bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible Liquid‐Filled Fiber Adapter Enabled Wearable Optical Sensors
Authors: Pan Jing , Jiang Chengpeng , Zhang Zhang , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiaozhi , Tong Limin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWearable optical sensors are attracting intensive research interests owing to their advantage of high sensitivity, fast response, and immunity to electromagnetic interferences. However, tunable optical properties and reconfigurable sensor structures remain great challenges for the wearable optical sensors. Herein, flexible liquid‐filled fiber adapters (FLFFAs), which are sensitive to mechanical stimuli, are demonstrated. The novel FLFFA consists of a soft liquid‐filled tubing and two silica optical fibers. The liquid core bestows the FLFFA both tunability and reconfigurability in sensing performance. Deformation of the tubing through bending or pressing results in wavelength‐insensitive changes in light transmission. By measuring the output intensity, the FLFFA based sensors achieve high angle resolution (0.18°) and low detection limit (0.7 mN) for bending and pressure sensing, respectively. The superior sensing properties together with mechanical flexibility and robustness enable real‐time monitoring of finger joint motion, respiration, and wrist pulse. Benefiting from an LED charge‐coupled device (CCD) signal recording system, a 4 × 3 keyboard is realized by simultaneously measuring the output signals of 12 FLFFAs. The FLFFA provides a promising method to detect subtle physiological signals and may find applications in healthcare devices, artificial skins, and sensor networks.
Unveiling the Axial Hydroxyl Ligand on FeN4C Electrocatalysts and Its Impact on the pH‐Dependent Oxygen Reduction Activities and Poisoning Kinetics
Authors: Yang Xin , Xia Dongsheng , Kang Yongqiang , Du Hongda , Kang Feiyu , Gan Lin , Li Jia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFeNC materials have shown a promising nonprecious oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst yet their active site structure remains elusive. Several previous works suggest the existence of a mysterious axial ligand on the Fe center, which, however, is still unclarified. In this study, the mysterious axial ligand is identified as a hydroxyl ligand on the Fe centers and selectively promotes the ORR activities depending on different FeN4C configurations, on which the adsorption free energy of the hydroxyl ligand also differs greatly. The selective formation of hydroxyl ligand on specific FeNC configurations can resolve contradictories between previous theoretical and experimental results regarding the ORR activities and associated active configurations of FeNC catalysts. It also explains the pH‐dependent ORR activities and, moreover, a previously unreported pH‐dependent poisoning kinetics of the FeNC catalysts.
Lessons from a Career in Agricultural Development and Research Evaluation
Authors: Norton George W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLessons are presented from a career in evaluating impacts of agricultural technologies and institutions, with a major focus on pest management in developing countries. Agricultural productivity growth is fundamental to economic transformation and development, driven largely by technological and institutional changes. The latter are induced by changes in relative prices and are affected by transactions costs and collective action with implications for efficiency and poverty. Agricultural development leads to changes in farm structure and to many of the most educated existing rural communities. Institutional changes are needed to encourage rural investment and compensate those caught in place‐based poverty. Poverty is exacerbated by effects of climate change and pest problems with significant implications for the agenda of agricultural economists.
Co‐occurring medical conditions in adults with Down syndrome: A systematic review toward the development of health care guidelines. Part II
Authors: Capone George , Stephens Mary , Santoro Stephanie , Chicoine Brian , Bulova Peter , Peterson Moya , Jasien Joan , Smith Anna Jo ,   Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG‐USA) Adult Health Workgroup
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdults with Down syndrome (DS) represent a unique population who are in need of clinical guidelines to address their medical care. Many of these conditions are of public health importance with the potential to develop screening recommendations to improve clinical care for this population. Our workgroup previously identified and prioritized co‐occurring medical conditions in adults with DS. In this study, we again performed detailed literature searches on an additional six medical conditions of clinical importance. A series of key questions (KQ) were formulated a priori to guide the literature search strategy. Our KQs focused on disease prevalence, severity, risk‐factors, methodologies for screening/evaluation, impact on morbidity, and potential costs/benefits. The available evidence was extracted, evaluated and graded on quality. The number of participants and the design of clinical studies varied by condition and were often inadequate for answering most of the KQ. Based upon our review, we provide a summary of the findings on hip dysplasia, menopause, acquired cardiac valve disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hematologic disorders, and dysphagia. Minimal evidence demonstrates significant gaps in our clinical knowledge that compromises clinical decision‐making and management of these medically complex individuals. The creation of evidence‐based clinical guidance for this population will not be possible until these gaps are addressed.
