bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Induced Redox‐Responsive Smart Drug Delivery System by Using Selenium‐Containing Polymer@MOF Shell/Core Nanocomposite
Authors: Luo Zheng , Jiang Lu , Yang Shaoxiong , Li Zibiao , Soh Wee Mia Wilson , Zheng Liyan , Loh Xian Jun , Wu Yun‐Long
Published: June 2019

Rational design of controllable drug release systems is important for tumor treatments due to the nonspecific toxicity of many chemotherapeutics. Herein, laser or light responsive pharmaceutical delivery nanoparticles are designed, by taking the advantages of redox responsive selenium (Se) substituted polymer as shell and photosensitive porphyrin zirconium metal–organic frameworks (MOF) as core. In detail, redox cleavable di‐(1‐hydroxylundecyl) selenide (DH‐Se), biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) are randomly polymerized to form poly(DH‐Se/PEG/PPG urethane), which is used to coat the reactive oxygen species' (ROS) producible porous porphyrin zirconium metal organization formulation (PCN‐224 MOF) to form the final poly(DH‐Se/PEG/PPG urethane)@MOF shell–core nanoparticle with spherical shape by emulsion approach. Interestingly, poly(DH‐Se/PEG/PPG urethane)@MOF nanoparticles with loading of chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) experience a fast and controllable release, which can realize the combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy upon irradiation with laser light, due to the light‐triggered ROS production by MOF which further causes the cleavage of poly(DH‐Se/PEG/PPG urethane) polymer chain and the release of encapsulated DOX. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first design of utilizing MOF and selenium substituted polymer as controllable drug release carriers, which might be beneficial for precise chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy combination.
Dissolution–Crystallization Transition within a Polymer Hydrogel for a Processable Ultratough Electrolyte
Authors: Wei Junjie , Wei Gumi , Shang Yinghui , Zhou Jie , Wu Chu , Wang Qigang
Published: June 2019

Although nonliquid electrolytes have been developed rapidly under the condition of safe demand of energy storage devices, the inherent weaknesses in ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, or interfacial compatibility severely hinder their application under a harsh environment. Inspired by the hybridized characteristics of composite materials and the potential advantages of hydrated crystals, a processable crystal‐type gel electrolyte with good comprehensive performance via the dissolution–crystallization transition of NaAc within hydrogel is creatively prepared. The use of NaAc crystal within a hydrogel leads to nearly 26 000 times greater modulus (474.24 MPa) and higher operating voltage (2.0 V) than the hydrogel without the crystal. The reliable supercapacitor using this electrolyte can work in extreme environment (−40 to 80 °C, even in the fire or in liquid nitrogen within a short time) benefiting from its phase‐transition capacity. This investigation offers a facile and versatile way to construct an ideal gel electrolyte for next‐generation energy storage devices.
Mitigation of Amyloidosis with Nanomaterials
Authors: Ke Pu Chun , Pilkington Emily H. , Sun Yunxiang , Javed Ibrahim , Kakinen Aleksandr , Peng Guotao , Ding Feng , Davis Thomas P.
Published: June 2019

Amyloidosis is a biophysical phenomenon of protein aggregation with biological and pathogenic implications. Among the various strategies developed to date, nanomaterials and multifunctional nanocomposites possessing certain structural and physicochemical traits are promising candidates for mitigating amyloidosis in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underpinning protein aggregation and toxicity are introduced, and opportunities in materials science to drive this interdisciplinary field forward are highlighted. Advancement of this emerging frontier hinges on exploitation of protein self‐assembly and interactions of amyloid proteins with nanoparticles, intracellular and extracellular proteins, chaperones, membranes, organelles, and biometals.
Enhancing Interconnect Reliability and Performance by Converting Tantalum to 2D Layered Tantalum Sulfide at Low Temperature
Authors: Lo Chun‐Li , Catalano Massimo , Khosravi Ava , Ge Wanying , Ji Yujin , Zemlyanov Dmitry Y. , Wang Luhua , Addou Rafik , Liu Yuanyue , Wallace Robert M. , Kim Moon J. , Chen Zhihong
Published: June 2019

The interconnect half‐pitch size will reach ≈20 nm in the coming sub‐5 nm technology node. Meanwhile, the TaN/Ta (barrier/liner) bilayer stack has to be >4 nm to ensure acceptable liner and diffusion barrier properties. Since TaN/Ta occupy a significant portion of the interconnect cross‐section and they are much more resistive than Cu, the effective conductance of an ultrascaled interconnect will be compromised by the thick bilayer. Therefore, 2D layered materials have been explored as diffusion barrier alternatives. However, many of the proposed 2D barriers are prepared at too high temperatures to be compatible with the back‐end‐of‐line (BEOL) technology. In addition, as important as the diffusion barrier properties, the liner properties of 2D materials must be evaluated, which has not yet been pursued. Here, a 2D layered tantalum sulfide (TaSx
) with ≈1.5 nm thickness is developed to replace the conventional TaN/Ta bilayer. The TaSx
ultrathin film is industry‐friendly, BEOL‐compatible, and can be directly prepared on dielectrics. The results show superior barrier/liner properties of TaSx
compared to the TaN/Ta bilayer. This single‐stack material, serving as both a liner and a barrier, will enable continued scaling of interconnects beyond 5 nm node.
Real‐Time Monitoring of Glucose Export from Isolated Chloroplasts Using an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Diacci Chiara , Lee Jee Woong , Janson Per , Dufil Gwennaël , Méhes Gábor , Berggren Magnus , Simon Daniel T. , Stavrinidou Eleni
Published: June 2019

