bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new method and insights for estimating phenological events from herbarium specimens
Authors: Pearson Katelin D. 
Published: March 2019

Premise of the StudyA novel method of estimating phenology of herbarium specimens was developed to facilitate more precise determination of plant phenological responses to explanatory variables (e.g., climate).Methods and ResultsSimulated specimen data sets were used to compare the precision of phenological models using the new method and two common, alternative methods (flower presence/absence and ≥50% flowers present). The new “estimated phenophase” method was more precise and extracted a greater number of significant species‐level relationships; however, this method only slightly outperformed the simple “binary” (e.g., flowers present/absent) method.ConclusionsThe new method enables estimation of phenological trends with greater precision. However, when time and resources are limited, a presence/absence method may offer comparable results at lower cost. Using a more restrictive approach, such as only including specimens in a certain phenophase, is not advised given the detrimental effect of decreased sample size on resulting models.
Testing the test: Are exams measuring understanding?
Authors: Sato Brian K. , Hill Cynthia F. C. , Lo Stanley M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGrades in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses are distributed under the assumption that high‐performing students have a strong understanding of the material. Similarly, the STEM education literature often presents exam performance as equivalent to understanding. Despite these assumptions, we have little knowledge regarding student thinking in relation to exam scores. To investigate this relationship, we asked undergraduate students to complete a series of written and verbal tasks. Twenty‐two participants were presented with biology questions and were instructed to write exam‐like responses along with their thought process. More than half of the participants then took part in retrospective interviews. We graded the exam‐like responses to award a performance score and coded the entirety of participants' writing for their understanding. We found a discrepancy between performance and understanding for over one quarter of our data. Furthermore, interviews allowed for a more complete picture of participant understanding than written responses. These results contribute to calls for re‐evaluating our course assessments and for questioning the understanding those assessments value. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(3):296–302, 2019.
LncRNA H19 interacted with miR‐130a‐3p and miR‐17‐5p to modify radio‐resistance and chemo‐sensitivity of cardiac carcinoma cells
Authors: Jia Jianguang , Zhang Xinxin , Zhan Dankai , Li Jing , Li Zhixiang , Li Hongbo , Qian Jun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe current investigation explored the synthetic contribution of lncRNA H19, miR‐130a‐3p, and miR‐17‐5p to radio‐resistance and chemo‐sensitivity of cardiac cancer cells. Totally 284 human cardiac cancer tissues were gathered, and they have been pathologically diagnosed. The cardiac cancer cells were isolated with utilization of the mechanic method. Moreover, cisplatin, adriamycin, mitomycin, and 5‐fluorouracil were designated as the chemotherapies, and single‐dose X‐rays were managed as the radiotherapy for cardiac cancer cells. We also performed luciferase reporter gene assay to verify the targeted relationship between H19 and miR‐130a‐3p, as well as between H19 and miR‐17‐5p. Finally, mice models were established to examine the functions of H19, miR‐130a‐3p, and miR‐17‐5p on the development of cardiac cancer. The study results indicated that H19, miR‐130a‐3p, and miR‐17‐5p expressions within cardiac cancer tissues were significantly beyond those within adjacent nontumor tissues (P < 0.05), and H19 expression was positively correlated with both miR‐130a‐3p (rs = 0.43) and miR‐17‐5p (rs = 0.49) expressions. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of cisplatin, adriamycin, mitomycin, and 5‐fluorouracil for cardiac cancer cells were, respectively, determined as 2.01 μg/mL, 8.35 μg/mL, 24.44 μg/mL, and 166.42 μg/mL. The overexpressed H19, miR‐130a‐3p, and miR‐17‐5p appeared to improve the survival rate and viability of cardiac cancer cells that were exposed to chemotherapies and X‐rays (all P < 0.05). It was also drawn from luciferase reporter gene assay that H19 could directly target miR‐130a‐3p and miR‐17‐5p, thereby modifying the sensitivity of cardiac cancer cells to drugs and X‐rays (P < 0.05). Finally, the mice models also produced larger tumor size and higher tumor weight, when H19, miR‐130a‐3p, or miR‐17‐5p expressions were up‐regulated within them (P < 0.05). In conclusion, H19 could act on miR‐130a‐3p or miR‐17‐5p to alter the radio‐ and chemo‐sensitivities of cardiac cancer cells, helping to improve the radio‐/chemotherapies for cardiac cancer.
