bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐Step Divergent Synthesis of Monodisperse and Ultra‐Long Bottlebrush Polymers from an Easily Purifiable ROMP Monomer
Authors: Yamauchi Yoshihiro , Horimoto Noriko Nishizawa , Yamada Kuniyo , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Takeuchi Masayuki , Ishida Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

The longest bottlebrush polymers reported so far (up to 7 μm in length) were synthesized in two steps from a norbornene derivative bearing two 2‐bromoisobutylate moieties (NB). The key to this achievement is the excellent reactivity of NB in ring opening metathesis polymerization, which proceeded in a well‐controlled manner with quantitative conversion of NB for monomer‐initiator ratios ranging up to 10,000. The resultant polymer derived from NB was readily converted to various bottlebrush polymers in a divergent synthetic route by grafting vinyl monomers from the 2‐bromoisobutylate units in NB via atom transfer radical polymerization. The structure of the ultra‐long bottlebrush polymer was directly observed using atomic force microscopy.
Optimized Active Layer Morphologies via Ternary Copolymerization of Polymer Donors for 17.6 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells with Enhanced Fill Factor
Authors: Guo Xia , Fan Qunping , Wu Jingnan , Li Guangwei , Peng Zhongxiang , Su Wenyan , Lin Ji , Hou Lintao , Qin Yunpeng , Ade Harald , Ye Long , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: October 2020

Regulating molecular structure to optimize the active layer morphology is of considerable significance for improving the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we demonstrated a simple ternary copolymerization approach to develop a terpolymer donor PM6‐Tz20 by incorporating the 5,5′‐dithienyl‐2,2′‐bithiazole (DTBTz, 20 mol%) unit into the backbone of PM6 (PM6‐Tz00). This method can effectively tailor the molecular orientation and aggregation of the polymer, and then optimize the active layer morphology and the corresponding physical processes of devices, ultimately boosting FF and then PCE. Hence, the PM6‐Tz20: Y6‐based OSCs achieved a PCE of up to 17.1% with a significantly enhanced FF of 0.77. Using Ag (220 nm) instead of Al (100 nm) as cathode, the champion PCE was further improved to 17.6%. This work provides a simple and effective molecular design strategy to optimize the active layer morphology of OSCs for improving photovoltaic performance.
Branched Antisense and siRNA Co‐Assembled Nanoplatform for Combined Gene Silencing and Tumor Therapy
Authors: Liu Jianbing , Lu Xuehe , Wu Tiantian , Wu Xiaohui , Han Lin , Ding Baoquan
Published: October 2020

Chemically modified DNA has been widely developed to fabricate various nucleic acid nanostructures for biomedical applications. Herein, we report a facile strategy for construction of branched antisense DNA and small interfering RNA (siRNA) co‐assembled nanoplatform for combined gene silencing in vitro and in vivo. In our design, the branched antisense can efficiently capture siRNA with 3′ overhangs through DNA–RNA hybridization. After being equipped with an active targeting group and an endosomal escape peptide by host–guest interaction, the tailored nucleic acid nanostructure functions efficiently as both delivery carrier and therapeutic cargo, which is released by endogenous RNase H digestion. The multifunctional nucleic acid nanosystem elicits an efficient inhibition of tumor growth based on the combined gene silencing of the tumor‐associated gene polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1). This biocompatible nucleic acid nanoplatform presents a new strategy for the development of gene therapy.
Comparison of gut microbiota of healthy and diseased walking sticks, Phasmotaenia lanyuhensis
Authors: Li Yi‐Hsuan , Huang Yu‐Feng , Chen Tzu‐Han , Wu Shin‐Shan , Tang Hsin‐Chieh , Hsiao Chung‐Yi , Huang Lung‐Chun , Chang Ju‐Chun , Chiu Kuo‐Ping , Nai Yu‐Shin
Published: October 2020

Research on gut microbiota of phytophagous insects has shown to be important for the physiological functions of insect hosts; however, little is known about the changes in gut microbiota when they are suffering from environmental stress or pathogen infections. During rearing of Phasmotaenia lanyuhensis (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae), sluggish locomotion was usually followed by the death of the insect with a symptom of melanization in the front part of the abdomen. Therefore, the abnormal individuals were initially classified into moribund, light‐ and serious‐symptom based on the level of abnormal physiological circumstances and melanization. The gut microbiota of these samples were further investigated by 16S metagenomic sequencing and the differences in bacterial abundance and structure of bacterial community were analyzed. A decrease in microbiota diversity was observed in the diseased P. lanyuhensis, with the abundance of phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicute relatively higher compared to those without symptom. Interestingly, principal component analysis based on the bacterial richness was correlated to the level of melanization symptom in the diseased P. lanyuhensis, suggested the change in bacterial microbiota involved in this abnormal circumstance. However, the factor that caused the initial alternation of microbiota remains to be identified. Additionally, the lack of bacterial diversity (i.e., absence of Meiothermus and Nubsella spp.) in P. lanyuhensis might reduce the fitness for surviving. This report provided the comprehensive microbiota analysis for P. lanyuhensis and concluded that either the relative abundance or the bacterial diversity of microbiota in the insect digestive system may influence the physiological functions of phytophagous insects.
D‐3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase from the silkworm Bombyx mori: Identification, functional characterization, and expression
Authors: Yamamoto Kohji , Mohri Shinya , Furuya Shigeki
Published: October 2020

