bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caryopsis Germination in Different Methodologies of Energy-sugarcane Crossing (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Ramos Robson Da Silva , Flôr Mateus Ferraz , Soares Catarina Ramos , Silva Gheysa Coelho , De Melo Luiz José Oliveira Tavares , Simões Neto Djalma Euzébio 
Published: March 2019

Aims: To compare and evaluate the germination index of caryopsis obtained by means of different crossing methods and to determine the quantitative of seeds to be used to compose the base population for selection among families by the Simplified Selection System (SSS) method.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design.
Place and Duration of Study: Devaneio Station of Sugarcane Flowering and Crossing and Experimental Sugarcane Station of Carpina, between February 2018 and December 2018.
Methodology: 27 crosses were performed, being eight biparental, ten polycrossing and nine self-fertilized. Germination tests were carried out in the greenhouse. From each crossing, four samples were sown with 0.5g caryopsis. The number of germinated caryopsis per box, five and thirty days after sowing, was evaluated to estimate the percentage of germination (% G).
Results: In the first evaluation, the C27 crossing (53.73%) presented the highest average. The caryopsis obtained by self-fertilization (12.82%) presented the highest germination average, followed by the polycrossing (10.88%) and the biparental crosses (9.99%). In the second evaluation, it was found that the crosses C8 (76.74%), C27 (61.02%), C3 (53.99%) and C13 (49.65%) presented with averages high. The highest percentage of germination was verified by the biparental method (31.10%), followed by the self-fertilizations (21.35%) and the polycrossing (20.43%).
Conclusion: Only crosses that show high germination are recommended for the composition of the families that will be evaluated through the Simplified System of Selection; caryopsis obtained through self-fertilization germinate rapidly compared to the methods of the polycrossing and biparental with respect to crosses between selected energy-sugarcane parents; biparental crosses between selected energy-sugarcane parents tend to have higher fertility of caryopsis than those obtained by means of polycrossing or self-fertilization; the families C1, C3, C8, C13, C26 and C27 can be used to compose the base populations in the SSS.
Barriers of Information and Communication Technology on Distant Learning Program among Nursing Students in the National Open University Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Isaiah E. A. , Mustapha S. O. , Richard Isaiah 
Published: March 2019

Distant learning program is a formalised teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using electronic communication, with about 180,000 students as at 2013 in the National Open University Nigeria. This study explored the barriers of information and communication technology to distant learning program among nursing students in the National Open University, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was used for this study. One hundred and seven (107) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences and was presented using frequency, percentages and distribution tables. The result of the barriers of information and communication technology in distant learning program traveled that hows 100% agrees to poor funding from the government as a barrier to distant learning program, 72.9% agrees to lack of power supply in school and students dormitories as a barrier to distant learning program while 27.1% disagrees, 59.81% agrees to poor ICT inclination as a barrier to distant learning program while 40.19% disagrees, 71.98% agrees to poor Internet connectivity in school as a barrier to distant learning program while 28.04% disagrees, 84.11% agrees to school curriculum as a barrier to distant learning program while 15.89% disagrees, 100% agrees to software and license cost as a barrier to distant learning program, 57.01% agrees to lack of skills in designing course-wares as a barrier to distant learning program while 42.99% disagrees. This shows that there are some barriers of information and communication technology to distant learning program. It was therefore recommended that the government should provide enough information and communication technology media that will be used in disseminating course outlines to students and provision of skilled man power that will operate the available technology.
The Impact of Air Mass on the Performance of a Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Module in Kakamega
Authors: Musanga Ligavo Margdaline , Maxwell Mageto , Barasa Wafula Henry , Kombe Emmanuel Yeri 
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the outdoor performance of a 20 W monocrystalline silicon solar module in relation to air mass (AM) in Kakamega. Direct measurement of air mass and module output parameters from experimental setup was done in Kakamega at a location 0.28270 N and 34.7519 E. Experimental results showed a decrease in ISC and VOC with increasing AM. The maximum output power produced by the module reduced with an increase in AM. Maximum power was therefore seen to be produced at noon in this region. VOC increased from 19.47 to 20.04 then decreased to 19.49 V while ISC increased from 0.36 to 1.19 then decreased to 0.48A. It was observed that both the FF and of a monocrystalline solar module increase with increase in air mass. The module performed better during the afternoon than morning and evening hours with the peak performance observed close to AM 1.
