bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancements in Ln‐Ion‐Based Upconverting Nanomaterials and Their Biological Applications
Authors: Chhetri Bijay P. , Karmakar Alokita , Ghosh Anindya 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUpconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) convert low‐energy infrared (IR) or near‐infrared (NIR) photons into high‐energy emission radiation ranging from ultraviolet to visible through a photon upconversion process. In comparison to conventional fluorophores, such as organic dyes or semiconductor quantum dots, lanthanide‐ion‐doped UCNPs exhibit high photostability, no photoblinking, no photobleaching, low cytotoxicity, sharp emission lines, and long luminescent lifetimes. Additionally, the use of IR or NIR for excitation in such UCNPs reduces the autofluorescence background and enables deeper penetration into biological samples due to reduced light scattering with negligible damage to the samples. Because of these attributes, UCNPs have found numerous potential applications in biological and medicinal fields as novel fluorescent materials. Different upconversion mechanisms commonly observed in UCNPs, various methods that are used in their synthesis, and surface modification processes are discussed. Recent applications of Ln‐UCNPs in the biological and medicinal fields, including in vivo and in vitro biological imaging, multimodal imaging, photodynamic therapy, drug delivery, and antibacterial activity, are also presented.
DT‐678 inhibits platelet activation with lower tendency for bleeding compared to existing P2Y12 antagonists
Authors: Lauver Dale A. , Kuszynski Dawn S. , Christian Barbara D. , Bernard Matthew P. , Teuber James P. , Markham Bruce E. , Chen Yuqing E. , Zhang Haoming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe novel clopidogrel conjugate, DT‐678, is an effective inhibitor of platelets and thrombosis in preclinical studies. However, a comparison of the bleeding risk with DT‐678 and currently approved P2Y12 antagonists has yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bleeding tendency of animals treated with clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and DT‐678. Ninety‐one New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to one of 13 treatment groups (n = 7). Platelet activation was assessed by flow cytometry and light transmission aggregometry before and after the administration of various doses of DT‐678, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor. Tongue template bleeding times were also measured before and after drug treatment. Treatment with P2Y12 receptor antagonists caused a dose‐dependent reduction in markers of platelet activation (P‐selectin and integrin αIIbβ3) and aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate stimulation. At the same doses required for platelet inhibition, clopidogrel and ticagrelor significantly prolonged bleeding times, while DT‐678 did not. DT‐678 and the FDA‐approved P2Y12 antagonists clopidogrel and ticagrelor are effective inhibitors of platelet activation and aggregation. However, unlike clopidogrel and ticagrelor, DT‐678 did not prolong bleeding times at equally effective antiplatelet doses. The results suggest a more favorable benefit/risk ratio for DT‐678 and potential utility as part of a dual antiplatelet therapy regimen.
Is leaf pruning the key factor to successful biological control of aphids in sweet pepper?
