bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ciglitazone—a human PPARγ agonist—disrupts dorsoventral patterning in zebrafish
Authors: Cheng Vanessa , Dasgupta Subham , Reddam Aalekhya , Volz David C.
Published: November 2019

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates lipid/glucose homeostasis and adipocyte differentiation. While the role of PPARγ in adipogenesis and diabetes has been extensively studied, little is known about PPARγ function during early embryonic development. Within zebrafish, maternally-loaded pparγ transcripts are present within the first 6 h post-fertilization (hpf), and de novo transcription of zygotic pparγ commences at ~48 hpf. Since maternal pparγ transcripts are elevated during a critical window of cell fate specification, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that PPARγ regulates gastrulation and dorsoventral patterning during zebrafish embryogenesis. To accomplish this objective, we relied on (1) ciglitazone as a potent PPARγ agonist and (2) a splice-blocking, pparγ-specific morpholino to knockdown pparγ. We found that initiation of ciglitazone—a potent human PPARγ agonist—exposure by 4 hpf resulted in concentration-dependent effects on dorsoventral patterning in the absence of epiboly defects during gastrulation, leading to ventralized embryos by 24 hpf. Interestingly, ciglitazone-induced ventralization was reversed by co-exposure with dorsomorphin, a bone morphogenetic protein signaling inhibitor that induces strong dorsalization within zebrafish embryos. Moreover, mRNA-sequencing revealed that lipid- and cholesterol-related processes were affected by exposure to ciglitazone. However, pparγ knockdown did not block ciglitazone-induced ventralization, suggesting that PPARγ is not required for dorsoventral patterning nor involved in ciglitazone-induced toxicity within zebrafish embryos. Our findings point to a novel, PPARγ-independent mechanism of action and phenotype following ciglitazone exposure during early embryonic development.
Inconsistent response of soil bacterial and fungal communities in aggregates to litter decomposition during short-term incubation
Authors: Li Jingjing , Yang Chao
Published: November 2019

Background

Soil aggregate-size classes and microbial communities within the aggregates are important factors regulating the soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover. However, the response of soil bacterial and fungal communities in aggregates to litter decomposition in different aggregate-size classes is poorly understand.

Methods

Soil samples from un-grazed natural grassland were separated into four dry aggregate classes of different sizes (2–4 mm, 1–2 mm, 0.25–1 mm and <0.25 mm). Two types of plant litter (leaf and stem) of Leymus chinensis were added to each of the four aggregate class samples. The CO2 release rate, SOC storage and soil microbial communities were measured at the end of the 56-day incubation.

Results

The results showed that the 1–2 mm aggregate had the highest bacterial Shannon and CO2 release in CK and leaf addition treatments, and the SOC in the <0.25 mm aggregate was higher than that in the others across the treatments. The relative abundance of Ascomycota was higher in the 2–4 mm and <0.25 mm aggregates than in the 1–2 mm and 0.25–1 mm aggregates in the treatment without litter addition, and the relative abundance of Aphelidiomycota was lower in the 2–4 mm and <0.25 mm aggregates than in the 1–2 mm and 0.25–1 mm aggregates. Also, litter addition increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, but decreased the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Actinobacteria. The relative abundance of Ascomycota and Aphelidiomycota increased by more than 10% following leaf litter addition. The bacterial Shannon index had a significantly positive and direct effect on SOC concentration and CO2 release, while the fungal Shannon index was significantly correlated with SOC concentration. Our results indicate that the soil bacterial diversity contributes positively to both carbon emissions and carbon storage, whereas soil fungal diversity can promote carbon storage and decrease carbon emissions.
Investigation of Selected Heavy Metals Concentration in Animal Feeds in United Arab Emirates
Authors: A. Al Haj Ali Nizar , I. Abu-Abdoun Ideisan , S. Janaan Abdulla , H. Hassan Jumana , A. Al Jeaidi Maha
Published: November 2019

The animal feed materials contaminated with heavy metals, which usually comes from soils to plant, atmosphere and contaminated seawater. Various animal feed and feed supplements imported by local agents at United Arab Emirates (UAE) subjected for analysis using ICP- MS technique the concentration of the four selected heavy metals, namely; Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), found to be within the national standard.
St Magnus, Kirkwall
Authors: Wilson Daniel
Published: November 2019

A memorial to the Chief Commissioner of Her Majesty's Board of Works.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: November 2019

Meeting notes from 10 May 1852.
Editorial
Authors: Tudor Keith , Hall Alayne
Published: November 2019

E ngā waka, e ngā mana, e ngā hau e wha, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou arā me to whānau hoki. Tenā koutou, tenā koutou, tenā koutou katoa. He tino hari maua, i te tari putanga tuatoru na Ata: Journal of Psychotherapy Aotearoa New Zealand. To the many talented and esteemed who are propelled together by the four winds, spread throughout the islands we greet you and your families.
Obituary
Authors: Re Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Daniel (Dan) Stern was an American psychoanalytically trained child psychiatrist whose careful research of infant—parent interaction led to groundbreaking new ways of thinking about the infant, infants’ capacities and development, mothers and the infant–mother and patient–therapist relationship. He was a pioneer in the field of studying videotaped interactions between mothers and babies. Early in his career, Stern made observations of infants and mothers using video, later analysing these records as part of his research project. He brought to light the intimate interactions of infants and their mothers, the findings of which subsequently led to his theory of development of the self occurring within a social context.
Is the Earth Dreaming Through Us?
Authors: Bowater Margaret
Published: November 2019

