bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving the Upper Bound of Piezoelectric Response in Tunable, Wearable 3D Printed Nanocomposites
Authors: Yao Desheng , Cui Huachen , Hensleigh Ryan , Smith Parker , Alford Sam , Bernero Dominic , Bush Sydney , Mann Kyle , Wu H. Felix , Chin‐Nieh Marvin , Youmans Garrett , Zheng Xiaoyu (Rayne)
Published: July 2019

The trade‐off between processability and functional responses presents significant challenges for incorporating piezoelectric materials as potential 3D printable feedstock. Structural compliance and electromechanical coupling sensitivity have been tightly coupled: high piezoelectric responsiveness comes at the cost of low compliance. Here, the formulation and design strategy are presented for a class of a 3D printable, wearable piezoelectric nanocomposite that approaches the upper bound of piezoelectric charge constants while maintaining high compliance. An effective electromechanical interphase model is introduced to elucidate the effects of interfacial functionalization between the highly concentrated perovskite nanoparticulate inclusions (exceeding 74 wt%) and light‐sensitive monomer matrix, shedding light on the significant enhancement of piezoelectric coefficients. It is shown that, through theoretical calculation and experimental validations, maximizing the functionalization level approaches the theoretical upper bound of the piezoelectric constant d33 at any given loading concentration. Based on these findings, their applicability is demonstrated by designing and 3D printing piezoelectric materials that simultaneously achieve high electromechanical sensitivity and structural functionality, as highly sensitive wearables that detect low pressure air (<50 Pa) coming from different directions, as well as wireless, self‐sensing sporting gloves for simultaneous impact absorption and punching force mapping.
Deep Learning Reveals Underlying Physics of Light–Matter Interactions in Nanophotonic Devices
Authors: Kiarashinejad Yashar , Abdollahramezani Sajjad , Zandehshahvar Mohammadreza , Hemmatyar Omid , Adibi Ali
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a deep learning‐based algorithm is presented, as a purely mathematical platform, for providing intuitive understanding of the properties of electromagnetic (EM) wave–matter interaction in nanostructures. This approach is based on using the dimensionality reduction (DR) technique to significantly reduce the dimensionality of a generic EM wave‐matter interaction problem without imposing significant error. Such an approach implicitly provides useful information about the role of different features (such as geometrical design parameters) of the nanostructure in its response functionality. To demonstrate the practical capabilities of this DL‐based technique, it is applied to a reconfigurable optical metadevice enabling dual‐band and triple‐band optical absorption in the telecommunication window. Combination of the proposed approach with existing commercialized full‐wave simulation tools offers a powerful toolkit to extract basic mechanisms of wave–matter interaction in complex EM devices and facilitate the design and optimization of nanostructures for a large range of applications including imaging, spectroscopy, and signal processing. It is worth mentioning that the demonstrated approach is general and can be used in a large range of problems as long as enough training data are provided.
Plasmonic Photothermal Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kim Minho , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: July 2019

Recent advances of plasmonic nanoparticles include fascinating developments in the fields of energy, catalyst chemistry, optics, biotechnology, and medicine. The plasmonic photothermal properties of metallic nanoparticles are of enormous interest in biomedical fields because of their strong and tunable optical response and the capability to manipulate the photothermal effect by an external light source. To date, most biomedical applications using photothermal nanoparticles have focused on photothermal therapy; however, to fully realize the potential of these particles for clinical and other applications, the fundamental properties of photothermal nanoparticles need to be better understood and controlled, and the photothermal effect‐based diagnosis, treatment, and theranostics should be thoroughly explored. This Progress Report summarizes recent advances in the understanding and applications of plasmonic photothermal nanoparticles, particularly for sensing, imaging, therapy, and drug delivery, and discusses the future directions of these fields.
Granulocytic Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells Promote the Stemness of Colorectal Cancer Cells through Exosomal S100A9
Authors: Wang Yungang , Yin Kai , Tian Jie , Xia Xueli , Ma Jie , Tang Xinyi , Xu Huaxi , Wang Shengjun
Published: July 2019

Cancer stem cells play a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote tumor progression through multiple mechanisms in CRC. The roles of MDSCs in CRC cell stemness are unclear. MDSC‐derived exosomes are proposed to act as intercellular messengers. Herein, it is reported that granulocytic MDSCs (G‐MDSCs) promote CRC cell stemness and progression in mice through exosomes. It is found that S100A9, is highly expressed in G‐MDSC‐derived exosomes, and its blockade suppresses CRC cell stemness and the susceptibility of mice to AOM/DSS‐induced colitis‐associated colon cancer. Hypoxia induces G‐MDSCs to secrete more exosomes in a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α)‐dependent manner, and respiratory hyperoxia can reduce CRC cells stemness through the inhibition of GM‐Exo production. Study‐based CRC patients also show that human MDSCs enhance CRC cell stemness and growth via exosomal S100A9, and plasma exosomal S100A9 level in CRC patients is markedly higher than that in healthy subjects. Thus, this study suggests that G‐MDSCs promote CRC cell stemness and growth through exosomal S100A9. Moreover, respiratory hyperoxia may be a beneficial strategy to reduce CRC cells stemness through the inhibition of GM‐Exo production. MDSCs exosomal S100A9 may be a marker for predicting the development of CRC.
Efficacy and safety of anticoagulant prophylaxis for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in Japanese patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Hata Taishi , Yasui Masayoshi , Ikeda Masataka , Miyake Masakazu , Ide Yoshihito , Okuyama Masaki , Ikenaga Masakazu , Kitani Kotaro , Morita Shunji , Matsuda Chu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Murata Kohei , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Nezu Riichiro , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro ,   For Clinical Study Group of Osaka University Colorectal Group (CSGOCG) Investigators
Published: July 2019

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant prophylaxis to prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) during laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, which is unknown in Japanese patients.

