bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview and Applications of RNA Silencing in Fruit Crops
Authors: Chhetri Ashok , Hazarika B. N. , Angami Thejangulie , Devi H. Lembisana , . Lalhmingsanga , Alice Athikho Kayia , Khonglah Lakidon
Published: March 2019

RNA silencing has recently gain momentum in the scientific world mainly due to its sequencing-specific gene inactivation that is conserved in among various organism including animals and plants. In fruit crops, various mechanism such as virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), DNA methylation, Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) and Anti-sense mediated gene silencing has been reported. These epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are highly useful in fruit crops as it suppresses or silences gene responsible for undesirable morpho-agronomic characters.
Evaluation of Dealcoholized Beverage from Pineapple Wine and Sorghum Beer
Authors: Iwouno Jude O. , Ofoedu Chigozie E. , Ugwuegbulam Anasthecia O. , Nwokoro Obinna M.
Published: March 2019

Aim: The recent increase in demand of non-alcoholic beverages (alcohol-free beer and wine) due to health reasons, religious doctrines, tribal influence and personal perception in the past few years, has triggered research interest in alcohol removal and separation processes. This study is aimed at producing and evaluating alcohol-free beer and wine using a simple distillation technique.

Study Design: This study was made to fit into using a combination of T-test and one way Analysis of Variance.

Place and duration of Study: The research was carried out at Department of Food Science and Technology laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between February 2018 and November 2018.

Methodology: The physicochemical properties of pineapple juice and sorghum wort as well as pineapple wine and sorghum beer were evaluated and the parameters measured were pH, brix, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, specific gravity, ethanol content, esters and higher alcohols.

Results: Wine from pineapple juice and beer from sorghum wort were dealcoholized using distillation technique to obtain a dealcoholized wine and dealcoholized beer respectively. The dealcoholized products were also evaluated for pH, brix, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, specific gravity, ethanol content, esters and higher alcohols using recommended methods. Results showed that significant difference (p<0.05) exists between dealcoholized products and their corresponding wine and beer for pH, brix, titratable acidity and specific gravity.

Conclusion: The dealcoholization process performed using simple distillation technique caused complete removal of ethanol from pineapple wine and sorghum beer. Higher alcohols and esters which contributes significantly to the sensory quality in alcoholic beverages were also completely lost because of the distillation operation. Hence, flavour enrichment may be required to produce a pleasurable and delicious alcohol-free product.
Rainfall Prediction Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for tarai Region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Sagar Atish
Published: March 2019

Rainfall prediction is clearly of great importance for any country. One would like to make long term prediction, i.e. predict total monsoon rainfall a few weeks or months and in advance short term prediction, i.e. predict rainfall over different locations a few days in advance [1]. Predicted by using its correlation with observed parameter. Several regression and neural network based models are currently available. While Artificial Neural Network provide a great deal of promise, they also embody much uncertainty [2,3]. In this paper, different artificial neural network models have been created for the rainfall prediction of Uttarakhand region in India. These ANN models were created using training algorithms namely, feed-forward back propagation algorithm [4,5]. The number of neurons for all the models was kept at 10. The mean squared error was measured for each model and the best accuracy was obtained by the feed-forward back propagation algorithm with MSE value as low as 0.00547823.
Wavelet Analysis of Winter Rainfall Variability over Victoria
Authors: Usmani Bilal Ahmed , . Saqib-Ur-Rehman , Khan Abdul Jamil , Khan Kamran , Hussain Syed Adnan , Zia Syeda Sadia , Siddiqui Tanveer Ahmed , Ullah Syed Inayat
Published: March 2019

This study employ Wavelet analysis to investigate the winter (May-Aug) rainfall variability with respect to the intensity of Indian Ocean Subtropical High Pressure (IOSHPS) System and its longitude, Indian Ocean Subtropical High Longitudes (IOSHLN), positions. The physical relationship among these predictors and winter rainfall were analyzed using composites of atmospheric circulation patterns. We have found inverse association between IOSH indices and winter rainfall. We have observed that maximum rainfall variability occurred in 1-3 years periodicity during 1951-1979 when IOSHPS was located around Southern Australia. This caused moisture onshore and Victoria received more rainfall. We have also observed that highest variability from 1980-2016 with similar periodicity in IOSHPS. The shifting of IOSHPS from Southern to Southeastern Australia and increase in its intensity from the post 1979 period of the analysis era (1951-2016) cause further declined in winter rainfall over Victoria.
Battery Powered RC Boats: A Review of Its Developments for Various Applications
Authors: Eugene C. Z. , Lim J. J. , Nirmal Umar , Lau Saijod T. W.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a review of the developments in the battery powered remote control (RC) boat for various applications. In recent time, RC boat stands no more a mere toy or instrument that is solely used for a hobby. Various researches into the applications of RC boats have been undertaken in recent years and its performance has been a continuous growing concern for society. Many researchers have also exerted strenuous efforts into modifying the shapes and materials that are used to manufacture the boat hull, in order to improve its efficiency. In lieu to this, this paper provides information on different types of boat hulls and their characteristics. Knowing the fact that the performance of the RC boat has been directly affected by its component parts such as the motor, ESC, rudder, propeller and others, the paper highlights an overview of the RC boat’s basic components and its setup. Owing to the review works presented, future research is proposed which may open new research pathways to the subject of interest.
Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate Presenting as a Soft Tissue Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Ajetunmobi O. I. , Dzuachii O. D. , Offor I. , Emmanuel I.
Published: March 2019