Recent research in dream science has established that we dream about the issues that matter to us emotionally: from immediate personal problems to spiritual and political issues. Indigenous cultures constantly call us to honour our relationship with Nature, and prophets throughout history have urged us to care for God’s creation. Evolutionary psychology also suggests that a primary purpose of disturbing dreams is to raise issues that threaten our survival or wellbeing, so that we seek solutions. A major issue pressing on our consciousness now is the health of our very planet, the literal ground on which all life depends, so it is not surprising that some of us are having dreams and nightmares warning us that our environment is in great danger – as if the Earth itself is calling us to action. In this paper I consider a series of striking dreams from New Zealanders which are relevant to this theme.
Waitara
Kei ngā rangahau pūtaiao moemoeā o ko tata tonu atu nei e kī ana moemoeā ai tātou mō ngā take kare-ā-roto e ngākau nuihia ana e tātou: mai i ngā raruraru whaiaro tata, ki ngā take wairua atu ki ngā take tōrangapū. Kūmea tonuhia ai tātou ki te whakamānawa i tō tātou piri ki te ao tūroa, ā mai noa ngā tohunga e aki ana i a tātou ki te manaaki uri o ngā atua. E kī anō ana te mātai hinengaro kunenga ko te pūtake o ngā moemoeā whawhe he whakaara kaupapa whakawetiweti ake i te ora i te hauora rānei, ana ka rapu oranga haere. Ko tētahi kaupapa matua ē pēhi ana i ō tātou hinengaro i tēnei wā ko te oranga o te ao, te mata o Papatūānuku, nōreira kāre noa iho e ohorere ana e moemoeā e kuku ana ētahi o tātou mō ngā whakatūpatotanga ki te āhua o te taiao — pēnei i te mea nei e whakaohohia ake ana tātou ki te whakatika. I roto i tēnei pepa ka whakaaro ake au i ngā moemoeā whai kiko mai i ngā tāngata o Aotearoa e pā ana ki tēnei kauapapa.
Method for the determination of epichlorohydrin in workplace air using gas chromatography after thermal desorption [Air monitoring methods, 2019]
Authors: Tschickardt M. , Brock T.H. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of epichlorohydrin [
106‐89‐8
] in workplace air averaged over the sampling period after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through an adsorption tube filled with Tenax TA using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 20 mL/min with a recommended air sample volume of 1.2 L (which corresponds to a sampling period of 60 min). After thermal desorption at 280 °C the sample is analysed by means of GC with a flame ionisation detector (FID). The quantitative determination is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a multiple‐point calibration. The relative limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.39 mg/m
3
epichlorohydrin for an air sample volume of 1.2 L. The mean recovery was 95% and the expanded uncertainty for epichlorohydrin was 16.1% over the entire measurement range.

Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the working group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.
Addendum to Aluminium [BAT value documentation, 2019]
Authors: Klotz K. , Meyer‐Baron M. , van Thriel C. , Pallapies D. , Nasterlack M. , Letzel S. , Roßbach B. , Triebig G. , Weistenhöfer W. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

In 2017, the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value (BAT value) for aluminium [
7429‐90‐5
]. Available publications are described in detail.

The BAT value of 60 µg aluminium/g creatinine evaluated in 2009 was based on the linear correlation between external and internal exposure. The aim of this re‐evaluation was the derivation of a health‐based BAT value considering the most sensitive critical effect of aluminium, the neurotoxicity. For this purpose, the available studies of aluminium‐exposed workers were taken into account, when the internal aluminium exposure as well as the occurrence of subclinical neurotoxic effects were determined. The effects had been measured with standardised neuropsychological test procedures. From these studies, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 50 µg/g creatinine for the occurrence of subtle neurotoxic effects of humans was estimated. Therefore, a BAT value of 50 µg aluminium/g creatinine was evaluated. Sampling time for long‐term exposures is at the end of the shift after several shifts.
n
‐Butylamine,
sec
‐Butylamine,
iso
‐Butylamine,
tert
‐Butylamine [MAK value documentation, 2016]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of
n‐
,
sec‐
,
iso‐
and
tert‐
butylamine, considering local and systemic toxicity as well as developmental toxicity. Daily exposure of rats to
n‐
butylamine for 14 days resulted in inflammation of respiratory epithelium at 17 ml/m
3
. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes, which would result in lowering the MAK value for
n‐
butylamine. However, workers reported no irritation at 1 to 2 ml
n‐
butylamine/m
3
. Therefore, the MAK value of 2 ml/m
3
is confirmed, also for
sec‐
and
iso‐
butylamine due to similar structure, pKa and RD
50
values. With
tert‐
butylamine the LOAEC of 66 ml/m
3
in rats in a 13‐week study resulted in nasal tissue inflammation and liver weight increase. Following the empirical approach, the same MAK value of 2 ml/m
3
is set for
tert‐
butylamine. As local effects might be or are critical, Peak Limitation Category I and an excursion factor of 2 and a momentary value of 5 ml/m
3
are assigned for all butylamine isomers. Developmental toxicity studies with
n‐
butylamine show that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely if the MAK value is not exceeded and thus
n‐
butylamine is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Due to the lack of developmental toxicity studies,
sec‐
,
iso‐
and
tert‐
butylamine are assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group D.
Acetic anhydride [MAK Value Documentation, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) and the Pregnancy Risk Group of acetic anhydride [
108‐24‐7
]. Furthermore genotoxicity and skin absorption have been evaluated.

