bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Surface Plasmon Polariton Excitation and Control over Outcoupling Mechanisms in Metal–Insulator–Metal Tunneling Junctions
Authors: Makarenko Ksenia S. , Hoang Thanh Xuan , Duffin Thorin J. , Radulescu Andreea , Kalathingal Vijith , Lezec Henri J. , Chu Hong‐Son , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: February 2020

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are viable candidates for integration into on‐chip nano‐circuitry that allow access to high data bandwidths and low energy consumption. Metal–insulator–metal tunneling junctions (MIM‐TJs) have recently been shown to excite and detect SPPs electrically; however, experimentally measured efficiencies and outcoupling mechanisms are not fully understood. It is shown that the MIM‐TJ cavity SPP mode (MIM‐SPP) can outcouple via three pathways to i) photons via scattering of MIM‐SPP at the MIM–TJ interfaces, ii) SPPs at the metal–dielectric interfaces (bound‐SPPs) by mode coupling through the electrodes, and iii) photons and bound‐SPP modes by mode coupling at the MIM‐TJ edges. It is also shown that, for Al‐AlOx‐Cr‐Au MIM‐TJs on glass, the MIM‐SPP mode outcouples efficiently to bound‐SPPs through either electrode (pathway 2); this outcoupling pathway can be selectively turned on and off by changing the respective electrode thickness. Outcoupling at the MIM‐TJ edges (pathway 3) is efficient and sensitive to the edge topography, whereas most light emission originates from roughness‐induced scattering of the MIM‐SPP mode (pathway 1). Using an arbitrary roughness profile, it is demonstrated that various roughness facets can raise MIM‐SPP outcoupling efficiencies to 0.62%. These results pave the way for understanding the topographical parameters needed to develop CMOS‐compatible plasmonic circuitry elements.
Low‐Thermal‐Budget Doping of 2D Materials in Ambient Air Exemplified by Synthesis of Boron‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Cha Jun‐Hwe , Kim Dong‐Ha , Park Cheolmin , Choi Seon‐Jin , Jang Ji‐Soo , Yang Sang Yoon , Kim Il‐Doo , Choi Sung‐Yool
Published: February 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) doping and reduction allow for physicochemical property modification to suit practical application needs. Herein, the challenge of simultaneous low‐thermal‐budget heteroatom doping of GO and its reduction in ambient air is addressed through the synthesis of B‐doped reduced GO (B@rGO) by flash irradiation of boric acid loaded onto a GO support with intense pulsed light (IPL). The effects of light power and number of shots on the in‐depth sequential doping and reduction mechanisms are investigated by ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and direct millisecond‐scale temperature measurements (temperature >1600 °C, < 10‐millisecond duration, ramping rate of 5.3 × 105 °C s−1). Single‐flash IPL allows the large‐scale synthesis of substantially doped B@rGO (≈3.60 at% B) to be realized with a thermal budget 106‐fold lower than that of conventional thermal methods, and the prepared material with abundant B active sites is employed for highly sensitive and selective room‐temperature NO2 sensing. Thus, this work showcases the great potential of optical annealing for millisecond‐scale ultrafast reduction and heteroatom doping of GO in ambient air, which allows the tuning of multiple physicochemical GO properties.
Optimized Catalytic WS2–WO3 Heterostructure Design for Accelerated Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Bin , Luo Chong , Deng Yaqian , Huang Zhijia , Zhou Guangmin , Lv Wei , He Yan‐Bing , Wan Ying , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: February 2020

The lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is a next generation high energy density battery, but its practical application is hindered by the poor cycling stability derived from the severe shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Catalysis is a promising way to solve this problem, but the rational design of relevant catalysts is still hard to achieve. This paper reports the WS2–WO3 heterostructures prepared by in situ sulfurization of WO3, and by controlling the sulfurization degree, the structure is controlled, which balances the trapping ability (by WO3) and catalytic activity (by WS2) toward LiPSs. As a result, the WS2–WO3 heterostructures effectively accelerate LiPS conversion and improve sulfur utilization. The Li–S battery with 5 wt% WS2–WO3 heterostructures as additives in the cathode shows an excellent rate performance and good cycling stability, revealing a 0.06% capacity decay each cycle over 500 cycles at 0.5 C. By building an interlayer with such heterostructure‐added graphenes, the battery with a high sulfur loading of 5 mg cm−2 still shows a high capacity retention of 86.1% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. This work provides a rational way to prepare the metal oxide–sulfide heterostructures with an optimized structure to enhance the performance of Li–S batteries.
Integrated effects of nitrogen form, row spacing, and herbicide treatment on maize
Authors: Simić Milena , Dragičević Vesna , Babić Milosav , Brankov Milan , Filipović Milomir
Published: February 2020

