bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and initial validation of the Psychological Need Frustration Scale for Physical Activity
Authors: Chung Pak-Kwong , Zhong Tao , Liu Jing-Dong , Zhang Chun-Qing , Wong Ming Yu Claudia
Published: May 2020

Background

The frustration of basic psychological needs can be detrimental to people’s health. To date, a scale developed specifically for measuring such perceived negative experiences, derived from a need thwarting environment in the physical activity context, is lacking. The present research attempted to develop and validate the Psychological Need Frustration Scale for Physical Activity (PNFS-PA) grounded in self-determination theory via multiple studies.

Method

In Study 1, an item pool was created, and its face and content validity were established. In Study 2, the factor structure of the scale was demonstrated using exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM). In Study 3, its factor structure was cross-validated. Also, the nomological validity, reliability and measurement invariance of the scale were established.

Result

Taken together, the research suggests the newly developed PNFS-PA is valid and reliable and can be applied to assess psychological needs frustration experiences in the physical activity context.
Physiological Mechanism Involved in the Response to Four Lettuce Varieties to a Pre-transplant Root Restriction and a 6, benzyl aminopurine (BAP) Spray
Authors: Campolongo L. , Carnelos D. , Miglioli J. Lozano , Fuginuma P. , Giardina E. , Benedetto A. Di
Published: May 2020

Vegetable yield is positively related to the environment and negatively affected by the pot root restriction during both the nursery and post-transplant stages. Root restriction is a physical stress imposed on the root system when plants are grown in small containers, which leads to a pronounced decrease in root and shoot growth at both the transplant and pot stages. Based on the assumption that the plant responses are mainly associated with a negative hormonal signaling from roots, some researchers have proposed that these abiotic stresses may be overridden by using a pre-transplant spray with benzyl amino purine (BAP), a synthetic cytokinin able to regulate plant metabolism. Although the physiological mechanisms induced by BAP have been described, the implementation of commercial applications of BAP for vegetables is still a pending issue. The aim of this work was to analyze growth changes in four lettuce genotypes in the presence of different root restrictions degree by the use of different plug cell volumes but sprayed with a single BAP spray under the hypothesis that it would play a role as abiotic stress alleviators. Our results showed that the higher biomass accumulation in lettuce plants non root-limited and BAP-sprayed ones are supported by higher photosynthetic rates, by higher leaf number initiation and expansion and by photo assimilate partition to shoots. Understanding the plant responses to this hormonal manipulation and the physiological mechanism involved will allow adjusting the agronomic advice for different vegetables and reaching commercial yields to each of them.
Studies on Environmental Status of Bagali Tank Near Harpanahalli, Bellary District, Karnataka (India)
Authors: Ravikumar M. , Vijaya B. , Manjappa S. , Suresh B.
Published: May 2020

Bagali tank is a perennial artificial water body situated 10 kms away from Harapanahalli to north-eastern region. The area of the tank is 146.2 hectares and depth is about 30 feet. The water body is irregular in shape. It is located at 14.842°N latitude and 75.989°E longitude. Rainwater, sewage and seepage from hilly regions is the main source of water to this tank. The water is used for agricultural practices and domestic activities. Due to anthropogenic activities, rapid industrial growth, domestic and agricultural activities of the region, the tank water is being polluted, which is the case with almost all major tanks of the region and also in India. A yearlong study was conducted to measure various physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters including levels of phytoplankton in the tank. The study revealed that there is indication of pollution in the Bagali Tank and hence preventive measures are required to avoid further deterioration of the tank water quality.
Improvement in the Management of Leaf Blight Disease of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) with Copper and Metalaxyl Fungicides
Authors: Omane Edmund , Oduro K. Asare , Cornelius Eric W. , Akrofi Andrews Y. , Asare Eric K. , Adongo Barnabas, A.
Published: May 2020

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is an important staple food crop for millions of people in developing countries. Taro production is constrained by many diseases of which leaf blight, caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski, is the most destructive and it accounts for up to 80% yield loss of taro in many countries. In Ghana, the disease accounts for 25 – 50% yield loss. Non-sustainability of cultural control method and the use of resistant varieties have compelled some farmers to abandon their fields while others have converted their farms to dry season vegetable farming. In this study, copper and metalaxyl fungicides were tested for the control of leaf blight disease of taro. In vitro fungicidal activity tests and field evaluation showed that Ridomil Gold Plus 66 WP (6% metalaxyl-M + 60% copper (I) oxide) and Metalm 72 WP (12% metalaxyl + 60% copper (I) oxide) at 50 g in 15 litres of water (3.3g/L) and Nordox 75 WG (86% cuprous oxide) at 75 g in 15 litres of water (5 g/L) are effective for the control of leaf blight disease of taro at 4 weekly intervals for five consecutive months in the wet season.
Odd Lomax-Kumaraswamy Distribution: Its Properties and Applications
Authors: Yakura Bassa Shiwaye , Sule Ahmed Askira , Dewu Mustapha Mohammed , Manju Kabiru Ahmed , Mohammed Fadimatu Bawuro
Published: May 2020

