schuler Andrew J.
Published: April 2020

Key Takeaways

Potable reuse can benefit communities with threatened water supplies, but barriers to implementation exist, particularly for smaller communities.

Among the challenges associated with potable reuse, the potential health risks of unregulated chemical contaminants found in treated wastewater deserve more attention.

Gaps in research and policy regarding contaminants of emerging concern need to be addressed before treated wastewater is used to expand the potable water supplies of smaller communities.
Relevant and irrelevant predictors in PLS2
Authors: Stocchero Matteo
Published: April 2020

Partial least square regression (PLS) is largely applied to solve regression problems when correlation and redundancy are present in the data. In spite of many studies about feature selection and variable importance have been published, to select the subset of relevant features useful to explain the behaviour of the system under investigation and the subset of irrelevant predictors that can be ignored is still an open issue. Here, a new strategy to measure variable importance is introduced, and a wrapper method is proposed for selecting relevant and irrelevant predictors. The variable importance measure is developed grouping the predictors in classes of equivalent features by clustering in the latent space and considering the variations of the goodness of the PLS2 model generated perturbing the block of the predictors. The wrapper method implements stability selection using bootstrap and feature selection. The behaviour of the new variable importance score and its use within the wrapper method are discussed investigating two simulated and one real data set.
Cationic Carbosilane Dendritic Systems as Promising Anti‐Amyloid Agents in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lozano‐Cruz Tania , Alcarraz‐Vizán Gema , de la Mata F. Javier , de Pablo Sara , Ortega Paula , Duarte Yorley , Bravo‐Moraga Felipe , González‐Nilo Fernando D. , Novials Anna , Gómez Rafael
Published: April 2020

The most common denominator of many of the neurodegenerative diseases is badly folded protein accumulation, which results in the formation of insoluble protein deposits located in different parts of the organism, causing cell death and tissue degeneration. Dendritic systems have turned out to be a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of these diseases due to their ability to modulate the folding of these proteins. With this perspective, and focused on type 2 diabetes (T2D), characterized by the presence of deposits containing the amyloidogenic islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), we demonstrate how different topologies of cationic carbosilane dendrimers inhibit the formation of insoluble protein deposits in pancreatic islets isolated from transgenic Tg‐hIAPP mice. Also, the results obtained by the modification of dendritic carbosilane wedges with the chemical chaperone 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) at the focal point confirmed their potential as anti‐amyloid agents with a concentration efficiency in their therapeutic action five orders of magnitude lower than that observed for free 4‐PBA. Computational studies, which determined the main interaction between IAPP and dendrimers at the atomic level, support the experimental work.
Highly Selective Binding and Inhibition of Pyr‐His‐Pro‐NH2 (TRH) Function using a Polypyridinyl Macrocyclic Receptor with an Amphiphilic Cavity
Authors: Hou Chao‐Ping , Yang Jian , Zhang Lei , Ma Zhen‐Hua , Li Qian , Xiang Jun‐Feng , Gong Han‐Yuan
Published: April 2020

Macrocycle, cyclo[4] [(1,3‐(4,6)‐dimethylbezene)[4](2,6‐(3,5)‐dimethylpyridine (B4P4), shows highly selective binding affinity with protirelin (Pyr‐His‐Pro‐NH2; TRH) among the tested 26 drug or drug adductive substrates. The stable complexation in a 1:1 manner was fully characterized in solution, gas phase, and solid state study. Furthermore, B4P4 acts as an efficient TRH inhibitor even at [macrocycle]:[drug] <1:300, both in membrane transport and cellar incubation. The current work provides an unprecedented strategy for macrocycles to be efficiently used in drug target therapy.
Cytologic and histologic samples from patients infected by the novel coronavirus 2019 SARS‐CoV‐2: An Italian institutional experience focusing on biosafety procedures
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Fadda Guido , Mule Antonino , Zannoni Gian Franco , Rindi Guido
Published: April 2020