To control weeds and cultivate maize (Zea mays L.) with higher yields, production systems have to include more efficient forms of N and appropriate herbicide treatments. The timing of N release could give maize an advantage over weeds in competition for resources, whereas cultivation at lower row spacing often decreases weed biomass. Knowledge about the different factors affecting herbicide efficiency increases the accuracy and reliability of chemical control. This study tested the weed infestation level and the development and productivity of a recently developed maize hybrid grown with the application of several integrated practices. The maize hybrid was sown with application of standard and slow‐releasing urea, with row spacing of 50 and 70 cm and treatment with either a pre‐emergence or a post‐emergence mix of herbicides. The numbers of plants of each weed species and their biomass were lower after the application of herbicides, although N form and row spacing produced no significant differences in the average weed infestation level for 3 yr. The post‐emergence herbicide treatment was more effective than the pre‐emergence treatment for weed biomass reduction and enhancing maize yield parameters. The N form did not influence any measured yield parameter, whereas the 70‐cm row spacing resulted in significantly higher harvest index and grain yield (0.45 and 9.19 Mg ha−1, respectively) than the 50‐cm spacing (0.43 and 7.36 Mg ha−1, respectively). The wider row spacing resulted in higher grain yield through its interaction with N form and herbicide treatment.
Herbage responses of Tamani and Quênia guineagrasses to grazing intensity
Authors: Tesk Cátia R. M. , Cavalli Josiana , Pina Douglas S. , Pereira Dalton H. , Pedreira Carlos G. S. , Jank Liana , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Pedreira Bruno C.
Published: February 2020

New forage cultivars require defoliation studies for recommending proper grazing management. Our objective was to characterize herbage accumulation (HA), plant‐part composition and nutritive value of guineagrass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B. K. Simon & S. W. L. Jacobs] rotationally stocked under two grazing intensities. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replicates of a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of two guineagrass cultivars (‘BRS Quênia’ and ‘BRS Tamani’) and two grazing intensities. Heavy (HGI) and lax (LGI) grazing intensities were imposed as post‐grazing stubble heights: 15 and 25 cm for Tamani, and 20 and 35 cm for Quênia, respectively. The experimental period was from March 2015 to March 2017, comprising eight seasons (autumn 2015, winter 2015, spring 2015, summer 2016, autumn 2016, winter 2015, spring 2016, and summer 2017). In the spring 2016 and summer 2017, pre‐grazing HM was sampled as two strata above the stubble height, each comprising 50% of the sampled height (upper and lower stratum). Total herbage accumulation was similar across years, cultivars, and intensities (16,810 kg DM ha−1). Quênia and Tamani had the greatest HA during summer. The leaf proportion was least in the HGI pastures. Under HGI, the lower stratum of both cultivars had the greatest stem proportion and the least nutritive value. The greatest herbage CP concentration and the least NDF, ADF, iNDF and LIG concentrations occurred in the upper stratum. Based on these results, 35 and 55 cm are recommended as target heights for initiation of grazing, and 25 and 35 cm as post‐grazing stubble heights for Tamani and Quênia, respectively.
On the prediction of gas hold‐up in two‐phase flow systems using an Euler–Euler model
Authors: Mowla Amir , Agnaou Mehrez , Treeratanaphitak Tanyakarn , Budman Hector M. , Abukhdeir Nasser M. , Ioannidis Marios A.
Published: February 2020

We quantify the ability of the two‐fluid Euler–Euler model to predict the overall gas hold‐up during two‐phase flow in vertical columns using a combination of experiments and simulations. Gas hold‐up in a bubble column and gas hold‐up in the less‐frequently studied co‐current flow are investigated. For homogeneous flow characterized by nearly uniform bubble size, Euler–Euler model predictions are within 10% of the experimental values for both modes of operation, if the bubble diameter supplied as input to the model is the average bubble diameter in the physical system. This also holds true for heterogeneous flow in bubble columns despite the presence of a broad distribution of bubble sizes, if turbulence and bubble swarm effects on momentum exchange between phases are properly accounted for. Swarm corrections adequate for bubble columns, are less successful for co‐current heterogeneous flow, for which gas hold‐up predictions are least accurate (average error of 22%).
When the going gets tough, the tough turn female: injury and sex expression in a sex‐changing tree
Authors: Blake‐Mahmud Jennifer , Struwe Lena
Published: February 2020

Premise

Plant sex is usually fixed, but in rare cases, sex expression is flexible and may be influenced by environmental factors. Theory links female sex expression to better health, but manipulative work involving the experimental change of health via injury is limited, particularly in sexually plastic species. A better understanding of mechanisms influencing shifts in sex is essential to our understanding of life history theory regarding trade‐offs in sex allocation and differential mortality.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between physiological stress and sex expression in sexually plastic striped maple trees (Acer pensylvanicum) by inflicting damage of various intensities (crown pruning, defoliation, and hydraulic restriction). We then monitored the sex expression of injured and control individuals for 2 years to assess the extent to which injury may cue changes in sex expression.

