bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil‐test biological activity with the flush of CO2: V. Validation of nitrogen prediction for corn production
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProduction of corn (Zea mays L.) requires significant N availability to reach maximum yield potential. Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations generally have ignored site‐specific conditions and have focused more on total N demand for representative soils across a region. Recent evidence suggested that site‐specific conditions of the biologically active component (0–10‐cm depth) could inform the magnitude of yield response to applied N fertilizer. This approach was tested further on 111 fields in Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge regions (states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia). Plant‐available N (sum of residual inorganic N and net N mineralization during a 24‐d aerobic incubation) was inversely proportional to economically optimum N rate scaled to grain production level (r2 = .47, p < .001). Soil‐test biological activity as a simple, rapid, and reliable indicator of net N mineralization was also predictive of economically optimum N rate (r2 = .46, p < .001) and validated an earlier assessment. Greater soil‐test biological activity was obtained from private farms than from research stations (259 vs. 172 mg C kg−1 3 d−1, respectively; p < .001), as well as from fields with minimum tillage, multi‐species cover cropping, and amendment with animal manures. Results imply that some farmers are making choices to improve soil health condition and these choices can lead to lower requirement for N fertilizer inputs. A shift towards site‐specific N management should focus on soil biological activity and its association with N mineralization as indicators of soil health to increase profit and reduce environmental impacts.
An examination of breastmilk composition among high altitude Peruvian women
Authors: Schafrank Lauren A. , Washabaugh Jennifer R. , Hoke Morgan K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveRelatively little is known about sources of variation in human breastmilk composition. Previous research posits that composition may be affected by the low oxygen environment found at high altitude (HA). Our objective is to compare the milk composition of a sample of HA Andeans to previously published data on HA Tibetans and low altitude (LA) Peruvians.MethodsMid‐feed milk samples were collected from 22 women and tested for lipid, carbohydrate and protein content in addition to dietary surveys and anthropometric measures. We examined relationships between maternal and infant characteristics (maternal BMI, adiposity, age, skinfold thickness, infant age) and milk composition using multiple regression analyses. A Welch‐Satterthause t‐test was used to compare summary measures from Andean sample and Tibetan samples.ResultsMilk fat, sugar, and true protein content were correlated with different maternal and infant characteristics, with only waist to hip ratio negatively affecting fat and positively affecting sugar content in full models. Nuñoan and LA Peruvian milk exhibited significantly lower lactose levels (6.01 ± .89 g/100 mL and 6.38 ± 0.03 g/100 mL) than Tibetans (7.25 ± 0.35 g/100 mL). Fat content among Nuñoans was similar to that of Tibetans (4.5 ± 0.78 g/100 mL and 4.6 ± 1.51 g/100 mL, respectively), and higher than those of LA Peruvians.ConclusionsBoth HA populations demonstrate relatively high fat content and both Peruvian samples exhibited relatively higher protein and lower lactose than Tibetan samples, suggesting that both population‐based differences in feeding behavior and climatic differences may influence composition.
Structural Diversification of Pillar[n]arene Macrocycles
Authors: Xu Xiaowen , Jerca Valentin Victor , Hoogenboom Richard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDespite the fact that pillar[n]arenes receive major interest as building blocks for supramolecular chemistry and advanced materials, their functionalization is generally limited to the modification of the hydroxy or alkoxy units present on the rims. This limited structural freedom restricts further developments and has very recently been overcome. In this article, we highlight three very recent studies demonstrating further structural diversification of pillar[n]arenes by partial removal of the alkoxy substituents on the rims, which can be considered as the next generation of pillar[n]arenes.