Metastasis is the most frequent cause of mortality in cancer patients and symptoms related to a secondary deposit are a common form of presentation in malignancies. Cancers of the prostate commonly present with metastasis to the vertebrae, and less commonly to the lungs and liver. Metastasis to soft tissue is extremely rare and a highly unlikely form of presentation. However, with rising cancer rates in the developing world, secondary tumors should be excluded when soft tissue masses are encountered.
Genetic Variability for Flowering Time, Maturity and Drought Tolerance in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]: A Review Paper
Authors: Alidu M. S.
Published: March 2019

Background: Cowpea plays a critical role in the lives of millions of people in Africa and other parts of the developing world, where it is a major source of dietary protein that nutritionally complements staple low-protein cereal and tuber crops. It is a valuable and dependable commodity that produces income for farmers and traders. Objective: To review related research work on the genetic variability for time to flowering, maturity and drought tolerance in cowpea.

Data Source: Searches were made from the following databases and archives; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEAL), Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA) (FAO), AGRICOLA (National Agricultural Library), AGRIS - Agricultural Sciences and Technology (FAO), CAS - Chemical Abstracts (ACS), DOAJ - Directory of Open Access Journals, CABI, Euphytica, Elsevier, Research Alert, Scopus and CGIAR, Plant Genetics and Breeding Database, Crop Science Database, Plant Genetics and Breeding Database, data base repositories, using the terms “genetic variability”, “drought”, “tolerance”, “ time to flowering and maturity”, and “cowpea” individually or in combination to identify literature published in English language between January 1990 to January 2018.

Methods: The review was carried out using the above search terms. Research papers were critically reviewed, relevant data extracted, and a narrative synthesis was conducted to determine the relevant papers.

Results: In all 150 papers met the inclusion criteria. Collections were from varied background; Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin Americas.

Conclusion: Despite research studies on cowpea and drought, there appears to be limited such research findings on the time to flowering, and maturity in relations to drought tolerance in cowpea in Ghana, suggesting more research in this part of the world.
Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Zobo Drink Sold in Bayelsa State Nigeria
Authors: Omeremu Daw Mercy , Enoch Amala Smart , Azuonwu Obioma
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Zobo is a non-alcoholic locally produced beverage from dried petals, acid-succulent calyxes of Hibiscus subdariffa by boiling and filtration. Zobo is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, vitamins, minerals, iron and antioxidant. The consumption of zobo may be associated with food infection and/ or food borne illness arising from unhygienic processes.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the bacterial quality of zobo sold in Bayelsa, identify the bacteria isolated and determine the enterotoxin producing ability of some strains.

Materials and Methods: A total of 150 bottles of zobo were examined, 50 were purchased from each zone (Yenagoa, Sagbama and Ogbia). Each bottle of zobo was well mixed by gentle inversion and 1mL of the zobo was added to 9mL of sterile peptone water in a test tube.  Serial dilution was made to  and 0.1 mL of the last dilution (105) was inoculated on already prepared and dried media (nutrient, MacConkey and salmonella/shegella agar) in duplicate and spread evenly with sterile glass rod. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hours and examined for growth. Commercial purchased kits were used to test for enterotoxin production of some isolated strains.

Results: Out of the 150 zobo samples examined, the bacteria isolated were S. aureus 120 (25%), Coagulase negative Staphylococci sp.120 (25%), Bacillus sp. 150 (31.3%) and Salmonella sp. 90 (18%) respectively. Out of 120 S. aureus isolated, 18 (15%) produced enterotoxin.

Conclusion: Regulatory Agencies should as a matter of urgency consider the regulation of zobo production for public consumption and producers should be instructed on the principles of food preservation, sanitation and hygiene. The consumption of locally produced zobo is a public health concern in Nigeria.
Physicochemical Equivalence and Validation of an HPLC Analytical Method for the Quantification of Glibenclamide and Its Sulfonamide Impurity in Prescribed Glibenclamide Tablets in Nigeria
Authors: Tella Josephine Oluwagbemisola , Oseni Saheed Oluwasina , Adebayo Basheeru Kazeem
Published: March 2019

Objective: To investigate the physicochemical equivalence of four brands of commercially available glibenclamide tablets in Nigeria and to develop a validation method using HPLC for the quantitative determination of glibenclamide and its sulfonamide impurity present in these tablets.

