bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La comunicación interna y las redes de comunicación multimedia en los clubes deportivos profesionales españoles
Authors: Sanahuja Peris Guillermo
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to show an original diagnosis about the internal communication in professional Spanish sport clubs and to propose a communication multimedia networks in order to facilitate the relation between organizations and internal public.

Theoretical framework it´s delimited by Information Society´s stage (Castells, 1997) and the sport digital age (Moragas, 2007), intangibles management like a new paradigm (Costa, 2008) and the permanent bankruptcy and four pillars: historic evolution of communication and marketing areas in sports clubs, strategic function incorporate communication (Villafañe, 1999): different views about integrate marketing and communication and, finally, the basis about corporate strategy and economics resources in sport clubs.

The methodology used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques applied to a corpus of 56 sport clubs integrated in the Spanish Football Professional League (Liga de fútbol professional) and Spanish Basketball Association Club (Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto). 80% of professional football and basketball clubs have participated, along with more than and eleven experts in sports management and corporate communication, carrying out a study as much quantitative as it is qualitative. Conclusions offers the definitely presentation of evaluation about corporate communication and marketing practice and it represents the contribution to develop a professional sports sector.
Gestión de marca en LinkedIn: Evolución de red de contactos a espacio de relacionamiento estratégico
Authors: Aguado Guadalupe Guadalupe
Published: July 2018

The object of this research paper centres on a case analysis of LinkedIn, with special attention given to its growth as a professional contacts network and its becoming a strategic relationships area which allows user brand management. To this end, throughout the paper, the first ten years of the site’s operation, from 2002 to 2012 has been studied. Within the said period, eight brand management tools developed by LinkedIn have been analysed, attention has been given to the service each offers, the behaviour and relations it develops, as well as the level of time and dedication required by the users. This has been done with the aim of understanding what the underlying principles of the said applications are when looking for benefits for each of the parties: users and businesses. The paper also discusses, in equal detail, whether the said services have contributed to the increase in value of LinkedIn, in regard to a business model based on collaboration and grounded on the loyalty of the users. The conclusion reached was that the tools that have been made available to the public have created a personal business model based on the principles of collective intelligence, influence marketing and the value-add of benchmarking. It has aimed at converting users into their own communication channel and encourage competitiveness through comparison, with the final goal of achieving an impact on behaviours.
Social Media como Canal Estratégico y Operativo dentro del Medio Digital
Authors: Ayestarán Crespo Raquel
Published: July 2018

A Social Media Plan (SMP) basically consists of some main objectives: to determine the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) (as keys to financial or otherwise performance, used to quantify objectives that reflect the performance of an organiz ation and that are usually included in a strategic and achievement plan of the digital campaign according to the general) by means of a dashboard, metrics that convert or monetize, (disciplines that allow evaluating their achievement) and the tools to measure the achieved objectives (lined up with the objectives). From this perspective it is possible to integrate three related categories: the technique of the analytic web, the sum of the actions, mentions, and the monitoring or x-ray of the activity in the social media with global influence, into the impact of the Return on Investment (ROI) of a brand. All of it must match the global strategic objectives of the company.
La responsabilidad social en la marca corporativa de la empresa periodística
Authors: Monfort Abel , Sánchez de la Nieta Miguel Ángel , Fuente Cobo Carmen
Published: July 2018

Literature on journalistic profession and business emphasizes a context of loss of credibility and reputation between internal and external audiences, supremacy of trading criteria above informative criteria, a lack of ethical leadership in managers and absence of determination for the defence of the profession among journalists themselves.

To overcome this situation, the journalistic brand must assume Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) criteria that respect and take into account the professional identity of their journalists. CSR indicators needed to build a good reputation and create a competitive brand identity are: a) the establishment of an publishing production process with its own character (identity): in which we monitor the accuracy of the information, freedom of expression and independence and b) the incorporation of fulfilment and control mechanisms. In particular, through internal organs to monitor and verify and through internal awareness. In this regard, the Editorial Board and Working Statues are essential. The Journalistic Brand should be identified with the postulates of this CSR, giving priority to the economic and labour dimension of social responsibility and encouraging the mainstreaming among all the members of the organization. With special relevance in journalists, understood as the main transmitters of the brand value.