Results

We found that severe damage such as full defoliation or severe pruning increased odds of changing sex to female and decreased odds of changing to male. In fact, no pruned male trees flowered male 2 years later, while all males in the control group flowered partially or fully male. After full defoliation, trees had 4.5 times higher odds of flowering female. Not all injury is equal; less‐severe physical trauma did not affect the frequency of sex change to femaleness.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that physical trauma in striped maple appears to exhibit a threshold effect in which only the most stressful of physiological cues instigate changes in sex expression, a phenomenon previously unknown, and that damage stress is strongly correlated with switching to femaleness. These findings have implications for population sex ratios and sustainability within an increasing stressful climate regime.
Pollinator visitation rate and effectiveness vary with flowering phenology
Authors: Gallagher M. Kate , Campbell Diane R.
Published: February 2020

Premise

Flowering time may influence pollination success and seed set through a variety of mechanisms, including seasonal changes in total pollinator visitation or the composition and effectiveness of pollinator visitors.

Methods

We investigated mechanisms by which changes in flowering phenology influence pollination and reproductive success of Mertensia ciliata (Boraginaceae). We manipulated flowering onset of potted plants and assessed the frequency and composition of pollinator visitors, as well as seed set. We tested whether floral visitors differed in their effectiveness as pollinators by measuring pollen receipt and seed set resulting from single visits to virgin flowers.

Results

Despite a five‐fold decrease in pollinator visitation over four weeks, we detected no significant difference in seed set among plants blooming at different times. On a per‐visit basis, each bumblebee transferred more conspecific pollen than did a solitary bee or a fly. The proportion of visits by bumblebees increased over the season, countering the decrease in visitation rate so that flowering time had little net effect on seed set.

Conclusions

This work illustrates the need to consider pollinator effectiveness, along with changes in pollinator visitation and species composition to understand the mechanisms by which phenology affects levels of pollination.
Christian and Political Conservatism Predict Opposition to Sexual and Gender Minority Rights through Support for Christian Hegemony
Authors: Todd Nathan R. , Yi Jacqueline , Blevins Emily J. , McConnell Elizabeth A. , Mekawi Yara , Boeh Bergmann Brett A.
Published: February 2020

Highlights

Opposition to sexual and gender minority (SGM) rights persists in the United States.

Christian conservatism and political conservatism are linked to opposition to SGM rights.

In this study, support for Christian hegemony helped to explain this link.

Our results suggest that a system of Christian power and privilege is a barrier to SGM rights.
Treatment and disease‐related complications in multiple myeloma: Implications for survivorship
Authors: Chakraborty Rajshekhar , Majhail Navneet S.
Published: February 2020

New treatments have transformed multiple myeloma into a chronic disease. Hence, optimal management of treatment and disease‐related complications remains a critical component of survivorship care. Survivorship care model in cancers requiring a fixed‐duration therapy may not be applicable to myeloma, since patients are exposed to multiple lines of continuous therapy along the disease trajectory. The two most common therapy‐related causes of death, which require special consideration, are infection and second cancers. Identifying patients at a high risk of toxicities will facilitate individualized treatment selection and designing clinical trials for protective strategies targeting those patients. For example, prophylactic antibiotic or immunoglobulin replacement can be tested for primary prevention of infections in high‐risk patients. Long‐term follow up of ongoing trials and epidemiologic data will help identify the nature and trajectory of rare toxicities with a long latency, such as secondary cancers. Patients who are frail, have persistent renal insufficiency, and refractory to multiple lines of therapy need special attention regarding treatment toxicity and quality of life. In this review, we discuss the incidence, risk‐factors, and management of treatment and disease‐related complications in myeloma, discuss knowledge gaps and research priorities in this area, and propose a survivorship care model to improve health‐care delivery to a growing pool of myeloma survivors.
In vitro safety of ketotifen as a topical nasal rinse
Authors: Triantafillou Vasiliki , Maina Ivy W. , Patel Neil N. , Tong Charles C. L. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Kohanski Michael A. , Kennedy David W. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. , Cohen Noam A. , Bosso John V.
Published: February 2020

Background

Ketotifen is a second‐generation noncompetitive H1‐antihistamine and mast‐cell stabilizer. It is commonly used to treat or prevent allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, chronic urticaria, anaphylaxis, mast‐cell, and other allergic‐type disorders. However, it has never been studied in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), an aggressive phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, where the mast cell plays a prominent role its pathogenesis.

Methods

Human sinonasal epithelial cells were grown at an air‐liquid interface (ALI). Ketotifen powder was dissolved in saline to make 4 test solutions at 1.04, 2.08, 10.4, and 20.8 µg/mL. Control (saline) or ketotifen solution was added apically to ALI cultures from tissue of 5 unique patients, and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) changes were recorded. Lactate dehydrogenase was measured at 24 and 48 hours to estimate long‐term cellular toxicity.

Results

Apical application of ketotifen at all concentrations was neither ciliotoxic nor ciliostimulatory, with no change in CBF over a period of 15 minutes after application. Cellular toxicity for all concentrations at 24 and 48 hours after application was <3% and <7%, respectively, that of lysed cultures.

