bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapeamento Tecnológico das Patentes Desenvolvidas a partir da Tecnolocia Blockchain: um cenário global
Authors: Gomes Vinícius José Ferro , Uchoa Sílvia Beatriz Beger , Santos Tygra Ferreira da Silva
Published: December 2018

O Blockchain é a tecnologia que permitiu a criação da criptomoeda bitcoin, funcionando como uma espécie de livro-razão, no qual são armazenados dados sem a possibilidade de alteração; suas transações não necessitam de intermediários, pois ocorrem através de tecnologia descentralizada em uma rede ponto-a-ponto. Este trabalho prospectivo tem por objetivo investigar a evolução de produtos tecnológicos desenvolvidos a partir da tecnologia Blockchain, mostrando a sua versatilidade e aplicabilidade nas mais diversas áreas. Também se buscou categorizar os inventos, pontuar quais setores se encontram em destaque e evidenciar inventores, bem como depositantes envolvidos com essa tecnologia. A pesquisa foi realizada em documentos científicos na base de dados Scopus e, para patentes, foi utilizada a ferramenta Questel-Orbit®, com cobertura de publicações de 87 escritórios nacionais e 6 escritórios regionais. As investigações  foram realizadas no mês de maio de 2018 e trouxeram o quantitativo de 1.256 documentos científicos, entre eles 375 artigos. Já o resultado da busca patentária revelou 1.548 patentes relacionadas à tecnologia Blockchain, mostrando um crescimento de documentos relativos à tecnologia a partir do ano de 2015.
A Relação entre a Indústria Química e o Setor de Bens de Consumo Não Duráveis no Contexto da Economia Circular
Authors: Tavares Aline , Borschiver Suzana , Ferreira Tatiana
Published: December 2018

A Economia Circular se apresenta como um modelo de sustentabilidade, em que os resíduos se tornam novos recursos, mantendo a utilidade e o valor o máximo de ciclos possíveis. Com isso, este trabalho apresenta estudos de caso do setor de Bens de Consumo Não Duráveis relacionados à Economia Circular e à Indústria Química, identificados dentre 57 casos selecionados em uma busca descritiva e exploratória em nível mundial na plataforma de Estudos de Caso da Fundação Ellen MacArthur e outras fontes correlacionadas à Economia Circular nos últimos 10 anos. A partir da categorização proposta dos casos selecionados, foi possível identificar a sinergia das ações circulares no ciclo técnico e reverso da Economia Circular e impactos mais concentrados no setor petroquímico e de transformados plásticos, a montante e a jusante da Indústria Química, devido ao incentivo de redesign das embalagens plásticas e à aplicação da logística reversa nesta cadeia produtiva.
Corruption and Electoral Accountability: Avenues for Future Research
Authors: De Vries Catherine E. , Solaz Hector
Published: December 2018

The vast majority of people across the globe lives in countries characterized by high levels of corruption, commonly defined as the public misuse of private gains. Although the exact costs of corruption are difficult to estimate, research suggests that corruption is bad for economic and social development. Not only has corruption been shown to have a detrimental effect on a country's economy, the ability to generate tax revenue and social equality, the political effects of corruption are also considerable. Owing to its association with weak state capacity, corruption may damage the ability of governments to craft and implement policies in areas in which continued intervention and investment is needed and their capacity to respond quickly and effectively to sudden shocks. Owing to these undesirable outcomes, elections are supposed to curb corruption because voters will throw the rascals out. Recent research, however, suggests that more often than not corruption goes unpunished at the ballot box. This essay sets out possible research avenues to find out why this is the case.
The Emerging Field of Social and Behavioral Epigenetics
Authors: Mulligan Connie J.
Published: December 2018

Social and behavioral epigenetics is the study of psychosocial factors that impact biology through an epigenetic mechanism. Epigenetic modifications influence the activity of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. DNA methylation is one type of epigenetic modification that has been widely studied and found to associate with a broad range of psychosocial stressors. This essay reviews the landmark studies and current innovations. An evolutionary context for epigenetic changes induced by psychosocial stress, and the possible heritability of such changes, is also presented. The involvement of social and behavioral scientists in this emerging field is essential to ensure that the nuances of the psychosocial environment are well understood and accurately modeled.
The Transnationalized Social Question: Migration and Social Inequalities
Authors: Faist Thomas
Published: December 2018

The social question is back. Yet today's social question is not primarily between labor and capital, as it was in the nineteenth century and throughout much of the twentieth. The contemporary social question is located at the interstices between the global South and the global North. It finds its expression in movements of people, seeking a better life or fleeing unsustainable social, political, economic, and ecological conditions. It is transnationalized because migrants and their significant others entertain ties across the borders of national states in transnational social spaces; because of the cross‐border diffusion of norms; and because there are implications of migration for social inequalities within national states. In earlier periods class differences dominated political conflicts, and while class has always been crisscrossed by manifold heterogeneities, not least of all cultural ones around ethnicity, religion, and language; it is these latter heterogeneities that have sharpened over the past decades.
The memory‐impairing effects of simulated amnesia for a mock crime
Authors: Romeo Tameka , Otgaar Henry , Smeets Tom , Landström Sara , Jelicic Marko
Published: December 2018

