bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexoelectric Poling of Functionally Graded Ferroelectric Materials
Authors: Sharma Saurav , Kumar Rajeev , Talha Mohammad , Vaish Rahul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFlexoelectricity is a phenomenon that can yield an electromechanical coupling in all dielectric materials, whereas piezoelectricity presents itself in specially treated (electrically poled) ferroelectric materials. The present study explores the possibility of achieving electrical poling in a material, purely by mechanical means, by virtue of flexoelectricity and thereby harnessing the potential of coexistence of the two phenomena. A theoretical investigation on a functionally graded ferroelectric material sample of square shape with barium titanate and polyvinylidene fluoride as its constituents is conducted in this direction using isogeometric analysis based computational framework. Applied mechanical load on the material results in varying magnitude of electric field inside the material, which in some fraction of the material reaches a magnitude sufficient enough to yield a permanent poling. Simulation results suggest that it is possible to achieve poling of up to 75% of the material volume. This partially poled material is later considered for its contribution in the total electromechanical coupling of the material. The combination of piezoelectric and flexoelectric effects is found to enhance the equivalent piezoelectric coefficient in converse electromechanical (by up to 90%) coupling while a detrimental effect is observed in direct equivalent piezoelectric coefficient (by up to 89%) due to this combination.
Stacking Faults Hinder Lithium Insertion in Li2RuO3
Authors: Han Miao , Liu Zepeng , Shen Xing , Yang Lu , Shen Xi , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Xiaozhi , Wang Junyang , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Pao Chih‐Wen , Chen Jeng‐Lung , Kong Qingyu , Yu Xiqian , Yu Richeng , Gu Lin , Hu Zhiwei , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Zhaoxiang , Chen Liquan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLayered transition metal (TM) oxides have aroused enormous interest in both fundamental and applied cathode material research in the context of high energy‐density batteries. Although various mechanisms have been proposed to explain their significant initial capacity losses, the effect of the local structural defects on performance has been largely ignored. Herein, the stacking faults are visualized and their presence is correlated with the incomplete phase transition in Li2RuO3 to understand the significant abnormal capacity loss in the first cycle. The comprehensive performance evaluation, physical characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the two types of stacking faults, the [100]//[10] boundaries and the [110]//[10] boundaries, lead to sluggish lithium diffusion and increasing stacking faults deteriorates the lithium insertion dynamics. These findings are helpful to understand the performance degradation of the layer‐structured oxides in which the anionic redox or the transition metal migration is not involved in electrochemical reactions. It is hoped that this research will also inspire new ideas for designing novel cathode materials and for improving the performance of existing materials by tuning the local structures or minimizing the local structural defects.
Delta yield–based optimal nitrogen rate estimates for corn are often economically sound
Authors: Janovicek Ken , Banger Kamaljit , Sulik John , Nasielski Joshua , Deen Bill 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCorn producers often overapply nitrogen (N) fertilizer to minimize risk of yield loss because of uncertainty regarding actual corn N requirements. On‐farm N trials, which are simple to deploy and interpret, may enable producers to better understand their corn N fertilizer requirements. We analyzed a database of corn yield response to N trials conducted in Ontario, Canada to determine if delta yield (dY) N trials can reliably estimate economic optimum N rates (EONRs) and to assess the financial liability of dY‐EONR estimates. Delta yield is calculated as the yield difference between nonlimiting and very low (starter only) N rates. The dY‐EONR estimation relationship is derived from a rectangular hyperbolic relationship between agronomic efficiency and dY. The derived dY‐EONR relationship has a rapid initial estimated EONR rate of increase that diminishes with increasing dY and that approaches a constant increase rate of 16.1 kg N ha–1. At a N‐corn price ratio of 7, the dY‐EONR estimation model has RMSE = 29.1 kg N ha–1 (R2 = .64). Within range of recent corn and N prices, 64–80% of dY‐EONR estimates in combined calibration and validation data (n = 746) had return losses less than $25 ha–1 relative to the actual EONR. Return losses exceeding $50 ha–1 occurred for 8–18% of the dY‐EONR estimates, most of which (83–98%) were due to overestimation. Delta yield trials provide an easily implemented method for corn producers to conduct on‐farm yield response trials repeatedly over years in order to obtain a better idea of their N requirements.
