bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Perovskite LaFexNi1−xO3 Nanorods Enable Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Huaping , Wang Juan , Pi Yecan , Shao Qi , Tan Yueming , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: January 2019

Perovskite‐based electrocatalysts are one of the most promising materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but their activity and durability are still far from desirable. Herein, we demonstrate that the double perovskite LaFexNi1−xO3 (LFNO) nanorods (NRs) can be adopted as highly active and stable OER electrocatalysts. The optimized LFNO‐II NRs with Ni/Fe ratio of 8:2 achieve a low overpotential of 302 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec−1, outperforming those of the commercial Ir/C. The LFNO‐II NRs also show high OER stability with slight current decrease after 20 h. The enhanced activity is explained by the improved surface area, tailored electronic structure as well as strong hybridization between O and Ni.
Solid‐State Synthesis of Two Different Polymers in a Single Crystal: A Miscible Polymer Blend from a Topochemical Reaction
Authors: Hema Kuntrapakam , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: January 2019

The topochemical synthesis of a miscible polymer blend is described. The azide‐ and alkyne‐decorated tetrol 1 crystallizes as two different conformers. Both conformers exhibit self‐sorted head‐to‐tail alignment with proximally placed reacting groups such that topochemical polymerization yields two types of polymer chains, each containing only one type of conformer. The orientation of complementary reactive groups in one of the head‐to‐tail‐arranged conformers favors the formation of cis‐triazole linkages, and the other favors the trans‐triazole linkages. Crystals of 1 on heating gave a perfect polymer blend containing equal amounts of cis‐triazole‐linked and trans‐triazole‐linked polymers. As each conformer is H‐bonded to four conformers of the other kind, the polymerization yields a perfect polymer blend wherein each polymer chain is surrounded by chains of the other type. Thus, the molecular ordering in the prepolymerized state in a crystal is utilized to create a polymer blend.
Optimizing adsorptive removal of malachite green and methyl orange dyes from simulated wastewater by Mn‐doped CuO‐Nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon using CCD‐RSM: Mechanism, regeneration, isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Sharifpour Ebrahim , Alipanahpour Dil Ebrahim , Asfaram Arash , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Goudarzi Alireza
Published: January 2019

In the present work, Mn‐doped CuO‐NPs‐AC was prepared by a simple method, characterized using various techniques such as FESEM, EDX, XRD, PSD, and pHpzc and finally used for the adsorption of malachite green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) in a number of single and binary solutions. A series of adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate and optimize the influence of various factors (such as different pH, concentration of MG and MO, adsorbent mass, and sonication time) on the simultaneous adsorption of MG and MO using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions of pH 10, adsorbent dose of 0.02 g, MG concentration of 30 mg L−1, MO concentration of 30 mg L−1, and sonication time of 4.5 min at room temperature, the maximum predicted adsorption was observed to be 100.0%, for both MG and MO, showing that there is a favorable harmony between the experimental data and model predictions. The adsorption isotherm of MO and MG by Mn‐doped CuO‐NPs‐AC could be well clarified by the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 320.69 mg g−1 and 290.11 mg g−1 in the single solution and 233.02 mg g−1 and 205.53 mg g−1 in the binary solution by 0.005 g of adsorbent mass for MG and MO, respectively. Kinetic studies also revealed that both MG and MO adsorption were better defined by the pseudo‐second order model for both solutions. In addition, the thermodynamic constant studies disclosed that the adsorption of MG and MO was likely to be influenced by a physisorption mechanism. Eventually, the reusability of the Mn‐doped CuO‐NPs‐AC after six times showed a reduction in the adsorption percentage of MG and MO.
Recent Advancements in and the Future of Organic Emitters: TADF‐ and RTP‐Active Multifunctional Organic Materials
Authors: Data Przemyslaw , Takeda Youhei
Published: January 2019

Organic emitting compounds that are based on π‐conjugated skeletons have emerged as promising next‐generation materials for application in optoelectronic devices. In this Minireview, recent advances in the development of organic emitters that irradiate room‐temperature phosphorescence and/or thermally activated delayed fluorescence with extraordinary luminescence properties, such as aggregation‐induced emission, mechanochromic luminescence, and circularly polarized luminescence, are discussed.
Pedagogy of Bayes’ rule, confusion matrix, transition matrix, and receiver operating characteristics
Authors: Shankar P. Mohana
Published: January 2019

A module has been developed to expand the scope of the undergraduate course in engineering probability to include data analytics. Starting with demos using data from hypothetical experiments in machine vision, students were exposed to the topics of confusion matrix, transition matrix, receiver operating characteristic curves, Bayes’ rule, and concepts of random variables bridging the gap between theory and applications. Student were given unique data sets requiring estimation of a priori and conditional probabilities, positive predictive values, and error rates in the machine vision classifier. Student surveys conducted at the start and conclusion of the course seem to suggest that they gained an enhanced understanding of the applications of probability concepts to data analytics. The methodology can easily be extended to cover other topics such as hypothesis testing and diversity analysis to shift the emphasis of the engineering probability course from pure theory to applications.
Composites of Anthraquinone Dyes@HKUST‐1 with Tunable Microstructuring: Experimental and Theoretical Interaction Studies
Authors: Loera‐Serna Sandra , Flores Jorge , Navarrete‐López Alejandra M. , Díaz de León Jorge Noé , Beltran Hiram I.
Published: January 2019

