bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lewis Acid Coordination Redirects S‐Nitrosothiol Signaling Output
Authors: Hosseininasab Valiallah , McQuilken Alison C. , Bakhoda Abolghasem (Gus) , Bertke Jeffery A. , Timerghazin Qadir K. , Warren Timothy H.
Published: February 2020

S‐Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) serve as air‐stable reservoirs for nitric oxide in biology. While copper enzymes promote NO release from RSNOs by serving as Lewis acids for intramolecular electron‐transfer, redox‐innocent Lewis acids separate these two functions to reveal the effect of coordination on structure and reactivity. The synthetic Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 coordinates to the RSNO oxygen atom, leading to profound changes in the RSNO electronic structure and reactivity. Although RSNOs possess relatively negative reduction potentials, B(C6F5)3 coordination increases their reduction potential by over 1 V into the physiologically accessible +0.1 V vs. NHE. Outer‐sphere chemical reduction gives the Lewis acid stabilized hyponitrite dianion trans‐[LA‐O‐N=N‐O‐LA]2− [LA=B(C6F5)3], which releases N2O upon acidification. Mechanistic and computational studies support initial reduction to the [RSNO‐B(C6F5)3] radical anion, which is susceptible to N−N coupling prior to loss of RSSR.
Biosynthesis of zinc nanoparticles using Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaf extract; Chemical characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties
Authors: Zhang Chunnan , Liu Jiayu , Ahmeda Ahmad , Liu Yandong , Feng Jianyu , Guan Hui , Li Cuiyun , Nowrozi Masoumeh , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi , Zangeneh Akram , Almasi Maryam
Published: February 2020

The extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaf was found to be an effective reagent for green synthesis and functionalization of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs@AS) from 1 mM zinc acetate solution. These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. FT‐IR results offered polysaccharides and protein in A. saralicum were the sources of reducing power, reducing zinc ions to ZnNPs@AS. In XRD analysis, the crystal size of zinc nanoparticles was 19.7 nm. TEM and FE‐SEM images indicated the average diameter of 19 nm for the zinc nanoparticles. For investigating the antimicrobial properties of Zn (NO3)2.6H2O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, we used the macro‐broth dilation test. Also, MIC, MBC, and MFC of Zn (NO3)2.6H2O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS were gained to indicate the exact antimicrobial potentials of them. ZnNPs@AS indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). The MIC of ZnNPs@AS were 2–4 and 2–8 mg/mL against fungi and bacteria, respectively. But, MBC and MFC of ZnNPs@AS were 4–8 mg/mL against all fungi and bacteria tested. To survey the cutaneous wound healing effects of Zn (NO3)2.6H2O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, the 0.2% ointments were formulated and compared with the control and untreated groups. The use of ZnNPs@AS ointment significantly (p ≤ 0.01) raised the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte compared to other groups in rats. According to the above findings, ZnNPs@AS may be consumed for the treatment of cutaneous wounds and infectious diseases in humans.
Effect of hydrogen‐enriched biogas induction on combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of dual‐fuel compression ignition engine
Authors: Rosha Pali , Ibrahim Hussameldin , Nanda Anil Kumar , Mohapatra Saroj Kumar , Mahla Sunil Kumar , Dhir Amit
Published: February 2020

Gaseous fuel induction in a compression ignition (CI) engine has picked up much attention over the most recent few years, particularly when it is produced by using renewable sources. In this study, hydrogen‐enriched biogas (HEB) was used as a gaseous fuel and co‐combusted in dual‐fuel CI engine. Experimentation was carried out on a 3.5‐kW CI engine test rig in the brake mean effective pressure range between 0 and 3.5 bar, as well as, HEB between 0.1 and 0.5 kg/hr. HEB induction effects on various engine characteristics (combustion, performance, and emission) were studied at rated engine speed (1,500 rpm). Results revealed that the peak cylinder pressure and ignition delay period increased with increasing HEB proportion (0.1 to 0.5 kg/hr) as compared with diesel mode. The calorific value of HEB (57.0 MJ/kg) is higher than diesel (42.0 MJ/kg), which led to improved BTE in dual‐fuel mode. The emission results showed that with an increase of HEB rates, the NOx emission mildly decreases, but smoke opacity and hydrocarbon emissions majorly reduce. Thus, the HEB induction has great potential to be a feasible technological solution to overcome low BTE and high hydrocarbon emissions in biogas operated CI engines.
Investigation dielectric and morphological properties of fly ash collected from thermal power plant
Authors: Canımkurbey Betül
Published: February 2020

Fly ash is finely divided waste obtained during the generation of energy in thermal power plants by burning powdered coal. The recycling of fly ash has become an issue in recent years, as this industrial waste is environmentally and economically important. To utilizate this waste material, some electrical analyzes were carried out in the present study. The impedance, dielectric dissipation, dielectric permittivity and conductivity parameters of the pellet were measured as a function of temperature. Then, they were analysed how these parameters change depending on frequency and varying temperatures. Real and imaginary part of dielectric properties of the fly ash was measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz –15 MHz in the temperature range of 25–200 °C. The origins of observed anomalies have discussed. Temperature dependence of real and imaginary part of dielectric permittivity suggests that fly ash exhibits strong broadband electrical behavior. Additionally, EDX, XRD, TGA and DSC measurements have performed to determine structural properties of fly ash. SEM analysis has performed to observe the morphology of pellets. From the results obtained, fly ash can provide suitable new broadband absorption capacity. With utilization of this waste, it is possible to save energy, produce cheaper, protect ecological balance.
Laypeople's source selection in online health information‐seeking process
Authors: Chi Yu , He Daqing , Jeng Wei
Published: February 2020