The revision of literature has analysed books and articles about management and the ethics of the journalistic profession , from the point of view of the corporate brand and CRS. Likewise, it has come to national and international company reports from the Third Sector The analysis period covers manuals and articles from 1970 to 2015. To assess the appropriateness of the materials used we have followed impact criteria of articles and authors. As a difference with the literature related, this article puts the values of the ethics of the profession in the new management of intangible assets in the journalistic business, specially, the brand and CRS. Both are constituted as decisive assets to reinforce the value of the businesses dedicated to information, increase their credibility and favour the journalists’ commitment with their environment (brand).
Reference norms for evaluating maximum expiratory flow of children and adolescents of the Maule Region in Chile
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco Antonio , Andruske Cynthia , Arruda Miguel , Sulla-Torres Jose , Pacheco-Carrillo Jaime , Urra-Albornoz Camilo , Gomez-Campos Rossana
Published: July 2018

Background

The norms for evaluating the maximum expiratory flow (MEF) usually are developed according to chronological age and height. However, to date, little research has been conducted using reference values that take into account the temporal changes of biological maturation. The objectives of this study were to (a) compare the MEF with those of other international studies, (b) align the MEF values with chronological and biological age, and (c) propose reference standards for children and adolescents.

Methods

The sample studied consisted of 3,566 students of both sexes (1,933 males and 1,633 females) ranging in age from 5.0 to 17.9 years old. Weight, standing height, and sitting height were measured. Body mass index was calculated. Biological maturation was predicted by using age of peak height velocity growth (APHV). MEF (L/min) was obtained by using a forced expiratory manoeuvre. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method.

Results and Discussion

Predicted APHV was at age 14.77 ± 0.78 years for males and for females at age 12.74 ± 1.0 years. Biological age was more useful than chronological age for assessing MEF in both sexes. Based on these findings, regional percentiles were created to diagnose and monitor the risk of asthma and the general expiratory status of paediatric populations.
Biases during DNA extraction affect characterization of the microbiota associated with larvae of the Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Xue Ming , Wu Liyou , He Yaoyao , Liang Huafang , Wen Chongqing
Published: July 2018

For in-depth characterization of the microbiota associated with shrimp larvae, careful selection of DNA isolation procedure is paramount for avoiding biases introduced in community profiling. Four E.Z.N.A.™ DNA extraction kits, i.e., Bacterial, Mollusc, Stool, and Tissue DNA Kits, abbreviated as Ba, Mo, St, and Ti, respectively, were initially evaluated with zoea 2 (Z2) larvae of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by 16S amplicon sequencing on a Illumina MiSeq platform. Further characterization of additional larval samples, specifically nauplii 5 (N5), mysis 1 (M1), and postlarvae 1 (P1), was performed with Ba and St kits to examine the changing microbiota profile during shrimp hatchery period. The results from the Z2 samples showed that DNA yields from the four kits varied significantly (P< 0.05), whereas no significant differences were detected in the α-diversity metrics of the microbiota. By contrast, the St kit, with the lowest DNA yield and quality, successfully recovered DNA from Gram-positive and gut-associated bacterial groups, whereas the Ba kit, which showed maximal microbiota similarity with the Mo kit, manifested the best reproducibility. Notably, significant differences were observed in relative abundances of most dominant taxa when comparing results from the Ba and St kits on Z2, M1, and P1 samples. In addition, the bacterial community identified shifted markedly with larval development regardless of the DNA extraction kits. The DNA recovery biases arising from the larval microbiota could be due to different protocols for cell lysis and purification. Therefore, combined application of different DNA extraction methods may facilitate identification of some biologically important groups owing to their complementary effects. This approach should receive adequate attention for a thorough understanding of the larvae-associated microbiota of the penaeid shrimp.
Comparison of ventricular tachyarrhythmia recurrence between ischemic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Fang Chih-Yuan , Chen Huang-Chung , Chen Yung-Lung , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Pan Kuo-Li , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Mien-Cheng , Lee Wei-Chieh
Published: July 2018

