bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Biobased Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Functions of Lithium Dendrites Suppressing and Manganese Ions Trapping
Authors: Zhu Ming , Wu Jiaxin , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Lan Jinle , Sui Gang , Yang Xiaoping
Published: January 2018

Lithium (Li) dendrites in Li anodes, and dissolution and migration of manganese (Mn) ions in LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathodes, have hampered these extraordinary electrode materials from being efficiently applied in high performance Li batteries. Here, a novel, bifunctional, biobased composite gel polymer electrolyte (c‐GPE) is created to simultaneously deal with the two critical issues. The skeleton of c‐GPE is constructed from a sandwich structure composed of porous polydopamine spheres and two layers of the environmentally friendly soy protein isolate‐based nanofiber membranes, and the carbonized polydopamine spheres are coated without any binder on the surface of the membranes. After a facile and innocuous preparation process, the skeleton material displays excellent thermal stability and good affinity to liquid electrolyte, which endows c‐GPE with significant functions of effective mitigation of the dissolution of Mn ions, and chelation of the fleeing Mn ions, as well as the dramatic suppression of Li dendrite growth. Consequently, the LMO/Li batteries involving c‐GPE show a great improvement in the cycling stability and rate performance compared with those of the cells based on commercial Celgard 2400. This work will be quite promising to meet the distinct requirements from Li batteries and provide a high‐efficiency and safe biobased GPE for next generation energy storage systems.
The pH, temperature, and protein structure effect on β‐lactoglobulin A and B separation in anion‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Pavlov Gorgi , Hsu James T.
Published: January 2018

The effect of pH and temperature on separating a mixture of similar proteins, namely β‐lactoglobulin A (LGA) and β‐lactoglobulin B (LGB) in anion‐exchange chromatography is explored. The proteins carry a slight difference in negative charge at basic pH, providing a separation basis on an Q Sepharose Fast Flow anion‐exchange resin. They were separated at different temperatures and pH values, and the separation factor was evaluated. The experimental results were matched to a theoretical model to compute the equilibrium constant KA. The data shows that an increase in temperature and pH leads to an increase in the retention time of the proteins. The results were correlated with the net charge of the molecule for the separation so that the elution can be simulated for any condition that was studied. The tertiary structures of LGA and LGB are analyzed to illustrate the structure effect on the separation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1928–1937, 2018
Sustainable and Efficient CuI‐NPs‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Approach for the Synthesis of Tertiary 3‐Aminopropenoates, Triazoles, and Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Nayal Onkar S. , Thakur Maheshwar S. , Kumar Manoranjan , Shaifali  , Upadhyay Rahul , Maurya Sushil K.
Published: January 2018

The unique properties of metal nanoparticles have attracted significant attention from synthetic chemists, notably for application in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we report a highly efficient, sustainable, and atom‐economical approach for the synthesis of tertiary 3‐aminopropenoates from alkynes and secondary amines by using heterogeneous copper(I) iodide nanoparticles (CuI NPs) as a catalyst. The broad utility of this strategy is demonstrated by the synthesis of a wide range of tertiary 3‐aminopropenoates. The value of this transformation has been highlighted by the synthesis of biologically active ciprofloxacin and its derivatives on a gram scale. This method was also applied to the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles.
Asthma onset pattern and patient outcomes in a chronic rhinosinusitis population
Authors: John Staniorski Christopher , Price Caroline P.E. , Weibman Ava R. , Welch Kevin C. , Conley David B. , Shintani‐Smith Stephanie , Stevens Whitney W. , Peters Anju T. , Grammer Leslie , Lidder Alcina K. , Schleimer Robert P. , Kern Robert C. , Tan Bruce K.
Published: January 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is strongly associated with comorbid asthma. This study compares early‐onset and late‐onset asthma in a CRS population using patient‐reported and clinical characteristics.

Methods

At enrollment into a clinical registry, CRS patients completed the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Asthma Control Test (ACT), mini‐Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (miniAQLQ), the 29‐item Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS‐29), and medication use questionnaires. Patients also reported comorbid asthma and age at first asthma diagnosis. Early‐onset (<18 years) and late‐onset (>18 years) asthma groups were defined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi‐square, and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used to compare patient responses.

Results

A total of 199 non‐asthmatic (56.1%), 71 early‐onset asthmatic (20.0%), and 85 late‐onset asthmatic (23.9%) CRS patients completed the survey. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in late‐onset asthmatic (p = 0.046) while age, gender, race, and smoking history did not differ with time of asthma onset. SNOT‐22, ACT, and miniAQLQ were not different between asthma groups, but late‐onset asthmatics had significantly lower physical function than non‐asthmatics (p = 0.008). Compared to non‐asthmatics, late‐onset asthmatics showed increased rates of nasal polyps (p < 0.001), higher Lund‐Mackay scores (p = 0.005), and had received more oral steroid courses (p < 0.001) and endoscopic surgeries (p = 0.008) for CRS management. Late‐onset asthmatics compared to early‐onset asthmatics showed increased nasal polyposis (p = 0.011) and oral steroid courses for CRS (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

