bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bandgap Engineering and Excitation Energy Alteration to Manage Luminescence Thermometer Performance. The Case of Sr2(Ge,Si)O4:Pr3+
Authors: Sójka Małgorzata , Ramalho João F. C. B. , Brites Carlos D. S. , Fiaczyk Karolina , Carlos Luís D. , Zych Eugeniusz
Published: September 2019

Having proven that the temperature range of luminescent thermometers can be greatly widened by combining the intra‐ and interconfigurational transitions of the Pr3+, the possibility to manage important thermometric parameters by bandgap engineering and variation of energy of excitation photons are examined. Partial replacement of Ge with Si to form Sr2(Ge,Si)O4:Pr is very useful to manage these luminescence thermometer properties. This allows control of the range of temperatures within which the 5d1→4f Pr3+ luminescence can be detected. Also, excitation energy appears to affect the thermometer's performance. These allow adjustment of the range of temperatures that can be measured with the highest accuracy, reaching the spectacular value of Sr = 9.2% K−1 at 65 K for a Sr2(Ge0.75,Si0.25)O4:0.05%Pr3+ thermometer upon 244 nm excitation. For the first time, it has been proven that excitation energy may significantly affect the performance of luminescence thermometers. In Sr2(Ge0.75,Si0.25)O4:0.05%Pr3+ the highest relative sensitivity shifts from 65 K upon 244 nm excitation (Sr = 9.2% K−1) to 191 K upon 253 nm excitation (Sr = 3.97% K−1). This occurs despite both excitation wavelengths fitting within the 4f→5d1 excitation band. This paper shows that bandgap management is useful to effectively design new luminescent thermometers.
A Catalyst‐Free Cascade Reaction for the Selective Assembly of 3‐Hydroxyisoindolinones on Water
Authors: Li Pinyi , Jia Xiuwen , Ma Xiaoli , Ma Wenbo , Sheng Yilin , Zhao Jingwei , Zhao Fei
Published: September 2019

A catalyst‐ and additive‐free cascade reaction between 2‐alkynylbenzoic acids and nitrogen‐containing nucleophiles for the selective assembly of 3‐hydroxyisoindolinones on water has been developed. This protocol features readily available starting materials, an environmentally benign solvent, simple operation, extraordinarily broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, excellent selectivity, good to excellent yields, high atom‐ and step‐economy, and high bond‐forming efficiency, thus providing a convenient and highly efficient access to 3‐hydroxyisoindolinones. This is an example of 3‐hydroxyisoindolinone synthesis under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions, suggesting the synthetic potential of this method.
Probing nanocolumnar silver nanoparticle/zinc oxide hierarchical assemblies with advanced surface plasmon resonance and their enhanced photocatalytic performance for formaldehyde removal
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Shan Yiwei , Chen Lihui , Boury Bruno , Huang Liulian , Xiao He
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in photocatalysis focus on the development of materials with hierarchical structure and on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon exhibited by metal nanoparticles (NPs). In this work, both are combined in a material where size‐controllable Ag‐NPs are uniformly loaded onto the hierarchical microporous and mesoporous and nanocolumnar structures of ZnO, resulting in Ag‐NP/ZnO nanocomposites. The embedded Ag‐NPs slightly decrease the hydrophobicity of fibrous ZnO, improve its wettability, and increase the absorption of formaldehyde (H2CO) onto the photocatalyst, all of this resulting in excellent photodegradation of formaldehyde in aqueous solution. Besides, we found that Ag‐NPs with optimal size not only accelerate the charge transfer to the surface of ZnO, but also strengthen the SPR effect in the intercolumnar channels of fibrous ZnO particles combining with high concentration of photo‐generated radical species. The micro‐to‐mesoporous ZnO is like a nanoarray packed Ag‐NPs. With Ag‐NPs of diameter 2.5 < ϕ < 6.5 nm, ZnO exhibits the most superior photodegradation rate constant value of 0.0239 min−1 with total formaldehyde removal of 97%. This work presents a new feasible approach involving highly sophisticated Ag‐NP/ZnO architecture combining the SPR effect and hierarchically ordered structures, which results in high photocatalytic activity for formaldehyde photodegradation.
Seed free high yield gold nanorods synthesis from single precursor gold(I) dithiophosphate complex
Authors: Biswas Rathindranath , Khirid Samreet , Saha Monochura , Liu C. W. , Dhayal Rajendra S. , Haldar Krishna Kanta
Published: September 2019

In this work, we demonstrate a simple, one pot and seed free synthetic route for the formation of gold nanorods (Au NRs) via thermal decomposition of gold(I) dithiophosphate {[Au2{S2P(OiPr)2}2]n,} 1 complex as a molecular precursor in presence of 4′‐amino‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic molecule. Here [Au2{S2P(OiPr)2}2]n, complex functioned as gold (Au) source and 4′‐amino‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic molecule stabilized gold (Au) nanorods (NRs) through the unidirectional coating of Au surface during its growth in the reaction medium.
Mn (II) and Zn (II) complexes of a benzimidazole ligand having undecyl chains: Crystal structures, photophysical and thermal properties
Authors: Kırpık Hilal , Kose Muhammet
Published: September 2019

