bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigations of a small‐scale solar‐assisted absorption cooling system
Authors: Qadeer Adil , Hussain Shafqat , Ali Muzaffar , Khan Maham 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe present study deals with a small‐scale solar‐assisted absorption cooling system having a cooling capacity of 3.52 kW and was investigated experimentally under the climatic conditions of Taxila, Pakistan. Initially, a mathematical model was developed for LiBr/H2O vapor absorption system alongside flat‐plate solar thermal collectors to achieve the required operating temperature range of 75°C. Following this, a parametric analysis of the whole system was performed, including various design and climate parameters, such as the working temperatures of the generator, evaporator, condenser, absorber, mass flow rate, and coefficient of performance (COP) of the system. An experimental setup was coupled with solar collectors and instruments to get hot water using solar energy and measurements of main parameters for real‐time performance assessment. From the results obtained, it was revealed that the maximum average COP of the system achieved was 0.70, and the maximum outlet temperature from solar thermal collectors was 75°C. A sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the potential of the absorption machine in the seasonal cooling demand. An economic valuation was accomplished based on the current cost of conventional cooling systems. It was established that the solar cooling system is economical only when shared with domestic water heating.
Quantification of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid, and rifampicin by a high‐performance liquid chromatography method in human plasma from patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Hernández‐González Oswaldo , Zarazúa Sergio , Veytia‐Bucheli José Ignacio , González‐Chávez Marco Martín , Rodríguez‐Pinal Cristian Jazmín , Medellín‐Garibay Susanna Edith , Uresti‐Rivera Edith Elena , Pérez‐Vázquez Francisco Javier , Portales‐Pérez Diana Patricia , Romano‐Moreno Silvia , Milán‐Segovia Rosa del Carmen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to establish and validate an alternative high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous quantification of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid and rifampicin in plasma of patients under treatment for tuberculosis. The performed method was lineal (r2 > 0.99) in the range of 2.00–50.00 μg/mL for pyrazinamide, 0.50–20.00 μg/mL for both acetyl‐isoniazid and isoniazid, and 1.20–25.00 μg/mL for rifampicin. Precision and trueness were demonstrated with coefficient of variation < 15% and deviations < 15%, respectively, for quality controls samples. The lower limits of quantification were 2.00, 0.50, 0.50, and 1.20 μg/mL for pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid and rifampicin, respectively. The method was applied for the analysis of plasma from patients with tuberculosis. This method allowed ensuring reliable quantification of the target compounds and their pharmacokinetics parameters. In general, the mean values of maximum concentration of each antituberculosis drug were located within their respective reference therapeutic ranges. However, patients with sub‐therapeutic plasma concentrations of isoniazid and rifampicin were detected. This is the first analytical technique that simultaneously quantifies isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide concentrations from plasma samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet/visible. The proposed method could be applied for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetics studies of the four compounds throughout the treatment of tuberculosis patients.
Highly efficient solid‐phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water based on worm‐like nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposites coating grown on a nickel‐titanium alloy wire by low‐voltage anodization
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhou Hua , Zhang Lei , Wang Feifei , Wang Xuemei , Du Xinzhen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA novel worm‐like nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposite coating was directly grown on a nickel‐titanium alloy wire by low‐voltage electrochemical anodization in alkaline ethylene glycol and water solution. The in situ growth of nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposites greatly depended on the volume ratio of ethylene glycol to water and temperature. Coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection by static desorption in the mobile phase, the adsorption performance of the as‐prepared fiber was evaluated for solid‐phase microextraction of representative environmental analytes in water. The results indicate that the as‐prepared fiber exhibits higher extraction capability for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than commercial polydimethylsiloxane and polyacrylate fibers. After optimizing the extraction parameters, the calibration graphs of the developed method was linear in the range of 0.05–200 μg/L with correlation coefficients above 0.998. Limit of detection ranged from 0.013 to 0.145 μg/L for seven target analytes. Relative standard deviations of intraday and interday analyses varied from 4.0 to 5.3% and from 4.7 to 6.3% with the single fiber, respectively. The relative recoveries of 84.4–109% were achieved for highly efficient enrichment and determination of target analytes in spiked river and snow water. Moreover, the as‐prepared fiber can be used more than 200 times.
