bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The electoral success of angels and demons: Big Five, Dark Triad, and performance at the ballot box
Authors: Nai Alessandro
Published: November 2019

The article tests whether the personality of candidates – in terms of their Big Five (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness) and Dark triad (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) – is associated with their electoral results. Via a novel dataset based on expert ratings for 122 candidates having competed in 55 recent national elections worldwide, and controlling for several covariates, results show that a better performance at the ballot box is associated with high conscientiousness, openness to experience and psychopathy. Extraversion is negatively associated with better results. Analyses also reveal profile effects; extraversion is linked to worse results especially for incumbents and younger candidates, conscientiousness and narcissism are associated with better results especially for candidates on the right-hand side of the ideological spectrum, and openness is associated with better results for male candidates.
DE LA FABRICATION DE L’EXCLUSION SCOLAIRE EN MILIEU DÉFAVORISÉ ET MULTIETHNIQUE
Authors: Vidal Marjorie
Published: November 2019

Cet article a pour objectif de comprendre la fabrication de l’exclusion scolaire, à travers l’étude du capital social organisationnel. Il repose sur une étude de cas ethnographique qui s’est déroulée dans une école secondaire en milieu défavorisé et multiethnique de Montréal. Le recours à la « forme scolaire » a permis de révéler comment certaines pratiques qui relèvent de la promotion d’un parcours d’excellence, ou encore de la centration sur la culture scolaire, constituent des obstacles à la véritable inclusion, en perpétuant une norme qui contribue à exclure les élèves en situation de vulnérabilité.
LE PROCESSUS D’EXCLUSION / INCLUSION DES ENFANTS EN SITUATION DE HANDICAP À L’ÉCOLE
Authors: Kheroufi-Andriot Olivier
Published: November 2019

Le paradigme inclusif promeut une manière qualitative d’inclure les enfants en situation de handicap à l’école et le rôle de l’environnement scolaire devient déterminant. Des acteurs scolaires et non scolaires, dans une situation d’inclusion, peuvent choisir de travailler ensemble et de mettre en œuvre un processus d’exclusion provisoire du milieu scolaire ordinaire en retravaillant collectivement la norme inclusive. Ce processus « d’exclusion / inclusion » relève d’un processus subversif, négocié et créateur. L’interactionnisme symbolique, l’analyse pluridisciplinaire des situations de travail et la clinique de l’activité sont mobilisés pour analyser ce processus. Cette recherche qualitative prend appui sur des observations, des entretiens, et une collecte de documents institutionnels et professionnels, réalisés au cours d’une démarche d’enquête socioanthropologique.
Formation of a β-barrel membrane protein is catalyzed by the interior surface of the assembly machine protein BamA
Authors: Lee James , Tomasek David , Santos Thiago MA , May Mary D , Meuskens Ina , Kahne Daniel
Published: November 2019

The β-barrel assembly machine (Bam) complex in Gram-negative bacteria and its counterparts in mitochondria and chloroplasts fold and insert outer membrane β-barrel proteins. BamA, an essential component of the complex, is itself a β-barrel and is proposed to play a central role in assembling other barrel substrates. Here, we map the path of substrate insertion by the Bam complex using site-specific crosslinking to understand the molecular mechanisms that control β-barrel folding and release. We find that the C-terminal strand of the substrate is stably held by BamA and that the N-terminal strands of the substrate are assembled inside the BamA β-barrel. Importantly, we identify contacts between the assembling β-sheet and the BamA interior surface that determine the rate of substrate folding. Our results support a model in which the interior wall of BamA acts as a chaperone to catalyze β-barrel assembly.
Direct binding of phosphatidylglycerol at specific sites modulates desensitization of a ligand-gated ion channel
Authors: Tong Ailing , Petroff John T , Hsu Fong-Fu , Schmidpeter Philipp AM , Nimigean Crina M , Sharp Liam , Brannigan Grace , Cheng Wayland WL
Published: November 2019

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are essential determinants of synaptic transmission, and are modulated by specific lipids including anionic phospholipids. The exact modulatory effect of anionic phospholipids in pLGICs and the mechanism of this effect are not well understood. Using native mass spectrometry, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and functional assays, we show that the anionic phospholipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol (POPG), preferentially binds to and stabilizes the pLGIC, Erwinia ligand-gated ion channel (ELIC), and decreases ELIC desensitization. Mutations of five arginines located in the interfacial regions of the transmembrane domain (TMD) reduce POPG binding, and a subset of these mutations increase ELIC desensitization. In contrast, a mutation that decreases ELIC desensitization, increases POPG binding. The results support a mechanism by which POPG stabilizes the open state of ELIC relative to the desensitized state by direct binding at specific sites.
The cerebellum shows its stripes
Authors: Holloway Ashley L , Lerner Talia N
Published: November 2019

New studies examine how the different sub-structures in the cerebellum are organized to receive information during complex behavioral tasks
Luther and Norwegian Nation-Building
Authors: Aschim Anders
Published: November 2019

In most Protestant countries, the Reformation was closely connected to the development of vernacular languages and literatures. In Norway under Danish rule, this was not the case. Only in the 19th century, during the nation-building period of independent Norway, a Norwegian ecclesiastical language was developed. Some authors claim that this completed the Reformation in Norway – a protracted Reformation indeed. Particularly important were the hymns of Magnus Brostrup Landstad and Elias Blix.