While CRS‐specific and asthma‐specific patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were not significantly different among groups, CRS patients with late‐onset asthma had poorer physical function, more frequent nasal polyposis, and required increased treatment for CRS. Late‐onset asthma may predict more severe disease in CRS.
Vom Design der Moleküle des Lebens zum Design von Leben: Zukünftige Anwendungen von DNA‐Technologien
Authors: Kohman Richie E. , Kunjapur Aditya M. , Hysolli Eriona , Wang Yu , Church George M.
Published: January 2018

Seit der Aufklärung ihrer Struktur steht die DNA im Zentrum der biologischen Forschung. In den letzten 50 Jahren ist die Entwicklung von DNA‐Technologien rasant vorangeschritten, insbesondere im Bereich der DNA‐Sequenzierung. Parallel dazu wurden auch gewaltige Fortschritte in der DNA‐Synthese und DNA‐Editierung erzielt, die sich von der Oligonukleotid‐ bis zur Genom‐Ebene erstrecken. In diesem Aufsatz erörtern wir vier verschiedene Teilbereiche von DNA‐Technologien und folgen dabei diesem Verlauf von kleinerem zu größerem Maßstab. Wir beginnen mit dem Aufbau von Materialien aus DNA, die wiederum als Transportsysteme in vivo dienen können. Anschließend diskutieren wir, wie die Modifizierung mikrobieller Genome zu neuartigen Methoden für die Produktion industrieller Biologika führen kann. Als nächstes reden wir über die Zukunft der Genomsynthese als eine Methode für die Evolutionsforschung. Schließlich erläutern wir, wie das Barcoding biologischer Systeme deren dreidimensionale Analyse in hoch parallelisierter Weise ermöglicht.
C8N26H4: An Environmentally Friendly Primary Explosive with High Heat of Formation
Authors: Chen Dan , Yang Hongwei , Yi Zhenxin , Xiong Hualin , Zhang Lin , Zhu Shunguan , Cheng Guangbin
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and characterization of the metal‐free polyazido compounds 3,6‐bis‐(2‐(4,6‐diazido‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)‐hydrazinyl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (2) and 3,6‐bis‐(2‐(4,6‐diazido‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)‐diazenyl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (4) are presented. Two compounds were characterized by NMR spectra, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the structure of 2 was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibit measured densities (1.755 g cm−3 and 1.763 g cm−3), good thermal stabilities (194 °C and 189 °C), high heat of formation (2114 kJ mol−1 and 2820 kJ mol−1), and excellent detonation performance (D, 8365 m s−1 and 8602 m s−1; P, 26.8 GPa and 29.4 GPa). Furthermore, compounds 2 and 4 have been tested for their priming ability to detonate RDX. The results indicate that the title compound 2 is a potential environmentally friendly alternative candidate to lead‐based primary explosives.
Durch zwei Liganden ermöglichte nicht‐dirigierte C‐H‐Olefinierung von Arenen
Authors: Chen Hao , Wedi Philipp , Meyer Tim , Tavakoli Ghazal , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: January 2018

Die klassische Pd‐katalysierte oxidative C‐H‐Olefinierung von Arenen, auch bekannt als die Fujiwara‐Moritani‐Reaktion, ist durch die Notwendigkeit von dirigierenden Gruppen am Substrat oder des Einsatzes des Arens im großen Überschuss, typischerweise als (Ko‐)Lösungsmittel, eingeschränkt. Hier beschreiben wir die Entwicklung eines Katalysatorsystems, das durch das Zusammenwirken von zwei komplementären Liganden erstmals die Nutzung von Arenen ohne dirigierende Gruppen als limitierendes Reagenz ermöglicht. Die Reaktionen verlaufen unter einer Kombination aus sterischer und elektronischer Kontrolle und ermöglichen die Anwendung auf wertvolle Arene, die nicht in Überschuss eingesetzt werden müssen.
Aktive Anode auf Molybdänbasis für dehydrierende Kupplungen
Authors: Beil Sebastian B. , Müller Timo , Sillart Sydney B. , Franzmann Peter , Bomm Alexander , Holtkamp Michael , Karst Uwe , Schade Wolfgang , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2018

Es wurde ein leistungsfähiges aktives Anodensystem entwickelt, das in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐Hexafluor‐2‐propanol (HFIP) eingesetzt werden kann. Die Molybdänanode bildet in HFIP eine kompakte, leitfähige und elektroaktive Schicht aus höhervalenten Molybdänspezies. Dieses System kann als Ersatz für leistungsfähige, aber stöchiometrisch notwendige MoV‐Reagenzien in dehydrierenden Kupplungen von Arenen eingesetzt werden. Diese Elektrolyse ist nachhaltiger und ermöglicht die Umsetzung eines breiten Spektrums von aktivierten Arenen.
From Designing the Molecules of Life to Designing Life: Future Applications Derived from Advances in DNA Technologies
Authors: Kohman Richie E. , Kunjapur Aditya M. , Hysolli Eriona , Wang Yu , Church George M.
Published: January 2018

