bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquid Analogs of AlCl3 with Urea Derivatives as Electrolytes for Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Angell Michael , Zhu Guanzhou , Lin Meng‐Chang , Rong Youmin , Dai Hongjie
Published: October 2019

The ionic liquid analog, formed through the mixture of urea and AlCl3, has previously shown to serve as a low‐cost electrolyte for an aluminum‐graphite battery, while maintaining good performance and achieving high Coulombic efficiency. Undesirable are the relatively high viscosity and low conductivity of this electrolyte, when compared to chloroaluminate ionic liquids with organic cations. In this work, the fundamental changes to the electrolyte resulting from using derivatives of urea (N‐methyl urea and N‐ethyl urea), again mixed with AlCl3, are examined. These electrolytes are shown to have significantly lower viscosities (η = 45, 67, and 133 cP when using N‐ethyl urea, N‐methyl urea, and urea, respectively, at 25 °C). The associated batteries exhibit higher intrinsic discharge voltages (2.04 and 2.08 V for N‐methyl urea and N‐ethyl urea electrolytes, respectively, vs 1.95 V for urea system@100 mA g−1 specific current for ≈5 mg cm−2 loading), due to changes in concentrations of ionic species. Aluminum deposition is directly observed to primarily occur through reduction of Al2Cl7− when AlCl3 is present in excess, in contrast to previously suggested cationic Al‐containing species, via operando Raman spectroscopy performed during cyclic voltammetry.
Compressible and Electrically Conducting Fibers for Large‐Area Sensing of Pressures
Authors: Leber Andreas , Page Alexis Gérald , Yan Dong , Qu Yunpeng , Shadman Shahrzad , Reis Pedro , Sorin Fabien
Published: October 2019

Flexible pressure sensors offer a wide application range in health monitoring and human–machine interaction. However, their implementation in functional textiles and wearable electronics is limited because existing devices are usually small, 0D elements, and pressure localization is only achieved through arrays of numerous sensors. Fiber‐based solutions are easier to integrate and electrically address, yet still suffer from limited performance and functionality. An asymmetric cross‐sectional design of compressible multimaterial fibers is demonstrated for the detection, quantification, and localization of kPa‐scale pressures over m2‐size surfaces. The scalable thermal drawing technique is employed to coprocess polymer composite electrodes within a soft thermoplastic elastomer support into long fibers with customizable architectures. Thanks to advanced mechanical analysis, the fiber microstructure can be tailored to respond in a predictable and reversible fashion to different pressure ranges and locations. The functionalization of large, flexible surfaces with the 1D sensors is demonstrated by measuring pressures on a gymnastic mat for the monitoring of body position, posture, and motion.
Electrochemical and Structural Analysis in All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries by Analytical Electron Microscopy: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Chunchen , Feng Yuzhang , Han Zhen , Gao Si , Wang Meiyu , Wang Peng
Published: October 2019

Advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and its associated instruments have made significant contributions to the characterization of all‐solid‐state (ASS) Li batteries, as these tools provide localized information on the structure, morphology, chemistry, and electronic state of electrodes, electrolytes, and their interfaces at the nano‐ and atomic scale. Furthermore, the rapid development of in situ techniques has enabled a deep understanding of interfacial dynamic behavior and heterogeneous characteristics during the cycling process. However, due to the beam‐sensitive nature of light elements in the interphases, e.g., Li and O, thorough and reliable studies of the interfacial structure and chemistry at an ultrahigh spatial resolution without beam damage is still a formidable challenge. Herein, the following points are discussed: (1) the recent contributions of advanced STEM to the study of ASS Li batteries; (2) current challenges associated with using this method; and (3) potential opportunities for combining cryo‐electron microscopy and the STEM phase contrast imaging techniques.
Arylacetic Acids in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Yang Chenxi , Sheng Xia , Zhang Ling , Yu Jiang , Huang Dayun
Published: October 2019

Arylacetic acids are widely used in organic reactions and their recent advances are summarized in six categories according to their triggered pathways: (1) the acid as directing group in ortho‐ or meta‐C−H activation; (2) decarboxylation; (3) deprotonation; (4) nucleophilic methylenes; (5) nucleophilic acids; (6) electrophilic acids. Reactions with alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, amines, water, Grignard reagents, silanes and so forth are discussed. We hope this Minireview will promote future research in this area.
Precise Synthesis of Ultra‐High‐Molecular‐Weight Fluoropolymers Enabled by Chain‐Transfer‐Agent Differentiation under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Gong Honghong , Gu Yu , Zhao Yucheng , Quan Qinzhi , Han Shantao , Chen Mao
Published: October 2019