This study examines the role of Luther in the Norwegian 19th century national discourse, suggesting a three-phase development: Luther as text, as inspiration, and as argument. The full-blown use of Luther as argument was taken up by proponents of a nynorsk ecclesiastical language only during the final years of the Swedish-Norwegian union, just before its dissolution in 1905.
Interleukin‐22 promotes development of malignant lesions in a mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer
Authors: Katara Gajendra K. , Kulshrestha Arpita , Schneiderman Sylvia , Riehl Valerie , Ibrahim Safaa , Beaman Kenneth D.
Published: November 2019

Interleukin (IL)‐22 is recognized as a tumor‐supporting cytokine and is implicated in the proliferation of multiple epithelial cancers. In breast cancer, the current knowledge of IL‐22 function is based on cell line models and little is known about how IL‐22 affects the tumor initiation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in the in vivo system. Here, we investigated the tumor stage‐specific function of IL‐22 in disease development by evaluating the stage‐by‐stage progression of breast cancer in an IL‐22 knockout spontaneous breast cancer mouse model. We found that among all the stages, IL‐22 is specifically upregulated in tumor microenvironment (TME) during the malignant transformation stage of breast tumor progression. The deletion of IL‐22 gene leads to the arrest of malignant transition stage, and reduced invasion and tumor burden. Administration of recombinant IL‐22 in the TME does not influence in vivo tumor initiation and proliferation but only promotes malignant transformation of cancer cells. Mechanistically, deletion of IL‐22 gene causes downregulation of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐associated transcription factors in breast tumors, suggesting EMT as the mechanism of regulation of malignancy by IL‐22. Clinically, in human breast tumor tissues, increased number of IL‐22+ cells in the TME is associated with an aggressive phenotype of breast cancer. For the first time, this study provides an insight into the tumor stage‐specific function of IL‐22 in breast tumorigenesis.
Atomic‐Scale Mechanism of Unidirectional Oxide Growth
Authors: Sun Xianhu , Zhu Wenhui , Wu Dongxiang , Liu Zhenyu , Chen Xiaobo , Yuan Lu , Wang Guofeng , Sharma Renu , Zhou Guangwen
Published: November 2019

A fundamental knowledge of the unidirectional growth mechanisms is required for precise control on size, shape, and thereby functionalities of nanostructures. The oxidation of many metals results in oxide nanowire growth with a bicrystal grain boundary along the axial direction. Using transmission electron microscopy that spatially and temporally resolves CuO nanowire growth during the oxidation of copper, herein, direct evidence of the correlation between unidirectional crystal growth and bicrystal grain boundary diffusion is provided. Based on atomic scale observations of the upward growth at the nanowire tip, oscillatory downward growth of atomic layers on the nanowire sidewall and the parabolic kinetics of lengthening, it is shown that bicrystal grain boundary diffusion is the mechanism by which Cu ions are delivered from the nanowire root to the tip. Together with density‐functional theory calculations, it is further shown that the asymmetry in the corner‐crossing barriers promotes the unidirectional oxide growth by hindering the transport of Cu ions from the nanowire tip to the sidewall facets. The broader applicability of these results in manipulating the growth of nanostructured oxides by controlling the bicrystal grain boundary structure that favors anisotropic diffusion for unidirectional, 1D crystal growth for nanowires or isotropic diffusion for 2D platelet growth is expected.
Core/Shell CdSe/CdS Bone‐Shaped Nanocrystals with a Thick and Anisotropic Shell as Optical Emitters
Authors: Castelli Andrea , Dhanabalan Balaji , Polovitsyn Anatolii , Caligiuri Vincenzo , Di Stasio Francesco , Scarpellini Alice , Brescia Rosaria , Palei Milan , Martín‐García Beatriz , Prato Mirko , Manna Liberato , Moreels Iwan , Krahne Roman , Arciniegas Milena P.
Published: November 2019

Colloidal core/shell nanocrystals are key materials for optoelectronics, enabling control over essential properties via precise engineering of the shape, thickness, and crystal structure of their shell. Here, the growth protocol for CdS branched nanocrystals is applied on CdSe nanoplatelet seeds and bone‐shaped heterostructures are obtained with a highly anisotropic shell. Surprisingly, the nanoplatelets withstand the high growth temperature of 350 °C and structures with a CdSe nanoplatelet core that is overcoated by a shell of cubic CdS are obtained, on top of which tetrahedral CdS structures with hexagonal lattice are formed. These complex core/shell nanocrystals show a band‐edge emission around 657 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈42% in solution, which is also retained in thin films. Interestingly, the nanocrystals manifest simultaneous red and green emission and the relatively long wavelength of the green emission indicates charge recombination at the cubic/hexagonal interface of the CdS shell. The nanocrystal films show amplified spontaneous emission, random lasing, and distributed feedback lasing when the material is deposited on suitable gratings. This work stimulates the design and fabrication of more exotic core/shell heterostructures where charge carrier delocalization, dipole moment, and other optical and electrical properties can be engineered.
Dual‐Tube Helmholtz Resonator‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Highly Efficient Harvesting of Acoustic Energy
Authors: Zhao Hongfa , Xiao Xiu , Xu Peng , Zhao Tiancong , Song Liguo , Pan Xinxiang , Mi Jianchun , Xu Minyi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2019

