bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Highly Efficient Self‐Healing Elastomer with Unprecedented Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Luzhi , Liu Zenghe , Wu Xueli , Guan Qingbao , Chen Shuo , Sun Lijie , Guo Yifan , Wang Shuliang , Song Jianchun , Jeffries Eric Meade , He Chuanglong , Qing Feng‐Ling , Bao Xiaoguang , You Zhengwei
Published: April 2019

It is highly desirable, although very challenging, to develop self‐healable materials exhibiting both high efficiency in self‐healing and excellent mechanical properties at ambient conditions. Herein, a novel Cu(II)–dimethylglyoxime–urethane‐complex‐based polyurethane elastomer (Cu–DOU–CPU) with synergetic triple dynamic bonds is developed. Cu–DOU–CPU demonstrates the highest reported mechanical performance for self‐healing elastomers at room temperature, with a tensile strength and toughness up to 14.8 MPa and 87.0 MJ m−3, respectively. Meanwhile, the Cu–DOU–CPU spontaneously self‐heals at room temperature with an instant recovered tensile strength of 1.84 MPa and a continuously increased strength up to 13.8 MPa, surpassing the original strength of all other counterparts. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the coordination of Cu(II) plays a critical role in accelerating the reversible dissociation of dimethylglyoxime–urethane, which is important to the excellent performance of the self‐healing elastomer. Application of this technology is demonstrated by a self‐healable and stretchable circuit constructed from Cu–DOU–CPU.
Morphosynthesis of 3D Macroporous Garnet Frameworks and Perfusion of Polymer‐Stabilized Lithium Salts for Flexible Solid‐State Hybrid Electrolytes
Authors: Li Ruguang , Guo Songtao , Yu Le , Wang Libin , Wu Dabei , Li Yaqian , Hu Xianluo
Published: April 2019

Solid‐state lithium‐ion‐conducting membranes are emerging as a promising electrolyte for rechargeable lithium batteries. However, their reliable and scalable preparation still remain challenges, due to low room‐temperature ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes and inherent brittleness of ceramic inorganic electrolytes. Herein, a simple and cost‐effective morphogenetic route is developed for fabricating hierarchically nanostructured 3D garnet‐type Li7La3Zr2O12 monoliths by using degreasing cotton as a template. Nanostructuring of 3D Li+‐conducting frameworks offers interconnected and continuous Li+‐transport pathways in a poly(ethylene oxide)‐based composite electrolyte. The as‐fabricated solid‐state composite electrolyte is flexible and exhibits an enhanced Li‐ion conductivity of 0.89 × 10−4 S cm−1 as well as a large stable electrochemical window up to 5.5 V versus Li/Li+. The symmetric lithium cell using the 3D‐architectured electrolyte shows good cycling stability at different current densities. Furthermore, the LiFePO4 (+) | hybrid electrolyte | Li (−) battery working at 30 °C exhibits outstanding rate capability and cyclability and delivers a high coulombic efficiency of nearly 100% at a current density of 0.2 C (1 C = 170 mA g−1). The present fabrication route is easy and effective and holds promise for scaled‐up production.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Functionalized Strontium Ferrite in Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Conducting Network: A High‐Performance EMI Shielding Material
Authors: Dalal Jasvir , Lather Sushma , Gupta Anjli , Tripathi Rahul , Maan Anup Singh , Singh Kuldeep , Ohlan Anil
Published: April 2019

The advent of nanotechnology leading to high‐frequency device realization has resulted in a rapid increase in radiation pollution. The synthesis of core–shell morphology based poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/ reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites incorporated with SrFe12O19 nanoparticles via in situ emulsion polymerization is a step to control ever‐increasing radiation pollution. For electromagnetic (EM) shielding, impedance matching, and absorption of EM wave being the two key parameters. RGO and PEDOT establish an interconnected conducting network inside the PEDOT matrix and the resulting conductive pathway provides better impedance matching for the incident radiation. The RGO sheets decorated with ferrite nanoparticles strengthen the mechanism of the shielding by absorbing incoming EM radiation. The synergic coupling of the magneto‐dielectric characteristics of nanocomposites result in high electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of 42.29 dB at 12.4 GHz for 2.5 mm thick sample. The SE is mainly dominated by absorption and also measured as a function of thickness resulting in SE(max) value of 62 dB at a thickness of 4.66 mm. The present set of nanocomposites are found to exhibit attenuation of more than 99.999% and have the potential for commercial application in EM shielding.
Light Driven Active Transition of Switching Modes in Homogeneous Oxides/Graphene Heterostructure
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Zeng Kelin , Zhu Xin , Ding Guanglong , Zou Ting , Zhang Chen , Zhou Kui , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: April 2019

