bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Wearable Photobiomodulation Patch Using a Flexible Red‐Wavelength OLED and Its In Vitro Differential Cell Proliferation Effects
Authors: Jeon Yongmin , Choi Hye‐Ryung , Lim Myungsub , Choi Seungyeop , Kim Hyuncheol , Kwon Jeong Hyun , Park Kyoung‐Chan , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: March 2018

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a safe and noninvasive method that can provide various clinical effects. However, conventional PBM devices using point light sources, such as light‐emitting diodes and lasers have various disadvantages, such as low flexibility, relatively heavy weight, and nonuniform effects. This paper presents a novel wearable PBM patch using a flexible red‐wavelength organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) surface light source, which can be attached to the human body as a personalized PBM platform. The palm‐sized wearable PBM patch can be very light (0.82 g) and thin (676 µm). It also has a reasonable operation life (>300 h), flexibility (20 mm bending radius), and low‐temperature operation (<40 °C), and it can provide wide and safe application irrespective of location and time. Fibroblasts, a major type of dermal cells, play a key role in the wound healing process. The results show that OLEDs may have excellent in vitro wound healing effects because they effectively stimulate fibroblast proliferation (over 58% of control) and enhance fibroblast migration (over 46% of control) under various conditions. For maximum effect, peak wavelength control is necessary to optimize cell proliferation and enhance in vivo wound healing effects.
Fundamental Performance Limits and Haze Evaluation of Metal Nanomesh Transparent Conductors
Authors: Gao Tongchuan , Haghanifar Sajad , Lindsay Maxwell G. , Lu Ping , Kayes Md Imrul , Pafchek Bradley D. , Zhou Ziyu , Ohodnicki Paul R. , Leu Paul W.
Published: March 2018

Metal nanomeshes are demonstrated as flexible transparent conductors with performance comparable to indium tin oxide. However, it is not known what the performance limits of these structures are in terms of transparency and sheet resistance. More importantly, the haze, which describes how much incident light is scattered by these structures, has not been studied. In this paper, the transmission, sheet resistance, and haze of metal nanomeshes are comprehensively studied to determine their fundamental performance limits as transparent conductors through simulations and experiments. Numerical simulations and analytical calculations are used to evaluate the tradeoffs and correlations between these three figures of merit. A strong correlation is found between haze and transmission, where structures with high transmission tend to have low haze and vice versa. Structures with a pitch above 1000 nm are beneficial for achieving transmission over 80% and larger thickness is favorable in reducing sheet resistance without significantly affecting transmission. Furthermore, metal nanomeshes are fabricated to verify simulation results. The haze may be primarily explained by Fraunhofer diffraction, but the spectral dependence of haze requires analysis with Mie scattering theory. The results should apply to all metal grid or grating‐like structures. The fundamental performance limits evaluated here are helpful for guiding engineering design and research prioritization.
“Point‐and‐Shoot” Synthesis of Metallic Ring Arrays and Surface‐Enhanced Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Rajeeva Bharath Bangalore , Wu Zilong , Briggs Andrew , Acharya Palash V. , Walker S. Brett , Peng Xiaolei , Bahadur Vaibhav , Bank Seth R. , Zheng Yuebing
Published: March 2018

The realization of optically active structures with direct‐write printing has been challenging, particularly in spatially constrained microfluidic devices which are essential for point‐of‐care (POC) applications. The existing techniques are limited by resolution, accessibility, and multistep fabrication constraints. “Point‐and‐shoot” strategies to achieve site‐specific fabrication of optically active Ag rings and on‐demand targeted surface‐enhanced optical spectroscopy are reported. Stable microbubbles over an Au nanoisland (AuNI) substrate are generated using a continuous‐wave laser at low power (≈0.5 mW µm−2). Analytical modeling of bubble generation process substantiates the evolution of ring morphology and its power dependence. The tunable Ag rings exhibit surface plasmon resonances in the mid‐IR regime from 3.8 to 4.6 µm, while the AuNI shows visible region response. The Ag ring over the AuNI imparts intensified surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity owing to amplified hot spots at Ag ring/AuNI interface. As an example, SERS and surface‐enhanced infrared spectroscopy of rhodamine 6G, crystal violet, and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene molecules, respectively, are demonstrated. The applicability of this technique to perform in situ fabrication and SERS sensing in microfluidic channels is shown. Using a simple in situ approach toward optically active structures, our technique can synergize multiple surface‐enhanced optical spectroscopies to facilitate POC applications.
New Insights into the Formation and Color‐Tunable Optical Properties of Multinary Cu‐In‐Zn‐Based Chalcogenide Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Guan Zhongyuan , Tang Aiwei , Lv Peiwen , Liu Zhenyang , Li Xu , Tan Zhan'ao , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Yang Chunhe , Teng Feng
Published: March 2018

