bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cost‐effective crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin polymer for the rapid and efficient removal of micropollutants from wastewater
Authors: Yang ChangAn , Huang He , Ji Tuo , Zhang KeSheng , Yuan LeQun , Zhou CongShan , Tang KeWen , Yi JianMin , Chen XiaoBo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWater pollution problems pose a serious threat to the health of humans and other living organisms due to the increasing global contamination of various water resources by organic micropollutants, such as plastic components, dyes and pesticide intermediates. It has been a challenging problem to remove these organic micropollutants, despite various attempts. Here, we report a novel, cost‐effective and water‐insoluble crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin polymer for the efficient removal of various organic micropollutants from wastewaters with excellent adsorption capacity, large removal rate, robust performance and reusability. This polymer can remove 93% of bisphenol A within 1 min with an equilibrium uptake of 38 mg g−1 and a maximum adsorption capacity at equilibrium of 139 mg g−1. This is the fastest removal performance that has been reported so far, showing a bright future towards practical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of Rabbit Oviductal Fluid Proteins Involved in Pre‐Fertilization Processes by Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Yu Hans , Hackenbroch Lena , Meyer Florian R. L. , Reiser Judith , Razzazi‐Fazeli Ebrahim , Nöbauer Katharina , Besenfelder Urban , Vogl Claus , Brem Gottfried , Mayrhofer Corina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractOviductal fluid (ODF) proteins modulate and support reproductive processes in the oviduct. In the present study, proteins involved in the biological events that precede fertilization have been identified in the rabbit ODF proteome, isolated from the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct at different time points within 8 h after intrauterine insemination. A workflow is used that integrates lectin affinity capture with stable‐isotope dimethyl labeling prior to nanoLC‐MS/MS analysis. In total, over 400 ODF proteins, including 214 lectin enriched glycoproteins, are identified and quantified. Selected data are validated by Western blot analysis. Spatiotemporal alterations in the abundance of ODF proteins in response to insemination are detected by global analysis. A subset of 63 potentially biologically relevant ODF proteins is identified, including extracellular matrix components, chaperones, oxidoreductases, and immunity proteins. Functional enrichment analysis reveals an altered peptidase regulator activity upon insemination. In addition to protein identification and abundance changes, N‐glycopeptide analysis further identifies 281 glycosites on 199 proteins. Taken together, these results show, for the first time, the evolving oviductal milieu early upon insemination. The identified proteins are likely those that modulate in vitro processes, including spermatozoa function.
Biocontrol of rats in an urban environment in Southeast Asia using Sarcocystis singaporensis
Authors: Jäkel Thomas , Promkerd Prasartthong , Sitthirath Rasmy , Guedant Pierre , Khoprasert Yuvaluk 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDUpon request of the local administration a control campaign targeting commensal rats (Rattus rattus, R. exulans) was conducted in 30 sub‐districts (villages) of the World Heritage town Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, using rat bait containing lethal quantities of the parasitic protist Sarcocystis singaporensis. The associated investigations assessed the short‐term control efficacy, willingness of residents to co‐operate (community approach), and temporal and spatial changes of the urban rat population in response to treatment.RESULTSBiological rodent control significantly reduced rodent activity (percentage of positive tracking patches) in the town, from a mean of 25.3% (±12.8% SD) before (January–February) down to 8.0% (±4.4%) after (June) treatment. Reduction of rodent activity relative to three untreated villages was 83%. Similarly, residents observed significantly fewer rats on their properties after the campaign (mean percentage of households (HHs) per village with sightings), whereby reduction of sightings amounted to 57%. There was significant correlation between residents' observation rates and rodent activity. Among 94 rats trapped before and after treatment each, proportions of adult R. exulans and juvenile R. rattus were higher after rodent control, suggesting that a considerable part of the adult house rat population had been removed. Furthermore, a 5% post‐campaign incidence of infection suggested that few rats had survived bait uptake.CONCLUSIONS. singaporensis may be used successfully as tactical biocontrol agent for culling of rats in urban environments. We propose additional components of a long‐term rodent management strategy for the town, without which the impact of culling campaigns would be limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects of quercetin and catechin via inhibiting activation of TLR4–MyD88‐mediated NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Li Ting , Li Feng , Liu Xinying , Liu Jianhua , Li Dapeng 
Published: January 2019

The synergistic anti‐inflammatory effect of quercetin and catechin was investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that the combined treatment of quercetin with catechin synergistically attenuated LPS‐stimulated increase of some proinflammatory molecules, including nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β, nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase‐2. Moreover, it exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) stronger inhibitory effect on nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) by suppressing the phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65 and p50 submits and on the phosphorylation of ETS domain‐containing protein and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase than any of quercetin or catechin alone. Besides, the cotreatment of quercetin with catechin significantly (p < 0.05) restored the impaired expression of toll‐like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, and some downstream effectors (IRAK1, TRAF6, and TAK1). These results suggest that quercetin and catechin possessed synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects, which may be attributed to their roles in suppressing the activation of TLR4–MyD88‐mediated NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathways.
