bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Microporous/Mesoporous Carbon with Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Behavior for High‐Performance Symmetrical Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Jia‐Kang , Liu Jian , Kong Ling‐Bin
Published: May 2020

Hierarchical porous carbons are widely used as electrode materials for supercapacitors; however, promotion of the specific capacitance and energy density remains a challenge. Here, we design a N‐doped hierarchical microporous/mesoporous carbon (NMC) fabricated through the one‐step heat treatment of interpenetrating polymer networks. The pores are obtained by phase separation of the two network polymers with physical penetration and subsequent pyrolysis of the sacrificial polymers to shape the rich micropores/mesopores on the pore wall of a honeycomb‐like carbon skeleton formed from carbon precursors. In particular, the optimized NMC possesses an ultrahigh specific surface area of 1969.0 m2 g−1 and a pore volume of 1.092 cm3 g−1, as well as homogeneous distribution of elemental nitrogen. The NMC also exhibits a distinguished specific capacitance of 261.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and an excellent cycling stability of 100 % after 10 000 cycles in 6 M KOH in a three‐electrode system. Impressively, in situ heteroatom doping of NMC effectively enhances the specific capacitance, and the proportion of pseudocapacitive performance can be as high as 25.4 % of the total capacitance. Symmetrical supercapacitors assembled with two protruding electrodes deliver a high energy density of 23.9 W h kg−1 at 225 W kg−1 and an outstanding cycling stability of 93 % after 10 000 cycles in 1 M Na2SO4. All of these features indicate that N‐doped microporous/mesoporous carbon is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
In Search of Fulminate Analogues: LnM≡CP=NR
Authors: Frogley Benjamin J. , Hill Anthony F. , Shang Rong , Sharma Manab , Willis Anthony C.
Published: May 2020

The “CPNR” ligand may be viewed as being isolobal with fulminate, CNO; however, attempts to prepare a complex of such a ligand resulted instead in a range of novel imino and aminophosphinocarbyne complexes. Sequential treatment of [Mo(≡CBr)(CO)2(Tp*)] (Tp*=hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) with nBuLi and ClP=NMes* (Mes*=C6H2tBu3‐2,4,6) afforded mixtures of the complexes [Mo(≡CPnBuNHMes*)(CO)2(Tp*)] and traces of the bimetallic products [Mo2{μ2‐C2P2O(NHMes)2}(CO)4(Tp*)2] and [Mo2(μ2‐C2PNHMes)(CO)4(Tp*)2]. The reaction of [W(≡CBr)(CO)2(Tp*)] with nBuLi and ClP=NMes* afforded predominantly the mononuclear carbyne [W{≡CP(=NMes*)nBu2})(CO)2(Tp*)] and traces of the binuclear complex [W2(μ‐C2PNHMes)(CO)4(Tp*)2] which is also obtained when tBuLi is used. Although not isolable, the intended complexes [M(≡CPNMes*)(CO)2(Tp*)] could be generated in situ and spectroscopically characterized via the reactions of the stannyl carbynes [M(≡CSnnBu3)(CO)2(Tp*)] and ClP=NMes*. The preceding observations are mechanistically interpreted with reference to a computational interrogation of the model complex [Mo(≡CP=NCH3)(CO)2(Tp*)], the LUMO of which has considerable phosphorus character.
Electrochemistry of Electrode Materials Containing S−Se Bonds for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Guo Wei , Fu Yongzhu
Published: May 2020

Sulfur (S) and selenium (Se) have been considered as promising high capacity cathode materials for rechargeable batteries. They have differences in their physical properties (e.g., electronic conductivity) but the same number of electrons in their outermost shells, which leads to similarity in their electrochemical behavior in batteries. In recent years, some efforts have been taken to combine them in electrodes in the hope of improved battery performance. The S−Se bonds of these electrode materials lead to unusual properties and intriguing electrochemical behavior, which have attracted increasing interest. In this Minireview, electrode materials containing S−Se bonds are summarized, including inorganic SxSey solid solutions, organic compounds, and organic–inorganic hybrid materials. Our understanding in these materials is still premature, but they have shown unique properties to be electrode materials. We hope this Minireview could provide a new insight into the design, synthesis, and understanding of these materials, which could enable high energy density rechargeable batteries.
Grafting of Lanthanum Complexes on a Functionalized Graphene Surface: Theoretical Investigation on Ethylene and 1,3‐Butadiene Homo‐ and Co‐Polymerization
Authors: Bathellier Adrien , Moreno Diego , Maron Laurent , Dinoi Chiara , del Rosal Iker
Published: May 2020

