bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mussel‐Inspired Dual‐Superlyophobic Biomass Membranes for Selective Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Mai Van Cuong , Das Paramita , Zhou Jiajing , Lim Teik Thye , Duan Hongwei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDual‐superlyophobic membranes that exhibit underwater superoleophobicity and underoil superhydrophobicity concurrently have gained considerable attention for oil/water separation. To effectively treat oily wastewater, consistent efforts have been made to develop fast and simple methodologies with low cost, environmentally friendly materials. Here, the dual‐superlyophobic membranes are obtained based on one‐step tailored growth of mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles on the surfaces of biomass membranes. The results demonstrate that the universal adhesion of PDA allows the modification of biomass fibers of different surface hydrophobicity. The oxidation polymerization of dopamine leads to the rapid growth of PDA nanostructures, which form stable coatings of high roughness instead of homogeneous conformal coatings generated in the conventional synthesis of PDA. The amphiphilic nature of PDA and the rough surfaces imparted by the PDA nanostructures collectively lead to dual‐superlyophobic properties. Membranes of the coated biomass fibers prewetted by either water or oil become impermeable to the counterpart liquids, giving rise to efficient oil–water separation in a broad spectrum of mixtures. In particular, the membranes derived from cotton or kapok fibers show oil/water separation efficiencies of above 99.98%, fluxes ranging from 4000 to 22 200 L m−2 h−1, and robust performance for regeneration and repeated uses.
Harnessing the Intrinsic Reactivity of 2‐Cyano‐Substituted Heteroarenes to Achieve Programmable Double Alkylation
Authors: Sun Zhuming , Zhao Jichen , Deng Huiwen , Tian Li , Tang Bingqing , Liu Kevin K.‐C. , Zhu Hugh Y. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHerein, we report our study of tertiary radicals, generated through visible light decarboxylation, alkylating 2‐cyanoarenes through radical cross‐coupling at the ipso‐ or the para‐ positions of the cyano groups. Synthesis of a variety of α‐tertiary amines containing quaternary centers is described. The approach enables regioselective sequential double alkylation on either 2‐cyanopyridine or 2‐cyanopyrimidine with high efficiency. Our report illustrates the synthetic utility of α‐heteroatom‐substituted tertiary radicals in the synthesis of substituted heteroarenes.magnified image
Retrospective tillage differentiation using the Landsat‐5 TM archive with discriminant analysis
Authors: Sharma Sonisa , Dhakal Kundan , Wagle Pradeep , Kilic Ayse 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAccurate and site‐specific information on tillage practice is vital to understand the impacts of crop management on water quality, soil conservation, and soil carbon sequestration. Remote sensing is a cost‐effective technique for surveillance and rapid assessment of tillage practice over large areas. A new empirical approach for accurately predicting tillage class using discriminant analysis (DA) on historical multi‐temporal Landsat‐TM 5 imagery has been developed. Ground truth data were obtained from the USDA‐NRCS at 48 locations (20 conventional till [CT] and 28 conservation tillage or no‐till [NT]). Classification accuracies were obtained for the DA models using reflectance values of Landsat‐5 TM bands and Normalized Difference Tillage Index (NDTI) values. The performance of the DA models was compared with Logistic Regression (LR) models. On the basis of classification accuracy and kappa (κ) value, our results showed that the DA models performed better in tillage classification than the LR models. However, using NDTI values, both the DA and LR models performed similarly in tillage class discrimination. Model performance improved when a subset of locations rather than years was used. The results indicated broad‐scale mapping of tillage practices is feasible using historical Landsat‐5 TM imagery and DA‐based classification.