A new tridentate benzimidazole ligand (L‐C11) containing undecyl chains and its Mn (II) and Zn (II) complexes were synthesised and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Molecular structures of complexes [Mn(L‐C11)Cl2] and [Zn(L‐C11)Cl2] were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction studies. The X‐ray data showed metal ions in both complexes are five‐coordinate with distorted square pyramidal geometry around the metal centres. The undecyl chains in the structure of the complexes are aligned in an interdigitated manner (head to tail) forming a non‐polar domain. The aggregation properties of the ligand and its complexes were investigated by UV–Vis. absorption and emission spectroscopies in DMF‐water mixtures. The emission spectral data revealed that the compounds showed aggregation induced quenching (AIQ) in DMF‐water solutions. Moreover, thermal properties of the compounds were investigated by TG, DTG and DSC analysis.
Water‐soluble Glucosamine‐coated AIE‐Active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles: Design, Synthesis and Assembly for Specific Detection of Heparin Based on Carbohydrate–Carbohydrate Interactions
Authors: Ji Yan‐ming , Liu Guang‐jian , Li Cui‐yun , Liu Yi‐chen , Hou Min , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: September 2019

Two water‐soluble carbohydrate‐coated AIE‐activate fluorescent organic nanoparticles TPE3G and TPE4G were designed and synthesized for the detection of heparin. Different from the reported strategy, we not only utilized the general detection mechanism of electrostatic interactions, but also introduced the concept of carbohydrate‐carbohydrate interactions (CCIs) to enrich the detection mechanism of heparin. TPE3G can serve as an efficient “turn‐on” probe with higher selectivity towards heparin than TPE4G. TEM studies revealed that the micro‐aggregated TPE3G was encapsulated with the heparin chain to form a complex self‐assemblied composite and emits strong fluorescence. It is believed that the results illustrated in this study provide a novel strategy based on CCls to design water‐soluble and more efficient bio‐probes for various biological and clinical applications.
Bayesian nonparametric estimation of first passage distributions in semi‐Markov processes
Authors: Warr Richard L. , Woodfield Travis B.
Published: September 2019

Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) models provide a flexible tool in modeling many processes. One area that has not yet utilized BNP estimation is semi‐Markov processes (SMPs). SMPs require a significant amount of computation; this, coupled with the computation requirements for BNP models, has hampered any applications of SMPs using BNP estimation. This paper presents a modeling and computational approach for BNP estimation in semi‐Markov models, which includes a simulation study and an application of asthma patients' first passage from one state of control to another.
A Natural Transporter of Silicon and Carbon: Conversion of Rice Husks to Silicon Carbide or Carbon‐Silicon Hybrid for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes via a Molten Salt Electrolysis Approach
Authors: Zhao Zhuqing , Xie Hongwei , Qu Jiakang , Zhao Haijia , Ma Qiang , Xing Pengfei , Song Qiushi , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: September 2019

The use of environment‐benign and earth‐abundant silicon (Si) and carbon (C) is the quest to meet the ever‐increasing Li‐ion battery (LIB) market. Unlike the traditional way of either extracting C or Si, here, we report a molten salt electrolysis approach to controllably extract both C and Si (e. g., C−SiC or C−Si composites) from rice husks (RHs). The RHs are the natural transporter that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and silicic acid (H4SiO4) from the soil, thus supplying abundant, sustainable, and hierarchically porous C−SiO2 composite feedstocks. In molten CaCl2, carbonized RHs (C−RHs) can be electrochemically reduced to the C−SiC composite that delivers a gravimetrical capacity of over 1000 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 400 cycles. In molten NaCl−KCl−MgCl2, the C−RHs can be electrochemically reduced to C−Si composite that delivers a gravimetrical capacity of 926 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. The electrolytic products can be altered by the component of molten salt as well as by adjusting the applied cell voltage. Overall, we employ the photosynthesis of plants to harvest Si and C from nature and, subsequently, the molten salt electrolysis approach to preparing C−SiC and C−Si composites for low‐cost and sustainable LIB anodes.
The effect of low alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the lipid peroxidation‐antioxidant defense system of women, their alcohol‐exposed infants, and growth, health, and developmental outcomes
Authors: Marianian Anait , Atalyan Alina , Bohora Som , Darenskaya Marina , Grebenkina Lyudmila , Kolesnikova Lubov , Kolesnikov Sergey , Mikhaylevich Isai , Protopopova Natalia , Stockett Mary , Yamaoka Yui , Balachova Tatiana
Published: September 2019

Background

Few studies have examined the effects of low‐dose alcohol consumption on the “lipid peroxidation‐antioxidant defense” (LPO‐AOD) system of mothers and infants, and on infant growth and development. This study examined effects of alcohol consumption on the LPO‐AOD system of pregnant women and newborns and infant development.

Methods

A total of 209 pregnant women were recruited for this prospective study at the first prenatal visit and followed until delivery: 112 consumed alcohol and 97 reported no alcohol use during pregnancy. Infants were evaluated at birth, and at 6 and 12 months of age. The study controlled for the confounding effect of maternal smoking.

