bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong Facet Effects on Interfacial Charge Transfer Revealed through the Examination of Photocatalytic Activities of Various Cu2O–ZnO Heterostructures
Authors: Wu Szu‐Chieh , Tan Chih‐Shan , Huang Michael H.
Published: January 2017

Confirming the photocatalytic inactivity of Cu2O nanocubes through the formation of Au‐decorated–Cu2O heterostructures, spiky ZnO nanostructures are grown on Cu2O cubes, octahedra, and rhombic dodecahedra to demonstrate that charge transfer across semiconductor heterojunctions is also strongly facet dependent. Unintended CuO formation in the growth of ZnO on perfect Cu2O cubes makes them slightly active toward methyl orange photodegradation. Under optimal ZnO growth conditions without CuO presence, Cu2O cubes remain inactive, while rhombic dodecahedra show an enhanced photocatalytic activity due to better charge transfer according to normal Cu2O–ZnO band alignment. Surprisingly, photocatalytically active Cu2O octahedra become inactive after ZnO deposition. An extensive interfacial microscopic examination reveals preferential formation of the ZnO (101) planes on the {111} surfaces of Cu2O octahedra, while different ZnO lattice planes are observed to deposit on Cu2O cubes and rhombic dodecahedra. The photocatalytic inactivity of ZnO‐decorated Cu2O octahedra is explained in terms of an unfavorable band alignment arising from an unusual degree of band bending for the ZnO {101} face relative to the band energy of the Cu2O {111} surface. The efficiency of charge transfer across semiconductor heterojunctions strongly depends on the band edge energies of the contacting planes.
A Quick Access to 1‐(2‐Pyridyl)indoles via Solvent‐Free Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Regioselective [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of α,ω‐Diynes and N‐Cyanoindoles
Authors: Chowdhury Hrishikesh , Goswami Avijit
Published: January 2017

A new route to synthesize 1‐(2‐pyridyl)indole scaffolds via the solvent‐free, ruthenium(II)‐catalyzed, chemo‐ and regioselective [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of diynes with N‐cyanoindoles has been developed with good to excellent yields. Among the various transition metal‐based catalysts known for cycloaddition reaction to synthesize pyridine derivatives, chloro(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclooctadiene)ruthenium(II) was established to be the best catalyst for this system. This efficient methodology provides 3‐substituted 1‐(2‐pyridyl)indole scaffolds having very close structural similarity with biological drug molecules.

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Biocatalytic Cascade of Polyphosphate Kinase and Sucrose Synthase for Synthesis of Nucleotide‐Activated Derivatives of Glucose
Authors: Kulmer Sandra T. , Gutmann Alexander , Lemmerer Martin , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: January 2017

Sucrose synthase (SuSy) catalyzes in the presence of a pyrimidine or purine nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) the conversion of sucrose to the corresponding nucleotide‐activated derivative of glucose (NDP‐glucose). To realize the potential of SuSy for NDP‐glucose synthesis fully, a nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) should be employed in the reaction, for it is a much more cost‐effective substrate than NDP. Therefore we explored in this study the use of polyphosphate kinases (PPK) from class II and III of family 2 which catalyze in the presence of polyphosphate (polyP) the conversion of NMP into NDP. A biocatalytic cascade of PPK (from Meiothermus ruber) and SuSy (from Acidithiobacillus caldus) was established for NDP‐glucose production. The synthetic efficiency of the cascade reflected the NMP substrate specificity of the PPK, following the order of nucleoside monophosphate: adenosine (AMP)>guanosine (GMP)>cytidine (CMP)>uridine (UMP)>deoxy‐thymidine (dTMP). The efficiency was also influenced by the concentrations of magnesium (Mg2+) and polyphosphate (polyP) as well as by the pH. An optimized synthesis at 45 °C and pH 5.5 gave 81 mM (48 g L−1) ADP‐glucose from 100 mM AMP and 132 mM polyP in the presence of an excess of sucrose (1 M) and 25 mM Mg2+. The productivity was 2.0 g L−1 h−1 despite using an enzyme concentration of only 150 μg mL−1. Isolation of ADP‐glucose (∼99% purity) by anion‐exchange chromatography required prior removal of the polyP, which was achieved by fractional precipitation with ethanol. The herein developed coupling with PPK, to form the NDP substrate from NMP in situ, could be generally useful to advance NDP‐sugar synthesis by Leloir glycosyltransferases.

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Whole‐body vibration exposure of occupational horseback riding in agriculture: A ranching example
Authors: Zeng Xiaoke , Trask Catherine , Kociolek Aaron M
Published: January 2017

Background

Horse riding is common in many occupations; however, there is currently no research evaluating exposure to whole‐body vibration and mechanical shock on horseback.

Methods

Whole‐body vibration was measured on a cattle rancher during two 30 min horseback rides using a tri‐axial accelerometer mounted on a western saddle. Vibration was summarized into standardized metrics, including the 8 hr equivalent root‐mean‐squared acceleration (A[8]) and the daily 4th power vibration dose value (VDV). The resulting exposures were compared to the exposure limit and action values provided by European Union Directive 2002/44/EC.

