bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo Raman spectroscopy of breast tumors prephotodynamic and postphotodynamic therapy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tanmoy , Fontana Leticia C. , Raniero Leandro , Ferreira‐Strixino Juliana
Published: March 2018

Breast cancer is most fatal cancer among women worldwide. The high mortality can be attributed to late detection and low treatment efficacy. Treatment is difficult owing to the multitude of breast cancer subtypes and making decisions on therapeutic strategy difficult. A tool to predict treatment prognosis may greatly aid this decision making. Currently available prediction methods have low accuracy in addition to several other disadvantages. Of the several new techniques being investigated for prognosis prediction, Raman spectroscopy (RS) has the advantage of high sensitivity, rapidity, and amenability to in vivo applications, making it ideal for clinical translation. In this study, we have evaluated the biochemical changes posttherapy with respect to pretherapy using RS. In vivo Raman spectra acquired from live rat breast tumors (skin removed) without treatment, 24 hr postphotosensitizer injection and 24 hr after photodynamic therapy, were analyzed using multivariate principal component—linear discriminant analysis. Relative increase in some spectral signatures associated with nucleic acids, amino acids, and proteins, especially collagen, were observed posttherapy; and pretherapy and posttherapy spectra could be classified with 100% efficiency. The ability of RS to detect these changes suggests possibility of deciphering spectral markers for prognostic applications in future.
Spatial differences in dissolved silicon utilization in Lake Baikal, Siberia: Examining the impact of high diatom biomass events and eutrophication
Authors: Panizzo V. N. , Roberts S. , Swann G. E. A. , McGowan S. , Mackay A. W. , Vologina E. , Pashley V. , Horstwood M. S. A.
Published: March 2018

Recent research has highlighted how Lake Baikal, Siberia, has responded to the direct and indirect effects of climate change (e.g., ice‐cover duration), nutrient loading, and pollution, manifesting as changes in phytoplankton/zooplankton populations, community structure, and seasonal succession. Here, we combine and compare analyses of chlorophyll a (an estimate of total algal biomass), carotenoid pigments (biomarkers of algal groups), and lake water silicon isotope geochemistry (δ30SiDSi) to differentiate spatial patterns in dissolved silicon (DSi) uptake at Lake Baikal. A total of 15 sites across the three basins (south, central, and north) of Lake Baikal were sampled in August 2013 along a depth gradient of 0–180 m. Strong, significant correlations were found between vertical profiles of photic zone DSi concentrations and δ30SiDSi compositions (r = −0.81, p < 0.001), although these are strongest in the central basin aphotic zone (r = −0.98, p < 0.001). Data refute the hypothesis of DSi uptake by picocyanobacteria. Algal biomass profiles and high surface δ30SiDSi compositions suggest greater productivity in the south basin and more oligotrophic conditions in the north basin. δ30SiDSi signatures are highest at depth (20 m) in central basin sites, indicating greater (10–40%) DSi utilization at deep chlorophyll maxima. DSi limitation occurs in the pelagic central basin, probably reflecting a high diatom biomass bloom event (Aulacoseira baicalensis). Meanwhile in the more hydrologically restricted, shallow Maloe More region (central basin), both high δ30SiDSi compositions and picocyanobacteria (zeaxanthin) concentrations, respectively point to the legacy of an “Aulacoseira bloom year” and continuous nutrient supply in summer months (e.g., localized eutrophication).
Cranial irradiation increases tumor growth in experimental breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Hamilton Amanda M. , Wong Suzanne M. , Wong Eugene , Foster Paula J.
Published: March 2018

Whole‐brain radiotherapy is the standard of care for patients with breast cancer with multiple brain metastases and, although this treatment has been essential in the management of existing brain tumors, there are many known negative consequences associated with the irradiation of normal brain tissue. In our study, we used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging analysis to investigate the influence of radiotherapy‐induced damage of healthy brain on the arrest and growth of metastatic breast cancer cells in a mouse model of breast cancer brain metastasis. We observed that irradiated, but otherwise healthy, neural tissue had an increased propensity to support metastatic growth compared with never‐irradiated controls. The elucidation of the impact of irradiation on normal neural tissue could have implications in clinical patient management, particularly in patients with residual systemic disease or with residual radio‐resistant brain cancer.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor antagonist, SKL‐14959, suppressed body weight gain on diet‐induced obesity mice
Authors: Nakamura T. , Tanimoto H. , Mizuno Y. , Okamoto M. , Takeuchi M. , Tsubamoto Y. , Noda H.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism and is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The objective of this study is to confirm the anti‐obesity effects of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor antagonist, SKL‐14959, on diet‐induced obesity mice.

Method

Diet‐induced obesity mice at 20 weeks of age were administered with or without SKL‐14959 for 96 d. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout the experiment. Mice were sacrificed, and physiological and biochemical markers were measured, and then histochemical and gene expression analyses were also performed. In further studies, mice were orally gavaged with [14C]‐oleic acid to investigate the excursion of digested lipids.