Results

Biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, for example, thiobarbituric acid reactants, were higher and the activity of the antioxidant defense system was lower in drinkers and their infants. Higher rates of pathological conditions and slower postnatal growth were observed among infants who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. Low‐dose alcohol use and tobacco smoking were associated with lower postnatal infant growth trajectories, resulting in restricted growth at 6 and 12 months among infants born to mothers who drank or smoked during pregnancy. Alcohol had a broad effect on the infant and maternal LPO‐AOD system, while the effect of smoking was limited in this study to maternal glutathione peroxidase.

Conclusions

Small amounts of alcohol consumed during pregnancy are associated with dysfunction of the LPO‐AOD system and development of oxidative stress in women and their children. Identification and preventive interventions are needed for pregnant women who use alcohol in any amount.
Predictors of referral to the North Carolina Infant‐Toddler Program among infants with birth defects and infants born extremely preterm or low birthweight
Authors: Forestieri Nina E. , Van Buren Eric , Simpson Barbara D. , Meyer Robert E.
Published: September 2019

Background

North Carolina's Infant‐Toddler Program (NC ITP) provides Early Intervention (EI) services from birth to age three for children at risk for developmental delays. This study examined referral patterns by clinical and sociodemographic characteristics among infants with birth defects and infants born extremely preterm (gestational age < 27 weeks) or extremely low birthweight (<1,000 g).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of North Carolina resident births from 2012 to 2014 was matched to data from the North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program and NC ITP records. A total of 2,463 infants with eligible birth defects and 2,118 extremely preterm or low birthweight infants were identified. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals from multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze differences in referral by sociodemographic and clinical factors. Referrals resulting in enrollment were also examined.

Results

About 70% of infants with eligible birth defects and 85% of extremely premature infants were referred to the NC ITP. Geographic region, maternal race/ethnicity, maternal and infant enrollment in Medicaid, and hospital level of care at delivery were associated with referral among both at‐risk groups. Among infants with birth defects, maternal age, education, and marital status were also associated with referral, as well as gestational age, birthweight, and the presence of multiple anomalies. Of the infants with referrals, over 80% in each group were subsequently enrolled.

Conclusions

Many of the sociodemographic and clinical factors examined were associated with EI referral. These findings can be used to address coverage gaps and improve referral and enrollment rates for at‐risk infants.
Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition of CuInSe2 on Au Surface
Authors: Jung Chan‐Yong , Ramasamy Mukunthan , Yeon Yu‐Beom , Lee Chi‐Woo
Published: September 2019

CuInSe2 (CIS) thin film growth on Au/glass slide surface was investigated by electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E‐ALD) in superlattice sequence in ambient laboratory conditions without any heat treatment processes involved. The electrochemical behavior of Cu, In, and Se on the Au surface was surveyed, the underpotential deposition phenomena of In was demonstrated for the first time and a various set of potentials for the three elements were considered to fabricate thin CIS films by specific superlattice sequencing. The crystal structure, elemental composition, topography, and photoelectrochemical behavior of each film produced were evaluated with the aim of finding a new set of conditions for producing stoichiometric CIS films. A good stoichiometric film of Cu0.99In0.98Se2.00 was successfully prepared by applying 50 periods of the superlattice sequence of 3(In
aSe
b) + 1(Cu
cSe
d) with the new deposition potentials of 0.08, −0.55, and −0.05 V for Cu, In, and Se precursor solutions, respectively. The resulting E‐ALD film was found to exhibit a p‐type semiconductivity.
Multivariate data analysis of growth medium trends affecting antibody glycosylation
Authors: Powers David N. , Trunfio Nicholas , Velugula‐Yellela Sai R. , Angart Phillip , Faustino Anneliese , Agarabi Cyrus
Published: September 2019

Use of multivariate data analysis for the manufacturing of biologics has been increasing due to more widespread use of data‐generating process analytical technologies (PAT) promoted by the US FDA. To generate a large dataset on which to apply these principles, we used an in‐house model CHO DG44 cell line cultured in automated micro bioreactors alongside PAT with four commercial growth media focusing on antibody quality through N‐glycosylation profiles. Using univariate analyses, we determined that different media resulted in diverse amounts of terminal galactosylation, high mannose glycoforms, and aglycosylation. Due to the amount of in‐process data generated by PAT instrumentation, multivariate data analysis was necessary to ascertain which variables best modeled our glycan profile findings. Our principal component analysis revealed components that represent the development of glycoforms into terminally galacotosylated forms (G1F and G2F), and another that encompasses maturation out of high mannose glycoforms. The partial least squares model additionally incorporated metabolic values to link these processes to glycan outcomes, especially involving the consumption of glutamine. Overall, these approaches indicated a tradeoff between cellular productivity and product quality in terms of the glycosylation. This work illustrates the use of multivariate analytical approaches that can be applied to complex bioprocessing problems for identifying potential solutions.
Identification and external validation of a novel miRNA signature for lymph node metastasis prediction in submucosal‐invasive gastric cancer patients
Authors: Ma Mingzhe , Lu Shixun , Liu Yinhua , Kong Pengfei , Long Ziwen , Wan Ping , Zhang Yan , Wang Yanong , Xu Dazhi
Published: September 2019

