bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment on latitudinal tree species richness using environmental factors in the southeastern United States
Authors: Kwon Youngsang , Lee Taesoo , Lang Alison , Burnette Dorian
Published: April 2019

The southeastern region of the United States exhibits an unusual trend of decreasing tree species richness (TSR) from higher to lower latitudes over the Florida peninsula. This trend contradicts the widely marked latitudinal diversity gradient where species richness is highest in tropical zones and decreases towards extratropical regions. This study aims to assess the environmental factors that prompt this atypical inverse latitudinal gradient seen in TSR using the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) database. Fifteen variables under four categories of forested area, groundwater, soil properties, and climate groups were examined to model TSR in the region. Generalized linear models (GLMs) with Poisson distributions first assessed individual variables to test explanatory power then the LASSO regularization method was utilized to extract two subsets of the most influential variables to predict TSR. Forest area and four climate variables (mean annual temperature, precipitation seasonality, mean temperature of coldest quarter, and mean precipitation of driest quarter) were the top five variables during the initial GLM assessment implying their potential individual influence in regulating TSR. Two subsets of LASSO models contained seven and three predictor variables, respectively. Frist subset includes seven predictors, presented in highest to low standardized coefficient, mean temperature of coldest quarter, forested area, precipitation seasonality, mean precipitation of driest quarter, water table depth, spodosol, and available water storage. The other subset further excluded four lowest influential variables from the first set, leaving the top three variables from the first subset. The first subset of the LASSO model predicted TSR with 63.4% explained deviance while the second subset reproduced 60.2% of deviance explained. With only three variables used, the second model outperformed the first model evaluated by the AIC value. We conclude that forest patch area, mean temperature of coldest quarter, and precipitation seasonality are the highly influential variables of TSR among environmental factors in the southeastern region of U.S., but evolutionary or historic cause should be further incorporated to fully understand tree species diversity pattern in this region.
Assessment of Disease Morbidity Pattern and Health Care Seeking Behaviour among the Elderly in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Inde Margaret Uyilewhoma , Eko Jimmy Ebi , Inah Simon Alain , Eyo Promise Iwara
Published: April 2019

Aims: This study was aimed at assessing disease morbidity pattern and health care seeking behaviour among the elderly in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study design

Place and Duration of Study: Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Cross River State between Feburary 2015 to March 2015.

Methodology: Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 200 elderly persons who gave consent to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected were collated and analysed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 and results were presented in tables. Chi-square was used to test for association between categorical variables.

Results: The result obtained showed that respondents within the age bracket of 65-69years 74(37.0%) constituted majority followed by those aged 70-74years 56(28.0%) and 75-79years 42(21.0%). More than half of the respondents 110(55%) were females while the remaining 90(45%) were males. This study revealed that malaria 50(23.1%), high blood pressure 43(19.9%) and joint pain/arthritis 31(14.4%) were the most identified health problems suffered by the elderly and the hospital/healthcare centre was where most elderly persons sought for treatment whenever they fall ill. Expenditure on health services received was largely out-of-pocket expenditure 86(43.0%). Other respondents revealed that their children 64(32.0%), relatives/in-laws 28(14.0%), spouse 16(8.0%) and friend(s) 6(3.0%) were responsible for their hospital bills. Most respondents 106(53.0%) who patronized the hospital/health center were satisfied with treatment received. Increasing age and gender were significantly associated with disease morbidity pattern among the elderly (P < .05).

Conclusion: Improving geriatrics care through effective implementation of intervention programmes is pivotal to mitigating the rate of disease morbidity among the aged population.
New Criterion that Guarantees Sufficient Conditions for Globally Asymptotically Stable Periodic Solutions of Non-Linear Differential Equations with Delay
Authors: Peter Ebiendele
Published: April 2019

The objective of this paper is to investigate and give sufficient conditions that we guarantees globally asymptotically stable periodic solutions, of non-linear differential Equations with Delay of the form (1.1). The Razumikhin’s technique was improve upon to enhance better result’s hence equation (1.2), was studied along side with equation (1.1). Equation (1.2) is an integro-differential equations with delay kernel. Since the coefficients of (1.2) are periodic, it is re-written as equation (3.1), where a ,b, and c ≥ 0, and ω- periodic continuious function on R. G ≥ 0, is a normalized kernel from equation (1.2), which enable us to defined equation (3.1) as a fixed point. Since the defined operator B, for equation (3.1) are not empty, claim1 -1V enable us to used the fixed point theorem to investigate and established our defined properties. See, (Theorem 3.1, Lemma 3.1 and Theorem 3.2) and the Liapunov’s direct (second) method to prove our main results. See, (Theorem3.3, 3.4, and 3.5) which established the objective of this study.
Experimental Investigation of Problems of Drift in Aerial Spraying
Authors: Rowiński Robert S.
Published: April 2019

Agricultural and forestry requirements for agricultural aviation are related to spread of fertilizers, crop protection and protection against pests in forestry. Main topic presented on this paper is the result of experimental investigations in the field of “the drift in aerial spraying”.