Single‐Crystalline Optical Microcavities from Luminescent Dendrimers
Authors: Iwai Kohei , Yamagishi Hiroshi , Herzberger Colin , Sato Yuji , Tsuji Hayato , Albrecht Ken , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Sasaki Fumio , Sato Hiroyasu , Asaithambi Aswin , Lorke Axel , Yamamoto Yohei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMicrocrystallites are promising minute mirrorless laser sources. A variety of luminescent organic compounds have been exploited along this line, but dendrimers have been inapplicable owing to their fragility and extremely poor crystallinity. Now, a dendrimer family that overcomes these difficulties is presented. First‐, second‐, and third‐generation carbazole (Cz) dendrimers with a carbon‐bridged oligo(phenylenevinylene) (COPV2) core (GnCOPV2, n=1–3) assemble to form microcrystals. The COPV2 cores align uni/bidirectionally in the crystals while the Cz units in G2‐ and G3COPV2 align omnidirectionally. The dendrons work as light‐harvesting antennas that absorb non‐polarized light and transfer it to the COPV2 core, from which a polarized luminescence radiates. Furthermore, these crystals act as laser resonators, where the lasing thresholds are strongly coupled with the crystal morphology and the orientation of COPV2, which is in contrast with the conventional amorphous dendrimers.
Not Guilty on Every Count: The “Non‐Innocent” Nitrosyl Ligand in the Framework of IUPAC′s Oxidation‐State Formalism
Authors: Ampßler Torsten , Monsch Georg , Popp Jens , Riggenmann Tobias , Salvador Pedro , Schröder Daniel , Klüfers Peter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNitrosyl–metal bonding relies on the two interactions between the pair of N–O‐π* and two of the metal's d orbitals. These (back)bonds are largely covalent, which makes their allocation in the course of an oxidation‐state determination ambiguous. However, apart from M‐N‐O‐angle or net‐charge considerations, IUPAC′s “ionic approximation” is a useful tool to reliably classify nitrosyl metal complexes in an orbital‐centered approach.
The Interplay Between Lead Vacancy and Water Rationalizes the Puzzle of Charge Carrier Lifetimes in CH3NH3PbI3: Time‐Domain Ab Initio Analysis
Authors: Qiao Lu , Fang Wei‐Hai , Long Run 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 excited‐state lifetimes exhibit conflicting experimental results under humid environments. Using ab initio nonadiabatic (NA) molecular dynamics, we demonstrate that the interplay between lead vacancy and water can rationalize the puzzle. The lead vacancy reduces NA coupling by localizing holes, slowing electron–hole recombination. By creating a deep electron trap state, the coexistence of a neutral lead vacancy and water molecules enhances NA coupling, accelerating charge recombination by a factor of over 3. By eliminating the mid‐gap state by accepting two photoexcited electrons, the negatively charged lead vacancy interacting with water molecules increases the carrier lifetime over 2 times longer than in the pristine system. The simulations rationalize the positive and negative effects of water on the solar cell performance exposure to humidity.
Bis(thien‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based acceptor–acceptor conjugated polymers: Design, synthesis, and the synergistic effect of the substituent on their solar cell properties
Authors: Du Junping , Feng Shanshan , Qin Pengju , Xu Liancai , Zhu Wenjing , Huang Jiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThree acceptor–acceptor conjugated copolymers (TBT‐DPP, FTBT‐DPP, and HFTBT‐DPP) with different substituent groups have been synthesized with palladium‐catalyzed Stille coupling condensation polymerization assisted with microwave. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on these copolymers as the electron donors and PC71BM as the acceptor have been fabricated. The synergistic effect of the substituent between two fluorine atoms and hexyl alkyl chains in bis(thien‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole fragment on their solar cell properties has been investigated. Both the fluorine atoms and the synergistic effect can improve the solubility of the polymers effectively while the excellent thermal stability properties are still retained. Two fluorine atoms (polymer FTBT‐DPP) increased the power conversion efficiency of the PSCs twice compared with TBT‐DPP (without substituent). The synergistic effect (polymer HFTBT‐DPP) decreased that seriously to zero. Density function theory calculations showed that the conjugation level of the polymer backbone is one of key factors. It demonstrates that the synergistic effect of fluorine atoms and alkyl chains in the same fragment does not always work well in improving the PSCs performance.
