bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Quality Perovskite Crystals for Efficient Film Photodetectors Induced by Hydrolytic Insulating Oxide Substrates
Authors: Li Yiming , Li Yusheng , Shi Jiangjian , Zhang Huiyin , Wu Jionghua , Li Dongmei , Luo Yanhong , Wu Huijue , Meng Qingbo
Published: January 2018

A high quality perovskite film is a key factor in determining the device performance, such as photovoltaic cells, light‐emission diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. Here, a method is presented to improve the crystalline quality of perovskite films on surface‐oxygen‐rich insulating oxide substrates, which can promote the growth of both the polycrystalline and single crystals and enhance the adhesion between the perovskites and the substrates. A much longer carrier diffusion length of exceeding 5 µm together with significantly reduced trap density and nonradiative recombination is achieved for the film. These perovskite films show much better lasing and photodetector performance, indicating promising applications for the light emitting, lasing, and detector devices.
Fully High‐Temperature‐Processed SnO2 as Blocking Layer and Scaffold for Efficient, Stable, and Hysteresis‐Free Mesoporous Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiong Liangbin , Qin Minchao , Chen Cong , Wen Jian , Yang Guang , Guo Yaxiong , Ma Junjie , Zhang Qi , Qin Pingli , Li Songzhan , Fang Guojia
Published: January 2018

Planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on low‐temperature‐processed (LTP) SnO2 have demonstrated excellent photovoltaic properties duo to the high electron mobility, wide bandgap, and suitable band energy alignment of LTP SnO2. However, planar PSCs or mesoporous (mp) PSCs based on high‐temperature‐processed (HTP) SnO2 show much degraded performance. Here, a new strategy with fully HTP Mg‐doped quantum dot SnO2 as blocking layer (bl) and a quite thin SnO2 nanoparticle as mp layer are developed. The performances of both planar and mp PSCs has been greatly improved. The use of Mg‐SnO2 in planar PSCs yields a high‐stabilized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of close to 17%. The champion of mp cells exhibits hysteresis free and stable performance with a high‐stabilized PCE of 19.12%. The inclusion of thin mp SnO2 in PSCs not only plays a role of an energy bridge, facilitating electrons transfer from perovskite to SnO2 bl, but also enhances the contact area of SnO2 with perovskite absorber. Impedance analysis suggests that the thin mp layer is an “active scaffold” selectively collecting electrons from perovskite and can eliminate hysteresis and effectively suppress recombination. This is an inspiring advance toward high‐performance PSCs with HTP mp SnO2.
Switching Vertical to Horizontal Graphene Growth Using Faraday Cage‐Assisted PECVD Approach for High‐Performance Transparent Heating Device
Authors: Qi Yue , Deng Bing , Guo Xiao , Chen Shulin , Gao Jing , Li Tianran , Dou Zhipeng , Ci Haina , Sun Jingyu , Chen Zhaolong , Wang Ruoyu , Cui Lingzhi , Chen Xudong , Chen Ke , Wang Huihui , Wang Sheng , Gao Peng , Rummeli Mark H. , Peng Hailin , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: January 2018

Plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is an applicable route to achieve low‐temperature growth of graphene, typically shaped like vertical nanowalls. However, for transparent electronic applications, the rich exposed edges and high specific surface area of vertical graphene (VG) nanowalls can enhance the carrier scattering and light absorption, resulting in high sheet resistance and low transmittance. Thus, the synthesis of laid‐down graphene (LG) is imperative. Here, a Faraday cage is designed to switch graphene growth in PECVD from the vertical to the horizontal direction by weakening ion bombardment and shielding electric field. Consequently, laid‐down graphene is synthesized on low‐softening‐point soda‐lime glass (6 cm × 10 cm) at ≈580 °C. This is hardly realized through the conventional PECVD or the thermal chemical vapor deposition methods with the necessity of high growth temperature (1000 °C–1600 °C). Laid‐down graphene glass has higher transparency, lower sheet resistance, and much improved macroscopic uniformity when compare to its vertical graphene counterpart and it performs better in transparent heating devices. This will inspire the next‐generation applications in low‐cost transparent electronics.
Infrared Solution‐Processed Quantum Dot Solar Cells Reaching External Quantum Efficiency of 80% at 1.35 µm and Jsc in Excess of 34 mA cm−2
Authors: Bi Yu , Pradhan Santanu , Gupta Shuchi , Akgul Mehmet Zafer , Stavrinadis Alexandros , Konstantatos Gerasimos
Published: January 2018

Developing low‐cost photovoltaic absorbers that can harvest the short‐wave infrared (SWIR) part of the solar spectrum, which remains unharnessed by current Si‐based and perovskite photovoltaic technologies, is a prerequisite for making high‐efficiency, low‐cost tandem solar cells. Here, infrared PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells employing a hybrid inorganic–organic ligand exchange process that results in an external quantum efficiency of 80% at 1.35 µm are reported, leading to a short‐circuit current density of 34 mA cm−2 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 7.9%, which is a current record for SWIR CQD solar cells. When this cell is placed at the back of an MAPbI3 perovskite film, it delivers an extra 3.3% PCE by harnessing light beyond 750 nm.
Adamantyl Substitution Strategy for Realizing Solution‐Processable Thermally Stable Deep‐Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials
Authors: Wada Yoshimasa , Kubo Shosei , Kaji Hironori
Published: January 2018

