bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamically Stable Synthesis of Large‐Scale and Highly Crystalline Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers and their Unipolar n–n Heterojunction Devices
Authors: Lee Juwon , Pak Sangyeon , Giraud Paul , Lee Young‐Woo , Cho Yuljae , Hong John , Jang A‐Rang , Chung Hee‐Suk , Hong Woong‐Ki , Jeong Hu Young , Shin Hyeon Suk , Occhipinti Luigi G. , Morris Stephen M. , Cha SeungNam , Sohn Jung Inn , Kim Jong Min
Published: July 2017

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers are considered to be potential materials for atomically thin electronics due to their unique electronic and optical properties. However, large‐area and uniform growth of TMDC monolayers with large grain sizes is still a considerable challenge. This report presents a simple but effective approach for large‐scale and highly crystalline molybdenum disulfide monolayers using a solution‐processed precursor deposition. The low supersaturation level, triggered by the evaporation of an extremely thin precursor layer, reduces the nucleation density dramatically under a thermodynamically stable environment, yielding uniform and clean monolayer films and large crystal sizes up to 500 µm. As a result, the photoluminescence exhibits only a small full‐width‐half‐maximum of 48 meV, comparable to that of exfoliated and suspended monolayer crystals. It is confirmed that this growth procedure can be extended to the synthesis of other TMDC monolayers, and robust MoS2/WS2 heterojunction devices are easily prepared using this synthetic procedure due to the large‐sized crystals. The heterojunction device shows a fast response time (≈45 ms) and a significantly high photoresponsivity (≈40 AW−1) because of the built‐in potential and the majority‐carrier transport at the n–n junction. These findings indicate an efficient pathway for the fabrication of high‐performance 2D optoelectronic devices.
Charge Transport in Pure and Mixed Phases in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Melianas Armantas , Pranculis Vytenis , Spoltore Donato , Benduhn Johannes , Inganäs Olle , Gulbinas Vidmantas , Vandewal Koen , Kemerink Martijn
Published: July 2017

In organic solar cells continuous donor and acceptor networks are considered necessary for charge extraction, whereas discontinuous neat phases and molecularly mixed donor–acceptor phases are generally regarded as detrimental. However, the impact of different levels of domain continuity, purity, and donor–acceptor mixing on charge transport remains only semiquantitatively described. Here, cosublimed donor–acceptor mixtures, where the distance between the donor sites is varied in a controlled manner from homogeneously diluted donor sites to a continuous donor network are studied. Using transient measurements, spanning from sub‐picoseconds to microseconds photogenerated charge motion is measured in complete photovoltaic devices, to show that even highly diluted donor sites (5.7%–10% molar) in a buckminsterfullerene matrix enable hole transport. Hopping between isolated donor sites can occur by long‐range hole tunneling through several buckminsterfullerene molecules, over distances of up to ≈4 nm. Hence, these results question the relevance of “pristine” phases and whether a continuous interpenetrating donor–acceptor network is the ideal morphology for charge transport.
Hydroxamsäuren als chemoselektive (ortho‐Amino)arylierungsreagenzien durch sigmatrope Umlagerung
Authors: Shaaban Saad , Tona Veronica , Peng Bo , Maulide Nuno
Published: July 2017

Die Verwendung leicht zugänglicher Hydroxamsäuren als Reagenzien für die chemoselektive (ortho‐Amino)arylierung von Amiden wird vorgestellt. Die Reaktion verläuft unter milden Bedingungen und zeigt eine breite Substratpalette. Somit kann diese Transformation als direkter und Metallkatalysator‐freier Zugang zur Einführung von Anilin‐Motiven in Carbonylverbindungen gesehen werden.
Cascades in Compartments: En Route to Machine‐Assisted Biotechnology
Authors: Rabe Kersten S. , Müller Joachim , Skoupi Marc , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: July 2017

Biological compartmentalization is a fundamental principle of life that allows cells to metabolize, propagate, or communicate with their environment. Much research is devoted to understanding this basic principle and to harness biomimetic compartments and catalytic cascades as tools for technological processes. This Review summarizes the current state‐of‐the‐art of these developments, with a special emphasis on length scales, mass transport phenomena, and molecular scaffolding approaches, ranging from small cross‐linkers over proteins and nucleic acids to colloids and patterned surfaces. We conclude that the future exploration and exploitation of these complex systems will largely benefit from technical solutions for the integrated, machine‐assisted development and maintenance of a next generation of biotechnological processes. These goals should be achievable by implementing microfluidics, robotics, and added manufacturing techniques supplemented by theoretical simulations as well as computer‐aided process modeling based on big data obtained from multiscale experimental analyses.
Crystalline Neutral Allenic Diborene
Authors: Lu Wei , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , Kinjo Rei
Published: July 2017

