bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination and Comparison of Aspartame Level in Low Calorie Table Top Sweeteners by Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy
Authors: Narjis Naz  , Subreena Altaf
Published: June 2018

The analysis of aspartame was done in table top sweeteners using Ultraviolet visible Spectroscopy. The method is based on the formation of manganate ion (MnO42-) when potassium permanganate oxidizes aspartame. The analysis was carried out at a fixed wavelength of 600nm exactly after 48 minutes of sample preparation using 1mL of 0.01M KMnO4 and 2mL of 1.0M NaOH. A linear calibration graph was obtained with the regression coefficient of 0.9999 and the percentage recovery was in the range of 92.7-101.6%. The Relative standard deviation for the method was found to be 1.03%.
Edge Version of Harmonic Index and Harmonic Polynomial of Rooted Product Graphs
Authors: Muhammad Shoaib Sardar  , Rabia Nazir  , Sohail Zafar  , Zohaib Zahid
Published: June 2018

In this paper we computed explicit formulas for the edge version of harmonic index and harmonic polynomial of some classes of rooted product of graphs and i-th vertex rooted product of graphs.
Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with larger spurs have higher faecal testosterone levels; evidence of female to male - like phenotype
Authors: Kent John P , Hynes Niamh M , Hayden Thomas J , Murphy Kenneth J , O'Dywer Laurence
Published: June 2018

Spurs are a testosterone-dependent secondary sexual characteristic of male chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and are used as ‘weapons’ in intra-sexual fighting. While predominantly a male feature, they are also found in a small number of females. Here we show that faecal testosterone metabolites of adult hens (i.e. females) with large spurs are significantly greater than those of females with smaller spurs. The presence of spurs in hens together with elevated testosterone levels are indicative of a masculinisation process that may increase with age. This is of particular interest in the study of female to male sex-reversal in fowl.
Shaping the import system of mitochondria
Authors: Tokatlidis Kostas
Published: June 2018

Evidence is accumulating that unrelated species have independently evolved the same way of importing proteins in their mitochondria.
GEsture: an online hand-drawing tool for gene expression pattern search
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Xu Yiqing , Wang Xuelin , Zhang Li , Wei Suyun , Ye Qiaolin , Zhu Youxiang , Yin Hengfu , Nainwal Manoj , Tanon-Reyes Luis , Cheng Feng , Yin Tongming , Ye Ning
Published: June 2018

Gene expression profiling data provide useful information for the investigation of biological function and process. However, identifying a specific expression pattern from extensive time series gene expression data is not an easy task. Clustering, a popular method, is often used to classify similar expression genes, however, genes with a ‘desirable’ or ‘user-defined’ pattern cannot be efficiently detected by clustering methods. To address these limitations, we developed an online tool called GEsture. Users can draw, or graph a curve using a mouse instead of inputting abstract parameters of clustering methods. GEsture explores genes showing similar, opposite and time-delay expression patterns with a gene expression curve as input from time series datasets. We presented three examples that illustrate the capacity of GEsture in gene hunting while following users’ requirements. GEsture also provides visualization tools (such as expression pattern figure, heat map and correlation network) to display the searching results. The result outputs may provide useful information for researchers to understand the targets, function and biological processes of the involved genes.
Alcohol and hypertension: An analysis using The Health Survey for England 2014
Authors: Grovu Radu , Rehm Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Aims: This study aims to model the risk relationships between alcohol consumption and hypertension, as alcohol is likely an important modifiable risk factor in treating hypertension and an important lifestyle variable to be taken into consideration by policy makers and physicians. Design/Participants/Measures: This cross-sectional study uses data from the The Health Survey for England to perform a correlational analysis, as well as multinomial and binomial modeling to evaluate alcohol’s impact on hypertension outcomes, all while controlling for relevant covariates (age, sex, smoking, exercise, body mass index, and education). Findings: Findings indicate that alcohol consumption correlates with blood pressure and hypertension, yet the significance of these findings is weakened by large between-person variability and by confounding factors. Conclusions: Based on these results, for the best cardiovascular health outcomes, we suggest that it is best to err on the side of caution and recommend, regarding alcohol intake, very limited (in the case of healthy patients) to no (for those with hypertension) alcohol consumption.
Event-based analysis of the association between alcohol use and unsafe sex in seven sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Assaf Shireen , Mallick Lindsay
Published: June 2018

Aims: To examine the association between alcohol consumption at last sex and unsafe sex in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa.Design: Multivariable logistic regression of unsafe sex was performed using cross-sectional data with a stratified sample design from seven countries.Setting: The study uses data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of Lesotho, Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.Participants: Men and women age 15–49 years with data available on alcohol consumption and who have had sex in the last 12 months were included in the analysis.Measures: The main independent variable is alcohol consumption at last sex with a non-cohabiting partner.Findings: The analysis has shown that alcohol consumption was a strong predictor of unsafe sex for all surveys except for women in Kenya. Age and number of sexual partners were also strong predictors of unsafe sex.Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is a positive link between alcohol consumption and unsafe sex in all countries except for Kenya among women. The inconsistent finding in Kenya requires further study. One of the main limitations of the analysis is the low number of observations found for women and men who reported drinking at last sex with a non-cohabiting partner.
Fieldworker effects on substance use reporting in a rural South African setting
Authors: Houle Brian , Angotti Nicole , Gómez-Olivé F. Xavier , Clark Samuel J.
Published: June 2018