Engraving the Surface of Electrospun Microfibers with Nanoscale Grooves Promotes the Outgrowth of Neurites and the Migration of Schwann Cells
Authors: Wu Tong , Xue Jiajia , Xia Younan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe report a simple method based upon coaxial electrospinning for the fabrication of aligned microfibers engraved with nanoscale grooves to promote neurite outgrowth and cell migration. The success of this method relies on the immiscibility between poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) for the generation of PVP/TFE pockets on the surface of a PCL jet. The pockets are stretched and elongated along with the jet, eventually resulting in the formation of nanoscale grooves upon the removal of PVP. The presence of nanoscale grooves greatly enhances the outgrowth of neurites from both PC12 cells and chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) bodies, as well as the migration of Schwann cells. The enhancements can be maximized by optimizing the dimensions of the grooves for potential use in applications involving neurite extension and wound closure.
Bio‐Inspired Isoalloxazine Redox Moieties for Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cheng Liwei , Liang Yanhong , Zhu Qiaonan , Yu Dandan , Chen Mengxue , Liang Junfei , Wang Hua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOrganic electrode materials hold great potential for fabricating sustainable energy storage systems, however, the development of organic redox‐active moieties for rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries is still at an early stage. Here, we report a bio‐inspired riboflavin‐based aqueous zinc‐ion battery utilizing an isoalloxazine ring as the redox center for the first time. This battery exhibits a high capacity of 145.5 mAh g−1 at 0.01 A g−1 and a long‐life stability of 3000 cycles at 5 A g−1. We demonstrate that isoalloxazine moieties are active centers for reversible zinc‐ion storage by using optical and photoelectron spectroscopies as well as theoretical calculations. Through molecule‐structure tailoring of riboflavin, the obtained alloxazine and lumazine molecules exhibit much higher theoretical capacities of 250.3 and 326.6 mAh g−1, respectively. Our work offers an effective redox‐active moiety for aqueous zinc batteries and will enrich the valuable material pool for electrode design.
Adaptive tracking control of robot manipulators with input saturation and time‐varying output constraints
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Huang Rui , Wang Yu , Wang Jiaqing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates adaptive tracking control in task space for robot manipulators with uncertain system dynamics, input saturation, and time‐varying output constraints simultaneously. An auxiliary system is constructed to compensate the effect of the input saturation, and an asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is applied to tackle time‐varying output constraints, while radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NN) are used to approximate the unknown closed‐loop dynamics. By introducing a disturbance observer (DO), unknown external disturbances from humans and environment are estimated, and NN approximation errors are compensated. A novel adaptive NN tracking controller is designed to guarantee all signals in the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB), while the tracking errors and observer errors converge to a small neighborhood of zero, and the time‐varying output constraints are not violated. Moreover, the adaptive tracking control of redundant robot manipulators is studied, and the subtask and task space tracking of redundant robot manipulators are realized simultaneously, while the stability of the system is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, some simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme.
Metallothionein determination can be applied to learn about aquatic metal pollution and oxidative stress detoxification mechanisms through Problem‐based Learning
Authors: Hauser‐Davis Rachel A. , Comarú Michele W. , Lopes Renato M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA simple, repeatable and inexpensive laboratory practice applied to teach and discuss aquatic metal pollution and oxidative stress detoxification mechanisms through biomarker analyses, as well as important ecotoxicology concepts, is presented herein. It has been implemented in a university in Brazil to both undergraduate and Master's and PhD students, indicating usefulness to all these levels. Students learned to detect metallothionein and reduced glutathione concentrations in biological samples and investigate several variables of interest in biomonitoring assessments. In addition, statistical correlations were used to indicate the potential dual role played by MT in aquatic organisms, allowing for biological inferences regarding both aquatic metal pollution and oxidative stress detoxification mechanisms and maturing of ecotoxicological and biomonitoring concepts discussed and presented both theoretically and integrated to the laboratory findings.