For laypeople, searching online health information resources can be challenging due to topic complexity and the large number of online sources with differing quality. The goal of this article is to examine, among all the available online sources, which online sources laypeople select to address their health‐related information needs, and whether or how much the severity of a health condition influences their selection. Twenty‐four participants were recruited individually, and each was asked (using a retrieval system called HIS) to search for information regarding a severe health condition and a mild health condition, respectively. The selected online health information sources were automatically captured by the HIS system and classified at both the website and webpage levels. Participants' selection behavior patterns were then plotted across the whole information‐seeking process. Our results demonstrate that laypeople's source selection fluctuates during the health information‐seeking process, and also varies by the severity of health conditions. This study reveals laypeople's real usage of different types of online health information sources, and engenders implications to the design of search engines, as well as the development of health literacy programs.
Pirate open access as electronic civil disobedience: Is it ethical to breach the paywalls of monetized academic publishing?
Authors: James Jack E.
Published: February 2020

Open access has long been an ideal of academic publishing. Yet, contrary to initial expectations, cost of access to published scientific knowledge increased following the advent of the Internet and electronic processing. An analysis of the ethicality of current arrangements in academic publishing shows that monetization and the sequestering of scientific knowledge behind paywalls breach theprinciple of fairnessand damage public interest. Following decades of failed effort to redress the situation, there are ethical grounds for consumers of scientific knowledge to invoke the right of collective civil disobedience, including support for pirate open access. Could this be the best option available to consumers of scientific knowledge for removing paywalls to knowledge that rightly belongs in the public domain?
Entrepreneurship and economic growth in developing countries: Evidence from Africa
Authors: Peprah Augustine Awuah , Adekoya Adenuga Fabian
Published: February 2020

The nexus between entrepreneurship and economic growth has been examined in entrepreneurship and economic development literature. Yet, a critical analysis of these studies shows that research attention has mainly been focused on advanced economies leaving much to be understood in developing countries especially in Africa. Using data from the World Development Indicator on 10 African countries (Botswana, Morocco, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leon, South Africa, and Zambia), this study tests the effects of entrepreneurship and on economic growth. The results of the analysis show that entrepreneurship is positive and significantly stimulates economic growth. Based on this finding, policy implications are discussed.
Cost‐effectiveness of the Collaborative Care to Preserve Performance in Cancer (COPE) trial tele‐rehabilitation interventions for patients with advanced cancers
Authors: Longacre Colleen F. , Nyman John A. , Visscher Sue L. , Borah Bijan J. , Cheville Andrea L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this analysis was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of a Collaborative Care Model (CCM)‐based, centralized telecare approach to delivering rehabilitation services to late‐stage cancer patients experiencing functional limitations.

Methods

Data for this analysis came from the Collaborative Care to Preserve Performance in Cancer (COPE) trial, a randomized control trial of 516 patients assigned to: (a) a control group (arm A), (b) tele‐rehabilitation (arm B), and (c) tele‐rehabilitation plus pharmacological pain management (arm C). Patient quality of life was measured using the EQ‐5D‐3L at baseline, 3‐month, and 6‐month follow‐up. Direct intervention costs were measured from the experience of the trial. Participants’ hospitalization data were obtained from their medical records, and costs associated with these encounters were estimated from unit cost data and hospital‐associated utilization information found in the literature. A secondary analysis of total utilization costs was conducted for the subset of COPE trial patients for whom comprehensive cost capture was possible.

Results

In the intervention‐only model, tele‐rehabilitation (arm B) was found to be the dominant strategy, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $15 494/QALY. At the $100 000 willingness‐to‐pay threshold, this tele‐rehabilitation was the cost‐effective strategy in 95.4% of simulations. It was found to be cost saving compared to enhanced usual care once the downstream hospitalization costs were taken into account. In the total cost analysis, total inpatient hospitalization costs were significantly lower in both tele‐rehabilitation (arm B) and tele‐rehabilitation plus pain management (arm C) compared to control (arm A), (P = .048).