Effects of fertilizer management strategies on maize yield and nitrogen use efficiencies under different densities
Authors: Li Guanghao , Wang Longfei , Li Long , Lu Dalei , Lu Weiping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRational plant density and fertilizer management are important practices to improve maize (Zea mays L.) yield and nutrient use efficiency. Previous research indicated that plant density and fertilization had positive interaction on maize yield and N utilization. The research studied on the interactive effects of slow‐released fertilizer (added amino acid polymer biological preparation) and density on maize yield and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs). A 2‐yr field experiment with varieties Suyu29 (SY29) or Suyu30 (SY30) was conducted using a split‐split plot design. Three densities (6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 × 104 plants per ha) and three fertilization modes (0F‐no fertilizer, SF‐one‐time application of slow‐released fertilizer, and CF‐twice application of conventional fertilizer) were assigned. Results indicated that grain yields and NUEs of SF under 7.5 × 104 plants per ha were the highest both in SY29 and SY30. Compared with CF under 7.5 × 104 plants per ha, SF could improve pre‐ and post‐silking N uptake and promote N translocation from stalk and leaf into grain, which increased its contribution efficiency to grain N content and obtained higher NUE. The average N partial productivity, N agronomic efficiency, N recovery efficiency, and N absorption efficiency of SF were 5.3, 9.9, 20.1, and 11.4% higher than CF under 7.5 plants × 104 plants per ha. Increasing plant density, the grain yield, total N accumulation, and NUEs initially increased and then decreased both in SF and CF. These results suggest that one‐time application of SF combined with appropriate density could increase maize yield and NUE under our experiment condition.
Semaphorin 7A: A novel marker of disease activity in Gaucher disease
Authors: Franco Mélanie , Reihani Nelly , Dupuis Lucie , Collec Emmanuel , Billette de Villemeur Thierry , de Person Marine , Moussa Fathi , Berger Marc G. , Belmatoug Nadia , Le Van Kim Caroline 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGaucher disease (GD) is a recessively inherited lysosomal storage disorder in which sphingolipids accumulates in the macrophages that transform into Gaucher cells. A growing body of evidence indicates that red blood cells (RBCs) represent important actors in GD pathophysiology. We previously demonstrated that altered RBC properties including increased Lyso‐GL1 levels, dyserythropoiesis, and iron metabolism defect in GD patients contribute to anemia and hyperferritinemia. Since RBC defects also correlated well with markers of GD severity and were normalized under enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the identification of molecules that are deregulated in GD RBCs represents an important issue in the search of pertinent markers of the disease. Here, we found a decreased expression of the GPI‐anchored cell surface protein Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) in RBCs from untreated GD (GD UT) patients, in parallel with increased levels of the soluble form in the plasma. Sema7A plays a role in neural guidance, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory diseases and represents a promigratory cue in physiological and pathological conditions. We showed that the decreased expression of Sema7A in RBCs correlated with their abnormal properties and with markers of GD activity. Interestingly, ERT restored the level of Sema7A to normal values both in RBCs and in plasma from GD patients. We then proposed that SemaA7A represents a simple and pertinent marker of inflammation in GD. Finally, because Sema7A is known to regulate the activity of immune cells, the increased level of soluble Sema7A in GD patients could propagate inflammation in several tissues.
Are good governance principles institutionalised with policy transfer? An examination of public–private partnerships policy promotion in China
Authors: Chen Cheng , Man Caixia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article explores the following question: To what extent are good governance principles being institutionalised in China as a result of public–private partnerships (PPP) policy transfer? Since 2013, China has been pursuing PPP and applying aspects of related good governance drawing from Western experience despite its radically different fragmented authoritarian regime. This makes China a unique case to observe the extent to which good governance principles can be institutionalised in very different contexts. This article assesses the degree of institutionalisation of three good governance principles that guide PPP policy elsewhere: transparency and accountability, willingness to collaborate and equity between partners. It argues that while the PPP policies have been applied extensively in recent years, these good governance principles have been institutionalised to varying degrees as they have had to be adapted and compromised to fit with existing power relations in authoritarian China. The findings aim to add value to the literature regarding PPP policy transfer and good governance, by revealing the challenges of institutionalising good governance principles through PPP policy transfer in an alien context.