The 2019 coronavirus pandemic, which started in Wuhan, China, spread around the globe with dramatic and lethal effects. From the initial Chinese epicenter, the European diaspora taxed the resources of several countries and especially those of Italy, which was forced into a complete social and economic shutdown. Infection by droplets contaminating hands and surfaces represents the main vehicle of diffusion of the virus. The common and strong efforts to contain the pandemic have relevant effects on the management of samples from histopathology laboratories. The current commentary reports and focuses on the protocols and guidelines in use at a large tertiary Italian hospital that accordingly are proposed for adoption in Italian laboratories as a potential model for national guidelines for the coronavirus emergency.
A shift of the perceptual attributes of color due to the manifestation of the simultaneous contrast effect on a display
Authors: Hajdek Krunoslav , Budimir Ivan , Matijević Mile
Published: April 2020

This research shows the effect of simultaneous contrast on a design solution that generates it, and it also shows how its manifestation affects the shift of perception attributes of the observer's color. In the conducted research, 55 subjects had to harmonize the primary stimuli from the reproduction obtained with the help of digital printing technology, with the primary stimuli presented on two computer screens. As a visual harmonization technique, simultaneous binocular harmonization was used. The primary stimuli were made achromatic, with a 50% Raster Tone value (RTV), and are surrounded by achromatic secondary stimuli whose values increase in steps from 10% RTV up to 100% RTV. A shift in the perceptual attributes of color has been shown with the help of the CIEDE2000 system. Using ANOVA with repeated‐measures and Fisher's post hoc analysis, statistically significant differences were found between the perceived means of shift in the ΔC00 chroma and ΔL00 lightness on defined samples on both computer screens, while in the case of the ΔH00 hue, no statistically significant differences were observed. The research also determined colorimetric differences in the ΔE00 color difference. Moreover, the student's t test was used to determine that the effect is stronger when manifested on the Lenovo computer than on the Asus computer screen (P < .05).
First‐in‐Human Studies of MW01‐6‐189WH, a Brain‐Penetrant, Antineuroinflammatory Small‐Molecule Drug Candidate: Phase 1 Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Studies in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Van Eldik Linda J. , Sawaki Lumy , Bowen Karen , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Noveck Robert J. , Hauser Byron , Jordan Lynn , Spears Tracy G. , Wu Huali , Watt Kevin , Raja Shruti , Roy Saktimayee M. , Watterson D. Martin , Guptill Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2020

MW01‐6‐189WH (MW189) is a novel central nervous system–penetrant small‐molecule drug candidate that selectively attenuates stressor‐induced proinflammatory cytokine overproduction and is efficacious in intracerebral hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury animal models. We report first‐in‐human, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 1 studies to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of single and multiple ascending intravenous doses of MW189 in healthy adult volunteers. MW189 was safe and well tolerated in single and multiple doses up to 0.25 mg/kg, with no clinically significant concerns. The most common drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse event was infusion‐site reactions, likely related to drug solution acidity. No clinically concerning changes were seen in vital signs, electrocardiograms, physical or neurological examinations, or safety laboratory results. PK analysis showed dose‐proportional increases in plasma concentrations of MW189 after single or multiple doses, with approximately linear kinetics and no significant drug accumulation. Steady state was achieved by dose 3 for all dosing cohorts. A pilot pharmacodynamic study administering low‐dose endotoxin to induce a systemic inflammatory response was done to evaluate the effects of a single intravenous dose of MW189 on plasma cytokine levels. MW189 treatment resulted in lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and higher levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 compared with placebo treatment. The outcomes are consistent with the pharmacological mechanism of MW189. Overall, the safety profile, PK properties, and pharmacodynamic effect support further development of MW189 for patients with acute brain injury.
Comparative study on electrocardiogram encryption using elliptic curves cryptography and data encryption standard for applications in Internet of medical things
Authors: Zheng Lijuan , Wang Zihan , Tian Senping
Published: April 2020

Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems are widely used in tele‐cardiology healthcare and applications of Internet of Medical Things. In order to guarantee the rapidity, stability, and accuracy of ECG signals in acquisition and transmission, the data delay, loss, and destruction must be considered in dynamic ECG monitoring system. Hence, data encryption as a key processing technique must carefully be selected in such applications. In this article, we comparatively studied the data encryption standard (DES) and elliptic curves cryptography (ECC) for applications in remote ECG monitoring. The study revealed that although both the encryption methods could effectively protect the integrity of data and ensure the operation of ECG monitoring system, the ECC method perform better than DES especially from the perspective of rapidity. In conclusion, the ECC is recommended as the candidate of encryption method in remote ECG monitoring systems.
Using Direct RNA Nanopore Sequencing to Deconvolute Viral Transcriptomes
Authors: Depledge Daniel P. , Wilson Angus C.
Published: April 2020

The genomes of DNA viruses encode deceptively complex transcriptomes evolved to maximize coding potential within the confines of a relatively small genome. Defining the full range of viral RNAs produced during an infection is key to understanding the viral replication cycle and its interactions with the host cell. Traditional short‐read (Illumina) sequencing approaches are problematic in this setting due to the difficulty of assigning short reads to individual RNAs in regions of transcript overlap and to the biases introduced by the required recoding and amplification steps. Additionally, different methodologies may be required to analyze the 5′ and 3′ ends of RNAs, which increases both cost and effort. The advent of long‐read nanopore sequencing simplifies this approach by providing a single assay that captures and sequences full length RNAs, either in cDNA or native RNA form. The latter is particularly appealing as it reduces known recoding biases whilst allowing more advanced analyses such as estimation of poly(A) tail length and the detection of RNA modifications including N6‐methyladenosine. Using herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐infected primary fibroblasts as a template, we provide a step‐by‐step guide to the production of direct RNA sequencing libraries suitable for sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms and provide a simple computational approach to deriving a high‐quality annotation of the HSV transcriptome from the resulting sequencing data. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Productive infection of primary fibroblasts with herpes simplex virus

Support Protocol: Cell passage and plating of primary fibroblasts

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation and sequencing of dRNA‐seq libraries from virus‐infected cells

Basic Protocol 3: Processing, alignment, and analysis of dRNA‐seq datasets
Root length density of cereal and grain legume crops grown in diverse rotations
Authors: Osborne Shannon L. , Chim Bee Khim , Riedell Walter E. , Schumacher Thomas E.
Published: April 2020

The development of crop rotations to support sustainable agriculture depends on understanding how crop rotations affect above‐ and belowground crop characteristics. Our objectives were to investigate crop rotation effects on shoot dry weight and root characteristics of cereal and grain legume crops at anthesis, as well as on grain yield. Rotations were corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), corn–soybean–spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–field pea (Pisum sativum L.) (CSSwP), corn–soybean–spring wheat–sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (CSSwSf), corn–field pea–winter wheat–soybean (CPWwS), and corn–oat (Avena sativa L.)–winter wheat‐soybean (COWwS). Crop biomass and root samples were collected at crop anthesis for each crop within the crop rotation. Two soil cores were taken within each of the crops grown in rotation, and the two soil cores were cut into segments of 0–15, 15–30, 30–45, 45–60, 60–90, and 90–120 cm and combined for measuring root length density. Rotations were established in 2000 with plants measured in 2015 and 2016. Rotations had no significant effects on shoot dry weight at anthesis. Small grains had greater root length density than grain legumes between 0‐ and 60‐cm soil depths. Rotation treatments had significant effects only on soybean root length density at 0‐ to 90‐cm soil depths. Soybean following winter wheat (CPWwS and COWwS) had significantly less root length density than soybean following corn. Soybean grain yield was significantly greater following winter wheat (CPWwS and COWwS) than in other rotations. Thus, smaller root systems at anthesis in soybean following winter wheat were associated with higher grain yield at maturity.
Sustainable development drivers of companies: An international and multilevel analysis
Authors: Cassely Ludovic , Revelli Christophe , Ben Larbi Sami , Lacroux Alain
Published: April 2020