The present study examined whether mock offenders, who were instructed to falsely deny crime details or to simulate amnesia, would consequently experience impaired memory. Ninety‐three university students were first asked to commit a mock crime and were then assigned to three different conditions (i.e., false denial, simulated amnesia, and truth telling) and then received the first memory test. The following day, participants completed a second memory test. Results showed that the memory impairment was not observed in participants in the false denial condition. However, in the simulated amnesia group, memory about being interviewed in the first session was impaired. The simulated amnesia group also had lower recollection and belief ratings in the occurrence of true details for the mock event. Findings suggest that after simulating amnesia, offenders can forget details related to the interview and exhibit diminished ratings for the recollection of and belief in their memory for experienced events.
The influence of background music on learners with varying extraversion: Seductive detail or beneficial effect?
Authors: Lehmann Janina Annika Mara , Hamm Verena , Seufert Tina
Published: December 2018

Seductive details in general affect learning and cognitive load negatively. However, especially background music as a seductive detail may also influence the learner's arousal, whose optimal level depends on the learner's extraversion. Therefore, the effects of extraversion and background music on learning outcomes, cognitive load, and arousal were investigated. We tested 167 high school students and found better transfer outcomes for the group with background music. They also reported higher germane load, but no impact of background music on extraneous cognitive load or arousal was found. In the group without background music, learners with higher extraversion reached better recall scores, which was not found in the group with background music. Results may cautiously be interpreted that there is a beneficial impact of background music that compensates for the disadvantages of low extraverted learners and which cannot be explained through arousal.
A Multilayer SiC/ZrB2/SiC Ablation Resistance Coating for Carbon/Carbon Composites
Authors: Sun Guodong , Li Hejun , Yao Dongjia , Li Hui , Yu Pengfei , Xie Jing , Pan Xianqing , Fan Jize , Wang Wei
Published: December 2018

To improve the ablation resistance of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, a new SiC/ZrB2/SiC multilayer coating is designed and fabricated by a three‐step method of pack cementation, supersonic plasma spraying, and low pressure chemical vapor deposition. In this study, ablation behavior of SiC/ZrB2/SiC coating is investigated under oxyacetylene torch environment. Oxyacetylene ablation testing results show that the linear ablation rate and mass ablation rate of SiC/ZrB2/SiC coated C/C composites are only −5.0 × 10−4 mm s−1 and −9.6 × 10−4 g s−1, respectively, for 20 s ablation under heat flux of 2400 kW m−2. However, the ablative linear rate of ZrB2/SiC coated C/C composites is 7.5 × 10−4 mm s−1 and the ablative mass rate is zero. The better ablation resistance is mainly attributed to a molten SiO2–ZrO2 hybrid glassy layer formed after ablation on the surface of the composites and acting as thermal barrier layer inhibiting inward diffusion of oxygen.
Self‐Powered Tactile Sensor Array Systems Based on the Triboelectric Effect
Authors: Tao Juan , Bao Rongrong , Wang Xiandi , Peng Yiyao , Li Jing , Fu Sheng , Pan Caofeng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2018

With the arrival of intelligent terminals, tactile sensors which are capable of sensing various external physical stimuli are considered among the most vital devices for the next generation of smart electronics. To create a self‐powered tactile sensor system that can function sustainably and continuously without an external power source is of crucial significance. An overview of the development in self‐powered tactile sensor array system based on the triboelectric effect is systematically presented. The combination of multi‐functionalization and high performance of tactile sensors aimed at achieving highly comprehensive performance is presented. For the tactile sensor unit, a development is summarized based on the two primary modes which are vertical contact–separation and single‐electrode. For the pressure mapping array, the resolution is significantly enhanced by the novel cross‐type configuration based on the single‐electrode mode. Integrated with other mechanisms, the performance will be further elevated by broadening of the detect range and realizing of visualization of pressure imaging. Then, two main applications of human–machine interaction (HMI) and trajectory monitoring are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the future perspectives of self‐powered tactile sensor system based on triboelectric effect are discussed.
Magnesium Anodes with Extended Cycling Stability for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zailei , Zhao Man , Xia Mengyang , Qi Ruijie , Liu Mingyang , Nie Jinhui , Wang Zhong Lin , Lu Xianmao
Published: December 2018

Magnesium as a promising alloy‐type anode material for lithium‐ion batteries features both high theoretical specific capacity (2150 mAh g−1) and stack energy density (1032 Wh L−1). However, the poor cycling performance of Mg‐based anodes severely limits their application, mainly because high‐impedance films can grow easily on the surface of Mg and cause diminished electrochemical activity. As a result, the capacities of reported Mg anodes fade quickly in less than 100 cycles. To improve the stability of Mg anodes, 3D Cu@Mg@C structures are prepared by depositing Mg/C composite on 3D Cu current collectors. The resulting 3D Cu@Mg@C anodes can deliver an initial capacity of 1392 mAh g−1. With a second‐cycle capacity of 1255 mAh g−1, 91% can be retained after 1000 cycles at 0.5 C. When cycled at 2 C, the initial capacity can be maintained for 4000 cycles. This remarkably improved cycling performance can be attributed to both the 3D structure and the embedded carbon layers of the 3D Cu@Mg@C electrodes that facilitate electrical contact and prevent the growth of high‐impedance films during cycling. With 3D Cu@Mg@C anodes and LiFePO4 cathodes, full cells are assembled and charging by a rotating triboelectric nanogenerator that can harvest mechanical energy is demonstrated.
Microneedle‐Array Patch Fabricated with Enzyme‐Free Polymeric Components Capable of On‐Demand Insulin Delivery
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Matsumoto Hiroko , Moro‐oka Yuki , Tanaka Miyako , Miyahara Yuji , Suganami Takayoshi , Matsumoto Akira
Published: December 2018