This article uses the odd Lomax-G family of distributions to study a new extension of the Kumaraswamy distribution called “odd Lomax-Kumaraswamy distribution”. In this article, the density and distribution functions of the odd Lomax-Kumaraswamy distribution are defined and studied with many other properties of the distribution such as the ordinary moments, moment generating function, characteristic function, quantile function, reliability functions, order statistics and other useful measures. The model parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. The goodness-of-fit of the proposed distribution is demonstrated using two real data sets.
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors Associated With Response to Treatment in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Brown Zoe , Metcalf Robert , Bednarz Jana , Spargo Llewellyn , Lee Anita , Hill Catherine , Wechalekar Mihir , Stavrou Christiana , James Michael , Cleland Les , Proudman Susanna
Published: May 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the associations between response to algorithm‐directed treat‐to‐target conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and potentially modifiable lifestyle factors, including dietary fish oil supplementation, body mass index (BMI), and smoking history in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inception cohort.

Methods

Patients with RA with a duration of less than 12 months were reviewed every 3 to 6 weeks to adjust therapy according to disease response. All patients received advice to take fish oil supplements, and omega‐3 status was measured as plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Lifestyle factors and other variables potentially prognostic for 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) remission and DAS28 low disease activity (LDA) at the 12‐month visit were included in multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Of 300 participants, 57.7% reached DAS28 LDA, and 43.7% were in DAS28 remission at 1 year. Increase in plasma EPA was associated with an increase in the odds of being in LDA (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.27; P < 0.0001) and remission (adjusted OR = 1.21; P < 0.001). There was some evidence that the effect of BMI on LDA might be modified by smoking history. An increase in BMI was associated with a decrease in the odds of being in LDA in current and former smokers but had no impact on LDA in patients who had never smoked. There were no meaningful associations between BMI or smoking history and remission.

Conclusion

Omega‐3 status, BMI, and smoking history are potential predictors of outcome in early RA. The possibility of an effect modification by smoking on the predictive value of BMI merits further investigation.
Synchronization of heterogeneous multiagent systems: A distributed observer and compensation framework
Authors: Wang Bohui , Zhao Yu , Zhang Langwen
Published: May 2020

This article proposes a distributed observer and compensation framework to address the synchronization problem of heterogeneous multiagent systems under directed communication and dynamic jointly connected topology scenarios. Different from the previous results, the synchronization problem is solved in our framework which neither relies on the solution of regulator equations which can be regarded as a high gain and usually calculated by a forced equivalence principle, nor assumes the global connectivity condition for all the agents to obtain a bounded synchronization error level. To do this, first, we introduce a dual design principle, where a stabilization condition with an appropriate coupling strength for the synchronization algorithm is proposed. Within this framework, a class of synchronization dynamics called synchronization distributed observers and tracking controller named control protocol are designed. While the synchronization behaviors can be achieved between synchronization distributed observers and control protocol, all the agents will synchronize to their leader in a situation where the system dynamics of the leader can be acquired in advance by all individuals. Finally, simulations of heterogeneous single‐link manipulators are presented to show the effectiveness of our approach.
Ionically Generated Built‐In Equilibrium Space Charge Zones—a Paradigm Change for Lead Halide Perovskite Interfaces
Authors: Kim Gee Yeong , Senocrate Alessandro , Moia Davide , Maier Joachim
Published: May 2020

Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) is the archetype of the intensively researched class of perovskites for photovoltaics. Nonetheless, even equilibrium aspects are far from being fully understood. Equilibrium space charge effects at the MAPI/TiO2 and MAPI/Al2O3 interfaces are discussed, which are of paramount significance for solar cells. Different from the photovoltaic literature in which such built‐in potentials are considered as being generated solely by electronic charge carriers, a generalized picture that considers the equilibrium distribution of both ionic and electronic carriers is applied. Experimental evidence is given that shows it is the ions that are responsible for the equilibrium space charge potential, the reason being a pronounced ion adsorption at the contacts. The electronic redistribution is a sheer consequence of the so‐established electric field. Experiments with mesoporous oxide as well as experiments with MAPbBr3 (MAPBr) indicate photovoltaic relevance and material generality in terms of the choice of the lead‐based perovskite. The occurrence of space charge effects at heterojunctions generated by ionic redistribution is not only a novel concept in photovoltaics, it also provides a new path to modifying charge‐selective interfaces, as well as a better understanding of the behavior in mesoporous systems.
Thermoelectric Paper: Graphite Pencil Traces on Paper to Fabricate a Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Mulla Rafiq , Jones Daniel R. , Dunnill Charles W.
Published: May 2020