Depending on the mobile species involved in the resistive switching process, redox random access memories and conductive bridge random access memories are widely studied with distinct switching mechanisms. Although the two resistance switching types have faithfully proved to be electrochemically linked in metal oxide‐based memristive devices, the corresponding photo‐induced transition has not yet been realized. Here, a photo‐induced transition through the integration of a graphene layer into a titanium oxide‐based memory device is demonstrated. Coupled with Raman mapping and an electron energy loss spectroscopy technique, the photo‐induced interaction at the heterostructure of graphene/titanium oxide are considered to dominate the transition process. Moreover, a negative differential resistance effect is observed by controlling the applied voltage, which can be credited to the saturation of trap centers (oxygen vacancies) and the increase of interfacial barrier at the graphene/titanium oxide heterojunction.
Chemical Origins of Electrochemical Overpotential in Surface‐Conversion Nanocomposite Cathodes
Authors: Jung Sung‐Kyun , Hwang Insang , Choi Il Rok , Yoon Gabin , Park Joo Ha , Park Kyu‐Young , Kang Kisuk
Published: April 2019

A new branch of promising nanocomposite cathode materials for rechargeable batteries based on non‐intercalation materials has been recently discovered. However, all the nanocomposite cathodes reported thus far suffer from a large overpotential in the first charge, which hinders the activation and lowers the energy efficiency. Here, a series of model nanocomposites consisting of MnO and various metal fluorides (LiF, NaF, KF, RbF, CsF, MgF2, CaF2, and AlF3) to identify the key parameters affecting the activation and overpotential in the first charge are evaluated. It is demonstrated that the F 1s binding energy of the metal fluorides is a plausible indicator of the overpotential in the first charge as well as the subsequent reversible discharge capacity. The stability of the cation in the electrolyte and its solvation nature are also shown to affect the overall activation process. Finally, it is proposed that appropriate tuning of the binding energy of metal fluorides (e.g., by forming solid solutions such as LiCsF2) is a feasible approach to reduce the overpotential and increase the reversible capacity. The findings broaden the current understanding of surface‐conversion nanocomposite chemistries, thus providing guidelines for the design of nanomixture cathode materials for rechargeable batteries.
Flexible Pyrene/Phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole‐Based Memristive Devices for Mimicking Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Ren Yi , Chang Chih-Li , Ting Li-Yu , Zhou Li , Mao Jing-Yu , Zhang Shi-Rui , Chou Ho-Hsiu , Yang Jia-Qin , Zhou Ye , Han Su-Ting
Published: April 2019

Emulation of memory and learning functionalities of biological synapses using a two‐terminal electronic device with bidirectional progressive conductance modulation is an indispensable move toward the development of bio‐inspired neuromorphic networks. Herein, a small molecule 1‐phenyl‐2‐(4‐(pyren‐1‐yl)phenyl)‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (pPPI) is synthesized, and an organic synaptic device is investigated with bipolar resistive switching characteristics and bidirectional gradual conductance regulation for the first time. A facile solution‐processing approach can be used to deposit a uniform active layer on flexible substrates. Our pPPI‐based nonvolatile memory presents a superior electrical performance, such as relatively stable and reproducible bipolar resistive switching phenomena and a robust data retention capability. In particular, our device displays a remarkably large switching window of around 7.0 × 107, which is a record ON/OFF ratio compared with other small molecule‐based memories up to now. In addition, comprehensive cognitive functions of chemical synapses, for example, the excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired‐pulse facilitation/depression (PPF/PPD), spike‐rate‐dependent plasticity (SRDP), and spike‐time‐dependent plasticity (STDP) are successfully achieved. Our achievement of a synaptic device based on small molecules may boost the development of bio‐inspired neuromorphic systems using organic electronics.
Catalytic and Enantioselective Diels‐Alder Reaction of Siloxydienes
Authors: Harada Shinji , Nishida Atsushi
Published: April 2019

Diels‐Alder reaction is one of the most well‐known named reactions in organic chemistry. It involves a diene substrate and a dienophile substrate. Among dienes, siloxydiene is a reactive substrate that is often used in Diels‐Alder reaction. In general, Diels‐Alder reaction is promoted by an acidic reagent. In many cases, the stereoselectivity of the reaction is also controlled by acids. However, siloxydienes are labile under acidic conditions. Thus, it should be difficult to develop a reaction using siloxydiene as a substrate. Nevertheless, siloxydienes are still used in synthetic organic chemistry, and most reactions are performed under thermal activation conditions. In this minireview, we summarize the reported examples of catalytic and enantioselective Diels‐Alder reactions of siloxydienes based on the structure of the diene. We present the activation methods used, the existing problems, and a clue for the further development of this annulation chemistry.
Potassium‐Persulfate‐Promoted Regioselective Azidation/Cyclization of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ning , Li Qiang , Fang Yi‐Lin , Gao Le‐Han , Song Si‐Zhe , Dong Youren , Wei Wen‐Ting
Published: April 2019

An efficient, environmentally benign and sustainable method for the synthesis of 2‐pyrrolidinones from 1,6‐enynes via an unusual regioselective azidation/cyclization is described. The products have been obtained in good yields without the assistance of any transition‐metal catalysts or ligands. To demonstrate the utility of this protocol, the azidation products are converted to a synthetically valuable amine or triazole. This azidation cyclization involves a radical process, allows a regioselective way toward the formation of one C−N bond and one C−C bond.
Elderly‐onset acute necrotizing encephalopathy mimicking severe heat stroke: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Odagiri Arisa , Yamaoka Ayumu , Miyata Kei , Bunya Naofumi , Kasai Takehiko , Takeyama Yoshihiro , Uemura Shuji , Mikami Takeshi , Narimatsu Eichi
Published: April 2019

Background

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), known as influenza‐associated encephalitis, typically affects children.

