bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalytic Activity Using a Sub‐Stoichiometric CaTiO3−δ Additive
Authors: Mazzapioda Lucia , Lo Vecchio Carmelo , Paolone Annalisa , Salvatore Aricò Antonino , Baglio Vincenzo , Assunta Navarra Maria
Published: September 2019

Platinum scarcity and its high cost have led to the requirement of alternative materials catalysing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is the main rate‐determining step occurring in electrochemical devices, including metal‐air batteries and fuel cells. We report a study on a sub‐stoichiometric calcium titanate (CaTiO3−δ, CTO) compound used as promoter for the ORR in order to reduce the Pt loading and improve its electrocatalytic activity. Composite catalysts based on Pt/C with different amounts of CTO were prepared and their activity was investigated by rotating disk electrode (RDE). The obtained results proved a higher catalytic activity for the composite electrode, with respect to pure Pt/C, in terms of electrochemically active surface area, oxygen reduction current density, onset potential and stability.
Direct Recycling of Nd–Fe–B Magnets Based on the Recovery of Nd2Fe14B Grains by Acid‐free Electrochemical Etching
Authors: Xu Xuan , Sturm Saso , Samardzija Zoran , Vidmar Janja , Scancar Janez , Rozman Kristina Zuzek
Published: September 2019

Recycling of end‐of‐life Nd–Fe–B magnets is an important strategy for reducing the environmental dangers associated with rare‐earth mining and overcoming the supply risks associated with the rare‐earth elements. In this study, a novel concept for recycling of sintered Nd–Fe–B magnets by directly recovering the matrix Nd2Fe14B grains is presented. The procedure is based on the anodic etching of sintered Nd–Fe–B magnets in a nonaqueous dimethylformamide (DMF)/0.3 mol L−1 FeCl2 bath. Selective recovery of Nd2Fe14B grains was realized within the applied current density <5 mA cm−2 based on the etching priority of phases: metallic Nd > intergranular NdFe4B4 > matrix Nd2Fe14B. The total energy consumption of the proposed recycling route is estimated to be 2.99 kWh kg−1, which is comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art methods. However, the proposed recycling route is currently the only procedure that enables repeated recycling of sintered Nd–Fe–B magnets in a closed‐loop system.
The complex existence of γδ T cells following transplantation: the good, the bad and the simply confusing
Authors: Sullivan Lucy C , Shaw Evangeline M , Stankovic Sanda , Snell Gregory I , Brooks Andrew G , Westall Glen P
Published: September 2019

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a highly heterogeneous population of lymphocytes that exhibit innate and adaptive immune properties. Despite comprising the majority of residing lymphocytes in many organs, the role of γδ T cells in transplantation outcomes is under‐researched. γδ T cells can recognise a diverse array of ligands and exert disparate effector functions. As such, they may potentially contribute to both allograft acceptance and rejection, as well as impacting on infection and post‐transplant malignancy. Here, we review the current literature on the role and function of γδ T cells following solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Nutrient retention and loss during ecosystem succession: revisiting a classic model
Authors: Lajtha Kate
Published: September 2019

In 1975, Vitousek and Reiners proposed a conceptual model relating the net retention of a limiting nutrient to the net biomass accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems, whereby terrestrial systems should be highly conservative of nutrients during ecosystem succession when plants are actively accumulating biomass, but should be relatively leakier in older stands, when net plant biomass accumulation nears zero. The model was based on measurements in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. However, recent data showing that nitrate output in streams is declining across this region even as forests are aging seem to be inconsistent with this theory. Because the more recent data do not match the predictions of the Vitousek and Reiners model, either new hypotheses, or modifications of the original hypothesis, need to be considered. I suggest that the original model can be amended by accounting for increased woody debris; an accumulation of both above and belowground high C:N coarse woody debris from tree mortality in these regenerating forests can lead to high microbial immobilization of N and can explain the recent patterns of declining stream nitrate. Few studies or models have attempted to calculate the impacts of coarse woody debris (CWD) decomposition products to the retention of C and N in forested ecosystems and their receiving streams, but evidence suggests that CWD can significantly affect stream N exports and should be considered in future models of ecosystem biogeochemical cycles.
Machine Learning (ML)‐Assisted Design and Fabrication for Solar Cells
Authors: Li Fan , Peng Xiaoqi , Wang Zuo , Zhou Yi , Wu Yuxia , Jiang Minlin , Xu Min
Published: September 2019

Photovoltaic (PV) technologies have attracted great interest due to their capability of generating electricity directly from sunlight. Machine learning (ML) is a technique for computer to learn how to perform a specific task using known data. It can be used in many areas and has become a hot research topic recently due to the rapid accumulation of data and advancement of computer hardware. The application of ML techniques in the design and fabrication of solar cells started slowly but has recently gained tremendous momentum. An exhaustive compilation of the literatures indicates that all the major aspects in the research and development of solar cells can be effectively assisted by ML techniques. If combined with other tools and fed with additional theoretical and experimental data, more accurate and robust results can be achieved from ML techniques. The aspects can be grouped into four categories: prediction of material properties, optimization of device structures, optimization of fabrication processes, and reconstruction of measurement data. A statistical analysis of the literatures shows that artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) are the two most applied ML techniques and the topics in the optimization of device structures and optimization of fabrication processes are more popular. This article can be used as a reference by all PV researchers who are interested in ML techniques.
Comparison of Nile Red and Cell Size Analysis for High‐Throughput Lipid Estimation Within Oleaginous Yeast
Authors: Hicks Robert H. , Chuck Christopher J. , Scott Roderick J. , Leak David J. , Henk Daniel A.
Published: September 2019

