bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1,2,3‐Triazole derivatives of 3‐ferrocenylidene‐2‐oxindole: Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: Yagnam Swetha , Rami Reddy Eda , Trivedi Rajiv , Krishna Narra Vamshi , Giribabu Lingamallu , Rathod Balaji , Prakasham Reddy Shetty , Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: February 2019

A series of bioactive, triazole‐linked benzyl, aryl, sugar and aliphatic conjugates of 3‐ferrocenylidene‐oxindole have been synthesized. A facile 1,3‐dipolar‐Huisgen coupling reaction of the respective azides with the 3‐ferrocenylidene‐oxindole N‐propargyl moiety (3) gave the corresponding conjugates (5a–n). All the newly synthesized compounds (5a–n) were characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, HRMS, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The UV–Vis and electrochemical studies of these compounds were performed in dimethylsulfoxide solutions. The structure of compound (3) was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. These compounds exhibited moderate to good antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains.
Magnetite tethered mesoionic carbene‐palladium (II): An efficient and reusable nanomagnetic catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reactions in aqueous medium
Authors: Kempasiddhaiah Manjunatha , Kandathil Vishal , Dateer Ramesh B. , Sasidhar Balappa S. , Patil Shivaputra A. , Patil Siddappa A.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a highly active, air‐ and moisture‐stable and easily recoverable magnetic nanoparticles tethered mesoionic carbene palladium (II) complex (MNPs‐MIC‐Pd) as nanomagnetic catalyst was successfully synthesized by a simplistic multistep synthesis under aerobic conditions using commercially available inexpensive chemicals for the first time. The synthesized MNPs‐MIC‐Pd nanomagnetic catalyst was in‐depth characterized by numerous physicochemical techniques such as FT‐IR, ICP‐AES, FESEM, EDS, TEM, p‐XRD, XPS, TGA and BET surface area analysis. The prepared MNPs‐MIC‐Pd nanomagnetic catalyst was used to catalyze the Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reactions and exhibited excellent catalytic activity for various substrates under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, MNPs‐MIC‐Pd nanomagnetic catalyst could be easily and rapidly recovered by applying an external magnet. The recovered MNPs‐MIC‐Pd nanomagnetic catalyst exhibited very good catalytic activity up to ten times in Suzuki–Miyaura and five times in Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reactions without considerable loss of its catalytic activity. However, MNPs‐MIC‐Pd nanomagnetic catalyst shows notable advantages such as heterogeneous nature, efficient catalytic activity, mild reaction conditions, easy magnetic work up and recyclability.
4,4′‐Diaponeurosporene‐Producing Bacillus subtilis Promotes the Development of the Mucosal Immune System of the Piglet Gut
Authors: Jing Yuchao , Liu Haofei , Xu Wenwen , Yang Qian
Published: February 2019

Gut mucosal immune responses are known to act as the first line of defense against invasion of pathogenic microorganisms. Piglets have an incompletely developed gut mucosal immune system, making them sensitive to intestinal infections. Promoting the development of the mucosal immune system will increase the pathogen resistance of piglets. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of carotenoid (4,4′‐diaponeurosporene)‐producing Bacillus subtilis (B.s‐Dia) on intestinal mucosal immunity in piglets. We showed that oral administration to piglets of B.s‐Dia remarkably improved the development of Peyer's patches (PPs) (P < 0.01), and increased villus height (P < 0.01) and colon crypt depth (P < 0.01). In addition, B.s‐Dia also increased the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P < 0.01), while Bacillus subtilis (B.s) had no significant influence on it (P > 0.05). Moreover, B.s‐Dia also increased the number of SIgA+ cells (P < 0.01). Oral administration of either B.s or B.s‐Dia increased the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in ileum lamina propria (P < 0.01). These results indicate that B.s‐Dia contributes to a higher extent to porcine mucosal immune system development than B.s, and might serve as an immunopotentiator candidate. Anat Rec, 302:1800–1807, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Three‐Dimensional Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Treeshrew (Scandentia) Lower Molars: Insight into Dental Variation and Systematics
Authors: Selig Keegan R. , Sargis Eric J. , Silcox Mary T.
Published: February 2019

Scandentia (treeshrews) is an order of small‐bodied Indomalayan mammals generally agreed to be a member of Euarchonta with Primates and Dermoptera (colugos). However, intraordinal relationships among treeshrews are less well understood. Although recent studies have begun to clarify treeshrew taxonomy using morphological and molecular datasets, previous analysis of treeshrew dentition has yielded little clarity in terms of species‐level relationships within the order. However, these studies made use of character‐based methods, scoring traits across the dental arcade, which depend on there being clear differences among taxa that can be encapsulated in coding schemes. Geometric morphometrics has the potential to capture subtler shape variation, so it may be better for examining similarities among closely related taxa whose teeth have a similar bauplan. We used three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics on a sample of treeshrew lower second molars and compared the patterns of variation to the results of previous studies. We captured 19 landmarks on a sample of 43 specimens representing 15 species. Using specimen‐based principal components analysis and between‐group principal component analysis, the two treeshrew families (Tupaiidae and Ptilocercidae) were well separated in morphospace. Moreover, several treeshrew species plot in morphospace according to the clades established in previous molecular work, with closely related species plotting closer to one another than to more distantly related species, suggesting that dental morphology can be useful when studying relationships among treeshrews. As most extinct treeshrews are known only from teeth, understanding morphological patterns in treeshrew molars is important for future work on the evolutionary history of Scandentia. Anat Rec, 302:1154–1168, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performative technologies and teacher subjectivities: A conceptual framework
Authors: Englund Hans , Gerdin Jonas
Published: February 2019