A zwitterionic boraalkenyl boronium 3 was synthesized by reduction of cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (cAAC) and trimethylphosphine (PMe3)‐coordinated tetrabromodiborane 2 with KC8 in the presence of PMe3. Further reduction of 3 led to the formation of neutral allenic diborene 4. X‐ray diffraction and computational studies revealed that 4 features the cumulated C=B and B=B double bonds. The reaction of 4 with four isonitrile molecules afforded a heterocycle 5 with the B2C3 five‐membered ring, via a complete scission of the B=B bond of 4.
Tuning the Selectivity of Catalytic Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation over Iridium/Cerium Oxide Catalysts with a Strong Metal–Support Interaction
Authors: Li Siwei , Xu Yao , Chen Yifu , Li Weizhen , Lin Lili , Li Mengzhu , Deng Yuchen , Wang Xiaoping , Ge Binghui , Yang Ce , Yao Siyu , Xie Jinglin , Li Yongwang , Liu Xi , Ma Ding
Published: July 2017

A one‐step ligand‐free method based on an adsorption–precipitation process was developed to fabricate iridium/cerium oxide (Ir/CeO2) nanocatalysts. Ir species demonstrated a strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) with the CeO2 substrate. The chemical state of Ir could be finely tuned by altering the loading of the metal. In the carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation reaction it was shown that the chemical state of Ir species—induced by a SMSI—has a major impact on the reaction selectivity. Direct evidence is provided indicating that a single‐site catalyst is not a prerequisite for inhibition of methanation and sole production of carbon monoxide (CO) in CO2 hydrogenation. Instead, modulation of the chemical state of metal species by a strong metal–support interaction is more important for regulation of the observed selectivity (metallic Ir particles select for methane while partially oxidized Ir species select for CO production). The study provides insight into heterogeneous catalysts at nano, sub‐nano, and atomic scales.
Production of bulk chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass via thermochemical conversion and syngas fermentation: a comparative techno‐economic and environmental assessment of different site‐specific supply chain configurations
Authors: Benalcázar Eduardo Almeida , Deynoot Baudine Gevers , Noorman Henk , Osseweijer Patricia , Posada John A.
Published: July 2017

This study presents the design and assessment of site‐specific supply chains and related manufacturing processes for the production of bio‐based chemicals from the syngas platform and via gasification of lignocellulosic biomass followed by syngas fermentation. The supply chains include feedstocks production and collection, biomass gasification, syngas fermentation, and downstream processing. For each of these stages, different alternatives were considered: four feedstocks (pine, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, and eucalyptus), three products (ethanol, 2,3‐butanediol and hexanoic acid), and three geographical locations (the Netherlands, the USA, and Brazil). Conceptual development and analysis of the supply chains were done through the combination of different design and assessment tools, namely biomass supply chains design, fermentation process design (based on thermodynamics and transport), process simulation, and economic and environmental assessments. The minimum selling price (MSP) and two environmental impact categories, i.e., global warming potential (GWP) and non‐renewable energy use (NREU), were used as performance indicators. These were compared to data reported in scientific literature and commercial sources for similar processes and ­products. The best overall performance was obtained for the production of 2,3‐butanediol from pine sourced in the USA. In the cases of ethanol and hexanoic acid, the syngas fermentation stage had significant contributions to MSP, GWP, and NREU, due mainly to its high energy requirements. Regarding the geographical location, the best economic performance was obtained for the USA followed by the Netherlands and Brazil respectively. Furthermore, operation in Brazil led to the lowest environmental impacts, followed by the Netherlands and the USA. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Metabolic modeling to identify engineering targets for Komagataella phaffii: The effect of biomass composition on gene target identification
Authors: Cankorur‐Cetinkaya Ayca , Dikicioglu Duygu , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: July 2017

Genome‐scale metabolic models are valuable tools for the design of novel strains of industrial microorganisms, such as Komagataella phaffii (syn. Pichia pastoris). However, as is the case for many industrial microbes, there is no executable metabolic model for K. phaffiii that confirms to current standards by providing the metabolite and reactions IDs, to facilitate model extension and reuse, and gene‐reaction associations to enable identification of targets for genetic manipulation. In order to remedy this deficiency, we decided to reconstruct the genome‐scale metabolic model of K. phaffii by reconciling the extant models and performing extensive manual curation in order to construct an executable model (Kp.1.0) that conforms to current standards. We then used this model to study the effect of biomass composition on the predictive success of the model. Twelve different biomass compositions obtained from published empirical data obtained under a range of growth conditions were employed in this investigation. We found that the success of Kp1.0 in predicting both gene essentiality and growth characteristics was relatively unaffected by biomass composition. However, we found that biomass composition had a profound effect on the distribution of the fluxes involved in lipid, DNA, and steroid biosynthetic processes, cellular alcohol metabolic process, and oxidation‐reduction process. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of biomass composition on the identification of suitable target genes for strain development. The analyses revealed that around 40% of the predictions of the effect of gene overexpression or deletion changed depending on the representation of biomass composition in the model. Considering the robustness of the in silico flux distributions to the changing biomass representations enables better interpretation of experimental results, reduces the risk of wrong target identification, and so both speeds and improves the process of directed strain development.
Mechanistic insights into the liquefaction stage of enzyme‐mediated biomass deconstruction
Authors: van der Zwan Timo , Hu Jinguang , Saddler Jack N.
Published: July 2017