Authors: Brenard Nathalie , Bosmans Lien , Leirs Herwig , De Bruyn Luc , Sluydts Vincent , Moerkens Rob 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDAphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a problematic pest in global sweet pepper cultivation. Control of aphids often relies on insecticides, leading to widespread resistance. Biological control of aphids is mainly based on releasing specialist natural enemies, but they often fail to control outbreaks. Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a zoophytophagous generalist which attacks several sweet pepper pests, including aphids. Previous research showed that M. pygmaeus is capable of strongly reducing aphid populations in sweet pepper, but complete control was seldom achieved. Sweet pepper plants continue to grow during the season, reaching > 3 m high in Belgian and Dutch greenhouses. Dense foliage and large vertical distance from the flowers to the lower leaves impede the search efficiency of the predator. Leaf pruning may improve aphid predation by M. pygmaeus by increasing the probability of encountering prey.RESULTSFour and five treatments (foliage range: 100 cm to full length) respectively were tested in a semi‐commercial sweet pepper greenhouse in 2017 and 2018. Aphid populations in pruned treatments grew more slowly than in the control and M. pygmaeus was eventually able to control aphids in all pruned treatments in 2018. There was no difference in aphid control between the pruned treatments. Sweet pepper production was lower in the treatments with the shortest foliage lengths.CONCLUSIONLeaf pruning up to 160 or 190 cm foliage length improves aphid control by M. pygmaeus in sweet pepper without affecting production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The anti‐fungal β‐sitosterol targets the yeast oxysterol‐binding protein Osh4
Authors: Moosavi Behrooz , Liu Shuting , Wang Nan‐Nan , Zhu Xiao‐Lei , Yang Guang‐Fu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDβ‐Sitosterol is a plant metabolite with a broad range of anti‐fungal activity, however, this compound is not toxic against a few fungal species. The target of β‐sitosterol and the nature of its selective toxicity are not yet clear. Using a yeast model system and taking advantage of molecular biology and computational approaches, we identify the target and explain why β‐sitosterol is not toxic against some fungal pathogens.RESULTSβ‐Sitosterol (200 μg mL−1) is toxic against yeast cells expressing only Osh4 (an oxysterol‐binding protein) and harbouring a upc2‐1 mutation (which enables sterol uptake), but not against yeast strains expressing all seven Osh proteins and harbouring a upc2‐1 mutation. Furthermore, β‐sitosterol is not toxic against yeast strains without the upc2‐1 mutation irrespective of the number of Osh proteins being expressed. The deletion of COQ1 (a gene known to be highly induced upon deletion of OSH4) enhances the toxicity of β‐sitosterol in yeast cells expressing only Osh4 and harbouring the upc2‐1 mutation. Molecular modelling suggests that β‐sitosterol binds to Osh4 and the binding mode is similar to the binding of cholesterol to Osh4.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that the concentrations of β‐sitosterol, and Osh4, as well as its homologues within cells, are most likely the main determinants of β‐sitosterol toxicity. Furthermore, some fungal species do not take up sterols, e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, under aerobic conditions. Therefore, sterol uptake may also contribute to the β‐sitosterol anti‐fungal effect. These findings enable predicting the toxicity of β‐sitosterol against plant fungal pathogens. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of U.S. quantitative easing on South Africa
Authors: Meszaros John , Olson Eric 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy on the economy of South Africa, particularly during the period of quantitative easing and thereafter from 2009 to 2018. A VAR model, including South Africa’s inflation, output, a stock market index, exchange rate, and South Africa’s policy rate is examined to determine the impact of the Federal Reserve’s actions. Our results show that the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing programs had only slight overall effects on South Africa’s economy. However, the way monetary policy is measured appears to have important effects for studies of international monetary spillovers as the results differ depending on the type of monetary policy measure used.
Wood Jam Dynamics Database and Assessment Model (WooDDAM): A framework to measure and understand wood jam characteristics and dynamics
Authors: Scott Daniel N. , Wohl Ellen , Yochum Steven E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWood jams in rivers and on floodplains play an essential role in shaping valley bottoms, and their dynamics regulate the ecology and morphology of river systems. Although wood jams are commonly used to regulate fluvial geomorphic processes and provide habitat, our inability to predict how wood jams change through time hampers wood restoration efforts. We present the Wood Jam Dynamics Database and Assessment Model (WooDDAM) to improve understanding and management of natural and anthropogenic wood jams in rivers. WooDDAM is composed of a field data collection protocol, an open database of wood jam characteristics and dynamics, machine learning statistical models for predicting wood jam dynamics during high flows, and an online user interface to facilitate collaborative data collection and use. Here, we provide the background and guidance necessary to utilize WooDDAM to make predictions of and contribute to the database describing wood jam dynamics. We present tests of interoperator variability to justify database variable selection. To refine model predictions and improve predictive power, we encourage users to follow simple resurvey procedures and submit observations of wood jam dynamics. WooDDAM provides a management and monitoring tool for the retention or reintroduction of wood jams in rivers and facilitates further research into the interactions between wood jam dynamics and fluvial or ecological processes.