Highly efficient solution‐processable emitters, especially deep‐blue emitters, are greatly desired to develop low‐cost and low‐energy‐consumption organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). A recently developed class of potentially metal‐free emitters, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials, are promising candidates, but solution‐processable TADF materials with efficient blue emissions are not well investigated. In this study, first the requirements for the design of efficient deep‐blue TADF materials are clarified, on the basis of which, adamantyl‐substituted TADF molecules are developed. The substitution not only endows high solubility and excellent thermal stability but also has a critical impact on the molecular orbitals, by pushing up the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy and triplet energy of the molecules. In the application to OLEDs, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.1% with blue emission having Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.19) is realized. A much deeper blue emission with CIE (0.15, 0.13) is also achieved, with an EQE of 11.2%. These efficiencies are the best yet among solution‐processed TADF OLEDs of CIE y < 0.20 and y < 0.15, as far as known. This work demonstrates the validity of adamantyl substitution and paves a pathway for straightforward realization of solution‐processable efficient deep‐blue TADF emitters.
A Practicable Li/Na‐Ion Hybrid Full Battery Assembled by a High‐Voltage Cathode and Commercial Graphite Anode: Superior Energy Storage Performance and Working Mechanism
Authors: Guo Jin‐Zhi , Yang Yang , Liu Dao‐Sheng , Wu Xing‐Long , Hou Bao‐Hua , Pang Wei‐Lin , Huang Ke‐Cheng , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: January 2018

With the rapidly growing demand for low‐cost and safe energy storage, the advanced battery concepts have triggered strong interests beyond the state‐of‐the‐art Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a novel hybrid Li/Na‐ion full battery (HLNIB) composed of the high‐energy and lithium‐free Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) cathode and commercial graphite anode mesophase carbon micro beads is for the first time designed. The assembled HLNIBs exhibit two high working voltage at about 4.05 and 3.69 V with a specific capacity of 112.7 mA h g−1. Its energy density can reach up to 328 W h kg−1 calculated from the total mass of both cathode and anode materials. Moreover, the HLNIBs show outstanding high‐rate capability, long‐term cycle life, and excellent low‐temperature performance. In addition, the reaction kinetics and Li/Na‐insertion/extraction mechanism into/out NVPOF is preliminarily investigated by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and ex situ X‐ray diffraction. This work provides a new and profound direction to develop advanced hybrid batteries.
Household production and consumption patterns of Teff in Ethiopia
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker A. , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: January 2018

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a major staple grain of Ethiopia, where the crop was domesticated from 4000 to 1000 BC. The high food‐value Teff flour is basically used for preparing injera—a spongy pancake, the major component of the Ethiopian national dish. Due to its gluten‐free quality and high mineral content, the popularity of TeffTeff has been increasing in the western world. Very little is known, about the households that produce and consume Teff in Ethiopia. Using information from more than 9000 households collected by the World Bank and the Central Statistical Agency‐Ethiopia in 2011–2012 and 2013–2014, and applying econometric estimation approaches, this study reveals that Teff is mainly produced by uneducated, male‐headed rural households which have access to relatively more land and more family labor. In contrast, a higher proportion of Teff is consumed by urban households and those headed by an older, educated head. Based on the findings, this study asserts that the productivity of Teff should be enhanced by developing and disseminating high‐yielding varieties as Teff consumption has been increasing in general and, secondly, the resource‐poor Teff cultivators should be linked with the global value chain which may bring extra benefits to them in Ethiopia; however, the loss of domestic consumers’ surplus should also be considered economically. [EconLit citations : C24, C25, D12, D13, Q12, Q13].
Incorporation of mono and bimetallic MnNi into SAPO‐34 framework used in conversion of methanol to ethylene and propylene: Alteration of acidic properties and catalytic performance
Authors: Sadeghpour Parisa , Haghighi Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Nanostructured MeAPSO‐34 (Me═Mn, Ni, and MnNi) catalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method using diethylamine (DEA) as template. The influence of Ni, Mn, and MnNi metal ions incorporation into the SAPO‐34 framework was investigated on its physicochemical properties and catalytic performance towards methanol to light olefins. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution, energy dispersive X‐ray, Brunner–Emmett–Teller, Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis spectroscopy, and temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia techniques. The results of X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that various metals, based on their unique characteristics, play different roles in the crystallization of SAPO‐34 crystalline phase. The energy dispersive X‐ray micrographs indicated appropriate distribution of Mn metal ions in comparison with Ni modifier. The catalytic performance of these catalysts showed that the type of metal ions has low effect on methanol conversion, whereas it has considerable effect on stability and products selectivity. The stability of MnAPSO‐34 catalyst is much higher than the others. The selectivity of olefins for this sample with a high specific surface area and proper distribution of strong/weak acid sites was about 98% after 10 hr. The main steps of metal ions incorporation into the SAPO‐34 framework and a possible reaction mechanism for methanol to light olefins process were discussed in details.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Synthesis of 1,4‐Dicarbonyl Compounds via Conjugate Addition of Aroyl Chlorides
Authors: Wang Chao‐Ming , Song Dan , Xia Peng‐Ju , Wang Jing , Xiang Hao‐Yue , Yang Hua
Published: January 2018