Conclusion

The delivery of a CCM‐based, centralized tele‐rehabilitation intervention to patients with advanced stage cancer is highly cost‐effective. Clinicians and care teams working with this vulnerable population should consider incorporating such interventions into their patient care plans.
Julichrome Monomers from Marine Gastropod Mollusk‐Associated Streptomyces and Stereochemical Revision of Julichromes Q3 ⋅ 5 and Q3 ⋅ 3
Authors: Dong Yuliang , Ding Wenjuan , Sun Changli , Ji Xiaoqi , Ling Chunyao , Zhou Zhenbin , Chen Zhiyun , Chen Xuehong , Ju Jianhua
Published: February 2020

Two julichrome monomers, julichromes Q11 (1) and Q12 (2), along with five known julichromes (Q10, Q3 ⋅ 5, Q3 ⋅ 3, Q6 ⋅ 6, Q6, 3–7) and four known anthraquinones (chrysophanol, 4‐acetylchrysophanol, islandicin, huanglongmycin A, 8–11), were isolated from the marine gastropod mollusk Batillaria zonalis‐associated Streptomyces sampsonii SCSIO 054. This is the first report of julichromes isolated from a marine source. Extensive dissection of 1D and 2D NMR datasets combined with X‐ray crystallography enabled rigorous elucidation of the previously reported configurations of julichrome Q3 ⋅ 5 (4) and related julichrome Q3 ⋅ 3 (5); both of the configuration at C(9) needs to be revised. In addition, julichrome Q12 (2) was found to display antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis with MICs of 2.0 and 8.0 μg mL−1; four compounds (1, 3, 6, 7) also showed inhibitory activities against an array of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus and S. simulans AKA1 with MIC values ranging from 8 to 64 μg mL−1.
Long non‐coding RNA DBH‐AS1 promotes cancer progression in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma by targeting FN1 via RNA‐binding protein BUD13
Authors: Song Yanping , Gao Feng , Peng Yi , Yang Xuejie
Published: February 2020

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBC) is a subtype of lymphoma with the worst prognosis. Existing treatment methods are not effective enough due to its high occurrence of metastasis. Therefore, identification of effective therapeutic targets is becoming increasingly important. In this research, long non‐coding RNA dopamine β hydroxylase antisense RNA 1 (DBH‐AS1) was found to be upregulated in DLBC tissues and cells. Knockdown of DBH‐AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Afterwards, RNA‐binding protein BUD13 homolog (BUD13) was found to be upregulated in cancer tissues and cells while binding to DBH‐AS1. Fibronectin 1 (FN1) was the downstream messenger RNA (mRNA) of BUD13. FN1 was upregulated in DLBC and was positively correlated with DBH‐AS1. Further rescue assays proved that DBH‐AS1 mediated FN1 expression by recruiting BUD13. In the meantime, BUD13 stabilized FN1 mRNA to promote FN1 expression. In this way, DBH‐AS1/BUD13/FN1 axis was confirmed. A set of rescue assays proved that DBH‐AS1 regulated DLBC progression via BUD13 and FN1. The function and mechanism of DBH‐AS1 were investigated for the first time in DLBC. DBH‐AS1 might become a therapeutic target in lymphoma treatment in the future.
Multi‐Photochromic Molecules Based on Dihydroazulene Units
Authors: Petersen Anne Ugleholdt , Kirschner Solberg Hansen Jonathan , Sperling Andreasen Emilie , Peder Christensen Søren , Tolstrup Anders , Bo Skov Anders , Vlasceanu Alexandru , Cacciarini Martina , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens
Published: February 2020

Multi‐photochromic systems incorporating individually addressable switching units are attractive for development of advanced data storage devices. Here, we present the synthesis and properties of a selection of such molecular systems incorporating the dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) photo‐/thermoswitch. The influence of the linker (meta‐phenylene vs. azulene‐1,3‐diyl vs. thiophene‐2,5‐diyl) separating two DHA units on the switching properties was investigated. An azulene‐1,3‐diyl spacer largely inhibited both the DHA‐to‐VHF photoisomerizations and the thermal VHF‐to‐DHA back‐reactions; the latter occurred ten times slower than for the related compound with a meta‐phenylene spacer. A DHA trimer containing three DHA units around a central benzene ring was found to undergo stepwise DHA‐to‐VHF photoisomerizations, whereas the thermal back‐reactions occurred at similar rates for the three VHF entities. A meta‐phenylene‐bridged DHA dimer was subjected to further structural modifications at position C‐1 of each DHA, having strong implications for the switching events, and synthetic steps for further functionalizations at position C‐7 of each DHA were investigated. Finally, the molecular structure (from X‐ray crystallographic analysis) between the meta‐phenylene‐bridged DHA dimer and CuI is presented.
Importance of Methane Chemical Potential for Its Conversion to Methanol on Cu‐Exchanged Mordenite
Authors: Zheng Jian , Lee Insu , Khramenkova Elena , Wang Meng , Peng Bo , Gutiérrez Oliver Y. , Fulton John L. , Camaioni Donald M. , Khare Rachit , Jentys Andreas , Haller Gary L. , Pidko Evgeny A. , Sanchez‐Sanchez Maricruz , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: February 2020

Copper‐oxo clusters exchanged in zeolite mordenite are active in the stoichiometric conversion of methane to methanol at low temperatures. Here, we show an unprecedented methanol yield per Cu of 0.6, with a 90–95 % selectivity, on a MOR solely containing [Cu3(μ‐O)3]2+ active sites. DFT calculations, spectroscopic characterization and kinetic analysis show that increasing the chemical potential of methane enables the utilization of two μ‐oxo bridge oxygen out of the three available in the tricopper‐oxo cluster structure. Methanol and methoxy groups are stabilized in parallel, leading to methanol desorption in the presence of water.
Organogermanium(II) Hydrides as a Source of Highly Soluble LiH
Authors: Tremmel Jakub , Tydlitát Jiří , Dostál Libor , Růžička Aleš , Deraet Xavier , Turek Jan , Jambor Roman
Published: February 2020

