bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerium Zirconium Solid Solution with High Faradaic Efficiency for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction under Ambient Condition
Authors: Wu Xiang , He Xiaobo , Li Zhichun , Yin Fengxiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIndustrial synthesis of ammonia (NH3) involves high energy consumption resulting in intense pollution. Alternatively, electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to NH3 can be carried out under mild conditions, which is a new green NH3 synthesis method. Herein, cerium zirconium solid solutions (ZrxCe1‐xO2) with different proportions were synthesized by NH3 precipitation method and employed as electrocatalysts for NRR. The performance of the different catalysts in 0.1 mol L−1 Na2SO4 was evaluated with H2O and N2 as reactants. The results show that Zr0.9Ce0.1O2 has the highest Faraday efficiency (FE) of 62.68 % at −1.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the highest yield rate of NH3 −9.34×10−11 mol cm−2 s−1 at −1.35 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The impressive FE is due to more oxygen vacancies in Zr0.9Ce0.1O2 introduced by Ce3+, which is more prone to the adsorption of N2 on the catalyst surface and facilitates the electrochemical reaction.
Split application of a mixture of controlled‐release and common urea for improving quality and agronomic and economic performance in wheat production
Authors: Li Guohui , Gu Rui , Xu Ke , Guo Baowei , Dai Qigen , Huo Zhongyang , Wei Haiyan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA 2‐yr field experiment was conducted to investigate the quality, agronomic, and economic performance of controlled‐release urea application in wheat (Triticum aestivum) production via five treatments: F1, a single application of mixed nitrogen (N) fertilizer (composed of 65% N from controlled‐release urea with 35% N from common urea); F2, basal application of mixed N fertilizer and topdressing of mixed N fertilizer at jointing; F3, basal application of mixed N fertilizer and topdressing of common urea at jointing; CU, spilt application of common urea as basal fertilizer and at jointing; N0, no N fertilization. The results showed that treatment F2 produced significantly higher grain yield than treatments F1, F3, and CU. The N recovery efficiency, N agronomic efficiency, and N partial factor productivity of treatment F2 were significantly higher than treatments F1, F3, and CU. The higher grain yield and efficiency of N use of treatment F2 were due to the better canopy structure (longer and more erect top‐three leaves) and the higher biomass production, higher N accumulation, and higher net photosynthetic rate during anthesis to maturity. The treatment F2 resulted in significantly higher protein and wet gluten content, and significantly lower starch content than treatment CU. The net profit under treatment F2 was higher than treatments F1, F3, and CU. In conclusion, the application of a mixture of controlled‐release urea and common urea could be a promising alternative application method for N fertilizer to obtain sustainable increases in grain yield, efficiency of N use, economic profit, and improve wheat quality.
Habitat suitability and connectivity implications for the conservation of the Persian leopard along the Iran–Iraq border
Authors: Kaboodvandpour Shahram , Almasieh Kamran , Zamani Navid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHabitat fragmentation has major negative impacts on wildlife populations, and the connectivity could reduce these negative impacts. This study was conducted to assess habitat suitability and structural connectivity of the Persian leopard along the Iran–Iraq border (i.e., the Zagros Mountains) and compare the situation of identified core habitats and connectivity with existing conservation areas (CAs). An ensemble modeling approach resulting from five models was used to predict habitat suitability. To identify core habitats and corridors along the Iran–Iraq border, factorial least‐cost path analyses were applied. The results revealed that topographic roughness, distance to CAs, annual precipitation, vegetation/cropland density, and distance to rivers were the most influential variables for predicting the occurrence of the Persian leopard in the study area. By an estimated dispersal distance of 82 km (suggested by previous studies), three core habitats were identified (two cores in Iran and one core in Iraq). The largest cores were located in the south and the center of the study area, which had the highest connectivity priorities. The connectivity from these cores was maintained to the core within the Iraqi side. Only about one‐fifth of detected core habitats and relative corridors were protected by CAs in the study area. Detected core habitats and connectivity areas in this study could be an appropriate road map to accomplish the CAs network along the Iran–Iraq border regarding Persian leopard conservation. Establishing transboundary CAs, particularly in the core habitat located in the center of the study area, is strongly recommended to conserve existing large carnivores, including the Persian leopard.
