bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magneto‐Electroluminescence Studies on the Role of Intermolecular Spin–Orbital Coupling Processes for the Transition between Singlet and Triplet Excitons in Exciplex‐Based Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Guo Xiaomin , Yuan Peisen , Qiao Xianfeng , Yang Dezhi , Dai Yanfeng , Sun Qian , Ma Dongge
Published: October 2020

Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) using exciplexes as host have achieved unprecedented breakthrough. The energy transfer process between host and guest is the popular way to effectively utilize excitons in this kind of devices. Actually, the intermolecular spin–orbital coupling (ISOC) interaction between the heavy‐atom phosphorescent molecule and exciplex also plays an important role in exciton utilization, thus device performance, but this role is always ignored. Here, the synergistic effects of energy transfer and ISOC interaction on device efficiency are clearly demonstrated in exciplex‐based PhOLEDs by magneto‐electroluminescence (MEL) measurements. It can be seen that the MEL line shape at high field component is significantly wider due to the ISOC effect inducing the accelerated transition process between singlet and triplet states of exciplex host. In this case, the energy transfer process from exciplex host to phosphorescent molecule is more efficient, which is confirmed by the different line widths of MELs. Ultimately, a high‐efficiency exciplex‐based green PhOLED with the maximum external quantum efficiency of 23% is obtained at a low phosphorescent doping concentration of 2 wt%.
Emergent Opportunities with Metallic Alloys: From Material Design to Optical Devices
Authors: Gong Tao , Lyu Peifen , Palm Kevin J. , Memarzadeh Sarvenaz , Munday Jeremy N. , Leite Marina S.
Published: October 2020

Metallic nanostructures and thin films are fundamental building blocks for next‐generation nanophotonics. Yet, the fixed permittivity of pure metals often imposes limitations on the materials employed and/or on device performance. Alternatively, metallic mixtures, or alloys, represent a promising pathway to tailor the optical and electrical properties of devices, enabling further control of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this Review, a survey of recent advances in photonics and plasmonics achieved using metal alloys is presented. An overview of the primary fabrication methods to obtain subwavelength alloyed nanostructures is provided, followed by an in‐depth analysis of experimental and theoretical studies of their optical properties, including their correlation with band structure. The broad landscape of optical devices that can benefit from metallic materials with engineered permittivity is also discussed, spanning from superabsorbers and hydrogen sensors to photovoltaics and hot electron devices. This Review concludes with an outlook of potential research directions that would benefit from the on demand optical properties of metallic mixtures, leading to new optoelectronic materials and device opportunities.
Improved Efficiency and Stability of Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light Emitting Diodes by Enhanced Orientation of Homoleptic Cyclometalated Ir(III) Complexes
Authors: Kim Jong Soo , Jeong Daun , Bae Hye Jin , Jung Yongsik , Nam Sungho , Kim Ji Whan , Ihn Soo‐Ghang , Kim Joonghyuk , Son Won‐Joon , Choi Hyeonho , Kim Sunghan
Published: October 2020

Novel homoleptic cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes are designed to improve their emission dipole orientations in the emitting layer of blue phosphorescent organic light emitting devices. Biphenyl group is introduced into the imidazole of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes to simultaneously achieve enhanced efficiency and operation lifetime, resulting in one of the best device performances of single‐stacked organic light emitting diodes with 91% emission dipole orientation, 26.3% maximum external quantum efficiency (maximally calculated as 41%), and 169 h lifetime at 1000 cd m−2 (LT80), color coordinate (0.17, 0.30). To elucidate the physical origin of this significant improvements, the orientational and positional distributions of the homoleptic dopants are analyzed with consideration on intermolecular interactions through atomistic modeling of the emitting layer. With the findings, the phosphorescent dopants could be designed in the future to achieve enhanced performance.
Peritumoral Delivery of Docetaxel‐TIPS Microparticles for Prostate Cancer Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Paliashvili Ketevan , Popov Alexander , Kalber Tammy L. , Patrick P. Stephen , Hayes Angela , Henley Alan , Raynaud Florence I. , Ahmed Hashim U. , Day Richard M.
Published: October 2020

Recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy is a consequence of incomplete tumor resection. Systemic chemotherapy after surgery is associated with significant toxicity. Improved delivery methods for toxic drugs capable of targeting positive resection margins can reduce tumor recurrence and avoid their known toxicity. This study evaluates the effectiveness and toxicity of docetaxel (DTX) release from highly porous biodegradable microparticles intended for delivery into the tissue cavity created during radical prostatectomy to target residual tumor cells. The microparticles, composed of poly(dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), are processed using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and loaded with DTX via antisolvent precipitation. Sustained drug release and effective toxicity in vitro are observed against PC3 human prostate cells. Peritumoral injection in a PC3 xenograft tumor model results in tumor growth inhibition equivalent to that achieved with intravenous delivery of DTX. Unlike intravenous delivery of DTX, implantation of DTX‐TIPS microparticles is not accompanied by toxicity or elevated systemic levels of DTX in organ tissues or plasma. DTX‐TIPS microparticles provide localized and sustained release of nontoxic therapeutic amounts of DTX. This may offer novel therapeutic strategies for improving management of patients with clinically localized high‐risk disease requiring radical prostatectomy and other solid cancers at high risk of positive resection margins.
A new family with epiphyseal chondrodysplasia type Miura
Authors: Kenis Vladimir , Melchenko Eugeniy , Mazunin Ilya , Pekkinen Minna , Mäkitie Outi
Published: October 2020

