bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S
arfatti,
M
argherita (1880–1961)
Authors: Block Marcelline
Published: September 2017

Margherita Sarfatti (née Grassini), perhaps best remembered for her romantic involvement with Benito Mussolini, made important contributions to politics, art – including her renowned salon, patronage of writers and artists, as well as her support of the Novecento Italiano movement – journalism, literature, and feminism in Italy. In Adrian Lyttelton's words, “she was active on her own account in feminist journalism and politics … if Sarfatti had never been Mussolini's mistress, she would still have been an influential critic, connoisseur, and patron of modern art. No other woman had achieved a comparable position in the Italian art world in this century” (Lyttelton 1993).
Sport and Imperialism, Cricket and Class Domination
Authors: Scalmer Sean
Published: September 2017

Some view cricket as the most complex game in the world. It is played on an open field, with a “pitch” (a thin corridor of compacted soil, 22 yards in length) placed in the middle. At each end of the pitch, three cylindrical stumps loom up out of the ground to waist height, with two small chunks of wood (“bails”) forming a bridge between them at the top. Together, these constitute a “wicket,” somewhat shorter and narrower than the legs of a grown man.
Y
ablonski,
J
oseph (1910–1969)
Authors: Lubitz Leonard H.
Published: September 2017

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1910, Joseph “Jock” Yablonski grew up the son of a mine worker who was killed in an explosion while working. At the age of 24, he was elected as an official of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). His career steadily climbed over the years. In 1940, he was elected as a representative to the UMWA's international executive board, and in 1958 was appointed president of UMWA District 5. In 1965, he was removed from this position by UMWA president W. A. “Tony” Boyle, a longtime union official under former president John L. Lewis, with whom Yablonski often clashed over issues of representation of the rank and file.
Scaling Effects on the Electrochemical Performance of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), Au, and Pt for Electrocorticography Recording
Authors: Ganji Mehran , Elthakeb Ahmed T. , Tanaka Atsunori , Gilja Vikash , Halgren Eric , Dayeh Shadi A.
Published: September 2017

Reduced contact size would permit higher resolution cortical recordings, but the effects of diameter on crucial recording and stimulation properties are poorly understood. Here, the first systematic study of scaling effects on the electrochemical properties of metallic Pt and Au and organic poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes is presented. PEDOT:PSS exhibits better faradaic charge transfer and capacitive charge coupling than metal electrodes, and these characteristics lead to improved electrochemical performance and reduced noise at smaller electrode diameters. PEDOT:PSS coating reduces the impedances of metallic electrodes by up to 18x for diameters <200 µm, but has no effect for millimeter scale contacts due to the dominance of series resistances. Therefore, the performance gains are especially significant at smaller diameters and lower frequencies essential for recording cognitive and pathological activities. Additionally, the overall reduced noise of the PEDOT:PSS electrodes enables a lower noise floor for recording action potentials. These results permit quantitative optimization of contact material and diameter for different electrocorticography applications.
Enhancing the Stability of Perovskite Quantum Dots by Encapsulation in Crosslinked Polystyrene Beads via a Swelling–Shrinking Strategy toward Superior Water Resistance
Authors: Wei Yi , Deng Xiaoran , Xie Zhongxi , Cai Xuechao , Liang Sisi , Ma Ping'an , Hou Zhiyao , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: September 2017

Organic/inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites are promising optoelectronic materials due to their unique structure, excellent properties, and fascinating potential applications in lighting, photovoltaic, etc. However, perovskite materials are very sensitive to moisture and polar solvent, which greatly hinders their practical applications. Here, highly luminescent perovskite–polystyrene composite beads with uniform morphology are prepared via a simple swelling–shrinking strategy. This process is carried out only in nonpolar toluene and hexane without the addition of any polar reagents. As a result, the as‐prepared composite beads not only retain high luminescence but also exhibit superior water‐resistant property. The composites emit strong luminescence after being immersed into water over nine months. Moreover, even in some harsh environments such as acid/alkali aqueous solution, phosphate buffer solution, and Dulbecco's modified eagle medium biological buffers, they still preserve high luminescence. The applications in light‐emitting diodes and cellular labeling agents are also carried out to demonstrate their ultrastability.
3D Miniaturization of Human Organs for Drug Discovery
Authors: Park Joseph , Wetzel Isaac , Dréau Didier , Cho Hansang
Published: September 2017

“Engineered human organs” hold promises for predicting the effectiveness and accuracy of drug responses while reducing cost, time, and failure rates in clinical trials. Multiorgan human models utilize many aspects of currently available technologies including self‐organized spherical 3D human organoids, microfabricated 3D human organ chips, and 3D bioprinted human organ constructs to mimic key structural and functional properties of human organs. They enable precise control of multicellular activities, extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, spatial distributions of cells, architectural organizations of ECM, and environmental cues. Thus, engineered human organs can provide the microstructures and biological functions of target organs and advantageously substitute multiscaled drug‐testing platforms including the current in vitro molecular assays, cell platforms, and in vivo models. This review provides an overview of advanced innovative designs based on the three main technologies used for organ construction leading to single and multiorgan systems useable for drug development. Current technological challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
Field‐Effect Biosensors for On‐Site Detection: Recent Advances and Promising Targets
Authors: Choi Jaebin , Seong Tae Wha , Jeun Minhong , Lee Kwan Hyi
Published: September 2017