Critical effects are irritation of mucous membranes in humans and inflammation reactions as well as hyper‐ and metaplasia in the upper respiration tract with a NOAEC of 1 ml/m
3
in a 13‐week‐inhalation study with rats. Since 2014 the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for such substances. According to this, the MAK value for acetic anhydride has been lowered to 0.1 ml/m
3
. As local effects are critical, the assignment to Peak Limitation Category I is confirmed. As the LOAEC is fivefold as high as the NOAEC in the 13‐week‐inhalation study with rats, the true NAEC might be higher and the excursion factor of 2 is set. Taking into consideration the low systemic bioavailability and the data for the metabolite acetic acid, damage to the embryo and foetus is unlikely when the MAK value for acetic anhydride is not exceeded. Therefore, acetic anhydride is classified in Pregnancy Risk Group C. Absorption of acetic anhydride via the skin is unlikely, due to the rapid hydrolysis to acetic acid in aqueous solution. In addition, the irritation of undiluted acetic anhydride precludes a skin contact over a longer period. The substance is not genotoxic.
N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (vapour) [MAK Value Documentation, 2019]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: November 2019

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) ofN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone [872‐50‐4].

The critical effects in rats are irritation of the upper respiratory tract, foetotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Male volunteers did not show adverse irritant or cognitive effects after 8‐hour exposure toN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone at a concentration of 20 ml/m3with and without exposure peaks of 40 ml/m3and with physical workload.

A MAK value of 20 ml/m3had been set forN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone vapour. This value has now been confirmed even considering the increased respiratory volume at the workplace (see List of MAK and BAT Values, Sections I b and I c).

Exposure toN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone aerosols increases the intake by dermal absorption but there is no information indicating by how much. Therefore, the MAK value is only valid for the vapour ofN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and exposure to aerosols or vapour/aerosol mixtures must be controlled by biomonitoring methods.

As the critical effect ofN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone is assumed to be local, Peak Limitation Category I has been designated. The excursion factor of 2 is retained.
Super‐Recognisers show an advantage for other race face identification
Authors: Robertson David J. , Black Jennifer , Chamberlain Bethany , Megreya Ahmed M. , Davis Josh P.
Published: November 2019

The accurate identification of an unfamiliar individual from a face photo is a critical factor in several applied situations (e.g., border control). Despite this, matching faces to photographic ID is highly prone to error. In lieu of effective training measures, which could reduce face matching errors, the selection of “super‐recognisers” (SRs) provides the most promising route to combat misidentification or fraud. However, to date, super‐recognition has been defined and tested using almost exclusively “own‐race” face memory and matching tests. Here, across three studies, we test Caucasian participants' performance on own‐ and other‐race face identification tasks (GFMT, MFMT, CFMT+, EFMT, CFMT‐Chinese). Our findings show that compared to controls, high‐performing typical recognisers (Studies 1 and 2) and SRs (Study 3) show superior performance on both the own‐ and other‐race tests. These findings suggest that recruiting SRs in ethnically diverse applied settings could be advantageous.
Effect of Controlled Oxygen Vacancy on H2‐Production through the Piezocatalysis and Piezophototronics of Ferroelectric R3C ZnSnO3 Nanowires
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chun , Wu Jyh Ming
Published: November 2019

This study is the first to demonstrate that ferroelectric R3c LiNbO3‐type ZnSnO3 nanowires (NWs), through the piezocatalysis and piezophototronic process, demonstrate a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The polarization and electric field curves indicate that ZnSnO3 NWs exhibit typical ferroelectric hysteresis loops. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectra reveal that the relaxation time increases with the increasing concentration of oxygen vacancies. Moderated 3H‐ZnSnO3 NWs (thermally annealed for 3 h in a hydrogen environment) have the longest extended carrier lifetime of approximately 8.3 ns. The piezoelectricity‐induced HER, via the piezocatalysis process (without light irradiation), reaches an optimal H2‐production rate of approximately 3453.1 µmol g−1 h−1. Through the synergistic piezophototronic process, the HER reaches approximately 6000 µmol g−1 in 7 h. Crucially, the mechanical force–induced spontaneous polarization functions as a carrier separator, driving the electron and hole in opposite directions in ferroelectric ZnSnO3 NWs; this separation reduces the recombination rate, enhancing the redox process. This theoretical analysis indicates that the photocatalytic and piezocatalytic effects can synergistically enhance piezophototronic performance through capitalizing on well‐modulated oxygen vacancies in ferroelectric semiconductors. This study demonstrates the essential role of this synergy in purifying water pollutants and converting water into hydrogen gas through the piezophototronic process.
GSH‐Depleted PtCu3 Nanocages for Chemodynamic‐ Enhanced Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhong Xiaoyan , Wang Xianwen , Cheng Liang , Tang Yong'an , Zhan Guiting , Gong Fei , Zhang Rui , Hu Jun , Liu Zhuang , Yang Xiangliang
Published: November 2019