Background

The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has been established as an effective secondary prevention strategy for ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF). However, few reports discuss the difference in clinical predictors for recurrent VT/VF between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

From May 2004 to December 2015, 132 consecutive patients who had ICM (n= 94) or DCM (n= 38) and had received ICD implantation for secondary prevention were enrolled in this study. All anti-tachycardia events during follow-up were validated. The clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were obtained for comparison. The incidence of recurrence of VT/VF, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, the change of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV volume were analyzed.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 3.62 ± 2.93 years, 34 patients (36.2%) in the ICM group and 22 patients (57.9%) in the DCM group had a recurrence of VT/VF episodes (p= 0.032). The DCM group had a lower LVEF (p= 0.019), a larger LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p= 0.001), a higher prevalence of LVEDV >158 mL (p= 0.010), and a larger LV end-systolic volume (p= 0.010) than the ICM group. LVEDV >158 mL and no use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker were independent predictors of recurrences of VT/VF in ICM patients but not in DCM patients. There were no difference in cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality between the ICM and DCM patients.

Conclusion

The DCM patients had a higher recurrence rate of VT/VF than did the ICM patients during long-term follow-up. An enlarged LV is an independent predictor of the recurrence of VT/VF in ICM patients receiving ICD for secondary prevention.
New locality information for fifteen Philippine mosses (Bryophyta) from Luzon and Mindanao islands with one new record
Authors: Linis Virgilio Cutibar
Published: July 2018

One new record and new locality information for fifteen species of Philippine mosses are reported for Luzon and Mindanao islands. Of these Physcomitrium eurystomum Sendtn. and Syrrhopodon prolifer var. albidus Schwägr. are new records for Luzon island. The former taxon is also new for the Philippines. The remaining taxa: Barbella convolvens (Mitt.) Broth., Chaetomitrium pseudoelongatum Broth., Clastobryum caudatum, M. Fleisch., Distichophyllum osterwaldii, M. Fleisch., D. tortile Dozy & Molk. ex Bosch & Sande Lac., Gemmabryum exile (Dozy & Molk.) J.R. Spence & H.P. Ramsay, Macrothamnium hylocomioides M. Fleisch., Meteoriella soluta (Mitt.) S. Okamura, Plagiomnium integrum (Bosch & Sande Lac.) T. J. Kop., Racomitrium subsecundum (Hook. & Grev.) Mitt. & Wilson, Rhamphidium dixonii E.B. Bartram, Schlotheimia mac-gregorii Brroth. & Geh., Scopelophila cataractae (Mitt.) Broth., and Taxithelium planissimum Broth. are new records for Mindanao island.
Crystal structure of the retroviral protease‐like domain of a protozoal DNA damage‐inducible 1 protein
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Suguna Kaza
Published: July 2018

DNA damage‐inducible 1 (Ddi1) is a multidomain protein with one of the domains being retropepsin‐like. HIV‐1 protease inhibitors were found to reduce opportunistic infections caused by pathogens like Leishmania and Plasmodium, and some of them were shown to inhibit the growth of these parasites. In Leishmania, Ddi1 was identified as a likely target of the inhibitors. We report the crystal structure of the retropepsin‐like domain of Ddi1 from Leishmania major as a dimer with clear density for the critical ‘flap’ region. We have characterized binding with one of the HIV‐1 protease inhibitors in solution using bio‐layer interferometry and by docking. Further, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies that show that the protein undergoes a conformational change from open to semi‐open and closed forms with the closing of the flexible flap over the active site.
Counternarratives
Authors: Lundholt Marianne Wolff , Maagaard Cindie Aaen , Piekut Anke
Published: July 2018

