bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A CsPbBr3/TiO2 Composite for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Schünemann Stefan , van Gastel Maurice , Tüysüz Harun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHalide perovskites have attracted great attention in the fields of photovoltaics, LEDs, lasers, and most recently photocatalysis, owing to their unique optoelectronic properties. The all‐inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3/TiO2 composite material catalyzes selective benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde under visible‐light illumination. The catalyst, which is prepared by a facile wet‐impregnation method, shows very good selectivity towards benzaldehyde (>99 % at 50 % conversion). Action spectra and electron spin resonance (ESR) studies reveal that photoexcited electrons formed within CsPbBr3 upon visible‐light illumination take part in the reaction via reduction of oxygen to form superoxide radicals. The detailed post‐catalysis characterization by UV/Vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy studies further demonstrated the good stability of CsPbBr3 in terms of morphology and crystal structure under the reaction conditions. This study sheds light on promising new photocatalytic applications of halide perovskites.
Catalytic Space Engineering of Porphyrin Metal–Organic Frameworks for Combined CO2 Capture and Conversion at a Low Concentration
Authors: Liu Jiewei , Fan Yan‐Zhong , Li Xin , Xu Yao‐Wei , Zhang Li , Su Cheng‐Yong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPorous porphyrin metal‐organic frameworks (PMOFs) provide promising platforms for studying CO2 capture and conversion (C3) owing to their versatility in photoelectric, catalytic, and redox activities and porphyrin coordination chemistry. Herein, we report the C3 application of two PMOFs by engineering the coordination space through the introduction of two catalytic metalloporphyrins doped with rhodium or iridium, Rh‐PMOF‐1 and Ir‐PMOF‐1, both of which can serve as heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates with yields of up to 99 %. Remarkably, the catalytic reactions can effectively proceed under low CO2 concentrations and high yields of 83 % and 73 % can be obtained under 5 % CO2 in the presence of Rh‐PMOF‐1 and Ir‐PMOF‐1, respectively. The synergistic effect of the metalloporphyrin ligand and the Zr6O8 cluster, in combination with the CO2 concentration effect from the pore space, might account for the excellent catalytic performance of Rh‐PMOF‐1 under low CO2 concentration. Recycling tests of Rh‐PMOF‐1 show negligible loss of catalytic activity after 10 runs.
Payments for ecosystem services in Mexico reduce forest fragmentation
Authors: Ramirez‐Reyes Carlos , Sims Katharine R. E. , Potapov Peter , Radeloff Volker C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractForest fragmentation can lead to habitat reduction, edge increase, and exposure to disturbances. A key emerging policy to protect forests is payments for ecosystem services (PES), which offers compensation to landowners for environmental stewardship. Mexico was one of the first countries to implement a broad‐scale PES program, enrolling over 2.3 Mha by 2010. However, Mexico's PES did not completely eliminate deforestation in enrolled parcels and could have increased incentives to hide deforestation in ways that increased fragmentation. We studied whether Mexican forests enrolled in the PES program had less forest fragmentation than those not enrolled, and whether the PES effects varied among forest types, among socioeconomic zones, or compared to the protected areas system. We analyzed forest cover maps from 2000 to 2012 to calculate forest fragmentation. We summarized fragmentation for different forest types and in four socioeconomic zones. We then used matching analysis to investigate the possible causal impacts of the PES on forests across Mexico and compared the effects of the PES program with that of protected areas. We found that the area covered by forest in Mexico decreased by 3.4% from 2000 to 2012, but there was 9.3% less forest core area. Change in forest cover was highest in the southern part of Mexico, and high‐stature evergreen tropical forest lost the most core areas (−17%), while oak forest lost the least (−2%). Our matching analysis found that the PES program reduced both forest cover loss and forest fragmentation. Low‐PES areas increased twice as much of the number of forest patches, forest edge, forest islets, and largest area of forest lost compared to high‐PES areas. Compared to the protected areas system in Mexico, high‐PES areas performed similarly in preventing fragmentation, but not as well as biosphere reserve core zones. We conclude that the PES was successful in slowing forest fragmentation at the regional and country level. However, the program could be improved by targeting areas where forest changes are more frequent, especially in southern Mexico. Fragmentation analyses should be implemented in other areas to monitor the outcomes of protection programs such as REDD+ and PES.