Methods

We conducted this randomized controlled trial at nine institutions in Japan from 2011 to 2015. It included 302 eligible patients aged 20 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery for CRC. Patients were randomly assigned to an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy group or to an IPC + anticoagulation therapy group. Anticoagulation therapy comprised fondaparinux or enoxaparin for postoperative VTE prophylaxis. Postoperative VTE was diagnosed based on enhanced multi‐detector helical computed tomography. The primary endpoint was VTE incidence, including asymptomatic cases, the secondary endpoint was incidence of major bleeding, and we conducted an intention‐to‐treat analysis. This study is registered in UMINCTR (UMIN000008435).

Results

Postoperative VTE incidence was 5.10% with IPC therapy (n = 157) and 2.76% with IPC + anticoagulant therapy (n = 145; P = .293). We identified no symptomatic VTE cases. The major bleeding rates were 1.27% with IPC alone and 1.38% with the combination (P = .936). The overall bleeding rates were 7.69% for enoxaparin and 13.6% for fondaparinux (P = .500), and there were no bleeding‐related deaths.

Conclusion

Anticoagulant prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence of VTE and the incidence of major bleeding was comparable between the two groups. Usefulness of perioperative anticoagulation was not demonstrated in this study. Pharmacological prophylaxis must be restricted in Japanese patients with higher risk of VTE.
Associations between daily‐on‐the job hassles with perceived mental exertion and depression symptoms in taxi drivers
Authors: Burgel Barbara J. , Elshatarat Rami A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Taxi drivers experience frequent hassles that may contribute to mental exertion and depression symptoms.

Aim

Mental exertion and depression symptoms in taxi drivers are explored in association with hassles, effort‐reward imbalance, job strain, and iso‐strain.

Methods

Personal interviews were conducted with 130 drivers in San Francisco.

Results

Mental exertion averaged 4.5 (±2.68) and physical exertion averaged 3.71 (±2.1) on 0 to 10 Borg scales. Based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression scale, 38% had depression symptoms. Mental exertion and depression symptoms correlated with job strain, iso‐strain and effort‐reward imbalance in anticipated directions, lending construct validity to the Borg mental exertion scale. Physical exertion, night shift, stressful personal events, and being uninsured for healthcare predicted mental exertion. Lack of respect by dispatchers and stressful personal events predicted depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Selected hassles may be remedied by communication trainings, emphasizing mutual respect. Recognition and treatment of depression in taxi drivers are important.
Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfones through Visible Light‐Induced Decarboxylative Sulfonylation of Cinnamic Acids with Disulfides
Authors: Li Xuezhi , Wang Min , Wang Zhihui , Wang Lei
Published: July 2019

Visible light‐induced decarboxylative sulfonylation of cinnamic acids with disulfides for the synthesis of vinyl sulfones was developed. The reaction underwent smoothly in the presence of Ru(Phen)3(PF6)2 as a photocatalyst, Cs2CO3 as a base in DMSO at room temperature under blue LED (450–455 nm) irradiation and air atmosphere, generating the desired products in good yields. It provides an alternative route to vinyl sulfones with disulfides as sulfonylation reagent in the advantages of mild conditions, simple system and wide functional group tolerance.
Progress on Selective Acylation of Carbohydrate Hydroxyl Groups
Authors: Ren Bo , Zhang Li , Zhang Mengyao
Published: July 2019

Sugars have always been an important component of drugs, and their design, discovery, synthesis and preparation play an important role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. To synthesize functional oligosaccharides, we need to perform a variety of selective hydroxyl protections of monosaccharides to synthesize functional sugar building blocks. Among these protection reactions, acylation is the most commonly used method to protect the hydroxyl groups in sugars. Regioselective acylation of saccharide hydroxyl groups needs to be achieved by catalysts. How to efficiently synthesize the target products and how to develop more selective, wider ranging, and more environmentally friendly chemical methods are a consistent goal pursued by chemistry researchers. This paper mainly introduces the research progress on six kinds of approaches for the regioselective acylation of sugar hydroxyl groups: those based on organotin, organoboron, organosilicon, metal salts, hydrogen‐bonding small organic molecules and enzyme reagents. Finally, the Minireview also summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these catalysts and prospects for the selective acylation of sugar hydroxyl groups.
Soft sensor design and fault detection using Bayesian network and probabilistic principal component analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Ahad , Zarghami Reza , Lefebvre Dimitri , Golshan Shahab , Mostoufi Navid
Published: July 2019

