bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Silicon Photodetector with Excellent Comprehensive Properties by Rapid Thermal Annealing and Hydrogenated Surface Passivation
Authors: Huang Song , Wu Qiang , Jia Zixi , Jin Xiaorong , Fu Xianhui , Huang Hui , Zhang Xiaodan , Yao Jianghong , Xu Jingjun
Published: February 2020

Silicon‐based photodetectors show attractive prospects due to their convenient preparation, high detectivity, and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor compatibility. However, they are currently limited by low responsivity and sharp decay at sub‐bandgap wavelength. Although the aforementioned limitation can be partly solved by femtosecond laser processing, the surface defects and carrier activation rates result in a large dark current and narrow spectral response, which are unsatisfactory. Herein, rapid thermal annealing and hydrogenated surface passivation are introduced to elevate the broad‐bandgap responsivity and signal to noise ratio and to suppress the dark current. At optimal conditions, a sub‐bandgap responsivity of 0.80 A W−1 for 1550 nm at 20 V at room temperature is obtained, comparable with commercial germanium photodiodes and much higher than previously reported silicon photodiodes. Moreover, the prepared photodetector responded to spectral range from 400 to 1600 nm, with responsivity reaching 1097.60 A W−1 for 1080 nm at 20 V, which is the highest in reported silicon photodetectors. Simultaneously, the device shows competitive detectivity (1.22 × 1014 Jones at −5 V) due to the post‐processing procedures and suppressed dark current (7.8 μA at −5 V). The results show great prospects for black silicon in infrared light detection, night vision imaging, and fiber‐optic communication.
Highly Bright Fluorescence from Dispersed Dimers: Deep‐Red Polymorphs and Wide‐Range Piezochromism
Authors: Luo Qing , Lv Chunyan , Sheng Haonan , Cao Feng , Sun Jingwei , Zhang Cheng , Ouyang Mi , Zou Bo , Zhang Yujian
Published: February 2020

Near‐infrared piezochromic materials (PCMs), which show a fluorescence response with a clear color difference and strong penetrability, have important potential applications, but few such organic luminophores have been reported. High‐brightness donor (D)–acceptor (A) luminophores present great potential for preparing near‐IR PCMs with clear color differences. However, the intermolecular π–π interactions are sharply enhanced at high pressures, which is not beneficial for the improvement of the piezochromic properties. Herein, two crystalline polymorphs (TPEB‐α and TPEB‐γ) of a D–π–A‐type dye is presented, which emits deep‐red fluorescence with a high emission efficiency (53.2% and 28.1%, respectively). In crystalline state, dispersed dimers are observed and arranged in a herringbone pattern. Interestingly, each dimer is surrounded by four pairs of twisted tetraphenyl ethylene units, which could disrupt the π–π interactions between adjacent dimers during compression. As a result, this luminophor with dispersed dimeric stacking demonstrates the deep‐red to near‐infrared piezochromic behavior with a remarkable redshift (212 nm) and high sensitivity (19.8 nm GPa−1).
Green Synthesis of Hierarchical Metal–Organic Framework/Wood Functional Composites with Superior Mechanical Properties
Authors: Tu Kunkun , Puértolas Begoña , Adobes‐Vidal Maria , Wang Yaru , Sun Jianguo , Traber Jacqueline , Burgert Ingo , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Keplinger Tobias
Published: February 2020

The applicability of advanced composite materials with hierarchical structure that conjugate metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with macroporous materials is commonly limited by their inferior mechanical properties. Here, a universal green synthesis method for the in situ growth of MOF nanocrystals within wood substrates is introduced. Nucleation sites for different types of MOFs are readily created by a sodium hydroxide treatment, which is demonstrated to be broadly applicable to different wood species. The resulting MOF/wood composite exhibits hierarchical porosity with 130 times larger specific surface area compared to native wood. Assessment of the CO2 adsorption capacity demonstrates the efficient utilization of the MOF loading along with similar adsorption ability to that of pure MOF. Compression and tensile tests reveal superior mechanical properties, which surpass those obtained for polymer substrates. The functionalization strategy offers a stable, sustainable, and scalable platform for the fabrication of multifunctional MOF/wood‐derived composites with potential applications in environmental‐ and energy‐related fields.
Recent Advances on Water‐Splitting Electrocatalysis Mediated by Noble‐Metal‐Based Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Li Yingjie , Sun Yingjun , Qin Yingnan , Zhang Weiyu , Wang Lei , Luo Mingchuan , Yang Huai , Guo Shaojun
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical water splitting plays a crucial role in the development of clean and renewable energy production and conversion, which is a promising pathway to reduce social dependence on fossil fuels. Thus, highly active, cost‐efficient, and robust catalysts must be developed to reduce the reaction overpotential and increase electrocatalytic efficiency. In this review, recent research efforts toward developing advanced electrocatalysts based on noble metals with outstanding performance for water splitting catalysis, which is mainly dependent on their structure engineering, are summarized. First, a simple description of the water‐splitting mechanism and some promising structure engineering strategies are given, including heteroatom incorporation, strain engineering, interface/hybrid engineering, and single atomic construction. Then, the underlying relationship between noble metal electronic/geometric structure and performance for water splitting is discussed with the assistance of theoretical simulation. Finally, a personal perspective is provided in order to highlight the challenges and opportunities for developing novel electrocatalysts suitable for a wide range of commercial uses in water splitting for structural engineering applications.
Agricultural Adoption and Behavioral Economics: Bridging the Gap
Authors: Streletskaya Nadia A. , Bell Samuel D. , Kecinski Maik , Li Tongzhe , Banerjee Simanti , Palm‐Forster Leah H. , Pannell David
Published: February 2020

