bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spruce Wood Flour for Paper Applications – A Handsheet Study
Authors: Dölle Klaus , Zier Sandro , Lombardi Luca , Stein Tobias , Winkelbauer Stefan
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate if spruce wood flour can be an alternative cellulosic-based wood additive for papermaking.

Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Spring 2018.

Materials and Methods: This study used unbleached wood flour with a particle size distribution between 200 μm to 500 μm and bleached and unbleached wood flour with particle size distribution between 70 μm to 150 μm. Wood flour was added at levels of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 15% based on oven dry fiber content for the first part of the study. For the second part of the study, starch at a level of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, and 1.50% based on OD fiber content is added to the suspension. The basis weight of the handsheet manufactured was 75 g/m².

Results: Bulk increased from 2.20 cm³/g to a maximum of 2.80 cm³/g for 15% wood flour addition. Maximum tensile index achieved was 24.75 Nm/g based on a base sheet value of 20.05 Nm/g. Addition of starch has a positive influence on the tensile index, with a maximum value of 41.41 Nm/g at 1% addition. Brightness value of the manufactured handsheets decreased gradually for the unbleached wood flour. Bleached wood flour showed a 1%-point increase above the base sheet brightness of 88.51%. Addition of starch increased the brightness value from 88.51% of the base sheet by up to 4.5%. An opacity increase was achieved for all wood flour additions with the highest opacity value of 95.68% at an addition of 15% wood flour.

Conclusion: Addition of starch decreases the opacity value of up 1.5% points. Addition of wood flour resulted in a decrease in smoothness by increasing the airflow from the base sheet value of 2564 ml/min by 385 ml/min. at 8% wood flour addition. Adding a line pressure of 1.673 kN/m to simulate calendering resulted in an improved smoothness by reducing the airflow of up to 447 ml/min. Addition of starch showed an overall increase of smoothness by reducing the airflow number by up to 600 ml/min for sheets with and without line pressure.
Costume Enterprise as a Panacea for Poverty Reduction among Young People in Nigeria
Authors: Badeji Susan Olubukola
Published: April 2019

This study examined costume enterprise as a panacea for poverty reduction among young people in Nigeria by x-raying the potentials embedded in it, in order to ascertain its viability for poverty reduction. The objective of the study therefore was to fill this knowledge gap by carrying out empirical study on the business potentials resident in costume entrepreneurship. The methodology followed survey research design and involved generating data from individuals who are involved in costume enterprise businesses from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Primary data sources came from phone call interview and questionnaire survey. In both cases, the respondents for the study were asked questions regarding their average monthly income from their costume business. The result findings revealed that the average monthly income of retail costume entrepreneurs was N30,625; exceeding the monthly earnings of some employed people in Nigeria and even beyond the minimum wage agitated by the Nigeria Labour Union in 2018. The study also discovered that the costume entrepreneurs in the Northern region do not earn as much as those in the Southern region. Bearing all these facts in mind, the study, therefore, concludes that costume enterprise is a viable venture capable of reducing poverty. It is also concluded from the study that Northern Nigeria (the North Central, North East and North West), are still lagging behind in harnessing costuming arts potentials in the region, for revenue earnings.  It is therefore recommended that the government should create enabling environment for both local and foreign earnings through costume entrepreneurship. It is also suggested that theatre departments and closely related fields in Nigerian tertiary institutions should incorporate costume arts into their curriculum as a gainful enterprise for job creators and job seekers.
Response of Cotton and Soybean Intercropping System to Integrated Nutrient Management
Authors: M. Pujar Amit , Angadi V. V. , Hosmath J. A.
Published: April 2019

Aims: Field experiment was conducted to study the integrated nutrient management on yield, all yield components and resource use efficiency of cotton and soybean intercropping system.

Study Design: Randomized complete block design with three replications and twenty treatments.

Place and Duration of Study: Plot number ‘101’ of ‘D’ block, All India Coordinated Research Project, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka (India) during June 2016.

Methodology: As per the treatments, organic manure (FYM) and green leaf manures (gliricidia and pongamia) were applied 15 days before sowing of the crop. Vermicompost was applied on the spot to soil before dibbling of seeds in cotton and soybean intercropping system in 1:2 row proportions, soybean introduced as intercrop in cotton with row spacing of cotton 120 cm and soybean 30 cm.

Results: Results revealed that all the yield components like number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield and cotton stalk yield in cotton and number of pods per plant, seed weight per plant, seed yield and haulm yield were higher under sole crop. Application of 150 and 125% RDF for cotton and soybean intercropping system found higher yield and yield components of cotton and soybean. However, the land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER) and cotton equivalent yield (CEY) were higher in intercropping system than sole crops.