D‐3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of l‐serine. Despite the high serine content in silk proteins and the crucial role of PHGDH in serine biosynthesis, PHGDH has not been described in silkworms to date. Here, we identified PHGDH in the silkworm Bombyx mori and evaluated its biochemical properties. On the basis of the amino acid sequence and phylogenetic tree, this PHGDH has been categorized as a new type and designated as bmPHGDH. The recombinant bmPHGDH was overexpressed and purified to homogeneity. Kinetic studies revealed that PHGDH uses NADH as a coenzyme to reduce phosphohydroxypyruvate. High expression levels of bmphgdh messenger RNA (mRNA) were observed in the middle part of the silk gland and midgut in a standard strain of silkworm. Moreover, a sericin‐deficient silkworm strain displayed reduced expression of bmphgdh mRNA. These findings indicate that bmPHGDH might play a crucial role in the provision of l‐serine in the larva of B. mori.
Recent Advances in Catalysts for the Conversion of Ethanol to Butadiene
Authors: Bin Samsudin Ismail , Zhang Hongwei , Jaenicke Stephan , Chuah Gaik‐Khuan
Published: October 2020

Butadiene is an important monomer for synthetic rubbers. Currently, the annual demand of ∼16 million tonnes is satisfied by butadiene produced as a byproduct of steam naphtha cracking where ethylene and propylene are the main products. The availability of large amounts of shale gas and condensates in the USA since about 2008 has led to a change in the cracker feed from naphtha to ethane and propane, affecting the amount of butadiene obtained. This has provided the impetus to look into direct processes for butadiene production. One option is the eco‐friendly conversion of (bio) ethanol to butadiene (ETB). This process had been developed in the 1930s in the then Soviet Union. It was operated on a large scale in USA during World War II but has since been abandoned in favour of petroleum‐based processes. The current trend, driven both by the availability of the raw material and ecological considerations, may make this process feasible again, particularly if the catalytic systems can be improved. This critical review discusses recent catalysts for the ETB process with special focus on the development since 2014, benchmarking them against earlier systems with a large database of operational experience.
Human‐like motion planning for autonomous parking based on revised bidirectional rapidly‐exploring random tree* with Reeds‐Shepp curve
Authors: Jhang Jyun‐Hao , Lian Feng‐Li , Hao Yu‐Hsiang
Published: October 2020

Autonomous parking is one significant autonomous application and will be implemented in daily life in the near future. Due to encountered narrow environments, the issues related to autonomous parking, such as path quality requirements, strict collision avoidance, and motion direction changes, must be overcome properly. Moreover, to be applied in daily driving activities, real‐time planning and human preference should be fulfilled by the designed motion planners. Therefore, an efficient and human‐like motion planning method based on the revised Bidirectional Rapidly‐Exploring Random Tree* (Bi‐RRT*) with Reeds‐Shepp curve is presented. The proposed method results in human‐like paths which have high trajectory quality and consistency for parking scenarios due to the revised Bi‐RRT* framework. Strict collision checking model guarantees the resulting paths to be collision‐free and even leaves safe distance from obstacles and uncertainties. State space adjustment makes the path optimization more efficient and effective. On the other hand, the cost function revision makes the resulting paths meet human driving behavior, such as less backward driving and motion direction changes. In addition, rigorous simulations and analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of the cost function revision and the state space adjustment and illustrate good performance of the proposed approach in common and even complex parking scenarios.
Persistent contaminants of emerging concern in ozone‐biofiltration systems: Analysis from multiple studies
Authors: Sari Mutiara Ayu , Oppenheimer Joan , Robinson Keel , Drewes Jörg E. , Pisarenko Aleksey N. , Sundaram Vijay , Jacangelo Joseph G.
Published: October 2020

Water quality, in combination with design and operational data collected from multiple studies, was assessed to benchmark the performance of ozone‐biologically active filtration in reuse applications. A total of 149 contaminants of emerging concern, representative of multiple categories and chemical structures, were prioritized and systematically compared to elucidate apparent differences in removal capabilities as affected by multiple factors such as influent water matrix, ozone‐to‐organic carbon ratio, empty bed contact time, filtration media type, and initial media condition. The results were consistent with earlier findings for the removal of highly amenable compounds but demonstrate inconsistencies and knowledge gaps across multiple facilities for the more persistent compounds. Analysis of this multistudy data‐mining effort also demonstrates a complicated interplay between contaminant removal and numerous design and operational variables. Hence, further systematic investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying removal mechanisms.
A fully validated HPLC–UV method for determination of sulthiame in human serum/plasma samples
Authors: Madej Katarzyna , Paprotny Łukasz , Wianowska Dorota , Kasprzyk Joanna , Herman Małgorzata , Piekoszewski Wojciech
Published: October 2020