Bayesian network (BN) and probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) are powerful tools in artificial intelligence. In this study, two intelligent soft sensors, designed based on BN and PPCA, were proposed for fault detection and data prediction in chemical processes. A gas sweetening process was considered as a case study in which the existing data for H2S concentration in sweet gas stream were incomplete. In order to detect faults during the operation, a soft sensor was designed using BN and PPCA for predicting H2S concentration in the sweet gas stream. Then, another soft sensor was developed based on the BN for fault detection, considering the Gaussian mixture model with hidden nodes. The Tennessee‐Eastman challenge process was used to assess the efficiency of the fault detection method. Results showed that the predicted values of the soft sensors are very close to real data. The fault occurring in this process was detected in early stages, demonstrating the good performance of the proposed fault detection system. It was also shown that the performance of the BN is better than the PPCA in prediction of incomplete data. Moreover, the confidence interval can be evaluated for the predicted values when using the BN. An uncertainty analysis was performed to assess the quality of predicted data, and it was observed that the error magnitude of predicted data is smaller when using the BN compared with the PPCA. In particular, the results showed that the BN model is capable of estimating H2S concentration with nearly 96.1% accuracy, whereas the accuracy of the PCA‐based method was 93.2%.
Human gestational N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor autoantibodies impair neonatal murine brain function
Authors: Jurek Betty , Chayka Mariya , Kreye Jakob , Lang Katharina , Kraus Larissa , Fidzinski Pawel , Kornau Hans‐Christian , Dao Le‐Minh , Wenke Nina K. , Long Melissa , Rivalan Marion , Winter York , Leubner Jonas , Herken Julia , Mayer Simone , Mueller Susanne , Boehm‐Sturm Philipp , Dirnagl Ulrich , Schmitz Dietmar , Kölch Michael , Prüss Harald
Published: July 2019

Objective

Maternal autoantibodies are a risk factor for impaired brain development in offspring. Antibodies (ABs) against the NR1 (GluN1) subunit of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) are among the most frequently diagnosed anti‐neuronal surface ABs, yet little is known about effects on fetal development during pregnancy.

Methods

We established a murine model of in utero exposure to human recombinant NR1 and isotype‐matched nonreactive control ABs. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected on embryonic days 13 and 17 each with 240μg of human monoclonal ABs. Offspring were investigated for acute and chronic effects on NMDAR function, brain development, and behavior.

Results

Transferred NR1 ABs enriched in the fetus and bound to synaptic structures in the fetal brain. Density of NMDAR was considerably reduced (up to −49.2%) and electrophysiological properties were altered, reflected by decreased amplitudes of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in young neonates (−34.4%). NR1 AB‐treated animals displayed increased early postnatal mortality (+27.2%), impaired neurodevelopmental reflexes, altered blood pH, and reduced bodyweight. During adolescence and adulthood, animals showed hyperactivity (+27.8% median activity over 14 days), lower anxiety, and impaired sensorimotor gating. NR1 ABs caused long‐lasting neuropathological effects also in aged mice (10 months), such as reduced volumes of cerebellum, midbrain, and brainstem.

Interpretation

The data collectively support a model in which asymptomatic mothers can harbor low‐level pathogenic human NR1 ABs that are diaplacentally transferred, causing neurotoxic effects on neonatal development. Thus, AB‐mediated network changes may represent a potentially treatable neurodevelopmental congenital brain disorder contributing to lifelong neuropsychiatric morbidity in affected children. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:656–670
CO2 Hydrogenation on Cu/Al2O3: Role of the Metal/Support Interface in Driving Activity and Selectivity of a Bifunctional Catalyst
Authors: Lam Erwin , Corral‐Pérez Juan José , Larmier Kim , Noh Gina , Wolf Patrick , Comas‐Vives Aleix , Urakawa Atsushi , Copéret Christophe
Published: July 2019

Selective hydrogenation of CO2 into methanol is a key sustainable technology, where Cu/Al2O3 prepared by surface organometallic chemistry displays high activity towards CO2 hydrogenation compared to Cu/SiO2, yielding CH3OH, dimethyl ether (DME), and CO. CH3OH formation rate increases due to the metal–oxide interface and involves formate intermediates according to advanced spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Al2O3 promotes the subsequent conversion of CH3OH to DME, showing bifunctional catalysis, but also increases the rate of CO formation. The latter takes place 1) directly by activation of CO2 at the metal–oxide interface, and 2) indirectly by the conversion of formate surface species and CH3OH to methyl formate, which is further decomposed into CH3OH and CO. This study shows how Al2O3, a Lewis acidic and non‐reducible support, can promote CO2 hydrogenation by enabling multiple competitive reaction pathways on the oxide and metal–oxide interface.
A Camptothecin‐Grafted DNA Tetrahedron as a Precise Nanomedicine to Inhibit Tumor Growth
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Guo Yuanyuan , Ding Fei , Pan Gaifang , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan
Published: July 2019

Most chemotherapeutics are hydrophobic molecules and need to be converted into hydrophilic form before administration. Based on the excellent hydrophilicity and programmability of DNA, now, a general strategy to construct a precise drug‐containing DNA framework for cancer treatment is reported. In this novel drug delivery system, carbonethyl bromide‐modified camptothecin (CPT) is employed to directly react with phosphorothioate (PS) modified DNAs, resulting in the formation of chemotherapeutics‐grafted DNAs with a responsive disulfide linkage. By tuning the number and site of PS modifications on DNA strands, hydrophilicity of the obtained DNA‐drug conjugates (DDCs) can be regulated to retain their aqueous solubility and capability of molecular recognition. Subsequently, programmable DNA nanotechnology enables the self‐assembly of a precise drug‐containing tetrahedral framework with stimuli‐responsive feature and enhanced antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo.
Implication for DNA methylation involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: Chen Wei , Dong Yuhong , Lin Lianyun , Saqib Hafiz Sohaib Ahmed , Ma Xiaoli , Xu Xuejiao , Zhang Lingling , Jing Xiaodong , Peng Lu , Wang Yue , Vasseur Liette , He Weiyi , You Minsheng
Published: July 2019

