bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Organic and Inorganic Soil Amendments on Soil Moisture Content and Micronutrients
Authors: Kago E. K. , Kinyua Z. M. , Maingi J. M. , Okemo P. O. 
Published: September 2019

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic soil amendments on soil moisture content and micronutrients in semi and arid areas.
Methodology: The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer and Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium + Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Control, Brassica tissue, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel and Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer. Soils were sampled from each experimental site, dried and taken to laboratories for determination of Zinc, Iron, Manganese and copper both at initial and at the end of the experiment using a SpectrAA- 40 atomic absorption spectrometer, PSC-56 programmable sample changer. Moisture content was calculated by subtracting total dry soil plus Petri dish weight from total wet soil plus Petri dish weight. Calculated moisture content was recorded in all samples across the two seasons for analysis.
Results: There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the treatment effect on soil moisture content in except for MS and CM+OP in both season one and season two in the green house. A combination of both organic and inorganic soil amendments like BT+OP, BT+ SHG had the highest moisture content. There was significant difference (p≤0.05) in the soil amendments effect on the amount of Micronutrients in the beginning and end of the experiement.
Conclusion: Through this study, it was realized significant difference (p≤0.05) in the soil amendments effect on soil moisture content in all the treatment in both seasons. BT +SHG soil amendment was superior in maintaining soil moisture content in both season 1 and 2. It is therefore recommended that Metham sodium should not be applied in very dry soil to avoid reduction of the moisture content. There was micronutrient increment in all the treatments. BT+ SHG was superior soil amendment in increment of micronutrients.
Endophthalmitis: 5 Years Experience in a Tertiary Eye Care Center Mohammed V Military Medical Training Hospital
Authors: Zerrouk Rachid , Malek Yassine , Elkhoyaali Adil , Mouzari Yassine , Reda Karim , Oubaaz Abdelbarre 
Published: September 2019

Aims: To describe endophthalmitis profile in a tertiary eye care center.
Study Design: Retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: The ophthalmology department of The Mohammed V Military Medical Training Hospital in Rabat, and covering all patients hospitalized for endogenous and exogenous endophthalmitis between January the 1st 2014, and 31 of December 2018.
Methodology: We included 41 eyes from 41 patients with endophthalmitis.
Results: On a total of 41 eyes, mean age was 53,8 years, with a sex ratio of 1,7. Mean time from onset of symptoms to presentation was 8 +/- 4 days (3 to 32) for postoperative endophthalmitis, and 13 +/- 9 days (2 – 30) for other causes. 98% of patients presented decreased vision, and 88% showed ocular pain. 94% of patients had a visual acuity less than hand motion. Gram positive bacteria were isolated in 76% of the patients.
Conclusion: Our epidemiological, clinical and microbial findings are similar to some occidental and other oriental series.
Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles by Rapid, High‐Temperature 3D Microwave Heating
Authors: Zhong Geng , Xu Shaomao , Chen Chaoji , Kline Dylan Jacob , Giroux Michael , Pei Yong , Jiao Miaolun , Liu Dapeng , Mi Ruiyu , Xie Hua , Yang Bao , Wang Chao , Zachariah Michael R. , Hu Liangbing 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicrowave‐assisted fabrication has propelled the recent synthesis and processing approaches of various nanomaterials. However, in most previous studies, the synthesis temperature is limited to below 1100 K, which restricts its application. Here, a rapid, in situ 3D heating method to manufacture well‐dispersed metal oxide nanoparticles on a 3D carbonized wood (denoted as C‐wood) host using microwaves as the driving power is reported. The moderate electronic conductivity of C‐wood contributes to the local Joule heating and the good thermal conductivity guarantees the rapid 3D heating of the overall material. The temperature of the C‐wood increases from room temperature to ≈2200 K in 4 s (≈550 K s−1), stabilizing to 1400 K, and then cooling back down to room temperature within 2 s. The preloaded precursor salts rapidly decompose and form ultrafine (≈11 nm) metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of the C‐wood during the rapid quenching. The process takes place in air, which helps prevent the metal oxides from being reduced by the carbon. The 3D heating method offers an effective route to the rapid and scalable synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles.