Endoscopic resection (ER) has been increasingly performed in the treatment of early gastric cancer (GC). However, lymph node metastasis (LNM) can cause treatment failure with ER, especially in T1b patients. Here, we attempted to develop a miRNA‐based classifier to detect LNM in T1b patients. Based on high‐throughput data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we identified 20 miRNAs whose expression significantly changed in T1‐2 GC with LNM vs T1‐2 GC without LNM. We then developed a miRNA signature to predict LNM of T1b GC using the LASSO model and backward step wise elimination approach in a training cohort. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of this classifier was validated in both an internal testing group of 63 patients and an external independent group of 114 patients. This systematic and comprehensive in silico study identified a 7‐miRNA signature with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value of 0.843 in T1‐2 GC and 0.911 in T1 EGC. The backward elimination was further used to develop a 4‐miRNA (miR‐153‐3p, miR‐708, miR‐940 and miR‐375) risk‐stratification model in the training cohort with an AUROC value of 0.898 in cohort 2. When pathologic results were used as a reference, the risk model yielded AUROC values of 0.829 and 0.792 in two cohorts of endoscopic biopsy specimens. This novel miRNA‐LNM classifier works better than the currently used pathologic criteria of ER in T1b EGC. This classifier could individualize the management of T1b patients and facilitate treatment decisions.
Vive la difference: Factors and mechanisms predicting discrepancy between iFR and FFR
Authors: Kern Morton J. , Seto Arnold H.
Published: September 2019

Key Points

FFR/iFR is discordant in 15–20% of cases, at times causing confusion about revascularization decisions.

The CONTRAST substudy identifies lesion location, lesion severity, and bradycardia as major predictors for FFR/iFR discordance, with age a minor predictor.

Each of these predictors can be explained physiologically through the mechanisms related to resting and hyperemic pressure loss across different patterns of atherosclerotic stenoses.

A logical approach to using both resting and hyperemic pressure ratios is proposed.
Delivery catheters: Do they truly make a difference in transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: September 2019

Key Points

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is a safe and feasible procedure for treating pulmonary stenosis, failed right ventricular conduits, or failed bioprosthetic valves.

The medtronic melody valve and the Edwards Sapien XT and S3 valves have been the main prosthetic valves used in TPVR.

Using the GORE DrySeal sheath helps valve delivery and facilitates TPVR.
Bring the old boys—and girls—Back home
Authors: Saia Francesco
Published: September 2019

Key Points

What the article teaches. Patients who are not discharged home after transcatheter aortic valve replacement have higher mortality during follow‐up

How it will impact practice. Implementation of hospital protocols aimed at reducing rates of un‐necessary nonhome discharge is desirable.

What new research/study would help answer the question posed. The reasons for worse outcomes after nonhome discharge should be further investigated, as well as the cause of higher likelihood of nonhome discharge in some patients' subgroups, like women.
Bioaccessible phenolics and flavonoids from wheat flour products subjected to different processing variables
Authors: Oghbaei Morteza , Prakash Jamuna
Published: September 2019

Background and objective

The study explored the content and in vitro availability of phenolics and flavonoids from wheat flour products fortified with minerals and/or wheat bran (WB) subjected to simulated digestion. The products were flat unleavened breads (roasted or deep fried) prepared with either whole (WWF) or refined wheat flour (RWF). Experimental products had added WB (10% or 20%) and/or minerals (Zn or Fe) at two different levels (10 or 20 mg/100 g with or without 10% WB). A total of eleven products were prepared with each WWF and RWF including a control with no fortification.

Findings

Results indicated that addition of WB increased the total and bioaccessible phenolics and flavonoids in all products, while mineral fortification had an opposite effect. Addition of WB along with minerals improved the content and bioaccessibility to some extent. Products prepared with RWF had a lower content and accessibility of phenolics and flavonoids in comparison with WWF products. In processing methods, deep frying had a negative influence on both amount and availability of bioactive constituents.

Conclusions

Study indicates that WB can be used for enriching wheat flour and can also be used as co‐fortificant with minerals. Nutritionally roasting is a better method for making flat breads than deep frying.

Significance and novelty

Nutritionally bran and mineral fortification are desirable, specifically for products prepared with refined flour. Addition of bran increases the fiber content and hence the bioactive components associated with fiber. It was interesting to investigate the bioaccessibility of bioactive components from such products as there were multiple processing variables involved, namely, compositional alteration of food matrix on addition of bran and minerals, different processing treatments used, and use of whole and refined flours. To our knowledge, such a study has not been reported earlier.
Whole‐Genome Sequencing of Yeast Cells
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Rajaraman , Winston Fred
Published: September 2019

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been widely used for genetic studies of fundamental cellular functions. The isolation and analysis of yeast mutants is a commonly used and powerful technique to identify the genes that are involved in a process of interest. Furthermore, natural genetic variation among wild yeast strains has been studied for analysis of polygenic traits by quantitative trait loci mapping. Whole‐genome sequencing, often combined with bulk segregant analysis, is a powerful technique that helps determine the identity of mutations causing a phenotype. Here, we describe protocols for the construction of libraries for S. cerevisiae whole‐genome sequencing. We also present a bioinformatic pipeline to determine the genetic variants in a yeast strain using whole‐genome sequencing data. This pipeline can also be used for analyzing Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutants. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of haploid spores for bulk segregant analysis