The ultrahigh concentration of glutathione (GSH) inside tumors destroys reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐based therapy, improving the outcome of chemodynamic therapy (CDT)‐enhanced sonodynamic therapy (SDT) by depleting GSH is full of great challenge. Herein, PtCu3 nanocages are first reported as acting as a sonosensitizer with highly efficient ROS generation under ultrasound irradiation. In addition, PtCu3 nanocages can act as horseradish peroxidase‐like nanozymes, catalyzing the decomposition of H2O2 into •OH under acidic conditions for CDT. Surprisingly, PtCu3 nanocages can act as another kind of nanozyme, mimicking glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), which plays an important role in accelerating GSH depletion by oxidizing molecules, further weakening the capacity of tumor cells scavenging ROS by GSH. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that PtCu3 nanocages perform well in reducing GSH level for CDT‐enhanced SDT. Moreover, utilizing the high absorption in the near‐infrared region and strong X‐ray attenuation ability, the PtCu3 nanocages are able to conduct photoacoustic/computed tomography dual‐modal imaging‐guided combined cancer therapy. It is worth mentioning that PtCu3 nanocages cause minimal toxicity to normal tissues at therapeutic doses. This work highlights the use of PtCu3 nanocages for effective CDT‐enhanced SDT via GSH depletion.
Disruptive, Soft, Wearable Sensors
Authors: Ling Yunzhi , An Tiance , Yap Lim Wei , Zhu Bowen , Gong Shu , Cheng Wenlong
Published: November 2019

The wearable industry is on the rise, with a myriad of technical applications ranging from real‐time health monitoring, the Internet of Things, and robotics, to name but a few. However, there is a saying “wearable is not wearable” because the current market‐available wearable sensors are largely bulky and rigid, leading to uncomfortable wearing experience, motion artefacts, and poor data accuracy. This has aroused a world‐wide intensive research quest for novel materials, with the aim of fabricating next‐generation ultra‐lightweight and soft wearable devices. Such disruptive second‐skin‐like biosensing technologies may enable a paradigm shift from current wearable 1.0 to future wearable 2.0 products. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art progress made in the key phases for future wearable technology, namely, wear → sense → communicate → analyze → interpret → decide, is summarized. Without a doubt, materials innovation is the key, which is the main focus of the discussion. In addition, emphasis is also given to wearable energy, multicomponent integration, and wireless communication.
Tumor‐Targeted Drug and CpG Delivery System for Phototherapy and Docetaxel‐Enhanced Immunotherapy with Polarization toward M1‐Type Macrophages on Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Chen Lv , Zhou Lulu , Wang Chunhui , Han Yi , Lu Yonglin , Liu Jie , Hu Xiaochun , Yao Tianming , Lin Yun , Liang Shujing , Shi Shuo , Dong Chunyan
Published: November 2019

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved promising clinical responses in recent years owing to the potential of controlling metastatic disease. However, there is a limited research to prove the superior therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy on breast cancer compared with melanoma and non‐small‐cell lung cancer because of its limited expression of PD‐L1, low infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and high level of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (FA‐CuS/DTX@PEI‐PpIX‐CpG nanocomposites, denoted as FA‐CD@PP‐CpG) for synergistic phototherapy (photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT) included) and docetaxel (DTX)‐enhanced immunotherapy is successfully developed. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent PDT efficacy and photothermal conversion capability under 650 and 808 nm irradiation, respectively. More significantly, FA‐CD@PP‐CpG with no obvious side effects can remarkably inhibit the tumor growth in vivo based on a 4T1‐tumor‐bearing mice modal. A low dosage of loaded DTX in FA‐CD@PP‐CpG can promote infiltration of CTLs to improve efficacy of anti‐PD‐L1 antibody (aPD‐L1), suppress MDSCs, and effectively polarize MDSCs toward M1 phenotype to reduce tumor burden, further to enhance the antitumor efficacy. Taken together, FA‐CD@PP‐CpG nanocomposites offer an efficient synergistic therapeutic modality in docetaxel‐enhanced immunotherapy for clinical application of breast cancer.
Ultrathin 2D Nanomaterials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Kumar Pradip
Published: November 2019