The metal–organic framework (MOF) HKUST‐1 was employed as an interaction matrix for fundamental loading studies of anthraquinone dyes. Chosen dyes were alizarin (A), alizarin S (AS), disperse blue 1 (B1), disperse blue 3 (B3), disperse blue 56 (B56) and purpurin (P). All materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA and SEM. Hence the interaction of dyes with the framework was characterized by theoretical–experimental differential analysis. One‐pot loading strategy resulted in more efficient scavenging of dyes, and reached 100 % for B56 using 50 mg L−1. SEM revealed important microstructural changes, the smaller crystals ranged 0.8–3 μm in size and almost all composite sizes were from this to higher values, reaching 70 μm, with varying shapes. Two composites were larger in size range (about 2500–1000 μm), and were shaped as rods, octahedrons and coffin lids. Indeed, the microstructure could be modulated depending on preparation conditions and type of loaded dye. For the higher loading series, N2 adsorption and XPS experiments were carried on to further evidence dye–MOF interactions. Ab initio prediction of structural properties for A@HKUST‐1 and P@HKUST‐1 were obtained by means of solid‐state CRYSTAL14 code at the PBE0 level of theory. Computed findings evidenced two O→Cu coordinative bonds, one from O‐ketone and the other from O‐phenolate moiety as main interactions towards CuNET centers.
Stable Singlet Biradicals of Rare‐Earth‐Fused Diporphyrin‐Triple‐Decker Complexes with Low Energy Gaps and Multi‐Redox States
Authors: Lee Sunri , Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Sakata Naoya , Hirao Yasukazu , Ogawa Kaya , Ogawa Takuji
Published: January 2019

Dinuclear rare‐earth (TbIII, YIII) triple‐decker complexes with a fused diporphyrin (FP) and two tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) ligands were synthesized in neutral, dianionic, and diprotonated forms. The neutral forms have large open shell biradical character, as determined from the temperature dependency of the magnetic susceptibility measurements and theoretical calculations. The coupling value (J=−1.4 kcal mol−1, −487 cm−1) of the radical centers in the neutral form of the YIII complex indicates weak pairing interactions. Theoretical calculations on the neutral form reveal a significant biradical character (y=68 %). Furthermore, the TbIII complex exhibits multi‐redox states, having more than eight clear peaks in the voltammetry curves. The optical (3700 nm, 0.33 eV) and electrochemical measurements (3400 nm, 0.36 eV) indicate that the neutral form has very small HOMO–LUMO energy gap. Despite the large biradical character, the neutral complexes are thermally stable and do not decompose on heating at 120 °C. These complexes with unique characteristics are promising candidates for use in molecular electronics, optics, and spintronics.
First‐Row Transition‐Metal Cations (Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Fe2+) and Graphene (Oxide) Composites: From Structural Properties to Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Sarac Oztuna F. Eylul , Yagci M. Baris , Unal Ugur
Published: January 2019

Composites of graphene (oxide) (GO) and first‐row transition‐metal cations (Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Fe2+) are prepared by mixing GO and aqueous metal salt solutions. The amount of metal cation bound to GO nanosheets is calculated by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and the possible binding sites of the metals are investigated by means of attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Electrodes loaded with the metal/GO composites are prepared by a simple drop‐casting technique without any binders or conductive additives. The effect of electrochemical reduction on the structure of the composite electrodes is investigated by Raman spectroscopy, XPS, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A detailed electrochemical characterization is performed for the utilization of the composite electrodes for electrochemical capacitors and possible oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode measurements. The highest areal capacitance is achieved with the as‐deposited Fe/GO composite (38.7 mF cm−2 at 20 mV s−1). In the cyclic stability measurements, rCo/GO, rNi/GO, rMn/GO, and rFe/GO exhibit a capacitance retention of 44, 1.1, 73, and 87 % after 3000 cycles of CV at 100 mV s−1, respectively.
Investigation of gas condensate drop‐out effect on gas relative permeability by Lattice Boltzmann modelling
Authors: Soleimani Rasa , Norouzi Sevda , Rasaei Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2019

