bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Social Identity to Cognitive Vulnerability: Exploring the Impact of Stereotype Threat on Episodic Memory Across Different Social Categories
Authors: Jaiswal Rishabh , Tiwari Shraddhesh Kumar , Kumar Dhananjay
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effect of stereotype threat on episodic memory among university students from three social categories (General, OBC, and SC/ST). Stereotype threat, defined as the fear of confirming negative stereotypes, was hypothesized to differentially affect memory performance across these groups. A total of 226 participants were randomly recruited and assigned to either a threat or non-threat condition, with those in the threat condition exposed to caste-related negative stereotypes. The sample included 75 General category participants, 71 OBC participants, and 80 SC/ST participants. An episodic memory task assessed their performance, and descriptive statistics along with a 3×2 ANOVA design were used for analysis. Results showed that General category students made fewer memory errors and were less affected by stereotype threat. OBC students performed better in the absence of threat, while SC/ST students were most susceptible, exhibiting increased memory errors under threat. These findings highlight the varied effects of stereotype threat across social categories, emphasizing the need for interventions to mitigate its negative impact on cognitive performance and academic achievement.
Composting and Liquid Formulations: Panacea to Better Yield in Agriculture: A Review
Authors: M.P. Sugumaran , Mohammed. Kaja , K. Natarajan , G. Porkodi , G. Gayathry , J. Jayakumar , K. Kalaichelvi , S Akila , M Sinduja
Published: September 2024

Liquid formulations, including aqueous, oil, and polymer-based products, often use polysaccharides to alter fluid properties. Liquid inoculants offer cost-effective alternatives to solid carriers, particularly benefiting small producers in India by overcoming transportation and processing challenges. Ideal liquid inoculants are non-toxic, low-cost, uniform, nutrient-supplemented, and support rapid microorganism release and growth. Effective formulations stabilize organisms, ensure easy field delivery, protect against environmental factors, and enhance microbial activity. Rich in nutrients and organic matter, compost enhances the texture, structure, and moisture retention of soil, improving soil qualities and crop productivity. It boosts soil enzyme activity and microbial populations, promoting nitrogen fixation and nutrient availability. Organic manure applications increase soil fertility, water retention, and reduce bulk density. Field and horticultural crops, such as potatoes, chillies, and tomatoes, show significant yield improvements with compost, which also suppresses plant diseases and weed populations.
These findings underscore the importance of adopting liquid formulations and composting as sustainable agricultural practices.
Management Strategy for Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Bt Cotton by Community Basis
Authors: G N Shreevani , Srihari Hanumanthappa , K J Hemalatha , Bhat S N , T Veena , B.S. Umesh Babu
Published: September 2024

The real-time management of the pink bollworm in the integrated way warrant concerted steps in cotton cultivation. Integrated Pest Management is a pest management system hat in the content of the associated environment and the pest population dynamics of the pest species. Frontline demonstrations were conducted wherein the critical inputs like pheromone traps, lures, and new molecules of insecticides were provided to 30 farmers during three consecutive years from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raichur. Community based IPM for pink bollworm has given good results with better yield. The adopted farmers who actively participated in the training programmes organized by ICAR-KVK, Raichur started adopting the use of pheromone traps for pest monitoring, were able to identify the damage symptoms and learned the concept of economic threshold level (ETL) in deciding the timing of insecticide spray. Integrated management of pink bollworm performed good along with reduction in cost of cultivation. Apart from the monetary benefits, the additional advantages in terms of safety to environment and natural enemies were also noticed in the demonstrated fields.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Skin Toxicity of Piliostigma thonningii in Female Rabbits
Authors: Josette Agré Don , Eric-Kevin Bolou Gbouhoury , Ange KONAN Gbê Kouakou N’Dri , Baba Koné Check Hamed , Ange-Evelyne Kakou Marie , David N’Guessan Jean
Published: September 2024

The recurrent nature of dermatophytes, combined with the development of resistance to antifungal agents, makes the management of these infections more difficult. The search for plant-based compounds that can effectively combat dermatoses offers an ideal alternative in the African cultural context.
Aims: Fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, pose an increasing challenge to public health. This study explores the antifungal efficacy and cutaneous toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii, a medicinal plant used in Africa.
Methodology: The methodology involved two main components. First, antifungal tests were conducted to evaluate the activity of the extract against the three fungal species using the double dilution method in inclined tubes. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined. Second, a cutaneous toxicity assessment was performed by applying the extract to the skin of female rabbits to observe reactions according to a modified Draize scale.
Results: The results showed that the Piliostigma thonningii extract inhibits the growth of all three fungal species in a dose-dependent manner. The MFC values were 100 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus and above 100 mg/mL for Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Antifungal assays calculated the inhibitory concentrations necessary to ensure the survival of 50% of the microorganisms, with IC50 values of 8.2 mg/mL for Candida albicans, 10.26 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus, and 16.75 mg/mL for Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Regarding skin toxicity, the results indicated that the extract is slightly irritating but not corrosive, with reversible effects within 72 hours.
Conclusion: This suggests that Piliostigma thonningii is a promising therapeutic alternative. However, further research is needed to confirm its safety and clinical efficacy.
High spatiotemporal resolution of river planform dynamics from Landsat: The RivMAP toolbox and results from the Ucayali River
Authors: Schwenk Jon , Khandelwal Ankush , Fratkin Mulu , Kumar Vipin , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi
Published: November 2016