Aims: Fieldworkers capturing reports of sensitive behaviors, such as substance use, may influence survey responses and represent an important factor in response validity. We explored the effects and interaction of fieldworker and respondent characteristics (age and gender) in substance (tobacco and alcohol) use reporting. We aim to further the literature on conditional social attribution effects on substance use reporting in the context of South Africa, where accurate estimates of modifiable risk factors are critical for medical and public health practitioners and policy-makers in efforts to reduce chronic disease burden and mortality.Design: We modeled substance use reporting using binary logistic regression. We also tested if fieldworker effects remained, allowing for correlation in reporting for respondents with the same fieldworker using multi-level logistic regression.Setting: Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System site, rural South Africa.Participants: We used data from a 2010–2011 study on HIV and cardiometabolic risk, ages 15+ (N = 4,684).Measures: Lifetime and current alcohol and tobacco use.Findings: Respondents reported higher lifetime smoking use to older fieldworkers. Male respondents reported higher lifetime alcohol use to older fieldworkers. No fieldworker effects were significant on reports of current smoking. An older, male fieldworker increased the probability of reports of current alcohol use. Adjusting for intra-fieldworker correlation explained many of the observed fieldworker effects.Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of adjusting for interviewer characteristics to improve the accuracy of chronic disease risk factor estimates and validity of inferred associations. We recommend that surveys collecting information that may be subject to response bias routinely include anonymized fieldworker identifiers and demographic information. Analysts can then use these additional fieldworker data as a tool in evaluating probable bias in respondent reporting.
Predictors of Salvia divinorum Use Among a National Sample of Entering First-year U.S. College Students
Authors: Croff Julie M , DeJong William
Published: June 2018

Objective: Past epidemiological studies have revealed that 18- to 25-year-olds have the highest rate of Salvia divinorum (salvia) use. This study examines predictors of salvia use among a large national sample of incoming first-year college students attending 144 academic institutions.Method: Each institution instructed their entering first-year students to complete an online alcohol course. A total of 7,314 randomly selected students completed a version of the course’s baseline survey that included questions about salvia use.Results: Salvia use in the past two weeks was reported by 3.5%. In a multivariate model, past-two-week salvia use was more common among students who were male, non-White, and had an absent father; this study did not correct for multiple statistical tests, and therefore, these results may be spurious. Salvia use and use of cigarettes and marijuana were strongly related in bivariate analyses. Current drinkers were approximately two times more likely to use salvia in the past two weeks. More than a third of those reporting past-two-week salvia use reported using salvia while under the influence of marijuana in the past month.Discussion: This study is the first to examine salvia and other substance use over the past two weeks and explores the use of salvia under the influence of marijuana. Students being disciplined for marijuana-related offenses should be questioned about the concomitant use of salvia.
Preparation of Diisopropylammonium Bis(catecholato)cyclohexylsilicate
Authors: Lin Kingson , Kelly Christopher B. , Jouffroy Matthieu , Molander* Gary A.
Published: June 2018

Two procedures yielding
cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane
as a clear, colorless oil and
diisopropylammonium bis(catecholato)cyclohexylsilicate
as a white, free flowing powder are presented. Following are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required in each procedure. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the general concepts regarding preparation of organosilanes.
Ugi Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Boltjes André , Liu Haixia , Liu Haiping , Dömling* Alexander
Published: June 2018

A procedure that yieldsN‐(2,2‐dimethoxyethyl)‐N‐(2‐oxo‐2‐(phenethylamino)ethyl)cylcohexane‐carboxamideas a brown solid is presented. Color change is observed as reaction progresses. To purify red/brown oil, flash chromatography on silica is performed with hexanes and ethyl acetate as eluent. Following the procedure are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on Ugi multicomponent reaction of amines, oxo components, isocyanides, and inorganic or organic acids.
Practical Syntheses of [2,2′‐Bipyridine]
bis
[3,5‐Difluoro‐2‐[5‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐2‐Pyridinyl]phenyl]iridium(
III
) Hexafluorophosphate, [

Ir{dF(CF
3
)ppy}
2
(bpy)]PF
6

and [4,4′‐
bis
(tert‐butyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine]
bis
[3,5‐Difluoro‐2‐[5‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐2‐Pyridinyl]phenyl]iridium(
III
) Hexafluorophosphate, [

Ir{dF(CF
3
)ppy}
2
(dtbbpy)]PF
6
Authors: Oderinde Martins S. , Johannes* Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding

2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, (dF(CF
3
)ppy) (
3
)

as a pink‐white solid,

[(dF(CF
3
)ppy)
2
‐Ir‐μ‐Cl]
2
complex

and

[Ir{dF(CF
3
)ppy}
2
(bpy)]PF
6
(
4
)

as bright yellow solids, and

[Ir{dF(CF
3
)ppy}
2
(dtbbpy)]PF
6
(
5
)

as a yellow solid are presented. Following the procedure are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on photoredox catalysts in cross‐coupling reactions and bond‐forming transformation.
(Z)‐Enolp‐Tosylate Derived from Methyl Acetoacetate: A Useful Cross‐Coupling Partner for the Synthesis of Methyl (Z)‐3‐Phenyl (or Aryl)‐2‐Butenoate
Authors: Ashida Yuichiro , Nakatsuji* Hidefumi , Tanabe* Yoo
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding(Z)‐3‐(p‐toluenesulfonyloxy)but‐2‐enoate [(Z)‐1]as white prisms and methyl (Z)‐3‐phenyl‐2‐butenoate [(Z)‐2]as a colorless oil are presented. Following are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on stereocontrolled preparation of ubiquitous (E)‐ and (Z)‐α,β‐unsaturated esters, particularly synthesis methods of (Z)‐1 and (Z)‐2.
Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed AllenicPauson–Khand Reaction
Authors: Burchick Joseph E. , Wells Sarah M. , Brummond* Kay M.
Published: June 2018

Procedures yieldingN‐(but‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonamide(1) as a white solid;N‐(but‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐N‐(3‐(((tert‐butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)penta‐3,4‐dien‐1‐yl)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonamide(3) as a pale yellow oil; and5‐(((tert‐butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)‐8‐methyl‐2‐tosyl‐2,3,4,6‐tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]azepin‐7(1H)‐one(4) as a white foam are presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion on Pauson–Khand reaction.
Fragment Coupling and Formation of Quaternary Carbons by Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalyzed Reaction of

tert

‐Alkyl Hemioxalate Salts and
M
ichael Acceptors
Authors: Jamison Christopher R. , Slutskyy Yuriy , Overman* Larry E.
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding

Cedrol lithium oxalate (
2
)

as a colorless solid and

cedrol benzyl acrylate addition product (
3
)

as a yellow oil are presented. Following the procedures are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on Barton oxalate derivatives of tertiary alcohols, tertiary radicals, and stereoselection.
4‐Cyano‐2‐Methoxybenzenesulfonyl Chloride
Authors: Bayle Elliott D. , Igoe Niall , Fish* Paul V. , Wood John
Published: June 2018

Procedures yieldingO‐(4‐cyano‐2‐methoxyphenyl) dimethylcarbamothioate (1) as white crystals,S‐(4‐cyano‐2‐methoxy‐phenyl)dimethylcarbamothioate (2) as a pure product, 4‐mercapto‐3‐methoxybenzonitrile (3) (14.4 g, 90%) as a slightly pungent white solid, and 4‐cyano‐2‐methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (4) as a yellow solid are presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion on sulfonamide functional group and related syntheses.
Preparation of

N

‐Trifluoromethylthiosaccharin: A Shelf‐Stable Electrophilic Reagent for Trifluoromethylthiolation
Authors: Zhu Jiansheng , Xu Chunhui , Xu Chunfa , Shen* Qilong
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding
N
‐chlorosaccharin (
2
) as a white powder, tris‐silver (I) trifluoromethanethiolate (
3
) as an off‐white solid, and
N
‐trifluoromethylthiosaccharin (
4
) as a white solid are presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion on trifluoromethylthio group as one of the most “sought‐after” fluoroalkyl groups, owing to its high lipophilicity.
Homologation of Boronic Esters with Lithiated Epoxides
Authors: Armstrong Roly J. , Aggarwal* Varinder K.
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding an analytically pure boronic ester as a white solid and an analytically pure diol as an off‐white solid are presented. Following the procedures are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on epoxides as versatile building blocks and homologation of boronic esters.
Rhenium‐Catalyzed

ortho

‐Alkylation of Phenols
Authors: Kuninobu1*‡§¶ Yoichiro , Yamamoto‡ Masaki , Nishi‡§ Mitsumi , Yamamoto‡ Tomoyuki , Matsuki‡ Takashi , Murai2*‡ Masahito , Takai2*‡ Kazuhiko
Published: June 2018

A procedure yielding pure 2‐(1‐methylnonyl)phenol (

1

) as a colorless oil is presented. An oven‐dried Schlenk flask with a Teflon‐coated magnetic stir bar and a reflux condenser with a three‐way stopcock is primarily used as paraphernalia. A discussion on
ortho
‐monoalkylated phenol derivatives as important bioactive compounds and functional materials concludes the chapter.
Enantioselective Preparation of 5‐Oxo‐5,6‐Dihydro‐2H‐Pyran‐2‐yl PhenylacetateviaOrganocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation (DyKAT)
Authors: Benkovics* Tamas , Ortiz Adrian , Beutner Gregory L. , Sfouggatakis Chris
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding 2‐phenylacetic anhydride as a white solid and (S)‐5‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl 2‐phenylacetate as an off‐white powder are presented. Following the procedures are notes on the instruments and chemicals used and required. The chapter concludes with a discussion on derivatives of lactol (2) as highly useful building blocks.
Water‐Promoted, Open‐Flask Synthesis of Amine‐Boranes: 2‐Methylpyridine‐Borane (2‐Picoline‐Borane)
Authors: Kulkarni Ameya S. , Ramachandran* P. Veeraraghavan
Published: June 2018