Since the elucidation of its structure, DNA has been at the forefront of biological research. In the past half century, an explosion of DNA‐based technology development has occurred with the most rapid advances being made for DNA sequencing. In parallel, dramatic improvements have also been made in the synthesis and editing of DNA from the oligonucleotide to the genome scale. In this Review, we will summarize four different subfields relating to DNA technologies following this trajectory of smaller to larger scale. We begin by talking about building materials out of DNA which in turn can act as delivery vehicles in vivo. We then discuss how altering microbial genomes can lead to novel methods of production for industrial biologics. Next, we talk about the future of writing whole genomes as a method of studying evolution. Lastly, we highlight the ways in which barcoding biological systems will allow for their three‐dimensional analysis in a highly multiplexed fashion.
Biopolymer Aerogels and Foams: Chemistry, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Zhao Shanyu , Malfait Wim J. , Guerrero‐Alburquerque Natalia , Koebel Matthias M. , Nyström Gustav
Published: January 2018

Biopolymer aerogels were among the first aerogels produced, but only in the last decade has research on biopolymer and biopolymer–composite aerogels become popular, motivated by sustainability arguments, their unique and tunable properties, and ease of functionalization. Biopolymer aerogels and open‐cell foams have great potential for classical aerogel applications such as thermal insulation, as well as emerging applications in filtration, oil–water separation, CO2 capture, catalysis, and medicine. The biopolymer aerogel field today is driven forward by empirical materials discovery at the laboratory scale, but requires a firmer theoretical basis and pilot studies to close the gap to market. This Review includes a database with over 3800 biopolymer aerogel properties, evaluates the state of the biopolymer aerogel field, and critically discusses the scientific, technological, and commercial barriers to the commercialization of these exciting materials.
Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE): From Discovery to Diagnosis
Authors: Rayner Peter J. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: January 2018

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) turns typically weak magnetic resonance responses into strong signals making previously impractical measurements possible. This technique has gained significant popularity because of its speed and simplicity. This Minireview tracks the development of SABRE from the initial hyperpolarization of pyridine in 2009 to the point in which 50 % 1H polarization levels have been achieved in a di‐deuterio‐nicotinate, a key step in the pathway to potential clinical use. Simple routes to highly efficient 15N hyperpolarization and the creation of hyperpolarized long‐lived magnetic states are illustrated. To conclude, we describe how the recently reported SABRE‐RELAY approach offers a route for parahydrogen to hyperpolarize a much wider array of molecular scaffolds, such as amides, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and phosphates, than was previously thought possible. We predict that collectively these developments ensure that SABRE will significantly impact on both chemical analysis and the diagnosis of disease in the future.
An Isolable Phosphaethynolatoborane and Its Reactivity
Authors: Wilson Daniel W. N. , Hinz Alexander , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and characterization of a stable phosphaethynolatoborane, [B]OCP (1, [B]=N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,3,2‐diazaboryl), is described. The increased triple bond character of the P−C bond in 1 relative to the free ion (PCO−) is probed in a series of reactivity studies. Compound 1 readily dimerises in donor solvents to afford a cyclic five‐membered 6π‐aromatic compound, cyclo‐P2{C[B]}O{CO[B]} (2), which decarbonylates on UV irradiation. By contrast the nickel‐mediated dimerisation of 1 affords the isomeric diphosphacyclobutene [P(CO[B])]2. When 1 is reacted with organolithium reagents such as MesLi (Mes=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl), the boryl moiety shifts and the formation of the lithoxy‐boryl‐phosphaalkene [LiOC[B]P(Mes)]2 was observed. The reactivity of this species towards electrophiles is also described.
Preparation of antibacterial and antifungal breathable polyether block amide/chloropropane diol membranes via solution casting
Authors: Sole Bhausaheb B. , Seshadri Geetha , Tyagi Ajay Kumar , Rattan Sunita
Published: January 2018

A highly hydrophilic block copolymer polyether block amide (PEBA) is modified with chloropropane diol (CPD) to impart antibacterial and antifungal properties to it without compromising with its breathability. The antibacterial properties of modified membranes are evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, Gram negative) bacteria by membrane culture method. CPD plays an important role in the antibacterial property with the inhibition rate reaching 99.99% for CPD modified membranes which was 27.55% and 16.82% for pristine membrane (against S. aureus and E. coli respectively). The antifungal properties studied against Aspergllus niger, Penicillium pinophilum, Aureobasidium pullulans, Chaetomium globosum, and Trichoderma virens show heavy‐growth of fungi for pristine PEBA membrane while no growth was observed in case of CPD modified membranes. Breathability of membrane is determined in terms of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and it increase from 1496 g/m2/day to 2354 g/m2/day after modification. The membranes are characterized by FTIR‐ATR, SEM‐EDX, DSC, and TGA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46097.
Self‐healing hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphite oxide with pH‐sensitive and enhanced thermal properties
Authors: Wang Sui , Zhang Zheng , Chen Bing , Shao Jia , Guo Zhiyong
Published: January 2018