Chiral Metalens of Circular Polarization Dichroism with Helical Surface Arrays in Mid‐Infrared Region
Authors: He Cun , Sun Ti , Guo Junjie , Cao Meng , Xia Jie , Hu Jingpei , Yan Ying , Wang Chinhua 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA chiral metalens of circular polarization dichroism (CPD) in the mid‐infrared region of 3–5 µm is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally, in which one of the circularly polarized light beams (either left‐handed or right‐handed) is transmissively focused at a designed focal length, while the other beam is reflected. The metalens consists of subwavelength helical surface arrays covered by a gold thin film that gives rise to CPD with the handedness of the metallic helical surface, while the focusing is realized with a phase distribution that is found to be determined by the rotation angle of each individual helical surface along the radial direction of the lens. A chiral metalens of circular dichroism (CMCD) operating in the 3–5 µm region is designed and experimentally fabricated by the 3D laser direct writing technique followed by electron beam evaporation. Experimental focusing of the circularly polarized lights is demonstrated successfully with the lock‐in thermography technique to eliminate the severe background infrared radiation in the 3–5 µm wavelength region, and it is found that the results are consistent with the theoretical simulation. The demonstrated CMCD provides a new idea of implementing integrated functions of both imaging and circular dichroism with a single element.
Highly Biocompatible Functionalized Layer‐by‐Layer Ginger Lipid Nano Vectors Targeting P‐Selectin for Delivery of Doxorubicin to Treat Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mingzhen , Yang Chunhua , Yan Xiangji , Sung Junsik , Garg Pallavi , Merlin Didier 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA biocompatible natural nanoparticle drug delivery system that has specific cancer‐targeting function holds vast promise for cancer therapy. Here, a fucoidan/poly‐lysine‐functionalized layer‐by‐layer ginger‐derived lipid vector (LbL‐GDLV) is designed to target P‐selectin and deliver a loaded drug into vascularized colon cancer. LbL‐GDLVs selectively bound to P‐selectin, and the degradation of the fucoidan result in rapid attachment of the cancer cell and internalization of the remaining positively charged poly‐lysine coated‐GDLVs. Upon enzymolysis of the poly‐lysine layer inside the cancer cell, the GDLV core releases loaded doxorubicin (Dox) which has the expected effects. Bio‐distribution studies show that intravenously injected LbL‐GDLVs exhibit enhanced accumulation at the vascularized tumor site (≈4.4‐fold higher than control), presumably due to P‐selectin‐mediated targeting plus the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). In two animal models (Luc‐HT‐29 and HCT‐116 xenografts), Dox‐loaded LbL‐GDLVs (LbL‐GDLVs/Dox) significantly inhibit tumor growth and demonstrate much better therapeutic efficiency than free Dox. More importantly, LbL‐GDLVs exhibit excellent biocompatibility, and LbL‐GDLVs encapsulation largely reduces the cardiotoxicity of free Dox and avoids the notorious drug resistance of colon cells against free Dox. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential of our newly designed and highly biocompatible plant‐derived LbL nanoparticles and their precise colon cancer drug delivery function.
Neonatal temperament and neuromotor differences are predictive of adolescent alcohol intake in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Wood Elizabeth K. , Champoux Maribeth , Lindell Stephen G. , Barr Christina S. , Suomi Stephen J. , Higley J. Dee 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIdentifying predictors of teenage alcohol use disorder (AUDs) is a major health initiative, with studies suggesting that there are distinct personality‐related traits that underlie patterns of alcohol intake. As temperament is biologically based, identifiable early in life, and stable across time, it is considered the foundation of personality. As such, we hypothesized that neonatal temperament traits would predict anxiety‐mediated adolescent alcohol consumption. To test this, N = 145 rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) infants (14 days of age), reared in a neonatal nursery (n = 82) or in a control condition with their mothers (n = 63) were assessed with a widely used standardized nonhuman primate testing battery, the Infant Behavioral Assessment Scale (IBAS), modeled after the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale, evaluating visual orienting, temperament, motor maturity and, more recently, sensory sensitivity. As adolescents (3–4 years of age), these same subjects were allowed unfettered access to a sweetened‐alcohol solution for 1 hr/day, 4 days/week, over 5–7 weeks. Subjects were allowed to self‐administer alcohol while housed alone (n = 70) or socially in their home cage (n = 55). Linear regressions showed that alcohol intake was predicted by neonatal orienting ability (β = −.35; p = .01), state control (β = −.19; p = .04), and motor maturity (β = −.24; p = .01). Poor neonatal orienting, state control (ease of consolability), and motor maturity were associated with higher adolescent alcohol intake in rhesus monkeys. These findings suggest that neonatal temperament is predictive of patterns of adolescent alcohol intake. To the extent that these results generalize to humans, they provide evidence that early‐life temperament and neurodevelopment may be important risk factors for adolescent AUDs and that the IBAS may be used as an assessment tool for identifying such risk.