The results of those investigations are formulas for estimating protection zones depending on the type of used pesticides.
An Assessment of Solid Waste Composition and Management in Agbor and Its Implication on Human Health
Authors: Ewere Edwin Ndidi , Ojeh Vincent Nduka
Published: April 2019

The study assessed solid waste composition and how it is being managed in relation to health implications in Agbor, a nordal town in Delta State Nigeria. Survey design was used and both primary and secondary data were collected through stratified sampling technique. Solid waste management practices of respondents were generated through the use of six hundred and twenty five (625) copies of questionnaires in 8 sampling unit. The hospital report on malaria and typhoid were obtained from the medical records of central hospital, Agbor covering 1997-2011, and the solid waste composition was obtained through waste characterization and measurement. The data on solid waste management and composition were from the sanitary records of the Local Government Council, and private waste firm in Agbor called Total Resource Management Limited. The study results show 34.14% were traders, 22.14% were civil servants, 14.34% were farmers, and 29.38% were business men and women. The waste generated is 1594.11 kilogram. This shows that the total respondents of five thousand generated 1594.11 kilogram of solid waste daily. Baleke area has the highest rate of waste generated which was 223.43 kilogram; followed by Dr. Whyte area which generated 214.46 kilogram of solid waste daily. Edike area generated the highest amount of solid waste in the entire sampled areas, having 180.34 kilogram of solid waste generated daily. Food items were the greatest amount generated daily, with 1135.21 kilograms per day. Eighty five percent (85%) of malaria cases and 98.6% of typhoid cases in Agbor was consequent on solid waste composition. To enhance effectiveness in solid waste management in Agbor, the Local Government Authority should subsidize the amount of money paid for the services of private waste managers. The promulgation of punishable laws on the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste will help avoid the dumping of waste waterfront at road side and street drains.
Secondary Metabolites: Attracting Pollinators
Authors: Sosenski Paula , Parra‐Tabla Víctor
Published: April 2019

Flowers present visual and chemical signals that mediate the interaction between plants and pollinators, who transfer pollen between flowers of different plants while foraging for nectar and/or pollen. This process favours the sexual reproduction of plants and covers the energy requirements of floral visitors. Colour and floral scent, as well as the chemical composition of nectar and pollen that constitute floral rewards, are among the attraction attributes. The expression of these attributes is the result of the production of a set of secondary metabolites such as pigments, volatile organic compounds and chemical compounds in nectar and pollen. In addition to attracting pollinators, these metabolites can repel natural enemies of plants (florivores, nectar robbers, microorganisms) or pollinators (pathogens), potentially affecting the outcome of pollination, and eventually the production of fruits and seeds.

Key Concepts

Most flowering plants that depend on pollinators for reproducing sexually have developed visual (colour) and chemical (scent) floral signals, as well as floral rewards (pollen and nectar), to increase the attraction of pollinators.

Secondary metabolites produced by flowering plants mediate the visual and chemical communication between plants and other organisms. While this communication is essential for pollination, it can also mediate the interaction of plants with florivores, nectar robbers, seed predators, microorganisms and pollinator pathogens that could affect pollination.

Pollinators are able to perceive variation in visual and chemical attributes of plants from the same or different species, affecting visitation rates and plant fitness.

Pigments are the secondary metabolites responsible for the synthesis of colour in different floral organs (petals, sepals, sexual organs) and floral rewards (pollen and nectar).

Floral volatiles are organic compounds emitted by flowers that mediate chemical communication in specialist and generalist plant–pollinators interactions.

Secondary metabolites in the nectar of various species include alkaloids, phenols and nonessential amino acids that can affect the preferences and foraging behaviour of pollinators, either by attracting or deterring them.

The impact of secondary metabolites in attracting different pollinators can result in pre‐reproductive isolation between plants and eventually contribute to their divergence.
Ethical Aspects of Interventional Neuroscience: Nanoneuronal Interfaces
Authors: Keskinbora Kadircan H , Jameel Muslim A
Published: April 2019

The emerging scientific field of nanotechnology enabled humankind to manipulate the environment at the molecular and atomic levels, and it has the potential to revolutionize all scientific fields. Medicine is a prominent field that has witnessed a nanotechnological revolution. However, due to the current views in philosophy and ethics, this emerging technology can be considered inconsistent or conflicting with what most ethicists in the area of medicine hold to be true. Nanotechnology and neuroscience are raising unavoidable questions concerning the ethical justification of human enhancement and intervention. Enhancement can be ethically justifiable when physicians work beyond the limits of traditional goals and ethical principles of medicine, and philosophers are called for new sets of values from which we can derive the traditional views of personhood, the ethical values from where our sense of personhood, value or identity comeand be consistent with current human conditions. This article argues the features of these questions of beneficence and probable problems of nanotechnology in the framework of human dignity and personal identity.

Key Concepts

Nanotechnology has reformed the medical field approaches and protocols by allowing the professionals to manipulate the biological structures and offering new insights into radical new treatments.

Beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy and justice are the principles – the four pillars – that constitute the core of all health practitioners.