Thin layer chromatography based extraction approaches for improved analysis of volatile compounds with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and direct analysis with gas analyzer
Authors: Suchatanugal Nattapat , Chedthanorrakul Panisara , Thaveesangsakulthai Isaya , Nhujak Thumnoon , Kulsing Chadin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, thin‐layer chromatography was applied for selective extraction of volatile compounds in perfume prior to analysis with solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The standard compounds were desorbed from the thin‐layer chromatography plate and extracted at 80°C for 15 min showing good linearity of the calibration curves (R2 > 0.98) and acceptable recovery range (65–81%). The plate after the separation was cut into four smaller parts followed by solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis, which revealed different compound profile in each part with the correlation between log P of the standard compounds and their positions along the thin‐layer chromatography plate (R2 = 0.65). This approach was applied to analyze perfume compounds in the sample with strong matrix interference from the synthetic agarwood. Terpene hydrocarbons (woody‐based odors), ketones/esters, aldehydes, ethers, and alcohols were mostly observed at 8 ± 1, 6 ± 1, 5 ± 2, 4 ± 2, and 3 ± 2 cm, respectively, from the bottom of the thin‐layer chromatography plate. While, the conventional solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis of this sample solution revealed only 62 compounds (including 35 perfume compounds), the four‐piece approach resulted in 109 compounds (62 perfume compounds). Furthermore, the capability of thin‐layer chromatography‐Gas Analyzer approach to analyze the isomers in this complex sample was demonstrated.
Highly Isoselective Ring‐Opening Polymerization of rac‐Lactide Using Chiral Binuclear Aluminum Catalyst
Authors: Wan Yi , Bai Yun , Xu Hai , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe microstructure can significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of polymers. Five chiral binuclear aluminum methyl complexes (rac1 to rac5) are synthesized by using chiral binaphthalene diamine ligand and characterized by both 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of rac3 and rac5 are also identified by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the presence of iPrOH initiator, these aluminum complexes catalyze the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide (rac‐LA) in a controlled manner and produce polymers with high to excellent isoselectivity (Pm up to 0.93). Even with a catalyst loading as low as 0.1%, polylactide with a Pm of 0.83 can still be obtained. Kinetic studies reveal the first‐order dependence on monomer concentration whereas kinetic resolution polymerization provides the evidence to support that these binuclear aluminum catalysts catalyzed ROP of rac‐LA adopts enantiomorphic site control mechanism. Furthermore, this strategy can also be applied to the ROP of both ε‐caprolactone and δ‐valeroactone.
Psychosis‐Like Behavior and Hyperdopaminergic Dysregulation in Human α‐Synuclein BAC Transgenic Rats
Authors: Polissidis Alexia , Koronaiou Maria , Kollia Vasia , Koronaiou Effrosyni , Nakos‐Bimpos Modestos , Bogiongko Marios , Vrettou Sofia , Karali Katerina , Casadei Nicolas , Riess Olaf , Sardi Sergio P. , Xilouri Maria , Stefanis Leonidas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease psychosis is a prevalent yet underreported and understudied nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson's disease and, arguably, the most debilitating. It is unknown if α‐synuclein plays a role in psychosis, and if so, this endophenotype may be crucial for elucidating the neurodegenerative process.ObjectivesWe sought to dissect the underlying neurobiology of novelty‐induced hyperactivity, reminiscent of psychosis‐like behavior, in human α‐synuclein BAC rats.ResultsHerein, we demonstrate a prodromal psychosis‐like phenotype, including late‐onset sensorimotor gating disruption, striatal hyperdopaminergic signaling, and persistent novelty‐induced hyperactivity (up to 18 months), albeit reduced baseline locomotor activity, that is augmented by d‐amphetamine and reversed by classical and atypical antipsychotics. MicroRNA‐mediated α‐synuclein downregulation in the ventral midbrain rescues the hyperactive phenotype and restores striatal dopamine levels. This phenotype is accompanied by an abundance of age‐, brain region– and gene dose–dependent aberrant α‐synuclein, including hyperphosphorylation, C‐terminal truncation, aggregation pathology, and mild nigral neurodegeneration (27%).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate a potential role of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease psychosis and provide evidence of region‐specific perturbations prior to neurodegeneration phenoconversion. The reported phenotype coincides with the latest clinical findings that suggest a premotor hyperdopaminergic state may occur, while at the same time, premotor psychotic symptoms are increasingly being recognized. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inter‐Individual Variability in Insulin Response after Grape Pomace Supplementation in Subjects at High Cardiometabolic Risk: Role of Microbiota and miRNA
Authors: Ramos‐Romero Sara , Léniz Asier , Martínez‐Maqueda Daniel , Amézqueta Susana , Fernández‐Quintela Alfredo , Hereu Mercè , Torres Josep Luís , Portillo María P. , Pérez‐Jiménez Jara 
Published: November 2020

ScopeDietary polyphenols have shown promising effects in mechanistic and preclinical studies on the regulation of cardiometabolic alterations. Nevertheless, clinical trials have provided contradictory results, with high inter‐individual variability. This study explores the role of gut microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs) as factors contributing to the inter‐individual variability in polyphenol response.Methods and Results49 subjects with at least two factors of metabolic syndrome are divided between responders (n = 23) or non‐responders (n = 26), depending on the variation rate in fasting insulin after grape pomace supplementation (6 weeks). The populations of selected fecal bacteria are estimated from fecal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while the microbial‐derived short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are measured in fecal samples by gas chromatography. MicroRNAs are analyzed on a representative sample, followed by targeted miRNA analysis. Responder subjects show significantly lower (p < 0.05) Prevotella and Firmicutes levels, and increased (p < 0.05) miR‐222 levels.ConclusionAfter evaluating the selected substrates for Prevotella and target genes of miR‐222, these variations suggest that responders are those subjects exhibiting impaired glycaemic control. This study shows that fecal microbiota and miRNA expression may be related to inter‐individual variability in clinical trials with polyphenols.
