bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on the Biodegradability of Chitosan Films Emulsified with Palm Oils (Aracaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Reis Arlete Barbosa dos , Arrudas Sônia Ribeiro
Published: November 2020

Non-toxic products with distinguishable characteristics are desirable for use in the packaging sector. Biopolymers fit this criterion and can serve as vehicles for the addition of various compounds, such as enzymes, dyes, antioxidant agents, or monounsaturated fatty acids, to provide useful qualities to a product, such as biodegradability. A biopolymer obtained from fishing industry waste residues can be combined with fatty acids to form films and emulsions with different characteristics to be used in different drug production, packaging, and product protection. This study aimed to use a natural biopolymer, chitosan, in combination with oils from the Mauritia flexuosa L.f., (“buriti”) and Acrocomia aculeata (“macaúba”) species of palm trees to develop films that exhibit excellent biodegradability in soil. The degradation of chitosan films (CF), emulsified chitosan films with buriti oil (CFB), and emulsified chitosan films with macaúba oil (CFM) in soil was investigated, where the CFB samples showed the best protection against moisture and the largest weight reduction over 30, 60, and 90 day testing periods. Further studies are needed to test the practical application of these films, but the results of the CFB sample indicate that these chitosan films imbued with natural oils from the Mauritia flexuosa L.f. and Acrocomia aculeata species have great potential for use in the packaging sector.
Estimation of Parent-Sib Correlations for Quantitative Traits Using the Linear Mixed Regression Model: Applications to Arterial Blood Pressures Data Collected From Nuclear Families
Authors: Al-Eid Maha , AL-Gahtani Sarah , Shoukri Mohamed M.
Published: November 2020

A fundamental question in quantitative genetics is whether observed variation in the phenotypic values of a particular trait is due to environmental or to biological factors. Proportion of variations attributed to genetic factors is known as heritability of the trait. Heritability is a concept that summarizes how much of the variation in a trait is due to variation in genetic factors. Often, this term is used in reference to the resemblance between parents and their offspring. In this context, high heritability implies a strong resemblance between parents and offspring with regard to a specific trait, while low heritability implies a low level of resemblance. While many applications measure the offspring resemblance to their parents using the mid-parental value of a quantitative trait of interest as an input parameter, others focus on estimating maternal and paternal heritability. In this paper we address the problem of estimating parental heritability using the nuclear family as a unit of analysis. We derive moment and maximum likelihood estimators of parental heritability, and test their equality using the likelihood ratio test, the delta method. We also use Fieller’s interval on the ratio of parental heritability to address the question of bioequivalence. The methods are illustrated on published arterial blood pressures data collected from nuclear families.
The potential of epigenetic methods to provide evidence of torture
Authors: Suárez-López Paula
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The last five decades have wit- nessed a transition from brutal forms of physi- cal torture to other physical and psychological methods that do not leave marks on the body. Providing evidence of these types of torture is often a challenge. Finding biological markers of torture would potentially contribute to solve this problem.

Methods: Scientific literature review.

Results: Methods to analyse certain biological marks present in the genetic material (the DNA), called epigenetic marks, have been developed in recent years. These marks can change in response to environmental factors, but these changes do not alter the genetic information contained in the DNA. Changes in epigenetic marks have been correlated with traumatic stress. Given that torture is an extreme form of trauma, this article argues that torture may also be associated with epigenetic changes.

Discussion: Epigenetic methods offer a new tool that might be useful for the medico-legal documentation of cases of torture. Given that these methods have not been used for this purpose yet, they should be tested. Whether they have potential to contribute to determine the severity of suffering, establish a severity threshold or design strategies for the rehabilitation of torture survivors is discussed. The advantages and limitations of these methods, as well as ethical implications, must be taken into account.
Ethical criteria when a (potential) perpetrator asks a human rights organization to defend their case based on the forensic documentation of alleged torture. How shall we proceed?
Authors: López Martín Sara
Published: November 2020

Objective

Discuss the ethical dilemma of perpetrators requesting clinical evaluations intended to prove persecution or torture. The discussion is organized around three real cases.

Method

We present three cases of plausible perpetra- tors, partially amended to protect anonymity. The paper presents a review of the complex ethical challenges that the dilemma poses.

A multidisciplinary panel of doctors, psychologists and lawyers had a similar discussion and agreed on three criteria presented here for contrast with the broader community of researchers and practitioners. The paper is not in itself a legal or ethical academic review, instead, it establishes the main terms of debate, demonstrates the lack of literature that debates it and reflects an initial consensus between forensic workers in an independent human rights organization.
risk of sanctions following visits by monitoring bodies; a study conducted in Albania and Honduras
Authors: Brasholt Marie , Van den Bergh Brenda , Bllaca Erinda , Mejía Alba , Larsen Marie My Warborg , Levinsen Anne Katrine Graudal , Modvig Jens Simon
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Independent monitoring of places of detention is considered an effective way of preventing torture, but some reports have shown that detainees may face reprisals after engaging with monitors.This pilot study aims to further investigate the nature and the extent of such reprisals.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey among male prisoners in 4 prisons in Albania and 4 in Honduras was carried out using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire and collecting additional narrative comments. Strict ethical guidelines were followed, and follow-up visits took place to detect any sanctions following participation in the study.