Methods: Uniformity of weight, friability tests, hardness/crushing strength, dissolution, and disintegration tests were carried out on tablets/drug samples of each brand. Their functional groups were determined and compared with pure glibenclamide sample (reference standard) using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) between a range of 4000cm-1 to 400cm-1. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the percentage of glibenclamide and its sulfonamide impurity present in each tablet brand.

Results: From the physicochemical evaluation of the four brands of glibenclamide tablets tested, the brands passed all the British Pharmacopeia specifications, but they all failed the hardness/crushing strength tests and one of the brands failed the assay test requirement for drug content. The developed HPLC method had a percentage recovery between the acceptable limit of 95-105% with percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) of < 3% while the precision of the method was 0.102% and 0.383% for glibenclamide and its sulfonamide impurity, respectively. The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of the developed analytical method for the four brands were 0.075µg/ml and 0.227µg/ml for glibenclamide while that of sulfonamide impurity were 0.114µg/ml and 0.345µg/ml, respectively. In addition, the percentage impurity of sulfonamide in all the brands was less than the acceptable limit of 1%.

Conclusion: The results from the physicochemical evaluation of the glibenclamide brands justified the need for constant monitoring of marketed drug products. The results obtained from the HPLC quantification method developed for this study show that our data is reproducible based on the linearity, precision, and accuracy of data generated for glibenclamide and its sulfonamide impurity in the four brands of glibenclamide tablets prescribed to DM patients in Nigeria, which were judged to be satisfactory at the time of this study.
Centre-based Evaluation of Some Biochemical Effects of the Initial Phase of Anti-tuberculosis Therapy in Bayelsa State
Authors: Bokolo Bonsome , Kemelayefa Ozakieoniso James , Ozolua Ray , Poh Fidelis Ching
Published: March 2019

Aim of the Study: This study aimed at evaluating the adverse drug effects on some biochemical parameters of anti-tuberculosis drugs among patients with primary tuberculosis infection.

Study Design: Non-probability (purposive) sampling technique was employed in this study. 

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Chest Clinic unit of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy referral Hospital, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study was conducted from July, 2017 to April, 2018.

Methodology: Tuberculosis patients were selected using standard methods for clinical diagnosis and confirmed by laboratory analysis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using acid fast bacilli as preliminary and Gene-Xpert® as confirmatory test.  A total of 44 tuberculosis patients met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed the study at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Referral Hospital Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. Eligible patients were administered with appropriate daily dose of (rifampicin-150 mg, isoniazid-75 mg, pyrazinamide-400mg and ethambutol-275 mg) single drug combination for two months based on bodyweight. Blood was collected and evaluated for liver enzymes, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); Total proteins, Bilirubin and Cholesterol at baseline, week 4 and week 8. Data were descriptively analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 21).

Results: Treatment in the intensive therapy phase resulted in significant increase of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels (P=0.5). There was also significant decrease in total cholesterol and albumin (P=0.5). There were no significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase, total protein and total bilirubin.

Conclusion: The study results showed changes in some biochemical parameters but were not severe enough to warrant discontinuation of therapy.
Caryopsis Germination in Different Methodologies of Energy-sugarcane Crossing (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Ramos Robson Da Silva , Flôr Mateus Ferraz , Soares Catarina Ramos , Silva Gheysa Coelho , De Melo Luiz José Oliveira Tavares , Simões Neto Djalma Euzébio
Published: March 2019

Aims: To compare and evaluate the germination index of caryopsis obtained by means of different crossing methods and to determine the quantitative of seeds to be used to compose the base population for selection among families by the Simplified Selection System (SSS) method.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Devaneio Station of Sugarcane Flowering and Crossing and Experimental Sugarcane Station of Carpina, between February 2018 and December 2018.

Methodology: 27 crosses were performed, being eight biparental, ten polycrossing and nine self-fertilized. Germination tests were carried out in the greenhouse. From each crossing, four samples were sown with 0.5g caryopsis. The number of germinated caryopsis per box, five and thirty days after sowing, was evaluated to estimate the percentage of germination (% G).

Results: In the first evaluation, the C27 crossing (53.73%) presented the highest average. The caryopsis obtained by self-fertilization (12.82%) presented the highest germination average, followed by the polycrossing (10.88%) and the biparental crosses (9.99%). In the second evaluation, it was found that the crosses C8 (76.74%), C27 (61.02%), C3 (53.99%) and C13 (49.65%) presented with averages high. The highest percentage of germination was verified by the biparental method (31.10%), followed by the self-fertilizations (21.35%) and the polycrossing (20.43%).