An acoustic wave is a type of energy that is clean and abundant but almost totally unused because of its very low density. This study investigates a novel dual‐tube Helmholtz resonator‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (HR‐TENG) for highly efficient harvesting of acoustic energy. This HR‐TENG is composed of a Helmholtz resonant cavity, a metal film with evenly distributed acoustic holes, and a dielectric soft film with one side ink‐printed for electrode. Effects of resonant cavity structure, acoustic conditions, and film tension on the HR‐TENG performance are investigated systematically. By coupling the mechanisms of triboelectric nanogenerator and acoustic propagation, a theoretical guideline is provided for improving energy output and broadening the frequency band. Specifically, the present HR‐TENG generates the maximum acoustic sensitivity per unit area of 1.23 VPa−1 cm−2 and the maximum power density per unit sound pressure of 1.82 WPa−1 m−2, which are higher than the best results from the literature by 60 and 20%, respectively. In addition, the HR‐TENG may also serve as a self‐powered acoustic sensor.
Mortality and mesothelioma incidence among chrysotile asbestos miners in Balangero, Italy: A cohort study
Authors: Ferrante Daniela , Mirabelli Dario , Silvestri Stefano , Azzolina Danila , Giovannini Andrea , Tribaudino Patrizia , Magnani Corrado
Published: November 2019

Background

We studied cancer mortality and mesothelioma incidence in 974 male workers employed at least 6 months at the Balangero mine (Italy), the largest chrysotile mine in Western Europe, active from 1917 to 1985.

Methods

Vital status as of 31 May 2013, causes of deaths and mesothelioma incidence from 1990 were ascertained. Past exposure to asbestos by working area and calendar period was estimated, based on historical data of fibers concentrations. Individual cumulative exposure was assessed by applying estimates to the job history of cohort members. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for selected causes and standardized incidence ratios for malignant mesothelioma (MM) were calculated based on regional reference rates. Poisson regression analysis was used to study MM and lung cancer risk by latency, duration, and cumulative exposure.

Results

Mortality was increased for all causes (SMR = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17‐1.40), pleural cancer (SMR = 4.30; 95% CI = 1.58‐9.37), asbestosis (SMR = 375.06; 95% CI = 262.68‐519.23). An increase was also found for lung cancer (SMR = 1.14; 95% CI =  0.81‐1.55) and peritoneal cancer (SMR = 3.25; 95% CI = 0.39‐11.75). The risk of both pleural and peritoneal cancer mortality and of mesothelioma incidence increased with increasing cumulative exposure, duration, and latency. Poisson regression analyses showed an increase in mesothelioma risk with cumulative asbestos exposure and suggest a similar trend for lung cancer. Asbestosis mortality also increased with cumulative exposure.

Conclusions

Among Balangero chrysotile miners and millers, the occurrence of malignant and nonmalignant asbestos‐related diseases was increased by exposure, with dose‐response relation. The study confirms the carcinogenicity of chrysotile asbestos, in particular for pleural mesothelioma.
Aminated metal‐organic framework (NH2‐MIL‐101(Cr)) incorporated polyvinylidene (PVDF) hybrid membranes: Synthesis and application in efficient removal of Congo red from aqueous solution
Authors: Tan Yuanming , Sun Zhongqiao , Meng Hao , Han Yide , Wu Junbiao , Xu Junli , Xu Yan , Zhang Xia
Published: November 2019

The efficient treatment of wastewater containing organic dyes generated in diverse industrial processes has become more crucial owing to increasing environmental concerns. In this paper, we incorporated the aminated functional NH2‐MIL‐101(Cr) into the porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to fabricate the MOFs/polymer hybrid membranes, which combined the surface activity of MOFs and the membrane's filtration plus the adsorption process, and can be used in the high‐efficient removal of congo red (CR) from aqueous solution. Two synthesis strategies were employed, and both of which are useful in fabricating the NH2‐MIL‐101(Cr)@PVDF hybrid membranes. The NH2‐MIL‐101(Cr) particles are mainly incorporated into the pores of PVDF, and thus enhance the hydrophilicity, water flux as well as porosity of the hybrid membranes. In the adsorption experiments, the influences of various conditions including the solution pH, adsorption time, adsorption isotherms, reusability, and the filtration performances were investigated systematically, and all the hybrid membranes show evidently improved adsorption performances compared to original PVDF films. The adsorption thermal and dynamics analyses indicate that the adsorption process is mainly featured in Langmuir monolayer adsorption and chemical adsorption. The hydrogen bonding at the interface of CR/NH2‐MIL‐101(Cr) is responsible for the selective adsorption of CR. The excellent reusability and the dynamic adsorption performances determine the potential applications of MOF‐based hybrid membranes in the membrane separation of CR from practical waste water.
Looking after bulurru: Protecting the scientific and cultural values of an Aboriginal rock art complex in northern Queensland
Authors: BUHRICH ALICE , BRIM SR WILLIE
Published: November 2019