Results: 170 detainees were invited to participate of whom 164 accepted. Most were aware of monitoring visits and found them helpful. More than one-third reported that au- thorities had made special arrangements like cleaning and painting prior to the monitoring visits, and 34% of participants in Albania and 12% in Honduras had felt pressured to act in a specific way towards the monitors. One- fifth had experienced sanctions after the last monitoring visit, most often threats and humiliations. During the follow-up visits, the interviewees reported no incidents following their participation in the study.

Discussion: This pilot study has shown that it is possible to collect information about detainees’ experience with monitoring visits through interviews while they are still detained. The fact that reprisals are reported prior to and following monitoring visits points to the need of improving monitoring methodology to further lower the risk. Further research is needed to better understand the dynamics of the sanctions taking place with the aim of reaching a deeper understanding of potential preventive measures.
The impact of Basic Body Awareness Therapy on balance confidence and health-related quality of life in hunger strike victims with Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome: pilot study
Authors: Yüce Hamiyet , Bahrilli Tanju
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the short and long-term results of Basic Body Awareness Therapy (Basic BAT) on balance confidence and health-related quality of life in the people with Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) who survived hunger strike.

Methods: A single case experimental design was used in the study. Basic BAT was applied to 4 people as a group therapy once a week for 12 weeks. Balance confidence was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and health status was assessed with Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36 Short Form). Assessments were done before treatment, after treatment, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up.

Results: 4 patients achieved clinically significant improvements on balance. All patients achieved significant change in physical functioning and role physical subcategories of SF-36. Visual analysis showed that the improvement in the patients continued after the treatment during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Basic BAT is effective as a physiotherapy method in the treatment of cerebellar problems, balance disorders and gait incoordination seen in WKS. The Basic BAT method may provide a new perspective for the rehabilitation of survivors of hunger strikes with WKS.
Commentary by Henry Shue:
Authors: Shue Henry
Published: November 2020

Two suggestions are proposed: distinguishing provision of therapy and provision of support for asylum; and distinguishing inquiry before acceptance as client and trust after acceptance as client.
Commentary by Elizabeth Lira:
Authors: Lira Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

The questions at the heart of the text of the article arise in the professional work of evaluating victims of torture in a centre (NGO). The victims come from various countries, where torture practices exist or have existed, and request international protection.

Dilemmas arise from the possibility of professionals finding themselves in front of clients who, during assessment, have doubts about the client's status as victim, and who develop suspicions that they may be a perpetrator. The centre may decide to exclude them from treatment at some point to prevent international protection from contributing to impunity for any crimes they may have committed. However, the decision to exclude them makes it necessary to examine and review the admissibility criteria in trying to control the risks of committing injustices. Resolving the dilemmas identified in the article involves a process of discernment that guarantees the clients’ rights, the safety and certainty of professional procedures and their outcomes, and finally the effective protection of victims.
Commentary by Onder Ozkalipci:
Authors: Ozkalipci Onder
Published: November 2020

I congratulate the author for bringing this topic regarding the ethical dilemmas faced by NGOs when a perpetrator of torture requests a clinical evaluation to prove claims of persecution or being victim of torture. Such dilemmas may arise in the case of NGOs whose primary mission is to provide supportive documentation for asylum claims by victims of torture, in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol.

Questions related to these dilemmas may emerge in the daily practice of any rehabilitation centre for survivors of torture (RCTs). I will proceed to discuss the paper from the perspective of RCTs....
On the art of stealing chloroplasts
Authors: Cartaxana Paulo , Cruz Sónia
Published: November 2020

Sea slugs increase the longevity of the chloroplasts they steal from algae by limiting the harmful side-effects of photosynthesis.
Response of Bolivian gray titi monkeys (Plecturocebus donacophilus) to an anthropogenic noise gradient: behavioral and hormonal correlates
Authors: Hernani Lineros Lucero M. , Chimènes Amélie , Maille Audrey , Dingess Kimberly , Rumiz Damián I. , Adret Patrice
Published: November 2020