In a gas condensate reservoir, a drastic pressure drop in the vicinity of the wellbore makes it subject to gas condensate drop‐out. This phenomenon can adversely affect the productivity of the well and reduce gas recovery. The objective of this paper is to conduct a two‐phase fluid flow simulation on two‐dimensional porous media to understand the effect of the gas condensate drop‐out on the gas relative permeability values. In order to do so, lattice Boltzmann (LB) modelling was applied as a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach to perform the simulations in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous structures. The developed model was constrained by periodic boundary conditions at inlet and outlet and bounce‐back boundary condition at fluid‐solid interfaces. It was shown that the model can appropriately monitor formation and movement of the condensate droplets as a result of the pressure drop as well as blockages due to the entrance of the droplets into the throats. A consistent decrease in gas relative permeability values with condensate saturation was observed. It was also indicated that the condensate droplets become mobile at higher critical saturations in the heterogeneous system due to the dominance of capillary forces over viscous forces in the less permeable areas. Such dominance results in more severe blockages in the heterogeneous systems, as the simulation results confirmed.
Effect of color attributes on the buying decision model for Durio zibethinus L.
Authors: Theerathammakorn Supawadee , Hansuebsai Aran , Hoshino Yasushi
Published: January 2019

Printed images of food products appearing on packaging usually include vivid colors in order to draw the attention of customers and influence their buying decisions on the product. Buying decisions on Durio zibethinus L. or Durian cv. Monthong are not instantaneous. Packaging designers and marketers need to understand how color stimuli impact the customer's buying decision process. The color attributes of durian images, such as hue, saturation, and intensity based on HSI color system were evaluated for examining the color and generating stimuli. A psychophysical experiment was conducted based on the feelings of “deliciousness,” “attractiveness,” and “naturalness” from the packaging, as these feelings impact buying decisions. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that saturation had a significant effect on all the feelings that influence buying decisions. The multiple regression analysis showed that the relationships between “Attractiveness of Flesh (Att‐F)” and “Deliciousness of Flesh (Del‐F)” and the buying decision were significant. In addition, the relationship between the saturation levels set by Adobe Photoshop and Chroma difference (ΔC*ab) indicated that the appropriate Chroma difference (ΔC*ab) should be in the range of 21 to 28 to achieve the highest satisfaction and a predicted probability of buying of more than 90%.
Protective effects of quercetin against inflammation and oxidative stress in a rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wei Bing , Zhang Yan , Tang Lixia , Ji Yikui , Yan Cheng , Zhang Xiaoke
Published: January 2019

Hit, Lead & Candidate Discovery

This study investigated the effects of a natural phenolic compound quercetin on surgical‐induced osteoarthritis (OA) in rabbits. Forty‐eight New Zealand White rabbits were used to establish OA model by Hulth modified method, and subsequently randomized into untreated OA group (treatment was drinking water), celecoxib treated group (celecoxib 100 mg kg‑1 by gavage), and quercetin treated group (25 mg kg‑1 by gavage). Sixteen nonoperated rabbits served as the normal controls (drinking water was given). The treatment (length: 4 weeks) started on the 5th week postoperation when the OA pathological changes were manifested. Expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) in serum, synovial fluid, and synovial tissue were measured at 8 and 12 weeks postoperation. Pathological analysis was performed with synovial tissue section and Osteoarthritis Research Society International histopathology grading and staging scores were determined. The quercetin treated group showed higher SOD and TIMP‐1 expressions but lower MMP‐13 expression than untreated OA group in the serum, synovial fluid and synovial tissues (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the SOD, MMP‐13 and TIMP‐1 expressions between the quercetin‐treated and celecoxib‐treated groups. The MMP‐13/TIMP‐1 ratio of the quercetin treated group was significantly lower than that of the untreated OA group (p < .05). Quercetin can up‐regulate SOD and TIMP‐1, down‐regulate MMP‐13, and improve the degeneration of OA through weakening the oxidative stress responses and inhibiting the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix.
Evaluation of characteristics in VOx microbolometer fabricated by MOD on Si3N4/SiO2 membrane
Authors: Maeda Kohei , Hai Van Nhu , Nishioka Kunio , Matsutani Akihiro , Tachiki Takashi , Uchida Takashi
Published: January 2019

VOx thin films were fabricated on Si3N4/SiO2/Si substrates by firing precursor films, which were fabricated by metal‐organic decomposition (MOD), with a reduced pressure. Resistance‐temperature (R‐T) characteristics of the films indicating the phase transition from metal to insulator with about 4 orders of resistance change specified with VO2 (M) were obtained. Furthermore, the films fabricated with a firing temperature of 580‐600°C had temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −2.8 to −2.9 %/K at room temperature. After fabricating VOx microbolometers with 40 × 10 μm2 using the films on Si3N4/SiO2/Si substrates, Si with a thickness of about 340 μm was etched using Deep‐RIE and XeF2 vapor etching from the backside of the substrate. Then, the VOx microbolometer was completed on Si3N4/SiO2 membrane. The VOx microbolometer on Si3N4/SiO2 membrane had a high DC sensitivity of 2310 W−1, which was about 15 times higher than that of the microbolometer on the Si3N4/SiO2/Si substrate.
Group effects of a non‐native plant invasion on rodent abundance
Authors: Kluever Bryan M. , Smith Trinity N. , Gese Eric M.
Published: January 2019