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight (UHMW) polymers display outstanding properties and hold potential for wide applications. However, their precise synthesis remains challenging. Herein, we developed a novel reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization based on the strong and selective fluorine–fluorine interaction, allowing chain‐transfer agents to spontaneously differentiate into two groups that take charge of the chain growth and reversible deactivation of the growing chains, respectively. This method enables dramatically improved livingness of propagation, providing UHMW polymers with a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Đ≈1.1) from a variety of fluorinated (meth)acrylates and acrylamide at quantitative conversions under visible‐light irradiation. In situ chain‐end extensions from UHMW polymers facilitated the synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers, revealing the excellent chain‐end fidelity achieved by this method.
Ethnomedicinal plant‐extract‐assisted green synthesis of iron nanoparticles usingAllium saralicumextract, and their antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal and cutaneous wound‐healing activities
Authors: Zangeneh Akram , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi , Moradi Rohallah
Published: October 2019

The aim of the experiment was the evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal and cutaneous wound‐healing activities of green synthesized iron nanoparticles usingAllium saralicumR.M. Fritsch leaves (FeNPs@AS). These nanoparticles were spherical with a size range of 40–45 nm, and were characterized using various analysis techniques including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy to determine the presence of FeNPs@AS in the solution. We studied functional groups ofA. saralicumextract in the reduction and capping process of FeNPs@AS by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy; crystallinity and FCC planes by X‐ray diffraction pattern; and surface morphology, shapes and size of FeNPs@AS by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Agar diffusion tests were done to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. FeNPs@AS prevented the growth of all bacteria and removed them at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations (P ≤ 0.01). In the case of antifungal potentials of FeNPs@AS, they inhibited the growth of all fungi and destroyed them at 2–4 mg/ml concentrations (P ≤ 0.01). The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for FeNPs@AS and butylated hydroxytoluene. The synthesized FeNPs@AS had great cell viability dose‐dependently and indicated this method was non‐toxic. For thein vivoexperiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: treatment with 0.2% FeNPs@AS ointment; treatment with 0.2%A. saralicumointment; treatment with 0.2% FeCl3·6H2O ointment; treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment; treatment with Eucerin basal ointment; and untreated control. These groups were treated for 10 days. Use of FeNPs@AS ointment in the treatment groups significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes, and significantly raised (P ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared with other groups. These results show that the inclusion ofA. saralicumextracts improves the therapeutical properties of FeNPs, which led to a significant enhancement in the antioxidant, non‐cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal and cutaneous wound‐healing activities of the nanoparticles.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Tools and Tips to Sustain and Control Project Improvements
Authors: Dawson Anthony
Published: October 2019

This article discusses some of the tools and tips to sustain performance improvement (PI) and explores some of the reasons why PI projects may fail. Although some PI projects seem simple and easy to implement, PI team members sometimes find it difficult to keep momentum going, maintain gains, and sustain the changes when the project is nearing completion and afterward. Team member and leader discipline, including use of multidisciplinary communication and standard work processes, can facilitate ongoing improvement. Communication may include visual displays of information and routine huddles. After reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of sustaining change and promoting continuous PI. This is the fifth article of a six‐part series about PI.
Na2SO4‐Polyacrylamide Electrolytes and Enabled Solid‐State Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Virya Alvin , Abella Justin , Grindal Andrew , Lian Keryn
Published: October 2019

A highly ionic‐conductive and high‐performance neutral pH polymer electrolyte comprises of Na2SO4 and polyacrylamide (PAM) was developed for solid electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs). Na2SO4 was compared with Li2SO4 baseline in liquid electrolyte and exhibited higher ionic conductivity and identical stability window. Na2SO4−PAM electrolytes were optimized by varying their salt‐to‐polymer ratio. While all compositions show excellent stability for over 30‐day tracking period, an ionic conductivity of ca. 30 mS cm−1 was attained at 10,000 : 1 molar ratio of Na2SO4:PAM, among the highest reported for neutral pH polymer electrolytes. Raman spectroscopy verified that the electrolyte maintained well‐hydrated ions throughout the 30 days monitoring period. Solid EDLCs were constructed using activated carbon electrodes and Na2SO4−PAM electrolyte. They exhibited a wide 1.9 V operating window at 50 mV s−1 CV scan rate, with comparable capacitance to its liquid baseline. The solid EDLCs outperformed many symmetric devices in terms of energy and power densities. They also displayed good rate capability (up to 500 mV s−1) and excellent cycle life (>8,000 cycles).
Estimating a Key Parameter of Mammalian Mating Systems: The Chance of Siring Success for a Mated Male
Authors: Abebe Ash , Correia Hannah E. , Dobson F. Stephen
Published: October 2019