Worldwide urban expansion and deforestation have caused a rapid decline of non-human primates in recent decades. Yet, little is known to what extent these animals can tolerate anthropogenic noise arising from roadway traffic and human presence in their habitat. We studied six family groups of titis residing at increasing distances from a busy highway, in a park promoting ecotourism near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. We mapped group movements, sampled the titis’ behavior, collected fecal samples from each study group and conducted experiments in which we used a mannequin simulating a human intrusion in their home range. We hypothesized that groups of titi monkeys exposed to higher levels of anthropogenic noise and human presence would react weakly to the mannequin and show higher concentrations of fecal cortisol compared with groups in least perturbed areas. Sound pressure measurements and systematic monitoring of soundscape inside the titis’ home ranges confirmed the presence of a noise gradient, best characterized by the root-mean-square (RMS) and median amplitude (M) acoustic indices; importantly, both anthropogenic noise and human presence co-varied. Study groups resided in small, overlapping home ranges and they spent most of their time resting and preferentially used the lower forest stratum for traveling and the higher levels for foraging. Focal sampling analysis revealed that the time spent moving by adult pairs was inversely correlated with noise, the behavioral change occurring within a gradient of minimum sound pressures ranging from 44 dB(A) to 52 dB(A). Validated enzyme-immunoassays of fecal samples however detected surprisingly low cortisol concentrations, unrelated to the changes observed in the RMS and M indices. Finally, titis’ response to the mannequin varied according to our expectation, with alarm calling being greater in distant groups relative to highway. Our study thus indicates reduced alarm calling through habituation to human presence and suggests a titis’ resilience to anthropogenic noise with little evidence of physiological stress.
PENGARUH LINGKUNGAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA MELALUI KOMPETENSI SDM SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING PADA UKM KERIPIK TEMPE MALANG
Authors: Indriyani Ratih , Dewi Monica
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari lingkungan kerja terhadap kompetensi sumber daya manusia, kompetensi sumber daya manusia terhadap individual performance dan pengaruh dari lingkungan kerja terhadap terhadap individual performance pada UKM Keripik Tempe Sanan Malang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan angket. Sampel yang digunakan 100 orang karyawan UKM Keripik Tempe Sanan, Malang. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lingkungan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kompetensi sumber daya manusia, kompetensi sumber daya manusia berpengaruh terhadap individual performance dan lingkungan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap terhadap individual performance
ANALISIS FAKTOR BRAND CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR PADA HOTEL SHERATON SURABAYA
Authors: Graciella Claudion , Hutama Erica Dea , Andreani Fransisca
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui faktor baru yang dapat terbentuk dari Brand Citizenship Behavior (BCB) di Hotel Sheraton Surabaya. BCB adalah perilaku karyawan yang mencerminkan merek organisasinya. Karena perilaku karyawan mencerminkan merek organisasinya, maka sangatlah penting untuk membentuk perilaku karyawan.  Penelitian ini bertujuan mereduksi 7 faktor BCB (helping behavior, brand consideration, brand enthusiasm, sportsmanship, brand endorsement, self-development, brand advancement) dengan menggunakan Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor baru yang terbentuk adalah helping behavior, brand enthusiasm, self-development, dan brand loyalty
FAKTOR-FAKTOR PENDORONG KONSUMEN SURABAYA MEMBELI MAKANAN DAN MINUMAN MELALUI APLIKASI GOFOOD DAN GRABFOOD
Authors: Puspita Marcella , Aprilia Adriana
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mendorong konsumen Surabaya membeli makanan dan minuman melalui aplikasi GoFood dan Grabfood. Kuesioner telah disebarkan kepada 351 responden dan data dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisa faktor dengan SPSS for windows 16.0. Hasil analisa ini menunjukkan 8 faktor baru yang mendorong konsumen membeli makanan dan minuman melalui aplikasi yaitu kualitas layanan dan aplikasi, variasi, gaya hidup, efektivitas dan efiesiensi, kondisional, sosial, preferensi dan individu
Glycerol Acetylation with Propionic Acid Using Iron and Cobalt Oxides in Al-MCM-41 Catalysts
Authors: Tentor Fabio Ribeiro , Dias Diego Borelli , Gomes Mateus Rosolen , Vicente João Guilherme Pereira , Cardozo-Filho Lúcio , Berezuk Marcio Eduardo
Published: November 2020

In this work, Al-MCM-41 molecular sieves were synthesized, containing iron and/or cobalt oxides, impregnated by incipient wetness method, characterized and applied as catalysts in the acetylation reaction of glycerol with propionic acid to produce green glyceryl propionate molecules of high commercial value. According to this, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR), adsorption/desorption N2 isotherms, textural analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were recorded to evaluate the main characteristics of materials. The presence of Lewis and Brønsted acidic sites and catalysts surface area were observed as important key points to functionalize acetylation reaction. Thus, time reaction, temperature, and glycerol / propionic acid ratio varied to improve the most suitable reaction conditions and behaviors. As a result, glycerol conversion was above 96%, followed by 68% of selectivity to glyceryl monopropionate as well as the formation of glyceryl di- and tri- propionate and a small amount of ethylene glycol dipropionate as an undesired product. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A novel circular RNA, hsa_circ_0030998 suppresses lung cancer tumorigenesis and Taxol resistance by sponging miR‐558
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Feng Yiling , Yang Bo , Xiao Ting , Ren Haixia , Yu Xi , Li Lei , Li Mingjiang , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single‐stranded RNAs which form a covalently closed continuous loop. Although originally shown to be non‐protein‐coding, some circRNAs can give rise to micropeptides. circRNAs have also been shown to play essential regulatory roles in a variety of developmental and disease processes. In a previous study, hsa_circ_0030998 was identified as a circRNA downregulated in lung cancer, but its potential implications and mechanisms in lung cancer were not addressed. Here, we showed that overexpressing circ_0030998 decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells, while also dampening resistance to Taxol, a classical antitumor drug. Depleting circ_0030998 reversed these phenotypic effects. A high circ_0030998 expression was correlated with a high survival rate in lung cancer patients. Additionally, we found circ_0030998 could downregulate miR‐558 expression, serving as a microRNA sponge. In conclusion, our data support that hsa_circ_0030998 can slow down the progression of lung cancer by targeting miR‐558 and suppress malignant phenotypes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion progression of lung cancer cells. Therefore, we highlight that circ_0030998 could be a novel tumor suppressor of lung cancer.
Glucocorticoids induce femoral head necrosis in rats through the ROS/JNK/c‐Jun pathway
Authors: Peng Puji , Nie Zhigang , Sun Fei , Peng Hao
Published: November 2020