Supramolecular hydrogel is a fascinating polymeric material composed of three‐dimensional noncovalent networks with many outstanding properties, especially reversible relevant performances. A self‐healing supramolecular hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphite oxide, with reversible pH responsiveness and good thermal stability, was prepared. The morphology, functional group changes, swelling performance, thermal stability, rheological performance, and self‐healing property of the PVA/GO hydrogel were investigated. A probable mechanism between the components and potential applications were also examined in our study. The experimental results show that the PVA/GO hydrogel was not only self‐healable without external stimulus or addition of any healing agents, but also pH sensitive and with good thermal stability. Green ingredients (PVA and GO) and a simple synthesis method (a freezing/thawing treatment) may pose little threat to the environment and also promote the production of such hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46143.
Properties and pervaporation performance of poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes crosslinked with various dianhydrides
Authors: Xu Sheng , Shen Liang , Li Cailian , Wang Yan
Published: January 2018

In this work, three dianhydrides with similar chemical structures, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), are employed for the crosslinking modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes for ethanol dehydration via pervaporation. The changes in crosslinking degree, surface hydrophilicity, and glass‐transition temperature are investigated and compared. Compared to the pure PVA membrane, all crosslinked membranes show higher fluxes but lower separation factors, because of the higher fractional free volume and the lower hydrophilicity by the crosslinking of the PVA matrix, respectively. In addition, all crosslinked PVA membranes exhibit similar flux, and the separation factor presents a decreasing order of PVA/PMDA‐2 > PVA/ODPA‐2 > PVA/BTDA‐2, which is in the reverse order of their hydrophilicity, probably because of the reduction in the swelling resistance. With the PMDA content increasing from 0.01 to 0.04 mol/(kg PVA) in the PVA/PMDA crosslinked membranes, the crosslinking degree is enhanced and the hydrogen bonding is weakened, resulting in a flux increase from 120.2 to 190.8 g m−2 h−1, but the separation factor declines from 306 to 58. This work is believed to provide useful insight on the chemical modification of PVA membranes for pervaporation and other membrane‐based separation applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46159.
Structure–property relationship in PP/LDPE blend composites: The role of nanoclay localization
Authors: Mofokeng Tladi Gideon , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Ojijo Vincent
Published: January 2018

This article reports, for the first time, on how the kinetics and thermodynamics of the melt‐processing control the nano/micro‐structure development and properties of nanoclay‐filled polypropylene (PP)/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blend ternary composites. Morphological characterization suggests that the nano/micro‐structure of the PP/LDPE (80/20) blend can be controlled by incorporating nanoclay alone or by adding a mixture of organoclay and maleated compatibilizers. Simultaneous mixing of PP, LDPE, maleated compatibilizers, and organoclay results in homogeneous distribution of intercalated silicate layers in all the phases of the blend, a feature which profoundly affects the thermal stability and tensile and rheological properties of the blend composites. For example, the elongation‐at‐break for PP increases from 28.1 to 155.6% for composite containing both organoclay and maleated compatibilizers, whereas the thermal stability for PP increases from 269.8 to 303.3 °C for the same composite. However, the impact strength of the PP/LDPE blend decreases with incorporation of organoclay, regardless of the phase in which the nanoclay particles are localized. In summary, the obtained results show that regardless of the phase in which the nanoclay is localized, the morphology, and hence the properties, of the ternary composites are superior to those of the neat blend. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46193.
Quantitative relationships between intermolecular interaction and damping parameters of irganox‐1035/NBR hybrids: A combination of experiments, molecular dynamics simulations, and linear regression analyses
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhao Xiuying , Liu Li , Song Meng , Wu Sizhu
Published: January 2018

The damping mechanism of phenol(3,5‐bis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐4‐hydroxybenzenepropanoic acid thiodi‐2,1‐ethanediyl ester, abbreviated as Irganox‐1035)/nitrile‐butadiene rubber hybrids was studied by combining experiments, computer simulations, and linear regression analyses. Four important damping parameters [loss peak (tan δmax), effective loss area (TA), glass transition temperature (Tg), and effective temperature region (ΔT)], were obtained by dynamic mechanical thermal analyses. Three intermolecular interaction parameters [the number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds (NHBs), binding energy (Ebinding), and fractional free volume (FFV)], were calculated by molecular dynamics simulations. Using linear regression analyses, the quantitative relationships between the intermolecular interaction and damping parameters were investigated. Linear and significant relationships between intermolecular interactions (NHBs and Ebinding) and damping parameters (tan δmax and TA) (R2 > 0.9; P < 0.001) were noted; FFV showed moderate linear correlations with damping parameters (R2 < 0.9; P < 0.05); only Ebinding showed strong correlations with Tg and ΔT (R2 > 0.9; P < 0.001). Besides, after nondimensionalization, multivariate linear fitting equations based on intermolecular interaction parameters were developed to accurately predict damping parameters (R2 > 0.98, P < 0.001). These studies were expected to provide the useful information in understanding the damping mechanism and to attempt a quantitative tool for designing high damping materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46202.
HMGA1 Overexpression is Associated With the Malignant Status and Progression of Breast Cancer
Authors: Qi Cuiling , Cao Jinghua , Li Mengshi , Liang Chenghua. , He Yajun , Li Yuanyuan , Li Jialin , Zheng Xiaoming , Wang Lijing , Wei Bo
Published: January 2018