DNA methylation exerts extensive impacts on gene expression of various living organisms exposed to environmental variation. However, little is known whether DNA methylation is involved in the host transfer of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide destructive pest of crucifers. In this study, we found that P. xylostella genome exhibited a relatively low level of DNA methylation on the basis of the CpG O/E prediction and experimental validation. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between the stage‐specific expressions of PxDNMT1 and DNA methylation levels (5mC content). Particularly, high levels of DNA methylation and gene expression of PxDNMT1 were observed in eggs and mature females of P. xylostella. After host transfer of P. xylostella from Raphanus sativus to Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified some potential genomic loci that might have changed methylation levels. Using the method of fluorescence‐labeled methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism (F‐MSAP), we also found the corresponding genes primarily involved in neural system and signaling. The expressions of six candidate genes were verified by qRT‐PCR. One of the genes, Px009600, might be regulated by a DNA methylation‐mediated mechanism in response to host transfer. Our study provides evidence for a functional system of DNA methylation in P. xylostella and its possible role in adaptation during host transfer. Further studies should examine methylation as responsive factors to different host plants and environmental cues in insect pests.
Diapause hormone directly stimulates the prothoracic glands of diapause larvae under juvenile hormone regulation in the bamboo borer, Omphisa fuscidentalis Hampson
Authors: Suang Suphawan , Hiruma Kiyoshi , Kaneko Yu , Manaboon Manaporn
Published: July 2019

Larval diapause in many lepidopteran insects is induced and maintained by high juvenile hormone (JH). In the case of the bamboo borer, Omphisa fuscidentalis, the effect of JH is the opposite: The application of juvenile hormone analog (JHA: S‐methoprene) terminates larval diapause, unlike in other insect species. Here, we analyzed the expression of JH‐receptor Met, DH‐PBAN, and Kr‐h1 in the subesophageal ganglion (SG) from October to April using semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results show that OfMet and OfDH‐PBAN messenger RNA in the SG are mainly expressed during the larval diapause stage, while OfKr‐h1 increases during the pupal stage. Using tissue culture techniques and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), diapause hormone (DH) was found to induce ecdysteroidogenesis in the culture medium of the prothoracic gland (PG) after incubation for 30 min with 25 ng and 50 ng of DH. Thus, DH is a novel stimulator for the PG. We identified a DHR homolog in the bamboo borer and confirmed that it is expressed in the PG. In addition, for in vitro experiments, DH increased the expression levels of OfDHR, OfEcR‐A, and ecdysone‐inducible genes in the PG. These results demonstrate that DH can function as a prothoracicotropic factor, and this function of DH might be through of DHR expressed on PG cells. Consequently, DH is one of the key factors in larval diapause break which is triggered by JH in the bamboo borer, O. fuscidentalis.
Melatonin synthesis in the optic lobes and midbrain of the grasshopper Oedipoda caerulescens
Authors: Vieira Raúl , Mancebo María J. , Pérez‐Maceira Jorge José , Aldegunde Manuel
Published: July 2019

The pathways of insect melatonin (MEL) biosynthesis apparently follow the same routes as those identified in vertebrates but information on MEL synthesis variations related with serotonin (5‐HT), 5‐hydroxy‐indole acetic acid (5HIAA), and N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) levels, as well as 5‐HT N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) activity throughout the day, is very limited in the insect nervous system. In the present study, the levels of MEL, metabolites (5‐HT, NAS, and 5‐HIAA) and enzyme NAT were determined in the optic lobes and the midbrain of the grasshopper Oedipoda caerulescens, in conditions of light and darkness. In both tissues, a different pattern of MEL synthesis was observed over the light/dark cycle. Variations in the levels of 5‐HT, NAS and NAT activity related to the synthesis of cerebral MEL follow a pattern very similar to that observed in the pineal of mammals, with a peak of synthesis in the first half of the scotophase. Also, we observed differences in the metabolism of 5‐HT between the optic lobes and the midbrain light/dark‐dependent.
Efficient and Reliable Assessment of the Maximum Local Tissue Temperature Increase at the Electrodes of Medical Implants under MRI Exposure
Authors: Yao Aiping , Zastrow Earl , Neufeld Esra , Kuster Niels
Published: July 2019