BTNL2‐Ig Protein Attenuates Type 1 Diabetes in Non‐Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mice
Authors: Tian Xiaohong , Lin Yujun , Cui Cheng , Su Min , Lai Laijun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractType 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell‐mediated autoimmune disease in which insulin‐producing β‐cells are destroyed. Although butyrophilin‐like 2 (BTNL2) has been shown to be a negative T cell regulator in vitro, its ability to inhibit T cell responses in vivo has not been determined. In this study, the effect of a recombinant BTNL2‐IgG2a Fc (rBTNL2‐Ig) fusion protein on T1D development in vivo is determined. It is shown here that in vivo administration of rBTNL2‐Ig ameliorates T1D in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. This is associated with the ability of rBTNL2‐Ig to inhibit the proliferation, activation, and inflammatory cytokine production from autoreactive T cells in vivo. In addition, rBTNL2‐Ig treatment increases the generation of regulatory T cells. The results suggest that targeting the BTNL2 pathway has the potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of patients with T1D.
Tailoring Nanomaterials for Targeting Tumor‐Associated Macrophages
Authors: Ovais Muhammad , Guo Mengyu , Chen Chunying 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAdvances in the field of nanotechnology together with an increase understanding of tumor immunology have paved the way for the development of more personalized cancer immuno‐nanomedicines. Nanovehicles, due to their specific physicochemical properties, are emerging as key translational moieties in tackling tumor‐promoting, M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). Cancer immuno‐nanomedicines target TAMs primarily by blocking M2‐like TAM survival or affecting their signaling cascades, restricting macrophage recruitment to tumors and re‐educating tumor‐promoting M2‐like TAMs to the tumoricidal, M1‐like phenotype. Here, the TAM effector mechanisms and strategies for targeting TAMs are summarized, followed by a focus on the mechanistic considerations in the development of novel immuno‐nanomedicines. Furthermore, imaging TAMs with nanoparticles so as to forecast a patient's clinical outcome, describing treatment options, and observing therapy responses is also discussed. At present, strategies that target TAMs are being investigated not only at the basic research level but also in early clinical trials. The significance of TAM‐targeting biomaterials is highlighted, with the goal of facilitating future clinical translation.
Light‐Responsive Shape‐Changing Polymers
Authors: Stoychev Georgi , Kirillova Alina , Ionov Leonid 
Published: March 2019

AbstractShape‐changing polymers are an emerging class of smart stimuli‐responsive materials. Among the different stimuli that could be used for polymer actuation, light has several especially attractive features, including precise spatial and temporal remote control, easily tunable properties, and on‐demand pausing and resuming of the actuation. Consequently, light‐responsive polymers offer potential solutions to many pressing technological problems, especially where a noncontact form of stimulation and control is desired. In this review, state‐of‐the‐art advancements in the field of light‐responsive shape‐changing polymers are highlighted. The systems are classified according to the material type and the underlying light‐driven actuation/shape‐change mechanism. Finally, the most promising applications for light‐driven polymeric actuators are outlined, followed by challenges in the area and outlook on future promising directions.
Evolutionary Optimization of All‐Dielectric Magnetic Nanoantennas
Authors: Bonod Nicolas , Bidault Sébastien , Burr Geoffrey W. , Mivelle Mathieu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMagnetic light and matter interactions are generally too weak to be detected, studied, and applied technologically. However, if one can increase the magnetic power density of light by several orders of magnitude, the coupling between magnetic light and matter could become of the same order of magnitude as the coupling with its electric counterpart. For that purpose, photonic nanoantennas, in particular dielectric, are proposed to engineer strong local magnetic field and therefore increase the probability of magnetic interactions. Unfortunately, dielectric designs suffer from physical limitations that confine the magnetic hot spot in the core of the material itself, preventing experimental and technological implementations. Here, it is demonstrated that evolutionary algorithms can overcome such limitations by designing new dielectric photonic nanoantennas, able to increase and extract the optical magnetic field from high refractive index materials. It is also demonstrated that the magnetic power density in an evolutionary optimized dielectric nanostructure can be increased by a factor 5 compared to state‐of‐the‐art dielectric nanoantennas and that the fine details of the nanostructure are not critical in reaching these aforementioned features, as long as the general shape of the motif is maintained. This advocates for the feasibility of nanofabricating the optimized antennas experimentally and their subsequent application.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Ring Expansion of Alkynylcyclopropyl Allyl Ethers to Construct Tetrasubstituted Methylenecyclobutanones: A Mechanistic Investigation about the Character of Catalytic Amount of Water
Authors: Zang Wenqing , Wang Lei , Wei Yin , Shi Min , Guo Yinlong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA gold(I)‐catalyzed ring expansion of alkynylcyclopropyl allyl ethers to produce tetrasubstituted methylenecyclobutanones in moderate to good yields has been disclosed in this paper. This reaction proceeded through an intramolecular [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement followed by [1,2]‐allyl shift pathway in the presence of catalytic amount of water upon gold(I) catalysis. The intriguing reaction mechanism has been proposed on the basis of deuterium and 18O‐labeling experiments, Mass spectroscopic analysis, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic tracking and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The further transformation of these methylenecyclobutanones into polycyclic skeleton has been realized by a practical three‐step synthetic procedure. Several other transformations have been also indicated.magnified image
Deciphering the Reaction Mechanism of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by In Situ/Operando Synchrotron‐Based Characterization Techniques
Authors: Yan Yingying , Cheng Chen , Zhang Liang , Li Yanguang , Lu Jun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have received extensive attention as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems, mainly because of their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the practical application of Li–S batteries has been hindered by technical obstacles arising from the polysulfide shuttle effect and poor electronic conductivity of sulfur and discharge products. Therefore, it is of profound significance for understanding the underlying reaction mechanism of Li–S batteries to circumvent these problems and improve the overall battery performance. Advanced characterization techniques, especially synchrotron‐based X‐ray techniques, have been widely applied to the mechanistic understanding of Li–S batteries. Specifically, in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques allows chemical and structural evolution to be directly observed under real operation conditions. Here, recent progress in the understanding of the operating principles of Li–S batteries based on in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques, including X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray microscopy, is reviewed. The aim of this progress report is to provide a comprehensive treatise on in situ/operando synchrotron‐based techniques for mechanism understanding of Li–S batteries, and thereby provide guidance for optimizing their overall electrochemical performances.
