bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Climate Variation on Growth of Tropical Tree Species in Western Kenya
Authors: David Eric T. , Chhin Sophan , Skole David 
Published: April 2019

Aims: Growth-climate relationships were examined in 7 tropical tree species growing in the Yala river basin of western Kenya: Acacia mearnsii, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalytus saligna, Mangifera indica, and Markhamia lutea.
Methodology: Standardized basal area increments were correlated with monthly and seasonal (3 month periods) climate variables (precipitation, mean temperature, Climate Moisture Index) obtained from nearby meteorological stations.
Results: A majority of the tree species (M. indica, C. lusitanica, E. camaldulensis, and E. saligna) showed positive correlations with monthly and seasonal precipitation and moisture index during periods of the long and short rainy seasons. This study also revealed significant correlations between monthly and seasonal temperature data and radial growth of M. indica, M. lutea and E. grandis. Growth of M. lutea was negatively affected by cool growing season conditions while M. indica and E. grandis experienced high temperature stress.
Conclusion: Associations between radial growth of tropical tree species and temperature are generally rare in warm tropical regions, and for some of the species examined in this study that are non-native (i.e., M. indica and E. grandis), strongly suggests that they may be growing outside the optimal temperature conditions of their native geographical range.
Community Mangrove Aqua-Silviculture (CMAS Culture): An Innovation and Climate Resilient Practice by the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Dependent Rural Communities of Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md. Humayain , Abdul Baten Mohammed 
Published: April 2019

To adapt to the emergent global climate impacts, the local communities of Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat districts in South-Western Bangladesh have spontaneously promoted a number of social innovation using their innovative ideas and traditional knowledge. The present study highlights on this practice called as Community Mangrove Aqua-Silvi-Culture (CMAS) to cultivate some floral and faunal species of the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. CMAS is a plot of swampy land with 1 to 1.5 feet deep water bordered by a dyke of 0.5 to1.5 feet height from the water level. The mangrove plant species in CMAS includes Goalpata (Nypa fruticans), Goran (Ceriops tagal), Keora (Sonnerata species), Hargoza (Alanthus ilicifolius), and Baen (Avicennia Species). Besides, there is a canal of about 2-2.5 feet depth that runs along the farm dykes where fish (Telapia, Vetki, Amadi, Tengra, Carps), shrimp (Bagda) and crabs are cultured. For in depth analysis of CMAS, face-to-face interview was conducted in 18 CMAS farms to know about the cultivation method, cost-benefit aspects, environmental and social impact of this unique culture. The farm owners opined that after 13 to 14 months of plantation, which is the shortest in comparison with traditional practice, Golpata and Goran can be harvested usually in January to February. On the other hand, farming seasonality of fish and shrimps varies species to species. However, most of the fish species can be harvested in between May to June in each year. Interestingly, CMAS culture doesn’t need much care and maintenance costs. It is expected that the detailed analysis of CMAS will help the Sundarbans depended local communities more climate resilient.
Mosquito Larval Species and Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping of Environmental Vulnerable Areas, Dakhla Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Sowilem Mohamed M. , El-Zeiny Ahmed M. , Mohamed E. S. 
Published: April 2019

Aims: This paper investigates the spatial distribution of mosquito breeding sites within the Dakhla oasis of the Western Desert of Egypt.
Study Design: GIS spatial analysis was used to map the area under risk of mosquito proliferation.
Place and Duration of Study: Dakhla oases, during September 2009 to October 2010.
Methodology: Landsat images, synchronized with mosquito larval survey, were processed to identify the vegetation status of the study area. Twenty-two locations distributed in Dakhla oasis were investigated as nine mosquito species were collected from drains, paddle fields, and waterlogged areas.
Results: Results showed that the main vector of Malaria disease (Anopheles pharoensis and Anopheles sergentii), as well as the Culex pipiens, which is the main vector of filarial disease are abundant. Further, the geo-environmental setting and the discharge of increasing cultivated areas develop considerable waterlogging and pond areas, which are favorable breeding sites of mosquito. In Dakhla oases, the produced risk map showed that a large part of urban and cultivated regions were at risk of mosquito spread.
