bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilden als transzendentales Prinzip nach der Wissenschaftslehre
Authors: Ivaldo Marco ,   Editions Rodopi
Published: September 2019

In my contribution i would like to consider a thesis of Reinhard Lauth, according to which Fichte’s Doctrine of Science must be properly characterized as theory of the Bilden (formation), as “Bildenslehre”. In his late Berlin lectures Fichte understands Wissen (knowledge), in its actuality, as “Bild” (image). Knowledge is image and identifies itself as an image. The image as such shows a reflective and relational structure. The image presents an essential self-reflexivity and does not exist in isolation, but is a relationship to something else which Fichte designates as being, life, light, one, God. The basic idea of Fichte is that we have access to reality (to being) only through the image and in it, within a transcendental unity of being and thinking that must be conceived not as a fact (Tatsache), but as an act (Tathandlung). The term and concept Bilden (formation) expresses well the dynamic and active nature characteristic of the image. i try to explain this on the basis of certain passages of the Doctrine of Science of 1804 (second exposition).
Ooctonus vulgatus (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae), a potential biocontrol agent to reduce populations of Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe
Authors: Mesmin Xavier , Chartois Marguerite , Genson Guenaelle , Rossi Jean-Pierre , Cruaud Astrid , Rasplus Jean-Yves
Published: September 2019

As vector of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells, 1987) in Europe, the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) is a species of major concern. Therefore, tools and agents to control this ubiquitous insect that develops and feeds on hundreds of plant species are wanted. We conducted a field survey of P. spumarius eggs in Corsica and provide a first report of Ooctonus vulgatus Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) as a potential biocontrol agent of P. spumarius in Europe. To allow species identification, we summarized the main characters distinguishing O. vulgatus from other European species of Ooctonus and generated COI DNA barcodes. We also assessed parasitism rates in several sampling sites, highlighting the top-down impact of O. vulgatus on populations of P. spumarius. Based on the geographic occurrences of O. vulgatus mined in the literature, we calibrated an ecological niche model to assess its potential distribution in the Holarctic. Our results showed that O. vulgatus potential distribution overlaps that of P. spumarius. Hence, O. vulgatus appears to be a promising biocontrol agent of the meadow spittlebug in Europe and it seems advisable to conduct research on this small parasitoid wasp to assess whether it could contribute to reduce the spread and impact of X. fastidiosa in Europe.
Entrained neuronal activity to periodic visual stimuli in the primate striatum compared with the cerebellum
Authors: Kameda Masashi , Ohmae Shogo , Tanaka Masaki
Published: September 2019

Rhythmic events recruit neuronal activity in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, but their roles remain elusive. In monkeys attempting to detect a single omission of isochronous visual stimulus, we found that neurons in the caudate nucleus showed increased activity for each stimulus in sequence, while those in the cerebellar dentate nucleus showed decreased activity. Firing modulation in the majority of caudate neurons and all cerebellar neurons was proportional to the stimulus interval, but a quarter of caudate neurons displayed a clear duration tuning. Furthermore, the time course of population activity in the cerebellum well predicted stimulus timing, whereas that in the caudate reflected stochastic variation of response latency. Electrical stimulation to the respective recording sites confirmed a causal role in the detection of stimulus omission. These results suggest that striatal neurons might represent periodic response preparation while cerebellar nuclear neurons may play a role in temporal prediction of periodic events.
An open cortico-basal ganglia loop allows limbic control over motor output via the nigrothalamic pathway
Authors: Aoki Sho , Smith Jared B , Li Hao , Yan Xunyi , Igarashi Masakazu , Coulon Patrice , Wickens Jeffery R , Ruigrok Tom JH , Jin Xin
Published: September 2019

Cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops are largely conceived as parallel circuits that process limbic, associative, and sensorimotor information separately. Whether and how these functionally distinct loops interact remains unclear. Combining genetic and viral approaches, we systemically mapped the limbic and motor cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops in rodents. Despite largely closed loops within each functional domain, we discovered a unidirectional influence of the limbic over the motor loop via ventral striatum-substantia nigra (SNr)-motor thalamus circuitry. Slice electrophysiology verifies that the projection from ventral striatum functionally inhibits nigro-thalamic SNr neurons. In vivo optogenetic stimulation of ventral or dorsolateral striatum to SNr pathway modulates activity in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and motor cortex (M1), respectively. However, whereas the dorsolateral striatum-SNr pathway exerts little impact on mPFC, activation of the ventral striatum-SNr pathway effectively alters M1 activity. These results demonstrate an open cortico-basal ganglia loop whereby limbic information could modulate motor output through ventral striatum control of M1.
Caracterización epidemiológica de la infección por Leptospira spp. en caballos de trabajo y en personas ocupacionalmente expuestas en seis unidades de la Policía Nacional de Colombia
Authors: Calderón Juan Camilo , Astudillo Miryam , Romero Marlyn H.
Published: September 2019