Achieving persistent glycemic control in a painless and convenient way is the ultimate goal of diabetes management. Herein, an “enzyme‐free” polymeric microneedle (MN)‐array patch composed of a boronate‐containing hydrogel semi‐interpenetrated by biocompatible silk fibroin is developed. Consistent with the previous reports, the presence of the boronate‐hydrogel allows for glucose‐responsive diffusion‐control of insulin, while the crystalline fibroin component serves as a matrix‐stiffener to validate skin penetration. Remarkably, this “enzyme‐free” smart artificial on‐skin pancreas prototype remains stable for at least 2 months in an aqueous environment. Furthermore, it establishes sustained as well as acute glucose‐responsive insulin delivery, and is to the authors' knowledge, the first successful material design addressing such two technical challenges at once on an MN format. This long‐acting, on‐demand insulin delivery technology may offer a candidate for a next‐generation diabetes therapy that is remarkably stable, safe, economically efficient, and capable of providing both acute‐ and continuous glycemic control in a manner minimally dependent on patient compliance.
A Self‐Pumping Dressing for Draining Excessive Biofluid around Wounds
Authors: Shi Lianxin , Liu Xi , Wang Wenshuo , Jiang Lei , Wang Shutao
Published: December 2018

Excessive biofluid around wounds often causes infection and hinders wound healing. However, the intrinsic hydrophilicity of the conventional dressing inevitably retains excessive biofluid at the interface between the dressing and the wound. Herein, a self‐pumping dressing is reported, by electrospinning a hydrophobic nanofiber array onto a hydrophilic microfiber network, which can unidirectionally drain excessive biofluid away from wounds and finally accelerate the wound healing process. The hydrophilic microfiber network offers a draining force to pump excessive biofluid through the hydrophobic nanofiber array, which can further keep those pumped biofluids from rewetting the wounds. In the proof of concept, the self‐pumping dressing unidirectionally drains the biofluid from murine dorsum wounds, thereby resulting in faster wound healing than conventional dressings. This unique self‐pumping dressing has enormous potential to be a next‐generation dressing for healing wounds clinically.
Nanocatalysts‐Augmented and Photothermal‐Enhanced Tumor‐Specific Sequential Nanocatalytic Therapy in Both NIR‐I and NIR‐II Biowindows
Authors: Feng Wei , Han Xiuguo , Wang Rongyan , Gao Xiang , Hu Ping , Yue Wenwen , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin
Published: December 2018

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial contributor to tumorigenesis. Based on the unique TME for achieving tumor‐specific therapy, here a novel concept of photothermal‐enhanced sequential nanocatalytic therapy in both NIR‐I and NIR‐II biowindows is proposed, which innovatively changes the condition of nanocatalytic Fenton reaction for production of highly efficient hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and consequently suppressing the tumor growth. Evidence suggests that glucose plays a vital role in powering cancer progression. Encouraged by the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and H2O2 by glucose oxidase (GOD), an Fe3O4/GOD‐functionalized polypyrrole (PPy)‐based composite nanocatalyst is constructed to achieve diagnostic imaging‐guided, photothermal‐enhanced, and TME‐specific sequential nanocatalytic tumor therapy. The consumption of intratumoral glucose by GOD leads to the in situ elevation of the H2O2 level, and the integrated Fe3O4 component then catalyzes H2O2 into highly toxic •OH to efficiently induce cancer‐cell death. Importantly, the high photothermal‐conversion efficiency (66.4% in NIR‐II biowindow) of the PPy component elevates the local tumor temperature in both NIR‐I and NIR‐II biowindows to substaintially accelerate and improve the nanocatalytic disproportionation degree of H2O2 for enhancing the nanocatalytic‐therapeutic efficacy, which successfully achieves a remarkable synergistic anticancer outcome with minimal side effects.
Transforming Weakness into Strength: Photothermal‐Therapy‐Induced Inflammation Enhanced Cytopharmaceutical Chemotherapy as a Combination Anticancer Treatment
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Ying , Xue Yanan , Wu Yue , Wang Qianqian , Xue Lingjing , Su Zhigui , Zhang Can
Published: December 2018