A procedure yielding2‐methylpyridine‐boraneas a white solid is presented. Sodium borohydride and powdered sodium bicarbonate are added into a single‐necked, air‐dried round‐bottomed flask with a Teflon‐coated, egg‐shaped magnetic stir bar. A discussion on amine‐boranes, reductive amination with aldehyde bisulfites and carbohydrates, and metathesis of metal borohydrides with alkylammonium salts concludes the chapter.
Preparation ofN‐Sulfinyl Aldimines Using Pyrrolidine as CatalystviaIminium Ion Activation
Authors: Morales Sara , Rubia Alfonso García , Rodrigo Eduardo , Aceña José Luis , Ruano José Luis García , Cid* M. Belén
Published: June 2018

A procedure yieldingN‐benzylidene‐p‐toluenesulfinamide (1) as a white crystalline solid is presented. A one‐necked round‐bottomed flask with a Teflon‐coated magnetic stir bar is connected to a reflux condenser fitted with a calcium sulfate‐filled drying tube. Notes on the paraphernalia and chemicals to be used are provided after the procedure. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion onN‐Sulfinyl imines4as intermediates for the synthesis of a wide range of nitrogen‐containing molecules.
Synthesis of
N
‐Boc‐
N
‐Hydroxymethyl‐L‐Phenylalaninal
Authors: Yoo Jae Won , Seo Youngran , Yoo Dongwon , Kim* Young Gyu
Published: June 2018

Procedures yielding
(4S)‐4‐benzyl‐3‐[(1,1‐dimethylethoxy)carbonyl]‐5‐oxazolidinone
(
1
) and
N‐[(1,1‐dimethylethoxy)carbonyl]‐N‐hydroxymethyl‐L‐phenylalaninal
(
2
) are presented. A one‐necked round‐bottomed flask with a Teflon‐coated magnetic stir bar is used. A discussion on α‐amino aldehydes as chiral synthons in asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen‐containing natural and synthetic products concludes the chapter.
Preparation of Benzyl((
R
)‐2‐(4‐(benzyloxy)phenyl)‐2‐((

tert

‐Butoxycarbonyl)Amino)Acetyl)‐D‐Phenylalaninate Using Umpolung Amide Synthesis
Authors: Knowe Matthew T. , Tsukanov Sergey V. , Johnston* Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2018

A procedure yielding
Benzyl ((R)‐2‐(4‐(benzyloxy)phenyl)‐2‐((tert‐butoxycarbonyl)amino)acetyl)‐D‐phenylalaninate
as a beige solid is presented. Notes on the paraphernalia and chemicals to be used during each procedures are provided. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion on arylglycine α‐amino amides.
Shifting Enrollment and Governance Challenges of Intensive English Programs
Authors: Winkle Carter A. , Algren Mark S.
Published: June 2018

A key player in internationalization efforts and pre‐academic preparation of recruited English learners for success in tertiary education in American university campuses is the intensive English program (IEP). The IEP—whether institutionally governed, independently operated, or part of a corporate‐sector partnership venture—can serve as a feeder program for students who lack the requisite English language proficiency for direct admission. In this entry, the authors look at challenges in IEP enrollment, governance, and situatedness within a more corporatized model of higher education, peering into an unclear future with suggestions about what institutional leaders and planners might consider to help ensure a healthy IEP that can produce a steady flow of well‐prepared students into academic programs.
ELTinFinland
Authors: Kalaja Paula , Alanen Riikka , Dufva Hannele
Published: June 2018

This entry describes ELT at basic and secondary levels of education (Grades 1–12) in Finland. We discuss the major changes in Finnish society and its educational policy, or more specifically, in school curricula to consider the potential challenges these might pose to ELT in the country. These days, groups of students are increasingly multilingual and multicultural, and that they are exposed to English not only in the classroom but also out‐of‐classroom. Further, English is used not only to interact with native speakers but also with other non‐native speakers of the language at home and abroad, thus functioning as a lingua franca or a global language.
CurrentELTTrends inSoutheastAsia
Authors: Sercombe Peter
Published: June 2018

Throughout Southeast Asia (SEA), demand for English language education outstrips supply. Southeast Asian governments have aspirations for more English. Theseaspirationsare primarily aimed at enhancing socioeconomic development, and unifying SEA. English is perceived by elites as a catalyst to overcome development challenges, improve the lot of citizens throughout the region, and unite members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). While English is seen as a facilitator (of development and unity), the language's position is not straightforward taking account of regional history, different stages of development of member nations, the diversity between and within nations of the region, concomitant tensions that have emanated from these, and the emergence of localized Englishes. This entry explains ELT trends across SEA, and their effects, providing initial background information as a means of contextualizing ELT trends.
Constructivism in
ESP
Teaching at Ukrainian Universities
Authors: Tarnopolsky Oleg
Published: June 2018