By adopting a pluralistic theoretical framework from stakeholder theory, neo‐institutional theory, and the resource‐based view, this article aims to identify the determinants of the sustainable development commitment or corporate social performance (CSP) of companies in an international context through a macrolevel, mesolevel, and microlevel analysis. Using a methodology based on generalized estimation equation models and social data from the Vigeo Eiris longitudinal database (2004–2015), the study shows that the economic system, in the sense of Amable, and the industrial sector have the greatest influence on CSP and its dimensions. This finding puts into perspective work that attributes high explanatory power to macroeconomic and mesoeconomic variables and moderates the influence of microeconomic variables on CSP, as firm size, R&D policy, and financial performance.
Conditional inactivation of Foxc1 and Foxc2 in neural crest cells leads to cardiac abnormalities
Authors: Sanchez Joshua , Miyake Risa , Cheng Andrew , Liu Ting , Iseki Sachiko , Kume Tsutomu
Published: April 2020

Cardiac neural crest cells (cNCCs) are required for normal heart development. cNCCs are a multipotent and migratory cell lineage that differentiates into multiple cell types. cNCCs migrate into the developing heart to contribute to the septation of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT). Foxc1 and Foxc2 are closely related members of the FOX (Forkhead box) transcription factor family and are expressed in cNCC during heart development. However, the precise role of Foxc1 and Foxc2 in cNCCs has yet to be fully described. We found that compound NCC‐specific Foxc1;Foxc2 mutant embryos exhibited persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA), ventricular septal defects (VSDs), and thinning of the ventricular myocardium. Loss of Foxc1/c2 expression in cNCCs resulted in abnormal patterns of cNCC migration into the OFT without the formation of the aorticopulmonary septum. Further, loss of Foxc1 expression in cNCCs resulted in normal OFT development but abnormal ventricular septal formation. In contrast, loss of Foxc2 expression in NCCs led to no obvious cardiac abnormalities. Together, we provide evidence that Foxc1 and Foxc2 in cNCCs are cooperatively required for proper cNCC migration, the formation of the OFT septation, and the development of the ventricles. Our data also suggests that Foxc1 expression may play a larger role in ventricular development compared to Foxc2.
Quantification of Brønsted Acid Sites in Zeolites by Water Desorption Thermogravimetry
Authors: Bornes Carlos , Amelse Jeffrey A. , Peacock Mark , Marshall Christopher L. , Schwartz Michael M. , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Rocha João , Mafra Luis
Published: April 2020

The many studies that have been conducted on water adsorption on zeolites were carried out in “adsorption” mode, from adsorption isotherms or single‐point measurements, with the samples being first degassed at high temperature, and then exposed to water vapor at variable partial pressure. Here, we report Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) studies of HZSM‐5 saturated with water at room temperature, thus studying water adsorption in “desorption” mode. TGA was used to ascertain the amount of water remaining as a function of the pretreatment temperature, and to identify the temperature at which one water molecule per framework Al atom persists. Solid‐state 1H NMR spectroscopy, combined with molecular modeling, provided evidence for water molecules hydrogen bonded to Brønsted acid sites and formation of oxonium species for distinct water per framework Al atom. TGA is shown to be a simple and expeditious technique to measure the number of Brønsted acid sites in aluminosilicate zeolites, with advantages over the traditional methods of IR or TPD of dangerous adsorbed ammonia or pyridine. TGA of adsorbed water also provides information on the water clusters formed at the acid sites of HZSM‐5, which are proportional to the number of acid sites.
Novel π‐Extended Quinazoline‐Ferrocene Conjugates: Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Behavior
Authors: Elmuradov Burkhon , Dräger Gerald , Butenschön Holger
Published: April 2020