Case presentation

A 70‐year‐old woman was admitted to the hospital with altered consciousness, a high temperature, and severe hypotension. Computed tomography (CT) of the head showed no abnormalities; thus, a diagnosis of suspected severe heat stroke was made. On day 2, repeated head CT revealed bilateral symmetrical lesions to the thalamus, and a rapid influenza antigen test was positive. Based on the CT findings and the medical history of influenza, a differential diagnosis of ANE was made. Subsequently, brain edema spread across the whole brain, and the patient died on day 21.

Conclusion

In elderly patients, differentiating ANE from severe heat stroke in a high‐temperature environment is difficult because of the similarities in clinical symptoms due to multiple organ failure.
Flow diversion for treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Mechanism and implications
Authors: Chua Melissa M. J. , Silveira Luke , Moore Justin , Pereira Vitor M. , Thomas Ajith J. , Dmytriw Adam A.
Published: April 2019

Flow diverters are new generation stents that have recently garnered a large amount of interest for use in treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Flow diverters reduce blood flow into the aneurysm, with redirection along the path of the parent vessel. Flow stagnation into the aneurysm and neck coverage with subsequent endothelialization are the important synergistic mechanisms by which the therapy acts. Several studies have examined the mechanisms by which flow diverters subsequently lead to aneurysm occlusion. This review aims to provide a general overview of the flow diverters and their mechanism of action and potential implications. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:793–800.
TMEM106B Effect on cognition in Parkinson disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Tropea Thomas F. , Mak Jordan , Guo Michael H. , Xie Sharon X. , Suh Eunran , Rick Jacqueline , Siderowf Andrew , Weintraub Daniel , Grossman Murray , Irwin David , Wolk David A. , Trojanowski John Q. , Van Deerlin Vivianna , Chen‐Plotkin Alice S.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Common variants near TMEM106B associate with risk of developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Emerging evidence suggests a role for TMEM106B in neurodegenerative processes beyond FTD. We evaluate the effect of TMEM106B genotype on cognitive decline across multiple neurogenerative diseases.

Methods

We longitudinally followed 870 subjects with diagnoses of Parkinson disease (PD; n = 179), FTD (n = 179), Alzheimer disease (AD; n = 300), memory‐predominant mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 75), or neurologically normal control subjects (NC; n = 137) at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). All participants had annual Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE; median follow‐up duration = 3.0 years) and were genotyped at TMEM106B index single nucleotide polymorphism rs1990622. Genotype effects on cognition were confirmed by extending analyses to additional cognitive instruments (Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 [DRS‐2] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) and to an international validation cohort (Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative [PPMI], N = 371).

Results

The TMEM106B rs1990622T allele, linked to increased risk of FTD, associated with greater MMSE decline over time in PD subjects but not in AD or MCI subjects. For FTD subjects, rs1990622T associated with more rapid decrease in MMSE only under the minor‐allele, rs1990622C, dominant model. Among PD patients, rs1990622T carriers from the UPenn cohort demonstrated more rapid longitudinal decline in DRS‐2 scores. Finally, in the PPMI cohort, TMEM106B risk allele carriers demonstrated more rapid longitudinal decline in MoCA scores.

Interpretation

Irrespective of cognitive instrument or cohort assessed, TMEM106B acts as a genetic modifier for cognitive trajectory in PD. Our results implicate lysosomal dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline in 2 different proteinopathies. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:801–811.
Highly filled multilayer thermoplastic/graphene conducting composite structures with high strength and thermal stability for electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Joseph Jomy , Koroth Ajith K. , John Dina A. , Sidpara Ajay M. , Paul Jinu
Published: April 2019

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/graphene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene nanocomposites were made by solution casting technique with graphene weight fractions of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Multilayer structures of the composites were made by hot compression technique to study their electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). Tensile strength, hardness, and storage modulus of the nanocomposites were studied in relation with graphene weight fraction. There has been a substantial increase in the electrical conductivity and EMI SE of the composites with 15–20% filler loading. Differential thermal analysis of the composites shows improved thermal stability with an increase in graphene loading. PMMA/graphene composites have better thermal stability, whereas PVC/graphene composites have superior mechanical properties. About 2 mm thick multilayer structures of PMMA/graphene and PVC/graphene composites show a maximum EMI SE of 21 dB and 31 dB, respectively, in the X band at 20 wt % graphene loading. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47792.
Carbonized thiourea formaldehyde resin blending polypyrrole hollow spheres composites with improved supercapacitor performances as electrodes
Authors: Jiang Feng , Ge Zhongsheng , Niu Ben , Yuan Mengying , Wei Suying , Li Mei
Published: April 2019