Broadly speaking, the term “counternarrative” refers to a narrative that takes on meaning through its relation with one or more other narratives. While this relation is not necessarily oppositional, it involves a stance toward some other narrative(s), and it is this aspect of stance, or position, that distinguishes counternarrative from other forms of intertextuality.
The Design and Synthesis of Hollow Micro‐/Nanostructures: Present and Future Trends
Authors: Yu Le , Yu Xin Yao , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: July 2018

Hollow micro‐/nanostructures have attracted tremendous interest owing to their intriguing structure‐induced physicochemical properties and great potential for widespread applications. With the development of modern synthetic methodology and analytical instruments, a rapid structural/compositional evolution of hollow structures from simple to complex has occurred in recent decades. Here, an updated overview of research progress made in the synthesis of hollow structures is provided. After an introduction of definition and classification, achievements in synthetic approaches for these delicate hollow architectures are presented in detail. According to formation mechanisms, these strategies can be categorized into four different types, including hard‐templating, soft‐templating, self‐templated, and template‐free methods. In particular, the rationales and emerging innovations in conventional templating syntheses are in focus. The development of burgeoning self‐templating strategies based on controlled etching, outward diffusion, and heterogeneous contraction is also summarized. In addition, a brief overview of template‐free methods and recent advances on combined mechanisms is provided. Notably, the strengths and weaknesses of each category are discussed in detail. In conclusion, a perspective on future trends in the research of hollow micro‐/nanostructures is given.
Enabling and Localizing Omnidirectional Nonlinear Deformation in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Auguste Anesia D. , Ward Jeremy W. , Hardin James O. , Kowalski Benjamin A. , Guin Tyler C. , Berrigan J. Daniel , White Timothy J.
Published: July 2018

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are widely recognized for their exceptional promise as actuating materials. Here, the comparatively less celebrated but also compelling nonlinear response of these materials to mechanical load is examined. Prior examinations of planarly aligned LCEs exhibit unidirectional nonlinear deformation to mechanical loads. A methodology is presented to realize surface‐templated homeotropic orientation in LCEs and omnidirectional nonlinearity in mechanical deformation. Inkjet printing of the homeotropic alignment surface localizes regions of homeotropic and planar orientation within a monolithic LCE element. The local control of the self‐assembly and orientation of the LCE, when subject to rational design, yield functional materials continuous in composition with discontinuous mechanical deformation. The variation in mechanical deformation in the film can enable the realization of nontrivial performance. For example, a patterned LCE is prepared and shown to exhibit a near‐zero Poisson's ratio. Further, it is demonstrated that the local control of deformation can enable the fabrication of rugged, flexible electronic devices. An additively manufactured device withstands complex mechanical deformations that would normally cause catastrophic failure.
Nanostructured Biointerfaces Based on Bioceramic Calcium Carbonate/Hydrogel Coatings on Titanium with an Active Enzyme for Stimulating Osteoblasts Growth
Authors: Muderrisoglu Cahit , Saveleva Mariia , Abalymov Anatolii , Van der Meeren Louis , Ivanova Anna , Atkin Vsevolod , Parakhonskiy Bogdan , Skirtach Andre G.
Published: July 2018

Novel bone growth‐stimulating interfaces are designed via surface modification of titanium (Ti) surfaces using the bioceramic CaCO3 in the vaterite phase, Ca‐crosslinked alginate hydrogel, or a blend of these two materials with an active enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as an osteoinductive component. The surface morphology and chemistry of the engineered surfaces are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while the vaterite crystal fraction within the inorganic phase of the different coating types is determined by X‐ray diffraction. The functionality of the osteoconductive assembled bioceramic–hydrogel interface on Ti surface in regard with an active ALP payload is verified by the surface ALP loading and its activity. The methods of loading of ALP onto a Ti surface, adsorption versus coprecipitation, have a significant influence on the activity of immobilized ALP amount. The osteoblasts cultivated on the engineered surfaces functionalized with ALP exhibit a higher viability. The proposed composite materials with an active surface and a high mineral content represent an attractive biointerface for tissue engineering.
Enhanced Ionic Sensitivity in Solution‐Gated Graphene‐Hexagonal Boron Nitride Heterostructure Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Hasan Nowzesh , Hou Bo , Moore Arden L. , Radadia Adarsh D.
Published: July 2018

