bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watching gene expression in color
Authors: Simpson Julie H
Published: July 2019

A combination of two fluorescent proteins with different half-lives allows gene expression to be followed with improved time resolution.
Comparison of physiological responses of Arabian striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena sultana) to effective immobilisations with ketamine-medetomidine and ketamine-xylazine in (semi-) captive conditions
Authors: Mehmood Abid , Abid Sadia , Hejcmanová Pavla , Asadi Muhammad Arslan , Kabeer Bilal , Jilani Muhammad Jawad , Bilal Sadaf , Ashraf Muhammad Waseem
Published: July 2019

Chemical immobilisation is an integral component for the conservation of wild animals and can be stressful if proper protocols are not administered. References on the immobilisation of Arabian striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena sultana) are scarce. The current study was designed to evaluate the physiological and clinical responses of Arabian striped hyaena, immobilised with ketamine-medetomidine (KM) and ketamine-xylazine (KX); and to compare immobilisation effectiveness of the two combinations in a cross-sectional clinical study. A total of 15 (six males, nine females) (semi-) captive and adult Arabian striped hyaena with an average weight of 31.39 ± 0.36 kg were immobilised 50 times for annual vaccination and translocation purposes from January 2014 till March 2018 on Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. A total of 34 immobilisations were executed with (Mean ± SE) 2.27 ± 0.044 mg/kg ketamine and 0.04 ± 0.001 mg/kg medetomidine; while 16 with 4.95 ± 0.115 mg/kg ketamine and 0.99 ± 0.023 mg/kg xylazine. The drugs were remotely delivered intramuscular. The evaluation of physiological and clinical parameters included monitoring of vital signs through pulse oximetry, blood gas analysis of arterial blood through Istat blood gas analyser, and blood biochemistry and haematology. The quality of induction, anaesthesia and recovery was also assessed. Atipamezole (0.21 ± 0.003 mg/kg) was used to antagonise the effects of KM and 0.09 ± 0.003 mg/kg atipamezole or by 0.23 ± 0.006 mg/kg yohimbine for KX. Data were analysed using the general linear model and inferential statistics. KM was more effective in induction (scores; KM = 1.41 ± 0.10; KX = 1.31 ± 0.12), anaesthesia (KM = 1.00 ± 0.00; KX = 2.0 ± 0.0) and recovery (KM = 1.76 ± 0.15; KX = 2.69 ± 0.12) phases as compared to KX. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) amongst the two combinations for anaesthesia time (KM = 59.5 ± 2.41; KX = 49.25 ± 1.31 min.), time to stand after reversal (KM = 4.91 ± 0.60; KX = 10.38 ± 1.48 min.) and full loss of the signs of anaesthetics (KM = 12.32 ± 1.37; KX = 21.25 ± 2.16 min.) along with rectal temperature (KM = 37.58 ± 0.29; KX = 36.00 ± 0.68 °C), pulse rate (KM = 50.46 ± 1.90; KX = 61.14 ± 2.79 beats/min), respiration rate (KM = 29.44 ± 0.99; KX = 23.80 ± 1.57 breaths/min.) and partial pressure of oxygen (KM = 89.59 ± 1.34; KX = 82.06 ± 3.92%). The blood oxygen saturation by oximeter indicated hypoxaemia in KX (82.06 ± 3.92), supported by the data from blood gas analyser. KM combination was more suitable for the immobilisation of Arabian striped hyaena, providing a better quality of induction, anaesthesia and recovery compared to KX. However, we strongly suggest further investigation to see the effects of oxygen supplementation for the compensation of hypoxaemia.
Solutions to the Equations Governing Convective Flow of Two Viscous Immiscible Dusty and Pure Fluids in a Vertical Corrugated Wall and a Parallel Flat Wall
Authors: Musau Winfred Kaluki , Kimathi George , Songa Caroline
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the solutions to the equations governing convective flow and heat transfer of two viscous immiscible dusty and pure fluids confined between a vertical corrugated wall and a parallel flat wall. The nonlinear partial differential equations governing the flow have been reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the regular perturbation method. The transformed nonlinear ordinary differential equations have been solved numerically using the linear approximation theorem. The effects of the governing parameters on the velocity and temperature fields for the two fluids and the dust particles have been obtained and graphically represented using Matlab.
Phytochemical Screening of Root, Stem and Leave Extracts of Terminalia avicennoides
Authors: Emmanuel M. , Dadah A. J. , Orukotan A. A. , Abbah J. , Aigbogun I. E.
Published: July 2019