Critical educational literature suggests that an increased reliance upon performative technologies is currently transforming the very foundations from which teacher subjectivities are constructed. Arguably though, the number of studies pointing to this risk or tendency is considerably larger than the ones theorising why this should be the case. Further, in those cases where the relationship between performative technologies and teacher subjectivities is theorised, the psychological mechanisms that the technologies appeal to are seldom brought to the fore. Based on this, the purpose of this article is to theorise the psychological mechanisms that performative technologies appeal to and work through, by means of identifying, systematising and elaborating extant understandings of such mechanisms in the critical educational literature. The results are presented in the form of a conceptual framework (referred to as the CMIS‐framework) which suggests that one and the same performative technology may play many different roles, where each such role appeals to and works through a particular psychological mechanism. Importantly, depending on the type of psychological mechanism that is appealed to, the CMIS‐framework suggests that this will lead to teachers (un)consciously conducting particular forms of subjectivising work upon themselves, here referred to as compliance, mirroring, identification and self‐realisation (CMIS).
Photostability of quantum dot micelles under ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Hanagata Nobutaka
Published: February 2019

Phospholipid quantum dot micelles are useful for bio‐applications because of their amphiphilicity and exceptional biocompatibilities. We investigated the uptake of phospholipid [polyethylene glycol (PEG), biotin, and folic acid terminated] modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dot micelles by cancer cells and its photostability under ultrviolet light in the C spectrum (UV‐C) (254 nm) or UV‐A (365 nm) light irradiation. The stability of micelles to the exposure of UV‐C and UV‐A light was assessed. Biotin‐modified quantum dot micelles give photoluminescence enhancement under UV‐C light irradiation. Folate modified micelle under UV‐C and UV‐A results show considerable photoluminescence enhancement. Photoluminescence lifetime measurements showed 7.04, 8.11 and 11.42 ns for PEG, folate, and biotin terminated phospholipid micelles, respectively. Folate and biotin‐modified quantum dot micelles showed excellent uptake by HeLa cells under fluorescence confocal microscopy. Phospholipid CdSe/ZnS quantum dot micelles can be potentially used for diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the future.
Tandem Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis as a Tool for Rapid Screening of Optimal Molecular Chaperones
Authors: Yang Hyeon‐Jung , Lee Kyung‐Ho , Lim Hye Jin , Kim Dong‐Myung
Published: February 2019

A simple and flexible method is developed for rapid screening of molecular chaperones that enhance the functional expression of recombinant proteins. A panel of molecular chaperones are transiently expressed in a reaction mixture of cell‐free protein synthesis and then a target protein is subsequently expressed in the presence of these presynthesized molecular chaperones. The biological activity of the cell‐free synthesized target protein is compared to identify the effective molecular chaperones. This strategy successfully identifies individual and combinations of bacterial molecular chaperones that markedly improved the functional expression of horseradish peroxidase. The authors believe that the presented strategy provides a versatile platform for the optimal production of functional proteins, and can also be extended to studies of other interacting proteins.
Supramolecular Polymeric Hydrogels for Ultrasound‐Guided Protein Release
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Higashi Kotaro , Azuma Takashi , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: February 2019

An ultrasound‐responsive carrier for protein drugs is promising for site‐specific release of proteins at disease sites in a designated time course because ultrasound readily penetrates deep into the interior of the body in a non‐invasive way. However, the guideline for designing ultrasound‐responsive carriers that are applicable to any protein remains to be established. Here, the aim is to develop an ultrasound‐responsive material for the controlled release of a variety of proteins regardless of their charge and structure. The supramolecular polymeric hydrogel crosslinked with a host–guest interaction of β‐cyclodextrin and adamantane can enclose two kinds of model proteins and site‐specifically and stepwisely release them in an ultrasound‐guided manner without losing their activities. Furthermore, ultrasound‐guided protein delivery to living cells is achieved on model tissue consisting of cells and extracellular matrix. The results of this study provide the proof of principle that the supramolecular polymeric hydrogel is applicable as the core carrier material in an ultrasound‐guided protein delivery system.
High‐Affinity Antibody Detection with a Bivalent Circularized Peptide Containing Antibody‐Binding Domains
Authors: Zhou Fangyu , Kroetsch Andrew , Nguyen Vyncent P. , Huang Xiao , Ogoke Ogechi , Parashurama Natesh , Park Sheldon
Published: February 2019