A series of multinary Cu‐In‐Zn‐Se‐S nanocrystals (NCs) are synthesized via a phosphine‐free and one‐pot approach, in which the Se powder and 1‐dodecanethiol (DDT) are used as chalcogenide sources, respectively. The X‐ray photoelectron spectra are used to confirm the presence of lattice sulfur in the as‐obtained products. The emission color and the relative photoluminescence quantum yields of the Cu‐In‐Zn‐Se‐S NCs can be tuned by varying the Cu contents, the amount of Se powder, as well as the DDT dosage. In addition, the formation process of the multinary Cu‐In‐Zn‐Se‐S NCs is different from that of quaternary Cu‐In‐Zn‐S NCs, which is dominated by the doping of Cu ions into the In‐deficient In‐Zn‐Se‐S NCs but not the partial interdiffusion of Zn2+ into the Cu‐based NCs. This plausible deduction is based on the comparison of optical properties of the products synthesized using the hot‐injection and one‐pot methods. Furthermore, the performance of the solution‐processed quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) using the Cu‐In‐Zn‐Se‐S NCs as emission layers is examined, and the QLEDs exhibit a high luminance over 1500 cd m−2 and a high peak current efficiency of ≈0.4 cd A−1 at 1000 cd m−2.
From the sap's perspective: The nature of vessel surfaces in angiosperm xylem
Authors: Schenk H. Jochen , Espino Susana , Rich‐Cavazos Sarah M. , Jansen Steven
Published: March 2018

Premise of the Study

Xylem sap in angiosperms moves under negative pressure in conduits and cell wall pores that are nanometers to micrometers in diameter, so sap is always very close to surfaces. Surfaces matter for water transport because hydrophobic ones favor nucleation of bubbles, and surface chemistry can have strong effects on flow. Vessel walls contain cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectins, proteins, and possibly lipids, but what is the nature of the inner, lumen‐facing surface that is in contact with sap?

Methods

Vessel lumen surfaces of five angiosperms from different lineages were examined via transmission electron microscopy and confocal and fluorescence microscopy, using fluorophores and autofluorescence to detect cell wall components. Elemental composition was studied by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and treatments with phospholipase C (PLC) were used to test for phospholipids.

Key Results

Vessel surfaces consisted mainly of lignin, with strong cellulose signals confined to pit membranes. Proteins were found mainly in inter‐vessel pits and pectins only on outer rims of pit membranes and in vessel‐parenchyma pits. Continuous layers of lipids were detected on most vessel surfaces and on most pit membranes and were shown by PLC treatment to consist at least partly of phospholipids.

Conclusions

Vessel surfaces appear to be wettable because lignin is not strongly hydrophobic and a coating with amphiphilic lipids would render any surface hydrophilic. New questions arise about these lipids and their possible origins from living xylem cells, especially about their effects on surface tension, surface bubble nucleation, and pit membrane function.
Preoperative Lund‐Mackay computed tomography score is associated with preoperative symptom severity and predicts quality‐of‐life outcome trajectories after sinus surgery
Authors: Brooks Steven G. , Trope Michal , Blasetti Mariel , Doghramji Laurel , Parasher Arjun , Glicksman Jordan T. , Kennedy David W. , Thaler Erica R. , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: March 2018

Background

Disagreement exists about the relationship between Lund‐Mackay CT scores (LMCTS) and quality‐of‐life outcome (QoL) measures. We investigated whether preoperative LMCTS are associated with preoperative QoL, and whether LMCTS is predictive of postoperative QoL outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients.

Methods

Adult patients with medically recalcitrant CRS (n = 665) were enrolled in a prospective, observational cohort study. Preoperative LMCTS and pre‐ and postoperative self‐reported QoL outcomes (22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test [SNOT‐22]) were collected and evaluated over 12 months. Five hundred sixty‐eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Longitudinal linear mixed‐effects modeling was used to investigate the effect of LMCTS on QoL after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Results

Preoperative LMCTS were significantly associated with preoperative SNOT‐22 scores (p< 0.01) and postoperative SNOT‐22 scores (p< 0.001), driven by Extranasal and Rhinologic subdomains of the QoL questionaire. Patients in the lowest preoperative LMCTS quartile had the lowest mean change in SNOT‐22 scores at 12 months (16.8 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.2‐21.3). Patients in the second and third lowest preoperative LMCTS quartiles had mean changes at 12 months of 21.1 points (95% CI, 16.7‐25.4) and 23.1 points (95% CI, 18.3‐27.9). Patients in the highest preoperative LMCTS quartile had the greatest improvement in SNOT‐22 scores after FESS (29.9 points; 95% CI, 24.9‐34.8). The difference in QoL change at 12 months between the highest and lowest preoperative LMCTS quartiles was 13.1 points (95% CI, 6.0‐20.2;p< 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that preoperative LMCTS correlate with preoperative extranasal and rhinologic symptom severity and that the LMCTS is an indicator of postsurgical QoL outcomes for medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis patients in a large tertiary otolaryngology setting.
Alginate and alginate/hyaluronic acid membranes generated by electrospinning in wet conditions: Relationship between solution viscosity and spinnability
Authors: Vicini Silvia , Mauri Marco , Vita Silvia , Castellano Maila
Published: March 2018