Low‐cost FloPump for regulated air sampling of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Saryan Preeti , Gowda Vinita 
Published: April 2020

PremiseWe present a low‐cost, battery‐operated, portable pump, “FloPump,” which allows regulated air sampling for the study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are routinely investigated in applications such as atmospheric chemistry, agriculture, and fragrance biology.Methods and ResultsWe compared the performance of FloPump with the Supelco pump in collecting VOCs using two test samples: guava fruit (Psidium guajava) and a perfume. The sampling and identification of volatiles was carried out using a dynamic headspace sampling method followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We show that the sampling efficiency of FloPump is comparable to the commercial pump, and at an affordable cost of ~US$115 (~86% cheaper), it provides a viable option for researchers interested in sampling volatiles on a constrained budget.ConclusionsAccurate air sampling is critical for the study of VOCs. We propose that FloPump will make air sampling more affordable, thus encouraging studies of VOCs.
Inoculation concentration modulating the secretion and accumulation pattern of exopolysaccharides in desert cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus
Authors: Qian Long , Wu Li , Yang Lie , Zhang Zulin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) accumulated during microalgal cultivation have significant application potential in antioxidation, pharmaceutical products, and so on. Inoculation concentration strongly affects the cultivation cost, biomass, and EPS accumulation. In this study, a high‐EPS‐excreted desert cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus was isolated, and the effects of inoculation concentration on biomass, photosynthetic activity, and EPS accumulation were explored. The results showed that the original fluorescence (Fo) provided a good indication to cyanobacterial biomass, when Chl‐a concentration was lower than 10 mg L−1. Inoculation concentration significantly affected cyanobacterial biomass and EPS concentration (P < 0.001), whereas did not affect photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm; P > 0.05). The two fractions of EPS, capsular exopolysaccharides (CPS) and released exopolysaccharides (RPS) were strongly affect by inoculation concentration. Other than forming thick sheath (CPS) surrounded the filaments, M. vaginatus excreted higher proportions of RPS to culture medium, and the ratio of RPS to CPS ranged from 1.08 to 1.58 depending on the inoculation concentration. Additionally, although the biomass and EPS accumulation increased with inoculation concentration, the increasing inoculation concentration did not bring to the proportionate increase of the final biomass and EPS yield. Altogether, comprehensively considering the EPS yield and productivity, inoculation concentration of 0.04 mg Chl‐a L−1 is recommended for M. vaginatus to produce EPS, with an EPS yield of 94.32 mg L−1 and EPS productivity of 184.86 mg (mg Chl‐a)−1 L−1 d−1 at the end of experiment.
Overexpression of blue light receptor AaCRY1 improves artemisinin content in Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Fu Xueqing , He Yilong , Li Ling , Zhao Limei , Wang Yuting , Qian Hongmei , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan , Zhao Jingya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractArtemisinin, an effective antimalarial compound, is isolated from the medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. However, because of the low content of artemisinin in A. annua, the demand of artemisinin exceeds supply. Previous studies show that the artemisinin biosynthesis is promoted by light in A. annua. Cryptochrome1 (CRY1) is involved in many processes in the light response. In this study, AaCRY1 was cloned from A. annua. Overexpressing AaCRY1 in Arabidopsis thaliana cry1 mutant resulted in blue‐light‐dependent short hypocotyl phenotype and short coleoptile under blue light. Yeast two‐hybrid and subcellular colocalization showed that AaCRY1 interacted with AtCOP1 (ubiquitin E3 ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1). Overexpression of AaCRY1 in transgenic A. annua increased the artemisinin content. When AaCRY1 was overexpressed in A. annua driven by the CYP71AV1 (cytochrome P450 dependent amorpha‐4,11‐diene 12‐hydroxylase) promoter, the artemisinin content was 1.6 times higher than that of the control. Furthermore, we expressed the C terminal of AaCRY1(CCT) involved a GUS‐CCT fusion protein in A. annua. The results showed that the artemisinin content was increased to 1.7‐ to 2.4‐fold in GUS‐CCT transgenic A. annua plants. These results demonstrate that overexpression of GUS‐CCT is an effective strategy to increase artemisinin production in A. annua.