Biosensors based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) are attractive devices for real‐time monitoring of biological processes. The direct coupling between the channel of the OECT and the electrolyte enables intimate interfacing with biological environments at the same time bringing signal amplification and fast sensor response times. So far, these devices are mainly applied to mammalian systems; cells or body fluids for the development of diagnostics and various health status monitoring technology. Yet, no direct detection of biomolecules from cells or organelles is reported. Here, an OECT glucose sensor applied to chloroplasts, which are the plant organelles responsible for the light‐to‐chemical energy conversion of the photosynthesis, is reported. Real‐time monitoring of glucose export from chloroplasts in two distinct metabolic phases is demonstrated and the transfer dynamics with a time resolution of 1 min is quantified, thus reaching monitoring dynamics being an order of magnitude better than conventional methods.
Biological Lasers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chen Yu‐Cheng , Fan Xudong
Published: June 2019

A biolaser utilizes biological materials as part of its gain medium and/or part of its cavity. It can also be a micro‐ or nanosized laser embedded/integrated within biological materials. The biolaser employs lasing emission rather than regular fluorescence as the sensing signal and therefore has a number of unique advantages that can be explored for broad applications in biosensing, labeling, tracking, contrast agent development, and bioimaging. This article reports on the progress in biolasers with focus on the work done in the past five years. In the end, the possible future directions of the biolaser are discussed.
Exploiting Total Internal Reflection Geometry for Terahertz Devices and Enhanced Sample Characterization
Authors: Sun Qiushuo , Chen Xuequan , Liu Xudong , Stantchev Rayko I. , Pickwell‐MacPherson Emma
Published: June 2019

To promote potential applications of terahertz (THz) technology, more advanced functional THz devices with high performance are needed, including modulators, polarizers, lenses, wave retarders, and antireflection coatings. This work summarizes recent progress in THz components built on functional materials including graphene, vanadium dioxide, and metamaterials. The key message is that, while the choice of materials used in such devices is important, the geometry in which they are employed also has a significant effect on the performance achieved. In particular, devices operating in total internal reflection geometry are reviewed, and it is explained how this geometry is able to be exploited to achieve a variety of THz devices with broadband operation.
Gastrointestinal disorders in Down syndrome
Authors: Bermudez Beatriz E. B. V. , de Oliveira Camila M. , de Lima Cat Mônica N. , Magdalena Neiva I. R. , Celli Adriane
Published: June 2019

Down syndrome is the most common human chromosomal disorder. Among clinical findings, one constant concern is the high prevalence of gastrointestinal system alterations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders at a Down syndrome outpatient clinic during a 10‐year follow‐up period. Data from medical files were retrospectively reviewed from 1,207 patients. Gastrointestinal changes occurred in 612 (50.7%). The most prevalent disorder was chronic intestinal constipation. Intestinal parasite occurred in 22% (mainly giardiasis), gastroesophageal reflux disease in 14%, digestive tract malformations occurred in 5%: 13 cases of duodenal atresia, 8 of imperforate anus, 4 annular pancreases, 2 congenital megacolon, 2 esophageal atresias, 2 esophageal compression by anomalous subclavian and 1 case of duodenal membrane. We had 38/1,207 (3.1%) patients with difficulty in sucking and only three with dysphagia that resolved before the second year of life. Peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, and biliary lithiasis were less prevalent with 3% each. Awareness of the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders promotes outstanding clinical follow‐up as well as adequate development and greater quality of life for patients with Down syndrome and their families.
Modulierung der Gastaufnahme in Core‐Shell‐MOFs mit sichtbarem Licht
Authors: Mutruc Dragos , Goulet‐Hanssens Alexis , Fairman Sam , Wahl Sebastian , Zimathies Annett , Knie Christopher , Hecht Stefan
Published: June 2019

Ein Zweikomponenten‐Core‐Shell‐MOF vom Typ UiO‐68 mit einem nicht funktionalisierten Inneren für eine effiziente Aufnahme und Lagerung von Gastmolekülen und eine dünne, mit Licht adressierbare Außenschale wurde über eine solvothermische MOF‐Synthese und anschließendem lösungsmittelunterstützten Linkeraustausch hergestellt. Der voluminöse Schalenlinker weist zwei tetra‐ortho‐fluorierte Azobenzoleinheiten auf, um ihre vorteilhaften Photoisomerisierungseigenschaften auszunutzen. Die erhaltenen perfekten, oktaedrischen MOF‐Einkristalle können ausschließlich mit sichtbarem Licht reversibel und mit einer beispiellosen Effizienz zwischen E‐ und Z‐reichen Zuständen geschaltet werden. Aufgrund der hohen Photoschalterdichte pro Pore der Hüllschicht kann deren sterischer Bedarf und damit die molekulare Aufnahme (und Freisetzung) bei Bestrahlung mit grünem und blauem Licht bequem moduliert werden. Daher fungiert die “intelligente” Schale als lichtgesteuerte kinetische Barriere oder “Tor” für die Diffusion von Frachtmolekülen in und aus den MOF‐Kristallen.
Bacterial Diterpene Biosynthesis
Authors: Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: June 2019