The phytochemical screening of Terminalia avicennoids was carried out using qualitative method to determine the bioactive compounds present in the plant root, stem and leave extracts. Cooled Maceration method was used for the extraction.  Hundred grams (100 g) of each powder was soaked in 1000 ml of distilled water, allowed to stand for 5 hours.  The suspension was agitated after 30 minutes. The filtrate was thereafter separated from residue using No. 1 Whatman filter paper and concentrated using rotary evaporator. The crude extracts were separately kept in a screw capped bottle for further research. The bioactive compound in the plants were detected using AOAC method. The result revealed that alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponins, phenol and glycoside were detected in the plants while steroid was not detected in the plants. Therefore, the presence of these phytocompounds is an indicative that the plant is medicinal and it can be used for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.
Spatial - Temporal Analysis of the Use and Land Cover in the Rio da Cruz Micro Basin of the Semi-arid Region of Paraíba, Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Anjos Denize Monteiro Dos , Bakke Ivonete Alves , Simões Ewerton Medeiros , Bakke Olaf Andreas , Costa Diógenes Félix da Silva
Published: July 2019

The changes that occur in ecosystems are increasingly coming from anthropogenic actions. In microbasins, these changes become more noticeable and can be detected using remote sensing techniques. The Rio da Cruz microbasin, meso-region of Sertão Paraibano. Field visits were made to identify the vegetation cover and forms of land use. Then, satellite images of the three-year rainy and dry periods were used: 2001, 2009 and 2017. The following steps were performed, image processing: pre-processing; processing and post-processing. Seven classes were selected: Arboreal Caatinga, Arboreal Shrub Caatinga, Anthropized Caatinga, Pastures and Agriculture, Rocky Outcrops, Water Bodies and Buildings. The results demonstrated an advance of the antropic action in the areas near the bodies of water. The temporal analysis of the watershed of the River of the Cross allowed to verify the reduction of the Arboreal Caatinga and increase of the Arboreal Shrub Caatinga, Anthropized Caatinga and Pasture and Agriculture areas in the studied years. Remote sensing techniques and knowledge of the microbasin result in relevant information on the use and cover of the land in years of regular precipitation and in conditions of greater precipitation, the arboreal vegetation is overestimated, making it difficult to identify anthropic areas during the rainy season.
Social Protection in the Informal Sector; Evidence from Ghana’s Informal Sector
Authors: Donne Muddey Komla , Gertrude Gosu Selase , Sunday Agbede Philip
Published: July 2019

Ghana’s economy is dominated by a large informal sector employing a significantly higher proportion of the total workforce. Studies have shown that majority of informal sector workers work under bad working conditions, and earn low remuneration culminating into high social insecurity especially during their old age. This paper sought to find out if government, institutional and market oriented failures deter rational individuals and households from participating in a pension scheme by examining the level of awareness among informal sector workers when it comes to the existing third tier pension scheme, and to investigate if informal sector workers employ other means of social protection. A sample of 300 informal sector workers participated in this study, and findings showed that majority of informal sector workers are not subscribed under the third-tier pension scheme, citing financial issues, institutional bottlenecks and awareness creation as major hindrances to getting cover under the pension scheme, and about 64% of the participants do not have any retirement plan and among those who claimed to have, majority see investments in their children as their retirement plan.
Iridium‐Catalyzed, Enantioselective, Allylic Alkylations With Carbon Nucleophiles
Authors: Qu Jian‐Ping , Helmchen Günter , Yang Ze‐Peng , Zhang Wei , You Shu‐Li
Published: July 2019

Iridium‐catalyzed, enantioselective allylic alkylation is a powerful method for the construction of a stereogenic center adjacent to a vinyl group. The starting materials are readily available, generally either branched allylic alcohols or esters of linear allylic alcohols. The reaction is compatible with a wide variety of functional groups and generally proceeds with very high enantio‐ and site selectivity. Mechanistic aspects, as well as reaction methods, are presented in detail. The scope of the method is defined primarily by the nucleophilic component. Compounds that are CH‐acidic, such as malonic acid derivatives, β‐keto esters, iminoglycinates, azlactones, aliphatic nitro compounds, and sulfones are employed, often without stoichiometric amounts of base. Diastereomers are formed in the case of prochiral nucleophiles; the control of diastereoselectivity by dual catalysis, using both an iridium and an organocatalyst, is very efficient. Other nucleophilic components include silyl enol ethers, enamines, alkenes, and arenes, in particular, heterocycles. The application of the latter in cyclization reactions, such as polyene cyclizations and dearomatizations, furnishes highly complex structures with excellent stereocontrol. Finally, applications in natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry are presented, as well as experimental procedures.
DEA data offer glimpse at origins of crisis as communities look forward
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2019

A first‐ever public examination of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) data on where opioid manufacturers and distributors send the medications has caused ripples of reaction across the country, even as many treatment administrators are now focused on addressing the more recent iterations of the opioid crisis.
Self‐Assembling Peptide Hydrogel Matrices Improve the Neurotrophic Potential of Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Faroni Alessandro , Workman Victoria L. , Saiani Alberto , Reid Adam J.
Published: July 2019