Introducción.  Los caballos de trabajo de la Policía Nacional tienen un estrecho contacto con sus manejadores y la población en general durante las actividades recreativas y de patrullaje, lo cual puede favorecer la transmisión de la leptospirosis en los caballos y el personal ocupacionalmente expuesto.Objetivo. Caracterizar epidemiológicamente la leptospirosis mediante pruebas de serología, urocultivo y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR) en caballos de trabajo y personal con riesgo ocupacional pertenecientes a seis unidades de la Policía Nacional de Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron 153 caballos machos castrados y 123 personas en las seis unidades en los municipios de Manizales, Pereira, Armenia, Ibagué, Tuluá y Cali. Se utilizaron tres formatos estructurados para recabar información y se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas de las personas y de los caballos, las cuales se procesaron con la prueba de aglutinación microscópica (Macroscopic Agglutination Test, MAT) para 24 serogrupos. Se practicó el examen clínico de los caballos y se obtuvieron muestras de orina para el urocultivo y la PCR convencional.Resultados. La seroprevalencia de Leptospira spp. fue de 3,25 % (n=4) en las personas y de 85 % (n=130) en los caballos. Entre los caballos, los serogrupos Djasiman y Shermani fueron los más prevalentes. El urocultivo fue positivo en el 64,7 % (99/153) de las muestras, en tanto que los análisis de PCR fueron negativos. Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa de la frecuencia de salida de las instalaciones (p=0,009) y la presencia de fauna silvestre (p=0,051) con la infección por el serogrupo Shermani. Conclusión. Las características epidemiológicas de la leptospirosis en los caballos sugieren una presentación endémica de la infección y su papel como reservorios de la bacteria; sin embargo, debe dilucidarse la patogenia de la enfermedad con estudios complementarios.
Genotipificación de aislamientos del complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediante MIRU-VNTR, Cali, Colombia, 2013-2015
Authors: García David Felipe , Astudillo Myriam
Published: September 2019

Introducción. La tuberculosis continúa siendo uno de los problemas de salud más importantes a nivel mundial y, con la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV), constituye la principal causa de muerte por infecciones. En el 2016, se notificaron 6,3 millones de casos nuevos de la enfermedad.Objetivo. Describir los patrones genéticos determinados mediante la genotipificación del número variable de repeticiones en tándem de unidades repetitivas interespaciadas de micobacterias (Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units - Variable Number of Tandem Repeats, MIRU-VNTR) en la población de estudio y compararlos con los hallados en otros estudios locales e internacionales.Materiales y métodos. Mediante MIRU-VNTR, entre el 2013 y el 2015 se hizo la genotipificación de 105 muestras de ADN extraídas del esputo o de aislamientos en cultivo de M. tuberculosis provenientes de pacientes residentes en Cali con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar. La amplificación de 24 loci MIRU-VNTR se hizo por medio de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Los amplicones resultantes se visualizaron por electroforesis en geles de agarosa (2 %) teñidos con SYBR Safe™. La asignación de los alelos se hizo con un análisis gráfico con el programa GelAnalyzer 2010. Los resultados obtenidos se analizaron con el algoritmo UPGMA y se compararon con las bases de datos internacionales MIRU-VNTRplus y SITVITWEB.Resultados. Se genotipificaron por completo 62 de las muestras y se obtuvieron 58 perfiles diferentes de MIRU-VNTR. Al comparar con las bases de datos internacionales, su distribución por linajes fue la siguiente: 54,8 % para el LAM, 25,8 % para el Haarlem, 14,5 % para el S, 3,2 % para el Beijing y 1,6 % para el Cameroon. Los patrones MIRU-VNTR correspondieron a 20 tipos internacionales de MIRU (MIRU International Types, MIT) diferentes, y los más frecuentes fueron el MIT 190 y el MIT 110, con 22,6 y 6,5 %, respectivamente.Conclusión. Estos resultados confirmaron hallazgos previos sobre el predominio de los linajes LAM y Haarlem en la ciudad y la presencia de los MIT encontrados en otra ciudad de Colombia.
Crucial lncRNAs associated with adipocyte differentiation from human adipose-derived stem cells based on co-expression and ceRNA network analyses
Authors: Chen Kana , Xie Shujie , Jin Wujun
Published: September 2019

Background

Injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) is a promising treatment for facial contour deformities. However, its treatment mechanisms remain largely unknown. The study aimed to explain the molecular mechanisms of adipogenic differentiation from ASCs based on the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).

Methods

Datasets of mRNA–lncRNA (GSE113253) and miRNA (GSE72429) expression profiling were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), lncRNAs (DELs) and miRNAs (DEMs) between undifferentiated and adipocyte differentiated human ASCs were identified using the Linear Models for Microarray Data method. DELs related co-expression and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed to screen crucial target genes.

Results

A total of 748 DEGs, 17 DELs and 51 DEMs were identified. A total of 13 DELs and 279 DEGs with Pearson correlation coefficients > 0.9 and p-value < 0.01 were selected to construct the co-expression network. A total of 151 interaction pairs among 112 nodes (10 DEMs; eight DELs; 94 DEGs) were obtained to construct the ceRNA network. By comparing the lncRNAs and mRNAs in two networks, five lncRNAs (SNHG9, LINC02202, UBAC2-AS1, PTCSC3 and myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT)) and 32 genes (i.e., such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type B (PTPRB)) were found to be shared. PPI analysis demonstrated PIK3R1 , forkhead box O1 (FOXO1; a transcription factor) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) were hub genes, which could be regulated by the miRNAs that interacted with the above five lncRNAs, such as LINC02202-miR-136-5p-PIK3R1, LINC02202-miR-381-3p-FOXO1 and MIAT-miR-18a-5p-ESR1. LINC02202 also could directly co-express with PIK3R1. Furthermore, PTPRB was predicted to be modulated by co-expression with LINC01119.