Studies of multiple paternity in mammals and other animal species generally report proportion of multiple paternity among litters, mean litter sizes, and mean number of sires per litter. It is shown how these variables can be used to produce an estimate of the probability of reproductive success for a male that has mated with a female. This estimate of male success is more informative about the mating system that alternative measures, like the proportion of litters with multiple paternity or the mean number of sires per litter. The probability of success for a mated male can be measured both theoretically and empirically, and gives an estimate of the intensity of sperm competition and of a male's “confidence of paternity” upon mating. The probability of success for mated males for ten “exemplar” species of mammals is estimated and they are compared for insights into the functioning of their mating systems.
Parametric modal regression with varying precision
Authors: Bourguignon Marcelo , Leão Jeremias , Gallardo Diego I.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose a simple parametric modal linear regression model where the response variable is gamma distributed using a new parameterization of this distribution that is indexed by mode and precision parameters, that is, in this new regression model, the modal and precision responses are related to a linear predictor through a link function and the linear predictor involves covariates and unknown regression parameters. The main advantage of our new parameterization is the straightforward interpretation of the regression coefficients in terms of the mode of the positive response variable, as is usual in the context of generalized linear models, and direct inference in parametric mode regression based on the likelihood paradigm. Furthermore, we discuss residuals and influence diagnostic tools. A Monte Carlo experiment is conducted to evaluate the performances of these estimators in finite samples with a discussion of the results. Finally, we illustrate the usefulness of the new model by two applications, to biology and demography.
N‐Hydroxysuccinimide‐Modified Ethynylphosphonamidates Enable the Synthesis of Configurationally Defined Protein Conjugates
Authors: Kasper Marc‐André , Gerlach Marcus , Schneider Anselm F. L. , Groneberg Christiane , Ochtrop Philipp , Boldt Stefanie , Schumacher Dominik , Helma Jonas , Leonhardt Heinrich , Christmann Mathias , Hackenberger Christian P. R.
Published: October 2019

Herein, the application of N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐modified phosphonamidate building blocks for the incorporation of cysteine‐selective ethynylphosphonamidates into lysine residues of proteins, followed by thiol addition with small molecules and proteins, is reported. It is demonstrated that the building blocks significantly lower undesired homo‐crosslinking side products that can occur with commonly applied succinimidyl 4‐(N‐maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylate (SMCC) under physiological pH. The previously demonstrated stability of the phosphonamidate moiety additionally solves the problem of premature maleimide hydrolysis, which can hamper the efficiency of subsequent thiol addition. Furthermore, a method to separate the phosphonamidate enantiomers to be able to synthesize protein conjugates in a defined configuration has been developed. Finally, the building blocks are applied to the construction of functional antibody–drug conjugates, analogously to FDA‐approved, SMCC‐linked Kadcyla, and to the synthesis of a functional antibody–protein conjugate.
Self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties in people with psychosis compared with non‐clinical controls: A systematic literature review
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Hepworth Claire , Smallwood Jane , Carter Ben , Jolley Suzanne
Published: October 2019

Emotions play a key role in the development and experience of psychosis, yet there are important gaps in our understanding of how individuals with psychosis understand and respond to their emotions. This systematic review investigated self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties in individuals with psychosis compared with non‐clinical controls. An electronic database search was conducted in Medline, PsychINFO, and Embase and supplemented by searches of reference lists and citations. Seventeen studies were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted because contextual diversity was present across the studies and outcomes. Individuals with psychosis reported greater difficulties in (i) emotional clarity (specifically with identifying, describing, and understanding their emotions), (ii) emotional acceptance, (iii) engaging in goal‐directed behaviours when experiencing negative emotions, and (iv) willingness to experience emotional distress in the pursuit of meaningful activities in life. Evidence pertaining to other self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties was less clear. Effect sizes were generally large in magnitude but there were few studies on some self‐reported emotion regulation difficulties, and all studies were at moderate to high risk of bias. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of emotion regulation difficulties in individuals with psychosis to inform the provision of targeted clinical interventions.
Assessing the clinical significance of treatment outcomes for distressing voices in routine clinical practice
Authors: Badcock Johanna C. , Graham Madeleine E. , Paulik Georgie
Published: October 2019

Determining reliable and clinically significant change is central to evidence‐based practice yet rarely used in routine clinical settings. This paper illustrates these methods in the context of an evaluation of cognitive behaviour therapy for distressing auditory hallucinations (“voices”). We used data from a clinical sample attending Perth Voices Clinic, a transdiagnostic outpatient service for distressing voices, and a previously published reference sample of healthy voice hearers. Our outcomes on the primary measure of voice distress, derived from a previous factor analysis of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale‐Auditory Hallucinations subscale, showed that 62.9% of clients were classified as Recovered/Improved, 35.5% were classified as Unchanged, and 0.02% were classified as Deteriorated. Partial support for the validity of these classifications was obtained from the scores on the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) but not on the Social and Occupational Functional Assessment Scale (Goldman et al., 1992). Clients classified as Recovered showed better emotional functioning on the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales compared with those who did not make a clinically significant change in voice distress. A tool is provided to assist practitioners to evaluate whether individual clients have benefited from therapy for distressing voices or not, which can be used to guide future treatment decisions (https://osf.io/gd9e5/).
Fly‐derived DNA and camera traps are complementary tools for assessing mammalian biodiversity
Authors: Gogarten Jan F. , Hoffmann Constanze , Arandjelovic Mimi , Sachse Andreas , Merkel Kevin , Dieguez Paula , Agbor Anthony , Angedakin Samuel , Brazzola Gregory , Jones Sorrel , Langergraber Kevin E. , Lee Kevin , Marrocoli Sergio , Murai Mizuki , Sommer Volker , Kühl Hjalmar , Leendertz Fabian H. , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien
Published: October 2019

Background

Metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA found in invertebrates (iDNA) represents a potentially powerful tool for monitoring biodiversity. Preliminary evidence suggests fly iDNA biodiversity assessments compare favorably with established approaches such as camera trapping or line transects.