With growing interest in oleaginous yeast as producers of future fuels and bulk chemicals, a robust, high‐throughput method for estimating lipid production is required. Although the lipophilic dye Nile red is frequently used to assay large samples of yeast and microalgae, inconsistent stain permeability between species and strains limits its effectiveness for some microorganisms. In this study, the oleaginous yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima is used to develop a fluorescence‐free, cell‐size‐based image analysis method for estimating lipid production, which is then compared with an optimized Nile red method across several experimental scenarios. Cell size analysis (CSA) outperforms Nile red in all scenarios, correlating well with lipid extraction data when screening multiple strains, screening a subset of strains grown in different conditions, and tracking the lipid accumulation of a culture over time. Stain permeability is shown to vary significantly among the strains trialled, with lipid droplet size and cell wall thickness having a deleterious effect in the permeability of high‐lipid‐accumulating cells. CSA can also allow culture population dynamics to be monitored, providing key process information of cell size distribution in response to changing media compositions.

Practical Applications: Nile red is currently the go‐to method for high‐ throughput lipid screening; however, staining inconsistencies in some organisms caused by varying cell morphology makes it challenging to optimize a robust protocol. Although fluorescence‐free methods exist (Raman spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, GCMS), the need for extensive sample preparation and specialist equipment restricts their widespread adoption. The CSA method presented here offers an accurate, robust, and cheap alternative for the study of microorganisms where fluorescence‐based avenues are not feasible. Furthermore, the population dynamics collected during CSA can easily be applied to bioreactor style processing, where tracking size distributions can provide real time information of culture status. This additional information is valuable even if fluorescence screening is a possibility.
AC dielectrophoretic deformable particle‐particle interactions and their relative motions
Authors: Zhou Teng , Ji Xiang , Shi Liuyong , Zhang Xianman , Song Yongxin , Joo Sang Woo
Published: September 2019

This paper develops a numerical simulation model to research the deformable particle‐particle interactions caused by dielectrophoresis (DEP) under AC electric fields. The DEP force is calculated by using Maxwell stress tensor method, and the hydrodynamic force is obtained by calculating the hydrodynamic stress tensor. Simulation results show that the DEP interactive motion will facilitate the particles forming particle chains that are parallel to the electric field, and the particles with low shear modulus present a lower x‐component velocity. Also, the electric field intensity and particles radius have some effects on the DEP motions, and for different particles, smaller particles with larger electric field intensity easily reach a larger velocity. The numerical research may provide universal guidance for biological cells manipulation and assembly.
Application of flue‐gas foam in thermal‐chemical flooding for medium‐depth heavy oil reservoirs
Authors: Du Qingjun , Liu Hao , Wu Guanghuan , Hou Jian , Zhou Kang , Liu Yongge
Published: September 2019

Heat loss in wellbore during steam injection is considerable due to the deep burial of medium‐depth heavy oil reservoirs, leading to a low steam quality in the bottom of well. As for hot water flooding, the mobility ratio between oil and water is small, which decreases oil recovery. Flue‐gas foam assisted thermal‐chemical flooding is a new method for heavy oil reservoir. Compared to hot water flooding, flue‐gas foam assisted thermal‐chemical flooding can decrease oil viscosity, achieving higher sweep efficiency. However, the combined mechanisms of all the injected components have not been studied systematically. In this work, the role of CO2, viscosity reducer and hot water for oil viscosity reduction and distribution characteristics of residual oil were studied using the numerical simulation methods. Results show that although the percentage of viscosity reduction contribution of viscosity reducer can be as high as 60%, only wider range of this effect can help recover more remaining oil effectively. In the presence of flue‐gas foam, CO2 and viscosity reducer can decrease oil viscosity in the upper and bottom layers of the reservoir, respectively. Two parameters of the area proportion of removed‐oil (ARRO) and the average removed‐oil saturation (SDRO) are defined. It is believed that both ARRO and SDRO are quite small for the hot water flooding, which is assisted by viscosity reducer. The flue‐gas foam can obviously expand the area of removed‐oil, but the average removed‐oil saturation is slightly lower. The combination of flue‐gas foam and viscosity reducer is a promising displacement method.
An online cross‐sectional survey of the health risk behaviours among informal caregivers
Authors: Denham Alexandra M. J. , Wynne Olivia , Baker Amanda L. , Spratt Neil J. , Turner Alyna , Magin Parker , Palazzi Kerrin , Bonevski Billie
Published: September 2019

Issue addressed

Informal caregivers may experience unique barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyles, consequently increasing their risk of chronic disease. Among a convenience sample of informal caregivers, this study aimed to: (a) assess the self‐reported health risk behaviours of low fruit and vegetable consumption, low physical activity, current smoking and hazardous alcohol consumption; (b) examine the demographic, caree condition and country of residence variables associated with each health risk behaviour; and (c) report the engagement in multiple health risk behaviours.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional survey among caregivers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States was conducted. Self‐reported health risk behaviours were assessed and compared to key Australian healthy living guidelines. Logistic regression modelling identified participant factors associated with each health risk behaviour.