Epiphyseal chondrodysplasia, Miura type (ECDM) is a skeletal dysplasia with tall stature and distinctive skeletal features caused by heterozygous NPR2 pathogenic variants. Only four families have been reported. We present a family with five affected individuals (mother, three sons, and daughter). The mother's phenotype was relatively mild: borderline tall stature and elongated halluces operated during childhood. The children were remarkably more severely affected with tall stature, scoliosis, and elongated toes and fingers leading to suspicion of Marfan syndrome. Progressive valgus deformities (at the hips, knees, and ankles) were the main complaints and necessitated orthopedic investigations and surgery. Radiographs showed coxa valga, scoliosis, multiple pseudoepiphyses of the fingers and toes with uneven elongation of the digits and ankle valgus. The two older brothers underwent osteotomies and guided growth for axial deformities and arthrodesis for elongated halluces. Genetic testing confirmed the clinical diagnosis of ECDM: all affected individuals had a heterozygous c.2647G>A (p.Val883Met) NPR2 variant in a highly conserved region in the carboxyl‐terminal guanylyl cyclase domain. This two‐generation family elucidates the clinical and radiological variability of the disease. These rare cases are important to gain further understanding of the fundamental processes of growth regulation.
Us and them: From prejudice to racism. An original analysis of race and racism
Authors: Heyer Evelyne , Reynaud‐Paligot Carole
Published: October 2020

This paper present the content of the Musée de l'Homme exhibition “Us and them: from prejudice to racism” and provides a detailed explanation of how this content has been presented to the public. In a second section of this paper we explain some of the analysis and concepts, from a biological anthropology perspective, that were the foundation of the exhibition and provides some information about the current situation in France.
Copper‐mediated simple and direct aerobic oxidative esterification of arylacetonitriles with alcohols/phenols
Authors: Dong Jianyu , Chen Xiuling , Ji Fangyan , Liu Lixin , Su Lebin , Mo Min , Tang Jian‐Sheng , Zhou Yongbo
Published: October 2020

A simple and direct aerobic oxidative esterification reaction of arylacetonitriles with alcohols/phenols is achieved in the presence of a copper salt and molecular oxygen, which produces a broad range of aryl carboxylic acid esters in good to high yields. Copper salt plays multiple roles in the transformation, which allows the oxygenation of CH bond, cleavage of inert CC bond, and formation of CO bond in one pot without the assistance of any of the acids, bases, ligands, and so on. The reaction provides a simple, direct, and efficient protocol towards functionalized esters, especially aryl benzoates, from readily available starting materials.
The Effect of Addition of High‐Melting Monoacylglycerol and Candelilla Wax on Pea and Faba Bean Protein Foam‐Templated Oleogelation
Authors: Mohanan Athira , Nickerson Michael T. , Ghosh Supratim
Published: October 2020

Use of oleogels prepared from hydrocolloids has recently gained considerable attention as an alternative for trans and saturated fats. Lately, pulse proteins such as faba bean protein and pea protein have been successfully used to prepare oleogels using a foam‐templated approach. Although the pulse proteins are healthy oleogelators, high oil loss and low quality of cake baked using pulse protein‐stabilized oleogels due to its poor rheological properties challenged its use. The present study explored whether the addition of small amount of high‐melting monoglyceride (MAG) or candelilla wax (CW) can be used to improve the oil binding capacity, rheological properties, and baking qualities of pulse protein‐stabilized oleogels composed of 5% faba bean or pea protein concentrate with 0.25% xanthan gum foams. Different concentrations (0.5–3%) of MAG or CW were dissolved in canola oil at 80 °C, followed by addition into the freeze‐dried protein‐polysaccharide foams (pH 7) and quickly transferred to a refrigerator to facilitate the formation of oleogels. The crystallized additives were found to be reinforcing the protein foam network in the oleogels. With increase in concentration of CW and MAG, the oil binding capacity, firmness, cohesiveness, and storage moduli of the oleogels were increased. Oleogels with and without MAG or CW were then characterized and tested for their performance as a shortening replacer in model baked cakes. Findings showed improved textural properties of cake upon addition of MAG in the foam‐templated oleogels, however, compared to the shortening, negative effect on cake hardness and chewiness was still observed with the oleogels.
An evaluation of the relationship between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes at fibrocartilaginous entheses
Authors: He Laura Ruoqiao , de Almeida Prado Patricia Shirley
Published: October 2020