Quantifying planform changes of large and actively migrating rivers such as those in the tropical Amazon at multidecadal time scales, over large spatial domains, and with high spatiotemporal frequency is essential for advancing river morphodynamic theory, identifying controls on migration, and understanding the roles of climate and human influences on planform adjustments. This paper addresses the challenges of quantifying river planform changes from annual channel masks derived from Landsat imagery and introduces a set of efficient methods to map and measure changes in channel widths, the locations and rates of migration, accretion and erosion, and the space‐time characteristics of cutoff dynamics. The techniques are assembled in a comprehensive MATLAB toolbox called RivMAP (River Morphodynamics from Analysis of Planforms), which is applied to over 1500 km of the actively migrating and predominately meandering Ucayali River in Peru from 1985 to 2015. We find multiscale spatial and temporal variability around multidecadal trends in migration rates, erosion and accretion, and channel widths revealing a river dynamically adjusting to sediment and water fluxes. Confounding factors controlling planform morphodynamics including local inputs of sediment, cutoffs, and climate are parsed through the high temporal analysis.
Quantifying an aquifer nitrate budget and future nitrate discharge using field data from streambeds and well nests
Authors: Gilmore Troy E. , Genereux David P. , Solomon D. Kip , Farrell Kathleen M. , Mitasova Helena
Published: November 2016

Novel groundwater sampling (age, flux, and nitrate) carried out beneath a streambed and in wells was used to estimate (1) the current rate of change of nitrate storage,
/dt, in a contaminated unconfined aquifer, and (2) future [
]FWM (the flow‐weighted mean nitrate concentration in groundwater discharge) and
(the nitrate flux from aquifer to stream). Estimates of
/dt suggested that at the time of sampling (2013) the nitrate storage in the aquifer was decreasing at an annual rate (mean = −9 mmol/m2yr) equal to about one‐tenth the rate of nitrate input by recharge. This is consistent with data showing a slow decrease in the [
] of groundwater recharge in recent years. Regarding future [
]FWM and
, predictions based on well data show an immediate decrease that becomes more rapid after ∼5 years before leveling out in the early 2040s. Predictions based on streambed data generally show an increase in future [
]FWM and
until the late 2020s, followed by a decrease before leveling out in the 2040s. Differences show the potential value of using information directly from the groundwater—surface water interface to quantify the future impact of groundwater nitrate on surface water quality. The choice of denitrification kinetics was similarly important; compared to zero‐order kinetics, a first‐order rate law levels out estimates of future [
]FWM and
(lower peak, higher minimum) as legacy nitrate is flushed from the aquifer. Major fundamental questions about nonpoint‐source aquifer contamination can be answered without a complex numerical model or long‐term monitoring program.
Prevalence of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease in a Population‐Based Registry of American Indian/Alaska Native People in 2007
Authors: Ferucci Elizabeth D. , Johnston Janet M. , Gordon Caroline , Helmick Charles G. , Lim S. Sam
Published: November 2016

Objective

To determine the prevalence of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) in 2007 in the Indian Health Service (IHS) active clinical population from 3 regions of the US.

Methods

The IHS Lupus Registry was designed to identify possible MCTD cases in addition to systemic lupus erythematosus cases. The population denominator for this report includes American Indian or Alaska Native adults within the IHS active clinical population in 2007, residing in select communities in 3 regions of the US. Potential MCTD cases were identified using a broad range of diagnostic codes and were confirmed by detailed medical record abstraction. Classification as MCTD for this analysis required both rheumatologist diagnosis of MCTD without diagnosis of other CTD, and documentation of the Alarcón‐Segovia MCTD criteria in the medical record. Prevalence was also calculated using 2 alternate definitions of MCTD.

Results

The age‐adjusted prevalence of MCTD using our primary definition was 6.4 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval 2.8–12.8). The prevalence was higher in women than in men using all 3 definitions of MCTD, and no men met the criteria for the primary definition of MCTD.

Conclusion

The first population‐based estimates of the prevalence of MCTD in the US American Indian/Alaska Native population show that the prevalence appears to be higher than in other populations. Additional population‐based estimates are needed to better understand the epidemiology of MCTD.
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Educational Intervention Using an Online Risk Calculator for Knee Osteoarthritis: Effect on Risk Perception
Authors: Losina Elena , Michl Griffin L. , Smith Karen C. , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Young adults, in general, are not aware of their risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Understanding risk and risk factors is critical to knee OA prevention. We tested the efficacy of a personalized risk calculator on accuracy of knee OA risk perception and willingness to change behaviors associated with knee OA risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 375 subjects recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Subjects were randomized to either use a personalized risk calculator based on demographic and risk‐factor information (intervention), or to view general OA risk information (control). At baseline and after the intervention, subjects estimated their 10‐year and lifetime risk of knee OA and responded to contemplation ladders measuring willingness to change diet, exercise, or weight‐control behaviors.