Results

Overall, 384 caregivers were included in the analysis. Hazardous alcohol consumption was the only self‐reported health risk behaviour which was much higher than in the general population (60.0%). Caregiver age (P = .018) and country of residence (P = .015) were associated with hazardous alcohol consumption. A majority of caregivers reported engaging in three health risk behaviours (55.0%).

Conclusions

Caregivers are engaging in a range of health risk behaviours; however, rates of hazardous alcohol consumption among the sample were high. Health promotion interventions targeted to address alcohol consumption should consider caregiver age and country of residence.

So what?

This study highlights the health risk behaviours caregivers engage in across a number of countries, and suggests that caregivers require further support to manage alcohol consumption in particular.
Frontline Science: Antagonism between regular and atypical Cxcr3 receptors regulates macrophage migration during infection and injury in zebrafish
Authors: Sommer Frida , Torraca Vincenzo , Kamel Sarah M. , Lombardi Amber , Meijer Annemarie H.
Published: September 2019

The CXCR3-CXCL11 chemokine-signaling axis plays an essential role in infection and inflammation by orchestrating leukocyte trafficking in human and animal models, including zebrafish. Atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) play a fundamental regulatory function in signaling networks by shaping chemokine gradients through their ligand scavenging function, while being unable to signal in the classic G-protein-dependent manner. Two copies of the CXCR3 gene in zebrafish, cxcr3.2 and cxcr3.3, are expressed on macrophages and share a highly conserved ligand-binding site. However, Cxcr3.3 has structural characteristics of ACKRs indicative of a ligand-scavenging role. In contrast, we previously showed that Cxcr3.2 is an active CXCR3 receptor because it is required for macrophage motility and recruitment to sites of mycobacterial infection. In this study, we generated a cxcr3.3 CRISPR-mutant to functionally dissect the antagonistic interplay among the cxcr3 paralogs in the immune response. We observed that cxcr3.3 mutants are more susceptible to mycobacterial infection, whereas cxcr3.2 mutants are more resistant. Furthermore, macrophages in the cxcr3.3 mutant are more motile, show higher activation status, and are recruited more efficiently to sites of infection or injury. Our results suggest that Cxcr3.3 is an ACKR that regulates the activity of Cxcr3.2 by scavenging common ligands and that silencing the scavenging function of Cxcr3.3 results in an exacerbated Cxcr3.2 signaling. In human, splice variants of CXCR3 have antagonistic functions and CXCR3 ligands also interact with ACKRs. Therefore, in zebrafish, an analogous regulatory mechanism appears to have evolved after the cxcr3 gene duplication event, through diversification of conventional and atypical receptor variants.
Stability indicating liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous quantification of betamethasone valerate and tazarotene in in vitro and ex vivo studies of complex nanoformulation
Authors: Rapalli Vamshi Krishna , Singhvi Gautam , Gorantla Srividya , Waghule Tejashree , Dubey Sunil Kumar , Saha Ranendra Narayan , Hasnain Md Saquib , Nayak Amit Kumar
Published: September 2019

Low‐potency corticosteroid betamethasone valerate and vitamin‐A tazarotene are used in combination for effective treatment of psoriasis. There is no robust high‐performance liquid chromatography analytical technique available for simultaneous estimation of betamethasone valerate and tazarotene in conventional and nanocarriers based formulations. A simple, accurate, robust isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for simultaneous estimation of betamethasone valerate and tazarotene in topical pharmaceutical formulations. The developed method was validated as per the regulatory guidelines. The validated method was linear over the concentration range of 150–6000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.999) at 239 nm wavelength. Limits of detection and quantification of two analytes were 50 and 150 ng/mL, respectively. The %relative standard deviation for intraday and interday precision was less than 2%. The method was also evaluated in the presence of forced degradation conditions. The developed method was successfully applied for in vitro and ex vivo drug release studies of in‐house designed nanoformulations.
Development of a method to screen and isolate bioactive constituents from Stellera chamaejasme by ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography combined with semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and high‐speed counter current chromatography
Authors: Hou Wanchao , Xia Jianli , Liu Chunming , Li Sainan , Wu Tong , Huang Yu
Published: September 2019