Despite advances in microsurgical techniques, treatment options to restore prior function following peripheral nerve injury remain unavailable, and autologous nerve grafting remains the therapy of choice. Recent experimental work has focused on the development of artificial constructs incorporating smart biomaterials and stem cells, aspiring to match/improve the outcomes of nerve autografting. Chemically stimulated human adipose‐derived stem cells (dhASC) can improve nerve regeneration outcomes; however, these properties are lost when chemical stimulation is withdrawn, and survival rate upon transplantation is low. It is hypothesized that interactions with synthetic hydrogel matrices could maintain and improve neurotrophic characteristics of dhASC. dhASC are cultured on PeptiGel‐Alpha 1 and PeptiGel‐Alpha 2 self‐assembling peptide hydrogels, showing comparable viability to collagen I control gels. Culturing dhASC on Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 substrates allow the maintenance of neurotrophic features, such as the expression of growth factors and neuroglial markers. Both Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 substrates are suitable for the culture of peripheral sensory neurons, permitting sprouting of neuronal extensions without the need of biological extracellular matrices, and preserving neuronal function. PeptiGel substrates loaded with hdASC are proposed as promising candidates for the development of tissue engineering therapies for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries.
Mechanically‐Guided Structural Designs in Stretchable Inorganic Electronics
Authors: Xue Zhaoguo , Song Honglie , Rogers John A. , Zhang Yihui , Huang Yonggang
Published: July 2019

Over the past decade, the area of stretchable inorganic electronics has evolved very rapidly, in part because the results have opened up a series of unprecedented applications with broad interest and potential for impact, especially in bio‐integrated systems. Low modulus mechanics and the ability to accommodate extreme mechanical deformations, especially high levels of stretching, represent key defining characteristics. Most existing studies exploit structural material designs to achieve these properties, through the integration of hard inorganic electronic components configured into strategic 2D/3D geometries onto patterned soft substrates. The diverse structural geometries developed for stretchable inorganic electronics are summarized, covering the designs of functional devices and soft substrates, with a focus on fundamental principles, design approaches, and system demonstrations. Strategies that allow spatial integration of 3D stretchable device layouts are also highlighted. Finally, perspectives on the remaining challenges and open opportunities are provided.
ROS‐Responsive Polymeric siRNA Nanomedicine Stabilized by Triple Interactions for the Robust Glioblastoma Combinational RNAi Therapy
Authors: Zheng Meng , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Yibin , Zhang Dongya , Zou Yan , Ruan Weimin , Yin Jinlong , Tao Wei , Park Jong Bae , Shi Bingyang
Published: July 2019

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds inherent advantages and great potential for treating refractory diseases. However, lack of suitable siRNA delivery systems that demonstrate excellent circulation stability and effective at‐site delivery ability is currently impeding siRNA therapeutic performance. Here, a polymeric siRNA nanomedicine (3I‐NM@siRNA) stabilized by triple interactions (electrostatic, hydrogen bond, and hydrophobic) is constructed. Incorporating extra hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions significantly improves the physiological stability compared to an siRNA nanomedicine analog that solely relies on the electrostatic interaction for stability. The developed 3I‐NM@siRNA nanomedicine demonstrates effective at‐site siRNA release resulting from tumoral reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐triggered sequential destabilization. Furthermore, the utility of 3I‐NM@siRNA for treating glioblastoma (GBM) by functionalizing 3I‐NM@siRNA nanomedicine with angiopep‐2 peptide is enhanced. The targeted Ang‐3I‐NM@siRNA exhibits superb blood–brain barrier penetration and potent tumor accumulation. Moreover, by cotargeting polo‐like kinase 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2, Ang‐3I‐NM@siRNA shows effective suppression of tumor growth and significantly improved survival time of nude mice bearing orthotopic GBM brain tumors. New siRNA nanomedicines featuring triple‐interaction stabilization together with inbuilt self‐destruct delivery ability provide a robust and potent platform for targeted GBM siRNA therapy, which may have utility for RNA interference therapy of other tumors or brain diseases.
Supporting Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets on Co/N‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nanocages for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Generation
Authors: Wang Sibo , Wang Yan , Zhang Song Lin , Zang Shuang‐Quan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: July 2019

Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (NSs) are grown on Co/N‐doped graphitic carbon (NGC) nanocages, composed of Co nanoparticles surrounded by few‐layered NGC, to obtain hierarchical Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 hollow heterostructures for photocatalytic H2 generation with visible light. The photoredox functions of discrete Co, conductive NGC, and ZnIn2S4 NSs are precisely combined into hierarchical composite cages possessing strongly hybridized shell and ultrathin layered substructures. Such structural and compositional virtues can expedite charge separation and mobility, offer large surface area and abundant reactive sites for water photosplitting. The Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst exhibits outstanding H2 evolution activity (e.g., 11270 µmol h−1 g−1) and high stability without engaging any cocatalyst.
Reversible Modulation of 2D Photonic Crystals with a Responsive Shape‐Memory DNA Hydrogel Film
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Li Fengyun , Bi Yanhui , Guo Weiwei
Published: July 2019