Paper‐based thermoelectric generators are a promising and economical alternative to expensive organic conductors that are normally preferred for flexible generators. In the present work, graphite pencil traces on regular Xerox paper are successfully employed to constitute a thermoelectric generator. In conjunction with polyethylenimine polymer, the graphite traces act as both the p‐type and n‐type thermoelectric “legs,” of a graphite‐based thermoelectric generator. The fabrication method is facile and requires no conducting paste or silver paste to connect individual thermoelectric legs. A test module containing five pairs of p‐n legs is fabricated on paper to test its performance. The device produces a thermoelectric voltage of 9.2 mV, generating an output power of 1.75 nW at a temperature difference of ≈60 K. The present work demonstrates that ordinary pencil on paper may be used as the foundation for a cheap, flexible, easily disposable, and environmentally friendly thermoelectric generator.
A combination of morphological and photosynthetic functional traits maintains the vertical distribution of bryophytes in a subtropical cloud forest
Authors: Fan Xiao-Yang , Liu Wen-Yao , Song Liang , Liu Shuai , Shi Xian-Meng , Yuan Guo-Di
Published: May 2020

Premise

The distribution and performance of bryophyte species vary with vertical gradients, as a result of changes in environmental factors, especially light. However, the morphological and physiological drivers of bryophyte distribution along forest vertical gradients are poorly understood.

Methods

For 18 species of mosses and liverworts distributed among three vertical microhabitats (ground, tree trunk, and branch, variance in 28 morphological and photosynthetic functional traits was comparatively analyzed among the microhabitats and bryophyte life‐forms in a subtropical cloud forest in Ailao Mountain, Yunnan, southwestern China. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to summarize trait differences among bryophyte species.

Results

In contrast to trunk and ground dwellers, branch dwellers tended to reduce light interception (smaller leaf and cell sizes, lower chlorophyll content), protect against damage from intense irradiation (higher ratios of carotenoids to chlorophyll), raise light energy use (higher photosynthetic capacity), and cope with lower environmental moisture (pendant life‐forms, thicker cell walls). The PCA showed that ecological strategies of bryophytes in response to levels of irradiation were specialized in branch dwellers, although those of ground and trunk dwellers were less distinct.

Conclusions

Environmental filtering shaped the combination of functional traits and the spatial distribution of bryophytes along the vertical gradients. Bryophyte species from the upper canopy of cloud forests show narrow variation in functional traits in high‐light intensity, whereas species in the lower vertical strata associated with low‐light intensity used contrasting, but more diverse ecological strategies.
A Cationic Oligomer as an Organic Template for Direct Synthesis of Aluminosilicate ITH Zeolite
Authors: Lei Chi , Dong Zhuoya , Martínez Cristina , Martínez‐Triguero Joaquín , Chen Wei , Wu Qinming , Meng Xiangju , Parvulescu Andrei‐Nicolae , De Baerdemaeker Trees , Müller Ulrich , Zheng Anmin , Ma Yanhang , Zhang Weiping , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Marler Bernd , De Vos Dirk E. , Kolb Ute , Corma Avelino , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: May 2020

There are a large number of zeolites, such as ITH, that cannot be prepared in the aluminosilicate form. Now, the successful synthesis of aluminosilicate ITH zeolite using a simple cationic oligomer as an organic template is presented. Key to the success is that the cationic oligomer has a strong complexation ability with aluminum species combined with a structural directing ability for the ITH structure similar to that of the conventional organic template. The aluminosilicate ITH zeolite has very high crystallinity, nanosheet‐like crystal morphology, large surface area, fully four‐coordinated Al species, and abundant acidic sites. Methanol‐to‐propylene (MTP) tests reveal that the Al‐ITH zeolite shows much higher selectivity for propylene and longer lifetime than commercial ZSM‐5. FCC tests show that Al‐ITH zeolite is a good candidate as a shape‐selective FCC additive for enhancing propylene and butylene selectivity.
Überwindung der intrinsischen Reaktivität bei aliphatischer C‐H‐Oxidation: Bevorzugte C3/C4‐Oxidation von aliphatischen Ammoniumsubstraten
Authors: Knezevic Melina , Heilmann Michael , Piccini Giovanni Maria , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: May 2020

Die positionsselektive C‐H‐Oxidation von nicht aktivierten Stellen in aliphatischen Ammoniumketten stellt eine enorme synthetische Herausforderung dar, für welche bisher keine Lösung gefunden wurde. Wir berichten hier über die bevorzugte Oxidation der stark deaktivierten C3/C4‐Positionen von aliphatischen Ammoniumsubstraten durch den Einsatz eines neuen supramolekularen Katalysators. Dieser chimäre Katalysator wurde durch die Verknüpfung der gut erforschten katalytischen Fe(pdp)‐Einheit an eine Alkylammonium bindende Pinzette hergestellt. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen das enorme Potenzial, die intrinsische Reaktivität in chemischen Reaktionen zu überwinden, indem die Katalyse mithilfe supramolekularer Wirtstrukturen, welche eine exakte Orientierung der Substrate ermöglichen, gesteuert wird.
Synthese und Charakterisierung des höchst instabilen metalloiden Clusters Ag64(PnBu3)16Cl6
Authors: Diecke Maximilian , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: May 2020