The methodology to create alginate and alginate/hyaluronic acid membranes, which involves wet conditions electrospinning, is presented in this paper. The wet conditions allow simultaneously to work in water solutions avoiding the toxic solvents and to obtain crosslinked alginate. An accurate rheological characterization of all solutions examined is performed. By optimizing the electrospinning parameters, it is possible to obtain alginate membranes with homogeneous nanofibers and a narrow diameter distribution (i.e., around 100 nm) as well as alginate/hyaluronic acid membranes characterized by a network of bimodal distribution of the dimensions, namely nanofibers with a diameter comparable to the ones of the alginate membrane, in which are blocked microfibers with a ribbon like appearance, as observed in the SEM images. In order to facilitate the electrospinning process, poly(ethylene oxide) is added to the solutions and then removed after membranes preparation, as demonstrated by the differential scanning calorimetry results, obtaining membranes made up only biopolymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46390.
Neural mechanisms of behavioral change in young adults with high‐functioning autism receiving virtual reality social cognition training: A pilot study
Authors: Yang Y.J. Daniel , Allen Tandra , Abdullahi Sebiha M. , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Volkmar Fred R. , Chapman Sandra B.
Published: March 2018

Measuring treatment efficacy in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) relies primarily on behaviors, with limited evidence as to the neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral gains. This pilot study addresses this void by investigating neural and behavioral changes in a Phase I trial in young adults with high‐functioning ASD who received an evidence‐based behavioral intervention, Virtual Reality‐Social Cognition Training over 5 weeks for a total of 10 hr. The participants were tested pre‐ and post‐training with a validated biological/social versus scrambled/nonsocial motion neuroimaging task, previously shown to activate regions within the social brain networks. Three significant brain‐behavior changes were identified. First, the right posterior superior temporal sulcus, a hub for socio‐cognitive processing, showed increased brain activation to social versus nonsocial stimuli in individuals with greater gains on a theory‐of‐mind measure. Second, the left inferior frontal gyrus, a region for socio‐emotional processing, tracked individual gains in emotion recognition with decreased activation to social versus nonsocial stimuli. Finally, the left superior parietal lobule, a region for visual attention, showed significantly decreased activation to nonsocial versus social stimuli across all participants, where heightened attention to nonsocial contingencies has been considered a disabling aspect of ASD. This study provides, albeit preliminary, some of the first evidence of the harnessable neuroplasticity in adults with ASD through an age‐appropriate intervention in brain regions tightly linked to social abilities. This pilot trial motivates future efforts to develop and test social interventions to improve behaviors and supporting brain networks in adults with ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 713–725. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study addresses how the behavioral changes after treatment for ASD reflect underlying brain changes. Before and after receiving VR‐SCT, young adults with high‐functioning ASD passively viewed biological motion stimuli in a MRI scanner, tapping changes in the social brain network. The results reveal neuroplasticity in this age population, extending the window of opportunity for interventions to impact social competency in adults with ASD.
Pancreatic beta cells are a sensitive target of embryonic exposure to butylparaben in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Brown Sarah E. , Sant Karilyn E. , Fleischman Shana M. , Venezia Olivia , Roy Monika A. , Zhao Ling , Timme‐Laragy Alicia R.
Published: March 2018

Background

Butylparaben (butyl p‐hydroxybenzoic acid) is a common cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative reported to induce oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. Embryonic development is sensitive to oxidative stress, with redox potentials playing critical roles in progenitor cell fate decisions. Because pancreatic beta cells have been reported to have low antioxidant gene expression, they may be sensitive targets of oxidative stress. We tested the hypotheses that butylparaben causes oxidative stress in the developing embryo, and that pancreatic beta cells are a sensitive target of butylparaben embryotoxicity.

Methods

Transgenic insulin:GFP zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) were treated daily with 0, 250, 500, 1,000, and 3,000 nM butylparaben. Pancreatic islet and whole embryo development were examined though 7 days postfertilization, and gene expression was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. Glutathione (GSH) and cysteine redox content were measured at 28 hr postfertilization using HPLC.

Results

Butylparaben exposure caused intestinal effusion, pericardial edema, and accelerated yolk utilization. At 250 nM, beta cell area increased by as much as 55%, and increased incidence of two aberrant morphologies were observed‐fragmentation of the islet cluster and ectopic beta cells. Butylparaben concentrations of 500 and 1,000 nM increased GSH by 10 and 40%, respectively. Butylparaben exposure downregulated transcription factor pdx1, as well as genes involved in GSH synthesis, while upregulating GSH‐disulfide reductase (gsr).

Conclusions

The endocrine pancreas is a sensitive target of embryonic exposure to butylparaben, which also causes developmental deformities and perturbs redox conditions in the embryo.
Meta‐analysis of whole‐brain radiotherapy plus temozolomide compared with whole‐brain radiotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases from non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Xin Yong , Guo WenWen , Yang Chun Sheng , Huang Qian , Zhang Pei , Zhang Long Zhen , Jiang Guan
Published: March 2018