Effective enzyme‐mediated viscosity reduction, disaggregation, or “liquefaction,” is required to overcome the rheological challenges resulting from the fibrous, hygroscopic nature of lignocellulosic biomass, particularly at the high solids loadings that will be required for an economically viable process. However, the actual mechanisms involved in enzyme‐mediated liquefaction, as determined by viscosity or yield stress reduction, have yet to be fully resolved. Particle fragmentation, interparticle interaction, material dilution, and water‐retention capacity were compared for their ability to quantify enzyme‐mediated liquefaction of model and more realistic pretreated biomass substrates. It was apparent that material dilution and particle fragmentation occurred simultaneously and that both mechanisms contributed to viscosity/yield stress reduction. However, their relative importance was dependent on the nature of the biomass substrate. Interparticle interaction and enzyme‐mediated changes to these interactions was shown to have a significant effect on slurry rheology. Liquefaction was shown to result from the combined action of material dilution, particle fragmentation, and alteration of interactions at particle surfaces. However, the observed changes in water retention capacity did not correlate with yield stress reduction. The relative importance of each mechanism was significantly influenced by the nature of the biomass substrate and its physicochemical properties. An ongoing challenge is that mechanisms, such as refining, which enhance enzyme accessibility to the cellulosic component of the substrate, are detrimental to slurry rheology and will likely impede enzyme‐mediated liquefaction when high substrate concentrations are used.
Design and operation of a continuous integrated monoclonal antibody production process
Authors: Steinebach Fabian , Ulmer Nicole , Wolf Moritz , Decker Lara , Schneider Veronika , Wälchli Ruben , Karst Daniel , Souquet Jonathan , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: July 2017

The realization of an end‐to‐end integrated continuous lab‐scale process for monoclonal antibody manufacturing is described. For this, a continuous cultivation with filter‐based cell‐retention, a continuous two column capture process, a virus inactivation step, a semi‐continuous polishing step (twin‐column MCSGP), and a batch‐wise flow‐through polishing step were integrated and operated together. In each unit, the implementation of internal recycle loops allows to improve the performance: (a) in the bioreactor, to simultaneously increase the cell density and volumetric productivity, (b) in the capture process, to achieve improved capacity utilization at high productivity and yield, and (c) in the MCSGP process, to overcome the purity‐yield trade‐off of classical batch‐wise bind‐elute polishing steps. Furthermore, the design principles, which allow the direct connection of these steps, some at steady state and some at cyclic steady state, as well as straight‐through processing, are discussed. The setup was operated for the continuous production of a commercial monoclonal antibody, resulting in stable operation and uniform product quality over the 17 cycles of the end‐to‐end integration. The steady‐state operation was fully characterized by analyzing at the outlet of each unit at steady state the product titer as well as the process (HCP, DNA, leached Protein A) and product (aggregates, fragments) related impurities. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1303–1313, 2017
Diruthenium Diacetate Catalysed Aerobic Oxidation of Hydroxylamines and Improved Chemoselectivity by Immobilisation to Lysozyme
Authors: Lupi Flavia , Marzo Tiziano , D'Adamio Giampiero , Cretella Sara , Cardona Francesca , Messori Luigi , Goti Andrea
Published: July 2017

A new green method for the preparation of nitrones through the aerobic oxidation of the corresponding N,N‐disubstituted hydroxylamines has been developed upon exploring the catalytic activity of a diruthenium catalyst, that is, [Ru2(OAc)4Cl]), in aqueous or alcoholic solution under mild reaction conditions (0.1 to 1 mol % catalyst, air, 50 °C) and reasonable reaction times. Notably, the catalytic activity of the dimetallic centre is retained after its binding to the small protein lysozyme. Interestingly, this new artificial metalloenzyme conferred complete chemoselectivity to the oxidation of cyclic hydroxylamines, in contrast to the diruthenium catalyst.
Dissociative Ionization and Thermal Decomposition of Cyclopentanone
Authors: Pastoors Johan I. M. , Bodi Andras , Hemberger Patrick , Bouwman Jordy
Published: July 2017

Despite the growing use of renewable and sustainable biofuels in transportation, their combustion chemistry is poorly understood, limiting our efforts to reduce harmful emissions. Here we report on the (dissociative) ionization and the thermal decomposition mechanism of cyclopentanone, studied using imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy. The fragmentation of the ions is dominated by loss of CO, C2H4, and C2H5, leading to daughter ions at m/z 56 and 55. Exploring the C5H8O.+ potential energy surface reveals hydrogen tunneling to play an important role in low‐energy decarbonylation and probably also in the ethene‐loss processes, yielding 1‐butene and methylketene cations, respectively. At higher energies, pathways without a reverse barrier open up to oxopropenyl and cyclopropanone cations by ethyl‐radical loss and a second ethene‐loss channel, respectively. A statistical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus model is employed to test the viability of this mechanism. The pyrolysis of cyclopentanone is studied at temperatures ranging from about 800 to 1100 K. Closed‐shell pyrolysis products, namely 1,3‐butadiene, ketene, propyne, allene, and ethene, are identified based on their photoion mass‐selected threshold photoelectron spectrum. Furthermore, reactive radical species such as allyl, propargyl, and methyl are found. A reaction mechanism is derived incorporating both stable and reactive species, which were not predicted in prior computational studies.
Decreased pulmonary arterial proportional pulse pressure is associated with increased mortality in group 1 pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mwansa Hunter , Bilchick Kenneth C. , Parker Alex M. , Harding William , Ruth Benjamin , Kennedy Jamie L. W. , Mysore Manu , Kwon Younghoon , Mihalek Andrew , Mazimba Sula
Published: July 2017