There is an explosive interest in the immediate and cost‐effective analysis of field‐collected biological samples, as many advanced biodetection tools are highly sensitive, yet immobile. On‐site biosensors are portable and convenient sensors that provide detection results at the point of care. They are designed to secure precision in highly ionic and heterogeneous solutions with minimal hardware. Among various methods that are capable of such analysis, field‐effect biosensors are promising candidates due to their unique sensitivity, manufacturing scalability, and integrability with computational circuitry. Recent developments in nanotechnological surface modification show promising results in sensing from blood, serum, and urine. This report gives a particular emphasis on the on‐site efficacy of recently published field‐effect biosensors, specifically, detection limits in physiological solutions, response times, and scalability. The survey of the properties and existing detection methods of four promising biotargets, exosomes, bacteria, viruses, and metabolites, aims at providing a roadmap for future field‐effect and other on‐site biosensors.
Self‐Assembly of an Amphiphilic Janus Camptothecin–Floxuridine Conjugate into Liposome‐Like Nanocapsules for More Efficacious Combination Chemotherapy in Cancer
Authors: Liang Xiaolong , Gao Chuang , Cui Ligang , Wang Shumin , Wang Jinrui , Dai Zhifei
Published: September 2017

The combination of camptothecin (CPT) and fluoropyrimidine derivatives acts synergistically at a 1:1 molar ratio. Practically, the greatest challenge is the development of a single liposomal formulation that can both encapsulate and maintain this drug combination at an exact 1:1 ratio to achieve coordinated pharmacokinetics. Consequently, a new type of liposome‐like nanocapsule (NC) is developed from a highly symmetric Janus camptothecin–floxuridine conjugate (JCFC) amphiphile, which is synthesized by coupling two hydrophobic CPT molecules and two hydrophilic floxuridine (FUDR) molecules to multivalent pentaerythritol via a hydrolyzable ester linkage. JCFC NCs possess remarkably high drug‐loading contents, and no premature release because of the highly stable co‐delivery of the drug combination without the need for any carrier. It is shown that JCFC NCs consistently provide synergy and avoid antagonism in a broad panel of tumor cell lines. In vivo delivery of JCFC NCs leads to longer blood retention half‐life, higher tumorous accumulation and cellular uptake of drugs, and greatly enhanced efficacy in murine tumor models compared to CPT, FUDR, and CPT + FUDR. This liposomal strategy can be extended to other hydrophilic and hydrophobic anticancer drugs that are coupled to pentaerythritol to self‐assemble into nanocapsules for drug self‐delivery, pointing to potential clinical translation in near future.
8.0% Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells with High Photovoltage of 1.1 V and Internal Quantum Efficiency near Unity
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Li Zhaojun , Zhang Wei , Meng Xiangyi , Zou Xianshao , Di Carlo Rasi Dario , Ma Wei , Yartsev Arkady , Andersson Mats R. , Janssen René A. J. , Wang Ergang
Published: September 2017

In very recent years, growing efforts have been devoted to the development of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). One of the advantages of all‐PSCs over the fullerene‐based PSCs is the versatile design of both donor and acceptor polymers which allows the optimization of energy levels to maximize the open‐circuit voltage (Voc). However, there is no successful example of all‐PSCs with both high Voc over 1 V and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 8% reported so far. In this work, a combination of a donor polymer poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐octylthio)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6(5H)‐dione)‐1,3‐diyl] (PBDTS‐TPD) with a low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital level and an acceptor polymer poly[[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (PNDI‐T) with a high‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level is used, realizing high‐performance all‐PSCs with simultaneously high Voc of 1.1 V and high PCE of 8.0%, and surpassing the performance of the corresponding PC71BM‐based PSCs. The PBDTS‐TPD:PNDI‐T all‐PSCs achieve a maximum internal quantum efficiency of 95% at 450 nm, which reveals that almost all the absorbed photons can be converted into free charges and collected by electrodes. This work demonstrates the advantages of all‐PSCs by incorporating proper donor and acceptor polymers to boost both Voc and PCEs.
3D Porous Cu–Zn Alloys as Alternative Anode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries with Superior Low T Performance
Authors: Varzi Alberto , Mattarozzi Luca , Cattarin Sandro , Guerriero Paolo , Passerini Stefano
Published: September 2017

Zinc is recently gaining interest in the battery community as potential alternative anode material, because of its large natural abundance and potentially larger volumetric density than graphite. Nevertheless, pure Zn anodes have shown so far very poor cycling performance. Here, the electrochemical performance of Zn‐rich porous Cu–Zn alloys electrodeposited by an environmentally friendly (aqueous) dynamic hydrogen bubble template method is reported. The lithiation/delithiation mechanism is studied in detail by both in situ and ex situ X‐ray diffraction, indicating the reversible displacement of Zn from the Cu–Zn alloy upon reaction with Li. The influence of the alloy composition on the performance of carbon‐ and binder‐free electrodes is also investigated. The optimal Cu:Zn atomic ratio is found to be 18:82, which provides impressive rate capability up to 10 A g−1 (≈30C), and promising capacity retention upon more than 500 cycles. The high electronic conductivity provided by Cu, and the porous electrode morphology also enable superior lithium storage capability at low temperature. Cu18Zn82 can indeed steadily deliver ≈200 mAh g−1 at −20 °C, whereas an analogous commercial graphite electrode rapidly fades to only 12 mAh g−1.
A flowsheet model for the development of a continuous process for pharmaceutical tablets: An industrial perspective
Authors: García‐Muñoz Salvador , Butterbaugh Adam , Leavesley Ian , Manley Leo Francis , Slade David , Bermingham Sean
Published: September 2017