Die Reduktion von (nBu3P)AgCl mit LiBH(sBu)3 in Toluol führt zur Bildung des metalloiden Silberclusters Ag64(PnBu3)16Cl6 (1) in Form dunkelroter, wärme‐ und lichtempfindlicher Kristalle in hohen Ausbeuten. 1 ist der größte strukturell charakterisierte metalloide Silbercluster, der nur Chlor‐ und Phosphansubstituenten aufweist. Die Silberatome in 1 sind quaderförmig angeordnet, wobei Ähnlichkeiten zu den dichtesten Kugelpackungen (fcc und hcp) auftreten. In 1 ist ein Schalenabschluss mit 58 Elektronen realisiert. Die Lichtempfindlichkeit macht 1 zu einer Modellverbindung der ersten Schritte des Fotoprozesses. Durch diese Empfindlichkeit im Zusammenspiel mit hohen Ausbeuten ist 1 ein gutes Ausgangsmaterial für weitere Untersuchungen für Silberbeschichtungen.
Tackling N‐Alkyl Imines with 3d Metal Catalysis: Highly Enantioselective Iron‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Chiral Amines
Authors: Blasius Clemens K. , Heinrich Niklas F. , Vasilenko Vladislav , Gade Lutz H.
Published: May 2020

A readily activated iron alkyl precatalyst effectively catalyzes the highly enantioselective hydroboration of N‐alkyl imines. Employing a chiral bis(oxazolinylmethylidene)isoindoline pincer ligand, the asymmetric reduction of various acyclic N‐alkyl imines provided the corresponding α‐chiral amines in excellent yields and with up to >99 % ee. The applicability of this base metal catalytic system was further demonstrated with the synthesis of the pharmaceuticals Fendiline and Tecalcet.
Three‐Step Spin State Transition and Hysteretic Proton Transfer in the Crystal of an Iron(II) Hydrazone Complex
Authors: Nakanishi Takumi , Hori Yuta , Wu Shuqi , Sato Hiroyasu , Okazawa Atsushi , Kojima Norimichi , Horie Yusuke , Okajima Hajime , Sakamoto Akira , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Sato Osamu
Published: May 2020

A proton–electron coupling system, exhibiting unique bistability or multistability of the protonated state, is an attractive target for developing new switchable materials based on proton dynamics. Herein, we present an iron(II) hydrazone crystalline compound, which displays the stepwise transition and bistability of proton transfer at the crystal level. These phenomena are realized through the coupling with spin transition. Although the multi‐step transition with hysteresis has been observed in various systems, the corresponding behavior of proton transfer has not been reported in crystalline systems; thus, the described iron(II) complex is the first example. Furthermore, because proton transfer occurs only in one of the two ligands and π electrons redistribute in it, the dipole moment of the iron(II) complexes changes with the proton transfer, wherein the total dipole moment in the crystal was canceled out owing to the antiferroelectric‐like arrangement.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Highly Unstable Metalloid Cluster Ag64(PnBu3)16Cl6
Authors: Diecke Maximilian , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: May 2020

The reduction of (nBu3P)AgCl with LiBH(sBu)3 in toluene gives the metalloid silver cluster Ag64(PnBu3)16Cl6 (1) as dark red, temperature‐ and light‐sensitive single crystals in high yield. 1 is the largest structurally characterized metalloid silver cluster exhibiting chlorine and phosphine substituents only. The silver atoms in 1 show an overall brick‐shape arrangement, where structural resemblance to the close‐packed fcc and hcp structures is realized. Within 1 a 58 electron closed shell system is present. The light sensitivity renders 1 as a model compound for the primary seeds of the photo process, whereby this sensitivity, together with the high‐yield synthesis show that 1 is a perfect starting compound for further investigations like silver‐plating processes.
Novel benzo[b]xanthene derivatives: Bismuth(III) triflate‐catalyzed one‐pot synthesis, characterization, and acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory properties
Authors: Turhan Kadir , Pektaş Begüm , Türkan Fikret , Tuğcu Fatma T. , Turgut Zuhal , Taslimi Parham , Karaman Halide S. , Gulcin Ilhami
Published: May 2020