Background

This study evaluated the utility of a novel index, pulmonary arterial (PA) proportional pulse pressure (PAPP; range 0–1, defined as [PA systolic pressure – PA diastolic pressure] / PA systolic pressure), in predicting mortality in patients with World Health Organization group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Hypothesis

Low PAPP is associated with increased 5‐year mortality independent of a validated contemporary risk‐prediction equation (Pulmonary Hypertension Connection [PHC] equation).

Methods

In a group of 262 patients in the National Institutes of Health Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (NIH‐PPH) Registry, PAPP and the PHC risk equation were used to predict mortality during 5 years of follow‐up using Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to compare mortality among PAPP quartiles, and significance was tested using the log‐rank test.

Results

Patients in the lowest quartile (PAPP ≤0.47) had a significantly higher 5‐year mortality than did patients in higher quartiles (log‐rank P = 0.016). In a Cox model adjusted for the PHC equation, PAPP remained significantly associated with 5‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.74 per 0.10 increase in PAPP, 95% confidence interval: 0.61‐0.90). The χ2 statistic for the single PAPP covariate in this model was 8.8 (P = 0.003), which compared favorably with the χ2 statistic of 15.2 (P < 0.0001) for the multivariable PHC equation.

Conclusions

PAPP, an index of ventricular‐arterial coupling, is independently associated with survival in World Health Organization group 1 PH. The use of this easily measurable index for guiding risk stratification needs further investigation.
Cancer risk among Holocaust survivors in Israel—A nationwide study
Authors: Sadetzki Siegal , Chetrit Angela , Freedman Laurence S. , Hakak Nina , Barchana Micha , Catane Raphael , Shani Mordechai
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Holocaust survivors during World War II were exposed to various factors that are associated with cancer risk. The objective of this study was to determine whether Holocaust survivors had an increased risk for developing cancer.

METHODS

The study population included 152,622 survivors. The main analysis was based on a comparison between individuals who were entitled to compensation for suffering persecution during the war and individuals who were denied such compensation. A complementary analysis compared survivors who were born in countries governed by Nazi Germany with survivors born in nonoccupied countries. A Cox proportional hazards model was used, with the time at risk of cancer development starting on either January 1, 1960, or the date of immigration to the date of cancer diagnosis or death or the date of last follow‐up (December 31, 2006).

RESULTS

Cancer was diagnosed in 22.2% of those who were granted compensation versus 16% of those who were denied compensation (P < .0001). Adjusting for birth cohort, sex, country of origin, and period of immigration, both analyses revealed significant increased risks of developing cancer in those who were exposed. For those who were granted versus denied compensation, the hazard ratios were 1.06 (P < .001) for all sites, 1.12 (P = .07) for colorectal cancer, and 1.37 (P = .008) for lung cancer. For those born in occupied countries versus nonoccupied countries, the hazard ratios were 1.08 (P < .001), 1.08 (P = .003), and 1.12 (P = .02), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results, based on a large cohort of Holocaust survivors who were exposed to a variety of severe deprivations, add to the conflicting and sparse knowledge on this issue and support the notion that this group has a small but consistent increase in cancer development. Cancer 2017;123:3335‐45. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Diproline Peptide into Dumbbells and Copper‐Ion‐Promoted Robust Discs
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Gupta Shradhey , Kumar Vikas , Joshi Khashti Ballabh
Published: July 2017

This study demonstrated that the dipeptide Pro‐Pro, a helix initiator rather than a helix breaker, self‐assembled into a well‐defined dumbbell‐shaped morphology in ethanol when deposited onto appropriate surfaces. The resulting structure was investigated by various microscopic techniques. Interestingly, the addition of copper ions triggered the dumbbell‐shaped structure to self‐assemble into robust three dimensional discs, which were further analyzed by using various microscopic and spectroscopic tools. These specific and unique self‐assemblies can be controlled by varying the physiological conditions, and therefore show potential applications in biotechnology and biomedical fields such as diagnostic agents and treatments of various ailments associated with copper metal.
Cloud computing in a distributed e‐infrastructure using the web processing service standard
Authors: Coro Gianpaolo , Panichi Giancarlo , Scarponi Paolo , Pagano Pasquale
Published: July 2017

