bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of stream grazers with different functional traits on the spatial heterogeneity of periphyton mats
Authors: Katano Izumi , Doi Hideyuki 
Published: June 2019

Background
Grazing activity on periphytic mats determines mat structure and spatial heterogeneity. Spatial complexity in stream periphyton is highly divergent and may depend on the functional traits of the different primary consumers species (i.e., grazers) such as mouthpart morphology, feeding behavior, and feeding activity. We evaluated the effect of grazing by three species having different functional traits on periphytic mat structure with a focus on mohthpart morphology.

Methods
An enclosure experiment was conducted in a stream located in the Nara Prefecture of Japan using two caddisflies with scraping mouthparts, Micrasema quadriloba and Glossosoma, and one mayfly, Epeorus, with brushing mouthparts. The spatial heterogeneity of chlorophyll a(Chl a) was evaluated, and the periphytic mat was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after a 12-d feeding experiment.

Results
Our results showed the differences in the spatial heterogeneity of the periphytic mats, such as differences in Chl a levels, grazed by the different grazing species. The strongest effect on the spatial heterogeneity and periphytic abundance was observed for Micrasema quadriloba, a caddisfly species with scraping mouthparts. Epeorus mayfly, with brushing mouthparts and high-mobility behavior, produced the weakest effect on spatial heterogeneity. Glossosoma caddisflies had moderate effects on periphytic spatial heterogeneity and abundance. Our results suggest that differences in grazing effects are largely dependent on grazer mouthparts and behavior.
Analytical Study of a System of Dierence Equation
Authors: Sanbo Abdualrazaq , Elsayed Elsayed M. 
Published: June 2019

We study the qualitative behavior of a predator-prey model, where the carrying capacity of the predators environment is proportional to the number of prey. The considered system is given by the following rational difference equations:

where the initial conditions x-2; x-1; x0; y-2; y-1; y0 are arbitrary positive real numbers. Also, we give specic form of the solutions of some special cases of this equation. Some numerical examples are given to verify our theoretical results.
A Microfluidic System for One‐Chip Harvesting of Single‐Cell‐Laden Hydrogels in Culture Medium
Authors: Nan Lang , Yang Zhenyu , Lyu Hao , Lau Kitty Yu Yeung , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSingle‐cell analysis has shown great potential to fully quantify the distribution of cellular behaviors among a population of individuals. Through isolation and preservation of single cells in the aqueous phase, droplet encapsulation followed by gelation enables high‐throughput analysis in biocompatible microgels. However, the lack of control over the number of cells encapsulated and complicated gelation processes significantly limit its efficiency. Here, a microfluidic system for one‐chip harvesting of single‐cell‐laden microgels is presented. Through ultraviolet irradiation, an on‐chip gelation technique is seamlessly combined with droplet generation to realize high‐throughput fabrication of microscale hydrogels in microfluidic channel. Moreover, a sorting module is introduced to simultaneously complete cell‐laden microgel selection and transfer into culture medium. To demonstrate the efficiency of this method, two types of single cells are respectively encapsulated and collected, showing desirable single‐cell encapsulation and cell viability. This technique realizes integrated droplet gelation, microgel sorting, and transfer into culture medium, allowing high‐throughput analysis of single cells and comprehensive understanding of the cellular specificity.
AFM Study of pH‐Dependent Adhesion of Single Protein to TiO2 Surface
Authors: Dong Yihui , Laaksonen Aatto , Cao Wei , Ji Xiaoyan , Lu Xiaohua 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe effect of pH‐induced electrostatic conditions on the molecular interaction force of a single lysozyme molecule with TiO2 is investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The force between the charged or neutral lysozyme molecule and the TiO2 surface is measured at different pH from 3.6 to 10.8. It is found to be directly proportional to the contact area, given by an effective diameter of the lysozyme molecule, and is further qualitatively verified by the AFM‐measured friction coefficients. The results of the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory show that the pH can change the surface charge densities of both lysozyme and TiO2, but the molecular interaction force at different pH is only dependent on the pH‐induced effective diameter of lysozyme. The molecular interaction forces, quantified at the nanoscale, can be directly used to design high‐performance liquid chromatography measurements at macroscale by tuning the retention time of a protein under varied pH conditions. They can also be applied to develop a model for predicting and controlling the chromatographic separations of proteins.