Thiourea formaldehyde resin has been condensation‐polymerized in the polypyrrole hollow spheres suspension to obtain TF/PPy. Then, TF/PPy has been carbonized at 750 °C to acquire CTF/PPy composites. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images were used to observe the morphology of the samples, TGA, XRD, Raman, XPS, and BET were used to analyze the structure of the materials. The results show PPy was blended with the TF resin, and the obtained CTF/PPy exhibited improved supercapacitive performances compared with CTF. The specific capacitance of CTF/PPy is 226.8 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 according to GCD curves, much higher than that of CTF. More interestingly, the cycling retention of CTF/PPy electrode at the current density of 10 A g−1 is up to 120.2% after 10 000 cycles. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47816.
Preparation of 4A zeolite coated polypropylene membrane for lithium‐ion batteries separator
Authors: Shekarian Ehsan , Jafari Nasr Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Toraj , Bakhtiari Omid , Javanbakht Mehran
Published: April 2019

This study aims to improve wettability and thermal resistance of lithium‐ion batteries separators. For this purpose, a commercial polypropylene (PP) separator was coated by 4A zeolite using poly(vinylidene fluoride) as binder and effects of the separators' zeolite content was investigated. All the coated separators showed lower contact angles, higher electrolyte uptakes, and less thermal shrinkages compared to the neat commercial separator. The coated PPA8 separator (zeolite to binder ratio of 8) showed the lowest wettability (contact angle of 0°) and electrolyte uptake (270%) due to its surface porosity resulting from the zeolite particles interstitial cavities as well as their internal cavities. Also, the PPA8 separator ion conductivity was found as 2.25 mS cm−1 and C‐rate and cycling performance of its assembled battery were higher compared to those of the commercial PP separator assembled battery. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47841.
Phenotypic variation of cassava root traits and their responses to drought
Authors: Kengkanna Jitrana , Jakaew Phissinee , Amawan Suwaluk , Busener Natalie , Bucksch Alexander , Saengwilai Patompong
Published: April 2019

Premise of the Study

The key to increased cassava production is balancing the trade‐off between marketable roots and traits that drive nutrient and water uptake. However, only a small number of protocols have been developed for cassava roots. Here, we introduce a set of new variables and methods to phenotype cassava roots and enhance breeding pipelines.

Methods

Different cassava genotypes were planted in pot and field conditions under well‐watered and drought treatments. We developed cassava shovelomics and used digital imaging of root traits (DIRT) to evaluate geometrical root traits in addition to common traits (e.g., length, number).

Results

Cassava shovelomics and DIRT were successfully implemented to extract root phenotypes, and a large phenotypic variation for root traits was observed. Significant correlations were found among root traits measured manually and by DIRT. Drought significantly decreased shoot dry weight, total root number, and root length by 84%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. High adventitious root number was associated with increased shoot dry weight (r = 0.44) under drought.

Discussion

Our methods allow for high‐throughput cassava root phenotyping, which makes a breeding program targeting root traits feasible. We suggest that root number is a breeding target for improved cassava production under drought.
A Simple Paradigm for Augmenting the Euclidean Index to Reflect Journal Impact and Visibility
Authors: Haley M. Ryan
Published: April 2019

This article offers an adjustment to the recently developed Euclidean Index (Perry and Reny, 2016). The proposed companion metric reflects the impact of the journal in which an article appears; the rationale for incorporating this information is to reflect higher costs of production and higher review standards, and to mitigate the heavily truncated citation counts that often arise in promotion, renewal, and tenure deliberations. Additionally, focusing jointly on citations and journal impact diversifies the assessment process, and can thereby help avoid misjudging scholars with modest citation counts in high‐level journals. A combination of both metrics is also proposed, which nests each as a special case. The approach is demonstrated using a generic journal ranking metric, but can be adapted to most any stated or revealed preference measure of journal impact.
Enhanced Social Dominance and Altered Neuronal Excitability in the Prefrontal Cortex of Male KCC2b Mutant Mice
Authors: Anacker Allison M. J. , Moran Jacqueline T. , Santarelli Sara , Forsberg C. Gunnar , Rogers Tiffany D. , Stanwood Gregg D. , Hall Benjamin J. , Delpire Eric , Veenstra‐VanderWeele Jeremy , Saxe Michael D.
Published: April 2019

The K‐Cl cotransporter KCC2 is essential in the development of the “GABA switch” that produces a change in neuronal responses to GABA signaling from excitatory to inhibitory early in brain development, and alterations in this progression have previously been hypothesized to play a causal role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated the KCC2b (Slc12a5) heterozygous knockout mouse using a battery of rodent behavioral tests relevant to core and comorbid ASD symptoms. Compared to wild‐type littermates, KCC2+/− mice were normal in standard measures of locomotor activity, grooming and digging behaviors, and social, vocalization, and anxiety‐like behaviors. However, KCC2+/− mice exhibited increased social dominance behaviors and increased amplitude of spontaneous postsynaptic currents in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) that were previously implicated in governing social hierarchy and dominance behaviors. Treatment of wild‐type mouse brain slices with the KCC2 inhibitor VU0240511 increased the amplitude and frequency of excitatory postsynaptic currents, partially recapitulating the phenotype of KCC2+/− mice. These findings indicate that the activity of KCC2 plays a role in social dominance, in parallel with effects on PFC signaling, further suggesting that KCC2 function has some relevance to social behavior but without the breadth of impact on autism‐like behavior suggested by previous studies. Further testing could assess whether KCC2 alters other circuits and whether additional factors such as environmental insults may precipitate autism‐related behavioral phenotypes. Autism Research 2019, 12: 732–743. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