Nanotechnological intervention is ethical if the patient expressed his/her own desires with rational arguments and are being in possession of all relevant facts and possible consequences without committing logical errors.

Brain enhancement is ethical since it can be viewed as a struggle to improvement in learning and developmental capacities, and there is no rule that can view this as unethical endeavors.

The mortal character of our sense of personhood does not mean that our values and our sense of identity are currently conditioned by our temporal limits and must always be so conditioned.
A Novel Blood‐Based Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic Technology Using Electrical Detection of Colon Cancer Secreted Protein‐2
Authors: Jeun Minhong , Lee Hyo Jeong , Park Sungwook , Do Eun‐ju , Choi Jaewon , Sung You‐Na , Hong Seung‐Mo , Kim Sang‐Yeob , Kim Dong‐Hee , Kang Ja Young , Son Hye‐Nam , Joo Jinmyoung , Song Eun Mi , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Choe Jaewon , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Moinova Helen , Markowitz Sanford D. , Lee Kwan Hyi , Myung Seung‐Jae
Published: April 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second‐leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, which may be effectively reduced by early screening. Colon cancer secreted protein‐2 (CCSP‐2) is a promising blood marker for CRC. An electric‐field effect colorectal sensor (E‐FECS), an ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistor under dual gate operation with nanostructure is developed, to quantify CCSP‐2 directly from patient blood samples. The sensing performance of the E‐FECS is verified in 7 controls and 7 CRC samples, and it is clinically validated on 30 controls, 30 advanced adenomas, and 81 CRC cases. The concentration of CCSP‐2 is significantly higher in plasma samples from CRC and advanced adenoma compared with controls (both P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for CRC versus controls are 44.4% and 86.7%, respectively (AUC of 0.67), and 43.3% and 86.7%, respectively, for advanced adenomas (AUC of 0.67). CCSP‐2 detects a greater number of CRC cases than carcinoembryonic antigen does (45.6% vs 24.1%), and the combination of the two markers detects an even greater number of cases (53.2%). The E‐FECS system successfully detects CCSP‐2 in a wide range of samples including early stage cancers and advanced adenoma. CCSP‐2 has potential for use as a blood‐based biomarker for CRC.
Room Temperature Processed Highly Efficient Large‐Area Polymer Solar Cells Achieved with Molecular Engineering of Copolymers
Authors: Rasool Shafket , Vu Doan Van , Song Chang Eun , Lee Hang Ken , Lee Sang Kyu , Lee Jong‐Cheol , Moon Sang‐Jin , Shin Won Suk
Published: April 2019

The room temperature (RT) processability of the photoactive layers in polymer solar cells (PSCs) from halogen‐free solvent along with their highly reproducible power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and intrinsic thickness tolerance are extremely desirable for the large‐area roll‐to‐roll (R2R) production. However, most of the photoactive materials in PSCs require elevated processing temperatures due to their strong aggregation, which are unfavorable for the industrial R2R manufacturing of PSCs. These limiting factors for the commercialization of PSCs are alleviated by synthesizing random terpolymers with components of (2‐decyltetradecyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)naphtho[1,2‐c:5,6‐c′]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole and bithiophene substituted with methyl thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (MTC). In contrast to the temperature‐dependent PNTz4T polymer, the resulting random terpolymers (PNTz4T‐MTC) show better solubility, slightly reduced crystallinity and aggregation, and weaker intermolecular interaction, thus enabling PNTz4T‐MTC to be processed at RT from a halogen‐free solvent. Particularly, the PNTz4T‐5MTC‐based photoactive layer exhibits an excellent PCE of 9.66%, which is among the highest reported PCEs for RT and ecofriendly halogen‐free solvent processed fullerene‐based PSCs, and a thickness tolerance with a PCE exceeding 8% from 100 to 520 nm. Finally, large‐area modules fabricated with the PNTz4T and PNTz4T‐5MTC polymer have shown 4.29% and 6.61% PCE respectively, with an area as high as 54.45 cm2 in air.
Reverse‐Graded 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites for Efficient Air‐Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Wei Yi , Chu Huailong , Tian Yuyang , Chen Baoquan , Wu Kaifeng , Wang Junhui , Yang Xichuan , Cai Bin , Zhang Yongfei , Zhao Jijun
Published: April 2019

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) have emerged as a promising solar cell material. A group of novel RPPs with cyclohexane methylamine (CMA) as a spacer cation is presented. Unlike previously reported RPPs, the deposited films of (CMA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (MA is CH3NH3+, n = 1, 2, 3, …) exhibit multiple phases with reverse‐graded quantum well (QW) distribution; small n (n = 2) RPPs are located at the surface and large n (n ≥ 10) RPPs at the bottom. This has three advantages: (a) The outer, more moisture resistant, small n RPPs create a stable barrier that protects the vulnerable large n RPP lattice from being attacked by water molecules. (b) It forms a type‐II band alignment between different phases, which favors self‐driven charge transport. (c) The natural structure of graded QWs expands the range of photon collection. Attributed to these properties, the best efficiency of 15.05%, with high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.10 V for a first‐generation solar cell containing (CMA)2(MA)8Pb9I28, is achieved. A notable enhancement in short wavelength is observed in the Incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency spectra. This device shows significantly improved long‐term stability, retaining ≈95% of the initial efficiency after 4600 h exposure in ambient conditions with 40–70% relative humidity.
Recent Progress in Synaptic Devices Paving the Way toward an Artificial Cogni‐Retina for Bionic and Machine Vision
Authors: Berco Dan , Shenp Ang Diing
Published: April 2019