A new synergistic treatment that combines photothermal therapy (PTT) and inflammation‐mediated active targeting (IMAT) chemotherapy based on cytopharmaceuticals is developed. During PTT, the photothermal tumor ablation is accompanied by an inflammatory effect and upregulation of inflammatory factors at the tumor site, which may accelerate tumor regeneration. Moreover, PTT‐induced inflammation can also recruit neutrophils (NEs) to the tumor site. To convert the disadvantages of PTT‐induced inflammation into strengths, NEs are investigated as cytopharmaceuticals for IMAT chemotherapy to further inhibit the tumor recurrence after PTT due to the chemotaxis of NEs to the inflammatory sites. In this study, PEGylated gold nanorods (PEG‐GNRs) are explored as the photothermal agent and paclitaxel‐loaded cytopharmaceuticals of NEs as the IMAT chemotherapeutic agent. PTT is conducted at 72 h postinjection of PEG‐GNRs, followed by cytopharmaceuticals for IMAT chemotherapy. It is demonstrated that the cytopharmaceuticals effectively accumulate in the tumor sites after PTT, which leads to a significant enhancement of antitumor efficacy and a reduction in systemic toxicity. These studies suggest that PTT‐induced inflammation further enhances the chemotherapy of cytopharmaceuticals, and the combination of PTT and IMAT chemotherapy may be a promising synergistic strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
Photoelectrochemically Active N‐Adsorbing Ultrathin TiO2 Layers for Water‐Splitting Applications Prepared by Pyrolysis of Oleic Acid on Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Surfaces under Nitrogen Environment
Authors: Kertmen Ahmet , Barbé Enzo , Szkoda Mariusz , Siuzdak Katarzyna , Babačić Višnja , Torruella Pau , Iatsunskyi Igor , Kotkowiak Michał , Rytel Karol , Estradé Sònia , Peiró Francesca , Jurga Stefan , Li Yanguang , Coy Emerson
Published: December 2018

Highly performing photocatalytic surfaces are nowadays highly desirable in energy fields, mainly due to their applicability as photo water‐splitting electrodes. One of the current challenges in this field is the production of highly controllable and efficient photoactive surfaces on many substrates. Atomic layer deposition has allowed the deposition of photoactive TiO2 layers over wide range of materials and surfaces. However, nitrogen doping of the growing layers, a highly effective way of controlling the absorption edges of photoactive surfaced, is still a challenging task. Here, the preparation of hierarchical nanostructured surfaces based on Langmuir–Schaefer and atomic layer deposition is proposed. Ultrathin TiO2 layers that are photoelectrochemically active in water splitting are prepared by a relatively low‐temperature catalytic decomposition of oleic acid capping layers of iron oxide nanoparticles and the posterior nitrogen adsorption. The results evidence that simple N‐adsorption is sufficient to narrow the bandgap of TiO2 layers that is equal to bandgap narrowing (0.12 eV) observed for substitutionally N‐doped materials. The photocatalytic activity tests of the prepared surfaces in water‐splitting applications demonstrate ≈90% increase in the activity of the N‐adsorbing TiO2 layers.
Facile and Efficient Welding of Silver Nanowires Based on UVA‐Induced Nanoscale Photothermal Process for Roll‐to‐Roll Manufacturing of High‐Performance Transparent Conducting Films
Authors: Liang Xianwen , Lu Jibao , Zhao Tao , Yu Xuecheng , Jiang Qingshan , Hu Yougen , Zhu Pengli , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: December 2018

The continuous, large‐area solution‐processed production of silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent conducting films with outstanding optoelectronic and mechanical performance remains a challenge. Here, efficient welding of AgNWs is demonstrated using ultraviolet A (UVA) with the specific wavelength range from ≈320 to ≈400 nm based on a nanoscale photothermal process. The AgNW welding shows a self‐terminating and self‐limiting nature, and sensitivity to diameter of AgNWs. Sheet resistance of the UVA‐illuminated (UVAI) AgNW films rapidly drops within 2 min without loss of transmittance. For the UVAI AgNW (30 nm in diameter) film, decrement of sheet resistance approaches three orders of magnitude (≈105–102 Ohm sq−1) with original transmittance being (97%) retained, which significantly enhances its optoelectronic properties. Enhanced mechanical flexibility, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), and heating performance are obtained in the UVAI AgNW films. The SE and plateau temperature of the AgNW film increase to 25 dB and 50 °C after illumination, respectively. Smart window, transparent heater, and triboelectric nanogenerator based on the UVAI AgNW film demonstrate its versatile applications in optoelectronics. Finally, the welding method is easily integrated into a roll‐to‐roll process to manufacture AgNW film with a low sheet resistance of 25 Ohm sq−1 and a high transmittance of 90%, and excellent flexibility.
Compact Aberration‐Corrected Spectrometers in the Visible Using Dispersion‐Tailored Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhu Alexander Y. , Chen Wei Ting , Sisler Jared , Yousef Kerolos M. A. , Lee Eric , Huang Yao‐Wei , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Capasso Federico
Published: December 2018

The spectral resolution and range of conventional spectrometers are typically limited by optical aberrations of their focusing elements, mainly due to chromatically induced astigmatism and an intrinsically curved focal plane. Traditional approaches to overcome this challenge require additional optical components which introduce significant bulk and design complexity to the system and prevent easy integration with portable devices. Here a single planar off‐axis focusing metalens consisting of subwavelength TiO2 nanofins whose focal spots lie along a plane and undergo minimal focal spot broadening for almost 200 nm across the visible spectrum is demonstrated. This allows us to achieve a miniature aberration‐corrected spectrometer with nanometer spectral resolution, while having a beam propagation distance of only 4 cm to the camera plane. This is achieved by dispersion engineering: tailoring the phase, group delay (GD) and GD dispersion of the metalens. This approach is general and can also be used to introduce customized functionalities to the metalens such as a linear dispersion in the frequency domain with minimal additional overhead.
Silver‐Catalyzed Carbocyclization of Azide‐Tethered Alkynes: Expeditious Synthesis of Polysubstituted Quinolines
Authors: Su Han , Bao Ming , Huang Jingjing , Qiu Lihua , Xu Xinfang
Published: December 2018

A silver‐catalyzed carbocyclization of azide‐tethered alkynes has been developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines in good to high yields. Mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction is initiated by a silver‐catalyzed 6‐endo‐dig azide‐yne cyclization, followed by a formal R−X (X=Cl, Br, or I) insertion with external halide through a ylide intermediate. The salient features of this reaction include readily available materials, inexpensive silver‐catalyst, mild reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance, and ease in further transformations.