Results

The highest vibration for both rides was in the vertical axis, with average A(8) and VDV of 0.56 m/s2 and 26.24 m/s1.75, respectively. The A(8) value indicated moderate risk while the VDV suggested high risk of harmful health effects.

Conclusions

Exposure to whole‐body vibration and mechanical shock during occupational horseback riding may pose deleterious health risks and increased susceptibility to low back pain. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:215–220, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate corruption of science—Another asbestos example
Authors: Egilman David , Monárrez Rubén
Published: January 2017

Background

Kelsh et al. [2007]: Occup Med (Lond) 57:581–589 published a paper reanalyzing one of the few data sources publicly available on mesothelioma amongst brake workers, the Australian Mesothelioma Surveillance Registry (AMSR). This reanalysis was commissioned by lawyers representing the automobile manufacturing companies and did not align with an independent analysis published by Leigh and Driscoll [2003]: Occup Environ Health 9:206–217.

Methods

We sought to reevaluate the AMSR data ourselves to understand how the company‐sponsored research categorized the data.

Results

In our re‐analysis of the 78 brake‐related folios in the AMSR, we determined that 57 were employed brake mechanics, 35 were employed brake mechanics with no other asbestos exposure besides brake work or repair, and 41 of these cases had no other asbestos exposure besides brake work or repair. Our classifications differed significantly from Kelsh et al.

Conclusions

We discuss how Kelsh et al. methodically reduced the relevant cases by following overly stringent criteria for inclusion. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:152–162, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examination of high‐antibiotic users in a multi‐institutional cohort of chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Mace Jess C. , Soler Zachary M. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: January 2017

Background

In addition to known concerns regarding antibiotic overuse, recent research indicates that excessive antibiotic use is associated with poorer long‐term health. Given that rhinosinusitis is the leading condition accounting for antibiotic prescriptions in the ambulatory setting, we aimed to evaluate characteristics associated with greater antibiotic use in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Adult CRS patients enrolled in a prospective, multi‐institutional, observational cohort study evaluating treatment outcomes were included in this analysis. Study participants were asked to report the number of days out of the previous 90 days that systemic antibiotics were taken for sinus disease. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and measures of disease severity were evaluated.

Results

A total of 561 patients from 4 institutions were included in the analysis, with mean antibiotic use of 17.4 ± 22.4 out of the prior 90 days. No differences between antibiotic‐use groups were found for objective measures of disease severity (computed tomography [CT], endoscopy, Brief Smell Identification Test [BSIT] scores), however, increased patient‐reported symptom burden (22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐22], Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI]) was associated with more antibiotic use. Patients reporting the most antibiotic use were older (p = 0.004) but no ethnic or gender differences were seen. Comorbid diagnoses of allergy, asthma, diabetes, depression, or fibromyalgia were not associated with increased antibiotic use. In accordance with literature recommendations, CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients were less likely to have used antibiotics. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) significantly decreased antibiotic use.

Conclusion

Variability in antibiotic use in CRS appears to be driven by symptom burden, independent of objective measures of disease severity, patient demographics, and presence of comorbid disease. Clear guidelines are essential to define appropriate antibiotic use in CRS.
Controlling the Helix Handedness of ααβ‐Peptide Foldamers through Sequence Shifting
Authors: Szefczyk Monika , Węglarz‐Tomczak Ewelina , Fortuna Paulina , Krzysztoń Agnieszka , Rudzińska‐Szostak Ewa , Berlicki Łukasz
Published: January 2017

Peptide foldamers containing both cis‐β‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid and α‐amino acid residues combined in various sequence patterns (ααβ, αααβ, αβααβ, and ααβαααβ) were screened using CD and NMR spectroscopy for the tendency to form helices. ααβ‐Peptides were found to fold into an unprecedented and well‐defined 16/17/15/18/14/17‐helix. By extending the length of the sequence or shifting a fragment of the sequence from one terminus to another in ααβ‐peptides, the balance between left‐handed and right‐handed helix populations present in the solution can be controlled. Engineering of the peptide sequence could lead to compounds with either a strong propensity for the selected helix sense or a mixture of helical conformations of opposite senses.
Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectra Promoted by a Finger Press in an All‐Solid‐State Flexible Energy Conversion and Storage Film
Authors: Li Haitao , Dai Han , Zhang Yihe , Tong Wangshu , Gao Hua , An Qi
Published: January 2017

Electrochemically up‐regulated surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (E‐SERS) effectively increases Raman signal intensities. However, the instrumental requirements and the conventional measurement conditions in an electrolyte cell have hampered its application in fast and on‐site detection. To circumvent the inconveniences of E‐SERS, we propose a self‐energizing substrate that provides electrical potential by converting film deformation from a finger press into stored electrical energy. The substrate combines an energy conversion film and a SERS‐active Ag nanowire layer. A composite film prepared from a piezoelectric polymer matrix and surface‐engineered rGO that simultaneously presents high permittivity and low dielectric loss is the key component herein. Using our substrate, increased E‐SERS signals up to 10 times from a variety of molecules were obtained in the open air. Various tests on real‐life sample surfaces demonstrated the potentials of the substrate in fast on‐site detection.
Solubilization of Membrane Proteins into Functional Lipid‐Bilayer Nanodiscs Using a Diisobutylene/Maleic Acid Copolymer
Authors: Oluwole Abraham Olusegun , Danielczak Bartholomäus , Meister Annette , Babalola Jonathan Oyebamiji , Vargas Carolyn , Keller Sandro
Published: January 2017