An enthesis refers to the interface at which a tendon or a ligament integrates into the periosteum. Its morphology can be influenced by intrinsic factors such as sex, age, and extrinsic factors such as levels of activity, which will in turn impact on bone remodeling and lead to morphological changes. In bioarcheology, entheseal changes have had a long tradition of being used for the reconstruction of past activities. The literature has shown that in some cases of osteoarthritis, entheseal changes are associated with osteoarthritic manifestations. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes. The studied materials consisted of 30 humeri and 30 femora from the osteological collection at St George's University of London. Intensities of both entheseal changes and osteodegenerative processes were macroscopically assessed and scored. The difference in scores of entheseal changes between osteoarthritic groups and nonosteoarthritic groups is statistically significant at a confidence level of 95% (α = .05) for both the humeri and femora. Results show a positive correlation between the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteodegenerative processes in the femora, suggesting that enthesis may play a role in osteoarthritis. Findings from this work supports the proposed hypothesis that the degree of entheseal changes and the severity of osteoarthritic manifestation are related. This work contributes to current knowledge that osteoarthritis is a disease involving the whole joint; the enthesis could potentially be a target for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Sliding mode control for electro‐hydraulic proportional directional valve‐controlled position tracking system based on an extended state observer
Authors: Zhuang Huixuan , Sun Qinglin , Chen Zengqiang
Published: October 2020

A novel method combining the sliding mode control (SMC) and extended state observer (ESO) is proposed for position control of an electro‐hydraulic servo system (EHSS), which is nonlinear in mechanical dynamics. Based on the SMC technique, the corresponding sliding mode controller is designed to guarantee the state variables of the closed‐loop system to converge to the reference state by applying an ESO to estimate external disturbances and the internal dynamics. Also, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control strategy; synchronously, SMC can achieve better control performance than proportional integral derivative (PID) method in comparison with the PID control approach.
Driving environment assessment and decision making for cooperative lane change system of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Yang Jin Ho , Choi Woo Young , Chung Chung Choo
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a lane change decision scheme using only commercial, automotive radar sensors with “DRiving Environment Assessment and decision Making (DREAM) index.” First, the index associated with a risk situation is assessed by the concept of a dynamic occupancy grid zone. The predefined distance of the local area was set to conform to the international standard of a steering function. Also, the risk assessment was predictively conducted using modeling of the relative motion with a target vehicle. Second, the index associated with a cooperative driving concept of the surrounding vehicles is proposed. To estimate the relative acceleration which is not directly measured by radar, we designed a discrete‐time state estimator. We executed scenario‐based experiments with test vehicles in a high‐speed circuit to validate the decision scheme. Through the experiments, we observed that the DREAM index could make effective decisions, and the lane change maneuverings were performed successfully in real‐world tests.
A new mixed‐effects regression model for the analysis of zero‐modified hierarchical count data
Authors: Bertoli Wesley , Conceição Katiane S. , Andrade Marinho G. , Louzada Francisco
Published: October 2020

Count data sets are traditionally analyzed using the ordinary Poisson distribution. However, such a model has its applicability limited as it can be somewhat restrictive to handle specific data structures. In this case, it arises the need for obtaining alternative models that accommodate, for example, (a) zero‐modification (inflation or deflation at the frequency of zeros), (b) overdispersion, and (c) individual heterogeneity arising from clustering or repeated (correlated) measurements made on the same subject. Cases (a)–(b) and (b)–(c) are often treated together in the statistical literature with several practical applications, but models supporting all at once are less common. Hence, this paper's primary goal was to jointly address these issues by deriving a mixed‐effects regression model based on the hurdle version of the Poisson–Lindley distribution. In this framework, the zero‐modification is incorporated by assuming that a binary probability model determines which outcomes are zero‐valued, and a zero‐truncated process is responsible for generating positive observations. Approximateposteriorinferences for the model parameters were obtained from a fully Bayesian approach based on the Adaptive Metropolis algorithm. Intensive Monte Carlo simulation studies were performed to assess the empirical properties of the Bayesian estimators. The proposed model was considered for the analysis of a real data set, and its competitiveness regarding some well‐established mixed‐effects models for count data was evaluated. A sensitivity analysis to detect observations that may impact parameter estimates was performed based on standard divergence measures. The Bayesian‐value and the randomized quantile residuals were considered for model diagnostics.
The Antibacterial Mechanism of Zn(II) Frame Supported on Alginate Membrane
Authors: Luo Dan , Lu Ruo‐Wei , Wang Cui‐Juan , Tong Yan , Liu Cheng , Xiao Yu‐Mei , Chen Yan‐Xia
Published: October 2020

In order to solve the problem of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria caused by excessive use of antibiotics, herein, an antibacterial membrane composed of natural sodium alginate (ALG), zeolite imidazolate skeleton (ZIF‐8) and niflumic acid (NIF) was reported. The membrane serves as a versatile platform for local antibacterial. This report carried out in‐depth research on the physical properties and antibacterial mechanism of the synthesized sodium alginate composite film. The data shows that the sodium alginate‐based antibacterial film has a continuous antibacterial effect, and the release of antibacterial molecules can be controlled according to changes in the external environment. The results show that the complex has stronger mechanical and bacteriostatic properties. Niflumic acid and Zn(II) have synergistic antibacterial effect. The complex promotes bacterial death by hindering bacterial respiratory metabolism and destroying cell membrane structure.
Number line estimation and standardized test performance: The left digit effect does not predict SAT math score
Authors: Williams Katherine , Paul Joanna , Zax Alexandra , Barth Hilary , Patalano Andrea L.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Recent work reveals a new source of error in number line estimation (NLE), the left digit effect (Lai, Zax, et al., 2018), whereby numerals with different leftmost digits but similar magnitudes (e.g., 399, 401) are placed farther apart on a number line (e.g., 0 to 1,000) than is warranted. The goals of the present study were to: (1) replicate the left digit effect, and (2) assess whether it is related to mathematical achievement.