A mouse model of altered chloride transporter expression was used to look for a role in behaviors and brain function relevant to autism. There was an imbalance in signaling in the prefrontal cortex, and increased social dominance behavior, although other autism‐related behaviors were not changed. These findings indicate that altered chloride transporter function affects prefrontal cortex function and social dominance without a broader impact on autism‐like behaviors.
Techno‐economic analysis of levoglucosan production via fast pyrolysis of cotton straw in China
Authors: Wang Junqi , Lu Zhoumin , Shah Ajay
Published: April 2019

The pyrolysis of cotton straw is a promising technology because a large variety of chemical species can be produced from the thermal degradation of biomass. A more promising chemical, levoglucosan, was the subject of this study. A techno‐economic analysis of a plant producing levoglucosan via fast pyrolysis of cotton straw and extraction of levoglucosan from the produced bio‐oil was conducted by modeling a 200 000 ton per year feedstock‐processing plant. Experimental and modeling data were gathered from recent publications and used for analysis. For the modeled feedstock handling capacity, the results indicated that levoglucosan production capacity could reach around 18 000 tons per year. The estimated levoglucosan net production cost, including byproduct credits, was $3.0/kg. Sensitivity analysis also showed that the yield of levoglucosan from bio‐oil, the cotton straw cost, the calcium hydroxide cost, the hydrochloric acid concentration, and the number of days of operation are the main factors in levoglucosan net production costs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The impact of rewarding medium effort and the role of sample size
Authors: Erev Ido , Gilboa Freedman Gail , Roth Yefim
Published: April 2019

We take the point‐of‐view of designers of incentive systems who cannot reward the behavior they most desire, and must decide whether to reward a less desired behavior. For example, when it is difficult to distinguish between the desired high‐effort strategy from a low‐effort “mimicry” strategy, policy makers may choose instead to reward medium levels of effort. Experiments 1 and 2 examine situations in which participants (the subjects of the policy) base their decisions on personal experience obtained in 100 choices with immediate feedback. The results show that rewarding medium levels of effort is effective in "reckless shortcut" settings (where a low‐effort strategy impairs participants' expected return but provides the best payoff in most cases), and is counterproductive in "treasure‐hunt shortcut" settings (where a low‐effort strategy maximizes the expected return, but provides the worst payoff in most cases). Experiment 3 suggests that this pattern is intensified when participants base their decisions on the experience of other agents. The aggregate choice rates can be captured with a two‐stage naïve sampler model that assumes reliance on small samples of past experiences, and a decrease in the sample size when learning from the experience of others. Importantly, the descriptive value of the reliance on small samples hypothesis is not a result of a tendency to rely on the most recent experiences. These findings can be explained by assuming that people rely on those experiences, which seem most similar to the current task, and that the experiences of others seem less similar.
Inferior parietal lobule and early visual areas support elicitation of individualized meanings during narrative listening
Authors: Saalasti Satu , Alho Jussi , Bar Moshe , Glerean Enrico , Honkela Timo , Kauppila Minna , Sams Mikko , Jääskeläinen Iiro P.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

When listening to a narrative, the verbal expressions translate into meanings and flow of mental imagery. However, the same narrative can be heard quite differently based on differences in listeners' previous experiences and knowledge. We capitalized on such differences to disclose brain regions that support transformation of narrative into individualized propositional meanings and associated mental imagery by analyzing brain activity associated with behaviorally assessed individual meanings elicited by a narrative.

Methods

Sixteen right‐handed female subjects were instructed to list words that best described what had come to their minds while listening to an eight‐minute narrative during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The fMRI data were analyzed by calculating voxel‐wise intersubject correlation (ISC) values. We used latent semantic analysis (LSA) enhanced with Wordnet knowledge to measure semantic similarity of the produced words between subjects. Finally, we predicted the ISC with the semantic similarity using representational similarity analysis.

Results

We found that semantic similarity in these word listings between subjects, estimated using LSA combined with WordNet knowledge, predicting similarities in brain hemodynamic activity. Subject pairs whose individual semantics were similar also exhibited similar brain activity in the bilateral supramarginal and angular gyrus of the inferior parietal lobe, and in the occipital pole.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate, using a novel method to measure interindividual differences in semantics, brain mechanisms giving rise to semantics and associated imagery during narrative listening. During listening to a captivating narrative, the inferior parietal lobe and early visual cortical areas seem, thus, to support elicitation of individual meanings and flow of mental imagery.
Can acetylcysteine ameliorate cisplatin‐induced toxicities and oxidative stress without decreasing antitumor efficacy? A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial involving patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Visacri Marília B. , Quintanilha Júlia C. F. , de Sousa Vanessa M. , Amaral Laís S. , de F. L. Ambrósio Rosiane , Calonga Luciane , Curi Silvia F. B. B. , de T. Leme Mayra F. , Chone Carlos T. , Altemani João M. C. , Mazzola Priscila G. , Malaguti Carina , Vercesi Aníbal E. , Lima Carmen S. P. , Moriel Patricia
Published: April 2019