An Alternative Synthesis of Cycloalkyl‐Substituted CPA Catalysts and Application in Asymmetric Protonation Reactions**
Authors: McLean Liam A. , Watson Allan J. B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAn alternative synthesis of cycloalkyl‐substituted CPA catalysts is reported. A Negishi coupling offers improved yields and purity of the necessary 1,3,5‐tri(cycloalkyl)benzenes. Limitations in the use of commercial organozinc reagents have been identified and a robust procedure for the preparation of these reagents is detailed. Similarly, a robust procedure for the key Kumada coupling is also provided. The route is demonstrated by preparation of three different tri(cycloalkyl)aryl‐substituted CPAs and the utility of these catalysts in asymmetric protonation reactions is shown.
H‐ferritin expression in astrocytes is necessary for proper oligodendrocyte development and myelination
Authors: Cheli Veronica T. , Santiago González Diara A. , Wan Qiuchen , Denaroso Giancarlo , Wan Rensheng , Rosenblum Shaina L. , Paez Pablo M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHow iron is delivered to the CNS for myelination is poorly understood. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the brain and are the only cells in close contact with blood vessels. Therefore, they are strategically located to obtain nutrients, such as iron, from circulating blood. To determine the importance of astrocyte iron uptake and storage in myelination and remyelination, we conditionally knocked‐out the expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), the transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1), and the ferritin heavy subunit (Fth) in Glast‐1‐positive astrocytes. DMT1 or Tfr1 ablation in astrocytes throughout early brain development did not significantly affects oligodendrocyte maturation or iron homeostasis. However, blocking Fth production in astrocytes during the first postnatal week drastically delayed oligodendrocyte development and myelin synthesis. Fth knockout animals presented an important decrease in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes and a substantial reduction in the percentage of myelinated axons. This postnatal hypomyelination was accompanied by a decline in oligodendrocyte iron uptake and with an increase in brain oxidative stress. We also tested the relevance of astrocytic Fth expression in the cuprizone model of myelin damage and repair. Fth deletion in Glast1‐positive astrocytes significantly reduced myelin production and the density of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes throughout the complete remyelination process. These results indicate that Fth iron storage in astrocytes is vital for early oligodendrocyte development as well as for the remyelination of the CNS.
Microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules: 3‐year follow‐up outcomes
Authors: Luo Fangqiong , Huang Lei , Gong Xiuqun , Han Zhiyu , Liu Fangyi , Cheng Zhigang , Dou Jianping , Yu Xiaoling , Liang Ping , Yu Jie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of thyroid nodules according to nodule composition.Materials and methodsThis study evaluated 171 patients with 180 benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) that had been treated with ultrasound‐guided MWA. The volume reduction rate (VRR) of thyroid nodules and factors, which had an influence on the VRR, were assessed. Therapeutic success was defined as a >50% volume reduction at the 12‐month follow‐up. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of VRR for BTNs after MWA treatment.ResultsThe mean diameter and volume of the nodules were 4.3 ± 1.3 cm and 18.9 ± 2.1 ml, respectively. The VRRs at the 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month follow‐ups were 47.1%, 68.2%, 79.7%, 87.4%, 90.1%, and 93.2%, respectively. Of the 180 BTNs, there were 87 solid, 74 predominantly solid, and 19 predominantly cystic nodules. Solid nodules showed significantly lower VRRs compared with the predominantly solid and predominantly cystic nodules at the 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐ups. For the multivariate regression analysis, the cyst component was an active prognostic factor for the VRR at the 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐ups; the cyst component was not significantly associated with the VRR at the 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month follow‐ups.ConclusionOur study suggested that ultrasound‐guided MWA is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of BTNs. Solid nodules indicate a lower VRR and less efficient than predominant solid nodules and predominant cystic nodules after MWA.