Combining data‐derived priors with postrelease monitoring data to predict persistence of reintroduced populations
Authors: Drummond Faline M. , Lovegrove Tim G. , Armstrong Doug P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMonitoring is an essential part of reintroduction programs, but many years of data may be needed to obtain reliable population projections. This duration can potentially be reduced by incorporating prior information on expected vital rates (survival and fecundity) when making inferences from monitoring data. The prior distributions for these parameters can be derived from data for previous reintroductions, but it is important to account for site‐to‐site variation. We evaluated whether such informative priors improved our ability to estimate the finite rate of increase (λ) of the North Island robin (Petroica longipes) population reintroduced to Tawharanui Regional Park, New Zealand. We assessed how precision improved with each year of postrelease data added, comparing models that used informative or uninformative priors. The population grew from about 22 to 80 individuals from 2007 to 2016, with λ estimated to be 1.23 if density dependence was included in the model and 1.13 otherwise. Under either model, 7 years of data were required before the lower 95% credible limit for λ was > 1, giving confidence that the population would persist. The informative priors did not reduce this requirement. Data‐derived priors are useful before reintroduction because they allow λ to be estimated in advance. However, in the case examined here, the value of the priors was overwhelmed once site‐specific monitoring data became available. The Bayesian method presented is logical for reintroduced populations. It allows prior information (used to inform prerelease decisions) to be integrated with postrelease monitoring. This makes full use of the data for ongoing management decisions. However, if the priors properly account for site‐to‐site variation, they may have little predictive value compared with the site‐specific data. This value will depend on the degree of site‐to‐site variation as well as the quality of the data.
Counter‐current swimming of lotic copepods as a possible mechanism for drift avoidance
Authors: Sidler Daniel , Michalec François‐Gaël , Holzner Markus 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBenthic invertebrates in streams and rivers face a dominant downstream flow that may impose drift. The mechanisms that allow organisms to maintain their position instead of being swept downstream are not well known. One possible strategy involves active behaviour: Organisms perform small‐scale counter‐current displacements along the streambed. Because these fine‐scale processes are difficult to approach in field studies, evidence for behavioural mechanisms against flow advection has remained scarce. We reconstruct the three‐dimensional trajectories of the widespread cyclopoid copepod Eucyclops serrulatus moving freely in the water column and in the transparent sediment bed of a laboratory flume. In the different experiments, the average flow velocity is 12, 35, and 67 mm/s. We isolate the behavioural component of their motion by subtracting the local flow velocity. We show that copepods stay preferentially within the interstitial space of the sediment bed or close to its surface from which they perform frequent excursions in the water column. We also show that copepods perform active counter‐current swimming to limit downstream drift. The counter‐current swimming effort increases with flow velocity, and therefore, downstream drift remains moderate and does not vary strongly for the different flow rates tested. This active behavioural response to changing flow conditions, combined with frequent stops in the substratum where flow velocity is negligible, may confer lotic copepods the ability to reduce downstream transport. Our results confirm the importance of behaviour in drift avoidance and may evoke further research on taxon‐specific responses to varying hydraulic conditions.
IonSens: A Wearable Potentiometric Sensor Patch for Monitoring Total Ion Content in Sweat
Authors: Hoekstra Rafael , Blondeau Pascal , Andrade Francisco J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA sensor for monitoring total ion activity is described, and its performance as a wearable device for monitoring the total ion levels of sweat is evaluated. The sensor works by tracking changes in the Donnan potential generated across a Nafion® membrane. This cation‐exchange polymer was cast on a paper coated with carbon‐ink, making the platform elegantly simple. Analytical parameters during calibration in aqueous solution include a sensitivity of 56.3±1.0 mV/dec.a(Na+) and a standard deviation between standard electrode potentials of 5.3 mV (N=5) for first time use. By integrating a paper‐based pseudo‐reference electrode, a miniature disposable electrochemical cell (the “IonSens” device) was created and demonstrated as a wearable sensor. Potentiometric measurements estimating the total ion activities were validated against conductivity measurements. Recoveries of eleven raw sweat samples were determined to be 95.2±6.6 % (n=3). The perspiration conductivity profile of an athlete during exercise was monitored in real‐time and visualized on a mobile phone application connected via Bluetooth®. The excellent reproducibility of the electrode without any conditioning is noteworthy and lends itself to applications including – but not limited to – the monitoring of total ion activity in sweat.
State-Level Freshwater Mussel Programs: Current Status and a Research Framework to Aid in Mussel Management and Conservation
Authors: L. Bouska Kristen , Rosenberger Amanda , McMurray Stephen E , Lindner Garth A , Key Kayla N 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Despite increased focus on their ecology and conservation, freshwater mussels remain one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic organisms. We documented current management actions, resources, and challenges in managing freshwater mussels in the United States through a survey of state natural resource agencies. Approximately 85% of surveyed states (N =40) actively managed mussel populations. Common challenges to mussel conservation included limited funding, lack of public awareness, and poor understanding of habitat needs and risks. We present a research framework, currently underway in Missouri, to support a regional mussel conservation assessment whereby habitat needs are identified, risks are assessed, and standardized protocols are developed to monitor and detect trends in mussel assemblages and threats. The research framework conforms to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Native Freshwater Mollusks and is adaptable to other states. With full consideration of resource limitations, we explore how this framework can improve the effectiveness of mussel conservation efforts.