For the Bulwandji Traditional Owners of Cape York Peninsula, Bunda Bibanji (also known as “Bare Hill”) is part of bulurru – the Storytime, or the time of creation (Bottoms 1999: 1). Bunda Bibanji is the place where the culture hero, Kunandooran, turned into rock after his death by fire; it forms part of a complex cultural landscape. Bunda Bibanji also contains the largest rock art complex in the Cairns hinterland and has significant research potential for both rock art studies and understanding the occupation history of the region. Until recently, management of the site complex has focused on visitor management and its tangible scientific values, rather than its social and intangible cultural values. However, a major shift in management in recent years has aimed to enhance the Aboriginal social values of the place, potentially placing its scientific values at risk. This paper explores the tensions between managing scientific and cultural values at the Bunda Bibanji complex from both archaeological and Traditional Owner perspectives.
Real‐world outcomes of FOLFIRINOX vs gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel in advanced pancreatic cancer: A population‐based propensity score‐weighted analysis
Authors: Chan Kelvin K. W. , Guo Helen , Cheng Sierra , Beca Jaclyn M. , Redmond‐Misner Ruby , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Qiao Lucy , Earle Craig , Berry Scott R. , Biagi James J. , Welch Stephen , Meyers Brandon M. , Mittmann Nicole , Coburn Natalie , Arias Jessica , Schwartz Deborah , Dai Wei F. , Gavura Scott , McLeod Robin , Kennedy Erin D.
Published: November 2019

Background

In Ontario, FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and gemcitabine + nab‐paclitaxel (GnP) have been publicly funded for first‐line unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (uLAPC) or metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) since April 2015. We examined the real‐world effectiveness and safety of FFX vs GnP for advanced pancreatic cancer, and in uLAPC and mPC.

Methods

Patients receiving first‐line FFX or GnP from April 2015 to March 2017 were identified in the New Drug Funding Program database. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were obtained through the Ontario Cancer Registry and other population‐based databases. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier and weighted Cox proportional hazard models, weighted by the inverse propensity score adjusting for baseline characteristics. Weighted odds ratio (OR) for hospitalization and emergency department visits (EDV) were estimated from weighted logistic regression models.

Results

For 1130 patients (632 FFX, 498 GnP), crude median OS was 9.6 and 6.1 months for FFX and GnP, respectively. Weighted OS was improved for FFX vs GnP (HR = 0.77, 0.70‐0.85). Less frequent EDV and hospitalization were observed in FFX (EDV: 67.8%; Hospitalization: 49.2%) than GnP (EDV: 77.7%; Hospitalization: 59.3%). More frequent febrile neutropenia‐related hospitalization was observed in FFX (5.8%) than GnP (3.3%). Risk of EDV and hospitalization were significantly lower for FFX vs GnP (EDV: OR = 0.68, P = .0001; Hospitalization: OR = 0.76, P = .002), whereas the risk of febrile neutropenia‐related hospitalization was significantly higher (OR = 2.12, P = .001). Outcomes for uLAPC and mPC were similar.

Conclusion

In the real world, FFX had longer OS, less frequent all‐cause EDV and all‐cause hospitalization, but more febrile neutropenia‐related hospitalization compared to GnP.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Panaxadiol Derivatives
Authors: Xiao Shengnan , Lin Zhe , Wang Xude , Lu Jincai , Zhao Yuqing
Published: November 2019

In this study, 13 panaxadiol (PD) derivatives were synthesized via reactions with aromatic compounds and amino acids. Following this, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated against four cancer cell lines (human hepatoma cells HepG‐2, human lung cancer cells A549, human breast cancer cells MCF‐7, and human colon cancer cells HCT‐116) and one normal cell lines (human gastric epithelial cells GES‐1). The results showed that the panaxadiol derivatives3,12, and13showed significant inhibition of cellular proliferation against cancer cells compared with PD, and the panaxadiol derivative12had the lowest IC50value for A549 (IC50=18.91±1.03 μm). For MCF‐7 cells, most compounds exhibited good inhibition of cellular proliferation, and the panaxadiol derivative13showed the strongest inhibitory effect (IC50=8.62±0.23 μm), which significantly increased the cytotoxicity of PD and was stronger than the positive control (mitomycin). For normal cells, all compounds exhibited low or no toxic effects; thus, these derivatives can be used to develop novel antiproliferative agents.
Intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fractional flow reserve use in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , El Hajj Stephanie C. , Bell Malcolm R. , Prasad Abhiram , Lerman Amir , Rihal Charanjit S. , Holmes David R. , Barsness Gregory W.
Published: November 2019

Background

There are limited data on the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fractional flow reserve (FFR) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Objectives

To assess the temporal trends of IVUS, OCT, and FFR use in AMI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study from the National Inpatient Sample (2004–2014) was designed to include AMI admissions that received coronary angiography. Administrative codes were used to identify percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), IVUS, OCT, and FFR. Outcomes included temporal trends, inhospital mortality and resource utilization stratified by IVUS, OCT, or FFR use.

Results

In 4,419,973 AMI admissions, IVUS, OCT, and FFR were used in 2.6%, 0.1%, and 0.6%, respectively. There was a 22‐fold, 118‐fold, and 33‐fold adjusted increase in IVUS, OCT, and FFR use, respectively, in 2014 compared to the first year of use. Non‐ST‐elevation AMI presentation, male sex, private insurance coverage, admission to a large urban hospital, and absence of cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock were associated with higher IVUS, OCT, or FFR use. PCI was performed in 83.2% of the IVUS, OCT, or FFR cohort compared to 64.2% of the control group (p < .001). The cohort with IVUS/OCT/FFR use had lower inhospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.50–0.56]), more frequent discharges to home (83.7% vs. 76.8%), shorter hospital stays (4.3 ± 4.4 vs. 5.0 ± 5.5 days) and higher hospitalization costs ($90,683 ± 74,093 vs. $74,671 ± 75,841).

