bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated Single‐Atom Ruthenium Anchored on Beta Zeolite as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Styrene Epoxidation
Authors: Yang Hongling , Liu Qinggang , Li Yang , Sun Kaian , Chen Zhiqiang , Peng Qing , Chen Chen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractExploring high‐performance styrene epoxidation catalysts is of great significance. However, it still remains a challenge to synthesize heterogeneous catalysts that simultaneously possess excellent styrene activity and styrene oxide selectivity. Herein, we report a heterogeneous isolated single‐atom Ru supported on microporous Beta zeolite (Ru1/Beta) catalyst fabricated by a wet impregnation method. We reveal that the extraframework AlOH groups on Beta zeolite are responsible for anchoring Ru species, which is determined by 27Al MAS NMR analyses. The abundant AlOH on microporous Beta zeolite can lead to single‐atom ruthenium dispersion, thereby resulting in marked enhanced catalytic performance in styrene epoxidation than Ru cluster on Beta zeolite. The turnover frequency (TOF) value of Ru1/Beta reaches 353 h−1, 3.8 times over Ru cluster. The unique styrene oxide selectivity is attributed to the isolated single‐atom Ru anchoring on the Lewis acid site (AlOH) of Beta zeolite, which hinders the further ring opening of styrene oxide to phenylacetaldehyde and cleavage of the double bond of styrene to benzaldehyde.
Medicago sativa species complex: Revisiting the century‐old problem in the light of molecular tools
Authors: Şakiroğlu Muhammet , İlhan Doğan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe genus Medicago is an important component of legumes and includes the model legume barrel‐clover (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) and widely cultivated forage crop alfalfa (M. sativa L.). The complex taxonomic group known as the M. sativa species complex, or M. sativa–falcata species complex, includes a number of taxa along with cultivated alfalfa that naturally distributed throughout northern Eurasia. Largely because of the millennia‐long economic importance, the taxa have been in the center of attention. In the context of the efforts to understand taxonomic units included in the complex, a wide range of tools have been exploited. The early tools available were morphological traits such as flower color, pod shape, and pollen shape. The large conflict and discrepancy among researchers regarding the statue of the taxa sourced from the fact that a few genes controlled each of the morphological traits used. Thus, the morphology‐based classification was proved to be contradictory. As the molecular tools became available and the research intensified, the initial species status generously granted to the taxa was questioned, and all the taxa denoted as species earlier were relegated to subspecific level. We are aiming to provide an up‐to‐date comprehensive picture for the complex in the light of recent molecular studies.
Fall‐armyworm invasion, control practices and resistance breeding in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Matova Prince M. , Kamutando Casper N. , Magorokosho Cosmos , Kutywayo Dumisani , Gutsa Freeman , Labuschagne Maryke 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith); FAW] invasion has exacerbated maize (Zea mays L.) crop yield losses in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), already threatened by other stresses, especially those that are climate‐change induced. The FAW is difficult to control, manage, or eradicate, because it is polyphagous and trans‐boundary, multiplies fast, has a short life cycle and migrates easily, and lacks the diapause growth phase. In this study, FAW and its impact in Africa was reviewed, as well as past and present control strategies for this pest. Pesticides, cultural practices, natural enemies, host‐plant resistance, integrated pest management (IPM), and plant breeding approaches were examined as possible control strategies. It was concluded that an IPM control strategy, guided by cultural approaches already being used by farmers, and what can be adopted from the Americas, coupled with an insect‐resistance management strategy, is the best option to manage this pest in Africa. These strategies will be strengthened by breeding for multi‐trait host‐plant resistance through stacking of genes for different modes of control of the pest.
Intraspecific variability in fluctuating environments: mechanisms of impact on species diversity
Authors: Steinmetz Bnaya , Kalyuzhny Michael , Shnerb Nadav M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecent studies have found considerable trait variations within species. The effect of such intraspecific trait variability (ITV) on the stability, coexistence, and diversity of ecological communities received considerable attention and in many models it was shown to impede coexistence and decrease species diversity. Here we present a numerical study of the effect of genetically inherited ITV on species persistence and diversity in a temporally fluctuating environment. Two mechanisms are identified. First, ITV buffers populations against varying environmental conditions (portfolio effect) and reduces variation in abundances. Second, the interplay between ITV and environmental variations tends to increase the mean fitness of diverse populations. The first mechanism promotes persistence and tends to increase species richness, while the second reduces the chance of a rare species population (which is usually homogeneous) to invade, thus decreasing species richness. We show that for large communities the portfolio effect is dominant, leading to ITV promoting species persistence and richness.