Riverine turtles select habitats maintained by natural discharge regimes in an unimpounded large river
Authors: Tornabene Brian J. , Jaeger Matthew E. , Bramblett Robert G. , Nelson Mark , McClenning Nathan , Watson Trevor , Ankrum Alan , Frazer Kenneth , Reinhold Ann Marie , Zale Alexander V. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTurtle populations are imperiled worldwide, but limited ecological information from unaltered systems hampers science‐based management and conservation of some species, especially riverine turtles such as the spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera). We therefore investigated movements and spatial habitat selection of 54A.spiniferain 633 river kilometres (rkm) of the least‐altered river in the conterminous United States—the Yellowstone River in Montana—from 2005 to 2009. Movement rates and home ranges were smaller than in fragmented, altered river systems because nesting and overwintering habitats were common and in close proximity. Habitat selection also differed.A.spiniferain the Yellowstone River overwintered in unaltered bluff pools and summered in complex reaches with side channels, islands, and diverse habitats. However, those in the highly altered Missouri River used deep alluvial pools for overwintering and flooded, inundated, or backwatered tributary mouths in spring and summer. Importantly, selected habitats in both rivers were functionally similar, including complex river reaches (with multiple channels, islands, and diverse habitats) and natural pool types. Unfortunately, these are the very habitats that are limited in rivers affected by dams, bank stabilization, and channelization. Therefore, preservation of natural and diverse riverine habitats—and the fluvial dynamics that maintain them—may enhance conservation ofA.spiniferain large rivers.
Ti6Al4V foams having nanotubular surfaces for orthopaedic applications
Authors: İzmir Merve , Tufan Yiğithan , Tan Güher , Ercan Batur 
Published: July 2019

Despite the widespread use of Ti6Al4V in orthopaedics, the bioinert nature of this alloy limits its biological fixation with the bone tissue. To enhance its bone fixation, two different types of Ti6Al4V foams were fabricated, and their surfaces were modified zto possess nanofeatures. To prepare the foams, spherical‐ or irregular‐shaped Ti6Al4V particles were used to form the backbones of the foams, while magnesium or carbamide powders were used as space holder agents. Once Ti6Al4V foams were fabricated, oxide‐based nanotubular arrays having 40 nm diameter were formed on the interconnected pore surfaces via anodization. Results showed successful growth of nanotubular oxide arrays independent of the pore surface morphology, chemistry, and porosity content. Nanotubular surfaces induced formation of calcium phosphate minerals independent of the Ti6Al4V particle type and the space holder agent. Thus, anodized nanotubular Ti6Al4V foams could potentially induce enhanced integration of Ti6Al4V‐based porous implants with the bone tissue.
Understanding mind–body disciplines: A pilot study of paced breathing and dynamic muscle contraction on autonomic nervous system reactivity
Authors: Chin Michael S. , Kales Stefanos N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMind–body disciplines such as yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong have been demonstrated to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, but it remains unclear how these practices achieve these results, whether by breathing, movement, or some combination. This pilot study establishes a model to examine the individual and combined effects of paced breathing and rhythmic skeletal muscle contraction on the activation of the parasympathetic system during a cognitive stressor. Male participants were randomly assigned to one of four preconditioning groups: (a) paced breathing alone, (b) alternating upper extremity muscle contractions, (c) paced breathing synchronized with alternating contractions, or (d) a neutral control task. Autonomic response was assessed by heart rate variability during a standardized cognitive stressor. The alternating contraction group had 71.7% higher activation of parasympathetic signal over respiration alone (p < .001). Alternating contractions synchronized with breathing demonstrated 150% higher parasympathetic activation than control (p < .0001). Comparing the contraction alone and synchronized groups, the synchronized group demonstrated 45.9% higher parasympathetic response during a cognitive stressor (p < .001). In conclusion, paced breathing synchronized with rhythmic muscle contraction leads to more resilient activation of the parasympathetic response than either alternating contractions or breathing alone, which may help explain the stress reducing benefits of mind–body disciplines.
