bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A General Hydrothermal Growth and Photocatalytic Performance of Barium Tin Hydroxide/Tin Dioxide Nanorods
Authors: Tao Feihu , Li Feiyang , Huang Jianfeng , Xue Zeyang , Yu Chunhu , Cai Zhengyu , Pei Lizhai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBarium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and optical performance of the nanorods are characterized via X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and solid ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum. The nanorods are mainly composed of monoclinic BaSn(OH)6and orthorhombic SnO2phases with the length and diameter of about 5 µm and 50–150 nm, respectively. The formation process of the nanorods is investigated based on the morphology and structure evolution of the products from different hydrothermal conditions. Solid UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum shows that the nanorods belong to typical semiconductor with the band gap of 3.74 eV. The barium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are used for the photocatalytic degradation of gentian violet under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiency reaches 93.2% with the irradiation time of 8 h adding 10 mg nanorods in 10 mL 10 mg mL−1gentian violet solution. The reactive species trapping results show that hydroxyl radicals, holes and superoxide radicals are main reactive species for gentian violet degradation. The barium tin hydroxide/tin dioxide nanorods are stable for the photocatalytic reaction of the gentian violet.
Drought in intermittent river and ephemeral stream networks
Authors: Sarremejane Romain , Messager Mathis Loïc , Datry Thibault 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), those watercourses that periodically cease to flow or dry, are the world's most widespread type of river ecosystem. Our understanding of the natural hydrology and ecology of IRES has greatly improved, but their responses to extreme events such as drought remain a research frontier. In this review, we present the state of the art, knowledge gaps and research directions on droughts in IRES from an ecohydrological perspective. We clarify the definition of droughts in IRES, giving recommendations to promote transferability in how ecohydrological studies characterize droughts in non‐perennial stream networks. Based on a systematic search of the literature, we also identify common patterns and sources of variation in the ecological responses of IRES to droughts and provide a roadmap for further research to enable improved understanding and management of IRES during those extreme hydrological events. Confusion in the terminology and the lack of tools to assess the hydrological responses of IRES to drought may have hindered the development of drought research in IRES. We found that 44% of studies confused the term drought with seasonal drying and that those that measure droughts in a transferable way are a minority. Studies on ecological responses to drought in IRES networks are still rare and limited to a few climatic zones and organisms and mainly explored in perennial sections. Our review highlights the need for additional research on this topic to inform IRES management and conservation.
Improved Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol to Cyclohexane on NiFe Alloy Catalysts Derived from Phyllosilicates
Authors: Han Qiao , Wang Hui , Rehman Mooeez Ur , Shang Xin , Chen Haijun , Ji Na , Tong Xinli , Shi Hui , Zhao Yujun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA phyllosilicate‐derived NiFe/SiO2 catalyst (NiFe/SiO2−AE) was successfully prepared by the ammonia evaporation method and applied in the hydrodeoxygenation of phenol to cyclohexane. Another two catalysts were also prepared for a comparison by impregnation (NiFe/SiO2−IM) and deposition‐precipitation (NiFe/SiO2−DP) methods, respectively. It was found that Ni−Fe alloy, the active sites for the hydrogenolysis of C−O bond, can be obtained by the reduction of NiFe2O4 (IM) or phyllosilicate (DP and AE) by H2. The AE strategy can generate more phyllosilicate structure, which improves the dispersion of both Ni−Fe alloy and metallic Ni sites and allows the formation of more interface between these two kinds of sites as well. Therefore, the NiFe/SiO2−AE exhibits a significantly high catalytic performance in the HDO of phenol to cyclohexane. Moreover, the turnover frequency of Ni−Fe alloy sites over NiFe/SiO2−AE catalysts is much higher than those of other two catalysts. It is suggested that the enhanced synergy between the two kinds of active sites in the adsorption of C−O groups and hydrogen molecules ensures the superior intrinsic activity in HDO process.