Evaluating the effect of using synchronous machine simulations to support traditional teaching methodology in electrical engineering degree courses
Authors: Ruíz Rodríguez F. J. , Torreglosa J. P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSynchronous machine concepts are abstract and difficult to understand on the basis of the equivalent electrical circuits. Many studies highlight the difficulty of engineering degree students in understanding electrical circuits and propose different methodologies to address this issue. This study aims to show how the use of computer‐assisted teaching improves general understanding of synchronous machines, in accordance with the following hypothesis: “complementing the traditional approach to teaching synchronous machines courses (based on theory lessons and practical laboratory sessions), with computer simulations, improves conceptual understanding and, consequently, course success rates.” To test the effectiveness of the proposed teaching methodology, a controlled experiment was conducted. The students were divided into two groups, control and experimental, and their responses were compared. The former followed traditional teaching methodology, whereas the latter utilized the proposed complementary computer‐assisted simulations. Both groups were evaluated according to the same test comprised of a list of comprehension questions. The results of the z test analysis show that z = 4.365 and p < .001, implying that the null hypothesis can be rejected and a significant contrast between the two groups can be recognized. The effect size, evaluated using Cohen's d, is d = 0.816, again indicating that the difference between the groups is significant. The posttest results reveal that the experimental group outperformed the control group in all three of the dimensions under analysis: theory, problems, and complete test.
Delayed presentation, diagnosis, and psychosocial aspects of male breast cancer
Authors: Co Michael , Lee Andrea , Kwong Ava 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionMale breast cancer is uncommon, delay in seeking medical attention often results in late presentation and poor prognosis.MethodsRetrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Patients who were still having regular follow‐up were contacted for telephone interview.ResultsIn this study, 56 male breast cancer patients were treated in our center from January 1998 to December 2018, accounting for 0.88% of all breast cancers treated during the same period of time. Median age of onset was 61 years old (Range: 33‐95). In this study, 6 (10.7%) patients presented with distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis and received palliative systemic treatment only. And, 50 patients were surgically treated and all had mastectomy. Axillary dissection was performed in 36 (72%) patients, while sentinel node biopsy was performed in 14 (28%) patients. Median tumor size was 23 mm (2‐100 mm). A Majority were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma (NOS), while 38 (67.8%) patients were node positive.Here 36 (64.3%) patients were alive at the time of the study, 31 (86.1%) patients responded to the telephone interview. More than 90% of our patients expressed various degrees of embarrassment at the time of breast symptom onset. Similarly, more than 90% of these patients experienced embarrassment while waiting in the breast center with predominant female patients. Most patients (N = 26) were not aware that breast cancer can occur in men prior to the diagnosis. Median duration from symptoms to the first medical consultation was 12.4 months (1‐120 months).ConclusionMale breast cancer is rare and patients usually present late, Lack of knowledge, public education, and embarrassment are the important related factors.
Lipase hypersecretion syndrome: A rare cutaneous manifestation of advanced pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma
Authors: Nizam Wasay , Shah Adil A. , Rajack Fareed , Ramdath Asa , Naab Tammey , Williams Mallory 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCareful recognition of cutaneous lesions in patients with malignancies may aid in avoiding additional morbidity during end of life care.
Enhanced Electrochemical and Thermal Stabilities of Li[Ni0.88Co0.09Al0.03]O2 Cathode Material by La4NiLiO8 Coating for Li–Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ruixin , Wang Yangyang , Song Xiang , Li Guoran , Liu Sheng , Gao Xueping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNickel‐rich layered oxides with high reversible capacity are considered as the next‐generation cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, capacity degradation induced by side reactions and structural degradation on the surface has been the main obstacle for their applications. In this work, a stable layer of La4NiLiO8 is coated on Ni‐rich material of Li[Ni0.88Co0.09Al0.03]O2 (NCA) by a facile method. The formation process of the La4NiLiO8 layer is analyzed from both thermodynamic and dynamics aspects. The results indicate that oxygen migration evolution near the NCA surface is effectively reduced, thus improving the structural stability of the lattice and alleviating the side reactions on the surface. The electrochemical and thermal stabilities of NCA material are remarkably improved by coating the La4NiLiO8 layer. This work provides a strategy for effective coating functional materials on Ni‐rich cathode materials for LIBs.