Integral sliding mode fault‐tolerant control allocation for a class of affine nonlinear system
Authors: Chen L. , Edwards C. , Alwi H. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThis paper develops novel fault‐tolerant integral sliding mode control allocation schemes for a class of an overactuated affine nonlinear system. The proposed schemes rely on an existing baseline controller, and the objective is to retain the nominal (fault‐free) closed‐loop performance in the face of actuator faults/failures by effectively utilizing actuator redundancy. The online control allocation reroutes the control effort to healthy actuators using the knowledge of actuator effectiveness level estimates. One of the proposed schemes is tested in simulation using a well‐known high‐fidelity model of a large civil transport aircraft (B747) from the literature. Good simulation results show the efficacy of the scheme.
Indigenous peoples' livelihood practices in south‐eastern Bangladesh and the question of sustainability
Authors: Barau Aliyu Akilu , Afrad Md. Safiul Islam , Rahman Md. Sadekur , Rahman Md. Abiar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractVoices from different international angles have argued on the rights of the indigenous peoples, threats to their identity and livelihood, and their sustainability. In Bangladesh, however, despite the rich biological and cultural diversity, and environmental resources, the indigenous peoples' dominated south‐eastern (Chittagong Hill Tract [CHT]) part of the country has remained one of the most underprivileged, lacking in virtually all development indicators. Hence, this paper reviews the livelihood practices of the indigenous peoples in the CHT and their sustainability. The aim is to advance discussions for streamlining efforts towards sustainable livelihood development, especially in the CHT. The narrative review finds that the indigenous peoples have differed identities and engage largely in subsistence agriculture‐based livelihood practices with a little diversification, and efforts towards development of livelihood sustainability in the CHT have just begun to come to the front burner. In essence, sustainability of indigenous peoples' livelihood in the CHT is at risk and requires requisite actions.
Mesoporous Ce2Zr2O7/PbS Nanocomposite with an Excellent Supercapacitor Electrode Performance and Cyclic Stability
Authors: Bibi Nasreen , Xia Yongde , Ahmad Iqbal , Shabbir Saima , Ahmed Safeer , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhang Shaowei , Iqbal Azhar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIt remains a challenge to fabricate a suitable electrode with high specific capacitance (Csp) and excellent cyclic stability that can enhance the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor. In the present work, Ce2Zr2O7/PbS nanocomposite has been synthesized and its electrochemical properties has been evaluated for supercapacitor electrode application. The high BET surface area (46 m2/g) and small pore size (11.15 nm) enable better intercalation of electrolyte and confer better capacitive performance on the surface of the nanocomposite electrode. The nanocomposite electrode exhibits an excellent pseudocapacitive performance in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte having specific capacitance of 219 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Furthermore, it presents an excellent cycling stability and retains ∼100% Csp after 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. The better electrochemical performance and 100% retention of Csp up to 1000 cycles is attributed to the unique microstructure of nanocomposite i. e., due to the combination of the conductive nature of sulfide and stability of the oxide nanomaterials. These results suggest that Ce2Zr2O7/PbS nanocomposite can be an excellent candidate to be used as an electrode material in supercapacitor devices.
Hydrophilic Fluoro‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide / Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Films with High Dielectric Constant and Low Dielectric Loss
Authors: Li Yanan , Wang Bo , Zhang Bangwen , Ge Xin , Bulin Chaoke , Xing Ruiguang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA novel and facile method, to synthesize high‐quality fluoro‐functionalized graphene oxide (F‐GO) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite (F‐GO/PVDF) films prepared by solution blending of F‐GO and PVDF in solution was proposed. The fabricated F‐GO/PVDF nanocomposites with different mass fractions exhibited high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and raman spectroscopy verified the functional groups in the F‐GO. The microstructure analysis using X‐ray diffraction and field‐emission scanning electronmicroscopy were performed to investigate the morphology of F‐GO and F‐GO/PVDF composite films. The thermal, hydrophilic and electrical characterization properties of F‐GO/PVDF composites were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, contact angle, and dielectric constant. These results indicate their potential applications for dielectric devices storage devices.