Results

Subjects in both arms had an estimated 3.6% 10‐year and 25.3% lifetime chance of developing symptomatic knee OA. Both arms greatly overestimated knee OA risk at baseline, estimating a 10‐year risk of 26.1% and a lifetime risk of 47.8%. After the intervention, risk calculator subjects' perceived 10‐year risk decreased by 12.9 percentage points to 12.5% and perceived lifetime risk decreased by 19.5 percentage points to 28.1%. Control subjects' perceived risks remained unchanged. Risk calculator subjects were more likely to move to an action stage on the exercise contemplation ladder (relative risk 2.1). There was no difference between the groups for diet or weight‐control ladders.

Conclusion

The risk calculator is a useful intervention for knee OA education and may motivate some exercise‐related behavioral change.
Identifying Axial Spondyloarthritis in Electronic Medical Records of US Veterans
Authors: Walsh Jessica A. , Shao Yijun , Leng Jianwei , He Tao , Teng Chia‐Chen , Redd Doug , Treitler Zeng Qing , Burningham Zachary , Clegg Daniel O. , Sauer Brian C.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Large database research in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is limited by a lack of methods for identifying most types of axial SpA. Our objective was to develop methods for identifying axial SpA concepts in the free text of documents from electronic medical records.

Methods

Veterans with documents in the national Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2015 were included. Methods were developed for exploring, selecting, and extracting meaningful terms that were likely to represent axial SpA concepts. With annotation, clinical experts reviewed sections of text containing the meaningful terms (snippets) and classified the snippets according to whether or not they represented the intended axial SpA concept. With natural language processing (NLP) tools, computers were trained to replicate the clinical experts' snippet classifications.

Results

Three axial SpA concepts were selected by clinical experts, including sacroiliitis, terms including the prefix spond*, and HLA–B27 positivity (HLA–B27+). With supervised machine learning on annotated snippets, NLP models were developed with accuracies of 91.1% for sacroiliitis, 93.5% for spond*, and 97.2% for HLA–B27+. With independent validation, the accuracies were 92.0% for sacroiliitis, 91.0% for spond*, and 99.0% for HLA–B27+.

Conclusion

We developed feasible and accurate methods for identifying axial SpA concepts in the free text of clinical notes. Additional research is required to determine combinations of concepts that will accurately identify axial SpA phenotypes. These novel methods will facilitate previously impractical observational research in axial SpA and may be applied to research with other diseases.
Takayasu Arteritis and Pregnancy: A Population‐Based Study on Outcomes and Mother/Child‐Related Concerns
Authors: Gudbrandsson Birgir , Wallenius Marianne , Garen Torhild , Henriksen Tore , Molberg Øyvind , Palm Øyvind
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess pregnancy outcomes in an unselected Takayasu arteritis (TAK) cohort, and identify pregnancy‐related concerns.

Methods

Consenting female patients with TAK were predominantly recruited from a population‐based southeast Norway TAK cohort. Additional cases (n = 8) were recruited at Oslo University Hospital. Data on the number of pregnancies, births, and pregnancy outcomes before and after disease onset were retrieved from medical charts, patient questionnaires, and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). Data on pregnancy‐related concerns were gathered from patient questionnaires.

Results

Altogether, the 58 women in the TAK study cohort had been through 110 pregnancies, 73 (in 33 patients) before disease onset and 37 (in 23 patients) after onset. The frequencies of miscarriages, induced abortions, and maternal complications did not differ between pregnancies occurring before and after TAK onset. Pregnancy‐related hypertension was seen in 4.2% of the patients, compared to 1.5% (P = 0.37) in the reference cohort from MBRN, and preeclampsia/eclampsia in 4.5% compared to 3% (P = 0.2). The mean gestational age at delivery in pregnancies after TAK onset was 37.5 weeks, compared to 39.5 weeks in the MBRN references (P < 0.001). Cesarean sections were more frequent in deliveries after TAK onset (42%) than in MRBN controls (11%) (P < 0.001). Pregnancy‐related concerns were recorded in 80% of the TAK cohort, with 60% expressing concerns about passing the disease to offspring.

Conclusion

In this population‐based TAK cohort, the maternal and fetal outcomes were favorable. This study reveals a high prevalence of pregnancy‐related concerns in TAK patients.
Design of Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐Based Small Molecules for Organic‐Solar‐Cell Applications
Authors: Tang Ailing , Zhan Chuanlang , Yao Jiannian , Zhou Erjun
Published: November 2016

After the first report in 2008, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based small‐molecule photovoltaic materials have been intensively explored. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for the DPP‐based small‐molecule donors have been improved up to 8%. Furthermore, through judicious structure modification, DPP‐based small molecules can also be converted into electron‐acceptor materials, and, recently, some exciting progress has been achieved. The development of DPP‐based photovoltaic small molecules is summarized here, and the photovoltaic performance is discussed in relation to structural modifications, such as the variations of donor–acceptor building blocks, alkyl substitutions, and the type of conjugated bridges, as well as end‐capped groups. It is expected that the discussion will provide a guideline in the exploration of novel and promising DPP‐containing photovoltaic small molecules.
Synthesis of Functionalized Hydrazines: Facile Homogeneous (N‐Heterocyclic Carbene)‐Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Diboration and Silaboration of Azobenzenes
Authors: Ansell Melvyn B. , Kostakis George E. , Braunschweig Holger , Navarro Oscar , Spencer John
Published: November 2016

The bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)(diphenylacetylene)palladium complex [Pd(ITMe)2(PhC≡CPh)] (ITMe=1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) acts as a highly active pre‐catalyst in the diboration and silaboration of azobenzenes to synthesize a series of novel functionalized hydrazines. The reactions proceed using commercially available diboranes and silaboranes under mild reaction conditions.

magnified image
On the Impact of Contact Selectivity and Charge Transport on the Open‐Circuit Voltage of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Spies Annika , List Mathias , Sarkar Tanmoy , Würfel Uli
Published: November 2016

The selectivity of electrodes of solar cells is a critical factor that can limit the overall efficiency. If the selectivity of an electrode is not sufficient both electrons and holes recombine at its surface. In materials with poor transport properties such as in organic solar cells, these surface recombination currents are accompanied by large gradients of the quasi‐Fermi energies as the driving force. Experimental results from current–voltage characteristics, advanced photo‐ and electroluminescence as well as charge extraction of three different photoactive materials are shown and compared to drift‐diffusion simulations. It can be concluded that in cases of electrodes with reduced selectivity the decrease of the open‐circuit voltage can be divided into two distinct contributions, the reduction of the overall steady‐state charge carrier density and the gradients of the quasi‐Fermi energies. The results clearly show that for photoactive layers with poor transport properties, the gradient of the quasi‐Fermi energy in the vicinity of the contact is the main contribution to the loss in open‐circuit voltage. For imbalanced mobilities, this gives rise to the phenomenon that it is more challenging to realize a selective contact for the less mobile charge carrier, i.e., the hole contact in most organic solar cells.
Cerebral air embolism associated with penetrating lung injury: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yamaoka Ayumu , Miyata Kei , Narimatsu Eichi , Sakawaki Eiji , Sakawaki Sonoko , Hirayama Suguru , Uemura Shuji , Yama Naoya
Published: November 2016

Case

A 44‐year‐old man intentionally stabbed himself in the anterior neck and left thorax with a fruit knife. Physical examination revealed two open wounds entering the thoracic cavity in the front chest, and a stab wound entering the trachea at the neck. Two chest tubes were initially inserted for the left lung injury with open hemopneumothorax. Nevertheless, the worsening oxygenation required positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with endotracheal intubation.

Outcome

Right hemiparesis was found during weaning from PPV. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple infarctions in the area of the bifrontal and right temporal lobes. Cerebral air embolism (CAE) was strongly suspected from the imaging findings and clinical course.

Conclusion

We concluded that mechanical ventilation was strongly involved in the occurrence of CAE. If delayed abnormal neurological findings are observed in patients with penetrating lung injuries receiving PPV management, CAE should be considered.
Successful management of super‐refractory status epilepticus with thalamic deep brain stimulation
Authors: Lehtimäki Kai , Långsjö Jaakko W. , Ollikainen Jyrki , Heinonen Hanna , Möttönen Timo , Tähtinen Timo , Haapasalo Joonas , Tenhunen Jyrki , Katisko Jani , Öhman Juha , Peltola Jukka
Published: November 2016

Super‐refractory status epilepticus is a condition characterized by recurrence of status epilepticus despite use of deep general anesthesia, and it has high morbidity and mortality rates. We report a case of a 17‐year‐old boy with a prolonged super‐refractory status epilepticus that eventually resolved after commencing deep brain stimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus. Later attempt to reduce stimulation parameters resulted in immediate relapse of status epilepticus, suggesting a pivotal role of deep brain stimulation in the treatment response. Deep brain stimulation may be a treatment option in super‐refractory status epilepticus when other treatment options have failed. ANN NEUROL 2017;81:142–146
Chirality‐Assisted Synthesis of a Very Large Octameric Hydrogen‐Bonded Capsule
Authors: Beaudoin Daniel , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: November 2016

The strategy of chirality‐assisted synthesis, which makes use of enantiomerically pure building blocks that are designed to associate in a single geometric orientation, was applied to synthesize an octameric hydrogen‐bonded capsule with a cavity volume of 2300 Å3. This cube‐shaped capsule forms even host–guest complexes with tetraalkylammonium ions, and accommodates the large tetrahexadecylammonium cation in its cavity. The use of an enantiopure building block was shown to be highly beneficial for capsule formation, whereas its racemate also generates a large amount of ill‐defined aggregates in solution and crystallizes as a hydrogen‐bonded network.
Terpene Cyclases from Social Amoebae
Authors: Rabe Patrick , Rinkel Jan , Nubbemeyer Britta , Köllner Tobias G. , Chen Feng , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: November 2016