This paper provides a selective overview of the linkages and complementary topics in behavioral economics and agricultural adoption literatures. The goal of the paper is to identify likely directions for future research at the intersection of behavioral economics and agricultural adoption. This research agenda has potential for providing valuable insight for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in agriculture and beyond.
The Adopters versus the Technology: Which Matters More when Predicting or Explaining Adoption?
Authors: de Oca Munguia Oscar Montes , Llewellyn Rick
Published: February 2020

Research on the determinants of adoption of agricultural innovations (technologies and practices) has failed to converge towards a consistent explanation for why farmers choose to adopt new technologies and practices. This absence of convergence matters because it indicates that agricultural extension and policy are influenced by a body of literature that is often not able to offer clear recommendations on the variables that can be used to design policy interventions. Our analysis suggests that, in general, researchers have been too focused on understanding the adopter and the general farming context, and too little concerned with understanding the performance of the technology itself.
Changes in Agricultural Extension and Implications for Farmer Adoption of New Practices
Authors: Norton George W. , Alwang Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Agricultural extension programs have changed significantly over the past four decades. What has changed and why? Have these changes affected adoption of innovations by farmers? What if anything should policy makers and extension agencies do differently, particularly in developing countries? Structural changes in agriculture, new types of agricultural technologies, tight public budgets, efforts to decentralize government, and emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) have led to pluralistic and, in some cases, lower‐cost extension and advisory services that combine public and private mechanisms for financing and implementing extension activities. Farmer groups and virtual networks play a growing role in technology diffusion, and extension services can exploit these networks using the latest ICT approaches.
Predicting Adoption of Innovations by Farmers: What is Different in Smallholder Agriculture?
Authors: Llewellyn Rick S. , Brown Brendan
Published: February 2020

Predictions of the speed and extent of adoption of new agricultural practices and technologies are needed to inform decisions and plans in agricultural policy, research and extension. Using an existing tool for predicting the adoption of agricultural innovations in developed countries as the starting point, we identify a number of distinctive features of smallholder agriculture in developing countries that affect agricultural adoption. Additional factors that need to be considered when making predictions of adoption by smallholder populations include: They may be relatively more heterogeneous in their constraints, capabilities, resources, attitudes and priorities; they may be more influenced by particular cultural norms; they may prioritize subsistence over profits; they may be less reliant on agriculture as their primary source of income; they may have relatively high future discount rates; nonlandowner farmers may be less able to capture the benefits resulting from an innovation; and there may be lower and slower diffusion of information across the farming population, with more variable extension quantity and quality.
Establishing winter annual cover crops by interseeding into Maize and Soybean
Authors: Mohammed Yesuf Assen , Matthees Heather L. , Gesch Russ W. , Patel Swetabh , Forcella Frank , Aasand Kyle , Steffl Nicholas , Johnson Burton L. , Wells M. Scott , Lenssen Andrew W.
Published: February 2020

The limited time available for cover crop establishment after maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] harvest is one of the main reasons for low cover crop adoption in the upper Midwest. Therefore, a 2‐yr multilocation study was conducted to evaluate winter annual cover crops establishment, their effect on main crop grain yields, and soil water content when interseeded into standing maize and soybean. Treatments were three interseeding dates (broadcasting at R4, R5, and R6 growth stages for maize, and R6, R7, and R8 for soybean) and three cover crops (winter camelina [WC] [Camelina sativa L.], field pennycress [PC] [Thlaspi arvense L.], winter rye [Secale cereale L.] plus a no cover crop control). Cover crop establishment and growth varied with interseeding date across locations and seasons for both maize and soybean systems. Averaged over the years, rye produced more green cover and biomass than the oilseeds in spring. However, at the northern‐most site, the greatest (40%) green cover was recorded from pennycress and indicates its potential as a cover crop. Seeding date and cover crops did not negatively affect maize or soybean grain yields or soil water content. Generally, cover crop establishment and growth were better in the soybean system than maize due to better light penetration. Further research is needed to develop better suited cultivars and/or agronomic management practices for interseeding into maize. The results of this study indicate that producers could integrate these covers to diversify and add ecosystem services to soybean production practices.
Agronomic performance of Banana ‘FHIA 18’ in response to phosphate fertilization
Authors: Leonel S. , Bolfarini A. C. B. , Souza J. M. A. , Leonel M. , Ferreira R. B. , Putti F. F. , Tecchio M. A.
Published: February 2020