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Direct Carbamoylation of Quinoline N‐oxides with Hydrazinecarboxamides via C−H Bond Activation Catalyzed by Copper Catalyst
Authors: Li Guang‐Hui , Dong Dao‐Qing , Yang Yun , Yu Xian‐Yong , Wang Zu‐Li
Published: December 2018

An efficient method for the carbamoylation of quinoline N‐oxides catalyzed by copper was developed. A variety of quinoline N‐oxides and hydrazinecarboxamides with different groups was well tolerated in this system.

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Revealing Activity Trends of Metal Diborides Toward pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts with Pt‐Like Activity
Authors: Li Qiuju , Zou Xu , Ai Xuan , Chen Hui , Sun Lei , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: December 2018

Understanding of catalytic trends is an important prerequisite for providing rational guidance toward the prediction of advanced catalysts as well as the development of original materials design principles. A combined theoretical and experimental study that reveals the periodic trends in electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from Group IV B to Group VIII metal diborides is reported here. Theoretical results demonstrate a general linear relationship between the catalytic activity and d‐band center of metal diboride, meaning that the latter can serve as a descriptor of activity. And theoretical results also predict ruthenium diboride as the most competitive, nonplatinum candidate among metal diborides for HER because this material has a suitable d‐band center and a high density of efficient active sites. Furthermore, the experimental results validate the theoretical activity trends and identify ruthenium diboride as an efficient, pH‐universal electrocatalyst with Pt‐like activity for HER under both acidic and alkaline media.
Genetic variation of FTO: rs1421085 T>C, rs8057044 G>A, rs9939609 T>A, and copy number (CNV) in Mexican Mayan school‐aged children with obesity/overweight and with normal weight
Authors: González‐Herrera Lizbeth , Zavala‐Castro Jorge , Ayala‐Cáceres Claudia , Pérez‐Mendoza Gerardo , López‐González María José , Pinto‐Escalante Doris , Canto‐Cetina Thelma , García‐Escalante María Guadalupe , Rubi‐Castellanos Rodrigo , Contreras‐Capetillo Silvina , Herrera‐Sanchez Fernando , Méndez‐Domínguez Nina , Alcocer‐Gamboa Alberto
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Genetic variation of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) has been identified as a risk factor for obesity and obesity traits. Distribution of FTO single nutleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1421085T>C, rs9939609T>A, rs8057044G>A and copy number variation (CNV) was evaluated in association with childhood obesity or overweight status in children with Mayan ethnicity.

Methods

We included 318 school‐aged children with obesity or overweight status (body mass index [BMI]: >85th percentile) and 303 children with normal weight (BMI: 15th‐85th percentile). Genotyping was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with TaqMan probes. The cross‐sectional study was carried out using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for gender.

Results

FTO‐SNP rs1421085 showed significant differences between children with obesity and children with normal weight for the heterozygous genotype (P = 0.003) and for allele frequencies (P = 0.023). Adjusting by gender, significant differences were found in frequencies of the hetezygous genotype of SNPs rs9939609 (P = 0.023) and rs1421085 (P = 0.003) as well as in allele frequencies (P = 0.042 and P = 0.013, respectively) between girls with obesity and girls without obesity. In contrast, SNP rs8057044 was significantly different only between heterozygous overweight versus normal weight boys (P = 0.035) and for the allele frequency of rs8057044 (P = 0.021). The mean relative CNV was significantly higher in male overweight children than in boys with normal weight (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

The FTO SNP rs1421085 is a genetic factor associated with obesity in Mayan school‐aged children. FTO SNPs rs1421085 and rs9939609 affect genetic susceptibility for obesity only in girls, whereas, SNP rs8057044 and CNV are associated with overweight status only in boys.
Genotype and phenotype correlations for SHANK3 de novo mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Li Ying , Jia Xiangbin , Wu Huidan , Xun Guanglei , Ou Jianjun , Zhang Qiumeng , Li Honghui , Bai Ting , Hu Zhengmao , Zou Xiaobing , Xia Kun , Guo Hui
Published: December 2018