Method

Participants were all individuals (adult college students) who completed the NLE task in the laboratory between 2014 and 2019 for whom SAT scores were available (n = 227).

Results

We replicated the left digit effect but found its size was not correlated with SAT math score, although it was negatively correlated with SAT verbal score for one NLE task version.

Conclusions

These findings provide further evidence that individual digits strongly influence estimation performance and suggest that this effect may have different cognitive contributors, and predict different complex skills, than overall NLE accuracy.
Fostering STEAM through challenge‐based learning, robotics, and physical devices: A systematic mapping literature review
Authors: Conde Miguel Á. , Rodríguez‐Sedano Francisco J. , Fernández‐Llamas Camino , Gonçalves José , Lima José , García‐Peñalvo Francisco J.
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, companies are demanding better‐prepared professionals to succeed in a digital society, and the acquisition of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)‐related competencies is a key issue. One of the main problems in this sense is how to integrate STEAM into the current educational curricula. This is not something related to a subject or educational trend but rather to new methodological approaches that can engage students. In this sense, such active methodologies that apply mechatronics and robotics could be an interesting path to pursue. Given this context, the first necessary task in evaluating the potential of this approach is to understand the landscape of the application of robotics and mechatronics in STEAM Education and how active methodologies are applied in this sense. To carry out this analysis in a systematic and replicable manner, it is necessary to follow a methodology. In this case, the researchers employ a systematic mapping review. This paper presents this process and its main findings. Fifty‐four studies have been selected out of 242 total studies analyzed. From these, beyond obtaining a clear vision of the STEAM landscape regarding project topics, we can also conclude that robotics and physical devices have been applied successfully with collaborative methodologies in STEAM Education. Regarding conclusions, this paper shows that robotics and mechatronics applied with active methodologies is to be a good means to engage students in STEAM disciplines and thus aid the acquisition of what is commonly known as “21st‐century skills.”
Diagnostic challenges in an aggressive case of peripheralizing marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Shah Sujal I. , D’Angelo Christopher R. , Kratz Jeremy D. , Yang David T.
Published: October 2020

B‐cell lymphomas with atypical presentation or immunophenotype pose diagnostic challenges. Conventional ancillary tests (cytogenetics, FISH) can help, but have technical limitations. New technologies such as mate‐pair sequencing (MPSeq) offer a route around these technical limitations.
Bis(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) Ferrocenyl β‐Diketonate Complexes: Exhibiting Nanomolar Potency against Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Allison Matthew , Caramés‐Méndez Pablo , Pask Christopher M. , Phillips Roger M. , Lord Rianne M. , McGowan Patrick C.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and characterization of new bis(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ferrocenyl β‐diketonate complexes, [(bpy)2Ru(Fc‐acac)][PF6] (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine; Fc‐acac=functionalized ferrocenyl β‐diketonate ligand) are reported. Alongside clinical platinum drugs, these bimetallic ruthenium‐iron complexes have been screened for their cytotoxicity against MIA PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic carcinoma), HCT116p53+/+(human colon carcinoma,p53‐wild type) and ARPE‐19 (human retinal pigment epithelial) cell lines. With the exception of one complex, the library exhibit nanomolar potency against cancerous cell lines, and their relative potencies are up to 40x, 400x and 72x more cytotoxic than cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, respectively. Under hypoxic conditions, the complexes remain cytotoxic (sub‐micromolar range), highlighting their potential in targeting hypoxic tumor regions. The Comet assay was used to determine their ability to damage DNA, and results show dose dependent damage which correlates well with the cytotoxicity results. Their potential to treat bacterial and fungal strains has been determined, and highlight complexes have selective growth inhibition of up to 87–100 % againstStaphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans.
Rh‐Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Cyclization for the Synthesis of 5‐Aryl‐2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)oxazoles and Its Applications in Metal Ions Probes
Authors: Zhou Tongtong , He Xinwei , Zuo Youpeng , Wu Yuhao , Hu Wangcheng , Zhang Shiwen , Duan Jiahui , Shang Yongjia
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