Comparative analysis of AKT and the related biomarkers in uterine leiomyomas with MED12, HMGA2, and FH mutations
Authors: Xie Jia , Ubango Julianne , Ban Yanli , Chakravarti Debabrata , Kim J. Julie , Wei Jian‐Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUterine leiomyomas (ULM) are histologically and molecularly heterogeneous and clinically they grow at vastly different rates. Several driver gene mutations have been identified in ULM, including MED12 mutations, HMGA2 overexpression, and biallelic FH inactivation. ULM with different driver mutant genes may use different molecular pathways, but currently no clear correlation between gene mutations and growth related pathways has been established. To better define this relationship, we collected ULM with MED12 (n = 25), HMGA2 (n = 15), and FH (n = 27) mutations and examined the sex steroid hormone, cell cycle, and AKT pathway genes by immunohistochemistry. While ER and PR were highly expressed in all types of ULM, FH ULM showed lower ER expression and higher PR expression. HMGA2 tumors had significantly higher levels of AKT signaling and mitogenic activity than other ULM types. HMGA2 activated AKT signaling through upregulation of IGF2BP2. Silencing HMGA2 in ULM cells resulted in downregulation of AKT and upregulation of p16 and p21, which eventually led to cell senescence. HMGA2 overexpression in ULM is not only related to tumor development but also plays a role in controlling cellular proliferation through the AKT pathway.
Relationship between cumulative ultraviolet exposure and cognitive function in a rural elderly Chinese population
Authors: Xin Shimeng , Luan Dechun , Wang Xue , Wang Fang , Liu Yang , Gao Qian 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesSome researchers have focused on the relationship between vitamin D and cognition, but the conclusions are inconsistent. We estimated cumulative UV exposure could be used to represent the individual's long‐term vitamin D status and investigated its association with global cognitive function in elderly Chinese.MethodsA total of 641 participants aged 60 years and over were recruited in a rural area of Shenyang, China. All were interviewed to obtain data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and time spent outdoors. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment‐Beijing version (MoCA‐BJ). Images of skin from UV‐exposed (dorsal hand) and UV‐protected (inner forearm) sites from each individual were graded by the Beagley‐Gibson system. Differences in skin‐grade between the 2 sites were used to indicate cumulative UV exposure level. Subjects were grouped in tertiles based on skin‐grade differences (<1.75, 1.75–2.74, and ≥ 2.75), representing low, medium, and high UV exposure levels, respectively. The MoCA‐BJ score was classified in tertiles as low (<19), middle (19‐22), and high (≥23) levels of cognition. Associations between cognitive function and UV exposure were analyzed using ordinal regression.ResultsSkin‐grade differences were associated with self‐reported time spent outdoors. After adjustment for age, gender, education, BMI, whether living alone, income, diet, hypertension, and diabetes, a high UV exposure level was associated with better cognitive function (odds ratio = 0.643, 95% confidence interval = 0.427–0.969).ConclusionsGreater cumulative UV exposure appears to be associated with better cognitive function in elderly adults.
The Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Adverse Events Associated With Kava
Authors: White C. Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractKava is a plant with numerous kavapyrones that can induce pharmacologic effects and drug interactions through the cytochrome P450 and P‐glycoprotein systems. Kava is used recreationally and for the treatment of anxiety. Clinical trials verify anxiolytic effects in excess of placebo, but the effects are not seen immediately and the optimal dose and dosing schedule needs to be determined. Clinical trials usually lasting for 4 weeks found generally good tolerability and safety; however, dermatologic, hepatologic, and cognitive adverse effects may occur. Some of these adverse effects are known to occur from the kavapyrones themselves, while others can be caused or exacerbated by use of substandard kava products. There is tremendous variability in the constitution of a kava product based on the parts of the plant that are being extracted and the extraction method. The most commonly studied extract for the treatment of anxiety is the acetone extract.
Rapid and noninvasive quality control of anhydrous milk fat by PTR‐MS: The effect of storage time and packaging
Authors: Pedrotti M. , Khomenko I. , Cappellin L. , Fontana M. , Somenzi M. , Falchero L. , Arveda M. , Fogliano V. , Biasioli F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, proton transfer reaction‐mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS), coupled with a time‐of‐flight mass analyzer and a multipurpose automatic sampler, was evaluated as a rapid and nondestructive tool for the quality control of anhydrous milk fat. Anhydrous milk fats packed in cardboard and bag‐in‐box were compared during refrigerated shelf life at 4°C for 9 months. Anhydrous milk fat samples were taken at 120, 180, and 240 days and measured by PTR‐MS during storage at 50°C for 11 days. Univariate and multivariate data analysis were performed in order to classify samples according to the packaging type and compare aromatic profiles.Markers related to both packaging and storage duration were identified, and all stored samples were clearly distinguishable from reference fresh samples. Significant differences in some key butter aroma compounds such as 2‐pentanone, 2‐heptanone, 2/3‐methylbutanal, acetoin, and butanoic acid were observed between different types of packaging. During the refrigerated storage, differences related to packaging are more evident, while during the storage at 50°C, the fat oxidation induced by the high temperature becomes the most relevant phenomenon independently of the packaging type. These results indicate the importance of avoiding anhydrous milk fat storage at 50°C for long times during industrial production processes. All together data demonstrated the viability of PTR‐MS as a rapid and high‐sensitivity tool in agroindustry quality control program.