Once removed from their natural environment, membrane proteins depend on membrane‐mimetic systems to retain their native structures and functions. To this end, lipid‐bilayer nanodiscs that are bounded by scaffold proteins or amphiphilic polymers such as styrene/maleic acid (SMA) copolymers have been introduced as alternatives to detergent micelles and liposomes for in vitro membrane‐protein research. Herein, we show that an alternating diisobutylene/maleic acid (DIBMA) copolymer shows equal performance to SMA in solubilizing phospholipids, stabilizes an integral membrane enzyme in functional bilayer nanodiscs, and extracts proteins of various sizes directly from cellular membranes. Unlike aromatic SMA, aliphatic DIBMA has only a mild effect on lipid acyl‐chain order, does not interfere with optical spectroscopy in the far‐UV range, and does not precipitate in the presence of low millimolar concentrations of divalent cations.
Zinc ion‐induced formation of hierarchical N‐succinyl chitosan film
Authors: Wang Hongjiao , Liu Shunli , Zhang Aokai , Li Kewen , Oderinde Olayinka , Yao Fang , Fu Guodong
Published: January 2017

A series of N‐succinyl Chitosan (NSCS) hydrogel derived from different substitution degree of NSCS were fabricated through the zinc ions crosslinking. Subsequently, a light‐weight, transparent, and hierarchical NSCS‐Zn(II) film was obtained by drying the hydrogel. The hierarchical structure of NSCS‐Zn(II) film was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The NSCS‐Zn(II) film exhibited excellent mechanical strength because of the preferential formation of the alignment structure. The tensile strength and Young's modulus reaches 119.3 MPa and 2.67 GPa when the NSCS substitution degree was 91.95%. Furthermore, a remarkable and enhanced broad‐spectrum bactericidal properties of the NSCS‐Zn(II) film was revealed through E. coli and S. aureus exposure, respectively. These features indicated that NSCS‐Zn(II) film is a promising material that can be used in biomedical engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44664.
Mixed proportional hazard models with continuous finite mixture unobserved heterogeneity: an application to Canadian firm survival
Authors: Huynh Kim , Voia Marcel
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes a methodology that accounts for the selection effect due to non‐random entry in duration models using latent‐class models. A mixed proportional hazard model with continuous finite mixture unobserved heterogeneity (MPH‐CFM) is introduced to correct for the potential bias induced by the selection effect. Conditions for identification, consistency, and asymptotic normality of the MPH‐CFM are provided. The estimator is used to investigate the duration of new entrant Canadian manufacturing firms. For the current application, the MPH‐CFM is compared with alternative duration models and found to be superior. Empirically, the results indicate that there are two classes of firms. Class I starts with high hazard and decreases non‐monotonically while Class II has a negligible hazard. These empirical results can be used to understand alternative models of firm dynamics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Preparation of Ultrafine BaSO3 by SO2 Storage Material
Authors: Zhang Fei , Sha Feng , Qiao Xianshu , Zhao Tianxiang , Guo Bo , Zhang Jianbin
Published: January 2017

In this work, a green and efficient process was developed for the preparation of ultrafine BaSO3 with layered nanostructure surface via the reaction of BaCl2 with a SO2 storage material (SO2SM) at room temperature. The absorption of SO2 with equimolar ethylenediamine (EDA) and ethylene glycol (EG) afforded SO2SM, which not only offered alkyl sulfite but also released EDA and EG that served as efficient surfactants to promote the formation of BaSO3 with spherical morphology and porous structure in the process of synthesis of ultrafine BaSO3. The factors affecting the morphology and size of BaSO3 particle were assessed by investigating the effects of SO2SM concentration, BaCl2 concentration, stirring time and speed. It was found that a higher SO2SM concentration led to a higher degree of supersaturation, and the particle size of BaSO3 could be reduced by increasing SO2SM concentration. Moreover, under the identified optimal reaction conditions, ultrafine BaSO3 was obtained with an average diameter of 450 nm. In addition, a plausible formation process of BaSO3 was proposed to explain the observed reaction results. Overall, the developed process in this work provides an efficient method for the capture, utilization, and conversion of SO2 into a valuable chemical.
Synthesis of (3‐(2‐Aminopyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)phenyl Methanone Analogues as Inhibitors of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 Kinase
Authors: More Kunal N. , Lee Jinho
Published: January 2017

Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and mediated mainly by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. Inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway has emerged as one of the promising approaches for cancer therapy. VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) is considered as a major mediator of angiogenic effects of VEGF. We describe herein the discovery of a series of potent VEGFR‐2 tyrosine kinase (KDR) inhibitors from a new 2‐(2‐aminopyrimidin‐4‐yl)phenol scaffold. The KDR activity was reduced appreciably by a series of compounds with a benzoyl group at position 4 of phenol ring. The structure–activity relationships for a series of (3‐(2‐aminopyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)phenyl methanones revealed compound 9 (KDR IC50 = 25 nM) as the most potent inhibitor in the series. Compound 22 had a potent cellular activity on VEGF‐induced HUVEC cell growth (IC50 < 0.1 μM) with high selectivity over HCT116.
Technology‐Related Sexual Solicitation of Adolescents: A Review of Prevention Efforts
Authors: Wurtele Sandy K. , Kenny Maureen C.
Published: January 2017

Information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the internet and internet‐enabled devices, have rapidly become integral to adolescents' lives in high‐income countries. ICTs are associated with many benefits, but there are risks associated with digital technology. This paper examines one such risk: When adults use ICTs, including social networking sites, mobile phones and smartphones, to sexually solicit adolescents. We describe youth who appear to be more vulnerable to technology‐related sexual solicitations from adults and examine the developmental factors that place adolescents at particular risk. Perpetrators who use technology to electronically groom youth are described, including adults working in youth‐serving organisations. Current digital media safety lessons and messages are described, and suggestions for additional ways to safeguard youth from technology‐related sexual solicitations are offered. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Examines… when adults use ICTs… to sexually solicit adolescents’

Key Practitioner Messages

Although known cases of technology‐related sexual solicitation are few in number, public concern about ‘online predators’ has amplified and considerable resources have been put toward legal responses and prevention resources.

Cyber‐safety resources lack evidence of effectiveness and many contain inaccurate warnings that do not address the real dynamics of this type of sexual crime against youth.

Few safety messages inform youth and parents about grooming using mobile phones, and fewer address the dangers of youth having romantic relationships with adults.

‘Cyber‐safety resources… do not address the real dynamics of this type of sexual crime against youth’
Strain uses gap junctions to reverse stimulation of osteoblast proliferation by osteocytes
Authors: Suswillo Rosemary F.L. , Javaheri Behzad , Rawlinson Simon C.F. , Dowthwaite Gary P. , Lanyon Lance E. , Pitsillides Andrew A.
Published: January 2017

Identifying mechanisms by which cells of the osteoblastic lineage communicate in vivo is complicated by the mineralised matrix that encases osteocytes, and thus, vital mechanoadaptive processes used to achieve load‐bearing integrity remain unresolved. We have used the coculture of immunomagnetically purified osteocytes and primary osteoblasts from both embryonic chick long bone and calvariae to examine these mechanisms. We exploited the fact that purified osteocytes are postmitotic to examine both their effect on proliferation of primary osteoblasts and the role of gap junctions in such communication. We found that chick long bone osteocytes significantly increased basal proliferation of primary osteoblasts derived from an identical source (tibiotarsi). Using a gap junction inhibitor, 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid, we also demonstrated that this osteocyte‐related increase in osteoblast proliferation was not reliant on functional gap junctions. In contrast, osteocytes purified from calvarial bone failed to modify basal proliferation of primary osteoblast, but long bone osteocytes preserved their proproliferative action upon calvarial‐derived primary osteoblasts.

We also showed that coincubated purified osteocytes exerted a marked inhibitory action on mechanical strain–related increases in proliferation of primary osteoblasts and that this action was abrogated in the presence of a gap junction inhibitor. These data reveal regulatory differences between purified osteocytes derived from functionally distinct bones and provide evidence for 2 mechanisms by which purified osteocytes communicate with primary osteoblasts to coordinate their activity.
Small animal models to understand pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and use of stem cell in cartilage regeneration
Authors: Piombo Virginia
Published: January 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases, which affect the correct functionality of synovial joints and is characterized by articular cartilage degradation. Limitation in the treatment of OA is mostly due to the very limited regenerative characteristic of articular cartilage once is damaged. Small animal models are of particular importance for mechanistic analysis to understand the processes that affect cartilage degradation. Combination of joint injury techniques with the use of stem cells has been shown to be an important tool for understanding the processes of cartilage degradation and regeneration. Implementation of stem cells and small animal models are important tools to help researchers to find a solution that could ameliorate and prevent the symptoms of OA.
Vanadium(III)‐Catalyzed Polymerization of α‐Olefins: Detailed NMR Spectroscopic Characterization of Intermediates Modeling the Active Species of Polymerization
Authors: Soshnikov Igor E. , Semikolenova Nina V. , Bryliakov Konstantin P. , Zakharov Vladimir A. , Talsi Evgenii P.
Published: January 2017