Conclusion

Topical application of ketotifen to an in vitro model of sinonasal epithelium is safe, as evaluated by CBF and lactate dehydrogenase. Ketotifen is neither ciliotoxic nor ciliostimulatory, and no long‐term cellular toxicity was observed. Ketotifen may have promise as a topical nasal rinse in the treatment of AERD.
Alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis: a systematic review utilizing a modified Delphi method
Authors: Wu Arthur W. , Gettelfinger John D. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Mort Claudia , Higgins Thomas S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Sinusitis and rhinitis are common diseases for which patients seek medical attention. Alternative therapies constitute a multibillion‐dollar industry despite poorly established efficacy and safety profiles. This study was designed to identify and grade the evidence for alternative therapies purported to treat sinusitis and rhinitis.

Methods

A modified Delphi method was used to establish a consensus opinion among rhinology experts of the current evidence for efficacy, potential harm, and future research needs for alternative therapies in sinusitis and rhinitis. Following the initial Delphi round of discussion, a Google search query was performed to identify topics and review online reports of benefit. Subsequent rounds established search criteria and inclusion/exclusion criteria for a systematic literature review utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine (CEBM) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to assess levels of evidence and recommendations. Final Delphi rounds were performed until consensus opinions could be reached.

Results

Over 60 potential alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis were identified. The literature review included 2066 titles with 220 full‐text articles found to be relevant. Most of the therapies had little to no scientific evidence; however, acupuncture, capsaicin, bromelain, and butterbur extract currently have low to moderate‐high GRADE rating. Allergic rhinitis was the most common disease studied.

Conclusion

Some alternative therapies show promise as potential treatments for sinusitis and rhinitis, mostly compared to placebo. Comparisons to traditional therapies are lacking. For other alternative therapies, many websites included unsubstantiated claims of benefit and ignored potential side effects for which patients should be warned appropriately.
All‐trans retinoic acid regulates TGF‐β1‒induced extracellular matrix production via p38, JNK, and NF‐κB‒signaling pathways in nasal polyp‒derived fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Su‐Jong , Park Joo‐Hoo , Lee Seoung‐Ae , Lee Jong‐Geun , Shin Jae‐Min , Lee Heung‐Man
Published: February 2020

Background

All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a derivative of vitamin A, is known to have anti‐fibrogenic effects and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, these abilities of ATRA may influence tissue remodeling in the upper airway. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of ATRA on the myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) production, cell migration, and collagen gel contraction and to determine the molecular mechanisms of ATRA in TGF‐β1‐induced nasal polyp‒derived fibroblasts (NPDFs).

Methods

NPDFs were isolated from nasal polyp. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. TGF‐β1‒induced fibroblasts were pretreated with ATRA. The expression levels of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen type 1, fibronectin, phospho‐mitogen‒activated protein kinase, and p‐p50 (nuclear factor‐kappaB [NF‐κB]) were measured by Western blot analysis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and/or immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration was analyzed with cell migration scratch assay and Transwell migration assay. Collagen contractile activity was measured using a collagen gel contraction assay.

Results

ATRA had no significant cytotoxic effect in NPDFs. Expression levels of α‐SMA, collagen type 1, and fibronectin stimulated by TGF‐β1 were significantly downregulated in the ATRA‐pretreated fibroblasts. TGF‐β1‒induced cell migration and collagen gel contraction were significantly inhibited by ATRA pretreatment. ATRA also significantly inhibited phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and p50 in TGF‐β1‒induced NPDFs, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of extracellular signal‒related kinase (ERK).

Conclusion

ATRA downregulated myofibroblast differentiation, ECM production, cell migration, and collagen gel contraction via p38, JNK‐dependent NF‐κB‒signaling pathways in TGF‐β1‒induced NPDFs. The findings suggest that ATRA could serve as a novel therapeutic agent to ameliorate nasal polyp development.
Concordance of self‐reported practice patterns of American Rhinologic Society members with the International Consensus Statement of Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Riley Charles A. , Zheng Zhong , Williams Nicholas , Smith Timothy L. , Orlandi Richard R. , Tabaee Abtin
Published: February 2020

Background

The 2016 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR:RS) is a collaborative distillation of available research and consensus recommendations for the management for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, implementation of the ICAR:RS recommendations in the reality of clinical practice is not clearly defined.

Methods

An anonymous, web‐based survey of the American Rhinologic Society membership was performed in October, 2018. Respondents were asked about the frequency that they recommended the various treatments reviewed in ICAR:RS in the context of medical management for CRS. A 7‐point Likert‐type scale assessed the frequency of treatment patterns.