New Science paradigms have recently evolved to promote open publication of scientific findings as well as multi‐disciplinary collaborative approaches to scientific experimentation. These approaches can face modern scientific challenges but must deal with large quantities of data produced by industrial and scientific experiments. These data, so‐called Big Data, require to introduce new computer science systems to help scientists cooperate, extract information, and possibly produce new knowledge out of the data. E‐infrastructures are distributed computer systems that foster collaboration between users and can embed distributed and parallel processing systems to manage big data. However, in order to meet modern Science requirements, e‐Infrastructures impose several requirements to computational systems in turn, eg, being economically sustainable, managing community‐provided processes, using standard representations for processes and data, managing big data size and heterogeneous representations, supporting reproducible Science, collaborative experimentation, and cooperative online environments, managing security and privacy for data and services. In this paper, we present a cloud computing system (gCube DataMiner) that meets these requirements and operates in an e‐Infrastructure, while sharing characteristics with state‐of‐the‐art cloud computing systems. To this aim, DataMiner uses the web processing service standard of the open geospatial consortium and introduces features like collaborative experimental spaces, automatic installation of processes and services on top of a flexible and sustainable cloud computing architecture. We compare DataMiner with another mature cloud computing system and highlight the benefits our system brings, the new paradigms requirements it satisfies, and the applications that can be developed based on this system.
Industry Responsibilities in Tackling Direct‐to‐Consumer Marketing of Unproven Stem Cell Treatments
Authors: Master Z , Fu W , Paciulli D , Sipp D
Published: July 2017

The direct‐to‐consumer marketing of unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs) is a serious public health concern. Regulations and education have had modest impact, indicating that different actors must play a role to stop this unfettered market. We consider the role of the biotech industry in tackling unproven SCIs. Grounded in the concept of corporate social responsibility, we argue that biotech companies should screen consumers to ensure that products and services are being used appropriately and educate employees about unproven SCIs.
Homologous Catalysts Based on Fe‐Doped CoP Nanoarrays for High‐Performance Full Water Splitting under Benign Conditions
Authors: Ma Min , Zhu Guilei , Xie Fengyu , Qu Fengli , Liu Zhiang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Sun Xuping
Published: July 2017

The design and development of earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for efficient full water splitting under mild conditions are highly desired, yet remain a challenging task. A homologous Fe‐doped Co‐based nanoarray incorporating complementary catalysts is shown to effect high‐performance and durable water splitting in near‐neutral media. Iron‐doped cobalt phosphate borate nanoarray on carbon cloth (Fe‐Co‐Pi‐Bi/CC) derived from iron‐doped cobalt phosphide on CC (Fe‐CoP/CC) through oxidative polarization behaves as a highly active bimetallic electrocatalyst for water oxidation with an overpotential of 382 mV to afford a catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m potassium borate (K‐Bi, pH 9.2). Fe‐CoP/CC is also highly active for the hydrogen evolution reaction, capable of driving 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of only 175 mV in 0.1 m K‐Bi. A two‐electrode water electrolyzer incorporating Fe‐Co‐Pi‐Bi/CC as anode and Fe‐CoP/CC as cathode achieves 10 mA cm−2 water‐splitting current at a cell voltage of 1.95 V with strong long‐term electrochemical durability.
Loss of Dcc in the spinal cord is sufficient to cause a deficit in lateralized motor control and the switch to a hopping gait
Authors: Peng Jimmy , Ferent Julien , Li Qingyu , Liu Mingwei , Da Silva Ronan Vinicius , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Kania Artur , Zhang Ying , Charron Frédéric
Published: July 2017

Background: Humans with heterozygous mutations in the axon guidance receptor DCC display congenital mirror movements (MMs), which are involuntary movements of body parts, such as fingers, on one side of the body that mirror voluntary movement of the opposite side. In mice, the homozygous Dcckanga mutant allele causes synchronous MM‐like hindlimb movements during locomotion, resulting in hopping. In both human and mice, the neuroanatomical defect responsible for the deficit in lateralized motor control remains to be elucidated. Results: Using the HoxB8‐Cre line to specifically remove Dcc from the spinal cord, we found misrouting of commissural axons during their migration toward the floor plate, resulting in fewer axons crossing the midline. These mice also have a hopping gait, indicating that spinal cord guidance defects alone are sufficient to cause hopping. Conclusions: Dcc plays a role in the development of local spinal networks to ensure proper lateralization of motor control during locomotion. Local spinal cord defects following loss of Dcc cause a hopping gait in mice and may contribute to MM in humans. Developmental Dynamics 247:620–629, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Copper Complex as Catalyst in Proton Reduction
Authors: Nestke Sebastian , Kügler Merle , Scholz Julius , Wilken Mona , Jooss Christian , Siewert Inke
Published: July 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Inke Siewert from Universität Göttingen, Germany. The cover image shows a copper complex that catalyzes the electrochemically driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in buffered purified water and seawater.
Expanding the Baveno VI criteria for the screening of varices in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Augustin Salvador , Pons Mònica , Maurice James B. , Bureau Christophe , Stefanescu Horia , Ney Michel , Blasco Hélène , Procopet Bogdan , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Westbrook Rachel H. , Bosch Jaime , Berzigotti Annalisa , Abraldes Juan G. , Genescà Joan
Published: July 2017

Patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) can safely avoid screening endoscopy with a platelet count >150 × 109 cells/L and a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa (Baveno VI criteria). However, the total number of avoided endoscopies using this rule is relatively low. We aimed at expanding the Baveno VI criteria and validating them in additional cohorts. Patients from the Anticipate cohort (499 patients with cACLD of different etiologies) were used to study the performance of different thresholds of platelets and LSM for the identification of patients at very low risk (<5%) of having varices needing treatment (VNT). The new criteria (Expanded‐Baveno VI) were validated in two additional cohorts from London (309 patients) and Barcelona (117 patients). The performance of the new criteria by etiology of cACLD was also assessed. The best new expanded classification rule was platelet count >110 × 109 cells/L and LSM <25 kPa. This was validated in the two additional cohorts. Overall, the Expanded‐Baveno VI criteria would potentially spare 367 (40%) endoscopies (21% with Baveno VI criteria) with a risk of missing VNT of 1.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.7%‐3.5%) in patients within the criteria and 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.3%‐1.4%) in the overall population of 925 patients evaluated. The Expanded‐Baveno VI criteria performed well in patients with cACLD with hepatitis C virus and alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Conclusion: The new Expanded‐Baveno VI criteria spare more endoscopies than the original criteria with a minimal risk of missing VNT in most of the main etiologies of cACLD. (Hepatology 2017;66:1980–1988)
Ethanol‐induced steatosis involves impairment of lipophagy, associated with reduced Dynamin2 activity
Authors: Rasineni Karuna , Donohue Terrence M. , Thomes Paul G. , Yang Li , Tuma Dean J. , McNiven Mark A. , Casey Carol A.
Published: July 2017

Lipid droplets (LDs), the organelles central to alcoholic steatosis, are broken down by lipophagy, a specialized form of autophagy. Here, we hypothesize that ethanol administration retards lipophagy by down‐regulating dynamin 2 (Dyn2), a protein that facilitates lysosome re‐formation, contributing to hepatocellular steatosis. Primary hepatocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats fed Lieber–DeCarli control or ethanol (EtOH) liquid diets for 6‐8 weeks. Hepatocytes were incubated in complete medium (fed) or nutrient‐free medium (fasting) with or without the Dyn2 inhibitor dynasore or the Src inhibitor SU6656. Phosphorylated (active) forms of Src and Dyn2 and markers of autophagy were quantified using western blot analysis. Colocalization of LDs with autophagic machinery was determined using confocal microscopy. In hepatocytes from pair‐fed rats, LD breakdown was accelerated during fasting, as judged by smaller LDs and lower triglyceride (TG) content when compared with hepatocytes in complete media. Fasting‐induced TG loss in control hepatocytes was significantly blocked by either SU6656 or Dynasore. Compared with controls, hepatocytes from EtOH‐fed rats had 66% and 40% lower content of phosphorylated Src (pSrc) and phosphorylated Dyn2 (pDyn2), respectively, coupled with a lower rate of fasting‐induced TG loss. This slower rate of fasting‐induced TG loss was blocked in cells coincubated with Dynasore. Microscopic examination of EtOH‐fed rat hepatocytes revealed increased colocalization of the autophagosome marker LC3 on LDs with a concomitant decrease in lysosome marker LAMP1. Whole livers and LD fractions of EtOH‐fed rats exhibited simultaneous increase in LC3II and p62 over that of controls, indicating a block in lipophagy. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol administration slowed the rate of hepatocyte lipophagy, owing in part to lower levels of phosphorylated Src kinase available to activate its substrate, Dyn2, thereby causing depletion of lysosomes for LD breakdown. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:501–512)
Cervical cancer data and data systems in limited‐resource settings: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Drummond Jennifer L. , Were Martin C. , Arrossi Silvina , Wools‐Kaloustian Kara
Published: July 2017

Appropriate collection and use of health information is critical to the planning, scaling up, and improvement of cervical cancer programs. The health information systems implementation landscape is unique to each country; however, systems serving cervical cancer programs in low‐resource settings share characteristics that present common challenges. In response, many programs have taken innovative approaches to generating the quality information needed for decision making. Recent advances in health information technology also provide feasible solutions to challenges. This article draws from the experiences of the authors and from current literature to describe outstanding challenges and promising practices in the implementation of cervical cancer data systems, and to make recommendations for next steps. Recommendations include engaging all stakeholders—including providers, program managers, implementing partners, and donors—in promoting national, district, and community information systems; building on existing systems and processes, as well as introducing new technologies; and evolving data collection and data systems as programs advance.
Structure and ultrastructure of eyes and brains ofThalia democratica(Thaliacea, Tunicata, Chordata)
Authors: Braun Katrin , Stach Thomas
Published: July 2017