Direct Non‐Oxidative Methane Conversion in a Millisecond Catalytic Wall Reactor
Authors: Oh Su Cheun , Schulman Emily , Zhang Junyan , Fan Jiufeng , Pan Ying , Meng Jianqiang , Liu Dongxia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDirect non‐oxidative methane conversion (DNMC) has been recognized as a single‐step technology that directly converts methane into olefins and higher hydrocarbons. High reaction temperature and low catalyst durability, resulting from the endothermic reaction and coke deposition, are two main challenges. We show that a millisecond catalytic wall reactor enables stable methane conversion, C2+ selectivity, coke yield, and long‐term durability. These effects originate from initiation of the DNMC on a reactor wall and maintenance of the reaction by gas‐phase chemistry within the reactor compartment. The results obtained under various temperatures and gas flow rates form a basis for optimizing the process towards lighter C2 or heavier aromatic products. A process simulation was done by Aspen Plus to understand the practical implications of this reactor in DNMC. High carbon and thermal efficiencies and low cost of the reactor materials are realized, indicating the technoeconomic viability of this DNMC technology.
A comparison of thermoplastic polyurethane incorporated with graphene oxide and thermally reduced graphene oxide: Reduction is not always necessary
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Xuelong , Zhu Wenyu , Huang Xiaozhong , Tang Xiu‐Zhi , Yang Jinglei 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTDespite wide applications of reduced graphene‐oxide (GO)‐reinforced polymer‐based composites, the necessity of the reduction procedure toward GO is still controversial. In this article, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites incorporated with GO and thermally reduced graphene oxide (TGO) were fabricated. GO and TGO exhibited different effects on crystallization behaviors, and mechanical and thermal properties of the TPU matrix. With 2.0 wt % filler loading, TPU composite reinforced by GO (TPU‐GO‐2 wt %) exhibited better thermal stability than that reinforced by TGO (TPU‐TGO‐2 wt %). The interfacial interaction between the nanofillers and the TPU matrix as well as their influence on the mobility of TPU chains were investigated, which proved that GO is superior to TGO in improving interface adhesion and maintaining crystallization of the TPU matrix. Compared with TPU‐TGO‐2 wt %, improved mechanical properties of TPU‐GO‐2 wt % were also evidenced owing to more oxygen‐containing groups. This work demonstrates that the reduction of GO is not always necessary in fabricating polymer composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47745.