Hyperfast Water Transport through Biomimetic Nanochannels from Peptide‐Attached (pR)‐pillar[5]arene
Authors: Li Qing , Li Xuesong , Ning Lulu , Tan Choon‐Hong , Mu Yuguang , Wang Rong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSynthetic water channels offer great promise to replace natural aquaporins (AQPs) for making new‐generation biomimetic membranes for water treatment. However, the water permeability of the current synthetic water channels is still far below that of AQPs. Here, peptide‐attached (pR)‐pillar[5]arene (pR‐PH) channels are reported to mimic the high permeability of AQPs. It is demonstrated that the pR‐PH channels with an open pore can transport water smoothly and efficiently. The pR‐PH channels are competitive with AQPs in terms of water permeability and are much superior to diastereomer peptide‐attached (pS)‐pillar[5]arene (pS‐PH) and other reported synthetic water channels. The exceptional water‐transport properties of the pR‐PH channels are further demonstrated in a composite polymeric membrane that incorporates the nanochannels into the top selective layer. This membrane gives a significantly improved water flux while retaining high salt rejection. The results establish a tangible foundation for developing highly efficient artificial water channel‐based biomimetic membrane for water purification applications.
Melatonin Enhances Proliferation and Modulates Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Via Autophagy in Hyperglycemia
Authors: Li Haoyuan , Zhang Yanmin , Liu Shangming , Li Fengpeng , Wang Benlin , Wang Jianjie , Cao Lanfang , Xia Tongliang , Yao Qingyu , Chen Haijun , Zhang Yulin , Zhu Xiaodong , Li Yang , Li Gang , Wang Jian , Li Xingang , Ni Shilei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDysfunction of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been linked to fetal neuropathy, one of the most devastating complications of gestational diabetes. Several studies have demonstrated that melatonin (Mel) exerted neuroprotective actions in various stresses. However, the role of autophagy and the involvement of Mel in NSCs in hyperglycemia (HG) have not yet been fully established. Here, we found that HG increased autophagy and autophagic flux of NSCs as evidenced by increasing LC3B II/I ratio, Beclin-1 expression, and autophagosomes. Moreover, Mel enhanced NSCs proliferation and self-renewal in HG with decreasing autophagy and activated mTOR signaling. Consistently, inhibition of autophagy by 3-Methyladenine (3-Ma) could assist Mel effects above, and induction of autophagy by Rapamycin (Rapa) could diminish Mel effects. Remarkably, HG induced premature differentiation of NSCs into neurons (Map2 positive cells) and astrocytes (GFAP positive cells). Furthermore, Mel diminished HG-induced premature differentiation and assisted NSCs in HG differentiation as that in normal condition. Coincidentally, inhibiting of NSCs autophagy by 3-Ma assisted Mel to modulate differentiation. However, increasing NSCs autophagy by Rapa disturbed the Mel effects and retarded NSCs differentiation. These findings suggested that Mel supplementation could contribute to mimicking normal NSCs proliferation and differentiation in fetal central nervous system by inhibiting autophagy in the context of gestational diabetes. Stem Cells 2019;37:504–515
Optimum design for unbonded posttensioned precast split shear wall system using genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Qingqian , Zhang Zhenya , Cai Kejian , Zhou Ming , Sheng Tao , Wu Hao 
Published: January 2019

SummaryPrecast concrete structures are increasingly being adopted by building designers in regions of high seismicity. An unbonded posttensioned (PT) precast split shear wall system (UPPSSW) was proposed by the Precast Seismic Structural Systems (PRESSS). The UPPSSW system is composed of two or more single precast concrete wall panels that are connected together with energy‐dissipating shear connectors and anchored to the foundation with unbonded PT tendons located at the panel center. In this paper, an optimum design program has been developed for designing this system. The objective of the optimum process is to find the optimum combination between PT tendons and shear connectors while keeping the moment capacity of the wall equal to the applied design moment and achieving zero residual drift simultaneously. In addition, MATLAB was employed to explore an optimization program using genetic algorithm. Compared with the existing design methods for the system, the optimum design program proposed in this research is accurate, efficient, and direct. Moreover, it can yield the optimum design automatically and quickly. As a result, the existing lengthy and manual design process of trial and error for the system can be avoided.