Aims and Methods

To assess whether fly‐derived iDNA is consistently useful for biodiversity monitoring across a diversity of ecosystems, we compared metabarcoding of the mitochondrial 16S gene of fly pool‐derived iDNA (range = 49–105 flies/site, N = 784 flies) with camera traps (range = 198–1,654 videos of mammals identified to the species level/site) at eight sites, representing different habitat types in five countries across tropical Africa.

Results

We detected a similar number of mammal species using fly‐derived iDNA (range = 8–15 species/site) and camera traps (range = 8–27 species/site). However, the two approaches detected mostly different species (range = 6%–43% of species detected/site were detected with both methods), with fly‐derived iDNA detecting on average smaller‐bodied species than camera traps. Despite addressing different phylogenetic components of local mammalian communities, both methods resulted in similar beta‐diversity estimates across sites and habitats.

Conclusion

These results support a growing body of evidence that fly‐derived iDNA is a cost‐ and time‐efficient tool that complements camera trapping in assessing mammalian biodiversity. Fly‐derived iDNA may facilitate biomonitoring in terrestrial ecosystems at broad spatial and temporal scales, in much the same way as water eDNA has improved biomonitoring across aquatic ecosystems.
Wavelength‐Dependent Control of the CO Release Kinetics of Manganese(I) Tricarbonyl PhotoCORMs with Benzimidazole Coligands
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M. , Steiger Christoph , Nagel Christoph , Schatzschneider Ulrich
Published: October 2019

A series of photoactivatable CO‐releasing molecules (PhotoCORMs) was prepared from manganese pentacarbonyl bromide and 1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl‐(N‐phenyl)amine ligands (L) bearing different electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups R = H, 4‐CH3, 4‐OCH3, 4‐Cl, 4‐NO2, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐COOCH3 on the phenyl substituent to give octahedral manganese(I) complexes of the general formula [MnBr(CO)3(L)]. Aerated DMSO solutions of the compounds are stable in the dark for 16 h with no CO release. However, the compounds rapidly release CO upon illumination at 412–525 nm, depending on the substitution pattern. Its influence on the photophysical and photochemical properties was systematically explored using UV/Vis spectroscopy and CO release measurements with a commercial gas sensor system. In the nitro‐substituted compound, the electronically excited state switched from benzimidazole‐ to phenyl‐centered, leading to a markedly different photochemical behavior of this visible‐light activated PhotoCORM.
Ferrocenium Cations as Catalysts for the Etherification of Cyclopropyl‐Substituted Propargylic Alcohols: Ene‐yne Formation and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Talasila Deva Saroja , Queensen Matthew J. , Barnes‐Flaspoler Michael , Jurkowski Kellsie , Stephenson Evan , Rabus Jordan M. , Bauer Eike B.
Published: October 2019

Commercial ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate ([FeCp2]PF6) and ferrocenium boronic acid hexafluoroantimonate ([FcB(OH)2]SbF6) were found to be efficient catalysts for the etherification of terminal, tertiary, cyclopropyl‐substituted propargylic alcohols through nucleophilic substitution with primary and secondary alcohols. The alcohol nucleophiles and the propargylic alcohols were employed in a nearly equimolar amount and no further additives were required. After 2 h reaction time at 40 °C in CH2Cl2 and 3 to 5 mol‐% catalyst load, aromatic, cyclopropyl‐substituted propargylic alcohols gave rearranged, conjugated ene‐yne products as single isomers in 35 to 73 % isolated yields. Cyclopropyl‐substituted propargylic alcohols bearing a thienyl substituent gave the corresponding cyclopropyl‐substituted propargylic ethers in 27 to 56 % isolated yields (45 °C, 2 h reaction time), where the cyclopropyl unit did not rearrange. Cyclobutyl‐substituted propargylic alcohols gave the corresponding propargyl ether substituted products in 40 to 55 % isolated yields (40 to 45 °C, around 16 h reaction time), and no rearrangement of the cyclobutyl unit was observed. Only minor amounts of side products were observed in the reaction mixtures. Experimental evidence points toward an ionic mechanism since the more electron‐rich thienyl‐substituted substrates reacted faster.
High‐dose phenylephrine increases meningeal blood flow through TRPV1 receptor activation and release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide
Authors: Dux Mária , Babes Alexandru , Manchen Jessica , Sertel‐Nakajima Julika , Vogler Birgit , Schramm Jana , Messlinger Karl
Published: October 2019

Background

The α1‐adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, is used at high concentrations as a mydriatic agent and for the treatment of nasal congestion. Among its adverse side‐effects transient burning sensations are reported indicating activation of the trigeminal nociceptive system.