Conclusion: It was concluded that mosquito larval populations fluctuated with the dynamics of vegetation cover in Dakhla. Multi-year data of mosquito collections are still required to provide a better characterization of the abundance of these insects from year to year which can potentially provide predictive capability of their population density based on remotely sensed ecological measurements.
Clinical and genetic profiles of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in Taiwan
Authors: Chao Hua‐Chuan , Liao Yi‐Chu , Liu Yo‐Tsen , Guo Yuh‐Cherng , Chang Fu‐Pang , Lee Yi‐Chung , Lin Kon‐Ping 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe clinical and genetic profiles of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in Chinese populations remain elusive. We aim to characterize the features of ATTR in a Taiwanese cohort of Han Chinese descent.MethodsSeventy‐nine patients with molecularly confirmed ATTR from 57 Taiwanese families were identified by sequencing the transthyretin gene (TTR). The clinical and electrophysiological data were scrutinized. Cardiac involvement of ATTR was evaluated by echocardiography and cardiac scintigraphy. Four microsatellite and seven single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers flanking TTR were genotyped to investigate the founder effect of the TTR Ala97Ser mutation.ResultsMost of the patients had a peripheral neuropathy with variable autonomic symptoms. The average age at disease onset (AO) was 58.2 ± 7.2 years, and the male patients had an earlier AO than female patients (56.6 ± 5.7 years vs. 61.8 ± 8.9 years, P = 0.013). Electrophysiological studies revealed a generalized axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy and isolated median neuropathy in 84.5% and 15.5% of the patients, respectively. Up to 80% of the patients with ATTR had symptomatic or subclinical cardiac involvement. Six TTR mutations were identified in the participants including one novel mutation Glu89Asp. Among them, Ala97Ser was the most common mutation, accounting for 91.2% of the ATTR pedigrees. Detailed haplotype analyses demonstrated a shared haplotype in the 47 patients with the Ala97Ser mutation, suggesting a founder effect.InterpretationThe present study delineates the distinct features of ATTR in Taiwan and provides useful information for the diagnosis and management of ATTR, especially in patients of Chinese descent.
Differences in Longitudinal Disease Activity Between Research Cohort and Noncohort Participants with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Gianfrancesco Milena A. , Trupin Laura , McCulloch Charles E. , Shiboski Stephen , Schmajuk Gabriela , Yazdany Jinoos 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveResearch using electronic health records (EHRs) may offer advantages over observational prospective cohort studies, including lower costs and a more generalizable patient population; however, EHR data may be more biased because of the high prevalence of missing data. We took advantage of a unique clinical setting in which all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were asked to participate in a longitudinal cohort study that would examine potential biases of EHR vs. prospective cohort designs in assessment of disease outcomes, but only some chose to participate.MethodsFor individuals both participating in the cohort (“cohort,” n = 187) and not participating (“noncohort,” n = 190), we retrieved data regarding RA disease activity and other sociodemographic and clinical factors from data recorded in the EHR between 2013 and 2017. We compared the prevalence of missing data between groups and studied differences in disease activity measures over time.ResultsDisease activity measures were less likely to be missing for cohort participants compared with noncohort participants (0.2%‐13% vs. 2%‐22%, respectively). No significant differences were present at baseline with respect to race/ethnicity or disease activity measures between groups. However, black, non‐Hispanic race/ethnicity was associated with worse longitudinal disease activity compared with white, non‐Hispanic individuals in noncohort participants (β = 6.47, P =0.03) but not in cohort participants (β = −0.10, P = 0.97) (P interaction = 0.09).ConclusionFindings suggest that data derived from the EHR were comparable to a cohort across some variables but captured racial/ethnic disparities in long‐term outcomes not observed in the cohort study. Research utilizing EHR data in conjunction with cohort studies may provide new opportunities for studying health disparities.