Synthesis, Structures and Properties of Bis(naphthocyclobuta)pyrenes
Authors: Gao Man , Chen Han , Miao Qian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study explored new polycyclic conjugated scaffolds combining pyrene and cyclobutadienoid rings. Regioisomeric bis(naphthocyclobuta)pyrenes were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. It was found that the regioisomeric polycyclic conjugated scaffolds exhibit different local aromaticity and photophysical properties as a result of the different fusion patterns of pyrene and cyclobutadienoid. Tuning the π‐stacking of bisnaphtho[2′,3′:3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐e:1′,2′‐l]pyrene by changing the length of the alkyl substituents led to a p‐type organic semiconductor for solution‐processed thin film transistors.
Isotachophoresis for rapid transformation of Escherichia coli
Authors: Alves Monica N. , Nai Yi Heng , Powell Shane M. , Macka Mirek , Breadmore Michael C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA frequent limitation of electroporation (EP) and chemical transformation (CT) are the need of tedious and time‐consuming procedures for inducing transformation competence, the substantial number of cells required, and the low transformation yields typically achieved. Here, we show a new and rapid electrokinetic method for transformation of small number of noncompetent Escherichia coli TOP10 cells (2–3 × 105) at room temperature. Escherichia coli TOP10 cells and plasmid DNA are sequentially injected into a 50 μm ID capillary and focused into 11.5 nL by isotachophoresis (ITP) induced by application of high DC voltage (–16 kV). Through ITP, a large excess of plasmid DNA is brought in contact with the cell surface, with the contact time adjusted by application of a counter‐pressure (1.3 psi) opposing the ITP movement. The transformation rate was more than 1000‐fold higher compared to EP and CT at survival rates greater than 60%.
Rheology‐modulated alterations in electro‐magneto‐hydrodynamic flows in a narrow cylindrical capillary: Contrasting trends in high and low surface charge limits
Authors: Saha Kalyan , Murthy P. V. S. N. , Chakraborty Suman 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe investigate electrokinetic transport of power‐law fluids in a narrow cylindrical capillary in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The governing equations including the full Poisson‐Boltzmann equation and the Cauchy momentum equation with power‐law constitutive behavior are solved numerically, without being restrictive to low surface potential limits. The influence of the power‐law index, wall zeta potential, relative strength of electromagnetic force over viscous force (as represented by the Hartmann number), and the lateral electric field strength on the variation of the volumetric flow rate is analyzed. Our results reveal a significant augmentation in the net‐throughput beyond the traditionally explored low surface‐charge limits, especially for shear‐thinning fluids, defying the established notions. These fundamental theoretical premises may act as essential precursors towards developing deeper insights on fluidic transport bio‐nanopores under electro‐magneto‐ hydrodynamic influences.
Displacement feedback control of actuators for structural testing using image processing and analysis
Authors: Chen Pei‐Ching , Yang Yuan‐Sen , Cheng Yu‐Chen 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExternal displacement control (EDC) is essential to a structural test in which a servo‐hydraulic actuator is connected to the specimen through loading fixtures, steel plates, and bolts in order to ensure that the specimen deformation meets the predefined displacement profile accurately. However, external displacement transducers for actuator feedback control could be detached from the specimen due to concrete spalling or steel buckling, leading to potential risks associated with actuator control stability and safety. In this study, image‐based displacement feedback control of actuators for structural testing is proposed and validated, which provides a noncontact approach to measure specimen deformation. In the proposed control scheme, a high‐speed camera is used to capture the images of a feature on the specimen during the test. The specimen deformation is calculated by using the captured images through online image processing and analysis. The actuator controller utilizes the calculated displacement as the feedback signal for displacement control. Finally, the proposed control scheme is validated in the laboratory. Two types of loading protocols are adopted for experimental validation including quasi‐static cyclic testing and dynamic loading testing. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed image‐based displacement feedback control of the actuator completes quasi‐static cyclic tests and dynamic loading tests successfully and stably with satisfactory displacement tracking performance. The proposed method provides an alternative for EDC in a structural test.