Sulthiame is an old antiepileptic medicine with controversial history, whose effectiveness and safety in use have been stated in some current studies. However, there is still a need for further clinical examinations for confirmation of its usefulness and tolerability in monotherapy and add‐on therapy for epilepsy of various etiologies. A fully validated RP HPLC–UV method for determination of sulthiame in serum/plasma samples using desethylatrazine as the internal standard was developed. The biological fluid was prepared for analysis by a simple precipitation method with acetonitrile. The following validation parameters of the method were determined: selectivity/specificity, linearity range (0.2–50.0 μl/ml, R2 > 0.9999), limits of detection (0.19 μl/ml) and quantification (0.58 μl/ml), precision (intra‐day CV 1.06% and inter‐day CV 1.25%), extraction recovery (~100%), accuracy (bias, −4.61–0.80%), carryover and ruggedness. Moreover, the stability of the medicine in plasma samples under different storage conditions was also tested. The usability of the method for clinical examinations was checked by analysis of serum samples originating from 19 patients treated with sulthiame. The proposed method is appropriate for determination of sulthiame in serum/plasma samples for drug monitoring purposes, as well as for pharmacokinetic studies.
Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should Inotuse TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches
Authors: Braun Virginia , Clarke Victoria
Published: October 2020

Thematic analysis methods, including the reflexive approach we have developed, are widely used in counselling and psychotherapy research, as are other approaches that seek to develop ‘patterns’ (themes, categories) across cases. Without a thorough grounding in the conceptual foundations of a wide variety of across‐case analytic approaches, and qualitative research more broadly—something rarely offered in counselling training—it can be difficult to understand how these differ, where they overlap, and which might be appropriate for a particular research project. Our aim in this paper is to support researchers in counselling and psychotherapy to select an appropriate across‐case approach for their research, and to justify their choice, by discussing conceptual and procedural differences and similarities between reflexive thematic analysis (TA) and four other across‐case approaches. Three of these are also widely used in counselling and psychotherapy research—qualitative content analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis and grounded theory. The fourth—discourse analysis—is less widely used but importantly exemplifies the critical qualitative research tradition. We contextualise our comparative approach by highlighting the diversitywithinTA. TA is best thought of as a spectrum of methods—from types that prioritise coding accuracy and reliability to reflexive approaches like ours that emphasise the inescapable subjectivity of data interpretation. Although reflexive TA provides the point of comparison for our discussion of other across‐case approaches, our aim is not to promote reflexive TA as ‘best’. Rather, we encourage the knowing selection and use of analytic methods and methodologies in counselling and psychotherapy research.
Stabilizing AqdC, a Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal‐Cleaving Dioxygenase from Mycobacteria, by FRESCO‐Based Protein Engineering
Authors: Wullich Sandra C. , Wijma Hein J. , Janssen Dick B. , Fetzner Susanne
Published: October 2020

The mycobacterial PQS dioxygenase AqdC, a cofactor‐less protein with an α/β‐hydrolase fold, inactivates the virulence‐associated quorum‐sensing signal molecule 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone (PQS) produced by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is therefore a potential anti‐virulence tool. We have used computational library design to predict stabilizing amino acid replacements in AqdC. While 57 out of 91 tested single substitutions throughout the protein led to stabilization, as judged by increases in
of >2 °C, they all impaired catalytic activity. Combining substitutions, the proteins AqdC‐G40K‐A134L‐G220D‐Y238W and AqdC‐G40K‐G220D‐Y238W showed extended half‐lives and the best trade‐off between stability and activity, with increases in
of 11.8 and 6.1 °C and relative activities of 22 and 72 %, respectively, compared to AqdC. Molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis suggested that stabilized proteins are less flexible than AqdC, and the loss of catalytic activity likely correlates with an inability to effectively open the entrance to the active site.
Preprocessing methods for near‐infrared spectrum calibration
Authors: Jiao Yiping , Li Zhichao , Chen Xisong , Fei Shumin
Published: October 2020

Spectrum preprocessing is an essential component in the near‐infrared (NIR) calibration. However, it has mostly been configured arbitrarily in the literature and calibration applications. In this paper, a systematic evaluation framework was proposed to quantify the effect of preprocessing, where repeated cross‐validation and evaluation are involved. As many as 108 preprocessing schemes were gathered from the literature and were tested on 26 different NIR calibration problems. Using the evaluation framework, appropriate schemes can be found for several datasets, reducing the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) by 50%–60% compared with using the raw spectrum. However, the influence of preprocessing is highly data‐dependent, and no universal solution could be found. Taking the effectiveness and correlation into consideration, Savitzky‐Golay (SG), SG1D, and SG1D + vector normalization (VN)(/standard normal variate [SNV]) are worth testing first. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity at both the dataset level and sample level demonstrated the necessity of a complete evaluation. Our scripts are available at https://github.com/jiaoyiping630/spectrum-preprocessing.
Analysis of Capacity Potentials in Continuously Operated Chemical Processes
Authors: Bruns Bastian , Grünewald Marcus , Riese Julia
Published: October 2020