Lipopolysaccharide upregulates the proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of NG2+ cells from human dental pulp in vitro
Authors: Yang Guofeng , Ju Yanqin , Liu Shangfeng , Zhao Shouliang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNG2+ cells have been proven to differentiate into odontoblasts in vivo, and their contribution to odontoblasts is significantly increased, especially after tooth injury. However, their characteristics in vitro, especially under an inflammatory environment, are still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore their proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation ability after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. In our study, NG2
+ cells were isolated from the human dental pulp by magnetic‐activated cell sorting, and these isolated cells were proven to be NG2
+ by immunostaining. When compared with human dental pulp cells (hDPCs), the NG2
+ cells showed no significant differences in cell migration with or without LPS incubation, but their proliferative ability was weaker. When treated with LPS, NG2
+ cells expressed elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and among these, the expression of IL‐1β and IL‐6 were higher than that of hDPCs. Their multipotent differentiation potential was confirmed by the induction of odontoblastic and adipogenic differentiation, and LPS increased their odontoblastic differentiation capacity. In the odontoblastic differentiation process, Wnt5a, BMP2, and BMP7 mRNA were increased, while the canonical Wnt‐related genes were decreased. In conclusion, the LPS stimulation promotes the migration, proliferative, and odontoblastic differentiation ability of NG2
+ cells from the human dental pulp in vitro, and bone morphogenetic protein and the noncanonical Wnt pathway may be involved in their odontoblastic differentiation. These results indicated their special roles in tooth injury repair and potential application in pulp regeneration.
Two fatal cases of rabies in humans who did not receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis in Nigeria
Authors: Audu Solomom W. , Mshelbwala Philip P. , Jahun Balarabe M. , Bouaddi Khadija , Weese Jeofrey Scott 
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical MessageThese two cases highlight some of the many challenges encountered when handling dog bite and rabies exposure. They also provide examples of the many barriers, and while highlighting only two individuals, they are likely representative of large numbers of the over 59 000 people that die every year from this preventable disease.
Analysis of Flow Patterns in High‐Gravity Equipment Using Gamma‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Groß Kai , Bieberle André , Gladyszewski Konrad , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe , Skiborowski Mirko , Górak Andrzej 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe capacity of today's gas‐liquid contacting equipment such as tray or packed columns is limited by the gravitational‐driven liquid flow. Intensified equipment applying centrifugal force offers great potential for enhancing the mass transfer and for reducing equipment size. Yet, detailed knowledge about the liquid flow inside rotating packings is scarce due to limited accessibility with conventional measurement systems. In this study, a gamma‐ray computed tomography is employed to quantify the liquid hold‐up and its distribution in the moving packing.
Expression of adiponectin receptors in the brain of adult zebrafish and mouse: Links with neurogenic niches and brain repair
Authors: Rastegar Sepand , Parimisetty Avinash , Cassam Sulliman Nora , Narra Sai Sandhya , Weber Sabrina , Rastegar Maryam , Viranaicken Wildriss , Couret David , Planesse Cynthia , Strähle Uwe , Meilhac Olivier , Lefebvre d'Hellencourt Christian , Diotel Nicolas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAdiponectin and its receptors (adipor) have been initially characterized for their role in lipid and glucose metabolism. More recently, adiponectin signaling was shown to display anti‐inflammatory effects and to participate in brain homeostasis and neuroprotection. In this study, we investigated adipor gene expression and its regulation under inflammatory conditions in two complementary models: mouse and zebrafish. We demonstrate that adipor1a, adipor1b, and adipor2 are widely distributed throughout the brain of adult fish, in neurons and also in radial glia, behaving as neural stem cells. We also show that telencephalic injury results in a decrease in adipor gene expression, inhibited by an anti‐inflammatory treatment (Dexamethasone). Interestingly, adiponectin injection after brain injury led to a consistent decrease (a) in the recruitment of microglial cells at the lesioned site and (b) in the proliferation of neural progenitors, arguing for a neuroprotective role of adiponectin. In a comparative approach, we investigate Adipor1 and Adipor2 gene distribution in the brain of mice and demonstrated their expression in regions shared with fish including neurogenic regions. We also document Adipor gene expression in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion and lipopolysaccharide injection. In contrast to zebrafish, these inflammatory stimuli do no impact cerebral adiponectin receptor gene expression in mouse. This work provides new insights regarding adipor expression in the brain of fish, and demonstrates evolutionary conserved distribution of adipor with mouse. This is the first report of adipor expression in adult neural stem cells of fish, suggesting a potential role of adiponectin signaling during vertebrate neurogenesis. It also suggests a potential contribution of inflammation in the regulation of adipor in fish.