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the efficiency of whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) plus temozolomide (TMZ) with WBRT for the treatment of brain metastases from non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For dichotomous variables, outcomes were reported as relative risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to investigate the following outcome measures: overall response rate, headache, gastrointestinal adverse reactions, and hematological adverse reactions. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 925 participants (480 received WBRT plus TMZ; 445 received WBRT) were included in the meta‐analysis. There was a significant difference between the overall response rate (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.24–1.57; Z = 5.51; P < 0.00001), gastrointestinal adverse reactions (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.04; Z = 2.27; P = 0.02), and hematological adverse reactions (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.04–2.02; Z = 2.21; P = 0.03) of patients treated with WBRT plus TMZ compared with patients treated with WBRT alone. There was no significant difference between headaches (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.93–1.02; Z = 1.13; P = 0.26) in patients treated with WBRT plus TMZ compared with patients treated with WBRT alone. In conclusion, the currently available evidence shows that WBRT plus TMZ increases the overall response rate in patients with brain metastases of NSCLC compared with WBRT alone.
The polymorphisms of miRNA‐binding site in MLH3 and ERCC1 were linked to the risk of colorectal cancer in a case–control study
Authors: Zhang Qianye , Zheng Xiao , Li Xiaoxia , Sun Deyu , Xue Ping , Zhang Guopei , Xiao Mingyang , Cai Yuan , Jin Cuihong , Yang Jinghua , Wu Shengwen , Lu Xiaobo
Published: March 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as a malignant tumor of lower digestive tract, has been found to have an increasing morbidity and mortality in China. It was particularly important to find some earlier biomarkers to predict the risk and prognosis. In this study, several polymorphisms on 3′UTR of three DNA repair genes including MLH3 rs10862, ERCC1 rs3212986, ERCC1 rs735482, ERCC1 rs2336219, and OGG1 rs1052133 were chosen by bioinformatics exploration, and then, a case–control study of 200 CRC cases and controls was performed. Furthermore, a dual‐luciferase assay was also carried out to certify whether the candidate miRNA can regulate its target gene and the selected SNPs have a valid effect on the target miRNA. Finally, both of ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 were shown to be associated with the risk of CRC. Comparing with rs3212986 CC genotype, AA was at a higher risk (OR = 3.079, 95% CI: 1.192–7.952). For MLH3 rs108621, comparing with TT genotype, CC and TC were at a higher risk of CRC in male (OR = 5.171, 95% CI: 1.009–26.494; OR = 1.904, 95% CI: 1.049–3.455). Interestingly, an analysis combining both ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 also showed an increased risk of CRC. In addition, a dual‐luciferase assay showed that miR‐193a‐3p could regulate MLH3, and the polymorphism rs108621 could alter the miR‐193a‐3p binding to MLH3. Therefore, MLH3 rs108621 may be associated with the risk of CRC due to the effect of miR‐193a‐3p on MLH3, which reminded the possibility as potential susceptibility biomarkers to predict the risk of CRC.
Video evidence of improved hand function following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy in stroke: a case report
Authors: Carey James R. , Chen Mo , Streib Christopher D.
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

In a 46‐year‐old female 6 months poststroke who presented with minimal paretic hand function, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and exercises considerably improved her function beyond that accomplished with conventional rehabilitation. However, intermittent rTMS (2 sessions/week) was required to sustain the benefits. Research is required to determine the critical frequency of intermittent rTMS needed to sustain functional gains long term.
What can go wrong in hyperemesis gravidarum: Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Nhari Fiona T. , Dzvanga Narcisious B. T.
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

We report two cases of Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) secondary to hyperemesis gravidarum. Oral thiamine was administered (intravenous unavailable locally). However, both the patient's condition improved in the first 48 h and progressively over a month. Initially, WKS is missed due to rare feature of full classical triad of symptoms, especially in nonalcoholics.
Ablation of parahisian premature ventricular extrasystoles by subtricuspid retrograde approach using inverted catheter technique: back to the anatomy
Authors: Candemir Basar , Duzen Veysel , Coskun Firat , Vurgun Veysel Kutay , Goksuluk Huseyin , Ozyuncu Nil , Kurklu Seda Tan , Altin Ali Timucin , Akyurek Omer , Erol Cetin
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

This report illustrates a feasible and anatomical solution aiming to improve the success and decrease the possible hazards such as atrioventricular block during ablation of parahisian PVCs. We tried to illustrate the specific anatomy pertaining parahisian region and to explain a retrograde subvalvular catheter technique to overcome these procedural obstacles.
Life threatening nontraumatic tension gastrothorax
Authors: El Hajj Ihab I. , McCabe Marshall , Ceppa DuyKhanh P. , Fridell Jonathan A. , Sherman Stuart
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Tension gastrothorax is a rare condition, which poses a diagnostic dilemma and can be mistaken for a tension pneumothorax. Awareness of the risk factors, clinical presentation, and radiology findings of tension gastrothorax can help with the prompt identification and successful management of this life‐threatening condition.
Percutaneous extraction of appendicolith an extension of endourology corridor
Authors: Yallappa Sachin , Subramonian Kesavapilla
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Percutaneous procedure represents a novel, easy, and safe removal of retained appendicolith. This gives an advantage of less invasive treatment, shorter hospital stay, and enhanced recovery of the patients.
Evoked potential studies for predicting functional recovery in a case of acute necrotizing encephalopathy
Authors: Onozawa Yuya , Iwasaki Toshiyuki , Iizuka Takahiro , Nonoda Yutaka , Toki Taira , Obata Susumu , Munekata Shinichi , Kanoh Yuhsaku
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Normal‐appearing evoked potentials during the acute stage of the disease despite persistent coma may predict subsequent functional recovery of the brain in a pediatric case of acute necrotizing encephalopathy, indicating that evoked potential studies are useful for predicting functional outcome of the brain.
Two episodes of Taravana syndrome in a breath‐hold diver with hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Accurso Giuseppe , Cortegiani Andrea , Caruso Sabrina , Danile Oriana , Garbo Domenico , iozzo Pasquale , Vitale Filippo , Raineri Santi Maurizio , Gregoretti Cesare , Giarratano Antonino
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Taravana syndrome is a rare dysbaric disease characterized by neurologic signs and symptoms. Differently from others decompression illness, it has unspecified pathophysiology and unclear predisposing factors. Our cases suggest that thrombophilic state due to hyperhomocysteinemia could increase the risk to develop Taravana syndrome.
Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOxwith Ammonia over Copper Ion Exchanged SAPO‐47 Zeolites in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Zhang Yani , Peng Yue , Wang Chizhong , Li Kezhi , Liu Shuai , Li Xiansheng , Chen Jianjun , Li Junhua
Published: March 2018