Conclusions

In AMI, the use of IVUS, OCT, and FFR has increased during 2004–2014. Significant patient and hospital‐level disparities exist in the use of these technologies.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Arylation of Cyclic N‐Sulfonyl α‐Ketimino Esters towards the Synthesis of α‐Quaternary Chiral Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Wu Chun‐Yan , Xu Ming‐Hua
Published: November 2019

We have developed a highly effective palladium/PHOX catalyst system for efficient asymmetric 1,2‐addition of arylboronic acids to six‐membered 1,2,6‐thiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide type cyclic N‐sulfonyl α‐iminoesters. The protocol allows convenient synthesis of a variety of nearly optically pure α‐quaternary amino acid derivatives under mild reaction conditions. The synthetic utility of the reaction is demonstrated by simple product transformations. It allows the convenient construction of α,γ‐substituted chiral γ‐lactams having two carbon stereogenic centres, including one quaternary centre, in a highly enantiomerically pure form. This chemistry may be used to generate analogous molecules of BMS‐561392 for bioactivity screening and drug discovery.
A Polyaniline‐Based Redox‐Active Composite Gel Electrolyte with Photo‐Electric and Electrochromic Properties
Authors: Aljafari Belqasem , Indrakar Sharan K. , Ram Manoj K. , Biswas Prasanta K. , Stefanakos Elias , Takshi Arash
Published: November 2019

A polyaniline (PANI)‐based gel material with a redox‐active nature has demonstrated unique charge storage, photovoltaic, and electrochromic properties in the bulk of the gel. The specific capacitance in the volume of the gel was measured to be 428.9 mF g−1. Also, a hybrid device for concurrent solar energy harvesting and charge storage was made simply by placing a layer of the gel between a TiO2 coated electrode and a carbon electrode. The hybrid device showed 137 mV open circuit voltage under the light condition with only 10 mV voltage drop in 600 s after cessation of light. The electrochromic property of the composite gel was also studied in a device made of two transparent electrodes. The results showed 64 % transmittance at 564 nm and zero transmittance when the cell was biased at 0.0 V and 2.0 V, respectively. The photoelectric property and the redox‐active nature of the gel suggest existence of both ionic and electronic conductions through the electrolytes. The results are encouraging to further customize the composite gel for various applications, including supercapacitors, solar cells, photoactive supercapacitors, and electrochromic windows.
Encoding Chiral Molecular Information in Metal Structures
Authors: Wattanakit Chularat , Kuhn Alexander
Published: November 2019

The concept of encoding molecular information in bulk metals has been proposed over the past decade. The structure of various types of molecules, including enantiomers, can be imprinted in achiral substrates. Typically, to encode metals with chiral information, several approaches, based on chemical and electrochemical concepts, can be used. In this Minireview, recent achievements with respect to the development of such materials are discussed, including the entrapment of chiral biomolecules in metals, the chiral imprinting of metals, as well as the combination of imprinting with nanostructuring. The features and potential applications of these designer materials, such as chirooptical properties, enantioselective adsorption and separation, as well as their use for asymmetric synthesis will be presented. This will illustrate that the development of molecularly encoded metal structures opens up very interesting perspectives, especially in the frame of chiral technologies.
Research on color optimization of tricolor product considering color harmony and users' emotion
Authors: Guo Fu , Li Fengxiang , Nagamachi Mitsuo , Hu Mingcai , Li Mingming
Published: November 2019

There are few studies on the tricolor design optimization, and the influence of color‐area ratio on users' emotion has been ignored. This article aims to achieve multiobjective optimization of tricolor product color design. Two modes of color‐area ratio are put forward. Using the proposed method of generating tricolor schemes, 368 tricolor schemes of the representative baby carriage are designed. Through questionnaire survey, color images are screened, and combined with correlation analysis and factor analysis, five perceptual features of color design are determined as “Order,” “Excitement,” “Temperature,” “Color harmony,” and “Users' emotional preference.” From two perspectives of color information processing, radial basis function neural networks are used to construct two emotional evaluation models. By integrating the radial basis function neural networks and a genetic algorithm, this study achieves multiobjective optimization of tricolor product color design for two optimization objectives of color harmony and users' emotional preference. Verification results show that the optimization schemes are significantly better than other schemes. Due to similar product characteristics, children's electric car is utilized to verify the generalization capability of the optimization method proposed in this article. It has been demonstrated that the optimization schemes achieve higher scores than randomly selected color schemes and the actual subjective scores match with the predicted scores computed by the color optimization method.
Long‐term follow‐up in peripartum cardiomyopathy patients with contemporary treatment: low mortality, high cardiac recovery, but significant cardiovascular co‐morbidities
Authors: Moulig Valeska , Pfeffer Tobias Jonathan , Ricke‐Hoch Melanie , Schlothauer Stella , Koenig Tobias , Schwab Johannes , Berliner Dominik , Pfister Roman , Michels Guido , Haghikia Arash , Falk Christine S. , Duncker David , Veltmann Christian , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Bauersachs Johann
Published: November 2019

Aims

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) establishes late in pregnancy or in the first postpartum months. Many patients recover well within the first year, but long‐term outcome studies on morbidity and mortality are rare. Here, we present 5‐year follow‐up data of a German PPCM cohort.