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women, and the incidence and mortality of breast cancer has rapidly increased in recent years. Studies have indicated that high mobility group A1 (HMGA1), an important member of the HMGA family, plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of malignant tumors, including breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate the effect of HMGA1 in breast cancer. Interestingly, we found that HMGA1 expression was significantly higher in breast cancer tissues than in adenoma tissues and closely correlated with the clinical stage and histological grade in breast cancer patients. Further study showed that HMGA1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Thus, the results demonstrated that HMGA1 could act as an independent prognostic indicator in breast cancer. HMGA1 expression was closely correlated with the clinical stage, histological grade, and tumor size in breast cancer patients and breast cancer progression in transgenic MMTV‐PyMT mice. Anat Rec, 301:1061–1067, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cobalt‐Doped Perovskite‐Type Oxide LaMnO3 as Bifunctional Oxygen Catalysts for Hybrid Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiao , Gong Hao , Wang Tao , Guo Hu , Song Li , Xia Wei , Gao Bin , Jiang Zhongyi , Feng Linfei , He Jianping
Published: January 2018

Perovskite‐type oxides based on rare‐earth metals containing lanthanum manganate are promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolyte. Perovskite‐type LaMnO3 shows excellent ORR performance, but poor OER activity. To improve the OER performance of LaMnO3, the element cobalt is doped into perovskite‐type LaMnO3 through a sol–gel method followed by a calcination process. To assess electrocatalytic activities for the ORR and OER, a series of LaMn1−xCoxO3 (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) perovskite oxides were synthesized. The results indicate that the amount of doped cobalt has a significant effect on the catalytic performance of LaMn1−xCoxO3. If x=0.3, LaMn0.7Co0.3O3 not only shows a tolerable electrocatalytic activity for the ORR, but also exhibits a great improvement (>200 mV) on the catalytic activity for the OER; this indicates that the doping of cobalt is an effective approach to improve the OER performance of LaMnO3. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that LaMn0.7Co0.3O3 is a promising cost‐effective bifunctional catalyst with high performance in the ORR and OER for application in hybrid Li−O2 batteries.
Finite‐Time Scaled Consensus in Discrete‐Time Networks of Agents
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: January 2018

This brief paper deals with finite‐time scaled consensus to assigned portions using linear iterations. If the network topology is modeled by a connected bidirectional network, we show that scaled consensus can always be reached in a finite time using state‐transition matrices consistent with the network structure. The final scaled consensus states are also identified. A numerical example is given to illustrate the theoretical result.
Enhancing interactions during daily routines: A randomized controlled trial of a web‐based tutorial for parents of young children with ASD
Authors: Ibañez Lisa V. , Kobak Kenneth , Swanson Amy , Wallace Lisa , Warren Zachary , Stone Wendy L.
Published: January 2018

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience difficulty participating in everyday home routines, such as bed time or bath time. This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of an interactive, web‐based parenting tutorial for improving children's engagement in daily routines (i.e., proximal outcomes) as well improving children's social communication and parenting efficacy and stress (i.e., broad outcomes). Parents of children with ASD between 18 and 60 months were randomly assigned to the Tutorial group (n = 52) or the Control group (n = 52). All parents completed questionnaires at baseline (T1), 1 month after T1 (T2; post‐tutorial completion), and 2 months after T1 (T3). Relative to the Control group, parents in the Tutorial group reported significantly higher use of evidence‐based instructional strategies and higher levels of child engagement during routines at T2 and T3. In addition, parents in the Tutorial group reported significantly lower parenting stress and higher parenting efficacy at T3, as well as higher ratings of child social communication at T2 and T3, compared to the Control group. Parents reported being highly satisfied with both the clinical content and technical aspects of the tutorial. These improvements in both proximal and broad parent‐child outcomes suggest that this tutorial may be a promising and accessible way for empowering some parents and improving parent‐child interactions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 667–678. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This web‐based tutorial helped parents of children with ASD use proven strategies to improve their child's participation in daily routines at home. Parents who used the tutorial reported less parenting stress, felt better about their parenting skills, and reported better child social interactions compared to parents who did not use the tutorial. This tutorial may be especially helpful for families who have limited access to services, as it can be completed at home.
Gestational triphenyl phosphate exposure in C57Bl/6 mice perturbs expression of insulin‐like growth factor signaling genes in maternal and fetal liver
Authors: Philbrook Nicola A. , Restivo Victoria E. , Belanger Christine L. , Winn Louise M.
Published: January 2018

Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant and plasticizer that has been added to numerous consumer products in recent years. TPhP is not overtly toxic, however recent studies have suggested that it may have metabolic disrupting effects following developmental exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the developmental and potential metabolic effects of TPhP in a murine model. C57Bl/6 dams were exposed on gestational days (GD) 8, 10, 12, and 14 to 0, 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg TPhP via intraperitoneal injection. Dams were euthanized on GD19, maternal organs excised and weighed, fetal measurements taken, and maternal and fetal livers retained for analysis. A significant increase in placenta size of TPhP exposed mice was found. Maternal and fetal liver gene expression of insulin‐like growth factor (Igf) 1 and 2, as well as downstream genes involved in Igf signaling were measured. Additionally, Igf1 protein levels were measured in both maternal and fetal liver. A significant decrease in transcript levels of Igf1 and Irs2 was detected in maternal livers, whereas a significant increase in transcript levels of all genes measured was detected in fetal liver. A significant decrease in Igf1 protein levels was detected in maternal liver, however the increase in Igf1 protein levels in fetal livers was not found to be statistically significant. These results support previous findings that TPhP does not cause overt structural developmental toxicity. These data also support the hypothesis that TPhP could disrupt maternal and fetal metabolism, justifying the need for follow‐up studies to investigate further.
Plasma zinc levels in Ecuadorian mothers of infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate: A case series
Authors: Jara‐Palacios Miguel Ángel , Cornejo Angélica Carolina , Narváez‐Caicedo Camila , Moreano Gabriela , Vásquez Karla Patricia , Moreno‐Izquierdo Cristina , Romero‐Sandoval Natalia
Published: January 2018