Standard risk evaluations posed by medical implants during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes (i) the assessment of the total local electromagnetic (EM) power (P) absorbed in the vicinity of the electrodes and (ii) the translation of P into a local in vivo tissue temperature increase ∆T (P2∆T) in animal experiments or simulations. We investigated the implant/tissue modeling requirements and associated uncertainties by applying full‐wave EM and linear bioheat solvers to different implant models, incident field conditions, electrode configurations, and tissue models. Results show that the magnitude of the power is predominately determined by the lead, while the power distribution, and the P2∆T conversion, is determined by the electrode and surrounding tissues. P2∆T is strongly dependent on the size of the electrode, tissue type in contact with the electrode, and tissue inhomogeneity (factor of >2 each) but less on the modeling of the lead (<±10%) and incident field distribution along the lead (<±20%). This was confirmed by means of full‐wave simulations performed with detailed high‐resolution anatomical phantoms exposed to two commonly used MRI clinical scenarios (64 and 128 MHz), resulting in differences of less than 6%. For the determination of P2∆T, only the electrode and surrounding tissues must be modeled in great detail, whereas the lead can be modeled as a computationally efficient simplified structure exposed to a uniform field. The separate assessments of lead and electrode reduce the overall computational effort by several orders of magnitude. The errors introduced by this simplification can be considered by uncertainty terms. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:422–433. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
‘Who cares?’ Gender, care and secondary schooling: ‘Accidental findings’ from a seclusion unit
Authors: Barker John
Published: July 2019

A breadth of research explores gendered professional identities, practices and spaces across a range of UK educational institutions. One focus has been on links between gender, care and education in early years settings and primary schools, although less attention has been given to caring within secondary schools. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in London within an in‐school seclusion unit, this article brings together a Lefebvrian conceptualisation of space with feminist theorisations of care to explore how the unit (conceived as a space of control, discipline and punishment) also became an unlikely space of care. In doing so, the article explores complex intersections between gender and care and how everyday caring practices in schools are inextricably linked to and embedded within broader institutional and spatial agendas and processes.
Increasing productivity of Spirulina platensis in photobioreactors using artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Susanna Deepti , Dhanapal Rahulgandhi , Mahalingam Ranjithragavan , Ramamurthy Viraraghavan
Published: July 2019

Although production of microalgae in open ponds is conventionally practiced due to its economy, exposure of the algae to uncontrollable elements impedes achievement of quality and it is desirable to develop closed reactor cultivation methods for the production of high value products. Nevertheless, there are several constraints which affect growth of in closed reactors, some of which this study aims to address for the production of Spirulina. Periodic introduction of fresh medium resulted in increased trichome numbers and improved algal growth compared to growth in medium that was older than 4 weeks in 20 L polycarbonate bottles. Mixing of the cultures by bubbling air and use of draft tube reduced the damage to the growing cells and permitted increased growth. However, there was better growth in inclined cylindrical reactors mixed with bubbling air. The oxygen production rates were very similar irrespective differences in the maintained cultures densities. The uniformity in oxygen production rate suggested a tendency towards homeostasis in Spirulina cultures. The frequency of biomass harvest on the productivity of Spirulina showed that maintenance of moderate culture density between 0.16 and 0.32 g/L resulted in about 14% more productivity than maintaining the cell density between 0.16 and 0.53 g/L or 48% more than by daily harvest above 0.16 g/L. An artificial neural network based predictive model was developed, and the variables useful for predicting biomass output were identified. The model could predict the growth of Spirulina up to 3 days in advance with a coefficient of determination >0.94.
Validated HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of mutant IDH1/2 inhibitors (enasidenib, ivosidenib and vorasidenib) in mouse plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zakkula Ashok , Dittakavi Sreekanth , Maniyar Malika Muskan , Syed Naveem , Sulochana Suresh P. , Zainuddin Mohd , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: July 2019

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors comprise a novel class of anticancer drugs, which are approved to treat acute myeloid leukemia patients having mutations on IDH1/2. We report the development and validation of a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous quantitation of IDH inhibitors, namely enasidenib (EDB), ivosidenib (IDB) and vorasidenib (VDB), in mouse plasma as per the US Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidelines. The method involves extraction of EDB, IDB and VDB along with internal standard (IS; phenacetin) from mouse plasma (100 μl) using a simple protein precipitation process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on an HPLC system using a gradient mobile phase (comprising 10 mm ammonium acetate and acetonitrile in a flow‐gradient) and an X‐Terra Phenyl column. The UV detection wave length was set at λmax 265 nm. EDB, IDB, VDB and the IS eluted at 7.36, 8.60, 9.50 and 5.12 min, respectively, with a total run time of 10 min. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 0.20–12.5 μg/ml for EDB and 0.50–12.5 μg/ml for IDB and VDB (r2 = ≥0.998 for all of the analytes). Validation results met the acceptance criteria. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.
A highly sensitive GC–MS method for simultaneous determination of anacardic acids in cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell oil in the presence of other phenolic lipid derivatives
Authors: Osman Samir M. , Abdel‐Megied Ahmed M. , Zain Eldain Mohammed H. , Haleema Simimole , Gopinath Chithra , Sumalekshmy Sarojini Amma , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: July 2019

The commercial value of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has become a cornerstone of the agrowaste industry. It is the by‐product of the cashew industry and has an 1/8 inch thickness of soft honeycomb structure. CNSL contains phenolic lipids with aliphatic chains such as anacardic acid, cardanol, cardol and methyl cardol, and their derivatives. The developed GC–MS method is rapid, accurate and selective using a selected derivatizing reagent, namely N‐methyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)‐trifluoroacetamide that was previously diluted 1:1% with anhydrous pyridine. The proposed GC–MS method was applied for the analysis of different CNSL samples. The results showed that all classes of CNSL compounds were detected. The four alkyl phenols were detected with their different alkyl sidechains without any interference. This method is also specified for the detection of fatty acids of saturated and unsaturated chains. Silylation did not cause any alteration in the chemical structure of CNSL compounds regardless of esterification action. Silylation is considered a safe derivatizing agent compatible with GC chromatography and specific for all volatile and nonvolatile polar and nonpolar CNSL compounds that could be detected in CNSL samples.
Preparation of an anti‐isoprocarb monoclonal antibody and its application in developing an immunochromatographic strip assay
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Liu Liqiang , Cui Gang , Song Shanshan , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: July 2019