A simple and efficient method based on ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry was used for the rapid screening and identification of ligands in the extracts of Stellera chamaejasme. The bound ligands, i.e. daphnoretin, isopimpinellin, chamaechromone, neochamaejasmin A, and chamaejasmine (purity of 96.8, 90.75, 91.41, 93.98, and 98.91%, respectively), were separated by semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the detection of potent lipoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors in Stellera chamaejasme extracts. The results demonstrate that our method of ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with mixed chromatography can be used to screen and confirm the bioactivity of all isolated compounds. This method also eliminates the need for separation of inactive compounds, thereby improving efficiency when studying bioactive substances. For some complex mixtures, neither semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography nor high‐speed counter‐current chromatography can purify all the target active compounds with high purity in a one‐step separation. The combination of the two methods allow for efficient purification of target bioactive compounds with different polarities and physicochemical properties based on their complementary properties.
Bee honey protects astrocytes against oxidative stress: A preliminary in vitro investigation
Authors: Ali Amira Mohammed , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

Aim

Bee honey is widely used as a bioactive food to improve general health and produce therapeutic benefits in various physical disorders. It also improves cognitive and mood‐related behaviors and symptoms in mice and humans. Still, its direct effect on brain cells is unclear. Here, we examined the effect of whole honey on the survival of astrocytes exposed to oxidative stress.

Methods

Cultured cortical astrocytes were treated with honey (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 3%, and 5% [v/v]) for 24 hours followed by H2O2 (100 μmol/L) for 3 hours. Cellular viability was assessed with MTT assay.

Results

Honey prevented cellular death in a dose‐dependent manner compared with H2O2‐treated cells. Honey at 1% concentration had the most significant effect (P = .015).

Conclusion

Bee honey exerts a neuroprotective effect through its antioxidant activity.
An effective mesiodens extraction method involving an intraoral approach through the nasal floor bone
Authors: Yamamoto Ayumi , Hanazawa Yasuo
Published: September 2019

A mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth located in the maxillary central region, frequently found in an inverted, impacted position, which can cause delayed or ectopic eruption of the permanent incisors. Unerupted supernumerary teeth are typically removed by the traditional palatal or labial approach. However, the traditional approach may induce injury to the adjacent root or damage the surrounding soft tissue because a deeply impacted mesiodens requires excessive bone removal in the anterior maxilla. The aim of the present study was to introduce an effective tooth extraction method involving an intraoral approach through the floor bone of the nasal cavity.
Nature documentaries and saving nature: Reflections on the new Netflix series Our Planet
Authors: Jones Julia P. G. , Thomas‐Walters Laura , Rust Niki A. , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: September 2019

Netflix recently launched its high‐profile nature documentary Our Planet. Voiced by Sir David Attenborough in English (with Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz and other Hollywood actors voicing versions simultaneously released in 10 other languages), Netflix are making a clear play for core BBC territory. However, they claim that this is a nature documentary with a difference as it puts the threats facing nature front and center to the narrative.

We coded the scripts of Our Planet, and those of three recent Attenborough‐voiced BBC documentaries, to explore the extent to which threats (and conservation action and success) are discussed. The only other series which comes close to the frequency with which these issues are discussed is Blue Planet II, but Our Planet is unique in weaving discussion of these issues throughout all episodes rather than keeping them to a dedicated final episode. However, although Our Planet sounds different to other documentaries, the visuals are very similar. Nature is still mostly shown as pristine, and the presence or impacts of people on the natural world very seldom appear. We discuss the potential consequences of nature documentaries erasing humans from the land/seascape.

We also discuss the mechanisms by which nature documentaries may have a positive impact on conservation. Despite links between information provision and behaviour change being complex and uncertain, nature documentaries may, at least in theory, elicit change in a number of ways. They may increase willingness amongst viewers to make personal lifestyle changes, increase support for conservation organizations, and generate positive public attitudes and subsequently social norms towards an issue, making policy change more likely.

Netflix is certainly bringing biodiversity and the threats it faces into the mainstream, but the mechanisms by which viewing these representations translates to concrete behaviour change are poorly understood. Increasing interest in robust impact evaluation, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, means the time is right to explore how both showing nature on screens and talking about the threats it faces, affects people in ways which might, ultimately, contribute to saving it.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
An elaborate route of exclusive sonogashira polycondensation to alternating BODIPY–porphyrin ethynylene‐conjugated polymer
Authors: Morisue Mitsuhiko , Kawanishi Miho , Nakano Shinya
Published: September 2019

The first synthesis of the fully conjugated ethynylene‐linked polymer incorporating boron dipyrrine complex (BODIPY) and zinc porphyrin in the main chain was performed based on the exclusive Sonogashira polycondensation. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations lead to an elaborate synthetic route to circumvent the possible side reactions of BODIPY in the presence of the palladium catalyst. Additionally, optimization of the synthetic conditions found that dichloromethane as the solvent suppresses the formation of the pseudo‐trans dimer of the copper acetylide and mitigates the undesired oxidative homocoupling reaction. Eventually, the exclusive Sonogashira polycondensation in dichloromethane provided the alternating BODIPY–porphyrin ethynylene‐conjugated polymer, which displayed absorption up to the near‐infrared wavelengths. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2457–2465
Preparation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐containing block copolymer with well‐controlled stereoregularity
Authors: Tsai Sung‐Yu , Kuretani Satoshi , Manabe Kei , Terao Toshiki , Komamura Takahiro , Agata Yoshihiro , Ohta Noboru , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Wang Chien‐Lung , Hayakawa Teruaki , Hirai Tomoyasu
Published: September 2019