The reactions of monomeric C,N‐chelated organogermanium(II) hydride L(H)Ge⋅BH3 with organolithium salts RLi yielded lithium hydrogermanatoborates (Li(THF)2{BH3[L(H)GeR]})2. Compound (Li(THF)2{BH3[L(H)GePh]})2 was used as a source of LiH for the reduction of organic C=O or C=N bonds in nonpolar solvents accompanied by the elimination of a neutral complex L(Ph)Ge⋅BH3. The interaction of (Li(THF)2{BH3[L(H)GePh]})2 with the polar C=O bond was further investigated by computational studies revealing a plausible geometry of a pre‐reactive intermediate. The experimental and theoretical studies suggest that, although the Li atom of (Li(THF)2{BH3[L(H)GePh]})2 coordinates the C=O bond, the GeH fragment is the active species in the reduction reaction. Finally, benzaldehyde was reduced by a mixture of L(H)Ge⋅BH3 with PhLi in nonpolar solvents.
Determination of absolute configuration of photo‐degraded catechinopyranocyanidin A by modified Mosher's method
Authors: Oyama Kin‐ichi , Kondo Tadao , Shimizu Toshimichi , Yoshida Kumi
Published: February 2020

Catechinopyranocyanidins A and B (cpcA and cpcB) are two purple pigments present in the seed‐coat of red adzuki bean, Vigna angularis, of which cpcA is the major pigment, containing two chiral carbons in the catechin part. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of their experimental and quantum chemical calculated electronic circular dichroisms (ECDs). These purple pigments are labile on light irradiation and easily decompose to photo‐degraded catechinopyranocyanidins A and B (pdcpcA and pdcpcB), while retaining the stereostructure of the catechin residue. We applied modified Mosher's method for determining the chirality of the secondary alcohol in pdcpcA. Hexamethylation of pdcpcA by diazomethane followed by esterification using (S)‐ and (R)‐MTPACl gave (R)‐ and (S)‐MTPA esters, respectively. By analysis of the NMR spectra of (R)‐ and (S)‐MTPA esters of tetramethylated (+)‐catechin, the chirality of pdcpcA was determined to be 2R, 3S, same as the absolute configuration of cpcA.
Categorical observers for metamerism
Authors: Asano Yuta , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: February 2020

A method is proposed to generate categorical colour observer functions (individual colour matching functions) for any field size based on the CIE 2006 system of physiological observer functions. The method combines proposed categorical observer techniques of Sarkar et al with a physiologically‐based individual observer model of Asano et al and a clustering technique to produce the optimal set of categorical observers. The number of required categorical observers varies depending on an application with as many as 50 required to predict individual observers' matches when a laser projector is viewed. However, 10 categorical observers are sufficient to represent colour‐normal populations for personalized colour imaging. The proposed and recommended categorical observers represent a robust and inclusive technique to examine and quantify observer metamerism in any application of colorimetry.
Reverse Saturable Absorption and Optical Limiting Application of Methyl Orange Dye Doped l‐Arginine Monohydrochloride (LAHCl) Single Crystals
Authors: Ragunath Balaji Srikanth , Sangeetha Kumaran , Babu Ramraj Ramesh
Published: February 2020

Chromophores in azo dyes are optically active and play an important role in modifying the optical nonlinear properties. Methyl orange (MO), an azo dye, has been chosen to dope with l‐arginine monohydrochloride (LAHCl), in order to tune the nonlinear optical properties. Pristine and MO doped LAHCl single crystals are grown by slow solvent evaporation method at ambient conditions. The grown crystals are confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared studies. The crystals are subjected to linear and nonlinear optical characterizations. Decrease in optical band gap with increase in refractive index and birefringence are attributed to the increase in net macro‐polarizability of the doped LAHCl. Both pristine and MO doped crystals exhibit reverse saturable absorption (RSA) in Z‐scan measurements. The samples show optical limiting behavior under laser irradiation at 650 nm. The chromophore of MO has a significant role in enhancing RSA and optical limiting behavior of LAHCl.
Single Au Atoms Anchored on Amino‐Group‐Enriched Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yang Yali , Li Fang , Chen Jie , Fan Jiajie , Xiang Quanjun
Published: February 2020

Owing to the maximum atom‐utilization efficiency and excellent catalytic properties, Au single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been extensively studied in various catalytic systems. However, the performance of Au SACs in CO2 reduction has seldom been investigated. Herein, Au single atoms on amino‐group‐modified graphitic carbon nitride (U‐ACN) was successfully synthesized through a mild and eco‐friendly urea reduction method. U‐ACN showed a remarkable performance for CO2 reduction, with CO and CH4 yields 1.97 and 4.15 times higher than those of pure graphitic carbon nitride over 2.5 h visible‐light irradiation. The excellent catalytic activity of U‐ACN derived from the introduction of Au single atoms, which lowered the energy barrier of CH4 formation, narrowed the band gap, and hindered the recombination of charge carriers. In addition, U‐ACN showed improved CO2 affinity owing to the amino groups in the catalysts introduced by urea.
Efficient Conversion of Pine Wood Lignin to Phenol
Authors: Ouyang Xianhong , Huang Xiaoming , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: February 2020