In this study, 3,4‐dihydro‐12‐aryl‐1H‐benzo[b]xanthene‐1,6,11‐(2H,12H)trione compounds were obtained through one‐pot condensation of various substituted aromatic aldehydes, 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, and dimedone in the presence of Bi(OTf)3 as a green and reusable catalyst. The structural characterization of these novel substituted benzo[b]xanthenes was performed by spectroscopic methods, and their inhibitory actions against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were investigated. GST is an enzyme responsible for removing toxic molecules during Phase II reactions in the detoxification mechanism. The AChE and BChE enzymes, which are called cholinesterases, are among the enzymes that occur especially during dementia such as brain damage or Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition effects of the benzo[b]xanthene derivatives on AChE, BChE, and GST were found at the millimolar level. The best inhibitor for GST is compound 4a (31.18 ± 6.13 mM), for AChE, it is compound 4d (28.16 ± 3.46 mM), and for BChE, it is compound 4f (36.24 ± 3.19 mM). Compound 4a inhibited the dimerization of GST subunits, and compounds 4d and 4f directly inhibited the catalytic activity by interacting with the catalytic active site or a related site of the AChE and BChE enzymes, respectively.
Role of tumour location and surgical extent on prognosis in T2 gallbladder cancer: an international multicentre study
Authors: Kwon W , Kim H , Han Y , Hwang Y J , Kim S G , Kwon H J , Vinuela E , Járufe N , Roa J C , Han I W , Heo J S , Choi S-H , Choi D W , Ahn K S , Kang K J , Lee W , Jeong C-Y , Hong S-C , Troncoso A T , Losada H M , Han S-S , Park S-J , Kim S-W , Yanagimoto H , Endo I , Kubota K , Wakai T , Ajiki T , Adsay N V , Jang J-Y
Published: May 2020

Background

In gallbladder cancer, stage T2 is subdivided by tumour location into lesions on the peritoneal side (T2a) or hepatic side (T2b). For tumours on the peritoneal side (T2a), it has been suggested that liver resection may be omitted without compromising the prognosis. However, data to validate this argument are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of tumour location in T2 gallbladder cancer, and to clarify the adequate extent of surgical resection.

Methods

Clinical data from patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer were collected from 14 hospitals in Korea, Japan, Chile and the USA. Survival and risk factor analyses were conducted.

Results

Data from 937 patients were available for evaluation. The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate was 70·6 per cent, 74·5 per cent for those with T2a and 65·5 per cent among those with T2b tumours (P = 0·028). Regarding liver resection, extended cholecystectomy was associated with a better 5-year disease-free survival rate than simple cholecystectomy (73·0 versus 61·5 per cent; P = 0·012). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was marginally better for extended than simple cholecystectomy in both T2a (76·5 versus 66·1 per cent; P = 0·094) and T2b (68·2 versus 56·2 per cent; P = 0·084) disease. Five-year disease-free survival rates were similar for extended cholecystectomies including liver wedge resection versus segment IVb/V segmentectomy (74·1 versus 71·5 per cent; P = 0·720). In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for recurrence were presence of symptoms (hazard ratio (HR) 1·52; P = 0·002), R1 resection (HR 1·96; P = 0·004) and N1/N2 status (N1: HR 3·40, P < 0·001; N2: HR 9·56, P < 0·001). Among recurrences, 70·8 per cent were metastatic.

Conclusion

Tumour location was not an independent prognostic factor in T2 gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy was marginally superior to simple cholecystectomy. A radical operation should include liver resection and adequate node dissection.
Nonhydrolyzable Heptose Bis‐ and Monophosphate Analogues Modulate Pro‐inflammatory TIFA‐NF‐κB Signaling
Authors: Liang Lina , Wade Wei Tong‐You , Wu Pei‐Yu , Herrebout Wouter , Tsai Ming‐Daw , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: May 2020

d‐Glycero‐d‐manno‐heptose‐1β,7‐bisphosphate (HBP) and d‐glycero‐d‐manno‐heptose‐1β‐phosphate (H1P) are bacterial metabolites that were recently shown to stimulate inflammatory responses in host cells through the activation of the TIFA‐dependent NF‐κB pathway. To better understand structure‐based activity in relation to this process, a family of nonhydrolyzable phosphonate analogues of HBP and H1P was synthesized. The inflammation modulation by which these molecules induce the TIFA‐NF‐κB signal axis was evaluated in vivo at a low‐nanomolar concentration (6 nM) and compared to that of the natural metabolites. Our data showed that three phosphonate analogues had similar stimulatory activity to HBP, whereas two phosphonates antagonized HBP‐induced TIFA‐NF‐κB signaling. These results open new horizons for the design of pro‐inflammatory and innate immune modulators that could be used as vaccine adjuvant.
Two knots in an umbilical cord with seventy centimeter length: A case report
Authors: Haghighi Ladan , Jahanshahi Fatemeh , Dini Parisa
Published: May 2020

Our case was a newborn with two umbilical knots that delivered 39 weeks gastation and did not experience any developmental disruptions. The risk factors of fetus for true knot formation in the umbilical cord were gender and the umbilical cord size.
Systemic toxicity to betamethasone ointment
Authors: Aliyev Rahim , Finsterer Josef
Published: May 2020

Topically applied betamethasone for actinic keratosis may trigger systemic side effects. Systemic side effects of topical betamethasone may completely resolve after discontinuation of the causative agent. A 59‐year‐old male patient with scalp actinic keratosis developed fatigue and the need to sleep shortly after starting topical betamethasone/diclofenac ointment. Additionally, he experienced vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbance, change in character and recognition, tiredness, visual impairment, and elevated blood pressure. Since all symptoms resolved completely within 48 hours after discontinuation of the ointment, they were attributed to glucocorticoids.
Properties and Alkaline Stability of Composite Anion Conducting Ionomers Based on Poly(phenylene oxide) Grafted with DABCO and Mg/Al Lamellar Double Hydroxide
Authors: Pasquini Luca , Becerra‐Arciniegas Raul‐Andres , Narducci Riccardo , Sgreccia Emanuela , Gressel Vincent , Di Vona Maria‐Luisa , Knauth Philippe
Published: May 2020