The charge transport in solution‐gated graphene devices is affected by the impurities and disorder of the underlying dielectric interface and its interaction with the solution. Advancement in field‐effect ion sensing by fabricating a dielectric isomorph, hexagonal boron nitride between graphene and silicon dioxide of a solution‐gated graphene field‐effect transistor is being reported. Ionic sensitivity of Dirac voltage as high as −198 mV per decade for K+ and −110 mV per decade for Ca2+ is recorded. Increased transconductance due to increased charge carrier mobility is accompanied with larger ionic sensitivity of the transconductance due to larger ionic sensitivity of the charge carrier mobility. These findings define a standard to construct future graphene devices for biosensing and bioelectronics applications.
Pareto Optimal Spectrally Selective Emitters for Thermophotovoltaics via Weak Absorber Critical Coupling
Authors: Jeon Nari , Hernandez Jonathan J. , Rosenmann Daniel , Gray Stephen K. , Martinson Alex B. F. , Foley IV Jonathan J.
Published: July 2018

Tailoring the emission spectra of a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) emitter away from that of a blackbody has the potential to minimize transmission and thermalization loss in a photovoltaic receiver. Selective TPV emitters can lead to solar energy conversion with efficiency greater than the Shockley–Queisser limit and can facilitate the generation of useful energy from waste heat. A new design is introduced to radically tune thermal emission that leverages the interplay between two resonant phenomena in simple planar nanostructures—absorption in weakly absorbing nanofilms and reflection in multilayer dielectric stacks. A virtual screening approach is employed to identify promising structures for a selective thermal emitter from a search space of millions, several of which approach the ideal values of a step‐function selective thermal emitter. One of these structures is experimentally fabricated and evaluated, which includes a weakly absorbing alloy with tailored optical properties fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The versatility of the design and fabrication approach result in an emitter with excellent spectral density (0.8 W cm−2 sr−1) and spectral efficiency (46.8%) at 1373 K. Future experimental challenges to a more accurate realization of the optimal structures calculated are also considered.
A Porphyrin/Graphene Framework: A Highly Efficient and Robust Electrocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Choi Jaecheol , Wagner Pawel , Jalili Rouhollah , Kim Jeonghun , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Wallace Gordon G. , Officer David L.
Published: July 2018

Developing immobilized molecular complexes, which demonstrate high product efficiencies at low overpotential in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in aqueous media, is essential for the practical production of reduction products. In this work, a simple and facile self‐assembly method is demonstrated by electrostatic interaction and π–π stacking for the fabrication of a porphyrin/graphene framework (FePGF) composed of Fe(III) tetraphenyltrimethylammonium porphyrin and reduced liquid crystalline graphene oxide that can be utilized for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO on a glassy carbon electrode in aqueous electrolyte. The FePGF results in an outstanding robust catalytic performance for the production of CO with 97.0% faradaic efficiency at an overpotential of 480 mV and superior long‐term stability relative to other heterogeneous molecular complexes of over 24 h (cathodic energy efficiency: 58.1%). In addition, a high surface area carbon fiber paper is used as a substrate for FePGF catalyst, resulting in enhanced current density of 1.68 mA cm−2 with 98.7% CO faradaic efficiency at an overpotential of 430 mV for 10 h, corresponding to a turnover frequency of 2.9 s−1 and 104 400 turnover number. Furthermore, FePGF/CFP has one of the highest cathodic energy efficiencies (60.9%) reported for immobilized metal complex catalysts.
Fractal (NixCo1−x)9Se8 Nanodendrite Arrays with Highly Exposed () Surface for Wearable, All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor
Authors: Yang Peiyu , Wu Zeyi , Jiang Yingchang , Pan Zhichang , Tian Wenchao , Jiang Le , Hu Linfeng
Published: July 2018