Kinetic Enhancement of Direct Hydrogenation of MgB2 to Mg(BH4)2 upon Mechanical Milling with THF, MgH2, and/or Mg
Authors: Sugai Cody , Kim Stephen , Severa Godwin , White James L. , Leick Noemi , Martinez Madison B. , Gennett Thomas , Stavila Vitalie , Jensen Craig 
Published: March 2019

AbstractModification of magnesium diboride, MgB2, by mechanical milling with THF, MgH2, and/or Mg results in a lowering of the conditions required for its direct, bulk hydrogenation to magnesium borohydride, Mg(BH4)2, by 300 bar and 100 °C. Following mechanical milling with MgH2 or THF and Mg, MgB2 can be hydrogenated to Mg(BH4)2 at 300 °C under 700 bar of H2 while achieving ∼54–71 % conversion to the borohydride. The discovery of a means of dramatically lowering the conditions required for the hydrogenation of MgB2 is an important step towards the development of a practical onboard hydrogen storage system based on hydrogen cycling between Mg(BH4)2 and MgB2. We suggest that mechano‐milling with THF, Mg, and/or MgH2 may possibly introduce defects in the MgB2 structure which enhance hydrogenation. The ability to activate the MgB2 through the introduction of structural defects transcends its relevance to hydrogen storage, as a method of overcoming its chemical inertness provides the key to harnessing other interesting properties of this material.
Nanoengineered Gd3Al2Ga3O12 Scintillation Materials with Disordered Garnet Structure for Novel Detectors of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Korzhik Mikhail , Alenkov Vladimir , Buzanov Oleg , Fedorov Andrei , Dosovitskiy Georgy , Grigorjeva Larisa , Mechinsky Vitaliy , Sokolov Peter , Tratsiak Yauhen , Zolotarjovs Aleksejs , Dormenev Valery , Dosovitskiy Aleksei , Agrawal Devesh , Anniyev Toyli , Vasilyev Maxim , Khabashesku Valery 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe search for engineering approaches to improve the scintillation properties of Gd3Al2Ga3O12 crystals and enable their production technology is of current interest. This crystal, while doped with Ce, is considered a good multi‐purpose scintillation material for detecting gamma‐quanta and neutrons. It is observed that co‐doping with Mg affected intrinsic defects in the crystal structure that create shallow electronic traps. Other point structure defects, which are based on local variations of the crystal stoichiometry, are significantly diminished by use of a co‐precipitated raw material. Nano‐structuring of the raw material enables production of a homogeneous precursor mixture for growing a crystal with minimal evaporation of Ga from the melt. The demonstrated nano‐engineering approach increased the light yield from the crystal by approximately 20%, enabling its applications in well logging.
Peculiarities of Defective Formations in Heterophase Regions of the Thermotropic Phase Transitions in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Nesrullajev Arif 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA unique feature of phase transitions in liquid crystalline materials is the availability of heterophase regions. In such regions, the simultaneous coexistence of high temperature and low temperature phases takes place. Thermal mobility and temperature gradient in the heterophase regions lead to the appearance of various types of defective formations in the aligned and non‐aligned textures of liquid crystalline materials. In the present work, the morphologic, structural, and optical peculiarities of defective formations and non‐homogeneities, which appear in the heterophase regions of phase transitions, are investigated. The singular points, disclination, inversion walls, droplets, and confocal formations are objects of the investigations herein. The heterophase regions of the direct and reverse nematic ↔ isotropic liquid and smectic A ↔ isotropic liquid, smectic C ↔ isotropic liquid, and smectic C* ↔ isotropic liquid thermotropic phase transitions are created by the original method, that is, the capillary temperature wedge method. Crystallo‐optics and crystallo‐physics methods are used in this work.