Conclusion: Only crosses that show high germination are recommended for the composition of the families that will be evaluated through the Simplified System of Selection; caryopsis obtained through self-fertilization germinate rapidly compared to the methods of the polycrossing and biparental with respect to crosses between selected energy-sugarcane parents; biparental crosses between selected energy-sugarcane parents tend to have higher fertility of caryopsis than those obtained by means of polycrossing or self-fertilization; the families C1, C3, C8, C13, C26 and C27 can be used to compose the base populations in the SSS.
Barriers of Information and Communication Technology on Distant Learning Program among Nursing Students in the National Open University Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Isaiah E. A. , Mustapha S. O. , Richard Isaiah
Published: March 2019

Distant learning program is a formalised teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using electronic communication, with about 180,000 students as at 2013 in the National Open University Nigeria. This study explored the barriers of information and communication technology to distant learning program among nursing students in the National Open University, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was used for this study. One hundred and seven (107) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences and was presented using frequency, percentages and distribution tables. The result of the barriers of information and communication technology in distant learning program traveled that hows 100%  agrees to poor funding from the government as a barrier to distant learning program, 72.9% agrees to lack of power supply in school and students dormitories as a barrier to distant learning program while 27.1% disagrees, 59.81% agrees to poor ICT inclination as a barrier to distant learning program while 40.19% disagrees, 71.98% agrees to poor Internet connectivity in school as a barrier to distant learning program while 28.04% disagrees, 84.11% agrees to school curriculum as a barrier to distant learning program while 15.89% disagrees, 100% agrees to software and license cost as a barrier to distant learning program, 57.01% agrees to lack of skills in designing course-wares as a barrier to distant learning program while 42.99% disagrees. This shows that there are some barriers of information and communication technology to distant learning program. It was therefore recommended that the government should provide enough information and communication technology media that will be used in disseminating course outlines to students and provision of skilled man power that will operate the available technology.
The Impact of Air Mass on the Performance of a Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Module in Kakamega
Authors: Musanga Ligavo Margdaline , Maxwell Mageto , Barasa Wafula Henry , Kombe Emmanuel Yeri
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the outdoor performance of a 20 W monocrystalline silicon solar module in relation to air mass (AM) in Kakamega. Direct measurement of air mass and module output parameters from experimental setup was done in Kakamega at a location 0.28270 N and 34.7519 E. Experimental results showed a decrease in ISC and VOC with increasing AM. The maximum output power produced by the module reduced with an increase in AM. Maximum power was therefore seen to be produced at noon in this region. VOC increased from 19.47 to 20.04 then decreased to 19.49 V while ISC increased from 0.36 to 1.19 then decreased to 0.48A.  It was observed that both the FF and   of a monocrystalline solar module increase with increase in air mass. The module performed better during the afternoon than morning and evening hours with the peak performance observed close to AM 1.
Crystal structure of a NADPH‐cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR) and heme oxygenase 1 fusion protein implies a conformational change in CYPOR upon NADPH/NADP+ binding
Authors: Sugishima Masakazu , Sato Hideaki , Wada Kei , Yamamoto Ken
Published: March 2019

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1) catalyzes heme degradation utilizing reducing equivalents supplied from NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR). Recently, we determined the complex structure of NADP+‐bound open‐conformation stabilized CYPOR and heme‐HMOX1, but the resolution was limited to 4.3 Å. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the fusion protein of open‐conformation stabilized CYPOR and heme‐HMOX1 at 3.25 Å resolution. Unexpectedly, no NADP+ was bound to this fusion protein in the crystal. Structural comparison of the NADP+‐bound complex and the NADP+‐free fusion protein suggests that NADP+ binding regulates the conformational change in the FAD‐binding domain of CYPOR. As a result of this change, the FMN‐binding domain of CYPOR approaches heme‐bound HMOX1 upon NADP+ binding to enhance the electron‐transfer efficiency from FMN to heme.
BTNL2‐Ig Protein Attenuates Type 1 Diabetes in Non‐Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mice
Authors: Tian Xiaohong , Lin Yujun , Cui Cheng , Su Min , Lai Laijun
Published: March 2019

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell‐mediated autoimmune disease in which insulin‐producing β‐cells are destroyed. Although butyrophilin‐like 2 (BTNL2) has been shown to be a negative T cell regulator in vitro, its ability to inhibit T cell responses in vivo has not been determined. In this study, the effect of a recombinant BTNL2‐IgG2a Fc (rBTNL2‐Ig) fusion protein on T1D development in vivo is determined. It is shown here that in vivo administration of rBTNL2‐Ig ameliorates T1D in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. This is associated with the ability of rBTNL2‐Ig to inhibit the proliferation, activation, and inflammatory cytokine production from autoreactive T cells in vivo. In addition, rBTNL2‐Ig treatment increases the generation of regulatory T cells. The results suggest that targeting the BTNL2 pathway has the potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of patients with T1D.
Tailoring Nanomaterials for Targeting Tumor‐Associated Macrophages
Authors: Ovais Muhammad , Guo Mengyu , Chen Chunying
Published: March 2019