Preparation of functional domains with a spacing of 10 nm is a benchmark set to fabricate next‐generation electronic devices. Organic–inorganic block copolymers form well‐ordered microphase separations with very small domain sizes. The design and preparation of a novel block copolymer consisting of syndiotactic polymethyl methacrylate (st‐PMMA) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐functionalized polymethacrylate, designated as st‐PMMA‐b‐PMAPOSS, which can recognize functional molecules, are reported. The st‐PMMA segments form a helical structure and encapsulate C60 in the helical nanocavity, leading to the formation of an inclusion complex. Although the ordering of the domains is not high, C60 domains that are in a quasi‐equilibrium state, with about 10‐nm domain spacings, are generated using st‐PMMA‐b‐PMAPOSS that can recognize functional molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2181–2189
Synthesis of Oxindole Analogues, Biological Activity, and In Silico Studies
Authors: Lotfy Gehad , Aziz Yasmine M. Abdel , Said Mohamed M. , El Ashry El Sayed H. , El Tamany El Sayed H. , Barakat Assem , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Yousuf Sammer , Ul‐Haq Zaheer , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: September 2019

Highly divergent complexity molecules, having spirooxindole core structure, possess excellent bioactivities. The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction is one of the most efficient approach for the rapid synthesis of spirooxindole analogues. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of spirooxindolone analogues via multicomponent reaction of chalcone, based on cyclohexanone, substituted isatin (isatin, 5‐Cl‐isatin, and 5‐Br‐isatin), and secondary amine of the amino acids (L‐Proline and Thioproline). The included activities of the resulting spirooxazolines, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐leishmanial, and cytotoxic activity against 3T3 and HeLa cell lines. Among series of nine diphenyl substituted derivatives of spiro fused benzylidine thioazol indolines (IVa–IVi), compounds IVb (IC50=5.8±0.9 μM), IVc (IC50=2.4±1.3 μM), IVd (IC50=5.0±0.6 μM), and IVg (IC50=10.4±4.6 μM) have shown potent anti‐inflammatory activity, several fold more active than the standard drug, ibuprofen (IC50=11.2±1.9 μM). Whereas, compounds IVa (IC50=18.0±1.1 μM), and IVh (IC50=26.0±3.4 μM) exhibited a significant anti‐inflammatory potential. All other compounds (IVe and IVf) were found to be inactive. Two meta flouro substituted phenyl rings containing compound IVc (IC50=2.4±1.3 μM) was the most potent member of the series. In order to rationalize the observed biological activities of the spirooxindole‐pyrrolothiazole derivatives, in silico studies were also performed. The results of present study identify a new series of potent anti‐inflammatory agents, deserve to be further investigated as leads.
A regioselective Synthesis of Substituted Pyrazolines via a Cascade Annulation of Huisgen Zwitterion with α‐Cyano‐α,β‐unsaturated Ketones Under Solvent‐free Heating Conditions
Authors: Li Yuming , Zhang Xuange , Lu Tianyu , Miao Zhiwei
Published: September 2019

A simple solvent‐free method for the regioselective synthesis of pyrazoline derivatives via the annulation reactions of α‐cyano‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones and β‐carboxylic ester‐α,β‐unsaturated ketone with Huisgen zwitterions was developed. Interestingly, the reaction substrate is identified as a critical factor to control the final products. This method features simplicity, high efficiency, environmentally benign, and broad substrate scope. The gram scale applicability also points towards its possible implementation in industrial use.
Self‐Assembling Bifunctional Hydrophilic Magnetic Nanomaterials for Highly Efficient Enrichment of Parabens in Beverages Sample
Authors: Gao Yiqian , Wang Baichun , Yan Yinghua
Published: September 2019

Preservatives affect human endocrine systems and pose a potential threat to the environment, so developing a fast, low‐cost means to detect parabens is critical. In this work, a hydrophilic magnetic ball (Fe3O4@mSiO2@PDA‐IL@C18) is prepared via functionalized position control strategy. The imidazole‐based ionic liquid and mesoporous silica are outer bifunctional groups, which provide active sites for the extraction of preservatives by the π‐π interaction. Fe3O4@mSiO2@PDA‐IL@C18 was utilized to the selective enrichment of parabens with good linear range (0.05‐300 ng/mL), excellent recovery (94%‐105%) and precision (RSDs lower than 5.2%), and low detection limit (0.05 ng/mL). In the actual sample test, the prepared Fe3O4@mSiO2@PDA‐IL@C18 could specifically detect parabens from green tea and cola samples. The results displayed that we provided an efficient and simple method for the detection of preservatives in food.
Solvents Effect on the Morphology and Stability of Cu/CuO Nanoparticles Synthesized at High Fluence Laser Ablation
Authors: Rawat Rajesh , Tiwari Archana , Arun Nimmala , Rao S. V. S. Nageswara , Pathak Anand Prakash , Tripathi Ajay
Published: September 2019