Conclusion

MIAT, LINC02202 and LINC01119 may be potentially important, new lncRNAs associated with adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. They may be involved in adipogenesis by acting as a ceRNA or co-expressing with their targets.
Dendrobium alkaloids decrease Aβ by regulating α- and β-secretases in hippocampal neurons of SD rats
Authors: Huang Juan , Huang Nanqu , Zhang Minghui , Nie Jing , Xu Yunyan , Wu Qin , Shi Jingshan
Published: September 2019

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia in the elderly. The imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid β (Aβ) is a very early, often initiating factor in AD. Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) extracted from a Chinese medicinal herb, which have been shown to have anti-aging effects, protected against neuronal impairment in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we confirmed that DNLA can improve learning and memory function in elderly normal mice, indicating that DNLA has potential health benefits. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Therefore, we further explored the effect of DNLA on neurons, which is closely related to learning and memory, based on Aβ.

Methods

We exposed cultured hippocampal neurons to DNLA to investigate the effect of DNLA on Aβ in vitro. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assays. Proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis.

Results

The cell viability of hippocampal neurons was not changed significantly after treatment with DNLA. But DNLA reduced the protein expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and Aβ1–42 of hippocampal neurons in rats and increased the protein expression of ADAM17.

Conclusions

DNLA decreases Aβ by regulating α- and β-secretase in hippocampal neurons of SD rats.
Evaluating Electrical Activity of Tibialis Anterior Muscle and Balance in Hemiparetic Patients Following Central and Peripheral Electrical Stimulation - Protocol for a Randomized, Double-blinded, Clinical Trial
Authors: Fruhauf Aline Marina Alves , Politti Fabiano , Silva Camila Cardoso da , Alves David Correa , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Corrêa Fernanda Ishida
Published: September 2019

Concomitant transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is suggested to enhance the functional effects of other physical rehabilitation methods in individuals with motor impairment stemming from a chronic cerebrovascular disease. Thus, the primary aim of the proposed study is to analyze the electrical activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the paretic limb in stroke survivors following an intervention involving the combination of tDCS over the motor cortex and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) administered over the paretic TA. The secondary objective is to analyze the effect on dynamic balance.

Methods: Thirty-six adult stroke survivors will be randomized into three groups: 1) Active tDCS + active PES; 2) Sham tDCS + active PES and 3) Active tDCS + sham PES. TDCS active will be positioned bilateral over the primary motor cortex of the damaged hemisphere (C1 or C2) and the cathode will be positioned over the primary motor cortex of the undamaged hemisphere (C1 or C2) with a current of 2 mA for 20 minutes. For sham tDCS, will follow the same standarts, however, the equipment will be switched on for only 20 seconds. PES will be administered to the paretic TA at 50 Hz for 30 minutes. Evaluations: the median frequency and root mean square (RMS) of the paretic TA will be analyzed using electromyography (EMG) and dynamic balance will be evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation System (Mini-BESTest) at baseline (pre-intervention), after 10 treatment sessions at a frequency of five times a week for two weeks (post-intervention) and 30 days after the end of the interventions (follow up).

Discussion: PES has proven to facilitate the conduction of sensory-motor afferences to the cerebral cortex in stroke survivors. Combining PES with tDCS, which has a direct effect on increasing cortical excitability, could favor motor acquisition and neuronal plasticity in this population.
Effect of Cassava by Product on Performance and Cost of C Giant Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) Production
Authors: Solomon Kehinde, Abiodun , Oluwasola Babatunde, Taiye , Johnson Kehinde, Olujide
Published: September 2019

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of Cassava by Product on Performance and Cost of c Giant land Snail (Archachatina marginata) Production. A twelve-week feeding trial was conducted with (n=225 growing snails) with an average weight of 88.95+ 8.10 g to access their growth response and nutrients digestibility. The snails were fed pawpaw leaf meal (PLM), cassava leaf meal (CLM), cassava peel meal (CPM), cassava sieviate meal (CSM) and cassava chaff meal (CCM) in a complete randomized design at 45 snails per treatment of five treatments, while each treatment was replicated three times. The proximate and fiber fractions of the feedstuffs were also determined and data were analyzed using ANOVA. The proximate evaluation showed highest crude protein in PLM (31.35%) and least in CSM (2.34%). The highest crude fiber was obtained for CPM (16.21%) and least in CCM (3.98%) CSM had the highest NFE (87.41%). Highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 59.33%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 34.24%, acid detergent lignin (ADL) (9.18%), cellulose (25.59%) and hemicelluloses 25.06% was obtained for PLM. Outstanding (PL< 0.05%) weekly weight gain, weekly feed intake, nutrient digestibility and carcass yield were obtained in snails on PLM and CLM followed by CPM. Snails utilized Cassava by-product without any adverse effect.
Optional Proposals for Testing New Subcategories of
TNM
Authors: Wittekind Christian , Brierley James D. , Lee Anne , van Eycken Elisabeth
Published: September 2019