Results

A total of 140 members completed the survey (response rate 11.9%). Seventy‐two (51.4%) were in practice for 0 to 15 years, 61 (43.6%) completed a rhinology fellowship, and 73 (52.1%) worked in private practice. Disparate treatment patterns were reported for each of the therapies assessed for CRS, including those that were “recommended” or “recommended against” in ICAR:RS. Members with <15 years of experience were more likely to use nasal saline irrigation. Fellowship‐trained respondents reported a greater likelihood of using nasal saline irrigation and aspirin desensitization (for patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease). Practitioners in academic medicine were more likely to utilize aspirin desensitization than those in private practice. Surgeons performing >100 sinus surgeries per year were more likely to use topical antibiotics.

Conclusion

The range of reported treatment patterns identified in this study despite the availability of the ICAR:RS recommendations may suggest the need for improved standardization of CRS management.
Severe Neurological Toxicity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Growing Spectrum
Authors: Dubey Divyanshu , David William S. , Reynolds Kerry L. , Chute Donald F. , Clement Nathan F. , Cohen Justine V. , Lawrence Donald P. , Mooradian Meghan J. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Guidon Amanda C.
Published: February 2020

Expanding use of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely management of neurological immune‐related adverse events (irAE‐N). We evaluate the real‐world frequency, phenotypes, co‐occurring immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), and long‐term outcomes of severe, grade III to V irAE‐N at a tertiary care center over 6 years. We analyze how our experience supports published literature and professional society guidelines. We also discuss these data with regard to common clinical scenarios, such as combination therapy, ICI rechallenge and risk of relapse of irAE‐N, and corticosteroid taper, which are not specifically addressed by current guidelines and/or have limited data. Recommendations for management and future irAE‐N reporting are outlined. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:659–669
Modular Synthesis of Nona‐Decasaccharide Motif from Psidium guajava Polysaccharides: Orthogonal One‐Pot Glycosylation Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yunqin , Chen Zixi , Huang Yingying , He Shaojun , Yang Xingkuan , Wu Zhibing , Wang Xiufang , Xiao Guozhi
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of long, branched, and complex carbohydrate sequences remains a challenging task in chemical synthesis. Reported here is an efficient and modular one‐pot synthesis of a nona‐decasaccharide and shorter sequences from Psidium guajava polysaccharides, which have the potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The synthetic strategy features: 1) several one‐pot glycosylation reactions on the basis of N‐phenyltrifluoroacetimidate (PTFAI) and Yu glycosylation to streamline the chemical synthesis of oligosaccharides, 2) the successful and efficient assembly sequences (first O3′, second O5′, final O2′) toward the challenging 2,3,5‐branched Araf motif, 3) the stereoselective 1,2‐cis‐glucosylation by reagent control, and 4) the convergent [6+6+7] one‐pot coupling reaction for the final assembly of the target nona‐decasaccharide. This orthogonal one‐pot glycosylation strategy can streamline the chemical synthesis of long, branched, and complicated carbohydrate chains.
Metal‐like Ductility in Organic Plastic Crystals: Role of Molecular Shape and Dihydrogen Bonding Interactions in Aminoboranes
Authors: Mondal Amit , Bhattacharya Biswajit , Das Susobhan , Bhunia Surojit , Chowdhury Rituparno , Dey Somnath , Reddy C. Malla
Published: February 2020

Ductility is a common phenomenon in many metals but is difficult to achieve in molecular crystals. Organic crystals bend plastically on one or two face‐specific directions but fracture when stressed in any other arbitrary directions. An exceptional metal‐like ductility and malleability in the isomorphous crystals of two globular molecules, BH3NMe3 and BF3NMe3, is reported, with characteristic tensile stretching, compression, twisting, and thinning. The mechanically deformed samples, which transition to lower symmetry phases, retain good long‐range order amenable to structure determination by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Molecules in these high‐symmetry crystals interact through electrostatic forces (B−−N+) to form columnar structures with multiple slip planes and weak dispersive forces between columns. On the other hand, the limited number of facile slip planes and strong dihydrogen bonding in BH3NHMe2 negates ductility. Our study has implications for the design of soft ferroelectrics, solid electrolytes, barocalorics, and soft robotics.
Electrocatalytic reduction of Molecular Oxygen with a Copper (II) Coordination Polymer
Authors: Kamyabi Mohammad Ali , Soleymani‐Bonoti Fatemeh , Taheri Leila , Morsali Ahmad , Hosseini‐Monfared Hassan
Published: February 2020

Oxygen reduction at the polarized water/1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE) interface catalyzed by a Cu (II) coordination polymer (Cu–pol) was studied with two lipophilic electron donors ferrocene (Fc) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). The results of the ion transfer voltammetry and two‐phase shake flask experiments suggest proceeding of the catalytic reaction as proton‐coupled electron transfer reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and water. In this process, while the protons supplied from the aqueous phase, the electrons provided from the organic phase by the weak electron donor, Fc. The O2 molecule takes a superoxide structure with Cu–pol which resulted to hydrogen peroxide or water on reduction. Furthermore, the results revealed that the apparent rate constant of TTF + Cu‐pol is higher than that of Fc + Cu‐pol system due to the faster kinetic reaction of TTF with respect to Fc.
Effect of incorporating different polyaniline‐surface modified nanosilica content into polyurethane‐based quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Liow Kai S. , Sipaut Coswald S. , Ung Mee C. , Dayou Jedol
Published: February 2020