Nanoparticles containing constrained phospholipids deliver mRNA to liver immune cells in vivo without targeting ligands
Authors: Gan Zubao , Lokugamage Melissa P. , Hatit Marine Z. C. , Loughrey David , Paunovska Kalina , Sato Manaka , Cristian Ana , Dahlman James E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOnce inside the cytoplasm of a cell, mRNA can be used to treat disease by upregulating the expression of any gene. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can deliver mRNA to hepatocytes in humans, yet systemic non‐hepatocyte delivery at clinical doses remains difficult. We noted that LNPs have historically been formulated with phospholipids containing unconstrained alkyl tails. Based on evidence that constrained adamantyl groups have unique properties that can improve small molecule drug delivery, we hypothesized that a phospholipid containing an adamantyl group would facilitate mRNA delivery in vivo. We quantified how 109 LNPs containing “constrained phospholipids” delivered mRNA to 16 cell types in mice, then using a DNA barcoding‐based analytical pipeline, related phospholipid structure to in vivo delivery. By analyzing delivery mediated by constrained phospholipids, we identified a novel LNP that delivers mRNA to immune cells at 0.5 mg/kg. Unlike many previous LNPs, these (a) did not preferentially target hepatocytes and (b) delivered mRNA to immune cells without targeting ligands. These data suggest constrained phospholipids may be useful LNP components.
PRCC‐TFE3 regulates migration and invasion of translocation renal cell carcinomas via activation of Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission
Authors: Wang Bo , Gan Weidong , Han Xiaodong , Li Dongmei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPRCC‐TFE3 translocation renal cell carcinomas (tRCC) is a common subtype of TFE3 tRCCs in which TFE3 fusions are indicated as oncogenes to promote tumor development. PRCC‐TFE3 fusions are often accumulated in the nucleus and related to poorer outcomes and higher stages (III/IV). In this study, we found that PRCC‐TFE3 could positively regulate expression of both dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) and fission protein 1, and alter distribution of mitochondria, which could promote cell migration and invasion independent of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9. Together, our findings showed a new mechanism for PRCC‐TFE3 tRCC cell migration and invasion by alteration of mitochondrial dynamics. Thus, targeting dysregulated Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission may provide a novel strategy for suppressing the progression of PRCC‐TFE3 tRCC.
An unusual case of multibacillary leprosy mimicking prurigo nodularis
Authors: Noormohammadpour Pedram , Kamyab‐Hesari Kambiz , Razavi Zahra , Dolatyabi Nooshin , Taghizadeh Fazli Jafar , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Nouri Zeinab 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLeprosy is a chronic infectious disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The early diagnosis of leprosy is a worldwide challenge. We present a case of leprosy with unusual severe pruritus and generalized excoriated papules and nodules.
An unusual case of redo tricuspid valve replacement and repair of a previously unidentified anomalous pulmonary venous return in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Sadeghi Amir H. , Van de Woestijne Pieter , Taverne Yannick J.H.J. , Van Dijk Arie P. J. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAssociated cardiovascular malformations in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) should not be missed when a patient requires surgical correction. We present a case of an adult CCTGA patient who required redo surgery for recurrent tricuspid (left atrioventricular) valve regurgitation and previously unidentified partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.
Characteristics and Performances of Blended Polyethersulfone and Carbon‐Based Nanomaterial Membranes: Effect of Nanomaterial Types and Air Exposure
Authors: Suhartono Jono , Pertiwi Dyah Setyo , Noersalim Carlina , Yulianingsih Devi , Sofianti Falashiva , Saptoro Agus , Chafidz Achmad 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPolyethersulfone (PES) is a widely used polymeric material for ultrafiltration or nanofiltration membranes. To enhance membrane permeability, rejection, and antifouling performance, the effect of four different types of carbon‐based nanomaterials and air exposures during PES/carbon‐based nanomaterial membrane fabrication was evaluated. The carbon‐based nanomaterials were pristine carbon nanotubes, oxidized CNTs (CNTs‐O), pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs‐P), and oxidized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs‐O). The characteristics and performances of pure and blended membranes were investigated based on their permeability, porosity, morphology, and hydrophobicity. Longer air contact time during membrane preparation resulted in lower membrane permeability, hydrophobicity, and porosity. All fabricated membranes tended to have channelled sponge‐like structure, and highest permeability was attributed to the PES/GNPs‐O membrane.