This Minireview summarises recent developments in the biosynthesis of diterpenes by diterpene synthases in bacteria. It is structured by the class of enzyme involved in the first committed step towards diterpenes, starting with type I diterpene synthases, followed by type II enzymes and the more recently discovered UbiA‐related diterpene synthases. A special emphasis lies on the reaction mechanisms of diterpene synthases that convert simple linear precursors through cationic cascades into structurally complex, usually polycyclic carbon skeletons with multiple stereogenic centres. A further main focus of this Minireview is a discussion of how these mechanisms can be unravelled. Downstream modifications to bioactive molecules are also covered.
Major haemorrhage following vascular injury during exchange of cardiac pacemaker leads
Authors: Elrefaey A. , Pai A.
Published: June 2019

An 80‐year‐old lady suffered loss of cardiac output during an elective pacemaker lead exchange. Right ventricular perforation, cardiac tamponade, vascular lacerations and circulatory shock are known major complications of pacemaker lead exchange and may necessitate aggressive resuscitation. An emergency sternotomy revealed the administered fluid, blood products and resuscitative drugs, which were administered through an upper limb cannula, had likely extravasated at the site of an iatrogenic injury to the superior vena cava. Unfortunately, further resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. There are no recommendations regarding sites for intravascular access during pacemaker lead exchange and we argue that lower limb veins should be considered for venous access, as the superior vena cava and innominate veins are possible sites of unintentional vascular injury.
A Pilot Study to Explore the Influence of the ‘Safety First Assessment Intervention’ on the Family Environment
Authors: Young Jennifer , Conrad Agatha , Mah Beth
Published: June 2019

The family environment is considered an important influence on a young person's well‐being. The ‘Safety First Assessment Intervention’ is a model of care that considers and incorporates the importance of family environment when assessing and managing distressed young people. This pilot study explores the influence of the ‘Safety First Assessment Intervention’ on the family environment of young people referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. A pre‐ and post‐design was used, with families completing the Family Survey before and after their assessment/intervention. The Family Survey was correlated with a validated measure of family function, the APGAR, and pre‐intervention. Significant changes in multiple dimensions of family environment, including reduced level of distress for the adult, increased level of distress for the young person, improved sense of how the family felt the adult was managing currently, and improved confidence in family communication were found. There was no significant change in how the adult understood their role in helping the young person manage their distress. A thematic analysis showed trends in the current concerns for young people and adults as well as the difficulty young people in distress have in identifying their strengths. This pilot study demonstrates that the ‘Safety First Assessment Intervention’ can influence the family environment in a positive way and highlights the importance of using a family‐based approach for distressed young people.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Antennaria corymbosa (Asteraceae) and close relatives
Authors: Thapa Ramhari , Bayer Randall J. , Mandel Jennifer R.
Published: June 2019

Premise

The genus Antennaria has a complex evolutionary history due to dioecism, excessive polyploidy, and the evolution of polyploid agamic complexes. We developed microsatellite markers from A. corymbosa to investigate genetic diversity and population genetic structure in Antennaria species.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐four novel microsatellite markers (16 nuclear and eight chloroplast) were developed from A. corymbosa using an enriched genomic library. Ten polymorphic nuclear markers were used to characterize genetic variation in five populations of A. corymbosa. One to four alleles were found per locus, and the expected heterozygosity and fixation index ranged from 0.00 to 0.675 and −0.033 to 0.610, respectively. We were also able to successfully amplify these markers in five additional Antennaria species.

Conclusions

These markers are promising tools to study the population genetics of sexual Antennaria species and to investigate interspecific gene flow, clonal diversity, and parentage of Antennaria polyploid agamic complexes.
The impact of resveratrol on toxicity and related complications of advanced glycation end products: A systematic review
Authors: Hajizadeh‐Sharafabad Fatemeh , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Zabetian‐Targhi Fateme , Maleki Vahid
Published: June 2019

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) promotes the generation of free radicals, which leads to chronic oxidative stress predisposing to chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, and related diseases. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on AGE‐induced toxicity and its deleterious consequences. A comprehensive search was performed through literature were published until December 2018 using relevant keywords. The databases that were used for the search were PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. A total of 29 eligible studies were found and included in the review for the analysis. Except one, all studies showed suppressing effects for RSV on the production of AGEs or receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its detrimental consequences including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cellular immune reactions, insulin response, and atherosclerosis. RSV exerts its effects through influencing RAGE, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β activities. This review suggests that RSV has got potential to decrease AGEs toxicity and inhibit the AGE‐induced complications. More clinical trials are suggested to evaluate the beneficial effect of RSV on AGEs in chronic metabolic diseases.
Control of antibody high and low molecular weight species by depth filtration‐based cell culture harvesting
Authors: Yu Deqiang , Mayani Mukesh , Song Yuanli , Xing Zhizhuo , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian
Published: June 2019