General node for transmission‐line modeling (TLM) method applied to bio‐heat transfer
Authors: Milan Hugo F.M. , Gebremedhin Kifle G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTransmission‐line modeling (TLM) is a numerical method used to solve coupled partial differential equations in time domain. Using TLM, the equations of the problem and a small control volume are represented by an electric network composed of nodes. In this paper, a general TLM node theory for bio‐heat transfer that simplifies to existing node formulations is presented. This formulation allows for the use of irregular node geometries, such as irregular quadrangles and hexahedrons, which are necessary to accurately model complex geometries of biological systems. Using irregular hexahedron nodes, solutions of skin‐surface temperatures of a breast with tumor are demonstrated. This theory is based on 2 assumptions. The first is that the unit vector perpendicular to the border of the node is similar to the unit vector from the center of the node to the midpoint of its border, which is exact for regular geometries (eg, rectangles in 2‐D, and parallelepipeds in 3‐D) and approximated for most irregular geometries used in practice (eg, triangles and quadrangles in 2‐D, and tetrahedrons and hexahedrons in 3‐D). This first assumption does not, however, hold for all geometries such as 3‐D pyramids. The second assumption, which is controlled by an error parameter, is that the dispersive effect intrinsically modeled by the transmission‐line inductor is negligible compared with the diffusive effect modeled by the resistor of the node. This general TLM node formulation facilitates algorithm development and increases flexibility, increasing the applicability of TLM to solve complex geometric problems typical of most biological systems.
Infrared and Raman spectroscopy of α‐ZrW2O8: A comprehensive density functional perturbation theory and experimental study
Authors: Weck Philippe F. , Gordon Margaret E. , Greathouse Jeffery A. , Bryan Charles R. , Meserole Stephen P. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Payne Clay , Kim Eunja 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCubic zirconium tungstate (α‐ZrW2O8), a well‐known negative thermal expansion material, has been investigated within the framework of density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), combined with experimental characterization to assess and validate computational results. Using combined Fourier transform infrared measurements and DFPT calculations, new and extensive assignments were made for the far‐infrared (<400 cm−1) spectrum of α‐ZrW2O8. A systematic comparison of DFPT‐simulated infrared, Raman, and phonon density‐of‐state spectra with Fourier transform far‐/mid‐infrared and Raman data collected in this study, as well as with available inelastic neutron scattering measurements, shows the superior accuracy of the PBEsol exchange‐correlation functional over standard PBE calculations for studying the spectroscopic properties of this material.
MRI‐based EMVI positivity predicts systemic recurrence in rectal cancer patients with a good tumor response to chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery
Authors: Cho Min Soo , Park Youn Young , Yoon Jiho , Yang Seung Yoon , Baik Seung Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Kim Ik Yong , Kim Nam Kyu 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the prognostic value of baseline magnetic resonance imaging‐based extramural vascular invasion status (EMVI) among rectal cancer patients with a good tumor response to standard chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery.MethodsA total of 359 patients with ypT0‐2/N0 disease from The Yonsei Multicenter Colorectal Cancer Electronic Database were retrospectively included between January 2000 and December 2014. Magnetic resonance images and medical records were reviewed to investigate risk factors for tumor recurrence.ResultsWhen we compared patients without and with EMVI, significant differences were observed in the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate (DFS) (80.8% vs 57.8%, P = 0.005) and in the 5‐year systemic recurrence‐free survival rate (SRFS) (86.9% vs 64.3%, P = 0.007). In the multivariate analysis, both mrEMVI and APR independently predicted overall DFS (APR; HR 2.088, 95% CI: 1.082‐4.031, P = 0.028, mrEMVI; HR: 2.729, 95% CI: 1.230‐6.058, P = 0.014). mrEMVI was only independent prognostic factor for systemic recurrence with statistical significance (HR: 3.321, 95% CI: 1.185‐9.309, P = 0.022).ConclusionEven in rectal cancer patients with a good response to chemoradiotherapy followed by curative surgery, extramural vascular invasion and APR may predict poor disease‐free survival outcomes. Intensified treatment strategy should be considered.