To do it now or later: The cognitive mechanisms and neural substrates underlying procrastination
Authors: Zhang Shunmin , Liu Peiwei , Feng Tingyong 
Published: January 2019

Procrastination, the voluntary and irrational delay of an intended course of action, has troubled individuals and society extensively. Various studies have been conducted to explain why people procrastinate and to explore the neural substrates of procrastination. First, research has identified many contributing factors to procrastination. Specifically, task aversiveness, future incentives, and time delay of these incentives have been confirmed as three prominent task characteristics that affect procrastination. On the other hand, self‐control and impulsivity have been identified as two most predictive traits of procrastination. After identifying contributing factors, two important theories proposed to explain procrastination by integrating these factors are reviewed. Specifically, an emotion‐regulation perspective regards procrastination as a form of self‐regulation failure that reflects giving priority to short‐term mood repair over achieving long‐term goals. However, temporal motivation theory explains why people's motivation to act increases when time approaches a deadline with time discounting effect. To further specify the cognitive mechanism underlying procrastination, this study proposes a novel theoretical model which clarifies how the motivation to act and the motivation to avoid vary differently when delaying a task, explaining why people decide not to act now but are willing to act in the future. Of note, few recent studies have investigated neural correlates of procrastination. Specifically, it was revealed that individual differences in procrastination are correlated with structural abnormalities and altered spontaneous metabolism in the parahippocampal cortex and the prefrontal cortex, which might contribute to procrastination through episodic future thinking or memory and emotion regulation, respectively.This article is categorized under:
Economics > Individual Decision Making
Psychology > Theory and Methods
Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Fighting Back: Institutional Strategies to Combat the Opioid Epidemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lovecchio Francis , Premkumar Ajay , Stepan Jeffrey G. , Albert Todd J. 
Published: January 2019

Background Current research on opioid use within orthopedic surgery has focused on efforts to identify patients at risk for chronic opioid use. Studies addressing prevention of opioid misuse related to orthopedic care are lacking. Evidence-based interventions to reduce the reliance on opioids for post-operative pain relief will be a key component of any comprehensive institutional opioid policy. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate institutional strategies that reduce opioid administration or consumption after orthopedic surgery. Methods Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, a search was conducted of the PubMed database for English-language articles that analyzed interventions by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, or other hospital staff to reduce post-operative opioid use or narcotic prescription amounts after surgery. Studies that contained objective outcome measures (i.e., no expert opinion articles) were selected. Investigations on the effect of pharmacologic adjuvants, cryotherapy, or regional nerve blockades on opioid use were excluded. Results The initial search yielded 6598 titles, of which 13 full-text articles were ultimately selected for inclusion in this systematic review. The review identified two major categories of interventions—patient-focused and provider-focused (e.g., physicians, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists). Formal patient education programs were most effective in reducing opioid use. On the provider side, prescribing guidelines appear to decrease the overall number of pills prescribed, often without changes in patient satisfaction or requests for refills. Conclusions Researchers are just beginning to establish the most effective ways for institutions to reduce opioid use and promote responsible post-operative prescribing. Institutional prescribing guidelines, standardized bedside pain-management programs, and formal patient education curriculums are all evidence-based interventions that can achieve these goals. The available research also supports an interprofessional approach in any institutional opioid-reduction strategy.
Evaluation of Aloe vera genotypes against leaf rot disease under field condition
Authors: Kumar Susheel , Pande S. K. , Singh S. K. , Yadav Jay Kumar , Saini Rajesh 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a perennial, succulent plant belongs to the family Liliaceae. Aloe vera leaf rot is one of the major limiting factors in Aloe vera production, which decreases leaf, gel quantity and quality significantly. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the genotypes of Aloe vera against leaf rot disease Out of 26 genotypes, none of genotypes was found the free from disease, three genotypes viz, IC-111280, IC-112531 and IC-112513 were highly resistant, four genotypes viz., IC-111279,IC-112518, IC-285626 and IC-283655 were resistant, nine genotypes viz, IC-310618, IC-471886, IC-310904, IC-112569, IC-112519, IC-112532, IC-310611, IC-310617 and IC-310596 were moderately resistant and rest of the genotype were moderately susceptible to highly susceptible against the disease.
The electrostatically forced Faraday instability: theory and experiments
Authors: Ward Kevin , Matsumoto Satoshi , Narayanan Ranga 
Published: January 2019

The onset of interfacial instability in two-fluid systems using a viscous, leaky dielectric model is studied. The instability arises as a result of resonance between the parametric frequency of an imposed electric field and the system’s natural frequency. In addition to a rigorous model that uses Floquet instability analysis, where both viscous and charge effects are considered, this study also provides convincing validating experiments. In other results, it is shown that (a) the imposition of a periodic electrostatic potential acts to counter gravity and this countering effect becomes more effective if a DC voltage is also added, (b) a critical DC voltage exists at which the interface becomes unstable such that no parametric frequency is required to completely destabilize the interface and (c) the leaky dielectric model approaches a model for a perfect dielectric/perfect conductor pair as the conductivity ratio becomes large. It is also shown via experiments that parametric resonant instability using electrostatic forcing may be reliably used to estimate interfacial tension to sufficient accuracy.