A method is proposed to evaluate capacity potentials in continuously operated chemical processes. In the main part of the analysis, the operating windows of the equipment are examined based on detailed steady‐state simulations. The method is applied to a case study of the production process of ethylene oxide as a large‐scale commodity chemical. Results show the limitations continuously operated processes are confronted with. However, opportunities to enlarge or shift the operating window of apparatuses applied are determined.
Synthesis of Diverse Aryliodine(III) Reagents by Anodic Oxidation†
Authors: Zu Bing , Ke Jie , Guo Yonghong , He Chuan
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

An anodic oxidation enabled synthesis of hypervalent iodine(III) reagents from aryl iodides is demonstrated. Under mild electrochemical conditions, a range of aryliodine(III) reagents including iodosylarenes, (difunctionaliodo)arenes, benziodoxoles and diaryliodonium salts can be efficiently synthesized and derivatized in good to excellent yields with high selectivity. As only electrons serve as the oxidation reagents, this method offers a more straightforward and sustainable manner avoiding the use of expensive or hazardous chemical oxidants.
Accessing p‐Hydroxycinnamic Acids: Chemical Synthesis, Biomass Recovery, or Engineered Microbial Production?
Authors: Flourat Amandine L. , Combes Jeanne , Bailly‐Maitre‐Grand Claire , Magnien Kévin , Haudrechy Arnaud , Renault Jean‐Hugues , Allais Florent
Published: October 2020

p‐Hydroxycinnamic acids (i. e., p‐coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, and caffeic acids) are phenolic compounds involved in the biosynthesis pathway of lignin. These naturally occurring molecules not only exhibit numerous attractive properties, such as antioxidant, anti‐UV, and anticancer activities, but they also have been used as building blocks for the synthesis of tailored monomers and functional additives for the food/feed, cosmetic, and plastics sectors. Despite their numerous high value‐added applications, the sourcing of p‐hydroxycinnamic acids is not ensured at the industrial scale except for ferulic acid, and their production cost remains too high for commodity applications. These compounds can be either chemically synthesized or extracted from lignocellulosic biomass, and recently their production through bioconversion emerged. Herein the different strategies described in the literature to produce these valuable molecules are discussed.
Rosai‐Dorfman disease of the pancreas: Cytologic analysis of three cases presenting as pancreatic masses
Authors: Roe Catherine J. , Tracht Jessica , Madrigal Emilio , Krasinskas Alyssa M. , Xue Yue
Published: October 2020

Rosai‐Dorfman Disease (RDD), or sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare entity characterized by proliferating S100‐positive histiocytes. It is most commonly found in lymph nodes with extranodal involvement usually occurring in the head and neck. Pancreatic involvement is extremely rare. The pathology department archives were searched for fine needle aspirations and pancreatic resections showing evidence of RDD. Clinicopathologic features, cytologic smears, cell blocks, immunocytochemical stains and surgical resections were reviewed. Three cases were identified. They were all females, aged 65, 69 and 75, with involvement of the pancreatic tail or head by solid masses of median size 2.3 cm (range 2.1‐4.5 cm). Cytologic findings on smears included multiple histiocyte clusters resembling loosely cohesive epithelioid granulomas, singly dispersed histiocytes with moderate to marked nuclear atypia and characteristic emperipolesis. These atypical histiocytes stained positively for CD68, CD163 and S100. Smear background contained variable mixed inflammatory cells, necrotic debris and stromal fragments. The RDD diagnosis was further confirmed on pancreatic resection in two patients and core biopsy in one. The latter patient required three separate procedures before a definitive diagnosis was made. RDD of pancreas is a rare benign inflammatory condition that is diagnostically challenging on cytology. This can cause delays in cytologic diagnosis and/or misdiagnosis. Identification of characteristic cytologic features, primarily histiocytes with emperipolesis, and matching immunocytochemical profile can ensure accurate diagnosis and distinction from mimics.
Migration and fate of vestibular melanocytes during the development of the human inner ear
Authors: van Beelen Edward S. A. , van der Valk Wouter H. , de Groot John C. M. J. , Hensen Erik F. , Locher Heiko , van Benthem Peter Paul G.
Published: October 2020

Melanocytes are present in various parts of the inner ear, including the stria vascularis in the cochlea and the dark cell areas in the vestibular organs, where they contribute to endolymph homeostasis. Developmental studies describing the distribution of vestibular melanocytes are scarce, especially in humans. In this study, we investigated the distribution and maturation of the vestibular melanocytes in relation to the developing dark cell epithelium in inner ear specimens from week 5 to week 14 of development and in surgical specimens of the adult ampulla. Vestibular melanocytes were located around the utricle and the ampullae of the semicircular canals before week 7 and were first seen underneath the transitional zones and dark cell areas between week 8 and week 10. At week 10, melanocytes made intimate contact with epithelial cells, interrupting the local basement membrane with their dendritic processes. At week 11, most melanocytes were positioned under the dark cell epithelia. No melanocytes were seen around or in the saccule during all investigated developmental stages. The dark cell areas gradually matured and showed an adult immunohistochemical profile of the characteristic ion transporter protein Na+/K+‐ATPase α1 by week 14. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of the migration‐related proteins ECAD, PCAD, KIT, and KITLG in melanocytes and dark cell epithelium. This is the first study to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of vestibular melanocytes during the human development and thereby contributes to understanding normal vestibular function and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vestibular disorders.
Investigating host plant association, calling activity, and sexual dimorphism in Indian Gryllacropsis sp. (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae)
Authors: Tomar Manisha , Diwakar Swati
Published: October 2020