The state‐of‐the‐art conception of a bionic/robotic eye is a somewhat bulky multipart system comprising a video camera connected to a processing unit that in turn communicates data through a wireless transmitter to either an in vivo retinal implant or a computer system. An artificial cogni‐retina is a millimeter‐scale, intelligent apparatus designed as a replacement for these systems, while executing simple image processing tasks. As a bionic limb, it can connect directly to the optic nerve and perform rudimentary cognitive functions such as perceiving, learning, remembering, and classifying elementary visual data. This theoretical system presents a quantum leap in terms of size, power consumption, and speed to both prosthetic human eyes and robotic vision in artificial intelligence‐based platforms such as autonomous vehicles. Recently, an increasing number of publications have used interesting materials in artificial synaptic devices that drive this idea closer toward becoming a real‐world application. Such devices may form a basis for hardware‐based deep learning artificial neural networks that can potentially execute image processing tasks within a single clock cycle compared to software algorithms running on conventional von Neumann machines that require millions of cycles to perform image sensor interfacing, memory fetch operations, and data path propagation.
Poisoning effects of lead species on the V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 type NH3‐selective catalytic reduction catalyst
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Lu Qiang , Iqbal Tahir , Arain Zulqarnain , Han Jian , Wu Yang‐wen , Liu Ding‐jia , Yang Yong‐ping
Published: April 2019

Heavy metal Pb is an inevitable ingredient of coal‐fired flue gas and has been proven to be a source of inhibiting effect on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. In this paper, two types of Pb‐poisoned catalyst, prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation and solid diffusion methods, are studied to unveil the poisoning effects of lead species on the V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 catalyst. The activity test results showed that lead species loaded by the incipient wetness impregnation method exhibited a significant inhibiting effect on the denitrification efficiency of the catalyst although a negligible activity loss was observed on the samples from the solid diffusion method. Characterizations of fresh and Pb‐poisoned catalysts from incipient wetness impregnation method were applied using comprehensive techniques such as X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), NH3‐temperature programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and so forth. The analytical results indicated that a phase transformation occurred in tungsten species and the amorphous WO3 converted into PbWO4, causing the accumulation and valence imbalance of active vanadium phase, which further decreased the surface acidity and activity of the V2O5‐WO3/TiO2 catalyst.
Mouse Extraocular Muscles and the Musculotopic Organization of Their Innervation
Authors: Bohlen Martin O. , Bui Kevin , Stahl John S. , May Paul J. , Warren Susan
Published: April 2019

The organization of extraocular muscles (EOMs) and their motor nuclei was investigated in the mouse due to the increased importance of this model for oculomotor research. Mice showed a standard EOM organization pattern, although their eyes are set at the side of the head. They do have more prominent oblique muscles, whose insertion points differ from those of frontal‐eyed species. Retrograde tracers revealed that the motoneuron layout aligns with the general vertebrate plan with respect to nuclei and laterality. The mouse departed in some significant respects from previously studied species. First, more overlap between the distributions of muscle‐specific motoneuronal pools was present in the oculomotor nucleus (III). Furthermore, motoneuron dendrites for each pool filled the entire III and extended beyond the edge of the abducens nucleus (VI). This suggests mouse extraocular motoneuron afferents must target specific pools based on features other than dendritic distribution and nuclear borders. Second, abducens internuclear neurons are located outside the VI. We concluded this because no unlabeled abducens internuclear neurons were observed following lateral rectus muscle injections and because retrograde tracer injections into the III labeled cells immediately ventral and ventrolateral to the VI, not within it. This may provide an anatomical substrate for differential input to motoneurons and internuclear neurons that allows rodents to move their eyes more independently. Finally, while soma size measurements suggested motoneuron subpopulations supplying multiply and singly innervated muscle fibers are present, markers for neurofilaments and perineuronal nets indicated overlap in the size distributions of the two populations. Anat Rec, 302:1865–1885, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Preparation and characterization of curcumin‐loaded polymeric nanomicelles to interference with amyloidogenesis through glycation method
Authors: Mirzaie Zeinab , Ansari Mojtaba , Kordestani Soheila Salahshour , Rezaei Mehran Habibi , Mozafari Masoud
Published: April 2019