Background

Previous studies have reported an association between maternal zinc deficiency and increased risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in offspring. A high prevalence of zinc deficiency and a high prevalence of NSCL/P have been reported in Ecuador. We postulated that mothers of infants with NSCL/P may have lower serum zinc levels than women from the general population.

Methods

A case series study was conducted from November 2013 to July 2016. Thirty‐five healthy mothers of infants with NSCL/P were selected during surgical missions conducted by Operación Sonrisa Ecuador. A single blood sample along with pertinent medical history was collected during personal interviews after 3.6 months postpartum. The prevalence of plasma zinc concentration (PZn) deficiency among the participants was determined and analyzed along with the prevalence of PZn deficiency in Ecuadorian women of reproductive age from the general population.

Results

The mean PZn was 11.47 µmol/dm3. The prevalence of PZn deficiency among the participants was 31.4% (95% CI: 17.1–48.6) and differed significantly from the prevalence of zinc deficiency observed among women from the general population (G2 = 8.66;p < .05).

Conclusions

The results showed that the prevalence of PZn deficiency is lower in a cohort of healthy mothers of infants with NSCL/P than in women from the general population in Ecuador. More studies are required to confirm these findings and evaluate other factors related to NSCL/P pathophysiology in the Ecuadorian population.
Associations between lifestyle factors and smoking status during pregnancy in a group of Romanian women
Authors: Voidazan S. , Tarcea M. , Abram Z. , Georgescu M. , Marginean C. , Grama O. , Buicu F. , Ruţa F.
Published: January 2018

Background

There is an estimated birth rate of 9.27 births/1,000 population in Romania each year, with approximately 8.4% born with low birth weight (LBW). Our purpose was to evaluate the relationships between maternal smoking and LBW and preterm birth in Mureș County, Romania.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 1,278 mothers who had given birth in Mureș County obstetrical wards in 2015, based on a lifestyle questionnaire of 109 items and personal and laboratory data from hospitals records.

Results

The variables associated with smoking during pregnancy taken into account were: Rroma ethnicity, education <8 grades, income lower than 140 dollars (minimum wages in our country), and lack of facilities in their households. In a multivariable model, smoking during pregnancy was correlated with a low level of education (p = .02), coffee and alcohol use (p = .0001), and lack of interest in potential environmental and behavioral risks during pregnancy (including smoking and diet). The newborn baby's weight was associated with smoker status of the mother (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.09–2.66, p = .01), by the lack of ownership of a household (OR 3.52, 95%CI 2.27–5.47, p = .0001), and by the pregnant woman not receiving proper information regarding a healthy behavior and diet during pregnancy (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.33–2.74, p = .0005).

Conclusion

Our study aimed to emphasize the high rates of maternal smoking during pregnancy and its importance in LBW outcomes in Romanian pregnant women. Moreover, the study highlights disparities in smoking status observed in ethnic minorities and those living in poverty.
“Cyt/Nuc,” a Customizable and Documenting ImageJ Macro for Evaluation of Protein Distributions Between Cytosol and Nucleus
Authors: Grune Tilman , Kehm Richard , Höhn Annika , Jung Tobias
Published: January 2018

Large amounts of data from multi‐channel, high resolution, fluorescence microscopic images require tools that provide easy, customizable, and reproducible high‐throughput analysis. The freeware “ImageJ” has become one of the standard tools for scientific image analysis. Since ImageJ offers recording of “macros,” even a complex multi‐step process can be easily applied fully automated to large numbers of images, saving both time and reducing human subjective evaluation. In this work, we present “Cyt/Nuc,” an ImageJ macro, able to recognize and to compare the nuclear and cytosolic areas of tissue samples, in order to investigate distributions of immunostained proteins between both compartments, while it documents in detail the whole process of evaluation and pattern recognition. As practical example, the redistribution of the 20S proteasome, the main intracellular protease in mammalian cells, is investigated in NZO‐mouse liver after feeding the animals different diets. A significant shift in proteasomal distribution between cytosol and nucleus in response to metabolic stress was revealed using “Cyt/Nuc” via automatized quantification of thousands of nuclei within minutes. “Cyt/Nuc” is easy to use and highly customizable, matches the precision of careful manual evaluation and bears the potential for quick detection of any shift in intracellular protein distribution.
A long‐lived Aβ oligomer resistant to fibrillization
Authors: Nick Mimi , Wu Yibing , Schmidt Nathan W. , Prusiner Stanley B. , Stöhr Jan , DeGrado William F.
Published: January 2018