Copper‐exchanged H‐SAPO‐47 zeolites were synthesized by an aqueous solution ion exchange method and applied in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3(SCR). The microporous chabazite (CHA) structure of the catalysts was characterized and confirmed using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption–desorption experiments. The synthesized Cux‐SAPO‐47 catalysts exhibited excellent SCR activity and nearly 100 % N2selectivity in a wide temperature range. The Cu0.1‐SAPO‐47 sample exhibited higher activity than the other samples below 250 °C. The weak Lewis acid sites originating from the introduction of Cu2+were more active than the Brønsted acid sites of the zeolites framework at low temperature. Two types of isolated Cu2+species with different coordination surroundings were found, namely, Cu2+cations bonded with the six‐membered rings and those bonded in the CHA cages. The former species exhibited good stability and activity at high temperature, whereas the latter ones were more active at low temperature. The Cu0.1‐SAPO‐47 catalyst provided a considerable amount of isolated Cu2+bonded in the CHA cages. These results indicated that active Lewis acid sites and isolated Cu2+species are responsible for their excellent SCR activity.
Effect of Ba Content on the Activity of La1‐xBaxMnO3 Towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gobaille‐Shaw Gael. P. A. , Celorrio Veronica , Calvillo Laura , Morris Louis J. , Granozzi Gaetano , Fermín David. J.
Published: March 2018

The electrocatalytic activity of La1‐xBaxMnO3 nanoparticles towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is investigated as a function of the A‐site composition. Phase‐pure oxide nanoparticles with a diameter in the range of 40 to 70 nm were prepared by using an ionic liquid route and deposited onto mesoporous carbon films. The structure and surface composition of the nanoparticles are probed by XRD, TEM, EDX, and XPS. Electrochemical studies carried out under alkaline conditions show a strong correlation between the activity of La1‐xBaxMnO3 and the effective number of reducible Mn sites at the catalysts layer. Our analysis demonstrates that, beyond controlling particle size and surface elemental segregation, understanding and controlling Mn coordination at the first atomic layer is crucial for increasing the performance of these materials.
Sarcomeric and nonmuscle α‐actinin isoforms exhibit differential dynamics at skeletal muscle Z‐lines
Authors: Hsu Cynthia P. , Moghadaszadeh Behzad , Hartwig John H. , Beggs Alan H.
Published: March 2018

The α‐actinin proteins are a highly conserved family of actin crosslinkers that mediate interactions between several cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins. Nonsarcomeric α‐actinin‐1 and α‐actinin‐4 crosslink actin filaments in the cytoskeleton, while sarcomeric α‐actinin‐2 and α‐actinin‐3 serve a crucial role in anchoring actin filaments to the muscle Z‐line. To assess the difference in turnover dynamics and structure/function properties between the α‐actinin isoforms at the sarcomeric Z‐line, we used Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) in primary myofiber cultures. We found that the recovery kinetics of these proteins followed three distinct patterns: α‐actinin‐2/α‐actinin‐3 had the slowest turn over, α‐actinin‐1 recovered to an intermediate degree, and α‐actinin‐4 had the fastest recovery. Interestingly, the isoforms’ patterns of recovery were reversed at adhesion plaques in fibroblasts. This disparity suggests that the different α‐actinin isoforms have unique association kinetics in myofibers and that nonmuscle isoform interactions are more dynamic at the sarcomeric Z‐line. Protein domain‐specific investigations using α‐actinin‐2/4 chimeric proteins showed that differential dynamics between sarcomeric and nonmuscle isoforms are regulated by cooperative interactions between the N‐terminal actin‐binding domain, the spectrin‐like linker region and the C‐terminal calmodulin‐like EF hand domain. Together, these findings demonstrate that α‐actinin isoforms are unique in binding dynamics at the Z‐line and suggest differentially evolved interactive and Z‐line association capabilities of each functional domain.
Selective Semihydrogenation of Phenylacetylene to Styrene Catalyzed by Alloyed Palladium/Gold Catalysts Anchored on Cerium Oxide
Authors: Zhang Sai , Xia Zhaoming , Chen Xiao , Gao Wei , Qu Yongquan
Published: March 2018