Tailoring Spectral and Temporal Properties of Semiconductor Nanowire Lasers
Authors: Zapf Maximilian , Sidiropoulos Themistoklis , Röder Robert 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSemiconductor optoelectronics have contributed tremendously to various aspects of the technological progress in the past. Recently, they also stimulate research in nanophotonics seeking to overcome the inherent limitations of electronic integrated circuits and satisfy the growing demand for faster on‐chip communications. In particular, nanowire (NW) lasers generate coherent light at the nanoscale and meanwhile work consistently at room temperature covering a huge spectral range from the ultraviolet down to the mid‐infrared depending on the NW material. The underlying physics of their electronic and photonic systems are also studied very recently, thus NW lasers become relevant as an emergent tool for a variety of practical applications. In this review, the origins determining the emission wavelength of the device are explained, and approaches toward efficient improvement of the NW laser devices in terms of emission energy tunability are summarized. The optical mode field distribution strongly influences the emission dynamics of the nanolaser device; it will be highlighted how increasing the light–matter interaction in plasmonic type nanolasers causes a significant acceleration of their temporal emission dynamics. Both spectral and temporal tuning will help to solve scientific and engineering challenges forging semiconductor nanowire lasers into powerful tools for nanosensing, nanospectroscopy, and nanotechnology.
Cascade‐Type Prelithiation Approach for Li‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Anothumakkool Bihag , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Guyomard Dominique , Winter Martin , Brousse Thierry , Gaubicher Joel 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAn industry‐relevant method for pre‐lithiation of lithium‐ion capacitors to balance the first charge irreversibility is demonstrated, which addresses the prime bottleneck for their market integration. Based on a composite positive electrode that integrates pyrene monomers and an insoluble lithiated base, Li3PO4, a “cascade‐type” process involving two consecutive irreversible reactions is proposed: i) oxidative electropolymerization of the pyrene moieties releases electrons and protons; ii) protons are captured by Li3PO4 and exchanged for a stoichiometric amount of Li+ into the electrolyte. (1H, 19F, and 31P) NMR spectroscopy, operando X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy support this mechanism. By decoupling the irreversible source of lithium ions from electrons, the cascade‐type pre‐lithiation allows the simultaneous enhancement of the capacity of the positive electrode, thanks to p‐doping of the resulting polymer. Remarkably, the proton scavenging properties of Li3PO4 also boost the polymerization process, which enables a 16% increase in capacity without detrimental effect on power properties and cyclability. Full cells integrating a cheap carbon black based negative electrode, show much‐improved capacity of 17 mAh g‐1electrodes (44 F g‐1electrodes, 3–4.4 V) and excellent stability over 2200 cycles at 1 A g‐1. Thanks to its versatile chemistry and flexibility this approach in principle can be applied to any kind of ion‐battery.
Quantifying and Understanding Voltage Losses Due to Nonradiative Recombination in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells with Low Energetic Offsets
Authors: Rosenthal Katie D. , Hughes Michael P. , Luginbuhl Benjamin R. , Ran Niva A. , Karki Akchheta , Ko Seo‐Jin , Hu Huawei , Wang Ming , Ade Harald , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOpen‐circuit voltage (VOC) losses in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) inhibit devices from reaching VOC values comparable to the bandgap of the donor–acceptor blend. Specifically, nonradiative recombination losses (∆Vnr) are much greater in OPVs than in silicon or perovskite solar cells, yet the origins of this are not fully understood. To understand what makes a system have high or low loss, an investigation of the nonradiative recombination losses in a total of nine blend systems is carried out. An apparent relationship is observed between the relative domain purity of six blends and the degree of nonradiative recombination loss, where films exhibiting relatively less pure domains show lower ∆Vnr than films with higher domain purity. Additionally, it is shown that when paired with a fullerene acceptor, polymer donors which have bulky backbone units to inhibit close π–π stacking exhibit lower nonradiative recombination losses than in blends where the polymer can pack more closely. This work reports a strategy that ensures ∆Vnr can be measured accurately and reports key observations on the relationship between ∆Vnr and properties of the donor/acceptor interface.