Proposal to create subdivisions of the existing T, N, and M categories is introduced. Corresponding justifications are elaborated for each, citing clinical relevance and need for further examination to better prognosis. Previous editions and other sources have been used for comparison and basis.
High‐Efficiency Red Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Close to 30% Based on a Novel Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐Lan , Ran Quan , Wang Qiang , Liu Yuan , Hänisch Christian , Reineke Sebastian , Fan Jian , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: September 2019

Researchers have spared no effort to design new thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters for high‐efficiency organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, efficient long‐wavelength TADF emitters are rarely reported. Herein, a red TADF emitter, TPA–PZCN, is reported, which possesses a high photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦPL) of 97% and a small singlet–triplet splitting (ΔEST) of 0.13 eV. Based on the superior properties of TPA–PZCN, red, deep‐red, and near‐infrared (NIR) OLEDs are fabricated by utilizing different device structure strategies. The red devices obtain a remarkable maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 27.4% and an electroluminescence (EL) peak at 628 nm with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.65, 0.35), which represents the best result with a peak wavelength longer than 600 nm among those of the reported red TADF devices. Furthermore, an exciplex‐forming cohost strategy is adopted. The devices achieve a record EQE of 28.1% and a deep‐red EL peak at 648 nm with the CIE coordinates of (0.66, 0.34). Last, nondoped devices exhibit 5.3% EQE and an NIR EL peak at 680 nm with the CIE coordinates of (0.69, 0.30).
Transient Light‐Emitting Diodes Constructed from Semiconductors and Transparent Conductors that Biodegrade Under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Lu Di , Liu Tzu‐Li , Chang Jan‐Kai , Peng Dongsheng , Zhang Yi , Shin Jiho , Hang Tao , Bai Wubin , Yang Quansan , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2019

Transient forms of electronics, systems that disintegrate, dissolve, resorb, or sublime in a controlled manner after a well‐defined operating lifetime, are of interest for applications in hardware secure technologies, temporary biomedical implants, “green” consumer devices and other areas that cannot be addressed with conventional approaches. Broad sets of materials now exist for a range of transient electronic components, including transistors, diodes, antennas, sensors, and even batteries. This work reports the first examples of transient light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) that can completely dissolve in aqueous solutions to biologically and environmentally benign end products. Thin films of highly textured ZnO and polycrystalline Mo serve as semiconductors for light generation and conductors for transparent electrodes, respectively. The emitted light spans a range of visible wavelengths, where nanomembranes of monocrystalline silicon can serve as transient filters to yield red, green, and blue LEDs. Detailed characterization of the material chemistries and morphologies of the constituent layers, assessments of their performance properties, and studies of their dissolution processes define the underlying aspects. These results establish an electroluminescent light source technology for unique classes of optoelectronic systems that vanish into benign forms when exposed to aqueous conditions in the environment or in living organisms.
A Designer Scaffold with Immune Nanoconverters for Reverting Immunosuppression and Enhancing Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Phuengkham Hathaichanok , Song Chanyoung , Lim Yong Taik
Published: September 2019

Current cancer immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) still suffers from low response rate and systemic toxicity. To overcome the limitation, a novel therapeutic platform that can revert nonimmunogenic tumors into immunogenic phenotype is highly required. Herein, a designer scaffold loaded with both immune nanoconverters encapsulated with resiquimod (iNCVs (R848)) and doxorubicin, which provides the polarization of immunosuppressive tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into tumoricidal antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), rather than depleting them, as well as in situ vaccination that can be generated in vivo without the need to previously analyze and sequence tumor antigens to favor neoantigen‐specific T cell responses is suggested. Local and sustained release of iNCVs (R848) and doxorubicin from the designer scaffold not only reduces the frequency of immunosuppressive cells in tumors but also increases systemic antitumor immune response, while minimizing systemic toxicity. Reshaping the tumor microenivronment (TME) using the designer‐scaffold‐induced synergistic antitumor immunity with ICB effects and long‐term central and effector memory T cell responses, results in the prevention of postsurgical tumor recurrence and metastasis. The spatiotemporal modulation of TMEs through designer scaffolds is expected to be a strategy to overcome the limitations and improve the therapeutic efficacy of current immunotherapies with minimized systemic toxicity.
Fully Integrated Design of a Stretchable Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Full Battery
Authors: Chen Xi , Huang Haijian , Pan Long , Liu Tian , Niederberger Markus
Published: September 2019