Chemoselective semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a significant organic transformation and long challenge for heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, the PdAu alloyed nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of cerium(IV) oxide nanorods (NR‐CeO2) through an electroless chemical deposition process. Alloyed catalysts had an enhanced catalytic activity for hydrogenation of phenylacetylene and improved selectivity towards styrene, compared with the Pd/NR‐CeO2 and Au/NR‐CeO2 catalysts. The enhanced catalytic activity can be attributed to the alloying effects. Furthermore, the weak adsorption of styrene obtained from the modulated surface characteristics also benefits the improved chemoselectivity.
A Simple One‐Pot Strategy for Synthesizing Ultrafine SnS2 Nanoparticle/Graphene Composites as Anodes for Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xin , Sun Xiaohong , Gao Zhiwen , Hu Xudong , Ling Rui , Cai Shu , Zheng Chunming , Hu Wenbin
Published: March 2018

SnS2/graphene composites have attracted extensive attention in energy storage owing to their excellent electrochemical performance. However, most of the previous methods to synthesize SnS2/graphene composites require long times, high temperatures, or high pressures, which are obstacles for practical low‐cost production. A simple one‐pot strategy to prepare SnS2/graphene composites has been developed, which is not time‐consuming (1 h) and requires moderate temperature (75 °C) in atmosphere. Through this method, ultrafine SnS2 nanoparticles anchored on graphene nanosheets are prepared and exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for both lithium and sodium storage. Specifically, as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries, the SnS2/graphene electrode delivers a high capacity of 1480 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Even at 10 A g−1, the SnS2/graphene electrode can achieve a capacity of 666 mAh g−1. A constructed full lithium‐ion cell exhibits a capacity of 957 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 1 A g−1. This simple one‐pot strategy may pave the way for large‐scale production and practical application of SnS2/graphene composites in energy storage.
Vegetation influences on infiltration in Hawaiian soils
Authors: Perkins Kim S. , Stock Jonathan D. , Nimmo John R.
Published: March 2018

Changes in vegetation communities caused by removing trees, introducing grazing ungulates, and replacing native plants with invasive species have substantially altered soil infiltration processes and rates in Hawaii. These changes directly impact run‐off, erosion, plant‐available water, and aquifer recharge. We hypothesize that broad vegetation communities can be characterized by distributions of field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs). We used 290 measurements of Kfs calculated from infiltration tests from 5 of the Hawaiian Islands to show this effect. We classified the data using 3 broad ecosystem categories: grasses, trees and shrubs, and bare soil. The soils of each site have coevolved with past and present ecological communities without significant mechanical disturbance by agriculture or urban development. Geometric mean values Kfs are 203 mm/hr for soils hosting trees and shrubs, 50 mm/hr for grasses, and 13 mm/hr for bare soil. Differences are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. These examples show that it is feasible to make maps of relative Kfs based on field and ecosystem data. These ecosystem trends can be used to estimate ongoing changes to run‐off and recharge from climate and land use change. Greater Kfs for ecosystems with primarily trees and shrubs suggests that management decisions concerning reforestation or other changes of vegetation can have substantial hydrologic impacts.
Mainstreaming across political sectors: Assessing biodiversity policy integration in Peru
Authors: Zinngrebe Yves M.
Published: March 2018

Mainstreaming biodiversity across political sectors and levels is a central challenge to conserving global biodiversity. This article introduces biodiversity policy integration (BPI) as an analytical approach for assessing the ecological performance of nonenvironmental sectors using the following criteria: inclusion, operationalization, coherence, capacity and weighting. To date, we know little about the barriers and enabling factors for integrating biodiversity into sector policies in resource intensive economies of the Global South. BPI in Peruvian political sectors of Agriculture and Irrigation, Economy and Finance, Energy and Mining, Production and Fishery, and Communication and Transport were analyzed based on sector strategies, related legal and strategic documents as well as qualitative expert interviews. While sectors commit to biodiversity conservation in general terms, a weak operationalization of biodiversity targets and low institutional capacity results in ineffective policy. Specific targets and indicators are not yet incorporated into sector strategies, national development planning, the evaluation of impact assessments or budget allocation. Biodiversity policies remain disconnected from the sectors' policy practices, which undermines the potential of reducing harmful incentives (Aichi target 3) and maintaining production within sustainable limits (Aichi target 4). Based on the results I identify the framing of sector‐specific targets, favorable actor constellations and adaptive institutional learning arrangements as key elements for improving BPI. Facilitating agents, such as the environmental Ministry or intersectoral commissions, play a central role in generating ownership of biodiversity objectives in sector policy‐making and supporting institutional learning processes.
Taxonomic status of Memecylon petiolatum Trimen ex Alston (Melastomataceae) and its extension of distribution to India
Authors: Das Das Moumita , Giri Girija Sankar , Pramanik Arabinda , Maity Debabrata
Published: March 2018