Specific Cation Adsorption: Exploring Synergistic Effects on CO2 Electroreduction in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Rudnev Alexander V. , Kiran Kiran , Broekmann Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIonic liquids (ILs) have gained attention as promising solvents as reaction media for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valued‐added products. ILs can co‐catalyze the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), in particular, when Ag is applied as the primary metallic electrocatalyst. To broaden this co‐catalysis concept, we conducted a comprehensive study of a range of electrode materials exposed to three ILs, which differed in the chemical nature of their anions and cations. Here, we examine the activity of the electrode/IL combinations toward the CO2RR based on cyclic voltammetry data. The voltammetric experiments are complemented by gas chromatography analysis of the products, demonstrating that CO is the main product for most of the electrode/IL combinations. Our results demonstrate that the specific adsorption of the IL cation on the electrode plays a crucial role in the co‐catalytic effect of the ILs. Based on our analysis, we identify three classes of electrode materials, which differ in their synergistic interaction with the IL cations and their resulting CO2RR activity. The key criterion for this classification is the extent to which the CO2RR is superimposed on the reductive decomposition of the ILs.
Through the Looking Glass: Chiral Recognition of Substrates and Products at the Active Sites of Racemases and Epimerases
Authors: Bearne Stephen L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnlike most enzymes, which exhibit stereospecific substrate binding, racemases and epimerases bind and catalyze the reversible interconversion of enantiomeric and epimeric pairs of substrates. Over the past 15 years, a growing number of racemase and epimerase structures have been solved, furnishing insights into the nature of chiral recognition of substrates by these enzymes. Those enzymes catalyzing stereoinversion of a carbon acid substrate through a direct 1,1‐proton transfer mechanism all bind their substrates in a mirror‐image packing orientation. This does not apply generally to racemases and epimerases that use other mechanisms, such as NADH‐dependent epimerases that employ a “flipping” mechanism. In general, polar groups are bound and fixed at the three binding determinants on the protein defining a pseudo‐mirror plane, while nonpolar groups may be mobile. The hydrogen atoms on each stereocenter are positioned antipodal with respect to the pseudo‐mirror plane, making a two‐base mechanism imperative. Recognition that mirror‐image packing is the common binding mode for enantiomeric or epimeric substrates of these enzymes should inform modelling/docking studies and protein engineering.
Chemoselectivity issues of the asymmetric interaction between cyclohexanone, β‐nitrostyrene, and benzoic acid under 5‐aryl prolinate's organocatalysis
Authors: Ivantcova Polina M. , Kudryavtsev Konstantin V. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract4‐l‐menthyloxycarbonyl 5‐aryl prolinates were studied as organocatalysts of a novel three‐component reaction of cyclohexanone, benzoic acid, and β‐nitrostyrene. The presence of ortho‐halogen atom in 5‐aryl fragment of the catalyst is favored for driving the formation of chiral 7a‐hydroxyoctahydro‐2H‐indol‐2‐one scaffold. 5‐(o‐Chlorophenyl) prolinate selectively afforded 3‐phenyl‐7a‐hydroxyoctahydro‐2H‐indol‐2‐one with ee 63%, whereas 5‐phenyl prolinate led to conjugation of β‐nitrostyrene to cyclohexanone (the Michael adduct). Plausible chlorine effect is accounted for the specific interaction of the 5‐aryl prolinate enamine intermediate with β‐nitrostyrene in the transition state.