Fluvial and coastal landform changes in the Aceh River delta (northern Sumatra) during the century leading to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Authors: Chapkanski Stoil , Brocard Gilles , Lavigne Franck , Tricot Camille , Meilianda Ella , Ismail Nazli , Majewski Jedrzej , Goiran Jean‐Philippe , Alfian Dedy , Daly Patrick , Horton Benjamin , Switzer Adam , Degroot Veronique , Steuer Annika , Siemon Bernhard , Cavero Julien , Virmoux Clement , Darusman Darusman 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRiver deltas are strongly affected by demographic growth and by the intensification of land use. The migration of deltaic coastlines is often rapid, threatening urban settlements, coastal farming, and coastal biotopes. Some deltas benefit from centuries of monitoring, such that the evolution of their coastline is well documented. For most deltas, however, such long records do not exist. The study of their geomorphological evolution can benefit from overlapping maps drafted over time, combined with aerial photographs and satellite images, to track the evolution of fluvial and coastal landforms. Both fluvial and coastal landforms are sensitive to variations in water and sediment supply, such that covariations in the evolution of these landforms, or the lack thereof, provide clues on the contribution of water and sediment supply to delta evolution. We document the evolution of river channels and coastlines in the delta of the Aceh River in northwest Sumatra, by overlying maps, ortho‐rectified aerial photographs, and satellite images covering the past 130 years. We assess the accuracy of the overlays, and then use multivariate statistics to analyze the co‐evolution of fluvial and coastal landforms. We propose that a progressive decrease in sediment supply spurred river channel lengthening and narrowing, landward migration of the shoreline, and narrowing of beach ridges. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami generated an instantaneous retreat of the coastline that amounts to ∼53% of the coastal retreat from 1884 to 2019 ce. Post‐tsunami evolution is marked by an irreversible acceleration of previous trends. Beach ridges located up‐drift of rivers and tidal channel mouths are more sensitive to long‐term landward retreat and tsunamigenic erosion.
Performance of ionic liquid–based quasi‐solid‐state hybrid battery supercapacitor fabricated with porous carbon capacitive cathode and proton battery anode
Authors: Singh Manoj K. , Chaurasia Sujeet Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present paper reports preparation, characterization, and application of proton‐conducting ionic liquid–based gel polymer electrolyte (ILGPE) obtained by immobilizing liquid electrolyte solution (0.3M NH4Tf in EMIMTf) to the polymer PVdF‐HFP. These ILGPE offer excellent ionic conductivity ~1.30 × 10−2 S/cm at room temperature and used as separator membrane in the hybrid BatCap. DSC study confirms glass transitions and melting temperatures (Tg's and Tm's) of PVdF‐HFP/EMIMTF/NH4Tf decrease with increasing content of liquid electrolyte to the host polymer matrix PVdF‐HFP which, in turn, is responsible for increasing flexibility of membranes. Ionic transport number measurements (tion ~0.99, ~0.27) reveal that ions are the principal charge carriers in the present electrolyte system. The linear sweep voltammetry analysis shows the electrochemical stability window (ESW) of ILGPE film “PVdF‐HFP/EMIMTf/NH4Tf” is ~3.35 V. Two different hybrid BatCap cells are prepared with activated carbon and MWCNTs as a capacitive electrode (cathode) and ZnSO4·7H2O battery anode. The performance of the BatCaps is estimated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge‐discharge techniques. The discharge capacity was observed ~2.4 and 17.2 mAh/g for Cell#1 and Cell#2, respectively, at the current load of 0.5 mA/cm2. After the initial fading (~20%), BatCap cells show stable performance up to 100 cycles.