In this contribution, we describe the use of graphene as an efficient catalyst support and the role it plays in increasing the Lewis acidity of the supported metal complexes. By a density functional theory study, we show that the [La(N(SiMe3)2)3] complex can be easily grafted on graphene‐OH and ‐COOH functionalized surfaces. Two stable mono‐grafted compounds, (gO)‐[La(N(SiMe3)2)2] and (gOO)‐[La(N(SiMe3)2)2], are formed, behaving as stronger Lewis acids than the previously reported silica grafted analogues. To study the role of the graphene support in catalysis, we also computed the catalytic activity of the alkylated (gO)‐[La(CH3)2] and (gOO)‐[La(CH3)2] complexes in the ethylene and 1,3‐butadiene homo‐ and co‐polymerization reactions. Both compounds are efficient catalysts for the homo‐polymerization of the ethylene and 1,3‐butadiene. For the 1,3‐butadiene homo‐polymerization, the stereoselectivity outcome of the reaction differs according to the grafting site. The results computed for the co‐polymerization reaction, finally, show that the high stability of the allylic products leads to the formation of block copolymers.
Synthesis and Structures of Polyphenylphenanthrenes
Authors: Xiao Yonglong , Mague Joel T. , Donahue James P. , Wilson Laura J. , Kraml Christina M. , Pascal Robert A.
Published: May 2020

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐Octaphenylphenanthrene (4) and decaphenylphenanthrene (5) were prepared by very short syntheses (two or three steps) from tetraphenylfuran and polybrominated benzene derivatives. The X‐ray structures of compounds 4 and 5 show them to be quite crowded, with the phenanthrene cores twisted by about 40° due to the clash of the C4 and C5 phenyl groups. Compound 4 was resolved by chromatography on a chiral support, and its free energy of activation for racemization was determined to be 24.6 kcal mol−1 at 40 °C. Computational studies indicate that compound 5 has a racemization barrier approximately 6 kcal mol−1 lower than 4, and thus 5 would not be configurationally stable at room temperature.
Tuning Aqueous Supramolecular Polymerization by an Acid‐Responsive Conformational Switch
Authors: Rest Christina , Philips Divya Susan , Dünnebacke Torsten , Sutar Papri , Sampedro Angel , Droste Jörn , Stepanenko Vladimir , Hansen Michael Ryan , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Fernández Gustavo
Published: May 2020

Besides their widespread use in coordination chemistry, 2,2’‐bipyridines are known for their ability to undergocis–transconformational changes in response to metal ions and acids, which has been primarily investigated at the molecular level. However, the exploitation of such conformational switching in self‐assembly has remained unexplored. In this work, the use of 2,2’‐bipyridines as acid‐responsive conformational switches to tune supramolecular polymerization processes has been demonstrated. To achieve this goal, we have designed a bipyridine‐based linear bolaamphiphile,1, that forms ordered supramolecular polymers in aqueous media through cooperative aromatic and hydrophobic interactions. Interestingly, addition of acid (TFA) induces the monoprotonation of the 2,2’‐bipyridine moiety, leading to a switch in the molecular conformation from a linear (trans) to a V‐shaped (cis) state. This increase in molecular distortion along with electrostatic repulsions of the positively charged bipyridine‐H+units attenuate the aggregation tendency and induce a transformation from long fibers to shorter thinner fibers. Our findings may contribute to opening up new directions in molecular switches and stimuli‐responsive supramolecular materials.
Influence of Culture Conditions on Poly‐3‐Hydroxybutyrate Production by a Newly Isolated Bacillus cereus Y23
Authors: Yashchuk Oxana , Hermida Élida B
Published: May 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), environmental friendly polyesters, can be produced by a wide range of microorganisms in nutrient‐limiting conditions. In the present study a new bacterial strain, able to produce high quantities of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), is isolated from contaminated soil. The isolate is characterized and identified as Bacillus cereus Y23, based on morphological, physiological characteristics, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. PHB production is evaluated using different carbon and nitrogen sources and nutritional and culture conditions are optimized. The highest PHB production of 5.12 g L−1 was obtained in growth medium containing fructose and ammonium sulfate at a C/N ratio of 30, 0.3% yeast extract, 4.5 g L−1 phosphate solution, pH 7, inoculum size of 0.3%, and agitation rate of 150 rpm after 48 h of incubation at 32 °C. The PHB production decrement can be attributed to the intracellular utilization of the polymer during the stationary phase of the cellular growth and to the sporulation process. The presence of the main functional groups of PHB polymer is verified by Fourier‐transform infrared analysis. At optimum conditions, B. cereus Y23 turned out to be a good candidate for industrial production of PHB since it accumulates up to 67.9% of its dry weight.
Chiral, Thermally Irreversible and Quasi‐Stealth Photochromic Dopant to Control Selective Reflection Wavelength of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal
Authors: Kurosaki Yoshihisa , Sagisaka Toshiya , Matsushima Tomoo , Ubukata Takashi , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: May 2020

A chiral and thermally irreversible photochromic fulgide derivative incorporating an (R)‐binaphthol unit in its acid anhydride moiety was used for the photoswitching of the pitch length of cholesteric liquid crystals. Since the absorption maximum wavelengths of both thermally stable photoisomers are nearly in the UV region (quasi‐stealth photochromism), it can be exposed to visible light without inducing photochromic reactions. Therefore, when the photoswitching molecule is added to a permanent cholesteric liquid crystal whose reflection light wavelength is in the visible region, the UV light‐induced photochromic reaction of the photoswitching molecule changes the wavelength of the reflection light in the visible light region. We have succeeded in regulating the color of cholesteric liquid crystalline cells between red and blue upon UV light irradiation. Attempts to introduce this system in polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals are also described.
Intrinsic Luminescence from Nonaromatic Biomolecules
Authors: Wang Yunzhong , Zhao Zihao , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: May 2020