Amyloid fibrils, including β‐amyloid (Aβ) fibrils, are protein aggregates that form under certain conditions, associated with neurodegeneration that interfere with neural synaptic transmission resulting in some neural disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study is to inhibit amyloidogenesis by using preparatory polymeric nanomicelles as therapeutic agents and also as nanocarriers for curcumin to target Aβ fibrils through the glycation method of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of phosphate‐buffered saline. Polymeric nanomicelles were prepared from phosphatidylethanolamine‐distearoyl methoxypolyethylene glycol conjugates in the presence and absence of curcumin and then the morphological and structural characteristics of the nanomicelles were characterized in detail. Following the preparation of unloaded and curcumin‐loaded nanomicelles with the desired size and properties, their effects on BSA glycation/fibrillation process were investigated. The samples were analyzed by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence and advanced glycation end (AGE) products autofluorescence measurements. The results showed that ThT fluorescence related to the formation of β‐sheets and AGE autofluorescence (associated with AGE production) decreased in the presence of curcumin‐loaded nanomicelles more than other samples. In conclusion, the promising effect of curcumin‐loaded nanomicelles on inhibition of amyloidogenesis through glycation process due to curcumin release and thus their ability to prevent the formation and accumulation of amyloid fibrils and so to suppress the Alzheimer's disease progression has been proven and can go for further investigations.
Cilostazol protects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury by activating transcription factor EB (TFEB)
Authors: Li Jiangjin , Xiang Xiaoli , Xu Zuo
Published: April 2019

Although cilostazol was proved to have antitumor biological effects, its function in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanisms were not fully illustrated yet. In this study, a rat model of I/R injury was constructed and quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence (IF) assay were performed. Our results showed that cilostazol increased LC3 II/LC3 I ratio, reduced p62 abundance, and promoted the expressions of LAMP1, LAMP2, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D, indicating that cilostazol could activate autophagy and elevated lysosome activation. Following analysis showed that cilostazol enhanced nuclear protein expression of transcription factor EB (TFEB), an important regulator of autophagy‐lysosome pathway. Furthermore, CCI‐779, an inhibitor of TFEB, could reverse the effects of cilostazol on autophagic activity and lysosome activation. Importantly, cilostazol suppressed I/R injury‐induced apoptosis by decreasing the cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that cilostazol reduced the serum levels of CTn1 and CK‐MB and decreased infract size caused by I/R injuries. Altogether this study suggested that cilostazol protects against I/R injury by regulating autophagy, lysosome, and apoptosis in a rat model of I/R injury. The protective mechanism of cilostazol was partially through increasing the transcriptional activity of TFEB.
Emotion sensitivity and self‐reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder across the lifespan: A population‐based sample approach
Authors: Rutter Lauren A. , Scheuer Luke , Vahia Ipsit V. , Forester Brent P. , Smoller Jordan W. , Germine Laura
Published: April 2019

Background

Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms show deficits in emotion processing, but results of prior studies have been conflicting, and little is known about developmental trajectories of emotion processing over time. We examined the association between GAD symptoms and sensitivity to recognizing emotional facial expressions (emotion sensitivity: ES) for three emotions (happiness, anger, fear) in a large, diverse, population‐based sample. We hypothesized that higher anxiety scores would be associated with poorer performance, and expected that ES performance and anxiety scores would decline across the lifespan.

Method

Participants were 7,176 responders to a web‐based ES study (age range = 10–96 years old).

Results

Higher GAD‐7 scores were associated with poorer ES performance for all emotion categories (happiness, anger, fear). The relationship between GAD‐7 and ES scores remained significant after controlling for the effects of age and sex, and there was no significant interaction, indicating that the relationship does not change across age. Age significantly predicted ES and GAD‐7 scores across emotions, with older ages showing lower ES scores and lower anxiety.

Conclusions

In the largest study of its kind, GAD symptoms were associated with impaired ES performance across three emotion types. Future research should explore the connection between anxiety symptoms, cognitive processing, and social processing to better characterize the mechanisms of how GAD is linked with both social and non‐social information processing. Future work may also look at if ES is related over time to changes in anxiety, making it a promising target for intervention.
Temperature Swing Adsorption in Natural Gas Processing: A Concise Overview
Authors: Berg Frederik , Pasel Christoph , Eckardt Tobias , Bathen Dieter
Published: April 2019

To enable the technical use of natural gas, efficient gas processing is essential. Various components such as water, sulphur compounds, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heavy hydrocarbons must be removed. Temperature swing adsorption (TSA) is a commonly used way of removing some of these components. This paper describes where TSA is used in the natural gas treatment process and outlines the application of commercial adsorbents in TSA plants. The state of research on adsorbents and process control in TSA plants in natural gas processing is discussed.
Reductive Silylation Using a Bis‐silylated Diaza‐2,5‐cyclohexadiene
Authors: Beagan Daniel M. , Huerfano I. J. , Polezhaev Alexander V. , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: April 2019

1,4‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐diaza‐2,5‐cyclohexadiene, 1, was tested as a reagent for the reductive silylation of various unsaturated functionalities, including N‐heterocycles, quinones, and other redox‐active moieties in addition to deoxygenation of main group oxides. Whereas most reactions tested are thermodynamically favorable, based on DFT calculations, a few do not occur, perhaps giving limited insight on the mechanism of this very attractive reductive process. Of note, reductive silylation reactions show a strong solvent dependence where a polar solvent facilitates conversions.
Light Lanthanide Metallocenium Cations Exhibiting Weak Equatorial Anion Interactions
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Reta Daniel , Cleghorn Jake A. , Yeoh Yu Xuan , Ortu Fabrizio , Goodwin Conrad A. P. , Chilton Nicholas F. , Mills David P.
Published: April 2019