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is the most prolific invading plant in western North America. Investigations determining the impact of this invasion on population state variables and community dynamics of rodents have largely occurred at the community or species level, creating a knowledge gap as to whether rodents affiliated by a shared taxonomy or other grouping are differentially affected by cheatgrass invasion. We examined rodent abundance along a gradient of cheatgrass cover using various groupings of two nocturnal rodent taxa comprising the majority of the rodent community in the Great Basin Desert. In the summers of 2010–2013, rodents were sampled and vegetation was measured on the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground in the Great Basin Desert of Utah, USA. We separately examined estimates of rodent abundance for all combined species within the Cricetidae and Heteromyidae families, the most numerically dominant species, and uncommon species pooled in relation to cheatgrass invasion severity. We detected an expected negative linear relationship between invasion severity and abundance for all cricetid groupings, including the most numerically dominant species, the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). Unexpectedly, heteromyid abundance exhibited an initial positive relationship, reached a threshold, and then exhibited a negative relationship, a phenomenon driven by Ord's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordii), the most numerically dominant species. We speculate this non‐linear finding was caused by a combination of trophic and non‐trophic pathways. Our findings provide new insight as to the potential for differential effects of cheatgrass on rodents in arid portions of the western United States. We suggest that future investigations on cheatgrass, and plant invader effects in general, consider parsing animal communities of interest by various taxonomic and/or ecological groupings rather than focusing exclusively on individual species or entire communities.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Heterogeneous Catalytic Activity of Sulfamic Acid Functionalized Magnetic IRMOF‐3
Authors: Mostafavi Mohammad Mahdi , Movahedi Farnaz
Published: January 2019

In this work, post‐synthesis modification of Fe3O4/IRMOF‐3 nanocomposite with chlorosulfonic acid groups afforded sulfamic acid‐functionalized magnetic metal‐organic frameworks (Fe3O4/IRMOF‐3/SO3H). Functionalization was followed through FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, BET, FESEM/EDS and elemental analysis. The catalytic efficiency of the as‐prepared nanocomposite was evaluated through one‐pot pseudo four‐component reaction of secondary amines, malononitrile, and salicylaldehyde in EtOH under mild conditions. The magnetic tendency of the functionalized IRMOF‐3 enabled simple decantation from the reaction mixture with use of an external magnetic field, with subsequent catalyst reuse for at least five times without significant loss of catalytic efficiency.
Bioinspired Oxidative Cleavage of Aliphatic C–C Bonds Utilizing Aerial Oxygen by Nickel Acireductone Dioxygenase Mimics
Authors: Raje Sakthi , Mani Kalaikodikumaran , Kandasamy Parameswaran , Butcher Ray J. , Angamuthu Raja
Published: January 2019

Bioinspired oxidative cleavage of aliphatic C–C bonds of the acireductone model substrate 2‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐1,3‐diphenylprop‐1‐en‐1‐olate, bound to two paramagnetic nickel(II) complexes that are mimics for the nickel containing acireductone dioxygenase, has been achieved utilizing aerial oxygen under ambient conditions.
Bifunctional Pincer Catalysts for Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation and Related Reactions
Authors: Cohen Shirel , Bilyachenko Alexey N. , Gelman Dmitri
Published: January 2019

A comparative study on the chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines and related processes using FA as the hydrogen source is described; these processes are catalyzed by a series of pincer catalysts equipped with different functional groups in the secondary coordination sphere. Some new (4 and 5) as well as previously reported (1–3) catalysts belonging to the family of bifunctional PC(sp3)P pincer complexes were employed in this study The reported compounds exhibited remarkably different catalytic activity behavior, depending on the nature of the functional groups. Transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene with FA as a hydrogen source was probed using iridium complexes 3 or 4 as a catalyst. Under the same conditions, the analogous palladium complex was found to be useful for the selective amidation of aniline with light carboxylic acids.
Regioselective Hydrodehalogenation of Aromatic α‐ and β‐Halo carbonyl Compounds by CuI in Isopropanol
Authors: Parveen Iram , Khan Danish , Ahmed Naseem
Published: January 2019

An operationally efficient and regioselective hydrodehalogenation methodology of aromatic α‐ and β‐halo carbonyl compounds has been developed using CuI in isopropanol at 90 °C under basic condition. The catalytic system effectively dehalogenates chloride, bromide, and iodide groups and afforded high yield (up to 97 %) as carbonyl compounds. The methodology is environmentally friendly and demonstrates excellent tolerance to a broad range of electronically rich and poor substituents.
Metal‐Free O‐Selective Direct Acylation of Amino Alcohols Through Pseudo‐Intramolecular Process
Authors: Yokoyama Soichi , Shibauchi Hiroshi , Asahara Haruyasu , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: January 2019