Along with an enormous interest in nanomaterials, 2D nanomaterials hold great promise for a wide range of applications in the fields of chemistry, condensed matter, material science, and engineering. These 2D nanomaterials should continue to inspire many curiosity‐driven discoveries and applications in the fields of supercapacitors, batteries, sensors, catalysis, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Although there is a worldwide surge in realizing the fabrication of high‐performance EMI shielding materials, EMI shielding is a major challenge to modern electronics and devices as they rely on wireless communications. In recent years, 2D nanomaterials are emerged as the most promising materials for applications in EMI shielding. So far, few 2D nanomaterials including graphene, transition metal carbides, and molybdenum disulfide are tested for application in EMI shielding. Herein, recent progress in 2D nanomaterials for high‐performance EMI shielding is reviewed. The developments of thin films, layered and hybrid structures are critically reviewed with an emphasis on the role of size, structure, thickness, and interfacial interactions on the shielding efficiency. The progress covered shows great promise for the technological development of advanced EMI shielding materials for modern portable and other advanced electronic devices.
Transparent Flexible Polymer Actuator with Enhanced Output Force Enabled by Conductive Nanowires Interlayer
Authors: Fook Tony Hiu Tung , Jeon Jin Han , Lee Pooi See
Published: November 2019

In this work, an approach to enhance the output force of polymer actuators by increasing the dielectric permittivity of the electroactive polymer (EAP), poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE)), via incorporation of a nanowire interlayer into the polymer matrix is presented. The interlayer is formed by a network of highly conductive silver nanowires with high aspect ratio. Due to the enhanced dielectric properties, the output force of the resultant composite actuator is double that of a neat EAP actuator. This advantage can be utilized to improve user perception of tactile feedback produced by the modified EAP actuator. The higher output force translates to a lower excitation voltage which is 60% of what is required to excite a neat EAP actuator. The resultant‐modified EAP maintains its transparency and flexibility, while enhancing the dielectric properties without severe degradation of the electrical breakdown strength. The excellent transparency and flexibility of the modified EAP allows for a wider range of possible applications such as direct and localized haptic feedback on flexible electronic displays, touch screens, etc.
Structural Modification Orientated Multifunctional AIE Fluorescence Probes: Organelles Imaging and Effective Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Kongqi , Zhang Rongyuan , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Weijie , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2019

Luminogens with aggregation‐induced emission feature (AIEgens) are highly demanded because of its excellent performance in fluorescent bioprobes. In this work, three AIEgens based on tetraphenylethylene isoquinolinium (TPE‐IQ) derivatives by introducing different electron donor and sterically hindered groups to replace the phenyl ring of the isoquinolinium core are prepared in a one‐pot reaction with a high yield and characterized systematically. By the analysis of photophysical properties and theoretical calculations, the structure‐property relationships among them become clear. Although they all inherit AIE feature as expected, these similar structural AIEgens present different organelle‐targets, which is attributed to their different cellular uptake way and energy barrier to cell membrane by detailed experiments. In addition, these TPE‐IQ‐based AIEgens are potential candidates for photodynamic therapy originating from their activities of generating reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Cyclization/Thiocyanation of Unactivated Olefins: Access to SCN‐Containing Pyrazolines
Authors: Meng Fei , Zhang Honglin , He Han , Xu Ning , Fang Qin , Guo Kang , Cao Shujun , Shi Yun , Zhu Yingguang
Published: November 2019

A mild and highly efficient Cu‐catalyzed cascade cyclization/thiocyanation of unactivated alkenes bearing hydrazones has been developed. A broad range of SCN‐substituted pyrazolines have been readily obtained in good to excellent yields with commercially available and very cheap Cu(acac)2 and NH4SCN. This present method provides a rapid, facile, and practical access to valuable pyrazolines with the important SCN functionality, and it is amenable to the gram scale.

magnified image
Resistance Drift Suppression Utilizing GeTe/Sb2Te3 Superlattice‐Like Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Zhou Lingjun , Yang Zhe , Wang Xiaojie , Qian Hang , Xu Ming , Cheng Xiaomin , Tong Hao , Miao Xiangshui
Published: November 2019

Resistance drift is one of the key challenges in phase‐change memory, especially in multilevel storage applications. Although many efforts have been proposed to reduce the probability error caused by resistance drift, the most effective method to suppress resistance drift is by material design. Since resistance drift in amorphous materials comes from changes in the distributions of defects and tail states that are caused by spontaneous structural relaxation, it is possible to suppress resistance drift by confine defect relaxation. A superlattice‐like structure is used to construct relatively controllable interfaces different from those inherent in amorphous chalcogenide for the regulation of resistance drift. By adjusting structural parameters, amorphous GeTe/Sb2Te3 achieves a very low resistance drift. A low‐field electrical transport test based on a trapping band model shows that a change in the structural parameters directly affects the transport process in GeTe/Sb2Te3 such that the resistance drift is suppressed. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization reveals that defects at interfaces in superlattice‐like GeTe/Sb2Te3 vary with the structural parameters. Compared with traditional doping and other methods, the interfacial structure introduces controllable defects and provides another strategy for the design of multilevel data storage.
Ionic Liquid Gating Control of Spin Wave Resonance in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 Thin Film
Authors: Zhao Shishun , Hou Weixiao , Zhou Ziyao , Li Yaojin , Zhu Mingmin , Li Haobo , Li Chunlei , Hu Zhongqiang , Yu Pu , Liu Ming
Published: November 2019