Highly Stretchable and Wearable Thermotherapy Pad with Micropatterned Thermochromic Display Based on Ag Nanowire–Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite
Authors: Kim Hyunmin , Seo Minjeong , Kim Jong‐Woo , Kwon Do‐Kyun , Choi Song‐Ee , Kim Jin Woong , Myoung Jae‐Min 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDue to the increasing interest in wearable devices, flexible and stretchable film heaters have been widely studied, as alternatives to heaters with conventional rigid shapes. Herein, a highly stretchable film heater (SFH) based on the silver nanowire (Ag NW)–single‐walled carbon nanotube composite with a thermochromic display on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate is successfully fabricated. The SFH shows excellent electrical conductivity, high mechanical stretchability, and outstanding reliability, with no significant degradation after 10 000 stretching cycles under tensile strain. The SFH can be heated to the target temperature (≈60 °C) within 30 s at a low applied voltage. In addition, a thermochromic display is fabricated to help prevent the risk of low‐temperature burns. Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) thermochromic microparticles (TMPs) are synthesized using drop‐based microfluidic technology. The TMPs show RGB colors at room temperature but change to a white color above a certain temperature. The TMPs are arrayed into a PDMS stencil on the basis of their particle sizes using the rubbing technique. The micropatterned thermochromic display, which functions as a visual alarm, combined with the SFH can pave the way for the development of thermotherapy pads for next‐generation wearable devices in the medical field.
A Roadmap to Low‐Cost Hydrogen with Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers
Authors: Abbasi Reza , Setzler Brian P. , Lin Saisai , Wang Junhua , Zhao Yun , Xu Hui , Pivovar Bryan , Tian Boyuan , Chen Xi , Wu Gang , Yan Yushan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHydrogen is an ideal alternative energy carrier to generate power for all of society's energy demands including grid, industrial, and transportation sectors. Among the hydrogen production methods, water electrolysis is a promising method because of its zero greenhouse gas emission and its compatibility with all types of electricity sources. Alkaline electrolyzers (AELs) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMELs) are currently used to produce hydrogen. AELs are commercially mature and are used in a variety of industrial applications, while PEMELs are still being developed and find limited application. In comparison with AELs, PEMELs have more compact structure and can achieve higher current densities. Recently, however, an alternative technology to PEMELs, hydroxide exchange membrane electrolyzers (HEMELs), has gained considerable attention due to the possibility to use platinum group metal (PGM)‐free electrocatalysts and cheaper membranes, ionomers, and construction materials and its potential to achieve performance parity with PEMELs. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art AELs and PEMELs along with the current status of HEMELs are discussed in terms of their positive and negative aspects. Additionally discussed are electrocatalyst, membrane, and ionomer development needs for HEMELs and benchmark electrocatalysts in terms of the cost–performance tradeoff.
Self‐Sacrificial Template‐Directed Vapor‐Phase Growth of MOF Assemblies and Surface Vulcanization for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Teng , Li Peng , Yao Na , Kong Taige , Cheng Gongzhen , Chen Shengli , Luo Wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDirect use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with robust pore structures, large surface areas, and high density of coordinatively unsaturated metal sites as electrochemical active materials is highly desirable (rather than using as templates and/or precursors for high‐temperature calcination), but this is practically hindered by the poor conductivity and low accessibility of active sites in the bulk form. Herein, a universal vapor‐phase method is reported to grow well‐aligned MOFs on conductive carbon cloth (CC) by using metal hydroxyl fluorides with diverse morphologies as self‐sacrificial templates. Specifically, by further partially on‐site generating active Co3S4 species from Co ions in the echinops‐like Co‐based MOF (EC‐MOF) through a controlled vulcanization approach, the resulting Co3S4/EC‐MOF hybrid exhibits much enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with overpotentials of 84 and 226 mV required to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental results reveal that the electron transfer between Co3S4 species and EC‐MOF can decrease the electron density of the Co d‐orbital, resulting in more electrocatalytically optimized adsorption properties for Co. This study will open up a new avenue for designing highly ordered MOF‐based surface active materials for various electrochemical energy applications.