Salps are marine planktonic chordates that possess an obligatory alternation of reproductive modes in subsequent generations. Within tunicates, salps represent a derived life cycle and are of interest in considerations of the evolutionary origin of complex anatomical structures and life history strategies. In the present study, the eyes and brains of both the sexual, aggregate blastozooid and the asexual, solitary oozooid stage ofThalia democratica(Forskål,) were digitally reconstructed in detail based on serial sectioning for light and transmission electron microscopy. The blastozooid stage ofT. democraticapossesses three pigment cup eyes, situated in the anterior ventral part of the brain. The eyes are arranged in a way that the optical axes of each eye point toward different directions. Each eye is an inverse eye that consists of two different cell types: pigment cells (pigc) and rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells (prcs). The oozooid stage ofT. democraticais equipped with a single horseshoe‐shaped eye, positioned in the anterior dorsal part of the brain. The opening of the horseshoe‐shaped eye points anteriorly. Similar to the eyes of the blastozooid, the eye of the oozooid consists of pigment cells and rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells. The rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells possess apical microvilli that form a densely packed presumably photosensitive receptor part adjacent to the concave side of the pigc. We suggest correspondences of the individual eyes in the blastozooid stage to respective parts of the single horseshoe‐shaped eye in the oozooid stage and hypothesize that the differences in visual structures and brain anatomies evolved as a result of the aggregate life style of the blastozooid as opposed to the solitary life style of the oozooid.
Transverse relaxation time constants of the five major metabolites in human brain measured in vivo using LASER and PRESS at 3 T
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Auerbach Edward J. , Kobayashi Naoharu , Marjańska Małgorzata
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The goal of this study was to measure and compare the apparent transverse relaxation time constants (T2) of five intracellular metabolites using localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (LASER) and point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequences in the human brain at 3 T.

Methods

Five healthy subjects were studied at 3 T. 1H spectra from the prefrontal cortex were acquired at six different echo times using LASER and PRESS sequences. Postprocessed data were analyzed with LCModel, and the resulting amplitudes were fitted using a mono‐exponential decay function to determine the T2 of metabolites.

Results

Twenty‐one percent higher apparent T2 values for the singlet resonances of N‐acetyl aspartate, total creatine, and total choline were measured with LASER as compared with PRESS, whereas comparable apparent T2 values were measured for strongly coupled metabolites, glutamate, and myo‐inositol, with both sequences.

Conclusions

Reliable T2 measurements were obtained with both sequences for the five major intracellular metabolites. The LASER sequence appears to be more efficient in suppressing the diffusion component for singlets (having nonexchangeable protons) compared to J‐coupled metabolites. Magn Reson Med 79:1260–1265, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Experiences of participating in return‐to‐work group programmes for people with musculoskeletal disorders: A focus group study
Authors: Hamnes Bente , Rønningen Aud , Skarbø Åse
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The present study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) who had participated in return‐to‐work group programmes (RTW‐GPs) and to assess whether the programmes had had an impact on their work disability.

Method

Three focus group interviews and one individual interview were conducted involving 17 women (mean age = 47) with MSDs who had completed RTW‐GPs. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analyses.

Results

Participant experiences were categorised into three main themes: changed way of thinking, the importance of being able to work, and a changed lifestyle. The respondents said that participation in the RTW‐GPs had enabled them to shift their focus from problems to opportunities. They had become more aware of strategies to enhance their energy levels and continue working. Several participants had reduced their work hours to achieve a better balance between work and daily life. Many participants had also changed their lifestyle habits, which had led to weight reduction, more energy and less pain.

Conclusion

The study participants had attained a heightened awareness of what they could do to continue working. Many participants had introduced changes in their daily lives, with consequences for employment, social life and lifestyle. The findings suggest that RTW‐GPs can help people with MSDs to remain in employment and prevent absenteeism.
Postmarketing withdrawal of human medicinal products because of adverse reactions in animals: a systematic review and analysis
Authors: Onakpoya Igho J. , Heneghan Carl J. , Aronson Jeffrey K.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

We have identified human medicinal products for which animal data were used as evidence for withdrawal, determined whether the adverse reactions were reported in humans, established whether confirmatory human studies were conducted, and explored the withdrawal patterns over time.

Methods

We searched the World Health Organization's Consolidated List of [Medicinal] Products, drug regulatory authorities' websites, PubMed, Google Scholar, and selected textbooks to identify medicinal products withdrawn from 1950 to June 2016. We included medicinal products for which animal data were specifically reported as a reason for withdrawal. We used a checklist adapted from the International Agency for Research on Cancer criteria to rate the evidence.

Results

In 37 cases, evidence from animals was the reason given for withdrawal between 1963 and 2000. Evidence of carcinogenicity was cited in 23 cases (62%). Limited evidence for harms occasioned withdrawal in over 80% of cases. In 11 cases (30%), the adverse drug reactions were subsequently reported in humans. In 5 instances (14%), formal studies were conducted in humans. The median interval to withdrawal following reports of adverse reactions was 2 years (IQR = 1‐9 y).

Conclusions

Regulatory authorities and drug manufacturers are likely to withdraw medicinal products quickly from the market when animal experiments suggest increased risks of cancers or congenital malformations. Human studies are seldom conducted when harms are suspected in animals. Future research should explore better methods of extrapolating harms data from animal research to humans.
Factors related to resilience of academically gifted students in the chinese cultural and educational environment
Authors: Chen Xinjie , Cheung Hoi Yan , Fan Xitao , Wu Joseph
Published: July 2017