Conclusion: Application of 125% RDF for both crops was found to be agronomically feasible, economically viable, environment friendly and in sustainable approach. In addition to this it provides insurance against inter-climatic changes.
Trace-elements Behavior in the Sedimentary Transport Regime of the Blue Amazon, Brazil
Authors: W. Siqueira Gilmar , Aprile Fabio , Darwich Assad , Irion Georg
Published: April 2019

Trace elements or trace metals are of great interest in environmental studies due to their toxic and cumulative properties in the biological and sedimentary compartments. The discharge area of the Amazon River mouth receives an immense volume of suspended material with adsorbed trace elements, which mostly ends up depositing in the shelf area influenced by the fluvial-marine currents and physical-chemical properties of the water and sediment. This research aims to quantify and to discuss the routes of trace elements (Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and Hg), associated with sedimentary transport and deposition in the Amazon Continental Shelf (ACS). The results showed a sediment distribution by zone, with a non-continuous range of erosive processes and areas of deposition for mud and sand sediments. The trace elements contents in the sediments are strongly influenced by the pH, salinity, organic compounds, clay minerals and CaCO3content. Fluvial-marine currents were important drive forces for deposition and accumulation of fine sediments in the shelf, especially the North Brazilian Coastal Current (NBCC). Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing confirmed the trend of sediment accumulation by zone, influenced by the physical-chemical parameters.
Estimating True Species Richness and the Degree of Hierarchical Structuring of Species Abundances in Eight Frog Communities from the North-Western Ghats of India
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: April 2019

The Distribution of Species Abundances within natural communities – when properly analysed – can provide essential information regarding general aspects of the internal organisation of these communities. In particular, true species richness on the one hand and the intensity of the process of hierarchical structuring of species abundances on the other hand may be estimated independently and, thereby, can provide truly complementary information. In turn, specific issues may thereby be addressed. For example, whether one unique dominant factor or numerous combined factors are involved in the structuring process of a community can be tested contradictorily. Although these methods are not new conceptually, their implementation in common practice remains scarce. The reason is that the relevant implementation of these methods requires to be sure that virtually all member-species in the community have been sampled. As exhaustive samplings often reveal difficult to achieve in practice, an appropriate, least-biased procedure of numerical extrapolation of incomplete inventories is imperatively required.

Considering the steadily increasing threats to the environment and biodiversity, especially facing the on-going climatic change, time has come now with ever greater urgency to go beyond the apparent limits of non-exhaustive sampling and make the most of what is available in terms of recorded field data, whatever the degree of incompleteness of species inventories.

As a modest and limited attempt to concretise this wish at the local level, I try, hereafter, to highlight the importance of additional information that may be unveiled  through adequate post-analysis of a set of eight frog communities, recently inventoried by Katwate, Apte & Raut in an amphibian hot-spot in the north-western Ghats of India. At last, the likely variations of both total species richness and the intensity of hierarchical structuring of species abundance are simulated as an answer to the steadily increasing influence of the ongoing climatic change.
Effect of Harvesting and Non-Harvested Forest Management on Carbon Stocks
Authors: Suberi Bhagat , R. Tiwari Krishna , Gurung D. B. , M. Bajracharya Roshan , K. Sitaula Bishal
Published: April 2019

Forest management is an important strategy which can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation through appropriate care of forest resources. This study was carried out to evaluate two systems of carbon stock accumulation; a harvested forest verses a non-harvested forest. Both the above-ground and below-ground cabon stocks were assessed. Biomass of standing trees, poles and ground vegetation was measured for carbon determination in defined areas using an allometric relationship. Soil (core and composite) samples were collected from 0 –20, 20 – 40 cm and below 40 cm depths, assessed for density, carbon concentration, and profiles C-stocks were estimated. ANOVA and t-tests were performed to compare the effects of forest management on total carbon stocks. The results showed that the total above ground timber carbon (AGTC) was higher in non-harvested forest (220±154 t/ha–1) than in harvested forest (128.6±86.1 t/ha-1). The overall mean carbon stock was higher in the non-harvested forest (357±179) than in the harvested forest (257.4±93.1), which was statistically significant (p=0.031, >0.05). However, the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool was observed to be higher in the harvested forest (101.5±36.1) than in non-harvested forest (89.6±26.5).
Drip Irrigation Scheduling for Higher Growth, Productivity and Input Use Efficiency of Direct Seeded Basmati Rice in Indo-Gangetic Plains for Climate Resilient
Authors: Bhardwaj A. K. , Pandiaraj T. , Soman P. , Bhardwaj R. K. , Singh T. C.
Published: April 2019

The Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP) is an environmentally susceptible, communally momentous and economically tactical sphere of India where landscape, ground water and soil fertility are threatened by climate change. An increasing water scarcity for rice in the irrigated IGP is urging farmers to espouse water saving technologies such micro irrigation. Rice growing with drip irrigation may substantially reduce irrigation water requirement of rice. In order to make assessment of drip irrigation in rice, a field experiment was carried out at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand in 2017. Rice was established by Direct Seeding in conventional and drip irrigation treatments. The treatments were laid with drip irrigation at 50, 75 and 100% CPE on each 2 and 4 days interval. Two conventional irrigation practices (i.e. absolute control and farmers’ practice) were also included in the study. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Compared with farmers practice, (transplanted and flooded) drip irrigation at 100% CPE on two days interval produced taller shoots and higher yield attributes of rice crop. Rice grown in drip irrigation was found more grain yield than farmers’ practice. Among drip irrigation, 100% CPE on 2 days gap (T5) recorded 45% higher grain yield (5800 kg ha-1) than farmers practice. Similarly, T5 treatment was higher content and uptake of nutrient. However, treatments T3 (50% CPE on 2 days gap) followed by T7 (75% CPE on 4 days interval) had higher water use efficiency. Result, further revealed that fertilizer use efficiency of T5 treatment was found to be higher (23.2 kg grain per kg fertilizer applied). Hence, rice is scheduled with drip irrigation at a tune of 100% CPE on 2 days interval can benefit over sustaining the direct seeded basmati rice productivity. However, there is a demand to examine these benefits of drip irrigation in rice in relation to the viability of adoption by farmers.
The Effectiveness of Local Combined Cold-Hot Application on Bruising of Enoxaparin Sodium
Authors: Ebrahimi-Shalmani Faride , Javadi-Pashaki Nazila , Leili Ehsan Kazemnejad , Louyeh Ataollah Asadi
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Bruising is one of the most common adverse events following administration of enoxaparin sodium, which can lead to unpleasant consequences such as reduced access to various sites for injection, joint complaints, and reduced satisfaction of patients from the treatment and care provided. Therefore, in order to find ways to reduce this complication, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of local combined cold-hot application on bruising caused by subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin sodium.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to December 2018. 74 patients hospitalized in Poursina Hospital in Rasht were selected according to inclusion criteria and assigned to intervention group 1 (37 persons) and intervention group 2 (37 persons) by randomized block design. In each intervention group, the left side of the abdomen was treated as control (without intervention) and the right side was treated with cold pack (intervention group 1) or cold-hot pack (intervention group 2). Data collection was done by two-part tools, including individual and clinical data, and related records of bruising. Evaluation of the incidence and severity of bruising was performed at 24, 48, 72 hours after the first injection. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics (Independity Test, Friedman, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorosimerno).

Results: The majority of research samples were men (79.7%). The mean age of the patients was 21 ± 48 years. The mean and standard deviation of bruising in intervention group 1 at 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection was 24.44±1.09, 4.49±1.04 and 4.35±1.14, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of bruising in intervention group 2 at 24, 48 and 72 hours after injection was 1.65±0.63, 1.49±0.65, and 0.88±0.43, respectively. Differences in bruising size were statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that use of local cold-hot pack compared to cold pack is more effective regarding the size of bruising in place of enoxaparin sodium injection, which is clinically important.
Determination of the Sexual Maturity of Threadfins Polydactylus quadrifilis (Cuvier, 1829), Galeoides decadactylus (Bloch, 1795) and Pentanemus quinquarius (Linné, 1758) of the Artisanal Marine Fishery of Grand-Lahou (Ivory Coast)
Authors: Konan Kouassi Sylvain , Gervais Djadji Ebram Luc , Amon Yao Nicolas , N’da Konan
Published: April 2019

Reproduction of the threadfins of the costal shelf of Grand-Lahou was studied with a monthly sampling frequencies range from may 2009 to april 2011. 534 specimens of Polydactylus quadrifilis, composed of 315 males and 219 females and 648 Galeoides decadactylus composed of 420 males and 228 females, then 453 individuals of Pentanemus quinquarius composed of 210 males and 243 females were used.

The sexual maturity parameters of threadfins fishes indicate a size of first maturity (L50 = 67.5 cm) for females of Polydactylus quadrifilis and (L50 = 55.5 cm) with their males. Concerning  the specimens of Pentanemus quinquarius, females present (L50 = 15 cm) and their males (L50 = 14.5 cm). This parameter has identical values ​​with the females of Galeoides decadactylus (L50 = 15.5 cm) and their males (L50 = 15.5 cm). The individuals of Polydactylus quadrifilis and the specimens of Galeoides decadactylus and Pentanemus quinquarius become mature at 1 year of age. The sex ratio determination show that specimens of Polydactylus quadrifilis show a predominance of males during the warm season, from October (73.68%) to March (64.28%) which weakens during the cold season, from May (30%) to July (58%). For Galeoides decadactylus, the sex ratio shows a predominance of males, from August (88%) to March (94.73%). Concerning specimens of Pentanemus quinquarius, the sex ratio is in favor of the females whose lowest value is during the cold season in July (21.74%).

All threafin species reach sexual maturity from their first year of life with different sex ratios variations.
Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Profiles in Some Nigerian Crude Oils
Authors: Boisa N. , Ideriah T. J. K. , Okehie C. S.
Published: April 2019

Aim: To evaluate the concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in some Nigerian crude oils.

Study Design: Field and Laboratory-Experimental Design were used in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: Crude oil samples were obtained from three locations (designated as Location 1, Location 2, and Location 3) in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Methodology: The samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane and analysed using GC-FID.

Results: The results of the analyses of the crude oils gave polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations of 2.6089 x 104 ppm representing 60.06% and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 4.3201 x 104 ppm at Location 1, PAHs concentration of 4.764 x 103 ppm (62.8%) and TPH recording a concentration of 7.583x 103 ppm at Location 2, while Location 3 had PAHs concentration of 9.93 x 102 ppm (30.66%) and TPH concentration of 3.239 x 103 ppm. The total concentrations of the high molecular weight PAHs were lower than those of the low molecular weight PAHs in the samples. Also the concentrations of the individual PAHs were higher in the low molecular weight PAHs. The mean PAHs concentrations of 2707.6 ppm (location 1), 551.5 ppm (location 2) and 90.7 ppm (location 3) are different.