Direct chemical labeling of antibody produces molecules with poorly defined modifications. Use of a small antibody‐binding protein as an adapter can simplify antibody functionalization by forming a specific antibody‐bound complex and introducing site‐specific modifications. To stabilize a noncovalent antibody complex that may be used without chemical crosslinking, a bivalent antibody‐binding protein is engineered with an improved affinity of interaction by joining two Z domains with a conformationally flexible linker. The linker is essential for the increase in affinity because it allows simultaneous binding of both domains. The molecule is further circularized using a split intein, creating a novel adapter protein (“lasso”), which binds human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) with K
D = 0.53 n
m and a dissociation rate that is 55‐ to 84‐fold slower than Z. The lasso contains a unique cysteine for conjugation with a reporter and may be engineered to introduce other functional groups, including a biotin tag and protease recognition sequences. When used in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the lasso generates a stronger reporter signal compared to a secondary antibody and lowers the limit of detection by 12‐fold. The small size of the lasso and a long half‐life of dissociation make the peptide a useful tool in antibody detection and immobilization.
Sesquiterpenes from the Leaves ofMagnolia delavayiFranch. and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Xie Zhang‐Qiao , Ding Lin‐Fen , Wang De‐Sheng , Nie Wei , Liu Jiang‐Xin , Qin Jing , Song Liu‐Dong , Wu Xing‐De , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: February 2019

Thirteen sesquiterpenes including eight new ones, magnodelavins A−H (1–8), were obtained from the 95 % ethanolic extract of the leaves ofMagnolia delavayiFranch. The structures of the new compounds were determined by exhaustive1H‐,13C‐, 2D‐NMR, UV, IR, and HR‐ESI‐MS data, as well as X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds9and10showed potent cytotoxic activities against HL‐60, A‐549, SMMC‐7721, MCF‐7, and SW480 human cancer cell lines in vitro using MTS assay.
Convergent Cascade Catalyzed by Monooxygenase–Alcohol Dehydrogenase Fusion Applied in Organic Media
Authors: Huang Lei , Aalbers Friso S. , Tang Wei , Röllig Robert , Fraaije Marco W. , Kara Selin
Published: February 2019

With the aim of applying redox‐neutral cascade reactions in organic media, fusions of a type II flavin‐containing monooxygenase (FMO‐E) and horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (HLADH) were designed. The enzyme orientation and expression vector were found to influence the overall fusion enzyme activity. The resulting bifunctional enzyme retained the catalytic properties of both individual enzymes. The lyophilized cell‐free extract containing the bifunctional enzyme was applied for the convergent cascade reaction consisting of cyclobutanone and butane‐1,4‐diol in different microaqueous media with only 5 % (v/v) aqueous buffer without any addition of external cofactor. Methyl tert‐butyl ether and cyclopentyl methyl ether were found to be the best organic media for the synthesis of γ‐butyrolactone, resulting in about 27 % analytical yield.
Development of Trityl Group Anchored Solubilizing Tags for Peptide and Protein Synthesis
Authors: Yoshiya Taku , Tsuda Shugo , Masuda Shun
Published: February 2019

Recently, solubilizing tag methods (Trt‐K and Trt‐R method) were developed for the challenging synthesis of peptides/proteins by means of native chemical ligation. In this system, the solubilizing tag can be attached to the Cys side chain by simply mixing the tag‐introducing reagent under acidic conditions. The tagged peptides/proteins exhibited high water solubility thanks to the introduction of redundant oligo‐Lys/Arg. In the final reaction, the tag can be quickly and cleanly detached by a standard deprotection reaction with trifluoroacetic acid. Herein, the development and application of these methods are described.
Phenazine Antibiotic‐Inspired Discovery of Bacterial Biofilm‐Eradicating Agents
Authors: Huigens Robert W. , Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Yang Hongfen
Published: February 2019

Bacterial biofilms are surface‐attached communities of slow‐growing and non‐replicating persister cells that demonstrate high levels of antibiotic tolerance. Biofilms occur in nearly 80 % of infections and present unique challenges to our current arsenal of antibiotic therapies, all of which were initially discovered for their abilities to target rapidly dividing, free‐floating planktonic bacteria. Bacterial biofilms are credited as the underlying cause of chronic and recurring bacterial infections. Innovative approaches are required to identify new small molecules that operate through bacterial growth‐independent mechanisms to effectively eradicate biofilms. One source of inspiration comes from within the lungs of young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, who often endure persistent Staphylococcus aureus infections. As these CF patients age, Pseudomonas aeruginosa co‐infects the lungs and utilizes phenazine antibiotics to eradicate the established S. aureus infection. Our group has taken a special interest in this microbial competition strategy and we are investigating the potential of phenazine antibiotic‐inspired compounds and synthetic analogues thereof to eradicate persistent bacterial biofilms. To discover new biofilm‐eradicating agents, we have established an interdisciplinary research program involving synthetic medicinal chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology. From these efforts, we have identified a series of halogenated phenazines (HPs) that potently eradicate bacterial biofilms, and future work aims to translate these preliminary findings into ground‐breaking clinical advances for the treatment of persistent biofilm infections.
Nanocomposite scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair
Authors: Farshadi Maryam , Johari Behrooz , Erfani Ezadyar Elham , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Azami Mahmoud , Madanchi Hamid , Haramshahi Seyed Mohammad Amin , Yari Abazar , Karimizade Ayoob , Nekouian Reza , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: February 2019