Advances in the field of nanotechnology together with an increase understanding of tumor immunology have paved the way for the development of more personalized cancer immuno‐nanomedicines. Nanovehicles, due to their specific physicochemical properties, are emerging as key translational moieties in tackling tumor‐promoting, M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). Cancer immuno‐nanomedicines target TAMs primarily by blocking M2‐like TAM survival or affecting their signaling cascades, restricting macrophage recruitment to tumors and re‐educating tumor‐promoting M2‐like TAMs to the tumoricidal, M1‐like phenotype. Here, the TAM effector mechanisms and strategies for targeting TAMs are summarized, followed by a focus on the mechanistic considerations in the development of novel immuno‐nanomedicines. Furthermore, imaging TAMs with nanoparticles so as to forecast a patient's clinical outcome, describing treatment options, and observing therapy responses is also discussed. At present, strategies that target TAMs are being investigated not only at the basic research level but also in early clinical trials. The significance of TAM‐targeting biomaterials is highlighted, with the goal of facilitating future clinical translation.
Light‐Responsive Shape‐Changing Polymers
Authors: Stoychev Georgi , Kirillova Alina , Ionov Leonid
Published: March 2019

Shape‐changing polymers are an emerging class of smart stimuli‐responsive materials. Among the different stimuli that could be used for polymer actuation, light has several especially attractive features, including precise spatial and temporal remote control, easily tunable properties, and on‐demand pausing and resuming of the actuation. Consequently, light‐responsive polymers offer potential solutions to many pressing technological problems, especially where a noncontact form of stimulation and control is desired. In this review, state‐of‐the‐art advancements in the field of light‐responsive shape‐changing polymers are highlighted. The systems are classified according to the material type and the underlying light‐driven actuation/shape‐change mechanism. Finally, the most promising applications for light‐driven polymeric actuators are outlined, followed by challenges in the area and outlook on future promising directions.
Evolutionary Optimization of All‐Dielectric Magnetic Nanoantennas
Authors: Bonod Nicolas , Bidault Sébastien , Burr Geoffrey W. , Mivelle Mathieu
Published: March 2019

Magnetic light and matter interactions are generally too weak to be detected, studied, and applied technologically. However, if one can increase the magnetic power density of light by several orders of magnitude, the coupling between magnetic light and matter could become of the same order of magnitude as the coupling with its electric counterpart. For that purpose, photonic nanoantennas, in particular dielectric, are proposed to engineer strong local magnetic field and therefore increase the probability of magnetic interactions. Unfortunately, dielectric designs suffer from physical limitations that confine the magnetic hot spot in the core of the material itself, preventing experimental and technological implementations. Here, it is demonstrated that evolutionary algorithms can overcome such limitations by designing new dielectric photonic nanoantennas, able to increase and extract the optical magnetic field from high refractive index materials. It is also demonstrated that the magnetic power density in an evolutionary optimized dielectric nanostructure can be increased by a factor 5 compared to state‐of‐the‐art dielectric nanoantennas and that the fine details of the nanostructure are not critical in reaching these aforementioned features, as long as the general shape of the motif is maintained. This advocates for the feasibility of nanofabricating the optimized antennas experimentally and their subsequent application.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Ring Expansion of Alkynylcyclopropyl Allyl Ethers to Construct Tetrasubstituted Methylenecyclobutanones: A Mechanistic Investigation about the Character of Catalytic Amount of Water
Authors: Zang Wenqing , Wang Lei , Wei Yin , Shi Min , Guo Yinlong
Published: March 2019

A gold(I)‐catalyzed ring expansion of alkynylcyclopropyl allyl ethers to produce tetrasubstituted methylenecyclobutanones in moderate to good yields has been disclosed in this paper. This reaction proceeded through an intramolecular [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement followed by [1,2]‐allyl shift pathway in the presence of catalytic amount of water upon gold(I) catalysis. The intriguing reaction mechanism has been proposed on the basis of deuterium and 18O‐labeling experiments, Mass spectroscopic analysis, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic tracking and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The further transformation of these methylenecyclobutanones into polycyclic skeleton has been realized by a practical three‐step synthetic procedure. Several other transformations have been also indicated.