Novel emitters that do not contain traditional chromophores but only electron‐rich moieties (e. g. amine, C=O, −OH, ether, and imide), which are classified as nonconventional luminophores, have been more frequently reported. Although more and more examples have been demonstrated, their emission mechanism remains unclear. The clustering‐triggered emission (CTE) mechanism has previously been proposed to rationalize the luminescence of unconventional chromophores. Moreover, great attention has been paid to the distinctive inherent luminescence from nonaromatic biomolecules such as cellulose, starch, sugars, and nonaromatic amino acids and proteins. In this Review, we summarize these unconventional biomolecular luminophores and apply the CTE mechanism to rationalize such a phenomenon. This Review may shed new light on the understanding of intrinsic emission of nonaromatic biomolecules and decipher the intrinsic fluorescence from cells and tissues.
Posting edited photos of the self: Increasing eating disorder risk or harmless behavior?
Authors: Wick Madeline R. , Keel Pamela K.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Social media use has been implicated as a correlate and a cause of increased disordered eating (DE), but little is known about the impact of specific aspects of social media use, such as posting edited photos of the self. Utilizing a two‐stage design, the present study sought to determine how posting edited photos relates to DE, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms, in male and female college students.

Method

Stage 1 examined concurrent associations between posting edited photos and mental health measures in 2,485 undergraduates (76% female). Stage 2 examined causal associations between posting edited photos and eating disorder (ED) risk factors in 80 undergraduates (93% female) who endorsed posting edited photos in Stage 1 and volunteered for the experimental portion of the study.

Results

In Stage 1, those who endorsed posting edited photos (n = 660; 27%) reported greater eating pathology and anxiety than those who did not, but no differences were found for depressive symptoms. In Stage 2, posting edited photos caused increased weight/shape concerns. Posting photos reinforced urges to exercise and restrict food intake and anxiety. Editing photos without posting caused an immediate decrease in weight/shape concerns and a delayed decrease in sadness.

Discussion

Results support a consistent and direct link between posting edited photos and ED risk factors, suggesting that this is not a harmless behavior. Future work should explore the cumulative effects of this link to determine how specific uses of social media contribute to clinically meaningful outcomes.
Four raised to one equals one: A genetic approach to the Pseudolaelia vellozicola complex does not follow a math rule
Authors: Nazareno Alison Gonçalves , Neto Luiz Menini , Buzatti Renata Santiago de Oliveira , Berg Cássio van den , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini
Published: May 2020

Pseudolaelia is a genus endemic to the eastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest, consisting of 12 accepted species. Some Pseudolaelia species, such as P. vellozicola, P. aguadocensis, P. oliveirana, and P. regentii, referred to here as the PV complex, present extensive intra‐ and interpopulation morphological polymorphism, raising uncertainty regarding their circumscriptions. Although previous morphological analyses were used to solve the generic boundaries in the PV complex, persuasive genetic evidence is lacking. In order to test the hypothesis that the group under investigation contains only one taxon, amplification profiles of five intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic diversity, genetic structure, and the relationships among the PV complex species. A total of 134 reproductive individuals were sampled in eight insular populations. Intrapopulation genetic analysis indicated low levels of genetic diversity. Analysis of genetic structure revealed that each of the eight sample locations can be considered unique biological populations as they are highly differentiated from each other. The Mantel test showed a high and positive correlation between genetic and geographic distance (r = .841, p < .002), indicating isolation by distance. The results are consistent with that expected for plants with insular geographical distribution. When testing for the null hypothesis, the low levels of genetic variation among species (FCT = 0.155) suggest that the populations constitute only one highly polymorphic species with a wide distribution.
Detecting shrub encroachment in seminatural grasslands using UAS LiDAR
Authors: Madsen Bjarke , Treier Urs A. , Zlinszky András , Lucieer Arko , Normand Signe
Published: May 2020

Shrub encroachment in seminatural grasslands threatens local biodiversity unless management is applied to reduce shrub density. Dense vegetation of Cytisus scoparius homogenizes the landscape negatively affecting local plant diversity. Detecting structural change (e.g., biomass) is essential for assessing negative impacts of encroachment. Hence, exploring new monitoring tools to achieve this task is important for effectively capturing change and evaluating management activities.

This study combines traditional field‐based measurements with novel Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) observations from an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). We investigate the accuracy of mapping C. scoparius in three dimensions (3D) and of structural change metrics (i.e., biomass) derived from ultrahigh‐density point cloud data (>1,000 pts/m2). Presence–absence of 12 shrub or tree genera was recorded across a 6.7 ha seminatural grassland area in Denmark. Furthermore, 10 individuals of C. scoparius were harvested for biomass measurements. With a UAS LiDAR system, we collected ultrahigh‐density spatial data across the area in October 2017 (leaf‐on) and April 2018 (leaf‐off). We utilized a 3D point‐based classification to distinguish shrub genera based on their structural appearance (i.e., density, light penetration, and surface roughness).