The hydrophobic Aβ peptide is highly aggregation prone; it first forms soluble oligomers, which then convert into the amyloid fibrils found in the cerebral plaques of Alzheimer's disease. It is generally understood that as the peptide concentration of Aβ increases, the fibrillization process is accelerated, but we examine the limits on this phenomenon. We found that once a threshold concentration of Aβ is exceeded, a stable oligomer is formed at the expense of fibril formation. The suppression of fibril formation was observed by amyloid‐binding dye Thioflavin T and solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering, size exclusion chromatography, and analytical ultracentrifugation demonstrated that Aβ peptides form a range of compact species, with a dimer being an early highly populated oligomer. Solution NMR allowed us to define the secondary structure of this Aβ dimer, which shows interlocking contacts between C‐terminal peptide strands. Thus, we present a novel Aβ oligomer that resists conversion to fibrils and remains stable for more than one year.
Consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass to lactic acid by a synthetic fungal‐bacterial consortium
Authors: Shahab Robert L. , Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Brethauer Simone , Studer Michael H.
Published: January 2018

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic feedstocks to platform chemicals requires complex metabolic processes, which are commonly executed by single genetically engineered microorganisms. Alternatively, synthetic consortia can be employed to compartmentalize the required metabolic functions among different specialized microorganisms as demonstrated in this work for the direct production of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass. We composed an artificial cross‐kingdom consortium and co‐cultivated the aerobic fungus Trichoderma reesei for the secretion of cellulolytic enzymes with facultative anaerobic lactic acid bacteria. We engineered ecological niches to enable the formation of a spatially structured biofilm. Up to 34.7 gL−1 lactic acid could be produced from 5% (w/w) microcrystalline cellulose. Challenges in converting pretreated lignocellulosic biomass include the presence of inhibitors, the formation of acetic acid and carbon catabolite repression. In the CBP consortium hexoses and pentoses were simultaneously consumed and metabolic cross‐feeding enabled the in situ degradation of acetic acid. As a result, superior product purities were achieved and 19.8 gL−1 (85.2% of the theoretical maximum) of lactic acid could be produced from non‐detoxified steam‐pretreated beech wood. These results demonstrate the potential of consortium‐based CBP technologies for the production of high value chemicals from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in a single step.
Development of a temperature‐responsive yeast cell factory using engineered Gal4 as a protein switch
Authors: Zhou Pingping , Xie Wenping , Yao Zhen , Zhu Yongqiang , Ye Lidan , Yu Hongwei
Published: January 2018

Conflict between cell growth and product accumulation is frequently encountered in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Herein, a temperature‐dependent dynamic control strategy was developed by modifying the GAL regulation system to facilitate two‐stage fermentation in yeast. A temperature‐sensitive Gal4 mutant Gal4M9 was created by directed evolution, and used as a protein switch in ΔGAL80 yeast. After EGFP‐reported validation of its temperature‐responsive induction capability, the sensitivity and stringency of this system in multi‐gene pathway regulation was tested, using lycopene as an example product. When Gal4M9 was used to control the expression of PGAL‐driven pathway genes, growth and production was successfully decoupled upon temperature shift during fermentation, accumulating 44% higher biomass and 177% more lycopene than the control strain with wild‐type Gal4. This is the first example of adopting temperature as an input signal for metabolic pathway regulation in yeast cell factories.
Cooperate or not cooperate EEG, autonomic, and behavioral correlates of ineffective joint strategies
Authors: Balconi Michela , Gatti Laura , Vanutelli Maria Elide
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The neural activity in response to ineffective joint actions was explored in the present study. Subjects involved in a cooperative but frustrating task (poor performance as manipulated by an external feedback) were required to cooperate (T1) during an attentional task in a way to synchronize their responses and obtain better outcomes.

Methods

We manipulated their strategies by providing false feedbacks (T2) signaling the incapacity to create a synergy, which was reinforced by a general negative evaluation halfway through the game. A control condition was provided (no cooperation required, T0) as well as a check for possible learning effect (time series analysis). The effects of the feedback in modulating subjects' behavioral performance and electrocortical activity were explored by means of brain oscillations (delta, theta, alpha, beta) and autonomic activity (heart rate, HR; skin conductance activity, SCR).

Results

Results showed a specific pattern of behavioral, neural, and peripheral responses after the social feedback. In fact, within this condition, worse behavioral outcomes emerged, with longer response times with respect to the prefeedback one. In parallel, a specific right‐lateralized effect was observed over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with increased delta and theta power compared to the previous condition. Moreover, increased SCR was observed with respect to the first part.