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency can be improved for banana (Musa ssp.) crops. The recommended phosphate fertilization rates can be reduced, depending on the cultivated genotype. The goal of this study was to identify the most appropriate P fertilizer recommendation for the banana cultivar FHIA 18. The rates of P applied in three production cycles were as follows: 0 (without fertilization), 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kg ha−1 of P2O5 yr−1. The cultivar FHIA 18 requires an application of 55% of the recommended P fertilization (22 kg ha−1 P2O5) in the second and third cultivation cycles to reach maximum growth because of the increased pseudostem diameter. The results showed an increase in available soil P with increasing levels of phosphate fertilizers. Furthermore, the maximum P content in diagnostic leaves was obtained with 90% of the recommended phosphate fertilization rate (36 kg ha−1 of P2O5 yr−1). Yield increased with increasing P2O5 levels, reaching a maximum value (62.93 kg−1 plant−1 yr−1) with a lower P2O5 level than that recommended for other banana cultivars in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Thus, the cultivar FHIA 18 requires 26 kg ha −1 of P2O5 to reach its maximum yield.
Late‐sown winter wheat requires less nitrogen input but maintains high grain yield
Authors: Yin Lijun , Liu Kaizhen , Li Liulong , Wei Mingmei , Yang Rui , Xue Keyin , Cao Zhichen , Zhang Chengxiang , Li Yun , Wu Xian , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2020

Increased attention on the agricultural impacts to environment has revealed excessive N input to be a major concern. Sowing date reportedly impacts crop N uptake, however, few studies have assessed the effects of late sowing with reduced N apply on crop N status and grain yield. We evaluated three treatments: normal sowing (8 October), late sowing (22 October), and optimized late sowing (22 October, with 75% N application) over two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing seasons (2017–2019), and assessed their effects on crop N status, N allocation and use, net photosynthetic rate (Pmax), grain yield, and soil N budget. Compared to normal sowing, optimized late sowing resulted in near‐optimum N status, improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrogen utilization efficiency (UTE), and nitrogen uptake efficiency (UPE), while maintaining a high yield. Although aboveground N uptake of late and optimized late sowing at anthesis was lower than that of normal sowing, N distribution was more optimized, mainly manifesting as: unchanged N allocation to the individual plant, but increased N allocation to flag leaf, and steeper green leaf area N in the canopy under optimized late sowing. Optimized N nutrition index and N distribution under late sowing contributed to a higher Pmax, which resulted in a higher dry matter accumulation rate during post‐anthesis, and ultimately a consistent grain yield among the three treatments. Moreover, N input reduction under optimized late sowing decreased the final mineral N in the 0–100‐cm soil layer at harvest and apparent N loss, which reduced environmental pollution and resources waste.
Growth and development of irrigated cotton in conservation management systems of the Texas Rolling Plains
Authors: Adams Curtis , Thapa Santanu , DeLaune Paul
Published: February 2020

Conservation tillage and cover cropping are expected to enhance multiple ecosystem services in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems. The few published studies addressing this in the transitional climate of the Texas Rolling Plains region have shown cotton lint yield to be the same in conservation and conventional management systems, though the specific effects of conservation management are still being debated and producer adoption remains low. In this study, in which data was collected in Years 5 and 6 in long‐term management plots, our objective was to make detailed, season‐long measurements of crop development and productivity parameters, identifying diversions among systems, if any. The irrigated cotton management systems included: conventional tillage (CT), no‐till (NT), no‐till with wheat (Triticum aestivum) cover crop (NT‐WC), and no‐till with mixed‐species cover crop (NT‐MC). Several differences were found among systems over discrete timeframes, though these were mostly transient changes without year‐to‐year consistency and did not lead to differences in yield. The only exceptional trend was observed in 2017 in the NT‐MC treatment, as it had relatively great early‐season biomass production and bolls per plant, and greater season‐long plant height relative to the CT system, though these differences did not alter yield. No evidence was found that conservation management negatively affected cotton crop development, productivity, or yield at any point during the two growing seasons. Conservation management practices can be implemented by regional producers for the expected ecosystem services, including reduction of erosion and improved soil health, with no negative effects on the cotton crop anticipated.
Water retention and warming effect of integrated rice management for the hilly areas of southwest China
Authors: Dong Yujiao , Zhang Guangbin , Ma Jing , Hilario Padilla , Lu Shihua
Published: February 2020