SHANK3 has been identified as the causative gene of 22q13.3 microdeletion syndrome phenotype. De novo mutations (DNMs) of SHANK3 were subsequently identified in patients with several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), schizophrenia (SCZ), a Rett syndrome‐like phenotype, and intellectual disability (ID). Although broad developmental phenotypes of these patients have been described in single studies, few studies have reviewed the genotype and phenotype relationships using a relatively large cohort of patients with SHANK3 DNMs. In this study, we identified a de novo splice mutation (NM_033517.1: c.2265+1G>A) that functionally impairs mRNA splicing, produces multiple splice variants, and results in the reduction of the amounts of mRNA. To analyze the genotype and phenotype correlations for SHANK3 DNMs, we reviewed 37 previously published patients with 28 SHANK3 DNMs. Our results revealed that haploinsufficiency of SHANK3 causes a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental phenotypes with impaired social interaction, repetitive behavior, speech impairment, ID, and regression as the most common observations. Seizures, hypotonia, global development delay, dysmorphic features, and several other features also occurred recurrently. Specific phenotypes are also observed in certain genotypes. Our study provides the frequency of the heterogeneous co‐occurring conditions caused by SHANK3 DNMs, which will be beneficial for diagnosis and clinical management.
Putative contributions of the sex chromosome proteins SOX3 and SRY to neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Tahira Ana Carolina , Barbosa André Rocha , Feltrin Arthur Sant'Anna , Gastaldi Vinicius Daguano , de Toledo Victor Hugo Calegari , de Carvalho Pereira José Geraldo , Lisboa Bianca Cristina Garcia , de Souza Reis Viviane Neri , dos Santos Ana Cecília Feio , Maschietto Mariana , Brentani Helena
Published: December 2018

The male‐biased prevalence of certain neurodevelopmental disorders and the sex‐biased outcomes associated with stress exposure during gestation have been previously described. Here, we hypothesized that genes distinctively targeted by only one or both homologous proteins highly conserved across therian mammals, SOX3 and SRY, could induce sexual adaptive changes that result in a differential risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. ChIP‐seq/chip data showed that SOX3/SRY gene targets were expressed in different brain cell types in mice. We used orthologous human genes in rodent genomes to extend the number of SOX3/SRY set (1,721). These genes were later found to be enriched in five modules of coexpressed genes during the early and mid‐gestation periods (FDR < 0.05), independent of sexual hormones. Genes with differential expression (24, p < 0.0001) and methylation (40, p < 0.047) between sexes were overrepresented in this set. Exclusive SOX3 or SRY target genes were more associated with the late gestational and postnatal periods. Using autism as a model sex‐biased disorder, the SOX3/SRY set was enriched in autism gene databases (FDR ≤ 0.05), and there were more de novo variations from the male autism spectrum disorder (ASD) samples under the SRY peaks compared to the random peaks (p < 0.024). The comparison of coexpressed networks of SOX3/SRY target genes between male autism and control samples revealed low preservation in gene modules related to stress response (99 genes) and neurogenesis (78 genes). This study provides evidence that while SOX3 is a regulatory mechanism for both sexes, the male‐exclusive SRY also plays a role in gene regulation, suggesting a potential mechanism for sex bias in ASD.
Socioeconomic factors impact quality of life outcomes and olfactory measures in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Mace Jess C. , Rudmik Luke , Soler Zachary M. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Smith Kristine A. , Detwiller Kara Y. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Healthcare disparities related to socioeconomic factors may adversely impact disease states and treatment outcomes. Among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the impact of socioeconomic factors on outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remains uncertain.

Methods

Adult patients with refractory CRS were prospectively enrolled into an observational, multi‐institutional cohort study between March 2011 and June 2015. Socioeconomic factors analyzed included household income, insurance status, years of education completed, race, age, and ethnicity. Income was stratified according to the Thompson and Hickey model. The 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT) were completed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

A total of 392 patients met inclusion criteria. Higher age and male gender were associated with better mean preoperative SNOT‐22 scores (both p < 0.02), whereas Medicare insurance status and male gender were associated with worse preoperative mean BSIT scores (both p < 0.02). Postoperatively, higher household income ($100,001+/year) and lower age were associated with a greater likelihood of improving at least 1 minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on SNOT‐22 scores (OR = 2.40 and 1.03, respectively, both p < 0.05), while no factors were associated with increased odds of achieving a MCID on BSIT scores.

Conclusions

Preoperative olfactory function and postoperative quality of life (QOL) improvement were associated with metrics of socioeconomic status in patients with CRS electing ESS. The odds of experiencing a clinically meaningful QOL improvement were more than twice as likely for patients with the highest household income level compared to other income tiers. Further investigation is warranted to identify barriers to postoperative improvement.
Wait times for endoscopic sinus surgery influence patient‐reported outcome measures in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who fulfill appropriateness criteria
Authors: Yip Jonathan , Hao Weibo , Eskander Antoine , Lee John M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Previous studies on the impact of wait times for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (rCRS) have not examined its influence on the 5 distinct symptoms domains of the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and have not applied evidence‐based surgical indications. Our primary study objective was to investigate the impact of ESS wait times on postoperative SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores in patients with rCRS deemed “appropriate” surgical candidates.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with rCRS undergoing ESS, categorized as “appropriate” surgical candidates. Primary outcome measure was change in SNOT‐22 global/symptom domain score (preoperative – 6‐month postoperative). Correlational analyses were performed between wait time and change in SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores. For significant negative correlations, the threshold wait time to generate a worsening in health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) equivalent to the mean clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated.