A dynamic model of a continuous direct compression process for pharmaceutical tablets is presented. The objective is to assess the impact of the variability from the feeder system on the concentration of drug in the powder in the feed frame of a tablet press. The model is based on principles of dispersed flow from the reaction engineering field. An estimability analysis was performed to understand the impact of the available measurements on the estimated parameters and suggest better ways to approach the parametrization. Predictions are successfully contrasted with experimental data. The model is used to produce residence time distributions at different process conditions and a graphical representation of the allowable range of disturbances in the feeders that can be mitigated by the process. The model was used in support of the method development for an online near infrared sensor. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 511–525, 2018
Unrelated matched versus autologous transplantation in adult patients with good and intermediate risk acute myelogenous leukemia in first molecular remission
Authors: Gorin Norbert‐Claude , Labopin Myriam , Pabst Thomas , Remenyi Peter , Wu Depei , Huynh Anne , Volin Liisa , Cahn Jean Yves , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Mercier Melanie , Houhou Mohamed , Mohty Mohamad , Nagler Arnon ,   on behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT
Published: September 2017

Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia have a better outcome if reaching molecular remission. We compared the outcome of 373 patients autografted and 335 patients allografted with a 10/10 compatible unrelated donor in first molecular remission. Patients were stratified using the ELN European Leukemia Net classification. ELN favorable group: (234 auto and 70 unrelated transplants). By univariate analysis, in the auto group, the Non Relapse Mortality (NRM) was lower (3.7% versus 19%; P < 10−4), Relapse Incidence (RI) higher (29% versus 17%, P < 10−4), Leukemia Free Survival (LFS) identical (67% versus 64%) and Overall Survival (OS) better than in the allogeneic group (83% versus 62%; P = .008). By multivariate analysis, autologous transplantation was associated with a lower NRM (HR: 4, P = .01) and a better OS (HR: 2.08, P = .04). ELN intermediate group 1: (87 autologous and 172 unrelated transplants). By univariate analysis, in the auto group, NRM was lower (2.5% versus 11.8%; P = .03), RI higher (59% versus 18%, P < 10−6), LFS lower (39% versus 70%; P < 10−6) and OS lower than in the unrelated donor group (61% versus 74%; P = .005). By multivariate analysis, unrelated donor was superior to autologous transplantation for LFS (HR: 0.36, P < 10−5) and OS (HR: 0.53, P = .01). ELN intermediate group 2: (52 autologous and 93 unrelated donors). The outcome was identical. We conclude that good risk patients get higher benefit from autologous transplantation. Intermediate risk 2 patients have the same outcome and Intermediate risk 1 patients get higher benefit from unrelated donor transplants.
Estimating activity of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) using accelerometers
Authors: Sha John C. M. , Kaneko Akihisa , Suda‐Hashimoto Naoko , He Tianmeng , Take Makiko , Peng Zhang , Hanya Goro
Published: September 2017

Accelerometers have been used to study both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, mainly for mammal and bird species. In terrestrial mammals, there is a bias toward ungulates and carnivores, with fewer studies on nonhuman primates. In this study, we tested the use of accelerometers for studying the activity of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We modeled the activity of a male and a female subject by matching continuous focal observations from video recordings to sensor parameters derived from collar‐mounted accelerometers. Models achieved classification performance (AUC) of greater than 90% for both subjects, with similar results when subjects were cross‐validated. Accelerometer‐based estimates of activity had comparable accuracies to estimates from instantaneous sampling at 1 min and 5 min intervals. We further demonstrated the use of model estimates for analyzing circadian rhythm and night time activity of M. fuscata. Our results add support to the feasibility of using accelerometers for studying activity of nonhuman primates. We discussed the limitations, benefits and potential applications of remote‐sensing technology like accelerometers for advancing primalotogical studies.
Mutations of KIF14 cause primary microcephaly by impairing cytokinesis
Authors: Moawia Abubakar , Shaheen Ranad , Rasool Sajida , Waseem Syeda Seema , Ewida Nour , Budde Birgit , Kawalia Amit , Motameny Susanne , Khan Kamal , Fatima Ambrin , Jameel Muhammad , Ullah Farid , Akram Talia , Ali Zafar , Abdullah Uzma , Irshad Saba , Höhne Wolfgang , Noegel Angelika Anna , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Stöbe Petra , Baig Shahid Mahmood , Nürnberg Peter , Alkuraya Fowzan Sami , Hahn Andreas , Hussain Muhammad Sajid
Published: September 2017

Objective

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare condition characterized by a reduced cerebral cortex accompanied with intellectual disability. Mutations in 17 genes have been shown to cause this phenotype. Recently, mutations in CIT, encoding CRIK (citron rho‐interacting kinase)—a component of the central spindle matrix—were added. We aimed at identifying novel MCPH‐associated genes and exploring their functional role in pathogenesis.