Global loss of Tfr2 with concomitant induced iron deficiency greatly ameliorates the phenotype of a murine thalassemia intermedia model
Authors: Schmidt Paul J. , Fitzgerald Kevin , Butler James S. , Fleming Mark D. 
Published: November 2020

Abstractβ‐thalassemias result from mutations in β‐globin, causing ineffective erythropoiesis and secondary iron overload due to inappropriately low levels of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) lead to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) as a result of inappropriately increased iron uptake from the diet, also due to improperly regulated hepcidin. TFR2 is also thought to be required for efficient erythropoiesis through its interaction with the erythropoietin receptor in erythroid progenitors. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6),a membrane serine protease expressed selectively in the liver, participates in regulating hepcidin production in response to iron stores by cleaving hemojuvelin (HJV). We have previously demonstrated that inhibitingTMPRSS6expression with a hepatocyte‐specific siRNA formulation, induces hepcidin, mitigates anemia, and reduces iron overload in murine models of β‐thalassemia intermedia and HH. Here, we demonstrate thatTmprss6siRNA treatment of double mutantTfr2Y245X/Y245XHHHbbth3/+thalassemic mice induces hepcidin and diminishes tissue and serum iron levels. Importantly, treated double mutant animals produce more mature red blood cells and have a nearly 50% increase in hemoglobin compared to untreated β‐thalassemic mice. Furthermore, we also show that treatment ofTfr2Y245X/Y245XHH mice leads to increased hepcidin expression and reduced total body iron burden. These data indicate that siRNA suppression ofTmprss6, in conjunction with the targeting of TFR2, may be superior to inhibitingTmprss6alone in the treatment of the anemia and secondary iron loading in β‐thalassemia intermedia and may be useful as a method of suppressing the primary iron overload in TFR2‐related (type 3) hereditary hemochromatosis.
Bilateral severe microphthalmia in a neonate with trisomy 8 mosaicism: A new finding
Authors: Sanderson Bevan , Leach Courtney , Zein Mike , Islam Omar , MacLean Gillian , Strube Yi Ning J. , Guerin Andrea 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMosaic Trisomy 8 is a rare chromosomal abnormality estimated to occur one in 30,000 newborns. The phenotype is highly variable and the severity does not appear to be correlated with the proportion of cells that contain the additional chromosome. Ocular involvement in Trisomy 8 mosaicism has previously been described to include corneal opacities, retinal dystrophy, coloboma, and unilateral microphthalmia. We report a case of severe bilateral microphthalmia in a neonate with Trisomy 8 mosaicism, a previously unrecognized ophthalmic manifestation.
Lethal Cenani Lenz syndrome in two consecutive pregnancies: Further extension of phenotype from Maldives
Authors: Yesodharan Dhanya , Krishnan Vivek , Nair Indu R. , Ganapathy Aparna , Mannan Ashraf U. , Nampoothiri Sheela 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCenani Lenz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with variable degree of limb malformations, dysmorphism, and renal agenesis. It is caused due to pathogenic variants in the LRP4 gene, which plays an important role in limb and renal development. Mutations in the APC gene have also been occasionally associated with CLS. The phenotypic spectrum ranges from mild to very severe perinatal lethal type depending on the type of variant. We report a pathogenic variant, c.2710 del T (p.Trp904GlyfsTer5) in theLRP4 gene, in a fetus with lethal Cenani Lenz syndrome with antenatal presentation of tetraphocomelia and symmetrical involvement of hands and feet.