Results

SKL‐14959 significantly suppressed weight gain without affecting food intake, decreased triacylglycerol contents in the liver and the muscle and the intensity stained with oil‐red in the liver. It also improved plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase and 3‐hydroxybutyrate levels in addition to notably down‐regulated relative gene expression of srebf1 and dgat1 in the liver despite not altering in the adipose tissue. Furthermore, SKL‐14959 showed remarkable inhibition of lipid uptake in the adipose tissue after the oil challenge.

Conclusion

SKL‐14959 inhibited lipids uptake and improved lipids metabolism, results in suppression of body‐weight gain.
Nanocellulose reinforced as green agent in polymer matrix composites applications
Authors: Abdul Rashid Erfan Suryani , Muhd Julkapli Nurhidayatullaili , Yehye Wageeh A.
Published: March 2018

Owing to their abundance, high strength and stiffness, and low weight and biodegradability, nanocellulose (NC) is regarded as a promising candidate for the preparation of green composites. The high reinforcing effect assigned to the mechanical percolation phenomenon of NC is due to the stiff continuous networks of cellulosic nanoparticles linked via hydrogen bonding. Compared to nanocrystalline cellulose, NC fibers result in more significant improvement to the modulus, stiffness, and strength as aspect ratio NC fiber is higher compared to NC crystal. Indeed, in the case of biopolymer composites, the reinforcement effect of NC is attributed to the NC‐polymer interactions and the reinforcing effect occurring through effective stress transfer at the NC‐polymer interface. The NC‐reinforced composites tend to become more brittle as the concentration of the reinforcing particles increase up to the saturated level, due to the reduction in surface adhesion between filler and matrix. Due to its promising mechanical and structural stability, NC composites have been used widely in many industrial applications such as food packaging, electronic applications, and tissue engineering.
Preparation and characterization of modified polyphenylsulfone membranes with hydrophilic property for filtration of aqueous media
Authors: Kiani Shirin , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Saljoughi Ehsan , Shahtahmassebi Nasser
Published: March 2018

In the present research, the low water flux of polyphenylsulfone membranes was addressed, and a novel improvement in their water permeation and fouling resistance was achieved using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the hydrophilic additive. Scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile test were applied for the investigation of membrane morphology, surface topography, surface chemical structure, thermal stability, and mechanical properties, respectively. Moreover, the relative hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the membranes was assessed via determination of membrane water uptake capacity and water contact angle. The membrane performance was studied and compared by determination of pure water flux and filtration of canned beans production wastewater as well as bovine serum albumin solution. The filtration results indicated a remarkable pure water flux and 100% turbidity rejection provided by the polyphenylsulfone/PEG 20 000 membrane. In addition, it was confirmed that the amount of residual PEG within the membrane was increased with increasing PEG molecular weight and concentration.
Facile preparation of multifunctional poly(amide‐imide)/polyaniline films: Combining self‐cleaning, self‐extinguishing, and conductive
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Wang Teng , Wang Tingmu , Zhang Jinyi , Chen Jinxing , Yang Rui , Ruan Linxiao , Wang Biaobing
Published: March 2018

Recently, multifunctional films are of particular interest to scientists owing to their diversified properties. Here, we demonstrated that self‐cleaning, self‐extinguishing, and high conductive films were fabricated by simple solvent‐casting method from poly(amide‐imide)/polyaniline composites. The multifunctional films exhibited controllable water contact angles varying from 65° to 120° and high electrical conductivities of over 40 S m−1. Moreover, due to the improved hydrophobicity, the multifunctional films showed self‐cleaning characteristics and were used to collect the dust powders easily and perfectly during the dispensed water droplet rolling off the solid surface. Furthermore, the self‐extinguishing property of the multifunctional films was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The special film composition and morphology are the two important aspects that induce such unusual properties. The polyaniline content can strongly influence the morphology of the composite films, which in turn display different hydrophobicities and conductivities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E33–E43, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of monodispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles and their applications in poly[(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene]‐based composite polymer electrolytes
Authors: Wang Zhiyan , Miao Chang , Zhang Yan , Fang Rui , Yan Xuemin , Jiang Yu , Tian Minglei , Xiao Wei
Published: March 2018