Efficient α‐aryl‐β‐keto ester acylation of amine accompanied by the elimination of ethyl phenylacetate was achieved owing to the pseudo‐intramolecular process. The eliminated ethyl phenylacetate could be recycled by conversion into an α‐aryl‐β‐keto ester upon treatment with an acyl chloride in the presence of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, by which the atom economy considerably increased. Acylation using an α‐aryl‐β‐keto ester is highly sensitive to the bulkiness of the nucleophile, which facilitated the regioselective‐acylation of the less hindered amino group in diamine without protecting the other. The transacylation of α‐aryl‐β‐keto ester with N‐alkylamino alcohol resulted in chemoselective O‐acylation without protecting the amino group because the hydroxy group was attracted to the reaction site of the keto ester by forming an ammonium salt. Transacylation was demonstrated to be a practically useful tool for organic synthesis because this protocol can be conducted under mild conditions with simple manipulations in the absence of any additives such as metal catalyst and base.
Selenium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of 2‐Benzimidazolones from 2‐Nitroanilines with TFBen as the CO Source
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Zhou Rong , Peng Jin‐Bao , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: January 2019

A selenium‐catalyzed carbonylative reaction for the synthesis of 2‐benzimidazolones from 2‐nitroanilines has been developed. In this strategy, to avoid the usage of toxic CO gas, TFBen (benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl triformate) was used as a solid and stable CO precursor, and a variety of desired 2‐benzimidazolones were produced in moderate to excellent yields.
In Situ Generated Magnesium Cyanide as an Efficient Reagent for Nucleophilic Cyanation of Nitrosoalkenes and Parent Nitronates
Authors: Ushakov Pavel Yu. , Tabolin Andrey A. , Ioffe Sema L. , Sukhorukov Alexey Yu.
Published: January 2019

In situ generated magnesium cyanide [NaCN/Mg(ClO4)2] is suggested as a convenient, readily available, non‐volatile and organic‐soluble reagent for hydrocyanation reactions. It was successfully used for nucleophilic cyanation of nitrosoalkenes, nitronates, as well as other typical π‐electrophiles, such as imines, α,β‐unsaturated ketones, alkylidenemalonates and azoalkenes.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed [3+2] Annulation of N‐2,2,2‐Trifluoroethylisatin Ketimines with γ‐Substituted Allenoates: Synthesis of Spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrole]
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Yun , Gao Yu‐Ning , Shi Min
Published: January 2019

Synthesis of spiro[indoline‐3,2′‐pyrrole] scaffold compounds from N‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethylisatin ketimines and γ‐substituted allenoates through a phosphine‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation process has been developed, which could afford an unprecedented access to spirocyclic oxindoles with functionalized CF3 moiety containing five‐membered rings. The new synthetic protocol used readily available N‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethylisatin ketimines as the starting materials, inexpensive PPh3 as the catalyst, and the corresponding products were obtained with yields up to 85 % under mild conditions.
A Novel Anode with Superior Cycling Stability Based on Silicon Encapsulated in Shell‐Like rGO/CNT Architecture for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Bingmeng , Kuang Xuanlin , Xu Sixing , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2019

Although silicon is intensively pursued as the most promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the extensive utilization of silicon is still impeded by severe capacity fading and limited cycle life. A robust layer‐by‐layer architecture of the silicon‐based anode, which shields silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) with shell‐like reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers supported by the intertwined framework of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is developed. Such structure guarantees high reversible capacity and cyclic stability by enclosing SiNPs in the stable shells, which supplies sufficient void space for the expansion of SiNPs and prevents electrolyte‐consuming capacity. In addition, the electrode kinetics in the plane direction are enhanced due to the intimate contact between SiNPs and highly conductive rGO layers, while the highly conductive framework of CNTs has a similar impact on that in the direction of the vertical plane. As a result, the nanocomposite anode demonstrates an improved cycling stability with 1438.31 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and a superior rate performance of 1112.64 mAh g−1 at 5 C rate in a half‐cell electrochemical test.
Application of multiple‐response optimization methods for the ergonomic evaluation of carpet weaving knife
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Meena Makkhan Lal , Chaudhary Himanshu
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate several weaving knife configurations in response to multiple criteria’s for optimum design. Nine different knife combinations were tested over ten female weavers in a field experiment. Three levels of blade width and angular orientations were taken as the independent variables. Output response about goniometry and electromyography were taken as dependent variables. Multivariate analysis was carried out to estimate the effect of independent variables on output responses. To tackle the difficulty of knife selection with several output responses, three multicriteria optimization approaches have been compared. Multivariate analysis of variance results showed that the effect of both blade width and angle were significant at wrist angles. Also, the magnitude of effect size on both blade width and the angle was highest for the wrist angles. Despite the same weighing criteria, a slight difference was evident between the ranks from optimization methods. The higher blade widths and smaller angular orientations should be recommended for reduction of wrist deviation and muscle activity during weaving. The best possible combination of knife evaluated using multicriteria optimization was 25 mm × 100°.
A Visible‐Light‐Driven Molecular Motor Based on Pyrene
Authors: Roke Diederik , Feringa Ben L. , Wezenberg Sander J.
Published: January 2019

The aromatic core of an overcrowded alkene‐based molecular motor is extended with the goal of inducing isomerization with visible light instead of harmful UV light. In our design, the common naphthalene moiety in the upper half of the motor is changed to pyrene. The photochemical and thermal isomerization processes are studied in detail using DFT calculations as well as NMR and UV/VIS spectroscopy. Our studies confirm that extension of the π‐system of the upper half successfully leads to a shift of the excitation wavelength into the visible region, while retaining proper rotary function.
Molecular evidence of role of vitamin D deficiency in various extraskeletal diseases
Authors: Zendehdel Abolfazl , Arefi Mohammad
Published: January 2019

Background

Role of vitamin D is not only limited to skeletal system but various other systems of the body, such as immune system, endocrine system, and cardiopulmonary system.