Cu/CuO NPs were synthesized by ablating Cu target using nanosecond Nd:YAG pulsed laser operating at 1064 nm with 8 ns pulse duration in three different solvents viz: ethylene glycol (EG), deionized water (DI) and ethanol (Eth). The effects of these three solvents at high laser fluence of 40 J/cm2 was investigated to study the stability and morphology of nanoparticles using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The morphology of these nanoparticles are dependent on the physical properties of solvents (like viscosity, conductivity, polarity and enthalpy) used in laser ablation. EG and DI shows tadpole and necklace like structure whereas in Eth hollow structures were observed. The crystallinity of nanoparticles were confirmed by HRTEM, SAED and XRD analysis. In all the three solvents the characteristic absorption and emission peaks of Cu and CuO nanoparticles were observed and have been elaborately discussed in this paper. In addition, the detailed growth kinematics of nanoparticles involved in the process of laser ablation technique have been highlighted.
Assembly‐Induced Diverse Optical Property of 4‐Biphenylcarboxy‐Protected Serine and Tyrosine
Authors: Sasmal Supriya , Podder Debasish , Debnath Mintu , Nandi Sujay Kumar , Haldar Debasish
Published: September 2019

4‐biphenylcarboxy‐protected serine and tyrosine were synthesized and their crystal packing induced diverse optical properties in solid state were investigated. The L‐serine containing compound exhibits green‐gold birefringence under polarized light but the L‐tyrosine containing compound has no birefringence. Only L‐serine containing compound shows solid state emission at 525 nm. The crystal structure shows that irrespective of the π‐π stacking interactions between biphenyl moieties, the hydrogen bond between amide C=O and L‐serine side chain HO direct the supramolecular assembly to a parallel sheet like structure. But, the L‐tyrosine containing compound forms a supramolecular strand through intermolecular hydrogen bonds between ester C=O and L‐tyrosine side chain HO. Though the biphenyl moieties are in a parallel arrangement in the strand, there is no π‐π stacking interaction. Irrespective of biphenyl chromophore, the compounds exhibit different packing‐induced solid state optical properties.
Aluminum‐Based Catalysts for Cycloaddition Reactions: Moving One Step Ahead in Sustainability
Authors: Dogra Ashima , Gupta Neeraj
Published: September 2019

A large variety of dienes and alkenes can be derived from plants and used further for the production of fine chemicals or biologically active compounds. Herein, we have identified such dienes/alkenes, as well as their synthetic analogues, and presented a strategy for their conversion by atom‐economical cycloaddition reactions. The catalyst used for these conversions is derived from abundantly‐available aluminum metal in earth's crust, which has low toxicity, easy availability and low price in comparison to the transition metals. Astonishingly, the applications of aluminum‐based catalysts are underdeveloped in comparison to the d‐block metal analogues. Therefore, this review summarizes the developments in the field of cycloaddition reactions by using aluminum‐based catalysts, a pathway that can be pursued for developing “Sustainable Processes”.
Heterocarbides Reinforced Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Cuan Jing , Zhang Fan , Zheng Yang , Zhou Tengfei , Liang Gemeng , Guo Zaiping , Pang Wei Kong , Yu Xuebin
Published: September 2019

The feasibility of transition metal carbides (TMCs) as promising high‐rate electrodes is still hindered by low specific capacity and sluggish charge transfer kinetics. Improving charge transport kinetics motivates research toward directions that would rely on heterostructures. In particular, heterocomposing with carbon‐rich TMCs is highly promising for enhancing Li storage. However, due to limited synthesis methods to prepare carbon‐rich TMCs, understanding the interfacial interaction effect on the high‐rate performance of TMCs is often neglected. In this work, a novel strategy is proposed to construct a binary carbide heteroelectrode, i.e. incorporating the carbon‐rich TMC (M=Mo) with its metal‐rich TMC nanowires (nws) via an ingenious in situ disproportionation reaction. Results show that the as‐prepared MoC‐Mo2C‐heteronanowires (hnws) electrode could fully recover its capacity after high‐rates testing, and also possesses better lithium accommodation performance. Kinetic analysis verified that both electron and ion transfer in MoC‐Mo2C‐hnws are superior to those of its singular counterparts. Such improvements suggest that by taking utilization of the interfacial component interactions of stoichiometry tunable heterocarbides, the electrochemical performance, especially high‐rate capability of carbides, could be significantly enhanced.
Oldest, smallest and phylogenetically most basal pelagornithid, from the early Paleocene of New Zealand, sheds light on the evolutionary history of the largest flying birds
Authors: Mayr Gerald , De Pietri Vanesa L. , Love Leigh , Mannering Al , Scofield Richard Paul
Published: September 2019