This entry discusses ways of implementing the
constructivist approach
in English for specific purposes (ESP) to university students in Ukraine. This approach creates opportunities for students to
self‐construct
their target language communication skills used in professional communication. The “self‐constructing” effect is achieved through modeling professional interaction in English in ESP classrooms.
Experiential learning
is considered to be the principal way in which such modeling in the teaching/learning process may be achieved. This kind of learning is integrated with
interactive learning
,
content‐based instruction
, and
blended learning
where traditional students work with the teacher and with each other is dynamically combined with their online learning activities.
Direct Observation at Room Temperature of the Orthorhombic Weyl Semimetal Phase in Thin Epitaxial MoTe2
Authors: Tsipas Polychronis , Fragkos Sotirios , Tsoutsou Dimitra , Alvarez Carlos , Sant Roberto , Renaud Gilles , Okuno Hanako , Dimoulas Athanasios
Published: June 2018

The direct observation at room temperature (RT) of the noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic topological Weyl semimetal phase in epitaxial thin films of MoTe2 grown on InAs(111)/Si(111) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is reported. The orthorhombic phase is typically found at lower temperatures but its observation at RT in this work is attributed to the enlarged lattice parameters, influenced by the substrate, which stabilize an interlayer antibonding state compatible with the orthorhombic stacking. First‐principles calculations predict eight type II Weyl nodes which are located below (but near) the Fermi energy making them accessible to charge transport and creating the prospect for practical applications exploiting the nontrivial topological properties. The orthorhombic phase coexists with an unconventional triclinic layer stacking which is different than the monoclinic or orthorhombic structures but it is centrosymmetric and topologically trivial.
Nanocellulose‐Based Antibacterial Materials
Authors: Li Juanjuan , Cha Ruitao , Mou Kaiwen , Zhao Xiaohui , Long Keying , Luo Huize , Zhou Fengshan , Jiang Xingyu
Published: June 2018

In recent years, nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials have attracted a great deal of attention due to their unique and potentially useful features. In this review, several representative types of nanocellulose and modification methods for antimicrobial applications are mainly focused on. Recent literature related with the preparation and applications of nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials is reviewed. The fabrication of nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials for wound dressings, drug carriers, and packaging materials is the focus of the research. The most important additives employed in the preparation of nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials are presented, such as antibiotics, metal, and metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as chitosan. These nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials can benefit many applications including wound dressings, drug carriers, and packaging materials. Finally, the challenges of industrial production and potentials for development of nanocellulose‐based antimicrobial materials are discussed.
From Antimicrobial Peptides to Antimicrobial Poly(α‐amino acid)s
Authors: Shen Wei , He Pan , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: June 2018

Conventional small‐molecule antibiotics are facing a significant challenge of the rapidly developed drug resistance of pathogens. In contrast, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), an important component for innate host defenses, are now under intensive investigation as a promising antimicrobial agent for combating drug resistant pathogens. Most AMPs can effectively kill a broad spectrum of pathogens via physical disruption of microbial cellular membranes, which is identified to be difficult to develop resistance. However, the clinical applications of AMPs are still greatly limited by several inherent impediments, such as high cost of production, potential hemolysis or toxicity, and liability to proteinase degradation. Recently, cationic poly(α‐amino acid)s with structures mimicking the AMPs are found to have excellent antimicrobial activity. These polymers, termed “antimicrobial poly(α‐amino acid)s (APAAs),” have some advantages over AMPs, such as easy production and modification, prolonged antimicrobial activity, low cytotoxicity, and enhanced stability to protease degradation. Here, a brief introduction of mechanisms and affecting factors of microbial killing by AMPs is first presented, followed by a systematic illustration of recent advances in design and preparation of biomimetic APAAs and a perspective in this field.
An Ultrabroadband Mid‐Infrared Pulsed Optical Switch Employing Solution‐Processed Bismuth Oxyselenide
Authors: Tian Xiangling , Luo Hongyu , Wei Rongfei , Zhu Chunhui , Guo Qianyi , Yang Dandan , Wang Fengqiu , Li Jianfeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: June 2018

Pulsed lasers operating in the mid‐infrared (3–25 µm) are increasingly becoming the light source of choice for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications such as spectroscopy, biomedical research, sensing, imaging, and communication. Up to now, one of the factors limiting the mid‐infrared pulsed lasers is the lack of optical switch with a capability of pulse generation, especially for those with wideband response. Here, a semiconductor material of bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se) with a facile processibility, constituting an ultrabroadband saturable absorber for the mid‐infrared (actually from the near‐infrared to mid‐infrared: 0.8–5.0 µm) is exhibited. Significantly, it is found that the optical response is associated with a strong nonlinear character, showing picosecond response time and response amplitude up to ≈330.1% at 5.0 µm. Combined with facile processibility and low cost, these solution‐processed Bi2O2Se materials may offer a scalable and printable mid‐infrared optical switch to open up the long‐sought parameter space which is crucial for the exploitation of compact and high‐performance mid‐infrared pulsed laser sources.
An Ultradurable and Uniform Cu Electrode by Blending Carbon Nanotube Fillers in Copper‐Based Metal–Organic Decomposition Ink for Flexible Printed Electronics
Authors: Seong Kwang‐dong , Kim Jong Min , Kang Jeongmin , Hwang Minsik , Lee Chaedong , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: June 2018