To improve the electrochemical performance of pure poly[(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene] (P(VDF‐HFP))‐based gel polymer electrolytes, different amounts of monodispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles were introduced to fabricate P(VDF‐HFP)/ZrO2 composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) using the phase inversion method and activated processes, in which the monodispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by an easy route without any chelating agents or surfactants, and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution measurement and X‐ray diffraction. The characterization results show that the as‐fabricated CPE membranes present not only an abundant porous structure, but also an improved mechanical strength. In particular, sample CPE‐5 presents the best properties when the doped content of the monodispersed ZrO2 nanoparticles reaches 5 wt% in the polymer matrix, in which the liquid uptake and ionic conductivity at room temperature are about 192.4% and 3.926 mS cm−1, and the electrochemical working window and thermal decomposition temperature can increase to 5.1 V and 420 °C, respectively. Moreover, an assembled LiCoO2/CPE‐5/Li coin cell can deliver excellent rate and cycling performance, in which the discharge specific capacity of the cell can show about 83.95% capacity retention at 2.0 C after 85 cycles. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Psychological impact of multigene cancer panel testing in patients with a clinical suspicion of hereditary cancer across Spain
Authors: Esteban I. , Vilaró M. , Adrover E. , Angulo A. , Carrasco E. , Gadea N. , Sánchez A. , Ocaña T. , Llort G. , Jover R. , Cubiella J. , Servitja S. , Herráiz M. , Cid L. , Martínez S. , Oruezábal‐Moreno M.J. , Garau I. , Khorrami S. , Herreros‐de‐Tejada A. , Morales R. , Cano J.M. , Serrano R. , López‐Ceballos M.H. , González‐Santiago S. , Juan‐Fita M.J. , Alonso‐Cerezo C. , Casas A. , Graña B. , Teulé A. , Alba E. , Antón A. , Guillén‐Ponce C. , Sánchez‐Heras A.B. , Alés‐Martínez J.E. , Brunet J. , Balaguer F. , Balmaña J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Patients' psychological reactions to multigene cancer panel testing might differ compared with the single‐gene testing reactions because of the complexity and uncertainty associated with the different possible results. Understanding patients' preferences and psychological impact of multigene panel testing is important to adapt the genetic counselling model.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐seven unrelated patients with clinical suspicion of hereditary cancer undergoing a 25‐gene panel test completed questionnaires after pretest genetic counselling and at 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months after results to elicit their preferences regarding results disclosure and to measure their cancer worry and testing‐specific distress and uncertainty.

Results

A pathogenic variant was identified in 38 patients (34 high penetrance and 4 moderate penetrance variants), and 54 patients had at least one variant of uncertain significance. Overall, cancer panel testing was not associated with an increase in cancer worry after results disclosure (P value = .87). Twelve months after results, carriers of a moderate penetrance variant had higher distress and uncertainty scores compared with carriers of high penetrance variants. Cancer worry prior to genetic testing predicted genetic testing specific distress after results, especially at long term (P value <.001). Most of the patients reported the wish to know all genetic results.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients can psychologically cope with cancer panel testing, but distress and uncertainty observed in carriers of moderate penetrance cancer variants in this cohort warrant further research.
Interfraction movement and clinical outcome of immobilization for thoracic irradiation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pulvirenti Trish , Agustin Cherry , Tamas Monica , Harris Jillian , Verning Maria , Cross Shamira , Jayamohan Jayasingham , Yeghiaian‐Alvandi Roland , Gebski Val
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the impact of immobilization on set‐up errors and clinical outcomes in patients receiving radiation therapy to the thorax.

Methods

Patients receiving curative intent radiation therapy to the lung and esophagus were randomized to no immobilization (control) or immobilization (chest jig or vacuum bag), and treatment verification images were acquired within 3 days of commencing treatment and then weekly. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients having a deviation >5 mm from the isocenter. Assessment was carried out blinded to immobilization assignment.

Results

Of the 77 patients, 75 patients were allocated to either immobilization or control. No statistical difference in the proportion of patients with bony displacements >5 mm from the isocenter were observed (P = 0.5), as was the case for both systematic and random errors between the groups. There was an increased risk of local failure in the immobilized control group (HR 1.46, 95% CI 0.78–2.71, P = 0.23) based on a competing risk analysis. The median overall survival was 18.4 months and 27.0 months in the control and immobilized groups, respectively (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.51–1.04, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

The results failed to show benefit with immobilization in reducing set‐up errors, local control, and overall survival.
RNA expression profiling in sulfamethoxazole‐treated patients with a range of in vitro lymphocyte cytotoxicity phenotypes
Authors: Reinhart Jennifer M. , Rose Warren , Panyard Daniel J. , Newton Michael A. , Liebenstein Tyler K. , Yee Jeremiah , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: March 2018

The lymphocyte toxicity assay (LTA) is a proposed surrogate marker of sulfonamide antibiotic hypersensitivity. In theLTA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) undergo apoptosis more readily in hypersensitive versus tolerant patients when exposed to drug‐hydroxylamine metabolites in vitro. The purpose of this study was to identify key gene transcripts associated with increased cytotoxicity from sulfamethoxazole‐hydroxylamine in humanPBMCs in theLTA. TheLTAwas performed onPBMCs of 10 patients hypersensitive to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (HS) and 10 drug‐tolerant controls (TOL), using two cytotoxicity assays:YO‐PRO(n = 20) andMTT(n = 12).mRNAexpression profiles ofPBMCs, enriched forCD8+T cells, were compared betweenHSandTOLpatients. Transcript expression was interrogated for correlation with % cytotoxicity fromYO‐PROandMTTassays. Correlated transcripts of interest were validated byqPCR.LTAresults were not significantly different betweenHSandTOLpatients, and no transcripts were found to be differentially expressed between the two groups. 96 transcripts were correlated with cytotoxicity byYO‐PRO(r = ±.63‐.75,FDR0.188). Transcripts were selected for validation based on mechanistic plausibility and three were significantly over‐expressed byqPCRin high cytotoxicity patients: multi‐specific organic anion transporter C (ABCC5), mitoferrin‐1 (SLC25A37), and Porimin (TMEM123). These data identify novel transcripts that could contribute to sulfonamide‐hydroxylamine induced cytotoxicity. These includeSLC25A37, encoding a mitochondrial iron transporter,ABCC5, encoding an arylamine drug transporter, andTMEM123, encoding a transmembrane protein that mediates cell death.
Pesticide durability and the evolution of resistance: A novel application of survival analysis
Authors: Brevik Kristian , Schoville Sean D , Mota‐Sanchez David , Chen Yolanda H
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Arthropod pests are widely perceived to evolve resistance to insecticides at different rates. Although widespread “successful” species are assumed to evolve quickly and minor pests slowly, few studies have utilized published data on resistance events to test for differences among species. Using 532 records from the Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database covering 20 species, we applied a survival analysis to model the number of generations from insecticide introduction to the first report of arthropod resistance, providing one of the most comprehensive analyses of this question to date. Our approach tested: 1) whether successful pests evolve resistance faster than close relatives, 2) whether species differ significantly in the time to demonstrate resistance, and 3) whether different insecticide classes differ in durability (length of time an insecticide is used before resistance arises).