Colonic Injuries Induced by Inhalational Exposure to Particulate‐Matter Air Pollution
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Cui Jian , Yang Hongbao , Sun Hao , Lu Runze , Gao Na , Meng Qingtao , Wu Shenshen , Wu Jiong , Aschner Michael , Chen Rui 
Published: April 2019

AbstractParticulate matter (PM) exposure has been associated with intestinal disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the precise molecular mechanism involved and explore potential prevention strategies. In this study, inhaled PM is shown to activate inflammatory pathways in murine colon. In a panel study, it is found that ambient PM levels are significantly associated with elevated number of fecal white blood cells in healthy subjects. Acting as a promoter, PM exposure accelerates chemical carcinogenesis‐induced colonic tumor formation in a murine model. Mechanistically, RNA‐seq assays suggest activation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT cascades in chronically PM‐exposed human colon mucosal epithelial cells. Ablation of up‐stream driver fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) effectively inhibits inflammation and neoplasia in PM‐exposed murine colons. Notably, dietary curcumin supplement is shown to protect against PM‐induced colonic injuries in mice. Collectively, these findings identify that PM exposure accelerates colonic tumorigenesis in a PI3K/AKT‐dependent manner and suggests potential nutrient supplement for prevention.
Asymmetricsyn‐1,3‐Dioxane Construction via Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols Using Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysts
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Asano Keisuke , Matsubara Seijiro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHerein, we present a novel enantioselective hemiacetalization/intramolecular oxy‐Michael addition cascade for the synthesis ofsyn‐1,3‐diol frameworks via kinetic resolution of chiral secondary alcohols using chiral phosphoric acid catalysts. By utilizing the recovered optically active starting material, both enantiomers of the corresponding protected 1,3‐diols could be obtained with high optical purities. In addition, the products with a carbonyl group were converted diastereoselectively to longer optically active 1,3‐polyols, which are representative motifs in polyketides. Moreover, the organocatalytic approach presented in this study facilitates a library construction of useful chiral building blocks for the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive compounds.
Verifying the Japanese version of the Preschool Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (psCAM‐ICU)
Authors: Matsuishi Yujiro , Hoshino Haruhiko , Shimojo Nobutake , Enomoto Yuki , Kido Takahiro , Matsuzaki Asaki , Mathis Bryan J. , Kawano Satoru , Inoue Yoshiaki 
Published: April 2019

AimPediatric delirium has been well investigated and its prevalence is reported to be from 20% to 44%. For pediatric intensive care settings, several validated assessment tools for diagnosing delirium, including the Preschool Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (psCAM‐ICU), are available in English. However, validated assessment tools for identifying pediatric delirium are unavailable in Japanese. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify the Japanese translation of the psCAM‐ICU.MethodsWe enrolled patients at the Pediatric ICU at University of Tsukuba Hospital (Tsukuba, Japan) from May 2017 to February 2019. Enrollment criteria included patients aged 6 months to 5 years, and we excluded coma patients scoring under −4 on the Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale or suffering from stroke. Pediatric patient delirium was simultaneously evaluated by three medical workers (pediatric intensivist and researchers). Psychiatrists then verified these findings against criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition. We evaluated criterion validity (sensitivity and specificity) and reliability using Cohen's κ coefficient.ResultsWe made a total of 56 independent assessments of 19 patients (42% female) with an average age of 18 (±15) weeks. Mechanical ventilation was used at least once in 73% of patients and the positive rate of delirium was 54% in total observation. Overall, the psCAM‐ICU showed high sensitivity, specificity (sensitivity, 0.90 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.94]; specificity, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.83–0.97]), and high reliability within the researcher assessments (κ = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82–1.0).ConclusionWe verified the psCAM‐ICU and it shows high validity and reliability.
