bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Emergency Nurses’ Knowledge and Performance about Hospital Triage
Authors: Sherafat Asghar , Vaezi Ali Akbar , Vafaeenasab Mohammadreza , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Tavangar Hossein
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives: By knowing the level of knowledge of triage nurses, we will be capable of making the right decision about allocating suitable resources for enriching the quality of the emergency department. So, the objective of our study is to evaluate triage knowledge and performance of emergency nurses in Yazd province of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The sampling was performed from all nurses responsible for triage in emergency departments of 8 educational hospitals of Yazd University of Medical Sciences were included for our sampling in the study. Data collection was done using a questionnaire whose validity and reliability have already been approved. After evaluating all the questionnaires, 84 of them were completed, and others were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS version 22 software.

Results: According to statistical analysis results, there was no significant relationship between the knowledge score, performance and total score with demographic characteristics. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between educational courses, work experience and work shift with knowledge, performance and total score. Although female nurses’ scores in knowledge and performance areas was higher than male scores, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the nurses employed in the emergency departments of Shahid Sadoughi University of medical sciences in Yazd is moderate in terms of triage. However, the performance of nurses working in the emergency departments of the aforementioned centers is higher than average. It is concluded that there is an immediate need to reconsider nurses triage education and improve the triage knowledge and performance among nurses.
Adipogenesis associated Mth938 domain containing (AAMDC) protein expression is regulated by alternative polyadenylation and microRNAs
Authors: Xiao Rong , Li Chengping , Wang Chao , Cao Yang , Zhang Lichun , Guo Yan , Xin Youzhi , Zhang Haiyan , Zhou Guoli
Published: May 2019

The post‐transcriptional events regulating expression of the adipogenesis associated Mth938 domain containing (AAMDC) protein are poorly understood. Here, we find that AAMDC expresses three isoforms due to alternative polyadenylation (APA) and alternative splicing (AS). Luciferase assay revealed that expression of the two isoforms with short and long 3′UTRs is differentially controlled. Further analyses showed that the short isoform displays higher translation efficiency and that miR‐2428/664a reduces expression of the long isoform, indicating that APA‐mediated shortening of the AAMDC 3′UTR renders the short isoform insusceptible to miRNA‐mediated suppression due to loss of the binding sites for miR‐2428/664a. Finally, we demonstrate that the short AAMDC isoform promotes bovine preadipocyte differentiation. Collectively, our findings indicate that AAMDC is post‐transcriptionally regulated through APA and microRNAs.
A General Approach to Probe Dynamic Operation and Carrier Mobility in Field‐Effect Transistors with Nonuniform Accumulation
Authors: Liu Chuan , Chen Changdong , Li Xiaojie , Hu Sujuan , Liu Chenning , Huang Kairong , Dai Fuhua , Zhang Baijun , Liu Xuying , Minari Takeo , Noh Yong‐Young , Chen Jun
Published: May 2019

Revealing the intrinsic electrical properties is the basis of understanding new functional materials and developing their applications. However, in nonideal field‐effect transistors (FETs), conventional current–voltage characterizations do not accurately probe charge transport, particularly for newly developed semiconductors. Here, a generalized gated four‐probe (G‐GFP) technique is developed, which detects dynamic changes in carrier accumulation and transport. The technique is suitable for exploring the intrinsic properties of semiconductors in FETs with arbitrary contacts and in any operational regimes above the threshold. Application to simulated transistors confirms its accuracy in probing the evolution of channel potential, drift field, and gate‐dependent carrier mobility for devices with a contact‐limited operation and disordered semiconductors. Comparative experiments are performed based on FETs with various materials, device structures, and operational temperatures. The G‐GFP technique proves to exclude the various injection properties, to detect in situ how carriers are accumulated, and to clarify carrier mobility of the semiconductors. In particular, the well‐known “double‐slope” features in the current–voltage relations are controllably generated and their origins are identified. The approach could be used to explore electronic properties of newly developed materials such as organic, oxide, or 2D semiconductors.
12.29% Low Temperature–Processed Dopant‐Free CdS/p‐Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Lun , Wang Wenxian , Jin Lei , Yao Zhirong , Lin Wenjie , Meng Lanxiang , Ai Bin , Liang Zongcun , Huang Yuelong , Zhang Fuqin , Altermatt Pietro P. , Shen Hui
Published: May 2019

Most crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells are based on high temperature–processed p‐n junctions or highly doped heterojunctions. The concept of dopant‐free carrier selective contact has become a research hotspot and been successfully demonstrated with n‐type Si wafers, showing the great potential of simplified fabrication process and lower thermal‐consuming. However, there are few successful cases on p‐Si, dopant‐free p‐Si/CdS (cadmium sulfide)/ITO (indium tin oxide) solar cells with champion efficiency of 12.29% (device area 4 cm2) have been demonstrated with DC magnetron sputtered CdS thin films working as electron‐selective contact. A proper annealing treatment is found essential in improving the p‐Si/CdS/ITO heterocontact and device performance. The author's preliminary results confirm the feasibility of preparation of efficient p‐Si wafer–based dopant‐free solar cells.
Progress and Perspectives of Atomically Engineered Perovskite Oxide Interfaces for Electronics and Electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Yunzhong , Green Robert J.
Published: May 2019