Results

A total of 104 patients with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) wait time of 310.8 ± 155.9 days were analyzed. Postoperative SNOT‐22 global and symptom domain scores significantly improved postoperatively. Wait time for ESS was negatively correlated with change in SNOT‐22 global, rhinologic, extranasal rhinologic, and ear/facial domain scores (p < 0.05), and a wait time threshold of 287, 452, 421, and 381 days corresponded to a decrease equivalent to the MCID, respectively.

Conclusion

We identified less improvement in HRQoL after ESS with increasing surgical wait time. Moreover, prolonged wait times may result in less improvement in disease‐specific symptoms, but do not appear to worsen psychological or sleep dysfunction.
PdII‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C(sp3)−H Activation/Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Free Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Hu Liang , Shen Peng‐Xiang , Shao Qian , Hong Kai , Qiao Jennifer X. , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: December 2018

PdII‐catalyzed enantioselective C(sp3)−H cross‐coupling of free carboxylic acids with organoborons has been realized using either mono‐protected amino acid (MPAA) ligands or mono‐protected aminoethyl amine (MPAAM) ligands. A diverse range of aryl‐ and vinyl‐boron reagents can be used as coupling partners to provide chiral carboxylic acids. This reaction provides an alternative approach to the enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropanecarboxylic acids and cyclobutanecarboxylic acids containing α‐chiral tertiary and quaternary stereocenters. The utility of this reaction was further demonstrated by converting the carboxylic acid into cyclopropyl amine without loss of optical activity.
A Z‐Scheme Polyimide/AgBr@Ag Aerogel with Excellent Photocatalytic Performance for the Degradation of Oxytetracycline
Authors: Zhao Xinfu , Wang Xinqiang , Zhang Jian , Yi Xibin
Published: December 2018

A novel Z‐scheme polyimide (PI)/AgBr@Ag aerogel photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by combining an in situ precipitation method and a supercritical drying method. The as‐prepared PI/AgBr@Ag‐50 (50 wt % AgBr@Ag in PI/AgBr@Ag) aerogel photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for oxytetracycline degradation with a rate constant of 0.025 min−1, which was 6.9 and 2.6 times higher than that of the PI aerogel or the AgBr@Ag nanoparticles, respectively. More significantly, the PI/AgBr@Ag‐50 aerogel photocatalyst showed stable cycling, which could be attributed to the high mechanical strength and 3D network of the PI aerogel. The introduction of AgBr@Ag on PI with a heterojunction structure efficiently promoted the separation of electron–hole pairs by a Z‐scheme mechanism. The reduced metallic Ag nanoparticles were found to function as centers for the transfer of electrons from AgBr to PI. This work has revealed a new application for the aerogel PI/AgBr@Ag photocatalyst in environmental protection.
Indoor Tracking by RFID Fusion with IMU Data
Authors: Wang Fafa , Su Tingli , Jin Xuebo , Zheng Yangyang , Kong Jianlei , Bai Yuting
Published: December 2018

Indoor tracking and positioning technology have received significant attention. There are many techniques to track indoor targets, such as Wi‐Fi technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), and inertial navigation technology. However, these technologies cannot accurately track a target with a single sensor due to the uncertainty of the sensors. This paper presents an indoor tracking method using RFID and inertial measurement units (IMU); the estimated trajectory is mainly determined by RFID, and the information about the trajectory based on IMU is added when the estimated trajectory is missing without RFID data. The results show that the fusion estimation algorithm has excellent performance in indoor tracking and is very effective when the target maneuvers, even where some measurements are lost.
Aerodigestive and communicative behaviors in anencephalic and hydranencephalic infants
Authors: Radford Kate , Taylor Ryan C. , Hall Judith G. , Gick Bryan
Published: December 2018

The aerodigestive and communicative behaviors of anencephalic and hydranencephalic patients are assessed from literature sources and are compared with documented neural structures present in the brainstem, subcortical, and cortical regions of the brain. Much of the data analyzed corroborate previous neurological studies, which focus on central pattern generators and development in model organisms. However, findings suggest that further research is necessary to determine which components of these systems support these behaviors. A low reporting rate of behavior in tandem with pathology is observed throughout the literature. More data pairing behavior and pathology is recommended, both in the interest of understanding the relationship between neural structures and functions, and to provide clinicians with more information about a patient's signs and symptoms. Potential clinical practices are recommended to increase documentation about patients within this population.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of four compounds in rat plasma after oral administration of Xanthii fructus and stir‐fried Xanthii fructus extracts
Authors: Zhuang Yanshuang , Qin Kunming , Liu Xiao , Cai Baochang , Cai Hao
Published: December 2018