From the identified C. scoparius individuals, we related different volume metrics (mean, max, and range) to measured biomass and quantified spatial variation in biomass change from 2017 to 2018. We obtained overall classification accuracies above 86% from point clouds of both seasons. Maximum volume explained 77.4% of the variation in biomass.

The spatial patterns revealed landscape‐scale variation in biomass change between autumn 2017 and spring 2018, with a notable decrease in some areas. Further studies are needed to disentangle the causes of the observed decrease, for example, recent winter grazing and/or frost events.

Synthesis and applications: We present a workflow for processing ultrahigh‐density spatial data obtained from a UAS LiDAR system to detect change in C. scoparius. We demonstrate that UAS LiDAR is a promising tool to map and monitor grassland shrub dynamics at the landscape scale with the accuracy needed for effective nature management. It is a new tool for standardized and nonbiased evaluation of management activities initiated to prevent shrub encroachment.
Is foraging innovation lost following colonization of a less variable environment? A case study in surface‐ vs. cave‐dwellingAsellus aquaticus
Authors: Herczeg Gábor , Hafenscher Viktória P. , Balázs Gergely , Fišer Žiga , Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Horváth Gergely
Published: May 2020

Behavioral innovation is a key process for successful colonization of new habitat types. However, it is costly due to the necessary cognitive and neural demands and typically connected to ecological generalism. Therefore, loss of behavioral innovativeness is predicted following colonization of new, simple, and invariable environments. We tested this prediction by studying foraging innovativeness in the freshwater isopodAsellus aquaticus. We sampled its populations along the route of colonizing a thermokarstic water‐filled cave (simple, stable habitat with only bacterial mats as food) from surface habitats (variable environment, wide variety of food). The studied cave population separated from the surface populations at least 60,000 years ago. Animals were tested both with familiar and novel food types (cave food: bacterial mats; surface food: decaying leaves). Irrespective of food type, cave individuals were more likely to feed than surface individuals. Further, animals from all populations fed longer on leaves than on bacteria, even though leaves were novel for the cave animals. Our results support that caveA. aquaticusdid not lose the ability to use the ancestral (surface) food type after adapting to a simple, stable, and highly specialized habitat.
A wireless sensor network for underground passages: Remote sensing and wildlife monitoring
Authors: Gazis Alexandros , Katsiri Eleftheria
Published: May 2020

This article presents a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) system, developed to monitor concealed box‐shaped underground passages to protect wildlife. The system's purpose is to recognize the species of passengers (ie, human, canis, flying species, and so on) without using video sensors (image recognition) through data provided by sensors that measure distance and weight. Moreover, the information provided by the WSN was analyzed via a variety of methods, including a neural pattern recognition network, as well as clustering algorithms, which were able to recognize the species of passengers with certainty scores of over 90%. The main concern for future study is the evaluation of these passages, which are frequently located along main highways, and using data fusion to evaluate low‐cost and low‐power microsensors regarding their effectiveness, that is, whether they are frequently utilized by animals.
Numerical simulation of deformation memory effect of rock materials in low‐stress condition using discrete element method
Authors: Tang Qiongqiong , Zhou Yu , Zhao Dajun
Published: May 2020

The slip behavior of the pre‐existing sliding planes (eg, cracks or inter‐grain boundaries) in rocks is a natural candidate for a mechanism of the deformation memory effect. Based on this mechanism, the deformation rate analysis (DRA) method can be used to measure in situ stress in low‐stress region. However, the traditional discrete element method (DEM) is unable to model the deformation memory effect of rock when the loading stress is lower than the crack initiation stress due to the insufficient consideration for sliding planes. The simulated stress‐strain curves obtained from previous DEM are linear in initial loading stage until cracks start to grow. In the present work, the properties of planes (ie, cohesion, frictional resistance, and relocking mechanism) are introduced into DEM contact model to simulate the deformation memory effect of rock in low‐stress region, and its feasibility was confirmed by comparing it with experimental results. It is found that there exists a suitable in situ stress range for DRA method when using it in low‐stress region, among which the inflection is precise. Four factors related to the sliding planes are discussed with parametric study to study their influence on the deformation memory effect. The results show that the cohesion and dip angle are highly related to the threshold value, while the friction coefficient and fraction of slide planes have little influence on the deformation memory effect in rocks.
Modelling the risk of deterioration at earthen heritage sites in drylands
Authors: Richards Jenny , Mayaud Jerome , Zhan Hongtao , Wu Fasi , Bailey Richard , Viles Heather
Published: May 2020