Obtaining chemical building blocks from biomass is attractive for meeting sustainability targets. Herein, an effective approach was developed to convert the lignin part of woody biomass into phenol, which is a valuable base chemical. Monomeric alkylmethoxyphenols were obtained from pinewood, rich in guaiacol‐type lignin, through Pt/C‐catalyzed reductive depolymerization. In a second step, an optimized MoP/SiO2 catalyst was used to selectively remove methoxy groups in these lignin monomers to generate 4‐alkylphenols, which were then dealkylated by zeolite‐catalyzed transalkylation to a benzene stream. The overall yield of phenol based on the initial lignin content in pinewood was 9.6 mol %.
Spectral efficiency enhancement in Massive MIMO system under pilot contamination
Authors: Ali Waleed A. , Anis Wagdy R. , Elshenawy Hamed A.
Published: February 2020

Massive multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MIMO) system is an effective technique to develop the spectral efficiency of the wireless communication systems. Since the number of users is much higher than the available number of orthogonal pilot sequences, the users in the neighboring cells can reuse the same pilots of the home cell. Thus, pilot contamination occurs, which restricts the system throughput. In this paper, Laplacian centralized scattering‐spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channel model with multi‐cell minimum mean square error (M‐MMSE) combining and precoding to mitigate pilot contamination and enhance cell throughput. This model gives a more accurate description, especially for cell‐edge users. It results in an accurate spatial channel correlation matrix calculation that enhances the channel estimation quality under pilot contamination. Simulation results indicate that the proposed Laplacian scattering‐spatially correlated Rayleigh fading model achieves better pilot contamination mitigation and larger spectral efficiency, as compared with both the one‐ring scattering‐spatially correlated Rayleigh fading and the uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel models for different combining and precoding schemes at different pilot reuse factors. The cost of interference rejection and spectral efficiency enhancement is an increase in the system computational complexity.
Long‐term shifts in the functional composition and diversity of a tropical dry forest: a 30‐yr study
Authors: Swenson Nathan G. , Hulshof Catherine M. , Katabuchi Masatoshi , Enquist Brian J.
Published: February 2020

Over the past three decades, there has been a concerted effort to study the long‐term dynamics of tropical forests throughout the world. Data regarding temporal trends in species diversity, species composition, and species‐specific demographic rates have now been amassed. Such data can be utilized to test predictions regarding the roles the environment and demographic stochasticity play in driving forest dynamics. These analyses could be further refined by quantifying the temporal trends in the functional composition and diversity in tropical forests. For example, we have only a handful of studies that quantify directional shifts in the functional composition in tropical forests in response to global change drivers. The present study uses data from three censuses spanning 30 yr in a Neotropical dry forest dynamics plot to provide novel insights into how the functional diversity and composition of a tropical forest has changed through time. Specifically, here we aim to (1) quantify population dynamics and compare it to that expected from environmental or demographic variance; (2) quantify long‐term trends in species richness and functional diversity; (3) test whether there have been directional changes in the functional composition of the forest though time and the population changes that are responsible for these changes; and (4) place these long‐term results into the context of the successional and climatic history of the forest.
Facile Solvothermal Synthesis of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets from Red Phosphorus for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhu Shuting , Liang Qingshuang , Xu Yating , Fu Hanping , Xiao Xiufeng
Published: February 2020

In this work, we report a facial one‐step solvothermal synthesis of BP nanosheets from red phosphorus based on common laboratory conditions at low temperature. This bottom‐up approach for the direct preparation of BP nanosheets can be up to 2.1 g for one batch and the efficiency of the phase transition is up to 100 %. The as‐prepared BP nanosheets show highly efficient photocatalytic performance. Its efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water is 40.6 times higher than that of red phosphorus precursor and is close to the well‐known C3N4 nanosheets. Therefore, we firmly believe that this facile, scalable, and low‐cost approach opens a new route to prepare black phosphorus nanosheets and will take a step to the rapid development and applications of this unique 2D material.
Adsorption and controlled release of three kinds of flavors on UiO‐66
Authors: Mao Deshou , Xie Congjia , Li Zhiyu , Hong Liu , Qu Rongfen , Gao You , He Jiao , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: February 2020