Chiral phosphoric triamide‐based polymers for enantioseparation
Authors: Ahmadabad Fatemeh Karimi , Pourayoubi Mehrdad , Bakhshi Hadi 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTNovel optical isomers of phosphoramide‐methacrylate monomers were synthesized and used for the preparation of corresponding polymers and hydrogels as chiral absorbents. In order to direct enantioseparation, two simple and inexpensive methods were designed: (a) immobilization of the chiral polymers on glass beads as packing material for the separation columns and (b) filling of chiral hydrogels in tea bags to fabricate separation bags. The specific rotations for R‐ and S‐monomers were + 22.0° and − 21.8°, while those for R‐ and S‐polymers were + 20.8° and − 22.1°, respectively. The enantioseparation of (±)‐α‐methylbenzylamine, DL‐alanine, DL‐valine, DL‐tartaric acid, DL‐phenylalanine, and omeprazole was evaluated. The maximum enantioseparation (optical purity) of 97% was observed for (±)‐α‐methylbenzylamine by S‐hydrogel. Chiral hydrogels resulted in enantioseparations with higher purities (up to 97%) comparing to the chiral polymers, but in longer times (2–3 days). The desorption process easily occurred from the absorbed columns or bags. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48034.
On construction of single‐arm two‐stage designs with consideration of both response and toxicity
Authors: Yin Huan , Wang Weizhen , Zhang Zhongzhan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWhen establishing a treatment in clinical trials, it is important to evaluate both effectiveness and toxicity. In phase II clinical trials, multinomial data are collected in m‐stage designs, especially in two‐stage () design. Exact tests on two proportions, for the response rate and for the nontoxicity rate, should be employed due to limited sample sizes. However, existing tests use certain parameter configurations at the boundary of null hypothesis space to determine rejection regions without showing that the maximum Type I error rate is achieved at the boundary of null hypothesis. In this paper, we show that the power function for each test in a large family of tests is nondecreasing in both and ; identify the parameter configurations at which the maximum Type I error rate and the minimum power are achieved and derive level‐α tests; provide optimal two‐stage designs with the least expected total sample size and the optimization algorithm; and extend the results to the case of . Some R‐codes are given in the Supporting Information.
HPLC–UV method for temozolomide determination in complex biological matrices: Application for in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies
Authors: Michels Luana R. , Fachel Flávia N.S. , Azambuja Juliana H. , Gelsleichter Nicolly E. , Braganhol Elizandra , Teixeira Helder F. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA high‐performance liquid chromatography method for temozolomide (TMZ) determination in complex biological matrices was developed and validated for application in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies of new nanotechnology‐based systems for TMZ nasal delivery. The method was able to quantify TMZ in nanoemulsions, following cellular uptake, in the porcine nasal mucosa and in mouse plasma and brain. Analyses were performed on a C18 column at 35°C, under UV detection at 330 nm. The mobile phase was methanol–acetic acid 0.5% (30:70, v/v), eluted at an isocratic flow rate of 1.1 mL/min. The method was found to be specific, precise, accurate, robust and linear (0.05 to 5 μg/mL) for TMZ determination in all matrices. No interference of TMZ degradation products was found under various stress conditions such as acidic, alkaline, oxidative, light and thermal exposure, demonstrating stability. The method was applied for the quantification of TMZ in different matrices, i.e. the efficiency of nanoemulsions in vitro in increasing TMZ cellular uptake, ex vivo TMZ permeation and retention in the porcine nasal mucosa tissue, and for in vivo TMZ quantification in mouse brain following intranasal nanoemulsion administration compared with free TMZ.