Smart ledger: The blockchain‐based accounting information recording protocol
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Pourroostaei Ardakani Saeid , Han Wenqi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBlockchain technology has the potential to reduce transaction errors and enhance the quality of reporting significantly. This article proposes a conceptual blockchain‐based protocol, labelled Smart Ledger, as a replacement for the traditional accounting information recording system. A smart ledger is a computerized algorithm that utilizes blockchain technology to perform accounting ledger functions. Its validity is based on two mechanisms within the blockchain architecture: Fractional Accounting Transactions (FAT) and Hierarchical Accounting Transaction Execution (HATE). As such, the smart ledger is a hybrid protocol that combines accounting information recording principles with the immutability of blockchain technology. If widely implemented, it could have a significant impact on accounting practices and the accounting profession.
Single‐cell omics: Overview, analysis, and application in biomedical science
Authors: Stein Catarina M. , Weiskirchen Ralf , Damm Frederik , Strzelecka Paulina M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSingle‐cell sequencing methods provide the highest resolution insight into cellular heterogeneity. Owing to their rapid growth and decreasing cost, they are now widely accessible to scientists worldwide. Single‐cell technologies enable analysis of a large number of cells, making them powerful tools to characterise rare cell types and refine our understanding of diverse cell states. Moreover, single‐cell application in biomedical sciences helps to unravel mechanisms related to disease pathogenesis and outcome. In this Viewpoint, we briefly describe existing single‐cell methods (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and mulitomics), comment on available analysis tools, and give examples of method applications in the biomedical field.
The influence of engineering competition team participation on students' leadership identity development
Authors: Wolfinbarger Kim Graves , Shehab Randa L. , Trytten Deborah A. , Walden Susan E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundEngineering competition teams (ECTs) allow college students to learn about and practice leadership within a technical domain, yet we know little about the mechanisms by which leadership development occurs within these teams. This paper explores how ECT participation contributes to students' leadership identity development (LID).PurposeThis paper addresses the following research questions:
RQ1: How does the ECT experience contribute to students' relational LID?
RQ2: What other factors influence ECT participants' LID?
RQ3: Does the ECT experience provide opportunities for LID that are different from those provided by other experiences?
DesignThis paper reports the second phase of a mixed‐methods study. ECT members participated in individual semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed via an interpretivist approach using deductive and constant comparative methods. The analysis employed the LID model as the primary theoretical construct.ResultsECTs contributed to most participants' LID. Factors affecting the extent of development included project complexity, team practices related to the claiming and granting of a leadership identity, positional leadership experience, involvement with other organizations, and preconceptions of leadership. Compared with other experiences, ECTs placed more emphasis on leadership based in expertise. Technical competence was considered a key attribute of ECT leaders.ConclusionsECTs enhanced the LID of most participants, helping them understand leadership as a relational process. The LID model offers promise for designing engineering leadership development programs.
Phytochemical and pharmacognostic studies ofBuddleja asiaticaleaves
Authors: Nafees Muhammad , Barkatullah  , Ullah Sami , Ikram Nazia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBuddleja asiaticacommonly known as “Booi” is a large deciduous shrub belongs to family Scrophulariaceae, traditionally used as antipyretic, analgesic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antifungal agent recorded from essential oil obtained from leaves. The literature revealed that the plant has been widely used for many other purposes. The said plant has been analyzed through pharmacognostic techniques such as morphological, microscopic, and physio‐chemical evaluations to keep the originality of the plant and to avoid adulteration. Morphologically, the plant is evergreen shrub, while organoleptic studies showed that the leaf has glabrous upper surface and tomentose lower surface, with slightly bitter taste and aromatic odor. Anatomically, the leaf showed typical dicot histological differentiation with hypostomatic nature having highest frequency (90%) of actinocytic stomata. The average stomatal number and stomatal index were 336 ± 39.5 and 30.01 ± 2.34, respectively. The palisade cell ratio, vein termination, and vein islet number were 9.2 ± 0.72, 10.2 ± 3.1, and 10.3 ± 3.3, respectively. Various tissue fragments have been observed during powdered drug analysis of the leaf. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of proteins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Fluorescence analysis in ordinary day light and under UV light along with extractive values was also analyzed. The above‐mentioned studies that have been reported, for the first time, for the said plant may be significant to establish the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards of the said species.