The ion pairs formed upon the activation of bis(imino)pyridine complex LVCl3 (L=2,6‐bis[1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine) with AlMe2Cl and AlMe3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] were characterized in detail by 1H and 2H NMR spectroscopy, including the first NMR observation of the VIII−CH3 group. The following ion pairs were identified: [L(Cl)VIII(μ‐Cl)2AlMe2]+[A]−, [L(Me)VIII(μ‐Cl)2AlMe2]+[A]−, [LVIIICl2(THF)]+[A]−, and [LVIII(Cl)Me(THF)]+[A]− ([A]−=[AlMe3Cl]− or [B(C6F5)4]−, THF=tetrahydrofuran). The nature of the ethylene polymerization active species is discussed.
A New Class of Low‐Loading Catalysts for Highly Enantioselective, Metal‐Free Imine Reduction of Wide General Applicability
Authors: Brenna Davide , Porta Riccardo , Massolo Elisabetta , Raimondi Laura , Benaglia Maurizio
Published: January 2017

A new class of chiral Lewis bases for the enantioselective HSiCl3‐mediated reduction of imines was developed. Through extensive catalyst structure optimization, an extremely active species was identified that was able to promote the reduction of a large variety of functionalized substrates in high yields with enantioselectivities typically above 90 % with catalyst loadings as low as 0.1–1 mol %. The simple experimental procedure, the low cost of the reagents, the mild reaction conditions, and the straightforward isolation of the product make the methodology attractive for large‐scale applications. Its synthetic potentiality was demonstrated by the preparation of advanced intermediates of important active pharmaceutical ingredients used in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, hyperparathyroidism, neuropathic pains, and neurological disorders. The reaction was also successfully performed in flow reactors, which thus demonstrated the possibility to realize in continuo processes to yield multigram quantities of product.
Performance Enhancement of Polycondensate‐Based Superplasticizers by Encapsulation
Authors: von Daake Henning , Stephan Dietmar
Published: January 2017

A cost‐effective and robust encapsulation system for chemical admixtures with delayed release mechanisms for construction materials like dry mix mortars is presented. Based on supplementary cementitious materials, a superplasticizer was encapsulated in matrix‐based encapsulations. Subsequently, the particle characteristics of the agglomerates and the release behavior of the superplasticizer were examined. The main objective of this research was to prove the functionality of such encapsulations for the future use in construction materials. The results obtained indicate that the performance of construction chemicals could be improved by encapsulation and controlled release for the future development of new construction materials. Furthermore, material characteristics of the supplementary cementitious material like the incline to excessive dusting or the materials density were improved by encapsulation.
Total Synthesis of Leupyrrins A1 and B1, Highly Potent Antifungal Agents from the Myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum
Authors: Thiede Sebastian , Wosniok Paul R. , Herkommer Daniel , Debnar Thomas , Tian Maoqun , Wang Tongtong , Schrempp Michael , Menche Dirk
Published: January 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Dirk Menche at the University of Bonn. The image depicts leupyrrins A1 and B1, potent antifungal agents from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201604445.
Oxidation‐separation kinetics of nitric oxide from flue gas using ferrate (VI) reagent in a spraying reactor
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Yangxian , Xu Wen , Wang Qian , Zhao Liang , Pan Jianfeng
Published: January 2017

Oxidation‐separation kinetics of nitric oxide (NO) from flue gas using ferrate (VI) reagent in a spraying reactor was studied. Effects of several key parameters on NO absorption rate were studied, and the results show that increasing ferrate (VI) concentration, solution pH, and NO concentration increases the NO absorption rate. Increasing reaction temperature and SO2 concentration decrease NO absorption rate. The results of kinetic studies show that when < = 0.16 mol/L, the oxidation‐absorption process of NO can be seen as a pseudo‐2.28 order reaction (the reaction order is higher and the effect of reactant concentrations on reaction rate will become more obvious) and a pseudo‐1.0 order reaction when > 0.16 mol/L. The oxidation‐absorption process of NO is a fast reaction, which shows that the mass transfer process is the key rate control step of the whole NO absorption process. When > 0.16 mol/L, the mass transfer coefficient of gas phase and interfacial area play an important role for the oxidation‐absorption process of NO.
Study and application of an enzymatic pool in bioscouring of cotton knit fabric
Authors: de Melo da Silva Laís Graziela , de Oliveira Débora , Ulson de Souza Antonio Augusto , Guelli Ulson de Souza Selene Maria
Published: January 2017

Grey cotton contains between 4–12 % non‐cellulosic impurities. The removal of these impurities is generally carried out by alkaline washing at elevated temperatures which may cause damage to the cellulose fibre and generate an effluent with a high environmental impact. An alternative approach is the use of bioscouring, with enzymes specifically removing the impurities under mild conditions of pH and temperature. In this study, the effect of a commercial enzymatic pool (cellulase, lipase, and pectinase) on the bioscouring of 100 % cotton knit fabric was evaluated. The effect of each enzyme and the interaction between them were evaluated with the aid of an experimental design and the characterization of the treated fabric (weight loss, degree of whiteness, degree of pectin removal, and hydrophilicity) was performed. The combination of the three enzymes on bioscouring led to the best results in terms of degree of whiteness (25.0 °Berger), pectin removal (87 %), and hydrophilicity (14 s). A comparison between the enzymatic treatment and the scouring confirmed that bioscouring can be as effective as the conventional process, being more environmentally sustainable because it occurs at neutral pH and consumes less water and energy.
Racial disparities in treatment use for multiple myeloma
Authors: Fiala Mark A. , Wildes Tanya M.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Recent treatment advances have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. However, some of these newer, more effective treatments are intensive and expensive and their use remains low, particularly among black patients.

METHODS

In the current study, the authors reviewed the use patterns of stem cell transplantation and bortezomib using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database.

RESULTS

After controlling for overall health and potential access barriers, black patients were found to be 37% (P<.0001) less likely to undergo stem cell transplantation, and 21% (P<.0001) less likely to be treated with bortezomib. Moreover, the authors found that the underuse of these treatments was associated with a 12% increase in the hazard ratio for death among black patients (P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Eliminating health disparities, a current focus of US public policy, is highly complex, as illustrated by the results of the current study. In patients with multiple myeloma, treatment disparities are not completely explained by potential access barriers. Additional factors, such as structural barriers in the health care system and individual decision making among black and white patients, must be explored to fully explain the disparity. Cancer 2017;123:1590–1596. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Gene expression analysis of developing cell groups in the pretectal region of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Morona Ruth , Ferran José Luis , Puelles Luis , González Agustín
Published: January 2017

Our previous analysis of progenitor domains in the pretectum of Xenopus revealed three molecularly distinct anteroposterior subdivisions, identified as precommissural (PcP), juxtacommissural (JcP), and commissural (CoP) histogenetic domains (Morona et al. [2011] J Comp Neurol 519:1024–1050). Here we analyzed at later developmental stages the nuclei derived from these areas, attending to their gene expression patterns and histogenesis. Transcription‐factor gene markers were used to selectively map derivatives of each domain: Pax7 and Pax6 (CoP); Foxp1 and Six3 (JcP); and Xiro1, VGlut2, Ebf1, and Ebf3 (PcP). Additional genoarchitectural information was provided by the expression of Gbx2, NPY, Lhx1, and Lhx9. This allowed both unambiguous characterization of the anuran pretectal nuclei with regard to their origin in the three early anteroposterior progenitor domains, and their comparison with counterparts in the chick and mouse pretectum. Our observations demonstrated a molecular conservation, during practically all the stages analyzed, for most of the main markers used to define genoarchitecturally the main derivatives of each pretectal domain. We found molecular evidence to propose homologous derivatives from the CoP (olivary pretectal, parvocellular, and magnocellular posterior commissure and lateral terminal nuclei), JcP (spiriformis lateral and lateral terminal nuclei), and PcP (anterior pretectal nucleus) to those described in avian studies. These results represent significant progress in the comprehension of the diencephalic region of Xenopus and show that the organization of the pretectum possesses many features shared with birds. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:715–752, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quo Vadis, Implanted Fuel Cell?
Authors: Shleev Sergey
Published: January 2017

The road to safe and effective implantable electrical power devices has been long—and the goal has not been reached yet, although a certain amount of scientific and technological progress has been made. This brief review is focused on highlighting the stages of development of implanted fuel cells capable of providing electrical power for running implanted “personal electronics”. The paper starts with early efforts to implant glucose‐burning fuel cells in dogs, and ends with realistic attempts at interfacing a more sophisticated enzymatic glucose/oxygen fuel cell in an actual human blood stream. However, before that, the review deals with thermodynamic aspects of fuel cells, emphasizing the general advantages of these devices. Further steps, which are needed to realize the potential of this technology and which somehow differ from generally accepted ideas, are presented. These next steps are evaluated in the context of theoretically achievable abilities of implantable chemical power sources, which are not as great as many researchers might expect.
Generation of Recombinant Vaccinia Viruses
Authors: Wyatt Linda S. , Earl Patricia L. , Moss Bernard
Published: January 2017

This unit describes how to infect cells with vaccinia virus and then transfect them with a plasmid‐transfer vector or PCR fragment to generate a recombinant virus. Selection and screening methods used to isolate recombinant viruses and a method for the amplification of recombinant viruses are described. Finally, a method for live immunostaining that has been used primarily for detection of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is presented. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electroporation in the Rodent Embryonic Brain Using Whole Embryo Culture System
Authors: Kikkawa Takako , Takahashi Masanori , Osumi Noriko
Published: January 2017

This unit describes basic methods for mammalian whole embryo culture (WEC) using embryonic day 10.5 mouse embryos, including the preparation of high‐quality immediately centrifuged (IC) rat serum that is commonly used for WEC and is essential for normal growth and development of cultured mouse and rat embryos in vitro. An alternative protocol for different stages of rodent embryos is also introduced. Since embryos for WEC are dissected out of the uterus and manipulated under the microscope, one can overcome many of the difficulties of gene delivery encountered using in utero electroporation. A description for a gene transfer method to label neural stem/progenitor cells of the cortical primordium in a highly region‐specific manner is also included. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intracerebral Injections and Ultrastructural Analysis of High‐Pressure Frozen Brain Tissue
Authors: Weil Marie‐Theres , Ruhwedel Torben , Möbius Wiebke , Simons Mikael
Published: January 2017