magnified image
Deciphering the Reaction Mechanism of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by In Situ/Operando Synchrotron‐Based Characterization Techniques
Authors: Yan Yingying , Cheng Chen , Zhang Liang , Li Yanguang , Lu Jun
Published: March 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have received extensive attention as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems, mainly because of their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the practical application of Li–S batteries has been hindered by technical obstacles arising from the polysulfide shuttle effect and poor electronic conductivity of sulfur and discharge products. Therefore, it is of profound significance for understanding the underlying reaction mechanism of Li–S batteries to circumvent these problems and improve the overall battery performance. Advanced characterization techniques, especially synchrotron‐based X‐ray techniques, have been widely applied to the mechanistic understanding of Li–S batteries. Specifically, in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques allows chemical and structural evolution to be directly observed under real operation conditions. Here, recent progress in the understanding of the operating principles of Li–S batteries based on in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques, including X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray microscopy, is reviewed. The aim of this progress report is to provide a comprehensive treatise on in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques for mechanism understanding of Li–S batteries, and thereby provide guidance for optimizing their overall electrochemical performances.
Virtual process engineering on a three‐dimensional circulating fluidized bed with multiscale parallel computation
Authors: Xu Ji , Liu Xingchi , Hu Shanwei , Ge Wei
Published: March 2019

The combination of (quasi‐)real‐time simulation on industrial processes and virtual reality technologies may lead to a new paradigm of research and development in chemical engineering, that is, virtual process engineering (VPE). However, as the main engines of VPE, accurate and efficient simulation methods are still in urgent demand. In this paper, with substantial improvements to a discrete particle method (DPM), namely, energy‐minimization multiscale (EMMS)‐DPM, such an engine was established for a typical multiphase system, the circulating fluid beds (CFBs). To improve the accuracy, the coupling of particle and fluid flow solvers was updated to be more sensitive to local flow structures, and different drag laws were used for different flow regimes. To speed up the computation, heterogeneous central processing unit (CPU)‐graphics processing unit (GPU) computing is developed for solving the fluids and particles. A two‐layer domain decomposition method is developed to improve the load balance for real applications with complex geometries. Thus, a computer virtual experiment on a three‐dimensional (3D) full‐loop CFB has been achieved by simulating 1.27 × 1011 real particles with 1.27 × 108 coarse‐grained particles at the speed of 1.5 × 107 particle updates per GPU per second on 135 NVIDA K80 GPUs. To our knowledge, this is the largest‐scale and highest‐performance DPM simulation of a 3D full‐loop CFB in terms of the computational particles used. It is a strong indication that VPE can be realized for industrial systems in the near future.
Direct Non‐Oxidative Methane Conversion in a Millisecond Catalytic Wall Reactor
Authors: Oh Su Cheun , Schulman Emily , Zhang Junyan , Fan Jiufeng , Pan Ying , Meng Jianqiang , Liu Dongxia
Published: March 2019

Direct non‐oxidative methane conversion (DNMC) has been recognized as a single‐step technology that directly converts methane into olefins and higher hydrocarbons. High reaction temperature and low catalyst durability, resulting from the endothermic reaction and coke deposition, are two main challenges. We show that a millisecond catalytic wall reactor enables stable methane conversion, C2+ selectivity, coke yield, and long‐term durability. These effects originate from initiation of the DNMC on a reactor wall and maintenance of the reaction by gas‐phase chemistry within the reactor compartment. The results obtained under various temperatures and gas flow rates form a basis for optimizing the process towards lighter C2 or heavier aromatic products. A process simulation was done by Aspen Plus to understand the practical implications of this reactor in DNMC. High carbon and thermal efficiencies and low cost of the reactor materials are realized, indicating the technoeconomic viability of this DNMC technology.
A comparison of thermoplastic polyurethane incorporated with graphene oxide and thermally reduced graphene oxide: Reduction is not always necessary
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Xuelong , Zhu Wenyu , Huang Xiaozhong , Tang Xiu‐Zhi , Yang Jinglei
Published: March 2019

Despite wide applications of reduced graphene‐oxide (GO)‐reinforced polymer‐based composites, the necessity of the reduction procedure toward GO is still controversial. In this article, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites incorporated with GO and thermally reduced graphene oxide (TGO) were fabricated. GO and TGO exhibited different effects on crystallization behaviors, and mechanical and thermal properties of the TPU matrix. With 2.0 wt % filler loading, TPU composite reinforced by GO (TPU‐GO‐2 wt %) exhibited better thermal stability than that reinforced by TGO (TPU‐TGO‐2 wt %). The interfacial interaction between the nanofillers and the TPU matrix as well as their influence on the mobility of TPU chains were investigated, which proved that GO is superior to TGO in improving interface adhesion and maintaining crystallization of the TPU matrix. Compared with TPU‐TGO‐2 wt %, improved mechanical properties of TPU‐GO‐2 wt % were also evidenced owing to more oxygen‐containing groups. This work demonstrates that the reduction of GO is not always necessary in fabricating polymer composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47745.
Community Detection in Signed Social Networks Using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Girdhar Nancy , Bharadwaj K. K.
Published: March 2019