The protective antioxidant activity of acetylcysteine (NAC) against toxicity due to cisplatin has been reported in experimental models; however, its efficacy in patients has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of NAC on cisplatin‐induced toxicity and the effect of NAC on clinical response and oxidative stress in patients treated for head and neck cancer. This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted in patients receiving high‐dose cisplatin chemotherapy concomitant to radiotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned to groups and received: (a) 600 mg NAC syrup, orally once daily at night for 7 consecutive days or (b) placebo, administered similarly to NAC. Nephro‐, oto‐, hepato‐, myelo‐, and gastrointestinal toxicities, clinical responses, and plasma and cellular markers of oxidative stress were evaluated. Fifty‐seven patients were included (n = 28, NAC arm; and n = 29, placebo arm). A high prevalence of most types of toxicities was observed after cisplatin chemotherapy; however, the parameters were similar between the two groups. There was a predominance of partial response to treatment. In the cellular and plasmatic oxidative stress analyses, minor differences were observed. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for all outcomes. These findings show that low‐dose oral NAC does not protect patients with head and neck cancer from cisplatin‐induced toxicities and oxidative stress. The antitumor efficacy of cisplatin was apparently not impaired by NAC.
Epidermal growth factor‐containing fibulin‐like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) suppressed the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by promoting Semaphorin 3B(SEMA3B)
Authors: Hu Jiangfeng , Duan Bensong , Jiang Weiliang , Fu Sengwang , Gao Hengjun , Lu Lungen
Published: April 2019

Aim

Epidermal growth factor‐containing fibulin‐like extracellular matrix protein 1(EFEMP1) has been found to be involved in the occurrence and development of many cancers. The relationship between EFEMP1 and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular mechanism are not fully understood.

Methods

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and tissue microarray were used to detect the expression of EFEMP1 in HCC cell lines and tissue. Methylation‐specific PCR assay was used to measure the methylation level of EFEMP1 in HCC cell lines and tissue. To study the function of EFEMP1 on cell function, Huh7 and HepG2 were infected with lentiviral particles expressing EFEMP1. MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to examine the effect of EFEMP1 on cell proliferation. Annexin‐VAPC/7‐AAD double were used to detect the effect of EFEMP1 on cell apoptosis. To further detect the effect of EFEMP1 on the development of HCC in vivo, we performed the tumor formation experiment in nude mice. Gene chip was used to detect the expression profile of Huh7 and HepG2 overexpressing EFEMP1. To further screen out the differences, GO analysis and pathway analysis were performed. To study the effects of SEMA3B, specific siRNA was used to inhibit the expression of SEMA3B. Chi‐squared test and rank sum test were used to analyze the relationship between EFEMP1 expression and HCC clinical characteristic.

Results

The study found that the expression of EFEMP1 was significantly decreased in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. The expression level of EFEMP1 was related to the TNM (the extent of the tumor, the extent of spread to the lymph nodes, the presence of metastasis) stage and the prognosis of patients with HCC. The decrease of protein expression suggested that the patient prognosis was worse, and the protein level of EFEMP1 may be an independent factor in the prognosis of HCC patients. Promoter methylation may be one of the reasons for EFEMP1 inhibition. EFEMP1 could inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells to regulate the development of HCC. And EFEMP1 promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells mainly through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. EFEMP1 may inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells through the SEMA3B gene in the Axon guidance pathway.

Conclusion

In summary, our research revealed the regulation of EFEMP1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCC. EFEMP1 may suppress the growth of HCC cells by promoting SEMA3B.
Yeast Synthetic Terminators: Fine Regulation of Strength through Linker Sequences
Authors: Wang Zhaoxia , Wei Linna , Sheng Yue , Zhang Genlin
Published: April 2019

The design of improved synthetic components is an important research field in synthetic biology. The terminator, responsible for terminating gene transcription, is a necessary component for yeast gene expression. The efficiency element, the positioning element and the poly(A) site have been identified as the constituent parts necessary for the yeast terminator to perform its function. However, the functions of linker 1 (situated between the efficiency element and the positioning element) and linker 2 [between the positioning element and the poly(A) site] in the terminator are still controversial. Here, we have thus designed and synthesized a yeast synthetic terminator library incorporating random 10 bp linker 1 units. For indirect characterization of the strengths of 266 synthetic terminators with the aid of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), their fluorescence intensity (FI) values were determined; they ranged from 2.3648 to 3.5270, thus indicating that the strength of yeast terminator can be finely adjusted by changing the linker 1 sequence. The strength increased with decreasing GC content in linker 1, with a T‐rich linker 1 helping to enhance terminator strength further. Reducing the stem length can increase the gene expression in cases of weak and medium‐strength terminators but decreases the gene expression of strong terminators. Deletion of linker 2 seems to have a positive effect on weak and medium‐strength terminators. Construction of a lycopene biosynthesis pathway with synthetic terminators effectively regulated lycopene synthesis, thus indicating that it is highly feasible to use terminators for fine regulation of gene and pathway expression.
Brentuximab vedotin as monotherapy for unresectable breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Stack Anthony , Levy Isaac
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