Novel ferrocene conjugates of tricyclic quinazoline derivatives are prepared by condensation of active C‐6 methylene groups of mackinazolinones with ferrocenecarbaldehyde. Following this route the conjugated parent alkaloid as well as derivatives with nitro, amino, and alkanoylamino groups at C‐2 were attached at the ferrocene moiety, thereby significantly extending the delocalized π system. In addition, the parent compound was subjected to the reaction with ferrocene‐1,1'‐dicarbaldehyde, giving rise to the symmetrical and unsymmetrical double condensation products – 1,1'‐disubstituted ferrocene derivatives, which bear two alkaloid substituents. Some of the compounds obtained were subjected to X‐ray crystallographic analyses. The influence of the substituents at C‐2 through the extended conjugated π system on the iron atom is reflected by results of cyclovoltammetric measurements.
Fire risk assessment in cotton storage based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and Bayesian network
Authors: Chen Jinyue , Ji Jie , Ding Long , Wu Jiansong
Published: April 2020

Cotton storage fire develops rapidly, and it has high probability of being out of control and causing huge economic loss. In order to carry out a quantitative risk assessment of cotton storage fire accidents, a dynamic risk assessment model of cotton storage fire is established by means of data analysis, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), cases study and expert opinions based on Bayesian network (BN). The model includes three sections (fire causes section, fire discoverer section, fire control section) and one mainline, with 22 nodes, and gives accident risk in the form of economic loss. Risk can be renewed quickly by giving new evidence to model nodes of BN. The application of FCE provides a feasible solution to solve the data deficiency problem in databases, experiment results and experience in model construction. Sensitivity analysis result shows firefighters participation, timely control of fire, firefighting systems and workers are important to put out the fire. A case study shows that the loss of a fire accident happened in an open storage yard is more serious than the loss of a similar fire accident happened in warehouse. This model provides support for cotton storage fire risk management and decision‐making in an emergency fire accident.
Geoarchaeological investigations at the Ryan‐Harley Paleoindian site, Florida (8JE1004): Implications for human settlement of the Wacissa River Basin during the Younger Dryas
Authors: Smith Morgan F.
Published: April 2020

Ryan‐Harley (8JE1004) in the Wacissa River of North Florida is one of few sites in the Eastern United States that contains an unfluted lanceolate point component (Suwannee) in a buried context. Extinct and extirpated faunal remains found within the Suwannee artifact layer at Ryan‐Harley have been cited as evidence of a Pleistocene faunal refugium in the Southeastern United States. In 2015, geoarchaeological excavations were undertaken to determine if the Ryan‐Harley Suwannee assemblage is culturally discrete and associated with Pleistocene fauna. Geoarchaeological data demonstrate that the archaeological component was exposed until ~8,000 calbp on a relict eolian landscape before burial. No radiocarbon ages were obtained on either extinct or extant faunal material from the site, and the excavated portion of the geologic stratum containing the artifact assemblage is devoid of other datable organics. Therefore, no unequivocal conclusion can be reached about the association of the extinct faunal material with the Suwannee artifacts. However, multiple lines of evidence fail to reject the hypothesis that the Ryan‐Harley lithic assemblage represents a single occupation of Suwannee point makers. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the Suwannee occupation of Ryan‐Harley most likely occurred during the Younger Dryas (~12,900–11,700 calbp).
The potential of vegetation indices: estimating methane emissions in paddy fields under nighttime warming and water saving conditions
Authors: Zhen Zhang , Yunsheng Lou , Rui Li , Li Ma , Jun Li , Amina Lukali
Published: April 2020