Responsive DNA hydrogels are smart soft materials that have attracted significant attention in the past decade in various research fields, especially in biosensing. However, several limitations of DNA hydrogels, such as non‐recyclability, slow response, and high manufacturing cost, severely hamper their biosensing applications. In this work, shape‐memory DNA hydrogel film with thickness at micrometer scale is developed, serving as both target recognition unit and actuating unit for the regulation of 2D photonic crystals (2D PCs) embedded on the surface of the hydrogel film. External stimuli can drive the reversible shape changes of the DNA hydrogel films and therefore modulate the lattice spacing of 2D PC array, which can be directly observed by the diameter changes of the Debye diffraction ring. Compared with the bulk hydrogels, these DNA hydrogel films possess the advantages of lower cost and faster stimuli response; more importantly, diameter of the diffraction ring as signal output avoids the requirement of sophisticated instruments. pH‐responsive or Ag+/cysteine (Cys) responsive DNA hydrogel films are successfully developed as model systems to demonstrate the successful reversible modulation of the lattice spacing of 2D PCs. These smart DNA hydrogel film systems may have great potential in the development of future portable and visual biosensing devices.
Broadband Generation of Airy Beams with Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Li Huihui , Hao Weiming , Yin Xiang , Chen Shuqi , Chen Lin
Published: July 2019

The Airy beam has attracted considerable research interest owing to the intriguing diffraction‐free, self‐accelerating, and self‐healing properties, and hence has found numerous applications in photonics. Metasurfaces provide a compact method to generate Airy beams, but the available Airy beam generators suffer from the issue of narrow bandwidth since they typically rely on resonance principles. Here, hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are proposed to address this issue by taking advantage of the broadband high birefringence. By changing the orientation angle of the HMM unit, the local amplitude and phase distributions of the transmitted electromagnetic waves passing through such HMM unit can be well adjusted to follow the Airy function within a wide spectral range. The resultant microwave Airy beam generator promises an operation bandwidth from 7.2 to 9.6 GHz, while the near‐infrared Airy beam generator has a working bandwidth from 1.25 to 2.40 µm over 10% transmission efficiency. The proposed Airy beam overcomes the limitation of the customary Airy beams with the issue of narrow bandwidth and can stimulate the design of complicated optical devices with the requirement of maintaining the amplitude and phase distributions over a wide spectral band.
Laser‐Like Emission from a Sandwiched MoTe2 Heterostructure on a Silicon Single‐Mode Resonator
Authors: Fang Hanlin , Liu Jin , Lin Qiaoling , Su Rongbin , Wei Yuming , Krauss Thomas F. , Li Juntao , Wang Yue , Wang Xuehua
Published: July 2019

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) has recently shown promise as a gain material for silicon photonics. Reliable single‐mode operation and material stability remain two of the major issues that need to be addressed to advance this exciting technology, however. Here, laser‐like emission from a sandwiched MoTe2 heterostructure on a silicon single‐mode resonator is reported. The heterostructure consists of a layer of MoTe2 sandwiched between thin films of hexagonal boron nitride. It is known that tellurium compounds are sensitive to oxygen exposure, which leads to rapid degradation of the exposed layers in air. By encapsulating the MoTe2 gain material, much improved environmental stability is observed. Using a recently introduced single‐mode resonator design, better control over the mode spectrum of the cavity is exercised and single‐mode operation with a wide free spectral range is demonstrated. At room temperature, a Q‐factor of 4500 and a threshold of 4.2 kW cm−2 at 1319 nm wavelength are achieved. These results lend further support to the paradigm of 2D material‐based integrated light sources on the silicon platform.
Proline and its Derivatives as Organocatalysts for Multi‐ Component Reactions in Aqueous Media: Synergic Pathways to the Green Synthesis of Heterocycles
Authors: Vachan B. S. , Karuppasamy Muthu , Vinoth Perumal , Vivek Kumar Sundaravel , Perumal Subbu , Sridharan Vellaisamy , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: July 2019

Proline is a non‐toxic and inexpensive natural amino acid that is readily available in both enantiomeric forms and was one of the very first compounds to be studied as an organocatalyst. Proline can engage in several modes of organocatalysis, as it can behave both as a Brønsted acid or a Brønsted base, and it can also easily generate the iminium or enamine intermediates that are typical of covalent organocatalysis. In view of the importance of diminishing the generation of residues formed by volatile organic solvents, the development of synthetically useful reactions that can be performed in aqueous environments is of increasing significance. The synergic combination of the advantages of water as a reaction medium with the efficiency associated to reactions that are able to generate several bonds in one operation is particularly relevant from the point of view of sustainable chemistry. In this review we critically summarize the use of proline and proline derivatives as catalysts of multi‐component reactions performed in aqueous media and leading to synthetically and biologically relevant heterocycles, a very important class of compounds that constitutes over 60% of drugs and agrochemicals.