Memecylon petiolatum TRIMEN EX ALSTON, an endemic species of Sri Lanka is recorded from India for the first time. Its taxonomic status is discussed here with proper circumscription. M. petiolatum is treated as variety of M. edule ROXB. Justification of the varietal rank under M. edule is discussed. A detailed description of the taxon supplemented by botanical illustration together with its flowering‐fruiting time, type details, etc. are provided to aid its correct and easy identification.
Rights‐of‐way: a potential conservation resource
Authors: Gardiner Mary M , Riley Christopher B , Bommarco Riccardo , Öckinger Erik
Published: March 2018

Rights‐of‐way (ROW) that enable the transport of humans, goods, and energy (eg roads and road verges, railways and embankments, and power lines and the corridors they occupy) cover vast areas and can resemble a species‐rich natural habitat. We examine the value of ROW for biodiversity conservation. Similar to grasslands or heathlands, the green spaces associated with ROW often harbor high numbers of species, including rare plants and animals. There is, however, a risk that ROW can act as ecological traps, by attracting organisms that fail to survive and/or reproduce within ROW green spaces. To date, a focus on documenting species occurrence has left major gaps in our understanding of how life in a ROW influences the survival and reproduction of populations, their biotic interactions, and movements within a broader landscape. Estimating these parameters allows for management to better recognize the potential conservation value of these landscape elements.
Biodiversity offsets may miss opportunities to mitigate impacts on ecosystem services
Authors: Sonter Laura J , Gourevitch Jesse , Koh Insu , Nicholson Charles C , Richardson Leif L , Schwartz Aaron J , Singh Nitin K , Watson Keri B , Maron Martine , Ricketts Taylor H
Published: March 2018

Biodiversity offsets are most commonly used to mitigate the adverse impacts of development on biodiversity, but some offsets are now also designed to support ecosystem services (ES) goals. Here, we assemble a global database of biodiversity offsets (n = 70) to show that 41% already take ES into consideration, with the objective of enhancing cultural, regulating, and provisioning services. We found that biodiversity offsets were more likely to consider ES when (1) development projects reported impacts on services, (2) offsets had voluntary biodiversity goals, and (3) conservation organizations were involved. However, offsets that considered ES were similar in design (eg offsetting approach, extent, and location) to offsets focused solely on biodiversity, suggesting that including ES goals may represent an attempt to strengthen community support for development projects, rather than to offset known ES impacts. We also found that 34% of all offsets displaced people and negatively affected livelihoods. Therefore, when biodiversity and ES are linked, current practices may not actually improve outcomes, instead incurring additional costs to communities and companies.
Effects of Chinese pickled and dried mustard on nutritional quality, sensory quality, and shelf life of steamed pork belly
Authors: Shen Qing , Wang Mengting , Tian Jinhu , Hu Lyulin , Ren Sijie , Chen Jianchu , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong
Published: March 2018

Steamed pork with pickled and dried mustard (PDM) is a famous Chinese dish. Here, we examined the effects of PDM on nutritional quality, sensory quality, and shelf life of steamed pork belly. Proximate composition, lipid oxidation, fatty acid profiles, protein hydrolysis and oxidation, sensory evaluation, and induction period (IP) of steamed pork belly were determined after addition of different levels (0–100%, WPDM/Wpork belly) of PDM. The results demonstrated that PDM could significantly (p < .05) enhance the loss of moisture and fat, increase the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, and decrease lipid and protein oxidation in steamed pork belly. Additionally, IP values and steamed pork belly preservation times increased as the amount of added PDM increased. Best sensory quality was achieved when moderate levels of PDM (40%) were added to steamed pork belly. These findings provide insights into the beneficial effects of PDM on steamed pork belly.
Appropriate parboiling steaming time at atmospheric pressure and variety to produce rice with weak digestive properties
Authors: Zohoun Elvire V. , Ndindeng Sali A. , Soumanou Mohamed M. , Tang Erasmus N. , Bigoga Jude , Manful John , Sanyang Sidi , Akissoe Noel H. , Futakuchi Koichi
Published: March 2018

Consumers with diabetes mellitus have shown interest in products with low postprandial glucose. To produce rice for this group of consumers, the effect of parboiling steaming time (0, 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 min) and variety (NERICA1, NERICA7, WITA4, and IR841) on resistant, damaged starch fractions and glycemic response in rats was investigated. Resistant and damaged starch fractions were influenced by variety and steaming time but this was not the case for glycemic index. Nonparboiled NERICA7 and NERICA7 steamed for 25 min recorded the highest (10.07%) and lowest (2.49%) resistant starch fraction, respectively. Resistant starch correlated negatively with protein and sodium and positively with lipids. Damaged starch was high for WITA4 steamed for 45 min (26.80%) and low for nonparboiled NERICA1 (6.59%). Damaged starch correlated positively with lipid content and negatively with ash and total starch content. NERICA7 steamed for 35 min recorded the lowest postprandial glucose level 30 min after feeding (0.16 g/L), while WITA4 steamed for 15, 25, and 35 min and nonparboiled NERICA7 recorded higher levels (0.76, 0.91, 0.84, and 0.76 g/L, respectively). NERICA7 steamed for 35 min recorded both low glycemic and weak digestive properties because the glycemic index was lowest 120 min and increased steadily up to 180 min after feeding. We conclude that the digestive properties of rice depend both on the intrinsic properties of the variety and the parboiling steaming time.
Environmentally relevant chemical mixtures of concern in waters of United States tributaries to the Great Lakes
Authors: Elliott Sarah M , Brigham Mark E , Kiesling Richard L , Schoenfuss Heiko L , Jorgenson Zachary G
Published: March 2018