We studied composite anion exchange membranes made from poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) with grafted 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and Mg/Al lamellar double hydroxide particles as inorganic filler. The mechanical and conductivity properties were measured in fully humidified conditions. The activation energy for conductivity amounts to (0.20±0.01) eV. The degradation of the anion‐exchange membrane in 2 M NaOH at 60 °C was investigated during 168 h following the ionic conductivity, water uptake, and ion‐exchange capacity as function of the alkaline treatment time. The degradation is rapid within the first hours and then slows down. The degradation was also studied by thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy, showing the various decomposition phenomena of the composite.
Overseeding cover crops on corn and soybean response in upstate Missouri
Authors: Adler Renee L. , Nelson Kelly A.
Published: May 2020

Field trials were conducted near Novelty, Missouri from the spring of 2016 to the fall of 2018. Main crops, corn (Zea mays) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr], were planted and rotated to the other crop the following year. Cover crop (CC) treatments were overseeded into the main crop at V5, V10, and VT in separate corn experiments and at R6 in soybean to determine the effect of overseeding CCs on main crop yield, CC biomass, weed biomass, and rotational crop yield. No yield differences were detected in corn or the subsequent soybean crop when corn was overseeded at V5 with a CC. Neither CC nor weed biomass was greater than the non‐treated control (NTC). Year by treatment interactions were present for CC biomass and subsequent soybean yield when corn was overseeded at V10. In 2017, CC biomass was 348 to 820 lb ac−1 greater than the NTC, but soybean yield was similar to the NTC in both years. Biomass of CCs overseeded into soybean at R6 was 2240 to 2950 lb ac−1 greater in 2017 than in 2018, and some CCs reduced weed biomass in 2017. Some cover crops reduced corn yield 29 to 57 bu ac−1 following overseeded soybean. Excluding wheat, CC treatments did not reduce main crop yield in 2018. Lesser CC biomass may reduce yield loss of rotational crop suggesting earlier springtime termination of CCs might prevent excessive biomass accumulation.
Simplified Synthesis of Biomass‐Derived Si/C Composites as Stable Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Majeed Muhammad K. , Saleem Adil , Wang Chunsheng , Song Chunhua , Yang Jian
Published: May 2020

Synthesis of silicon/carbon (Si/C) composites from biomass resources could enable the effective utilization of agricultural products in the battery industry with economical as well as environmental benefits. Herein, a simplified process was developed to synthesize Si/C from biomass, by using a low‐cost agricultural byproduct “rice husk (RH)” as a model. This process includes the calcination of RH for SiO2/C and the reduction of SiO2/C by Al in molten salts at a moderate temperature. This process does not need the removal of carbon before thermal reduction of SiO2, which is thought to be necessary to avoid the formation of SiC at elevated temperatures. Thus, carbon derived from biomass can be directly used for Si/C composites for anode materials. The resultant Si/C shows a high reversible capacity of 1309 mAh g−1 and long cycle life (300 cycles). This research advocates a new and simplified strategy for the synthesis of RH‐based biomass‐derived Si/C, which is beneficial for low‐cost, environmentally friendly, and green energy storage applications.
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: May 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the collaborative team of researchers from TU Munich, PNNL and TU Delft. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000772.
An adaptive technique based blood glucose control in type‐1 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Belmon Anchana P. , Auxillia Jeraldin
Published: May 2020

This study proposes Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) based type 1 diabetes mellitus system utilizing the nonlinear Bergman minimal model with proportional integral derivative (PID) controller. GOA is the optimization algorithm, which is utilized for selecting the optimized tuning parameters of the PID controller also solves the nonlinear system parameter identification problem. The novelty of the proposed study is to stabilize the glucose level in blood for type 1 diabetic patients by infusion of insulin in reduced time with optimal quantity. Without any intervention to the normal activities of patients, the supply of insulin injection and glucose monitoring is performed automatically for type 1 diabetic patients using this controller. In between the measured variable and set point, the difference is calculated by the PID controller to evaluate an error values. In realistic patient oriented conditions, the control performance evaluation, control optimization, and advanced patient modelling should be highly concentrated during the research/analysis on blood glucose control. Evaluation is performed to analyze control performances and implementation is done on Simulink/MATLAB environment. The performance analysis of the type 1 diabetes mellitus system with GOA technique is also discussed and to improve the control performance, to optimize the controller parameters. The simulation results have proved the substantial improvement in the performance of proposed algorithm with the better results achieved than the other conventional controllers such as PSO‐PID and EHO‐PID.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cell biology and its role in immune‐mediated diseases
Authors: Ye Yishan , Gaugler Béatrice , Mohty Mohamad , Malard Florent
Published: May 2020