RESULTS

We found that species differed significantly in the amount of time it took for resistance to be reported. Overall, the median duration between the introduction of an insecticide and the first report of resistance was 66 generations (95% c.i. 60‐78 generations), and highly‐resistant arthropods did not evolve resistance faster than their relatives. Insecticide durability did not differ by the mode of action or year of introduction.

CONCLUSION

Arthropod species significantly varied in how rapidly they evolve resistance to new insecticides, regardless of their chemistry. Visualization of the history of insecticide resistance provides information to be used for understanding how pesticide resistance evolved and how it can best be managed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
InN Layers Grown by MOCVD on a‐Plane Al2O3
Authors: Buzynin Yury N. , Khrykin Oleg I. , Yunin Pavel A. , Drozdov Mikhail N. , Luk'yanov Andrey Yu.
Published: March 2018

The conditions for obtaining epitaxial InN layers on a‐plane (11–20) sapphire with a GaN buffer layer by MOCVD method are determined for the first time. Comparative studies show that InN layers on a‐plane sapphire have higher structural perfection and improved photoluminescence properties compared to those grown on c‐plane sapphire. Formation of indium clusters in the InN layers along with the conditions impeding their appearance is considered.
Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation for airway clearance in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gaynor Madeline , Wood Jamie
Published: March 2018

In cystic fibrosis (CF), acute exacerbations can decrease the effectiveness of patients’ usual airway clearance techniques (ACT) due to fatigue, dyspnoea or a high sputum load. Mechanical insufflation–exsufflation (MI‐E) is widely used in neuromuscular disorders, but has rarely been used in CF despite potential indications. We present two cases where a modified version of MI‐E was used as an adjunct to traditional ACT in adults during an acute exacerbation of CF.
Terrestrial primary production for the conterminous United States derived from Landsat 30 m and MODIS 250 m
Authors: Robinson Nathaniel P. , Allred Brady W. , Smith William K. , Jones Matthew O. , Moreno Alvaro , Erickson Tyler A. , Naugle David E. , Running Steven W.
Published: March 2018

Terrestrial primary production is a fundamental ecological process and a crucial component in understanding the flow of energy through trophic levels. The global MODIS gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) products (MOD17) are widely used for monitoring GPP and NPP at coarse resolutions across broad spatial extents. The coarse input datasets and global biome‐level parameters, however, are well‐known limitations to the applicability of the MOD17 product at finer scales. We addressed these limitations and created two improved products for the conterminous United States (CONUS) that capture the spatiotemporal variability in terrestrial production. The MOD17 algorithm was utilized with medium resolution land cover classifications and improved meteorological data specific to CONUS in order to produce: (a) Landsat derived 16‐day GPP and annual NPP at 30 m resolution from 1986 to 2016 (GPPL30 and NPPL30, respectively); and (b) MODIS derived 8‐day GPP and annual NPP at 250 m resolution from 2001 to 2016 (GPPM250 and NPPM250 respectively). Biome‐specific input parameters were optimized based on eddy covariance flux tower‐derived GPP data from the FLUXNET2015 database. We evaluated GPPL30 and GPPM250 products against the standard MODIS GPP product utilizing a select subset of representative flux tower sites, and found improvement across all land cover classes except croplands. We also found consistent interannual variability and trends across NPPL30, NPPM250, and the standard MODIS NPP product. We highlight the application potential of the production products, demonstrating their improved capacity for monitoring terrestrial production at higher levels of spatial detail across broad spatiotemporal scales.
Damage accumulation and structural modification in a‐ and c‐plane GaN implanted with 400‐keV and 5‐MeV Au+ ions
Authors: Macková A. , Malinskyˊ P. , Jágerová A. , Sofer Z. , Sedmidubský D. , Klímová K. , Böttger R. , Akhmadaliev S.
Published: March 2018

c‐plane (0001) and a‐plane (11‐20) gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial layers were grown by Metal organic Vapour Phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on sapphire and subsequently implanted with 400‐keV and 5‐MeV Au+ ions using fluences 5 × 1014 to 5 × 1015 cm−2. The shallow Au depth profiling was accomplished by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The structural changes during implantation and subsequent annealing were characterised by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry channelling and Raman spectroscopy. The interplay between nuclear and electronic stopping, influencing defect accumulation, was monitored and discussed depending on GaN orientation. Post‐implantation annealing induced a structural reorganisation of the GaN structure depending on the ion‐implantation fluence, ion energy, and on the crystallographic orientation.
Chemical state analysis using Auger parameters for XPS spectrum curve fitted with standard Auger spectra
Authors: Shima Masahide , Tsutsumi Kenichi , Tanaka Akihiro , Onodera Hiroshi , Tanemura Masaki
Published: March 2018