A facile and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 5‐aryl‐2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)oxazoles via rhodium‐catalyzed formal [3+2] cyclization of 4‐aryl‐1‐tosyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles with quinoline‐2‐carbaldehydes has been described. The protocol employs mild conditions and offers good yields of diverse 2,5‐aryloxazole derivatives with a broad reaction scope. It is amenable to gram‐scale synthesis and easily transformation. Moreover, this 5‐aryl‐2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)oxazole skeleton is indeed a new fluorophore and its applications in metal ions probes are also investigated and showed fluorescent responses to mercury ion.
Fe‐Catalyzed Pictet‐Spengler‐Type Cyclization via Selective Four‐Electron Reductive Functionalization of CO2
Authors: Li Wen‐Duo , Chen Jie , Zhu Dao‐Yong , Xia Ji‐Bao
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Herein, we describe a novel catalytic Pictet‐Spengler‐type cyclization using CO2 as a nontoxic and sustainable C1 feedstock with environmentally benign and non‐precious‐metal iron as catalyst. The reaction is achieved by selective four‐electron reduction of CO2 into methylene level intermediate through carefully tuning the reaction parameters. A variety of tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines and other nitrogen‐containing heterocycles can be easily obtained under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies have shown that tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines are probably obtained via spiroindolenine intermediates.
Prognostic factors for survival in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Poonyam Piyakorn , Aumpan Natsuda , Vilaichone Ratha‐Korn
Published: October 2020

Background

Gastric cancer ranks as a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Information of prognostic factors related to gastric cancer are limited.

Aim

This study aimed to gather clinical data and prevalence of prognostic factors related to gastric adenocarcinoma in Thailand.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand between January 2010 and July 2018. Gastric adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled and followed up for at least 5 years. Total of 210 gastric tumor patients were enrolled. One hundred patients were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinomas (57 men and 43 women, mean age = 61.1 years). The leading presenting symptoms were weight loss (65%), followed by dyspepsia (54%) and UGI bleeding. Common clinical manifestations were thrombocytosis (26%), followed by syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH; 15%). Eosinophilia was present in early cancer (25.0% vs 6.5%, P = .123), while SIADH and thrombocytosis were more common in advanced stages (16.3% vs 0%, P = .602, and 28.3% vs 0%, P = .108, respectively). SIADH was significantly related to reduced 1‐year survival rate compared to normal serum sodium levels (21.4% vs 71.4%, OR 0.109, 95% CI 0.024‐0.497, P = .004). Five‐year survival rates were worse in patients with SIADH, but better in patients with eosinophilia compared to patients without these conditions (0% vs 27.8%, P = .058 and 20.0% vs 7.8%, P = .375, respectively).

Conclusion

Thrombocytosis and SIADH were common in gastric cancer. SIADH was significantly correlated with poor 1‐year survival. These clinical manifestations might be useful for predicting gastric cancer prognosis.
Tripe palms and Malignant Acanthosis Nigricans: More than a diagnostic pointer
Authors: Kumar Parmod , Mukundan Megha K , Sehrawat Amit , Sundriyal Deepak
Published: October 2020

Background

Tripe palms (TP) is one of the rare cutaneous paraneoplastic manifestations of various intra‐abdominal malignancies. TP and malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) occur together and may precede even years before the index cancer. Though rare, the clinical significance of TP and MAN holds significance as an indicator of internal malignancy.

Case

Here, we describe 71‐year, postmenopausal female with ovarian cancer who presented to us with a history of dyspepsia, abdominal distension, and weight loss. On detailed history and evaluation, it was found that she had TP and MAN 4 years before diagnosis.

Conclusion

The unique presentation preceding the primary illness necessitates extensive early work‐up to look for malignancy and the initial consideration for surgery due to the tumor biology in such patients.
Tertiary Amine‐Ethylene Glycol Based Tandem CO2 Capture and Hydrogenation to Methanol: Direct Utilization of Post‐Combustion CO2
Authors: Sen Raktim , Koch Christopher J. , Goeppert Alain , Prakash G. K. Surya
Published: October 2020

Carbon dioxide capture using tertiary amines in ethylene glycol solvent was performed under ambient conditions. Subsequently, the CO2 captured as alkyl carbonate salts was successfully hydrogenated to methanol, in the presence of H2 gas and Ru‐Macho‐BH catalyst. A comprehensive series of tertiary amines were selected for the integrated capture and conversion process. While most of these amines were effective for CO2 capture, tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and tetramethylbutanediamine (TMBDA) provided the best CH3OH yields. Deactivation of the base due to side reactions was significantly minimized and substantial base regeneration was observed. The proposed system was also highly efficient for CO2 capture from a gas mixture containing 10 % CO2, as found in flue gases, followed by tandem conversion to CH3OH. We postulate that such high boiling tertiary amine‐glycol systems as dual capture and hydrogenation solvents are promising for the realization of a sustainable and carbon‐neutral methanol economy in a scalable process.
ANXA6 suppresses the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer through autophagy induction
Authors: Sun Xin , Shu Yuhan , Xu Mengting , Jiang Jiukun , Wang Liming , Wang Jigang , Huang Dongsheng , Zhang Jianbin
Published: October 2020

Background

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway conserved in eukaryotes. ANXA6 (annexin A6) belongs to a family of calcium‐dependent membrane and phospholipid‐binding proteins. Here, we identify ANXA6 as a newly synthesized protein in starvation‐induced autophagy and validate it as a novel autophagy modulator that regulates autophagosome formation.