Basic Protocol 2: Extraction of genomic DNA from yeast cells

Basic Protocol 3: Shearing of genomic DNA for library preparation

Basic Protocol 4: Construction and amplification of DNA libraries

Support Protocol 1: Annealing oligonucleotides for forming Y‐adapters

Support Protocol 2: Size selection and cleanup using SPRI beads

Basic Protocol 5: Identification of genomic variants from sequencing data
A systematic review of the business case for corporate social responsibility and firm performance
Authors: Kong Yusheng , Antwi‐Adjei Alex , Bawuah Jonas
Published: September 2019

The outcome of existing studies on the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on firm performance remains inconclusive though several studies to amplify the impact of CSR activities are well documented. We conducted an extensive review to detect if there are conceivable methodological errors, societal performance, and corporate performance. The analysis reveals a clearer understanding of the relationship between business performance and CSR effect. Our results attest to the inconclusiveness of CSR and firm performance shown by other scholars. An objective selection criterion was used in selecting the papers reviewed as a result of the inconsistencies associated with the methodologies of some previous studies. These inconsistencies can actually affect how firms can really internalize CSR activities so as to be able to take advantage of it. The authors also recommend future studies on the study of business case for CSR and its determinants.
Examining the distinctiveness of body image concerns in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , Crosby Ross D. , Machado Paulo P. P.
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study examined the distinctiveness of specific constructs of body‐image disturbance in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). We compared weight/shape dissatisfaction, weight/shape overvaluation, weight/shape preoccupation, and fear of weight gain in patients with AN and BN and examined how each specific body‐image construct relates to clinical measures within and between AN and BN.

Method

A clinical sample of 490 treatment‐seeking patients diagnosed with DSM‐5 AN (N = 310) or BN (N = 180) by clinicians using structured interviews in Portugal completed the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire to assess body image and eating‐disorder (ED) psychopathology.

Results

Both within and between AN and BN, the four body‐image constructs varied in their strengths of association among themselves, with ED psychopathology, and body mass index (BMI). Analyses revealed considerable variability in variance accounted for in clinical measures by body‐image constructs. Body‐image constructs predicted significant, albeit small, variance in BMI within BN (dissatisfaction, preoccupation significant) but not within AN. Body‐image constructs predicted significant, albeit small, variance in the frequencies of binge eating and purging in AN (with preoccupation significant for both and fear for purging) but not within BN. Body‐image constructs predicted significant variance in ED psychopathology (large amounts of variance for Eating Concern and Restraint) within both AN and BN (with overvaluation, preoccupation, and fear significant).

Conclusion

Clinical manifestations of body‐image disturbances are complex and show important differences across AN and BN. Understanding distinctions and differential salience of different body‐image constructs across different EDs can inform refinement of specific case conceptualization.
Multiscale spatial genetic structure within and between populations of wild cherry trees in nuclear genotypes and chloroplast haplotypes
Authors: Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Shuri Kato , Kikuchi Satoshi , Koike Shinsuke , Naoe Shoji , Masaki Takashi
Published: September 2019

Spatial genetic structure (SGS) of plants mainly depends on the effective population size and gene dispersal. Maternally inherited loci are expected to have higher genetic differentiation between populations and more intensive SGS within populations than biparentally inherited loci because of smaller effective population sizes and fewer opportunities of gene dispersal in the maternally inherited loci. We investigated biparentally inherited nuclear genotypes and maternally inherited chloroplast haplotypes of microsatellites in 17 tree populations of three wild cherry species under different conditions of tree distribution and seed dispersal. As expected, interpopulation genetic differentiation was 6–9 times higher in chloroplast haplotypes than in nuclear genotypes. This difference indicated that pollen flow 4–7 times exceeded seed flow between populations. However, no difference between nuclear and chloroplast loci was detected in within‐population SGS intensity due to their substantial variation among the populations. The SGS intensity tended to increase as trees became more aggregated, suggesting that tree aggregation biased pollen and seed dispersal distances toward shorter. The loss of effective seed dispersers, Asian black bears, did not affect the SGS intensity probably because of mitigation of the bear loss by other vertebrate dispersers and too few tree generations after the bear loss to alter SGS. The findings suggest that SGS is more variable in smaller spatial scales due to various ecological factors in local populations.
Flexible Planar‐Integrated Micro‐Supercapacitors from Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene as Advanced Electrodes Prepared by Flash Foam–Assisted Stamp Technique on Paper
Authors: Shi Qingling , Xiang Yangjun , Ji Guanghan , Wang Debo , Wang Xiangfu , Xu Rongqing , Jiang Li , Yu Ying , Zhao Jiang
Published: September 2019