Chemical state analysis is quite important in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Auger parameter analysis is one of the useful methods to analyze the chemical state in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, because it is not necessary to take the charging effect into account for the analysis of nonconductive materials, especially for the simple material systems of a single chemical state. For the analysis of complicated complex systems, here, we developed the Auger parameter analysis combined with the curve fitting calculation using standard Auger spectra. Copper oxide complexes consisting of a mixture of CuO and Cu2O oxide states were formed on copper platelets by annealing in atmospheric ambient. For those samples, by combining the curve fitting using standard Cu, CuO, and Cu2O Auger spectra, two oxide states were clearly distinguished in the Auger parameter analysis. Thus, this advanced Auger parameter analysis is believed to be promising for the chemical state analysis of complicated complex systems.
Iodine‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrrolo(2,3‐c)coumarin Derivatives Using 3‐Aminocoumarins, Arylglyoxals and 4‐Hydroxycoumarin through One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Belal Md. , Khan Abu T.
Published: March 2018

Synthesis of pyrrolo(2,3‐c)coumarin derivatives was achieved from 3‐aminocoumarins, arylglyoxals and 4‐hydroxycoumarin using 20 mol% molecular iodine as a catalyst through one‐pot three‐component reaction. The products were isolated without aqueous work‐up or column chromatography in good yields. The present protocol is an efficient synthetic route to access various substituted pyrrolo(2,3‐c)coumarin derivatives in large scale.
β‐Functionalized Imidazole‐Fused Porphyrin‐Donor‐Based Dyes: Effect of π‐Linker and Acceptor on Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Bodedla Govardhana Babu , Wang Hongda , Chang Shuai , Chen Song , Chen Tao , Zhao Jianzhang , Wong Wai‐Kwok , Zhu Xunjin
Published: March 2018

We have designed and synthesized three new donor (D)‐linker (π)‐acceptor (A) type β‐functionalized imidazole‐fused porphyrins, 4 a‐4 c by grafting the acceptor such as cyanoacrylic acid/carboxylic acid at 2nd position of imidazole fused to the β,β′ edge of porphyrin donor via π‐linker such as thiophene/phenylene and examined them as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The structure‐activity relationships of the dyes are systematically investigated by using absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations. Dyes, 4 a and 4 b possessing cyanoacrylic acid acceptor exhibited broadened Soret bands compared with that of dye 4 c containing carboxylic acid acceptor, which led to good light‐harvesting properties and thereby broader IPCE curves. The DSSCs of the dye, 4 a possessing thiophene linker and cyanoacrylic acid acceptor exhibit higher power conversion efficiency than the analogous dyes, 4 b and 4 c with phenylene π‐linker and cyanoacrylic acid or carboxylic acid acceptor. The hike in the efficiency comes from the increased short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage due to reduced dye aggregation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that the life‐time of the injected electrons in the conduction band of TiO2 and charge recombination rate at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface mainly dependent on nature of π‐linker and acceptor of the dyes.
Conductive Ag‐Based Modification of Hydroxyapatite Microtubule Array and Its Application to Enzyme‐Free Glucose Sensing
Authors: Jiang Yingying , Liu Haiyan , Qi Xuan , Sun Jun , Li Mei , Wang Jun
Published: March 2018

Plenty of biomineralized hydroxyapatite (BioHAP) matrix microtubules (named dentin tubules) with regular arrangement are inside mammal tooth dentin. Herein, electrically conductive polyaniline (PANI) is applied to modify the microtubule array to assemble a PANI/BioHAP composite through an in‐situ polymerization method. On this basis, a sensor (PANI/BioHAP/AgHg) is assembled with PANI/BioHAP and silver amalgam, and further applied to enzyme‐free glucose sensing. The inner‐wall of the tubules is treated in advance with p‐methylbenzene sulfonic acid to alter its hydrophilism into hydrophobicity. The treatment contributes to improve the diffusibility of aniline monomer in the tubules and to form a PANI conductive network on the wall. Meanwhile, a large quantity of active sites on the surface of BioHAP matrix performs both adsorption and concentration to glucose molecules. The special array structure helps to shield undesired electrochemical signals, and also increases the current response of glucose electro‐catalytic oxidation.
Hydrophobic Hydrolytic‐Stable N‐Alkylimidazole‐Cyanoborane Complexes as Ultrafast‐Igniting Hypergolic Fuels
Authors: Li Xingye , Lu Tian , Nan Jiayu , Li Haibo , Nie Fude , Zhang Yan‐Qiang , Chen Fu‐Xue
Published: March 2018