Methods

Neuropeptide release, calcium imaging and meningeal blood flow recordings were applied in rodent models of meningeal nociception to clarify possible receptor mechanisms underlying these pain phenomena.

Results

Phenylephrine above 10 mM dose‐dependently released calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from the dura mater and isolated trigeminal ganglia, whereas hyperosmotic mannitol at 90 mM was ineffective. The phenylephrine‐evoked release was blocked by the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist BCTC and did not occur in trigeminal ganglia of TRPV1‐deficient mice. Phenylephrine at 30 mM caused calcium transients in cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons responding to the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin and in HEK293T cells expressing human TRPV1. Local application of phenylephrine at micromolar concentrations to the exposed rat dura mater reduced meningeal blood flow, whereas concentrations above 10 mM caused increased meningeal blood flow. The flow increase was abolished by pre‐application of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8‐37 or the TRPV1 antagonist BCTC.

Conclusions

Phenylephrine at high millimolar concentrations activates TRPV1 receptor channels of perivascular afferents and, upon calcium inflow, releases CGRP, which increases meningeal blood flow. Activation of TRPV1 receptors may underlie trigeminal nociception leading to cranial pain such as local burning sensations or headaches caused by administration of high doses of phenylephrine.

Significance

Phenylephrine is used at high concentrations as a mydriaticum and for treating nasal congestion. As adverse side‐effects burning sensations and headaches have been described.

Phenylephrine at high concentrations causes calcium transients in trigeminal afferents, CGRP release and increased meningeal blood flow upon activation of TRPV1 receptor channels, which is likely underlying the reported pain phenomena.
Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) stratifies possible and definite neuropathic pain after surgical peripheral nerve lesion
Authors: Aho Tommi , Mustonen Laura , Kalso Eija , Harno Hanna
Published: October 2019

Background

Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) is a screening questionnaire to help identify neuropathic pain (NP) in clinical practice and research. We tested the accuracy of the DN4 questionnaire in stratifying possible NP (pNP) and definite NP (dNP) in patients operated for breast cancer.

Methods

We studied 163 patients from a longitudinal cohort of breast cancer operated patients 4–9 years after surgery. pNP or dNP were classified according to the NP grading system. Surgeon‐verified intercostobrachial nerve resection was used as a confirmatory test for dNP. A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to test the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) of the DN4. Additionally, we studied clinical factors that associated with a positive screening outcome in the interview part of the DN4 (DN4i).

Results

DN4i and DN4 showed significant accuracy in stratifying patients with pNP or dNP with cut‐off scores 3 and 4 resulting to sensitivity of 66.2% and 79.4% and specificity of 77.8% and 92.6%, respectively. pNP and dNP patients showed differences in sensory descriptors of pain according to DN4i items. Screening positive on DN4i associated with dNP and younger age.

Conclusions

Full DN4 could stratify pNP and dNP patients in a chronic postsurgical NP patient group operated for breast cancer. Additionally, DN4i showed significant accuracy in stratifying pNP and dNP, but an examination is necessary to obtain proper accuracy. Demographic factors may have an impact on the screening outcome of DN4i.

Significance

DN4 stratifies possible and definite postsurgical peripheral neuropathic pain. DN4i may also show this, but full DN4 is more accurate. We confirm DN4i as a valid screening tool for NP.
Measurement of the real part of the Clausius–Mossotti factor of dielectrophoresis for Brownian particles
Authors: Lo Ying‐Jie , Lei U
Published: October 2019

A method is proposed for measuring the real part of the Clausius–Mossotti factor () of dielectrophoresis for Brownian particles based on a solution of the Smoluchowski equation using a designed polydimethysilloxane microchannel with planar hyperbolic electrodes on its glass substrate. An approximate two‐dimensional spring‐like dielectrophoretic force is generated in the device, and the data necessarily measured is the time evolution of the in‐plane particle displacement undergoing confined Brownian motion. Validity of the measurement was checked against the zeta potentials in the literature based on the classical theory of surface conductance using polystyrene particles of size of one micron. As the dielectrophoretic force depends on, which is usually unknown for bio‐particles and some engineered particles, and is seldom measured; this study is important from the academic point of view and could be helpful for the manipulation and characterization of sub‐micron particles using dielectrophoresis. Extension of the method to the measurement of permanent dipole moment and total polarizability of particle was developed theoretically and discussed by incorporating an optical tweezer into the present device.
Chemical‐Looping Conversion of Methane: A Review
Authors: Li Danyang , Xu Ruidong , Gu Zhenhua , Zhu Xing , Qing Shan , Li Kongzhai
Published: October 2019