In this study, a carboxyl group was introduced into the isoprocarb molecule to obtain an isoprocarb hapten, which was then coupled with a protein to obtain an artificial antigen. Three monoclonal antibody cell lines, 1D11, 6E6 and 1B5, were finally obtained by mouse immunization, cell fusion and subcloning, and the antibody produced by cell line 1B5 had the best affinity and sensitivity. The monoclonal antibody was highly sensitive and specific for isoprocarb, with an IC50 of 2.09 ng/ml and a cross‐reactivity rate of <0.21%. By optimizing the indirect competitive (ic)‐ELISA, the optimal conditions were determined to be pH 7.4, 0% methanol and 0.8% NaCl, the limit of detection value was 0.23 ng/ml, and the linear range of the ic‐ELISA was 0.46–9.62 ng/ml. The recovery rate of the isoprocarb cucumber sample was 97–99% for the ic‐ELISA method. In addition, we successfully developed an immunochromatographic test strip for the detection of isoprocarb residues. The cutoff values in phosphate‐buffered saline and cucumber extract were 10 and 25 ng/ml, respectively. Both methods met the requirements for isoprocarb residue detection in agricultural products, and can be used for semiquantitative and qualitative analysis of isoprocarb in vegetables.
Validated LC–ESI–MS/MS method for the determination of tunicamycin in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Gabani Bhavesh Babulal , Sulochana Suresh P. , Kiran Vinay , Todmal Umesh , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: July 2019

A liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantification of tunicamycin in rat plasma as per regulatory guideline. Chromatography of tunicamycin and the IS in the processed plasma samples was achieved on an X‐Terra phenyl column using a binary gradient (mobile phase A, acetonitrile and mobile phase B, 5 mm ammonium formate) elution at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min. LC–MS/MS was operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode using the electrospray ionization technique in positive ion mode and the transitions of m/z 817.18 → 596.10, 831.43 → 610.10, 845.29 → 624.10, 859.23 → 638.10 and 309.24 → 163.20 were used to quantitate homologs A–D and the IS, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 4.5 min. The correlation coefficient (r2) was >0.99 for all homologs with accuracy 90.7–107.4% and precision 0.74–15.1%. The recovery of homologs was 78.6–90.2%. No carryover was observed and the matrix effect was minimal. Tunicamycin four homologs were found to be stable on the bench‐top for 6 h, for up to three freeze–thaw cycles, in the injector for 24 h and for 1 month at −80°C. The applicability of the validated method has been demonstrated in a rat pharmacokinetic study.
Pharmacokinetic profile of ivabradine hemisulfate sustained‐release tablets administered in Chinese healthy volunteers: An open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, three‐period crossover study
Authors: Xu Xin , Wei Yilin , Ji Wei , Yang Shaomei , Wen Qing
Published: July 2019

We aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of three single oral doses (5, 10 and 15 mg) of ivabradine hemisulfate sustained‐release tablets in healthy Chinese volunteers. A total of 12 volunteers (six males and six females) were randomized to receive a single oral dose of ivabradine hemisulfate sustained‐release tablets 5, 10 or 15 mg, with a 1‐week washout between periods. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals from 0 to 48 h after drug administration, and the concentrations of ivabradine and N‐desmethyl ivabradine were determined by HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non‐compartmental analysis. After administering single doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg, the mean maximum concentration (Cmax) levels of ivabradine were 4.36, 7.29 and 12.62 ng/mL, and the mean area under the curve from time 0 to 48 h (AUC0–48) values were 55.66, 101.16 and 182.09 h·ng/mL, respectively. The mean Cmax levels of N‐desmethyl ivabradine were 1.05, 2.03 and 3.16 ng/mL, and the mean AUC0–48 values were 20.61, 39.44 and 65.72 h·ng/mL, respectively. The median time of maximum concentration (Tmax) levels of ivabradine and N‐desmethyl ivabradine were 5 h for all three doses tested. The pharmacokinetic properties of ivabradine hemisulfate sustained‐release tablets were linear at doses from 5 to 15 mg. Ivabradine hemisulfate sustained‐release tablet appears to be well tolerated in these healthy volunteers.
A device for the efficient detection of wheat seeds with waxy endosperm
Authors: Morris Craig F. , Kiszonas Alecia M.
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

The development of wheat cultivars with “full waxy” grain, which lacks functional granule‐bound starch synthase genes, has zero starch amylose, and possesses unique processing properties, is highly desirable. Identification of full waxy kernels can be accomplished using differential iodine staining of starch.

Findings

Endosperm starch can be easily accessed for iodine staining by cutting kernels transversely to the long axis. However, cutting by hand is slow, labor intensive and includes some safety risk. The device described herein provides for the efficient cutting of up to 48 wheat kernels simultaneously without the need for razor blades, knives, etc. The device is designed to accommodate a standard 96‐well microtiter plate to increase further the efficiency of waxy kernel detection and selection.