A solid‐state lithium‐ion battery, in which all components (current collector, anode and cathode, electrolyte, and packaging) are stretchable, is introduced, giving rise to a battery design with mechanical properties that are compliant with flexible electronic devices and elastic wearable systems. By depositing Ag microflakes as a conductive layer on a stretchable carbon–polymer composite, a current collector with a low sheet resistance of ≈2.7 Ω □−1 at 100% strain is obtained. Stretchable electrodes are fabricated by integrating active materials with the elastic current collector. A polyacrylamide–“water‐in‐salt” electrolyte is developed, offering high ionic conductivity of 10−3 to 10−2 S cm−1 at room temperature and outstanding stretchability up to ≈300% of its original length. Finally, all these components are assembled into a solid‐state lithium‐ion full cell in thin‐film configuration. Thanks to the deformable individual components, the full cell functions when stretched, bent, or even twisted. For example, after stretching the battery to 50%, a reversible capacity of 28 mAh g−1 and an average energy density of 20 Wh kg−1 can still be obtained after 50 cycles at 120 mA g−1, confirming the functionality of the battery under extreme mechanical stress.
Novel Anticorrosion Property of Organic Coating Based on Liquid Metal
Authors: Zhang Yunlei , Li Zhaoxia , Ye Qian , Yu QiangLiang , Pei Xiaowei , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2019

Compared with the traditional solid fillers, liquid metal can be easily treated into small particles similar to liquid capsule just by a sonication method. Epoxy‐based coatings containing liquid metal (EGaIn) particles are prepared easily via a straightforward method, and its corrosion performance and mechanical property of the coating are investigated. The results show that a small amount of liquid metal particles can improve the corrosion protection performance of the coatings via enhancing the barrier properties, which is completely different with the bulk liquid metal. It also improves the anticorrosion property of the coating containing zinc particles by increasing the contact area between zinc particles themselves and steel substrate, and inhibiting the corrosion process. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties are improved because particles fill the defects of coating well and dissipate stress concentration with its similarity to capsule.
The Impact of Stern‐Layer Conductivity on the Electrohydrodynamic Flow Around Colloidal Motors under an Alternating Current Electric Field
Authors: Yang Xingfu , Johnson Sophia , Wu Ning
Published: September 2019

Particles under a perpendicularly applied alternating current (AC) electric field assemble into complex structures and exhibit tunable locomotion. Although they possess very similar physical properties, silica particles form two‐dimensional (2D) close‐packed crystals in deionized water, whereas polystyrene (PS) spheres repel each other. Using nanoparticle tracers, it is shown that the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow around silica particles is contractile, whereas it is extensile around PS particles. The Stern‐layer conductivities of PS and silica spheres are further measured experimentally and used in theoretical models to calculate the EHD flow surrounding them, which matches well with experiments. Therefore, the incorporation of Stern‐layer conductivity resolves the puzzle that EHD flow surrounding a particle with moderate zeta potentials is extensile. The impacts of zeta potential, Stern‐layer conductivity, salt concentration, and particle size on the EHD flow are examined herein. It is found that particles with high zeta potential, small diameter, or immersed in low salt concentration solutions tend to have extensile EHD flow surrounding them because the enhanced surface conductivity in the double layer makes the particles effectively more polarizable than the solvent. Herein, it is further shown that asymmetric EHD motors made from PS and silica particles exhibit behaviors that are consistent with the model predictions.
Total Synthesis of (−)‐Himeradine A
Authors: Burtea Alexander , DeForest Jacob , Li Xinting , Rychnovsky Scott D.
Published: September 2019

(−)‐Himeradine A is a complex lycopodium alkaloid with seven rings and ten stereogenic centers that shows anticancer activity against lymphoma L1210 cells. A total synthesis has been developed that builds off prior work on (+)‐fastigiatine. A 2,4,6‐trisubstitited piperidine ring forms the core of the quinolizidine segment, and was prepared by diastereoselective reduction of a pyridine and classic resolution of an intermediate. The remaining secondary amine was introduced with a catalyst‐controlled Overman rearrangement. The piperidine segment was coupled in a B‐alkyl Suzuki reaction with a bicyclic bromoenone, which was a key intermediate for the synthesis of (+)‐fastigiatine. The final transformation featured a transannular Mannich reaction and cyclization to complete the quinolizidine. Five bonds and four new rings were generated in this one‐pot procedure. (−)‐Himeradine A was prepared in 17 steps in the longest linear sequence.
Triazole‐based ligands functionalized silica: Effects of ligand denticity and donors on catalytic oxidation activity of Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Ampawa Supanan , Krittametaporn Nuttaporn , Ungpittagul Thasanaporn , Phomphrai Khamphee , Sangtrirutnugul Preeyanuch
Published: September 2019