One of the key challenges of integrated energy storage devices is to develop a simple, low‐cost, and environmental‐friendly planar patterning technology. Herein, an ingenious and feasible laser‐engraved flash foam–assisted stamp technique of preparing flexible paper‐based planar‐integrated micro‐supercapacitors based on interdigital electrodes of self‐depositing electrochemically exfoliated graphene is proposed. The as‐synthesized flexible paper‐based planar‐integrated graphene micro‐supercapacitors exhibit excellent electrochemical performances with a remarkable area‐specific capacitance of 3.1 mF cm−2, and an excellent cycling stability in that capacitance retention reaches 95.8% even after 10 000 cycles. Furthermore, the paper‐based graphene micro‐supercapacitors are bent at different angles without significant electrochemical performance loss, and thus have outstanding mechanical flexibility. Therefore, such flexible paper‐based planar‐integrated graphene micro‐supercapacitors are expected to be applied in flexible wearable and portable electronics.
Energy and exergy analyses of a hybrid small modular reactor and wind turbine system for trigeneration
Authors: Khalid Farrukh , Bicer Yusuf
Published: September 2019

In this study, authors present a new hybrid nuclear small modular reactor system assisted with wind energy for net zero emissions trigeneration system. Small modular reactors bring multiple advantages including (a) improved thermal efficiency, (b) better building efficiency due to modularity, and (c) less operation and maintenance costs compared to standard nuclear power generation. Furthermore, the greenhouse gas emissions from small modular reactors are lower than regular counterparts. This study hybridizes small modular reactors with wind turbines for producing three useful commodities, namely electricity, hydrogen, and hot water. A two‐step high‐temperature thermochemical cycle (based on hydrogen chloride gas) is used for hydrogen production, and its performance in terms of energy and exergy efficiencies is evaluated. Additionally, the exergy and energy analyses (by writing balance equations for each component of the system) are carried out to determine the thermodynamic feasibility of the proposed system. In order to observe the effects of various parameters such as the temperature of the thermochemical cycle steps, inlet gas turbine temperature, the pressure ratio of the gas turbine, actual wind speed, and current density on the system performance, a detailed parametric study is conducted. The results of this study show that the overall system can achieve an energy efficiency of about 57.5% and exergy efficiency of about 38.1%.
Structure of Wangqing oil shale and mechanism of carbon monoxide release during its pyrolysis
Authors: Wang Qing , Hua Zejia , Guan Jing
Published: September 2019

In this work, the structural characteristics of Wangqing oil shale were investigated using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The thermogravimetric‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) was used to pyrolyze samples and study their kinetics at four different heating rates. Meanwhile, the peak fitting method was used to study the carbon monoxide (CO) produced during the pyrolysis process. The results indicated that the oil shale was mainly composed of aromatic, aliphatic, hydroxyl, and oxygen‐containing functional groups, among which the aliphatic group was the most abundant. The pyrolysis process of oil shale was divided into four stages, whereas the pyrolysis weight loss and volatilization were concentrated in the second stage. When the number of peaks was 4, the fitting results were the best, which indicated that the precipitation of CO gas was affected by the four different types of reactions and was mainly the result of oxygen group and its side chain fracture.
Assessing the relative contributions of the flood tide and the ebb tide to tidal channel network dynamics
Authors: Geng Liang , Gong Zheng , Zhou Zeng , Lanzoni Stefano , D'Alpaos Andrea
Published: September 2019

Flood and ebb currents provide different contributions to the initiation and evolution of tidal channel networks, generating diverse network structures and channel cross‐sections. In order to separate the effects of these contributions, a physical model of a sloping tidal‐flat basin was set up in the laboratory. Depending on the degree of tidal asymmetry imposed offshore, either flood or ebb currents can be enhanced. The experimental results show that the ebb current has a higher capability to initiate and shape tidal networks than the flood current. Headward erosion is mainly induced by the ebb flow. The slightly inclined flat surface tends to reduce the energy of the flood current and to enhance the ebb current, thus prolonging the duration of morphodynamic activity as well as sediment motion. Overall, flood‐dominated tides favour the formation of small‐scale channel branches in the upper basin zone, while long lasting ebb‐dominated tides result in more complex, wider and deeper tidal networks. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Honest signaling and the double counting of inclusive fitness
Authors: Levin Samuel R. , Caro Shana M. , Griffin Ashleigh S. , West Stuart A.
Published: September 2019

Inclusive fitness requires a careful accounting of all the fitness effects of a particular behavior. Verbal arguments can potentially exaggerate the inclusive fitness consequences of a behavior by including the fitness of relatives that was not caused by that behavior, leading to error. We show how this “double-counting” error can arise, with a recent example from the signaling literature. In particular, we examine the recent debate over whether parental divorce increases parent–offspring conflict, selecting for less honest signaling. We found that, when all the inclusive fitness consequences are accounted for, parental divorce increases conflict between siblings, in a way that they can select for less honest signaling. This prediction is consistent with the empirical data. More generally, our results illustrate how verbal arguments can be misleading, emphasizing the advantage of formal mathematical models.
Pregnant women have inadequate fiber intake while consuming fiber‐rich diets in low‐income rural setting: Evidences from Analysis of common “ready‐to‐eat” stable foods
Authors: Zerfu Taddese Alemu , Mekuria Aleme
Published: September 2019