Clustering of like‐minded users is basically the goal of community detection (CD) in social networks and many researchers have proposed different algorithms for the same. In signed social networks (SSNs) where type of link is also considered besides the links itself, CD aims to partition the network in such a way to have less positive inter‐connections and less negative intra‐connections among communities. So, approaches used for CD in unsigned networks do not perform well when directly applied on signed networks. Most of the CD algorithms are based on single objective optimization criteria of optimizing modularity which focuses only on link density without considering the type of links existing in the network. In this work, a multiobjective approach for CD in SSNs is proposed considering both the link density as well as the sign of links. Precisely we are developing a method using modularity, frustration and social balance factor as multiple objectives to be optimized (M‐F‐SBF model). NSGA‐II algorithm is used to maintain elitism and diversity in the solutions. Experiments are performed on both existing benchmarked and real‐world datasets show that our approach has led to better solutions, clearly indicating the effectiveness of our proposed M‐F‐SBF model.
Artificial neural network based modeling for the prediction of yield and surface area of activated carbon from biomass
Authors: Liao Mochen , Kelley Stephen S , Yao Yuan
Published: March 2019

Activated carbon (AC) is an adsorbent material with broad industrial applications. Understanding and predicting the yield and quality of AC produced from different feedstock is critical for biomass screening and process design. In this study, multi‐layer feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to predict the total yield and surface area of AC produced from various biomass feedstock using pyrolysis and steam activation. In total, 168 data samples identified from experiments in literature were used to train, validate, and test the ANN models. The trained ANN models showed high accuracy (R2 > 0.9) and demonstrated good alignment with the independent experimental data. The impacts of using datasets based on different biomass characterization methods (i.e., ultimate analysis and proximate analysis) were evaluated and compared. Finally, a contribution analysis was conducted to understand the impact of different process factors on AC yield and surface area. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Coping strategies as moderating factors to compassion fatigue among critical care nurses
Authors: Al Barmawi Marwa A. , Subih Maha , Salameh Omar , Sayyah Yousef Sayyah Najah , Shoqirat Noordeen , Abdel‐Azeez Eid Abu Jebbeh Raid
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study measured levels of compassion fatigue, burnout and satisfaction among critical care and emergency nurses. It investigated coping strategies as moderating factors and as predictors to levels of compassion fatigue.

Methods

Using a cross–sectional design, this study was conducted on 228 (84.4%) out of 270 from four Jordanian hospitals. Nurses worked in different types of critical care units and emergency departments. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire on the professional quality of life and coping strategies indicator scales.

Results

Nurses had low to average compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary stress syndrome. Problem‐solving and avoidance ranged between very low and average levels. Nurses reported having very low to average levels on seeking social support scale. Female nurses had better compassion satisfaction compared with their male colleagues, and the type of unit had a significant impact on the secondary stress syndrome, problem‐solving, and seeking social support. Nurses from the surgical cardiovascular ICU scored the highest mean scores on the secondary stress syndrome. Better coping strategies were associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower levels of secondary stress syndrome. Problem‐solving significantly predicted compassion satisfaction, avoidance significantly predicted secondary traumatic syndrome.

Conclusions

Coping strategies are moderating factors that could improve compassion satisfaction among critical care nurses. Managers could use findings to create healthier and supportive work environments. We recommend focusing on activities that promote better coping strategies, including improving the social support system. We also recommend replicating this study using a qualitative approach to identify further causes of compassion fatigue.
The impact of proficiency testing information and error aversions on the weight given to fingerprint evidence
Authors: Mitchell Gregory , Garrett Brandon L.
Published: March 2019

Fingerprint examiners regularly participate in tests designed to assess their proficiency. These tests provide information relevant to the weight of fingerprint evidence, but no prior research has directly examined how jurors react to proficiency testing information. Using a nationally representative sample of American adults, we examined the impact of proficiency testing information on the weight given to the opinions of fingerprint examiners by mock jurors considering a hypothetical criminal case. The fingerprint examiner's level of performance on a proficiency test (high, medium, low, or very low), but not the type of error committed on the test (false positive identifications, false negative identifications, or a mix of both types of error), affected the weight that jury‐eligible adults gave to an examiner's opinion that latent fingerprints recovered from a crime scene matched the defendant's fingerprints, which in turn affected judgments about the defendant's guilt. Jurors who had no information about proficiency gave similar weight to the testimony as jurors exposed to highly proficient examiners, suggesting that jurors assume fingerprint examiners perform at high levels of proficiency unless informed otherwise. We also found that a plurality of Americans deems false acquittals just as aversive as false convictions and a significant minority deems false acquittals more serious. These differences in error aversions predicted differences in evidentiary assessments, suggesting that error aversions of jurors may play an important role in criminal trials.
Reduction in risk of stroke and bleeding after left atrial appendage closure with LARIAT device in patients with increased risk of stroke and bleeding: Long term results
Authors: Litwinowicz Radoslaw , Bartus Magdalena , Kapelak Boguslaw , Suwalski Piotr , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Lee Randall J. , Bartus Krzysztof
Published: March 2019

Backgrounds

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) offers an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to present long‐term clinical outcomes of LAAO in patients with a high risk of stroke and thromboembolic events (CHA2DS2‐VAS‐score ≥ 2) and bleeding (HAS‐BLED score ≥ 2).