Afferent and efferent connections of the nucleus prethalamicus in the yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus
Authors: Hagio Hanako , Kawaguchi Masahumi , Abe Hideki , Yamamoto Naoyuki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe nucleus prethalamicus (PTh) receives fibers from the optic tectum and then projects to the dorsal telencephalon in the yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus. However, it remained unclear whether the PTh is a visual relay nucleus, because the optic tectum receives not only visual but also other sensory modalities. Furthermore, precise telencephalic regions receiving prethalamic input remained unknown in the goby. We therefore investigated the full set of afferent and efferent connections of the PTh by direct tracer injections into the nucleus. Injections into the PTh labeled cells in the optic tectum, ventromedial thalamic nucleus, central and medial parts of the dorsal telencephalon, and caudal lobe of the cerebellum. We found that the somata of most tecto‐prethalamic neurons are present in the stratum periventriculare. Their dendrites ascend to reach the major retinorecipient layers of the tectum. The PTh is composed of two subnuclei (medial and lateral) and topographic organization was appreciated only for tectal projections to the lateral subnucleus (PTh‐l), which also receives sparse retinal projections. In contrast, the medial subnucleus receives fibers only from the medial tectum. We found that the PTh projects to nine subregions in the dorsal telencephalon and four in the ventral telencephalon. Furthermore, cerebellar injections revealed that cerebello‐prethalamic fibers cross the midline twice to innervate the PTh‐l on both sides. The present study is the first detailed report on the full set of the connections of PTh, which suggests that the PTh relays visual information from the optic tectum to the telencephalon.
Crystal Structure, Second Hyperpolarizability Measurements, and Theoretical Calculations of a New Coordination Polymer: Catena‐Poly[aqua‐Dichlorido‐bis(1H‐Imidazole)‐Manganese(ii)]
Authors: Li Tingbin , Hu Yali 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe single crystals of a new coordination polymer catena‐poly[aqua‐dichlorido‐bis(1H‐imidazole)‐manganese(ii)] ([Mn(C3H4N2)2Cl2(H2O)]n) (CPADBIM) are obtained and characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. It's second hyperpolarizability γ value is investigated by using a closed aperture Z‐scan technique with 20 ps pulses at wavelength 532 nm. Time‐dependent density‐functional theory with basis sets 6‐311++G(3d,3p) is used in computing the linear and non‐linear optical properties. The theoretical calculated γ value is in agreement with the experimental results.
Agronomic and physiological characteristics of a rice leaf early senescence mutant during its whole growth period
Authors: Xu Yunji , Li Ke , Shen Ying , Yu Qing , Zhang Weiyang , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhiqin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiverse rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaf early senescence mutants have been identified and used for studies on senescence mechanisms. However, the reports are few about the agronomic and physiological characteristics of rice leaf early senescence mutants during the whole growth period. This study used a rice leaf early senescence mutant (osled) and its wild type (WT) to compare their main phenotypic and agronomic traits at different growth stages, as well as some physiological characteristics. The results showed the osled plants exhibited leaf early senescence initiating from the middle seedling stage to maturation, accompanied with dwarf phenotype, prolonged vegetative growth period, decreased green leaf area, reduced aboveground biomass, decreased crop growth rate and net assimilation rate, smaller panicle, an awn of 1.56‐ to 1.58‐cm length, and more panicles. Compared with WT, the osled plants had significantly reduced chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity, N content, and activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthase in leaves and enhanced activity of glutamate synthase and lowered pre‐anthesis nonstructural carbohydrate accumulation and remobilization in stems. The study revealed some physiological mechanisms underlying leaf senescence of the osled and provided new perspectives for understanding the growth characteristics of rice leaf early senescence mutants.