Methods

Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing were performed in consanguineous and nonconsanguineous MCPH families to identify disease‐causing variants. Functional consequences were investigated by RNA studies and on the cellular level using immunofluorescence and microscopy.

Results

We identified homozygous mutations in KIF14 (NM_014875.2;c.263T>A;pLeu88*, c.2480_2482delTTG; p.Val827del, and c.4071G>A;p.Gln1357=) as the likely cause in 3 MCPH families. Furthermore, in a patient presenting with a severe form of primary microcephaly and short stature, we identified compound heterozygous missense mutations in KIF14 (NM_014875.2;c.2545C>G;p.His849Asp and c.3662G>T;p.Gly1221Val). Three of the 5 identified mutations impaired splicing, and 2 resulted in a truncated protein. Intriguingly, Kif14 knockout mice also showed primary microcephaly. Human kinesin‐like protein KIF14, a microtubule motor protein, localizes at the midbody to finalize cytokinesis by interacting with CRIK. We found impaired localization of both KIF14 and CRIK at the midbody in patient‐derived fibroblasts. Furthermore, we observed a large number of binucleated and apoptotic cells—signs of failed cytokinesis that we also observed in experimentally KIF14‐depleted cells.

Interpretation

Our data corroborate the role of an impaired cytokinesis in the etiology of primary and syndromic microcephaly, as has been proposed by recent findings on CIT mutations. Ann Neurol 2017;82:562–577
One‐Step Multigram‐Scale Biomimetic Synthesis of Psiguadial B
Authors: Newton Christopher G. , Tran Duc N. , Wodrich Matthew D. , Cramer Nicolai
Published: September 2017

A gram‐scale synthesis of psiguadial B, a purported inhibitor of human hepatoma cell growth, has been achieved in one step by a biomimetic three‐component coupling of caryophyllene, benzaldehyde, and diformylphloroglucinol. This cascade reaction is catalyzed by N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine, and proceeds at ambient temperature to generate four stereocenters, two rings, one C−O bond, and three C−C bonds. Combined computational and experimental investigations suggest the biosynthesis of the natural product is non‐enzyme mediated, and is the result of a Michael addition between caryophyllene and a reactive ortho‐quinone methide, followed by two sequential intramolecular cationic cyclization events.
An Extensive Family of Heterometallic Titanium(IV)–Metal(III) Rings with Structure Control through Templates
Authors: Timco Grigore A. , Fernandez Antonio , Kostopoulos Andreas K. , Muryn Christopher A. , Pritchard Robin G. , Strashnov Ilya , Vitorica‐Yrezebal Inigo J. , Whitehead George F. S. , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: September 2017

A family of heterometallic [Cat][TixMO(x+1)(O2CtBu)2x+2] rings is reported where Cat=a secondary or tertiary alkyl ammonium ion, x=7, 8 or 9, and M=FeIII, GaIII, CrIII, InIII and AlIII. The structures are regular polygons with eight, nine or ten vertices with each edge bridged by an oxide and two pivalates. The size of the ring formed is controlled by the alkylammonium cation present. In each case a homometallic by‐product is found [Cat][TixO(x+1)(O2CtBu)2x−1].
Reactivity of a Dihydrodiborene with CO: Coordination, Insertion, Cleavage, and Spontaneous Formation of a Cyclic Alkyne
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Böhnke Julian , Braunschweig Holger , Celik Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2017

Under a CO atmosphere, the dihydrodiborene [(cAAC)HB=BH(cAAC)] underwent coordination of CO concomitant with reversible hydrogen migration from boron to the carbene carbon atom, as well as reversible CO insertion into the B=B bond. Heating the CO adduct resulted in two unusual cAAC ring‐expansion products, one presenting a B=C bond to a six‐membered 1,2‐azaborinane‐3‐ylidene, the other an unprecedented nine‐membered cyclic alkyne resulting from reductive cleavage of CO and spontaneous formation of a C≡C bond.
Co(II) anchored glutaraldehyde crosslinked magnetic chitosan nanoparticles (MCS) for synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles
Authors: Singh Harminder , Rajput Jaspreet Kaur
Published: September 2017

A simple, highly efficient and green synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubsituted and 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles was developed using a novel MCS‐GT@Co(II) magnetically recoverable and recyclable catalyst under refluxing conditions with ethanol as a solvent. The catalyst was prepared by immobilization of chitosan onto Fe3O4 using glutaraldehyde as crosslinker followed by Co(II) ion immobilization via cobalt acetate. The catalyst was characterized using various techniques. For organic products determination, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies were used. The reaction was also tried with individual components of the catalyst, but the synergistic effect of the components in the prepared catalyst showed the highest yield and shortest reaction time.
Potential of producing carbon fiber from biorefinery corn stover lignin with high ash content
Authors: Qu Wangda , Liu Jing , Xue Yuan , Wang Xinwei , Bai Xianglan
Published: September 2017