Magnonics or spin waves have the potential to serve as the carrier for future information communication. A controllable spin wave resonance (SWR) device is demonstrated in a Au/[DEME]+[TFSI]−/LSMO/STO capacitor heterostructure, which could be regulated by ionic liquid gating (ILG) method. The SWR critical angle φC, excitation position to perform uniform precession, is shifted in a reversible manner (thus recording “off” and “on”) with +1.5 V gating voltage (Vg), measured by quantitative angular dependent electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Based on the modified Puszkarski's surface inhomogeneity model, the ILG control SWR at low Vg (Vg < 1.5 V) can be explained by a charge‐doping‐induced effective surface magnetic anisotropy change. Applying a higher Vg (Vg > 1.5 V) enhances the surface mode SWR and gradually diminishes the body mode SWR. Oxygen vacancies generate at higher Vg (Vg > 1.5 V) resulting in the modulation of superexchange between the Mn ions, evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy characterization. This ILG control SWR presents a solution for energy efficient and low‐voltage control of magnonics and spin wave devices.
Amalgamation in action: Participant perspectives on the Armidale regional council merger process
Authors: Wallace Andrea , Dollery Brian , Thi Thanh Tran Carolyn-Dung
Published: November 2019

Under itsFit for the Futurereform programme, in May 2016 the New South Wales (NSW) government forcibly merged a number of municipalities, including the Armidale Dumaresq Council and the Guyra Shire Council in the New England region of northern NSW. Whilst scholarly attention has focused on the likely impact of municipal mergers on council performance at the system‐wide level (Bell, Dollery & Drew 2016; Economic Papers: A journal of applied economics and policy, 35, 99), much less effort has been devoted to the analysis of the perspectives of council managers and employees involved in forced consolidation. In order to address this gap in the literature, in this paper we present a case study of compulsory council consolidation of the Armidale and Guyra councils based on interviews with senior managers as well as a survey of council workers.
Homoleptic Ti[ONO]2 type complexes of amino‐acid‐tethered phenolato Schiff‐base ligands: Synthesis, characterization, time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity against ovarian and colon cancer cells
Authors: Shpilt Zohar , Manne Rajesh , Rohman Mostofa Ataur , Mitra Sivaprasad , Tiekink Edward R.T. , Basu Baul Tushar S. , Tshuva Edit Y.
Published: November 2019

Six homoleptic Ti (IV) compounds of dianionic tridentate ONO Schiff base ligands with various substitutions were prepared from chiral amino acids, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, which were generated in situ, and Ti (OiPr)4. The compounds were spectroscopically characterized and the molecular geometries of five complexes were established by X‐ray crystallography; for two structures, two independent molecules compose the asymmetric units. The di‐anionic, tridentate ligands coordinate the titanium centers via the carboxylate‐O‐, imine‐N‐ and phenoxide‐O atoms to form five‐ and six‐membered chelate rings. The molecules are based on a trans‐N2O4 donor with each carboxylate‐O atom trans to a phenoxide‐O atom. For the smallest derivative with Me substitution, racemization occurs during repeated recrystallization. Photophysical profiles of the titanium compounds in the solid phase and in solution are discussed. Marked cytotoxicities were recorded toward human ovarian A2780 and colon HT‐29 cancer cells with IC50 values ranging between 23 ± 2 and 103 ± 3 μM. Comparative hydrolytic stability of the complexes were studied by NMR in 10% D2O solutions which provided t1/2 values of up to 15 ± 2 hr.
Polymer nanocarriers for MicroRNA delivery
Authors: Kapadia Chintan H. , Luo Benjamin , Dang Megan N. , Irvin‐Choy N'Dea , Valcourt Danielle M. , Day Emily S.
Published: November 2019

Abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are highlyconserved noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of various genes post transcriptionally to control cellular functions, has been associated with the development of many diseases. In some cases, disease‐promoting miRNAs are upregulated, while in other instances disease‐suppressive miRNAs are downregulated. To alleviate this imbalanced miRNA expression, either antagomiRs or miRNA mimics can be delivered to cells to inhibit or promote miRNA expression, respectively. Unfortunately, the clinical translation of bare antagomiRs and miRNA mimics has been challenging because nucleic acids are susceptible to nuclease degradation, display unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and cannot passively enter cells. This review emphasizes the challenges associated with miRNA mimic delivery and then discusses the design and implementation of polymer nanocarriers to overcome these challenges. Preclinical efforts are summarized, and a forward‐looking perspective on the future clinical translation of polymer nanomaterials as miRNA delivery vehicles is provided. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48651.
Taxonomic status, biological notes, and conservation of the longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849)
Authors: Notarbartolo di Sciara Giuseppe , Adnet Sylvain , Bennett Mike , Broadhurst Matt K. , Fernando Daniel , Jabado Rima W. , Laglbauer Betty J.L. , Stevens Guy
Published: November 2019

The longhorned pygmy devil ray Mobula eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849), formerly known as Mobula eregoodootenkee (Bleeker, 1859), is a small mobulid with a disc reaching a maximum width of 1.3 m, widely ranging in tropical and subtropical latitudes across the Indian Ocean, the Indo‐Pacific region, and the western Pacific Ocean.