Genome sequences of social amoebae reveal the presence of terpene cyclases (TCs) in these organisms. Two TCs from Dictyostelium discoideum converted farnesyl diphosphate into (2S,3R,6S,9S)‐(−)‐protoillud‐7‐ene and (3S)‐(+)‐asterisca‐2(9),6‐diene. The enzyme mechanisms and EI‐MS fragmentations of the products were studied by labeling experiments.
Organic–inorganic hybrid linseed oil‐based urethane oil wood coatings
Authors: Chang Chia‐Wei , Lu Kun‐Tsung
Published: November 2016

To prepare alkoxysilane‐functionalized urethane oil (AFUO) using linseed oil, 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was first reacted with diisocyanate to obtain an NCO‐terminating oligomer. The reaction was continued by adding linseed oil glyceride to form an AFUO prepolymer. The auto‐oxidative drying coating was obtained after adding a metal dryer to the AFUO prepolymer. Urethane oil (UO) coating, as a control, was obtained by the same procedure as that for AFUO, but without containing alkoxysilane‐functional groups in the formation. Siloxane hybrid urethane oil (SHUO) wood coatings were prepared by mixing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solutions, as an external crosslinking agent by sol–gel process, with the AFUO and UO coatings. We found that introducing of APTES into the molecular chains of the UO coating resulted in a film with superior impact and abrasion resistance, and it is the most efficient process to enhance the UO films. The addition of TEOS into AFUO coatings shortened the curing time and further improved the crosslinking density of the AFUO films; however, the physical properties like impact resistance, bending resistance, and gloss were even worse than AFUO films. Mixing of TEOS and UO coating also shorten the curing time and improved the heat resistance, lightfastness, and hardness of the UO coating. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44562.
Evaluation of the etching and chrome plating on the ABS, PVC, and PVC/ABS blends surface
Authors: Kurek Ana Paula , Dotto Marta Elisa Rosso , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Sellin Noeli
Published: November 2016

As replacement for acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS), which is commonly used in the manufacture of chrome parts, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and PVC/ABS blend parts were produced by injection process, etched in sulfochromic solution in different concentrations, immersion time, and temperature, and they were subsequently chrome‐plated by conventional method. After etching, the sample surfaces were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), roughness, and contact angle, and compared with the ABS surface. The metal deposition was assessed by visual inspection and adhesion test. The roughness influenced the adhesion of the metal layer directly. The chemical etching increased the surface wettability. To achieve a good metal layer adhesion, higher temperatures, immersion time, and etching solution concentration were necessary. A concentration of 350 g/L chromic acid and 400 g/L sulfuric acid, a 70 °C temperature and a 15 min immersion time resulted in good adhesion in PVC and PVC/ABS blends. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44571.
Comparative study of visible light polymerized gelatin hydrogels for 3D culture of hepatic progenitor cells
Authors: Greene Tanja , Lin Tsai‐Yu , Andrisani Ourania M. , Lin Chien‐Chi
Published: November 2016

Photopolymerization techniques have been widely used to create hydrogels for biomedical applications. Visible light‐based photopolymerizations are commonly initiated by type II (i.e., noncleavage‐type) photoinitiator in conjunction with a coinitiator. On the other hand, type I photoinitiators (i.e., cleavage type) are rarely compatible with visible light‐based initiation due to their limited molar absorbability in the visible light wavelengths. Here, we report visible light initiated orthogonal photoclick crosslinking to fabricate gelatin‐norbornene and poly(ethylene glycol)‐tetra‐thiol hydrogels using either cleavage‐type (i.e., lithium acylphosphinate, LAP) or noncleavage‐type photoinitiator (i.e., eosin‐Y, EY) without the use of a coinitiator. Regardless of the initiator type, the step‐growth gelatin‐PEG hybrid hydrogels crosslinked and degraded similarly. While both systems exhibited similar cytocompatibility for hepatic progenitor HepaRG cells, gelation initiated by noncleavage‐type initiator EY afforded slightly higher degree of hepatic gene expression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44585.
Incorporating functionalized silica nanoparticles in polyethersulfone‐based anion exchange nanocomposite membranes
Authors: Moghadasi Mahdieh , Mortaheb Hamid Reza
Published: November 2016

In order to investigate for anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with improved properties, four series of polyethersulfone‐based composite AEMs are fabricated by incorporating pristine and three functionalized silica nanoparticles containing propylamine, trimethylpropylamine, and melamine‐based dendrimer amine groups. The results show that by choosing appropriate functional agent, anion exchange membranes with improved parameters can be achieved. The polymeric matrix of the membranes is synthesized by chloromethylation of polyethersulfone using thionyl chloride followed by amination with trimethylamine (TMA). The effectiveness of chloromethylation process is confirmed by 1H NMR analysis. The effects of functional groups on characteristic and transport properties of the prepared composite membranes i.e., SEM, IEC, water uptake, porosity transport properties, and conductivity are investigated. The scanning electron microscope images illustrates that the synthesized membranes possess dense structures. Ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, transport properties, and conductivity of the composite membranes are measured. In addition, the morphology and thermal stability are characterized. IECs and ion conductivities of up to 1.45 meq g−1 and 45.46 mS cm−1 and moderate transport characteristics are obtained from the modified membranes which confirm that these membranes are appropriate for applying in electro‐membrane processes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44596.
Synthesis of 5‐sulfosalicylic acid‐intercalated layered double hydroxide and its effects on wood flour/polypropylene composites during accelerated UV weathering
Authors: Peng Yao , Wang Wen , Cao Jinzhen , Huang Yiheng
Published: November 2016