Chemical‐looping technology provides a versatile platform to convert methane in a clean and efficient manner, achieving CO2 capture and generation of syngas/pure H2 without additional separation processes (e.g., separation of CO2 from N2‐diluted exhaust gases, separation of O2 from air, and separation of H2 from syngas) using a two‐step redox concept through recyclable oxygen storage materials (named oxygen carriers) as intermediates. The design and elaboration of appropriate oxygen carriers is a key issue to effectively optimize the products and energy distribution. Various oxygen storage materials (e.g., Fe‐based, Ni‐based, Cu‐based, Ce‐based, perovskite‐type oxides and their mixed oxides) have been widely investigated with the corresponding chemical‐looping process. This work aims to comprehensively describe the advances of chemical‐looping conversion of methane, including chemical‐looping combustion, partial oxidation, steam reforming, and dry reforming technologies. Specifically, this Review focuses on the development of oxygen carriers, including the effects of composition, micro and macro structures, morphology, and supports on the performance for selective conversion of methane. The advances in understanding the reaction mechanisms between methane and different oxygen carriers in chemical‐looping processes are also discussed. Finally, future research directions for developing high‐performance oxygen carriers are proposed.
Vacuum‐Dried 3D Holey Graphene Frameworks Enabling High Mass Loading and Fast Charge Transfer for Advanced Batteries
Authors: Liang Junfei , Xu Yuqi , Sun Hongtao , Xu Xiang , Liu Tengxiao , Liu Hantao , Wang Hua
Published: October 2019

Monolithic 3D graphene frameworks (GFs) electrode materials have exhibited the great potential for energy storage devices. However, most approaches for fabricating 3D GF require expensive and sophisticated drying techniques, and the current achieved 3D GF electrodes usually hold a relatively low mass loadings of the active materials with low areal capacity, which is not satisfactory for practical application. Herein, a convenient, economic, and scalable drying approach is developed to fabricate 3D holey GFs (HGFs) by a vacuum‐induced drying (VID) process for the first time. This binder‐free 3D HGF electrode with high mass loading can obtain extraordinary electrochemical performance for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the 3D holey graphene network owning a highly interconnected hierarchical porous structure for fast charge and ion transport. The HGF electrode with high mass loading of 4 mg cm−2 exhibits superior rate performance and delivers an areal capacity as high as 5 mAh cm−2 under the current density of 8 mA cm−2 even after 2000 cycles, considerably outperforming those of state‐of‐the‐art commercial anodes and some representative anodes in other studies. This facile drying approach and robust realization of high areal capacity represent a critical step for 3D graphene‐based electrode materials toward practical electrochemical energy storage devices.
A Microtubular Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Operated on the Biochar Derived from Pepper Straw
Authors: Yu Fangyong , Wang Yishang , Xie Yujiao , Zhang Weimin , Zhang Jinjin , Meng Xiuxia , Xiao Jie , Yang Naitao
Published: October 2019

Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (DC‐SOFC) is a promising energy conversion system, which can directly convert the chemical energy of biomass into electrical energy with high efficiency and low pollution. Herein, a microtubular DC‐SOFC fueled with the biochar derived from pepper straw for electrical power generation is reported. The DC‐SOFC operated on pepper straw char gives a maximum power density of 217 mW cm−2, comparable with 252 mW cm−2 for that with hydrogen fuel at 850 °C. Moreover, the lifetime of the DC‐SOFC reaches 21 h at a discharge current of 100 mA with the fuel utilization of 44.4%. The pepper straw char is characterized physically by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results demonstrate that the pepper straw char contains natural catalysts in itself and their contribution on the electrochemical performance of the microtubular DC‐SOFC is analyzed in detail.
Correlates of hybridization in plants
Authors: Mitchell Nora , Campbell Lesley G. , Ahern Jeffrey R. , Paine Kellen C. , Giroldo Aelton B. , Whitney Kenneth D.
Published: October 2019

Hybridization is a biological phenomenon increasingly recognized as an important evolutionary process in both plants and animals, as it is linked to speciation, radiation, extinction, range expansion and invasion, and allows for increased trait diversity in agricultural and horticultural systems. Estimates of hybridization frequency vary across taxonomic groups, but causes of this variation are unknown. Here, we ask on a global scale whether hybridization is linked to any of 11 traits related to plant life history, reproduction, genetic predisposition, and environment or opportunity. Given that hybridization is not evenly distributed across the plant tree of life, we use phylogenetic generalized least squares regression models and phylogenetic path analysis to detect statistical associations between hybridization and plant traits at both the family and genus levels. We find that perenniality and woodiness are each weakly associated with an increased frequency of hybridization in univariate analyses, but path analysis suggests that the direct linkage is between perenniality and increased hybridization (with woodiness having only an indirect relationship with hybridization via perenniality). Weak associations between higher rates of hybridization and higher outcrossing rates, abiotic pollination syndromes, vegetative reproductive modes, larger genomes, and less variable genome sizes are detectable in some cases but not others. We argue that correlational evidence at the global scale, such as that presented here, provides a robust framework for forming hypotheses to examine and test drivers of hybridization at a more mechanistic level.
White matter tract myelin maturation and its association with general psychopathology in adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Vanes Lucy D. , Moutoussis Michael , Ziegler Gabriel , Goodyer Ian M. , Fonagy Peter , Jones Peter B. , Bullmore Edward T. ,   NSPN Consortium, Dolan Raymond J.
Published: October 2019