Apelin and stem cells: the role played in the cardiovascular system and energy metabolism
Authors: Esmaeili Shahnaz , Bandarian Fatemeh , Esmaeili Behnaz , Nasli‐Esfahani Ensieh 
Published: June 2019

AbstractApelin, a member of the adipokine family, is widely distributed in the body and exerts cytoprotective effects on many organs. Apelin isoforms are involved in different physiological processes, including regulation of the cardiovascular system, cardiac contractility, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism. Several investigations have been performed to study the effect of apelin on stem cell therapy. This review aims to summarize the literature representing the effects of apelin on stem cell properties. Furthermore, this review discusses the therapeutic potential of apelin‐treated stem cells for cardiovascular diseases and demonstrates the effect of stem cells overexpressing apelin on energy metabolism. Stem cells with their unique characteristics play a crucial role in the maintenance of tissue integrity. These cells participate in tissue regeneration via multiple mechanisms. Although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of stem cells in various diseases, their application in regenerative medicine has not been efficient. A number of strategies such as genetic modification or treatment of stem cells with different factors have been used to improve the efficacy of cell therapy and to increase their survival after transplantation. This article reviews the effect of apelin treatment on the efficacy of cell therapy.
Nationwide outcomes of aortic valve replacement for pure aortic regurgitation in Germany 2008–2015
Authors: Stachon Peter , Kaier Klaus , Heidt Timo , Bothe Wolfgang , Zirlik Andreas , Zehender Manfred , Bode Christoph , von zur Mühlen Constantin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is routinely used in patients with severe aortic stenosis at increased operative risk. Due to potential technical difficulties, TAVR is not recommended for pure aortic regurgitation (AR). Smaller studies reported its use in AR, but data from big registries are lacking. The present study analyzes the nationwide use of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVR in patients with AR from 2008 until 2015.MethodsWe identified 138,237 cases of aortic valve replacement in Germany based on ICD and OPS codes.ResultsOf 13.2% SAVR‐cases and 1.3% of TAVR cases were performed in AR. AR patients undergoing SAVR were younger with lower logistic EuroSCORE (stenosis: 6.1 ± 5.6; AR: 4.5 ± 4.9). Nevertheless, stroke rates, bleedings, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and in‐hospital mortality were higher (mortality: stenosis 2.6%, AR: 4.7%). In the TAVR group, patients with AR were at higher operative risk (logistic EuroSCORE: transfemoral (TF)‐TAVR: stenosis: 14.3 ± 10.4; AR: 17.3 ± 13.3. Transapical (TA)‐TAVR: stenosis: 16.1 ± 11.4; AR: 15.7 ± 12.2). Stroke rates were lower, but bleedings and prolonged ventilation occurred more frequently after TF‐TAVR in AR compared to stenosis. The mortality varied markedly (TF‐TAVR: 15.2% in 2011; 2.8% in 2015; TA‐TAVR: 17.7% in 2012 and 0% in 2014).ConclusionTAVR is off‐label used in AR in clinical practice. TAVR seems to be a safe option for AR with regard to in‐hospital outcomes. However, further research evaluating long‐term outcomes is required to establish the feasibility of TAVR in pure AR.
Keramische Membranen in der Membrandestillation
Authors: Schnittger Johann , Weyd Marcus , Voigt Ingolf , Lerch André 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMakroporöse TiO2‐Membranen konnten erfolgreich mit Perfluoroalkylsilanen hydrophobiert werden und anschließend mittels liquid entry pressure (LEP)‐Tests charakterisiert und in der Membrandestillation (MD) getestet werden. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass der LEP stark von der Porengröße und Feedbeschaffenheit beeinflusst wird. In der Vakuum‐MD konnten die höchsten Permeatflüsse erreicht werden. In der Air‐gap‐MD und der Vakuum‐MD konnten Rückhalte von über 99,9 % und hervorragende Produktwasserqualitäten erzielt werden.