The mechanical property of bone tissue scaffolds is one of the most important aspects in bone tissue engineering that has remained problematic. In our previous study, we fabricated a three‐dimensional scaffold from nano‐hydroxyapatite/gelatin (nHA/Gel) and investigated its efficiency in promoting bone regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the effect of adding silicon carbide (SiC) on the mechanical and biological behaviors of the nHA/Gel/SiC and bone regeneration in vivo were determined. nHA and SiC were synthesized and characterized by the X‐ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscope image. Layer solvent casting, freeze drying, and lamination techniques were applied to prepare these scaffolds. Then, the biocompatibility and cell adhesion behavior of the synthesized nHA/Gel/SiC scaffolds were investigated. For in vivo studies, rats were categorized into three groups: blank defect, blank scaffold, and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM‐MSCs)/scaffold. After 1, 4, and 12 weeks post‐injury, the rats were sacrificed and the calvaria were harvested. Sections with a thickness of 5 µm thickness were prepared and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry was performed. Our results showed that SiC effectively increased the mechanical properties of the nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold. No significant differences were observed in biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and cytotoxicity of the nHA/Gel/SiC in comparison with the nHA/Gel nanocomposite. Based on histological and immunohistochemical studies, both osteogenesis and collagenization were significantly higher in the rBM‐MSCs/scaffold group, quantitatively and qualitatively. The present study strongly suggests the potential of SiC as an alternative strategy to improve the mechanical and biological properties of bone tissue engineering scaffolds, and shows that the pre‐seeded nHA/Gel/SiC scaffold with rBM‐MSCs improves osteogenesis in the engineered bone implant.
Titanocene‐Catalyzed Sequential Carbocarboxylation of Dienes and Alkenes with Organic Halides and Carbon Dioxide in the Presence of nBuMgCl
Authors: Hang Wei , Zou Song , Xi Chanjuan
Published: February 2019

A titanocene‐catalyzed regioselective carbocarboxylation of dienes or alkenes has been developed. This reaction proceeds efficiently to form flexible and versatile carboxylic acids in the presence of nBuMgCl by the combined use of dienes or alkenes with organic halides and CO2 as the carbon synthon and carboxyl group, respectively. 2,3‐Disubstituted 1,3‐butadienes were used to afford acrylic acids in excellent yields with various organic halides. In the most cases, the arylalkenes afforded benzylic acids in high yields under similar conditions. The titanocene catalyst plays important roles in the generation of radicals and allyl‐ or benzyl‐magnesium halides.
CuS and Cu2S as Cathode Materials for Lithium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Jiang Kyle , Chen Zonghai , Meng Xiangbo
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) take a very important role for energy storage. LIBs are dominant in consumer electronics, and they have also entered the market of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug‐in HEVs, and pure EVs. However, state‐of‐the‐art LIBs are electrochemically intercalation‐based and are still limited in energy density and power rates. To address these challenges and others (e. g. safety issues and cost), conversion‐based copper sulfides (CuxS, 1≤x≤2) have been investigated as alternative cathodes for improved electrochemical performance, that is, higher energy density, better cycling stability, and enhanced rate capability. In this work, we summarize the recent research progress on CuxS to gain a better understanding of the material's electrochemical mechanisms and develop feasible strategies for improving its performance.
Rhodium Phosphide: A New Type of Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction Catalyst with Non‐Linear Correlated Catalytic Response to pH
Authors: Yang Fulin , Bao Xi , Gong Dan , Su Lixin , Cheng Gongzhen , Chen Shengli , Luo Wei
Published: February 2019

Rh2P nanoparticles were colloidally synthesized and used as electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolyte for the first time. It was found that Rh2P exhibits remarkable catalytic performance, which is superior to Rh and even commercial Pt/C and can be attributed to the synergistic effect caused by the P atoms on the surface of Rh2P. This work might open up a new avenue for expanding the family of electrocatalysts with advanced HOR performance in alkaline electrolyte.
Guests Like Gear Levers: Donor Binding to Coordinatively Unsaturated Metal Sites in MIL‐101 Controls the Linker′s Rotation
Authors: Khudozhitkov Alexander E. , Arzumanov Sergey S. , Kolokolov Daniil I. , Kholdeeva Oxana A. , Freude Dieter , Stepanov Alexander G.
Published: February 2019