The variable climatic and environmental conditions associated with dryland regions can cause rapid erosion to both natural and man‐made earthen structures. Whilst there is a long history of research into the evolution of erosional landforms such as yardangs, little research has investigated how dryland processes influence the erosion of built structures. Earthen heritage sites located in arid and semi‐arid environments experience rapid deterioration caused by exposure to environmental drivers such as wind and rain. Understanding how these environmental drivers interact with each other and cause deterioration to earthen material is vital for successful conservation strategies. To address this need, we present the Vegetation and Sediment TrAnsport model for Heritage Deterioration (ViSTA‐HD) that simulates the risk of polishing, pitting and slurry on earthen heritage in a spatially specific manner. A technical description of the model is provided, and sensitivity and validation tests are reported. The model is then used to simulate the risk of deterioration occurring over centennial timescales at a Suoyang Ancient City, located in semi‐arid northwest China. The modelled risk of deterioration is in good agreement with deterioration patterns found at Suoyang, with the risk of polishing predominantly occurring around the wall edges, areas at risk of pitting echoing the dune formation and the risk of slurry occurring in drape‐like patterns down the wall face. Consequently, ViSTA‐HD is a powerful and versatile model that can be used to help inform our understandings of long‐term interactions between dryland processes and deteriorative impact on earthen structures. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Development potential evaluation of CO2‐ECBM in abandoned coal mines
Authors: Ge Zhaolong , Deng Kai , Zhang Liang , Zuo Shaojie
Published: May 2020

Environmental problems such as the greenhouse effect have forced countries to consciously reduce the use of coal, and many coal mines have been forced to close. However, most of the abandoned coal mines have not been redeveloped or utilized, resulting in a huge waste and idleness of resources. Abandoned coal mines may also cause subsequent safety, environmental, and social problems. In particular, China has closed a large number of coal mines in recent years, and most of these mines are high‐gas mines. Furthermore, CO2 emissions are still increasing as the global primary energy consumption continues to grow. Because abandoned coal mines are no longer mined, this study proposes the application of CO2‐enhanced coalbed methane drainage technology (CO2‐ECBM) to abandoned coal mines in China for coalbed methane (CBM) extraction and simultaneous CO2 storage. China is the largest coal consumer and CO2 emitter, and the potential capacities for both methane extraction and CO2 storage in China's abandoned mines are evaluated in this paper. This work analyzes the characteristics and development status of abandoned coal resources in China. Then, the amount of CBM and coal resources in the closed coal mines in Chongqing since 2015 is counted, and the CBM production, CO2 storage, and production costs and profits required for CO2‐ECBM technology are calculated. Finally, taking the Chongqing area as an example, the CBM production and CO2 storage potential of abandoned coal mines in China are estimated. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential and economics of using CO2‐ECBM technology in abandoned coal mines. The results provide a reference for the development of abandoned CBM and CO2 underground storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a brain‐based predictome of mental illness
Authors: Rashid Barnaly , Calhoun Vince
Published: May 2020

Neuroimaging‐based approaches have been extensively applied to study mental illness in recent years and have deepened our understanding of both cognitively healthy and disordered brain structure and function. Recent advancements in machine learning techniques have shown promising outcomes for individualized prediction and characterization of patients with psychiatric disorders. Studies have utilized features from a variety of neuroimaging modalities, including structural, functional, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data, as well as jointly estimated features from multiple modalities, to assess patients with heterogeneous mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. We use the term “predictome” to describe the use of multivariate brain network features from one or more neuroimaging modalities to predict mental illness. In the predictome, multiple brain network‐based features (either from the same modality or multiple modalities) are incorporated into a predictive model to jointly estimate features that are unique to a disorder and predict subjects accordingly. To date, more than 650 studies have been published on subject‐level prediction focusing on psychiatric disorders. We have surveyed about 250 studies including schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance dependence. In this review, we present a comprehensive review of recent neuroimaging‐based predictomic approaches, current trends, and common shortcomings and share our vision for future directions.
Ultrahigh packing density next generation microtube array membrane: A novel solution for absorption‐based extracorporeal endotoxin removal device
Authors: Chew Chee Ho , Cheng Li‐Wei , Huang Wan‐Ting , Wu Yun Ming , Lee Chih‐Wei , Wu Mai‐Szu , Chen Chien‐Chung
Published: May 2020

Sepsis is a deadly disease that is widely attributed to endotoxin released by gram‐negative bacterial infections often plague emergency care facilities. Conventionally antibiotics and vasopressors are used to treat this disease. Recent treatment protocol shifted to a membrane to remove the offending endotoxin monomer. Despite this shift, membrane‐based devices are often extremely costly, hindering accessibility to this life saving medical device. In view of this challenges, we adopted the internally developed polysulfone (PSF) microtube array membrane alternating (MTAM‐A) for use in blood sepsis treatment. PSF MTAM‐A were with polymyxin B (PMB) molecules immobilized were assembled into an internally developed cartridge housing and subjected to endotoxin removal models with water and blood spiked with 100 EU/ml of endotoxin as the feed solution. Samples were derived at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min and endotoxin levels were determined with limulus amebocyte lysate assay and benchmarked against the commercially available Toraymyxin device. The PSF MTAM‐A with 2.3 times the surface area was successfully fabricated and with PMB molecules immobilized, and assembled into a hemoperfusion device. Dynamic endotoxin removal test revealed and overall endotoxin removal capacity of 90% and a superior endotoxin removal efficiency that was significantly higher than that of Toraymyxin (internally conducted and reported). The data suggested that PSF MTAM‐A PMB membranes could potentially be applied in future hemoperfusion devices which would be significantly more efficient, compact, and affordable; potentially making such a life‐saving medical device widely available to the general public.
Cellular effects and clinical implications of SLC2A3 copy number variation
Authors: Ziegler Georg C. , Almos Peter , McNeill Rhiannon V. , Jansch Charline , Lesch Klaus‐Peter
Published: May 2020