Seasonal drought and low temperatures strongly limit rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield in the hilly areas of Southwest China. An integrated rice management (IRM) system was developed, which integrates ridge cultivation with plastic mulching, furrow irrigation, and triangular transplanting. A field experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2015. The effects of IRM on grain yield, yield components, soil moisture content (θ), and soil temperature (Tsoil) were evaluated. Compared with traditional rice management (TRM), IRM significantly improved grain yield by 29.9%. Furthermore, the yield of IRM (8181−9267 kg ha−1, CV: 7.6%) remained relatively stable. The rice tiller of TRM was highly related to the accumulated rainfall during the rice tillering stage in drought years (2011 and 2014). The water retention capability of IRM decreased the influence of interannual rainfall on rice growth and grain yield. In 2015, the θ in the 0−20‐cm layer was higher than the threshold for rice root growth over the rice‐growing season. Compared with TRM, Tsoil of the 0−20‐cm layer in IRM was 4.7 °C higher during the early tillering stage. The >10 °C soil effective accumulated temperature in IRM was also higher, and the difference was highest at the maximum tillering stage. The warming effect of IRM, particularly during the tillering stage, stimulated early growth and stronger tillering. In summary, the water retention capacity and warming effect of IRM were key factors for the improvement of rice yield; most importantly, the yields were stabilized in both drought and rainy years.
Determination method of the cavern boundary viscosity in a stirred tank with pseudoplastic fluid
Authors: Luan Deyu , Wang Zhaorui , Wang Hong , Wang Songsong , Li Longbin , Chen Yiming
Published: February 2020

It is essential to predict the cavern boundary accurately for investigating the cavern characteristics and achieving efficient mixing of the pseudoplastic fluids. The distribution characteristics of apparent viscosity of xanthan gum solutions at different mass concentrations stirred by the impeller of perturbed six‐bent‐bladed turbine (6PBT impeller) were numerically investigated through the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation based on laminar flow model. The determination method of the cavern boundary viscosity was presented, and the predicted results were compared with those of traditional velocity method. Results showed that the data of the power consumption predicted using CFD simulation agreed well with those measured by torque experiment, which validated the laminar flow model. Theηa − γcurve changes from nearly horizontal straight line to the power function curve along the direction of center axis toward tank wall. As a result, the location of the transitional point can be determined as the cavern boundary, and the corresponding viscosity is the cavern boundary viscosity. The ratio of the cavern boundary viscosity and the fluid yield viscosity (ηa/ηy) always remains approximately constant, that is,at different speeds. Compared with the traditional velocity method, the boundary viscosity method can maintain its high accuracy for exhibiting the cavern boundary, and the predicted cavern size and development are always in good agreement with the CFD results free from the speed and the impeller type. So this work can provide a new way for accurately characterizing the cavern boundary.
Congenital heart disease in low‐and‐middle‐income countries: Focus on sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Zimmerman Meghan , Sable Craig
Published: February 2020

The etiology of congenital heart disease (CHD) is multifactorial. The birth prevalence of CHD is shaped by a wide variety of maternal, fetal, and neonatal risk factors, along with the rates of prenatal diagnosis and terminations of pregnancy, all of which have geographic variability Epidemiology data availability from low‐and‐middle‐income countries (LMIC) on CHD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality are far more limited than from high income countries. Data on specific genetic, environmental, and prenatal risk associated with CHD are almost nonexistent. In this article, we will focus on defining what data are available, genetic risk factors, birth and overall prevalence, morbidity, and the impact of limited access to interventions, both surgery and cardiac catheterizations. We will highlight CHD in sub‐Saharan Africa to detail epidemiology studies in the poorest regions of the world. Existing literature as well as estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) form the basis for this review. The intersection of poverty, high fertility rates, and limited access to care results in a unique profile of CHD in LMIC. CHD is not a preventable disease (by most standards), so early detection and access are our key interventions to improve the dire outcomes for children in low‐resources settings of the world.
Salts of HCN‐Cyanide Aggregates: [CN(HCN)2]− and [CN(HCN)3]−
Authors: Bläsing Kevin , Harloff Jörg , Schulz Axel , Stoffers Alrik , Stoer Philip , Villinger Alexander
Published: February 2020

Although pure hydrogen cyanide can spontaneously polymerize or even explode, when initiated by small amounts of bases (e.g. CN−), the reaction of liquid HCN with [WCC]CN (WCC=weakly coordinating cation=Ph4P, Ph3PNPPh3=PNP) was investigated. Depending on the cation, it was possible to extract salts containing the formal dihydrogen tricyanide [CN(HCN)2]− and trihydrogen tetracyanide ions [CN(HCN)3]− from liquid HCN when a fast crystallization was carried out at low temperatures. X‐ray structure elucidation revealed hydrogen‐bridged linear [CN(HCN)2]− and Y‐shaped [CN(HCN)3]− molecular ions in the crystal. Both anions can be considered members of highly labile cyanide‐HCN solvates of the type [CN(HCN)n]− (n=1, 2, 3 …) as well as formal polypseudohalide ions.
Fabrication of Heterostructured Fe2TiO5–TiO2 Nanocages with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Zhang Peng , Lu Xue Feng , Luan Deyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: February 2020