Conclusion: The observed  results show that all the sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons listed as priority pollutants are present in the three crude oil samples with higher concentrations in the light crude oils than in the heavy crude oil and a strong correlation with the total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration. It was also observed that though the ratios of the low molecular weight PAHs to high molecular weight PAHs of the crude oils indicate petrogenic, the unique diagnostic ratios suggest pyrogenic input. There is therefore the need to develop a method of PAHs removal from PAHs contaminated water based on locally available and cheap materials.
Characterization of Crown Rot Disease of Banana Fruit and Eco-Friendly Quality Improvement Approach during Storage
Authors: Jahan Md. Saroar , Sharmin Lia Rizwoana , Chowdhury Md. Estiak Khan , Hasan Md. Faruk , Islam Md. Asadul , Sikdar Biswanath , Khalekuzzaman Md.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: The banana is the world’s most popular fruit crop. A complex of fungal pathogen is responsible for crown rot diseases of banana.

Aims: The present study was designed to detect and characterize the crown rot disease of post-harvest banana (Musa paradisiaca) and also develop an alternative quality improvement approach to improve banana shelf-life during storage period.

Study Design: A simplest general factorial experiment that was designed to control crown rot disease of banana using different biological factors, including plant extract, antagonistic agents and commercial fungicide.

Place and Duration of Study: Disease infected bananas were collected from Rajshahi city, Rajshahi, Bangladesh in 2017 and the experiment had been conducted from April 2017 to April 2018.

Methodology: Different morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques were used to characterize and detect the liable fungi. Responsible fungi were subjected to antifungal activity screening test and in vitro antagonism test. Effect of carbendazim and kanamycin B against the mycelial growth of the isolates was determined by disc diffusion method. Quality parameters including disease incidence and severity, pH, TSS, TTA and AA of the treated banana were also analyzed after application of treatments in the packing stage through standard estimation techniques.

Results: Two fungi, isolated from the infected portion were further identified as C. musae and L. theobromae. D. metel and A. sativum extract was better in inhibiting mycelial growth of all the test pathogen in culture. B. cereus and T. harzianum moved and attached to fungal isolates, affecting mycelial growth and A. sativum extract significantly affecting conidial germination on artificial medium. Satisfactory mycelia inhibitory effect was recorded from kanamycin B. Quality analysis after storage of banana showed minor measurable differences among treatments.

Conclusion: Post-harvest application of A. sativum extract (Conc. 25% w/v) improve the overall quality of harvested banana fruits and reduced the disease incidence and severity of crown rot to a level significantly lower than in fungicide treated or control fruits.
Baseline Description of the Juvenile Localized Scleroderma Subgroup From the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry
Authors: Wu Eveline Y. , Li Suzanne C. , Torok Kathryn S. , Virkud Yamini V. , Fuhlbrigge Robert C. , Rabinovich C. Egla ,   the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry Investigators
Published: April 2019

Objective

Localized scleroderma (LS) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrosing skin disorder. We present baseline data on the juvenile LS (jLS) cohort from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry, a multicenter observational registry of pediatric rheumatologic disorders.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of children with jLS enrolled in the CARRA Legacy Registry between May 2010 and April 2014. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic, clinical, and laboratory features. Data analysis included two‐sample t test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, linear/logistic regression, and analysis of variance.

Results

Of 381 children with jLS, 76% were female and 80% Caucasian. Mean onset age was 8.2 years, with 17% having a 2‐year or greater delay to first pediatric rheumatology (PRH) visit. Linear scleroderma was the most common subtype (54%). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity was associated with joint contracture (P = 0.04), muscle atrophy (P = 0.014), and extremity shortening (P = 0.007). Elevated aldolase was associated with joint contracture (P = 0.008) and elevated creatine kinase (CK) with muscle atrophy (P = 0.028) and extremity shortening (P = 0.016). Children with functional limitation (27%) had earlier first PRH visit compared with those without (P = 0.01). Poorer function correlated with muscle atrophy, joint contracture, and extremity shortening (P < 0.001). Methotrexate (97%) and corticosteroids (68%) were the most common medications used.

Conclusion

Children with jLS without joint limitation are referred later, highlighting the insidious onset and need for educating referring providers. Poorer function correlated with muscle atrophy, joint contracture, and limb shortening. ANA positivity and elevated CK or aldolase were associated with muscle atrophy, joint contracture, and/or limb shortening, suggesting predictors of muscle involvement.
Stress Controllability in Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of 3D Elastic Graphene‐Crosslinked Carbon Nanotube Sponge/Polyimide Nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Fei , Feng Yiyu , Qin Mengmeng , Gao Long , Li Zeyu , Zhao Fulai , Zhang Zhixing , Lv Feng , Feng Wei
Published: April 2019