Triazole‐based ligands, tris (triazolyl)methanol (Htbtm), bis (triazolyl)‐phenylmethanol (Hbtm), and phenyl (pyridin‐2‐yl)(triazolyl)methanol (Hpytm), with differences in ligand denticity (i.e., bidentate and tridentate) and type of N donors (i.e., triazole and pyridine) were functionalized onto a silica support to produce the corresponding SiO2‐L (L = tbtm, btm, pytm). Subsequent reactions with Pd (CH3COO)2 in CH2Cl2 yielded Pd/SiO2‐L. ICP‐MS reveals that Pd loadings are higher with increased N loadings, resulting in the following trend: Pd/SiO2‐tbtm (0.83 mmol Pd g−1) > Pd/SiO2‐btm (0.65 mmol Pd g−1) ~ Pd/SiO2‐pytm (0.63 mmol Pd g−1). Meanwhile, TEM images of the used Pd/SiO2‐L catalysts after the first catalytic cycle show that the mean size of Pd NPs is highest with Pd/SiO2‐pytm (8.5 ± 1.5 nm), followed by Pd/SiO2‐tbtm (6.4 ± 1.6 nm) and Pd/SiO2‐btm (4.8 ± 1.3 nm). Based on TONs, catalytic studies toward aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at 60 °C in EtOH showed that Pd/SiO2‐pytm possessed the most active surface Pd(0) atoms, most likely as a result of more labile properties of the pyridine–triazole ligand compared to tris‐ and bis (triazolyl) analogs. ICP‐MS and TEM analysis of Pd/SiO2‐btm indicate minimal Pd leaching and similar average Pd NPs sizes after 1st and 5th catalytic runs, respectively, confirming that SiO2‐btm is an efficient Pd NPs stabilizer. The Pd/SiO2‐btm catalyst was also active toward aerobic oxidation of various benzyl alcohol derivatives in EtOH and could be reused for at least 7 reaction cycles without a significant activity loss.
Application of carbon dots in dye‐sensitized solar cells: A review
Authors: Gao Ningxiao , Huang Libing , Li Tianya , Song Jinghui , Hu Hengwei , Liu Yong , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2019

Carbon dots (CDs) are a kind of zero‐dimensional carbon‐based nanoparticles with superb light‐trapping ability, high optical absorption ability, and superior intrinsic catalytic activity. Due to these advantageous properties, they have received enthusiastic attention from researchers in the field of optical devices. The application of carbon dots in dye‐sensitized solar cells has increased with steady steps recently, especially as a substitute for precious Ru‐sensitizers and Pt counter electrodes. In this review, we classified the application of carbon dots in dye‐sensitized solar cells in recent years and explained the mechanisms of improving the performance of carbon dots. The significant impact of surface functionalization of CDs on the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells was discussed. Lastly, some challenges and application prospects of carbon dots in the dye‐sensitized solar cell were proposed, which is meaningful for the further exploration and application of carbon dots as a new energy material. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48443.
The diet of harbour and grey seals around Britain: Examining the role of prey as a potential cause of harbour seal declines
Authors: Wilson Lindsay J. , Hammond Philip S.
Published: September 2019

Harbour seal populations have declined over the last 20 years in some regions around Britain. Causes are unknown but could include a reduction in prey availability which may potentially be influenced by competition with grey seals. The diets of these two marine predators overlap considerably, indicating that there could potentially be competition for prey.

In this study, the diets of harbour and grey seals in 2010/2012 were compared regionally and seasonally in relation to: (a) regional variation in population trends around Britain; (b) previous information on diet; and (c) changes in the stock size of key prey to investigate whether or not patterns could be consistent with reduction in prey availability or competition.

Diet was estimated from comprehensive sampling of scats around Scotland and eastern England. In total, 65,534 otoliths and beaks were recovered from 1976 harbour seal scats and 68,465 otoliths and beaks were recovered from 2205 grey seal scats collected in 2010/2012. Results showed considerable seasonal and regional variability; overall, sandeel and large gadids were the two main prey types.

Patterns in diet and trends in seal population size and prey stock size indicate that harbour seals have declined in regions where they appear to be reliant on sandeel and where sandeel stocks have declined, but not in regions where sandeel have never been an important component of the diet. A possible contributing reason for the harbour seal declines may therefore be a reduction in the availability of sandeel in these regions.

Sandeel continue to be an important (although reduced) prey in the diet of grey seals in regions where harbour seals have declined. If sandeel are a limiting resource, it is possible, therefore, that grey seals may reduce prey availability to harbour seals and contribute to their decline through competition.
Measuring responses of harbour seals to potential aversive acoustic mitigation signals using controlled exposure behavioural response studies
Authors: Gordon Jonathan , Blight Clint , Bryant Ed , Thompson Dave
Published: September 2019

Some anthropogenic activities pose acute risks for marine species. For example, pile driving could damage the hearing of marine mammals while underwater explosions can also result in physical damage or death. Effective mitigation is required to reduce these risks, but the exclusion zones specified in regulations can extend over hundreds or thousands of metres and seals pose particular problems because they are difficult to detect at sea.

Aversive sound mitigation aims to exclude animals from high‐risk areas before dangerous activities take place by broadcasting specific acoustic signals. Field research is needed to identify signals that might be effective in eliciting short‐term avoidance by marine species such as harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). A series of controlled‐exposure experiments (CEEs) were undertaken to measure seal movements in response to acoustic deterrent devices (ADD) and predator calls, and to assess the effectiveness of candidate signals for aversive sound mitigation.

Seals were fitted with UHF/GPS transmitters providing continuous high‐resolution tracks and real‐time transmissions of their locations. A tracking/playback vessel located seals at sea and transmitted either ADD signals or orca (Orcinus orca) calls over a range of distances while seals were foraging or moving between sites. Behaviour before, during and after exposure was analysed to assess responses.

One‐hundred and ten CEEs were assessed as being of at least ‘adequate’ quality. Of the 71 adequate trials with the Lofitech ADD, all 38 at ranges of <1 km (predicted received level 134.6 dB RMS re 1 μPa) elicited a response. The maximum response range was 3123 m (predicted RL: 111 dB RMS re 1 μPa). However, the responses observed did not always result in substantial movements away from the source, especially for seals that were travelling at the time of the exposures. More work is needed to better understand how exposure risks would be reduced in different scenarios.