We present investigation of the effect of electron‐donor guests on framework mobility in the metal–organic framework (MOF) MIL‐101(Cr) monitored by solid state 2H NMR spectroscopy. In a guest‐free material, the mobile phenylene fragments of the terephthalate (TP) linkers populate two fractions with notably different kinetic parameters for torsional motion. Two fractions of rotational motion are indicative of non‐equivalence of TP linker binding to the Cr3O trimer, the primary building unit of the MIL‐101 framework. It is established that the interaction of the guest molecules with coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (CUS) of the MOF dramatically decreases torsional barriers for the linker motions, enhancing the rotation rate. This result is opposite to a more conventional slowing down effect on the linker rotation of the guests not selectively interacting with the adsorption sites inside the framework of the MOFs. The effect of coordination on both the torsional barrier and the rotation rate depends notably on the particular guest interacting with the CUS. The found effects of the guest on the rotational motion represent a basis for developing the strategy for ruling and controlling the linker rotation in MOFs with CUS. It is shown that if water occupies CUS, another guest (tert‐butanol, cyclohexanone) fails to competitively coordinate to the site.
Exponential Molecular Amplification by H2O2‐Mediated Autocatalytic Deprotection of Boronic Ester Probes to Redox Cyclers
Authors: Pallu Justine , Rabin Charlie , Creste Geordie , Branca Mathieu , Mavré François , Limoges Benoît
Published: February 2019

Herein, a new molecular autocatalytic reaction scheme based on a H2O2‐mediated deprotection of a boronate ester probe into a redox cycling compound is described, generating an exponential signal gain in the presence of O2 and a reducing agent or enzyme. For such a purpose, new chemosensing probes built around a naphthoquinone/naphthohydroquinone redox‐active core, masked by a self‐immolative boronic ester protecting group, were designed. With these probes, typical autocatalytic kinetic traces with characteristic lags and exponential phases were obtained by using either UV/Visible or fluorescence optical detection, or by using electrochemical monitoring. Detection of concentrations as low as 0.5 μm H2O2 and 0.5 nm of a naphthoquinone derivative were achieved in a relatively short time (<1 h). From kinetic analysis of the two cross‐activated catalytic loops associated with the autocatalysis, the key parameters governing the autocatalytic reaction network were determined, indirectly showing that the analytical performances are currently limited by the slow nonspecific self‐deprotection of boronate probes. Collectively, the present results demonstrate the potential of this new exponential molecular amplification strategy, which, owing to its generic nature and modularity, is quite promising for coupling to a wide range of bioassays involving H2O2 or redox cycling compounds, or for use as a new building block in the development of more complex chemical reaction networks.
Heterogeneous Modeling Approach for Gas‐Limited Reactions in an Inclined Rotating Fixed Bed Reactor
Authors: Timaeus Robert , Hampel Uwe , Schubert Markus
Published: February 2019

A heterogeneous modeling approach for an inclined rotating fixed bed reactor with concentric internal tube is introduced. The novel reactor is designed to intensify the mass transfer of gas‐limited heterogeneous catalyzed reactions by intermittent catalyst wetting, which is enabled exposing the packed bed to rotation and inclination. A simulation study for the hydrogenation of α‐methylstyrene is presented. In particular, the influence of period length and different wetting‐draining cycles on the space‐time yield of the reactor is analyzed.
Innovation in Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS)
Authors: Doloreux David , Frigon Anthony
Published: February 2019

This article examines the determinants of innovation in knowledge intensive business services (KIBS), generally hypothesizing that differences in the effect of the determinants of innovation depend on the type of innovation developed within KIBS. The study results are based on estimates of two econometric models using data from a survey of 392 firms in the province of Ontario, Canada. © 2019 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Role of Heterogeneous Nanopore Junction in Osmotic Power Generation
Authors: Li Hao , Xiao Feilong , Hong Gang , Su Jianjian , Li Ning , Cao Liuxuan , Wen Qi , Guo Wei
Published: February 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Osmotic power generated by mixing ionic solutions of different concentration is an underutilized clean energy resource that satisfy potentially the ever‐growing energy demand. For decades, substantial efforts are made to enhance the power density. Toward this goal, we once developed a heterogeneous nanoporous membrane comprising of heterojunctions between negatively charged mesoporous carbon and positively charged macroporous alumina to harvest electric power from salinity difference and achieved outstanding performance (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 12265). The heterogeneous nanopore junction effectively suppresses ion concentration polarization (ICP) at low concentration end, and consequently promotes the overall power density. However, to date, a systematic understanding of the role of the heterogeneous nanopore junction in osmotic energy conversion remains urgent and largely unexplored. Herein, we provide an in‐depth theoretical investigation on this issue with special emphasis on several influential factors, such as the ionic concentration, the surface charge density, and the geometry of heterogeneous part. To balance the suppression of ICP and maintenance of charge selectivity, we find that these influential factors in the heterogeneous part should be restricted to a specific range. These findings provide direct guidance for design and optimization of high‐performance nanofluidic power sources.
Management of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction: A review
Authors: Shah Ashish H. , Puri Rishi , Kalra Ankur
Published: February 2019