Professor Kees van der Heijden: Commentary on Rowland and Spaniol (2021)
Authors: Bradfield Ronald M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWorking with Kees as his apprentice scenario planner, I have been fortunate to have participated in many scenario workshops, both on the Strathclyde MBA program and with organizations. Alongside these workshops, I am also very privileged to have been an assistant to Kees on a number of scenario projects with organizations in a range of countries. I have learned many things in the time spent with Kees, and consider his book, “Scenarios: The Art of Strategic Conversation” to be the definitive field guide to the art and craft of scenario planning, albeit there have been a plethora of books on the subject since. The objective of this commentary is to discuss from a practical perspective, three things I have learned from my years of experience with Kees which have proved useful in my scenario work with client organizations, namely the elicitation of client views and insights, the value of the “Business Idea” and the scenario development timescale
Flavonoid‐enriched extract from Millettia speciosa Champ prevents obesity by regulating thermogenesis and lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet–induced obese C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wang Mao‐Yuan , Ma Wen‐Yu , Wang Qing‐Long , Yang Qing , Yan Xiao‐Xia , Tang Huan , Li Zhi‐Ying , Li Ying‐Ying , Feng Shi‐Xiu , Wang Zhu‐Nian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMillettia speciosa (M. speciosa) Champ is a medicinal and edible plant. The roots are rich in flavonoids, which possess multiple biological activities, including lipid‐lowering effects. This study aimed to explore the effect of flavonoid‐enriched extract from M. speciosa (FMS) on obesity. The UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis and chromatographic analysis were adopted to identify flavonoid compounds in FMS. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high‐fat diet for 3 months and were then treated with FMS (50 or 100 mg/kg/d) or Orlistat (10 mg kg−1 d−1) for another 8 weeks. A total of 35 flavonoids were identified in the extract of M. speciosa root. FMS reduced body weight gain, liver weight gain, white adipose tissue, lipid accumulation, and blood glucose. The levels of TG, ALT, AST, and inflammatory‐related adipokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) in serum were also reduced by FMS. In addition, FMS promoted thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and induced the activation of lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation in white adipose tissues. In summary, long‐term administration of FMS could ameliorate high‐fat diet–induced obesity by stimulating adipose thermogenesis and lipid metabolism.
Clusterin and Related Scoring Index as Potential Early Predictors of Response to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Narahara Satoshi , Watanabe Takehisa , Nagaoka Katsuya , Fujimoto Nahoko , Furuta Yoki , Tanaka Kentaro , Tokunaga Takayuki , Kawasaki Takeshi , Yoshimaru Yoko , Setoyama Hiroko , Oniki Kentaro , Saruwatari Junji , Tateyama Masakuni , Naoe Hideaki , Tanaka Motohiko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Sasaki Yutaka 
Published: November 2021

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a highly lethal malignancy, although several systemic therapeutic options are available, including sorafenib (SFN), which has been one of the standard treatment agents for almost a decade. As early prediction of response to SFN remains challenging, biomarkers that enable early prediction using a clinically feasible method are needed. Here, we report that the serum secretory form of clusterin (sCLU) protein and its related predictive index are potential beneficial biomarkers for early prediction of SFN response. Using high‐throughput screening and subsequent multivariate analysis in the derivation cohort, we found that changes in the concentrations of CLU, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM1), and α‐fetoprotein were significantly associated with response to SFN. Furthermore, we confirmed that an increase in CLU serum level 1 month after treatment initiation was significantly associated with shorter progression‐free survival. In addition, “NR‐index,” which comprises these proteins, was evaluated as a tool for accurately predicting the efficacy of SFN and confirmed in the validation cohort. We also established SFN‐resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2‐SR) and found that sCLU significantly increased in HepG2‐SR cells compared with normal HepG2 cells, and confirmed that HepG2‐SR cells treated with SFN were resistant to apoptosis. The mechanism underlying activation of sCLU expression in acquired SFN resistance involves aberrant signaling and expression of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a nutrient‐related transcription factor, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c). Furthermore, the PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 markedly decreased sCLU expression in HepG2‐SR cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that measurement of sCLU serum levels and the sCLU‐related NR‐index are promising clinical tools for the early prediction of SFN response in HCC. Additionally, sCLU‐overexpressing HCC might be susceptible to mTOR inhibition.