The intake of fiber‐rich foods during pregnancy has several health benefits to the pregnant woman including lowering the risks of diabetes, preeclampsia, and constipation. However, little is known about the content, daily intake levels, and adequacy of fiber among pregnant women in many low‐income settings. We aimed to identify common food items and determine adequacy of dietary fiber intake levels among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia. Dietary data were collected from a subsample (n = 55) of pregnant women enrolled to a larger prospective cohort study (n = 414). Dietary intake level was measured using repeated 24‐hr dietary recall method and weighing the total amount of daily food. Fiber content was determined using the Weende method supplemented by other sources.The mean [±SD] dietary fiber intake level was 25.89 [±5.09 mg/g] per day, which declined across pregnancy trimester from 26.01 [±9.18 mg/g] to 22.67 [±9.01 mg/g] and 24.56 [±9.98 mg/g] during the first, to second and third pregnancy trimesters, respectively. Boiled cereals and coffee contributed to nearly two‐thirds (63.2%) of the daily fiber intake, while the major bulk of daily food, enjera, contributed to less than a quarter (24.3%) of the fiber intake. Though dietary patterns favor diversified intake for fiber, the mean intake levels below the recommended levels and proportion of women getting adequate to the physiologic stages of pregnancy were inadequate compared to the standard. Mothers, in such community, could benefit from increasing overall intake of existing food to satisfy their fiber needs during pregnancy.
Daratumumab for relapsed or refractory AL amyloidosis with high plasma cell burden
Authors: Schwotzer Rahel , Manz Markus Gabriel , Pederiva Stefanie , Waibel Christine , Caspar Clemens , Lerch Erika , Flammer Andreas J. , Brouwers Sofie , Seeger Harald , Heimgartner Raphael , Fehr Thomas , Rossi Davide , Bianchi Elena , Stüssi Georg , Ghilardi Guido , Gerber Bernhard
Published: September 2019

Daratumumab, an anti‐CD38 antibody, is effective in AL amyloidosis with low tumor burden. Data of daratumumab treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis but high tumor burden (≥10% bone marrow plasma cells) are limited. We report retrospective data of 10 consecutive patients with high tumor burden treated with daratumumab for relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis. The median age at diagnosis was 62.3 years; all patients had cardiac involvement, and six (60%) patients had renal involvement. Median bone marrow plasma cell infiltration was 15% (range 10%‐40%), and the median difference between involved and noninvolved free light‐chains (dFLC) was 446 mg/L (range 102‐1392 mg/L). Patients had a median of three prior lines of therapy, including bortezomib in all patients and lenalidomide in seven (70%) patients. The median time to first hematological response was 14 days (range 7‐28 days), and the median time to best hematological response was 64 days (range 7‐301 days). The hematological overall response was 90%, with high‐quality response (≥ very good partial remission [VGPR]) in 70% of the patients. Fifty percent of the patients had a cardiac response after a median of 3.8 months (range 0.7‐9.1). Infusion‐related adverse events ≤ grade 2 occurred in seven (70%) patients and grade 3 adverse events in one patient. After a median follow‐up time of 10 months, eight (80%) patients continued to receive daratumumab. We conclude that daratumumab is a very effective and safe treatment option in AL patients with relapsed/refractory disease and high disease burden at diagnosis. Daratumumab leads to rapid disease control and improvement of organ function.
Exploring the interaction of surface roughness and slope gradient in controlling rates of soil loss from sloping farmland on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Taotao , Zhao Longshan , Duan Hongteng , Yang Yifan , Wang Yu , Wu Faqi
Published: September 2019

Surface roughness and slope gradient are two important factors influencing soil erosion. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of surface roughness and slope gradient in controlling soil loss from sloping farmland due to water erosion on the Loess Plateau, China. Following the surface features of sloping farmland in the plateau region, we manually prepared rough surfaces using four tillage practices (contour drilling, artificial digging, manual hoeing, and contour plowing), with a smooth surface as the control measure. Five slope gradients (3°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) and two rainfall intensities (60 and 90 mm/hr) were considered in the artificial rainfall simulation experiment. The results showed that the runoff volume and sediment yield increased with increasing slope gradient under the same tillage treatment. At gentle slope gradients (e.g., 3° and 5°), the increase in surface roughness prevented the runoff and sediment production, that is, the surface roughness reduced the positive effect of slope gradient on the runoff volume and sediment yield to a certain extent. At steep slope gradients, however, the enhancing effect of slope gradient on soil erosion gradually increased and surpassed the reduction effect of surface roughness. This study reveals the existence of a critical slope gradient that influences the interaction of surface roughness and slope gradient in controlling soil erosion on sloping farmland. If the slope gradient is equal to or less than the critical value, an increase in surface roughness would decrease soil erosion. Otherwise, the increase in surface roughness would be ineffective for preventing soil erosion. The critical slope gradient would be smaller under higher rainfall intensity. These findings are helpful for us to understand the process of soil erosion and relevant for supporting soil and water conservation in the Loess Plateau region of China.
Oil dispersant Corexit 9500 is weakly estrogenic, but does not skew the sex ratio in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: McNabb Nicole A. , Bernhard Melissa C. , Brunell Arnold , Lowers Russell H. , Katsu Yoshinao , Spyropoulos Demetri D. , Kohno Satomi
Published: September 2019