Cu‐based metal–organic decomposition (MOD) ink is widely studied for printed electronics owing to its cost‐effectiveness and low‐temperature processing. The main purpose of using a low‐temperature processible Cu MOD ink is to fabricate flexible wearable devices. However, most researches are focused on enhancing the uniformity and conductivity of the formed electrode rather than increasing the durability. This paper presents an ultradurable and uniform Cu flexible electrode using a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) filler‐blended Cu MOD ink. This MOD ink is synthesized through a facile sonication‐based mixing method. The MWCNT enhances not only the uniformity of the Cu electrode by providing a heterogeneous nucleation site but also the durability of the electrode due to mechanical robustness of MWCNT. With an optimum MWCNT content (1.0 wt%), the Cu/MWCNT film exhibits a resistivity of 25.31 µΩ cm and a resistance increase of only 1.66 times after the 150 000 times bending test with 2.6 mm of bending radius. It is expected that this Cu/MWCNT nanocomposite electrode can be used for practical applications because of its easy preparation, and its improved quality and durability.
Nanostructural Analysis of Porous Oblique Angle Deposited (OAD) Multilayer Systems by Grazing‐Incidence Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Oliva‐Ramírez Manuel , López‐Santos Carmen , Yubero Francisco , González‐Elipe Agustín R.
Published: June 2018

This work reports a thorough characterization analysis of various porous thin film multilayers by means of grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS). Alternated TiO2/SiO2 nanocolumnar layers deposited at oblique angles are fabricated in slanted, chiral, and zig‐zag configurations by rotating azimuthally the substrate from one layer to the next. Multilayer systems formed by the stacking of 3 and 15 alternant thin films of these two oxides are morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and structurally by GISAXS. This technique has provided a means to determine various vertical and lateral correlation lengths and to assess the anisotropic electron density distribution along the structural elements existing in the multilayers. This information can be systematically used to account for the actual arrangement of nanostructural elements in multilayer systems.
The Progress of Li–S Batteries—Understanding of the Sulfur Redox Mechanism: Dissolved Polysulfide Ions in the Electrolytes
Authors: Zheng Dong , Wang Gongwei , Liu Dan , Si Jingyu , Ding Tianyao , Qu Deyu , Yang Xiaoqing , Qu Deyang
Published: June 2018

Rechargeable lithium–sulfur batteries have aroused great attention in recent years. Thousands of research articles are published, and among these publications, the majority are dedicated to improving the battery's performance through chemically and physically modifying the sulfur electrode, electrolytes, separator, and lithium anode. However, the single most important aspect, understanding the sulfur redox mechanism, is sparse and overwhelmed by the huge volume of work done on improving the battery's performance. Besides the intrinsic complexity of the sulfur redox chemistry, the most challenging task is to find an effective analytical technique for the quantitative and qualitative determination of the dissolved and solid polysulfides, including elemental sulfur. In this paper, the recent important research aiming to understand the redox mechanism of the sulfur electrode is reviewed in light of the unique analytical techniques used in the research. The review re‐affirms the complexity of the sulfur redox chemistry and lays the background for the future mechanistic research for Li–S batteries.
Survey on Textile Electrode Technologies for Electrocardiographic (ECG) Monitoring, from Metal Wires to Polymers
Authors: Pani Danilo , Achilli Andrea , Bonfiglio Annalisa
Published: June 2018

Wearable technologies represent the new frontier of vital sign monitoring in different applications, from fitness to health. With the progressive miniaturization of the electronic components, enabling the implementation of portable and hand‐held acquisition and recording devices, the research focus has shifted toward the development of effective and unobtrusive textile electrodes. These electrodes can represent an alternative to the Ag/AgCl disposable gelled electrodes usually adopted in clinical practice. This survey presents the main requirements for these electrodes, with a particular emphasis on those conceived for electrocardiographic signals, and the main challenges to be faced. An overview of the main materials and fabrication technologies presented so far in the scientific literature for this purpose is also given. The pieces of evidence resulting from the test of these electrodes clearly reveal the virtues and vices of current technologies, prospectively opening to their use in smart garments for real application scenarios.
Recent Development of Fabricating Flexible Micro‐Supercapacitors for Wearable Devices
Authors: Zhao Chen , Liu Yuqing , Beirne Stephen , Razal Joselito , Chen Jun
Published: June 2018

The rapid development in miniaturized personal wearable devices has significantly stimulated the pursuit for ultrathin, flexible, and lightweight energy storage devices. As one of the most promising power supply devices, supercapacitors have attracted great interest owing to their long operating lifetime, high power density, and fast charge–discharge rate. However, conventional supercapacitors pose challenges when being integrated with miniaturized wearable devices. In this regard, micro‐supercapacitors with unique in‐plane interdigitated electrode design provide flexibility and ease of integration with wearable and portable electronics. This review discusses the recent progress on fabrication strategies of interdigitated electrode arrays for flexible supercapacitors. Strategies toward their practical applications for powering integrated systems are presented. Finally, the future perspectives of flexible micro‐supercapacitor are discussed.
A Near‐Infrared Photoactive Morphology Modifier Leads to Significant Current Improvement and Energy Loss Mitigation for Ternary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhan Lingling , Li Shuixing , Zhang Huotian , Gao Feng , Lau Tsz‐Ki , Lu Xinhui , Sun Danyang , Wang Peng , Shi Minmin , Li Chang‐Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: June 2018