Hierarchical nanostructures with highly exposed active surfaces for high‐performance pseudocapacitors have attracted considerable attention. Herein, a one‐step growth of (Ni
xCo1−x)9Se8 solid solution series in various conductive substrates as advanced electrodes for flexible, foldable supercapacitors is developed. The formation of (NixCo1−x)9Se8 solid solution is confirmed by Vegard's law. Interestingly, the as‐grown (NixCo1−x)9Se8 solid solution series spontaneously crystallized into nanodendrite arrays with hierarchical morphology and fractal feature. The optimized (Ni0.1Co0.9)9Se8 nanodendrites deliver a specific capacitance of 3762 F g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1 and remains 94.8% of the initial capacitance after 5000 cycles, owing to the advantage from fractal feature with numerous exposed () surface as well as fast ion diffusion. The as‐assembled flexible (Ni0.1Co0.9)9Se8@carbon fiber cloth (CFC)//PVA/KOH//reduced graphene oxide@CFC device exhibits an ultrahigh energy density of 17.0 Wh kg−1@ 3.1 kW kg−1, outperforming recently reported pseudocapacitors based on nickel‐cobalt sulfide and selenide counterparts. This study provides rational guidance toward the design of fractal feature with superior electrochemical performances due to the significantly increased electrochemical active sites. The resulting device can be easily folded, pulled, and twisted, enabling potential applications in high‐performance wearable and gadget devices.
Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Based on Laponite Nanosheet‐Coated Celgard Separators
Authors: Yang Yanfei , Zhang Junping
Published: July 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are of great interest due to their high theoretical energy density. However, one of the key issues hindering their real world applications is polysulfide shuttle, which results in severe capacity decay and self‐discharge. Here, a laponite nanosheets/carbon black coated Celgard (LNS/CB‐Celgard) separator to inhibit polysulfide shuttle and to enhance the Li+ conductivity simultaneously is reported. The polysulfide shuttle is efficiently inhibited through strong interactions between the O active sites of the LNS and polysulfides by forming the Li···O and OS bonds. Moreover, the separator features high Li+ conductivity, fast Li+ diffusion, excellent electrolyte wettability, and high thermal stability. Consequently, the Li–S batteries with the LNS/CB‐Celgard separator and the pure S cathode show a high initial reversible capacity of 1387 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, high rate performance, superior cycling stability (with a capacity decay rate of 0.06% cycle−1 at 0.2 C and 0.028% cycle−1 at 1.0 C over 500 cycles), and ultralow self‐discharge. The separator could also enhance the performance of other batteries such as the LiFePO4/separator/Li battery. This work sheds a new light on the design and preparation of novel separators for highly stable Li–S batteries via a “green” and cost‐effective approach.
Aqueous Synthesis of Ultrathin Platinum/Non‐Noble Metal Alloy Nanowires for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Liu Zhaojun , Qi Jing , Liu Moxuan , Zhang Shumeng , Fan Qikui , Liu Hongpo , Liu Kai , Zheng Haoquan , Yin Yadong , Gao Chuanbo
Published: July 2018

Although aqueous synthesis of nanocrystals is advantageous in terms of the cost, convenience, environmental friendliness, and surface cleanness of the product, nanocrystals of Pt and non‐noble metal alloys are difficult to obtain with controlled morphology and composition from this synthesis owing to a huge gap between the reduction potentials of respective metal salts. This huge gap could now be remedied by introducing a sulfite into the aqueous synthesis, which is believed to resemble an electroless plating mechanism, giving rise to a colloid of Pt‐M (M=Ni, Co, Fe) alloy nanowires with an ultrasmall thickness (ca. 2.6 nm) in a high yield. The sulfite also leads to the formation of surface M−S bonds and thus atomic‐level Pt/M–S(OH) interfaces for greatly boosted hydrogen evolution kinetics under alkaline conditions. An activity of 75.3 mA cm−2 has been achieved with 3 μg of Pt in 1 m KOH at an overpotential of 70 mV, which is superior to previously reported catalysts.
Spontaneous Membrane Generation and Extension in a Dipeptide Single Crystal and Phospholipid Mixed System
Authors: Fu Meifang , Li Junbai
Published: July 2018