Acute pulmonary oedema and hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis following operative hysteroscopy using sodium chloride 0.9%
Authors: Summers G. C. , Fosker S. R. , Faris R. , Handy J. M. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryFluid media including sodium chloride 0.9% are used during operative hysteroscopy to provide uterine distension and aid visualisation. Volume overload is a known complication of their use but is usually associated with long procedures or uterine tissue dissection. A previously well 40‐year‐old woman presented for hysteroscopy and evacuation of retained products of conception under general anaesthesia. On emergence, she developed respiratory compromise and a hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis in keeping with acute pulmonary oedema induced by sodium chloride 0.9% fluid overload. Anaesthetists must remain vigilant during operative procedures using distension media. Additionally, they should be familiar with the clinical and metabolic manifestations consistent with systemic transfusion of such media.
Photochromic films prepared by solid state processing of disentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and photochromic dyes composites
Authors: Saha Sukdeb , Bonda Sateesh , Tripathi Sandeep Nath , Shukla Devesh Kumar , Srivastava Vivek Kumar , Srinivasa Rao Gandham Satya , Jasra Raksh Vir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDisentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (DPE) is a special grade of polyethylene (molecular weight, >106 Da) which can be processed by an environment friendly solid state process on counter rotating two roll mill (TRM) below the melt temperature of the polymer. This unique processing property of DPE was utilized to develop smart DPE photochromic films. Photochromic dye like 'Spirooxazine' or 'Spiropyran' has been mixed with DPE resin powder prior to film formation without altering the DPE properties. These films could change their optical appearances on exposure to UV‐light of wavelength 365 nm and the color change phenomenon of the films could also be replicated by sunlight. The color change observed is found to be reversible, that is, films could return to colorless form either spontaneously in dark or by thermal stimuli. Such smart property was imparted to DPE even at very low concentration (2,000 ppm) of photochromic dyes. Spectrophotometric studies were used to measure the rate of forward reaction with UV radiation and the rate of backward reaction in dark. In fact, DPE powder and photochromic dye composite was used to produce the compression molded disc to understand the color change phenomena. Moreover, it was observed that the photo‐degradation rate of dye, could be retarded ~30% by using amphoteric Zinc phthalate salt. TGA and DSC studies confirmed that the characteristics of DPE film remained almost unaltered even after with preparation of film photochromic dyes.
Site selection for biogenic reef restoration in offshore environments: The Natura 2000 area Borkum Reef Ground as a case study for native oyster restoration
Authors: Pogoda Bernadette , Merk Verena , Colsoul Bérenger , Hausen Tanja , Peter Corina , Pesch Roland , Kramer Maike , Jaklin Sandra , Holler Peter , Bartholomä Alexander , Michaelis Rune , Prinz Katrin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

According to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC), marine protected areas (MPA) should contribute to a good environmental status of the Europeans seas. Measures maintaining or restoring a favourable conservation status of protected species and habitats are mandatory according to the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

Identification of suitable sites for ecological restoration measures within MPAs is a crucial step towards successful conservation and sustainable MPA management. In terms of species restoration, it is important to restore the respective species with the best possible environment for growth, survival, fitness, and successful recruitment.

This study provides a comprehensive list of site‐selection criteria for ecological species restoration. Three general categories were chosen: (1) ecological history: evidence for the historical distribution; (2) feasibility of restoration: regulating framework and logistics; and (3) environmental conditions: quality of abiotic and biotic factors. A total of 16 site‐selection criteria were identified and applied to biogenic reef restoration, namely for reefs of the native European oyster Ostrea edulis, in the German Bight.

The Natura 2000 area Borkum Reef Ground was identified as a suitable site for oyster restoration. It is one of three MPAs in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea, which have been declared as Nature Conservation Areas according to national legislation. The conservation objectives include maintenance or, if necessary, restoration of the habitat type ‘reefs’. As a reef‐building species, the European oyster O. edulis is of particular importance for this habitat type in terms of nature conservation.

The step by step approach for site selection presented here is applicable for biogenic reef restoration elsewhere. The selected Natura 2000 area showcases the potential role and future perspective of European MPAs with regards to active conservation measures.