Nondestructive and rapid methods for estimating methane emissions from paddy fields are helpful in indentifying options for emission mitigation, both at global and local scales. However, few studies have used an approach of vegetation indices for estimating methane emissions in paddy fields from ground‐based hyperspectral data. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed the quantitative relationship of methane emissions from rice fields to hyperspectral vegetation indices based on hyperspectral reflectance data of rice canopy. A field experiment was designed with two nighttime warming levels, that is, nighttime warming and control (ambient temperature), and two irrigation levels, that is, flooding (control, with 5 cm depth of water layer) and wetting (water saving irrigation, without water layer). Results showed that the newly developed three‐band index (R1139 − R960)/(R1139 + R960 − 2R944) (Rλ is the reflectance value at wavelength λ) was recommended as the optimal index for monitoring methane emission from paddy field, generated coefficients of determination, root mean square error, and residual prediction deviation values between the measured and predicted values of 0.687, 1.424 mg m−2 h−1, and 1.83, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for methane emissions assessment in paddy fields based on vegetation indices. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating bed material fluxes upstream and downstream of a controlled large bifurcation ‐ the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya River diversion
Authors: Wang Bo , Xu Yi‐Jun
Published: April 2020

Bed material transport at river bifurcations is crucial for channel stability and downstream geomorphic dynamics. However, measurements of bed material transport at bifurcations of large alluvial rivers are difficult to make, and standard estimates based on the assumption of proportional partitioning of flow and bedload transport at bifurcations may be erroneous. In this study, we employed a combined approach based on observed topographic change (erosion/deposition) and bed material transport predicted from a one‐dimensional model to investigate bed material fluxes near the engineering‐controlled Mississippi‐Atchafalaya River diversion, which is of great importance to sediment distribution and delivery to Louisiana's coast. Yang's (1973) sediment transport equation was utilized to estimate daily bed material loads upstream, downstream, and through the diversion during 2004–2013. Bathymetric changes in these channels were assessed with single beam data collected in 2004 and 2013. Results show that over the study period, 24% of the Mississippi River flow was diverted into the Atchafalaya River, while the rest remained in the mainstem Mississippi. Upstream of the diversion, the bed material yield was predicted to be 201 million metric tons (MT), of which approximately 35 MT (i.e., 17%) passed through the bifurcation channel to the Atchafalaya River. The findings from this study reveal that in the mainstem Mississippi, the percentage of bed material diversion (83%) is larger than the percentage of flow diversion (76%); Conversely, the diversion channel receives a disproportionate amount of flow (24%) relative to bed material supply (17%). Consequently, severe bed scouring occurred in the controlled Outflow Channel to the Atchafalaya River, while riverbed aggradation progressed in the mainstem Mississippi downstream of the diversion structures, implying reduced flow capacity and potential risk of a high backwater during megafloods. The study demonstrates that Yang's sediment transport equation provides plausible results of bed material fluxes for a highly complicated large river diversion, and that integration of the sediment transport equation with observed morphological changes in riverbed is a valuable approach to investigate sediment dynamics at controlled river bifurcations.
Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS‐21) across cultures
Authors: Bibi Akhtar , Lin Muyu , Zhang Xiao Chi , Margraf Jürgen
Published: April 2020

Cross‐culturally measurement invariant instruments are useful for the assessment of mental symptoms across cultures. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS‐21) (DASS) across Pakistan and Germany. German participants were recruited through an online survey (N = 1323), while Pakistani participants were recruited through online survey or paper‐and‐pencil survey (N = 1841). The DASS‐21 showed good reliability, construct and structure validity in both countries. The DASS‐21 indicated partial weak (stress subscale) and partial strong measurement invariance (depression and anxiety subscales) between both countries. Latent mean comparison of depression and anxiety symptoms between Pakistani and German students indicated that Pakistani university students experience more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results suggest that the DASS‐21 could be used in Pakistan and Germany, but caution should be taken when making direct comparisons between the two countries.
Avoiding the fatal misdiagnosis of pregnancy in a noncommunicating rudimentary horn using 3D transvaginal ultrasound
Authors: Walker Christopher , Collins Laura , Pham Amanda , George Joshua , Johnson Samuel
Published: April 2020