Dual‐band stacked patch antenna with wide e‐plane beam width and stable gain at both bands
Authors: Li Si‐Jie , Lu Wen‐Jun , Zhu Lei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA dual‐resonant, semi‐circular sector patch antenna is properly incorporated to a planar self‐balanced magnetic dipole antenna and lead to a novel triple‐resonant, dual‐band planar antenna which has characteristics of wide E‐plane beam width and stable gain at both bands in this work. Design approach with a group of approximate closed‐form formulas is proposed to initially calculate value of the main parameters of the antenna. In the numerical and experimental verifications, it is demonstrated that the antenna operates at 2.4–2.48 and 4.75–5.95 GHz for reflection coefficient smaller than −10 dB. The antenna exhibits unique characteristics of wide E‐plane half‐power beamwidths of 91°/115°, and stable in‐band average gain of about 4–5 dBi at both bands owing to the nearly complementary frequency dispersive characteristic of the radiation pattern in both principal‐cut planes. As seen, the antenna can cover wide wireless communication spectra, which makes it promising to get applications in future developments of multi‐functional WLAN/RFID antennas, C2C communication antennas, and light‐weight, compact UAV antennas without bulky reflectors.
Chemistry of Tetradentate [C,N : C,N] Iminophosphorane Palladacycles: Preparation, Reactivity and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Munín‐Cruz Paula , Reigosa Francisco , Rúa‐Sueiro Marcos , Ortigueira Juan M. , Pereira M. Teresa , Vila José M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA theoretical and experimental study of tetradentate [C,N : C,N] iminophosphorane palladacycles was carried out for the purpose of elucidating their behavior as compared to the parent Schiff base analogues to determine the prospect of encountering new A‐frame structures for the iminophosphorane derivatives. The DFT calculations were in agreement with the experimental results regarding the performance of these ligands. New insights into the chemistry of the related dinuclear species have been obtained.
Untargeted UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐HRMS based determination of discrimating compounds for oak species Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea Liebl. identification
Authors: Buche Gaëlle , Colas Cyril , Fougère Laëtitia , Giordanengo Thomas , Destandau Emilie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionTwo species of oak are dominant in French forests: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.). Differentiating oak species is difficult, since features such as morphological characters, geographical origin and grain are not always relevant. Even if the former is generally richer in tannin compounds while the latter is often richer in aromatic compounds, the intra‐species variability is high. The characterisation of the oak species remains a suitable indicator of the molecular composition and quality of the wood.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine differentiating molecules allowing oak species identification in order to assist in a suitable wood selection for a better oak tree valorisation since the selection of the oak wood to be used in the production of barrels plays an essential role in wine ageing.Materials and MethodsOak wood samples were collected both in forests and in cooperage timber yards. An untargeted metabolomic approach using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography qualitative time‐of‐flight high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐HRMS) associated to multivariate statistical analyses (hierarchical ascendant clustering and partial least squares discriminant analysis) was implemented to determine molecular markers of oak species.ResultsHeartwood was identified as the suitable wood part to distinguish oak species. Discriminating molecules did not depend on the sample set. The pedunculate species showed overexpression of bartogenic derivatives while sessile oak presented a higher content in oak lactone precursors and in quercotriterpenosids.ConclusionThe developed method allowed the identification of relevant compounds for oak species identification to a better wood valorisation and selection.
Characterization of PA‐12 specimens fabricated by projection sintering at various sintering parameters
Authors: Kaur Taranjot , Nussbaum Justin , Lee Sanboh , Rodriguez Kevin , Crane Nathan B. , Harmon Julie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLarge area projection sintering (LAPS) promises to be a new method in the field of additive manufacturing. Developed in the Mechanical Engineering Department, University of South Florida, LAPS uses long exposure times over a broad area of powder to fuse into dense, reproducible materials. In contrast, LS, a common powder‐based additive manufacturing, uses a focused beam of light scanned quickly over the material. Local regions of concentrated high‐energy bursts of light lead to higher peak temperatures and differing cooling dynamics and overall crystallinity. The mechanical properties of laser sintered specimens suffer because of uneven particle fusion. LAPS offers the capacity to fine‐tune fusion properties through enhanced thermodynamic control of the heating and cooling profiles for sintering. Further research is required to identify the relationship between LAPS build settings and part properties to enable the fabrication of custom parts with desired properties. This study examines the influence of LAPS sintering parameters on chemical structures, crystallinity, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyamide‐12 specimens using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing. It was observed that higher crystallinity was imparted to specimens that were sintered for a shorter time and vice versa.