Photocatalysts with well‐designed compositions and structures are desirable for achieving highly efficient solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Heterostructured semiconductor photocatalysts with advanced hollow structures possess beneficial features for promoting the activity towards photocatalytic reactions. Here we develop a facile synthetic strategy for the fabrication of Fe2TiO5–TiO2 nanocages (NCs) as anode materials in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting cells. A hydrothermal reaction is performed to transform MIL‐125(Ti) nanodisks (NDs) to Ti–Fe–O NCs, which are further converted to Fe2TiO5–TiO2 NCs through a post annealing process. Owing to the compositional and structural advantages, the heterostructured Fe2TiO5–TiO2 NCs show enhanced performance for PEC water oxidation compared with TiO2 NDs, Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles (NPs) and Fe2TiO5–TiO2 NPs.
Transition metal complexes of Schiff base ligand based on 4,6‐diacetyl resorcinol
Authors: Mahmoud Walaa H. , Omar M.M. , Ahmed Yasmin M. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: February 2020

Novel Schiff base ligand based on the condensation of 4,6‐diacetyl resorcinol with 2‐amino‐4‐methylthiazole in addition to its metal complexes with Cr (III), Mn (II), Fe (III), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Cd (II) ions have been synthesized. The structure, electronic properties, and thermal behaviour of Schiff base and its metal complexes have been studied by elemental analysis, mass, 1H NMR, IR spectra, thermal analysis, and theoretically by density function theory. The ligand acted as mononegative bidentate (NO) ligand and all complexes showed octahedral geometry except Cu (II) showed tetrahedral geometry as indicated from the spectral and magnetic studies. The Cu (II), Zn (II) and Cd (II) complexes were non electrolytes while the rest of the complexes were electrolytes. The antibacterial plus anticancer activities of the parent Schiff base and its metal complexes were screened. In addition, the molecular docking study was performed to explore the possible ways for binding to Crystal Structure of Human Astrovirus capsid protein (5ibv) receptor.
A facile way via integrating sol–gel and Grignard reaction to prepare siloxane/carbosilane hybridized benzocyclobutene resins with hyperbranched structure, low dielectric constant, and high thermal stability
Authors: Li Xian , Huang Yawen , Ye Xu , Fan Li , Peng Qiuxia , Hu Huan , Yang Junxiao
Published: February 2020

The hybridization of siloxane‐ and carbosilane‐based structures in molecular scale could combine their advantages of high thermal resistance and low dielectric constant. However, the hybridization still remained a big challenge in lacking convenient synthesis method. Herein, in this work, we developed a new method via simultaneous Grignard and sol–gel reactions of (chrolomethyl)trimethoxysilane to directly generate siloxane/carbosilane hybridized oligomers with hyperbranched structure. The oligomers were subsequently functionalized by benzocyclobutene and cured to produce crosslinked resins. As‐resulted resins have low dielectric constant (~2.60) as compared with silica and higher thermal stability compared with polycarbosilane. The integrated high performance and facile preparation for these resins make them potentially used as low dielectric materials in integrating circuits insulating and wave transmitting.
Regional financial integration and its impact on banking development: Evidence from Southern African Development Community countries
Authors: Tembo Jonathan , Makina Daniel
Published: February 2020

The study investigated the impact of regional financial integration on banking sector development with specific focus on the impact of the Southern African Development Community protocols on trade and finance and investment. A total of 14 countries made up the study sample, and the panel cointegration fully modified ordinary least squares model (FMOLS) alongside the generalized method of moments (GMM) were used to estimate the nature of the impact. Study findings showed that regional integration through the protocol on trade had a positive and significant impact on size and efficiency of the banking sector using the FMOLS estimator. GMM estimations for the same variables were largely insignificant. Study findings also pointed to an improvement in global financial integration indicators as a result of the trade protocol, which in turn also contributed to an increase in the level of monetization of regional financial markets. The finance and investment protocol had a positive and significant impact on private sector credit for both estimators and largely insignificant relationship with broad money. The study also observed the complimentary relationship between institutional quality and social capital in the financial development process indicating the importance of policies that strengthen sound legal systems, protect property rights, and enhance the rule of law.
Murine osteoclastogenesis suppression using conditioned media produced by melanoma or activated and non‐activated Jurkat‐E6 cells
Authors: Mambelli‐Lisboa Nicole C. , Frare Eduardo O. , da Costa‐Neves Adriana , Prieto da Silva Álvaro R. B. , Kerkis Irina
Published: February 2020

Conditioned medium (CM) (cell secretome) is a cocktail of growth factors, cytokines, and other soluble mediators secreted by cells into a culture medium. These growth factors are fundamental in many cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and others and the composition of these factors is individual for each cell type. Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells that are responsible for bone resorption. Immune and cancer cells are known to produce different growth factors, which are able to induce or inhibit osteoclast differentiation. Herein, we evaluated the effect of CM obtained from the supernatant of activated and non‐activated Jukart‐E6 cells, as well as from one murine (B16‐F10) and one human melanoma cell line (SK­MEL­28). To induce osteoclast differentiation, murine bone marrow mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence and absence of differentiation factors (DF), such as macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, prostaglandin E2, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand, and CM. We measured the concentration of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon γ (IFN‐γ) in CM that can inhibit or induce osteoclastogenesis. Our study demonstrated that CM obtained from each cell line suppresses or inhibits osteoclasts formation at early and intermediate stages of differentiation in the absence or presence of DF. CM obtained from activated Jurkat‐E6 cells demonstrates a stronger effect when compared with CM from naïve Jurkat‐E6 cells or human and murine melanoma cells. Moreover, CM obtained from activated Jurkat‐E6 cells shows higher secretion of IFN‐γ, which is an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, in comparison with CM obtained from the three other cell lines. On the other hand, CM derived from B16‐F10 cells showed a smaller inhibitory effect when compared with CM derived from the other cells.
Interdigital Pedal Erythrasma treated with one‐time dose of oral clarithromycin 1 g: Two case reports
Authors: Khan Mohammad Junayed
Published: February 2020

The following are the first detailed cases of Interdigital Pedal Erythrasma successfully treated with a one‐time dose of oral clarithromycin 1 g. This is ideal for patients who failed topical therapy or have mechanical or psychosocial restrictions. Treatment provides better compliance, less gastric side effects, and lower treatment costs than oral alternatives.
Adenocarcinoma of intestinal type arising in mature cystic teratoma of ovary: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Belaid Imtinene , Khechine Wiem , Ben Abdelkader Atef , Bedioui Ahlem , Ezzairi Faten , Chabchoub Imene , Boujnah Ryma , Tlili Taghrid , Hochlaf Makrem , Ben Fatma Leila , Mokni Moncef , Ben Ahmed Slim
Published: February 2020

Adenocarcinomas of intestinal type arising in mature cystic teratoma of ovary (MCT) are extremely rare and remain a diagnostic dilemma because of its similarities with MCT. Serum tumor markers CEA and SCC and also MRI may help in the preoperative diagnosis. Pathologist experience helps in intraoperative diagnosis.
Preparation of isodesmosine‐KLH conjugate for ELISA system
Authors: Baut Daria A. , Tanaka Nao , Yokoo Reiko , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: February 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a degenerative condition with limited diagnostic detection efficiency. Currently with no available cure, COPD is associated with irreversible elastic tissue degradation in lungs, which results in release of unusual amino acids, isodesmosine and desmosine. These biomarkers are potential key elements in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an analytical method, which can detect certain compounds including antigens and proteins in easy and affordable manner. In order to target a biomarker with ELISA, it is necessary to prepare its specific antibody, which can be achieved by immunization of host organism with appropriate antigen containing the biomarker. Although preparation of these types of conjugates has been published, desmosine and isodesmosine used by researchers are obtained from natural sources such as animal tissues. Here, we report the first synthetic preparation of isodesmosine and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate from commercially available chiral amino acids and carrier protein. Formation of the core pyridinium of isodesmosine was achieved through key reaction—Chichibabin pyridinium synthesis—to deliver a 1,2,3,5‐tetrasubstituted pyridinium amino acid selectively. Further modifications involving KLH and maleimide linker provided the target conjugate, which could potentially invoke an immune response to produce anti‐isodesmosine antibody for the ELISA system.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Interrupted Click/Sulfenylation Cascade: One‐Pot Synthesis of Sulfur Cycle Fused 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Huang Shuai , Yan Shikun , Sun Xuejun , Tung Chen‐Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: February 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Herein, we report a practical protocol for the synthesis of sulfur cycle fused 1,2,3‐triazoles through a copper(I)‐catalyzed tandem click/intramolecular sulfenylation reaction. The reaction proceeded via a copper‐catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition, followed by interception of the in situ formed cuprate‐triazole intermediate with p‐toluenesulfonothioate. This reaction shows broad substrate scope, complete regioselectivity, and excellent functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions.
Interplay of Porosity, Wettability, and Redox Activity as Determining Factors for Lithium–Organic Electrochemical Energy Storage Using Biomolecules
Authors: Ilic Ivan K. , Perovic Milena , Liedel Clemens
Published: February 2020

Although several recent publications describe cathodes for electrochemical energy storage materials made from regrown biomass in aqueous electrolytes, their transfer to lithium–organic batteries is challenging. To gain a deeper understanding, we investigate the influences on charge storage in model systems based on biomass‐derived, redox‐active compounds and comparable structures. Hybrid materials from these model polymers and porous carbon are compared to determine precisely the causes of exceptional capacity in lithium–organic systems. Besides redox activity, particularly, wettability influences capacity of the composites greatly. Furthermore, in addition to biomass‐derived molecules with catechol functionalities, which are described commonly as redox‐active species in lithium–bio‐organic systems, we further describe guaiacol groups as a promising alternative for the first time and compare the performance of the respective compounds.
Multivariate discriminant analysis for branching classification of colonic tubular adenoma glands
Authors: Lee Hyekyung , Kim Jong O. , Shim Jaesool , Cho Migyung
Published: February 2020

Background

Many morphologic findings of histology can be translated into mathematically computerized data, and identifying important parameters is primarily pathologists' task as users. Shape‐specific parameters based on computational geometry properties of glands can be used in the field of pathology. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of three shape‐specific parameters: the chord intersection ratio, convexity ratio, and maximum concave area ratio for branching classification of glands.