Polyaniline‐surface modified nanosilica (S‐PANi) was incorporated into polyurethane (PU) to form a polymer matrix able to entrap liquid electrolyte and to function as a quasi‐solid state electrolyte (QSE) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Nanosilica was first synthesized via sol–gel technique and was post modified with aniline to form S‐PANi. The effects of introducing different S‐PANi content (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on the nanoparticle distribution, surface morphology, surface porosity, thermal stability, and the structure of the PU matrix were analyzed using transmitted and reflected light microscopes, TGA and X‐ray powder diffraction. Additionally, polymer matrix absorptivity, conductivity, and ion diffusion of the formulated QSEs were investigated by using a digital analytical balance, the AC impedance method, and cyclic voltammetry. Lastly, all of the formulated quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes were applied for use in DSSCs wherein their charge recombination, photovoltaic performance, and lifespan were measured. The quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte based on 15 wt% S‐PANi (PU‐15%S‐PANi) exhibited the highest light‐to‐energy conversion efficiency, namely 3.17%, with an open circuit voltage of 708 mV, a short circuit current of 4.13 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 0.65.
The effect of temperature on fatigue strength of poly(ether‐imide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube/carbon fibers composites for aeronautical application
Authors: Santos Luis F. P. , Ribeiro Bruno , Hein Luis R. O. , Alderliesten René , Zarouchas Dimitrios , Botelho Edson C. , Costa Michelle L.
Published: February 2020

This work concerns the fatigue behavior at three different temperature conditions (−40, 20, and 80°C) and the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) into a carbon‐fiber reinforced poly(ether‐imide) composite. The incorporation of MWCNT into the composite increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus by up 5 and 2%, respectively. At low temperature, the incorporation of the nanoparticles improved the fatigue strength of the laminates by 15%. The shear strength results obtained by interlaminar shear strength and compression shear test tests have shown an increase of about 16 and 58%, respectively, by the introduction of nanotubes into the laminates. Fractographic observations revealed that the surface of carbon nanotube laminate (PEI/MWCNT/CF) presented a ductile behavior, and differences in the fracture aspects of the material compared to the traditional PEI/CF laminate have been observed.
Ketone Hydrogenation by Using ZnO−Cu(OH)Cl/MCM‐41 with a Splash of Water: An Environmentally Benign Approach
Authors: Choudhary Neha , Ghosh Topi , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: February 2020

MCM‐41‐supported ZnO−Cu(OH)Cl nanoparticles were synthesized via an incipient wetness impregnation technique using zinc chloride and copper chloride salts as well as water at room temperature. The catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and TGA, whereas surface and morphological studies were performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The above studies revealed the incorporation of metal species into the pores of MCM‐41, leading to a decrease in surface area of the nanoparticles that was found to be 239.079 m2/g. The substituents attached to the ketone determine the rate of the reaction, and the utilization of the green solvent ‘water’ astonishingly completes the hydrogenation reaction in 45 minutes at 40 °C with 100% conversion and 100% selectivity as analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Hence, ZnO−Cu(OH)Cl/MCM‐41 nanoparticles with 2.46 wt% zinc and 6.39 wt% copper were demonstrated as an active catalyst for the reduction of ketones without using any gaseous hydrogen source making it highly efficient as well as environmentally and economically benign.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Denitrogenative [4+2] Annulation of Benzamides and 3‐Diazoindolin‐2‐imines: Expedient Access to Indolo[2,3‐c] isoquinolin‐5‐ones
Authors: Pal Kuntal , Adak Souvik , Dey Arnab , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: February 2020

An effective and pragmatic strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse indolo[2,3‐c]isoquinolin‐5‐ones has been developed via a Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H activation and [4+2] annulation reaction of N‐methoxybenzamides and 3‐diazoindolin‐2‐imines. The reaction involves the efficient formation of two new (one C−C and one C−N) bonds under operationally simple conditions and has the benefits of a broad substrate scope.
An X‐ray view of the hot circum‐galactic medium
Authors: Li Jiang‐Tao
Published: February 2020

The hot circum‐galactic medium (CGM) represents the hot gas distributed beyond the stellar content of the galaxies while typically within their dark matter halos. It serves as a depository of energy and metal‐enriched materials from galactic feedback and a reservoir from which the galaxy acquires fuels to form stars. It thus plays a critical role in the coevolution of galaxies and their environments. X‐rays are one of the best ways to trace the hot CGM. I will briefly review what we have learned about the hot CGM based on X‐ray observations over the past two decades, and what we still do not know. I will also briefly prospect what may be the foreseeable breakthrough in the next one or two decades with future X‐ray missions.
Spatial and temporal variability of radium in the Wisconsin Cambrian–Ordovician aquifer system
Authors: Dematatis Marie , Plechacek Amy , Mathews Madeleine , Wright Daniel B. , Udenby Florence , Gotkowitz Madeline B. , Ginder‐Vogel Matthew
Published: February 2020