Self‐reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of lipid vesicles for origin of life research. Most vesicle self‐reproduction systems are based on fatty acid vesicles and spontaneous phospholipid vesicle production is difficult owing to the relatively high stability of these vesicles. Now, spontaneous phospholipid vesicle generation and extension in a dipeptide/phospholipid system is demonstrated. Dissolution of the dipeptide crystal provides both the driving force and phospholipid constituents for vesicle generation and extension. This study provides a new system to enhance the understanding of vesicle self‐reproduction mechanisms.
1,8‐Naphthalimide‐Substituted BODIPY Dyads: Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Poddar Madhurima , Sharma Vinay , Mobin Shaikh M. , Misra Rajneesh
Published: July 2018

A set of 1,8‐naphthalimide (NPI)‐substituted 4,4‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) dyads 1 a–1 c were designed and synthesized by the Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction of ethynyl substituted NPI 1 with the meso‐, β‐, and α‐halogenated BODIPYs a, b, and c, respectively. The BODIPY 1 c exhibits redshifted absorption, which suggests better electronic communication with substitution at the α‐position of BODIPY compared with at the meso and β positions, which was further supported by time‐dependent DFT calculations. The optical band gap follows the order 1 a>1 b>1 c. The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of dyads 1 a–1 c are reported, which reflect planar orientations of the BODIPY units with respect to the NPIs. The DFT‐optimized structures show good correlation with the experimental data obtained from the single‐crystal X‐ray structures. The packing diagram of 1 a shows a sheet‐like arrangement, 1 b forms a ladder‐like structural motif, and 1 c forms a complex 3D structural arrangement. The dyads 1 a–1 c show low cytotoxicity (IC50>100 μm). The confocal microscopy studies with HeLa and A375 cells (when treated with dyads 1 a–1 c) show that all the dyads easily enter the cell membrane and show significant multicolor intracellular fluorescence covering the entire visible range with clear emissions in blue, green, and red channels.
Improving the production of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐4 in Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures by inhibition of undesirable endocytosis
Authors: Kim Che Lin , Jung Mi Yeong , Kim Young Sik , Jang Ju Woong , Lee Gyun Min
Published: July 2018

Endocytic regulation serves a critical role in modulating the extracellular level of signaling molecules, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Unfortunately, endocytosis may result in poor yields of recombinant human BMP‐4 (rhBMP‐4) from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures. When rhBMP‐4 was incubated with CHO cells, rhBMP‐4 was actively internalized into cells. Cell surface bound heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) served as the major receptors for rhBMP‐4 internalization. Removal of cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) by heparinases or reduction of HSPG synthesis by knockdown of xylosyltransferase2 (xylt2) in CHO cells decreased internalization of rhBMP‐4. In addition, treatment with endocytosis inhibitors (chlorpromazine, genistein, and dynasore) identified a clathrin‐ and dynamin‐dependent endocytic pathway as the major route for rhBMP‐4 internalization. To enhance product yield by minimizing rhBMP‐4 internalization in recombinant CHO (rCHO) cell cultures, we have tested various strategies to reduce HSPG synthesis (knockdown of xylt2 and sodium chlorate treatment) or inhibit the binding of rhBMP‐4 to cell‐surface‐bound HSPGs (supplementation with heparin or dextran sulfate [DS]). Among these approaches, DS, which is a linear anionic sulfated polysaccharide with similarity to HS chains, was the most effective in enhancing rhBMP‐4 production in rCHO cell cultures. Compared with the control cultures, DS addition to the culture medium (1.0 g/L) resulted in 1.4‐fold and 2.3‐fold increases in maximum rhBMP‐4 concentration in batch and fed‐batch cultures, respectively. Taken together, the addition of DS, an effective competitor of HSPGs, improved rhBMP‐4 production in rCHO cell cultures through blockage of rhBMP‐4 internalization.
Overload Effects in Reversed Phase Protein Separations using Capillary‐Channeled Polymer Fiber Columns
Authors: Wang Lei , Marcus R. Kenneth
Published: July 2018