Autophagy is involved in allergic rhinitis by inducing airway remodeling
Authors: Li Jing , Li Yong 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disorder affecting 10‐40% of the population worldwide. Autophagy has been implicated in numerous biological processes, including aging, immunity, development, and differentiation, and has been shown to affect the pathogenesis of allergic disease and airway remodeling. In this study we attempted to determine the association between autophagy and AR pathogenesis.MethodsThe severity of nasal and extranasal symptoms was measured with visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Autophagosome formation was detected in the nasal epithelium by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blots and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to examine expression levels of autophagic markers. Collagen deposition was detected via Masson trichrome staining and collagen III expression was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between autophagy, AR symptoms, and collagen levels.ResultsPatients with AR had more autophagosomes, increased levels of Beclin‐1 mRNA, and higher Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II protein expression. Collagen III protein expression was also higher in patients with AR than in the controls. Higher expression of Beclin‐1 was associated with higher VAS scores (Spearman's rho = 0.905, p < 0.01), higher collagen deposition (Spearman's rho = 0.862, p < 0.01), and higher collagen III protein (Spearman's rho = 0.849, p < 0.01).ConclusionThe autophagosome and autophagic markers are highly expressed in the upper airways of patients with AR and are associated with corresponding changes in airway remodeling markers. Our data suggest a link between autophagy and airway remodeling in AR.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Acceptorless Decarbonylation of Formic Acid Enabled by a Liquid Chemical‐Looping Strategy
Authors: Imberdis Arnaud , Lefèvre Guillaume , Cantat Thibault 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe selective decarbonylation of formic acid was achieved under transition‐metal‐free conditions. Using a liquid chemical‐looping strategy, the thermodynamically favored dehydrogenation of formic acid was shut down, yielding a pure stream of CO with no H2or CO2contamination. The transformation involves a two‐step sequence where methanol is used as a recyclable looping agent to yield methylformate, which is subsequently decomposed to carbon monoxide using alkoxides as catalysts.
Tuning the Electron Localization of Gold Enables the Control of Nitrogen‐to‐Ammonia Fixation
Authors: Zheng Jianyun , Lyu Yanhong , Qiao Man , Veder Jean P. , Marco Roland D. , Bradley John , Wang Ruilun , Li Yafei , Huang Aibin , Jiang San Ping , Wang Shuangyin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe (photo)electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) provides a favorable avenue for the production of NH3 using renewable energy in mild operating conditions. Understanding and building an efficient catalyst with high NH3 selectivity represents an area of intense interest for the early stages of development for NRR. Herein, we introduce a CoOx layer to tune the local electronic structure of Au nanoparticles with positive valence sites for boosting conversion of N2 to NH3. The catalysts, possessing high average oxidation states (ca. 40 %), achieve a high NH3 yield rate of 15.1 μg cm−2 h−1 and a good faradic efficiency of 19 % at −0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Experimental results and simulations reveal that the ability to tune the oxidation state of Au enables the control of N2 adsorption and the concomitant energy barrier of NRR. Altering the Au oxidation state provides a unique strategy for control of NRR in the production of valuable NH3.