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique subset of dendritic cells specialised in secreting high levels of type I interferons. pDCs play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and have been implicated in the initiation and development of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This review summarises the latest advances in recent years in several aspects of pDC biology, with special focus on pDC heterogeneity, pDC development via the lymphoid pathway, and newly identified proteins/pathways involved in pDC trafficking, nucleic acid sensing and interferon production. Finally, we also highlight the current understanding of pDC involvement in autoimmunity and alloreactivity, and opportunities for pDC‐targeting therapies in these diseases. These new insights have contributed to answers to several fundamental questions remaining in pDC biology and may pave the way to successful pDC‐targeting therapy in the future.
Parasite‐driven replacement of a sexual by a closely related asexual taxon in nature
Authors: Lohr Jennifer N. , Haag Christoph R.
Published: May 2020

Asexual species are thought to suffer more from coevolving parasites than related sexuals. Yet a variety of studies do not find the patterns predicted by theory. Here, to shine light on this conundrum, we investigate one such case of an asexual advantage in the presence of parasites. We follow the frequency dynamics of sexual and asexual Daphnia pulex in a natural pond that was initially dominated by sexuals. Coinciding with an epidemic of a microsporidian parasite infecting both sexuals and asexuals, the pond was rapidly taken over by the initially rare asexuals. With experiments comparing multiple sexual and asexual clones from across the local metapopulation, we confirm that asexuals are less susceptible and also suffer less from the parasite once infected. These results are consistent with the parasite‐driven, ecological replacement of dominant sexuals by closely related, but more resistant asexuals, ultimately leading to the extinction of the formerly superior sexual competitor. Our study is one of the clearest examples from nature, backed up by experimental verification, showing a parasite‐mediated reversal of competition dynamics. The experiments show that, across the metapopulation, asexuals have an advantage in the presence of parasites. In this metapopulation, asexuals are relatively rare, likely due to their recent invasion. While we cannot rule out other reasons for the observed patterns, the results are consistent with a temporary parasite‐mediated advantage of asexuals due to the fact that they are rare, which is an underappreciated aspect of the Red Queen Hypothesis.
Transient transfer shape factor for fractured tight reservoirs: Effect of the dynamic threshold pressure gradient in unsteady flow
Authors: Liu Kai , Yin Daiyin , Su Haibo
Published: May 2020

In fractured tight reservoirs, the seepage capacity of the matrix is poor, and fluid migration mainly depends on matrix/fracture transfer. An accurate understanding of the matrix/fracture flow is the basis of well tests and numerical simulations for tight reservoirs. In this paper, the unsteady flow equation for tight reservoirs is deduced based on the boundary layer theory, which can reflect the effect of the dynamic threshold pressure gradient, and the theoretical flow equation is verified by seepage experiments. Based on the study of the flow equation, the approximate semi‐analytical solution of the matrix/fracture unsteady transfer shape factor and the transfer function for tight reservoirs are established considering the early stage of matrix/fracture transfer (pressure does not propagate to the matrix center) and the late stage of matrix/fracture transfer (pseudo‐steady state). The results show that the shape factor of the tight reservoir is mainly affected by three factors (minimum threshold pressure gradient, static boundary layer thickness, and sensitivity coefficient of the fluid boundary layer), and the theoretical curves show that the intermediate transfer enters the pseudo‐steady state when the dimensionless time reaches approximately 0.14. The higher the minimum threshold pressure gradient is, the larger the transfer shape factor. The larger the static boundary layer thickness is, the larger the transfer shape factor; additionally, the larger the sensitivity coefficient of the fluid boundary layer is, the faster the change rate of the shape factor. Finally, the transfer shape factor is applied to a well test interpretation. Examples prove that the fitting accuracy of the new curve type is improved by 34.2% compared with the curve type for the conventional well test interpretation method.
Investigation of the factors affecting the self‐propelled force in a multi‐orifice nozzle using a novel simulation method
Authors: Li Yumei , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2020

A multi‐orifice nozzle is the primary actuator of radial jet drilling for the stimulation of unconventional and low‐permeability reservoirs. This research developed a 3D flow field simulation model to investigate the self‐propelled force of a multi‐orifice nozzle based on ANSYS‐CFX. To evaluate the self‐propelled ability of the nozzle, investigation was performed on the effects of the angle, number, the diameter of the forward and backward orifices of the multi‐orifice nozzle, and the diameter of the micro‐hole in the radial well on its self‐propelled ability by sensitivity analysis. The results revealed that the self‐propelled force slightly increased with the angle of forward orifice increasing, and decreased with the angle of backward orifice increasing; and that the self‐propelled force had a tendency to decrease significantly with the number of forward orifices increasing, and increased slightly with the number of backward orifices increasing. The self‐propelled forces for different combinations of forward and backward orifices were obtained by the simulation method, which agreed well with those obtained by the calculation method, with an average accuracy of 95.82%. It was observed that the self‐propelled force increased substantially as the value of K (d2/d1) increased, but tended to slow down when the flow rate was within a certain range. Besides, with the increase in the diameter of the micro‐hole, the self‐propelled force reduced, and increased substantially as the inlet flow rate increased, but tended to slow down as the inlet flow rate further increased. Thus, to ensure the self‐propelled ability of the jet nozzle, a set of optimal structural parameters can be used to generate the target self‐propelled ability. The research improves the working performance of multi‐orifice nozzles and provides theoretical guidance for hydraulic radial jet drilling process.
Hospital Evacuation Planning Tool for Assistance Devices (HEPTAD)
Authors: Joyce Michael S. , Lawrence Peter J. , Galea Edwin R.
Published: May 2020