SLC2A3 encodes the predominantly neuronal glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3), which facilitates diffusion of glucose across plasma membranes. The human brain depends on a steady glucose supply for ATP generation, which consequently fuels critical biochemical processes, such as axonal transport and neurotransmitter release. Besides its role in the central nervous system, GLUT3 is also expressed in nonneural organs, such as the heart and white blood cells, where it is equally involved in energy metabolism. In cancer cells, GLUT3 overexpression contributes to the Warburg effect by answering the cell's increased glycolytic demands. The SLC2A3 gene locus at chromosome 12p13.31 is unstable and prone to non‐allelic homologous recombination events, generating multiple copy number variants (CNVs) of SLC2A3 which account for alterations in SLC2A3 expression. Recent associations of SLC2A3 CNVs with different clinical phenotypes warrant investigation of the potential influence of these structural variants on pathomechanisms of neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and immune diseases. In this review, we accumulate and discuss the evidence how SLC2A3 gene dosage may exert diverse protective or detrimental effects depending on the pathological condition. Cellular states which lead to increased energetic demand, such as organ development, proliferation, and cellular degeneration, appear particularly susceptible to alterations in SLC2A3 copy number. We conclude that better understanding of the impact of SLC2A3 variation on disease etiology may potentially provide novel therapeutic approaches specifically targeting this GLUT.
The N‐terminal polypeptide derived from vMIP‐II exerts its antitumor activity in human breast cancer through CXCR4/miR‐7‐5p/Skp2 pathway
Authors: Wang Hai‐Feng , Dong Zheng‐Yuan , Yan Lei , Yang Shuo , Xu He‐Nan , Chen Su‐Lian , Wang Wen‐Rui , Yang Qing‐Ling , Chen Chang‐Jie
Published: May 2020

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor with the highest incidence in women of the world. CXCR4 and Skp2 are highly expressed in breast cancer cells and CXCR4 was positively correlated with Skp2 by interference or overexpression. The microRNA array was used to detect the differentially expressed spectrum of micro RNAs in breast cancer cells the changes of miR‐7‐5p after CXCR4 inhibitor (NT21MP) treatment to block the CXCR4/SDF‐1 pathway was founded. MiR‐7‐5p has been found to be correlated with Skp2 in various tumors in the literature, and Skp2 expression can be regulated by transfection with miR‐7‐5p mimics or inhibitors. The expression level of miR‐7‐5p was upregulated or downregulated after CXCR4 interference or overexpression. Combined with the correlation between CXCR4 and miR‐7‐5p in the chip results, CXCR4 may regulate Skp2 through miR‐7‐5p. Epithelial cells have the morphological characteristics of mesenchymal cells for some reason called epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Transfection of miR‐7‐5p mimics into drug‐resistant cells reduced Skp2 levels, decreased the expression of Vimentin, Snail, and slug, and increased the expression of E‐cadherin. CXCR4 inhibitor (NT21MP) can reverse the EMT changes caused by miR‐7‐5p inhibitor. Similarly, in vivo results suggesting that CXCR4 inhibitors can reverse the EMT phenotype of drug‐resistant breast cancer cells through the CXCR4/miR‐7‐5p/Skp2 pathway. In summary, the CXCR4/miR‐7‐5p/Skp2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the progression of breast cancer. This study provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of breast cancer by targeting the CXCR4 pathway.
Blood and tissue levels of lncRNAs in periodontitis
Authors: Sayad Arezou , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Shams Bahareh , Arsang‐Jang Shahram , Gholami Leila , Taheri Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Periodontitis is a complex disorder that affects a large number of human beings from different ethnic groups. This condition has been associated with dysregulation of a number of genes, among them are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). In the current study, we assessed the expression of four lncRNAs (BDNF‐AS, MIAT, MIR137HG, and PNKY) as well as BDNF in the peripheral blood and gingival tissues obtained from patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects. The expression of BDNF was significantly lower in blood samples of male patients with periodontitis compared with male controls (posterior β of RE = −4.754, p = .048). However, there was no significant difference in the expression of BDNF in tissue samples from the cases and controls. The expression of BDNF‐AS was significantly lower in the tissue samples of patients compared with control tissue samples (posterior β of RE = −2.151, p = .019). Such an expression difference was detected between male subgroups as well (posterior β of RE = −3.679, p = .009). However, expression of this lncRNA was not different in blood samples obtained from patients compared with healthy subjects. The expression of PNKY was significantly higher in tissue samples obtained from female patients compared with sex‐matched controls (posterior β of RE = 6.23, p = .037). Blood levels of this lncRNA were not different between cases and controls. There was no significant difference either in the tissue expression or in blood expression of MIR137HG or MIAT between cases and controls. The current study indicates the putative role of BDNF, BDNF‐AS, and PNKY in the pathophysiology of periodontitis and potentiates these genes as candidates for functional studies.
Prenatal diagnosis of isolated frontonasal dysplasia: A case report
Authors: Lourenço Cátia , Godinho Cristina , Marinho Márcia , Melo Mónica , Nogueira Rosete , Valente Francisco
Published: May 2020