The 2D electron gases (2DEGs) at the surfaces and interfaces of SrTiO3‐based homo‐ and heterostructures provide new opportunities for electronics and spintronics. Herein, the recent progresses in the creation of advanced material systems of conducting oxide interfaces with engineered electronic reconstructions and redox reactions, as well as their characterization by a nondestructive resonant X‐ray reflectivity technique, are summarized. Moreover, the development of modulation‐doped high‐mobility oxide 2DEGs and the magnetic‐proximity‐induced spin‐polarized 2DEGs at oxide interfaces are also discussed. Finally, the perspectives on design of conducting oxide interfaces for a new generation of quantum devices and mixed electronic and ionic conducting electrocatalysts are addressed. Atomically engineered oxide interfaces will represent a unique family of quantum materials for future information and energy technologies.
Electrically Tuneable Exciton‐Polaritons through Free Electron Doping in Monolayer WS2 Microcavities
Authors: Fernandez Henry A. , Withers Freddie , Russo Saverio , Barnes William L.
Published: May 2019

This study demonstrates control over light–matter coupling at room temperature combining a field effect transistor (FET) with a tuneable optical microcavity. This microcavity FET comprises a monolayer tungsten disulfide, WS2, semiconductor which is transferred onto a hexagonal boron nitride flake that acts as a dielectric spacer in the microcavity, and as an electric insulator in the FET. In this tuneable system, strong coupling between excitons in the monolayer WS2 and cavity photons can be tuned by controlling the cavity length, which is achieved with excellent stability, allowing to choose from the second to the fifth order of the cavity modes. Once the strong coupling regime is achieved, the oscillator strength of excitons is then modified in the semiconductor material by modifying the free electron carrier density in the conduction band of the WS2. This enables strong Coulomb repulsion between free electrons, which reduces the oscillator strength of excitons until the Rabi splitting completely disappears. The charge carrier density is controlled from 0 up to 3.2 × 1012 cm−2, and over this range the Rabi splitting varies from a maximum value that depends on the cavity mode chosen, down to zero, so the system spans the strong to weak coupling regimes.
A Review on Modeling Techniques of Cementitious Materials under Different Length Scales: Development and Future Prospects
Authors: Wang Xing Quan , Chow Cheuk Lun , Lau Denvid
Published: May 2019

Modeling can provide guidelines for improving the mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability of concrete, which is the most important and widely used construction material in today's world. This review aims to summarize the modeling of cementitious materials from the historical perspective. The development of macroscopic constitutive models and computational methods for concrete at macro‐scale is presented first. However, the existing macroscopic models are insufficient to explain fundamentally the deformation and failure of concrete. In order to understand the atomic interaction that governs the material behavior, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations should be adopted in order to understand the fundamental deformation mechanisms of cement, fiber‐reinforced polymers (FRP), and related systems. Coupled with the development of nano‐scale modeling, multi‐scale modeling is introduced in order to build linkage between nano‐scale and macro‐scale models. This paper provides a clear understanding of the limitations and potentials of different modeling methods, as well as the development trend of cementitious materials. The future prospect of the nano‐engineering approach is illustrated so as to inspire the improvement of construction materials. Additionally, the key challenges associated with cementitious material modeling are discussed.
Chemie, Biologie und Regulierung der Nitrifikation von Ammonium im Boden
Authors: Wendeborn Sebastian
Published: May 2019

Ungefähr zwei Prozent des Weltenergieverbrauchs werden zur Herstellung von Ammoniak aus Wasserstoff‐ und Stickstoffgas aufgewendet. Als Bestandteil von Düngemitteln zur Wachstumsförderung von Kulturpflanzen in der Intensivlandwirtschaft gelangt Ammoniak in riesigen Mengen in die Umwelt. Nur 30–50 % des eingesetzten Stickstoffs werden von den Nutzpflanzen aufgenommen, die übrigen 50–70 % gehen in biologische Prozesse ein, z. B. die Nitrifikation durch den Stoffwechsel von Bodenmikroben. Dies bewirkt ein Ungleichgewicht im globalen Stickstoffzyklus und höhere Emissionen von Distickstoffoxid (ein wirksames und bedeutendes Treibhausgas) sowie die Verunreinigung von Grund‐ und Oberflächenwasser durch Nitrat aus den stickstoffgedüngten Ackerböden. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen kritischen Überblick über das aktuelle Wissen zu den an der Ammoniaknitrifikation beteiligten Bodenmikroben, den Strukturen und Mechanismen der zugehörigen Enzyme sowie sekundäre Pflanzenstoffe, die die Ammoniaknitrifizierung hemmen können.
Der “Persistent Radical Effect” in der organischen Chemie
Authors: Leifert Dirk , Studer Armido
Published: May 2019