Methods and results

Five‐year follow‐up data were available for 66 PPCM patients (mean age 34 ± 5 years) with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 26 ± 9% at diagnosis. Ninety‐eight percent initially received standard heart failure therapy (beta‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and/or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists), and 86% were additionally treated with dopamine D2 receptor agonists (mainly bromocriptine) and anticoagulation. After 1 year, mean LVEF had improved to 50 ± 11% (n = 48) and further increased to 54 ± 7% at 5‐year follow‐up with 72% of patients having achieved full cardiac recovery (LVEF >50%). At 5‐year follow‐up, only three patients (5%) displayed no recovery, of whom one had died. However, 20% had arterial hypertension and 17% arrhythmias, including paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. Moreover, 70% were still on at least one heart failure drug. Subsequent pregnancy occurred in 16 patients with two abortions and 14 uneventful pregnancies. Mean LVEF was 55 ± 7% at 5‐year follow‐up in these patients.

Conclusion

Our PPCM collective treated with standard therapy for heart failure, dopamine D2 receptor agonists, and anticoagulation displays a high and stable long‐term recovery rate with low mortality at 5‐year follow‐up. However, long‐term use of cardiovascular medication, persisting or de novo hypertension and arrhythmias were frequent.
Establishing Structure–Activity Relationships in Photocatalytic Systems by Using Nickel Bis(dithiolene) Complexes as Proton Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Koutsouri Eugenia , Zarkadoulas Athanasios , Kefalidi Christina , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina , Mitsopoulou Christiana A.
Published: November 2019

Herein, we present an artificial photocatalytic system for H2 evolution based on a series of proton reduction catalysts, namely [Ni{S2C2(Ph)2}2] (1), [Ni{S2C2(Ph)2}2](NEt4) (1–), [Ni{S2C2(Ph)(Ph–OCH3‐4)}2] (2), [Ni{S2C2(Ph)(Ph–OCH3‐4)}2](NEt4) (2–), [Ni{S2C2(Ph–OCH3‐4)2}2] (3) and [Ni{S2C2(Ph–OCH3‐4)2}2](NEt4) (3–), [Ni(mnt)2] (NBu4) (4–), [Ni(mnt)(S2C2(Ph)2)](NBu4) (5–). These complexes are different of both in charge and the substituents on dithiolene ligand and represent a group of active catalysts for the reduction of protons with high TONs. A series of ReI complexes, [ReBr(CO)3 (bpy)], [ReCl(CO)3(bpy)], [Re(NCS)(CO3)(bpy)], [ReBr(CO)3(amphen)] and [ReBr(CO)3 (pq)] were used as photosensitizers, in combination with triethanolamine as a sacrificial electron donor and acetic acid as a proton source. The differences of the ligands in the electron donating properties and reactivity are discussed in the light of the experimental data. We also present the physicochemical characterization of a previously reported heteroleptic monoanionic complex (5–), by UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Copper‐Catalyzed Stereospecific Hydroboration of Internal Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Ji Enhui , Meng Haiwen , Zheng Yue , Ramadoss Velayudham , Wang Yahui
Published: November 2019

An effective Cu‐catalyzed stereospecific hydroboration of aliphatic and aromatic 1,1,2‐trisubstituted internal allylic alcohols has been reported. This reaction proceeds via a silyl ether transient protection of allylic alcohols and subsequent stereospecific hydroboration. Followed by an oxidative workup, an array of acyclic, cyclic, and heterocyclic 1,3‐diols was synthesized in good to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance and excellent diastereomeric ratios (> 20:1).
Numerical study of enhancing vehicle radiator performance using different porous fin configurations and materials
Authors: Baou Maryam , Afsharpanah Farhad , Delavar Mojtaba Aghajani
Published: November 2019

A vehicle radiator is used for cooling down the hot working fluid with airflow passing over its flow passages and fins. The proper design of the radiator is very important due to space and weight limitations in automobiles. In this study, a numerical investigation has been conducted on the improvements, which can be obtained by implementing different porous fins in the radiator channels.

The effects of different porous fin configurations with the same porous media volume on the heat transfer rate and pressure drop were investigated. The coefficient of performance values were presented for evaluating the overall performance. The investigated geometries included horizontal, vertical, corrugated, and wavy‐corrugated configurations. The results showed that the corrugated pattern had the best thermal performance among these geometries while the horizontal configuration presented the lowest pressure loss, even though the best overall performance belonged to wavy‐corrugated configuration. After selecting this configuration, the influence of different porous materials on the radiator performance was studied. Finally, the radiator with the optimum porous media configuration and material was compared to a conventional radiator. It was found that implementing this porous media in the radiator channels improves its overall thermal performance factor up to 237%.
A modified PLASMIC score including the lactate dehydrogenase/the upper limit of normal ratio more accurately identifies Chinese thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients than the original PLASMIC score
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhou Li , Hu Xing , Sun Guangyu , Chen Cui , Fan Xiaoqin , Zhou Shusheng , Tao Xiaogen , Liu Huilan , Zheng Changcheng
Published: November 2019

Background

The PLASMIC score was recently published to aid in the early identification of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients. This study aims to evaluate whether this score is suitable for Chinese suspected TTP patients and find the utility of patients' other characteristics in predicting severe ADAMTS13 deficiency.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a Chinese cohort of 38 consecutive hospitalized patients with suspected TTP, ADAMTS13 test results, and other clinical data from September 2016 to May 2018. The predictive power of PLASMIC score in our cohort was evaluated, and patients' other characteristics, especially the high lactate dehydrogenase/the upper limit of normal (LDH/ULN), were studied to determine their distinguishing ability for TTP patients.