Materials and Methods

It is supported by the confirmations of systems‐wide expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), endocrinal effect of calcitriol, and its role in immune responses.

Results

Expression of VDR in various systems, immunoregulatory and hormonal response of vitamin D and deficiency of vitamin D may establish various pathologies in the body.

Conclusion

This review provides molecular evidence of relation of vitamin D with extra skeletal.
Long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 suppresses papillary thyroid carcinoma growth by inactivating the AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Fei , Zhang Qing , Chen Wei , Zhang Huiting , Lu Guofen , Chen Jingyu , Qiu Changhong
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have been identified as a tumor suppressor in colorectal, lung, renal, and stomach cancer as well as in patient gliomas, but the function of CASC2 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is not yet clear. The present study aimed to explore the effects of CASC2 in PTC.

Methods

The CASC2 expression was measured in PTC samples and normal tissues by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The lentiviral vectors were used to establish CASC2 overexpression models in PTC cell lines to determine the effects of CASC2 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. A tumor xenograft animal model was used to examine the functions of overexpression CASC2.

Results

CASC2 expression was significantly decreased in PTC tumor tissues than adjacent normal tissues. CASC2 downregulation in PTC tissues significantly correlated with the tumor size, the presence of multifocal lesions, and the advanced pathological stage. CASC2 overexpression suppressed the cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in PTC cell lines and CASC2 overexpression resulted in the inactivation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2). The regulatory effects of CASC2 on PTC cell biological behavior were further enhanced by mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 or AKT1/2/3 inhibitor MK‐2206 2HCl. CASC2 overexpression suppressed tumor growth in PTC cells in xenograft mouse models.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that CASC2 significantly suppressed tumorigenesis in PTC and CASC2 may serve as a novel prognostic marker or therapeutic target.
Homeodomain interacting protein kinase‐2 phosphorylates FOXM1 and promotes FOXM1‐mediated tumor growth in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Feng , Li Na , Liu Yingying , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jin , Wang Zhixin
Published: January 2019

Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is a member of the forkhead/winged‐helix transcription factors regulating proliferation‐associated genes and is critical to DNA replication and mitosis. With this said, the function of FOXM1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been clearly elucidated. Thus, in this study, the expression pattern of FOXM1 was significantly upregulated in RCC tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. Moreover, using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), FOXM1 can interact with homeodomain interacting protein kinase‐2 (HIPK2). In addition, FOXM1 can be phosphorylated by HIPK2. Furthermore, HIPK2 knockdown inhibits FOXM1 phosphorylation and reduces transcription of FOXM1 associated genes: Cyclin B1 and Aurora B. In addition, HIPK2 knockdown hampers the RCC cells cycle progression and suppresses cell viability in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the phosphorylation of FOXM1 by HIPK2 can promote FOXM1 transcription activity and cell proliferation in RCC, thus, indicating a potential mechanism for the treatment of human RCC in the future.
VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants are associated with bladder cancer risk in Asian descendants
Authors: Zhang Li‐Feng , Ren Ke‐Wei , Zuo Li , Zou Jian‐Gang , Song Ning‐Hong , Mi Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Zeng‐Jun , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene were evaluated in a number of studies to evaluate bladder cancer (BCa) susceptibility but with controversial conclusions.

Material and Methods

We performed a pooled analysis and used odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to investigate the correlation between VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants and risk of BCa. Furthermore, we utilized in silico tools to demonstrate the relationship of
VEGF expression correlated with BCa susceptibility and survival time.

Results

A total of eight studies including 4359 BCa patients and 5417 control subjects were enrolled in our study. For VEGF rs3025039C/T, a significant association was indicated between this variant and BCa risk in homozygote comparison (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.13‐2.02;
P
heterogeneity = 0.815) and recessive genetic model (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.99;
P
heterogeneity = 0.874), in particular in an Asian population subgroup. For
VEGF rs833052C/A, we observed a positive association between this variant and BCa susceptibility in Asian descendants. Results from in silico tool showed evidence that
VEGF expression in bladder carcinoma tissue is higher than that in normal counterpart (transcripts per kilobase million = 7.21 vs 6.85;
P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The VEGF gene rs3025039C/T and rs833052C/A variants may contribute to the risk of developing BCa, especially in Asian descendants. Future larger sample studies should be continued to focus on this issue in more detail.
Struggling to be a person: Lived experience of avoidant personality disorder
Authors: Sørensen Kristine D. , Råbu Marit , Wilberg Theresa , Berthelsen Eivind
Published: January 2019

Objective

To better understand the subjective lived experience of persons diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder (AVPD).