A new software tool, called HEPTAD (Hospital Evacuation Planning Tool for Assistance Devices), designed to aid evacuation planning in hospitals is described and demonstrated in this article. The software can identify regions within a hospital geometry that are inappropriate for patients who require the use of specific movement assistance devices in the event of an emergency evacuation. Using the software, Hospital Emergency Coordinators can reduce the risk of allocating a bed to a patient from which they cannot be evacuated within a safe time. In addition, HEPTAD is designed to be a proof of concept for algorithms that will later be incorporated within the EXODUS egress model. HEPTAD utilises several techniques from autonomous robotics to generate the fastest viable egress route for movement assistance devices from every location in the geometry while considering device spatial constraints (size and shape) and kinematic constraints (maximum speeds, turning radius and holonomicity). It then uses the egress time of this route along with factors from space syntax (isovist and spaciousness) to analyse the emergency vulnerability of every location within the geometry.
Retracing the Evolution of Thinking Ethically About Student Data
Authors: Prinsloo Paul , Slade Sharon
Published: May 2020

As institutions of higher education increasingly look to data as evidence to support planning, allocate resources, and inform teaching and pedagogy, ethical considerations regarding learning analytics have evolved from being on the margins to more central in the conversations surrounding institutional uses of student data. After outlining this evolution, we provide pointers for researching and institutionalizing ethical approaches to the use of student data.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in murine macrophages
Authors: Luo Xiao‐Qin , Duan Jia‐Xi , Yang Hui‐Hui , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Sun Chen‐Chen , Guan Xin‐Xin , Xiong Jian‐Bing , Zu Cheng , Tao Jia‐Hao , Zhou Yong , Guan Cha‐Xiang
Published: May 2020

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) derived from arachidonic acid exert anti‐inflammation effects. We have reported that blocking the degradation of EETs with a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor protects mice from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury (ALI). The underlying mechanisms remain essential questions. In this study, we investigated the effects of EETs on the activation of nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat‐containing receptor, pyrin domain‐containing‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in murine macrophages. In an LPS‐induced ALI murine model, we found that sEH inhibitor 1‐trifluoromethoxyphenyl‐3‐(1‐propionylpiperidin‐4‐yl), TPPU, profoundly attenuated the pathological injury and inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, characterized by the reduction of the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro‐caspase‐1, interleukin precursor (pro‐IL‐1β), and IL‐1β p17 in the lungs of LPS‐treated mice. In vitro, primary peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 were primed with LPS and activated with exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP). TPPU treatment remarkably reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome‐related molecules and blocked the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, four EETs (5,6‐EET, 8,9‐EET, 11,12‐EET, and 14,15‐EET) inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by LPS + ATP or LPS + nigericin in macrophages in various degree. While the inhibitory effect of 5,6‐EET was the weakest. Mechanismly, EETs profoundly decreased the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored the calcium overload in macrophages receiving LPS + ATP stimulation. In conclusion, this study suggests that EETs inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by suppressing calcium overload and ROS production in macrophages, contributing to the therapeutic potency to ALI.
Indirect dating of an olive tree planting event using luminescence of the sediments lying beneath the roots of the tree: a pilot study in the south‐western part of Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Şahiner Eren , Polymeris Georgios S. , Atlihan M. Altay , Aktürk Selcuk , Meriç Niyazi
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study is to attempt assessing the age of a monumental olive tree located between the Antique Cities of Militus (Didim‐Aydın region) and Iasos (Milas‐Muğla region). Wood from the trunk of an olive tree is not appropriate for conventional dating approaches such as dendrochronology or14C. The sediments closely located surrounding and beneath the roots of the olive tree are considered indicative of the age of the planting event; therefore these sediments were dated using both quartz and feldspar luminescence signal protocols. Methodological aspects including the preheating plateaus, equivalent dose statistical approaches and dose rate using gamma spectrometry are also discussed, as dating of the associated palaeochannel sediments of the area are presented for the first time in the dating literature. The optically stimulated luminescence and/or infrared stimulated luminescence ages are extrapolated to date the event of the tree planting; it is the first time in the literature that an age is reported for an olive tree in the eastern Mediterranean region. The present study stands as the first experimental evidence that olive trees have been cultivated in the area since the Iron Age.