A retrospective study of cytology and HPV genotypes results of 3229 vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia patients
Authors: Ao Mengyin , Zheng Danxi , Wang Jingwen , Gu Xuesai , Xi Mingrong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo analyze the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype, cytology, and the clinical characteristics of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). All patients with histological‐proven VaIN at West China Second University Hospital, between January 1, 2014, and October 1, 2020, were retrospectively identified. The demographics, medical history, HPV genotype, viral load, and cytology results were retrieved. Standard statistical analyses were conducted. Of 3229 patients included, 42.3% were diagnosed with VaIN 1, 30.3% with VaIN 2% and 27.4% with VaIN 3. Patients with VaIN 3 were the oldest (p < 0.001). The leading HPV genotypes were HPV 16, 52, 58, 53, 56 and 81. The positive rate of HPV 16 was positively correlated with the grade of VaIN and infected most VaIN 3 patients (76.0%). The sensitivities of cytology for VaIN only, concomitant VaIN, and VaIN after hysterectomy were 75.6%, 78.8%, and 82.9%, respectively (p = 0.013), and the sensitivities of HPV were 91.1%, 93.5%, and 91.7%, respectively (p = 0.205). Cotesting improved the sensitivities, up to 96.9%, 97.1%, and 98.1%, respectively. VaIN can occur alone or be concomitant with cervical or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Most of those with VaIN 2/3 are infected with HPV 16. The sensitivity of cytology and HPV testing is non‐inferior to that of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+. Therefore, these testings might be helpful in the early detection of VaIN.
Extreme precipitation variability across the Lancang‐Mekong River Basin during 1952–2015 in relation to teleconnections and summer monsoons
Authors: Irannezhad Masoud , Liu Junguo , Chen Deliang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Lancang‐Mekong River Basin (LMRB) is home to ~70 million people whose life and livelihood are mostly dependent upon precipitation as the primary freshwater source. Hence, identifying potential oceanic–atmospheric drivers of regional precipitation variability is becoming increasingly important for the sustainable development of the LMRB. This study first investigated spatio‐temporal variability and trends in extreme precipitation characteristics (in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration) throughout the LMRB during 1952–2015, using gauge‐based gridded daily precipitation time series. Then, the associations between the historical extreme precipitation characteristics and seven teleconnection and five summer monsoon indices were explored. On the basin scale, no statistically significant (p < .05) trends were detected in annual extreme precipitation intensity, frequency, and duration indices. The number of wet days (R1mm) significantly increased in both the Mekong River Basin (MRB) and the Lancang River Basin (LRB), predominantly leading to longer wet spells in these two sub‐basins. Spatially, the relatively high extreme precipitation intensity and frequency indices, as well as consecutive wet days (CWD), significantly increased in the south, east, and northwest of MRB, while decreased in the west of MRB and the north of LRB. The intensity and frequency of historical extreme precipitations over the LMRB were most significantly correlated with the East Asian Summer Monsoon Index, North Atlantic Oscillation, and East Pacific/North Pacific pattern. However, the wet/dry spells showed the strongest associations with the Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation/the Southern Oscillation Index on the interannual/decadal time scales (3–4/8–15 years) during 1986–1999/1968–2002, respectively.