Xanthii fructus (XF), the fruit of Xanthium sibiricum Patr., is a traditional Chinese materia medica commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis and other rhinitis diseases. To uncover the mechanism of the stir‐frying process and its effect on the pharmacokinetic behavior of active compounds in model rats, four active compounds—chlorogenic acid, 4‐caffeoylquinic acid, 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid and apigenin—were selected based on previous spectrum‐effect experiments. High performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC–QqQ–MS) technology, an accurate and feasible method, was applied to measure the concentration of these four compounds in rat plasma. This validated method can accurately measure the concentration of each compound at each sampling point of rat plasma. This validated method shows good linearity, extraction recoveries, matrix effects, intra‐ and inter‐day precision and stabilities. Compared with the XF group, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) value of 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid decreased remarkably (p < 0.05) after oral administration of stir‐fried Xanthii fructus (SXF) extract, while the other compounds showed no significant difference. The mean residence time value of chlorogenic acid (p < 0.05) and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (p<0.01) after oral administration of SXF extraction demonstrated significant differences compared with the XF group, while the other two compounds showed no statistical difference, indicating that the stir‐frying process prolonged the effect time and delayed the removal time of chlorogenic acid and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid. The values of the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to the last quantifiable time‐point, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from zero to infinity, the time to maximum concentration and the elimination half‐life of four compounds in the SXF group showed no statistically significant difference from the XF group. From this data, we speculated that the stir‐frying process can not only keep the absorption of 4‐caffeoylquinic acid and apigenin, but also increase the effect time of chlorogenic acid and 1,5‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, which could be the mechanism underlying the stir‐frying process enhancing the effects of XF.
Sialyl‐LacNAc‐PNA⋅DNA Concatamers by Rolling‐Circle Amplification as Multivalent Inhibitors of Influenza A Virus Particles
Authors: Bandlow Victor , Lauster Daniel , Ludwig Kai , Hilsch Malte , Reiter‐Scherer Valentin , Rabe Jürgen P. , Böttcher Christoph , Herrmann Andreas , Seitz Oliver
Published: December 2018

The surfaces of influenza A virus (IAV) particles are packed with hundreds of homo‐trimeric hemagglutinins (HAs). Monovalent sugars have low affinity for HA, but distance‐optimized bivalent sialyl‐LacNAc (SLN) conjugates bind it with 103‐fold enhanced potency. Herein, we describe the oligomerization of distance‐optimized bivalent binders by branched and linear hybridization on long repetitive DNA templates. The most effective complexes fully inhibited IAVs at a DNA template concentration of 10−9 m. Although a 10−2 m concentration of free trisaccharide ligand is required for full inhibition of the virus, DNA templating enables a 104‐fold reduction in the amount of sugar required. Notably, hybridization‐induced rigidification of the DNA templates increased the serospecificity. Cryo‐TEM analysis revealed that both spaghetti‐type linear forms and cotton‐ball‐like clusters are able to bridge several adjacent HA molecules on the IAV surface. Programmed self‐assembly of ligand–nucleic acid conjugates on long DNA templates might provide generic access to target‐specific, high‐affinity binders of proteins on globular objects such as cells and viruses.
Organocatalytic Stereoselective Epoxidation of α‐alkylidene Oxindoles Using α,α‐diphenylprolinol in Liposome Membrane
Authors: Gasperi Tecla , Tortora Carola , Miceli Martina , Steiniger Frank , Walde Peter , Stano Pasquale
Published: December 2018

We employed the membrane of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC) liposomes suspended in water as a microenvironment for carrying out the organocatalytic epoxidation of an α‐alkylidene oxindole. The reaction proceeds smoothly and displays diastereo‐ and enantio‐selectivity that differs from what is achieved under bulk solution conditions. The potential of organocatalytic approaches for synthetic transformations in aqueous phase in the presence of dispersed membranes is briefly discussed.
In situ Growth Synthesis of CuO@Cu‐MOFs Core‐shell Materials as Novel Low‐temperature NH3‐SCR Catalysts
Authors: Yu Yanke , Chen Changwei , He Chi , Miao Jifa , Chen Jinsheng
Published: December 2018

Metal oxides@MOFs core‐shell materials were developed for selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 (NH3‐SCR). A novel CuO@Cu‐MOFs core‐shell material with CuO as the core and Cu3(BTC)2 as the shell were rationally designed and synthesized by an in situ growth method and used in NH3‐SCR reaction. The prepared CuO@Cu‐MOFs materials combined physicochemical properties of CuO (high NO adsorption stability and excellent surface reducibility) and Cu3(BTC)2 (large specific surface area and abundant acid sites). In addition, the core‐shell materials held large amounts of Brønsted acid sites and abundant adsorbed NOx intermediate species, which benefited NH3‐SCR reaction under low‐temperature. Experimental results demonstrated that CuO@Cu‐MOFs possessed higher low‐temperature catalytic activity than that of pure CuO and Cu3(BTC)2. Importantly, CuO@Cu‐MOFs performed satisfied stability in NH3‐SCR reaction, which made it to be a potential and promising low‐temperature SCR catalyst.
Low‐Work‐Function Silver Activating N‐doped Graphene as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalysts in Acidic Medium
Authors: Yan Yadong , Yan Shicheng , Yu Zhentao , Zou Zhigang
Published: December 2018

Non‐platinum graphene‐based electrocatalysts are vital for low‐cost energy conversion by hydrogen fuel cell. However, high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) overpotentials limit their efficiency and stability. Here, we propose a strategy to increase graphene Fermi level by graphene encapsulating a metal with lower work function than graphene, aiming to enhance the ORR activity of graphene‐based materials. As an example, Ag nanoparticles (function work, 4.2 eV) are embedded into N‐doped graphene (function work, 4.5 eV) (Ag@NG). The Ag@NG exhibits the ORR onset potential of 0.804 V and excellent stability over 10000 electrochemical cycles in acidic electrolyte. Spectroscopic analysis confirms Ag−N coordination bond as an efficient electron transfer route significantly benefiting upshift of graphene Fermi level that enhances the ORR activity and stability.