Radikal‐Radikal‐Kupplungen sind nahezu diffusionskontrollierte Prozesse. Daher sind selektive Kreuzkupplungen zweier unterschiedlicher Radikale schwierig zu realisieren und stellen somit synthetisch nicht wertvolle Prozesse dar. Wenn die beiden Radikale allerdings eine unterschiedliche Lebensdauer aufweisen und in gleichen Raten gebildet werden, wird die Kreuzkupplung zum dominierenden Prozess. Die hohe Kreuzselektivität basiert auf einem kinetischen Phänomen, dem “Persistent Radical Effect” (PRE). In diesem Aufsatz wird eine von Simulationen einfacher Modellsysteme gestützte Erklärung des PRE geliefert. Weiter werden die Stabilität von Radikalen in Bezug auf ihre Lebensdauer und verschiedene Beispiele für PRE‐vermittelte Radikal‐Radikal‐Kupplungen in der Synthese diskutiert. Es wird gezeigt, dass der PRE nicht auf Kupplungen persistenter mit transienten Radikalen beschränkt ist. Der PRE mit einhergehender hoher Kreuzselektivität greift bereits, wenn ein Kupplungspartner langlebiger als das andere transiente Radikal ist. Diese Tatsache erweitert signifikant das Anwendungsgebiet PRE‐vermittelter Radikalchemie. Dieser Aufsatz ist in zwei Teile aufgeteilt: 1) die Kupplung persistenter oder langlebiger organischer Radikale und 2) Radikal‐Metall‐Kreuzungsreaktionen; hierbei werden Metall‐zentrierte Radikalspezies oder allgemeiner langlebige Übergangsmetallkomplexe, welche mit Radikalen reagieren, diskutiert – ein Gebiet, das jüngst stark expandiert ist.
A General and Air‐tolerant Strategy to Conjugated Polymers within Seconds under Palladium(I) Dimer Catalysis
Authors: Magnin Guillaume , Clifton Jamie , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: May 2019

While current M0/MII based polymerization strategies largely focus on fine‐tuning the catalyst, reagents and conditions for each and every monomer, this report discloses a single method that allows access to a variety of different conjugated polymers within seconds at room temperature. Key to this privileged reactivity is an air‐ and moisture stable dinuclear PdI catalyst. The method is operationally simple, robust and tolerant to air.
An Industry in Transition: The Chemical Industry and the Megatrends Driving Its Forthcoming Transformation
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: May 2019

Significant product and process innovation is taking place in the chemical industry. Rather than making bold predictions, this Essay emphasizes that this change, due to impact both main segments of the industry, is driven by societal megatrends concerning the environment, health, and energy which permeate societies on a global scale.
Composition design and properties investigation of BPDA/PDA/TFDB co‐polyimide films with low dielectric permittivity
Authors: Li Xiaolan , Lei Huanyu , Guo Jiacong , Wang Jianhua , Qi Shengli , Tian Guofeng , Wu Dezhen
Published: May 2019

Aiming at fabricating the polyimide (PI) films with low permittivity and excellent comprehensive properties, 2,2′‐bis‐(trifluoromethyl)‐4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl was incorporated into the polyimide backbone composed of 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride andp‐phenylenediamine. The introduction of trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups led to a substantial reduction of the PI's permittivity (3.42–2.96). Meanwhile, as‐prepared co‐PI films showed excellent mechanical performance (217.13–238.20 MPa for strength and 3.49–4.90 GPa for modulus), as well as good thermal stability (high glass transition temperature over 354 °C, whereas low thermal expansion coefficient below 10 ppm/K). Structure–property relationship of the PI samples was further established through molecular simulations (MS), which suggested the crucial effects of polarizability per unit volume (α/Vvdw) and free volume on PI permittivity. The computational results were highly consistent with the experimental findings, meaning that MS technique is of guiding importance in copolymer design. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47989.
Structural Investigations on the Interactions between Cytidine Deaminase Human APOBEC3G and DNA
Authors: Yan Xiaoxuan , Lan Wenxian , Wang Chunxi , Cao Chunyang
Published: May 2019

Human APOBEC3G (A3G) inhibits the replication of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 by deaminating cytidine at the 3′‐end in the target motif 5′‐CCC‐3′ in viral cDNA during reverse transcription. It in vitro deaminates two consecutive cytidines in a 3′‐>5′ order. Although a crystal structure of the A3G catalytic domain (A3G‐CD2) with DNA was reported, it is unknown why residues involved in enzymatic reaction are distributed widely. Here, we introduced an iodine atom into the C‐5 position of cytidine (dC6I) in DNA 5′‐ATTC4C5C6IA7ATT‐3′ (TCCC6I). It switches the deamination sequence preference from CCC to TCC, although small dC6I deamination was observed. Solution structures of A3G‐CD2 in complexes with products DNA TCUC6I and TCUU6I indicate that the substrate DNA binds A3G‐CD2 in TCC and CCC modes. The dC6 deamination correlates with the 4th base type. The CCC mode favours dC6 deamination, while the TCC mode results in dC5 deamination. These studies present an extensive basis to design inhibitors to impede viral evolvability.
Effect of Libidibia ferrea bark and seed in maternal reproductive and biochemical outcomes and fetal anomaly in rats
Authors: Pickler Thaisa B. , Lopes Karina P. , Magalhães Stefani A. , Krueger Clarissa M. A. , Martins Milene M. , Filho Valdir Cechinel , Jozala Angela F. , Grotto Denise , Gerenutti Marli
Published: May 2019

Background

Unhealthy pregnant women living in underdeveloped regions are usually treated by traditional healers, inadvertent of the potential toxic effects of plant‐derivative substances. Thus, we investigated whether exposure to a hydroalcoholic extract of bark and seed of Libidibia ferrea during pregnancy results in fetotoxicity and maternal toxicity. The main constituents of both extracts were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Methods

Pregnant rats were divided into three groups: control (C), group exposed to extract of bark (Lfb—1.0 g/kg/day), and group exposed to extract of the seed (Lfs—1.0 g/kg/day). Biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, morphological effects in the offspring were analyzed.