Compliance monitoring of contaminants in public drinking water supplies results in publicly available data sets that are maintained by state agencies and useful for investigating changes in water quality. In this study, spatial and temporal trends in naturally occurring radium (combined 226Ra + 228Ra) concentrations in groundwater from the Midwestern Cambrian–Ordovician aquifer system were evaluated with a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources compliance data set. Average combined Ra from 2000 to 2018 in the Midwestern Cambrian–Ordovician aquifer system increased from 5.5 to 7.9 pCi/L in the confined region and from 4.8 to 6.6 pCi/L in the unconfined region. On a local scale, the data demonstrate increasing radium in the communities of Sussex (n = 98) and Brookfield (n = 35), and a decreasing trend in nearby Waukesha (n = 176). This study demonstrates the utility of compliance data sets for investigating water quality trends and the importance of geographic scale in examining such data.
Chemical analysis and antioxidant properties of orange‐tree (Citrus sinensis L.) biomass extracts obtained via different extraction techniques
Authors: Bruno Maria R. , Russo Daniela , Cetera Paola , Faraone Immacolata , Lo Giudice Valentina , Milella Luigi , Todaro Luigi , Sinisgalli Chiara , Fritsch Clemént , Dumarçay Stéphane , Gérardin Philippe
Published: February 2020

Orange orchards are typical Mediterranean crops and a major feature of the heritage of the Mediterranean basin, where they play an important environmental and economic role. Their high availability, low price, and potential industrial application make the development of new and valuable uses of the orange's biomass of high interest. This research was focused: (i) on recognition and mapping of orange cultivation in the Basilicata region; (ii) on the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of extracts; (iii) on identification of extractives' traits. To achieve these objectives, the anti‐oxidative properties and chemical compounds of the extracts from orange orchard biomass were analyzed. Different extraction techniques were applied, including maceration, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, and autoclaving. Results demonstrated the potential antioxidant activity of the bark and wood of orange‐tree biomass, which has not been investigated before. The relative antioxidant capacity index showed that bark extracts were more effective than wood ones, and accelerated solvent extraction was the most effective process for recovering antioxidants. Chemical characterization by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) showed the presence of different natural compounds, including caffeic acid, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The development of innovative applications that use biomass derivatives could lead to their possible use in the market as a commodity for the chemical or cosmetic industries, giving new added value to the current use of biomass from agricultural practices. Through multi‐criteria analysis it was possible to recognize the sustainability of these cropping models and their ecological function, using them for the preservation of environmental resources, environmental quality, and quality of life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Association between maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption and neural tube defects: Findings from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Louden Adia R. , Suhl Jonathan , Kancherla Vijaya , Caspers Conway Kristin M. , Makelarski Jennifer , Howley Meredith M. , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Olney Richard S. , Olshan Andrew F. , Romitti Paul A. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: February 2020

Background

Neural tube defects (NTD)s are common birth defects with a multifactorial etiology. Findings from human studies examining environmental (non‐inherited) exposures tend to be inconclusive. In particular, although animal studies of alcohol exposure and NTDs support its teratogenic potential, human studies are equivocal. Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), associations between maternal periconceptional (1 month before through 1 month after conception) alcohol consumption and NTDs in offspring were examined.

Methods

NTD cases and unaffected live born singleton controls with expected dates of delivery from October 1997–December 2011 were enrolled in the NBDPS. Interview reports of alcohol consumption (quantity, frequency, variability, type) from 1,922 case and 11,251 control mothers were analyzed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR)s and 95% confidence intervals (CI)s for alcohol consumption and all NTDs combined and selected subtypes (spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocele) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among mothers in the NBDPS, 28% of NTD case and 35% of control mothers reported any periconceptional alcohol consumption. For each measure of alcohol consumption, inverse associations were observed for all NTDs combined (aORs = 0.6–1.0). Results for NTD subtypes tended to be similar, but CIs for spina bifida and encephalocele were more likely to include the null.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a lack of positive associations between maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption and NTDs. Future studies should continue to evaluate the association between maternal alcohol consumption and NTDs in offspring accounting for methodological limitations such as potential misclassification from self‐reported alcohol consumption.
Token‐economy‐based contingency management increases daily steps in adults with developmental disabilities
Authors: Nastasi Jessica A. , Sheppard Rebecca D. , Raiff Bethany R.
Published: February 2020

Adults with developmental disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than typically developing counterparts. Contingency management (CM) interventions increase physical activity in sedentary adults. The current study systematically replicated previous research among sedentary adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities living in a residential group home, using a token economy in the context of a CM intervention. Using a changing criterion design, participants (N = 4) were given tokens contingent on meeting increasing step goals over 8 weeks, tracked via a Fitbit Flex™. CM increased the number of steps substantially for three of four participants. These findings extend previous research supporting the use of token‐based CM interventions for increasing daily steps among individuals with developmental disabilities. Because the current study was conducted in a residential group home setting, it may offer a long‐term sustainable approach to improving the health of some individuals living with developmental disabilities.
CircPRKCI relieves lipopolysaccharide‐induced HK2 cell injury by upregulating the expression of miR‐545 target gene ZEB2
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Ma Wei , Li Yongqi , Wang Han , Pan Shuang , Pan Yongquan , Xu Caiming , Li Lei
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influences of circPRKCI abnormal expression on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced HK2 cell injury and its mechanism. The circPRKCI level was identified in serum samples from patients with urosepsis and healthy subjects, as well as LPS‐treated HK2 cells by qRT‐PCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, expression of proteins associated with apoptosis, and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐treated HK2 cells were measured. Effects of circPRKCI abnormal expression on LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury were then evaluated. Afterward, the binding miRNA of circPRKCI and target gene of miRNA were identified, and the involvements of NF‐kB pathway signaling pathway with the effects of circPRKCI were finally studied. CircPRKCI was significantly down‐regulated in serum samples from patients with urosepsis and LPS‐treated HK2 cells. LPS‐induced decrease of cell viability, increase of cell apoptosis, as well as elevated productions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukins (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in HK2 cells were attenuated by overexpressed circPRKCI. In addition, circPRKCI negatively regulated the expression of miR‐545, and miR‐545 up‐regulation reversed the inhibiting effects of circPRKCI overexpression on LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury. Moreover, zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was identified as a target gene of miR‐545, and ZEB2 overexpression partly reversed the effects of miR‐545 up‐regulation on LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury. Furthermore, NF‐kB pathway was revealed to be associated to the effects of circPRKCI on LPS‐induced HK2 cell injury. This research indicated that the highly expressed circPRKCI relieved inflammatory injury induced by LPS in HK2 cells by suppressing miR‐545/ZEBs and depressing the briskness of NF‐kB pathway.
Effect of Parkin on methamphetamine‐induced α‐synuclein degradation dysfunction in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Meng Yunle , Qiao Honghua , Ding Jiuyang , He Yitong , Fan Haoling , Li Chen , Qiu Pingming
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug with complicated neurotoxicity, and abuse of METH is very common. Studies have shown that METH exposure causes alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) accumulation. However, the mechanism of α‐syn accumulation has not been determined.

Methods

In this study, we established cell and animal models of METH intoxication to evaluate how METH affects α‐syn expression. In addition, to explore METH‐induced neurotoxicity, we measured the level of Parkin and the phosphorylation levels of α‐syn, Polo‐like kinase 2 (PLK2), the proteasome activity marker CD3δ, and the apoptosis‐related proteins Caspase‐3 and PARP. Parkin is a key enzyme in the ubiquitin–proteasome system. In addition, the effect of Parkin on METH‐induced neurotoxicity was investigated by overexpressing it in vitro and in vivo.

Results

METH exposure increased polyubiquitin and α‐syn expression, as did MG132. Furthermore, the level of Parkin and the interaction between Parkin and α‐syn decreased after METH exposure. Importantly, the increases in α‐syn expression and neurotoxicity were relieved by Parkin overexpression.

Conclusions

By establishing stable cell lines and animal models that overexpress Parkin, we confirmed Parkin as an important factor in METH‐induced α‐syn degradation dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Parkin may be a promising target for the treatment of METH‐induced neurotoxicity.
Does the Babinski sign predict functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Qu Jian‐Feng , Chen Yang‐Kun , Luo Gen‐Pei , Qiu Dong‐Hai , Liu Yong‐Lin , Zhong Huo‐Hua , Wu Zhi‐Qiang
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine the incidence and neuroimaging risk factors associated with Babinski sign following acute ischemic stroke, as well as its relationship with the functional outcome of patients.

Methods

A total of 351 patients were enrolled in the study within 7 days of acute ischemic stroke. The Babinski sign along with other upper motor neuron signs were examined upon admission and between days 1 and 3 and days 5 and 7 after admission. Neuroimaging parameters included site and volume of infarction and white matter lesions. All patients were followed up at 3 months. Functional outcome was assessed with the Lawton Activities of Daily Living scale and modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Babinski sign was observed in 115 of 351 (32.8%) patients in the acute ischemic stroke. These patients had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and higher rates of atrial fibrillation and cardioembolism; higher frequencies of frontal, temporal, and limbic lobes and basal ganglia infarcts; and larger infarct volume. Higher NIHSS score and basal ganglia infarct were significant predictors of the presence of Babinski sign. After adjusting for confounds, the presence of Babinski sign did not predict poor functional outcome.

Conclusion

The incidence of Babinski sign was 32.8% in the acute ischemic stroke. Severe infarction and basal ganglia infarct were independent predictors of Babinski sign. Although Babinski sign is common in acute ischemic stroke patients, it does not predict poor functional outcome 3 months later.