The mean net speed of horizontal movements for seals responding to aversive sounds (1.15 m s−1) was only 7% higher than their mean travel speed.

Responses to broadcasts of orca calls were highly variable.

The results suggest that signals similar to those generated by a Lofitech ADD could be used to reduce risks to harbour seals from pile driving and underwater explosions in coastal waters. More work will be needed to develop systems that match the requirements of industry and regulators and to explore whether these results can be generalized to offshore waters and to other phocids.
The importance of Southern Ocean frontal systems for the improvement of body condition in southern elephant seals
Authors: Gordine Samantha A. , Fedak Michael A. , Boehme Lars
Published: September 2019

As top predators, it has been suggested that southern elephant seals serve as sentinels of ecosystem status to inform management and conservation.

This is because southern elephant seals annually undertake two large‐scale foraging migrations for 2–3 and 7–8 months to replenish resources after fasting during breeding and moulting and often rely on dynamic macroscale latitudinal fronts to provide favourable foraging through aggregating prey.

Yet it is largely unknown whether southern elephant seals respond to changes in frontal systems over the years, whether their foraging success is associated with specific frontal systems shifts, and how flexible southern elephant seals populations are in behaviourally adapting to changes in frontal systems.

This study examines the relationship between frontal systems and the resource acquisition of 64 southern elephant seals during four post‐moult and three post‐breeding migrations between 2005 and 2010.

Satellite‐relay‐data‐loggers provided in situ measurements concurrent with >27,500 dive profiles to define fronts and interfrontal zones between the Subtropical Frontal Zone and the Southern Boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. For >430,000 in situ measurements water mass properties could be identified.

Generally, southern elephant seals associate more frequently with more southerly, higher‐latitude fronts/zones. Body condition improvements related to a given frontal system or water mass vary strongly according to year, season, month and sex.

The variability in body condition improvements is higher in some frontal systems than in others, probably owing to shifts in the Subantarctic and Polar Front.

During a migration, some individuals stay within ≤3 frontal systems, whilst others change between several frontal systems and primarily improve their body condition in upper ocean waters.

Southern elephant seals do not trace particular water masses across frontal systems, and both surface and deep foraging strategies are used.

This suggests that southern elephant seals do not target particular water masses but adjust foraging and movement strategies to exploit boundary areas at which mixing and prey aggregation is high.

The large behavioural plasticity towards the spatio‐temporal variability in the different oceanographic regions they encounter could indicate resilience against environmental changes.
Successive Cationic and Anionic (De)‐Intercalation/ Incorporation into an Ion‐Doped Radical Conducting Polymer
Authors: Chen Heng , Xu Chengyang , Zhang Yadi , Cao Mufan , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: September 2019

The further development of conducting polymers (CPs) as electrode materials is restricted by the limited doping level, solely ionic reaction as well as the insufficient reversibility and stability. In order to overcome the deficiency of intrinsic properties, a combined strategy is adopted to modify a p‐type CP (polythiophene, PTh) through grafting a radical pendant (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxyl, TEMPO) and incorporating a redox‐active dopant (Fe(CN)63−) into the π‐conjugated backbone of PTh. TEMPO group works as the electron donor allowing anionic incorporation (PF6−, ClO4−) and Fe(CN)63− doping in the conducting matrixes of PTh combines with cations (Li+) to deliver extra capacity, leading to the final composite shows a successive cationic and anionic (de)‐intercalation behavior. This dual‐ion transportation mechanism of Fe(CN)63− doped P(Th‐TEMPO) facilitates the enhanced electrochemical performance, including two significant voltage plateaus (3.6 V and 2.9 V), a reversible capacity from 76 mAh g−1 to 135 mAh g−1 at an ultra‐high coulombic efficiency (more than 99 %), which result in a high energy density.
Phenothiazine–rhodamine‐based colorimetric and fluorogenic ‘turn‐on' sensor for Zn2+ and bioimaging studies in live cells
Authors: Karmegam Muthu Vengaian , Karuppannan Sekar , Christopher Leslee Denzil Britto , Subramanian Singaravadivel , Gandhi Sivaraman
Published: September 2019

A phenothiazine–rhodamine (PTRH) fluorescent dyad was synthesized and its ability to selectively sense Zn2+ ions in solution and in in vitro cell lines was tested using various techniques. When compared with other competing metal ions, the PTRH probe showed the high selectivity for Zn2+ ions that was supported by electronic and emission spectral analyses. The emission band at 528 nm for the PTRH probe indicated the ring closed form of PTRH, as for Zn2+ ion binding to PTRH, the λem get shift to 608 nm was accompanied by a pale yellow to pink colour (under visible light) and green to pinkish red fluorescence emission (under UV light) due to ring opening of the spirolactam moiety in the PTRH ligand. Spectral overlap of the donor emission band and the absorption band of the ring opened form of the acceptor moiety contributed towards the fluorescence resonance energy transfer ON mechanism for Zn2+ ion detection. The PTRH sensor had the lowest detection limit for Zn2+, found to be 2.89 × 10−8 M. The sensor also demonstrated good sensing application with minimum toxicity for in vitro analyses using HeLa cells.
Symmetrized Normal Mode Analysis of the Spin–Lattice Relaxation of Metal Borohydrides in Solids
Authors: Kim Chul
Published: September 2019