Bioactive compounds, biological activity, and starch digestibility of dried soy residues from the soybean oil industry and the effects of hot‐air drying
Authors: Tangkhawanit Ekkarat , Siriamornpun Sirithon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean residue is a by‐product from the soy industry. It is rich in protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds but it is still underutilized as a food ingredient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the bioactive components, biological activity, and starch digestibility of soybean residues collected from the soybean oil industry (SOI) and the laboratory (SOL), and the effects of hot‐air drying on the treated residues.RESULTSThe predominant phenolic acids were protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids, and the major flavonoids were rutin, daidzein, and genistein. After hot‐air drying, the total phenolic, flavonoid, and isoflavone content of dried SOI and SOL increased significantly, in comparison with untreated whole soybean (WSB), SOI, and SOL. Daidzein of dried SOI and SOL increased from 63 to 510 mg kg−1 dry weight. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryldrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values increased almost twofold in comparison with SOI and SOL. The antioxidant compounds in untreated and treated soy‐residue extracts were the most efficient in inhibiting α‐amylase. The phenolics and flavonoids caused starch digestion to reduce from 6.6% to 2.7%. The correlations, involving phenolic compounds (including phenolics, flavonoids, and isoflavones), demonstrated that the different phenolic extracts showed different antioxidant properties, which played an important role in soy oil‐residue phenolic fractions.CONCLUSIONSWe suggest that soy oil residues could be used as ingredients in functional foods because of their health‐promoting attributes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development, validation and evaluation of matrix effect of a QuEChERS‐based multiresidue method with low temperature dispersive clean‐up for analysis of 104 pesticides in cumin (Cuminum cyminum) by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Parmar Kaushik D , Kalasariya Ravi L , Litoriya Nitesh S , Chawla Suchi , Vaghela Kiran M , Shah Paresh G 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDUntil now, there is no method available for analysis of pesticide residues in complex matrices like spices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and validate a QuEChERS‐based method for the estimation of 104 pesticides in cumin seed.RESULTSSamples were spiked for 109 pesticides at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1. Of these 104 pesticides were recovered. At 0.1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg kg−1, recoveries ranged from 71% to 108% when compared with matrix matched standards. Seventeen pesticides showed higher or lower recoveries than acceptable range (70–120%) when quantified using solvent standards showing significant matrix effect (ME) (≥ ±20%) even after 20× dilution. However, for the other pesticides ME was significantly eliminated on dilution. The recovery percentage improved for all pesticides on quantitation with matrix matched standards when compared with solvent standards. For pesticides with lower European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs), an experiment at lower spiking concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mg kg−1 with lower dilutions (8×) reveals that almost all pesticides with lower EU MRLs (0.02 and 0.05 mg kg−1) showed recoveries in the range 74–124% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 20%.CONCLUSIONTheoretical limit of quantitation (LOQ) is proposed which ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 mg kg−1 for matrix matched standards. An LOQ of 0.01 mg kg−1 was easily achieved for the pesticides with lower EU MRLs with lower dilutions (8×) with exception of fipronil for which this can be achieved without dilution provided matrix matched standards are used. The method can be extended to other spices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Encapsulation of CALB by nucleotide/metal ions coordination nanoparticles: highly selective catalysis of esterification while poor performance in glycerolysis reaction
Authors: Chen Wenyi , Xu Li , Zhong Nanjing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnzymatic esterification is attracting for particular high‐acid oil deacidification. In this study, Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) was encapsulated into a series of nucleotide‐hybrid metal coordination polymers (CPs), which were constructed by guanosine 5′‐monophosphate (GMP) and various metals.RESULTSWe here found that, most of the present CPs encapsulated CALB (CALB@CPs) samples were highly selective for esterification while poor in glycerolysis reaction. They exhibited quite poor performance in glycerolysis, with triacylglycerols (TAGs) conversion lower than 5%, despite this considerable enzymatic hydrolysis activities were observed. However, they (most of them) showed good performance in esterification of fatty acids and glycerol for TAG synthesis. In addition, the GMP/Tb (CPs constructed by GMP and Tb3+) encapsulated CALB (CALB@GMP/Tb) transformed over 98% of oleic acid into glycerides in the high‐acid oil deacidification process, and TAG content from 87 to 89% was obtained. Moreover, the CALB@GMP/Tb showed good reusability in the esterification system.CONCLUSIONThe present CALB@CPs samples are selective for esterification and suitable for high‐acid oils deacidification. This work provides a new system for enzymatic selectivity improvement study. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.