Introduction of cyano group into the molecules of borane‐based hypergolic fuels can greatly reinforce the hydrolytic stability. By the formation of complex between BH2CN and imidazole, six complexes were readily prepared from N‐alkyl substituted imidazole hydrochloride salts and NaBH3CN in THF and fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrum, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Among them, 1‐allylimidazole‐cyanoborane complex (5) displayed some attractive properties such as water immiscibility and good hydrolytic stability, high density (>1.0 g cm−3), good thermal stability (Td, 193 °C, onset), high calculated density impulse (ρIsp, 358 s g cm−3), ultra‐short ignition delay time (WFNA, 3 ms), and super low viscosity (8.4 mPa s), showing the real application potential as a fuel and an efficient fuel additive in bipropellants.
Promiscuity of Lipase‐Catalyzed Reactions for Organic Synthesis: A Recent Update
Authors: Dwivedee Bharat P. , Soni Surbhi , Sharma Misha , Bhaumik Jayeeta , Laha Joydev K. , Banerjee Uttam C.
Published: March 2018

Lipase‐catalyzed organic reactions have widely been practiced in the past three decades. In addition to its wide acceptance in conventional reactions such as hydrolysis, transesterification, and enantiopure synthesis (kinetic resolution and dynamic kinetic resolution) several reports on the catalytic promiscuity of lipases have also been published. The concept of promiscuity, where lipase catalyzes reactions beyond its natural function, has been perceived as a useful phenomenon which can enhance the utility of lipase as a biocatalyst. Many useful organic reactions such as Aldol condensation, Hantzsch reaction, Canizzaro reaction, Mannich reaction, Baylis‐Hillman reaction, Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, Ugi reaction, and oxidation catalyzed by lipases have surfaced in the literature. The current review is a critical compilation of such research findings to put forth the synthetic applications of lipase, beyond the orthodox biocatalytic toolbox.
1,2,3,4,6‐Penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranose: Its Anti‐Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Bobrowska Diana M. , Czyrko Justyna , Eljaszewicz Andrzej , Grubczak Kamil , Wlodarczyk Anna J. , Moniuszko Marcin , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Plonska‐Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: March 2018

One of the polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities is 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐D‐glucopyranose (PGG). Herein, we analysed the influence of PGG on mammalian and bacterial cells, including human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), monocytes and a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, our results demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory potential of 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (β‐PGG) in monocytes via the modulation of cell activity. Our study also indicates a high activity of β‐PGG against the quality control strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similar experiments were performed using gallic acid (GA), and the results indicated that this PGG metabolite does not reveals the biological properties of the glycoside.
Aerobic Oxidation of Thiols to Disulfides by Silver‐Based Magnetic Catalyst
Authors: Gaur Rashmi , Yadav Manavi , Gupta Radhika , Arora Gunjan , Rana Pooja , Sharma Rakesh K.
Published: March 2018

In the present report, we have synthesized and characterized a magnetically retrievable, easily generated, chemically stable, and environmental friendly silver based nanocatalyst for the oxidation of thiols. The obtained heterogeneous catalyst was thoroughly characterized by various techniques including X‐ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Field emission‐ scanning electron microscopy analysis, Vibrating sample magnetometric analysis, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometer and dispersive spectroscopic analysis. Excellent yield of disulfides can be easily obtained from corresponding thiols within 30 min through simple stirring in water at room temperature under aerobic condition. Further, this protocol involves low loading of silver and undergoes no leaching. Moreover, it also circumvents the use of harsh and expensive oxidising agents and bases. Additionally, superb catalytic activity, effortless catalytic recovery and recyclability of the catalyst upto seven consecutive runs without significant loss of activity, make the present protocol highly sustainable to deal with industrial needs as well as environmental and biological concerns.
New Metal−Free Porphyrins as Hole−Transporting Materials in Mesoporous Perovskite Solar Cells.
Authors: Sygkridou Dimitra , Apostolopoulou Andigoni , Charisiadis Asterios , Nikolaou Vasilis , Charalambidis Georgios , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Stathatos Elias
Published: March 2018

Two A2B2 type free base porphyrins have been synthesized and examined as hole−transporting materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These molecules contain a porphyrin ring as a π−spacer, two N,N’‐dimethylphenyl groups and either two phenylcarboxylic acid or two phenyl‐methyl‐ester units respectively. These molecules have been chosen as alternative HTMs to the well−known Spiro‐MeOTAD (N2,N2,N2′,N2′,N7,N7,N7′,N7′‐octakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐9,9′‐spirobi[9H‐fluorene]‐2,2′,7,7′‐tetramine) since porphyrins exhibit high versatility in molecular engineering towards the best performance in solar cells. Thus, they were characterized in terms of their electrochemical properties as the HOMO and LUMO levels are very important regarding their behaviour as HTMs. Mesoporous PSCs were constructed using both molecules and compared with standard ones based on Spiro‐MeOTAD. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in which metal−free porphyrins are employed as HTMs in PSCs. The cells that incorporated the phenylcarboxylic acid based porphyrin showed similar current density (23 mA cm−2) with those based on Spiro‐MeOTAD but lower open circuit voltage which overall constitutes a promising result consolidating metal−free porphyrins as a new class of HTMs.
Second language learners’ ability to detect satirical news and the effect of humor competency training
Authors: Prichard Caleb , Rucynski John
Published: March 2018

Satirical news is a type of humorous media that mixes parody and satire to critique contemporary figures, events, and situations (Ermida, 2012; McClennen & Maisel, 2014; Peters, 2013). In addition to satirical television news programs likeThe Daily Show, satirical news websites such asThe Daily Mash,The Onion, andThe Shovelare extremely popular in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, respectively. There are also satirical websites for a number of subcultures, including foreign English‐speaking residents in Japan (Rising Wasabi), sports fans (Sports Pickle), and evangelical Christians (Babylon Bee). Although satirical news is sometimes criticized as fake, scholars have contended that satirical news stimulates critical thinking about media, politics, and social issues through fun and intelligent coverage of current events (Fife, 2016; Peters, 2013).
Removal of a red dye using noncommercial peroxidase extracted from rice bran
Authors: Marques Camila T. , Golunski Simone M. , Venturin Bruno , Camargo Aline F. , Scapini Thamarys , Baldissarelli Daiane , Modkovski Tatiani A. , Preczeski Karina Paula , Rosa Camila Dalla , Vargas Gean D. L. P. , Buffon Jaqueline Garda , Rosin Catiusa K. , Arenzon Alexandre , Mossi Altemir J. , Treichel Helen
Published: March 2018

The present study investigates the application of a noncommercial peroxidase enzyme, which was extracted from rice bran, to decolorize wastewater that was simulating effluent from a textile manufacturer using a red dye in its coloration process.
Evaluation of spatial and temporal variation in Karun River water quality during five decades (1968–2014)
Authors: Ahmadmoazzam Mehdi , Saki Malehi Amal , Jorfi Sahand , Ramavandi Bahman , Ahmadi Mehdi
Published: March 2018

In the present study, the multivariate statistical technique cluster analysis (CA) is used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations in the water quality data for the Karun River, which was gathered during 46 years of monitoring (from 1968 to 2014). The data recorded electrical conductivity (EC) in the river at six water monitoring stations along its course. The mean of EC was 972.05 ± 365.466 micromhos per centimeter (μmhos/cm) at the most upstream station and showed an increase to 1458.41 ± 675.048 μmhos/cm at the most downstream of the stations. By using hierarchical CA, the six sampling stations were grouped into three clusters of similar characteristics, which may be a result of different land uses in proximity to the stations. Furthermore, two‐way analysis of variance showed that EC had a significant correlation (p < 0.001) with the season, and the mean of the pollution depended on the level of the cluster and the season (spring, summer, autumn, and winter).
Private banking and crony capitalism in Egypt
Authors: Diwan Ishac , Schiffbauer Marc
Published: March 2018

Why do private banks lend preferentially to politically connected firms? Focusing on the case of Egypt during the later years of Mubarak's rule, we identified politically connected firms, and we documented, using the Orbis corporate data on large firms in Egypt, that they received a disproportionate amount of the loans going to the private sector during 2003–11. We then investigated the determinants of their borrowings, and we found evidence that connected firms were more attractive to banks both because they made larger profits, and because they were seen to be implicitly guaranteed by the state against failure. We also found evidence that non-connected firms had a lower demand for loans.
4-Week consumption of anthocyanin-rich blood orange juice does not affect LDL-cholesterol or other biomarkers of CVD risk and glycaemia compared with standard orange juice: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hollands Wendy J. , Armah Charlotte N. , Doleman Joanne F. , Perez-Moral Natalia , Winterbone Mark S. , Kroon Paul A.
Published: March 2018

Elevated circulating cholesterol levels are a risk factor for CVD which is also associated with sub-optimal vascular function. There is emerging evidence that anthocyanins can cause beneficial cardio-protective effects by favourably modulating lipoprotein profiles. We compared the effects of blood orange juice which is rich in anthocyanins and blonde orange juice without anthocyanins on LDL-cholesterol and other biomarkers of CVD risk, vascular function and glycaemia. In all, forty-one participants (aged 25–84 years) with a waist circumference >94 cm (men) and >80 cm (women) completed a randomised, open label, two-arm cross-over trial. For 28 d participants ingested (i) 500 ml blood orange juice providing 50 mg anthocyanins/d and (ii) 500 ml blonde orange juice without anthocyanins. There was a minimum 3-week washout period between treatments. LDL-cholesterol and other biomarkers associated with CVD risk and glycaemia were assessed at the start and end of each treatment period. No significant differences were observed in total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, TAG, glucose, fructosamine, nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, aortic systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure or carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity after 28 d ingestion of blood orange juice compared with standard orange juice. The lack of effect on LDL-cholesterol may be due to the modest concentration of anthocyanins in the blood orange juice.
Type of dietary fat intakes in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults: an iso-energetic substitution analysis from the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey linked to the US mortality registry
Authors: Ricci Cristian , Baumgartner Jeannine , Zec Manja , Kruger Herculina Salome , Smuts Cornelius M.
Published: March 2018