The spin–lattice relaxation of a quadrupolar nucleus 11B of solid borohydrides was measured by using solid‐state NMR techniques and the experimental data were analyzed with a newly‐constructed relaxation matrix. The spectral densities for dipole–dipole, quadrupolar, and random‐field interactions were obtained, and the quadrupolar contribution to the spin–lattice relaxation of 11B nucleus of solid borohydrides were calculated as well. The quadrupolar contribution was less than 10% in solid LiBH4, as has been reported. In addition, the quadrupolar contribution was more than 30% in solid Mg(BH4)2, as was expected. The symmetrized normal mode analysis for the spin–lattice relaxation of a quadrupolar nucleus could provide more accurate spectroscopic parameters, and is expected to improve accuracy of the description of the rotational motion of the local chemical unit containing the quadrupolar nucleus.
Simulating dynamically: A longitudinal and practical simulation approach for students
Authors: Gazil Olivier , Gosselin Mathieu , Tanguay‐Rioux Fabrice , Farand Patrice , Tavares Jason R.
Published: September 2019

Students identified a lack of practical applications for the theoretical concepts taught as a key weakness for some classes in our chemical engineering undergraduate program. We have thus implemented a new simulation tool to help overcome these weaknesses: A dynamic process simulator based on a carbon dioxide capture plant. Aspen Simulation Workbook, a recent tool developed by AspenTech©is used in a novel approach to implement a user‐friendly interface based on Microsoft Excel. Exercises incorporating the use of the simulator were developed to cover the main concepts taught in chemical engineering. Longitudinal implementation of the simulator within the curriculum recently began and should be completed over the coming semesters. Student and instructor feedback was collected by means of surveys. Based on the information collected, using the simulator improves comprehension of key concepts taught throughout the curriculum. Feedback analysis also helped identifiy needs for future exercises and avenues for improvement.
Stigma towards psychosis: Cross‐cultural differences in prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination in White British and South Asians
Authors: Ahmed Sehar , Birtel Michèle D. , Pyle Melissa , Morrison Anthony P.
Published: September 2019

Public stigma towards people with mental health problems has been demonstrated in Western societies. Little is known about non‐Western cultures and whether cultures differ in their perceptions of people with mental health problems. Aim of this study was to examine cultural differences in prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination towards people with psychosis. Participants were from White British and South Asian backgrounds (N = 128, aged 16–20 years) recruited from two schools and colleges in the United Kingdom. They completed a cross‐sectional survey on affective, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions of stigma. Results revealed significant cultural differences on all three stigma dimensions. South Asians attributed higher anger (prejudice) and dangerousness (stereotypes) to people with psychosis than White British. They also reported lower willingness to help, greater avoidance, and higher endorsement of segregation (discrimination). The effects of ethnic group on helping intentions, avoidance, and segregation endorsement were mediated by anger and by dangerousness. Understanding cultural differences in stigma towards psychosis will be important for designing stigma interventions as well as treatments for people with different cultural backgrounds.
Oscillation of Work Function during Reducible Metal Oxide Catalysis and Correlation with the Activity Property
Authors: Pan Yanbo , Shen Xiaochen , Holly Michael A. , Yao Libo , Wu Dezhen , Bentalib Abdulaziz , Yang Jinlong , Zeng Jie , Peng Zhenmeng
Published: September 2019

Deducing from the fact that RMO catalysis typically involves reversible valence states transformation of active sites, we report one new model that uses RMO work function and its oscillation as descriptors to depict the activity property. Our experiments and DFT simulations of CO oxidation model reaction lead to an inverted volcano correlation between the two descriptors and the activity energy barrier, which shows good consistence with this new model and thus validates its effectiveness. The findings of work function and the oscillation as governing structural parameters provide a plausible theory to understand RMO catalysis and guide the catalyst research.
Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on B‐Doped Carbon Nanocage as Electrocatalyst toward Ethanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Su Yan , Yao Chenxue , Zhang Qiang , Xu Lijian , Wang Hua , Liu Jinglei , Hou Shifeng
Published: September 2019

Boron‐doped carbon nanocage (BC‐2) was used as carrier to anchor palladium nanoparticles and enhanced the catalytic performance for the ethanol oxidation reaction. The BC‐2 was synthesized via thermal treatment the predesigned compound containing cobalt and boron at 900 °C with the help of hydrogen and acid washing process. Palladium nanoparticles can be loaded on the BC‐2 supports (Pd/BC‐2) for ethanol oxide reaction (EOR). The BC‐2 support has the following characteristics: (i) The hollow structure contains highly order nanoporous to offer more channel and space in catalysis process; (ii) boron‐doped carbon structures can supply abundant activity sites for stabilizing palladium nanoparticles; (iii) the unique three‐dimensional architecture can prevent the agglomeration and inactivation of metal catalysts. The Pd/BC‐2 catalyst displays higher catalytic activities 3614.11 mA mg−1 toward the peak current density compared to that of Pd/C (804.39 mA mg−1).