Results

HPLC fingerprint confirmed the presence of ellagic in both bark and seed extracts, and the absence of detectable concentrations of gallic and catechin. Fetuses exposed to L. ferrea extracts presented shorter mean lengths for head and body sections when compared to those in C and exhibited visceral and skeletal anomalies. Pregnant rats exposed to Lfs extracts show alterations in serum creatinine levels and yield amniotic fluid with abnormal biochemical composition.

Conclusion

Bark or seed extracts of L. ferrea do not exhibit safety level compatible to be used in the gestational period.
Simultaneous determination of eight flavonoids in Sedum sarmentosum Bunge from different areas by UHPLC with triple quadrupole MS/MS
Authors: Jiang Zhitao , Wang Xue , Wang Jianchun , Liu Chundi , Pan Jinhuo
Published: May 2019

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that has been extensively used clinically to treat chronic viral hepatitis and some inflammatory diseases. Total flavonoids are major pharmacologically active components of SSB. To gain a deeper understanding of SSB resources, we analyzed eight chemical constituents in 33 batches of SSB from 11 regions in China. An accurate, precise and sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of eight flavonoids in SSB. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, good separation for the eight target components was obtained on an Agilent Zobax SB C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) column within 4 min. The established methods were validated with good linearity (r ≥ 0.9988), precision (RSD ≤ 2.68%), stability (1.43–3.28%) and repeatability (1.14–2.89%). Moreover, the average recoveries were 95.91–100.68%, and the RSDs were 1.50–3.80%. In addition, the analytical conditions of UPLC–ESI–MS/MS provided better sensitivity with a shorter analysis time when compared with the HPLC–DAD method. Hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis were performed to estimate and classify these samples based on the contents of the eight chemical constituents. This study provided the theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the development and utilization of SSB resources.
Suboccipital myodural bridges revisited: Application to cervicogenic headaches
Authors: Kitamura Kei , Cho Kwang Ho , Yamamoto Masahito , Ishii Michitake , Murakami Gen , Rodríguez‐Vázquez José Francisco , Abe Shin‐Ichi
Published: May 2019

There seems to be no complete demonstration of the suboccipital fascial configuration. In 30 human fetuses near term, we found two types of candidate myodural bridge: (1) a thick connective tissue band running between the rectus capitis posterior major and minor muscles (rectus capitis posterior major [Rma], rectus capitis posterior minori [Rmi]; Type 1 bridge; 27 fetuses); and (2) a thin fascia extending from the upper margin of the Rmi (Type 2 bridge; 20 fetuses). Neither of these bridge candidates contained elastic fibers. The Type 1 bridge originated from: (1) fatty tissue located beneath the semispinalis capitis (four fetuses); (2) a fascia covering the multifidus (nine); (3) a fascia bordering between the Rma and Rmi or lining the Rma (13); (4) a fascia covering the inferior aspect of the Rmi (three); and (5) a common fascia covering the Rma and obliquus capitis inferior muscle (nine). Multiple origins usually coexisted in the 27 fetuses. In the minor Type 2 bridge, composite fibers were aligned in the same direction as striated muscle fibers. Thus, force transmission via the thin fascia seemed to be effective along a straight line. However, in the major Type 1 bridges, striated muscle fibers almost always did not insert into or originate from the covering fascia. Moreover, at and near the dural attachment, most composite fibers of Type 1 bridges were interrupted by subdural veins and dispersed around the veins. In newborns, force transmission via myodural bridges was likely to be limited or ineffective. The postnatal growth might determine a likely connection between the bridge and headache. Clin. Anat. 32:914–928, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eleven New Triterpenoid Glycosides from the Roots of Ilex asprella
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Jun , Wen Si , Guan Xi‐Feng , Wu Zhen‐Long , Li Man‐Mei , Fan Chun‐Lin , Zhang Qing‐Wen , Chan Ging , Wang Ying , Ye Wen‐Cai
Published: May 2019

Asprellosides A‐K, nine new ursane‐type triterpenoid glycosides (1–9), and two new oleanane‐type triterpenoid glycosides (10 and 11), including six rare sulfated triterpenoid glycosides, were isolated from the roots of Ilex asprella. Their structures were determined on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Among these compounds, asprelloside B (2) and asprelloside C (3) are the first examples of triterpenoid glycosides bearing a rare 3,4‐O‐disulfo‐xylopyranosyl residue. All the saponins isolated showed no significant effects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide production in Raw264.7 macrophages.
Controlling the Optoelectronic Properties of Pyrene by Regioselective Lewis Base‐Directed Electrophilic Aromatic Borylation
Authors: Vanga Mukundam , Lalancette Roger A. , Jäkle Frieder
Published: May 2019