Delivery systems for controlled release of fragrances are significantly essential in the flavor and fragrance industry due to a limited life span (premature evaporation and degradation) of fragrance compounds. Recently, several adsorption materials such as porous materials have been developed in delivery systems for targeted fragrance release. In this work, UiO‐66, a member of metal–organic framework (MOF) family with high porosity and greater adsorbability, was selected as a prospective alternative to traditional porous adsorbents for controlled release of fragrances. Isophorone, eugenol, and β‐ionone with strong aroma are widely used as perfume flavors, soap flavor, cosmetic flavors, and even as a food‐flavoring agents, and were chosen as representative fragrances for adsorption and controlled release studies. The adsorption and release behavior of fragrances on UiO‐66 was evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The UiO‐66 with high surface area (1,076 m2/g) achieved effective storage and controlled release for isophorone, eugenol, and β‐ionone. The adsorption rates of isophorone, eugenol, and β‐ionone can reach 99.4%, 99.9%, and 60.2%, respectively. Additionally, the release of these fragrances from UiO‐66 can sustain over 20 days. UiO‐66 exhibited higher release rate over eugenol with desorption rates of 95.2% than that of β‐ionone (52.6%) and isophorone (49.6%), respectively, suggesting a good adsorption‐release selectivity of UiO‐66 to different fragrances. This study further confirms the usability of UiO‐66 in fragrance release and extends the application of MOF porosity in aroma release.
Brain responses to human‐voice processing predict child development and intelligence
Authors: An Kyung‐min , Hasegawa Chiaki , Hirosawa Tetsu , Tanaka Sanae , Saito Daisuke N. , Kumazaki Hirokazu , Yaoi Ken , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Yoshimura Yuko
Published: February 2020

Children make rapid transitions in their neural and intellectual development. Compared to other brain regions, the auditory cortex slowly matures, and children show immature auditory brain activity. This auditory neural plasticity largely occurs as a response to human‐voice stimuli, which are presented more often than other stimuli, and can even be observed in the brainstem. Early psychologists have proposed that sensory processing and intelligence are closely related to each other. In the present study, we identified brain activity related to human‐voice processing and investigated a crucial neural correlate of child development and intelligence. We also examined the neurophysiological activity patterns during human‐voice processing in young children aged 3 to 8 years. We investigated auditory evoked fields (AEFs) and oscillatory changes using child‐customized magnetoencephalography within a short recording time (<6 min). We examined the P1m component of AEFs, which is a predominant component observed in young children. The amplitude of the left P1m was highly correlated with age, and the amplitude of the right P1m was highly correlated with the intelligence quotient. For auditory‐related oscillatory changes, we found a positive correlation between the intelligence quotient and percent change of gamma increase relative to baseline in the right auditory cortex. We replicated the finding of age‐related changes in auditory brain activity in young children, which is related to the slow maturation of the auditory cortex. In addition, these results suggest a close link between intelligence and auditory sensory processing, especially in the right hemisphere.
Submental island flap vs free tissue transfer in oral cavity reconstruction: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Shirley , Fan Caleb , Pecchia Brandon , Rosenberg Joshua D.
Published: February 2020

Background

The submental island flap (SMIF) is frequently utilized as an alternative to free tissue transfer (FTT) in oral cavity reconstruction.

Methods

Studies directly comparing SMIF and FTT for oral cavity defects were included. Data were pooled with random‐effects meta‐analysis to calculate standardized mean differences and risk differences. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic.

Results

Five studies were included in the analysis. The aggregate sample sizes for SMIF and FTT cohorts were 122 and 127, respectively. SMIF was correlated with both reduced operative time and hospitalization by a large effect size. The rate of total flap loss was comparable. SMIF was associated with lower donor site morbidity. There was no difference in the rate of disease recurrence between the two procedures.

Conclusions

SMIF is associated with less operative time, shorter hospitalization, fewer perioperative complications, and potentially similar disease recurrence rates compared to FTT for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.
Transient free convective flow through a vertical cylinder filled with a porous material
Authors: Anurag  , Sarveshanand  , Singh Ashok K.
Published: February 2020

This article aims to explore the impressive impact of emerging parameters on transient fully evolved free convective flow inside a vertical cylinder containing a porous material. The mathematical formulation of the model related to the considered physical circumstance is presented under compatible boundary conditions. Closed‐form solutions are received for the velocity field, the temperature distribution, mass flux, skin friction, and the Nusselt number in terms of Bessel functions and modified Bessel functions of the first kind. Impressive effects of parameters such as the Darcy number , Prandtl number , viscosity ratio , and also time on both the velocity and temperature distribution have been explored employing graphs and tables. It is irradiated by analysis that flow erection, heat transfer rate, skin friction, and mass flux are admirably impacted by the Prandtl number, the Darcy number, viscosity ratio parameter, and time. It is found that both the velocity and temperature field profiles rise with the rising value of time and ultimately attain their steady state. Moreover, the Prandtl number and the viscosity ratio parameter reduce the velocity profiles, while the reverse phenomenon occurs with the Darcy number.
Experimental and modeling analysis of thermal characteristics in carbon fiber wires
Authors: Zhao Hai‐bo , Dai Jia‐ao , Wu Kun , Kong Fan‐he
Published: February 2020