Results

ANXA6 knockdown attenuates starvation‐induced autophagy, while restoration of its expression enhances autophagy. GO (gene ontology) analysis of ANXA6 targets showed that ANXA6 interacts with many RAB GTPases and targets endocytosis and phagocytosis pathways, indicating that ANXA6 exerts its function through protein trafficking. ATG9A (autophagy‐related 9A) is the sole multispanning transmembrane protein and its trafficking through recycling endosomes is an essential step for autophagosome formation. Our results showed that ANXA6 enables appropriate ATG9A+ vesicle trafficking from endosomes to autophagosomes through RAB proteins or F‐actin. In addition, restoration of ANXA6 expression suppresses mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activity through the inhibition of the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase)‐AKT and ERK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase) signaling pathways, which is a negative regulator of autophagy. Functionally, ANXA6 expression is correlated with LC3 (microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3) expression in cervical cancer, and ANXA6 inhibits tumorigenesis through autophagy induction.

Conclusions

Our results reveal an important mechanism for ANXA6 in tumor suppression and autophagy regulation.
Long‐term trends indicate that invasive plants are pervasive and increasing in eastern national parks
Authors: Miller Kathryn M. , McGill Brian J. , Weed Aaron S. , Seirup Camilla E. , Comiskey James A. , Matthews Elizabeth R. , Perles Stephanie , Paul Schmit John
Published: October 2020

While invasive plant distributions are relatively well known in the eastern United States, temporal changes in species distributions and interactions among species have received little attention. Managers are therefore left to make management decisions without knowing which species pose the greatest threats based on their ability to spread, persist and outcompete other invasive species. To fill this gap, we used the U.S. National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring Program data collected from over 1,400 permanent forest plots spanning 12 yr and covering 39 eastern national parks to analyze invasive plant trends. We analyzed trends in abundance at multiple scales, including plot frequency, quadrat frequency, and average quadrat cover. We examined trends overall, by functional group, and by species. We detected considerably more increasing than decreasing trends in invasive plant abundance. In fact, 80% of the parks in our study had at least one significant increasing trend in invasive abundance over time. Where detected, significant negative trends tended to be herbaceous or graminoid species. However, these declines were often countered by roughly equivalent increases in invasive shrubs over the same time period, and we only detected overall declines in invasive abundance in two parks in our study. Present in over 30% of plots and responsible for the steepest and greatest number of significant increases, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was the most aggressive invader in our study and is a high management priority. Invasive shrubs, especially Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius), also increased across multiple parks, and sometimes at the expense of Japanese stiltgrass. Given the added risks to human health from tick‐borne diseases, invasive shrubs are a high management priority. While these findings provide critical information to managers for species prioritization, they also demonstrate the incredible management challenge that invasive plants pose in protected areas, particularly since we documented few overall declines in invasive abundance. As parks work to overcome deferred maintenance of infrastructure, our findings suggest that deferred management of natural resources, particularly invasive species, requires similar attention and long‐term commitment to reverse these widespread increasing invasive trends.
Causes of differences in the distribution of the invasive plants Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida in the Yili Valley, China
Authors: Dong Hegan , Song Zhanli , Liu Tong , Liu Zhongquan , Liu Yan , Chen Baoxiong , Ma Qianqian , Li Zhigang
Published: October 2020

Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida are two species of very harmful and invasive plants of the same genus. However, it remains unclear why A. artemisiifolia is more widely distributed than A. trifida worldwide. Distribution and abundance of these two species were surveyed and measured from 2010 to 2017 in the Yili Valley, Xinjiang, China. Soil temperature and humidity, main companion species, the biological characteristics in farmland ecotone, residential area, roadside and grassland, and water demand of the two species were determined and studied from 2017 to 2018. The area occupied by A. artemisiifolia in the Yili Valley was more extensive than that of A. trifida, while the abundance of A. artemisiifolia in grassland was less than that of A. trifida at eight years after invasion. The interspecific competitive ability of two species was stronger than those of companion species in farmland ecotone, residential, and roadside. In addition, A. trifida had greater interspecific competitive ability than other plant species in grassland. The seed size and seed weight of A. trifida were five times or eight times those of A. artemisiifolia. When comparing the changes under simulated annual precipitation of 840 mm versus 280 mm, the seed yield per m2 of A. trifida decreased from 50,185 to 19, while that of A. artemisiifolia decreased from 15,579 to 530.
Designing g‐C3N4/N‐Rich Carbon Fiber Composites for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Shen Qing , Jiang Pengjie , He Hongcheng , Feng Yanhong , Cai Yong , Lei Danni , Cai Mengqiu , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2020