In this study, 5‐sulfosalicylic acid (SA) anions have been intercalated into Mg3Al‐NO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) to synthesize SA‐intercalated Mg3Al‐NO3‐LDH (LDH‐SA) by ion‐exchange reaction. Then, the effects of LDH, SA, and LDH‐SA on the photostability of wood flour/polypropylene (WF/PP) composites during accelerated ultraviolet (UV) weathering were investigated. The surface color, surface gloss, and mechanical properties of the composites during weathering were tested, accompanied by characterizations using SEM, ATR‐FTIR, and TG. The results showed that (1) SA anions completely replaced the
anions in LDH and the thermal stability of LDH‐SA was considerably enhanced; (2) composites with LDH or LDH‐SA exhibited less color change, fewer surface cracks, better thermal stability, and less losses of mechanical properties than the control group; (3) LDH‐SA showed a long‐term efficiency and alleviated the photo‐oxidation of WF/PP composites successfully; (4) LDH‐SA blocked UV light by physical shield effect of the layer sheets, as well as the chemical absorbability of the interlayer anions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44597.
Strong effects of Tween 20 additive on the morphology and performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) hollow‐fiber membranes
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Chang , Chang Hsu‐Hsien , Cheng Tung‐Wen , Su Yan‐Lin , Cheng Liao‐Ping
Published: November 2016

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hollow‐fiber membranes were prepared from a Tween 20/water/triethyl phosphate/PVDF system. The effects of Tween 20 on the morphology and properties of the membranes were explored. Field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging indicated the presence of skinlike layers on both surfaces of the membranes. In the cross section, a bicontinuous morphology comprised of interlocked crystallites was observed. As the dosage of Tween 20 was raised, the size and quantity of nanopores on the surfaces increased, and the morphology of the crystallites in the cross section changed from sheaflike to sticklike. Tween 20 was removed almost completely during the membrane‐formation process, as validated by Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection and 1H‐NMR spectrometry. Dextran filtrations were preformed to demonstrate the potential applications of these membranes in separation processes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44600.
Antioxidant Activity, Acetylcholinesterase, and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitory Properties of Novel Ureas Derived from Phenethylamines
Authors: Aksu Kadir , Özgeriş Bünyamin , Taslimi Parham , Naderi Ali , Gülçin İlhami , Göksu Süleyman
Published: November 2016

A series of ureas derived from phenethylamines were synthesized and evaluated for human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties. The ureas were synthesized from the reactions of substituted phenethylamines with N,N‐dimethylcarbamoyl chloride; then, the synthesized compounds were converted to their corresponding phenolic derivatives via O‐demethylation. hCA I and II were effectively inhibited by the newly synthesized compounds, with Ki values in the range of 0.307–0.432 nM for hCA I and 0.149–0.278 nM for hCA II. On the other hand, the Ki parameters of these compounds for AChE and BChE were determined in the range of 0.129–0.434 and 0.095–0.207 nM, respectively. Phenolic ureas also showed good antioxidant activities.
Phenome‐Wide Association Study of Autoantibodies to Citrullinated and Noncitrullinated Epitopes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Liao Katherine P. , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Hejblum Boris P. , Kuo I‐Hsin , Cui Jing , Lahey Lauren J. , Cagan Andrew , Gainer Vivian S. , Liu Weidong , Cai T. Tony , Sokolove Jeremy , Cai Tianxi
Published: November 2016

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develop autoantibodies against a spectrum of antigens, but the clinical significance of these autoantibodies is unclear. Using a phenome‐wide association study (PheWAS) approach, we examined the association between autoantibodies and clinical subphenotypes of RA.

Methods

This study was conducted in a cohort of RA patients identified from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of 2 tertiary care centers. Using a published multiplex bead assay, we measured 36 autoantibodies targeting epitopes implicated in RA. We extracted all International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes for each subject and grouped them into disease categories (PheWAS codes), using a published method. We tested for the association of each autoantibody (grouped by the targeted protein) with PheWAS codes. To determine significant associations (at a false discovery rate [FDR] of ≤0.1), we reviewed the medical records of 50 patients with each PheWAS code to determine positive predictive values (PPVs).

Results

We studied 1,006 RA patients; the mean ± SD age of the patients was 61.0 ± 12.9 years, and 79.0% were female. A total of 3,568 unique ICD‐9 codes were grouped into 625 PheWAS codes; the 206 PheWAS codes with a prevalence of ≥3% were studied. Using the PheWAS method, we identified 24 significant associations of autoantibodies to epitopes at an FDR of ≤0.1. The associations that were strongest and had the highest PPV for the PheWAS code were autoantibodies against fibronectin and obesity (P = 6.1 × 10−4, PPV 100%), and that between fibrinogen and pneumonopathy (P = 2.7 × 10−4, PPV 96%). Pneumonopathy codes included diagnoses for cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and obliterative bronchiolitis.