Validation of an analytical method using UPLC–MS/MS to quantify four bioactive components in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study of traditional and dispensing granules decoction of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen
Authors: Chen Yan , Jiang Enci , Yan Jizhong , Tao Yi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA rapid and sensitive UPLC–MS/MS method was established for the simultaneous quantification of 6′′′‐feruloylspinosin, spinosin, jujuboside A, and jujuboside B in rat plasma after the oral administration of traditional and dispensing granules (DG) decoction of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS). The four components were separated using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as a mobile phase by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min equipped with a C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm particle size, Acquity BEH C18). The mass spectrometer was operated under multiple reaction monitoring mode. An aliquot of 100 μL rat plasma was deproteinized by 300 μL methanol. The supernatant was injected into the UPLC–MS/MS system for analysis. The calibration curves displayed good linearity. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were less than 7.3%. The accuracies ranged from −1.3 to 6.1%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 95.8 to 101.9%, and the matrix effects were satisfactory. For DG, half‐life values (t1/2) of 6′′′‐feruloylspinosin and Cmax of jujuboside A were elevated remarkably. MRT0–t of jujuboside B was significantly increased. No significant variation was observed for the pharmacokinetic parameters of spinosin. The results could provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of traditional and DG decoction of ZSS.
Frontal variant of Alzheimer's disease with asymmetric presentation mimicking frontotemporal dementia: Case report and literature review
Authors: Li Cheng‐Hsuan , Fan Sung‐Pin , Chen Ta‐Fu , Chiu Ming‐Jang , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Lin Chin‐Hsien 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionFrontal variant of Alzheimer's disease (fvAD) is a rare nonamnestic syndrome of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Differentiating it from behavior variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), which has implications for treatment responses and prognosis, remains a clinical challenge.MethodsMolecular neuroimaging and biofluid markers were performed for the index patient for accurate premortem diagnosis of fvAD. The clinical, neuroimaging, and biofluid characteristics of the patient were compared to those reported in previous studies of fvAD from 1999 to 2019.ResultsA 66‐year‐old man presented with progressive executive dysfunction, personality and behavioral changes, and memory decline since age 59. He had no family history of neurodegenerative disorders. A stimulus‐sensitive myoclonus was noted over his left upper extremity. Neuropsychological assessment revealed moderate dementia with a Mini‐Mental State Exam score of 10/30 and compromised executive and memory performance. Brain imaging showed asymmetrical atrophy and hypometabolism over the right frontal and temporal areas, mimicking bvFTD. However, we observed increased tau depositions based on 18F‐labeled T807 Tau PET in these areas and diffusely increased amyloid deposition based on 11C‐labeled Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PET). Plasma biomarker measures indicated an AD profile with increased Aβ1‐42 (18.66 pg/ml; cutoff: 16.42 pg/ml), Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio (0.45; cutoff: 0.30), total tau (29.78 pg/ml; cutoff: 23.89 pg/ml), and phosphorylated tau (4.11 pg/ml; cutoff: 3.08 pg/ml). These results supported a diagnosis of fvAD.ConclusionsOur results with asymmetrical presentations extend current knowledge about this rare AD variant. Application of biofluid and molecular imaging markers could assist in early, accurate diagnosis.