The possibility of producing carbon fiber from an industrial corn stover lignin was investigated in the present study. As‐received, high‐ash containing lignin was subjected to methanol fractionation, acetylation, and thermal treatment prior to melt spinning and the changes in physiochemical and thermal properties were evaluated. Methanol fractionation removed most of the impurities in the raw lignin and also selectively removed the molecules with high melting points. However, neither methanol fractionation nor thermal treatment rendered melt‐spinnable precursors. The precursors were highly viscous and decomposed easily at low temperatures, attributed to the presence of H, G phenolic units, and abundant hydroxycinnamate groups in herbaceous lignin. A two‐step acetylation of methanol fractionated lignin greatly improved the mobility of lignin, while enhancing the thermal stability of the precursor during melt‐spinning. Fourier Transform Infrared and 2D‐NMR analysis showed that the contents of phenolic and aliphatic hydroxyls, as well as the hydroxycinnamates, decreased in the acetylated precursors. The optimum precursor was a partially acetylated lignin with a glass transition temperature of 85 °C. Upon oxidative stabilization and carbonization, the carbon fibers with an average tensile strength of 454 MPa and modulus of 62 GPa were obtained. The Raman spectroscopy showed the ID/IG ratio of the carbon fiber was 2.53. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45736.
Preparation of antibacterial temperature‐sensitive silver‐nanocomposite hydrogels from N‐isopropylacrylamide with green tea
Authors: Jayaramudu Tippabattini , Varaprasad Kokkarachedu , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Kim Hyun Chan , Kim Jaehwan
Published: September 2017

This article reports the temperature‐sensitive, green tea (GT)‐based silver‐nanocomposite hydrogels for bacterial growth inactivation. The temperature‐sensitive hydrogels were prepared via free‐radical polymerization using temperature‐sensitive N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer with GT as the hydrogel matrix. The nanocomposite hydrogels were encapsulated with silver ions via swelling method, which was later reduced to silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica leaf extract. The temperature‐sensitive silver nanocomposite hydrogels were analyzed by using Fourier transforms infrared, UV–visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared hydrogels exhibited higher phase volume transition temperature than the NIPAM. The inhibition zone study of the inactivation of bacteria on the developed hydrogels was carried out against Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), which revealed that the prepared hydrogels are helpful for the inactivation of these bacteria due to the high stabilization of antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles. The developed hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45739.
A grid refinement study of trade wind cumuli simulated by a Lagrangian cloud microphysical model: the super‐droplet method
Authors: Sato Yousuke , Shima Shin‐ichiro , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: September 2017

The impact of spatial resolution on the simulation of trade wind cumuli was investigated. The super‐droplet method, an efficient stochastic Lagrangian cloud microphysical model, was used to reduce uncertainties due to the empirical parameterisation of cloud microphysics and numerical diffusion for advection, which is inevitable in an Eulerian cloud microphysical model. We showed for the first time that cloud cover numerically converged with a grid resolution of 12.5 m. Our grid refinement analysis elucidated a significant contribution of small cumulus clouds to total cloud cover, as such cumuli are generated by small‐scale updrafts that can be resolved only at a fine resolution.
Enhanced Production of Soluble Recombinant Proteins With an In Situ‐Removable Fusion Partner in a Cell‐Free Synthesis System
Authors: Kasi Devi , Nah Hee Ju , Catherine Christy , Kim Eung‐Soo , Han Kyubeom , Ha Jong‐Cheon , Kim Dong‐Myung
Published: September 2017

High‐yield production of soluble protein is a common concern in diverse fields of biotechnology. In this study, a strategy of using an engineered nucleotide sequence of ubiquitin for enhancing the production of soluble proteins in a cell‐free synthesis system is presented. When examined for a series of proteins that otherwise were poorly expressed, N‐terminal fusion with ubiquitin significantly increased both the expression levels and solubility of the translational products. The effect of ubiquitin fusion was also markedly augmented by engineering the nucleotide sequence of ubiquitin, leading to several fold enhancements in soluble production of target proteins. Recombinant proteins were produced with their native amino acid sequences through in situ removal of ubiquitin during cell‐free synthesis reactions in the presence of a deubiquitinase. The presented strategy could be employed as a facile route to prepare soluble proteins required for various applications.
Inhibition analysis of inhibitors derived from lignocellulose pretreatment on the metabolic activity of Zymomonas mobilis biofilm and planktonic cells and the proteomic responses
Authors: Todhanakasem Tatsaporn , Yodsanga Supanika , Sowatad Apinya , Kanokratana Pattanop , Thanonkeo Pornthep , Champreda Verawat
Published: September 2017