Results

In this Chinese cohort, 17 patients were diagnosed with TTP according to ADAMTS13 activity results. When dichotomized at intermediate‐high risk (scores 5‐7) vs low risk (scores 0‐4), the PLASMIC score predicted TTP with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 9.52%, and a misdiagnosis rate of 90.48%. And the LDH/ULN alone, or plus platelet count, reticulocyte percentage and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) both had excellent predictive power (area under the curve [AUC] 0.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.863‐1.000, P = .000, and AUC 0.994, 95% CI 0.980‐1.000, P = .000, respectively). The model including platelet count, reticulocyte percentage, IBIL, and LDH/ULN ratio had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 95.2%, and a misdiagnosis rate of 4.8%.

Conclusions

A modified PLASMIC score plus LDH/ULN ratio might be more suitable for identifying ADAMTS13 deficiency patients, especially for making an earlier diagnosis, guiding the immediate and reasonable plasma exchange, and also avoiding unnecessary allocation of plasma.
Oncogenic microRNA‐765 promotes the growth and metastasis of breast carcinoma by directly targeting ING4
Authors: Jiao Yanyan , Yuan Cailing , Wu Hongxia , Li Xiaomei , Yu Junhua
Published: November 2019

Previous investigations have proved that microRNA (miR)‐765 is significantly overexpressed in multiple tumor types. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism of miR‐765 in mediating breast carcinoma cell growth and metastasis remains unclear. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the levels of miR‐765 and inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) in breast carcinoma tissues and breast carcinoma cells. Cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays were used to analysis the role of miR‐765 on breast carcinoma cell growth and aggressiveness. The expressions of ING4 were determined using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The direct target of ING4 and miR‐765 was confirmed using the luciferase reporter assay. Nude mice were subcutaneously implanted with miR‐765 inhibitor transfected MDA‐MB‐231 cells to determine the potential role of miR‐765 in tumor growth in vivo. We observed that miR‐765 is overexpressed in breast carcinoma tissue and breast cancer cells. By using luciferase reporter gene bioassay, we find that ING4 is the direct target of miR‐765 in breast carcinoma. The level of ING4 is inversely associated with the level of miR‐765. The gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments in vitro indicate that the downregulation of miR‐765 suppresses the growth, mobility, and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells by inhibiting ING4. In addition, overexpression of ING4 suppresses the aggressiveness of the MDA‐BA‐231 cell that is induced by miR‐761 in vitro. In this study, we prove that miR‐765 regulates the growth and metastasis of breast cancer via modulating miR‐765‐ING4‐negative feedback loop.
Incorporation of SPION‐casein core‐shells into silk‐fibroin nanofibers for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Nazari Hojjatollah , Heirani‐Tabasi Asieh , Hajiabbas Maryam , Salimi Bani Milad , Nazari Mahnaz , Pirhajati Mahabadi Vahid , Rad Iman , Kehtari Mousa , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein , Soleimani Masoud
Published: November 2019

Mimicking the structure of extracellular matrix (ECM) of myocardium is necessary for fabrication of functional cardiac tissue. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, Fe3O4), as new generation of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), are highly intended in biomedical studies. Here, SPION NPs (1 wt%) were synthesized and incorporated into silk‐fibroin (SF) electrospun nanofibers to enhance mechanical properties and topography of the scaffolds. Then, the mouse embryonic cardiac cells (ECCs) were seeded on the scaffolds for in vitro studies. The SPION NPs were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). SF nanofibers were characterized after incorporation of SPIONs by SEM, TEM, water contact angle measurement, and tensile test. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of scaffolds was confirmed by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. SEM images showed that ECCs attached to the scaffolds with elongated morphologies. Also, the real‐time PCR and immunostaining studies approved upregulation of cardiac functional genes in ECCs seeded on the SF/SPION‐casein scaffolds including GATA‐4, cardiac troponin T, Nkx 2.5, and alpha‐myosin heavy chain, compared with the ones in SF. In conclusion, incorporation of core‐shells in SF supports cardiac differentiation, while has no negative impact on ECCs' proliferation and self‐renewal capacity.
A size‐modified poisson–boltzmann ion channel model in a solvent of multiple ionic species: Application to voltage‐dependent anion channel
Authors: Xie Dexuan , Audi Said H. , Dash Ranjan K.
Published: November 2019

We present a new size‐modified Poisson–Boltzmann ion channel (SMPBIC) model and use it to calculate the electrostatic potential, ionic concentrations, and electrostatic solvation free energy for a voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) on a biological membrane in a solution mixture of multiple ionic species. In particular, the new SMPBIC model adopts a membrane surface charge density and a natural Neumann boundary condition to reflect the charge effect of the membrane on the electrostatics of VDAC. To avoid the singularity difficulties caused by the atomic charges of VDAC, the new SMPBIC model is split into three submodels such that the solution of one of the submodels is obtained analytically and contains all the singularity points of the SMPBIC model. The other two submodels are then solved numerically much more efficiently than the original SMPBIC model. As an application of this SMPBIC submodel partitioning scheme, we derive a new formula for computing the electrostatic solvation free energy. Numerical results for a human VDAC isoform 1 (hVDAC1) in three different salt solutions, each with up to five different ionic species, confirm the significant effects of membrane surface charges on both the electrostatics and ionic concentrations. The results also show that the new SMPBIC model can describe well the anion selectivity property of hVDAC1, and that the new electrostatic solvation free energy formula can significantly improve the accuracy of the currently used formula. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a composite membrane aerated biofilm with controllable biofilm thickness in nitrogen removal
Authors: Zeng Ming , Yang Junfeng , Wang Hongting , Wang Chang , Wu Nan , Zhang Wu , Yang Haowei
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The manipulation of aeration and biofilm thickness remain two key factors for membrane aerated biofilm. A composite membrane aerated biofilm (CMAB) reactor coated with microorganisms embedded in hydrogel was developed to quantitatively control the biofilm thickness by introducing the microbial immobilization technique.