Economic valuation of suspended sediment and phosphorus filtration services by four different wetland types: A preliminary assessment for southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Aziz Tariq , Van Cappellen Philippe 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWetlands are known for their water filtration (or purification) function. Although different wetland types differ in their filtration capacity, they are usually aggregated together in economic valuation studies. Here, we explicitly separate the valuation of the suspended sediment and phosphorus (P) filtration services of the four major wetland types—bogs, fens, marshes and swamps—found in southern Ontario, Canada. The areal extents of the four wetland types are derived from the Canadian Wetland Inventory (CWI) progress map, while the sediment accretion rate is used as the key variable regulating the suspended sediment and P filtration functions. Based on available literature data, we assess the relationship of the sediment accretion rate to wetland size. Because only weak positive correlations are found, we assign a mean (average) sediment accretion rate to each wetland type. The sediment accretion rates are combined with mean soil P concentrations to estimate Pretention rates by the wetlands. The replacement cost method is then applied to valuate the sediment and P filtration services. The unit values for both sediment and P retention decrease in the order: marshes > bogs ≈ swamps > fens. The total value of sediment plus phosphorus removal by all wetlands in southern Ontario amounts to $4.2 ± 2.9 billion per year, of which about 80% is accounted for by swamps. We further assess the costs of different options to offset the additional P loading generated in a hypothetical scenario whereby all wetlands are converted to agriculture. The results demonstrate that replacing the P filtration function of existing wetlands with conventional land management and water treatment solutions is not cost‐effective, hence reinforcing the importance of protecting existing wetlands.
Cutaneous reactions to COVID‐19 vaccine at the dermatology primary care
Authors: Burlando Martina , Herzum Astrid , Micalizzi Claudia , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines can cause adverse reactions, mainly from vaccine‐induced immune responses. Some of these may also involve the skin and worry unaware patients. A better understanding of such adverse reactions may reduce concerns and help promote the vaccination of large population groups.MethodsAll the reports of patients admitted to our Dermatology Primary Care, from March 2021 to June 2021, were retrospectively examined to collect descriptive data on skin reactions arising after COVID‐19 vaccination.ResultsOut of 200 vaccinated patients admitted to the Dermatology Primary Care, 21 (10.5%) referred cutaneous reactions with onset after vaccination. Only one patient required hospitalization for generalized bullous erythema multiforme, which occurred 48 h after the second vaccine dose. The other patients' cutaneous reactions to vaccination were of mild/moderate degree. Three patients presented exacerbation of their cutaneous diseases.ConclusionsCutaneous reactions observed in our sample were mostly mild or moderate. Awareness must be raised to recognize and treat eventual severe reactions. Future studies are needed to assess the incidence of cutaneous reactions following COVID‐19 vaccination.
Assessing hydrologic alterations due to reservoirs and intensified irrigation in a semi‐arid agricultural river basin using SWAT*
Authors: Jouma Nada , Dadaser‐Celik Filiz 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBasins with hydrological modifications pose challenges in hydrological modelling, especially when there are limited data about basin characteristics. Models, however, are vital if we are to identify undisturbed hydrological conditions and evaluate the extent of modifications. In this study, we used SWAT to model the hydrological processes in a semi‐arid closed basin, where basin hydrology was heavily modified with reservoirs and irrigation canals and drains. Modelling was also challenging due to limited data about basin characteristics and irrigation management. We modelled the hydrological processes using topographic, land use/cover, soil and climate data. The auto‐irrigation tool in SWAT, which determines the timing and amount of irrigation based on the plant water stress factor, was used to represent irrigation. We successfully calibrated/validated the model for streamflow and reservoir storage and confirmed it further by analysing simulated water volumes in wetlands collecting drainage flows. We used the model to simulate the undisturbed hydrologic state and the effects of intensified irrigation. This study showed that SWAT can provide reasonable predictions of hydrological processes in agricultural basins where the natural flow regime is altered by man‐made structures. Simulations with the model revealed that the construction of reservoirs followed by land use changes and intensified irrigation have affected streamflows and downstream ecosystems significantly.