As the dysprosocenium complex [Dy(Cpttt)2][B(C6F5)4] (Cpttt=C5H2tBu3‐1,2,4, 1‐Dy) exhibits magnetic hysteresis at 60 K, similar lanthanide (Ln) complexes have been targeted to provide insights into this remarkable property. We recently reported homologous [Ln(Cpttt)2][B(C6F5)4] (1‐Ln) for all the heavier Ln from Gd–Lu; herein, we extend this motif to the early Ln. We find, for the largest LnIII cations, that contact ion pairs [Ln(Cpttt)2{(C6F5‐κ1‐F)B(C6F5)3}] (1‐Ln; La–Nd) are isolated from reactions of parent [Ln(Cpttt)2(Cl)] (2‐Ln) with [H(SiEt3)2][B(C6F5)4], where the anion binds weakly to the equatorial sites of [Ln(Cpttt)2]+ through a single fluorine atom in the solid state. For smaller SmIII, [Sm(Cpttt)2][B(C6F5)4] (1‐Sm) is isolated, which like heavier 1‐Ln does not exhibit equatorial anion interactions, but the EuIII analogue 1‐Eu could not be synthesised due to the facile reduction of EuIII precursors to EuII products. Thus with the exception of Eu and radioactive Pm this work constitutes a structurally similar family of Ln metallocenium complexes, over 50 years after the [M(Cp)2]+ series was isolated for the 3d metals.
Identification of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Mouse Lung, Liver, Small Intestine, Bone Marrow, and Mediastinal and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes
Authors: Romera‐Hernández Mónica , Mathä Laura , Steer Catherine A. , Ghaedi Maryam , Takei Fumio
Published: April 2019

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a heterogeneous family of lymphocytes that populate barrier and non‐barrier tissues. ILCs regulate immune responses to pathogens and commensals but also sustain metabolic homeostasis, tissue remodeling after injury and establish dialogue with the nervous system. ILCs rapidly become activated in the absence of adaptive antigen receptors by responding to signaling molecules provided by hematopoietic or non‐hematopoietic cells. Here we provide protocols designed for processing the lung, liver, small intestine, bone marrow, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes in order to obtain a purified leukocyte fraction of cells, in which ILC2 enrichment is optimized. In addition, we describe in detail the methodologies used to activate ILC2s and the assays necessary for the detection of their effector cytokines. We highlight the differences in ILC2 characterization within distinct tissues that we have recently identified. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nonglucuronidated Ezetimibe Disrupts CD13‐ and CD64‐Coassembly in Membrane Microdomains and Decreases Cellular Cholesterol Content in Human Monocytes/Macrophages
Authors: Orsó Evelyn , Robenek Horst , Boettcher Alfred , Wolf Zsuzsanna , Liebisch Gerhard , Kramer Werner , Schmitz Gerd
Published: April 2019

Ezetimibe (EZE) and glucuronidated EZE (EZE‐Glu) differentially target Niemann‐Pick C1‐like 1 (NPC1L1) and CD13 (aminopeptidase‐N) to inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and cholesterol processing in other cells, although the precise molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Cellular effects of EZE, EZE‐Glu, and the low‐absorbable EZE‐analogue S6130 were investigated on human monocyte‐derived macrophages upon loading with atherogenic lipoproteins. EZE and S6130, but not EZE‐Glu disturbed the colocalization of CD13 and its coreceptor CD64 (Fcγ receptor I) in membrane microdomains, and decreased the presence of both receptors in detergent‐resistant membrane fractions. Biotinylated cholesterol absorption inhibitor C‐5 (i.e., derivative of EZE) was rapidly internalized to perinuclear tubular structures of cells, resembling endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but CD13 was detected on extracellular sites of the plasma membrane and endolysosomal vesicles. Administration of EZE, but not of EZE‐Glu or S6130, was associated with decreased cellular cholesteryl ester content, indicating the sterol‐O acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1)‐inhibition by EZE. Furthermore, EZE decreased the expression of molecules involved in cholesterol uptake and synthesis, in parallel with increased apolipoprotein A–I‐mediated cholesterol efflux and upregulation of efflux‐effectors. However, NPC1L1 the other claimed molecular target of EZE, was not detected in macrophages, thereby excluding this protein as target for EZE in macrophages. Thus, EZE is very likely a CD13‐linked microdomain‐disruptor and SOAT1‐inhibitor in macrophages leading to in vitro anti‐atherosclerotic effects through a decrease of net cellular cholesterol content. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Identification of phenobarbital and other barbiturates in forensic drug screening using positive electrospray ionization liquid chromatography−high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Høj Lars Jakobsen , Mollerup Christian Brinch , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Johansen Sys Stybe , Linnet Kristian , Dalsgaard Petur Weihe
Published: April 2019