Material and Methods

A prospective, single‐center study was performed in 120 patients who were screened for LAAO with the LARIAT. Out of these 89 patients were underwent LARIAT placement, were 57 had high risk of thromboembolic and bleeding risk (LAA group). Control Group consisted of patients and 31 who screened out from the LARIAT and did not undergo LAAO.

Results

The mean CHA2DS2‐VAS‐score was 3.6 ± 1.5 versus 3.1 ± 1.2 and HAS‐BLED score was 3.6 ± 1 versus 3 ± 1 compare LAA group versus control group. There were no thromboembolic events in the LAA group. In the control group thromboembolic events were observed in 9.6% (P = 0.017). Annual mortality rate was 1.8% in LAA group and 3.2% in control group (P < 0.05). Estimated bleeding risk reduction in LAA group was 62.2%.

Conclusions

Long‐term data confirmed that left atrial appendage closure with the LARIAT device is an effective and safe treatment in nonvalvular AF patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.
Experimental analysis of concrete elements under partial area strip loading
Authors: Schmidt‐Thrö Gerald , Smarslik Mario , Tabka Bassem , Scheufler Wolfgang , Fischer Oliver , Mark Peter
Published: March 2019

Stresses for concrete elements under partial area strip loading are limited to 1.1‐times the concrete compressive strength. In case of particularly small load application areas like at wall supports or segmental tunnel lining longitudinal joints this limitation may be governing the design. Additional load increases due to steel reinforcement confinement are not taken into account. This contribution presents various experimental series on large‐scale reinforced concrete specimens conducted at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). It is shown that splitting reinforcements with stiff anchorage (e.g. welded ladders) show distinct load‐bearing capacity increases. Moreover, disregarding the demand for geometric affinity of load application and distribution areas facilitates a more precise estimation of load increase factors. Based upon the experiments and supplemental data from literature, practical design approaches are derived. They distinguish between high‐ and low‐deformation capabilities of the rebar anchorage and—to the most extent—allow pronouncedly increased contact pressures compared to current design approaches.
Pairing of α‐Fused BODIPY: Towards Panchromatic n‐Type Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Huaulmé Quentin , Fall Sadiara , Lévêque Patrick , Ulrich Gilles , Leclerc Nicolas
Published: March 2019

A chemical strategy to efficiently perform the dimerization of α‐fused boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) is reported. The straightforward synthesis of one of these dimers is described and its properties have been investigated through UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and charge‐carrier mobility measurements by using organic field‐effect transistors and space–charge‐limited current diodes. The results allow a chemical strategy to decrease the tendency of α‐fused BODIPY to crystallize, to increase its light‐harvesting properties, and to promote isotropic charge carriers transport. Moreover, the disclosed approach is also a way to maintain the deep LUMO level of α‐fused BODIPY; thus making this class of materials highly desirable for optoelectronic applications.
The entire trajectories of single pontocerebellar axons and their lobular and longitudinal terminal distribution patterns in multiple aldolase C‐positive compartments of the rat cerebellar cortex
Authors: Na Jie , Sugihara Izumi , Shinoda Yoshikazu
Published: March 2019

The mammalian cerebellar cortex is compartmentalized, both anatomically and histochemically, into multiple parasagittal bands. To characterize the multiple zonal patterns of pontocerebellar mossy fiber projection, single neurons in the basilar pontine nucleus (BPN) were labeled by injecting biotinylated dextran amine into the BPN, and the entire axonal trajectory of single labeled neurons (n = 25) was reconstructed in relation to aldolase C compartments of Purkinje cells in rats. Single pontocerebellar axons, after passing through the contralateral middle cerebellar peduncle, ran transversely in the deep cerebellar white matter toward and often across the midline, and on their ways, gave rise to 2–10 primary collaterals at almost right angles in specific lobules only contralaterally or bilaterally with contralateral predominance. Each primary collateral further branched in a parasagittal plane to form a strip‐shaped longitudinal termination zone with rosette‐type swellings clustered in aldolase C‐positive compartments in a single or multiple lobules, mainly in compartment 4+//5+, 5+//6+, and 6+//7+. Axons arising from the central, rostral, and lateral part of the BPN projected with multiple branches, mainly to simple lobule, crus II and paramedian lobule, to crus I and dorsal paraflocculus, and to ventral paraflocculus and lobule IXc, respectively. The results showed the pontocerebellar projection is closely related to lobular and compartmental organization of the cerebellum. A comparison of single axon morphologies of different mossy fiber systems indicates that the projection pattern of single pontocerebellar neurons with multiple collaterals innervating different longitudinal compartments arranged in a mediolateral direction represents a general feature of mossy fiber projection.