Depth filtration‐based harvesting is widely used in mAb manufacturing to remove cell and process‐related impurities. However, it has not been studied on control of product‐related impurities, which are very critical for product quality. In this article, we studied the interactions of depth filter with high and low molecular weight species (HMWs and LMWs) for their direct removal from cell culture. The process parameters (filter, loading, temperature, and flux) were evaluated for adsorption of HMWs and LMWs by depth filters. The adsorption is significantly dependent on filter media and loading capacity and is mainly on the basis of hydrophobic interaction during harvesting. The HMW and LMW species were characterized as HMW1, HMW2, LMW1, and LMW2. The increasing binding from LMW2 to LMW1, HMW1, and HMW2 is correlated with their increasing hydrophobicity score. Adsorption using enriched HMW sample demonstrated similar total protein binding capacity (36–40 g/m2) between depth filters D0HC and X0HC. However, X0HC has stronger HMW binding than D0HC (71% vs 43% of bound protein), indicating more hydrophobic interaction in X0HC. HMW2 DBC on X0HC reached 12 g/m2, similar to protein binding on hydrophobic interaction membrane adsorbers. Further study showed LMW can induce HMW formation. This study provides a critical understanding of HMW and LMW interaction with depth filters. The strategy of HMW and LMW control by depth filtration‐based harvesting was implemented successfully in mAb manufacturing.
Aromatic residues surrounding the active site tunnel of TfCel48A influence activity, processivity, and synergistic interactions with other cellulases
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen L. , Cantero‐Tubilla Borja , Brady John , Wilson David
Published: June 2019

Cel48A of Thermobifida fusca (TfCel48A) is a processive exocellulase that contains an active site tunnel and digests lignocellulosic biomass via synergistic interactions between different cellulases. Cel48A possesses a number of aromatic amino acids lining the tunnel entrance, which are highly conserved across a diverse number of microbial species and appear to play a role in the selection and threading of individual strands of cellulose from highly recalcitrant substrates. In this study, we sought to further elucidate the roles of these tunnel entrance aromatic amino acids by creating a series of double mutants and examining their effect on TfCel48A activity, processivity, and synergistic interactions with the well‐studied processive endocellulase TfCel9A. Our results provide further insight concerning the mechanism of Cel48A kinetics with soluble and insoluble substrates and could play an influential role in the application of Cel48A and other exocellulases for industrial purposes.
BRAF mutation is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Bachet J-B , Moreno-Lopez N , Vigano L , Marchese U , Gelli M , Raoux L , Truant S , Laurent C , Herrero A , Le Roy B , Deguelte Lardiere S , Passot G , Hautefeuille V , De La Fouchardiere C , Artru P , Ameto T , Mabrut J Y , Schwarz L , Rousseau B , Lepère C , Coriat R , Brouquet A , Sa Cunha A , Benoist S
Published: June 2019

Background

BRAF mutation is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. For patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs), the prognostic impact of BRAF mutation is unknown and the benefit of surgery debated. This nationwide intergroup (ACHBT, FRENCH, AGEO) study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcome of patients undergoing liver resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs.

Methods

The study included patients who underwent resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs in 24 centres between 2012 and 2016. A case-matched comparison was made with 183 patients who underwent resection of CRLMs with wild-type BRAF during the same interval.

Results

Sixty-six patients who underwent resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs in 24 centres were compared with 183 patients with wild-type BRAF. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 46 and 19 per cent for the BRAF-mutated group, and 55·4 and 27·8 per cent for the group with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·430). In multivariable analysis, BRAF mutation was not associated with worse DFS (hazard ratio 1·16, 95 per cent c.i. 0·72 to 1·85; P = 0·547). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates after surgery were 94 and 54 per cent respectively among patients with BRAF mutation, and 95·8 and 82·9 per cent in those with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·004). Median survival after disease progression was 23·0 (95 per cent c.i. 11·0 to 35·0) months among patients with mutated BRAF and 44·3 (35·9 to 52·6) months in those with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·050). Multisite disease progression was more common in the BRAF-mutated group (48 versus 29·8 per cent; P = 0·034).

Conclusion

These results support surgical treatment for resectable BRAF-mutated CRLM, as BRAF mutation by itself does not increase the risk of relapse after resection. BRAF mutation is associated with worse survival in patients whose disease relapses after resection of CRLM, as for non-metastatic colorectal cancer.
Low level of Cyclin‐D1 correlates with worse prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Qing‐shui , Li Feng , Liao Zi‐qiang , Li Ke , Yang Xin‐liu , Lin You‐yu , Zhao Yi‐lin , Weng Shu‐yun , Xia Yun , Ye Yan , Li Su‐huan , Wang Chen‐yi , Lin Yao
Published: June 2019