Despite advances in percutaneous coronary interventions and their widespread use, mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) has remained very high, and treatment options are limited. Limited evidences exist, supporting many of the routinely used therapies in treating these patients. In the present article, we discuss CS complicating MI in general and an update on the currently available treatment options, including inotropes and vasopressor, coronary revascularization, mechanical circulatory support devices, mechanical complications, and long‐term outcomes.
Combating breast cancer using combination therapy with 3 phytochemicals: Piperine, sulforaphane, and thymoquinone
Authors: Aumeeruddy M. Zakariyyah , Mahomoodally M. Fawzi
Published: February 2019

Despite the significant advances in screening methods for early diagnosis, breast cancer remains a global threat and continues to be the leading cancer diagnosed in women, requiring effective therapy. Currently, combination therapy has become the hallmark of breast cancer treatment due to the high incidence of tumor recurrence and disease progression after monotherapeutic treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Over the past decades, there has been considerable interest in studying the anticancer effect of bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants combined with these conventional therapies. The rationale for this type of therapy is to use combinations of drugs that work by different mechanisms, thereby decreasing the likelihood that cancer cells will develop resistance, and also reduce the therapeutic dose and toxicity of single treatments. Three agents have received great attention with regard to their anticancer properties: 1) piperine, a dietary phytochemical isolated from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and long pepper (Piper longum L.); 2) sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate mainly derived from cruciferous vegetables; and 3) thymoquinone, the active compound from black seed (Nigella sativa L.). This review focused on the combined effect of these 3 compounds on conventional cancer therapy with the objective of observing enhanced efficacy compared with single treatments. This review also highlights the importance of the nanoformulation of such bioactive phytochemicals that could enhance their bioavailability by providing an efficient targeted delivery system with a reduced systemic dose while resulting in a more efficient dosing at the target site.
Analysis of acute myeloid leukemia incidence and geographic distribution in Canada from 1992 to 2010 reveals disease clusters in Sarnia and other industrial US border cities in Ontario
Authors: Ghazawi Feras M. , Le Michelle , Cyr Janelle , Netchiporouk Elena , Rahme Elham , Alakel Akram , Zubarev Andrei , Powell Mathieu , Moreau Linda , Roshdy Osama , Glassman Steven J. , Sasseville Denis , Popradi Gizelle , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: February 2019

Background

Several risk factors have been implicated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) leukemogenesis. However, the epidemiologic distribution and precise triggers for AML in Canada remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, demographic data for AML patients in Canada from 1992 to 2010 were analyzed using 3 independent population‐based cancer registries. The AML incidence and mortality rates were examined at the levels of province/territory, city, and forward sortation area (FSA) postal code.

Results

In total, 18,085 patients were identified. AML incidence was documented to be 30.61 cases per million individuals per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.17‐31.06) from 1992 to 2010. Five industrial cities in Ontario were identified where incidence rates were significantly higher than the national average: Sarnia, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, and Hamilton. Analysis at the FSA postal code level identified significant patient clusters of AML in these cities. Specifically, FSA N7V in Sarnia, Ontario had an incidence of 106.81 (95% CI, 70.96‐161.86) cases per million individuals per year, which is >3 times higher than the national average. The pollution from local oil refineries and chemical plants in Sarnia may be implicated as a risk factor for AML in that city. Analysis of mortality rates at the province and city levels corroborated the findings from the incidence data.

Conclusion

These results provide a comprehensive analysis of AML burden in Canada and reveal striking geographic case clustering in industrial Ontario cities and potentially implicate exposure to materials/pollution from these plants as an important risk factor for developing AML in Canada.
The central fibroblast growth factor receptor/beta klotho system: Comprehensive mapping in Mus musculus and comparisons to nonhuman primate and human samples using an automated in situ hybridization platform
Authors: Hultman Karin , Scarlett Jarrad M. , Baquero Arian F. , Cornea Anda , Zhang Yu , Salinas Casper B. G. , Brown Jenny , Morton Gregory J. , Whalen Erin J. , Grove Kevin L. , Koegler Frank H. , Schwartz Michael W. , Mercer Aaron J.
Published: February 2019