Stress controllability in thermal and electrical conductivity is important for flexible piezoresistive devices. Due to the strength‐elasticity trade‐off, comprehensive investigation of stress‐controllable conduction in elastic high‐modulus polymers is challenging. Here presented is a 3D elastic graphene‐crosslinked carbon nanotube sponge/polyimide (Gw‐CNT/PI) nanocomposite. Graphene welding at the junction enables both phonon and electron transfer as well as avoids interfacial slippage during cyclic compression. The uniform Gw‐CNT/PI comprising a high‐modulus PI deposited on a porous templated network combines stress‐controllable thermal/electrical conductivity and cyclic elastic deformation. The uniform composites show different variation trends controlled by the porosity due to different phonon and electron conduction mechanisms. A relatively high k (3.24 W m−1 K−1, 1620% higher than PI) and suitable compressibility (16.5% under 1 MPa compression) enables the application of the composite in flexible elastic thermal interface conductors, which is further analyzed by finite element simulations. The interconnected network favors a high stress‐sensitive electrical conductivity (sensitivity, 973% at 9.6% strain). Thus, the Gw‐CNT/PI composite can be an important candidate material for piezoresistive sensors upon porosity optimization based on stress‐controllable thermal or electrical conductivity. The results provide insights toward controlling the stress‐induced thermal/electrical conductivities of 3D interconnected templated composite networks for piezoresistive conductors or sensors.
Engineering an Artificial T‐Cell Stimulating Matrix for Immunotherapy
Authors: Hickey John W. , Dong Yi , Chung Jae Wook , Salathe Sebastian F. , Pruitt Hawley C. , Li Xiaowei , Chang Calvin , Fraser Andrew K. , Bessell Catherine A. , Ewald Andrew J. , Gerecht Sharon , Mao Hai‐Quan , Schneck Jonathan P.
Published: April 2019

T cell therapies require the removal and culture of T cells ex vivo to expand several thousand‐fold. However, these cells often lose the phenotype and cytotoxic functionality for mediating effective therapeutic responses. The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been used to preserve and augment cell phenotype; however, it has not been applied to cellular immunotherapies. Here, a hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based hydrogel is engineered to present the two stimulatory signals required for T‐cell activation—termed an artificial T‐cell stimulating matrix (aTM). It is found that biophysical properties of the aTM—stimulatory ligand density, stiffness, and ECM proteins—potentiate T cell signaling and skew phenotype of both murine and human T cells. Importantly, the combination of the ECM environment and mechanically sensitive TCR signaling from the aTM results in a rapid and robust expansion of rare, antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of these tumor‐specific cells significantly suppresses tumor growth and improves animal survival compared with T cells stimulated by traditional methods. Beyond immediate immunotherapeutic applications, demonstrating the environment influences the cellular therapeutic product delineates the importance of the ECM and provides a case study of how to engineer ECM‐mimetic materials for therapeutic immune stimulation in the future.
Photosensitizer‐Anchored 2D MOF Nanosheets as Highly Stable and Accessible Catalysts toward Artemisinin Production
Authors: Wang Ying , Feng Liang , Pang Jiandong , Li Jialuo , Huang Ning , Day Gregory S. , Cheng Lin , Drake Hannah F. , Wang Ye , Lollar Christina , Qin Junsheng , Gu Zhiyuan , Lu Tongbu , Yuan Shuai , Zhou Hong‐Cai
Published: April 2019

2D metal–organic frameworks (2D‐MOFs) have recently emerged as promising materials for gas separations, sensing, conduction, and catalysis. However, the stability of these 2D‐MOF catalysts and the tunability over catalytic environments are limited. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D‐MOFs can act as stable and highly accessible catalyst supports by introducing more firmly anchored photosensitizers as bridging ligands. An ultrathin MOF nanosheet‐based material, Zr‐BTB (BTB = 1,3,5‐tris(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene), is initially constructed by connecting Zr6‐clusters with the tritopic carboxylate linker. Surface modification of the Zr‐BTB structure was realized through the attachment of porphyrin‐based carboxylate ligands on the coordinatively unsaturated Zr metal sites in the MOF through strong Zr‐carboxylate bond formation. The functionalized MOF nanosheet, namely PCN‐134‐2D, acts as an efficient photocatalyst for 1O2 generation and artemisinin production. Compared to the 3D analogue (PCN‐134‐3D), PCN‐134‐2D allows for fast reaction kinetics due to the enhanced accessibility of the catalytic sites within the structure and facile substrate diffusion. Additionally, PCN‐134(Ni)‐2D exhibits an exceptional yield of artemisinin, surpassing all reported homo‐ or heterogeneous photocatalysts for the artemisinin production.
Aptameric Probe Specifically Binding Protein Heterodimer Rather Than Monomers
Authors: Bing Tao , Shen Luyao , Wang Junyan , Wang Linlin , Liu Xiangjun , Zhang Nan , Xiao Xiao , Shangguan Dihua
Published: April 2019