Adolescence is a time period associated with marked brain maturation that coincides with an enhanced risk for onset of psychiatric disorder. White matter tract myelination, a process that continues to unfold throughout adolescence, is reported to be abnormal in several psychiatric disorders. Here, we ask whether psychiatric vulnerability is linked to aberrant developmental myelination trajectories. We assessed a marker of myelin maturation, using magnetisation transfer (MT) imaging, in 10 major white matter tracts. We then investigated its relationship to the expression of a general psychopathology “p‐factor” in a longitudinal analysis of 293 healthy participants between the ages of 14 and 24. We observed significant longitudinal MT increase across the full age spectrum in anterior thalamic radiation, hippocampal cingulum, dorsal cingulum and superior longitudinal fasciculus. MT increase in the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus was pronounced in younger participants but levelled off during the transition into young adulthood. Crucially, longitudinal MT increase in dorsal cingulum and uncinate fasciculus decelerated as a function of mean p‐factor scores over the study period. This suggests that an increased expression of psychopathology is closely linked to lower rates of myelin maturation in selective brain tracts over time. Impaired myelin growth in limbic association fibres may serve as a neural marker for emerging mental illness during the course of adolescence and early adulthood.
The impact of the Three Gorges Dam on summer streamflow in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Su Zhenkuan , Ho Michelle , Hao Zhenchun , Lall Upmanu , Sun Xun , Chen Xi , Yan Longzeng
Published: October 2019

The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest capacity hydropower station located in the Hubei province along the Yangtze River in China, which began operations in 2003. The dam also functions to store and regulate the downstream releases of water in order to provide flood control and navigational support in addition to hydropower generation. Flow regulation is particularly important for alleviating the impacts of low‐ and high‐flow events during the summer rainy season (June, July, and August). The impact of dam operations on summer flows is the focus of this work. Naturalized flows are modelled using a canonical correlation analysis and covariates of subbasin‐scale precipitation resulting in good model skill with an average correlation of 0.92. The model is then used to estimate natural flows in the period after dam operation. A comparison between modelled and gauged streamflow post 2003 is made and the impact of the dam on downstream flow is assessed. Streamflow variability is found to be strongly related to rainfall variability. An analysis of regional streamflow variability across the Yangtze River Basin showed a mode of spatially negatively correlated variability between the upper and lower basin areas. The Three Gorges Dam likely mitigated the occurrence of high‐flow events at Yichang station located near the dam. However, the high flow at the remaining stations in the lower reach is not noticeably alleviated due to the diminishing influence of the dam on distant downstream flows and the impact of the lakes downstream of the dam that act to attenuate flows. Three types of flow regime changes between naturalized and observed flows were defined and used to assess the changes in the occurrence of high‐ and low‐flow events resulting from dam operations.
Ameliorative effect of rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator gamma agonist on adriamycin‐induced cardio toxicity via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Wu Ping , Zhang Luyan , SreeHarsha Nagaraja , Mishra Anurag , Su Xinyou
Published: October 2019

We investigated the rosiglitazone (RSG) effect on adriamycin (ADM)‐induced cardio toxicity in experimental animals. Forty adult Wistar male rats were separated into four groups as follows: normal control; RSG (10 mg/kg)‐treated; ADM (10 mg/kg)‐administered; and ADM (10 mg/kg) + RSG (10 mg/kg)‐treated. Serum lipid level, different biochemical biomarkers, histological analysis, and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor/heme oxygenase‐1 (Nrf2/HO‐1), Caspase 3, B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), and Bax gene expression were assessed in serum and cardiac tissue samples. Our results show that RSG treatment in ADM‐administered animals significantly diminished low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol, and increases high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) in comparison with the ADM group. RSG treatment reduced the effect of ADM administration on cardiac dysfunction markers such as cardiac troponin T Creatine Kinase‐MB, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, showing the amelioration of cardio toxicity in ADM‐administered rats. Additionally, RSG treatment significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in cardiovascular tissue. RSG‐treated rats in combination with ADM likewise showed a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase content, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as compared with ADM group. Moreover, RSG treatment in ADM rats significantly increased an Nrf2 and HO‐1 expression in comparison with ADM group. While in apoptosis parameters, RSG treatment in ADM rats significantly diminished a cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax expression as well as expanded Bcl‐2 expression when contrasted with ADM group of rats. In conclusion, RSG is capable of protecting heart toxicity in ADM‐treated animals through defensive effects on oxidative stress and biochemical markers.
MDMS: Software Facilitating Performing Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Żaczek Szymon
Published: October 2019