Solution‐Processable Carbon Nitride Polymers for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Karjule Neeta , Phatake Ravindra , Volokh Michael , Hod Idan , Shalom Menny 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA general and straightforward synthesis of a series of solution‐processable carbon nitride polymers is described with excellent and tunable optical and electronic properties. The high dispersibility of carbon nitride polymers functionalized with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH‐CNs) in common solvents permits their facile processing into thin films utilizing routine methods such as spin‐coating and drop‐casting. Moreover, altering the PAH group within the CN scaffold enables great tunability of their optical and electronic properties as well as a range of functionalities. This is illustrated by a variety of photoelectrochemical properties, electropolymerization ability, and photoswitching properties for the different PAH‐CNs. The easy processing and tunable properties allow the construction of advanced electronic structures, such as a heterojunction, which significantly improves the photoelectrochemical performance. The versatility of this solution‐processable platform holds promise for the applicability of CNs in new photoelectronic devices.
On shear in members without stirrups and the application of energy‐based methods in light of 30 years of test observations
Authors: Bentz Evan C. , Foster Stephen J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn a recent paper in Structural Concrete, the authors Dönmez and Bažant explain that the theoretical background of the Model Code 2010 equations for one way and punching shear are not sufficiently grounded in theory and should instead use an energy‐based size effect law in their formulation to match behavior. To support this claim, finite element simulations were presented. In this paper the basic assumption that an energy‐based method must govern the shear failure of beams without stirrups is questioned. These questions are shown to be based on the hardening behavior of aggregate interlock tests and the inability for slip strains to localize during shear failure. In addition to these theoretical arguments finite element analyses were conducted with a constitutive model that is energy‐based but that also does an appropriate job at modeling aggregate interlock, an aspect that appears to be lacking in the analyses of Dönmez and Bažant. These new results are shown to better model the test results and confirm that aggregate interlock is important in explaining shear strength and therefore the size effect in shear for slender members. As such any concerns about the safety of the Model Code shear equations appear unwarranted.
Boundary string current & Weyl anomaly in six-dimensional conformal field theory
Authors: Chu Chong-Sun , Miao Rong-Xin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIt was recently discovered that for a boundary system in the presence of a background magnetic field, the quantum fluctuation of the vacuum would create a non-uniform magnetization density for the vacuum and a magnetization current is induced in the vacuum [1]. It was also shown that this “magnetic Casimir effect” of the vacuum is closely related to another quantum effect of the vacuum, the Weyl anomaly. Furthermore, the phenomena can be understood in terms of the holography of the boundary system [2]. In this paper, we generalize this four dimensional effect to six dimensions. We use the AdS/BCFT holography to show that in the presence of a 3-form magnetic field strengthH, a string current is induced in a six dimensional boundary conformal field theory. This allows us to determine the gauge field contribution to the Weyl anomaly in six dimensional conformal field theory in aH-flux background. For the (2,0) superconformal field theory ofNM5-branes, the current has a magnitude proportional toN3for largeN. This suggests that the degree of freedoms scales asN3in the (2,0) superconformal theory ofNmultiple M5-branes. The prediction we have for the Weyl anomaly is a new criteria that the (2,0) theory should satisfy.
Promising results from a pilot study to reduce distress in Vietnamese American dementia and memory loss caregivers
Authors: Ta Park Van M. , Ton Vy , Tiet Quyen Q. , Vuong Quyen , Yeo Gwen , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study developed and examined the feasibility of a culturally tailored, evidence‐based skill‐building program to reduce stress and depression of Vietnamese American dementia caregivers.MethodsThis pilot randomized controlled trial included pretest and posttest measures using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale and the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist. The intervention (n = 30) group participated in a culturally tailored, 4‐week Vietnamese‐language cognitive‐behavioral skills evidenced‐based program (Our Family Journey); caregivers in the control condition (n = 30) received dementia‐related educational materials (education control condition).ResultsOur Family Journey caregivers showed significantly lower somatic scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale and reported lower frequency of care recipients' disruptive behaviors. However, they also reported being more stressed by their care recipients' depressive symptoms on the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist compared to caregivers in the education control condition.DiscussionThese promising results suggest that a culturally adapted program can benefit Vietnamese dementia caregivers. Additional research is needed to develop and evaluate stronger, more impactful interventions for this underserved group.