Eruptive dynamics are common in managed mammal populations
Authors: Duncan Richard P. , Dexter Nick , Wayne Adrian , Hone Jim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSuccessful conservation management is often based on the principle that small or declining populations can recover if we identify and remove the factors that caused them to decline in the first place. But what form will that recovery take? Theory tells us that when a strong limiting factor is removed, a population should increase in size to where it becomes limited by some other factor. However, if the subsequent limitation involves feedbacks between the density of a consumer and its resource, there is potential for the consumer population to undergo substantial fluctuations in size that we would characterize as boom‐bust or eruptive dynamics. We analysed long‐term (7.6–29 yr) data documenting changes in the abundance of 169 populations of 20 mammal species released from a strong limiting factor (fox predation) in Australia. We show that many populations (44) exhibited eruptive dynamics, with exponential increase to a peak and subsequent population decline. Of 51 populations showing eruptive dynamics (the Australian populations plus seven translocated ungulate populations), the time taken for erupting populations to reach a peak before declining was related negatively to the intrinsic rate of population growth and positively to body mass, such that larger‐bodied species with slow rates of population growth had a longer period of population increase before declining. Our results suggest that a substantial proportion of populations recovering after removal of a threatening process are likely to exhibit eruptive dynamics, and that managers of recovering or translocated populations should anticipate this outcome in conservation planning.
Platinum Nanoparticles/Poly(isoleucine) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Simultaneous Determination of Hydroquinone and Catechol
Authors: Koçak Süleyman 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA new electrochemical sensor based on Poly(Isoleucine) modified glassy carbon electrode decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE) was developed for sensitive individual and simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were performed in order to characterize the Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE nanocomposite. For simultaneous determination of HQ and CC, Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GCE showed wide linear range between the 0.01–100.0 μM. The detection limits were 0.006 μM for HQ and 0.005 μM for CC. The Pt/Poly(Isoleucine)/GC electrode exhibited good sensitivity and reliability in the simultaneous electroanalysis of two isomers in PBS of pH 7.5. The modified electrode was used to detect the isomers in naturel samples.
A Photoelectrochemical Immunosensor for Prostate Specific Antigen Detection Based on Graphdiyne Oxide Conjugated with Horseradish Peroxidase
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiao Jing , Li Chunxiang , Li Xiaofang , Deng Keqin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGraphdiyne (GDY) was a novel flat material with sp and sp2 hybridized carbon atoms. It exhibited good biocompatibility. The application of GDY in PEC immunosensor was very limited. Thus, a novel photoelectrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) was proposed by using GDY oxide (GDYO) conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and secondary antibody for photocurrent signal inhibition. GDYO was prepared by oxidation of honeycomb‐like nanotubes composed of numerous GDY nanosheets. It showed high loading capacity for HRP and the catalytic activity of HRP could be remained. With reduced graphene oxide‐CdS (rGO‐CdS) as photoelectrochemical sensing platform, a sandwich‐type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was thus fabricated. The immunosensor presented a wide linear concentration range of 10 fg mL−1–20.0 ng mL−1 with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.5 fg mL−1. Moreover, the PEC immunosensor displayed ideal reproducibility, stability, and selectivity, which was a promising platform for the detection of other important tumor targets.
Seismic performance of dual systems coupling moment‐resisting and buckling‐restrained braced frames
Authors: Freddi Fabio , Tubaldi Enrico , Zona Alessandro , Dall'Asta Andrea 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBuckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) have proven to be very effective in improving the seismic performance of existing and new structures. They provide strength, stiffness and add energy dissipation to the structure. However, being BRBs characterized by a low post‐elastic stiffness, their use may lead to residual deformations hindering the building's reparability and to excessive cumulative ductility demand possibly compromising the residual capacity of BRBs. To overcome these drawbacks, BRB frames (BRBFs) can be coupled with moment‐resisting frames (MRFs) to form dual systems. If properly designed, MRFs acting as back‐up frames allow the control of the residual drifts and the optimization of the performance of the BRBs. The contribution of this study is to provide insights into the performance and residual capacity of BRBFs‐MRFs dual systems and to shed light on the influence of the main BRB's design parameters. To this end, a nondimensional formulation of the equation of motion is introduced for a single degree of freedom system, and an extensive parametric study is performed for a set of natural ground motion records with different characteristics and scaled to various intensity levels. This allows the investigation of a wide range of configurations, considering different levels of the relative strength and ductility demand of BRBFs and MRFs, and obtains useful information for their design. Finally, two case study frames, modeled as two‐dimensional nonlinear multi‐degree of freedom systems, are analyzed, and the results were compared to those obtained from the nondimensional formulation to show the capabilities and the limitations of the adopted methodology and of the SDOF approximation.