Potassium‐based energy storage devices (PEDS) are considered as hopeful candidates for energy storage applications because of the abundant potassium resources in nature and high mobility in the electrolyte. although carbon materials show great potential for potassium‐ion storage, poor rate performance, and unsatisfactory cycle lifespan in existing carbon‐based PIBs anode, it also cannot match the dynamics and stability of the capacitor cathode. Nitrogen doping has been proven to be a effective modification strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of carbon materials. Hence, we prepare carbon nanofibers and g‐C3N4 composites with high nitrogen contents (19.78 at%); moreover, the sum of pyrrolic N and pyridinic N is up to 59.51%. It achieves high discharge capacity (391 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1), rate capacity (141 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and long cycling performance (201 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 over 3000 cycles) when as an anode for PIBs. Furthermore, it can deliver promising discharge capacity of 132 mAh g−1 at 0 °C. Moreover, as battery anode for potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHC) device with an active carbon cathode, it delivers energy/power density (62 and 2102 W kg−1) as well as high reversible capacity (106 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1).
Metalated Ir–CNP Complexes Containing Imidazolin‐2‐ylidene and Imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene Donors – Synthesis, Structure, Luminescence, and Metal–Ligand Cooperative Reactivity
Authors: Hernández‐Juárez Martín , Sánchez Práxedes , López‐Serrano Joaquín , Lara Patricia , González‐Herrero Pablo , Rendón Nuria , Álvarez Eleuterio , Paneque Margarita , Suárez Andrés
Published: October 2020

The iridium complex 1 based on a metalated CNP ligand containing an imidazolin‐2‐ylidene fragment has been prepared by treatment of the ligand precursor 4 with Ag2O followed by reaction with [IrCl(COE)2]2. The chlorohydride imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene complex 6, which is isostructural to 1, was synthetized by reaction of the previously reported dihydride derivative 3 with CH2Cl2. Complexes 1 and 6 exhibit luminescence arising from a 3MLCT/ILCT state involving the metalated CNP ligand, which is particularly intense for 1 in the solid state at 298 K. Furthermore, the reactivity of complexes 1 and 6 towards bases was compared. Deprotonation of 1 with KOtBu produced the selective formation of the dinuclear complex 7; meanwhile, the reaction of 6 led to a complex mixture of products. The same reactions carried out in the presence of PPh3 produced the selective deprotonation of the P‐bonded methylene bridges of 1 and 6, yielding the isostructural derivatives 9 and 10. DFT calculations performed on the uNHC‐containing tautomers I and II, and the sNHC‐based isomers III and IV, showed that the NHC‐deprotonated derivatives II and IV are more stable by 3.20 and 2.73 kcal mol–1, respectively, than their P‐deprotonated counterparts (I and III). However, a reverse stability order was observed for hexacoordinated tautomers I·L and II·L, and III·L and IV·L (L = PPh3, CO, MeCN). Finally, the catalytic activity of complex 3 in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones has been assessed.
Long-Term Studies of Fish Health before and after the Closure of a Bleached Kraft Pulp Mill in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Arciszewski T.J. , McMaster M.E. , Munkittrick K.R.
Published: October 2020

Changes in ecosystems after the removal of stress provide a rich source of information for conservation science. We used a long-term regional data set on the performance of white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) collected before and after the closure of a pulp mill to explore recovery in fish. Physiological indicators, including liver enzymes and plasma steroids, showed some compelling changes after the closure of the mill consistent with reduced exposure to pulp mill effluent but did not unequivocally demonstrate recovery. However, persistent signals in these fish may indicate effects of impoundment or discharge of sewage. We also used quantile regression with environmental covariates and bootstrap iteration to determine if systematic variation remained in relative body weight, liver weight, and gonad weight. In fish formerly exposed to pulp mill effluent, we found evidence of improvements (male gonad weight and liver weight of males and females), degradation (gonad weight of females), and no change (body weight). Although the observed patterns may be associated with closure of the mill, some differences were also found at regional locations, suggesting roles of additional stressors and challenging the clear association of change at the Mattagami River exposure site with the closure of the mill. However, fish captured at this location show responses consistent with regional locations, suggesting no residual impacts and highlights the challenges of identifying changes in fish even after large and known interventions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:162–176. © 2020 SETAC
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in pregnant women: A retrospective descriptive single‐center study from a tertiary hospital in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Santhosh Jayasree , Al Salmani Mouza , Khamis Faryal , Ali Al Ubaidani Salwa , Al‐Zakwani Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

The risk of preterm labor, pre‐eclampsia, lower segment cesarean section, thromboembolic complications, and ICU admissions are increased for pregnant women with COVID‐19.
Good orientations of unions of edge‐disjoint spanning trees
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Bessy Stéphane , Huang Jing , Kriesell Matthias
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we exhibit connections between the following subjects:

Tree packing in graphs and digraphs (both behave completely different),

the rigidity matroid of a graph,

Henneberg moves on trees,

the conjectures of Thomassen and Matthews and Sumner, and

(s,t)‐orderings of digraphs.