Intracerebral injections are an invasive method to bypass the blood brain barrier and are widely used to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of the central nervous system. The administered substances are injected directly at the site of interest, executing their effect locally. By combining injections in the rat brain with state‐of‐the‐art electron microscopy, subtle changes in ultrastructure of the nervous tissue can be detected prior to overt damage or disease. The protocol presented here involves stereotactic injection into the corpus callosum of Lewis rats and the cryopreparation of freshly dissected tissue for electron microscopy. The localization of the injection site in tissue sections during the sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy is explained and possible artifacts of the method are indicated. With the help of this powerful combination of injections and electron microscopy, subtle effects of the applied substances on the biology of neural cells can be identified and monitored over time. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Green Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots for Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Xiaochen , Zhang Huayang , Sun Hongqi , Tade Moses O. , Wang Shaobin
Published: January 2017

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted tremendous interest owing to their application in bioimaging, sensors, medicine and catalysis. Herein, CQDs were prepared from several carbon sources as sensitizers for solar cells. Of the CQDs prepared, bee‐pollen‐based CQDs (B‐CQDs) achieved the highest power conversion efficiency of 0.11 % under one sun illumination (AM 1.5).
Radiated EMI study on super‐junction VDMOS in flyback power converters
Authors: Cheng Weichang , Xu Shen , Sun Weifeng
Published: January 2017

Electronic products must satisfy radiated noise specifications. In this paper, the impact of the power devices structures on the radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) is investigated. The key stages of turn‐on and turn‐off waveforms in a flyback power converter using super‐junction metal–oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor (SJMOS) are first discussed. Then, the impacts of parasitic capacitances on fast slew‐rate edges and harmonics are proposed. According to the analysis, the parasitic capacitances are considered to be the decisive factors of radiated EMI in the SJMOS. Furthermore, the unique formation mechanism and characteristic of parasitic capacitances in SJMOS are discussed. Based on the analysis, three groups of SJMOS with grid gate structure are fabricated to adjust the parasitic capacitance and then to validate the theory. The radiated EMI performances of three SJMOS with different structural parameters are then tested and discussed. The theoretical analysis agrees with experimental results. As an important advantage, the structure presented in this paper is provided to adjust the parasitic capacitances purposely to achieve a better tradeoff between the efficiency and EMI performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Connected component masking accurately identifies the ratio of phagocytosed and cell‐bound particles in individual cells by imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Fei Chenjie , Lillico Dustin M.E. , Hall Brian , Rieger Aja M. , Stafford James L.
Published: January 2017

Innate immune cell‐mediated recognition, capture, and engulfment of large particulate targets such as bacteria is known as phagocytosis. This highly dynamic cellular process involves a series of steps including receptor‐mediated target binding, phagocytic cup formation, pseudopod extension, and phagosome closure, which depend on distinct actin polymerization events. Using flow cytometry, precise determination of target locations relative to cell membranes (i.e., surface‐bound vs. fully engulfed/internalized) during the phagocytic process is difficult to quantify. Here, we describe the application of new analysis features within the IDEAS® software to distinguish internalized and surface‐bound particles on individual cells with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility. Through the use of connected component masks, the accurate discrimination of surface‐bound beads versus those internalized is clearly demonstrated. In addition, we were able to further analyze the ratio of beads that had been surface‐bound or internalized within individual cells. This novel method of analyzing the phagocytic process provides more accurate determination of target‐cell interactions that will assist in examination of the signalling events that occur during the various stages of phagocytosis. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Selective Methanol Gas Detection Using a U‐Bent Optical Fiber Modified with a Silica Nanoparticle Multilayer
Authors: OKUDA HIROFUMI , WANG TAO , LEE SEUNG‐WOO
Published: January 2017

The development of an evanescent wave optical fiber sensor modified with an organic–inorganic hybrid nanoporous thin film for the detection of organic solvent vapors was demonstrated. The optical fiber with a core diameter of 200 μm was bent into U‐shape to enhance the penetration depth of light transferred into the evanescent field, and modified with a multilayered thin film of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) and silica nanoparticles (PAH/SiO2)n, via layer‐by‐layer (LbL) film deposition. The mesoporous film structure led to higher molecular diffusion and the highest selectivity to methanol among the six alcohols and water, which were used as target analytes, by the aid of tetrakis (4‐sulfophenyl) porphine (TSPP) infused inside the film.
Development of Multichannel Ion Doppler Spectroscopic System by Using Fast Camera
Authors: HANAO TAKAFUMI , UESAKA YOSHIHARU , KAWAI TAKAHIRO , KIKUCHI YUSUKE , FUKUMOTO NAOYUKI , NAGATA MASAYOSHI
Published: January 2017