BI‐ALCL is a rare CD30+ T‐cell malignancy, which is known to complicate textured breast implants. The CD30‐targeting immunoconjugate, brentuximab vedotin, has been suggested for invasive BI‐ALCL; however, its efficacy for unresectable BI‐ALCL has not been demonstrated. We present a case of unresectable BI‐ALCL, which was successfully treated with brentuximab vedotin.
Effect of Substituents on Partial Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols Assisted by Polymeric C3N4
Authors: Krivtsov Igor , Ilkaeva Marina , García‐López Elisa I. , Marcì Giuseppe , Palmisano Leonardo , Bartashevich Ekaterina , Grigoreva Ekaterina , Matveeva Ksenia , Díaz Eva , Ordóñez Salvador
Published: April 2019

In the present work we scrutinize the effect of substituents in the phenyl ring of the benzyl alcohol on its photo‐oxidation to the corresponding benzaldehyde driven by polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst in aqueous medium. It has been established that electron donating (ED) substituents in para‐ and ortho‐position with respect to the CH2OH‐group promote the reactivity of the substrate without compromising the selectivity towards benzaldehyde formation, maintaining it in the range of 84–98 %, if compared to the unsubstituted molecule. The same observation is true for meta‐substituted benzyl alcohol with an electron withdrawing (EW) group. On the other hand, the presence of ED‐group in meta‐position or EW‐group in para‐position with respect to the CH2OH‐group reduces the reactivity as well as the selectivity towards the aldehyde production, resulting in the values of selectivity ranging from 40 to 80 %. Quantum chemical calculations have allowed to establish that the reactivity correlates with the positive charge on the benzylic carbon in benzyl alcohol cation intermediate, while the selectivity, most probably, is conditioned by a negative charge on the carbon atoms in the phenyl ring being a target for an electrophile attack. The modification of the polymeric C3N4 photocatalyst with H2O2 reduces the unselective benzyl alcohol oxidation, thus favouring the higher selectivity towards benzaldehyde production.
Atomistic Models for Highly‐Dispersed PtSn/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts: Ductility and Dilution Affect the Affinity for Hydrogen
Authors: Gorczyca Agnès , Raybaud Pascal , Moizan Virginie , Joly Yves , Chizallet Céline
Published: April 2019

Supported platinum‐based sub‐nanometric particles play a central role in many catalytic applications. In particular, platinum‐tin active phases supported on γ‐Al2O3 are largely employed for dehydrogenation of alkanes and catalytic reforming of naphtha cuts, although geometric and electronic effects of the active phase in the presence of hydrogen still remains highly debated. Thanks to periodic density functional theory (DFT), we propose structural models of such systems containing thirteen metal atoms (PtxSn13‐x with 0≤x≤13) deposited on the (100) γ‐Al2O3 surface. We thus unravel the intricate effects of the composition (Pt/Sn ratio), of the support (γ‐Al2O3) and the hydrogen coverage on the stability of platinum‐tin sub‐nanometric clusters, in the case where tin is reduced (Sn0). A detailed investigation of the interaction of the supported Pt10Sn3 cluster with hydrogen by velocity‐scaled molecular dynamics provides a mapping of the hydrogen coverage as a function of the operating conditions (T, P(H2)). Our study highlights significant differences between Pt13 and PtxSn13‐x clusters in terms of ductility and dilution (also called ensemble) effects which may be at the origin of the different reactivities usually reported for Pt and PtSn supported catalysts.
Influence of Operating Conditions for Fast Pyrolysis and Pyrolysis Oil Production in a Conical Spouted‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Park Hoon Chae , Lee Byeong-Kyu , Yoo Ho Seong , Choi Hang Seok
Published: April 2019

Fast pyrolysis experiments of larch sawdust were conducted in a conical spouted‐bed reactor to study the influences of reaction temperature, inlet gas velocity, feeding rate, and particle size on the product yield and pyrolysis oil quality. For the first time, the optimal conditions were determined for various pyrolysis operations of such reactor to increase the yield and quality of pyrolysis oil. The results demonstrate that the biomass particle size, reaction temperature, biomass feeding rate, and inlet gas velocity all affected the quality and yield of the pyrolysis oil, in this order.
A “Multi‐Heavy‐Atom” Approach toward Biphotonic Photosensitizers with Improved Singlet‐Oxygen Generation Properties
Authors: Galland Margaux , Le Bahers Tangui , Banyasz Akos , Lascoux Noëlle , Duperray Alain , Grichine Alexei , Tripier Raphaël , Guyot Yannick , Maynadier Marie , Nguyen Christophe , Gary‐Bobo Magali , Andraud Chantal , Monnereau Cyrille , Maury Olivier
Published: April 2019

Two trispicolinate 1,4,7‐triazacyclonane (TACN)‐based ligands bearing three picolinate biphotonic antennae were synthetized and their Yb3+ and Gd3+ complexes isolated. One series differs from the other by the absence (L1)/presence (L2) of bromine atoms on the antenna backbone, offering respectively improved optical and singlet‐oxygen generation properties. Photophysical properties of the ligands, complexes and micellar Pluronic suspensions were investigated. Complexes exhibit high two‐photon absorption cross‐section combined either with NIR emission (Yb) or excellent 1O2 generation (Gd). The very large intersystem crossing efficiency induced by the combination of bromine atom and heavy rare‐earth element was corroborated with theoretical calculations. The 1O2 generation properties of L2Gd micellar suspension under two‐photon activation leads to tumour cell death, suggesting the potential of such structures for theranostic applications.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Charge Transfer Enables C−C Bond Formation with Traceless Acceptor Groups
Authors: James Michael J. , Strieth‐Kalthoff Felix , Sandfort Frederik , Klauck Felix J. R. , Wagener Felicitas , Glorius Frank
Published: April 2019