Conclusions

The device is especially useful for detecting full waxy progeny from waxy by wild‐type crosses wherein full waxy progeny segregate in a 1:63 ratio. The device is particularly useful for developing waxy cultivars via backcross breeding. Embryo halves associated with individual distal “brush” ends that stain positive for full waxy are retained and can be saved for propagation.

Significance and novelty

Waxy wheat is a novel and unique raw material. Breeding new waxy cultivars requires crossing with parents that likely are not waxy. Consequently, a safe and efficient means of detecting waxy progeny are needed. The present device fulfills this need.
Variceal bleeding due to idiopathic portal vein thrombosis in a 15‐year‐old boy
Authors: Dilber Dario , Habek Dubravko , Hrgović Zlatko , Čerkez Habek Jasna , Gradišer Marina
Published: July 2019

Portal vein thrombosis is an important cause of portal hypertension in the pediatric population. It is a rare and potentially fatal condition with diverse underlying pathology. A successfully managed case, without an identified etiology, is reported herein.
Evaluation of the Electrochemically Active Surface Area of Microelectrodes by Capacitive and Faradaic Currents
Authors: Sekretaryova Alina N. , Vagin Mikhail Yu. , Volkov Anton V. , Zozoulenko Igor V. , Eriksson Mats
Published: July 2019

Two experimental methods to estimate the electrochemically active surface area (EASA) of microelectrodes are investigated. One method is based on electrocapacitive measurements and depends significantly on the surface roughness as well as on other parameters. The other method is based on faradaic current measurements and depends on the geometric surface area. The experimental results are supplemented with numerical modeling of electrodes with different surface roughness. A systematic study reveals a strong influence of the scale and arrangement of the surface roughness, the measurement potential and the electrolyte concentration on the EASA of microelectrodes estimated from the electrocapacitive measurements. The results show that electrocapacitive measurements should not be used to estimate the faradaic EASA of microelectrodes with a non‐negligible surface roughness.
Generation and Reactivity of a One‐Electron‐Oxidized Manganese(V) Imido Complex with a Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligand
Authors: Shi Huatian , Xie Jianhui , Lam William W. Y. , Man Wai‐Lun , Mak Chi‐Keung , Yiu Shek‐Man , Lee Hung Kay , Lau Tai‐Chu
Published: July 2019

The synthesis and X‐ray structure of a new manganese(V) mesitylimido complex with a tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), [MnV(TAML)(N‐Mes)]− (1), are reported. Compound 1 is oxidized by [(p‐BrC6H4)3N]+.[SbCl6]− and the resulting MnVI species readily undergoes H‐atom transfer and nitrene transfer reactions.
Structure–Solubility Relationship of 1,4‐Dioxane Complexes of Di(hydrocarbyl)magnesium
Authors: Fischer Reinald , Görls Helmar , Meisinger Philippe R. , Suxdorf Regina , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: July 2019

Systematic variation of the 1,4‐dioxane (dx) concentration during the precipitation of sparingly soluble [MgBr2(dx)2] from ethereal Grignard solutions of RMgBr has allowed the structural investigation of crystallized [R2Mg(dx)n] (n=1, 1.5, 2, and 3), which form during this dioxane method, depending on the bulkiness of R. The numbering of the complexes explored in this study is based on the number n of dioxane molecules per magnesium atom, followed by the substituent R; an apostrophe denotes coordination polymers. The following derivatives were studied by X‐ray crystal‐structure determination and NMR spectroscopy: n=1: [Me2Mg(μ‐dx)]∞ (1′‐Me) and [nPr2Mg(μ‐dx)]∞ (1′‐nPr); n=1.5: [{iPr2Mg(dx)}2(μ‐dx)] (1.5‐iPr), [{oTol2Mg(dx)}2(μ‐dx)] (1.5‐oTol), and [(Me3Si‐C≡C)2Mg(dx)1.5]∞ (1.5′‐C2SiMe3); n=2: [tBu2Mg(dx)2] (2‐tBu) and [oTol2Mg(dx)2] (2‐oTol); n=3: [Ph2Mg(dx)3] (3‐Ph). In the structure types 1′, 1.5, and 2, the magnesium atom exhibits the coordination number 4, whereas pentacoordinate metal atoms are observed in types 3 and 1.5′. The structure type 2′ is realized for [(Ph‐C≡C)2Mg(dx)2]∞ (2′‐C2Ph), [MgCl2(dx)2]∞ (2′‐Cl), and [MgBr2(dx)2]∞ (2′‐Br) with hexacoordinate metal atoms. The solubility of the dioxane adducts in common organic solvents strongly depends on the degree of aggregation with the solubility decreasing from molecular to strand to layer structures.
Mechanistic Insights into the Synthesis of Fully Condensed Polyhedral Octaphenylsilsesquioxane
Authors: Qin Zhao‐Lu , Yang Rong‐Jie , Zhang Wen‐Chao , Jiao Qing‐Jie
Published: July 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A comprehensive study on the efficient one‐pot synthesis of polyhedral octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS) is reported via the hydrolytic condensation of phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) in the presence of basic catalyst to investigate the specific synthesis mechanism. The synthetic reactions are monitored with real time infrared (RTIR) spectroscopy. Then RTIR coupled with 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) are used to monitor the reactions and identify the intermediary species during the reaction. The rapid hydrolysis of PTMS is detected by RTIR. Contrary to previous reports, the ladder‐like structured species are identified as intermediates during the reaction process. It is suggested that formation of caged T8 OPS is realized through the chain break and rearrangement of the ladder‐like phenyltrimethoxysilanes. Accordingly, a scheme from hydrolysis of the PTMS to formation of the OPS is provided.
Dynamic mesh re‐partitioning considering iterative convergence rate for multiphase flows in OpenFOAM
Authors: Xu Liyang , Wang Miao , Xu Xinhai , Cui Chen , Yang Xuejun
Published: July 2019