A recently emerged opportunity to examine several (n = 47) M. eregoodoo specimens bycaught in bather protection gillnets off New South Wales, Australia, together with new information assembled from other areas of its range, now allows for a redescription of the species, which was incompletely described in the past because of a paucity of specimens.

Based on the morphometric, morphological, ecological, and behavioural elements presented here, corroborated by recent genetic investigations, we argue that M. eregoodoo (Cantor, 1849) is a valid species, distinct from shorthorned pygmy devil ray Mobula kuhlii (Müller & Henle, 1841). These findings are contrary to a recent revision of Mobula, where it was assessed as a synonym of M. kuhlii.

The accuracy of taxonomic assessments underpins the effectiveness of species conservation, particularly when direct exploitation or bycatch in various fisheries needs to be managed for sustainability. Failing to recognize that two similar‐looking species are distinct, such as M. eregoodoo and M. kuhlii, creates uncertainties that could result in mismanagement and underestimating local and global threats of extinction.
Direct Metal‐Free Chemical Vapor Deposition of Graphene Films on Insulating Substrates for Micro‐Supercapacitors with High Volumetric Capacitance
Authors: Wuttke Michael , Liu Zhaoyang , Lu Hao , Narita Akimitsu , Müllen Klaus
Published: November 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Dr. Klaus Müllen. The cover picture shows the direct metal‐free chemical vapor deposition of graphene films on insulating substrates and their integration into high‐volumetric capacitive micro‐supercapacitors. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/batt.201900087
Photophysical and structural aspects of perylene‐doped 2‐naphthol luminophors: Green emission by exciplex formation
Authors: Mane K.G. , Nagore P.B. , Pujari S.R.
Published: November 2019

Several perylene (Pery)‐doped 2‐naphthol (2‐NP) (Pery/2‐NP) luminophors were prepared using conventional solid‐state reaction techniques. Energy transfer in the excited state was examined using fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Fluorescence studies revealed exciplex formation by Pery in the form of structureless and broad spectra at higher concentrations with monomer quenching of 2‐NP; a broad green emission was observed in the range 500–650 nm, peaking at 575 nm. Structural properties and thermal stability were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and TGA‐differential scanning calorimetry. Highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels were observed in the range 5.56–5.61 eV and 2.79–2.81 eV, respectively with a 2.77–2.82 eV band gap. The present study reveals these to be probable candidates for hole‐transporting materials suitable in optoelectronics.
Treatment of advanced gallbladder cancer: A SEER‐based study
Authors: Mao Weipu , Deng Fang , Wang Dongyan , Gao Li , Shi Xiuquan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The treatment of advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore treatment choices for advanced GBC.

Methods

We identified four different treatments from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database: surgery, chemotherapy (CT), surgery and chemotherapy (Surgery + CT), and no surgery/no chemotherapy (No surgery/No CT). Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression method were used to determine the risk factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). In addition, patients in AJCC stages III and IV stage were matched with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) for diagnosis age, race, marital status, histological type, tumor grade, and treatment pattern to decrease the possibility of selection bias.

Results

A total of 288 AJCC stage III patients and 4239 AJCC stage IV patients with advanced GBC were identified from the SEER database between 2004 and 2015. Treatment pattern was an independent risk factor for patients with advanced GBC. For all patient, AJCC stage III patients and AJCC stage IV patients, “Surgery + CT” treatment minimized the OS and CSS in advanced GBC patients. In addition, after the PSM analysis, the “Surgery + CT” treatment still significantly decreased patient OS and CSS.

Conclusions

“Surgery + CT” treatment can provide survival benefits for patients with advanced GBC. In addition, “Surgery + CT” treatment was not fully utilized and may further improve the survival rate of GBC patients.
Impact of high on‐treatment platelet reactivity on outcomes following PCI in patients on hemodialysis: An ADAPT‐DES substudy
Authors: Rubin Geoffrey A. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Chen Shmuel , Redfors Björn , Weisz Giora , Baber Usman , Zhang Yiran , Stuckey Thomas D. , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Rinaldi Michael J. , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Metzger D. Christopher , Henry Timothy D. , Cox David A. , Duffy Peter L. , Brodie Bruce R. , Mazzaferri Ernest L. , Mehran Roxana , Ali Ziad A. , Ben‐Yehuda Ori , Stone Gregg W.
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients on versus not on hemodialysis (HD) and examine whether high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) further impacts outcomes among patients on HD.

BACKGROUND

Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and HPR are predictors of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after PCI.