The Cenozoic Pelagornithidae, or pseudotoothed birds, are characterized by unique bony projections along the cutting edges of the beak. These birds were previously known from late Paleocene to Pliocene fossil sites and some species reached wingspans up to 6.4 m. Here we describe a partial skeleton of a small‐sized pelagornithid from the early Paleocene of New Zealand. Protodontopteryx ruthae gen. et sp. nov. is the oldest record of the clade, the smallest known species, and the first pre‐Eocene pelagornithid from the Southern Hemisphere. The skull of the new species exhibits the characteristic pelagornithid morphology, but the postcranial skeleton distinctly differs from other pelagornithids, and various plesiomorphic features indicate that it is the earliest‐diverging representative of the Pelagornithidae. The much stouter humerus suggests that the new species was less adapted to sustained soaring than previously known pelagornithids. Pseudoteeth therefore evolved before pelagornithids became highly specialized gliders. Unlike the giant Neogene pelagornithid species, which presumably were skimmers, early Paleocene pelagornithids are likely to have targeted selected prey items and may have been predominantly piscivorous. The new species furthermore suggests that pelagornithids evolved in the Southern Hemisphere and documents a very early radiation of neornithine seabirds, which may have been triggered by changes in marine ecosystems around the K–Pg boundary.
Anaerobic digestion
Authors: Laiq Ur Rehman Mian , Iqbal Awais , Chang Chein‐Chi , Li Weizun , Ju Meiting
Published: September 2019

Worldwide waste generation has become a topic of interest since the accumulation of this waste has prompted environmental hazards. Among which, anaerobic digestion provides green and efficient alternate solution for removal of toxic waste and energy production. Therefore, this review emphasizes on the recent data published in 2018 on topics related to anaerobic process, enhancement of biogas production, and fermentation efficiency. Furthermore, more focus was made on the factors influencing anaerobic digestion and the effect of trace elements as ionic salts as well as nanoparticles on overall biogas production, respectively.

Practitioner points

Anaerobic digestion provide green and efficient alternate solution to deal with.

This review focused on the conditions related to anaerobic process to improve biogas production and fermentation efficiency.

The trace elements were focused on how to influence biogas production during anaerobic digestion.
Impact of goethite dosed continuous stirred tank reactor on continuous methane production at different organic loading rates
Authors: Wan Zhanghong , Peng Shuchuan , Zhang Xun , Wang Jin , Li Xiangming , Yue Zhengbo
Published: September 2019

Iron oxides facilitated anaerobic digestion process has been attracted more and more attention in the renewable energy production area. In the current study, goethite was added into the continuous stirred tank reactor with glucose as the substrate. Effect of the influent organic loading rate (OLR) on the reactor performances was explored. Results showed that goethite promoted the methane production significantly (p < 0.05) when OLR was changed between 1.20 and 1.80 g glucose L−1 day−1. Compared to the control reactor, addition of goethite improved the methane production by13.4%–22.9%. The iron reduction rate had a positive correlation with the methane production rate. Microbial community analysis results showed that OLRs influenced the dominant methanogenic species in the both reactors. Methanothrix, Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina, and Methanocella were dominant under various OLR levels.

Practitioner points

Goethite could promote the methanogenic process of glucose in the CSTRs under certain levels of OLRs.

Iron reduction rate had a positive correlation with the methane production rate.

OLRs influenced the dominant methanogenic species in the goethite‐dosed reactors.
Discrete channel surfaces
Authors: Hertrich-Jeromin Udo , Rossman Wayne , Szewieczek Gudrun
Published: September 2019

We present a definition of discrete channel surfaces in Lie sphere geometry, which reflects several properties for smooth channel surfaces. Various sets of data, defined at vertices, on edges or on faces, are associated with a discrete channel surface that may be used to reconstruct the underlying particular discrete Legendre map. As an application we investigate isothermic discrete channel surfaces and prove a discrete version of Vessiot’s Theorem.
Is Annual Preoperative Utilization an Indicator of Postoperative Surgical Outcomes? A Study in Medicare Expenditure
Authors: Hyer J. Madison , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Paredes Anghela Z. , Sahara Kota , White Susan , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Data on the association of high preoperative healthcare utilization and adverse clinical outcomes are scarce. We sought to evaluate the role of annual preoperative expenditure (APE) as a surrogate for latent variables of risk for adverse short‐term postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Low and super‐utilizers who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, coronary artery bypass graft, colectomy, total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, or lung resection between 2013 and 2015 were identified from 100% Medicare Inpatient Standard Analytic Files. To assess the association between APE and postoperative outcomes, multivariable logistic regression was utilized.

Results

Among 1,049,160 patients, 788,488 (75.1%) and 21,700 (2.1%) patients were preoperative low‐ and super‐utilizers, respectively. Median APE was more than 60 times higher among super‐utilizers than low‐utilizers ($57,160 vs. $932), as was the cost of the surgical episode ($21,141 vs. $13,179). The predictive ability of APE ranged from 0.683 (95% CI 0.678–0.687) for 90‐day readmission to 0.882 (95% CI 0.879–0.886) for a complication at the index hospitalization. Among super‐utilizers, the odds of a complication during the surgical episode was nearly double versus low‐utilizers (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.89–2.04). Super‐utilizers also had an increased odds of 30‐day readmission (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.58–1.69) and mortality (OR = 2.22; 95% CI 2.04–2.42).