Cyclin‐D1 (CCND1) belongs to the highly conserved cyclin family whose members are characterized by abundant expression during the cell cycle. As an oncogene, high level of CCND1 was observed and related to poor prognosis and tumor recurrence in many cancers. In this study, we focused on the role of CCND1 in the clinical outcome of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Gene Expression Omnibus database, The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and immunohistochemical staining were used. The mRNA and protein levels of CCND1 were significantly enhanced in ccRCC tumor tissues. However, the low level of CCND1, but not high level of CCND1, was related to poor prognosis and tumor recurrence in ccRCC. Further analysis showed that CCND1 mRNA level decreased with increasing ccRCC tumor grades and the rate of recurrence in ccRCC patients. In a nomogram model, the CCND1 mRNA level was shown to help predict ccRCC patient recurrence. CCND1 is a strong determinant for prediction of recurrence. The patients with high CCND1 level appear to have a more favorable prognosis together with more frequent low‐grade tumors and low rate of recurrence. This is the first study to investigate the prognostic roles of CCND1 in ccRCC and discovered that CCND1 had an unconventional positive impact on the clinical outcome of ccRCC patients.
Engineering macrophages to phagocytose cancer cells by blocking the CD47/SIRPɑ axis
Authors: Yang Hongcheng , Shao Ruoyang , Huang Hongxin , Wang Xinlong , Rong Zhili , Lin Ying
Published: June 2019

The use of immunotherapy has achieved great advances in the treatment of cancer. Macrophages play a pivotal role in the immune defense system, serving both as phagocytes (removal of pathogens and cancer cells) and as antigen‐presenting cells (activation of T cells). However, research regarding tumor immunotherapy is mainly focused on the adaptive immune system. The usefulness of innate immune cells (eg, macrophages) in the treatment of cancer has not been extensively investigated. Recent advances in synthetic biology and the increasing understanding of the cluster of differentiation 47/signal regulatory protein alpha (CD47/SIRPɑ) axis may provide new opportunities for the clinical application of engineered macrophages. The CD47/SIRPɑ axis is a major known pathway, repressing phagocytosis and activation of macrophages. In this article, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the CD47/SIRPɑ axis, and immunotherapies based on blockage. In addition, we propose cell therapy strategies based on macrophage engineering.
Improve community relations, prevent critical incidents with equitable policing practices
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: June 2019

On July 19, 2015, the University of Cincinnati's Public Safety Department issued a campuswide communication advising that early in the evening, one of its police officers was involved in a shooting during an off‐campus traffic stop. The incident left the car's driver dead, caused on‐campus unrest, led to backlash from the surrounding urban community, and launched a major public safety reform effort that is still ongoing.
Uber and Lyft safety
Authors: Miles David
Published: June 2019

In the early morning hours of March 29, 2019, a female student at the University of South Carolina called for an Uber to pick her up. This student waited for the Uber to arrive when a black vehicle pulled up. Thinking this was her Uber ride, the unsuspecting student entered the vehicle.
Electrochemical Cathodic Treatment of Mild Steel as a Host for Ni(OH)2 Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Maruthapandian Viruthasalam , Muthurasu Alagan , Dekshinamoorthi Amuthan , Aswathy Raghunandanan , Vijayaraghavan Saranyan , Muralidharan Srinivasan , Saraswathy Velu
Published: June 2019

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts and substrates play a vital role in the electrochemical water splitting process to generate chemical fuel and store renewable energy. The design and development of cost effective and efficient catalysts and substrates is still crucial and progressive towards the commercialization of water electrolyser. Herein, we have shown abundant mild steel (MS) as an efficient substrate as well as a catalyst host for OER by the cathodic treatment followed by the electrodeposited Ni(OH)2 at room temperature. The C MS Ni(OH)2 shows an overpotential (η) of 267 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 66 mV dec−1, and affordable stability at the benchmark scale of 10 mA cm−2 current density operation for 10 h and harsh condition of 100 mA cm−2 current density for 50 h in the continuous electrolysis chronoamperometry test in 1 M KOH. The higher catalytic activity of C MS Ni(OH)2 compared to Ni(OH)2 electrodeposited on MS is due to the interaction of Fe(OH)2/FeOOH and Ni(OH)2/NiOOH. These results suggest a possible way to utilize MS substrates as catalyst and as a host for OER and other electrochemical applications in the future.
Separation of praziquantel enantiomers using simulated moving bed chromatographic unit with performance designed for semipreparative applications
Authors: Cunha Felipe C. , Secchi Argimiro R. , de Souza Mauricio B. , Barreto Amaro G.
Published: June 2019

Praziquantel (PZQ) composes a regular medicine available in a tablet form to fight schistosomiasis and just half of its mass is composed by the active principle (L‐PZQ), the other half, D‐PZQ, is frequently associated to a strong bitter taste. Moreover, optically pure L‐PZQ derivatives could be used in studies about adult and juvenile worms' resistance. Nowadays, these studies use racemic PZQ (rac‐PZQ) as starting point. The D‐PZQ, which would be discarded, could be racemized, coming back as feed concentration in the process. The present work aims to get L‐PZQ and D‐PZQ with high optical purities (more than 97%) and productivity (more than 253 g kgads−1 day−1) towards semipreparative scale for researches involving L‐PZQ, L‐PZQ derivatives, and D‐PZQ racemization. In order to achieve this goal, a built‐in‐house simulated moving bed chromatographic unit with the cellulose tris (3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralcel OZ) as chiral stationary phase (CSP) was used to investigate different scenarios of separation according to a well‐known design method called triangle theory. In all scenarios investigated, at least one of the outlet streams presented high optically purity for one of the enantiomers. Comparison with literature showed superior performance of our unit even at racemic mixture concentrations that were 10 times lower than the racemic concentrations found in literature.
1,4‐Migration of Transition Metals in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Feng Jia , Gu Zhenhua
Published: June 2019