Dimerization of proteins occurs frequently and plays integral roles in biological processes. However, no single molecular probe is available for in situ detection of protein dimers on cells and tissues because of the difficulty of isolating complete protein dimers for probe preparation and screening, which has greatly hampered the biomedical study of protein dimers. Herein, a G‐rich DNA aptamer (termed BG2) that only binds alkaline phosphatase (AP) heterodimers rather than monomers is reported. This aptamer is generated by the cell‐SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) technique and proves to fold into a duplex stabilized antiparallel G‐quadruplex structure. Using BG2 as molecular probe, AP heterodimers are found to be expressed on several kinds of cancer cells. As an affinity ligand, BG2 could isolate AP heterodimers from cell lysate. BG2 is also demonstrated to be applicable for tumor imaging in mice xenografted with cells highly expressing AP heterodimers. AP isozymes are found in several tissues and blood throughout the body, but the function and tissue distribution of AP heterodimers are totally unknown; therefore, BG2 could serve as a molecular probe to uncover the mystery of AP heterodimers. The generation of aptameric probes by cell‐SELEX will open up a new situation for the study of protein dimers.
The Role of Familial Incarceration and Ethnic Identity in Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt: Findings from a Longitudinal Study of Latinx Young Adults in California
Authors: Forster Myriam , Davis Laurel , Grigsby Timothy J. , Rogers Christopher J. , Vetrone Steven F. , Unger Jennifer B.
Published: April 2019

Highlights

Incarceration has not been studied in the context of ethnic minority adult suicide behavior.

High affective ethnic identity scores were inversely associated with lifetime suicide attempt.

Ethnic identity moderated the association between parental incarceration and suicidal ideation.
A Reusable MOF‐Supported Single‐Site Zinc(II) Catalyst for Efficient Intramolecular Hydroamination of o‐Alkynylanilines
Authors: Li Beibei , Ju Zhanfeng , Zhou Mi , Su Kongzhao , Yuan Daqiang
Published: April 2019

The exploitation of new and active earth‐abundant metal catalysts is critical for sustainable chemical production. Herein, we demonstrate the design of highly efficient, robust, and reusable ZnII‐bipyridine‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) catalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of o‐alkynylanilines to indoles. Under similar conditions homogeneous catalytic systems mainly provide hydrolysate. Our results prove that MOFs support unique internal environments that can affect the direction of chemical reactions. The ZnII‐catalyzed hydroamination reaction can be conducted without additional ligands, base, or acid, and is thus a very clean reaction system with regard to its environmental impact.
Carbonsäurefluoride in der Katalyse durch späte Übergangsmetalle
Authors: Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio
Published: April 2019

In diesem Aufsatz fassen wir den aktuellen Forschungsstand bei durch späte Übergangsmetalle katalysierten Reaktionen von Carbonsäurefluoriden zusammen, inklusive deren Herstellung und Umsetzungen. In organischen Reaktionen muss oftmals ein Kompromiss zwischen Stabilität und Reaktivität der Startmaterialien gefunden werden. Carbonsäurefluoride weisen, hauptsächlich dank ihrer moderaten Elektrophilie, eine ausgezeichnete Balance zwischen diesen Eigenschaften auf. Daher können Carbonsäurefluoride (RCOFs) als vielseitige Bausteine in Übergangsmetall‐katalysierten Reaktionen verwendet werden, beispielsweise als “RCO”‐Quelle in Acylkupplungen, als “R”‐Quelle in decarbonylierenden Kupplungen und als “F”‐Quelle in Fluorierungen. Beginnend mit der Spaltung der C(Acyl)‐F‐Bindung in Carbonsäurefluoriden werden diverse, durch Übergangsmetallkatalysatoren auf Grundlage von Metallen der Gruppen 9–11 (wie Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd oder Cu) vermittelte Transformationen zugänglich, einschließlich C‐C‐, C‐H‐, C‐B‐ und C‐F‐Bindungsknüpfungen.
Elektronische Kommunikation von Porphyrin‐Hexabenzocoronen‐Isomeren
Authors: Martin Max M. , Lungerich Dominik , Haines Philipp , Hampel Frank , Jux Norbert
Published: April 2019

Auf Einzelmolekülen basierende elektronische Bauteile werden als nächste Generation für nanoelektronische Schaltkreise angesehen. Herausforderungen wie etwa die reproduzierbare Kontaktierung von Elektroden an die jeweiligen Moleküle stehen jedoch der fundamentalen Untersuchung dieser Systeme im Wege. Deshalb stellen wir das Konzept der quasi‐optoelektronischen Elektroden (QOEs) vor, welches die schnelle Untersuchung der Eigenschaften und die Eignung chemischer Verbindungen für molekulare elektronische Bauteile ermöglichen soll. Speziell untersuchen wir Hexa‐peri‐ hexabenzocoronen (HBC) als ein Modellsystem für D6h‐symmetrische Nanographene. An das HBC kovalent gebundene Porphyrine dienen als QOE. Es wurden selektiv bis‐Porphyrin‐funktionalisierte HBCs mit einer ortho‐, meta‐ und para‐ Substitutionsgeometrie hergestellt. Diese wurden in Abhängigkeit von der geometrischen Anordnung und der Größe der Systeme mit Hilfe von elektrochemischen und optischen Methoden auf ihre Kommunikationseigenschaften untersucht. Weitere Einblicke in die Struktur‐Eigenschaftsbeziehungen wurden durch DFT‐Berechnungen und Kristallstrukturanalysen erhalten.
Selective Activation of the C−H Bond in Methane by Single Platinum Atomic Anions
Authors: Liu Gaoxiang , Zhu Zhaoguo , Ciborowski Sandra M. , Ariyarathna Isuru R. , Miliordos Evangelos , Bowen Kit H.
Published: April 2019