Methods

Seven cases of tubular adenoma were studied. After image analysis, segmented neoplastic glands were classified into nonbranching, mild branching, and moderate branching. Using image analysis formulae for the three shape‐specific parameters, we compared the values of the parameters with the branching classification results for colonic tubular adenoma.

Results

Multivariate discriminant analysis was used to classify the branching groups. Classification accuracies of nonbranching, mild branching, and moderate branching group based on the three shape‐specific parameters were 98, 94, and 95%, respectively. More branching growth exhibited a higher chord intersection ratio and maximum concave area ratio but lower convexity ratio. We found a statistically significant difference in chord intersection ratio, maximum concave area ratio, and convexity ratio between mild, moderate, and nonbranching groups. Among the three features, the chord intersection ratio was the most significant parameter.

Conclusions

Shape‐based parameters of chord intersection ratio, convexity ratio, and maximum concave area ratio are valid assessment parameters for irregular branching structures. For the understanding of spatial relationships of histology, the holistic geometric approach using shape‐based parameters can be useful.
Integrating stable isotopes, parasite, and ring‐reencounter data to quantify migratory connectivity—A case study with Barn Swallows breeding in Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and Finland
Authors: von Rönn Jan A. C. , Grüebler Martin U. , Fransson Thord , Köppen Ulrich , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi
Published: February 2020

Ecosystems around the world are connected by seasonal migration. The migrant animals themselves are influenced by migratory connectivity through effects on the individual and the population level. Measuring migratory connectivity is notoriously difficult due to the simple requirement of data conveying information about the nonbreeding distribution of many individuals from several breeding populations. Explicit integration of data derived from different methods increases the precision and the reliability of parameter estimates.

We combine ring‐reencounter, stable isotope, and blood parasite data of Barn SwallowsHirundo rusticain a single integrated model to estimate migratory connectivity for three large scale breeding populations across a latitudinal gradient from Central Europe to Scandinavia. To this end, we integrated a non‐Markovian multistate mark‐recovery model for the ring‐reencounter data with normal and binomial mixture models for the stable isotope and parasite data.

The integration of different data sources within a mark‐recapture modeling framework enables the most precise quantification of migratory connectivity on the given broad spatial scale. The results show that northern‐breeding populations and Southern Africa as well as southern‐breeding populations and Western–Central Africa are more strongly connected through Barn Swallow migration than central European breeding populations with any of the African wintering areas. The nonbreeding distribution of Barn Swallows from central European breeding populations seems to be a mixture of those populations breeding further north and south, indicating a migratory divide.
Grasses continue to trump trees at soil carbon sequestration following herbivore exclusion in a semiarid African savanna
Authors: Wigley Benjamin J. , Augustine David J. , Coetsee Corli , Ratnam Jayashree , Sankaran Mahesh
Published: February 2020

Although studies have shown that mammalian herbivores often limit aboveground carbon storage in savannas, their effects on belowground soil carbon storage remain unclear. Using three sets of long‐term, large herbivore exclosures with paired controls, we asked how almost two decades of herbivore removal from a semiarid savanna in Laikipia, Kenya affected aboveground (woody and grass) and belowground soil carbon sequestration, and determined the major source (C3vs. C4) of belowground carbon sequestered in soils with and without herbivores present. Large herbivore exclusion, which included a diverse community of grazers, browsers, and mixed‐feeding ungulates, resulted in significant increases in grass cover (~22%), woody basal area (~8 m2/ha), and woody canopy cover (31%), translating to a ~8.5 t/ha increase in aboveground carbon over two decades. Herbivore exclusion also led to a 54% increase (20.5 t/ha) in total soil carbon to 30‐cm depth, with ~71% of this derived from C4grasses (vs. ~76% with herbivores present) despite substantial increases in woody cover. We attribute this continued high contribution of C4grasses to soil C sequestration to the reduced offtake of grass biomass with herbivore exclusion together with the facilitative influence of open sparse woody canopies (e.g.,Acaciaspp.) on grass cover and productivity in this semiarid system.
Comparison of oligosaccharide labeling employing reductive amination and hydrazone formation chemistries
Authors: Krenkova Jana , Dusa Filip , Cmelik Richard
Published: February 2020

In this work, we compare labeling by two negatively charged fluorescent labels, 8‐aminopyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid (APTS) and 8‐(2‐hydrazino‐2‐oxoethoxy)pyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid (Cascade Blue hydrazide [CBH]). Effectiveness of the labeling chemistries were investigated by 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and maltoheptaose followed by LC/UV‐MS and CE/LIF analysis, respectively. The reaction yield of APTS labeling was determined to be only ∼10%. This is due to reduction of almost 90% of the analyte by sodium cyanoborohydride to alcohol, which cannot be further labeled via reductive amination. However, the CBH labeling provides ∼90% reaction yield based on the LC/UV‐MS measurements. The significantly higher labeling yield was also confirmed by CE/LIF measurements. Finally, the more effective hydrazone formation technique of CBH was characterized and applied for N‐linked glycan analysis by CE/LIF.
Long‐term strength determination and nonlinear creep damage constitutive model of salt rock based on multistage creep test: Implications for underground natural gas storage in salt cavern
Authors: Wu Fei , Gao Renbo , Zou Quanle , Chen Jie , Liu Wei , Peng Kang
Published: February 2020