Molecular Dynamics Made Simple (MDMS) is software that facilitates performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of solvated protein/protein–ligand complexes with Amber, one of the most popular MD codes. It guides users through the whole process of running MD starting with choosing a protein structure, preparing the model, parametrization of the system, establishing parameters for controlling MD, and finally running simulations. By accommodating every step required for running MD, this software ensures that the simulations performed by a user will provide as realistic insight as it is possible. Its sequential structure and a text‐based interface ensure ease of use, while the flexibility required for complex cases is still preserved. MDMS also provides a very time‐efficient and streamlined method to start MD simulations, which makes it a feasible tool for both novices and experienced computational chemists. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical characteristics analysis of 1180 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Zhao Heping , Zhu Ping , Han Tao , Ye Qing , Xu Cuiping , Wu Lina , Liu Fang , Yin Weili , Li Zhiyong , Guo Ying
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine the clinical and liver stiffness characteristics of a cohort of Chinese patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma in different stages of Barcelona clinic liver cancer.

Methods

Details of 1180 patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma referred from October 2014 to November 2017 were collected retrospectively. Demographic data, etiology, clinical, and biochemical details were retrospectively analyzed. The changes of liver stiffness in different etiologies and different stages of Barcelona clinic liver cancer were especially analyzed.

Results

The onset age was 60.33 ± 9.11 (range 24‐84) years, 9 cases were ≤40 years, 572 cases were 41‐60 years, males accounted for 83.92%, females accounted for 16.08%; 599 cases were ≥61 years, males accounted for 78.25%, females accounted for 21.75%. Compared with males, the proportion of females ≥61 is higher than that of men. Majority (n = 787; 66.69%) had HBV infection; second commonest cause was HCV infection (n = 217; 18.39%). More patients with HBV infection were 41‐60 years (69.06%) and were younger than HCV patients. There was no statistical difference in etiology, age, gender, and distribution of diabetes mellitus among different Barcelona clinic liver cancer stages (P > .05). The overall Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found to be positively correlated with alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyltransferase, and alpha‐fetoprotein and liver stiffness measurement values from stage A to stage D (P < .05). ANOVA analysis showed that the overall liver stiffness measurement among the four BCLC stages was found to be statistically significant different in HBV‐infected and HCV‐infected HCC patients.

Conclusion

Majority (99.24%) were patients aged >40 years old. Male is a high incidence population. In etiological analysis, HBV dominates HCC occurrence, HBV‐, HCV‐, and alcohol‐associated HCC have distinct clinical and biochemical characteristics, necessitating different screening policies to optimize HCC surveillance and management.
Microstructure and compression resistance of bean goose (Anser fabalis) feather shaft
Authors: Zou Meng , Xu Lihan , Zhou Jianfei , Song Jiafeng , Liu Shengfu , Li Xiujuan
Published: October 2019

The bean goose Anser fabalis, noted for its excellent flying ability, has feathers composed of keratinized products derived from epidermal cells, which play a crucial role in flight. The feather shaft is an important connective unit, made of a lightweight material, which also contributes to aiding flight. The shaft can withstand loads from different directions and has outstanding compression resistance. In this study, the microstructure and composition of the A. fabalis feather shaft were observed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and its compression resistance was studied by compression testing. The results indicated that the mechanical property of the shaft is related to its microstructure. Compression testing verified that the primary feathers had the strongest mechanical properties, followed by the secondaries, and finally the alulae. Under the same conditions, the specific energy absorption of the three feather types was 5.96, 5.02, and 3.17 J/g, respectively. With increasing moisture content, the rachis was softened and the energy absorption was reduced. At low moisture content, the specific energy absorption of the primaries was reduced to 1.03 J/g, that of the secondaries was reduced to 1.72 J/g, and that of the alulae to 0.39 J/g. The feather shafts have the advantage of light weight while maintaining the required mechanical properties. These results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for crashworthiness in bionic designs based on the requirements of light weight.
Sample preparation strategies for high‐throughput mass spectrometry imaging of primary tumor organoids
Authors: Johnson Jillian , Sharick Joe T. , Skala Melissa C. , Li Lingjun
Published: October 2019

Patient‐derived 3D organoids show great promise for understanding patient heterogeneity and chemotherapy response in human‐derived tissue. The combination of organoid culture techniques with mass spectrometry imaging provides a label‐free methodology for characterizing drug penetration, patient‐specific response, and drug biotransformation. However, current methods used to grow tumor organoids employ extracellular matrices that can produce small molecule background signal during mass spectrometry imaging analysis. Here, we develop a method to isolate 3D human tumor organoids out of a Matrigel extracellular matrix into gelatin mass spectrometry compatible microarrays for high‐throughput mass spectrometry imaging analysis. The alignment of multiple organoids in the same z‐axis is essential for sectioning organoids together and for maintaining reproducible sample preparation on a single glass slide for up to hundreds of organoids. This method successfully removes organoids from extracellular matrix interference and provides an organized array for high‐throughput imaging analysis to easily identify organoids by eye for area selection and further analysis. With this method, mass spectrometry imaging can be readily applied to organoid systems for preclinical drug development and personalized medicine research initiatives.