Mass spectrometric analysis of the anionic products of interaction between platinum atomic anions, Pt−, and methane, CH4 and CD4, in a collision cell shows the preferred generation of [PtCH4]− and [PtCD4]− complexes and a low tendency toward dehydrogenation. [PtCH4]− is shown to be H−Pt−CH3− by a synergy between anion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, implying the rupture of a single C−H bond. The calculated reaction pathway accounts for the observed selective activation of methane by Pt−. This study presents the first example of methane activation by a single atomic anion.
Phenotypes Determined by Cluster Analysis and Their Survival in the Prospective European Scleroderma Trials and Research Cohort of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Sobanski Vincent , Giovannelli Jonathan , Allanore Yannick , Riemekasten Gabriela , Airò Paolo , Vettori Serena , Cozzi Franco , Distler Oliver , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Denton Christopher , Launay David , Hachulla Eric ,   the EUSTAR Collaborators
Published: April 2019

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disease that is typically subdivided into limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) depending on the extent of skin involvement. This subclassification may not capture the entire variability of clinical phenotypes. The European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database includes data on a prospective cohort of SSc patients from 122 European referral centers. This study was undertaken to perform a cluster analysis of EUSTAR data to distinguish and characterize homogeneous phenotypes without any a priori assumptions, and to examine survival among the clusters obtained.

Methods

A total of 11,318 patients were registered in the EUSTAR database, and 6,927 were included in the study. Twenty‐four clinical and serologic variables were used for clustering.

Results

Clustering analyses provided a first delineation of 2 clusters showing moderate stability. In an exploratory attempt, we further characterized 6 homogeneous groups that differed with regard to their clinical features, autoantibody profile, and mortality. Some groups resembled usual dcSSc or lcSSc prototypes, but others exhibited unique features, such as a majority of lcSSc patients with a high rate of visceral damage and antitopoisomerase antibodies. Prognosis varied among groups and the presence of organ damage markedly impacted survival regardless of cutaneous involvement.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that restricting subsets of SSc patients to only those based on cutaneous involvement may not capture the complete heterogeneity of the disease. Organ damage and antibody profile should be taken into consideration when individuating homogeneous groups of patients with a distinct prognosis.
Zyklische Prüfung von Befestigungen in Beton mittels Schwingungsanregung
Authors: Fröhlich Thilo , Birtel Veit , Lotze Dieter
Published: April 2019

Im Beton‐ und Stahlbetonbau kommen Befestigungsmittel für die Verbindung von verschiedenen Bauteilen zum Einsatz. Um die Tragsicherheit solcher Befestigungen zu gewährleisten, werden im Rahmen der Produktqualifizierung experimentelle Eignungsprüfungen durchgeführt. Hier stellen zyklische Versuche eine besondere Herausforderung für die Prüftechnik dar, wobei die Aufbringung der Beanspruchung in der Regel mit servohydraulischen Prüfzylindern erfolgt. In diesem Beitrag wird eine alternative Prüfmethode vorgestellt, die auf dem Prinzip der Schwingungsanregung von Systemen mithilfe elektrodynamischer Shaker oder Unwuchterreger beruht. Damit lassen sich Belastungssituationen wie wiederholte Belastungen auf den Anker oder zyklische Rissöffnungen im Beton erzeugen, die bei der Anwendung von Befestigungen unter statischer bzw. quasi‐statischer Einwirkung, aber auch bei Erdbeben‐ und Ermüdungsbeanspruchung auftreten können. Im Gegensatz zu den gegenwärtigen Zulassungsprüfungen erlaubt die dargestellte Methode, vollständige Verbindungsdetails unter realitätsnahen Randbedingungen zu testen. Dadurch ist es u. a. möglich, die Interaktion zwischen Befestigung und der angeschlossenen Konstruktion zu untersuchen.
On the Origins of Symmetry and Modularity in the Proteasome Family
Authors: Fuchs Adrian C. D. , Hartmann Marcus D.
Published: April 2019

The proteasome family of proteases comprises oligomeric assemblies of very different symmetry. In different sizes, it features ring‐like oligomers with dihedral symmetry that allow the stacking of further rings of regulatory subunits as observed in the modular proteasome system, but also less symmetric helical assemblies. Comprehensive sequence and structural analyses of proteasome homologs reveal a parsimonious scenario of how symmetry may have emerged from a monomeric ancestral precursor and how it may have evolved throughout the proteasome family. The four characterized representatives—ancestral β subunit (Anbu), HslV, betaproteobacterial proteasome homolog (BPH), and the 20S proteasome—are outlasting cornerstones in the family's evolutionary history, each marking a transition in symmetry. This article contextualizes the evolutionary and functional key aspects of these symmetry transitions, explaining how they facilitated the diversification and concurrent evolution of independent proteolytic systems side by side, each with its customized network of auxiliary interactors.
Collaborate across campus for a safer institution
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2019

Everyone on campus can play a role in promoting safety. At the University of New Mexico, officials embraced that philosophy with the UNMStrongerTogether initiative.
What happens when our goals are too big?
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: April 2019

Like many of you, I find myself at this time of year preparing my final programming (budgetary) needs for the coming academic/fiscal year. I've learned well through the course of my career that our success is expected by those we serve, even if we are starting anew in many respects, be it every year, month, week, or day.
Offer a ride‐along program to build community relations
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2019