Both sexes of Indian weta Gryllacropsis sp. communicate acoustically. Females lack an external ovipositor making it difficult to differentiate between the sexes in the field. There is limited ecological information on the species as it is found high up on the trunks of evergreen trees, well camouflaged, and active only at night. The present study was conducted to gain ecological information on this little known yet intriguing species. We tested the hypotheses that (a) calling activity of Indian weta is uniformly distributed throughout the year and (b) there is no difference in morphometric measurements between the sexes. The study was conducted in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa, India. Visual scanning of tree trunks followed by vegetation sampling, psychoacoustic sampling, and morphometric analyses was carried out. Resource selection function values, obtained for a total of 52 tree species from 1984 individuals, were less than 0.1 for all plant species indicating no preference by the wetas. Peak calling activity was observed in the month of November (Rayleigh's test, Z = 7.90, p < .01). Discriminant function analysis on morphometric characters of males and females (Wilk's λ = 0.32 approx. F (4, 21) = 11.24 p < .0001, classification accuracy = 96.15%) provided clear distinction between males and females. Contribution of body weight was significant (standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients = +1) and could be used for identification of sexes in the field. These polyphagous insects provide insights on understanding ecological specialization due to host plant association, signal evolution, and mating behavior.
Increasing effects of chronic nutrient enrichment on plant diversity loss and ecosystem productivity over time
Authors: Seabloom Eric W. , Adler Peter B. , Alberti Juan , Biederman Lori , Buckley Yvonne M. , Cadotte Marc W. , Collins Scott L. , Dee Laura , Fay Philip A. , Firn Jennifer , Hagenah Nicole , Harpole W. Stanley , Hautier Yann , Hector Andy , Hobbie Sarah E. , Isbell Forest , Knops Johannes M. H. , Komatsu Kimberly J. , Laungani Ramesh , MacDougall Andrew , McCulley Rebecca L. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John W. , Ohlert Timothy , Prober Suzanne M. , Risch Anita C. , Schuetz Martin , Stevens Carly J. , Borer Elizabeth T.
Published: October 2020

Human activities are enriching many of Earth’s ecosystems with biologically limiting mineral nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). In grasslands, this enrichment generally reduces plant diversity and increases productivity. The widely demonstrated positive effect of diversity on productivity suggests a potential negative feedback, whereby nutrient‐induced declines in diversity reduce the initial gains in productivity arising from nutrient enrichment. In addition, plant productivity and diversity can be inhibited by accumulations of dead biomass, which may be altered by nutrient enrichment. Over longer time frames, nutrient addition may increase soil fertility by increasing soil organic matter and nutrient pools. We examined the effects of 5–11 yr of nutrient addition at 47 grasslands in 12 countries. Nutrient enrichment increased aboveground live biomass and reduced plant diversity at nearly all sites, and these effects became stronger over time. We did not find evidence that nutrient‐induced losses of diversity reduced the positive effects of nutrients on biomass; however, nutrient effects on live biomass increased more slowly at sites where litter was also increasing, regardless of plant diversity. This work suggests that short‐term experiments may underestimate the long‐term nutrient enrichment effects on global grassland ecosystems.
Electrospun Nanofibers for New Generation Flexible Energy Storage
Authors: Yan Yonghui , Liu Xiangye , Yan Jing , Guan Cao , Wang John
Published: October 2020

As one of the essential components for flexible electronics, flexible electrochemical energy storage (EES) has garnered extensive interests at all levels of materials, devices, and systems. The successful implementation of high‐performance flexible EES devices relies on exploring of suitable electrode/electrolyte materials that have both superior electrochemical and mechanical properties. For this function, one‐dimensional electrospun nanofibers have emerged as a class of promising building blocks for the key components of flexible EES devices. In this overview, the fundamental principles and technical advances of electrospinning are examined, for both their successes and challenges in controllable fabrication of nanofibers with the desirable chemical compositions, micro/meso‐/nanostructures, and therefore resultant properties. The advances in applications of electrospun nanofibers for various key flexible EES devices are critically looked into, including those in supercapacitors, metal‐ion batteries, and metal‐air batteries. The existing challenges and prospects of these electrospun nanofiber‐based flexible EES are discussed, aiming to inspire continued efforts in developing the optimal high‐performance and low cost flexible EES devices for long‐awaited practical applications.
Theory for hierarchical assembly with dielectrophoresis and the role of particle anisotropy
Authors: Cao Wenhan , Brown Keith A.
Published: October 2020