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Indocyanine Green–Coated Gold Nanoclusters for Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Higbee‐Dempsey Elizabeth , Amirshaghaghi Ahmad , Case Matthew J. , Miller Joann , Busch Theresa M. , Tsourkas Andrew
Published: July 2019

Traditional oncology treatment modalities are often associated with a poor therapeutic index. This has driven the development of new targeted treatment modalities, including several based on the conversion of optical light into heat energy (photothermal therapy, PTT) and sound waves (photoacoustic imaging, PA) that can be applied locally. These approaches are especially effective when combined with photoactive nanoparticles that preferentially accumulate in tissues of interest and thereby further increase spatiotemporal resolution. In this study, two clinically used materials that have proven effective in both PTT and PA—indocyanine green (ICG) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)—are combined into a single nanoformulation. These particles, “ICG–AuNP clusters,” incorporate high concentrations of both moieties without the need for additional stabilizing or solubilizing reagents. The clusters demonstrate high theranostic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, compared with ICG alone. Specifically, in an orthotopic mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer, ICG–AuNP clusters can be injected intravenously, imaged in the tumor by PA, and then combined with near‐infrared laser irradiation to successfully thermally ablate tumors and prolong animal survival. Altogether, this novel nanomaterial demonstrates excellent therapeutic potential for integrated treatment and imaging.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Dopant Induced Charge Localization for Enhanced Photoreduction of CO2 to CH4
Authors: Fu Junwei , Liu Kang , Jiang Kexin , Li Huangjingwei , An Pengda , Li Wenzhang , Zhang Ning , Li Hongmei , Xu Xiaowen , Zhou Haiqing , Tang Dongsheng , Wang Xiaoming , Qiu Xiaoqing , Liu Min
Published: July 2019

The photoreduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon products has attracted much attention because it provides an avenue to directly synthesize value‐added carbon‐based fuels and feedstocks using solar energy. Among various photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has emerged as an attractive metal‐free visible‐light photocatalyst due to its advantages of earth‐abundance, nontoxicity, and stability. Unfortunately, its photocatalytic efficiency is seriously limited by charge carriers′ ready recombination and their low reaction dynamics. Modifying the local electronic structure of g‐C3N4 is predicted to be an efficient way to improve the charge transfer and reaction efficiency. Here, boron (B) is doped into the large cavity between adjacent tri‐s‐triazine units via coordination with two‐coordinated N atoms. Theoretical calculations prove that the new electron excitation from N (2px, 2py) to B (2px, 2py) with the same orbital direction in B‐doped g‐C3N4 is much easier than N (2px, 2py) to C 2pz in pure g‐C3N4, and improves the charge transfer and localization, and thus the reaction dynamics. Moreover, B atoms doping changes the adsorption of CO (intermediate), and can act as active sites for CH4 production. As a result, the optimal sample of 1%B/g‐C3N4 exhibits better selectivity for CH4 with ≈32 times higher yield than that of pure g‐C3N4.
Cu14 Cluster with Partial Cu(0) Character: Difference in Electronic Structure from Isostructural Silver Analog
Authors: Li Yan‐Ling , Wang Jie , Luo Peng , Ma Xiao‐Hong , Dong Xi‐Yan , Wang Zhao‐Yang , Du Chen‐Xia , Zang Shuang‐Quan , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: July 2019

An atom‐precise Cu0‐containing copper cluster, Cu14(C2B10H10S2)6(CH3CN)8 (abbreviated as Cu14‐8CH3CN) is reported, which is synthesized via a simultaneous reduction strategy and fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, ESI‐TOF‐MS, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cu14‐8CH3CN is the only copper cluster that has a virtually identical silver structural analog, i.e., Ag14(C2B10H10S2)6(CH3CN)8 (hereafter as Ag14‐8CH3CN). Nevertheless, density functional theory calculations reveal that the electronic structure of Cu14‐8CH3CN differs significantly from the superatom electronic configuration of Ag14‐8CH3CN. Moreover, Cu14‐8CH3CN shows room‐temperature luminescence and good electrocatalytic activities in the ethanol oxidation reaction and detection of H2O2. This pair of unprecedented analogous molecular nanoscale systems offer an ideal platform to investigate the fundamental differences between copper and silver in terms of catalytic activity and optical properties.
Bubble dynamics in bubbling fluidized beds of ellipsoidal particles
Authors: Shrestha Siddhartha , Kuang Shibo , Yu Aibing , Zhou Zongyan
Published: July 2019

This article presents a CFD‐DEM study on the effect of particle shape on bubble dynamics in bubbling fluidized beds. The particles used are ellipsoids, covering from disk‐type to cylinder‐type. The phenomena such as bubble coalescence and splitting are successfully generated, and the results are compared with literature, showing a good agreement. The results demonstrate that the bubble forming/rising regions and patterns are influenced significantly by particle shape. Ellipsoidal particles have asymmetrical bubble patterns with two or more circulation vortices while the bubbles for spherical particles form at the bed centerline and rise through the center of the bed. Hence, the vertical mass flux at the bed centerline for spheres is always positive, and ellipsoids have negative or positive vertical mass fluxes. The solid mixing estimated based on the dispersion coefficient revealed poor mixing for ellipsoids. Spherical particles have a larger bubble size and higher bubble rising velocity than ellipsoids.
Woodhouse–Sakati Syndrome: First report of a Portuguese case
Authors: Louro Pedro , Durães João , Oliveira Diana , Paiva Sandra , Ramos Lina , Macário Maria Carmo
Published: July 2019