The Feasibility of Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis in Molten LiCl–KCl Eutectics
Authors: McPherson Ian J. , Sudmeier Tim , Fellowes Joshua P. , Wilkinson Ian , Hughes Tim , Tsang S. C. Edman 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMolten LiCl and related eutectic electrolytes are known to permit direct electrochemical reduction of N2 to N3− with high efficiency. It had been proposed that this could be coupled with H2 oxidation in an electrolytic cell to produce NH3 at ambient pressure. Here, this proposal is tested in a LiCl–KCl–Li3N cell and is found not to be the case, as the previous assumption of the direct electrochemical oxidation of N3− to NH3 is grossly over‐simplified. We find that Li3N added to the molten electrolyte promotes the spontaneous and simultaneous chemical disproportionation of H2 (H oxidation state 0) into H− (H oxidation state −1) and H+ in the form of NH2−/NH2−/NH3 (H oxidation state +1) in the absence of applied current, resulting in non‐Faradaic release of NH3. It is further observed that NH2− and NH2− possess their own redox chemistry. However, these spontaneous reactions allow us to propose an alternative, truly catalytic cycle. By adding LiH, rather than Li3N, N2 can be reduced to N3− while stoichiometric amounts of H− are oxidised to H2. The H2 can then react spontaneously with N3− to form NH3, regenerating H− and closing the catalytic cycle. Initial tests show a peak NH3 synthesis rate of 2.4×10−8 mol cm−2 s−1 at a maximum current efficiency of 4.2 %. Isotopic labelling with 15N2 confirms the resulting NH3 is from catalytic N2 reduction.
Synergy of Epoxy Chemical Tethers and Defect‐Free Graphene in Enabling Stable Lithium Cycling of Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Hongju , Jin Jialun , Wang Yizhe , Zhang Zheng , Chen Zidong , Wang Qin , Chen Yungui , Paek Eunsu , Mitlin David 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe report a new approach for nanosilicon–graphene hybrids with uniquely stable solid electrolyte interphase. Expanded graphite is gently exfoliated creating “defect‐free” graphene that is non‐catalytic towards electrolyte decomposition, simultaneously introducing high mass loading (48 wt. %) Si nanoparticles. Silane surface treatment creates epoxy chemical tethers, mechanically binding nano‐Si to CMC binder through epoxy ring‐opening reaction while stabilizing the Si surface chemistry. Epoxy‐tethered silicon pristine–graphene hybrid “E‐Si‐pG” exhibits state‐of‐the‐art performance in full battery opposing commercial mass loading (12 mg cm−2) LiCoO2 (LCO) cathode. At 0.4 C, with areal capacity of 1.62 mAh cm−2 and energy of 437 Wh kg−1, achieving 1.32 mAh cm−2, 340.4 Wh kg−1 at 1 C. After 150 cycles, it retains 1.25 mAh cm−2, 306.5 Wh kg−1. Sputter‐down XPS demonstrates survival of surface C‐Si‐O‐Si groups in E‐Si‐pG after repeated cycling. The discovered synergy between support defects, chemical‐mechanical stabilization of Si surfaces, and SEI‐related failure may become key LIB anode design rule.
Chalcogen Bonding Catalysis of a Nitro‐Michael Reaction
Authors: Wonner Patrick , Dreger Alexander , Vogel Lukas , Engelage Elric , Huber Stefan M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChalcogen bonding is the non‐covalent interaction between Lewis acidic chalcogen substituents and Lewis bases. Herein, we present the first application of dicationic tellurium‐based chalcogen bond donors in the nitro‐Michael reaction between trans‐β‐nitrostyrene and indoles. This also constitutes the first activation of nitro derivatives by chalcogen bonding (and halogen bonding). The catalysts showed rate accelerations of more than a factor of 300 compared to strongly Lewis acidic hydrogen bond donors. Several comparison experiments, titrations, and DFT calculations support a chalcogen‐bonding‐based mode of activation of β‐nitrostyrene.
A Fluorescent Activatable AND‐Gate Chemokine CCL2 Enables In Vivo Detection of Metastasis‐Associated Macrophages
Authors: Fernandez Antonio , Thompson Emily J. , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Kitamura Takanori , Vendrell Marc 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe report the novel chemical design of fluorescent activatable chemokines as highly specific functional probes for imaging subpopulations of immune cells in live tumours. Activatable chemokines behave as AND‐gates since they emit only after receptor binding and intracellular activation, showing enhanced selectivity over existing agents. We have applied this strategy to produce mCCL2‐MAF as the first probe for in vivo detection of metastasis‐associated macrophages in a preclinical model of lung metastasis. This strategy will accelerate the preparation of new chemokine‐based probes for imaging immune cell function in tumours.