For parallel multiphase flows, the core procedure is solving linear systems using preconditioned iterative methods, and the iterative convergence rate is crucial to the overall efficiency. How the mesh is partitioned influences the iterative convergence rate. However, the numerical characteristics of the linear systems vary significantly along with the time steps because of the dramatic change of the flow fields. Traditional static mesh partition cannot guarantee a good convergence feature throughout the simulation. A dynamic mesh re‐partitioning scheme MDMRPar (Multiphase Dynamic Mesh Re‐Partitioning) is proposed and implemented in OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation And Manipulation). MDMRPar employs a new surface field to record the linear system information in every time step. For simple multiphase problems with topo‐invariant mesh, MDMRPar periodically adopts the numerical information from the previous time step and calculates a weighted graph from the mesh topology in a straightforward way. For multiphase flows using adaptive mesh refinement method, a coarse graph with vertex weights is built based on the mesh topology and refinement history. The numerical information on the surface field is integrated into the coarse graph as edge weights. In both cases, weighted graphs are re‐partitioned by ParMetis, a general multi‐level parallel graph re‐partitioning package. Experimental results on three multiphase flows show that MDMRPar significantly outperforms the traditional partitioning/re‐partitioning schemes both in the iterative convergence rate and the total simulation time.
Why do earlier‐arriving migratory birds have better breeding success?
Authors: Morrison Catriona A. , Alves José A. , Gunnarsson Tómas G. , Þórisson Böðvar , Gill Jennifer A.
Published: July 2019

In migratory birds, early arrival on breeding sites is typically associated with greater breeding success, but the mechanisms driving these benefits are rarely known. One mechanism through which greater breeding success among early arrivers can potentially be achieved is the increased time available for replacement clutches following nest loss. However, the contribution of replacement clutches to breeding success will depend on seasonal variation in nest survival rates, and the consequences for juvenile recruitment of hatching at different times in the season. In particular, lower recruitment rates of late‐hatched chicks could offset the benefits to early arrivers of being able to lay replacement clutches, which would reduce the likelihood of replacement clutch opportunities influencing selection on migratory timings. Using a simulation model of time‐constrained capacity for replacement clutches, paramaterized with empirically‐derived estimates from avian migratory systems, we show that greater reproductive success among early‐arriving individuals can arise solely through the greater time capacity for replacement clutches among early arrivers, even when later renesting attempts contribute fewer recruits to the population. However, these relationships vary depending on the seasonal pattern of nest survival. The benefits of early arrival are greatest when nest survival rates are constant or decline seasonally, and early arrival is least beneficial when nest success rates increase over the breeding season, although replacement clutches can mitigate this effect. The time benefits of early arrival facilitating replacement clutches following nest loss may therefore be an important but overlooked source of selection on migratory timings. Empirical measures of seasonal variation in nest survival, renesting, and juvenile recruitment rates are therefore needed in order to identify the costs and benefits associated with individual migration phenology, the selection pressures influencing migratory timings, and the implications for ongoing shifts in migration and breeding phenology.
Evaluating adaptive, carry‐over, and plastic antipredator responses across a temporal gradient in Pacific chorus frogs
Authors: Garcia Tiffany S. , Bredeweg Evan M. , Urbina Jenny , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: July 2019

The development of antipredator traits is dependent on the frequency and intensity of predator exposure over evolutionary and ecological time. We hypothesized that prey species would respond with increasing accuracy when exposed to predators across generational, ontogenetic, and immediate time scales. We assessed larval Pacific chorus frog (PSRE; Pseudacris regilla) individuals that varied in population sympatry, embryonic conditioning, and immediate exposure to stocked populations of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Using PSRE populations from sites with and without resident rainbow trout, we conditioned embryos to trout odor, PSRE alarm cues, trout odor in combination with alarm cues, or control water. After being hatched and reared in control water, individuals were exposed to the four predator cue treatments using a fully factorial design. Tadpoles from populations with resident rainbow trout did not behave or develop differently than tadpoles originating from fishless sites. However, we found evidence that PSRE reduced predation risk with a combination of carry‐over effect (i.e., transfer of information across life history stages) and within‐life stage phenotypically plastic mechanisms. We found both developmental and behavioral carry‐over effects: tadpoles conditioned with trout odor as embryos grew more slowly and took refuge more often than control animals. Within‐life‐stage behavioral plasticity was observed in tadpoles from all treatment groups, responding to predator cues with increased refuge use. Potentially additive effects of predator exposure on prey response should be considered when predicting the ability of prey to recognize novel threats.