Central activation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors regulates peripheral glucose homeostasis and reduces food intake in preclinical models of obesity and diabetes. The current work was undertaken to advance our understanding of the receptor expression, as sites of ligand action by FGF19, FGF21, and FGF1 in the mammalian brain remains unresolved. Recent advances in automated RNAscope in situ hybridization and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology allowed us to interrogate central FGFR/beta klotho (Klb) system at the cellular level in the mouse, with relevant comparisons to nonhuman primate and human brain. FGFR1‐3 gene expression was broadly distributed throughout the CNS in Mus musculus, with FGFR1 exhibiting the greatest heterogeneity. FGFR4 expression localized only in the medial habenula and subcommissural organ of mice. Likewise, Klb mRNA was restricted to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCh) and select midbrain and hindbrain nuclei. ddPCR in the rodent hypothalamus confirmed that, although expression levels are indeed low for Klb, there is nonetheless a bonafide subpopulation of Klb+ cells in the hypothalamus. In NHP and human midbrain and hindbrain, Klb + cells are quite rare, as is expression of FGFR4. Collectively, these data provide the most robust central map of the FGFR/Klb system to date and highlight central regions that may be of critical importance to assess central ligand effects with pharmacological dosing, such as the putative interactions between the endocrine FGFs and FGFR1/Klb, or FGF19 with FGFR4.
Unconstrained ear detection using ensemble‐based convolutional neural network model
Authors: Ganapathi Iyyakutti Iyappan , Prakash Surya , Dave Ishan R. , Bakshi Sambit
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a technique for ear detection from 2D profile face images that is capable of significantly reducing the false positives. In an ear biometrics system, recognition performance highly depends on the performance of the ear detection module. The trade‐off between the complexity and the false positive detection is one of the essential component, where the complexity of a system increases proportionally to achieve a zero false positive rate detection. In literature, available ear detection techniques based on handcrafted features face challenges with low‐quality acquired images affected by illumination, occlusion, and pose variations. We propose an ear detection technique using ensemble of convolutional neural network (CNN). The first part of the technique trains three models of CNN on a given dataset, whereas in later part, weighted average of the outputs of trained models is utilized to detect the ear regions. The used ensemble models show better performance as compared to the case when each individual model is used standalone. The proposed technique is being evaluated on two databases, viz, IIT Indore‐Collection A (IIT‐Col A) database and annotated web ear (AWE) database. Experimental results of ear detection demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed technique over other state‐of‐the‐art techniques in handling illumination, occlusion, and pose variations.
E‐maintenance platform design for public infrastructure maintenance based on IFC ontology and Semantic Web services
Authors: Hu Min , Liu Yunru
Published: February 2019

As an important kind of infrastructure, a tunnel's life is estimated to be 100 years or more. During its service life, an effective maintenance strategy plays an essential role in keeping its availability and safety. Maintenance work involves a set of participants, activities, and resources, and in this case, tunnel‐related data are distributed to heterogeneous information management systems in varying formats, bringing difficulties to implement effective maintenance. This paper proposes an E‐maintenance Framework for Public Infrastructure (EFPI), combining Building Information Modeling (BIM), Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), and Semantic Web technologies to help integrate heterogeneous data and expert knowledge, enable information sharing through the whole life cycle, and support maintenance managers to make effective maintenance decisions. A cost estimation case is provided in this paper to illustrate the implementation mechanism and validate the proposed approach.
Laboratory Growth and Genetic Manipulation of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Pastor‐Fernández Iván , Pegg Elaine , Macdonald Sarah E. , Tomley Fiona M. , Blake Damer P. , Marugán‐Hernández Virginia
Published: February 2019

Eimeria is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that contains a large number of species, most of which are absolutely host‐specific. Seven species have been recognized to infect chickens. Infection of susceptible chickens results in an intestinal disease called coccidiosis, characterized by mucoid or hemorrhagic enteritis, which is associated with impaired feed conversion or mortality in severe cases. Intensive farming practices have increased the significance of coccidiosis since parasite transmission is favored by high‐density housing of large numbers of susceptible chickens. Routine chemoprophylaxis and/or vaccination with live parasite vaccines provides effective control of Eimeria, although the emergence of drug resistance and the relative cost and production capacity of current vaccine lines can prove limiting. As pressure to reduce drug use in livestock production intensifies, novel vaccination strategies are needed. Development of effective protocols supporting genetic complementation of Eimeria species has until recently been hampered by their inability to replicate efficiently in vitro. Now, the availability of such protocols has raised the prospect of generating transgenic parasite lines that function as vaccine vectors to express and deliver heterologous antigens. For example, this technology has the potential to streamline the production of live anticoccidial vaccines through the generation of parasite lines that co‐express immunoprotective antigens derived from multiple Eimeria species. In this paper we describe detailed protocols for genetic manipulation, laboratory growth, and in vivo propagation of Eimeria tenella parasites, which will encourage future work from other researchers to expand biological understanding of Eimeria through reverse genetics. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Moderators and predictors of outcome in metacognitive and cognitive behavioural therapy for co‐morbid anxiety disorders
Authors: Johnson Sverre Urnes , Hoffart Asle
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to investigate whether two theoretically derived moderators of treatment, degree of worry and avoidance at pretreatment, moderated anxiety from pretreatment to post‐treatment in a randomized controlled trial comparing metacognitive therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Personality problems, degree of co‐morbidity, and demographic characteristics (work status and education) were also investigated. Seventy‐four patients with a primary diagnosis of post‐traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, or panic disorder with and without agoraphobia were analysed using multilevel modelling. There were no significant predictors of treatment outcome, indicating that the slope was not dependent on worry, avoidance, personality problems, degree of co‐morbidity, and demographic characteristics. Furthermore, no interaction with treatment condition was found. Due to the sample size, the results of the moderator analysis should be interpreted with caution and replicated. Worry, avoidance, personality problems, degree of co‐morbidity, and demographic variables did not moderate the effect of metacognitive therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy or predict treatment outcome for co‐morbid anxiety disorders. Clinical implications are discussed.
Geminal Coordinatively Unsaturated Sites on MOF‐808 for the Selective Uptake of Phenolics from a Real Bio‐Oil Mixture
Authors: Jia Chunmei , Cirujano Francisco G. , Bueken Bart , Claes Birgit , Jonckheere Dries , Van Geem Kevin M. , De Vos Dirk
Published: February 2019