Methods

Persons with an AVPD (N = 15) were interviewed twice with semistructured qualitative interviews and analyzed through interpretative–phenomenological analysis. Persons with first‐hand experience of AVPD were included in the research process.

Results

The superordinate theme, “struggling to be a person,” encompassed two main themes. The first, “fear and longing,” incorporated the subthemes “longing for connection,” “dreading to get close” and “being alone, for better or for worse.” The second main theme, “a doubting self,” included the subthemes “feeling insecure” and “searching for a sense of self.”

Conclusions

The findings shed light on how the reflexive selves of people with AVPD might struggle with sense‐making, sense of agency, and identity. This study underscores how impaired tacit knowledge of social behavior can hamper the process of being a person in relation to others.
Melatonin alleviates the deterioration of oocytes from mice subjected to repeated superovulation
Authors: Xiao Peng , Nie Junyu , Wang Xuefang , Lu Kehuan , Lu Shengsheng , Liang Xingwei
Published: January 2019

Induction of repeated superovulation with exogenous hormones is widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Though it is generally safe, emerging evidence has indicated that repeated superovulation may compromise oocyte quality. However, few studies have explored how to ameliorate such impairment. Because melatonin has beneficial influences on oocytes in various detrimental environments, we aimed to explore whether melatonin could protect mouse oocytes after repeated superovulation. We found that repeated superovulation markedly reduced meiotic maturation and disrupted spindle organization and chromosome alignment. Furthermore, we observed reduced mitochondrial content and enhanced early apoptosis in oocytes from mice subjected to repeated superovulation. In addition, 5‐methylcytosine (5mc) fluorescence intensity was lower in oocytes from experimental mice than in those from control mice, indicating that repeated superovulation disrupts genomic DNA methylation, and elevations in reactive oxygen species levels indicated that repeated superovulation also induces oxidative stress. Conversely, melatonin administration improved oocyte maturation and attenuated the observed defects. Interestingly, supplementation with melatonin during in vitro maturation had the same protective effects on oocytes as in vivo melatonin administration. In summary, our results show that melatonin can improve oocyte quality after repeated superovulation and thus provide a potential strategy to improve ART efficiency.
Microarray expression profiles analysis revealed lncRNA OXCT1‐AS1 promoted bladder cancer cell aggressiveness via miR‐455‐5p/JAK1 signaling
Authors: Chen Jin‐Bo , Zhu Ye‐Wen , Guo Xi , Yu Cui , Liu Pei‐Hua , Li Chao , Hu Jiao , Li Hui‐Huang , Liu Long‐Fei , Chen Min‐Feng , Chen He‐Qun , Xiong‐Bing Zu
Published: January 2019

Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers of the urinary system worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform a vital function in the pathogenesis and progression of BCa. In the current study, we identified a novel lncRNA OXCT1‐AS1 and investigated its role and potential mechanisms in BCa. The microarray results showed the expression of lncRNAs, microRNAs, and messenger RNAs between BCa primary tumor tissues and metastatic lymph nodes were significantly different. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction verification was performed to ensure the reliability of the screening results. The Cell Counting Kit 8 and transwell assay were used to assess the tumor cell proliferation and invasion abilities in vitro, respectively. The dual‐luciferase activity assay was performed to investigate the potential mechanism of competing endogenous RNA network. lncRNA OXCT1‐AS1, which elevated in metastasis lymph node, was significantly upregulated in BCa cell lines compared with SVHUC‐1. We demonstrated OXCT1‐AS1 inhibited miR‐455‐5p to decrease its binding to the JAK1 3′‐untranslated region, which could upregulate the expression of JAK1 at the protein level, thus promoting BCa proliferation and invasion. Therefore, lncRNA OXCT1‐AS1 could act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with BCa.
The relationship between microRNAs and Rab family GTPases in human cancers
Authors: Shahabi Arman , Naghili Behrooz , Ansarin Khalil , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: January 2019

microRNAs (miRNAs), as a group of noncoding RNAs, posttranscriptionally control gene expression by binding to 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR). Ras‐associated binding (Rab) proteins function as molecular switches for regulating vesicular transport, which mainly have oncogenic roles in cancer development and preventing the efficacy of chemotherapies. Increased evidence supported that miRNAs/Rabs interaction have been determined as potential therapeutics for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, instability and cross‐targeting of miRNAs are main limitations of using miRNA‐based therapeutic. The mutual interplay between Rabs and miRNAs has been poorly understood. In the present review, we focused on the essence and activity of these molecules in cancer pathogenesis. Also, numerous hindrances and potential methods in the expansion of miRNA as an anticancer therapeutics are mentioned.
Establishment and optimization of epithelial cell cultures from human ectocervix, transformation zone, and endocervix optimization of epithelial cell cultures
Authors: Deng Han , Mondal Sumona , Sur Shantanu , Woodworth Craig D.
Published: January 2019