Dynamic simulation scenario analysis of multiobjective optimization configuration of China's natural gas resources
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Li Pengtai , Zhu Zhiwei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn order to seek the optimal growth of China's economy under the premise of natural gas supply safety and air pollution emission constraints, this paper builds a multiobjective optimal allocation model of China's natural gas. The model takes 2012 as the base period, and the simulation period is from 2013 to 2025. Four types of policy combinations are set as variables to be introduced into the model. Lingo is used to simulate the policy combinations under considerations by the model to select the optimal scenario. The dynamic scenario simulation results are as follows: (a) Comparing the simulated data with actual data from 2013 to 2018, we find that the relative error between the simulated results and the actual results is less than 3%, indicating that the constructed multiobjective optimization configuration model is reliable and effective. (b) By 2025, China's natural gas production will be 333.4 billion cubic meters, and its consumption will be 217.1 billion cubic meters. The output will gradually exceed the demand; the proportion of natural gas consumption in the total energy consumption will increase from 5.4% to 7.8%. The proportion has increased significantly; the total GDP is 139 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%, and the contribution of the tertiary industry to GDP accounts for 55.8%; (c) China's SO2 emissions from 19.54 million tons in 2013 will be reduced to 12.64 million tons in 2025, China's NOx emissions plummeted from 21.92 million tons in 2013 to 12.59 million tons, and the emission intensity of atmospheric pollutants dropped from 34.0 tons/100 million yuan in 2013 to 9.1 tons/100 million yuan in 2025.
Underestimating Kanzi? Exploring Kanzi‐Oldowan comparisons in light of recent human stone tool replication
Authors: Eren Metin I. , Lycett Stephen J. , Tomonaga Masaki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe knapping experiments with Kanzi, a bonobo, are among the most insightful experiments into Oldowan technology ever undertaken. Comparison of his artifacts against archeological material, however, indicated he did not produce Oldowan lithic attributes precisely, prompting suggestions that this indicated cognitive or biomechanical impediments. The literature describing the learning environment provided to Kanzi, we suggest, indicates alternative factors. Based on consideration of wild chimpanzee learning environments, and experiments with modern knappers that have looked at learning environment, we contend that Kanzi's performance was impeded by an impoverished learning environment compared to those experienced by novice Oldowan knappers. Such issues are precisely those that might be tested via a repeat study, but in this case, practical and ethical constraints likely impede this possibility. We propose experiments that may be relevant to drawing conclusions from Kanzi's experiments that may not need to use non‐human primates, thus bypassing some of these issues.
Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield
Authors: Chavan Sachin G. , Maier Chelsea , Alagoz Yagiz , Filipe Joao C. , Warren Charles R. , Lin Han , Jia Baohua , Loik Michael E. , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Chen Zhonghua H. , Ghannoum Oula , Tissue David T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGlasshouse films with adjustable light transmittance and energy‐efficient designs have the potential to reduce (up to 80%) the high energy cost for greenhouse horticulture operations. Whether these films compromise the quantity and quality of light transmission for photosynthesis and crop yield remains unclear. A “Smart Glass” film ULR‐80 (SG) was applied to a high‐tech greenhouse horticulture facility, and two experimental trials were conducted by growing eggplant (Solanum melongena) using commercial vertical cultivation and management practices. SG blocked 85% of ultraviolet (UV), 58% of far‐red, and 26% of red light, leading to an overall reduction of 19% in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 380–699 nm) and a 25% reduction in total season fruit yield. There was a 53% (season mean) reduction in net short‐wave radiation (radiometer range, 385–2,105 nm upward; 295–2,685 nm downward) that generated a net reduction of 8% in heat load and reduced water and nutrient consumption by 18%, leading to improved energy and resource use efficiency. Eggplant adjusted to the altered SG light environment via decreased maximum light‐saturated photosynthetic rates (Amax) and lower xanthophyll de‐epoxidation state. The shift in light characteristics under SG led to reduced photosynthesis, which may have reduced source (leaf) to sink (fruit) carbon distribution, increased fruit abortion and decreased fruit yield, but did not affect nutritional quality. We conclude that SG increases energy and resource use efficiency, without affecting fruit quality, but the reduction in photosynthesis and eggplant yield is high. The solution is to re‐engineer the SG to increase penetration of UV and PAR, while maintaining blockage of glasshouse heat gain.
Corporate governance and earnings management nexus: Evidence from the UK and Egypt using neural networks
Authors: Abdou Hussein A. , Ellelly Nouran N. , Elamer Ahmed A. , Hussainey Khaled , Yazdifar Hassan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUsing conventional regressions and generalized regression neural networks (GRNNs), we examine the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and earnings management (EM). We also examine whether governance quality moderates the association between EM and CG for a sample of British and Egyptian companies. Our findings show that: (a) UK firms are likely to have lower levels of EM if they: have smaller boards, are dominated by independent outside directors, and have a low percentage of female directors; (b) Egyptian firms are likely to have lower levels of EM if they: have larger boards, are dominated by independent outside directors, and have a low percentage of female directors; (c) The governance quality (control of corruption) has a significant hidden effect on EM. Since our results provide empirical evidence that the board of directors plays a vital role in mitigating EM, these findings might lead to an improvement in the credibility of financial statements for investors in both the UK and Egypt. As policy implications, our findings inform regulators and policy‐makers that corruption has a very strong hidden effect on EM and that they can deter EM by controlling the corruption level in their countries.