Validation of the Lithuanian version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 in a student sample
Authors: Baceviciene Migle , Balciuniene Vaiva , Jankauskiene Rasa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE‐Q 6.0) is one of the most broadly used self‐report tools that assesses attitudes and behaviors associated with eating disorders (EDs). The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Lithuanian version of the EDE‐Q 6.0 (LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0) in a nonclinical student sample.Materials and MethodsA sample of 382 students (mean age 24.0 ± 6.4) participated in the study. The students completed a self‐report questionnaire measuring the risk of EDs (LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0), body image (LT‐MBSRQ‐AS), quality of life (LT‐WHOQOL‐BREF), and self‐esteem (RSES). Cronbach's alpha assessed the internal consistency of the EDE‐Q 6.0. Pearson's correlations were used for the analyses of the construct and concurrent validity with the subscales of LT‐MBSRQ‐AS, LT‐WHOQOL‐BREF, and RSES. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for assessing test‐retest reliability.ResultsThe mean score of the LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0 in the mixed sample was 1.5 ± 1.02. For women and men, the general mean scores were higher than in the majority of the samples of Western Europe but lower than in the United States. Acceptable internal consistency for the four subscales (0.75–0.88) and the LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0 general score (0.94) was obtained. Test‐retest reliability was good to excellent for all subscales (0.66–0.91) and for the items that assessed essential behavioral features of EDs (0.84–0.90, except item 14 ICC = 0.4). The LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0 scores had adequate concurrent validity. However, the original 4‐factor structure or other proposed models of EDE‐Q were not obtained by CFA.ConclusionsThe results of the current study support the applicability, validity, and reliability of the LT‐EDE‐Q 6.0 in a nonclinical Lithuanian student sample. However, we recommend assessing the general scale score without the application of the subscales. The Lithuanian version of this instrument should be further investigated with clinical samples to identify clinically diagnosed cases.
Impact of airport green atmospherics on mental health value, image, and loyalty among visitors and workers
Authors: Han Heesup , Olya Hossein G.T. , Untaru Elena‐Nicoleta , Ispas Ana , Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Kim Wansoo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNature‐based solutions (NBS) are becoming increasingly crucial as NBS brings diverse health‐related benefits to travelers and workers in the tourism business sector. This research explored the influence of green atmospherics as NBS on airport occupants' mental health value, image, and loyalty generation processes. A quantitative approach with a field survey method was employed. A structural equation modeling and metric invariance test were used as data analysis technique. Our empirical result revealed that green atmospherics as NBS significantly improve the occupants' mental health value and image of the airport, and these variables contribute to their loyalty enhancement for the airport. The effect of green spaces and natural surroundings on loyalty was maximized through mental health value and image. In addition, the linkages from natural surroundings to mental health value and image were stronger in the visitor group whereas the mental health value—loyalty relation was stronger in the worker group.
Nitric oxide restores peripheral blood mononuclear cell adhesion against hypoxia via NO‐cGMP signalling
Authors: Behera Jyotirmaya , Nagarajan Shunmugam , Saran Uttara , Kumar Ravi , Keshri Gaurav K. , Suryakumar Geetha , Chatterjee Suvro 
Published: January 2020

Hypoxia is the most detrimental threat to humans residing at high altitudes, affecting multifaceted cellular responses that are crucial for normal homeostasis. Inhalation of nitric oxide has been successfully implemented to combat the hypoxia effect in the high altitude patients. We hypothesize that nitric oxide (NO) restores the peripheral blood mononuclear cell‐matrix deadhesion during hypoxia. In the present study, we investigate the cellular action of exogenous NO in the hypoxia‐mediated diminution of cell‐matrix adhesion of PBMNC and NO bioavailability in vitro. The result showed that NO level and cell‐matrix adhesion of PBMNC were significantly reduced in hypoxia as compared with normoxia, as assessed by the DAF‐FM and cell adhesion assay, respectively. In contrast, cellular oxidative damage response was indeed upregulated in hypoxic PBMNC. Further, gene expression analysis revealed that mRNA transcripts of cell adhesion molecules (Integrin α5 and β1) and eNOS expressions were significantly downregulated. The mechanistic study revealed that administration of NO and 8‐Br‐cGMP and overexpression of eNOS‐GFP restored the basal NO level and recovers cell‐matrix adhesion in PBMNC via cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (PKG I) signalling. In conclusion, NO‐cGMP/PKG signalling may constitute a novel target to recover high altitude–afflicted cellular deadhesion.Significance of this studyCellular adhesion is a complex multistep process. The ability of cells to adhere to extracellular matrix is an essential physiological process for normal homeostasis and function. Hypoxia exposure in the PBMNC culture has been proposed to induce oxidative damage and cellular deadhesion and is generally believed to be the key factor in the reduction of NO bioavailability. In the present study, we demonstrated that NO donor or overexpression of eNOS‐GFP has a protective effect against hypoxia‐induced cellular deadhesion and greatly improves the redox balance by inhibiting the oxidative stress. Furthermore, this protective effect of NO is mediated by the NO‐cGMP/PKG signal pathway, which may provide a potential strategy against hypoxia.