Could impact investing catalyse an ecosystem wide recovery for native oysters and native oyster beds? Lessons learned from the Zoological Society of London's Rhino Impact Investment Bond that could shape the future of oyster restoration
Authors: Endsor Charlie , Debney Alison , Withers Oliver 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Ostrea edulis populations have declined by more than 95% since the mid‐1800s due to historical over‐harvesting, disease, competition from invasive species, and predators. Once the basis of a thriving fishery, it is now one of the most threatened habitats in Europe and restoration is high on the conservation agenda.
Impact investing is a novel financing model that attracts investors who put creating positive, measurable social outcomes at the heart of their decision‐making process, while also seeking a financial return. Impact bonds, more specifically, are instruments designed to link these investors with beneficial projects and financial returns. Payoff is derived from the success or failure of a service provider in delivering pre‐agreed outcomes. The Rhino Impact Investment is such a project, which aims to increase black rhino numbers by using an impact bond structure, where capital is directed to fund evidence‐based management interventions, and financial gain or loss to the investors depends on the scale to which rhino numbers increase or decrease across a portfolio of project sites.
The authors present a hypothetical impact bond model that could be used to address the decline in O. edulis. Investors provide capital that is dispersed among a portfolio of restoration sites to implement interventions designed to increase oyster habitat and numbers. At maturity, outcome payers reimburse investors with their capital plus or minus a rate of return based on independent verification of the outcomes achieved or not achieved.
The Rhino Impact Investment project is the only current impact bond model aimed at species recovery and, as such, there is very little evidence to go on with regards to the legal and regulatory framework surrounding such instruments and the restoration of ecological systems and biodiversity. More work is needed on a regulatory and project level to take feasibility testing to the next stage.
Managing enzyme promiscuity in plant specialized metabolism: A lesson from flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Waki Toshiyuki , Takahashi Seiji , Nakayama Toru 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSpecificities of enzymes involved in plant specialized metabolism, including flavonoid biosynthesis, are generally promiscuous. This enzyme promiscuity has served as an evolutionary basis for new enzyme functions and metabolic pathways in land plants adapting to environmental challenges. This phenomenon may lead, however, to inefficiency in specialized metabolism and adversely affect metabolite‐mediated plant survival. How plants manage enzyme promiscuity for efficient specialized metabolism is, thus, an open question. Recent studies of flavonoid biosynthesis addressing this issue have revealed a conserved strategy, namely, a homolog of chalcone isomerase with no catalytic activity binds to chalcone synthase, a key flavonoid pathway enzyme, to narrow (or rectify) the enzyme's highly promiscuous product specificity. Reducing promiscuity via specific protein–protein interactions among metabolic enzymes and proteins may be a solution adopted by land plants to achieve efficient operation of specialized metabolism, while the intrinsic promiscuity of enzymes has likely been retained incidentally.
Analysis of aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity and its correlation with corneal endothelial health
Authors: Tsao Yu‐Ting , Wu Wei‐Chi , Chen Kuan‐Jen , Yeh Lung‐Kun , Hwang Yih‐Shiou , Hsueh Yi‐Jen , Chen Hung‐Chi , Cheng Chao‐Min 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCorneal endothelial decompensation is a serious condition that frequently requires treatment via corneal transplantation which contributes to a global shortage in donor corneas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on corneal endothelial health. There is an urgent need for discovering protective factors to combat corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss. For methods, we developed a cupric ion‐based TAC (CuTAC) assay to analyze TAC level in a small volume of aqueous humor, that is, 10 μL per test, and examined the influences of ascorbic acid (AA) and antioxidant proteins on aqueous humor TAC. To broaden the investigation, we conducted a case–control study with patients classified into two groups, an insufficient endothelial cell density (ECD < 2100 cells/mm2) group, and a control group. These groups were formed based on baseline ECD values and were used to evaluate the influence of aqueous humor TAC and AA on overall corneal endothelial health. A CuTAC assay was used to accurately measure aqueous humor TAC without the need for sample dilution. After analyzing a total of 164 human aqueous humor samples, we found that AA was the major contributor to aqueous humor TAC (73.2%). In addition, TAC and AA levels in the IECD and control groups were both found to be significantly different (1.168 vs. 1.592 mM, p = 0.009 and 0.856 vs. 1.178 mM, p = 0.016). TAC and AA were considered independent protective factors against IECD with adjusted odds ratios of 0.02 (p = 0.017) and 0.023 (p = 0.033), respectively. In conclusion, aqueous humor TAC and AA contribute to the maintenance of sufficient corneal ECD, and our CuTAC assay can be a useful tool for analyzing TAC using only a small aqueous humor sample volume.