Conclusion

We demonstrated application of a bioinformatics method, the PheWAS, to screen for the clinical significance of RA‐related autoantibodies. Using the PheWAS approach, we identified potentially significant links between variations in the levels of autoantibodies and comorbidities of interest in RA.
CRISPR/Cas9 Editing of Murine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Engineering Inflammation‐Resistant Tissues
Authors: Brunger Jonathan M. , Zutshi Ananya , Willard Vincent P. , Gersbach Charles A. , Guilak Farshid
Published: November 2016

Objective

Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) are found in elevated levels in diseased or injured tissues and promote rapid tissue degradation while preventing stem cell differentiation. This study was undertaken to engineer inflammation‐resistant murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through deletion of the IL‐1 signaling pathway and to demonstrate the utility of these cells for engineering replacements for diseased or damaged tissues.

Methods

Targeted deletion of the IL‐1 receptor type I (IL‐1RI) gene in murine iPSCs was achieved using the RNA‐guided, site‐specific clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome engineering system. Clonal cell populations with homozygous and heterozygous deletions were isolated, and loss of receptor expression and cytokine signaling was confirmed by flow cytometry and transcriptional reporter assays, respectively. Cartilage was engineered from edited iPSCs and tested for its ability to resist IL‐1–mediated degradation in gene expression, histologic, and biomechanical assays after a 3‐day treatment with 1 ng/ml of IL‐1α.

Results

Three of 41 clones isolated possessed the IL‐1RI+/− genotype. Four clones possessed the IL‐1RI−/− genotype, and flow cytometry confirmed loss of IL‐1RI on the surface of these cells, which led to an absence of NF‐κB transcription activation after IL‐1α treatment. Cartilage engineered from homozygous null clones was resistant to cytokine‐mediated tissue degradation. In contrast, cartilage derived from wild‐type and heterozygous clones exhibited significant degradative responses, highlighting the need for complete IL‐1 blockade.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates proof‐of‐concept of the ability to engineer custom‐designed stem cells that are immune to proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL‐1) as a potential cell source for cartilage tissue engineering.
Deeper Insight into the Diels–Alder Reaction through the Activation Strain Model
Authors: Fernández Israel , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: November 2016

In this Focus Review, we present the application of the so‐called Activation Strain Model of chemical reactivity to the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction. To this end, representative recent examples have been selected to illustrate the power of this new computational approach to gain a deeper quantitative understanding of this fundamental process in chemistry. We cover a wide range of issues, such as, the “endo‐rule”, reactivity trends emerging from systematic variation in the reactants’ strain, and cycloaddition reactions involving relevant species in material science, that is, fullerenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nanotubes.
Efficient Transfection of siRNA by Peptide Dendrimer–Lipid Conjugates
Authors: Kwok Albert , Eggimann Gabriela A. , Heitz Marc , Reymond Jean‐Louis , Hollfelder Florian , Darbre Tamis
Published: November 2016

Efficient delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells is the basis of target‐gene‐specific silencing and, ultimately, gene therapy. However, current transfection reagents are relatively inefficient, and very few studies provide the sort of systematic understanding based on structure–activity relationships that would provide rationales for their improvement. This work established peptide dendrimers (administered with cationic lipids) as siRNA transfection reagents and recorded structure–activity relationships that highlighted the importance of positive charge distribution in the two outer layers and a hydrophobic core as key features for efficient performance. These dendrimer‐based transfection reagents work as well as highly optimised commercial reagents, yet show less toxicity and fewer off‐target effects. Additionally, the degrees of freedom in the synthetic procedure will allow the placing of decisive recognition features to enhance and fine‐tune transfection and cell specificity in the future.
[Ag(OH2)2][Ag(SO4)2]: A Hydrate of a Silver(II) Salt
Authors: Gilewski Tomasz E. , Gawraczyński Jakub , Derzsi Mariana , Jagličić Zvonko , Mazej Zoran , Połczyński Piotr , Jurczakowski Rafal , Leszczyński Piotr J. , Grochala Wojciech
Published: November 2016

When exposed to air at ambient conditions, AgSO4 slowly reacts with moisture, yielding AgSO4⋅H2O. The crystal structure determination (powder data) shows that it may be described as [Ag(OH2)2][Ag(SO4)2], with some sulfate groups being shared between different Ag2+ cations, resembling in that way its Cu2+ analogue. [Ag(OH2)2][Ag(SO4)2], the first hydrate of a compound of Ag2+, was extensively characterized using many physicochemical methods.
Minor Groove 3‐Deaza‐Adenosine Analogues: Synthesis and Bypass in Translesion DNA Synthesis
Authors: Malvezzi Stefano , Angelov Todor , Sturla Shana J.
Published: November 2016