The development and application of traceless acceptor groups in photochemical C−C bond formation is described. This strategy was enabled by the photoexcitation of electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes with visible light. The traceless acceptors, which were readily prepared from amino acid and peptide feedstocks, could be used to alkylate a wide range of heteroarene and enamine donors under metal‐ and peroxide‐free conditions. The crucial role of the EDA complexes in the mechanism of these reactions was explored through combined experimental and computational studies.
Simulating Non‐linear Chemical and Physical (CAP) Dynamics of Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE)
Authors: Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd
Published: April 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue are Andrey N. Pravdivtsev and Jan‐Bernd Hövener from Kiel University. The image depicts the essential steps that were used to model NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE), much more thoroughly than before. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201806133.
Mixing Yellow and Blue Turns…White!“ – Experiments on Additive Color Mixing with Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: April 2019

Im Beitrag werden Experimente präsentiert, anhand derer das Prinzip der additiven Farbmischung veranschaulicht werden kann. Hierbei werden – im Unterschied zu den klassischen physikalischen Versuchen – fluoreszierende Lösungen eingesetzt, die z. T. mit Hilfe von Alltagsprodukten hergestellt werden können.
Colour in urban places: A case study of Leicester City Football Club blue
Authors: Xu Jie
Published: April 2019

By communicating an integrated story, the Leicester City Football Club blue inherits and persists the history and legacy of the football club, which further provides a stable and consistent meaning for the local sports culture. Colour as a medium and agency creates an intimacy and loyalty between the different ethnic and social groups across local, regional, and global contexts. The case study demonstrated that colour could give place identity through branding practice, identity mediation, and visual culture formation. The process reflected that economic and cultural force had a large impact on place‐making, and could be the decisive influence upon colour symbolism.
Brownian Particles with Rank‐Dependent Drifts: Out‐of‐Equilibrium Behavior
Authors: Cabezas M. , Dembo A. , Sarantsev A. , Sidoravicius V.
Published: April 2019

We study the long‐range asymptotic behavior for an out‐of‐equilibrium, countable, one‐dimensional system of Brownian particles interacting through their rank‐dependent drifts. Focusing on the semi‐infinite case, where only the leftmost particle gets a constant drift to the right, we derive and solve the corresponding one‐sided Stefan (free‐boundary) equations. Via this solution we explicitly determine the limiting particle‐density profile as well as the asymptotic trajectory of the leftmost particle. While doing so we further establish stochastic domination and convergence to equilibrium results for the vector of relative spacings among the leading particles. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloud service composition using minimal unsatisfiability and genetic algorithm
Authors: Ait Wakrime Abderrahim , Rekik Mouna , Jabbour Said
Published: April 2019

The software‐as‐a‐service layer of cloud computing has evolved much interest among the researchers in the academic and industry worlds. It is based on service‐oriented architectures and web service (WS) technology, which are used to offer a remotely accessible application. When a single WS is unable to satisfy all the customer's requirements, a WS composition (WSC) method is applied to connect together various available WSs for building distributed application, using discovery, compatibility checking, selection, and deployment steps. This paper has two‐fold contributions: The major one is the proposition of a new algorithm based on minimally unsatisfiable subset formal algorithm to compose WSs. This contribution ensures a faster WSC, which is prominent in an online context. The second contribution is the proposition of a new penalty‐based genetic algorithm to identify near‐optimal solutions whenever an exact one is not identified using our formal algorithm. Indeed, in some cases, many available WSs provide overlapping/identical functionality; in this context, the choice of participated services is given using quality of service. This work proposes a WSC ensuring to find out an exact or a near‐optimal solution according to the user need. A set of experimentations is applied to validate our contributions.
Crystal Structure Characterization, Independent Gradient Model Analysis, and Gas‐Phase‐Mediated Transformation of Nicosulfuron DMF Solvate and Hydrate
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhou Ling , Zhang Xia , Yang Yongfan , Zhang Shihao , Yang Wenchao , Xie Chuang , Hou Baohong , Bao Ying , Yin Qiuxiang
Published: April 2019

This review presents a comprehensive crystallographic study of nicosulfuron solvates and their transformation. N,N‐dimethylformamide solvate and hydrate are prepared and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Although the crystal systems are different, their space conformations are quite similar. Independent gradient model simulation reveals that the nicosulfuron dimer structure is dominated by dispersion energy and the solvent molecules combine with the solute molecules by electrostatic energy. Dynamic vapor sorption is used for observation of the gas‐phase‐mediated transformation from the N,N‐dimethylformamide solvate to the hydrate, which is found to be dominated by the diffusion of water molecules and desorption of N,N‐dimethylformamide molecules.