Primers for complete chloroplast genome sequencing in Magnolia
Authors: Song Eunji , Park Suhyeon , Kim Sangtae 
Published: September 2019

PremiseA new set of primers was developed for sequencing of whole chloroplast genomes of Magnolia species and gap‐filling of unfinished genomes.Methods and ResultsTwo hundred and fifty primers were newly designed based on two previously reported chloroplast genomes from two different genera in Magnoliaceae. A total of 134 primer pairs, including the ones developed in this study and 18 previously reported ones, were enough to cover the entire chloroplast genome sequences in Magnoliaceae. Four species from different sections of Magnolia (M. dealbata, M. fraseri var. pyramidata, M. liliiflora, and M. odora) were used to show the general application of these primers to chloroplast genome sequencing in Magnolia.ConclusionsUsing the developed primers, four Magnolia chloroplast genomes were successfully assembled. These results show the utility of these primers across Magnolia and their potential use for phylogenetic studies, DNA barcoding, and population genetics in this group.
Sulfonatocalixarene Counterion Exchange Binding Model in Action: Metal‐Ion Catalysis Through Host‐Guest Complexation
Authors: Basílio Nuno , Pessêgo Márcia , Acuña Angel , García‐Río Luis 
Published: September 2019

Abstractp‐Sulfonatocalixarene water soluble macrocyclic host receptors are known to form cooperative ternary complexes with complementary organic guest and metal cations. This property may be explored to enhance the interaction of weak nitrogen ligands with metal cations in a confined space showing some resemblance to metal‐containing enzymes. However, the best of our knowledge, catalytic potential of this property remains unexplored. In this work the Ni2+ catalyzed hydrolysis of a picolinate ester (2,4‐dinitrophenyl picolinate, 1) was used as a model reaction to evaluate the effect of sulfonatocalixarene macrocycles in the kinetics of this reaction. The results show that the host molecules promote the reaction through simultaneous complexation of the metal cation and the substrate and, in the case of the larger calixarenes containing more basic phenol groups, substantially higher rate enhancements are observed owing to additional assistance provided by base/nucleophilic catalysis. However, due the ionic nature of these receptors auto‐inhibition of the reaction is observed at higher concentrations due counterion (Na+) binding that competes with the catalytically active Ni2+ ‐complexes.
Devisable POM/Ni Foam Composite: Precisely Control Synthesis toward Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at High pH
Authors: Jia Xueying , Streb Carsten , Song Yu‐Fei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPolyoxometalates (POMs) are promising catalysts for the electrochemical hydrogen production from water owing to their high intrinsic catalytic activity and chemical tunability. However, poor electrical conductivity and easy detachment of the POMs from the electrode cause significant challenges under operating condition. Herein, a simple one‐step hydrothermal method is reported to synthesize a series of Dexter–Silverton POM/Ni foam composites (denoted as NiM‐POM/Ni; M=Co, Zn, Mn), in which the stable linkage between the POM catalysts and the Ni foam electrodes lead to high activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among them, the highest HER performance can be observed in the NiCo‐POM/Ni, featuring an overpotential of 64 mV (at 10 mA cm−2, vs. reversible hydrogen electrode), and a Tafel slope of 75 mV dec−1 in 1.0 m aqueous KOH. Moreover, the NiCo‐POM/Ni catalyst showed a high faradaic efficiency ≈97 % for HER. Post‐catalytic of NiCo‐POM/Ni analyses showed virtually no mechanical or chemical degradation. The findings propose a facile and inexpensive method to design stable and effective POM‐based catalysts for HER in alkaline water electrolysis.
Chemical Modification of β‐Cyclodextrins: Balancing Soft and Rigid Domains in Complex Structures
Authors: Luppi Federico , Mai Nathalie , Kister Guillaume , Gill Philip P. , Gaulter Sally E. , Stennett Christopher , Dossi Eleftheria 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCrystalline polymers such as β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) can be modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) diglycidyl ether cross‐linkers (262, 394, 500 Da). In this work, the authors show that the quantity and length of the PEG soft segments influence the solubility and malleability of the products, which are water soluble and easily converted to nitrated analogues under standard reaction conditions. Inert and nitrated derivatives containing longer PEG segments showed the ability to self‐heal. The degree of cross‐linking and decomposition temperatures and energies depended on the quantity and length of the soft segment. Nitrated cross‐linked βCD containing longer PEG segments did not ignite following an electrostatic discharge of 4.5 J. The chemical stability of βCD/PEG binders was tested by heat flow calorimetry at 80 °C. The balanced incorporation of soft PEG and rigid βCD segments was found to improve the processability of cross‐linked βCDs and desensitised their nitrated derivatives, offering new solutions for inert and energetic binders.