Reporting on sustainable development: A comparison of three Italian small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Girella Laura , Zambon Stefano , Rossi Paola 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNowadays, we are facing a new phase of capitalism. Information that is beyond financial capital and able to provide a more comprehensive picture of the path towards sustainable development of organizations is increasingly needed. A remarkable body of evidence already exists on how large listed companies are facing this change, but very little is known about small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). This work aims to analyse if and to what extent new forms of reporting such as sustainability and integrated reporting are adopted by SMEs to illustrate their journey to sustainable development. To this end, the reports of three Italian SMEs have been examined against the internationally set principles and contents of these reporting models. It emerges that, despite the shared ambition of these reports, they are different in nature and deliver a quite distinctive representation of the concerned SMEs and their ways to pursuing and communicating sustainable development at a micro level.
Ethylene glycol: Evidence of glucuronidation in vivo shown by analysis of clinical toxicology samples
Authors: Pedersen Daniel Sejer , Bélanger Patrick , Frykman Mikael , Andreasen Kirsten , Goudreault Danielle , Pedersen Henrik , Hindersson Peter , Breindahl Torben 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn the search for improved laboratory methods for the diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning, the in vivo formation of a glucuronide metabolite of ethylene glycol was hypothesized. Chemically pure standards of the β‐O‐glucuronide of ethylene glycol (EG‐GLUC) and a deuterated analog (d4‐EG‐GLUC) were synthesized. A high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of EG‐GLUC in serum after ultrafiltration was validated. Inter‐assay precision (%RSD) was 3.9% to 15.1% and inter‐assay %bias was −2.8% to 12.2%. The measuring range was 2–100 μmol/L (0.48–24 mg/L). Specificity testing showed no endogenous amounts in routine clinical samples (n = 40). The method was used to analyze authentic, clinical serum samples (n = 31) from patients intoxicated with ethylene glycol. EG‐GLUC was quantified in 15 of these samples, with a mean concentration of 6.5 μmol/L (1.6 mg/L), ranging from 2.3 to 15.6 μmol/L (0.55 to 3.7 mg/L). In five samples, EG‐GLUC was detected below the limit of quantification (2 μmol/L) and it was below the limit of detection in 11 samples (1 μmol/L). Compared to the millimolar concentrations of ethylene glycol present in blood after intoxications and potentially available for conjugation, the concentrations of EG‐GLUC found in clinical serum samples are very low, but comparable to concentrations of ethyl glucuronide after medium dose ethanol intake. In theory, EG‐GLUC has a potential value as a biomarker for ethylene glycol intake, but the pharmacokinetic properties, in vivo/vitro stability and the biosynthetic pathways of EG‐GLUC must be further studied in a larger number of patients and other biological matrices.
Areca alkaloids measured from buccal cells using DART‐MS serve as accurate biomarkers for areca nut chewing
Authors: Franke Adrian A. , Biggs Laura , Yew Joanne Y. , Lai Jennifer F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundAreca nut (AN) chewing is carcinogenic and biomarkers reflecting it are urgently needed to determine the effectiveness of emergent cessation programs. Buccal cells (BCs) may serve as an ideal matrix to measure such biomarkers; however, their utility for this purpose is unknown. Direct analysis in real time−mass spectrometry (DART−MS) is a sensitive technique that analyzes materials in the open air and requires minimal/no sample preparation. We utilized DART−MS to analyze BCs to test the usefulness of this method in measuring areca alkaloids as biomarkers for AN chewing.MethodsWe applied DART−MS in positive‐ion mode to quantitate over time human BCs: (a) exposed ex vivo to betel quid extracts (BQE) consisting of young AN, Piper betle L. leaf, slaked lime, and tobacco; and (b) obtained from seven chewers before and after BQ chewing. Quantification was performed by normalizing DART−MS alkaloid signal intensities to cholesterol intensities.ResultsSignals for areca alkaloids arecoline and arecaidine‐guvacoline were detected in BCs exposed ex vivo to BQE up to 7 days (the last day tested) after exposure and in BCs from chewers up to 3 days (the last day tested) post chewing.DiscussionThe presence of alkaloid signals in BQ‐exposed BCs verified BCs as a valid matrix and DART−MS as a suitable technique to measure biomarkers for AN chewing and provided reliable information on AN chewing timing.ConclusionDART−MS analyses of BCs can be used to accurately determine areca alkaloids as AN chewing biomarkers up to 3 days post chewing and possibly longer.