During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, vast quantities of a chemical dispersant Corexit 9500 were applied in remediation efforts. In addition to the acute toxicity, it is essential to evaluate Corexit further with a broader scope of long‐term sublethal endocrine endpoints. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an excellent organism for such an endeavor. It exhibits temperature‐dependent sex determination, in which egg incubation temperatures during a thermosensitive period (TSP) in embryonic development determine the sex of embryos. Estrogen signals play a critical role in this process. For example, a single exposure to exogenous estrogen during the TSP overrides the effects of temperature and leads to skewed sex ratios. At a concentration of 100 ppm, Corexit significantly induced transcriptional activity of both alligator nuclear estrogen receptors 1 and 2 in vitro in reporter gene assays. To investigate the estrogenic effects of Corexit on gonadal development, alligator eggs were exposed to Corexit at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.25, 2.5 and 25 ppm) before the TSP in ovo. Exposure to Corexit at 0.25 and 25 ppm significantly delayed hatching and growth. Corexit exposure at any treatment level did not affect sex ratios or testicular mRNA abundance as measured at 1‐week post‐hatching, suggesting that the combination of Corexit components did not synergize enough to induce ovarian development in ovo. These results point to a need for further investigations on individual and combined components of Corexit to understand better their long‐term effects on the development and reproductive health of alligators and other coastal aquatic wildlife.
Portal venous gas by ultrasound in advance of impending necrotizing enterocolitis of a very low birth weight infant
Authors: Yue Guang , Yang Hua , Jin Mei , Deng Ying , Ju Rong
Published: September 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious complication of premature infants, portal venous gas (PVG) under X‐ray, and ultrasound is a typical manifestation of this disease. We report a case of a very low birth weight (VLBW) infant with PVG unexpectedly detected by ultrasound before the onset of NEC. After positive ultrasound result, clinical manifestations, X‐ray, and lab tests confirmed the diagnosis of NEC. This is the first report of a similar case, demonstrating the value of ultrasonography in prediction or early diagnosis of NEC, which may change our understanding of the disease and the timing of examination.
Visualization of microfibrillar elements in cross‐section of polyacrylonitrile fiber along the fiber spinning line
Authors: Gao Quan , Jing Min , Chen Meiling , Zhao Shengyao , Wang Wenli , Qin Jianjie , Wang Chengguo
Published: September 2019

The microfibrils served as the structural elements in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, which played an important role in the quality of the PAN precursor fibers. Their morphologies were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The microfibrils existed in all of PAN fibers and arranged evenly in the cross‐sections. Furthermore, the pores existed between the microfibrils. The unoriented microfibrillar network was already formed in nascent fiber during coagulated process. Although the microfibrillar network was elongated and the microfibrils oriented along the fiber longitudinal direction during the spinning process, the interconnected microfibrillar network was still existed in the fiber transverse section. Furthermore, the transverse connection of the microfibrils was reinforced and the small microfibrils were tended to aggregate into the large fibrils. For mechanical performance of PAN fibers, their tensile strength increased to 708 MPa and the elongation at break decreased to 15.5%. PAN fibers exhibited ductile rupture during the mechanical test and the microfibrils served as reinforcing elements.
Screening for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in community setting: A cohort study using controlled attenuation parameter‐transient elastography
Authors: Teeratorn Nicha , Piyachaturawat Panida , Thanapirom Kessarin , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Sonsiri Kanokwan , Komolmit Piyawat , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Adams Leon , Treeprasertsuk Sombat
Published: September 2019

Background/Aim

The global problems of chronic liver disease and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasing. We examined the prevalence of NAFLD and significant liver stiffness in an asymptomatic population and identified the predictors of significant fibrosis in NAFLD.

Method

We prospectively enrolled Thai subjects, aged 18–80 years, from four regions (Bangkok, Central, North, South) of Thailand from March 2013 to November 2016. All participants underwent controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement for liver fat quantification and transient elastography (TE) for liver stiffness measurement (LSM). NAFLD was defined as liver fat ≥10% (CAP ≥ 306 dB/m). Of 1145 participants, 782 (68.3%) were eligible for analysis.

Result

The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 53.1 ± 4.6 years, and 71.6% were female. The mean ± SD values of CAP and LSM of the overall cohort were 241.9 ± 61.4 dB/m and 5.5 ± 3.8 kPa, respectively. The prevalence of NAFLD was 18.0%, whereas 5.4% of the cohort had nonobese NAFLD (BMI < 25 kg/m2), and 2.8% had lean NAFLD (BMI < 23 kg/m2). The prevalence of significant liver fibrosis (≥F2) in NAFLD subjects was 18.4%. On multivariate analysis, the degree of significant fibrosis in NAFLD was significantly associated with male gender and a history of dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

NAFLD with significant fibrosis (≥F2) is prevalent in asymptomatic populations. The predictors of significant fibrosis in NAFLD were male gender and dyslipidemia. Screening for NAFLD using CAP/TE in asymptomatic populations should be considered in hospitals with available facilities.