Anticancer drugs that alkylate DNA in the minor groove may give rise to 3‐alkyl‐adenosine adducts that interfere with replication, inducing apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) by polymerase enzymes (Pols) with the capacity to bypass DNA adducts may contribute to damage tolerance and drug resistance. 3‐Alkyl‐adenosine adducts are unstable and depurinate, which is a barrier to addressing chemical and enzymatic aspects of how they impact the progress of DNA Pols. To characterize structure‐based relationships of 3‐adenine alkylation relevant to cancer drugs on duplex stability and DNA Pol‐catalyzed DNA synthesis, we synthesized stable 3‐deaza‐3‐alkyl‐adenosine analogues, including 3‐deaza‐3‐phenethyl‐adenosine and 3‐deaza‐3‐methoxynaphthylethyl‐adenosine, and incorporated them into oligonucleotides. A moderate reduction of duplex stability was observed on the basis of thermal denaturation data. Replication studies using purified Y‐family human DNA Pols hPol η, κ, and ι indicated that these enzymes can perform TLS over the modified bases. hPol η had higher misincorporation rates when synthesizing opposite the modified bases compared with adenine, whereas hPol κ and ι maintained high fidelity. These results provide insight into how alterations in chemical structure reduce bypass of minor‐groove adducts, and provide novel chemical probes for evaluating minor‐groove DNA alkylation.
Light‐Induced Porphyrin‐Based Spectroscopic Ruler for Nanometer Distance Measurements
Authors: Di Valentin Marilena , Albertini Marco , Dal Farra Maria Giulia , Zurlo Enrico , Orian Laura , Polimeno Antonino , Gobbo Marina , Carbonera Donatella
Published: November 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Padova. The image depicts the porphyrin‐based spectroscopic ruler developed for high‐sensitive and accurate distance measurements (1.8–8 nm) by pulsed electron‐electron double resonance spectroscopy (PELDOR/DEER) under light excitation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201603666.
Das Zusammenspiel von Verfahrenstechnik und Technologie in der Brauerei
Authors: Tippmann Johannes , Becker Thomas
Published: November 2016

Die Bierherstellung und die damit verbundene Wissenschaft gilt als einer der ältesten biochemischen Prozesse, welche vom Menschen intensiv untersucht und erforscht wurde. Neben den biochemischen Vorgängen spielt eine Reihe von verfahrenstechnischen Unit Operations eine entscheidende Rolle für einen gleichbleibenden und erfolgreichen Brauprozess. Hierin liegt auch heute noch oft die Lösung zur Optimierung im Hinblick auf alle wichtigen Parameter: Effizienz, Zeit, Energie.
Production of κ‐carrageenan beads by prilling process
Authors: Bidoret Aurélie , Guihard Luc , Cauret Laurent , Poncelet Denis
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study is to prepare, evaluate, and understand carrageenan gelation. By using these properties of κ‐carrageenan, beads are created by thermal gelation. A warm κ‐carrageenan solution is extruded dropwise into a cold air column; the particles are collected. The relationship is studied between the process variables on the shape and size of κ‐carrageenan drops after gelation is established with the aid of image analysis. Thanks to these measurements, a model is developed to present satisfactory performance in industrial application.

Mathematical models for κ‐carrageenan prilling, its simulated results, the parameters of equipment for the innovated process, and its application are addressed.
Numerical simulation of volume‐controlled mechanical ventilated respiratory system with 2 different lungs
Authors: Shi Yan , Zhang Bolun , Cai Maolin , Zhang Xiaohua Douglas
Published: November 2016

Mechanical ventilation is a key therapy for patients who cannot breathe adequately by themselves, and dynamics of mechanical ventilation system is of great significance for life support of patients. Recently, models of mechanical ventilated respiratory system with 1 lung are used to simulate the respiratory system of patients. However, humans have 2 lungs. When the respiratory characteristics of 2 lungs are different, a single‐lung model cannot reflect real respiratory system. In this paper, to illustrate dynamic characteristics of mechanical ventilated respiratory system with 2 different lungs, we propose a mathematical model of mechanical ventilated respiratory system with 2 different lungs and conduct experiments to verify the model. Furthermore, we study the dynamics of mechanical ventilated respiratory system with 2 different lungs. This research study can be used for improving the efficiency and safety of volume‐controlled mechanical ventilation system.
Tuning Nonlinear Optical Properties by Altering the Diradical and Charge‐Transfer Characteristics of Chichibabin's Hydrocarbon Derivatives
Authors: Fukuda Kotaro , Suzuki Yuta , Matsui Hiroshi , Nagami Takanori , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Champagne Benoît , Kamada Kenji , Yamamoto Yohsuke , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: November 2016

Heteroatomic derivatives of Chichibabin's hydrocarbon are explored theoretically to highlight the relationship between the electronic structure and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The results show that the systems are divided into two classes: one that has intermediate electronic structure between two main contributing resonance structures, and a second with an electronic structure that is approximated by only one resonance structure. It is found that the former class of derivatives exhibits approximately one‐order larger static second hyperpolarizability (γ) than the latter class, because of either their intermediate diradical or charge‐transfer (CT) characteristics. The asymmetric systems are further scrutinized by using the static electric field model, which shows that the intermediate CT character is essential for the very large enhancement of γ in the asymmetric systems. These results not only clarify the structure–property relationships of open‐shell singlet NLO compounds with redox switching properties, but also shed light on a new and unexplored class of closed‐shell NLO systems generated by the introduction of intermediate CT nature into open‐shell singlet systems.