Generation of carbon‐metal species is extremely important in transition metal‐catalyzed organic synthesis. Among the various methods, 1,4‐metal migration is a very useful way to create new carbon‐metal species, which are not readily accessible via classic methods. This review summarized recent advances in transition metal‐catalyzed reactions, which involved one or more steps of 1,4‐metal migration. It focused mostly on the achievements in Pd and Rh‐catalyzed reactions, along with some of the remarkable results in Pt, Ir, Co, Fe‐involved transformations.
Tetrahedron
Authors: Wu Lin , Chen Yusheng , Pei Jingfang , Tang Min , Wang Shangshang , Liu Zhichang
Published: June 2019

Connecting a triangle base and an apex forms a simplest polyhedron—that is, a tetrahedron. On account of their structural simplicity and stability, two common classes of tetrahedra—namely, M4L4 and M4L6 (M indicates anions or metal cations, L indicates ligands with C3 symmetry for M4L4 and C2 symmetry for M4L6, respectively)—can be readily constructed from (i) six straight edges through an edge‐bridged strategy or (ii) four triangle faces through a face‐capped strategy, by means of supramolecular or coordination assembly. The intrinsic cavities inside tetrahedra enable them to act as versatile hosts for encapsulating a variety of guests, which leads to a wide range of applications including molecular recognition, catalysis, sensing and so on. In this review, we intend to summarize specifically the work carried out in the realm of porous tetrahedral cages. It includes representative synthetic strategies for the preparation of tetrahedra along with a general summary on their structural features. Thereafter, we will highlight the state‐of‐the‐art progress in various functions of tetrahedra, in addition to presenting a full overview of applications wherein we aim to provide new insights into the design and preparation of new topological geometric structures and functional materials on the basis of the simplest polyhedron—tetrahedron.
The Pluripotency Continuum and Interspecies Chimeras
Authors: De Los Angeles Alejandro
Published: June 2019

Pluripotency refers to the capacity of single cells to form derivatives of the three germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Pluripotency can be captured in vitro as a spectrum of pluripotent stem cell states stabilized in specialized laboratory conditions. The recent discovery that pluripotent stem cells can colonize the embryos of distantly related animal organisms could, with further refinement, enable the generation of chimeric embryos composed of cells of human and animal origin. If achievable, the production of human‐animal chimeras will open up new opportunities for regenerative medicine, facilitating human disease modeling and human organ generation inside large animals. However, the generation of human‐animal interspecies chimeras is anticipated to require human chimera‐competent pluripotent stem cells. Thus, it remains imperative to examine the pluripotency continuum more closely in light of advances that will facilitate the production of human‐animal chimeras. This piece will review the current understanding of the pluripotency continuum and interspecies chimeras. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strategies, practices, and tensions in managing business model innovation for sustainability: The case of an Australian BCorp
Authors: Stubbs Wendy
Published: June 2019

This article provides new insights into sustainable innovation through the lens of business model innovation for sustainability. The article presents a case study of a new and underexplored business model for sustainability, the BCorp model. BCorps are profit‐orientated businesses certified to meet rigorous standards in relation to environmental and social performance, accountability, and transparency. This article examines the strategy, structure, and practices of an Australian BCorp and the tensions in reconciling economic, social, and environmental imperatives. The study found that the BCorp focuses on the social and economic aspects, with environmental performance only just recently being addressed in response to its poor performance on the environmental categories in the BCorp certification process. The social and economic aspects are strongly integrated in some practices (e.g., recruitment and marketing), but trying to balance these two has created tensions and conflict in other areas (e.g., ownership structure, performance measurement, sales, and product design). The study contributes to understanding the structures, strategies, and practices that facilitate sustainable innovation initiatives, the tensions that arise, and how they are managed.
Modified benzoxazolone (ABO‐AA) based single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) probes for 18 kDa translocator protein
Authors: Srivastava Pooja , Kakkar Dipti , Kumar Pravir , Tiwari Anjani Kumar
Published: June 2019