A comparison of ablative resistance properties of liquid silicone rubber composites filled with different fibers
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yan Liwei , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei , Chen Yang , Liang Mei , Ren Xiancheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFlexible ablative materials play a key role in thermal protection systems to protect space vehicles during hypersonic flight missions. In this work, epoxy resin modified liquid silicone rubber was adopted as elastomeric matrix. Two inorganic fibers (carbon fibers (CF) and quartz fibers (QF)) and two organic fibers (aramid fibers (AF) and poly (p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers (PBO)) were chosen as functional fillers. The ablation resistance and thermal insulation properties were evaluated using oxyacetylene torch test. Microstructure and phase composition of the char layer was fully characterized to investigate the ablation mechanism. SEM observations revealed that the fibers are well dispersed and integrated in the matrix. TGA analysis indicated that the inorganic fibers possess significantly higher thermal stability than organic fibers. In addition, a molten silica film can be formed on the material surface, which can exert a better thermal protection effect on the matrix. Furthermore, the ablation test shows that the linear ablation rate decreases first and then increases with an increase of fiber content. This work provides basic data to guide optimal selection of fibrous ablatives to enhance ablation performance.
Genetic basis of resistance to the Vip3Aa Bt protein in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Yang Fei , Santiago González José C , Sword Gregory A , Kerns David L 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDHelicoverpa zea is a destructive pest and target of maize and cotton expressing Cry and Vip3Aa proteins in North America. The efficacy of Cry proteins against H. zea in the USA has been largely compromised by resistance. A rapid shift towards planting Bt cotton and maize producing Vip3Aa will accelerate evolution of resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea. Research on the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is urgently needed, and can provide fundamental information for managing resistance in this pest. Here, we characterize the inheritance of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea.RESULTSSusceptibility of a Vip3Aa‐susceptible strain (SS), a resistant strain (RR), and progeny from different crosses against Vip3Aa39 was determined. RR was established from an F2 screening of a population from Texas sampled in 2019. RR had a resistance ratio of 45194.1‐fold against Vip3Aa39 relative to SS. Maternal effects and sex linkage were absent in RR. The dominance D value, calculated based on median lethal concentration (LC50) values, was −1.0 and the effective dominance (DML), calculated based on a given Vip3Aa39 concentration, was ≤0.0 at concentrations of 0.1–31.6 μg cm−2. The test using a monogenic mode of inheritance showed that resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea was largely due to a single gene.CONCLUSIONResults of this study indicate that Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is monogenic, autosomal, and recessive. This information is valuable for studying the mechanism of Vip3Aa resistance, monitoring of resistance development, and designing appropriate strategies for preventive management of Vip3Aa resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy and risks from a modified sodium nitrite toxic bait for wild pigs
Authors: Snow Nathan P , Wishart Jason D , Foster Justin A , Staples Linton D , VerCauteren Kurt C 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDWild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species throughout many regions of the world. In 2018, a field evaluation of an early prototype of a sodium nitrite (SN) toxic bait in the United States revealed wild pigs dropped large amounts of the toxic bait outside the pig‐specific bait stations while feeding, and thus subsequent hazards for non‐target animals. We modified the SN‐toxic bait formulation, the design of the bait station, and the baiting strategy to reduce dropped bait. We tested the modifications in Queensland, Australia (December 2018), Alabama, USA (August 2019), and Texas, USA (March 2020) under differing climatic and seasonal conditions for one night.RESULTSCumulatively we found 161 carcasses of all age classes of wild pigs using systematic transects. Remote camera indices indicated high lethality for wild pigs, achieving population reductions of 76.3 to 90.4%. Wild pigs dropped only small particles of SN‐toxic bait (average = 55.5 g per bait site), which represented a 19‐fold decrease from the previous trial. Despite this reduction, we found three Australian ravens (Corvus coronoides) in Queensland, two Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in Alabama, and 35 granivorous‐passerine birds (mostly dark‐eyed juncos [Junco hyemalis]) in Texas dead from consuming the dropped bait. We did not detect any population‐level effects for those species.CONCLUSIONOur modifications were effective at reducing populations of wild pigs, but the deaths of non‐target species require further steps to minimize these hazards. Next steps will include evaluating various deterrent devices for birds the morning after SN‐toxic bait has been offered. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA