bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Direct Ammonia Microfluidic Fuel Cell using NiCu Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes as an Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Hui Min , Wang Yi Fei , Kwok Yu Ho , Wu Zu Cheng , Xia De Hua , Leung Dennis Y. C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis work demonstrates the use of a NiCu electrocatalyst prepared by hydrothermal method with different Ni/Cu mass ratios (70:30, 50:50 and 30:70) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which was studied with regards to its electrochemical behavior in the ammonia oxidation reaction and direct ammonia microfluidic fuel cell (DAMFC) performance. XRD and SEM‐EDX showed the formation of NiCu alloy while TEM showed the particles size to be 15–20 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry showed that NiCu had higher catalytic activity than pure Ni and pure Cu, and that the active species was a NiCu oxyhydroxide. In DAMFC tests, 50 wt % Ni50Cu50/CNTs was found to be the most suitable one since it showed a 43 % higher peak power density and 65 % higher maximum current density than Ni electrode. The improved performance was attributed to the NiCu oxyhydroxides formation, which improved the anodic catalytic activity by increasing amounts of active sites and the combined electronic effect of the Ni‐Cu bimetallic catalysts.
In vitro glucuronidation of designer benzodiazepines by human UDP‐glucuronyltransferases
Authors: Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Richter Lilian H. J. , Maurer Hans H. , Wagmann Lea , Meyer Markus R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMultiple new psychoactive substances (NPS) are released into the recreational drug market each year. One NPS drug class that has become more common in recent years is that of the benzodiazepines (designer benzodiazepines, DBZ). Several metabolism studies have been performed to improve their bioanalytical detection via the best target. These studies have shown the presence of parent glucuronides and, as polymorphisms have been noted for the catalyzing enzymes (UDP‐glucuronyltransferases) responsible for glucuronide conjugation reactions, it is important to keep this in mind when interpreting DBZ cases in clinical and/or forensic toxicology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the UDP‐glucuronyltransferases (UGTs) responsible for parent compound conjugation of nine DBZ to facilitate interpretation of related cases. Clonazolam, deschloroetizolam, etizolam, flubromazolam, flunitrazolam, metizolam, nifoxipam, nitrazolam, and pyrazolam were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) or 13 different human UGTs. The samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS). Glucuronide conjugates of flunitrazolam and nifoxipam were only detected in pHLM, suggesting that these reactions are performed by dimer complexes of several UGTs or complexes between UGTs and other metabolizing enzymes contained in pHLM. Nitrazolam or pyrazolam glucuronides were not detected. Glucuronidation of clonazolam, deschloroetizolam, etizolam, flubromazolam, and metizolam was catalyzed exclusively by UGT1A4. The conjugation of the majority of the DBZ was performed by the UGT isoform 1A4 for which polymorphisms have been described. This underlines the importance of taking glucuronidation polymorphism into consideration when interpreting intoxication cases.
Combining aggregated and dispersed tree retention harvesting for conservation of vascular plant communities
Authors: Franklin Caroline M. A. , Macdonald S. Ellen , Nielsen Scott E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRetention harvesting (also called tree retention or structural retention), in which live mature trees are selectively retained within harvested stands at different retention levels and in different patterns (aggregated to dispersed), is increasingly being used to mitigate the negative impacts of forest harvesting on biodiversity. However, the effectiveness of combining different patterns of retention harvesting for conservation and recovery of understory vascular plants in the long term is largely unknown. To address this gap, we compared understory vascular plant diversity, abundance, and composition between aggregated retention and five levels of surrounding dispersed retention (0% [clearcut], 10%, 20%, 50%, 75%) 15 yr postharvest. We also investigated the influence of dispersed retention on the ability of embedded retention patches to support plant communities characteristic of unharvested forests, and whether it varies by patch size of aggregated retention (0.20 ha or 0.46 ha) and position within patches (edge or interior). Species richness, diversity, and cover were higher in the dispersed retention than in the patch retention as the harvested areas favored early‐seral plant species. Graminoid cover was greater at the edges than in the interior of large patches. Retention patches as small as 0.2 ha more effectively supported shade‐tolerant (forest interior) plant communities when they were surrounded by higher levels of dispersed retention (as compared to patches retained within clearcuts). Overall, the combined use of both aggregated and dispersed retention within a given cutblock benefits both late‐ and early‐seral plant species and thus could effectively conserve understory plant assemblages in harvested landscapes. Sustainable forest management should therefore consider using a range of retention patch sizes combined with varying levels of surrounding dispersed retention in harvest designs to achieve objectives for plant conservation.
Nonclonal coloniality: Genetically chimeric colonies through fusion of sexually produced polyps in the hydrozoanEctopleura larynx
Authors: Chang E. Sally , Orive Maria E. , Cartwright Paulyn 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHydrozoans typically develop colonies through asexual budding of polyps. Although colonies of Ectopleura are similar to other hydrozoans in that they consist of multiple polyps physically connected through continuous epithelia and shared gastrovascular cavity, Ectopleura larynx does not asexually bud polyps indeterminately. Instead, after an initial phase of limited budding in a young colony, E. larynx achieves its large colony size through the aggregation and fusion of sexually (nonclonally) produced polyps. The apparent chimerism within a physiologically integrated colony presents a potential source of conflict between distinct genetic lineages, which may vary in their ability to access the germline. To determine the extent to which the potential for genetic conflict exists, we characterized the types of genetic relationships between polyps within colonies, using a RAD-Seq approach. Our results indicate that E. larynx colonies are indeed comprised of polyps that are clones and sexually reproduced siblings and offspring, consistent with their life history. In addition, we found that colonies also contain polyps that are genetically unrelated, and that estimates of genome-wide relatedness suggests a potential for conflict within a colony. Taken together, our data suggest that there are distinct categories of relationships in colonies of E. larynx, likely achieved through a range of processes including budding, regeneration, and fusion of progeny and unrelated polyps, with the possibility for a genetic conflict resolution mechanism. Together these processes contribute to the reevolution of the ecologically important trait of coloniality in E. larynx.
Postharvest quality of two orange‐fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam] cultivars as influenced by organic soil amendment treatments
Authors: Atuna Richard A. , Aduguba Wilberforce O. , Alhassan Abdul‐Razak , Abukari Issah A. , Muzhingi Tawanda , Mbongo Daniel , Amagloh Francis K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTwo orange‐fleshed sweet potato cultivars: Apomuden and “Nane” were grown on cow dung‐, chicken manure‐, compost‐amended soils, and untreated soil. Apomuden is a variety, while “Nane” is being evaluated to be released in Ghana. The storage roots (SRs) were harvested at 3 months, cured by heaping the SRs and covering with the sweet potato foliage for 7 days in the field. The cured SRs were kept in an evaporative cool chamber to study the effect of soil amendment treatments on weight loss, rot, some nutrient composition, and sensory attributes. Boiled SRs were assessed by 70 untrained panelists after 7 weeks of storage based on the following: general appearance, sweetness, finger‐feel firmness, and overall acceptability using a 5‐point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely to 5 = like extremely). Percent rot for “Nane” showed a linear trend, while that of Apomuden was nonlinear. Both cultivars showed similar trends in terms of cumulative weight loss with “Nane” recording lower weight loss compared with Apomuden. A significant (p < 0.001; r = 0.71) strong positive correlation was observed between weight loss and rots. “Nane” had higher dry matter (37.15% vs. 30.19%; p < 0.001, respectively) and starch content (59.16% vs. 51.86%; p < 0.001, respectively) than Apomuden. Stored SRs grown on chicken manure‐amended soil recorded the highest protein (6.41%; p < 0.001) and β‐carotene (16.64 mg/100 g; p < 0.001) content than the other treatments. There was a 35% decline in β‐carotene for Apomuden, while “Nane” increased by 24% at the end of the 7‐week storage. “Nane,” the cultivar with high dry matter content had good storage properties than Apomuden. Stored SRs cultivated on soils amended with chicken manure had higher β‐carotene and protein content. All sensory attributes ranged from 3.35 to 3.68 indicating a good consumer preference for both cultivars irrespective of the soil amendment treatment applied.
Case‐based decision support for fault diagnosis: Do salient ratings discourage situation analysis?
Authors: Müller Romy , Ullrich Laura , Dessel Ann‐Kathrin , Bengsch Amelie , Heinze Sebastian , Müller Tobias , Oehm Lukas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the processing industry, frequent faults call for assistance in diagnosis, and case‐based reasoning (CBR) can provide solutions applied by other operators in the past. This study investigated whether salient case ratings promote an uncritical acceptance of solutions. In 2 experiments, subjects diagnosed faults with a simulated CBR system, and ratings were presented in graphical or verbal format. In most trials, the case with the highest rating provided the correct solution, while in catch‐trials, it did not. Graphical ratings were hypothesized to speed up solutions but discourage cross‐checking and lead to errors in catch‐trials. These hypotheses were not confirmed, even though Experiment 2 maximized the incentive of relying on case ratings. While graphical ratings led subjects to start with the most highly rated case, they did not impair situation analysis and accuracy. The results suggest that during fault diagnosis people are not easily misled into overtrusting a CBR system.
Adverse effects on macrophage lipid transport and survival by high density lipoprotein from patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Sini S. , Deepa D. , Harikrishnan S. , Jayakumari N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHigh density lipoprotein (HDL)–macrophage interactions have the potential to modulate macrophage function in a beneficial way to prevent the development of lipid‐loaded foam cell formation in atherosclerosis. Although HDL is atheroprotective, it can become dysfunctional in chronic inflammatory conditions and increase cardiovascular risk. Here, we examined the effect of dysfunctional‐HDL from patients with coronary artery disease, on macrophage function in comparison to functional‐HDL from controls. Exposure of macrophages to dysfunctional‐HDL for 24 h resulted significant increase in cellular oxidative stress, cholesterol, and cytotoxicity. It also stimulated mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase, which are characteristics of proapoptotic pathways. In contrast, functional‐HDL treatment maintained cholesterol homeostasis, essential membrane potential, DNA integrity, and cell survival. These results demonstrate that HDL from coronary artery disease (CAD) patient promotes proatherogenic effects that in turn trigger macrophage apoptosis, an important feature in atherogenesis and thereby providing new insight in our understanding of the atherogenic mechanisms.
Impaired ankle‐brachial index in antiphospholipid syndrome: Beyond the traditional risk factors
Authors: Caraiola Simona , Jurcut Ciprian , Dima Alina , Jurcut Ruxandra , Baicus Cristian , Baicus Anda 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionThe patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) associate an increased risk of atherosclerosis.ObjectiveTo determine the predictors of an abnormal ankle‐brachial index (ABI), surrogate measure of atherosclerosis, in patients with APS.MethodsThe ABI was measured according to standard recommendations in 106 patients. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in all cases. A large spectrum of APS antibodies was determined in 73 patients.ResultsA total of 106 patients diagnosed with APS were included. 28.3% patients included were found to have low ABI. Anti‐beta 2‐glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgG antibodies [4.00 (1.00‐79.00) vs 3.00 (0.00‐29.00) U/mL, P = 0.02] and antiprothrombin (aPT) IgM antibodies [4.50 (0.00‐82.00) vs 3.00 (0.00‐14.00) U/mL, P = 0.05] titers were found to be higher in patients with abnormal ABI. However, after multivariate regression analysis, only the aβ2GPI IgG titer remained predictor of low ABI (P = 0.04).Conclusionsaβ2GPI IgG associated with impaired ABI in patients with APS. This relation might reflect their involvement in the atherosclerosis occurrence.
Fragmentation of the main triterpene acids of apple by LC‐APCI‐MSn
Authors: Sut Stefania , Poloniato Gabriele , Malagoli Mario , Dall'Acqua Stefano 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we investigated the fragmentation of the main triterpene acids of apple using an liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐APCI‐MSn) approach and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS) (Q‐TOF). Triterpenes were isolated using semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, and chemical structures were elucidated by HR‐MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Finally, compounds were used to study MSn behavior in ion trap. Isolated triterpenes present similar structures, bearing carboxyl group linked to C‐17 and different substitutions. We observed significant changes in MS2 spectra, which were useful for further compound identification. The observed fragments allowed the discrimination of different derivatives, namely, pomaceic, annurcoic, euscaphic, pomolic, corosolic, maslinic, betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids. The proposed method allows a rapid identification of triterpene acids, and it could be useful for the analysis of these compounds in apple fruits and in other natural sources.
Clinical value of hepatitis C virus core antigen levels in monitoring acute hepatitis C spontaneous clearance or treatment‐induced clearance
Authors: Zhao Ning , Zheng Wei , Wu Dan , Wang Xuelian , Yang Wei , Yuan Lin , Niu Zhiqiang , Jiang Xiaodi , Huang Fen , Li Zhiwei 
Published: July 2018

Background and aimTo observe the clinical value of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCcAg) levels in monitoring acute HCV infection in patients with spontaneous clearance (SC) or clearance induced by antiviral therapy.MethodsPatients with iatrogenic HCV infection (n = 104) were enrolled at the Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, between 5 February 2013 and 3 April 2013. All cases were diagnosed with acute HCV infection, enrolled within 90 days of infection, and followed for 12 to 16 weeks. Blood was collected every month. HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were detected. From week 16, patients without SC were treated with pegylated‐interferon and the HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were observed monthly. Follow‐up was 7.5 (5.0 to 10.4) months. The Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between HCV RNA and HCcAg. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of baseline HCV RNA and HCcAg levels with SC.ResultsTen patients (9.62%) showed SC, with a negative conversion time of 57 (14 to 143) days. During follow‐up, HCV RNA and HCcAg expression levels were positively correlated for each patient (except on the sixth month), but the levels of HCV RNA and HCcAg were not associated with HCV infection SC.ConclusionsHCcAg levels could be of value for monitoring the course early HCV infection, but could not predict SC of HCV infection.
Association of IFNλ4 rs12979860 polymorphism with the acquisition of HCV and HIV infections among people who inject drugs
Authors: Jõgeda Ene‐Ly , Avi Radko , Pauskar Merit , Kallas Eveli , Karki Tõnis , Des Jarlais Don , Uusküla Anneli , Toompere Karolin , Lutsar Irja , Huik Kristi 
Published: July 2018

We investigated the presence of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism designated rs12979860 in the interferon λ4 (IFNλ4) gene among 345 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 495 blood donors to evaluate associations between the rs12979860 genotypes and human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV). The rs12979860 TT genotype was over‐represented among HIV+ PWID than HIV− PWID and blood donors (16% vs 8% and 10%, P = 0.03, respectively). PWID with TT genotype had approximately twice the probability of being HIV+ (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 4.33) than PWID without TT. Every additional year of intravenous drug use (IVDU) decreased the OR 1.16 times (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.98). This suggests that rs12979860 TT increases susceptibility to HIV and this impact decreases with increasing duration of IVDU.
In‐situ high‐temperature Raman spectroscopic studies of the vibrational characteristics and microstructure evolution of sodium tungstate dihydrate crystal during heating and melting
Authors: Wang Jian , You Jinglin , Wang Min , Lu Liming , Sobol Alexander A. , Wan Songming 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn‐situ studies of the vibrational characteristics and microstructure evolution of the Na2WO4·2H2O (sodium tungstate dihydrate) crystal during the temperature‐induced solid‐state phase transformation and melting process were carried out using high‐temperature Raman spectroscopic technique. Results showed that the thermal decomposition process of the Na2WO4·2H2O crystal takes place mainly within the temperature range of 348–383 K, along with the structure transforming from the orthorhombic to cubic symmetry. As the sample temperature increased further, another solid‐state phase transformation from the cubic to orthorhombic structure was observed approximately at 893 K before melting occurred at 1023 K. Although the isolated [WO4]2− tetrahedron was preserved within the entire temperature range from room temperature to 1023 K, subtle changes were observed with the mean bond length of W–O bonds in the tetrahedron unit. Furthermore, Raman active vibrational modes of Na2WO4·2H2O, two Na2WO4 crystal phases, and corresponding melt were assigned based on the density functional theory simulation and compared with the literature data. Finally, four‐molecule cluster arranged as Td symmetry is considered to be the most likely configuration in the molten state according to density functional theory simulation based on the different multimolecular clusters proposed.
Study of the chromatographic parameters of ultra‐high‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography and method development using a design of experiments approach for the quantification of pesticides in lettuce
Authors: de Lima Karen Priscila , Sales Fontes Jardim Isabel Cristina , Breitkreitz Márcia Cristina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe examine the potential of ultra‐high‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography for multiresidue quantification of ten pesticides commonly applied to lettuce and compares it to ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. Initially, a thorough study of the stationary and mobile phase composition and injection solvent was carried out. In a second step, a chemometric approach based on design of experiments was used to simultaneously study the influence of temperature, pressure, and percentage of ethanol on the retention, resolution and symmetry of the peaks. Using this approach, it was possible to obtain the Design Space, a robust region where complete separation of the analytes was achieved, with acceptable peak shape. Both methods were validated according to the figures of merit: selectivity, linearity, quantification limit, accuracy (in terms of recovery), and precision (repeatability and intermediate precision) and used to quantify the pesticides in lettuce samples. Comparing both techniques, it was concluded that the limits of quantification, accuracy, and precision were similar. However, in supercritical fluid chromatography, a reduced volume of organic solvent was used, the method was faster and generated lower amounts of residues.
Beyond image: Imagined experiences of a destination
Authors: Cherifi Barbora , Smith Andrew , Maitland Robert , Stevenson Nancy 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study is to explore the idea that people can imagine themselves in a destination and can have imagined experiences. This broadens our understanding of how people think about destinations and provides an extension of the established destination image literature and that which explores actual tourist experiences. The research involved asking 300 Czech residents who had never been to London to imagine what it would be like to visit. Their responses were examined qualitatively using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that people can imagine experiences and that these involve a range of sensations, much like “real” experiences.
Comprehensive assessment of soil quality for different wetlands in a Chinese delta
Authors: Wang Dawei , Bai Junhong , Wang Wei , Zhang Guangliang , Cui Baoshan , Liu Xinhui , Li Xiaowen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSoil quality is usually considered a powerful tool to reveal soil degradation status and wetland ecosystem health. It is insufficient to reflect actual soil quality based on soil fertility or heavy metal pollution assessment, respectively. A comprehensive assessment was performed to combine soil fertility and heavy metal contamination together, on the basis of 13 soil physical, chemical, biological indicators and six heavy metals, in the Pearl River Delta of China including urban river wetland (URW), ditch wetland (DW), riparian wetland (RiW), and reclaimed wetland (ReW). The moderate fertility level was observed according to the minimum data set, including total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), total phosphorus, total potassium, sand, and salinity. DW soils had significantly higher soil fertility index values than RiW and ReW soils. Low TN, soil organic carbon (SOC), MBC levels, and sandy loam texture revealed potential chemical, biological and physical degradation risks, especially for ReW. In addition, wetland soils were heavily contaminated by heavy metals, particularly for Cd, according to Nemerow Pollution Index. URW soils exhibited significantly higher pollution levels than ReW soils. According to the methodology of comprehensive assessment, soil quality belonged to moderate and low grades because of severe heavy metal pollution, following with moderate nutrition level. Consequently, pollution treatment, fertility (e.g., SOC, N, P, and K), and soil texture improvement are crucial to improving soil quality, preventing further degradation and promoting ecological conservation and sustainability of coastal wetlands in the Pearl River Delta.