Woodhouse–Sakati Syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the DCAF17 gene, which encodes DDB1‐ and CUL4‐associated factor 17. It is a multisystemic disorder characterized by hypogonadism, adolescent‐ to young adult‐onset diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and alopecia. Neurologic involvement includes childhood‐onset moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, mild intellectual disability adolescent‐ to young adult‐onset of extrapyramidal findings, dysarthria, and dysphagia. Brain imaging typically reveals iron deposition in the globus pallidus and periventricular leukodystrophy. We report the case of a 31‐year‐old Portuguese female, the only child of a consanguineous couple. She presented with cognitive impairment, spastic paraparesis, lower limb dystonia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. She also had hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism associated with primary amenorrhea, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, primary hypothyroidism, moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and alopecia. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a progressive periventricular leukodystrophy with pontine involvement and significant bilateral iron deposition in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and red nucleus. The diagnosis of Woodhouse–Sakati Syndrome was eventually proposed and DCAF17 gene sequencing identified a novel likely pathogenic homozygous variant NG_013038.1(NM_025000.3):c.1091+2T>C. Genetic testing allowed a more accurate prognosis and a precise genetic counseling for our patient's family.
Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)‐Targeted Radionuclide Probes for Imaging and Therapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kwon Hongmok , Son Sang‐Hyun , Byun Youngjoo
Published: July 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the common cancers among men. Despite the prevalence of PCa, there are still unmet medical needs in the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II zinc‐dependent metalloprotease which is highly overexpressed in metastatic PCa. In the last several years, PCa imaging probes targeting PSMA have been developed in academia as well as in industry. Among them, low molecular weight PSMA‐targeted ligands based on the Glu‐urea‐Lys scaffold have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. This review provides an overview of the recent development in PSMA‐targeted imaging or therapeutic probes for metastatic PCa.
Future manufacturing and remanufacturing of polymeric materials
Authors: Schork F. Joseph
Published: July 2019

This paper will attempt to describe the future of manufacturing technology in polymeric products. While a wide range of literature references are cited to illustrate the technologies discussed, it is not meant to be a literature review of such a wide field, but rather as an educated guess about where polymer manufacturing (and remanufacturing) will evolve in the foreseeable future.
Characterization of new Pt(IV)–thiazole complexes: Analytical, spectral, molecular modeling and molecular docking studies and applications in two opposing pathways
Authors: Althagafi Ismail , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M. , Farghaly Thoraya
Published: July 2019

New thiazole derivatives were synthesized and fully characterized, then coordinated with PtCl4 salt. Also, the newly synthesized Pt(IV) complexes were investigated analytically (elemental and thermogravimetric analyses), spectrally (infrared, UV–visible, mass, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, X‐ray diffraction) as well as theoretically (kinetics, modeling and docking). The data extracted led to the establishment of the best chemical and structural forms. Octahedral geometry was the only formula proposed for all complexes, which is favorable for d6 systems. The molecular ion peaks from mass spectral analysis coincide with all analytical data, confirming the molecular formula proposed. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed discrimination of features between crystalline particles and other amorphous morphology. By applying Gaussian09 as well as HyperChem 8.2 programs, the best structural forms were obtained, as well as computed significant parameters. Computed parameters such as softness, hardness, surface area and reactivity led us towards application in two opposing pathways: tumor inhibition and oxidation activation. The catalytic oxidation for CO was conducted over PtO2, which was yielded from calcination of the most reactive complex. The success of catalytic role for synthesized PtO2 was due to its particulate size and surface morphology, which were estimated from XRD patterns and SEM images, respectively. The antitumor activity was tested versus HCT‐116 and HepG‐2 cell lines. Mild toxicity was recorded for two of the derivatives and their corresponding complexes. This degree of toxicity is more favorable in most cases, due to exclusion of serious side effects, which is coherently attached with known antitumor drugs.
H3PW12O40/mpg‐C3N4 as an efficient and reusable catalyst in the alkylation of o‐xylene and styrene
Authors: Zhu Zhiying , Wang Beibei , Yao Qingzhao , Zhou Yuming , Yang Haiyong , Liu Yonghui
Published: July 2019

A heterogeneous catalyst (HPW/mpg‐C3N4) for the alkylation of o‐xylene and styrene reaction was acquired by the immobilization of phosphotungstic acid (HPW) on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐C3N4) through electrostatic interaction. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved that HPW was successfully immobilized on the protonated mpg‐C3N4 by electrostatic interaction. The textural properties and morphology of HPW/mpg‐C3N4 were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among them, 40% HPW/mpg‐C3N4 displays the best catalytic performance in the alkylation reaction with 91.8% yield and 96.5% selectivity to 1, 2‐diphenylethylane. Moreover, protonated mpg‐C3N4 not only displays as a support to facilitate great dispersion of HPW but also promotes the alkylation product diffusion effectively. Besides, the HPW/mpg‐C3N4 catalyst could be recycled easily without significant loss of catalytic activity, which is demonstrate by the recyclability of HPW/mpg‐C3N4 catalyst test.
Effects of stick–slip transition on polymer melt apparent shear viscosity measurement
Authors: Zhang Yinglan , Song Xiaoping , Kan Ying , Huang Mengmeng , Shi Cuijie , Dai Xiaoping , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: July 2019