A case of incarcerated gravid uterus with a history of cesarean section was a good candidate for manual reduction: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Obata Soichiro , Utsunomiya Mariko , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBecause the anterior lower uterine segment is stretched, the incarcerated gravid uterus case with a history of cesarean section is a good candidate for manual reduction.
A case of hepatic portal venous gas that resolved with conservative treatment
Authors: Kogo Hideki , Takasaki Hideaki , Sakata Yoshinori , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a potentially fatal condition. If vital signs are normal and laboratory data are not suggestive of any necrotic changes, a follow‐up computed tomography after a conservative procedure can be performed at short intervals to conservatively monitor the patient.
Direct Design of Catalysts in Oxidative Coupling of Methane via High‐Throughput Experiment and Deep Learning
Authors: Sugiyama Kanami , Nguyen Thanh Nhat , Nakanowatari Sunao , Miyazato Itsuki , Taniike Toshiaki , Takahashi Keisuke 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe combination of deep learning and high‐throughput experiments is proposed for the direct design of heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction. Deep learning predicts 20 active catalysts from high‐throughput 12,708 OCM experimental data where 19 of the predicted 20 catalysts have not been previously reported. The predicted 20 catalysts are then evaluated through high‐throughput experiments where a highly active unreported catalyst Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 is discovered. Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 results in a high C2 yield of 18.8 % where the maximum C2 yield is reported to be approximately 20 % within the 12,708 OCM data. Furthermore, the experimental conditions predicted for Ti−Na2WO4/TiO2 are also reproduced by high‐throughput experiment. Thus, deep learning demonstrates that both catalysts and experimental conditions can be simultaneously explored for designing catalysts. More importantly, deep learning assisted catalysts search is found to dramatically increase the chances of finding active catalysts where 9 out of 20 predicted catalysts result in a C2 yield over 15 %. Therefore, the combination of deep learning with high‐throughput experiments is proposed to be an effective strategy for the direct design of catalysts.
An experimental study comparing the stability of colloidal dispersion gels with normal polymeric solutions for enhanced‐oil‐recovery purposes
Authors: Rahimi Reza , Saeedi Dehaghani Amir H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWaterflooding in oil reservoirs is associated with several drawbacks. Recently, colloidal dispersion gels (CDG) have been proposed as a new method for conformance control to address these drawbacks. CDGs are prepared by mixing crosslinkers and polymers in very low concentrations as a result of intramolecular crosslinking. In this research, a comprehensive study was conducted on the stability of sulfonated polyacrylamide (SPAM) solutions and CDGs prepared using the same SPAM in harsh conditions. The effects of high temperature, shear rate, salts, and high mechanical degrading on the viscosity of both polymeric solution types were studied using a rheometer. The results showed that, in similar conditions, CDGs are less susceptible to salts than are normal SPAM solutions. Moreover, both solutions have nearly the same sensitivity to temperature. The effect of extremely high shear rates was also studied, and the results suggested that, in similar conditions, CDG is less susceptible to high shear rates than normal SPAM solutions. Being treated at 2500 1/s for 2 hours, the CDG solution lost almost 0% of its original viscosity, while the SPAM solution lost 0.97% of its original viscosity. Given that CDG is more stable in harsh reservoir conditions, it may be a suitable substitute to the highly sensitive polymeric solutions for improving the volumetric sweep efficiency of waterfloods.