Lignocellulose pretreatment produces various toxic inhibitors that affect microbial growth, metabolism, and fermentation. Zymomonas mobilis is an ethanologenic microbe that has been demonstrated to have potential to be used in lignocellulose biorefineries for bioethanol production. Z. mobilis biofilm has previously exhibited high potential to enhance ethanol production by presenting a higher viable cell number and higher metabolic activity than planktonic cells or free cells when exposed to lignocellulosic hydrolysate containing toxic inhibitors. However, there has not yet been a systematic study on the tolerance level of Z. mobilis biofilm compared to planktonic cells against model toxic inhibitors derived from lignocellulosic material. We took the first insight into the concentration of toxic compound (formic acid, acetic acid, furfural, and 5‐HMF) required to reduce the metabolic activity of Z. mobilis biofilm and planktonic cells by 25% (IC25), 50% (IC50), 75% (IC75), and 100% (IC100). Z. mobilis strains ZM4 and TISTR 551 biofilm were two‐ to three fold more resistant to model toxic inhibitors than planktonic cells. Synergetic effects were found in the presence of formic acid, acetic acid, furfural, and 5‐HMF. The IC25 of Z. mobilis ZM4 biofilm and TISTR 551 biofilm were 57 mm formic acid, 155 mm acetic acid, 37.5 mm furfural and 6.4 mm 5‐HMF, and 225 mm formic acid, 291 mm acetic acid, 51 mm furfural and 41 mm 5‐HMF, respectively. There was no significant difference found between proteomic analysis of the stress response to toxic inhibitors of Z. mobilis biofilm and planktonic cells on ZM4. However, TISTR 551 biofilms exhibited two proteins (molecular chaperone DnaK and 50S ribosomal protein L2) that were up‐regulated in the presence of toxic inhibitors. TISTR 551 planktonic cells possessed two types of protein in the group of 30S ribosomal proteins and motility proteins that were up‐regulated.
A Molybdenum Disulfide Additive for the Simple and Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of DNA
Authors: Li Yiran , Li Jianfeng , Jiang Huaide , Lee Eun‐Cheol
Published: September 2017

A simple but sensitive system for the detection of DNA using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as an additive to the DNA solution is reported. According to the described method, the target DNA can be identified by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) because single‐ and double‐stranded DNA molecules have different affinities to both the electrochemical indicator used (methylene blue) and MoS2. The MoS2 additive does not require any functionalization to achieve adequate sinking speed, contrary to graphene‐ and carbon nanotube‐based additives. The easy fabrication of the sensitive DNA sensor developed in this study is achieved by simply adding the MoS2 additive into the DNA sample solutions, and does not require any sophisticated processes, such as probe immobilization and chemical modification. The results described in this study pave the way for utilizing semiconducting or insulating two‐dimensional materials as additives for simple electrochemical DNA sensors with a great potential for commercial mass production.
Development of an open experimentation tool based on JavaScript for the control of a four‐tank plant
Authors: Perez‐Castro Agustin , Sanchez‐Moreno Jose , Castilla Maria del Mar
Published: September 2017

At present, one of the main problems which can be found within chemical engineering education is the availability of real industrial plants able to provide an experimentation framework. The importance of this kind of plants lies in allowing students to apply the learned theoretical concepts to solve real problems. In this paper, a remote tool for educational purposes is presented. More specifically, the implementation of a four‐tank plant, its internal control design and the implementation of an EasyJava tool for executing JavaScript code in both simulation and real experimental tests have been widely described. As a result, a tool that allows to perform experimental tests over the plant in both real and simulation modes has been obtained. In this tool, the limits of use are imposed by the plant and not by the own tool.
Anger parameters in parolees undergoing psychoeducation: Temporal stability, social desirability bias, and comparison with non‐offenders
Authors: Fernandez Ephrem , Kiageri Vasiliki , Guharajan Deepan , Day Andrew
Published: September 2017

Background

Anger is commonly measured as if it were a single, simple construct. This may be particularly unhelpful if the main purpose of a measure is to determine change and responsiveness to interventions.

Aims

Our primary aim was to assess five anger parameters in parolees – frequency, duration, intensity, latency, and threshold – and to test for effects of psychoeducation and social desirability bias on parolees' scores. Average anger scores for the offender sample were compared with those in a non‐offender sample.

Methods

The offender sample was drawn from male parolees in San Antonio. Age‐matched volunteers recruited at public libraries were engaged for baseline comparisons. The Anger Parameters Scale and the Marlow–Crowne Scale were used to assess anger and social desirability, respectively. Parole officers delivered a psychoeducation course to parolees over 12 weeks, and anger and social desirability measures were taken before and afterwards.

Results

At baseline, parolees were angry more often, stayed angry longer, and reached higher levels of anger than the non‐offenders, confirming their eligibility for the programme. Mean anger scores were not significantly different after psychoeducation than before it. Parolees' reported anger was significantly and negatively correlated with social desirability scores.

Conclusions

Only three of the five anger parameters were prominent among these offenders: frequency, duration, and intensity of their outbursts. Psychoeducation did not produce improvement, possibly because it was instructional rather than therapeutic, but also because group means may mask useful individual differences. Concurrent assessment of social desirability is likely to assist in interpretation of anger measures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heparin or bivalirudin for non‐primary PCI: Beware of neat and simple answers…
Authors: Deliargyris Efthymios N. , Kimmelstiel Carey
Published: September 2017

Key Points

The debate regarding the choice of heparin or bivalirudin as the preferred anticoagulant in PCI is still ongoing

Nonrandomized registry data are severely limited for comparative analyses and should therefore always be interpreted with caution

Clinicians should resist simplistic data interpretations or populist cries relating to cost, but rather focus on valid benefit:risk analyses for their clinical decision making
Role of Acid in Tailoring Prussian Blue as Cathode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Liu Yang , Wei Gangya , Ma Mengyue , Qiao Yun
Published: September 2017