Nonuniform electric fields cause polarizable particles to move through an effect known as dielectrophoresis (DEP). Additionally, the particles themselves create nonuniform fields due to their induced dipoles. When the nonuniform field of one particle causes another to move, it represents a path to hierarchical assembly termed mutual DEP (mDEP). Anisotropic particles potentially provide further opportunities for assembly through intense and intricate local field profiles. Here, we construct a theoretical framework for describing anisotropic particles as templates for assembly through mDEP by considering the motion of small nanoparticles near larger anisotropic nanoparticles. Using finite element analysis, we study eight particle shapes and compute their field enhancement and polarizability in an orientation‐specific manner. Strikingly, we find a more than tenfold enhancement in the field near certain particle shapes, potentially promoting mDEP. To more directly relate the field intensity to the anticipated assembly outcome, we compute the volume experiencing each field enhancement versus particle shape and orientation. Finally, we provide a framework for predicting how mixtures of two distinct particle species will begin to assemble in a manner that allows for the identification of conditions that kinetically bias assembly toward specific hierarchical outcomes.
Idursulfase pharmacokinetics, cellular uptake, and pharmacodynamics: Effect of sialylation and manufacturing process
Authors: Garcia Antony R. , Lamsa Justin , Whiteman David A. H. , Muenzer Joseph
Published: October 2020

Recombinant iduronate‐2‐sulfatase (idursulfase) is available for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II). The effectiveness of this glycoprotein may depend on post‐translational modifications such as glycosylation and sialylation during manufacture. We assessed the effects of sialylation level and the scale‐up of idursulfase production on the pharmacokinetics, cellular uptake and pharmacodynamics of idursulfase in Sprague Dawley rats and mice (knock‐out model of MPS II and wild type). Serum clearance in rats decreased with an increase in idursulfase sialylation, from 2.23 mL/min/kg with 7.4 mol sialic acid (SA)/mol idursulfase to 0.57 mL/min/kg with 16.9 mol SA/mol idursulfase. In mice, 31%‐52% of the infused idursulfase dose was detected in the liver. The idursulfase uptake into the liver was not affected by sialylation, but high sialylation led to lower uptake in the spleen and greater uptake in the kidney and heart in both wild‐type and MPS II mice. The pharmacodynamics study revealed a greater reduction of glycosaminoglycan levels with high idursulfase sialylation in the kidney, which reflects the higher idursulfase uptake into this organ with higher sialylation. There was no effect of manufacturing process on any idursulfase characteristic, suggesting that production scale‐up would have no impact on clinical effectiveness.
High resolution beam switch antenna based on modified CRLH Butler matrix
Authors: Karimian Reza , Dashti Ardakani Mansoor , Ahmadi Shahrokh , Zaghloul Mona
Published: October 2020

A new beam switch antenna based on a composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) Butler matrix is presented and experimentally validated. The CRLH transmission line (TL) is proposed to increase the number of beams. The proposed CRLH TL has more than 100° phase difference using variable bias voltages. Different combinations of phase shifts are achieved by applying different bias voltages between 0 and 8 V. The CRLH TL is added to the conventional Butler matrix to increase the progressive phase difference between adjacent ports, and consequently, the beam pattern. A 5° beam resolution within a spatial range of 100° is achieved. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulations.
Process modelling and thermodynamic performance optimization of mixed Indian lignocellulosic waste co‐gasification
Authors: Pati Soumitra , De Sudipta , Chowdhury Ranjana
Published: October 2020

Bio‐syngas derived from lignocellulosic biomass (LB) has emerged as a potential precursor gas to be converted to liquid fuels. The quality of syngas with respect to the concentrations of CO, H2 and CO2 is, however, dependent on the elemental analysis of the LB and the variables like equivalence ratio, gasification temperature. The generation of tar and ash from the gasification process is also influenced by the proximate analysis of the LBs. In this study, steady state process simulation of co‐gasification of mixed Indian LBs has been developed through Aspen plus using non‐equilibrium model based on reaction kinetics. Formation of char and tar has also been incorporated in the model. The composition of syngas, obtained through Aspen plus simulation of co‐gasification has been successfully compared with literature data. The ratio between individual agro wastes in the LB mixture is another input variable in the co‐gasification model. Finally, response surface methodology has been used to optimise the energy and exergy efficiency of the co‐gasification process with respect to equivalence ratio, gasification temperature and ratio of high and low ash LBs. It has been found that the combination of 750°C temperature, 0.2 biomass ratio and 0.2 equivalence ratio gives the optimum energy efficiency and combination of 750°C temperature, 0.8 biomass ratio and 0.5 equivalence ratio gives maximum exergy efficiency.
Phytohormonal Roles in Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress: Implications for Using Macrophytes in Phytoremediation of Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Nguyen Thien Q. , Sesin Verena , Kisiala Anna , Emery R.J. Neil
Published: October 2020