Polymer microparticles with a cavity designed for transarterial chemo‐embolization with crystalline drug formulations
Authors: Karina Aigerim , Benzina Abderazak , Tazhibayeva Samal , Fan Haiyan , Koole Levinus H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTransarterial chemo‐embolization with drug‐eluting embolic beads (DEB‐TACE) is still evolving. Recent developments include the introduction of radiopaque (X‐ray imageable) drug‐eluting particles. Here, we report on conceptually different radiopaque polymeric drug‐eluting embolic particles, which are (i), cross‐linked poly(methacrylates); (ii), radiopaque; (iii), microporous. Furthermore, the particles are not perfectly spherical: they have a large indentation in the sense that they are either a spherical/cup‐shaped or ellipsoid/mouth‐shaped. The micropores and the large indentation can confer useful features upon the particles, since they can be filled with a crystalline lipophilic chemotherapeutic drug. It is important, in this respect that (i), many potent chemotherapeutics are lipophilic and crystalline; (ii), available drug‐eluting beads (DEBs) have the limitation that they can only be used in combination with water‐soluble chemotherapeutic agents. Cup‐ and mouth‐shaped particles were obtained in a Cu(0) catalyzed free‐radical polymerization reaction. The microparticles could be charged with crystalline drug, in such a manner that the crystals reside in both the micropores and the large cavity, and in quantities that would be required for effective local chemotherapy. The antifungal drug voriconazole, lipophilic, and crystalline, was used to demonstrate this. We believe that the ability of the microporous/cavitated DEBs to carry lipophilic chemotherapeutic drugs is especially important. DEB‐TACE is likely to become a cornerstone method of interventional oncology in the years ahead, and the new embolic particles described herein hold the promise of becoming scope widening for the technique.
Development and evaluation of reparative tricalcium silicate‐ZrO2‐Biosilicate composites
Authors: Queiroz Marcela B. , Torres Fernanda F. E. , Rodrigues Elisandra M. , Viola Kennia S. , Bosso‐Martelo Roberta , Chavez‐Andrade Gisselle M. , Souza Marina T. , Zanotto Edgar D. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru Juliane M. , Tanomaru‐Filho Mario 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBiosilicate is a bioactive glass–ceramic used in medical and dental applications. This study evaluated novel reparative materials composed of pure tricalcium silicate (TCS), 30% zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and 10 or 20% biosilicate, in comparison with Biodentine. Setting time was evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard, radiopacity by radiographic analysis, solubility by mass loss, and pH by using a pH meter. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and NR assays. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red were used to evaluate cell bioactivity. Antimicrobial activity was assessed on Enterococcus faecalis by the direct contact test. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey; Bonferroni and Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). The association of Biosilicate with TCS + ZrO2 had appropriate setting time, radiopacity, and solubility, alkaline pH, and antimicrobial activity. TCS and Biodentine showed higher ALP activity in 14 days than the control (serum‐free medium). All cements produced mineralized nodules. In conclusion, Biosilicate + TCS ZrO2 decreased the setting time and increased the radiopacity in comparison to TCS. Biosilicate + TCS ZrO2 presented lower solubility and higher radiopacity than Biodentine. In addition, these experimental cements promoted antimicrobial activity and mineralization nodules formation, suggesting their potential for clinical use.
Congenital biliary dilatation in the era of laparoscopic surgery, focusing on the high incidence of anatomical variations of the right hepatic artery
Authors: Mori Yasuhisa , Nakata Kohei , Aly Mohammed Y. F. , Ideno Noboru , Ikenaga Naoki , Okabe Yasuhiro , Ishigami Kousei , Oda Yoshinao , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate anatomical variations of the right hepatic artery (RHA) in patients with congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) and the appropriate approach in laparoscopic surgery for CBD.MethodsThe medical records of 36 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery for CBD from 1996 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiological evaluation of the origin and course of the RHA in these 36 patients were compared with 195 control patients without CBD.ResultsThe incidence of the RHA crossing anterior to the common hepatic duct (CHD) was significantly higher in patients with CBD than in those without CBD (33% versus 10%, P = .0001). There was no intraoperative injury of the RHA, irrespective of the course of the RHA. The CHD was divided at the caudal side of the RHA in 11 of 12 patients (92%) with the anterior type of RHA, and in 13 of 24 patients (54%) with the posterior type of RHA (P = .03).ConclusionsPatients with CBD had a higher incidence of the RHA crossing anterior to the CHD than patients without CBD. Preservation of the RHA in each situation is necessary during surgery for CBD in the era of laparoscopic surgery.