Given that pyrene represents one of the most versatile chromophores, the development of new selective routes for its functionalization and tuning of its emission properties is highly desirable. Pyrene‐based BN Lewis pair (LP)‐functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were prepared by regioselective Lewis base‐directed electrophilic aromatic substitution. The requisite 1,6‐dipyridylpyrene ligands were accessed by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of 1,6‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)pyrenes with 2‐bromopyridine derivatives. Subsequent electrophilic borylation with BCl3 in the presence of AlCl3 and 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine as a hindered base produced the dichloroborane complexes, which were then in situ reacted with diphenyl or diethyl zinc. The presence or absence of alkyl chains in the 3,8‐positions of the pyrene moiety determined the position of the B−C bond formation (2,7 in the non‐K region versus 5,10 in the K region) and thereby also the size of the BN heterocycle (five‐ versus six‐membered). The impact of the regioisomeric borylation on the electrochemical, photophysical and structural properties was investigated and the conclusions supported by theoretical calculations. The rapid synthesis of derivatives that are borylated in the K region also suggests strong potential for the development of pyrene derivatives that are otherwise difficult to access.
A symmetric lattice‐based wideband wide phase range digital phase shifter topology
Authors: Avci Celal , Gunes Ece Olcay , Yarman Binboga Siddik
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a novel digital phase shifter topology that achieves wideband and wide phase range is proposed. Wide frequency band operation is accomplished employing symmetrical all‐pass lattice structures. Compact phase shifter size is obtained utilizing the miniaturized microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) design implementation technology. Therefore, resulting phase shifter units are suitable for various communication systems such as radar and cellular communication smart antenna arrays. This paper provides complete design equations together with design algorithm for the selected phase shift and the center frequency. Design algorithm is developed on MatLab environment. The proposed phase shifting circuit is implemented employing the commercially available 0.18‐μm silicon CMOS technology. The new phase shifter topology provides 00 to 3600 phase shift range over X‐band, even beyond.
Sex ratio at mating does not modulate age fitness effects in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sultanova Zahida , Carazo Pau
Published: May 2019

Understanding the effects of male and female age on reproductive success is vital to explain the evolution of life history traits and sex‐specific aging. A general prediction is that pre‐/postmeiotic aging processes will lead to a decline in the pre‐ and postcopulatory abilities of both males and females. However, in as much the sexes have different strategies to optimize their fitness, the decline of reproductive success late in life can be modulated by social context, such as sex ratio, in a sex‐specific manner. In this study, we used Drosophila melanogaster to investigate whether sex ratio at mating modulates age effects on male and female reproductive success. As expected, male and female age caused a decrease in reproductive success across male‐biased and female‐biased social contexts but, contrary to previous findings, social context did not modulate age‐related fitness decline in either of the two sexes. We discuss these results in the light of how sex ratio might modulate pre‐/postcopulatory abilities and the opportunity for inter‐ and intrasexual competition in D. melanogaster, and generally suggest that social context effects on these processes are likely to be species specific.
Cytogeography and chromosomal variation of the endemic East Asian herb Lycoris radiata
Authors: Liu Kun , Meng Weiqi , Zheng Lu , Wang Lida , Zhou Shoubiao
Published: May 2019

Information on the spatial distribution of cytotypes and karyotype variation in plants is critical for studies of the origin and evolution of polyploid complexes. Here, the spatial distribution of cytological races and intraspecific variation in the karyotype of Lycoris radiata, an endemic species to East Asia, is investigated. Conventional karyotype analysis methods were used to determine ploidy level and karyotypical characteristics in 2,420 individuals from 114 populations of L. radiata nearly covering the whole distribution areas in China. Of 114 populations studied, 52 (45.61%), 58 (50.88%), and 4 (3.51%) are diploid, triploid, and mixoploid populations, respectively, with 1,224, 1,195, and 1 individuals being diploid, triploid, and tetraploid, respectively. The triploid possesses a much wider distribution range than the diploid, with the former almost occupying the entire range of this complex species in East Asia and the latter distributing in the middle and east regions of China. Triploids tend to occur at high altitudes, and the relationship between the ploidy and altitude is significantly positive but low (r2 = 0.103, p < 0.01). About 98.6% of examined bulbs have a common karyotype consisting of 22 or 33 acrocentric (A) chromosomes. Some aberrant chromosomes which should be generated from A‐type chromosome have been found including metacentrics (m), small metacentrics (m′), and B‐type chromosome. The results can provide a fundamental cytogeographic data for further studies on the evolutionary origins and adaptive divergences of polyploids, especially the triploid, within L. radiata using molecular and/or ecological methods in the future.
Effects of forest types on leaf functional traits and their interrelationships of Pinus massoniana coniferous and broad‐leaved mixed forests in the subtropical mountain, Southeastern China
Authors: Qin Juan , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: May 2019