The capping formate anions of the metal–organic framework (MOF) zirconium benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate (MOF‐808) were removed by a solvent exchange procedure, resulting in a formate‐free MOF‐808 sample containing “geminal” defects consisting of six coordinatively unsaturated sites (CUSs) on each of the Zr6 nodes. Adsorption experiments with this material showed that the uptake of 4‐methylguaiacol from a bio‐oil mixture was proportional to the number of defects and amounted to one mole adsorbed per mole of zirconium. The selective uptake behavior of MOF‐808 towards phenolic compounds was further evident from competitive adsorption experiments between furfuryl alcohol and 4‐methylguaiacol as well as from the excellent (20 wt % for phenolic compounds and <7 wt % for other compounds) uptake performance for real bio‐oil mixtures containing a large concentration and diversity of molecules.
Quest for Green‐Solvent Design: From Hydrophilic to Hydrophobic (Deep) Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Florindo Catarina , Branco Luís C. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: February 2019

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) consist of a mixture of two or more solid components, which gives rise to a lower melting point compared to the starting materials. Until recently only hydrophilic DESs were available, and despite their revolutionary role in the alternative‐solvents field, important issues in chemistry, and chemical engineering (such as water‐related problems and the replacement of toxic volatile organic compounds) could not be tackled. Hydrophobic (deep)—here in parenthesis due to the different depths of the eutectic melting points—eutectic solvents are a subclass of DESs where both components are hydrophobic. The low toxicity, high biodegradability, and straightforward preparation without further purification steps of naturally occurring low‐cost compounds are among the key advantages. Although research on hydrophobic DESs is scarce (the first report was only published in 2015), some interesting features and applications have been reported and deserve to be evaluated and comparisons established. This Minireview is divided into two parts: The first part provides a brief general introduction to DESs and the second part discusses the nomenclature using solid–liquid phase diagram analysis, chemical stability, thermophysical properties comparison, and finally the most important emerging fields of application.
Catalytic Performance of Nanoporous Metal Skeleton Catalysts for Molecular Transformations
Authors: Jin Tienan , Terada Masahiro , Bao Ming , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: February 2019

Nanoporous metal (MNPore) skeleton catalysts have attracted increasing attention in the field of green and sustainable heterogeneous catalysis owing to their unique three‐dimensional nanopore structural features. In general, MNPores are fabricated through chemical or electrochemical corrosive dealloying of monolithic alloys. The dealloying process produces various MNPores with an open nanoporous network structure by formation of concave and convex hyperboloid‐like ligaments. The large surface‐to‐volume ratio compared to bulk metals and high density of steps and kinks on ligaments of the unsupported MNPores make them promising heterogeneous catalyst candidates for highly active and selective molecular transformations. In this context, a variety of heterogeneous catalytic reactions using MNPores as nanocatalysts under gas‐ and liquid‐phase conditions were developed over the last decade. In addition, the bulk metallic shape and mechanistic rigidity of the MNPore catalysts make the processes of catalyst recovery and reuse more facile and greener. This Minireview mainly focuses on the catalytic performance of nanoporous Au, Pd, Cu, and AuPd with respect to the achievements on catalytic applications in various molecular transformations.
Cytological features of basal cell adenoma of salivary glands: Analysis of 19 cases emphasizing stromal spindle cells
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Okano Kimiaki , Sandoh Kaori , Ebisu Yusuke , Fujisawa Takuo , Iwai Hiroshi , Tsuta Koji
Published: February 2019

Background

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) of the salivary gland is a relatively rare benign tumor. Although the presence of stromal spindle cells is a characteristic histopathological feature, this finding has not been the focus of much attention in the cytodiagnosis of BCA. Thus, we analyzed the cytological features of BCA, especially the presence of stromal spindle cells.

Methods

Patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BCA and underwent preoperative fine‐needle aspiration cytological examination were enrolled in this study. The cytological characteristics including arrangement and shape of the neoplastic cells, nuclear and cytoplasmic features, and the presence of stromal spindle cells were reviewed.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled in the study. The cytological specimens were cellular and composed of small or large clusters or both. The neoplastic cells had scant cytoplasm and small round to oval nuclei. Basement membrane‐like material was observed in 57.9%, and peripheral palisading was noted in 84.2%. Loose aggregates of stromal spindle cells were present in 63.2%, and the stromal spindle cells shown in the histological examination of 85.7% of cases were expressed in the cytological specimens.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrated the relatively high frequency of stromal spindle cells in cytological specimens of BCA. This finding is characteristic of BCA, and therefore, the combination of cytological features, including packed clusters of neoplastic cells with scant cytoplasm and small nuclei, peripheral palisading, and basement membrane‐like material, and the presence of stromal spindle cells could increase the diagnostic success of BCA.