Acetamidobenzoxazolone (ABO) has been modified to ABO‐AA, 2‐(2‐(5‐bromo/chloro benzoxazolone)acetamide)‐3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)propionate to improve pharmacokinetics and lipophilicity (log p = 2.04). The final compound was synthesized in better yield and in fewer steps than previously reported MBIP‐Br (70% vs. 62%). Computational docking confirmed binding of MBIP‐Cl with translocator protein (TSPO) as well as with mutant TSPO (−8.99 for PDB: 4RYQ and −9.30 for PDB: 4UC1, respectively). Ex‐vivo biodistribution and scintigraphy showed that 99mTc‐MBIP‐Cl is better than 99mTc‐MBIP‐Br in terms of uptake in TSPO‐rich organs and release kinetics 0–120 min postinjection. At 15 min, uptake was 2.75‐fold (12.91%ID/g vs. 4.69%ID/g) in lung and seven‐fold (5.16%ID/g vs. 0.72%ID/g) in heart for 99mTc‐MBIP‐Cl compared to that of 99mTc‐MBIP‐Br which gives warrant to utilize this single photon emission computed tomography agent in higher animals.
Body dissatisfaction and symptoms of bulimia nervosa prospectively predict suicide ideation in adolescents
Authors: Perkins Natalie M. , Brausch Amy M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Symptoms of eating disorders have been established as significant concurrent correlates with suicide ideation and behaviors in adolescent samples, but very few studies have examined eating disorder symptoms as prospective risk factors for suicide. The current study examined eating disorder symptoms as prospective risk factors for suicide ideation in an unselected community sample of adolescents.

Method

Data were collected from 436 adolescents in middle and high school at baseline and 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups. Adolescents completed self‐report measures assessing eating disorder symptoms and suicide ideation and behaviors at each time point during school hours.

Results

Regression analyses found that body dissatisfaction was a significant prospective predictor of suicide ideation severity at the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, symptoms of bulimia nervosa (binge‐eating disorder and purging) predicted suicide ideation severity at the 12‐month follow‐up only, and symptoms of anorexia nervosa (drive for thinness and restricting) were not significant predictors of suicide ideation at either follow‐up. Exploratory analyses found the same pattern of results for the sample of girls only, while no significant predictors were found for boys only.

Discussion

This is the first longitudinal study of disordered eating and suicide ideation in American adolescents. Symptoms of bulimia nervosa and body dissatisfaction seem to be true risk factors for suicidal ideation. The current study demonstrates the importance of disordered eating behaviors in the development of suicidal ideation in adolescents, particularly for adolescent girls.
Thermal imaging in plant and ecosystem ecology: applications and challenges
Authors: Still Christopher , Powell Rebecca , Aubrecht Donald , Kim Youngil , Helliker Brent , Roberts Dar , Richardson Andrew D. , Goulden Michael
Published: June 2019

Temperature is a primary environmental control on ecological systems and processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. The surface temperature of organisms is often more relevant for ecological processes than air temperature, which is much more commonly measured. Surface temperature influences—and is influenced by—a range of biological, physical, and chemical processes, providing a unique view of temperature effects on ecosystem function. Furthermore, surface temperatures vary markedly over a range of temporal and spatial scales and may diverge from air temperature by 40°C or more. Surface temperature measurements have been challenging due to sensor and computational limitations but are now feasible at high spatial and temporal resolutions using thermal imaging. Thus, significant advances in our understanding of plant and ecosystem thermal regimes and their functional consequences are now possible. Thermal measurements may be used to address many ecological questions, such as the thermal controls on plant and ecosystem metabolism and the impact of heat waves and drought. Further advances in this area will require interdisciplinary collaborations among practitioners in fields ranging from physiology to ecosystem ecology to remote sensing and geospatial analysis. In this overview, we demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and potential of thermal imaging for measuring vegetation surface temperatures across a range of scales and from measurement, analysis, and synthesis perspectives.
Influence of socio‐economic and agronomic factors on aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of maize in western Kenya
Authors: Njeru Nancy Karimi , Midega Charles Aura Odhiambo , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Wagacha John Maina , Khan Zeyaur Rahman
Published: June 2019

Consumption of maize contaminated with mycotoxins has been associated with detrimental health effects. A farm survey covering 116 push‐pull and 139 non‐push‐pull cropping systems was conducted to determine the socio‐economic and agronomic factors that influence farmers’ knowledge on incidence and contamination of maize by ear rots and associated mycotoxins in western Kenya. All the respondents were smallholder farmers between the ages of 23 and 80 years, with 50% of them being female. Maize samples were collected from the standing crop in the field of each interviewed farmer and analyzed for aflatoxin and fumonisin. Only a small proportion of farmers had knowledge of aflatoxin and ear rots in maize. Overall, less than 20% of maize samples were contaminated with both aflatoxin and fumonisin, and more maize samples were contaminated with fumonisin as compared to aflatoxin. Proportions of maize samples containing higher than the acceptable Kenyan regulatory threshold (10 µg/kg) for aflatoxin and European Commission regulatory threshold (1,000) µg/kg for fumonisin were lower in maize samples from push‐pull cropping system. Age of farmer and county of residence were significantly and positively associated with knowledge of aflatoxin, while cropping system, county of residence, and level of education were positively associated with knowledge of maize ear rots. There was strong correlation between knowledge of maize ear rots and knowledge of aflatoxin. Levels of both aflatoxin and fumonisin were significantly and positively associated with the use of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer at planting. Aflatoxin levels were also positively associated with stemborer damage. Agronomic practices were not significantly different between push‐pull and non‐push‐pull farmers. However, use of DAP fertilizer was the most important agronomic factor since it was associated with both aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of maize. These results imply that creating awareness is key to mitigation of ear rots and mycotoxin contamination of maize. The results also suggest that the levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in maize in western Kenya were influenced both by pre‐harvest agronomic practices and by the cropping system adopted, push‐pull or not.
Bioactivities of enzymatic protein hydrolysates derived from Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Tejano Lhumen A. , Peralta Jose P. , Yap Encarnacion Emilia S. , Chang Yu‐Wei
Published: June 2019