To understand the thermal characteristics of carbon fiber heating wires, we tested the heating rules of carbon fiber heating wires with inner core tows of 12k and 24k and different lengths. We found that the surface temperature of the carbon fiber heating wires rose and fell quickly when the power supply was turned on and off by 82.9 and 18.3°C/min, respectively. After the quick rise period, the surface temperature tended to be steady with ±2°C of fluctuation; the steady temperature decreased as the length increased. With an increase in the length from 7 to 12 m, the steady temperature of the 12k and 24k wires reduced from 122°C and 166°C to 53°C and 71°C, respectively. Using the COMSOL Multiphysics software to simulate the carbon fiber heating wires, the simulated surface temperatures were in good agreement with the experimental results, with errors less than 7%. The convective and radiative heat transfer of the simulated carbon fiber electric heating wire decreased with an increase in length and the number of tows, and the convective heat transfer was much higher than the radiative heat transfer to indicate that the convective heat transfer is the main heat transfer mode in the heat dissipation of the carbon fiber electric heating wire. Results indicate that there is a rapid increase in temperature when power is on, and thereafter temperature remains constant. These are the important characteristics of carbon fiber heating wires.
Combined insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1/interleukin‐6 (Premaquick) versus fetal fibronectin for predicting preterm delivery among women with preterm contractions
Authors: Asiegbu Amarachukwu C. , Eleje George U. , Ibeneme Emmanuel M. , Onyegbule Onyema A. , Chukwu Leo C. , Egwim Adanna V. , Okonko Cherechi O. , Eze Stephen C. , Eke Ahizechukwu C.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To compare accuracy between Premaquick (combined test for native insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1), total IGFBP‐1, and interleukin‐6) and fetal fibronectin (Ffn) in predicting preterm delivery.

Methods

Prospective study among women at 28–36+6 gestational weeks with threatened preterm labor attending Federal Medical Center, Owerri, Nigeria, from August 2017 to February 2019. Cervico‐vaginal fluids were collected and tested by Premaquick and Ffn tests. The women were followed for 14 days. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive value for delivery were compared between the tests.

Results

Among 213 women assessed for eligibility, 183 were enrolled and 175 completed the study. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the Premaquick versus Ffn tests were, respectively, 96.3% versus 51.9%, 97.6% versus 98.4%, 89.7% versus 87.5%, 99.2% versus 90.3% and 97.3% versus 90.0% for preterm delivery within 14 days. Ffn had higher specificity (98.5% vs 97.8%; P>0.99), but Premaquick had higher PPV (92.7% vs 90.9%; P>0.99).

Conclusion

Both tests seem to have high utility in predicting preterm delivery, but Premaquick showed higher accuracy in terms of sensitivity and PPV. Premaquick might be a feasible alternative to Ffn for predicting preterm delivery among symptomatic women in a low‐income setting.
Effectiveness of a pharmacist‐led population health approach to implementing statin therapy in primary prevention patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Troksa Kyle A. , Billups Sarah J. , Claus Liza W. , Vande Griend Joseph P. , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Statin therapy in patients with diabetes is an evidence‐based treatment that reduces cardiovascular risk. Percentage of primary prevention patients with diabetes that are treated with statin therapy is a common evidence‐based quality measure within value‐based health care. Pharmacist‐led services increase statin initiation rates; however, limited data have compared the effectiveness of different approaches.

Study objectives

Our objective was to compare statin initiation rates of a pharmacist‐led population health initiative in University of Colorado Health System primary care practices.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Patients

Primary prevention patients with type 2 diabetes, age 40 to 75 years, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) of less than 190 mg/dL, and no active statin prescriptions were identified using reports generated from the University of Colorado Health System electronic health record.

Measurements and main results

Clinical pharmacists identified patients using aforementioned reports from the health record and assessed appropriateness of statin therapy according to the 2018 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC)/multisociety cholesterol guideline recommendations (primary prevention patients with type 2 diabetes, age 40 to 75 years, and LDL‐C of <190 mg/dL) using two different methods. The single strategy cohort utilized embedded clinical pharmacists that used an upcoming visit approach to recommend statin therapy. The dual strategy cohort utilized centrally‐located clinical pharmacists that used both an upcoming visit and a prospective patient panel approach. Seven hundred and ninety‐three patient‐specific recommendations made between March 2018 and November 2018 from both cohorts; 200 patients were randomly selected for evaluation from each cohort.

Statin initiation was 46% and 36% in the single strategy and dual strategy practices, respectively (P = .042). However across cohorts, initiation rates were 42.9% (134/312) with the upcoming visit approach and 31.5% (28/89) with the prospective patient panel approach (P = .049). Within the total clinic population, statin prescribing among primary prevention patients with diabetes increased from 69.3% in March 2018 to 74.7% in November 2018 (P < .05).

Conclusion

This clinical pharmacist‐led initiative increased statin prescribing in primary prevention patients with type 2 diabetes who were previously untreated.
Repair of facial nerve crush injury in rabbits using collagen plus basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Wang Piao , Zhao Hao , Yao Yao , Lu Chao , Ma Jinling , Chen Renji , Pan Juli
Published: February 2020