Comprehensive drug‐screening performed by liquid chromatography−high resolution mass spectrometry (LC−HRMS) enables identification of hundreds to thousands of drug compounds in a single analysis. Forensic drug screening is generally performed with positive electrospray ionization (ESI+), targeting basic drugs; however, a few toxicologically important drugs such as barbiturates, may require analysis by negative ESI. In this work, screening targets for barbiturates were determined using our LC−HRMS screening with ESI+. For several years, our forensic whole blood samples have been analyzed using the LC−HRMS−ESI+ screening in parallel with a multi‐target LC–MS/MS−ESI− method. From 2014 to 2018, 23 samples were positive for phenobarbital (0.5−81 mg/kg). Retrospective data analysis of 4816 blood samples (15 positive) revealed several potential screening targets for phenobarbital. The targets were tentatively identified by exact mass and isotopic pattern as uncommon adducts of phenobarbital and as a decomposition product of phenobarbital N‐glucoside (C17H24N2O7). Analysis of a test set containing eight positive (0.5–65 mg/kg phenobarbital) and 31 negative samples supported the use of the observed target m/z 323.0614 at 5.14 minutes, corresponding to the [M + HCOONa+Na]+ adduct of phenobarbital. The [M + HCOONa+Na]+ adduct was confirmed as a screening target for common barbiturates, by analysis of barbiturate reference standards in ESI+/ESI−. The [M + HCOONa+Na]+ adduct allowed retrospective analysis with 91% sensitivity (n = 23) and 100% specificity (n = 4855) for phenobarbital in our existing LC−HRMS−ESI+ screening. The two negative results were the two whole‐blood samples with the lowest phenobarbital concentration (<1.8 mg/kg). Thus, a specialized screening is not necessary and use of this adduct likely enables screening for other barbiturates.
It takes two: Seasonal variation in sexually dimorphic weaponry results from divergent changes in males and females
Authors: Heuring Whitney L. , Hughes Melissa
Published: April 2019

Sexually dimorphic weaponry often results from intrasexual selection, and weapon size can vary seasonally when costs of bearing the weapon exceed the benefits outside of the reproductive season. Weapons can also be favored in competition over nonreproductive resources such as food or shelter, and if such nonreproductive competition occurs year‐round, weapons may be less likely to vary seasonally. In snapping shrimp (Alpheus angulosus), both sexes have an enlarged snapping claw (a potentially deadly weapon), and males of many species have larger claws than females, although females are more aggressive. This contrasting sexual dimorphism (larger weaponry in males, higher aggression in females) raises the question of whether weaponry and aggression are favored by the same mechanisms in males and females. We used field data to determine whether either sex shows seasonal variation in claw size such as described above. We found sexual dimorphism increased during the reproductive season due to opposing changes in both male and female claw size. Males had larger claws during the reproductive season than during the nonreproductive season, a pattern consistent with sexual selection. Females, however, had larger claws during the nonreproductive season than during the reproductive season—a previously unknown pattern of variation in weapon size. The observed changes in female weapon size suggest a trade‐off between claw growth and reproduction in the reproductive season, with investment in claw growth primarily in the nonreproductive season. Sexually dimorphic weaponry in snapping shrimp, then, varies seasonally due to sex differences in seasonal patterns of investment in claw growth, suggesting claws may be advantageous for both sexes but in different contexts. Thus, understanding sexual dimorphisms through the lens of one sex yields an incomplete understanding of the factors favoring their evolution.
Relationship between stem diameter and transpiration for Japanese cypress trees: Implications for estimating canopy transpiration
Authors: Tsuruta Kenji , Komatsu Hikaru , Kume Tomonori , Otsuki Kyoichi , Kosugi Yoshiko , Kosugi Ken'ichiro
Published: April 2019

Previous studies reported relationships between stem diameter at breast height (DBH) and whole‐tree transpiration (Qt) across a variety of species and locations. It might be possible to develop a relationship between DBH and Qt with smaller variations when we focused on a single species. We attempted to develop such a relationship for Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which is one of the major plantation species in Japan. We collated Qt for 51 Japanese cypress trees from nine different‐sized and different‐aged stands using the sap flux method. We found a strong linear correlation between DBH and the reference value of Qt at a vapour pressure deficit of 1 kPa (R = .883). This was a consequence of a strong correlation between DBH and sapwood area (AS_tree; R = .973) and the absence of a correlation between DBH and sap flux density (R = −.043). We confirmed that using the relationship between DBH and AS_tree, while assuming typical responses of sap flux density to meteorological factors, provides reasonable Qt estimates. This study also demonstrated how the DBH–Qt relationship can be applied to estimate changes in EC with changing forest management.
Identifying a low‐flow phenotype in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a secondary analysis of the RELAX trial
Authors: Patel Kershaw V. , Mauricio Rina , Grodin Justin L. , Ayers Colby , Fonarow Gregg C. , Berry Jarett D. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: April 2019

Aims

The relationship between resting stroke volume (SV) and prognostic markers in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well established. We evaluated the association of SV index (SVI) at rest with exercise capacity and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in stable patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

Participants enrolled in the Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in Diastolic Heart Failure (RELAX) trial with available data on SVI by the Doppler method were included in this analysis (n = 185). A low‐flow state defined by resting SVI < 35 mL/m2 was present in 37% of study participants. Multivariable adjusted linear regression analysis suggested that higher resting heart rate, higher body weight, prevalent atrial fibrillation, and smaller left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic dimension were each independently associated with lower SVI. Patients with low‐flow HFpEF had lower systolic blood pressure and smaller LV end‐diastolic dimension. In multivariable adjusted linear regression models, lower SVI was significantly associated with lower peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and higher NT‐proBNP levels at baseline, and greater decline in peak VO2 at 6 month follow‐up independent of other confounders. Resting LV ejection fraction was not associated with peak VO2 and NT‐proBNP levels.