We report a case of mild frontonasal dysplasia, a complex and rare malformation affecting the central portion of the face, especially the eyes, nose, and forehead, which was diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis was made by two‐ and four‐dimensional ultrasound and confirmed at autopsy after pregnancy termination. A review of the literature is presented.
Dark‐rearing uncovers novel gene expression patterns in an obligate cave‐dwelling fish
Authors: Sears Connor R. , Boggs Tyler E. , Gross Joshua B.
Published: May 2020

Extreme environments often result in the evolution of dramatic adaptive features. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, includes 30 different populations of cave‐dwelling forms that live in perpetual darkness. As a consequence, many populations have evolved eye loss, reduced pigmentation, and amplification of nonvisual sensory systems. Closely‐related surface‐dwelling morphs demonstrate typical vision, pigmentation, and sensation. Transcriptomic assessments in this system have revealed important developmental changes associated with the cave morph, however, they have not accounted for photic rearing conditions. Prior studies reared individuals under a 12:12 hr light/dark (LD) cycle. Here, we reared cavefish under constant darkness (DD) for 5+ years. From these experimental individuals, we performed mRNA sequencing and compared gene expression of surface fish reared under LD conditions to cavefish reared under DD conditions to identify photic‐dependent gene expression differences. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses revealed a number of previously underappreciated cave‐associated changes impacting blood physiology and olfaction. We further evaluated the position of differentially expressed genes relative to QTL positions from prior studies and found several candidate genes associated with these ecologically relevant lighting conditions. In sum, this work highlights photic conditions as a key environmental factor impacting gene expression patterns in blind cave‐dwelling fish.
Automated GMP production and long‐term experience in radiosynthesis of CB1 tracer [18F]FMPEP‐d2
Authors: Lahdenpohja Salla , Keller Thomas , Forsback Sarita , Viljanen Tapio , Kokkomäki Esa , Kivelä Riikka V. , Bergman Jörgen , Solin Olof , Kirjavainen Anna K.
Published: May 2020

Here, we describe the development of an in‐house‐built device for the fully automated multistep synthesis of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor imaging tracer (3R,5R)‐5‐(3‐([18F]fluoromethoxy‐d2)phenyl)‐3‐(((R)‐1‐phenylethyl)amino)‐1‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin‐2‐one ([18F]FMPEP‐d2), following good manufacturing practices. The device is interfaced to a HPLC and a sterile filtration unit in a clean room hot cell. The synthesis involves the nucleophilic 18F‐fluorination of an alkylating agent and its GC purification, the subsequent 18F‐fluoroalkylation of a precursor molecule, the semipreparative HPLC purification of the 18F‐fluoroalkylated product, and its formulation for injection. We have optimized the duration and temperature of the 18F‐fluoroalkylation reaction and addressed the radiochemical stability of the formulated product. During the past 5 years (2013–2018), we have performed a total of 149 syntheses for clinical use with a 90% success rate. The activity yield of the formulated product has been 1.0 ± 0.4 GBq starting from 11 ± 2 GBq and the molar activity 600 ± 300 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis.
The role of mammalian foetal membranes in early embryogenesis: Lessons from marsupials
Authors: Carter Anthony M.
Published: May 2020

Across mammals, early embryonic development is supported by uterine secretions taken up through the yolk sac and other foetal membranes (histotrophic nutrition). The marsupial conceptus is enclosed in a shell coat for the first two‐thirds of gestation and nutrients pass to the embryo through the shell and the avascular bilaminar yolk sac. At around the time of shell rupture, part of the yolk sac is trilaminar and supplied with blood vessels. It attaches to the uterus and forms a choriovitelline placenta. Rapid growth of the embryo ensues, still supported by histotrophe as well as exchange of oxygen and nutrients between maternal and foetal blood vessels (haemotrophic nutrition). Few marsupials have a chorioallantoic placenta and the highly altricial newborn is delivered after a short gestation. Eutherian embryos pass through a similar sequence before there is a fully functional chorioallantoic placenta. In most orders, there is transient yolk sac placentation, but even before this, nutrients are transferred through an avascular yolk sac. Yolk sac placentation does not occur in rodents or catarrhine primates. Early embryonic development in the mouse is nonetheless dependent on histotrophic nutrition. In the first trimester of human pregnancy, uterine glands open to the intervillous space and secretion products are taken up by the trophoblast. Transfer of nutrients to the early human embryo also involves the yolk sac, which floats free in the exocoelom. Marsupials can therefore inform us about the role of foetal membranes and histotrophic nutrition in early embryogenesis, knowledge that can translate to eutherians.
Expression of the COVID‐19 receptor ACE2 in the human conjunctiva
Authors: Lange Clemens , Wolf Julian , Auw‐Haedrich Claudia , Schlecht Anja , Boneva Stefaniya , Lapp Thabo , Horres Ralf , Agostini Hansjürgen , Martin Gottfried , Reinhard Thomas , Schlunck Günther
Published: May 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 is assumed to use angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and other auxiliary proteins for cell entry. Recent studies have described conjunctival congestion in 0.8% of patients with laboratory‐confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and there has been speculation that SARS‐CoV‐2 can be transmitted through the conjunctiva. However, it is currently unclear whether conjunctival epithelial cells express ACE2 and its cofactors. In this study, a total of 38 conjunctival samples from 38 patients, including 12 healthy conjunctivas, 12 melanomas, seven squamous cell carcinomas, and seven papilloma samples, were analyzed using high‐throughput RNA sequencing to assess messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 and its cofactors including TMPRSS2, ANPEP, DPP4, and ENPEP. ACE2 protein expression was assessed in eight healthy conjunctival samples using immunohistochemistry. Our results show that the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 is not substantially expressed in conjunctival samples on the mRNA (median: 0.0 transcripts per million [TPM], min: 0.0 TPM, max: 1.7 TPM) and protein levels. Similar results were obtained for the transcription of other auxiliary molecules. In conclusion, this study finds no evidence for a significant expression of ACE2 and its auxiliary mediators for cell entry in conjunctival samples, making conjunctival infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 via these mediators unlikely.
The dark triad and organizational citizenship behavior in health care: The moderating role of positive emotions
Authors: AL‐Abrrow Hadi , Thajil Krar Muhsin , Abdullah Hasan Oudah , Abbas Sammar
Published: May 2020