Conclusion

APE was able to predict adverse postsurgical outcomes including complications during the surgical episode, readmission, and 90‐day mortality. APE should be considered in the assessment of patient populations when defining risk of adverse postoperative events.
Need for Completion Thyroidectomy in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy for Indeterminate and High‐Risk Nodules: Impact of Intra‐Operative Findings and Final Pathology
Authors: Moore Edwina C. , Zolin Samuel , Krishnamurthy Vikram , Jin Judy , Shin Joyce , Berber Eren , Siperstein Allan
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Current guidelines increasingly suggest the use of thyroid lobectomy for indeterminate (Bethesda 3 and 4) and high‐risk (Bethesda 5 and 6) thyroid nodules; however, the clinical reality is often very different.

Materials and Methods

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of completion thyroidectomy (CTx) for indeterminate and high‐risk thyroid nodules which are pre‐operatively classified as suitable for unilateral resection (lobe eligible) based on current guidelines. Seven hundred consecutive patients with thyroid nodules and FNA cytology over four years (2015–2018) were reviewed.

Results

Distribution of the dominant nodules by Bethesda was: non‐diagnostic 3.9%, benign 28.1%, atypia of unknown significance 19.0%, follicular neoplasm 23.6%, suspicious for malignancy 6.1% and malignancy 19.3%. Of 298 indeterminate nodules, 68.8% (205/298) had relative but independent indications for a total thyroidectomy (TTx) and the remainder were candidates for lobectomy. For these lobe eligible patients, the overall risk of ultimately needing a TTx was 19.4% (18/93), comprising 4.3% (4/93) from intra‐operative findings and 15.7% (14/89) from final pathology. Similarly, of 170 high‐risk nodules, 63.5% (108/170) had upfront indications for a TTx and the remaining 62 nodules were lobe eligible. Of the patients taken to the operating room for a lobectomy, 21.0% (13/62) were upgraded to a TTx intra‐operatively and 26.5% (13/49) post‐operatively. The lobe success rate for indeterminate nodules was 25.2% and for high‐risk nodules was 21.2%. The rate of CTx, or the proportion of patients needing a second operation was 15.7% (14/89) and 26.5% (13/49), respectively.

Conclusions

In counselling a patient for surgery, the risk of needing a more radical initial procedure or second surgery needs to be accurately explained. There are three points of care that can influence operative strategy, pre‐operatively by way of high‐risk clinical factors, intra‐operatively via anatomical findings and post‐operatively in response to unrecognized pathological features. Additionally, the patient's personal value judgment and level of risk aversion should be taken into consideration.
Non-technical skills: a review of training and evaluation in urology
Authors: Griffin Cora , Aydın Abdullatif , Brunckhorst Oliver , Raison Nicholas , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: September 2019

Purpose

With non-technical skills (NTS) deficits being recognised as a major cause for error in surgery, there is an increasing interest in their training and evaluation. A growing number of training courses are emerging and some NTS curricula have also been created. Many different training methods are described in the literature but there is still uncertainty with regards to their optimum combination within a curriculum.

Methods

A literature review of the electronic database Medline was performed. All articles published before December 2018 were screened by abstract and included if deemed relevant by the author. The included articles’ reference lists were also screened for further relevant studies.

Results

Simulation training is accepted as the most effective way to train NTS. Within simulation training, it is shown that the ‘igloo’ full immersion/distributed simulation environment is appropriate for teaching NTS in urological scenarios where a designated operating room or space is not available. The use of multiple settings, for example wards and clinics as well as the operating room, is advantageous, as is training in an interprofessional team. Classroom teaching also plays a role in NTS training as an adjunct to simulation, with evidence that it improves some parameters of NTS. All levels, including qualified surgeons, benefit from NTS training; however, adaptation to both trainee level and specialty is important. Although less time consuming, training juniors and seniors together mainly benefits juniors, and training NTS at the same time as technical skills detracts from the quality of teaching. Debriefing is an important part of training and should be well structured; there are many debriefing models in existence, allowing for choice of method based on examiner preference and participant demographic. Furthermore, examiners should be well briefed in their task and trained in NTS assessment.

Conclusion

To move forward, studies should combine tried and tested learning techniques into a curriculum covering all training levels, which should then be validated and followed up long term to ensure a positive impact on patient safety.
Photoheterotrophic growth of unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 gtr− dependent on fructose
Authors: Stebegg Ronald , Schmetterer Georg , Rompel Annette
Published: September 2019

Although cyanobacteria have specialized for a photolithoautotrophic mode of life during evolution many cyanobacterial strains have been identified as being capable of photoheterotrophy or even chemoheterotrophy. The mutant strain ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803, which lacks thegtrgene coding for the strain’s glucose/fructose permease, has been believed to be a strict photolithoautotroph in the past as it has lost the wild type’s facility to use external glucose for both photoheterotrophy and light-induced chemoheterotrophy. However, recent experiments revealed the strain’s capacity to use fructose for mixotrophic and photoheterotrophic growth, a sugar which is toxic for the wild type. Both the growth rate and the amount of fructose incorporated into the cells increased along with the fructose concentrations in the surrounding medium. Furthermore an increase of the total carbon mass of the cells within a liquid culture over a period of photoheterotrophic growth could be demonstrated. Contrary to the wild type, glucose could not be used for photoheterotrophic growth, and chemoheterotrophic growth failed with fructose as well as with glucose.

Graphic abstract