Facial nerves are frequently crushed or cut during facial surgery. In this study, the feasibility of repairing facial nerves in rabbits after crush or cut off injury was evaluated using collagen conduits with A collagen‐binding domain (CBD)‐human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). A total of 39 six‐month‐old New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of nine rabbits, and bilateral crush or cut off injuries were made on each animal's face. Three rabbits were classified as the healthy control. The facial nerves were cut or crushed and then were either untreated or wrapped with a collagen conduit plus bFGF. At the 15, 30, and 90 days after the injury, three rabbits in each group were sacrificed. Regeneration of the injured facial nerve was evaluated using electrophysiological examination (compound muscle action potentials, CAMPs), scanning electron microscopy, and histological observation. The results suggested that using collagen conduits with recombinant proteins CBD‐bFGF to repair facial nerves with crush or cut off injuries promoted functional facial nerve recovery. This treatment, as a possible therapeutic for patients with facial nerve injury, requires further investigation.
Autologous bionic tissue for inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Liu Hongyi , Chen Weibin , Zhao Bin , Quan Wei , Zhang Yinlong , Zhou Yuanyuan , Wan Zheng , Zhang Xiaohong , Xue Gang , Li Jietao , Luo Shuting , Wang Jinling , Liu Yun , Zhen Maochuan , Zhao Yilin
Published: February 2020

The prosthetic mesh, which is widely used in tension‐free hernioplasty, often result in avascular stiff fibrotic scar or mesh shrinkage, causing chronic pain and infection. Here, we developed an autologous bionic tissue (ABT), which was composed of autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) porous scaffolds, and extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by MSCs for inguinal hernioplasty. In ABT, MSCs produced a variety of ECM composites, such as structural proteins (insoluble collagen, elastin) that provided mechanical properties, macromolecules (hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan) as water and cytokines reservoir, and cell‐engaging proteins (fibronectin, laminin). The above ECM composites reached the highest level in 21 days. ECM degradation related cytokines (MMP‐9 and its inhibitor TIMP‐1) reached the highest level on the 14th day. ECM increased the mechanical properties, elasticity, and flexibility of PLGA. Compared with the PLGA, ABT greatly inhibited inflammatory factors and promoted anti‐inflammatory factors (p < 0.05), and gradually reduced the M1/M2 ratio in vivo (p < 0.05). After implantation, the thickness of tissue regeneration (p < 0.05), the number of capillaries or mature vessels (p < 0.05), the mechanical properties of ABT (p < 0.05) were greater than PLGA. MSCs and ECM could reduce the inflammation caused by PLGA, and prevent PLGA from earlier degradation and facilitate host cellular infiltration, thus ABT could greatly promote tissue regeneration in hernia repairs.
miR‐200b‐3p mitigates oxaliplatin resistance via targeting TUBB3 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Yu‐Zhu , Lin Hong‐Yue , Zhang Yin , Chen Wen‐Fa
Published: February 2020

Background

Numerous abnormally expressed miRs have been reported involved in oxaliplatin (L‐OHP) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to investigate whether miR‐200b‐3p could regulate L‐OHP resistance via targeting TUBB3 in CRC cells.

Methods

L‐OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells were exposed to escalating concentrations of L‐OHP up to 30 μm. The effect of miR‐200b‐3p on L‐OHP resistant CRC cells was then evaluated using the cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. CRC cell apoptosis was detected using Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining. Bioinformatics algorithms and luciferase reporter assays were also performed to investigate whether TUBB3 was a direct target of miR‐200b‐3p.

Results

miR‐200b‐3p declined in L‐OHP resistant CRC tissues and cell lines, and the overexpression of miR‐200b‐3p elevated the L‐OHP sensitivity in L‐OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells. In addition, we determined the potential mechanisms underlying miR‐200b‐3p‐mediated reversal of L‐OHP resistance by mediating its downstream target TUBB3, and the overexpression of miR‐200b‐3p could induce migration and growth inhibition and apoptosis in L‐OHP resistant HT29 and HCT116 cells by silencing βIII‐tubulin protein expression. However, the overexpression of TUBB3 reversed miR‐200b‐3p mimic‐induced migration, as well as growth inhibition and apoptosis, in L‐OHP resistant CRC cells.

Conclusions

miR‐200b‐3p improved L‐OHP resistance and induced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis in L‐OHP resistant CRC cells, and the underlying mechanism was mediated, at least partially, through the suppression of βIII‐tubulin protein expression.
Bond graph modelling and control enhancement of an off‐grid hybrid pumping system by frequency optimization
Authors: Mezghani Dhafer , Mami Abdelkader , Dauphin‐Tanguy Genevieve
Published: February 2020

The climate's dependence requires a complex modelling and other optimization methods for the control of the hybrid system. Moreover, recently, and as for both the technological progression of the hardware and software, researchers may more and more optimize problems through the use of enabled platforms. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Our hybrid pumping installation contains a photovoltaic generator, a wind source, converters, and an induction motor‐pump group; it has a hybrid and complex character and requires a good modelling of the energetic point of view before passing the phase of design of control laws. So we use the graphical approach of modelling called dedicated graph for this type of system, and this tool showed very interesting results in the level of modelling, dimensioning, monitoring, and diagnosing. The numerical closed‐loop simulation of the complete model in an appropriate environment allows us to generate an optimization control in which the appropriate frequency depends on meteorological conditions. The simulations are made from the climatic conditions measured in a real system using a microcontroller ARDUINO board. These measurements are used to simulate the adopted control and to judge on the feasibility of our architecture adopted.