Chlorella sorokiniana protein isolates were enzymatically hydrolyzed using pepsin, bromelain, and thermolysin, with their molecular characteristics and bioactivities determined. Thermolysin hydrolysates exhibited the highest degree of hydrolysis (18.08% ± 1.13%). The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) results showed that peptides with molecular weights <10 kDa were found in the hydrolysates compared to the protein isolates. Bioactivity assays revealed that pepsin peptide fraction <5 kDa showed the highest angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory (34.29% ± 3.45%) and DPPH radical scavenging activities (48.86% ± 1.95%), while pepsin peptide fraction <10 kDa demonstrated the highest reducing power with 0.2101% ± 0.02% absorbance. Moreover, antibacterial assessment revealed that pepsin hydrolysate and peptide fractions displayed inhibition to the test microorganisms. Overall, the present findings suggest that C. sorokiniana protein hydrolysates can be valuable bio‐ingredients with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical application potentials.
Microplastics in the Environment: Much Ado about Nothing? A Debate
Authors: Backhaus Thomas , Wagner Martin
Published: June 2019

This article documents a debate between the two authors on the issue of microplastics in the environment. It is sparked by a viewpoint published by G. Allen Burton, who argues that the risk of microplastics is overrated. The authors have started debating this notion on Twitter, but the format has quickly turned out to be too cumbersome to exchange arguments. It is thus decided to continue the conversation by exchanging letters published as preprints in roughly four‐week intervals. In these contributions, a broad range of relevant issues are touched upon, including the differences in risk conceptions, risk communication in the attention economy, risk assessment in situations of scientific uncertainty, the need to test proper hypotheses, the problem of prioritizing environmental issues, the costs of action and inaction, the application of the precautionary principle or a strictly evidence‐based approach for policy‐making and, eventually, larger issues related to the Anthropocene. In hindsight, it is felt that this debate is rewarding because it made possible expressing and reflecting on the values and opinions in ways otherwise impossible in social media and standard scientific articles.
Cretaceous–Palaeogene sedimentary evolution of the South China Sea region: A preliminary synthesis
Authors: Zhang Gongcheng , Shao Lei , Qiao Peijun , Cao Licheng , Pang Xiong , Zhao Zhigang , Xiang Xuhong , Cui Yuchi
Published: June 2019

Rocks in extensional settings are generally sensitive to destruction and erosion, resulting in poor preservation potential and accumulation of their eroded components. The South China margin was dominated by a prolonged extensional setting from Late Mesozoic to Early Cenozoic, and this geological history is exactly archived in sediments within and surrounding the present South China Sea. However, the sedimentary evolution of the region, especially prior to the continental breakup and oceanic spreading, remains an issue of uncertainty and controversy, mostly due to limited borehole penetration and poor seismic reflection data for deeply buried sequences, as well as the lack of reliable regional stratigraphic framework. Here, we illustrate the Cretaceous–Palaeogene sedimentary evolution of the South China Sea region by synthesizing relevant data from previous literature and our own observations and displaying the evolution of lithofacies in sequential palinspastic reconstructions. The preferred palaeogeographic scenarios incorporate the latest interpretations of the conjugate relationship between continental margins as well as the birth and demise of the hypothetical Proto‐South China Sea. The patterns of lithofacies and depositional environments at regional scales, along with available provenance data, clearly reveal sedimentary responses to the significant Mesozoic–Cenozoic transition of plate geodynamics and magmatism along the Asian margin and provide implications for the potential mechanism of Cenozoic extension represented by distinct yet continuous processes of continental rifting and oceanic spreading.
What satisfies younger versus older employees, and why? An aging perspective on equity theory to explain interactive effects of employee age, monetary rewards, and task contributions on job satisfaction
Authors: Kollmann Tobias , Stöckmann Christoph , Kensbock Julia M. , Peschl Anika
Published: June 2019

In light of increasingly age‐diverse workforces, organizations face the challenge of fostering job satisfaction among both younger and older employees. Combining equity theory with an aging perspective, we propose that due to age‐related shifts in motives and goals, younger versus older employees’ job satisfaction will depend differently on monetary rewards (outcome side of equity theory), task contributions (input side of equity theory), as well as on imbalances (inequity) in the relationship between monetary rewards and task contributions. In a multisource study with 166 managers, we found that while younger employees were satisfied primarily by monetary rewards, older employees were satisfied primarily by their task contributions. Most importantly, a three‐way interaction indicated that younger versus older employees react differently to two types of inequity: Being proportionally over‐rewarded (i.e., receiving high monetary rewards for low task contributions) reduced older (but not of younger) employees’ job satisfaction. By contrast, under‐reward inequity (i.e., receiving low monetary rewards for high task contributions) decreased younger (but not of older) employees’ job satisfaction. These age‐dependent effects of job features on job satisfaction reveal important theoretical as well as practical implications.