Heavy metals can represent a threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Unlike organic chemicals, heavy metals cannot be eliminated by natural processes such as their degradation into less toxic compounds, and this creates unique challenges for their remediation from soil, water, and air. Phytoremediation, defined as the use of plants for the removal of environmental contaminants, has many benefits compared to other pollution-reducing methods. Phytoremediation is simple, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly because it can be carried out at the polluted site, which simplifies logistics and minimizes exposure to humans and wildlife. Macrophytes represent a unique tool to remediate diverse environmental media because they can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated sediment via roots, from water via submerged leaves, and from air via emergent shoots. In this review, a synopsis is presented about how plants, especially macrophytes, respond to heavy metal stress; and we propose potential roles that phytohormones can play in the alleviation of metal toxicity in the aquatic environment. We focus on the uptake, translocation, and accumulation mechanisms of heavy metals in organs of macrophytes and give examples of how phytohormones interact with plant defense systems under heavy metal exposure. We advocate for a more in-depth understanding of these processes to inform more effective metal remediation techniques from metal-polluted water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:7–22. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Heavy metal absorption, translocation, and accumulation within organs of aquatic plants and the changes in phytohormone signaling in response to heavy metal exposure. ABA = abscisic acid; BR = brassinosteroid; CK = cytokinin; ETH = ethylene; GA = gibberellin; JA = jasmonic acid; PA = polyamine; SA = salicylic acid.
Does financial inclusion enhance economic growth? Empirical evidence from the IsDB member countries
Authors: Ali Minhaj , Hashmi Shujahat H. , Nazir Muhammad R. , Bilal Ahmer , Nazir Muhammad I.
Published: October 2020

This innovative study examines the effect of financial inclusion measured by financial inclusion index (FII) on the economic growth of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) member countries. The data were collected on different elements of financial inclusion and economic growth for the period 2000–2016. To draw multi‐dimensional results, we have set up the panel data for 45 countries, and we estimated the generalized method of moments (GMM), two‐stage least squares (2SLS), panel vector autoregressive (VAR) and panel Granger causality tests. Based on the results of dynamic panel estimations, we find that FII has a positive effect on economic growth. The findings of Granger causality analysis reveals a bi‐directional causality of FII indicators with economic growth and a unidirectional causality between the FII and economic growth. Therefore, it suggests that the financial inclusion index has a positive effect on the economic growth in IsDB member countries. These findings recommend that the policymakers should consider financial inclusion as a driver of the economic growth in the long run. The empirical findings have useful policy insights for the IsDB member countries.
Paradoxical embolic strokes in a liver transplant recipient with atrial septal defect undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Rodgers Shannon A. , Suneja Aarushi , Yoshida Atsushi , Abouljoud Marwan S. , Otrock Zaher K.
Published: October 2020

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a technique used to separate blood components into layers based on their density difference, thus removing plasma and exchanging it with replacement fluids. A variety of adverse reactions has been described during TPE. Thrombotic events, especially strokes, are extremely rare complications of TPE. Our patient was a 55‐year‐old female with history of decompensated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) liver cirrhosis. She underwent an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) that was complicated with asystole during reperfusion. Cardiac workup revealed a new atrial septal defect (ASD) with left to right flow. Within the first 5 days after surgery, she developed refractory and persistent hyperbilirubinemia, with total bilirubin levels as high as 42 mg/dL. Our plasmapheresis service was consulted to initiate TPE. Towards the end of the first and only session of TPE, the patient developed hypoxia and left‐sided hemiplegia. Stroke response was initiated, and the patient was intubated. MRI done 24 hours after the incident showed multiple acute small embolic infarcts scattered within the bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Bilateral lower and upper extremities venous duplex studies were positive for acute left internal jugular (IJ) vein thrombosis. Patient was treated with anticoagulation and the IJ catheter was removed. Patient also had closure of her ASD. On last follow up, she was doing well with complete reversal of neurologic deficits and stable liver function. Our patient had an uncommon complication of TPE. Her thrombosis manifested with multiple embolic strokes that would not have happened without an ASD with left to right flow.
$100 a Month or $1,200 a Year? Regulatory Focus and the Evaluation of Temporally Framed Attributes
Authors: Basu Shankha , Ng Sharon
Published: October 2020

The costs and benefits of various products, such as insurance and subscription services, are recurring. Marketers can choose to frame these attributes either as a series of periodic occurrences (e.g., “$10 per month”) or aggregate them over a longer period (“$120 per year”). Five studies show that the effectiveness of such temporal framing depends on consumers’ salient regulatory goals. Compared with prevention‐focused consumers, promotion‐focused consumers are more likely to perceive benefits, costs, and losses to be larger when they are framed in aggregate (vs. periodic) terms. Mediation analyses suggest that, relative to prevention‐focused consumers’ vigilant information processing style, promotion‐focused consumers’ eagerness makes them more susceptible to temporal framing effects. The results suggest that regulatory goal is a consequential factor in determining the effectiveness of temporal framing.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be indicated for elderly patients: risk prediction using the estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E‐PASS) system
Authors: Yamashita Mampei , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Matsumura Naomi , Adachi Toshiyuki , Natsuda Koji , Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu
Published: October 2020

Background

Pancreaticobiliary malignant diseases are primarily treated by surgical resection. However, the surgical indications for elderly patients, especially for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), must be carefully considered due to patient compliance. Whether PD can contribute to better prognoses in elderly patients remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the complications, compliance, and survival of elderly and non‐elderly patients who underwent PD in our department.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 282 patients who underwent PD from 2000 to 2017 and divided them into non‐elderly (aged ≤ 79 years, n = 238) and elderly (aged ≥ 80 years, n = 44) groups. The estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E‐PASS) system was used to evaluate morbidity and mortality using preoperative risk score (PRS), surgical stress score (SSS), and comprehensive risk score (CRS).