Herein, efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) are realized with the ternary blend of a medium band gap donor (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PBDB‐T)) with a low band gap acceptor (2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐(((2,5‐difluoro‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐6,2‐diyl))bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile (HF‐PCIC)) and a near‐infrared acceptor (2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐(((4,4,9,9‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐4,9‐dihydro‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(4‐((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)thiophene‐5,2‐diyl))bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile (IEICO‐4F)). It is shown that the introduction of IEICO‐4F third component into PBDB‐T:HF‐PCIC blend increases the short‐circuit current density (J
sc) of the ternary OSC to 23.46 mA cm−2, with a 44% increment over those of binary devices. The significant current improvement originates from the broadened absorption range and the active layer morphology optimization through the introduction of IEICO‐4F component. Furthermore, the energy loss of the ternary cells (0.59 eV) is much decreased over that of the binary cells (0.80 eV) due to the reduction of both radiative recombination from the absorption below the band gap and nonradiative recombination upon the addition of IEICO‐4F. Therefore, the power conversion efficiency increases dramatically from 8.82% for the binary cells to 11.20% for the ternary cells. This work provides good examples for simultaneously achieving both significant current enhancement and energy loss mitigation in OSCs, which would lead to the further construction of highly efficient ternary OSCs.
Measurements and correlations for gas liquid surface tension at high pressure and high temperature
Authors: Leonard C. , Ferrasse J‐H. , Boutin O. , Lefevre S. , Viand A.
Published: June 2018

Surface tension of water/nitrogen and water–phenol/nitrogen systems was successfully measured by the hanging drop method in a wide domain of temperature (from 100 to 300°C) and pressure (from 4 to 30MPa), conditions little explored in litterature. Results show that surface tension of water–phenol mixtures decreases as phenol mass fraction increases. This decrease is observed under saturated and unsaturated conditions and is more pronounced at low temperatures and does not seem to depend on pressure. The effect of saturation on surface tension in the water/nitrogen system has been correlated with water vapor pressure by using experimental points with a great accuracy. For the water–phenol/nitrogen system, experimental data obtained with different mass fraction of phenol were correlated using Macleod‐Sugden equation for mixtures. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4110–4117, 2018
Constraint‐based metabolic targets for the improved production of heterologous compounds across molecular classification
Authors: Moscatello Nicholas , Pfeifer Blaine A.
Published: June 2018

The natural products 6‐deoxyerythronolide B (6dEB), erythromycin D, yersiniabactin (Ybt), and salicylate 2‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside (SAG), representing a range of primary and secondary metabolites generated through heterologous microbial biosynthesis, were analyzed using computational metabolic engineering for the purpose of predicting improved production. Specifically, flux balance analysis allowed for the comprehensive screening of medium components and the determination of single gene deletions that resulted in improved product titers for the target compounds. Outcomes included the identification of amino acids and alternative carbon sources capable of culture medium supplementation for increased cellular production. Separately, Minimization of Metabolic Adjustment and OptForce were used to identify single gene deletion and overexpression targets, respectively, for improvements to the aforementioned biosynthetic schemes. The computational engineering predictions thus provide a starting point for experimental implementation with the goal of improving metabolic carbon flow to the compounds presented in this study, each of which possesses valuable bioactivity. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4208–4217, 2018
Social genomics of healthy and disordered internet gaming
Authors: Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Dengah II H. J. François , Lacy Michael G. , Else Robert J. , Polzer Evan R. , Arevalo Jesusa M. G. , Cole Steven W.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To combine social genomics with cultural approaches to expand understandings of the somatic health dynamics of online gaming, including in the controversial nosological construct of internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Methods

In blood samples from 56 U.S. gamers, we examined expression of the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), a leukocyte gene expression profile activated by chronic stress. We compared positively engaged and problem gamers, as identified by an ethnographically developed measure, the Positive and Negative Gaming Experiences Scale (PNGE‐42), and also by a clinically derived IGD scale (IGDS‐SF9).

Results

CTRA profiles showed a clear relationship with PNGE‐42, with a substantial linkage to offline social support, but were not meaningfully associated with disordered play as measured by IGDS‐SF9.

Conclusions

Our study advances understanding of the psychobiology of play, demonstrating via novel transcriptomic methods the association of negatively experienced internet play with biological measures of chronic threat, uncertainty, and distress. Our findings are consistent with the view that problematic patterns of online gaming are a proxy for broader patterns of biopsychosocial stress and distress such as loneliness, rather than a psychiatric disorder sui generis, which might exist apart from gamers’ other life problems. By confirming the biological correlates of certain patterns of internet gaming, culturally‐sensitive genomics approaches such as this can inform both evolutionary theorizing regarding the nature of play, as well as current psychiatric debates about the appropriateness of modeling distressful gaming on substance addiction and problem gambling.
Complete and Nondestructive Atomic Bell‐State Analysis Assisted by Inverse Engineering
Authors: Zheng Ri‐Hua , Kang Yi‐Hao , Shi Zhi‐Cheng , Xia Yan
Published: June 2018