We do this by studying graphs which admit acyclic orientations that contain an out‐branching and in‐branching which are arc‐disjoint (such an orientation is called good). A 2T‐graph is a graph whose edge set can be decomposed into two edge‐disjoint spanning trees. It is a well‐known result due to Tutte and Nash‐Williams, respectively, that every 4‐edge‐connected graph contains a spanning 2T‐graph. Vertex‐minimal 2T‐graphs with at least two vertices which are known as generic circuits play an important role in rigidity theory for graphs. We prove that every generic circuit has a good orientation. Using this result we prove that if is 2T‐graph whose vertex set has a partition so that each induces a generic circuit of and the set of edges between different 's form a matching in , then has a good orientation. We also obtain a characterization for the case when the set of edges between different 's form a double tree, that is, if we contract each to one vertex, and delete parallel edges we obtain a tree. All our proofs are constructive and imply polynomial algorithms for finding the desired good orderings and the pairs of arc‐disjoint branchings which certify that the orderings are good. We identify a structure which can be used to certify that a given 2T‐graph does not have a good orientation.
Efficacy of superb microvascular imaging of ultrasound for diagnosis of gallbladder lesion
Authors: Kin Toshifumi , Nagai Kazumasa , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Katanuma Akio
Published: October 2020

Background/Purpose

The diagnosis of gallbladder (GB) lesions is occasionally difficult. Recently, superb microvascular imaging (SMI) of ultrasound has been developed as a novel microvascular imaging technique. We evaluated the feasibility of SMI for the diagnosis of GB lesions and compared microvascular imaging between benign and malignant GB lesions.

Methods

Twenty patients with GB‐protruded lesions or wall thickening who underwent SMI from August 2015 to July 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The measured outcomes were the quality of microvascular imaging when compared between normal SMI (N‐SMI) and contrast‐enhanced SMI (CE‐SMI), and the microvascular findings (vascularity, vascular morphology, presence of branching, and presence of caliber change) when compared between benign and malignant GB lesions.

Results

The quality of microvascular imaging of CE‐SMI was evaluated as better than that of N‐SMI, showing a significant difference (P < .001). From the CE‐SMI microvascular findings, the evaluation of vascular morphology and the presence of caliber change showed a significant difference between benign and malignant GB lesions (P = .005, P < .001).

Conclusions

The evaluation of GB lesions using SMI was feasible with a contrast agent. Vascular morphology and the presence of caliber change may help in the differential diagnosis of GB lesions.
The application of Newton and Swoope's geographical profile to serial killers
Authors: Salafranca Barreda Daniel
Published: October 2020

Quite possibly, the first application of geographic analysis to identify and characterise the spatial behaviour of the offender concerning the crime scene was developed in 1980 by Milton Newton. Although previous studies have used Newton and Swoope's geoforensic process (Kent, 2009, Essays on the integration of anisotropic landscapes within contemporary geographic profiling models [LSU doctoral dissertations]; Leitner et al., 2007, Police Practice and Research, 8[4], 359–370) to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, there are, to our knowledge, no investigations that have validated the procedure with cases of serial murderers. The main objective of the study is to analyse a sample of 41 serial killers with a minimum number of six crimes and to evaluate the method proposed by Newton (1988, Geographical discovery of the residence of an unknown dispersing localized serial murder). The results confirm only Newton's first assumption in which after the fifth crime in the series, the estimated ‘haven’ is close to the actual ‘haven’, ruling out that the search area becomes progressively smaller and that the ‘haven’ is located in the search area.
Do exaggerated chelicerae function as weapons or genitalia in a long‐jawed spider? Functional allometric analysis yields an answer
Authors: Danielson‐François Anne , Sullivan Humayra Nikhat
Published: October 2020

From the elongated neck of the giraffe to the elaborate train of the peacock, extreme traits can result from natural or sexual selection (or both). The extreme chelicerae of the long‐jawed spiders (Tetragnatha) present a puzzle: do these exaggerated chelicerae function as weapons or genitalia? Bristowe first proposed that Tetragnatha chelicerae function as a holdfast because these spiders embrace chelicerae during mating. This hypothesis has remained untested until now. Here, we use functional allometry to examine how extreme chelicerae develop and perform in the long‐jawed spider Tetragnatha elongata. Similar to other Tetragnatha species, chelicerae were longer in adult males than in adult females. Overall, we confirm Bristowe's hypothesis: elongation only occurred in the adult stage. However, we propose that chelicerae function as more than a holdfast in T. elongata. Male chelicerae exhibited positive allometry, which suggests scaling as weapons rather than genitalia. However, fieldwork revealed that the operational sex ratio is female‐biased and both adult male–male competition and sexual cannibalism were rarely observed. Consequently, we propose that the positive allometry of male chelicerae may result from sexual selection to mechanically mesh with larger and more fecund females. Evidence for mechanical mesh includes multiple traits ranging from apophyses and grooves to guide teeth on the basal portion of the chelicerae. In contrast, we propose that chelicerae of females are analogous to the female peacock's tail: shortened by natural selection limiting the exaggeration of sexually selected traits. Indeed, females had increased foraging efficiency compared to males and exhibited negative cheliceral allometry. We discuss the implications for the evolution of elongated chelicerae in Tetragnatha.