Simulation of flapping wings subjected to gusty inflow
Authors: De M. M. , Mathur J. S. , Vengadesan S. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTOrnithopters and entomopters should be insensitive to the gusty environment during outdoor operations. Hence, it becomes imperative to understand their behaviour under the influence of gust for ensuring stable flight. In light of this, the present numerical study focused on understanding the aerodynamics of flapping wings with five different planform shapes under the influence of a spatiotemporally varying frontal gust. 3D, unsteady, laminar, and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations were solved using finite volume formulation. A canonical case of asymmetric 1 degree of freedom (DoF) flapping kinematics was considered. Horizontal and vertical force patterns in constant and gusty inflow conditions were numerically computed and compared. Findings were analyzed quantitatively by comparing the differences in the instantaneous force patterns, ordinal scoring approach, and phase space plots. Qualitative comparisons were made based on plots of vortex structures and surface pressure contours for constant and gusty inflow conditions for wings with different planform shapes. Spanwise Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) of all the five wings were also compared. Studies revealed that the elliptical wing exhibited low sensitivity and inverse semi-elliptical wing exhibited high sensitivity to the gusty inflow. Rectangular, triangular and semi-elliptical shaped wings were moderately sensitive to the gusty inflow. This finding, within the limitations of the flapping kinematics and simulation conditions considered for the present study, supported the fact that many natural flyers like forest raptors, non-migratory passerines, pheasants, and partridges have adopted elliptical wing planform for efficient flight.
Opportunities for strengthening CTSA evaluation
Authors: Patel Tanha , Rainwater Julie , Trochim William M. , Elworth Julie T. , Scholl Linda , Dave Gaurav ,   the Members of the CTSA Evaluation Guidelines Working Group
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe purpose of the article is to describe the progress of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program to address the evaluation-related recommendations made by the 2013 Institute of Medicine’s review of the CTSA Program and guidelines published in CTS Journal the same year (Trochim et al., Clinical and Translational Science 2013; 6(4): 303–309). We utilize data from a 2018 national survey of evaluators administered to all 64 CTSA hubs and a content analysis of the role of evaluation in the CTSA Program Funding Opportunity Announcements to document progress. We present four new opportunities for further strengthening CTSA evaluation efforts: (1) continue to build the collaborative evaluation infrastructure at local and national levels; (2) make better use of existing data; (3) strengthen and augment the common metrics initiative; and (4) pursue internal and external opportunities to evaluate the CTSA program at the national level. This article will be of significant interest to the funders of the CTSA Program and the multiple stakeholders in the larger consortium and will promote dialog from the broad range of CTSA stakeholders about further strengthening the CTSA Program’s evaluation.
Spatial Variability of Human Health Impacts: Application to a Biorefinery Process Implementation
Authors: Bratec Florian , Bratec Tatiana , Marty Pauline , Troussier Nadege , Diaz-Pichardo Rene 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMore and more attention is paid nowadays to the human health concerns, associated with environmental problems arising from the fossil fuel use. The world scientific community offers new alternatives that, despite being more environmentally friendly, require an analysis of their potential environmental impacts. For example, biorefineries are becoming increasingly widespread nowadays offering a large gamma of bio-based products. However, it is necessary to take into account what potential effects such facility may have on the human health, depending on its geographical location since different territories may be more or less sensitive to its installation. Our study describes a new bioprocess implementation in terms of impact on human health through three countries: France, Belgium or China. In order to understand what territory can be more appropriate to the industrial process installation in terms of its effects on the human health, we propose to use the spatialized life-cycle analysis methodology.