A protocol for complete and nondestructive atomic Bell‐state analysis by using inverse engineering is presented. The setups for the Bell‐state analysis contain four atoms trapped in four separated cavities, respectively. The laser pulses designed by inverse engineering help in the manipulation of the transitions of atoms in a robust manner. By using the protocol, the information for distinguishing four Bell states of two information‐carrying atoms is encoded on two auxiliary atoms. Therefore, the four Bell states can be distinguished without being destroyed by detecting the states of the two auxiliary atoms. Moreover, as shown by the numerical simulations, the protocol has high successful probabilities to distinguish four Bell states when decoherence is considered. Thus, the protocol may provide some helpful perspectives for the quantum information tasks based on Bell states.
Hydrogenation of Pyridines Using a Nitrogen‐Modified Titania‐Supported Cobalt Catalyst
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Wu , Sahoo Basudev , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Agostini Giovanni , Lund Henrik , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2018

Novel heterogeneous catalysts were prepared by impregnation of titania with a solution of cobalt acetate/melamine and subsequent pyrolysis. The resulting materials show an unusual nitrogen‐modified titanium structure through partial implementation of nitrogen into the support. The optimal catalyst displayed good activity and selectivity for challenging pyridine hydrogenation under acid free conditions in water as solvent.
White‐Fluorescent Dual‐Emission Mechanosensitive Membrane Probes that Function by Bending Rather than Twisting
Authors: Humeniuk Heorhii V. , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Licari Giuseppe , Kilin Vasyl , Bonacina Luigi , Vauthey Eric , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: June 2018

Bent N,N′‐diphenyl‐dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine amphiphiles are introduced as mechanosensitive membrane probes that operate by an unprecedented mechanism, namely, unbending in the excited state as opposed to the previously reported untwisting in the ground and twisting in the excited state. Their dual emission from bent or “closed” and planarized or “open” excited states is shown to discriminate between micelles in water and monomers in solid‐ordered (So), liquid‐disordered (Ld) and bulk membranes. The dual‐emission spectra cover enough of the visible range to produce vesicles that emit white light with ratiometrically encoded information. Strategies to improve the bent mechanophores with expanded π systems and auxochromes are reported, and compatibility with imaging of membrane domains in giant unilamellar vesicles by two‐photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy is demonstrated.
Ambient Electrosynthesis of Ammonia: Electrode Porosity and Composition Engineering
Authors: Wang Hong , Wang Lu , Wang Qiang , Ye Shuyang , Sun Wei , Shao Yue , Jiang Zhiping , Qiao Qiao , Zhu Yimei , Song Pengfei , Li Debao , He Le , Zhang Xiaohong , Yuan Jiayin , Wu Tom , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: June 2018

Ammonia, a key precursor for fertilizer production, convenient hydrogen carrier, and emerging clean fuel, plays a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth. Currently, the main route for NH3 synthesis is by the heterogeneous catalytic Haber–Bosch process (N2+3 H2→2 NH3), which proceeds under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure with a very large carbon footprint. Herein we report that a pristine nitrogen‐doped nanoporous graphitic carbon membrane (NCM) can electrochemically convert N2 into NH3 in an acidic aqueous solution under ambient conditions. The Faradaic efficiency and rate of production of NH3 on the NCM electrode reach 5.2 % and 0.08 g m−2 h−1, respectively. Functionalization of the NCM with Au nanoparticles dramatically enhances these performance metrics to 22 % and 0.36 g m−2 h−1, respectively. As this system offers the potential to be scaled to industrial levels it is highly likely that it might displace the century‐old Haber–Bosch process.
Formation of Polypyrrole‐Coated Sb2Se3 Microclips with Enhanced Sodium‐Storage Properties
Authors: Fang Yongjin , Yu Xin‐Yao , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: June 2018

Antimony‐based electrode materials with high specific capacity have aroused considerable interest as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we develop a template‐engaged ion‐exchange method to synthesize Sb2Se3 microclips, and the as‐obtained Sb2Se3 microclips are further in situ coated with polypyrrole (PPy). Benefiting from the structural and compositional merits, these PPy‐coated Sb2Se3 microclips exhibit enhanced sodium‐storage properties in terms of high reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and stable cycling performance.
Floxuridine Homomeric Oligonucleotides “Hitchhike” with Albumin In Situ for Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Jin Cheng , Zhang Hui , Zou Jianmei , Liu Yan , Zhang Lin , Li Fengjie , Wang Ruowen , Xuan Wenjing , Ye Mao , Tan Weihong
Published: June 2018

Automated attachment of chemotherapeutic drugs to oligonucleotides through phosphoramidite chemistry and DNA synthesis has emerged as a powerful technology in constructing structure‐defined and payload‐tunable oligonucleotide–drug conjugates. In practice, however, in vivo delivery of these oligonucleotides remains a challenge. Inspired by the systemic transport of hydrophobic payloads by serum albumin in nature, we report the development of a lipid‐conjugated floxuridine homomeric oligonucleotide (LFU20) that “hitchhikes” with endogenous serum albumin for cancer chemotherapy. Upon intravenous injection, LFU20 immediately inserts into the hydrophobic cave of albumin to form an LFU20/albumin complex, which accumulates in the tumor by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and internalizes into the lysosomes of cancer cells. After degradation, cytotoxic floxuridine monophosphate is released to inhibit cell proliferation.