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common clinical disease with a high disability rate. Apoptosis of osteoblasts caused by high‐dose short‐term or low‐dose long‐term glucocorticoid (GC) administration is the biological basis of steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). The pathogenesis of SANFH has not yet been fully elucidated, and there is currently a lack of effective clinical treatments. Here, we investigated the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway in SANFH. Dexamethasone (Dex) was used to induce apoptosis in osteoblasts, and this resulted in a significant increase in levels of p‐JNK, p‐c‐Jun, Bax, caspase‐3, caspase‐9, cytochrome C, Beclin‐1, and LC3, and a decrease in levels of P62 and Bcl‐2. In addition, intracellular ROS levels were increased and mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. Administration of 3‐MA, an autophagy inhibitor, attenuated Dex‐mediated changes in autophagy and apoptosis. A rat model of ONFH exhibited severe bone trabecular hollow bone pits along with a significant increase in femoral head cell apoptosis compared with the control group. Additionally, micro‐CT analysis showed that both bone tissue content and femoral head integrity were significantly reduced in the ONFH group. Furthermore, 3‐MA treatment decreased the effect of Dex on GC‐induced ONFH and osteoblast apoptosis in rats and could counteract microstructure destruction due to femoral head necrosis. In summary, our data suggest that GC can induce osteoblast apoptosis and autophagy through the ROS/JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathway, which contributes to ONFH.
Functional roles of the hexamer structure of C‐phycocyanin revealed by calculation of absorption wavelength
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroto
Published: November 2020

Cyanophyta‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) is the main constituent of the rod of phycobilisome (PBS), which is a highly ordered and large peripheral light‐harvesting protein complex present on the cytoplasmic side of the thylakoid membrane in cyanobacteria and red algae. The C‐PC monomer comprises two chains, α‐ and β‐subunits, and aggregates to form ring‐shaped trimers (αβ)3 with rotational symmetry. The ring‐shaped trimer (αβ)3 is a structural block unit (SBU) that forms the rod of PBS. Two (αβ)3 SBUs are arranged in a face‐to‐face manner to form an (αβ)6‐hexamer. In this study, the electronic states of three phycocyanobilins, α84, β84, and β155 in C‐phycocyanin, constituting the rod of the PBS, were calculated for both the trimer and hexamer models by considering the effect of the electrostatic field of protein moieties and water molecules. For the hexamer, the absorption wavelengths of α84, β84, and β155 were similar to those obtained experimentally; however, for the trimer, only the absorption wavelength of β155 shifted toward a shorter‐wavelength. The nature of the hexamer structure as a hierarchical structure is revealed by considering the calculated absorption wavelength and energy transfer.
Isolation and thermal stabilization of mouse ferroportin
Authors: Deshpande Chandrika N. , Azucenas Corbin R. , Qiao Bo , Nomura Norimichi , Xin Vicky , Font Josep , Iwata So , Ganz Tomas , Nemeth Elizabeta , Mackenzie Bryan , Jormakka Mika
Published: November 2020

Ferroportin (Fpn) is an essential mammalian iron transporter that is negatively regulated by the hormone hepcidin. Our current molecular understanding of Fpn‐mediated iron efflux and regulation is limited due to a lack of biochemical, biophysical and high‐resolution structural studies. A critical step towards understanding the transport mechanism of Fpn is to obtain sufficient quantities of pure and stable protein for downstream studies. As such, we detail here an expression and purification protocol for mouse Fpn yielding milligram quantities of pure protein. We have generated deletion constructs exhibiting enhanced thermal stability and which retained iron‐transport activity and hepcidin responsiveness, providing a platform for further biophysical studies of Fpn.
Current Modulation of Plasmonic Nanolasers by Breaking Reciprocity on Hybrid Graphene–Insulator–Metal Platforms
Authors: Li Heng , Huang Zhen‐Ting , Hong Kuo‐Bin , Hsu Chu‐Yuan , Chen Jia‐Wei , Cheng Chang‐Wei , Chen Kuo‐Ping , Lin Tzy‐Rong , Gwo Shang‐Jr , Lu Tien‐Chang
Published: November 2020

A hybrid graphene–insulator–metal (GIM) platform is proposed with a supported surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wave that can be manipulated by breaking Lorentz reciprocity. The ZnO SPP nanowire lasers on the GIM platforms are demonstrated up to room temperature to be actively modulated by applying external current to graphene, which transforms the cavity mode from the standing to propagation wave pattern. With applying 100 mA external current, the laser threshold increases by ≈100% and a 1.2 nm Doppler shift is observed due to the nonreciprocal propagation characteristic. The nanolaser performance also depends on the orientation of the nanowire with respect to the current flow direction. The GIM platform can be a promising platform for integrated plasmonic system functioning laser generation, modulation, and detection.
Temperature is a regulator of leaf production in the family Dipterocarpaceae of equatorial Southeast Asia
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki J. , Ng Kevin Kit Siong , Lee Soon Leong , Muhammad Norwati , Tani Naoki
Published: November 2020

Premise

Leaf phenology is an essential developmental process in trees and an important component in understanding climate change. However, little is known about the regulation of leaf phenology in tropical trees.

Methods

To understand the regulation by temperature of leaf phenology in tropical trees, we performed daily observations of leaf production under rainfall‐independent conditions using saplings of Shorea leprosula and Neobalanocarpus heimii, both species of Dipterocarpaceae, a dominant tree family of Southeast Asia. We analyzed the time‐series data obtained using empirical dynamic modeling (EDM) and conducted growth chamber experiments.

Results

Leaf production by dipterocarps fluctuated in the absence of fluctuation in rainfall, and the peaks of leaf production were more frequent than those of day length, suggesting that leaf production cannot be fully explained by these environmental factors, although they have been proposed as regulators of leaf phenology in dipterocarps. Instead, EDM suggested a causal relationship between temperature and leaf production in dipterocarps. Leaf production by N. heimii saplings in chambers significantly increased when temperature was increased after long‐term low‐temperature treatment. This increase in leaf production was observed even when only nighttime temperature was elevated, suggesting that the effect of temperature on development is not mediated by photosynthesis.

Conclusions

Because seasonal variation in temperature in the tropics is small, effects on leaf phenology have been overlooked. However, our results suggest that temperature is a regulator of leaf phenology in dipterocarps. This information will contribute to better understanding of the effects of climate change in the tropics.
Single‐Crystal Red Phosphors and Their Core–Shell Structure for Improved Water‐Resistance for Laser Diodes Applications
Authors: Zhou Jianbang , Wang Yunfeng , Chen Yingyuan , Zhou Yayun , Milićević Bojana , Zhou Lei , Yan Jing , Shi Jianxin , Liu Ru‐Shi , Wu Mingmei
Published: November 2020

A solvent‐vapor transport route produces centimeter‐sized single‐crystal red phosphors. The epitaxial growth route to yield its core–shell structure at ambient temperature was adopted. These red phosphors could be applied in all‐inorganic WLED devices. Cs2TiF6:Mn4+ (CTFM) single crystal provides enhancement of quantum efficiency, moisture resistance, and thermal stability compared to polycrystalline powders. The internal quantum efficiency can reach as high as 98.7 %. To further improve waterproof stability, the Cs2TiF6 (CTF) shell with tunable thickness has been epitaxially grown on the CTFM single crystal surface and a unique three‐step photoluminescence intensity evolution mechanism has been proposed. By combining as‐prepared CTFM@CTF core–shell structured single crystal, YAG:Ce single crystal and blue‐chip, warm WLEDs with excellent color rendition (Ra=90, R9=94), low correlated color temperature (CCT=3155 K), and high luminous efficacy were fabricated without any organic resins.
3‐(Methoxycarbonyl)Cyclobutenone as a Reactive Dienophile in Enantioselective Diels–Alder Reactions Catalyzed by Chiral Oxazaborolidinium Ions
Authors: Yan Peng , Zhong Changxu , Zhang Jie , Liu Yu , Fang Huayi , Lu Ping
Published: November 2020

Cyclobutenone has been used as a highly reactive dienophile in Diels–Alder reactions, however, no enantioselective example has been reported. We disclose herein a chiral oxazaborolidine‐aluminum bromide catalyzed enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction of 3‐alkoxycarbonyl cyclobutenone with a variety of dienes. Furthermore, a total synthesis of (−)‐kingianin F was completed for the first time via enantioenriched cycloadduct bicyclo[4.2.0]octane derivative.
The Challenge of Peptide Proteolytic Stability Studies: Scarce Data, Difficult Readability, and the Need for Harmonization
Authors: Cavaco Marco , Andreu David , Castanho Miguel A. R. B.
Published: November 2020

Proteolytic stability assessment is increasingly viewed as a fundamental component of peptide characterization, arguably of comparable importance as efficacy and toxicity data. A literature survey over the last decade reveals steady growth in the stability information available. However, it also uncovers two significant problems that hinder proper data comparison: 1) the use of different stability assays, and 2) the differences in how stability information is reported. In this Viewpoint, we present results from a database meta‐analysis as well as concerns about the stability assessments published so far. We also suggest guidelines for a proper discussion between experts in the field on how to improve data readability so that peptide stability, an often‐missing parameter in older literature, is adequately reported to take maximum advantage of it.
Efficient Suppression of Chain Transfer and Branching via Cs‐Type Shielding in a Neutral Nickel(II) Catalyst
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Kang Xiaohui , Dai Shengyu , Cui Fengchao , Li Yunqi , Mu Hongliang , Mecking Stefan , Jian Zhongbao
Published: November 2020

An effective shielding of both apical positions of a neutral NiII active site is achieved by dibenzosuberyl groups, both attached via the same donors’ N‐aryl group in a Cs‐type arrangement. The key aniline building block is accessible in a single step from commercially available dibenzosuberol. This shielding approach suppresses chain transfer and branch formation to such an extent that ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes (5×106 g mol−1) are accessible, with a strictly linear microstructure (<0.1 branches/1000C). Key features of this highly active (4.3×105 turnovers h−1) catalyst are an exceptionally facile preparation, thermal robustness (up to 90 °C polymerization temperature), ability for living polymerization and compatibility with THF as a polar reaction medium.
Unique antimicrobial/thermally conductive polymer composites for use in medical electronic devices
Authors: Xiong Si‐Wei , Zhang Pan , Xia Yu , Zou Qian , Jiang Meng‐ying , Gai Jing‐Gang
Published: November 2020

The common neglect of the prominent bacterial growth and accumulation on polymer‐based thermal conductive materials used in medical electronic devices will hurt the functionality and lifetime of medical devices, and sometimes even lead to medical accidents. In this study, we developed a novel ternary composite with excellent antimicrobial and thermal conductive properties to solve this problem. This composite was composed of antimicrobial functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (AB@h‐BN) nanoplatelets, low melt alloys (LMAs), and epoxy. Antimicrobial testing showed that the AB@h‐BN/LMAs/epoxy composites were 100% against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; their antibacterial mechanism was contact killing and was harmless to the environment. Besides enhancing the antimicrobial property, the AB@h‐BN nanoplatelets connected the mutually independent LMAs, forming the continuous network for heat conduction in the epoxy. Benefited from this distinctive structure, the thermal conductivity of AB@h‐BN/LMAs/epoxy can reach 2.66 Wm−1 k−1, which represented an enhancement of about 1141% over the pure epoxy.
The synthesis of peptide‐conjugated poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) (PEtOx‐b‐PLA) polymeric systems through the combination of controlled polymerization techniques and click reactions
Authors: Ozkose Umut Ugur , Gulyuz Sevgi , Parlak Khalily Melek , Ozcubukcu Salih , Bozkir Asuman , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Alpturk Onur , Yilmaz Ozgur
Published: November 2020

To optimize the therapeutic effect of pharmaceutical agents, drug delivery systems tailored from FDA‐approved polymers like poly(L‐lactide) (PLA) is an effective strategy. Because of their hydrophobic character, these systems greatly suffer from reduced circulation time thus, amphiphilic block copolymers became favorable to overcome this limitation. Of them, poly(oxazoline)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) are of choice as poly(oxazoline) (PEtOx) is compatible, biodegradable, while exhibiting minimum cytotoxicity. To tailor selective drug targeting drug delivery systems, whereby their selectivity for tumor tissues is maximized, these polymers should be decorated with so‐called tumor‐homing agents, such as antibodies, peptides and so forth. To this respect, we designed a new block copolymer, allyl‐poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) allyl‐(PEtOx‐b‐PLA) and its subsequent conjugation to tumor‐homing peptides, peptide‐18, and peptide‐563 at the terminal position. In this manuscript, we report our synthetic route to obtain this building block and its conjugation to tumor‐homing agents.
Coastal development threatens Datan area supporting greatest fish diversity at Taoyuan Algal Reef, northwestern Taiwan
Authors: Heard Joseph , Tung Wei‐Chen , Pei Yu‐De , Lin Tzu‐Hao , Lin Chien‐Hsiang , Akamatsu Tomonari , Wen Colin K. C.
Published: November 2020

Taoyuan Algal Reef is a biodiverse coralline algal reef in north‐west Taiwan, that is currently threatened by coastal development and industrial waste runoff.

As the reef lies in an exposed area that is frequently disturbed by monsoons, it is difficult to survey using traditional methods. Knowledge of the reef is therefore limited, and has until recently, long been regarded as a barren environment.

However, recent studies have revealed that the reef is inhabited by a diverse array of organisms, particularly at Datan, where a natural gas receiving terminal is planned for construction. Due to challenging environmental conditions, otolith assemblage and soundscape analyses were used to supplement traditional sampling methods including clove oil, netting, and pole‐and‐line fishing in order to assess the diversity of the fish community at Taoyuan Algal Reef.

Several fish species that had not been recorded by previous surveys were observed. Fish diversity and the average size of commercially targeted species were greatest at Datan G2. Predatory reef fishes such as groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae), as well as several small endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks Sphyrna lewini were recorded at G2, where otolith assemblage analysis also indicated increased predatory activity. However, fewer individuals and species were recorded from tidal pools across all sites compared to previous surveys, suggesting a loss of biodiversity.

If construction work resumes at Datan, it will be likely to have adverse consequences for the reef itself, the species that inhabit it, and by extension, the local fishermen that rely upon it. Halting additional coastal development, reducing industrial and domestic pollution, as well as improving the management of traditional fisheries is recommended to protect this unique reef ecosystem from further degradation.
Development of myodural bridge located within the atlanto‐occipital interspace of rats
Authors: Lai Hua‐Xun , Zhang Jian‐Fei , Song Ting‐Wei , Liu Bo , Tang Wei , Sun Shi‐Zhu , Qin Tao , Yun Zhi‐Fei , Zhu Shi‐Jie , Yu Sheng‐Bo , Sui Hong‐Jin
Published: November 2020

The myodural bridge (MDB) is a dense connective tissue structure that connects the subocciptal musculature to the spinal dura mater. The purpose of this study was to clarify morphological evolution characteristics and compositional changes in the fibrous structures of MDB during its growth and development in the atlanto‐occipital interspace. For this, histological sections from Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (age, E17 to adulthood) were stained with Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red. The results demonstrated that at age E18, the posterior arch of the atlas was completely closed and MDB fibers had already begun to form. In rat embryos (E18‐E21), only few fibers and muscles were present in the suboccipital region, and these were lightly stained. In postnatal rats, an obvious increase in the amount of fibers and muscle tissues was noted. At age P1, MDB fibers originated from the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle and merged into the atlanto‐occipital membrane, which was closely attached to the spinal dura mater. As rats matured, MDB fibers gradually became denser and more organized. This study also showed that in postnatal rats, MDB was mainly composed of type I collagen fibers. By observing the development of MDB in SD rats, the function of MDB can be further understood. This study provides a morphological basis for future functional studies involving the MDB.
Preparation of a Dual‐MOF Heterostructure (ZIF@MIL) for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity
Authors: Zhao Tao , Wang Dong , Cheng Chen , Zhong Dazhong , Hao Genyan , Liu Guang , Li Jinping , Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2020

Although metal‐organic frameworks have proven to be excellent electrocatalytic materials, their application as electrode materials remains limited. The preparation of heterostructures is considered an effective method to improve catalytic activity. Herein, we describe the design and assembly of a dual‐MOF heterostructure (CoNi−ZIF‐67@Fe−MIL‐100, denoted ZIF@MIL). Specifically, we grew a layer of MIL‐100 in situ on a bimetallic ZIF‐67 surface using a solvothermal method. We demonstrate that the ZIF@MIL has remarkable OER electrocatalytic performance, requiring a low overpotential and showing a small Tafel slope, compared to pure ZIF‐67 and MIL‐100 in 1.0 m KOH. More importantly, it has excellent operational durability for 50 h at 100 mA cm−2. The high catalytic activity of ZIF@MIL can be attributed to the heterostructure that can expose more active sites, the synergistic effect between ZIF‐67 and MIL‐100, and improvement of electron transfer ability. Our work provides a new way to design and prepare dual‐MOF crystals with different structures as electrocatalysts.
Finite frequency memory output feedback controller design for discrete‐time systems with state multiplicative noises
Authors: Wang Meng , Qiu Jianbin , Feng Gang
Published: November 2020

This article studies the problem of output feedback control for discrete‐time systems with state multiplicative noises. Aiming at reducing the controller design conservatism, a novel finite frequency memory control approach is developed, which makes full use of both current and past output measurements together with the frequency spectrum information of disturbances. By augmenting the control input into the closed‐loop system state, a descriptor system approach is proposed to facilitate the controller synthesis. Then, based on the Fourier transform, Parseval's relation, and Projection lemma, the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs)‐based controller design results are obtained to guarantee the mean‐square asymptotic stability with finite frequency
performance for the resulting closed‐loop system. The effectiveness of the developed approach is validated by an antenna motion control system.
Proportion of treatment effect mediated by surrogate endpoints
Authors: Kuroki Manabu , Shingaki Ryusei , Qu Yongming
Published: November 2020

One of the central aims in randomized clinical trials is to find well‐validated surrogate endpoints to reduce the sample size and/or duration of trials. Clinical researchers and practitioners have proposed various surrogacy measures for assessing candidate surrogate endpoints. However, most existing surrogacy measures have the following shortcomings: (i) they often fall outside the range [0,1], (ii) they are imprecisely estimated, and (iii) they ignore the interaction associations between a treatment and candidate surrogate endpoints in the evaluation of the surrogacy level. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a new surrogacy measure, the proportion of treatment effect mediated by candidate surrogate endpoints (PMS), based on the decomposition of the treatment effect into direct, indirect, and interaction associations mediated by candidate surrogate endpoints. In addition, we validate the advantages of PMS through Monte Carlo simulations and the application to empirical data from ORIENT (the Olmesartan Reducing Incidence of Endstage Renal Disease in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial).
Hypoxia‐induced SPOP attenuates the mobility of trophoblast cells through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway
Authors: Yuan Dong , Yang Zhu , Chen Yiyu , Li Siyuan , Tan Benxu , Yu Qiubo
Published: November 2020

Placental hypoxia has been implicated in pregnancy pathologies such as pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. However, the underlying mechanism by which the trophoblasts respond to hypoxia remains unclear. Speckle‑type POZ protein (SPOP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase adapter, was previously reported to play important roles in various physiological and pathological processes. This study aims to investigate the expression and biological functions of SPOP after exposure to cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐mimicked hypoxia conditions using human trophoblast‐derived choriocarcinoma cell lines and extravillous cytotrophoblast. These data showed that SPOP protein was directly induced by CoCl2‐mimicked hypoxia and regulated by HIF‐1α at the posttranscription level. CoCl2 treatment could dramatically influence the localization of SPOP in trophoblasts, especially the accumulation of SPOP into the nucleus. In addition, both CoCl2‐mimicked hypoxia and induction of endogenous SPOP expression by lentivirus transfection attenuated the migration and invasion abilities of trophoblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SPOP was involved in CoCl2‐induced the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway in placental trophoblasts. Taken together, these data indicate that accumulation of HIF‐1α augments the expression of SPOP in trophoblasts, which impairs trophoblastic mobility by targeting the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway. This potentially leads to insufficient uterine spiral artery remodeling and suboptimal placental perfusion, and thus the development of pregnancy‐related complication.
Light‐Driven Syngas Production over Defective ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Xuanwei , Chen Jianfeng , Li Qiuyun , Li Lingyun , Zhuang Zanyong , Chen Fei‐Fei , Yu Yan
Published: November 2020

Photocatalytic syngas (CO and H2) production with CO2 as gas source not only ameliorates greenhouse effect, but also produces valuable chemical feedstocks. However, traditional photocatalytic systems require noble metal or suffers from low yield. Here, we demonstrate that S vacancies ZnIn2S4 (VS‐ZnIn2S4) nanosheets are an ideal photocatalyst to drive CO2 reduction into syngas. It is found that building S vacancies can endow ZnIn2S4 with stronger photoabsorption, efficient electron–hole separation, and larger CO2 adsorption, finally promoting both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The syngas yield of CO and H2 is therefore significantly increased. In contrast to pristine ZnIn2S4, the syngas yield over VS‐ZnIn2S4 can be improved by roughly ≈4.73 times and the CO/H2 ratio is modified from 1:4.18 to 1:1. Total amount of syngas after 12 h photocatalysis is as high as 63.20 mmol g−1 without use of any noble metals, which is even higher than those of traditional noble metal‐based catalysts in the reported literatures. This work demonstrates the critical role of S vacancies in mediating catalytic activity and selectivity, and highlights the attractive ability of defective ZnIn2S4 for light‐driven syngas production.
Facile Access to Hetero‐poly‐functional Arenes and meta‐Substituted Arenes via Two‐Step Dimetalation and Mg/Halogen‐Exchange Protocol
Authors: Bruña Sonia , Kennedy Alan. R. , Fairley Michael , O'Hara Charles T.
Published: November 2020

The Grignard reagent, iPrMgCl and its lithium chloride‐enhanced ‘turbo’ derivative iPrMgCl⋅LiCl have been employed to investigate the single iodo/magnesium exchange reactions of the trisubstituted arenes, 2,5‐diiodo‐N,N‐diisopropylbenzamide 1, 1,4‐diiodo‐2‐methoxybenzene 2, and 1,4‐diiodo‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzene 3. These three arenes themselves were initially prepared by a double ortho‐, meta′‐deprotonation of N,N‐diisopropylbenzamide, anisole and (trifluoromethyl)benzene, respectively, using the sodium magnesiate reagent [Na4Mg2(TMP)6(nBu)2] (where TMP is 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide), and subsequent electrophilic quenching with iodine/THF solution. Thus, by following a combined deprotonation and magnesium/halogen exchange strategy, the simple monosubstituted arenes can be converted to trisubstituted diiodoarenes, which can ultimately be transformed into the corresponding mono‐magnesiated arenes, in THF at −40 °C, within seconds in good yields. The other functional group (OMe, NiPr2 or CF3 respectively) present on the di‐iodoarenes helps direct the exchange reaction to the ortho position, whereas subsequent addition of different electrophiles permits the preparation of hetero‐poly‐functional‐arenes, with three different substituents in their structure. Intriguingly, if water is used as the electrophile, a new and facile route to prepare meta‐substituted arenes, which cannot be easily obtained by conventional processes, is forthcoming. In contrast to directed ortho‐metalation (DoM) chemistry, this reaction sequence can be thought of as InDirect meta‐Metalation (IDmM). The scope of the chemistry has been tested further by exposing the initial unreacted iodo‐functionality at the meta‐position to a second Mg/I‐exchange reaction and subsequent functionalization.
[2]Catenane Synthesis via Covalent Templating
Authors: Pilon Simone , Ingemann Jørgensen Steen , van Maarseveen Jan H.
Published: November 2020

After earlier unsuccessful attempts, this work reports the application of covalent templating for the synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules (MiMs) bearing no supramolecular recognition sites. Two linear strands were covalently connected in a perpendicular fashion by a central ketal linkage. After subsequent attachment of the first strand to a template via temporary benzylic linkages, the second was linked to the template in a backfolding macrocyclization. The resulting pseudo[1]rotaxane structure was successfully converted to a [2]catenane via a second macrocyclization and cleavage of the ketal and temporary linkages.
CO2 mobility control by small molecule thickeners during secondary and tertiary enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Gandomkar Asghar , Torabi Farshid , Riazi Masoud
Published: November 2020

Recently, polymer thickeners have been considered for CO2 mobility control during enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Despite that, the requirement of co‐solvents is a controversial challenge for the solution of high‐molecular weight thickeners in gases. This study is focused on small molecule thickeners for carbon dioxide EOR without adding co‐solvents. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a CO2‐philic thickener in different low molecular weights. Cloud‐point pressure, relative viscosity, and interfacial tension (IFT) between intermediate crude oil and pure/thickened CO2 were measured at reservoir conditions. Also, the impact of PDMS‐CO2 thickener on gas mobility control was evaluated during the coreflooding experiments in secondary and tertiary modes. The experimental results show that PDMS caused an increase in relative viscosity up to 4.7‐fold and successfully thickened CO2. In addition, the minimum miscibility pressure of PDMS‐thickened CO2 was lower than that of pure CO2, and miscible PDMS‐CO2 thickener occurred at higher PDMS molecular weights. However, the gas breakthrough time can be considerably delayed if the PDMS‐thickened CO2 was flooded directly, which increased the oil recovery factor between 6% to 15% during tertiary recovery.