A rat H1t‐GFP transgene recapitulates endogenous H1t expression pattern in mouse
Authors: Lipschutz Emma , Dasgupta Anindya , Guan Yongjuan , Kistler W. Stephen , Wang P. Jeremy 
Published: January 2020

SummaryH1 histones bind to linker DNA. H1t (H1f6), a testis‐specific linker histone variant, is present in pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. The expression of H1t histone coincides with the acquisition of metaphase I competence in pachytene spermatocytes. Here we report the generation of H1t‐GFP transgenic mice. The H1t‐GFP (H1 histone testis‐green fluorescence protein) fusion protein expression recapitulates the endogenous H1t expression pattern. This protein appears first in mid pachytene spermatocytes in stage V seminiferous tubules, persists in round spermatids and elongating spermatids, but is absent in elongated spermatids. The strong green fluorescence signal, due to the high abundance of H1t‐GFP, is maintained in spermatocytes after induction towards metaphase I through treatment with okadaic acid. Therefore, H1t‐GFP can be used as a visual marker for monitoring the progression of meiosis in vitro and in vivo, as well as fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) sorting of germ cells.
What's in a band? The function of the color and banding pattern of the Banded Swallowtail
Authors: Tan Eunice J. , Wilts Bodo D. , Tan Brent T. K. , Monteiro Antónia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractButterflies have evolved a diversity of color patterns, but the ecological functions for most of these patterns are still poorly understood. The Banded Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio demolion demolion, is a mostly black butterfly with a greenish‐blue band that traverses the wings. The function of this wing pattern remains unknown. Here, we examined the morphology of black and green‐blue colored scales, and how the color and banding pattern affects predation risk in the wild. The protective benefits of the transversal band and of its green‐blue color were tested via the use of paper model replicas of the Banded Swallowtail with variations in band shape and band color in a full factorial design. A variant model where the continuous transversal green‐blue band was shifted and made discontinuous tested the protective benefit of the transversal band, while grayscale variants of the wildtype and distorted band models assessed the protective benefit of the green‐blue color. Paper models of the variants and the wildtype were placed simultaneously in the field with live baits. Wildtype models were the least preyed upon compared with all other variants, while gray models with distorted bands suffered the greatest predation. The color and the continuous band of the Banded Swallowtail hence confer antipredator qualities. We propose that the shape of the band hinders detection of the butterfly's true shape through coincident disruptive coloration; while the green color of the band prevents detection of the butterfly from its background via differential blending. Differential blending is aided by the green‐blue color being due to pigments rather than via structural coloration. Both green and black scales have identical structures, and the scales follow the Bauplan of pigmented scales documented in other Papilio butterflies.
Health effects of reduced workload for older employees
Authors: Bratberg Espen , Holmås Tor Helge , Monstad Karin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo keep elder employees in the labour force, introducing age‐dependent job conditions can be a policy measure. However, we know little about the effect of such initiatives. We investigate the effects of a particular programme in Norway that reduces the workload of teachers at age 55 but maintains the same wage. Evaluation of this programme is well suited to a difference‐in‐difference analysis, where the control group is teachers slightly too young to be eligible for the workload reduction. Using full population register data for the period 2006–2013, we analyse the effects of the programme on health as indicated by sickness absence and health care utilization. We find that whereas there is no effect among women, the workload reduction causes a decrease in sickness absence and an improvement in mental health among males. These results, which are robust to a placebo test, to extending the pretreatment period, and to dropping single birth cohorts, are driven by a subgroup of men whose prior health status is poor.