Conclusions

Two interpretations are put forward to explain the present findings: 1) the contribution of negative emotions in response to failing interactions or 2) a motivational disengagement toward goal‐oriented cooperation elicited by frustrating evaluations.
Physicochemical and catalytic properties of acylase I from aspergillus melleus immobilized on amino‐ and carbonyl‐grafted stöber silica
Authors: Kołodziejczak‐Radzimska Agnieszka , Zdarta Jakub , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: January 2018

Acylase I from Aspergillus melleus was immobilized on supports consisting of unmodified and modified silica. Modification was performed using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde (GA). The effectiveness of immobilization was investigated using the standard Bradford method in addition to a number of physicochemical techniques, including spectroscopic methods (FTIR, 29Si and 13C CP MAS NMR), porous structure and elemental analysis, and zeta potential measurement. A determination of catalytic activity was made based on the deacetylation reaction of N‐acetyl‐l‐methionine. Furthermore, the effect of pH and temperature on the catalytic activity of the free and immobilized enzyme, as well as the reusability of the silica‐bound aminoacylase, were determined. The immobilized systems demonstrated a high degree of catalytic activity. The best catalytic parameters were those of aminoacylase immobilized on silica modified with APTES (apparent activity 3937 U/g, relative activity 61.6%). © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:767–777, 2018
A feedback system to provide affective support to students
Authors: Jiménez Samantha , Juárez‐Ramírez Reyes , Castillo Víctor H. , Licea Guillermo , Ramírez‐Noriega Alan , Inzunza Sergio
Published: January 2018

Learning support systems need to provide direct and affective interaction to students; it can encourage them and improve their motivation to learn. However, several systems do not include this kind of interaction between students and tutors. In those cases, the student learning interest and motivation to learn could be negatively affected, and student profits from the system could be impoverished. Only a few works have examined the influence of written affective feedback, but these studies focused on student learning outcomes, not in student motivation to learn. The objective of this work is to analyze the impact of an affective feedback system on the students’ perception of two aspects: (i) the degree to which study time is enjoyable and (ii) the motivation to learn. Results show that the affective feedback system makes more enjoyable study time and motivates students to learn, particularly to students with low academic performance. These system enhancements eventually would improve student‐learning outcomes.
Can therapeutic drug monitoring increase the safety of Imatinib in GIST patients?
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Xie Jing‐Dun , Zhou Shan , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Zhou Yi , Sun Xiao‐Wei , Yuan Xiu‐Hong , Huang Min , Liu Si , Xin Shuang , Su Qi‐Biao , Qiu Hai‐Bo , Wang Xue‐Ding
Published: January 2018

Imatinib at 400 mg daily is the standard treatment for patients affected with CML and GIST. The intervariability in plasma concentration is very significant. In many reports, a good therapeutic effect is attributed to an adequate concentration of Imatinib. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the association between plasma concentration and side effects. Besides, no upper concentration limit of Imatinib plasma concentration detection has been established. The correlation of Imatinib trough concentrations (Cmin) with adverse effects (AEs) was described here. Plasma samples were obtained from patients after 3 months treatment with Imatinib (steady state, n = 122). Liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of Imatinib and its metabolite NDI. The incidence of myelosuppression was increased significantly with the increased Imatinib trough plasma concentration. The plasma level of Imatinib and NDI in patients who developed myelosuppression are 1698.3 ± 598.6 ng/mL and 242.1 ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in patients who did not (1327.2 ± 623.4 ng/mL, P = 1.75 × 10‐4; 206.3 ng/mL, P = 0.006). Estimated exposure thresholds of Imatinib and NDI were 1451.6 ng/mL with ROCAUC (95%CI) of 0.693 (0.597–0.789) and 207.1 ng/mL with ROCAUC (95%CI) of 0.646 (0.546–0.745), respectively. Multivariate regression confirmed the correlation of Imatinib Cmin with myelosuppression. Other side effects such as fluid retention and rash were not found to be correlated with Imatinib concentrations. These results suggest that trough concentration of Imatinib should be taken into consideration to increase the safety of Imatinib therapy in GIST patients.
Earth‐Friendly Seawater Desalination System Required in the 21st Century
Authors: Kurihara Masaru , Takeuchi Hiromu
Published: January 2018

Although the distillation process was initially applied in seawater desalination plants to solve the current global water shortage, it has been replaced by the energy‐saving type reverse‐osmosis membrane process worldwide since the beginning of this century. Considering the population increase and economic development, the ‘Mega‐ton Water System' research project was conducted to identify the element technologies required for the 21st century in Japan. Enhancing the operational reliability of seawater desalination plants, these development technologies also enable the establishment of earth‐friendly seawater desalination plants anticipating considerable energy savings, lowering of the environmental impact, and reduction of water production costs.
Preparation of Hollow CeO2/CePO4 with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co‐Doped Carbon Shells for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalytic Activity
Authors: Yu Yue , He Bowen , Liao Yujia , Yu Xiaodan , Mu Zhongcheng , Xing Yan , Xing Shuangxi
Published: January 2018

Achieving active and sustainable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction with low cost and high performance attracts great interest in the field of fuel cells. Here, we report a facile route to prepare hollow CeO2/CePO4@N,P co‐doped carbon by pyrolyzing CeO2@polyaniline obtained in the presence of phytic acid. By virtue of the co‐doping of N and P elements as well as the existence of oxygen vacancies and the formation of a void, the product illustrated excellent catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction with onset and half‐wave potentials of 0.918 and 0.822 V, respectively, and a current density of 4.38 mA cm−2 at 0.565 V vs. RHE. Furthermore, it presented high durability and strong methanol tolerance, revealing its great potential for applications in energy conversion.