Leaf functional traits are widely used to detect and explain adaptations that enable plants to live under various environmental conditions. This study aims to determine the difference in leaf functional traits among four forest types of Pinus massoniana coniferous and broad‐leaved mixed forests by leaf morphological, nutrients, and stoichiometric traits in the subtropical mountain, Southeastern China. Our study indicated that the evergreen conifer species of P. massoniana had higher leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf C content, C/N and C/P ratios, while the three deciduous broad‐leaved species of L. formosana, Q. tissima, and P. strobilacea had higher specific leaf area (SLA), leaf N, leaf P nutrient contents, and N/P ratio in the three mixed forest types. The results showed that the species of P. massoniana has adapted to the nutrient‐poor environment by increasing their leaf dry matter for higher construction costs thereby reducing water loss and reflects a resource conservation strategy. In contrast, the three species of L. formosana, Q. tissima, and P. strobilacea exhibited an optimized resource acquisition strategy rather than resource conservation strategy in the subtropical mountain of southeastern China. Regarding the four forest types, the three mixed forest types displayed increased plant leaf nutrient contents when compared to the pure P. massoniana forest, especially the P. massoniana–L. formosana mixed forest type (PLM). Overall, variation in leaf functional traits among different forest types may play an adaptive role in the successful survival of plants under diverse environments because leaf functional traits can lead to significant effects on leaf function, especially for their acquisition of nutrients and use of light. The results of this study are beneficial to reveal the changes in plant leaf functional traits at the regional scale, which will provide a foundation for predicting changes in leaf traits and adaptation in the future environment.
Synthesis and Photophysical Studies of Dibenzophosphole Oxides with D–A–D Triad Structures
Authors: Nishida Jun‐ichi , Kawakami Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Shun , Matsui Yasunori , Ikeda Hiroshi , Hirao Yasukazu , Kawase Takeshi
Published: May 2019

Five, D–A–D triad type dibenzophosphole oxide (DBPO) derivatives, 1a–e, containing electron‐donating diarylamine or carbazole moieties at their 2‐ and 8‐positions were prepared to investigate relationships that exist between their molecular structures and photophysical properties. Analysis of the crystal structure of the 2,8‐bis(diphenylamino) derivative 1a, revealed that its DBPO moiety possesses quinoid‐like bond‐alternation. In addition, DBPO 1a emits relatively high intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) type photoluminescence (PL) in nonpolar solvents. In contrast, DBPO 1b, possessing two carbazol‐9‐yl groups, has higher PL quantum yields than does 1a especially in polar solvents and the solid state. Analysis of the PL decays profiles of toluene solutions of the 6‐membered cyclic acridin‐10‐yl and phenoxazin‐10‐yl‐substituted DBPOs 1c and 1d reveal the existence of long‐lived components, which likely corresponds to thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) at r.t. At low temperature, TADF occurs in a toluene solution of 1d with a lifetime of 188 ms. The related 9‐ethylcarbazol‐3‐yl‐substituted DBPO 1e has a higher PL quantum yield and shorter luminescent lifetime than does 1b. The findings show that the fluorescence properties of DBPOs can be readily controlled by introducing donor moieties. This serves as useful information for developing strategies to design DBPO emitters.
Effect of local infiltration with oxytocin on hemodynamic response to surgical incision and postoperative pain in patients having open laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia
Authors: Zayas‐González Hector , González‐Hernández Abimael , Manzano‐García Alfredo , Hernández‐Rivero Donaciano , García‐Cuevas Marco Antonio , Granados‐Mortera Juan Carlos , Vaca‐Aguirre Liliana , Flores‐Fierro Sergio , Martínez-Lorenzana Guadalupe , Condés‐Lara Miguel
Published: May 2019

Background

Preemptive analgesia encompasses different perioperative interventions that have the final aim of decreasing postoperative pain and improving recovery. Recently, peripheral analgesic effects of oxytocinergic modulation have been suggested. In this regard, we tested the potential analgesic effects of subcutaneous oxytocin (OT) infiltration in patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

Thirty patients with similar general characteristics and medical physical conditions were evaluated. The patients were assigned by simple random selection to one of three groups: (a) OT group (n = 10), which received preincisional subcutaneous OT (4 µg/4 ml saline) in the surgical sites for trocar placements; (b) Lidocaine group (n = 10), which received subcutaneous lidocaine 1% (4 ml) in the surgical sites; and (c) Control group (n = 10), which did not receive any treatment. Then we measured the effect of those treatments on the hemodynamic variations produced as responses to the surgical incisions and trocar insertions (open port placements using the Hasson technique). Moreover, we assessed the intensity of postoperative pain with the visual analogue scale during recovery and 24 hr after surgery.