Artificial neural network based modeling for the prediction of yield and surface area of activated carbon from biomass
Authors: Liao Mochen , Kelley Stephen S , Yao Yuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractActivated carbon (AC) is an adsorbent material with broad industrial applications. Understanding and predicting the yield and quality of AC produced from different feedstock is critical for biomass screening and process design. In this study, multi‐layer feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to predict the total yield and surface area of AC produced from various biomass feedstock using pyrolysis and steam activation. In total, 168 data samples identified from experiments in literature were used to train, validate, and test the ANN models. The trained ANN models showed high accuracy (R2 > 0.9) and demonstrated good alignment with the independent experimental data. The impacts of using datasets based on different biomass characterization methods (i.e., ultimate analysis and proximate analysis) were evaluated and compared. Finally, a contribution analysis was conducted to understand the impact of different process factors on AC yield and surface area. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Coping strategies as moderating factors to compassion fatigue among critical care nurses
Authors: Al Barmawi Marwa A. , Subih Maha , Salameh Omar , Sayyah Yousef Sayyah Najah , Shoqirat Noordeen , Abdel‐Azeez Eid Abu Jebbeh Raid 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeThis study measured levels of compassion fatigue, burnout and satisfaction among critical care and emergency nurses. It investigated coping strategies as moderating factors and as predictors to levels of compassion fatigue.MethodsUsing a cross–sectional design, this study was conducted on 228 (84.4%) out of 270 from four Jordanian hospitals. Nurses worked in different types of critical care units and emergency departments. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire on the professional quality of life and coping strategies indicator scales.ResultsNurses had low to average compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary stress syndrome. Problem‐solving and avoidance ranged between very low and average levels. Nurses reported having very low to average levels on seeking social support scale. Female nurses had better compassion satisfaction compared with their male colleagues, and the type of unit had a significant impact on the secondary stress syndrome, problem‐solving, and seeking social support. Nurses from the surgical cardiovascular ICU scored the highest mean scores on the secondary stress syndrome. Better coping strategies were associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower levels of secondary stress syndrome. Problem‐solving significantly predicted compassion satisfaction, avoidance significantly predicted secondary traumatic syndrome.ConclusionsCoping strategies are moderating factors that could improve compassion satisfaction among critical care nurses. Managers could use findings to create healthier and supportive work environments. We recommend focusing on activities that promote better coping strategies, including improving the social support system. We also recommend replicating this study using a qualitative approach to identify further causes of compassion fatigue.
Reduction in risk of stroke and bleeding after left atrial appendage closure with LARIAT device in patients with increased risk of stroke and bleeding: Long term results
Authors: Litwinowicz Radoslaw , Bartus Magdalena , Kapelak Boguslaw , Suwalski Piotr , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Lee Randall J. , Bartus Krzysztof 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundsLeft atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) offers an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to present long‐term clinical outcomes of LAAO in patients with a high risk of stroke and thromboembolic events (CHA2DS2‐VAS‐score ≥ 2) and bleeding (HAS‐BLED score ≥ 2).Material and MethodsA prospective, single‐center study was performed in 120 patients who were screened for LAAO with the LARIAT. Out of these 89 patients were underwent LARIAT placement, were 57 had high risk of thromboembolic and bleeding risk (LAA group). Control Group consisted of patients and 31 who screened out from the LARIAT and did not undergo LAAO.ResultsThe mean CHA2DS2‐VAS‐score was 3.6 ± 1.5 versus 3.1 ± 1.2 and HAS‐BLED score was 3.6 ± 1 versus 3 ± 1 compare LAA group versus control group. There were no thromboembolic events in the LAA group. In the control group thromboembolic events were observed in 9.6% (P = 0.017). Annual mortality rate was 1.8% in LAA group and 3.2% in control group (P < 0.05). Estimated bleeding risk reduction in LAA group was 62.2%.ConclusionsLong‐term data confirmed that left atrial appendage closure with the LARIAT device is an effective and safe treatment in nonvalvular AF patients with high risk of stroke and bleeding.
Experimental analysis of concrete elements under partial area strip loading
Authors: Schmidt‐Thrö Gerald , Smarslik Mario , Tabka Bassem , Scheufler Wolfgang , Fischer Oliver , Mark Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStresses for concrete elements under partial area strip loading are limited to 1.1‐times the concrete compressive strength. In case of particularly small load application areas like at wall supports or segmental tunnel lining longitudinal joints this limitation may be governing the design. Additional load increases due to steel reinforcement confinement are not taken into account. This contribution presents various experimental series on large‐scale reinforced concrete specimens conducted at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). It is shown that splitting reinforcements with stiff anchorage (e.g. welded ladders) show distinct load‐bearing capacity increases. Moreover, disregarding the demand for geometric affinity of load application and distribution areas facilitates a more precise estimation of load increase factors. Based upon the experiments and supplemental data from literature, practical design approaches are derived. They distinguish between high‐ and low‐deformation capabilities of the rebar anchorage and—to the most extent—allow pronouncedly increased contact pressures compared to current design approaches.
Pairing of α‐Fused BODIPY: Towards Panchromatic n‐Type Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Huaulmé Quentin , Fall Sadiara , Lévêque Patrick , Ulrich Gilles , Leclerc Nicolas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA chemical strategy to efficiently perform the dimerization of α‐fused boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) is reported. The straightforward synthesis of one of these dimers is described and its properties have been investigated through UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and charge‐carrier mobility measurements by using organic field‐effect transistors and space–charge‐limited current diodes. The results allow a chemical strategy to decrease the tendency of α‐fused BODIPY to crystallize, to increase its light‐harvesting properties, and to promote isotropic charge carriers transport. Moreover, the disclosed approach is also a way to maintain the deep LUMO level of α‐fused BODIPY; thus making this class of materials highly desirable for optoelectronic applications.