Design of three‐dimensional gradient nonwoven composites with robust dust holding capacity for air filtration
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Liu Jinxin , Zhang Xing , Huang Chen , Zhang Yu , Fu Yijun , Jin Xiangyu 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTAir pollution has seriously threatened public health in developing countries. However, it is still a big challenge for fabricating a filter with high filtration efficiency, low air resistance, and long service life. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate a multilayered nonwoven composite with a functionally gradient structure for air filtration by a combined method of needle‐punch, melt blown, and corona charging techniques. Our integrated multilayer needle‐punched/melt blown composite filter could achieve a high filtration efficiency up to 99.52 ± 0.01%, a low pressure drop of 136.87 ± 0.49 Pa, and a satisfied quality factor of 0.03898 ± 0.0001 Pa−1 for sodium chloride particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 0.26 μm at the airflow rate of 85 L min−1. More importantly, the resultant filter exhibited a large dust holding capacity of 23.5 ± 0.41 g m−2, which indicates a long service life. It is expected that our multilayer needle‐punched/melt blown composite fabric may not only serve as a good candidate for air filtration, but also provide a new sight for designing the air filtration materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47827.
Does the Maximum Body Size of Theropods Increase across the Triassic–Jurassic Boundary? Integrating Ontogeny, Phylogeny, and Body Size
Authors: Griffin Christopher T. , Nesbitt Sterling J. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTMass extinctions change global ecosystems, and the end‐Triassic mass extinction was hypothesized to have precipitated the rise of dinosaur dominance, with dinosaurs filling resource zones of eliminated large‐bodied reptilian lineages. This replacement has been explicitly hypothesized for theropod dinosaurs, and the eastern North American theropod footprint record suggests an increase in maximum body size across the Triassic‐Jurassic boundary. Without taking ontogenetic stage in account, the maximum size of the rare large Triassic theropods worldwide supports this hypothesis, with the size of the largest individuals corresponding to the largest Triassic theropod tracks. However, both morphological data and histological examination suggest that known large‐bodied Triassic theropods are represented by immature individuals still growing rapidly at the time of death, indicating that the maximum body size of Triassic theropods was much larger than that a strict reading of the body fossil record would suggest. The size increase recorded in the sediments of eastern North America is not part of a global trend. Instead of a simple ecological replacement of non‐dinosaurian archosaurs by dinosaurs, the rise in theropod dinosaurian ecological dominance was an extended process across the end of the Late Triassic into the Jurassic. Anat Rec, 303:1158–1169, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colloidal Motors 101: A Beginner's Guide to Colloidal Motor Research
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhou Chao , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe research progress in colloidal motors, synthetic colloids that convert environmental energy and swim in water, has attracted much attention in recent years. Yet, its rapid development and interdisciplinary nature has created a hurdle for beginners, especially students and postdocs. In light of this challenge, this tutorial review gives a bird's eye overview of the research field of colloidal motors, presenting in a beginner‐friendly manner subjects including the definition and significance of colloidal motors, physical challenges associated with their motion at the microscale, their fabrication and propulsion mechanisms, functionalities that enable their applications, and essential tools and techniques useful for beginners. Emphasis on each aspect is placed on elucidating and connecting important concepts and ideas, rather than on details and individual references. An appendix of recent review articles grouped by subjects on colloidal motors is given in the Supporting Information. This article equips beginners with a clear big picture and essential knowledge that will facilitate future explorations.
Substitution‐Pattern‐ and Counteranion‐Depending Ion‐Pairing Assemblies Based on Electron‐Deficient Porphyrin–AuIII Complexes
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Haketa Yohei , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Maeda Hiromitsu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPorphyrin–AuIII complexes, which were partially or totally modified with C6F5 at the meso positions, were synthesized. The highly electron‐withdrawing substituents induced electron‐deficient states and Lewis acid properties. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of the ion pairs revealed ion‐pairing assemblies with characteristics dependent on the number and substitution pattern of the C6F5 units and the geometries of the anions.