The dark triad refers to a set of personality traits characteristic of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) describes voluntary, cooperative actions that contribute to organizational effectiveness. A study focused on the health‐care sector in Iraq investigates the therapeutic role that positive emotions might play in offsetting the negative effects of the dark triad on OCB. Data from 414 employees in four public hospitals show that the dark triad has a significant negative impact on OCB, but that positive emotions can play a role in reversing this. This finding leads to several implications for both managers and researchers. In particular, it highlights the importance of addressing the interaction between positive and negative emotions, as well as the positive organizational outcomes that potentially could result from dark triad traits.
Characterizing International Approaches to Weaning Children From Tube Feeding: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lively Emily J. , McAllister Sue , Doeltgen Sebastian H.
Published: May 2020

Approaches to tube weaning enterally fed children and evaluating outcomes vary widely. This limits the utility of research for identifying both “what works” and successful implementation of research outcomes. We used a qualitative scoping review methodology to examine internationally published research. Our primary aim was to identify the main philosophies underpinning intervention design and the main outcome variables used to demonstrate success of existing programs. This information can be used to inform future research design and clinical practice. Literature up until June 2019 was sourced via Medline, Scopus, Ovid, and CINHAL databases; hand searching; and gray literature using Google Advanced Search. Three predominant approaches to tube‐weaning interventions were identified: behavioral, child‐ and family‐centered, and biomedical. A wide range of intervention variables were identified, with the level of parental involvement and the use of hunger provocation varying between approaches. Our Review also confirms that there is no consistency in outcome measures used, limiting comparability between programs. We suggest that the role of parents in the weaning process and its impact on both the child and the parent/carer while transitioning from enteral to oral eating are insufficiently understood. We discuss these findings in the context of a suggested framework for future research.
Theoretical study on the hydrogen abstraction reactions from hydrazine derivatives by H atom
Authors: Kanno Nozomu , Kito Tomohiro
Published: May 2020

The hydrogen abstraction reactions from hydrazine and its methyl derivatives by the H atom have been investigated theoretically by using CBS‐QB3//DSD‐BLYP‐D3(BJ)/Def2‐TZVP quantum chemical calculations and transition state theory calculations coupled with various tunneling correction methods. Both the products and transition state energies of the hydrogen abstraction from the amino group were stabilized by the methyl group substitution. The substitution effect on the αN site was two times larger than that on the βN site. On the other hand, the substitution effect was negligible on the hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group. The overall rate coefficients of N2H4 + H reaction calculated by canonical variational transition state theory with the small‐curvature tunneling correction agreed well with previously reported values, but those of CH3NHNH2/(CH3)2NNH2 + H were slightly lower than a previous experimental value. The product‐specific rate coefficients have been proposed for the kinetics modeling of these fuels’ combustion.
On melodic contour and number preferences: The effects of musical melody on the processing of numerical information
Authors: Coulter Keith , Suri Rajneesh
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we utilize three exploratory studies to examine the effects of musical melody on accompanying numerical information used in an advertisement. We find that when melody (i.e., in the form of melodic “contour”) corresponds to—or is congruent with—the numerical information in an ad, consumers will have greater recall and more favorable predispositions toward that information. These favorable predispositions, in turn, may impact such downstream variables such as purchase intentions. We posit that “contour” effects occur because individuals process the scalar steps between musical notes in a manner similar to the way they process the differences between numbers in common numerical stimuli such as customer service numbers, prices, purchase amounts, and so forth. This expectation implies that there is cognitive consistency in terms of the spatial representation of number and the spatial depiction of pitch. Thus the latter may impact the former by facilitating ease of processing, thereby leading to a number familiarity effect.