Prussian blue (PB) with concave centers is synthesized successfully through a hydrothermal method with the assistance of acid. In this study, the role of the acid is investigated systematically by adjusting the reaction temperature and time, using different kinds and amounts of acid, and changing the amount of PVP surfactant added. It is found that the acid can not only trigger the chemical reaction to form cubic PB, but also act as an etching reagent to tailor the morphology. The as‐obtained cubic PB with concave centers demonstrates a superior cycle stability and rate performance, which can achieve a capacity of 107 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. The corresponding capacity retention is 74 % after 500 cycles relative to the second cycle. Even at a current density of 5 A g−1, the specific capacity remains at 82 mA h g−1. Furthermore, the full cell, using PB as the cathode and hard carbon as the anode, exhibits a high capacity of 70 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and can power an LED light successfully. This work provides new insights into the role of acid in tailoring the morphology of PB, and opens a new avenue toward the design of unique structures to improve sodium storage.
Selective Stabilization of the Spin States of a Magnetically Anisotropic Dysprosium Ion Induced by Photo‐Excitation of the Associated Cyclic π‐Conjugated System
Authors: Fukuda Takamitsu , Ozawa Hideaki , Sakaguchi Yutaro , Kizaki Kazuro , Kobayashi Toshiya , Fuyuhiro Akira , Ishikawa Naoto
Published: September 2017

The presence of a new electronic interaction, which couples a 4 f‐electronic system with a total angular momentum J and a photoexcited cyclic π‐conjugated system with an orbital angular momentum L, in the bis(phthalocyaninato)dysprosium single‐molecule magnet ([DyPc2]−) is reported. Two π–π* excited states in the visible spectral region of the [DyPc2]− complex, which are denoted here as QL and QH, showed significantly different temperature and field dependences of the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) A‐term intensity. This phenomenon not only indicates the presence of a “J–L” interaction, but also that the interaction generates two different preferred orientations of the J–L pair, either parallel (for the QH band) or antiparallel (for the QL band), depending on the excitation energy. We have constructed a theoretical model that reproduces the temperature and field dependences, and quantitatively evaluated the J–L interaction.
Perfluoroalkyltricyanoborate and Perfluoroalkylcyanofluoroborate Anions: Building Blocks for Low‐Viscosity Ionic Liquids
Authors: Landmann Johannes , Sprenger Jan A. P. , Hennig Philipp T. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Grüne Matthias , Würthner Frank , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik
Published: September 2017

The potassium perfluoroalkyltricyanoborates K[CnF2 n+1B(CN)3] [n=1 (1 d), 2 (2 d)] and the potassium mono(perfluoroalkyl)cyanofluoroborates K[CnF2 n+1BF(CN)2] [n=1 (1 c), 2 (2 c)] and [CnF2 n+1BF2(CN)]− [n=1 (1 b), 2 (2 b), 3 (3 b), 4 (4 b)] are accessible with perfect selectivities on multi‐gram scales starting from K[CnF2 n+1BF3] and Me3SiCN. The K+ salts are starting materials for the preparation of salts with organic cations, for example, [EMIm]+ (EMIm=1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium). These [EMIm]+ salts are hydrophobic room‐temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) that are thermally, chemically and electrochemically very robust, offering electrochemical windows up to 5.8 V. The RTILs described herein, exhibit very low viscosities with a minimum of 14.0 mPa s at 20 °C for [EMIm]1 c, low melting points down to −57 °C for [EMIm]2 b and extraordinary high conductivities up to 17.6 mS cm−1 at 20 °C for [EMIm]1 c. The combination of these properties makes these ILs promising materials for electrochemical devices as exemplified by the application of selected RTILs as component of electrolytes in dye‐sensitised solar cells (DSSCs, Grätzel cells). The efficiency of the DSSCs was found to increase with a decreasing viscosity of the neat ionic liquid. In addition to the spectroscopic characterisation, single crystals of the potassium salts of the anions 1 b–d, 2 d, 3 b and 4 c as well as of [nBu4N]2 c have been studied by X‐ray diffraction.
Dynamic changes of QTc interval and prognostic significance in takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy
Authors: Santoro Francesco , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Tarantino Nicola , Romero Jorge , Guastafierro Francesca , Ferraretti Armando , Di Martino Luigi F. M. , Ieva Riccardo , Pellegrino Pier Luigi , Di Biase Matteo , Di Biase Luigi
Published: September 2017

Background

Prolonged QT corrected (QTc) intervals are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes both in healthy and high‐risk populations. Our objective was to evaluate the QTc intervals during a takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) episodes and their potential prognostic role.

Hypothesis

Dynamic changes of QTc interval during hospitalization for TTC could be associated with outcome at follow‐up.

Methods

Fifty‐two consecutive patients hospitalized for TTC were enrolled. Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed within 3 h after admission and repeated after 3, 5, and 7 days. Patients were classified in 2 groups: group 1 presented the maximal QTc interval length at admission and group 2 developed maximal QTc interval length after admission.