Conclusions

There is heterogeneity in the resting SVI distribution among patients with stable HFpEF, with more than one‐third of patients identified with the low‐flow HFpEF phenotype (SVI < 35 mL/m2). Lower SVI was independently associated with lower peak VO2, higher NT‐proBNP levels, and greater decline in peak VO2. These findings highlight the potential prognostic utility of SVI assessment in the management of patients with HFpEF.
Stable Active Sites on Ni12P5 Surfaces for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hu Jun , Chen Wei , Zhao Xin , Cao Xiaofei , Zhu Jianbo , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2019

Knowledge of the active sites and stability of the materials is imperative for improving the properties of electrocatalysts for water splitting. The aim of the current work is to understand the active sites and stability of Ni12P5 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Activity and stability of the reaction sites on different low‐index surfaces of Ni12P5, namely (001), (100), (110), (101), and (111) planes with different terminations, are studied using density functional theory calculations. The results show that the top P sites with a coordination number of 5 or 7 and some coplanar‐bridged NiNi sites are favorable for HER, whereas hollow NiNiNi sites are not suitable. Among these active sites, the active Ni sites with higher coordination number are stable, whereas the active Ni atom with lower coordination number is unstable. This study supports the idea that catalytically active and chemically stable sites are not mutually exclusive. This finding has broadened the understanding of the root causes of electrocatalytic activity and stability of phosphides. Ideally, the (101) surface of Ni12P5 with P‐rich termination should be prepared in the experiment for stable and active HERs.
The Effect of Iron‐ and Manganese‐Based Oxygen Carriers as Bed Materials in Oxygen Carrier Aided Combustion
Authors: Kajnäs Carl , Hedberg Marcus , Leion Henrik
Published: April 2019

Combustion of organic materials in fluidized bed combustion is generally performed using an over‐stoichiometric air‐to‐fuel ratio. Despite excess air in the system, sub‐stoichiometric combustion regions are present in the fluidized bed because of nonperfect mixing of reactants in the system. These regions with oxygen‐deficient combustion contribute to increased levels of nonoxidized or partially oxidized carbon species. To enhance heat transfer and uniform heat distribution in the incineration chamber, an inert fluidized bed material such as silica sand is generally used. Substitution of silica sand in favor of an oxygen carrier could potentially be used to promote oxygen distribution in the incineration chamber. This is referred to as oxygen carrier‐aided combustion. In this work, three alternative bed materials, previously investigated in chemical looping combustion, are investigated and compared with silica sand in over‐ and sub‐stoichiometric combustion. The materials investigated as bed materials are a manganese ore, the mineral ilmenite, and a synthetic material mixture of Fe2O3 on a ZrO2 support. Results show that during combustion using sub‐stoichiometric air‐to‐fuel ratios, the amount of CO in the effluent gases can be reduced using an active bed material compared to inert silica sand.
Experimental investigation on power consumption of an industrial fan with different flow control methods
Authors: Jena Madhab C. , Mishra Sarat K. , Moharana Himanshu S.
Published: April 2019

Basically, fans and pumps are designed to be capable of meeting the maximum demand of the system in which they are installed. However, quite often the actual demand could vary and be much less than the designed capacity. Therefore, to operate the pumps and fans in lower capacity several methods of flow control systems have been used by industries nowadays. In this research, a study has been carried out to verify the power consumption of an industrial fan of a cement plant in different flow control systems. It is observed that the flow control system with variable speed drive (VSD) is the best among all the flow control system used in the industries nowadays. Also, the energy saving band is constructed by putting the results in software which depicts the range of operational speed with the corresponding power consumption to compass the idea for selecting a suitable method of speed control according to the specific flow rate requirements. It is also observed that the highest internal rate of return (IRR) is coming in VSD flow control method which is around 55% and the lowest IRR is coming in outlet damper flow control method which is around 21%. Noise level is also the lowest in VSD controlled method that is 65 dB and the highest in outlet damper control method that is 80 dB. Similar results are also found in carbon footprint study for 1 year (240 days) of operation of the industrial fan that is the lowest in VSD controlled method and the estimated value is 208.08 tons CO2 (tCO2) per year whereas the highest carbon footprint is estimated in outlet damper control method that is 381.48 tCO2 per year. Hence, we can conclude that by using an efficient flow control method like VSD system we can save energy as well as save our environment.