This study examined variables in three domains (personal, parent support, and peer support) for their relationships with the resilience of academically gifted students in the Chinese cultural and educational environment. The participants were 484 academically gifted students in two highly competitive secondary schools (so‐called “key” schools) in a metropolitan city in southern China. The constructs measured in the personal domain were resilience, hope, creativity, and curiosity. The constructs measured in the domain of parent support were parent trust, parent communication, and parent alienation. The constructs measured in the peer support domain were peer trust, peer communication, and peer alienation. Three nested regression models showed that the personal constructs (hope, creativity, and curiosity) were all related to the resilience of the academically gifted students. Parent support variables did not exhibit predictive effects over and above that of the personal constructs, but peer support variables did show additional predictive effects over and beyond personal variables and parent support variables. Explanations and implications were discussed for the findings, and some limitations of the study were also discussed.
Hexaphosphate‐Derived Phosphorus‐Functionalized Carbon for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Gawli Yogesh , Wahid Malik , Fernandez Rohan , Kothari Dushyant , Shelke Manjusha , Ogale Satish
Published: July 2017

We show that high‐temperature annealing of a dried hexaphosphate, namely phytic acid, renders activated (micro‐porous) and phosphorus‐functionalized graphene like carbon in a one‐step process. At high enough temperature few volatile phosphates serve as porogen‐forming entities while other groups reactively functionalize the carbon surface. The optimized material has high effective surface area due to the presence of defect states. As an anode material for Li‐ion battery, it exhibits a reversible capacity that is double that of the graphite and is stable for 1000 cycles even at a high current of 5 A g−1. This result is attributed to the concurrent presence of micropores and phosphorus containing groups in the carbon matrix.
Vertically Oriented 2D Layered Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Good Stability
Authors: Zhang Xinqian , Wu Gang , Yang Shida , Fu Weifei , Zhang Zhongqiang , Chen Chen , Liu Wenqing , Yan Jielin , Yang Weitao , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2017

Vertically oriented highly crystalline 2D layered (BA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (BA = CH3(CH2)3NH3, MA = CH3NH3, n = 3, 4) perovskite thin‐films are fabricated with the aid of ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) additive through one‐step spin‐coating process. The humidity‐stability of the film is certified by the almost unchanged X‐ray diffraction patterns after exposed to humid atmosphere (Hr = 55 ± 5%) for 40 d. The photovoltaic devices with the structure of indium tin oxide(ITO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene‐sulfonate)/(BA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1(n = 3,4)/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester/Bathocuproine/Ag are fabricated. The devices based on (BA)2(MA)2Pb3I10 perovskite (n = 3) with the precursor composition of BAI:methylammonium iodide:PbI2:NH4SCN = 2:2:3:1 (by molar ratio) show an averaged power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.82%. In the case of (BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13 (n = 4), a higher PCE of 8.79% is achieved. Both of the unsealed devices perform unique stability with almost unchanged PCE during the period of storage in purified N2 glove box. This work provides a simple and effective method to enhance the efficiency of the 2D perovskite solar cell.
Monolayer Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) via Chlorine‐Driven Chemical Vapor Transport
Authors: Modtland Brian J. , Navarro‐Moratalla Efren , Ji Xiang , Baldo Marc , Kong Jing
Published: July 2017

Large‐scale production of high‐quality tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayers is a prerequisite for potential device applications using this promising transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductor. The most researched technique is chemical vapor deposition, typically involving the reaction of sulfur vapors with tungsten oxide. Other techniques such as physical vapor deposition have been explored with some success, but low vapor pressures make growth difficult. This study demonstrates a growth process that relies on halide‐driven vapor transport commonly utilized in bulk crystal growth. Using a small amount of sodium chloride salt as a source of chlorine, nonvolatile WS2 can react to form gaseous tungsten chloride and sulfur. With an open tube system, a controlled reaction generates mono and few‐layer WS2 crystals. Optical and physical characterization of the monolayer material shows good uniformity and triangular domains over 50 µm in length. Photoluminescence transient measurements show similar nonlinear exciton dynamics as exfoliated flakes, attributed to multiparticle physics. Requiring only the powder of the desired crystal and appropriate halide salt as precursors, the technique has the potential to realize other layered materials that are challenging to grow with current processes.
Preparation of Carbon‐Rich g‐C3N4 Nanosheets with Enhanced Visible Light Utilization for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Yang Man , Xing Yan , Liu Xianchun , Yang Yang , Wang Xiao , Song Shuyan
Published: July 2017

Exfoliation of layered bulk g‐C3N4 (CNB) to thin g‐C3N4 sheets in nanodomains has attracted much attention in photocatalysis because of the intriguing properties of nanoscaled g‐C3N4. This study shows that carbon‐rich g‐C3N4 nanosheets (CNSC) can be easily prepared by self‐modification of polymeric melon units through successively thermally treating bulk g‐C3N4 in an air and N2 atmosphere. The prepared CNSC not only retain the outstanding properties of nanosheets, such as large surface area, high aspect ratios, and short charges diffusion distance, but also overcome the drawback of enlarged bandgap caused by the quantum size effect, resulting in an enhanced utilization of visible light and photoinduced electron delocalization ability. Therefore, the as‐prepared CNSC show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 39.6 µmol h−1 with a turnover number of 24.98 in 1 h at λ > 400 nm. Under irradiation by longer wavelength of light (λ > 420 nm), CNSC still exhibit a superior hydrogen evolution rate, which is 72.9 and 5.4 times higher than that of bulk g‐C3N4 and g‐C3N4 nanosheets, respectively.