Results

Mean admission QTc interval was 493 ± 71 ms and mean QTc peak interval was 550 ± 76 ms (P < 0.001). Seventeen (33%) patients were included in group 1 and 35 (67%) patients in group 2. There were no differences for cardiovascular risk factors and in terms of ECG findings such as ST elevation, ST depression, and inverted T waves. Rates of adverse events during hospitalization among patients of group 1 and 2 were different although not significantly (20% vs 6%, P = 0.22). After 647 days follow‐up, patients of group 1 presented higher risk of cardiovascular rehospitalization (31% vs 6%, P = 0.013; log‐rank, P < 0.01). At multivariate analysis, including age and gender, a prolonged QTc interval at admission was significantly associated with higher risk of rehospitalization at follow‐up (hazard ratio: 1.07 every 10 ms, 95% confidence interval: 1.003‐1.14, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Prolonged QTc intervals at admission during a TTC episode could be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular rehospitalization at follow‐up. Dynamic increase of QTc intervals after admission are characterized by a trend toward a better prognosis.
Historical time to disease progression and progression‐free survival in patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma treated in the modern era on Children's Oncology Group early‐phase trials
Authors: London Wendy B. , Bagatell Rochelle , Weigel Brenda J. , Fox Elizabeth , Guo Dongjing , Van Ryn Collin , Naranjo Arlene , Park Julie R.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Early‐phase trials in patients with recurrent neuroblastoma historically used an objective “response” of measureable disease (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors [RECIST], without bone/bone marrow assessment) to select agents for further study. Historical cohorts may be small and potentially biased; to the authors' knowledge, disease recurrence studies from international registries are outdated. Using a large recent cohort of patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma from Children's Oncology Group (COG) modern‐era early‐phase trials, the authors determined outcome and quantified parameters for designing future studies.

METHODS

The first early‐phase COG trial enrollment (sequential) of 383 distinct patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma on 23 phase 1, 3 phase 1/2, and 9 phase 2 trials (August 2002 to January 2014) was analyzed for progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and time to disease progression (TTP). Planned frontline therapy for patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma included hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (approximately two‐thirds of patients underwent ≥1 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation); 13.2% of patients received dinutuximab.

RESULTS

From the time of the patient's first early‐phase trial enrollment (383 patients), the 1‐year and 4‐year PFS rates ( ± standard error) were 21% ± 2% and 6% ± 1%, respectively, whereas the 1‐year and 4‐year OS rates were 57% ± 3% and 20% ± 2%, respectively. The median TTP was 58 days (interquartile range, 31‐183 days [350 patients]); the median follow‐up was 25.3 months (33 patients were found to be without disease recurrence/progression). The median time from diagnosis to first disease recurrence/progression was 18.7 months (range, 1.4‐64.8 months) (176 patients). MYCN amplification and 11q loss of heterozygosity were prognostic of worse PFS and OS (P = .003 andP<.0001, respectively, andP = .02 andP = .03, respectively) after early‐phase trial enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

This recent COG cohort of patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma is inclusive and representative. To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first meta‐analysis of PFS, TTP, and OS within the context of modern therapy. These results will inform the design of future phase 2 studies by providing a) historical context during the search for more effective agents; and, b) factors prognostic of PFS and OS after disease recurrence to stratify randomization.Cancer2017;123:4914‐23. ©2017 American Cancer Society.
A critical period for the trophic actions of leptin on AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Kamitakahara Anna , Bouyer Karine , Wang Chien‐Hua , Simerly Richard
Published: September 2017

In the developing hypothalamus, the fat‐derived hormone leptin stimulates the growth of axons from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) to other regions that control energy balance. These projections are significantly reduced in leptin deficient (Lepob/ob) mice and this phenotype is largely rescued by neonatal leptin treatments. However, treatment of mature Lepob/ob mice is ineffective, suggesting that the trophic action of leptin is limited to a developmental critical period. To temporally delineate closure of this critical period for leptin‐stimulated growth, we treated Lepob/ob mice with exogenous leptin during a variety of discrete time periods, and measured the density of Agouti‐Related Peptide (AgRP) containing projections from the ARH to the ventral part of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMHv), and to the medial parvocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVHmp). The results indicate that leptin loses its neurotrophic potential at or near postnatal day 28. The duration of leptin exposure appears to be important, with 9‐ or 11‐day treatments found to be more effective than shorter (5‐day) treatments. Furthermore, leptin treatment for 9 days or more was sufficient to restore AgRP innervation to both the PVHmp and DMHv in Lepob/ob females, but only to the DMHv in Lepob/ob males. Together, these findings reveal that the trophic actions of leptin are contingent upon timing and duration of leptin exposure, display both target and sex specificity, and that modulation of leptin‐dependent circuit formation by each of these factors may carry enduring consequences for feeding behavior, metabolism, and obesity risk.
A survey of value prediction techniques for leveraging value locality
Authors: Mittal Sparsh
Published: September 2017

Value locality (VL) refers to recurrence of values in a memory structure, and value prediction (VP) refers to predicting VL and leveraging it for diverse optimizations. VP holds the promise of exceeding true‐data dependencies and provide performance and bandwidth advantages in both single‐ and multi‐threaded applications. Fully exploiting the potential of VL, however, requires addressing several challenges, such as achieving high accuracy and coverage, reducing hardware and latency overheads, etc. In this paper, we present a survey of techniques for leveraging value locality. We categorize the research works based on key parameters to provide insights and highlight similarities and differences. This paper is expected to be useful for researchers, processor architects, and chip‐designers.