A twin‐bore capillary rheometer is used for the apparent shear viscosity measurement of commercial polyolefin melts based on Ostwald‐de Waele model. The effects of stick–slip transition of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) are investigated. The maximum error of apparent shear viscosity calculated by corrected shear rate is 23% when the stick–slip transition occurs. Based on the entanglement‑disentanglement theory, a schematic diagram for shear stress curve containing stick–slip transition is presented to illustrate polymer melt flow in capillary. In this study, the critical stress at the beginning of stick–slip transition at 220 °C is 23.01 kPa higher than that at 190 °C, and why it increases with increasing temperature is discussed with a molecular mechanism in combination with entropy elasticity and entanglement‑disentanglement theory. Through the analysis of ULDPE, PS, EVA, and K‐Resin, it can be found that short branches or side groups are helpful to avoid the stick–slip transition. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48230.
Castor oil‐based polyols with gradually increasing functionalities for biopolyurethane synthesis
Authors: Park Chang Kyu , Lee Joo Hyung , Kim Ick Soo , Kim Seong Hun
Published: July 2019

In this research, castor oil‐based polyols with gradual increasing functionalities were prepared using thiol‐ene photo click reaction. The polyols were prepared by facile and efficient photo‐click reaction using thiols with different number of hydroxyl groups. The polyols were successfully synthesized using a modified bio‐oxygen demand (BOD) reactor and their structures were characterized. The hydroxyl number of the prepared polyols gradually increased depending on the thiol used for preparation. The increased hydroxyl number resulted in increased crosslinking densities for the prepared polyurethanes. The effect of the increasing crosslinking density and structure of the polyols on the mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane were investigated. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48304.
Implications of nutrient enrichment for the conservation and management of seagrass Zostera muelleri meadows
Authors: Li Moyang , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Pilditch Conrad A. , Rees T.A.V. , Ellis Joanne
Published: July 2019

Nutrient overenrichment in aquatic environments, or eutrophication, is increasingly affecting seagrass habitats around the world, leading to the degradation of seagrass ecosystems and the loss of associated ecosystem services.

The resistance of seagrass to nutrient enrichment is believed to be site specific, yet the direct correlations between environmental factors and the resistance of seagrass meadows has not yet been adequately resolved. The response of seagrass beds to long‐term multiple‐level sediment nutrient enrichment represents a current research gap.

This study therefore assessed the in situ long‐term influence of four levels of sediment urea fertilizer addition on Zostera muelleri plants using a manipulative experimental design at three sites with diverse sediment characteristics. Specifically, this study investigated the response of porewater nutrient concentration, seagrass morphology indices, and seagrass plant tissue carbon and nitrogen contents under experimental nutrient stress levels.

Over a 13‐month experiment, sediment nutrient addition substantially increased the ammonium concentrations in the sediment porewater, significantly decreased seagrass morphology indices, and caused a carbon and nitrogen imbalance in plant tissues. Ammonium toxicity was more pronounced in seagrass meadows growing on sandy substrates with lower relative above‐ground biomass, which showed low resistance to eutrophication at sediment ammonium concentrations of up to 1 × 104 μM. Plants growing in muddy sand substrates with higher relative above‐ground biomass were more resistant to nutrient impacts, however, with a delayed negative response observed in response to higher nutrient concentrations (up to 1 × 105 μM).

Our findings suggest that seagrasses in low‐nutrient sandy environments show more rapid responses to eutrophication, although seagrasses in both sandy and muddy substrates exhibited declines in response to a long‐term elevation of sediment nutrient concentrations. While continuing to assess the relative susceptibility of seagrass habitats across differing environments to inform coastal management, conservation efforts should allocate resources accordingly and prioritize reducing nutrient overenrichment in sensitive seagrass meadows.
Imaging of Hypochlorous Acid by Fluorescence and Applications in Biological Systems
Authors: Yudhistira Tesla , Mulay Sandip V. , Kim Youngsam , Halle Mahesh B. , Churchill David G.
Published: July 2019