Results

Hemodynamic parameters were stable in both intervention groups (subcutaneous OT and lidocaine) during the surgical incisions and trocar placements, whereas a most likely sympathetic activation due to trocar insertions (open port placements) was not blunted in the placebo group. Furthermore, postoperative pain was diminished in both OT and lidocaine groups when compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Preincisional subcutaneous OT administration reduced the hemodynamic response produced by the latter. Furthermore, OT also diminished postoperative pain.
Hydrothermal Syntheses of NiO−GO Nanocomposite on 3D Nickel Foam as a Support for Pt Nanoparticles and its Superior Electrocatalytic Activity towards Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Kamyabi Mohammad Ali , Mohammadian Hoda , Jadali Salma , Moharramnezhad Mohsen
Published: May 2019

In this project, Pt/NiO−GO nanocatalyst is grown on nickel foam (NF) and, its catalytic activity towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol in acidic media is studied. The first step is devoted to the synthesis of NiO−GO support by a hydrothermal method. Then Pt nanoparticles (∼34.3 nm) are electrodeposited on this supporting material. Hydrothermal and electrochemical deposition conditions are optimized. Surface of modified NF was inspected for physical characterization and Chemical composition by some techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In the electrochemical section, the catalytic performance of Pt/NiO−GO/NF towards methanol oxidation is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is elected to deliberate charge transfer resistance on the catalyst surface. Mass activity, electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and durability of prepared catalysts are compared with commercial Pt/C. Deliberations prove the superiority of Pt/NiO−GO/NF towards methanol oxidation in acidic media. The Superior quality of synthesized nanocatalyst that is attributed to the synergetic effect of the NiO−GO support material and Pt nanoparticles, indicate that Pt/NiO−GO/NF can be successfully used as the anode in the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
Polyion Detection via All‐solid‐contact Paper‐based Polyion‐sensitive Polymeric Membrane Electrodes
Authors: Ferguson Stephen A. , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: May 2019

The first all‐solid‐contact paper‐based single‐use polyion‐sensitive ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) are described. These polyion‐sensitive ISEs are fabricated using cellulose filter paper coated with a carbon ink conductive layer. A polyanion sensing membrane is cast on a section of the coated paper and the sensor is insulated, resulting in a disposable, single‐use device. Various polyanions are shown to yield large negative potentiometric responses when using these disposable devices for direct polyanion detection. These new sensors are further demonstrated to be useful in indirect polycation detection when polycations (i. e., polyquaterniums (PQs)) are titrated with polyanionic dextran sulfate (DS). Titrations monitored using these paper‐based, all‐solid‐contact devices yield endpoints proportional to the given PQ concentration present in the test sample.
Development of a Surfactant/Platinum Composite for Sensitive Cardio‐selective Beta Blocker Detection and their Theoretical Studies
Authors: Zahid Anum , Bakirhan Nurgul K. , Karadurmuş Leyla , Shah Afzal , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: May 2019

An electrooxidative behavior of beta‐blocker drug esmolol was thoroughly investigated by using glassy carbon electrode modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate‐based platinum nanoparticles. The designed nanosensor exhibited remarkable electro‐catalytic effect by dramatically boosting the signal of the esmolol as compared to the bare electrode with detection limit up to picomolar. The effects of pH, scan rate, temperature, deposition potential, deposition time, effect of electrolyte and interfering agents were investigated to optimize conditions for getting intense signal of the analyte. Under optimized experimental conditions, a linear calibration plot for esmolol with a detection limit of 60 pM was obtained. The analyte sensing ability of the modified electrode was supported by the application of theoretical studies that showed favorable interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate/platinum nanoparticles composite and esmolol. In this study, our aim was to developed a nanosensor for the sensitive detection of esmolol by electrochemical assay. We tried a lot of different modification style and modifiers for creating a sensitive nanosensor for esmolol. This nanosensor can be applied to the esmolol in serum sample without using any further separation, evaporation or precipitation steps. Application could apply in serum sample to test accuracy of our sensor and method. The high recovery results were observed in serum study.
Electrochemical Characterization and Voltammetric Determination of Benzoyl Derivatives of Phenobarbital Using Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Mezentseva Olga , Slepchenko Galina , Filimonov Victor , Mikheeva Elena , Arbit Galina
Published: May 2019

The electrochemical behavior of a number of benzoyl barbiturates was studied using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The kinetics of the electrode process is determined, the contribution of physical adsorption to the electrochemical process is estimated, and the mechanism of the possible electrochemical reaction is proposed. It is shown that the electrochemical reduction potentials of benzoyl phenobarbital derivatives are determined by the LUMO energies, calculated by the B3LYP 6‐311+G method. It is established that the process is quasi‐reversible, complicated by adverse reactions. The influence of halogen type and its position in the benzoyl residue of the studied substances on the analytical signal is established. The effective values of the dissociation constants of various forms of benzoyl derivatives were calculated using the example of halonal, for which the values 3.16 ⋅ 10−8 and 6.31 ⋅ 10−12, respectively, were found.
Determination of Electrochemical Interaction between 2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl) Phenol and DNA Sequences
Authors: Topkaya Seda Nur , Cetin Arif E.
Published: May 2019