Rudimentary horn pregnancies are an increasingly recognized complication of Mullerian duct anomalies. They can lead to uterine rupture with severe maternal morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 28‐year‐old woman with a prior surgical diagnosis of bicornuate uterus who was diagnosed with a 7‐week pregnancy in the left horn of a bicornuate uterus by 2D ultrasound. Further investigation with 3D ultrasound revealed that the pregnancy was within a noncommunicating rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus. These findings were confirmed at laparotomy. This case illustrates the importance and benefits of utilizing 3D ultrasound in diagnosing suspected Mullerian anomalies.
Synthesize of β‐cyclodextrin functionalized dendritic fibrous nanosilica and its application for the removal of organic dye (malachite green)
Authors: Abbasvash Leila , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: April 2020

Dye removal from industrial waste water has become an important issue. The highvisibility, undesirability and recalcitrance are the significant environmental problemfor the dyes. In the present work,β‐cyclodextrin functionalized KCC‐1 (KCC‐1‐NH‐β‐CD)was synthesized and utilized to the removal of hazardous malachite green. In order to study the morphology of the synthesized nano adsorbent, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were obtained from the surface of the sample. Additionally, the functionalization of KCC‐1 with β‐cyclodextrin was confirmed with Furrier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The textural property of KCC‐1 was verified using nitrogen adsorption/ desorption analysis (BET equation). UV‐Vis spectroscopy utilized for the investigation of malachite green by KCC‐1‐NH‐β‐CD. Specific surface area of the adsorbent was calculated to be 140 m2/g and it can be stated that the synthesized nano adsorbent has high removal efficiency. It should be noted that the adsorption capacity of the employed nano adsorbent was more than 95%, which could be attributed to high porosity of β‐cyclodextrin functionalized KCC‐1.
The aim of the measurement of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA in hydroa vacciniforme and hypersensitivity to mosquito bites
Authors: Miyake Tomoko , Iwatsuki Keiji , Hirai Yoji , Yamamoto Takenobu , Hamada Toshihisa , Fujii Kazuyasu , Imamura Hideaki , Morizane Shin
Published: April 2020

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in the blood increases in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders and chronic active EBV infection. In this report, we analyzed the EBV DNA load in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma of patients with hydroa vacciniforme (HV) and/or hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) to understand the clinical significance of EBV DNA load. All 30 patients showed high DNA loads in the PBMCs over the cut‐off level. Of 16 plasma samples, extremely high in two samples obtained from patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The amount of cell‐free DNA in plasma was correlated to the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and inversely correlated to platelet counts. These results indicate that the EBV DNA load in PBMCs can provide one of the diagnostic indicators for HV and HMB and marked elevation of cell‐free EBV DNA in plasma might be related to cytolysis such as that observed in HLH.
Was the extremely wet winter of 2018/2019 in the lower reach of the Yangtze River driven by El Niño–Southern Oscillation?
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Hu Zeng‐Zhen , Wu Renguang
Published: April 2020

In the winter of 2018/2019, the lower reach of the Yangtze River (LRYR) of China experienced an excessive amount of precipitation with a long duration. Such an extreme event occurred in the mature phase of an El Niño under the background of global warming, and thus, attracted great attention in the society and climate community. Presumably, this extreme event was driven by the El Niño. In this work, based on observational diagnoses and real‐time model forecasts, we investigate the contributions of oceanic forcing and the predictability of this event. It is argued that tropical Atlantic warming, interdecadal variation, and central tropical Pacific warming (associated with Central Pacific [CP] instead of Eastern Pacific El Niño) are three major factors leading to the extreme event. In addition to the recognized impact from sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) associated with CP El Niño, tropical Atlantic warming makes an important contribution to the Atlantic‐Eurasian circulation change through a global zonal wave pattern extending from the tropical Atlantic to East Asia. Moreover, a climate model successfully predicted the wet pattern in LRYR in short (1–5 month) lead real‐time predictions, and captured the observed statistical relationship between the winter precipitation in LRYR and the SSTA in the central tropical Pacific and equatorial Atlantic Oceans. These results indicate that such an event is predictable to some extent.