Comparison of environmental flows from a habitat suitability perspective: A case study in the Naeseong‐cheon Stream in Korea
Authors: Kim Seung Ki , Choi Sung‐Uk 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEnvironmental flow is the amount of water flow required to maintain the health of a river ecosystem. Environmental flow includes both optimal flow and minimum flow. The former is the amount of flow that guarantees the complete function of a stream ecosystem, whereas the latter is the amount of flow below which the stability and health of a stream ecosystem cannot be maintained. This study attempts to compare environmental flows computed by various environmental flow methodologies, including hydrological methods, hydraulic rating methods, and habitat simulation methods. For the habitat simulation method, physical habitat simulations were carried out using habitat suitability curves for Zacco platypus. The study site is a 20‐km‐long reach of the Naeseong‐cheon Stream downstream from the Youngju Dam in Korea. The Naeseong‐cheon Stream is a moderately sized stream (order 8) with a normal flow of 4.1 m3/s. It was found that environmental flows vary greatly depending on the selection of methodologies. Specifically, the minimum flows by the hydrological methods were significantly smaller than those by the hydraulic rating methods or the habitat simulation methods, and the optimal flow by the hydraulic rating method is much larger than those by the other two methods. Physical habitat simulations for various minimum flows revealed that the minimum flow by the hydrological methods might fail to provide the minimum requirement for an aquatic habitat.
Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among healthcare professionals in a university hospital in Japan
Authors: Yamasaki Fumi , Takeuchi Seisho , Uehara Yoshio , Matsushita Masahide , Arise Kazumi , Morimoto Norihito , Seo Hiromi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAsymptomatic carriers of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are important sources of nosocomial transmission. MRSA may be transmitted from hospitalized patients to healthcare professionals and vice versa.MethodsThe prevalence of MRSA colonization among forty‐five healthcare professionals in a Japanese hospital was determined by performing surveillance cultures to identify unrecognized carriers of MRSA. All MRSA isolates were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify the transmission routes.ResultsThe proportion of MRSA colonization was significantly higher in healthcare professionals (11.1%) than in community residents (0.72%; P < 0.0001) or admission case (2.5%; P = 0.018). MLST analysis revealed that both the ST8 and ST764 strains were identified in residents, patients, and healthcare professionals. MRSA colonization was more frequently observed among physicians (4/13; 31%) than nurses (1/32; 3%) (P = 0.020).ConclusionMultilocus sequence typing results suggest that ST8 and ST764 are involved in the occurrence of nosocomial MRSA infections. These findings emphasize the necessity for the effective education of physicians to prevent MRSA transmissions.
A single miRNA and miRNA sponge expression system for efficient modulation of miR‐223 availability in mammalian cells
Authors: Huerta‐Zavala Mariel Lizbeth , Lopez‐Castillejos Erika Sicahui , Requenez‐Contreras José Luis , Granados‐Riveron Javier Tadeo , Aquino‐Jarquin Guillermo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundHundreds of microRNAs (miRNAs), comprising small non‐coding RNAs of 20–24 nucleotides, have been discovered, although the entirety of their biological functions is poorly understood. Overexpression or suppression approaches are commonly performed to investigate the function of specific miRNAs. In the present study, we focused on generating a lentiviral vector‐based strategy that enables hsa‐miR‐223‐3p (miR‐223) overexpression and suppression in the target cells for functional analysis of this miRNA easily and rapidly.MethodsThe sequence that gives rise to miR‐223 and the sequence generating the sponge RNA with four binding sites for miR‐223 were cloned in pLVX‐shRNA2 vector. The functionality of the vector to overexpress miR‐223 was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays, whereas the post‐transcriptional regulation exerted by miR‐223 was evaluated by luciferase reporter assays in AD‐293 cells. The anti‐miR‐223 sponge activity with one binding site for miR‐223 (pmCherry‐anti‐miR‐223) was confirmed by qRT‐PCR and the restoration of its target (IKKα) was evaluated by western blot assays in Jurkat cells.ResultsThe pLVX‐miR‐223 vector is functional for over‐expressing miR‐223 and regulates the mRNA of MDR1/ABCB1 at the post‐transcriptional level in AD‐293 cells. The anti‐miR‐223 sponge with one miR‐223 binding site efficiently modulates the miR‐223 availability and not the one with four sites. The over‐expression of anti‐miR‐223 correlated with a decrease in the levels of miR‐223 and, consequently, with an increase in the expression level of the IKKα protein in Jurkat cells.ConclusionsThis single miRNA and miRNA sponge expression system specifically alters the availability of miR‐223 in mammalian cells.