A facile visible‐light photocatalytic conjugate addition to prepare 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds has been developed by employing readily available aroyl chlorides as aryl radical sources. This operationally simple method shows a broad scope with regard to both aroyl chlorides and Michael acceptors. As a result, a variety of 1,4‐diketones were efficiently synthesized in moderate to good yields.
Highly Luminescent and Water‐Soluble Two‐Dimensional Supramolecular Organic Framework: All‐Organic Photosensitizer Template for Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution from Water
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jun , Kim Hyeong‐Ju , Lee Eung‐Chang , Kim Jaekwan , Park Soo Young
Published: January 2018

A highly fluorescent (ΦF=0.60) and water‐soluble two‐dimensional (2D) honeycomb‐shaped supramolecular organic framework (SOF) was successfully synthesized in pure aqueous solution via self‐assembly of novel cyanostilbene‐functionalized trilateral guest molecules and cucurbit[8]uril hosts. The size of this fluorescent 2D SOF was >500 nm in diameter, 1.7 nm in thickness, and 3.9 nm in the honeycomb pore diameter. This 2D SOF holds potential as a new all‐organic photosensitizer template for photocatalytic H2 evolution from pure water.
An improved prediction of sunspot maximum by Vondrak smoothing method
Authors: Yin Z. Q. , Han Y. B.
Published: January 2018

Studies of solar activity characteristics and prediction are gaining more attention. Using the 13‐month smoothed value of monthly sunspot numbers, we studied correlations between the rising rate of sunspot numbers of the first 24 months of the solar cycle (SC) and the coming cycle maximum; published forecasting results demonstrated that the maximum value was 139.2 ± 18.8 for the 23rd SC, while the observed value was 120.8 and the error was about 15.2%. The present paper introduces our improved forecasting methods. The Vondrak smoothing method is used to deal with the monthly sunspot numbers. The relationships between the rise rate of earlier months of sunspot numbers of Vondrak smoothed sequence and the coming maximum value in each SC are studied. The results show that the rising rate of sunspot numbers are highly related with the coming maximum values, and simulated prediction of maximum for 22 ∼ 24 cycles show that, using the 24‐month rise rate of three SCs, the maximum forecasting error is about 8.6%. The differences between prediction and observation of ascending time are within ±10%. The new prediction method can shift at least 6 months ahead in comparison with the common method using the 13‐month smoothed value, that is, the amplitude and epoch of solar maximum in the SC can be predicted about 2 years after the solar minimum.
Relationships between autism spectrum disorder and intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: Vasa Roma A. , Kreiser Nicole L. , Keefer Amy , Singh Vini , Mostofsky Stewart H.
Published: January 2018

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a dispositional risk factor involving maladaptive responding under conditions of uncertainty. Recent data indicate that IU is likely elevated in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is positively correlated with anxiety. This study examined whether IU may be associated with ASD independent of anxiety. Relationships between anxiety, ASD, and IU were examined in 57 children with ASD without co‐occurring intellectual disability and 32 control participants, ages 7–16 years. Hierarchal linear regressions were run to examine whether ASD variables, including emotion dysregulation, were predictive of IU when controlling for anxiety. Severity of social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and emotion dysregulation were each related to IU when controlling for the effects of anxiety. When these variables were entered into the regression model together, emotion dysregulation was the only significant predictor of IU. These findings suggest that IU is directly related to features of ASD possibly due to shared genetic, neurological, or psychological underpinnings. Autism Res 2018, 11: 636–644. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Youth with ASD without co‐occurring intellectual disability experience high levels of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), which is related to anxiety. This study found that IU may also have a relationship with certain aspects of ASD, particularly emotion dysregulation.
A Measure of Delay Discounting Within the Academic Domain
Authors: Olsen Rebecca A. , Macaskill Anne C. , Hunt Maree J.
Published: January 2018

It is important to better understand the decision‐making processes involved in student procrastination, in order to develop interventions that reduce this common problem. Students may procrastinate because studying produces delayed reinforcers; however, no task measuring delay discounting of academic outcomes currently exists. In Experiment 1, we developed and piloted a measure of academic discounting modeled on titrating‐amount tasks successfully used in the discounting literature. Participants made hypothetical choices between working for money (the smaller, sooner reinforcer) and working on an assignment that was due at various times (the larger, later reinforcer). Participants showed systematic decreases in the subjective value of the assignment as a function of delay, and the hyperbolic and hyperboloid models described the shape of this decrease in value well. In general, larger delayed rewards are discounted less steeply than smaller delayed rewards (the magnitude effect). In Experiment 2, we observed the magnitude effect in academic discounting: Participants discounted a “not important” assignment more steeply than an “important” assignment. In the hyperboloid model, this change was captured by an increase in thesparameter. Results provide support for the validity of the academic discounting task. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole exome sequencing diagnoses the first fetal case of Bainbridge‐Ropers syndrome presenting as pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1
Authors: Bacrot Séverine , Mechler Charlotte , Talhi Naima , Martin‐Coignard Dominique , Roth Philippe , Michot Caroline , Ichkou Amale , Alibeu Olivier , Nitschke Patrick , Thomas Sophie , Vekemans Michel , Razavi Férechté , Boutaud Lucile , Attie‐Bitach Tania
Published: January 2018

Background

Bainbridge‐Ropers syndrome (BRPS) is a recently identified severe disorder characterized by failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism, and severe developmental delay, caused by de novo dominant loss of function mutation in the ASXL3 gene.

Case

We report here the first case of prenatal BRPS in a fetus presenting with arthrogryposis on ultrasound and for pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1 (PCH1) following neuropathological examination. The diagnosis was done by whole exome sequencing that identified a novel de novo ASXL3 mutation. We review 29 previous published cases.

Discussion

The fetopathological examination allowed to extend the phenotype to central nervous system and the genetic study highlights ASXL3 as a dominant gene responsible for PCH1 phenotype. Recognizing heterozygous ASXL3 mutation as a cause of prenatal PCH1 is essential for both large scale molecular analysis in the NGS era and genetic counseling.
Split Cas9, Not Hairs − Advancing the Therapeutic Index of CRISPR Technology
Authors: Schmelas Carolin , Grimm Dirk
Published: January 2018

The discovery that the bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system can be translated into mammalian cells continues to have an unprecedented impact on the biomedical research community, as it largely facilitates efforts to experimentally interrogate or therapeutically modify the cellular genome. In particular, CRISPR promises the ability to correct disease‐associated genetic defects, or to target and destroy invading foreign DNA, in a simple, efficient, and selective manner directly in affected human cells or tissues. Here, we highlight a set of exciting new strategies that aim at further increasing the therapeutic index of CRISPR technologies, by reducing the size of Cas9 expression cassettes and thus enhancing their compatibility with viral gene delivery vectors. Specifically, we discuss the concept of splitCas9 whereby the Cas9 holo‐protein is segregated into two parts that are expressed individually and reunited in the cell by various means, including use of 1) the gRNA as a scaffold for Cas9 assembly; 2) the rapamycin‐controlled FKBP/FRB system; 3) the light‐regulated Magnet system; or 4) inteins. We describe how these avenues, despite pursuing the identical aim, differ in critical features comprising the extent of spatio‐temporal control of CRISPR activity, and discuss additional improvements to their efficiency or specificity that should foster their clinical translation.
High‐Level Expression and Purification of Tag‐free Peptides Containing Multiple Disulfide Bond in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Ma Yunqi , Kim So‐Sun , Kwag Dong‐Geon , Kim Seo‐Hyun , Kim Min‐Seob , Ryu Seung‐Ho , Lee Dong‐Hoon , So Jae‐Hyeong , Nam Bo‐Hye , Kim Yong‐Ok , An Cheul‐Min , Park Jang‐Su
Published: January 2018

Eukaryotic expression systems are used widely and have the advantages of protein processing, proteolytic cleavage, disulfide bond formation, and posttranslational modification in contrast to the prokaryotic expression system. In the present study, peptide gene (olive flounder beta‐defensin or hepcidin) was inserted into the vector of pPIC9K, which involved the secretion signal and promoter AOX1. The colonies with high copy numbers of the target gene for high‐level expression were selected by G418. Approximately 30 mg/L for beta‐defensin and 25 mg/L for hepcidin was obtained from the culture medium supernatant. An ammonium sulfate salting‐out method was used for purification; this one‐step purification simplified the procedures, and the purification effect was good in terms of the purity and yield. The proteins from yeast itself could be isolated easily using the ammonium sulfate salting‐out method.
Validation of a chiral LC‐MS/MS‐ESI method for the simultaneous quantification of darolutamide diastereomers in mouse plasma and its application to a stereoselective pharmacokinetic study in mice
Authors: Balaji Narayanan , Sulochana Suresh P. , Saini Neeraj Kumar , A Siva Kumar , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: January 2018

A simple, selective and reliable LC‐MS/MS method was validated for simultaneous quantitation of darolutamide diastereomers in 50 μL mouse plasma using warfarin as an internal standard (IS) as per regulatory guidelines. Plasma samples were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction and the chromatographic separation was achieved on a Chiralpak IA column with an isocratic mobile phase 5 mm ammonium acetate–absolute alcohol (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection and quantitation was done in multiple reaction monitoring mode following the transitions m/z 397 → 202 and 307 → 250 for darolutamide diastereomers and the IS, respectively, in the negative ionization mode. The linearity range was 100–2400 ng/mL for each diastereomer. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were in the ranges of 1.78–4.20 and 4.34–14.6, and 3.63–4.74 and 4.78–5.15 for diastereomer‐1 and diastereomer‐2, respectively. Both diastereomers were found to be stable under different stability conditions. The validated method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice. Following oral administration of darolutamide at 10 mg/kg, maximum concentration in plasma was 4189 and 726 ng/mL for diastereomer‐1 and diastereomer‐2, respectively. The terminal half‐life was found to be ~0.50 h for both the diastereomers. The AUC(0–t) was found to be 18,961 ng*h/mL for diastereomer‐1 and 1340 ng*h/mL diastereomer‐2.
LncRNA PCAT‐1 promotes tumour growth and chemoresistance of oesophageal cancer to cisplatin
Authors: Zhen Qiang , Gao Li‐na , Wang Ren‐feng , Chu Wei‐wei , Zhang Ya‐xiao , Zhao Xiao‐jian , Lv Bao‐lei , Liu Jia‐bao
Published: January 2018

Oesophageal cancer (OC) is one of the most fatal malignancies in the world, and chemoresistance restricts the therapeutic outcome of OC. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) was reported to play roles in multiple cancer types. Yet, the function of lncRNA in chemoresistance of OC has not been reported. A lncRNA gene, PCAT‐1, showed higher expression in OC tissues, especially higher in secondary OC compared with normal mucosa tissues. Overexpression of PCAT‐1 increased the proliferation rate and growth of OC cells. Inhibition of PCAT‐1 decreased proliferation and growth of OC cells, and increased cisplatin chemosensitivity. In a mouse OC xenograft model, PCAT‐1 inhibition repressed OC growth in vivo. Therefore, PCAT‐1 may potentially serve as a therapeutic target for treating OC. PCAT‐1 promotes development of OC and represses the chemoresistance of OC to cisplatin, and silencing of PCAT‐1 may be a therapeutic strategy for treating OC.
Endophytic bacterial diversity decrease in amaranth mutant lines after radiation mutagenesis
Authors: Medo Juraj , Žiarovská Jana , Medová Janka , Javoreková Soňa , Kyseľ Matúš , Hricová Andrea
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

A metagenomic approach was applied to analyze endophytic bacterial diversity changes in Amaranthus cruentus L. subjected to mutagenesis‐based breeding.

Findings

High‐throughput sequencing approach of 16S rRNA variability analysis was used for monitoring of the changes of endophytic bacterial diversity in selected M generations and varieties Ficha and Pribina of Amaranthus cruentus L. A total of 15,683,430 clusters were generated in the sequencing and 15,085,381 of them passed filter. Average cluster density was 646 clusters per mm2. A 95%, 97% of sequences were Q >30. All sequences were classified into the 44 orders that were identified from all the analyzed genotypes of Amaranthus. Metagenomic libraries of Ficha and Pribina showed the similar profiles of identified bacterial orders and that are different from the profiles of M1 and M7 generations after gamma radiance treatment.

Conclusions

Endophytic bacteria diversity was higher in the starting variety and final new variety of Amaranthus when comparing to the M generations. Based on the laboratory conditions of the growth of analyzed plant material, it supposes that endophytic bacterial abundance differences are a result of temporary changes in the amount of bacterial endophytes and the metagenomic limitation of their identification.

Significance and novelty

Metagenomic analysis provides a sensitive approach that facilitates the study of the endophytic bacteria changes in the leaves of plant after gamma radiation mutagenesis.
Mitigating effect of calcium and magnesium on acrylamide formation in tortilla chips
Authors: Arámbula‐Villa Gerónimo , Flores‐Casamayor Verónica , Velés‐Medina José Juan , Salazar Ricardo
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

The effectiveness of calcium and magnesium, as CaCl2 and MgCl2, respectively, to reduce acrylamide formation in tortilla chips fried in soybean oil during 30 s at 190°C was evaluated.

Findings

Acrylamide was reduced 69%, 70%, and 74% by adding 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12 M of MgCl2 solutions to prepare the masa, compared with the reductions in 52%, 67%, and 52% obtained using 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12 M of CaCl2, respectively. The color, oil absorption, and the fracture force of tortilla chips using CaCl2 were similar to those of the control. In contrast, tortilla chips with added MgCl2 were darker and not as hard as the control.

Conclusions

The use of salts such as CaCl2 or MgCl2 is a reliable and effective acrylamide mitigation strategy in tortilla‐chip production.

Significance and novelty

The use of calcium or magnesium salts during masa preparation can be a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to mitigate acrylamide formation during the processing of tortilla chips and other thermally processed maize‐based foods that are widely consumed by the population.
Prediction models of rice cooking quality
Authors: von Borries George , Bassinello Priscila Z. , Rios Érica S. , Koakuzu Selma N. , Carvalho Rosangela N.
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

Rice quality can be primarily assessed by evaluating its texture after cooking. The classical sensory evaluation is an expensive and time‐consuming method as it requires training, capability, and availability of people. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility of replacing sensory evaluation by analyzing the relationship between sensory and instrumental texture and viscosity measurements.

Findings

Models predicting the sensory evaluation were developed by applying statistical methods such as principal component analysis and polytomous logistic regression. The level of prediction efficiency of these models was obtained by estimating the apparent misclassification error rate and also using theROCcurve graph. The results indicated that the instrumental texture measurements were consistently related to sensory analysis. Similarly, viscosity measurements enabled the prediction of results obtained by sensory texture evaluation.

Conclusions

Principal component analysis together with polytomous logistic regression is an efficient method to predict sensorial stickiness of rice using viscosity measures of texture as predictors.

Significance and novelty

The current study was able to correctly predict sensory stickiness in about 86% of cases using just one principal component formed by a combination of measures of apparent amylose content, gelatinization temperature, andRVAparameters.
Preparation of Maillard reaction flavor additive from germinated wheat and its effect on bread quality
Authors: Wu Fengfeng , Lv Ping , Yang Na , Jin Yamei , Jin Zhengyu , Xu Xueming
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

Germinated wheat was used as the raw material to make a new type of natural bread flavor additive to enhance the taste of ordinary bread. This study aimed to achieve a better optimization of Maillard reaction products and explore the effect of the Maillard reaction products on bread flavor.

Findings

Through an orthogonal experiment, the sensory evaluation score by the Friedman rank test was used as an indicator to determine the best technological parameters for making the Maillard reaction flavor additive from germinated wheat: A 1:2 ratio of 2‐day‐old/3‐day‐old germinated wheat flour, a 130°C baking temperature, and 15 min baking time were found to be optimal. Then, the effect of the Maillard reaction products on bread quality was studied. The results revealed that the optimum addition of the Maillard reaction product was 3%, which could produce bread with more baking flavor and best sensory assessment without affecting the bread specific volume, texture, and color.

Conclusions

Germinated wheat can be used to make flavor components with bread‐like baking smell by the Maillard reaction. These flavor components, made by mixing wheat seeds at different germination stages at a certain ratio and produced by solid‐phase baking, can give relatively favorable flavor to bread.

Significance and novelty

This approach not only can solve the problem of improving the flavor of bread, but is also in line with the current pursuit of natural health food, and additionally can provide a new way for the comprehensive utilization of germinated wheat.
Ammonium Chloride vs Urea‐Induced Ammonia Inhibition of the Biogas Process Assessed by Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Lv Zuopeng , Jiang Jihong , Liebetrau Jan , Richnow Hans Hermann , Fischer Anko , Ács Norbert , Nikolausz Marcell
Published: January 2018

Anaerobic digestion of poultry manure poses many challenges due to ammonia inhibition by nitrogen‐containing compounds. Here, the effect of NH4Cl or urea‐induced inhibition was investigated in bioreactors fed with maize silage or cellulose and compared to previous experiments with chicken manure as ammonia source. The hydrogen and carbon stable isotope compositions of biogas samples were evaluated to assess the shifts in predominant methanogenic pathways during increasing ammonia inhibition. Due to the higher free ammonia concentrations, stronger inhibition was observed in the urea added reactors compared to the NH4Cl treated ones. Collectively, the results suggested that ammonium salts are not really appropriate to investigate ammonia inhibition during anaerobic digestion of manure.
Piecing it Together: An Additivity Scheme for Aromaticity using NICS‐XY Scans
Authors: Gershoni‐Poranne Renana
Published: January 2018

Aromatic compounds are prevalent in both nature and man‐made materials, yet their properties are still not fully understood and are therefore hard to predict. Herein, we introduce an additivity scheme for the prediction of the aromatic character of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Using a small set of building blocks and combination rules, we demonstrate the simple and intuitive construction of complete NICS‐XY‐scans for several test cases of one‐ and two‐dimensional systems comprising six‐membered rings. Partitioning the contribution of discrete building blocks provides insight into the aromatic character of these systems. The results obtained with this methodology provide a new perspective on the distribution of ring currents within polycyclic compounds and the effect of topology on the overall aromatic profile. The concept and strategy presented here are general and highly customizable. The scheme is easily applied to a wide range of interesting systems; it is especially beneficial for the investigation of large systems, as NICS‐XY‐scans are useful for their predictive utility with respect to optoelectronic and thermochemical properties.
Influence of Flexibility on the Separation of Chiral Isomers in STW‐Type Zeolite
Authors: Bueno‐Perez Rocio , Balestra Salvador R. G. , Camblor Miguel A. , Min Jung Gi , Hong Suk Bong , Merkling Patrick J. , Calero Sofia
Published: January 2018

Molecular simulation, through the computation of adsorption isotherms, is a useful predictive tool for the selective capacity of nanoporous materials. Generally, adsorbents are modelled as rigid frameworks, as opposed to allowing for vibrations of the lattice, and this approximation is assumed to have negligible impact on adsorption. In this work, this approach was tested in an especially challenging system by computing the adsorption of the chiral molecules 2‐pentanol, 2‐methylbutanol and 3‐methyl‐2‐butanol in the all‐silica and germanosilicate chiral zeolites STW and studying their lattice vibrations upon adsorption. The analysis of single‐ and multicomponent adsorption isotherms showed the suitability of STW‐type zeolites as molecular sieves for chiral separation processes, which pose a challenging task in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, new experimental adsorption data validate the force field employed. The results reveal that the lattice vibrations of the all‐silica framework are sorbate‐independent, while those of germanosilicate STW show host–guest coupling modulated by uptake and sorbate type that disrupts the chiral recognition sites. This study indicates that the effects of intrinsic flexibility on the selective capacity of nanoporous materials may range from low to high impact, and some of them could not have been foreseen even after examination of the structural dynamics of an empty framework.
Fluorescent Polyvinylphosphonate Bioconjugates for Selective Cellular Delivery
Authors: Schwarzenböck Christina , Schaffer Andreas , Nößner Elfriede , Nelson Peter J. , Huss Ralf , Rieger Bernhard
Published: January 2018

To date, many poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) biomolecule conjugates have been described, but they often show long response times, are not bio‐inert, or lose function in biological fluids. Herein, we present a modular synthetic approach to generate polyvinylphosphonate biomolecule conjugates. These conjugates exhibit a sharp phase transition temperature even under physiological conditions where few other examples with this property have been described to date. Furthermore, it was feasible to add biological functions to the polymers via the conjugation step. The polyvinylphosphonate cholesterol constructs are attached to the cellular membrane and the folic acid anchored polymers are shuttled into the cells. This is an exceptional finding through a straightforward synthetic approach.
On the asymmetric autocatalysis of aldol reactions: The case of 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde and acetone. A critical appraisal with a focus on theory
Authors: Romero‐Fernández M. Pilar , Babiano Reyes , Cintas Pedro
Published: January 2018

Under neutral conditions, spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking has been occasionally reported for aldol reactions starting from achiral reagents and conditions. Chiral induction might be interpreted in terms of autocatalysis exerted by chiral mono‐aldol or bis‐aldol products as source of initial enantiomeric excesses, which may account for such experimental observations. We describe here a thorough Density Functional Theory (DFT) study on this complex and otherwise difficult problem, which provides some insights into this phenomenon. The picture adds further rationale to an in‐depth analysis by Moyano et al, who showed the isolation and characterization of bis‐aldol adducts and their participation in a complex network of reversible steps. However, the lack of enantiodiscrimination (ees vanish rapidly in solution) suggests, according to the present results, a weak association in complexes formed by the catalysts and substrates. The latter would also be consistent with almost flat transition states having similar heights for competitive catalyst‐bound transition structures (actually, we were unable to locate them at the level explored). Overall, neither autocatalysis as once conjectured nor mutual inhibition of enantiomers appears to be operating mechanisms. Asymmetric amplification in early stages harnessing unavoidable enantiomeric imbalances in reaction mixtures of chiral products represents a plausible interpretation.
Logistics outsourcing in the healthcare sector: Lessons from a Canadian experience
Authors: Beaulieu Martin , Roy Jacques , Landry Sylvain
Published: January 2018

Logistics activities are seen by many healthcare organizations as an opportunity for financial savings. The level of logistics complexity in these organizations may explain the challenges they face in applying solutions common in other industries. This case study of a medical‐supply distribution outsourcing initiative to a logistics services provider by a group of hospitals in a region of Canada helps elucidate this complexity. The objective of this article is to identify the dissonances between various points of view in order to articulate lessons for managers while taking into account the specifics of the healthcare sector. By examining information from several sources, this study shows the necessity of: 1) setting objectives and managing expectations in order to maintain the interest and participation of stakeholders throughout the project; 2) updating internal logistics processes prior to outsourcing; 3) carefully considering a gradual transition phase by ensuring short‐term benefits for both partners; 4) requiring problem‐solving skills as a selection criterion for the logistics services provider to ensure continuous improvement in the performance of the outsourced activity; and 5) developing a governance accountability framework to support problem solving between all parties involved. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twisted penta‐Carbazole/Benzophenone Hybrid Compound as Multifunctional Organic Host, Dopant or Non‐doped Emitter for Highly Efficient Solution‐Processed Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Cao Xudong , Mei Ling , Zhang Xinwen , Hu Jia , Tao Youtian
Published: January 2018

A new multi‐functional penta‐carbazole/benzophenone hybrid compound 5CzBP was designed and synthesized through a simple one‐step catalyst‐free C—N coupling reaction by using 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzophenone and carbazole as starting materials. 5CzBP is very soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF), which brings an environmentally friendly device fabrication for solution‐processed OLEDs instead of most widely used chlorinated solvents when 5CzBP is employed as the bulk‐phase of organic host or non‐doped emitter in the emissive layer. 5CzBP exhibits thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) characteristic with relatively high triplet energy of 2.60 eV and a low ΔEST of 0.01 eV. By using the new TADF material as organic host for another green TADF emitter, maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 12.5% has been achieved in simple solution‐processed OLED device. Besides, a maximum EQE of 8.9% and 5.7% was further obtained in TADF devices based on 5CzBP as dopant and non‐doped emitter, respectively. The simultaneously acting as efficient TADF host and non‐doped TADF emitter provides the potential guidance of the future simple single‐layer two‐color white OLEDs based on low‐cost pure organic TADF materials.
Activation of Non‐Enzymatic Antioxidants by Lepidium sativum L. Exposed to Hg During Assisted Phytoextraction
Authors: Smolińska Beata , Bonikowski Radosław
Published: January 2018

This study focuses on the physiological response of Lepidium sativum L. to Hg and/or nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) during soil reclamation. Greenhouse experiments are conducted in soil contaminated with Hg to final concentrations of 10 or 100 mg kg−1. The influence of Hg and NTA is studied on the growth of L. sativum L. and the activation of its non‐enzymatic antioxidant system, including generation of ascorbic acid (AA) and tocopherols (TOCs). The results shows that Hg is accumulated by L. sativum L. in its aboveground tissues, but increased lipid peroxidation and H2O2 formation in the plant shoots, which is a symptom of oxidative stress. Plants exposed to Hg produced increasing amounts of AA and TOCs to protect their cells from oxidative damage. Application of NTA to polluted soil did not show any toxic effects on L. sativum L. growth or physiological processes. Amendment of polluted soil with NTA significantly increased Hg accumulation in the aerial tissues of L. sativum L., resulting in decreased soil contamination. The use of NTA can therefore be considered for use in assisted phytoextraction of Hg contaminated soil.
Cytotechnologists as coinvestigators in anatomical pathology research
Authors: Kopp Karla J. , Passow Marie R. , Del Rosario Kristina M. , Christensen Michael R. , O’Shaughnessy John W. , Bartholet Mary K. , Francis Mary E. , Flotte Thomas J.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The amount of time available to pathologists with which to perform research is becoming limited due to an increasing manpower shortage in pathology, decreased reimbursement, and increased workload. This is occurring at the same time as demands escalate for pathologists to develop new companion tests, correlate the molecular findings with traditional methods, and assist in the development of individualized medicine. This study examined whether cytotechnologists may be integrated into a research team that uses their expertise in understanding pathology and clinical disease to provide interpretations of experiments that traditionally were performed by pathologists.

METHODS

Cytotechnologists worked with pathologists to choose blocks for tissue microarrays (TMAs) and to interpret immunohistochemically stained TMA slides. The pathologist met with the cytotechnologist to review the study design. The cytotechnologists reviewed the slides and blocks and chose the most appropriate blocks for the TMA. Either 10% or all of the slides/blocks selected for TMA construction were reviewed by the supervising pathologist. The final selections were given to the TMA technologist to make the TMA. A minimum of 10% of the immunohistochemically stained TMA slides were reviewed by the supervising pathologist.

RESULTS

A total of 32 TMAs were created with 6 cytotechnologists collaborating with 6 pathologists. Immunohistochemical stains of 190 TMAs were interpreted by 4 cytotechnologists collaborating with 3 pathologists. All the TMAs and TMA interpretation data were used successfully for the research for which they were designed.

CONCLUSIONS

The collaboration of cytotechnologists and pathologists in research can improve the quality of effort and increase satisfaction and productivity. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:232‐5. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Noise segmentation for improving performance of Wiener filter method in spectral reflectance estimation
Authors: Mahmoudi Nahavandi Alireza
Published: January 2018

Noise is an indispensable part of an imaging system. For having acceptable performance of reflectance estimation from digital signals, noise effects should be controlled. In this study a new method based on segmentation of noise is presented. Simulation and real experiments on four reflectance data sets showed that noise segmentation improves Wiener filter estimation method. However, oversegmentation can have reverse effect on the reflectance estimation results.
Ricci Curvature and Bochner Formulas for Martingales
Authors: Haslhofer Robert , Naber Aaron
Published: January 2018

We generalize the classical Bochner formula for the heat flow on M to martingales on the path space PM and develop a formalism to compute evolution equations for martingales on path space. We see that our Bochner formula on PM is related to two‐sided bounds on Ricci curvature in much the same manner that the classical Bochner formula on M is related to lower bounds on Ricci curvature. Using this formalism, we obtain new characterizations of bounded Ricci curvature, new gradient estimates for martingales on path space, new Hessian estimates for martingales on path space, and streamlined proofs of the previous characterizations of bounded Ricci curvature.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sub‐Ensemble Monitoring of DNA Strand Displacement Using Multiparameter Single‐Molecule FRET
Authors: Baltierra‐Jasso Laura E. , Morten Michael J. , Magennis Steven W.
Published: January 2018

Non‐enzymatic DNA strand displacement is an important mechanism in dynamic DNA nanotechnology. Here, we show that the large parameter space that is accessible by single‐molecule FRET is ideal for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple reactants and products of DNA strand exchange reactions. We monitored the strand displacement from double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) by single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) at 37 °C; the data were modelled as a second‐order reaction approaching equilibrium, with a rate constant of 10 m−1 s−1. We also followed the displacement from a DNA three‐way junction (3WJ) by ssDNA. The presence of three internal mismatched bases in the middle of the invading strand did not prevent displacement from the 3WJ, but reduced the second‐order rate constant by about 50 %. We attribute strand exchange in the dsDNA and 3WJ to a zero‐toehold pathway from the blunt‐ended duplex arms. The single‐molecule approach demonstrated here will be useful for studying complex DNA networks.
Developing Drugs for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: What Have We Learned From Clinical Trials?
Authors: Hinder Markus , Yi B. Alexander , Langenickel Thomas H.
Published: January 2018

There remains a large unmet need for new therapies in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In the early drug development phase, the therapeutic potential of a drug is not yet fully understood and trial endpoints other than mortality are needed to guide drug development decisions. While a true surrogate marker for mortality in heart failure (HF) remains elusive, the successes and failures of previous trials can reveal markers that support clinical Go/NoGo decisions.