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and research using cell culture models has improved understanding of this disease. The human cervix contains three anatomic regions; ectocervix with stratified squamous epithelium, endocervix with secretory epithelium, and transformation zone (TZ) with metaplastic cells. Most cervical cancers originate within the TZ. However, little is known about the biology of TZ cells or why they are highly susceptible to carcinogenesis. The goal of this study was to develop and optimize methods to compare growth and differentiation of cells cultured from ectocervix, TZ or endocervix. We examined the effects of different serum‐free media on cell attachment, cell growth and differentiation, and cell population doublings in monolayer culture. We also optimized conditions for organotypic culture of cervical epithelial cells using collagen rafts with human cervical stromal cells. Finally, we present a step‐by‐step protocol for culturing cells from each region of human cervix.
Curcumin as a therapeutic agent in leukemia
Authors: Kouhpeikar Hamideh , Butler Alexandra E. , Bamian Faeze , Barreto George E. , Majeed Muhammed , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: January 2019

Leukemia comprises a group of hematological malignancies responsible for 8% of all cancers and is the most common cancer in children. Despite significant improvements in leukemia treatment, the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents is low and the disease carries a poor prognosis with frequent relapses and high mortality. Curcumin is a yellow polyphenol compound with diverse pharmacological actions including anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, lipid‐regulating, antidepressant, and antiarthritic. Many cellular and experimental studies have reported the benefits of curcumin in treating leukemia. Curcumin's anticancer effects are exerted via various mechanisms. Here, we review the effects of curcumin on various types of leukemia whilst considering its mechanisms of action.
Effects of the isothiocyanate sulforaphane on TGF‐β1‐induced rat cardiac fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix interactions
Authors: Fix Charity , Carver‐Molina Amanda , Chakrabarti Mrinmay , Azhar Mohamad , Carver Wayne
Published: January 2019

An important step in many pathological conditions, particularly tissue and organ fibrosis, is the conversion of relatively quiescent cells into active myofibroblasts. These are highly specialized cells that participate in normal wound healing but also contribute to pathogenesis. These cells possess characteristics of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, have enhanced synthetic activity secreting abundant extracellular matrix components, cytokines, and growth factors, and are capable of generating contractile force. As such, these cells have become potential therapeutic targets in a number of disease settings. Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and myofibroblast formation and likewise is an important therapeutic target in several disease conditions. The plant‐derived isothiocyanate sulforaphane has been shown to have protective effects in several pathological models including diabetic cardiomyopathy, carcinogenesis, and fibrosis. These studies suggest that sulforaphane may be an attractive preventive agent against disease progression, particularly in conditions involving alterations of the extracellular matrix and activation of myofibroblasts. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of sulforaphane on cardiac fibroblast activation and their interactions with the extracellular matrix. The present studies were carried out to determine the potential effects of sulforaphane on the conversion of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts to an activated myofibroblast phenotype and associated alterations in signaling, expression of extracellular matrix receptors, and cellular physiology following stimulation with TGF‐β1. These studies demonstrate that sulforaphane attenuates TGF‐β1‐induced myofibroblast formation and contractile activity. Sulforaphane also reduces expression of collagen‐binding integrins and inhibits canonical and noncanonical TGF‐β signaling pathways.
Prevalence of antibodies against BKPyV subtype I and IV in kidney transplant recipients and in the general Czech population
Authors: Hejtmánková Alžběta , Roubalová Kateřina , Forejtová Alena , Žáčková Suchanová Jiřina , Forstová Jitka , Viklický Ondřej , Španielová Hana
Published: January 2019

Active infection with BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) may cause serious complications in transplantation settings. Recently, the level of BKPyV IgG seroreactivity in graft donors has been shown to predict viremia and BKPyV‐associated nephropathy in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. Pretransplantation testing of the donor and recipient BKPyV serostatus could, therefore, identify patients at high risk. For the development of serological immunoassays, antibody response to the predominant BKPyV subtypes (BKPyV‐I and BKPyV‐IV) was studied using virus‐like particle (VLP)‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VLPs made from the capsid protein, VP1, derived from BKPyV‐I and BKPyV‐IV subtypes were produced using a baculovirus expression system and used as antigens. The tests were used for IgG antibody determination in 50 KTx recipients and 111 healthy blood donors. While 87% of samples reacted with mixed BKPyV‐I and BKPyV‐IV antigens, only 49% of samples were reactive in both ELISA tests when using BKPyV‐I or BKPyV‐IV antigens separately. Twenty‐seven percent of healthy blood donors and 26% of KTx recipients were reactive only with BKPyV‐I, while 9% and 20% were reactive only with BKPyV‐IV, respectively. To determine the specificities of the antigens, selected seropositive samples were retested after preadsorption with soluble BKPyV‐I, BKPyV‐IV, or JC polyomavirus antigens. The experiments confirmed that recombinant VP1 VLP‐based ELISAs predominantly detected BKPyV type‐specific antibodies. The results imply that anti‐BKPyV antibody ELISA tests should contain a mixture of subtype‐specific VLP‐based antigens instead of antigen derived from the most prevalent BKPyV‐I subtype. The tests can be used for serological surveys of BKPyV infection and improved KTx patient management.