Long‐term mechanical property is critical for underground energy storage in a salt cavern. Multistage loading has been widely used in creep tests to save test time and cost. If the number of loading stages is too small or the loading time of each stage is short, the long‐term strength of salt rock is difficult to determine. For this reason, this paper carried out a ten‐stage loading creep test on the salt rock. The loading time of each stage is about 14 days, and the total creep time is more than 5 months. The stress‐strain curve and the stress‐steady‐state creep rate curve obtained from the test results can be well described by an exponential function. Based on the two‐stage power function model, a new method for determining the long‐term strength is proposed. The method is very similar to the results determined by the isochronous stress‐strain curve method. Moreover, considering that the rock is damaged during the accelerated creep phase, the stress will no longer be a constant value during the accelerated creep phase, but a slow loading process. In this paper, the accelerated creep phase is a coupled process of loading and creep. The total strain in the accelerated creep phase is equal to the sum of the loaded strain and the creep strain, and a new nonlinear creep damage constitutive equation is derived. The model was verified by the creep test results. The results show that the model can well describe the whole process of salt rock creep. It can theoretically explain the reason why the accelerated creep phase of salt rock exhibits nonlinear acceleration characteristics.
The products from fermentation of wheat bran fiber by Auricularia polytricha strain and the effects of the products on rheological properties of dough sheet
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Li Li , Li Limin , Zheng Xueling , Li Zhengzhe , Song Xin
Published: February 2020

Being classified within the Basidiomycota, Auricularia polytricha has been proved to degrade lignocellulose, a major component of wheat bran fiber. During the fermentation of lignocellulose by A. polytricha strain, a large number of intermediate products are produced, which affect the further degradation of lignocellulose. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the fermentation intermediates for study on the degradation mechanism of wheat bran fiber. In this study, the effectiveness of fermentation of wheat bran fiber by A. polytricha strain was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the results of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry indicated that the A. polytricha strain could degrade wheat bran fiber and produce several aromatic compounds, and that the number of products obtained after 7 days of fermentation was significantly lower than that after 3 days of fermentation. It has also been demonstrated that diisooctyl phthalate and 9‐octadecenamide belong to metabolites produced during the fermentation of wheat bran fiber, by culturing A. polytricha with wheat bran fiber and glucose as carbon source, respectively. Moreover, by conducting an ultraviolet wavelength scanning of the culture liquid containing vanillin fermented by A. polytricha, it has been indicated that the strain could degrade vanillin and further demonstrated that the strain has the ability to degrade wheat bran fiber. Furthermore, adding the products of wheat bran fiber fermented for 3 days by A. polytricha could improve the elasticity of the dough sheet.
Suppressing migration and invasion of H1299 lung cancer cells by honokiol through disrupting expression of an HDAC6‐mediated matrix metalloproteinase 9
Authors: Pai Jih‐Tung , Hsu Chia‐Yun , Hsieh Yei‐San , Tsai Tsung‐Yu , Hua Kuo‐Tai , Weng Meng‐Shih
Published: February 2020

Metastasis is the crucial mechanism to cause high mortality in lung cancer. Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) by proteolytic enzymes, especially matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a key process for promoting cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, targeting MMPs might be a strategy for lung cancer metastasis suppression. Honokiol, a biological active component of Magnolia officinalis, has been indicated to suppress lung cancer tumorigenesis through epigenetic regulation. However, the regulation of MMPs‐mediated migration and invasion by honokiol through epigenetic regulation in lung cancer is still a mystery. In the present study, the migration and invasion ability of H1299 lung cancer was suppressed by noncytotoxic concentrations of honokiol treatment. The proteolytic activity of MMP‐9, rather than MMP‐2, was inhibited in honokiol‐treated H1299 cells. Honokiol‐inhibited MMP‐9 expression was through promoting MMP‐9 protein degradation rather than suppressing transcription mechanism. Furthermore, the expression of specific histone deacetylases 6 (HDAC6) substrate, acetyl‐α‐tubulin, was accumulated after honokiol incubation. The disassociation of MMP‐9 with hyper‐acetylated heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was observed resulting in MMP‐9 degradation after honokiol treatment. Meanwhile, honokiol‐suppressed MMP‐9 expression and invasion ability of H1299 lung cancer cells was rescued by HDAC6 overexpression. Accordingly, the results suggested that the suppression of migration and invasion activities by honokiol was through inhibiting HDAC6‐mediated Hsp90/MMP‐9 interaction and followed by MMP‐9 degradation in lung cancer.