In recent decades, HOCl research has attracted a lot of scientists from around the world. This chemical species is well known as an important player in the biological systems of eukaryotic organisms including humans. In the human body, HOCl is produced by the myeloperoxidase enzyme from superoxide in very low concentrations (20 to 400 μm); this species is secreted by neutrophils and monocytes to help fight pathogens. However, in the condition called “oxidative stress”, HOCl has the capability to attack many important biomolecules such as amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; these reactions could ultimately contribute to a number of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases (AD, PD, and ALS), cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. In this review, we discuss recent efforts by scientists to synthesize various fluorophores which are attached to receptors to detect HOCl such as: chalcogen‐based oxidation, oxidation of 4‐methoxyphenol, oxime/imine, lactone ring opening, and hydrazine. These synthetic molecules, involving rational synthetic pathways, allow us to chemoselectively target HOCl and to study the level of HOCl selectivity through emission responses. Virtually all the reports here deal with well‐defined and small synthetic molecular systems. A large number of published compounds have been reported over the past years; this growing field has given scientists new insights regarding the design of the chemosensors. Reversibility, for example is considered important from the stand point of chemosensor reuse within the biological system; facile regenerability using secondary analytes to obtain the initial probe is a very promising avenue. Another aspect which is also important is the energy of the emission wavelength of the sensor; near‐infrared (NIR) emission is favorable to prevent autofluorescence and harmful irradiation of tissue; thus, extended applicability of such sensors can be made to the mouse model or animal model to help image internal organs. In this review, we describe several well‐known types of receptors that are covalently attached to the fluorophore to detect HOCl. We also discuss the common fluorophores which are used by chemist to detect HOCl, Apart from the chemical aspects, we also discuss the capabilities of the compounds to detect HOCl in living cells as measured through confocal imaging. The growing insight from HOCl probing suggests that there is still much room for improvement regarding the available molecular designs, knowledge of interplay between analytes, biological applicability, biological targeting, and chemical switching, which can also serve to further sensor and theurapeutic agent development alike.
Pupil Dilation Progression Modulates Aberrant Social Cognition in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bast Nico , Banaschewski Tobias , Dziobek Isabel , Brandeis Daniel , Poustka Luise , Freitag Christine M.
Published: July 2019

Progression of pupil dilation (PD) in response to visual stimuli may indicate distinct internal processes. No study has been performed on PD progression during a social cognition task. Here, we describe PD progression during the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) test in n = 23 adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and n = 24 age, IQ and sex‐matched neurotypical controls (NTC). The MASC consists of 43 video sequences depicting human social interactions, each followed by a multiple‐choice question concerning characters' mental states. PD progression data were extracted by eye tracking and controlled for fixation behavior. Segmenting PD progression during video sequences by principal component analysis, three sequential PD components were unveiled. In ASD compared with NTC, a distinct PD progression was observed with increased constriction amplitude, increased dilation latency, and increased dilation amplitude that correlated with PD progression components. These components predicted social cognition performance. The first and second PD components correlated positively with MASC behavioral performance in ASD but negatively in NTC. These PD components may be interpreted as indicators of sensory‐perceptual processing and attention function. In ASD, aberrant sensory‐perceptual processing and attention function could contribute to attenuated social cognition performance. This needs to be tested by additional studies combining the respective cognitive tests and the outlined PD progression analysis. Phasic activity of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system is discussed as putatively shared underlying mechanism. Autism Res2019. © 2019 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In adolescents with autism, we found an altered pupil dilation during watching scenes of human interactions. Early pupil dilation correlated positively with the number of correct answers to questions about the shown human interactions. Our findings suggest that aberrant sensory processing and attention function may contribute to altered social cognition in autism.
Altered Neural Connectivity in Females, But Not Males with Autism: Preliminary Evidence for the Female Protective Effect from a Quality‐Controlled Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Lei Jiedi , Lecarie Emma , Jurayj Jane , Boland Sarah , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Ventola Pamela , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Jou Roger J.
Published: July 2019

Previous studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate white matter (WM) structural connectivity have suggested widespread, although inconsistent WM alterations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as greater reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA). However, findings may lack generalizability because: (a) most have focused solely on the ASD male brain phenotype, and not sex‐differences in WM integrity; (b) many lack stringent and transparent data quality control such as controlling for head motion in analysis. This study addressed both issues by using Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) to separately compare WM differences in 81 ASD (56 male, 25 female; 4–21 years old) and 39 typically developing (TD; 23 males, 16 females; 5–18 years old) children and young people, carefully group‐matched on sex, age, cognitive abilities, and head motion. ASD males and females were also matched on autism symptom severity. Two independent‐raters completed a multistep scan quality assurance to remove images that were significantly distorted by motion artifacts before analysis. ASD females exhibited significant widespread reductions in FA compared to TD females, suggesting altered WM integrity. In contrast, no significant localized or widespread WM differences were found between ASD and TD males. This study highlights the importance of data quality control in DTI, and outlines important sex‐differences in WM alterations in ASD females. Future studies can explore the extent to which neural structural differences might underlie sex‐differences in ASD behavioral phenotype, and guide clinical interventions to be tailored toward the unique needs of ASD females and males. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1472–1483. © 2019 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Previous Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies have found atypical brain structural connectivity in males with autism, although findings are inconclusive in females with autism. To investigate potential sex‐differences, we studied males and females with and without autism who showed a similar level of head movement during their brain scan. We found that females with autism had widespread atypical neural connectivity than females without autism, although not in males, highlighting sex‐differences.