Results

Preoperative risk score was higher in the elderly group than in the non‐elderly group, although SSS and CRS were similar. No significant differences were detected in the occurrence of postoperative complications. In the elderly group, CRS was higher in patients with complications than in those without. Long‐term outcomes evaluated by overall and disease‐specific survival were not significantly different.

Conclusions

In the elderly patients, E‐PASS especially CRS can predict the occurrence of complications. The safety and prognoses of elderly patients after PD are comparable with those of non‐elderly patients.
Bis(aldehydes): Versatile precursors for novel bis(14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes), bis(pyrano[3,2‐c:5,6‐c']dichromenedione), and bis(dihydrobenzo[a]xanthenones) via multicomponent reactions
Authors: Darweesh Ahmed F. , Salama Soad K. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: October 2020

A synthesis of novel bis(4‐(14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes) and bis(dihydro‐8H‐benzo[a]xanthenones) was performed in good yields via pseudo‐multicomponent, or multicomponent reactions, of bis‐aldehydes with four equivalents of β‐naphthol or with a mixture of two equivalents of each β‐naphthol and dimedone in the presence of a catalytic amount of p‐toluenesulfonic acid. Bis(pyrano[3,2‐c:5,6‐c′]dichromenediones) or tetrakis(4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones) could also be obtained in good yields through pseudo‐multicomponent reactions of bis(aldehydes) with four molar ratio of 4‐hydroxycoumarin.
Quantitative whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging in children with Pompe disease: Clinical tools to evaluate severity of muscle disease
Authors: Fernandes Samuela A. , Khan Aleena A. , Boggs Tracy , Bowling Michael , Austin Stephanie , Stefanescu Mihaela , Case Laura , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Since the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa, there has been increased survival in patients with Pompe disease. It is essential to characterize and quantify the burden of disease in these patients. Here, we report a measure of muscle fat infiltration in children with infantile and pediatric late‐onset Pompe disease (IPD and LOPD, respectively) to better understand the extent of muscle involvement.

Methods

Eleven pediatric patients with Pompe disease (five IPD, six LOPD), ages 7‐17 years, received whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI), muscle strength testing using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, functional assessment using gait, stairs, gowers, chair (GSGC), and urine glucose tetrasaccharide (Glc4) testing. The intramuscular fat seen on WBMRI was quantified using proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and correlated to appropriate muscle strength and functional tests, and urine Glc4.

Results

Patients with IPD, although younger, had higher mean PDFF values than LOPD patients (11.61% vs 8.52%). Significant correlation existed between PDFF and the GSGC assessment (r = .9273, P = .0003). Moderate correlation existed between PDFF and mMRC (r = −.667, P = .0831), and PDFF and urine Glc4 (r = .6121, P = .0667). Anterior tibialis was in the top quartile of muscle involvement for patients with LOPD.

Conclusion

In the past, physical therapy assessments alone have been used to track disease progression. Here, we show the clinical utility of WBMRI in quantifying muscle involvement in children with Pompe disease, especially regarding the novel involvement of anterior tibialis in children with LOPD, to better assess baseline muscle burden and mapping disease progression in children treated with ERT.
Postembryonic development and differentiation of the midgut in the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Decapoda) larvae
Authors: Sonakowska‐Czajka Lidia , Śróbka Joanna , Ostróżka Anna , Rost‐Roszkowska Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Neocaridina davidi is a freshwater shrimp that originates from Taiwan and is commonly bred all over the word. Like all decapods, which develop indirectly, this species has pelagic larvae that may differ entirely in their morphology and habits from adult specimens. To fill a gap of knowledge about the developmental biology of freshwater shrimps we decided to document the 3D‐localization of the midgut inside the body cavity of larval stages of N. davidi using X‐ray microtomography, and to describe all structural and ultrastructural changes of the midgut epithelium (intestine and hepatopancreas) which occur during postembryonic development of N. davidi using light and transmission electron microscopy. We laid emphasis on stem cell functioning and cell death processes connected with differentiation. Our study revealed that while the intestine in both larval stages of N. davidi has the form of a fully developed organ, which resembles that of adult specimens, the hepatopancreas undergoes elongation and differentiation. E‐cells, which are midgut stem cells, due to their proliferation and differentiation are responsible for the above‐mentioned processes. Our study revealed that apoptosis is a common process in both larval stages of N. davidi in the intestine and proximal region of the hepatopancreas. In zoea III, autophagy as a survival factor is activated in order to protect cells against their death. However, when there are too many autophagic structures in epithelial cells, necrosis as passive cell death is activated. The presence of all types of cell death in the midgut in the zoea III stage confirms that this part of the digestive tract is fully developed and functional. Here, we present the first description of apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis in the digestive system of larval stages of Malacostraca and present the first description of their hepatopancreas elongation and differentiation due to midgut stem cell functioning.