RESULTS

Results show that the thin gel film exhibited high dispersion coefficients of oxygen and substrates, and the crosslinking solution of sodium nitrate (NaNO3) contributed to the highest specific ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+‐N) removal rate of 615.33 mg/(gVSS d) with respect to partial nitrification. Correspondingly, the microbial activity of this thin gel film was also the strongest. Therefore, with the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, the gel thickness and air pressure co‐determined its efficiency. The optimum biofilm thickness and air pressure was 0.1 mm and 1 kPa, respectively, achieving the nitrogen removal rate of 1594.95 mg/(gVSS d). Furthermore, two abundant denitrifiers of Rhizobium and Thauera dominated the bacterial community of all four samples, and their proportion varied according to the aeration condition. Nitrosomonas tended to enrich in the thin CMAB under low air pressure and few Nitrospira existed.

CONCLUSION

The thickness of developed CMAB can be quantitatively controlled, and the precise regulation of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification might be achieved by adjusting the gel film thickness and air pressure. The CMAB is supposed to greatly facilitate the application of membrane aerated biofilm for nitrogen removal. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of naphtho[1,2‐b]‐, naphtho[2,1‐b]‐, and naphtho[2,3‐b]azepinones via proton‐induced cyclization of N‐1(2)‐naphthyl styrylacetamides
Authors: Danyliuk Ivanna Y. , Vaskevych Ruslan I. , Vaskevych Alla I. , Suikov Sergii Y. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Chornous Vitalij O. , Vovk Mykhailo V.
Published: November 2019

On heating in polyphosphoric acid, N‐1‐naphthyl styrylacetamides undergo proton‐induced intramolecular cyclization at position 2 of the naphthyl ring to provide 5‐aryl‐1,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2Н‐naphtho[1,2‐b]azepin‐2‐ones, while their N‐2‐naphthyl analogues, when similarly reacted, are cyclized at positions 1 and 3 of the naphthyl ring and at the amide nitrogen atom leading, respectively, to 1‐aryl‐1,2,3,5‐tetrahydro‐4Н‐naphtho[2,1‐b]azepin‐4‐ones, 5‐aryl‐1,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2Н‐naphtho[2,3‐b]azepin‐2‐ones, and 5‐aryl‐1‐(2‐naphthyl)pyrrolidin‐2‐ones.
Cathodic protection of buried steel structures: Processes occurring at the steel/soil interface during wet/dry cycles
Authors: Mahlobo Mandlenkosi G. R. , Olubambi Peter A. , Jeannin Marc , Refait Philippe
Published: November 2019

The behavior of steel coupons buried in soil under cathodic protection (CP) was studied during wet/dry cycles using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry. The coupons were left at open circuit potential for 7 days before applying CP for 51 days at potentials of −0.8 and −1.0 V versus Cu/CuSO4 on coupons 1 and 2, respectively. Wet/dry cycling was achieved by first saturating the soil with an electrolyte inside a sealed electrochemical cell and by allowing the soil to dry by opening the top lid of the cell for various periods in the experiment. Surface analysis was performed after the experiments by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The soil electrolyte resistance Rs depended mainly on the variations of soil moisture for coupon 1 but was strongly affected by the effects induced by CP for coupon 2. Residual corrosion rates of 17–18 and 7–10 µm/year for coupons 1 and 2, respectively, were estimated via voltammetry. The kinetic parameters vary with the polarization level so that the data obtained with a coupon polarized at a given potential cannot be used to predict the residual corrosion rate of a coupon polarized at another potential.
Modification of an alkyd resin coating by airflow
Authors: Feng Zhenliang , Wang Zi Ming , Song Guang‐Ling , Zheng Dajiang , Xu Yuqing
Published: November 2019

The anti‐permeability of an alkyd coating was modified by controlled airflow during the curing process. After the immersion test, the thinner airflow‐modified region had the best anti‐permeability compared with other thicker regions. The abnormal permeation behavior could be attributed to the difference in air pressure caused by the airflow. A model involving solvent evaporation and defect formation processes was proposed to interpret the airflow affected abnormal permeation behavior. This defect modification method may be employed to improve the corrosion resistance of an alkyd coating in a selected area and improve the painting quality in practice.
The effect of yttrium oxide in hydroxyapatite/aluminum oxide hybrid biocomposite materials: Phase, mechanical and morphological evaluation
Authors: Özer A. , Öksüz K.E.
Published: November 2019

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of composite materials of hydroxyapatite and aluminum oxide. Hydroxyapatite powder was obtained from bovine bones via conventional calcination routine. Although hydroxyapatite shows great biocompatibility with the human body, its applications are limited to non‐load bearing areas. For this purpose, fine powders of hydroxyapatite/alumina were admixed with 1 and 5 wt.% yittria. Powder‐compacts were sintered by two‐step sintering route by increasing temperature to 1550 °C for 2 h and then sintering at 1450 °C for 4 h. The effect of increasing yittria content on sintering behavior and mechanical properties was investigated in biocomposite hybrid materials.