Eco‐friendly Sensors Developed by Herbal Based Silver Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Detection of Mercury (II) Ion
Authors: Eksin Ece , Erdem Arzum , Fafal Tugce , Kıvçak Bijen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn our study, the single‐use & eco‐friendly electrochemical sensor platform based on herbal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed for detection of mercury (II) ion (Hg2+). For this purpose, the surface of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was modified with AgNPs and folic acid (FA), respectively. The concentrations of AgNPs and FA were firstly optimized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) to obtain an effective surface modification of PGE. Each step at the surface modification process was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS). The limit of detection (LOD) for Hg2+ was estimated and found to be 8.43 μM by CV technique. The sensor presented an excellent selectivity for Hg2+ against to other heavy metal ions such as Ca2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Mn2+. Moreover, a rapid, selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ was successfully performed in the samples of tap water within 1 min.
Solid‐contact Acetate‐selective Electrode Based on a 1,3‐bis(carbazolyl)urea‐ionophore
Authors: Martin Kerli , Kadam Sandip A. , Mattinen Ulriika , Bobacka Johan , Leito Ivo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe construction and study of solid‐contact acetate‐selective electrodes is described using a 1,3‐bis(carbazolyl)urea derivative as a neutral hydrogen‐bonding ionophore and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) as the solid contact. It was shown recently that this ionophore binds acetate (logKass=4.98) that is used as primary ion in this study. The electrodes show linearity over the activity range of 10−4.50–10−1.10 with a sub‐Nernstian slope of −51.3 mV per decade and a detection limit of 10−5.00. The anion‐selectivity pattern of these electrodes deviates markedly from the Hofmeister pattern. When adding ionophore to the membrane the logarithm of the selectivity coefficient (logK) for SCN− decreased from 6.5 to 1.2, logK for I− decreased from 5.7 to 0.9, logK for NO3− decreased from 4.3 to 0.6 and logK for Br− decreased from 3.3 to 0.1. The selectivity coefficients of hydrophilic anions such as Cl−, F−, HPO42−, and SO42− are significantly lower than in case of the ionophore‐free membrane. It was discovered that the constructed electrodes are also relatively selective to bicarbonate. This work is an important step towards the further development of solid‐contact anion‐selective electrodes.
Roll‐to‐Roll printed PEDOT/PSS/GO Plastic Film for Electrochemical Determination of Carbofuran
Authors: Chekol Fekadu , Mehretie Solomon , Hailu Fitsum Addis , Tolcha Teshome , Megersa Negussie , Admassie Shimelis 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this work, we developed a roll‐to‐roll printed poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulphoanate without graphene oxide (GO) (PEDOT/PSS) and with graphene oxide (PEDOT/PSS/GO) plastic films for the electrochemical determination of carbofuran. Both the PEDOT/PSS and PEDOT/PSS/GO plastic films showed electroactivity towards the oxidation of carbofuran. Incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) improves the electrochemical activity of carbofuran and increased its sensitivity. The printed plastic films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), surface profilometer, four point probe and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of pH, deposition time, deposition potential and film thickness on the oxidation peak current of carbofuran were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, a dynamic linear range of 1 μM–90 μM with a detection limit of 1.0×10−7 M (S/N=3) were obtained. The printed PEDOT/PSS/GO plastic electrode was applied for the determination of carbofuran in vegetable and fruit samples with recoveries between 94.4 and 101.8 %.