The North American Great Lakes are a vital natural resource that provide fish and wildlife habitat, as well as drinking water and waste assimilation services for millions of people. Tributaries to the Great Lakes receive chemical inputs from various point and nonpoint sources, and thus are expected to have complex mixtures of chemicals. However, our understanding of the co-occurrence of specific chemicals in complex mixtures is limited. To better understand the occurrence of specific chemical mixtures in the US Great Lakes Basin, surface water from 24 US tributaries to the Laurentian Great Lakes was collected and analyzed for diverse suites of organic chemicals, primarily focused on chemicals of concern (e.g., pharmaceuticals, personal care products, fragrances). A total of 181 samples and 21 chemical classes were assessed for mixture compositions. Basin wide, 1664 mixtures occurred in at least 25% of sites. The most complex mixtures identified comprised 9 chemical classes and occurred in 58% of sampled tributaries. Pharmaceuticals typically occurred in complex mixtures, reflecting pharmaceutical-use patterns and wastewater facility outfall influences. Fewer mixtures were identified at lake or lake-influenced sites than at riverine sites. As mixture complexity increased, the probability of a specific mixture occurring more often than by chance greatly increased, highlighting the importance of understanding source contributions to the environment. This empirically based analysis of mixture composition and occurrence may be used to focus future sampling efforts or mixture toxicity assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:509–518. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

An empirically based analysis was used to identify commonly occurring chemical mixtures of concern in US tributaries to the Great Lakes. Chemical mixtures of concern were ubiquitous across US tributaries to the Great Lakes, representing complex exposure scenarios for fish and wildlife. Most chemical mixtures of concern occurred more often than by chance, which highlights the need to understand source contributions to the environment. This approach can be used to inform laboratory exposure experiments or resource management efforts focused on reducing total risk of biota to chemicals of concern.
Oxidative stress in organophosphate poisoning: role of standard antidotal therapy
Authors: Vanova Nela , Pejchal Jaroslav , Herman David , Dlabkova Alzbeta , Jun Daniel
Published: March 2018

Despite the main mechanism of organophosphate (OP) toxicity through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) being well known over the years, some chronic adverse health effects indicate the involvement of additional pathways. Oxidative stress is among the most intensively studied. Overstimulation of cholinergic and glutamatergic nervous system is followed by intensified generation of reactive species and oxidative damage in many tissues. In this review, the role of oxidative stress in pathophysiology of OP poisoning and the influence of commonly used medical interventions on its levels are discussed. Current standardized therapy of OP intoxications comprises live‐saving administration of the anticholinergic drug atropine accompanied by oxime AChE reactivator and diazepam. The capability of these antidotes to ameliorate OP‐induced oxidative stress varies between both therapeutic groups and individual medications within the drug class. Regarding oxidative stress, atropine does not seem to have a significant effect on oxidative stress parameters in OP poisoning. In a case of AChE reactivators, pro‐oxidative and antioxidative properties could be found. It is assumed that the ability of oximes to trigger oxidative stress is rather associated with their chemical structure than reactivation efficacy. The data indicating the potency of diazepam in preventing OP‐induced oxidative stress are not available. Based on current knowledge on the mechanism of OP‐mediated oxidative stress, alternative approaches (including antioxidants or multifunctional drugs) in therapy of OP poisoning are under consideration.
Nitric oxide generating copper–chitosan particles for wound healing applications
Authors: Fontana Kathleen , Ventimiglia Leslie , Mutus Bulent
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays many roles during infection, inflammation, and wound healing processes. Due to the role of NO in wound repair, a novel NO generation system was developed based on copper–chitosan complexes that can be used for the topical generation of NO. Chitosan, a biocompatible polymer, chelates copper ions. Copper in the +1 state can reduce nitrite (NO2–) and convert it into NO. With glucose, a reducing sugar, present in the system, Cu+2 can be returned to Cu+1 to complete the catalytic cycle.

RESULTS

Copper–chitosan milli‐ and micro‐sized particles were produced using microfluidic techniques. Copper–chitosan milli‐particles (Cu‐chito) did produce nitric oxide (NO). The maximum rates of NO production were ∼ 1.40 nmol min‐1 g‐1 (Cu‐chito) and 1.08 nmol min‐1 g‐1 (Cu‐chito + glucose). The milli‐particles were tested with ARPE‐19 cell lines in cell proliferation assays. Cu‐chito particle treatments with nitrite showed 130% more growth in comparison with chitosan milli‐particles not containing copper. Furthermore, Cu‐chito treatments of nitrite + glucose showed 152% more growth in comparison with control groups, and 118% in comparison with Cu‐chito with nitrite alone. The activity of intracellular NO target, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and ‐9), were shown to increase by 60% after 48 h of Cu‐chito ± glucose treatments.

CONCLUSION

NO‐releasing copper–chitosan derivatives were produced, with proof of concept for nitric oxide release and positive effects on a cell culture model of wound healing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry