bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Electrification of Plastics under Friction: The Position of Engineering‐Grade Polyethylene Terephthalate in the Triboelectric Series
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Darwish Nadim , Coote Michelle L. , Ciampi Simone
Published: December 2019

There is an emerging trend to replace moving metallic parts, such as bearings or bushes, with plastic components. The electrostatic hazard associated with plastic components subject to mechanical friction is well documented, but the magnitude as well as physical–chemical origin of this phenomenon remains debated. Using atomic force microscopy and Faraday pail measurements, the triboelectrification of Ertalyte®, a commonly used bearing‐grade formulation of polyethylene terephthalate, when rubbed against other polymers and metals, is studied. The sign and magnitude of the net charge that Ertalyte® gains in relation to the chemical nature—electron affinity and ionization energy—of the contacting material are analyzed, concluding that this material should be located toward the negative end of the triboelectric series. It is also shown that large charge densities and fast charge decays result from contact of Ertalyte® with polymers of a small Derjaguin–Muller–Toporov (DMT) modulus and unstable ions, suggesting that ion transfer leads to the electrification of a dynamic insulator/insulator contact. These findings have immediate implications in the choice of the material used to manufacture plastic parts subject to friction and wear and to help address ongoing fundamental questions over the nature of the charge carriers that leads to static electricity.
Nanostructured Architectures for Biomolecular Detection inside and outside the Cell
Authors: Chen Jenise B. , Yousefi Hanie , Nemr Carine R. , Gomis Surath , Atwal Randy , Labib Mahmoud , Sargent Edward , Kelley Shana O.
Published: December 2019

Nanostructured materials can now be engineered with great precision and complexity as a result of advances in design and fabrication, and offer distinct advantages in many biosensing and biomedical applications. The materials most widely used in this field are semiconductors and noble metals. Each offers multiple length scales of nanostructuring that program their physicochemical properties for different biosensing applications. Here, nanostructured materials and their applications are reviewed together with semiconductors and noble metals, as well as hybrid materials that unite these two classes—all with the goal of linking performance characteristics to applications in biomedicine.
Nanostructured ZnO Interphase for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites with Strain Rate Tailored Interfacial Strength
Authors: Nasser Jalal , Steinke Kelsey , Hwang Hyun‐Sik , Sodano Henry
Published: December 2019

Composite materials designed for ballistic applications typically require fiber–matrix interfacial properties which are considerably different than those used in more common structural applications. Ballistic composites are usually benefited through the use of a weaker interface that allows the high tenacity of the fiber to be utilized for energy absorption, whereas structural composites require strong interfaces to ensure materials which do not easily delaminate or experience cracking. Here, the multifunctionality of a zinc oxide (ZnO) interphase through a tailored interfacial shear strength (IFSS) as a function of strain rate is demonstrated. Both ZnO nanowires (NWs) and nanoparticles (NPs) are shown through variable strain rate pullout to enable tailored behavior with the NWs producing an 87% increase in IFSS over untreated fibers under quasi‐static loading, and 53% lower interfacial shear strength than untreated fibers at 2200 s−1. The reduced interfacial strength under dynamic loading conditions is attributed to the polymer's viscoelasticity, as matrix stiffening effects reduce the NWs' functional gradient, causing brittle failure of the ceramic interphase. The results demonstrate the potential for ZnO NWs and NPs to enable the tailored design of interfaces and to realize multifunctional materials with optimal behavior under both static and dynamic loading conditions.
Electrochromic Battery Displays with Energy Retrieval Functions Using Solution‐Processable Colloidal Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Wu , Li Haizeng , Al‐Hussein Mohamed , Elezzabi Abdulhakem Y.
Published: December 2019

Electrochromic displays have attracted increased attention owing to their reversible switch of multicolors. However, the external voltage requirement for triggering the color switching makes them far from an optimum energy‐efficient technology. The newly developed electrochromic batteries eliminate the energy consumption for coloration while they can retrieve the consumed energy for bleaching. Such features make the electrochromic battery technology the most promising technology for energy‐efficient electrochromic displays. Here, a scalable method to synthesize colloidal V3O7 nanoparticles is presented, which is compatible with solution‐process techniques for aqueous Zn‐V3O7 electrochromic battery displays. The Zn‐V3O7 electrochromic battery display shows an optical transmittance contrast (21%), rapid self‐coloration time (6.6 s), and switching times (10.4/28.6 s for coloration/bleaching processes). Moreover, the electrochromic battery display shows a compelling energy retrieval function. For a proof of concept, a prototype display is constructed, which possesses an open‐circuit potential (OCP) of 1.38 V. The prototype display can reversibly switch between the multicolors (fully yellow, fully grayish‐blue, and half yellow‐half grayish‐blue images) and partially retrieve the consumed energy. This research presents a facile strategy to synthesize colloidal V3O7 nanoparticles, as well as a novel electrochromic battery display having energy retrieval functions, thus facilitating the development of energy‐efficient electrochromic displays.
Hydrogen from steam methane reforming by catalytic nonthermal plasma using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor
Authors: Kim Soon Sam , Jorat Masih , Voecks Gerald , Kuthi Andras , Surampudi Subbarao , Kent Ronald L.
Published: December 2019

A scaled‐up dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor has been developed and demonstrated for the production of hydrogen from steam methane reforming (SMR) by catalytic nonthermal plasma (CNTP) technology. Compared to SMR, CNTP offers conversion at ambient pressure (101.325 kPa), low temperature with better efficiency, making it suitable for distributed hydrogen production with small footprint. There have been several lab‐scale DBD reactors reported in the literature. Dimension of the scaled‐up DBD reactor is about six times the lab‐scale version and can produce 0.9 kg H2/day. The scale‐up is, however, nonlinear; several technical innovations were required including spray nozzle for homogeneous introduction of steam, perforated tube central electrodes for generation of homogeneous plasma. Conversion efficiency of the scaled‐up DBD reactor is 70–80% at 550°C and 500 W. A continuous run of 8 hr was demonstrated with typical product gas composition of 69% H2, 6% CO2, 15% CO, 10% CH4.
Some manifold learning considerations toward explicit model predictive control
Authors: Lovelett Robert J. , Dietrich Felix , Lee Seungjoon , Kevrekidis Ioannis G.
Published: December 2019

Model predictive control (MPC) is a de facto standard control algorithm across the process industries. There remain, however, applications where MPC is impractical because an optimization problem is solved at each time step. We present a link between explicit MPC formulations and manifold learning to enable facilitated prediction of the MPC policy. Our method uses a similarity measure informed by control policies and system state variables, to “learn” an intrinsic parametrization of the MPC controller using a diffusion maps algorithm, which will also discover a low‐dimensional control law when it exists as a smooth, nonlinear combination of the state variables. We use function approximation algorithms to project points from state space to the intrinsic space, and from the intrinsic space to policy space. The approach is illustrated first by “learning” the intrinsic variables for MPC control of constrained linear systems, and then by designing controllers for an unstable nonlinear reactor.
Second report of RING finger protein 113A (RNF113A) involvement in a Mendelian disorder
Authors: Tessarech Marine , Gorce Magali , Boussion Françoise , Bault Jean‐Philippe , Triau Stéphane , Charif Majida , Khiaty Salim , Delorme Benoit , Guichet Agnès , Ziegler Alban , Bris Céline , Laquerrière Annie , Fallet‐Bianco Catherine , Jacquette Aurélia , Salhi Houria , Héron Delphine , Reynier Pascal , Procaccio Vincent , Bonneau Dominique , Colin Estelle
Published: December 2019

RING Finger Protein 113 A (RNF113A, MIM 300951) is a highly conserved gene located on chromosome Xq24‐q25, encoding a protein containing two conserved zinc finger domains involved in DNA alkylation repair and premessenger RNA splicing. To date, only one pathogenic variant of RNF113A, namely c.901C>T; p.Gln301Ter, has been reported in humans by Tarpey et al. in 2009. Thereafter, Corbett et al. stated that this variant was responsible for an X‐linked form of nonphotosensitive trichothiodystrophy associated with profound intellectual disability, microcephaly, partial corpus callosum agenesis, microphallus, and absent or rudimentary testes. This variant was then shown to alter DNA alkylation repair, providing an additional argument supporting its pathogenicity and important clues about the underlying pathophysiology of nonphotosensitive trichothiodystrophy. Using exome sequencing, we identified exactly the same RNF113A variant in two fetuses affected with abnormalities similar to those previously reported by Corbett et al. To our knowledge, this is the second report of a RNF113A pathogenic variant in humans.
Reconstructing breastfeeding and weaning practices in the Bronze Age Near East using stable nitrogen isotopes
Authors: Stantis Chris , Schutkowski Holger , Sołtysiak Arkadiusz
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Breastfeeding and childhood diet have significant impact on morbidity and mortality within a population, and in the ancient Near East, it is possible to compare bioarchaeological reconstruction of breastfeeding and weaning practices with the scant textual evidence.

Materials and Methods

Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) are analyzed here for dietary reconstruction in skeletal collections from five Bronze Age (ca. 2,800–1,200 BCE) sites in modern Lebanon and Syria. We employed Bayesian computational modeling on cross‐sectional stable isotope data of collagen samples (n = 176) mainly from previous studies to test whether the bioarchaeological evidence aligns with the textual evidence of breastfeeding and weaning practices in the region, as well as compare the estimated weaning times to the global findings using the WARN (weaning age reconstruction with nitrogen isotope analysis) Bayesian model.

Results

Though the Near East sites in this study had different ecological settings and economic strategies, we found that weaning was introduced to the five sites at 0.5 ± 0.2 years of age and complete weaning occurred around 2.6 ± 0.3 years of age on using the WARN computational model. These weaning processes are within the time suggested by historical texts, though average estimated weaning age on the Mediterranean coast is later than inland sites.

Discussion

Compared globally, these Near Eastern populations initiated the weaning process earlier but completed weaning within the global average. Early initial weaning may have created short spacing between pregnancies and a high impact on demographic growth within these agricultural populations, with some variation in subsistence practices accounting for the inland/coastal discrepancies.
Green synthesis and chemical characterization of Thymus vulgaris leaf aqueous extract conjugated gold nanoparticles for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in comparison to doxorubicin in a leukemic mouse model
Authors: Hemmati Saba , Joshani Zeinab , Zangeneh Akram , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi
Published: December 2019

Recently, metallic nanoparticles have been used for the treatment of several disorders, such as cancer. Indeed, finding the chemotherapeutic drug of nanoparticles is in researching the priority of both developed and developing countries. The present study confirms the ability of aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris grown under in vitro condition for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Also, in this study, we indicated the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti‐acute myeloid leukemia properties of AuNPs compared to doxorubicin in a leukemic mouse model. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using different techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectrometry (EDS), fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis.), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo design, induction of acute myeloid leukemia was done by 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in 75 mice. Then, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including control, untreated, doxorubicin, AuNPs, T. vulgaris, and HAuCl4. By quantitative real‐time PCR, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐1 and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor‐5 mRNA expression in lymphocytes were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) raised by treating the leukemic mice with the AuNPs and doxorubicin. Also, AuNPs similar to doxorubicin, significantly (P ≤ 0.01) enhanced the anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13, and IFNα) and the platelet, lymphocyte, and red blood cell (RBC) parameters and reduced the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL1, IL6, IL12, IL18, IFNY, and TNFα), and the total white blood cell (WBC), blast, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil counts as compared to the untreated mice. In vitro design, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for doxorubicin and AuNPs. Furthermore, AuNPs similar to doxorubicin had low cell viability dose‐dependently against 32D‐FLT3‐ITD, Human HL‐60/vcr, and Murine C1498 cell lines without any cytotoxicity on HUVEC cell line. Above results confirm the excellent antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti‐acute myeloid leukemia effects of AuNPs compared to doxorubicin. After confirming these results in clinical trial studies, AuNPs can be used as a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in human.
Investment casting pattern material based on paraffin wax fortified with EVA and filled with PMMA
Authors: Tewo Robert Kimutai , Rutto Hilary Limo , Focke Walter Wilhelm , Ramjee Shatish , Seodigeng Tumisang
Published: December 2019

Paraffin wax‐based compounds are utilized as investment casting pattern materials. This study considered the effect of composition variations on the properties of paraffin wax‐poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) blends filled with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microbeads. The EVA addition significantly improved mechanical properties while the PMMA improved the needle penetration hardness. Both polymers increased the melt viscosity of the wax composition. Thermal gravimetric analysis of the pyrolysis behavior showed that the compounds volatilize readily with virtually no residue remaining above 500 °C. The 40/20/40 wax/EVA/PMMA composition offers a balanced property profile with the bending stress approaching 6 MPa, the bending strain at break exceeding 4%, and a melt viscosity of about 12 Pa s at 90 °C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48774.
Perfect vivianite crystals excavated from a highly sealed ancient tumulus in Jing'an County, Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Huang Fen , Xu Chang Qing , Jin Zhi Min , Hu Mao Lin , Cai Hai
Published: December 2019

Large amounts of perfect crystals were excavated from ancient coffins dating 2510 (±50) bp, in Jing'an County, Jiangxi Province, China. The coffins were wrapped by multiple bamboo mats and sealed highly by waterproof soil layers. In this study, crystals, wooden coffins, surrounding water and clay materials of several buried wooden coffins were subject to various analyses, and the crystals were identified to be vivianite by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Spatial distribution of the vivianite crystals, which was consistent with first Fick's diffusion principle, indicated that the phosphate (PO43−) of the vivianite was originated from human bone that was demineralized under an acidic clay condition. Spatial distributions of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and iron(II) oxide (FeO) indicated that iron(II) cations (Fe2+) of the vivianite originated from clay outside the coffins. Perfect vivianite crystals were formed at an extremely slow rate within the highly sealed coffins, in which Fe2+ and PO43− concentrations were of such a low level that the rapid precipitation of imperfect vivianite crystals was prevented, as the clay colloid could infiltrate only along the limited passageways of jointed seams between two halved timbers of the coffins.
Assessment of Bromide in Three North Carolina Watersheds
Authors: Greune Amber
Published: December 2019

Key Takeaways

Surface water was sampled upstream and downstream of several facilities to assess the bromide contributions from municipal and industrial wastewater discharges.

Bromide was discharged from a coal‐fired steam station and from at least one municipal wastewater treatment plant in each of the three watersheds evaluated.

Sources of bromide vary among different watersheds and are not limited by industry.
Reflections on integrating bioinformatics into the undergraduate curriculum: The Lancaster experience
Authors: Gatherer Derek
Published: December 2019

Bioinformatics is an essential discipline for biologists. It also has a reputation of being difficult for those without a strong quantitative and computer science background. At Lancaster University, we have developed modules for the integration of bioinformatics skills training into our undergraduate biology degree portfolio. This article describes those modules, situating them in the context of the accumulated quarter century of literature on bioinformatics education. The constant evolution of bioinformatics as a discipline is emphasized, drawing attention to the continual necessity to revise and upgrade those skills being taught, even at undergraduate level. Our overarching aim is to equip students both with a portfolio of skills in the currently most essential bioinformatics tools and with the confidence to continue their own bioinformatics skills development at postgraduate or professional level.
Global governance in new public environmental management: An international and intertemporal comparison of voluntary standards' impacts
Authors: Wagner Marcus
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper is to analyse the indirect effects of environmental management system implementation and certification. Specifically, the paper comprehensively assesses the effects of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 and European Union Eco‐Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) certification as well as experience with implementing environmental management systems on (a) organisational activities outside the scope of environmental management systems, (b) pollution prevention, and (c) product stewardship. This is done by applying multivariate regression analysis to a large multicountry and multiperiod dataset. The analysis finds heterogeneous effects that are limited specifically as concerns pollution prevention and product stewardship and cannot establish clear links to national business systems. Given this and the differences between environmental management system standards, implications for global governance in the context of new public environmental management and the role of national governments in implementing sustainability, even beyond environmental protection, are discussed. Ultimately, the paper evidences on potential limitations of the major international environmental management system standards ISO 14001 and EMAS in supporting the diffusion of advanced practices such as pollution prevention and product stewardship that are necessary for sustainable development. In doing so, it highlights that government‐led public environmental management remains crucial for organising governance, especially in the context of voluntary standards that are applied internationally.
Renewable Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Roode‐Gutzmer Quirina I. , Kaiser Doreen , Bertau Martin
Published: December 2019

Renewable methanol production is an emerging technology that bridges the gap in the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Two thirds of the global emission of CO2 stems from humanity's increasing energy need from fossil fuels. Renewable energy, mainly from solar and wind energy, suffers from supply intermittency, which current grid infrastructures cannot accommodate. Excess renewable energy can be harnessed to power the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, which can be used in the catalytic hydrogenation of waste CO2 to produce renewable methanol. This review considers methanol production in the current context, regionally for Europe, which is dominated by Germany, and globally by China. Appropriate carbon‐based feedstock for renewable methanol production is considered, as well as state‐of‐the‐art renewable hydrogen production technologies. The economics of renewable methanol production necessitates the consideration of regionally relevant methanol derivatives. The thermodynamics, kinetics, catalytic reaction mechanism, operating conditions and reactor design are reviewed in the context of renewable methanol production to reveal the most up to date understanding.
Treating severely calcified coronary artery disease: A potpourri of choices!
Authors: Bagga Shiv , Levy Michael S.
Published: December 2019

Key Points

Lesion preparation prior to stent implantation is of paramount importance to acute and long term clinical outcomes in patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease.

The current study renews the interest in the use of cutting balloons as an adjunct to atherectomy.

The study reinforces the vital role of intravascular imaging in accurate anatomic and morphological characterization of calcified plaques, to influence treatment strategies.
BVS and infrapopliteal disease
Authors: Stabile Eugenio , Esposito Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Key Points

The absorb stent is a bioabsorbable vascular has been tested for the treatment of simple infrapopliteal lesions responsible of critical limb ischemia.

In this study, the absorb stent has been tested for the treatment of complex infrapopliteal lesions responsible with good clinical outcomes.

These information may be very useful pending that longer follow up data from larger database will be collected in order to exclude the risk of very late stent thrombosis risk.
Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3 on Cu−SSZ‐13: Deciphering the Low and High‐temperature Rate‐limiting Steps by Transient XAS Experiments
Authors: Clark Adam H. , Nuguid Rob Jeremiah G. , Steiger Patrick , Marberger Adrian , Petrov Andrey W. , Ferri Davide , Nachtegaal Maarten , Kröcher Oliver
Published: December 2019

Cu‐exchanged small‐pore SSZ‐13 catalysts have found wide use for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides from automotive exhaust gases. The transient working environment of the Cu−SSZ‐13 catalyst during NH3‐SCR requires studying the rate limiting steps under the different operation conditions this catalyst is exposed to. By exploiting time‐resolved operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis we followed the transient speciation of Cu during unsteady state conditions. The results reveal that depending on operating temperature two different rate limiting behaviours inhibit the reduction of NO. At temperatures below 283 °C, ammonia hinders reoxidation of solvated CuI species thereby inhibiting reduction of NO. Whilst at temperatures of 283 °C and above, the reduction of zeolite bound CuII(OH−) is the rate limiting step in the SCR reaction. The results also reveal the presence of two detrimental side reactions occurring, the direct oxidation of zeolite bound CuI at low temperatures and the oxidation of ammonia over Cu at temperatures in excess of 283 °C. Between 250 °C and 350 °C, both side reactions may be present and could explain the dip in the SCR activity typically denoted by the seagull shape.
Three‐Enzyme Phosphorylase Cascade Immobilized on Solid Support for Biocatalytic Synthesis of Cello−oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhong Chao , Duić Božidar , Bolivar Juan M. , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: December 2019

Enzyme cascades are promising for multistep biocatalytic synthesis, but their effective use beyond the proof‐of‐concept stage is challenging. Strategies to recycle the individual enzymes are critical for the applicability of such cascades. Immobilization on solid support is well developed for single enzymes but remains difficult for enzyme ensembles. Here, we show a controlled co‐immobilization of three glycoside phosphorylases to establish a highly active and recyclable biocatalyst for the conversion of sucrose and glucose into soluble (short‐chain) cello−oligosaccharides. We use protein fusion with the binding module Zbasic2 to enable non‐covalent surface tethering of all enzymes according to a uniform principle and in a programmable fashion. We thus achieve loading of the phosphorylases in an activity ratio optimal for the overall conversion and for controlling the cello−oligosaccharide chain length (≤6), hence the solubility, in the reaction. We demonstrate efficient production of ∼12 g/L cello−oligosaccharides with integrated enzyme re‐use, retaining ∼85 % of the overall initial activity after five reaction cycles. This study presents a major advance toward the practical use of systems bio‐catalysis on solid support.
Conversion of γ‐Valerolactone to Ethyl Valerate over Metal Promoted Ni/ZSM‐5 Catalysts: Influence of Ni0/Ni2+ Heterojunctions on Activity and Product Selectivity
Authors: Velisoju Vijay Kumar , Jampaiah Deshetti , Gutta Naresh , Bentrup Ursula , Brückner Angelika , Bhargava Suresh K. , Akula Venugopal
Published: December 2019

Promoter (Cr, Mo and W) modified Ni/ZSM‐5 catalysts were explored in the vapor phase conversion of γ‐valerolactone (GVL) to ethyl valerate (EV; gasoline blender) at atmospheric pressure. Among the three different promoters (Cr, Mo and W) tested the Mo‐modified catalyst was found to be the best candidate. In addition, this catalyst was found to be stable up to 50 h reaction time with an insignificant decrease in activity. The good catalytic performance is related to an optimal ratio of acid and hydrogenation functions provided by Ni2+ and Ni0, respectively. In situ FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed a strong adsorption of GVL on all catalysts which quickly reacts with dosed ethanol by formation of EV, most pronounced on the Mo‐modified catalyst, while VA was identified as side product. These findings suggest the preferred GVL ring opening by cracking the C−O bond on the methyl side of the GVL molecule on this type of catalysts leading to pentenoic acid as intermediate, which is quickly hydrogenated and esterified.
Electrochemical Collisions of Individual Graphene Oxide Sheets: An Analytical and Fundamental Study
Authors: Renault Christophe , Lemay Serge G.
Published: December 2019

We propose an analytical method based on electrochemical collisions to detect individual graphene oxide (GO) sheets in an aqueous suspension. The collision rate is found to exhibit a complex dependence on redox mediator and supporting electrolyte concentrations. The analysis of multiple collision events in conjunction with numerical simulations allows quantitative information to be extracted, such as the molar concentration of GO sheets in suspension and an estimate of the size of individual sheets. We also evidence by numerical simulation the existence of edge effects on a 2D blocking object.
Selenated and Sulfurated Analogues of Triacyl Glycerols: Selective Synthesis and Structural Characterization
Authors: Tanini Damiano , D'Esopo Veronica , Tatini Duccio , Ambrosi Moira , Lo Nostro Pierandrea , Capperucci Antonella
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of sulfur‐ and selenium‐containing isosters of triacyl glycerols is herein described. Regioselective fluoride‐induced ring‐opening reaction of suitable substituted thiiranes with bis(trimethyl)silyl selenide, followed by in situ S‐ and Se‐acylation with fatty acid acyl chlorides, enables the one pot synthesis of mixed chalcogeno esters in good yield. The key step of this methodology is the functionalization of S−Si and Se−Si bonds of silyl chalcogenides, generated in situ under mild conditions. A related procedure for the synthesis of functionalized selenides, bearing two thiol ester and two ester moieties, was also developed through a fine tuning of the reaction conditions. The physico‐chemical properties of these novel fatty acid chalcogeno esters have been investigated through DSC, SAXS, WAXS, FTIR and polarized optical microscopy, and compared to those of the common triglycerides in order to highlight the effect of the replacement of oxygen with other chalcogen elements in the polar head of the lipid.
Improved Photostability of a CuI Complex by Macrocyclization of the Phenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Brandl Thomas , Kerzig Christoph , Le Pleux Loïc , Prescimone Alessandro , Wenger Oliver S. , Mayor Marcel
Published: December 2019

The development of molecular materials for conversion of solar energy into electricity and fuels is one of the most active research areas, in which the light absorber plays a key role. While copper(I)‐bis(diimine) complexes [CuI(L)2]+ are considered as potent substitutes for [RuII(bpy)3]2+, they exhibit limited structural integrity as ligand loss by substitution can occur. In this article, we present a new concept to stabilize copper bis(phenanthroline) complexes by macrocyclization of the ligands which are preorganized around the CuI ion. Using oxidative Hay acetylene homocoupling conditions, several CuI complexes with varying bridge length were prepared and analyzed. Absorption and emission properties are assessed; rewardingly, the envisioned approach was successful since the flexible 1,4‐butadiyl‐bridged complex does show enhanced MLCT absorption and emission, as well as improved photostability upon irradiation with a blue LED compared to a reference complex.
New strategies in ovarian cancer treatment
Authors: Lee Jung‐Min , Minasian Lori , Kohn Elise C.
Published: December 2019

Insights from basic science dissecting carcinogenesis in the fallopian tube and ovary have led to a deeper understanding of the origin, molecular characteristics, and types of ovarian cancers. This logically then has led to the development of novel approaches to treat ovarian cancer. Increasingly, novel agents are being developed to target the different growth pathways. The identification of molecular markers associated with different histopathologies has resulted in newer clinical trial designs to capture both clinical and translational endpoints. Unique molecular characteristics in DNA damage and repair pathways and unique cell surface markers have driven new drug development, yielding promise for both patients with platinum‐sensitive and platinum‐resistant ovarian cancers. Specific examples described include the histology‐selective mutations, such asARID1Ain clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancers; the rationale for using cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors when there already is a p53‐mediated loss of cell cycle checkpoint regulation or combinations of agents that will both induce neoantigen formation and unleash immune modulators; and techniques to enhance the therapeutic delivery of known agents. A systematic and thoughtful approach to combining agents in clinical trials is needed so that irrespective of the trial outcomes, the results inform both clinical and translational endpoints.
Long‐term consequences of the USPSTF Grade D recommendation for prostate‐specific antigen screening
Authors: Joshi Shreyas S. , Filson Christopher P.
Published: December 2019

The US Preventive Services Task Force Grade D recommendation for prostate cancer screening has had unintended consequences. Long‐term data now show a rise in advanced prostate cancer, especially for older men.
Additional‐Heating‐Enhanced Large‐Scale Metallic Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet Exfoliation for Free‐Standing Films and Flexible High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Jiahui , Yang Xinyu , Shi Qiuwei , Gao Peng , Hou Chengyi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: December 2019

Octahedral metal phase molybdenum disulfide (1T‐MoS2) shows excellent capacitive behaviour by storing charge via double layers over individual two‐dimensional (2D) layers and through Faradaic reactions on the Mo centre because of its multiple oxidation states. In this study, we fabricate a free‐standing film based on large‐scale 1T‐MoS2 nanosheets and use it as an electrode for a flexible supercapacitor without any additives. The resulting free‐standing electrodes have a layered structure, hydrophilicity and high electrical conductivity, which are beneficial for electrolyte accessibility and fast ions transport. The specific volumetric capacitance of this pure 1T‐MoS2‐based electrode is up to 407.1 F ⋅ cm−3 (the corresponding mass and area capacitance were 26.1 F ⋅ g−1 and 184.8 mF ⋅ cm−2, respectively). The all‐solid‐state 1T‐MoS2 based supercapacitor shows extended stability (92.8% retention after 12, 000 cycles), high flexibility (only 12% drop after bending 180 degrees for 100 cycles) and bending cycling stability (86.2% retention after in‐situ bending 1500 times).
Filgotinib, a JAK1 Inhibitor, Has No Effect on QT Interval in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Anderson Kacey , Xin Yan , Zheng Hao , Yun Chohee , Kwan Ellen , Qin Ann , Namour Florence , Kearney Brian P. , Mathias Anita
Published: December 2019

Filgotinib, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, is being developed for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Electrocardiograms evaluated the effect of filgotinib on the corrected QT (QTc) interval in 52 healthy subjects who received each of 4 treatments: filgotinib 200 mg (therapeutic dose), 450 mg (supratherapeutic dose), and placebo, each administered once daily for 7 days, and a single dose of moxifloxacin 400 mg (positive control). Plasma samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. The QTc interval was calculated using Fridericia's correction factor (QTcF) or an individual correction factor (QTcI). The relationship between plasma concentrations of filgotinib and its major metabolite and time‐matched, baseline‐adjusted, placebo‐corrected QTc (ΔΔQTc) was evaluated. Filgotinib did not prolong QTcF or QTcI and using an appropriate mixed‐effect model, the upper limit of the 2‐sided 90% confidence interval for ΔΔQTc for each filgotinib dose (200 and 450 mg) remained below 10 milliseconds at all postdose time points. There were no clinically relevant relationships between QTc interval and plasma concentrations of filgotinib or its major metabolite. Filgotinib, administered at 200 or 450 mg, was generally well tolerated. Results of this thorough QT study demonstrate that filgotinib and its major metabolite are not associated with QTc interval prolongation.
Analysis of Protein‐Protein Interactions by Split Luciferase Complementation Assay
Authors: Lang Yuekun , Li Zhong , Li Hongmin
Published: December 2019

Protein‐protein interactions are important in human disease. Developing and refining tools to understand physical contacts between signaling proteins is crucial. This article describes a split luciferase complementation (SLC) method designed to discover inhibitors of protein‐protein interaction. Different fusion proteins with split luciferase are constructed, expressed, and purified, and then assessed to determine the best pair that generates the strongest luminescence. SLC specificity and affinity are further confirmed. Step‐by‐step instructions are provided for performing these assays using the NS2B‐NS3 interaction as an example. NS2B is an essential cofactor for flaviviral NS3 protease function. Advantages and disadvantages of these assays are further discussed. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Expression and purification of fusion proteins

Basic Protocol 2: Analysis of prey/bait pairs by SLC‐based NS2B‐NS3 interaction assay

Support Protocol 1: Interaction specificity assay

Support Protocol 2: Competition binding assay: Dose‐response inhibition using cold prey or bait

Support Protocol 3: Competition binding assay: Inhibition by MBP‐NS3 versus irrelevant MBP tag

Support Protocol 4: SLC‐based NS2B‐NS3 interaction assay using NS2B mutations known to disrupt NS2B‐NS3 interactions
Superhydrophilic and Oleophobic Porous Architectures Based on Basalt Fibers as Oil‐Repellent Photothermal Materials for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Chen Lihua , Xia Miaomiao , Du Jianbin , Luo Xiaofang , Zhang Lu , Li An
Published: December 2019

The construction of efficient solar steam generation systems is of great importance for a range of purposes, such as desalination, distillation, and sterilization. In this study, superhydrophilic and oleophobic porous architectures are prepared by carbonization of a mixture of basalt fibers and tissue paper (BFT) followed by an oleophobic modification (O‐BFT) to form oil‐repellent photothermal materials for efficient solar steam generation. The as‐prepared O‐BFT shows high porosity, superior light absorption, and good thermal insulation (thermal conductivity=0.371 Wm−1 K−1). Correspondingly, a high solar energy conversion efficiency of 90 % is achieved with 1 sun irradiation. Its strong oleophobic wettability endows it with excellent oil‐repellent ability. Therefore, a high energy conversion efficiency of 81 % in oily water was obtained with 1 sun irradiation, whereas the unmodified BFT only shows a low energy conversion efficiency of 26 % because of severe oil contamination, which significantly blocks water evaporation. These unique features of O‐BFT makes enable efficient solar steam generation even in oily wastewater, showing great advantages over reported photothermal materials that display poor antifouling performance, which in turn largely extends its application range for practical solar steam generation.
MnO2 Nanosheet‐Assembled Hollow Polyhedron Grown on Carbon Cloth for Flexible Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Fangfang , Gao Xiaobin , Xu Xilian , Jiang Yani , Gao Xinlong , Yin Ruilian , Shi Wenhui , Liu Wenxian , Lu Gang , Cao Xiehong
Published: December 2019

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have been considered as prospective alternatives for lithium‐ion batteries, which are able to serve as power sources for next‐generation wearable and flexible devices, owing to the merits of abundant zinc resources and high safety of aqueous electrolyte. However, the lack of suitable cathode materials with flexibility for ZIBs hinders their further application. Herein, a novel cathode material [i.e., MnO2 nanosheet‐assembled hollow polyhedron anchored on carbon cloth (MnO2/CC)] was prepared through a rapid hydrothermal method by using ZIF‐67 as self‐sacrificing template. When tested in an aqueous ZIB, the MnO2/CC delivered a high reversible capacity of 263.9 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 300 cycles, far exceeding those of the commercial MnO2 electrode. More importantly, benefiting from the unique structural advantages, a flexible ZIB assembled based on the MnO2/CC displayed a stable output voltage of 1.53 V and a specific capacity of 91.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 30 cycles. It also successfully lit LED bulbs even under different bending angles, showing good flexibility. This research contributes to the development of MnO2‐based cathode materials for high‐performance flexible ZIBs.
A cloud service composition method using a trust‐based clustering algorithm and honeybee mating optimization algorithm
Authors: Zanbouri Kouros , Jafari Navimipour Nima
Published: December 2019

One of the most critical issues in using service‐oriented technologies is the combination of services, which has become an important challenge in the present. There are some significant challenges in the service composition, most notable is the quality of service (QoS), which is more challenging due to changing circumstances in dynamic service environments. Also, trust value in the case of selection of more reliable services is another challenge in the service composition. Due to NP‐hard complexity of service composition, many metaheuristic algorithms have been used so far. Therefore, in this paper, the honeybee mating optimization algorithm as one of the powerful metaheuristic algorithms is used for achieving the desired goals. To improve the QoS, inspirations from the mating stages of the honeybee, the interactions between honeybees and queen bee mating and the selection of the new queen from the relevant optimization algorithm have been used. To address the trust challenge, a trust‐based clustering algorithm has also been used. The simulation results using C# language have shown that the proposed method in small scale problem acts better than particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, and discrete gbest‐guided artificial bee colony algorithm. With the clustering and reduction of the search space, the response time is improved; also, more trusted services are selected. The results of the simulation on a large‐scale problem have indicated that the proposed method is exhibited worse performance than the average results of previous works in computation time.
Metacommunity theory for transmission of heritable symbionts within insect communities
Authors: Brown Joel J. , Mihaljevic Joseph R. , Des Marteaux Lauren , Hrček Jan
Published: December 2019

Microbial organisms are ubiquitous in nature and often form communities closely associated with their host, referred to as the microbiome. The microbiome has strong influence on species interactions, but microbiome studies rarely take interactions between hosts into account, and network interaction studies rarely consider microbiomes. Here, we propose to use metacommunity theory as a framework to unify research on microbiomes and host communities by considering host insects and their microbes as discretely defined “communities of communities” linked by dispersal (transmission) through biotic interactions. We provide an overview of the effects of heritable symbiotic bacteria on their insect hosts and how those effects subsequently influence host interactions, thereby altering the host community. We suggest multiple scenarios for integrating the microbiome into metacommunity ecology and demonstrate ways in which to employ and parameterize models of symbiont transmission to quantitatively assess metacommunity processes in host‐associated microbial systems. Successfully incorporating microbiota into community‐level studies is a crucial step for understanding the importance of the microbiome to host species and their interactions.
Ecological influence of addition of antioxidant and incorporation of selective catalytic reduction on NO emission in off‐road engines powered by waste plastic oil blend
Authors: Gnanasikamani Balaji , Bharathy Sachuthananthan , K Suresh Kumar , Marimuthu Cheralathan
Published: December 2019

Accumulation of waste plastics and their disposal have been a perennial problem across the globe and conversion of waste plastic into useful fuel could solve the global problems of environmental pollution and fast depletion of fossil reserves. Emissions control in internal combustion engines can be achieved through fuel modification, engine modification, or by tailpipe gas treatment. The concept of tailpipe gas treatment is comparatively easier owing to a little or no engine modification requirement and one among them is selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In the present study, an attempt has been made to control NO emission of a plastic oil‐fuelled CI engine through fuel modification as well as exhaust after‐treatment technique. Waste plastics have been converted to plastic oil (PO) through pyrolysis process and investigation has been carried out in a four‐stroke, mono barrel diesel engine fueled with diesel‐PO blend (50:50), added with antioxidant phenylenediamine. The engine is incorporated with the SCR technique through the injection of water urea solution in the tailpipe at 0.2 lit/min to examine the engine performance and NO and other emissions reduction potential. The test results revealed that oil generated through waste plastic could be a good substitute to fossil diesel, and the combined effect of antioxidant addition and incorporation of the SCR technique is very effective in reducing NO emission to the tune of 66% without much compromise in the engine brake thermal efficiency.
Controls on debris‐flow initiation on burned and unburned hillslopes during an exceptional rainstorm in southern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Tillery Anne C. , Rengers Francis K.
Published: December 2019

AbstractUsing observations from 688 debris flows, we analyse the hydrologic and landscape characteristics that influenced debris‐flow initiation mechanisms and locations in a watershed that had been partially burned by the 2012 Whitewater‐Baldy Complex Fire in the Gila Mountains, southern New Mexico. Debris flows can initiate due to different processes. Slopes can fail as discrete landslides and then become fluidized and move downstream as debris flows (landslide initiated) or progressive bulking of sediment from a distributed area can become channelized and concentrated as it moves downslope (runoff generated). In this study, we have an unusual opportunity to investigate both types of debris‐flow initiation mechanisms in our observations of debris flows, triggered by an exceptional rainstorm in the autumn of 2013. Additionally, we compare our observations with those of a dataset of 1138 debris flows in the Colorado Front Range, triggered during the same weather system. We found that runoff‐generated debris flows dominated in burn areas, and runoff required to start these flows could be well characterized by the Shields stress. Landslide‐initiated debris flows were dominant in unburned areas. Debris‐flow densities were tied to total rainfall and precipitation intensities. Like the observations in the Colorado Front Range, debris‐flow initiation locations were found primarily in areas of relatively sparse vegetation on south‐facing slopes between 25 and 40°, and with upslope contributing areas less than 1000 m2. In terms of preferential locations for debris‐flow initiations, 2013 vegetation coverage, approximated by Green–Red Vegetation Index metrics, proved to be more influential than the 2012 burn‐severity designation. The uniformity of observations between our study area and those in the Colorado Front Range indicate that the underlying hydrologic and landscape patterns of the debris‐flow initiation locations documented in these studies could be applicable to the wider southwest and Rocky Mountain regions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.