A benzimidazole derivate, 2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl) phenol (2‐Bip) and its interaction mechanism with sequence specific DNA was examined with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). We, for the first time, investigated the effect of 2‐Bip on sequence specific DNA with electrochemical methods by evaluating both guanine and 2‐Bip oxidation signal changes. In the study, probe sequences were immobilized to the surface of the electrodes and then hybridization was achieved by sending the complementary target onto the probe modified electrodes. Following the hybridization, 2‐Bip solution was interacted with probe and hybrid sequences to see the effect of 2‐Bip on different DNA sequences. The binding constant (K), toxicity (S%) and thermodynamic parameters, i. e., Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) of 2‐Bip‐DNA complexes were evaluated. K was calculated as 5×105 and the change in the ΔG° was found as −32.50 kJ mol−1, which are consistent well with the literature. Furthermore, S% showed that 2‐Bip is moderately toxic to single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and toxic to double stranded DNA (dsDNA). From our experimental data, we made four conclusions (i) 2‐Bip affects both ssDNA and dsDNA, (ii) 2‐Bip interaction mode with DNA could be non‐covalent interactions, (iii) 2‐Bip could be used as new DNA hybridization indicator due to its distinct effects on ssDNA and dsDNA, (iv) 2‐Bip could be used as a drug molecule for its DNA effect.
Influence of torrefaction after densification on the fuel characteristics and the inherited gasification kinetics of Erianthus arundinaceus energy grass
Authors: Qadi Nasim , Kobayashi Makoto , Takeno Keiji
Published: May 2019

In this study, a mixture of breeding lines of Erianthus arundinaceus energy grass was pretreated prior to gasification. Although biomass torrefaction and subsequent pelletizing of torrefied biomass (TOP process) have been studied in details, the torrefaction of pellets (TAP process) still in its infancy. Therefore, samples prepared by TAP, torrefaction‐only and pelletizing‐only were compared in terms of fuel characteristics and gasification kinetics. Results showed that the mass yield decreased with increasing torrefaction temperature, whereas the higher heating value (HHV) continued to increase with temperature, which can be seen in the evolution of O/C and H/C atomic ratios. Tradeoff between mass yield and HHV points to 250°C as the optimum torrefaction temperature, as mass yield above 76% could be achieved. TAP process was superior not only in terms of producing fuel with higher energy density, but also the gasification reactivity was higher than that of torrefied‐only or densified‐only samples, suggesting TAP is promising to be employed within the gasification process. Yet, conducting TAP under higher torrefaction temperatures may weaken the reactivity due to the more release of potassium during pyrolysis. Lastly, gasification kinetics data revealed that the pretreated samples exhibited slightly higher activation energy.
A study of growth and remodeling in isotropic tissues, based on the Anand‐Aslan‐Chester theory of strain‐gradient plasticity
Authors: Grillo Alfio , Stefano Salvatore Di , Ramírez‐Torres Ariel , Loverre Michele
Published: May 2019

Motivated by the increasing interest of the biomechanical community towards the employment of strain‐gradient theories for solving biological problems, we study the growth and remodeling of a biological tissue on the basis of a strain‐gradient formulation of remodeling. Our scope is to evaluate the impact of such an approach on the principal physical quantities that determine the growth of the tissue. For our purposes, we assume that remodeling is characterized by a coarse and a fine length scale and, taking inspiration from a work by Anand, Aslan, and Chester, we introduce a kinematic variable that resolves the fine scale inhomogeneities induced by remodeling. With respect to this variable, a strain‐gradient framework of remodeling is developed. We adopt this formulation in order to investigate how a tumor tissue grows and how it remodels in response to growth. In particular, we focus on a type of remodeling that manifests itself in two different, but complementary, ways: on the one hand, it finds its expression in a stress‐induced reorganization of the adhesion bonds among the tumor cells, and, on the other hand, it leads to a change of shape of the cells and of the tissue, which is generally not recovered when external loads are removed. To address this situation, we resort to a generalized Bilby‐Kröner‐Lee decomposition of the deformation gradient tensor. We test our model on a benchmark problem taken from the literature, which we rephrase in two ways: microscale remodeling is disregarded in the first case, and accounted for in the second one. Finally, we compare and discuss the obtained numerical results.
Low‐Cost and High‐Efficiency Solar‐Driven Vapor Generation Using a 3D Dyed Cotton Towel
Authors: Yang Yudi , Sui Yujin , Cai Zaisheng , Xu Bi
Published: May 2019

Solar‐driven vapor generation is a promising method to mitigate freshwater shortage and water contamination. However, most of the current highly efficient solar evaporators suffer from low robustness, tedious preparation procedures, and high cost. In this study, an easy‐to‐manufacture, low‐cost, and high‐reliability solar‐driven evaporator is designed using a black cotton towel with a hollow conical shape. The reactive dye molecules diffuse into the cotton and form strong covalent bonds with the fiber after dyeing, which firmly fixes light‐absorbing materials on the substrate. The looped pile structure of towels and hierarchical structure of yarns enable the evaporator enlarged surface area. The hollow conical shape of the cotton towel can effectively suppress the heat loss to the environment without compromising light absorption. The 3D vapor generator exhibits an evaporation rate of 1.40 and 1.27 kg m−2 h−1 for pure water and saline water, respectively. Meanwhile, this towel‐based solar‐driven evaporator exhibits a promising antifouling property as well as superior reusability and provides a reliable pathway in dealing with realistic waters, such as seawater and dyeing sewage. Therefore, the low‐cost, solar‐driven water evaporation system offers a complementary approach for high‐efficiency vapor generation and water purification in practical application.