Efforts that enable students and faculty members to see what the campus safety unit does can enhance your department's relations with the community. And if those efforts get officers and constituents engaged in conversations, the results are even better.
Report shows usage of prescription medicine on campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2019

Approximately 10 percent of students reported misusing pain medications and sedatives, according to a study. The 2018 College Prescription Drug Study surveyed undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on their use of prescription drugs for nonprescription uses. The survey was administered to approximately 114,000 students at random during 2018 and received responses from 19,539 students at 26 different institutions. The majority of students hailed from four‐year public institutions, but students also responded from four‐year private institutions and from one two‐year public institution.
Discovery and Evaluation of New Activity‐Based Probes for Serine Hydrolases
Authors: Wang Chao , Abegg Daniel , Dwyer Brendan G. , Adibekian Alexander
Published: April 2019

Serine hydrolases play crucial biological roles and are important therapeutic targets in many clinical applications. Activity‐based protein profiling of serine hydrolases by using fluorophosphonate probes, pioneered by Cravatt and co‐workers, has been a powerful tool for interrogating serine hydrolases in various biological systems. Herein, we present new phenyl phosphonate probes with an azide handle for click chemistry that offer remarkable improvements over the classical fluorophosphonate serine hydrolase activity‐based probes including ease of preparation, excellent cell permeability, and distinct reactivity profiles, as controlled by the phenolate leaving group. Thus, these new activity‐based serine hydrolase probes are valuable tools to further interrogate this important class of enzymes.
Rapid Synthesis and Antiproliferative Properties of Polyazamacrocycle‐Based Bi‐ and Tetra‐Gold(I) Phosphine Dithiocarbamate Complexes
Authors: Florès Océane , Velic Denis , Mabrouk Nesrine , Bettaïeb Ali , Tomasoni Christophe , Robert Jean‐Michel , Paul Catherine , Goze Christine , Roussakis Christos , Bodio Ewen
Published: April 2019

A family of bi‐ and tetrametallic gold(I) phosphine dithiocarbamate complexes were synthesized, starting from cyclam and dimethylcyclam polyazamacrocycles, respectively, along with their monometallic gold(I) chloridophosphine precursors. Their antiproliferative properties were evaluated on two cancer cell lines (A549 and NSCLC‐N6‐L16). Most of the mono‐ and bimetallic complexes displayed strong activities and, in particular, one bimetallic derivative showed antiproliferative properties in the low micromolar range. Insights into the structure–activity relationships are given, along with determination of the thioredoxin reductase inhibition potential, two‐photon imaging of the fluorescent derivatives, and evaluation of gold uptake.
Ultrastructural traits of apoptosis
Authors: Snigirevskaya Ekaterina S. , Komissarchik Yan Y.
Published: April 2019

This review summarizes original and literature data on changes in the ultrastructure of major cell organelles during apoptosis obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Organelles that make the most crucial contribution to the initiation of apoptosis: plasma membrane, mitochondria, proteasomes, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum, were of our prime attention. The nucleus and cytoskeleton that undergo essential changes, were considered as well. Special attention was paid to the data on ultrastructural changes in the cell organelles observed recently by electron microscopic tomography and correlative microscopy, in particular, to remodeling of mitochondrial crista junctions and microtubules during the execution phase of apoptosis.
The role of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein in podocyte functioning
Authors: Rachubik Patrycja , Piwkowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is a 39‐kDa protein belonging to the Ena/VASP protein family, which is involved in adhesion, migration, cell–cell interaction, and regulation of pathways connected with actin cytoskeleton remodeling. VASP is phosphorylated at Tyr39, Ser157, Ser239, Thr278, and Ser322 mainly by tyrosine kinase Abl, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, protein kinase G, AMP‐activated protein kinase, and protein kinase D1, respectively. VASP phosphorylation, as a regulator of actin dynamics, may lead to impaired reorganization of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton not only by indirect interaction of VASP with actin but also by regulation of other signaling pathways. A few studies have shown that VASP participates in the development of renal diseases and mediates podocyte movement through its interaction with proteins of the slit diaphragm. VASP phosphorylation may cause reduced actin filament assembly in podocytes and mediate disturbances in regulation of filtration barrier permeability as a consequence of podocyte foot process effacement. In this paper, we describe the role of VASP in podocyte function, mainly in the context of actin dynamics and glomerular filtration barrier permeability. In addition, we discuss the involvement of VASP and its phosphorylated forms in the development of kidney diseases.
Teen cannabis use increases risk of suicidality and depression during young adulthood
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

The risk at the individual level from cannabis use is moderate to low, in general. However, because so many adolescents are now consuming it, the number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality as a result is large, researchers have found. This is a problem that needs a public health policy response, they concluded in their study, published in the February issue of JAMA Psychiatry.
App helps patients through yearlong post‐treatment recovery
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

A new app designed by people in recovery themselves is designed to reduce relapse rates. The app, called WEConnect, operates on cellphones. There is GPS location that confirms the patient's attendance at therapy or meetings. And treatment providers can use outcomes data to maintain their certification with the Joint Commission, according to the company, which is based in Seattle.