METHODS

Two‐year outcomes of patients from the prospective, multicenter ADAPT‐DES study (N = 8,582) were analyzed according to HD status at enrollment. All patients underwent platelet function testing with the VerifyNow assay; HPR on clopidogrel was defined as P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) >208.

RESULTS

Compared with non‐HD patients, patients on HD (n = 85) had significantly higher baseline PRU (median 254 vs. 188, p = .001) and more frequently had HPR (61.7% vs. 42.5%, p < .001). HD was associated with increased 2‐year rates of MACE (death, myocardial infarction (MI) or definite stent thrombosis (ST); 23.4% vs. 10.7%, p < .001). HD was also strongly associated with 2‐year overall mortality, cardiac death, MI, target vessel revascularization, major bleeding, stroke and ST. Following adjustment for HPR and other covariates, HD was independently associated with overall mortality, MI, ST, and major bleeding at 2 years. The relationship between HD status and 2‐year MACE was consistent in patients with and without HPR (Pinteraction = .78).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly two‐thirds of patients on HD exhibited HPR on clopidogrel, and both HD and HPR were independently associated with 2‐year adverse outcomes after DES implantation. However, the deleterious impact of HD on clinical outcomes was present in both patients with and without HPR.
Recurrent soft tissue inflammation, necrotizing fascitis or Sweet syndrome, diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Anand Ankit , Gentile Teresa , Kato Hiroshi , Wang Qun
Published: November 2019

Necrotizing Sweet syndrome is a recently described entity that can pose significant challenges for management. Although necrotizing fasciitis can be rapidly fatal in the absence of prompt surgical management, necrotizing Sweet syndrome may actually be worsened by any surgical intervention. Authors want to emphasize and increase awareness of this rare presentation.
Measuring cardiopulmonary complications of carfilzomib treatment and associated risk factors using the SEER‐Medicare database
Authors: Fakhri Bita , Fiala Mark A. , Shah Nina , Vij Ravi , Wildes Tanya M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Carfilzomib improves survival in patients with recurrent myeloma. Given the strict eligibility criteria in clinical trials, the actual frequency of cardiac adverse events (CAEs) and pulmonary adverse events (PAEs) and the risk factors associated with these AEs in the general population need to be established.

Methods

The authors extracted myeloma cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare linked database from 2000 through 2013 and corresponding claims through 2014. They then identified patients who received carfilzomib during their disease course. Subsequently, the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) was used to identify all the codes for CAEs, PAEs, and respiratory infections associated with carfilzomib use. Preexisting diagnoses corresponding to the CAEs and PAEs of interest were excluded to distinguish toxicity from comorbidity. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to determine those variables independently associated with the development of CAEs and PAEs.

Results

Of the 635 patients analyzed, the median age was 72 years (range, 36‐94 years); 55% of the patients were male and 79% were white. The median duration of carfilzomib treatment was 58 days (range, 1‐716 days). Overall, approximately 66% of the patients had codes for either CAEs or PAEs. In terms of CAEs, approximately 22% of patients developed hypertension, 15% developed peripheral edema, and 14% experienced heart failure. With regard to PAEs, approximately 28% of patients developed dyspnea, 15% developed cough, and 15% developed pneumonia. Only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was found to be independently associated with the development of CAEs. Patients with preexisting COPD were found to have a 40% increase in their hazard of developing CAEs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.90).

Conclusions

In older adults with myeloma who are undergoing treatment with carfilzomib, new cardiac and pulmonary diagnoses were common. Patients with preexisting COPD were found to be at an increased risk of developing CAEs.
Histamine and histidine decarboxylase in the olfactory system and brain of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Scaros Alexia T. , Andouche Aude , Baratte Sébastien , Croll Roger P.
Published: November 2019

Cephalopods are radically different from any other invertebrate. Their molluscan heritage, innovative nervous system, and specialized behaviors create a unique blend of characteristics that are sometimes reminiscent of vertebrate features. For example, despite differences in the organization and development of their nervous systems, both vertebrates and cephalopods use many of the same neurotransmitters. One neurotransmitter, histamine (HA), has been well studied in both vertebrates and invertebrates, including molluscs. While HA was previously suggested to be present in the cephalopod central nervous system (CNS), Scaros, Croll, and Baratte only recently described the localization of HA in the olfactory system of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. Here, we describe the location of HA using an anti‐HA antibody and a probe for histidine decarboxylase (HDC), a synthetic enzyme for HA. We extended previous descriptions of HA in the olfactory organ, nerve, and lobe, and describe HDC staining in the same regions. We found HDC‐positive cell populations throughout the CNS, including the optic gland and the peduncle, optic, dorso‐lateral, basal, subvertical, frontal, magnocellular, and buccal lobes. The distribution of HA in the olfactory system of S. officinalis is similar to the presence of HA in the chemosensory organs of gastropods but is different than the sensory systems in vertebrates or arthropods. However, HA's widespread abundance throughout the rest of the CNS of Sepia is a similarity shared with gastropods, vertebrates, and arthropods. Its widespread use with differing functions across Animalia provokes questions regarding the evolutionary history and adaptability of HA as a transmitter.