Particle radiation therapy in the management of malignant glioma: Early experience at the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
Authors: Kong Lin , Wu Jinsong , Gao Jing , Qiu Xianxin , Yang Jing , Hu Jiyi , Hu Weixu , Mao Ying , Lu Jiade J. 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with high‐grade glioma who received treatment with particle radiotherapy.MethodsBetween June 2015 and October 2018, 50 consecutive and nonselected patients with glioblastoma multiforme (n = 34) or anaplastic glioma (n = 16) were treated at the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center. Twenty‐four patients received proton radiotherapy (at a dose of 60 gray‐equivalents in 30 daily fractions), and 26 patients received proton radiotherapy plus a carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT) boost in various dose‐escalating schemes. All patients received temozolomide because of their age or their O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, as well as treatment‐induced toxicities, were analyzed.ResultsAt a median follow‐up of 14.3 months (range, 4.8‐39.6 months), the 12‐month and 18‐month OS rates were 87.8% (95% CI, 77.6%‐98.0%) and 72.8% (95% CI, 56.7%‐88.9%), respectively, and the 12‐month and 18‐month PFS rates were 74.2% (95% CI, 60.9%‐87.5%) and 59.8% (95% CI, 43.1%‐76.5%), respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that age (>50 vs ≤50 years), World Health Organization grade (3 vs 4), and Karnofsky performance status (>80 vs ≤80) were significant prognosticators for OS, and IDH mutation and World Health Organization grade were significant for predicting PFS. Furthermore, MGMT promoter methylation, performance status, and age showed a trend toward predicting PFS. No significant predictive factors for PFS or OS were identified in multivariate analyses. Twenty‐nine patients experienced grade 1 treatment‐related acute adverse effects, and 11 developed grade 1 (n = 6) or grade 2 (n = 5) late adverse effect of radiation‐induced brain necrosis. No grade 3, 4, or 5 toxicities were observed.ConclusionsParticle radiotherapy produced 18‐month OS and PFS rates of 72.8% and 59.8%, respectively, with acceptable adverse effects in patients with high‐grade glioma. Particle radiotherapy at a dose ≥60 gray‐equivalents appears to be safe and potentially effective.
Pillaring Effect of K Ion Anchoring for Stable V2O5‐Based Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Hao Yu , Zhang Shumin , Tao Peng , Shen Tong , Huang Zijie , Yan Jingkai , Chen Yu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their advantages in safety and environmental benignity. However, achieving a cathode material with stable electrochemical performance for such a system remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, a K0.5V2O5 cathode has been designed and synthesized by intercalating of K+ into V2O5, thus constructing a stable crystal structure by forming chemical bonds between V2O5 layers. The successful intercalation of K+ has been confirmed by a series of experimental tests and Vienna Ab‐initio Simulation Package simulation. These layer‐interlinking chemical bonds act as “pillars” to strongly hold the V2O5 layers together and protect them from dissolution. Furthermore, the K0.5V2O5 electrode also exhibits excellent durability (about 150 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 3000 cycles). More impressively, even after standing for three days in the solution of 3 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, the K0.5V2O5 electrode still maintains a high capacity of 92.2 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles, demonstrating its outstanding stability and tolerance in such aqueous electrolyte.
Authenticated content distribution framework for digital rights management systems with smart card revocation
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra , Rana Saurabh 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe growing features of multimedia distribution across multiple smart devices have attained significant attention of many industries and users. In this context, digital rights management (DRM) is the system, which tries to ensure authorized content distribution. For much diverse and productive research in content distribution, DRM is paying attention to provide a better DRM protocol according to current requirements. But the violation of copyright protection of digital content (video, audio, and secret documents) still has a significant issue of concern. Not only solely copyright protection but also stolen smart cards which keep the license and more specific information of a user is also an attentive concern of DRM users. In this paper, we introduced an authenticated key agreement protocol which maintains secure and authorized content distribution with successful smart card revocation. Moreover, the proposed scheme has simulated under AVISPA tool, which informally confirms the security of the protocol. The formal proof security is given in the random oracle model and then done the performance evaluation. The comparison with the relevant existing schemes shows the advantage of the proposed scheme. It identified that the proposed protocol achieves all the desirable security and performance attributes with valid smart card revocation.