The multichannel ion Doppler spectroscopic (M‐IDS) system using a fast camera as detectors has been newly developed to measure the spatial profiles of impurity spectral line emissions from plasmas. The M‐IDS system developed with eight viewing chords is characterized by the simplest optical systems, a fast sampling frequency, high number of shooting, and a low crosstalk of 3.5% on each chord. In order to verify the usefulness and reliability of the M‐IDS system, we have applied it for the start‐up plasma produced in the helicity injected spherical torus device. Resultantly, we have successfully measured the radial profiles of Doppler ion temperature Ti.D and Doppler ion velocity vi.D of the plasma with a good Gaussian fitting. However, we have found that the sampling frequency is upper limited by 25 kHz because the signal detected with a faster frequency from the CIII impurity line emission is too weak to be analyzed, and thus the sensitivity of the total system needs to be improved.
Warming advances top‐down control and reduces producer biomass in a freshwater plankton community
Authors: Velthuis Mandy , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Frenken Thijs , Stephan Susanne , Kazanjian Garabet , Aben Ralf , Hilt Sabine , Kosten Sarian , van Donk Ellen , Van de Waal Dedmer B.
Published: January 2017

Global warming has been shown to affect ecosystems worldwide. Warming may, for instance, disrupt plant herbivore synchrony and bird phenology in terrestrial systems, reduce primary production in oceans, and promote toxic cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater lakes. Responses of communities will not only depend on direct species‐specific temperature effects, but also on indirect effects related to bottom‐up and top‐down processes. Here, we investigated the impact of warming on freshwater phytoplankton community dynamics, and assessed the relative contribution of nutrient availability, fungal parasitism, and grazing therein. For this purpose, we performed an indoor mesocosm experiment following seasonal temperature dynamics of temperate lakes and a warmed (+4°C) scenario from early spring to late summer. We assessed phytoplankton biomass, C:N:P stoichiometry and community composition, dissolved nutrient availabilities, fungal parasite (i.e., chytrid) prevalence, and zooplankton abundance. Warming led to an overall reduction in phytoplankton biomass as well as lower C:P and N:P ratios, while phytoplankton community composition remained largely unaltered. Warming resulted in an earlier termination of the diatom spring bloom, and an epidemic of its fungal parasite ended earlier as well. Furthermore, warming advanced zooplankton phenology, leading to an earlier top‐down control on phytoplankton in the period after the spring bloom. Linear model analysis showed that most of the observed variance in phytoplankton biomass was related to seasonal temperature dynamics in combination with zooplankton abundance. Our findings showed that warming advanced grazer phenology and reduced phytoplankton biomass, thereby demonstrating how bottom‐up and top‐down related processes may shape future phytoplankton dynamics.
Using nested connectivity models to resolve management conflicts of isolated water networks in the Sonoran Desert
Authors: Drake Joseph C. , Griffis‐Kyle Kerry , McIntyre Nancy E.
Published: January 2017

Connectivity is essential to organisms for dispersal, mate finding, and resource access. Management conflicts may arise if the attempts to maintain connectivity in the face of habitat loss result in opening up dispersal corridors to invasive species and disease vectors to already‐threatened native species. Using the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) as examples in a network of surface waters in the Sonoran Desert, we illustrate and propose a resolution to these conflicts. We used structural and functional metrics from graph and circuit theory to quantify landscape connectivity within a spatially nested framework under current and future climate‐based scenarios at regional and local scales to project structural and functional climate impacts for both species. Results indicated that climate impacts may reduce both structural and functional potential connectivity for each species. Mule deer, however, will be impacted to a lesser degree, and the proposed management mitigation of exclusion areas will have a potential lesser impact on this species. From our results, we propose a method to create exclusion areas and site new waters to help mitigate increasing spread of invasive species like the bullfrog while maintaining resource availability and local connectivity for economically important species like the mule deer. The isolation of local clusters from invasive species may be a successful and useful way to reduce management conflicts in the Sonoran Desert isolated waters network and beyond.
Effects of grazing on ecosystem structure and function of alpine grasslands in Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau: a synthesis
Authors: Lu Xuyang , Kelsey Kathy C. , Yan Yan , Sun Jian , Wang Xiaodan , Cheng Genwei , Neff Jason C.
Published: January 2017

Humans have grazed on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) for many thousands of years. In recent decades, the intensity of grazing has increased and several new management strategies have been put into place to address the resulting changes in rangeland condition. Effective management of grazing activities in this region requires understanding the impact of livestock grazing across the diverse array of alpine grassland ecosystems present in the QTP, but recent studies have identified a number of critical uncertainties in the ecological science that underlies these management principles. To address these uncertainties, we carried out a synthesis analysis of the effect of livestock grazing on 26 indicators of ecosystem structure and function based on 61 studies from 88 independent research sites within the QTP. Our synthesis results indicate that livestock grazing exerts complex controls on ecosystem structure and function, which vary according to local landscape characteristics. We found that grazing contributes to greater plant species diversity (Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson dominance index, and Pielou evenness index significantly increased 0.18, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively, due to grazing), but decreased aboveground biomass (47.15%), soil organic carbon (12.41%), soil total nitrogen (12.75%), and microbial biomass carbon (9.42%). Further, ecosystem function is controlled by interactions between grazing and other landscape characteristics such as elevation and mean annual temperature. The management regime currently in place in the QTP, which involves complete exclusion of grazing in some areas, can have variable effects on grassland health. Therefore, the complexity of these responses is an indication that livestock and grassland management may benefit from a more nuanced management regime than is currently utilized in the QTP.