Accumulating evidence indicates that saturated fat intake is related to mortality risk increase, whereas unsaturated fat intake is associated with reduced mortality risk. The aim of the present study was to estimate the mortality risk reduction related to a dietary change from saturated fat to mono- or polyunsaturated fat intake. The American National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1999 and 2010 were linked to the 2011 national US death registry resulting in an observational prospective mortality study. Proportional hazards Cox models were used to evaluate the association between saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Substitution analysis was conducted to estimate an iso-energetic substitution of 10 % of the energy from dietary fat intake applied to the substitution of saturated fat with an equal amount of energy from monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat. The highest tertile intakes of saturated fat resulted in an increased risk (12 %) of all-cause and specific-cause mortality, whereas the highest tertile intakes of polyunsaturated fat resulted in a reduced risk (7 %) of all-cause and specific-cause mortality when compared with the corresponding lowest tertile. Iso-energetic substitution revealed that a substitution of 10 % of energy (from total fat) from saturated fat to an equal amount of energy from monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat resulted in a significant reduction of the mortality risk ranging from 4 to 8 %. Iso-energetic substitution of saturated fat with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat reduced all-cause and specific-cause mortality in US adults.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in Native and European populations in Greenland
Authors: Andersen Stig , Noahsen Paneeraq , Rex Karsten F. , Fleischer Inuuteq , Albertsen Nadja , Jørgensen Marit E. , Schæbel Louise K. , Laursen Mogens B.
Published: March 2018

Ca homoeostasis is important to human health and tightly controlled by powerful hormonal mechanisms that display ethnic variation. Ethnic variations could occur also in Arctic populations where the traditional Inuit diet is low in Ca and sun exposure is limited. We aimed to assess factors important to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and Ca in serum in Arctic populations. We included Inuit and Caucasians aged 50–69 years living in the capital city in West or in rural East Greenland. Lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaires. The intake of Inuit diet was assessed from a FFQ. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD2and 25OHD3) levels were measured in serum as was albumin, Ca and PTH. The participation rate was 95 %, with 101 Caucasians and 434 Inuit. Median serum 25OHD (99·7 % was 25OHD3) in Caucasians/Inuit was 42/64 nmol/l (25, 75 percentiles 25, 54/51, 81) (P<0·001). Total Ca in serum was 2·33/2·29 mmol/l (25, 75 percentiles 2·26, 2·38/2·21, 2·36) (P=0·01) and PTH was 2·7/2·2 pmol/l (25, 75 percentiles 2·2, 4·1/1·7, 2·7) (P<0·001). The 69/97 Caucasians/Inuit with serum 25OHD <50 nmol/l differed in PTH (P=0·001) that rose with lower 25OHD levels in Caucasians, whereas this was not the case in Inuit. Ethnic origin influenced PTH (β=0·27,P<0·001) and Ca (β=0·22,P<0·001) in multivariate linear regression models after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol and diet. In conclusion, ethnic origin influenced PTH, PTH response to low vitamin D levels and Ca levels in populations in Greenland. Recommendations are to evaluate mechanisms underlying the ethnic influence on Ca homoeostasis and to assess the impact of transition in dietary habits on Ca homoeostasis and skeletal health in Arctic populations.
Beneath Sovereignty: Extraterritoriality and Imperial Internationalism in Nineteenth-Century Egypt
Authors: Todd David
Published: March 2018

The rise of extraterritoriality in the nineteenth-century has been described as a transitional phase that laid the ground for the construction of territorial sovereignty. Yet in Egypt, where a particularly extensive extraterritorial regime emerged in the mid-century, the expansion of European jurisdiction underneath national sovereignty became entrenched with the creation of international mixed courts in the 1870s. This outcome, the article argues, was the product of a complex compromise between European empires, which upheld different conceptions of extraterritoriality, and the government of Egypt. While Britain refashioned its own extraterritorial judicial system as a means of promoting legal reforms in the Ottoman world, France aggressively pursued the expansion of extraterritorial rights as an instrument of informal domination and economic exploitation. The creation of an international type of jurisdiction, less susceptible to French political pressures but applying a French system of law, proved acceptable to all parties, although it severely constrained Egyptian sovereignty from within, even after Britain took over the reins of government in 1882. Extraterritoriality was not merely a transition, but an original feature of the global legal order, arising out of modern imperialism and imperial rivalry and yet conducive to the forging of new instruments of international law and governance.
New Takes on Jim Crow: A Review of Recent Scholarship
Authors: Walker Anders
Published: March 2018

More than half a century has passed since C. Vann Woodward penned his iconic monograph, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, and legal segregation continues to compel. Recent works have reassessed Jim Crow's birth, its life, and its aftermath, suggesting that the system was at once more implicated in the reproduction of racist ideas than had been previously assumed, and also more fluid: a variegated landscape of rules and norms that lent themselves to various forms of political, legal, and cultural resistance.