In preparative chromatography, overloading effects are a fact of life. However, peak distortion is problematic in analytical scale chromatography, especially in the case of bio‐macromolecule separations. Capillary‐channeled polymer fibers have been employed for fast protein separations in reversed phase, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction liquid chromatography. Although the primary advantage of the phase is operation at high linear velocities (~100 mm s−1) without van Deemter C‐term limitations, the limited specific surface area (<5 m2 g−1) suggests that a thorough understanding of overloading effects is needed. We evaluate important factors (injected mass and volume) affecting overload in terms of peak height, width and shape (asymmetry). Overload conditions readily apparent as the peak shape changes from a Gaussian distribution to a left‐triangle with slight tailing; more‐or‐less classical overload behavior. Three methods were used to compute column efficiency in terms of plate counts (N), including the area height, half‐height, and the Dorsey‐Foley approaches. The half‐height method is best‐suited for describing column overload, accounting for peak distortion and achieving high levels of consistency. The limiting plate count (N0) and the column sample loading capacity (ω0.5) were key metrics to characterize overall column performance. Peak capacity (P) was used to assess gradient elution separation performance. Increased flow rates and column length result in enhanced loading capacity. pH mismatch between the sample matrix and the mobile phase, a common cause of protein overload with other phases, was not responsible for distorted peak shapes unless the solvent pH is close to the pI of protein samples.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis may be a precursor or risk factor for specific cancers: A case‐control frequency‐matched study
Authors: Qin Lei , Kao Yi‐Wei , Lin Yueh‐Lung , Peng Bou‐Yue , Deng Win‐Ping , Chen Tsung‐Ming , Lin Kuan‐Chou , Yuan Kevin Sheng‐Po , Wu Alexander T. H. , Shia Ben‐Chang , Wu Szu‐Yuan
Published: July 2018

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is considered a prophase symptom in patients with specific cancers. This study assessed the association between RAS and subsequent onset of cancer based on a nationwide population‐based database in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods

We selected study participants from the National Health Insurance Research Database from January 2000 to December 2008. Patients in the non‐RAS cohort were matched to case study patients at a 1:1 ratio through frequency matching. All participants were followed up for at least 5 years, and those who received cancer diagnoses during follow‐up were identified.

Results

Among 52 307 patients with and 52 304 patients without RAS, the combined hazard ratio (HR) of all subsequent cancer cases was 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25‐1.35, P = 0). RAS diagnosis was associated with risk for cancers of the head and neck (aHR = 2, 95% CI: 1.8‐2.3), colon (aHR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1‐1.4), liver (aHR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1‐1.3), pancreas (aHR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1‐1.7), skin (aHR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2‐1.7), breast (aHR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1‐1.4), and prostate (aHR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3‐1.8), as well as hematologic cancers (aHR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3‐1.9). A higher risk was observed for male patients (aHR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.28‐1.42) than for female patients (aHR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18‐1.31) with RAS.

Conclusions

RAS was associated with specific cancers. Susceptible RAS patients should be screened for specific cancers.
Facet, Junction and Electric Field Engineering of Bismuth‐Based Materials for Photocatalysis
Authors: Li Min , Huang Hongwei , Yu Shixin , Tian Na , Zhang Yihe
Published: July 2018

Semiconductor photocatalysis has gained tremendous attention with great prospects to settle the worldwide environmental pollution and energy shortage issues. Many efforts have been made for semiconductor photocatalysts to overcome the disadvantages of the weak photoabsorption and high recombination of charges in the past few decades. Developing active facets and junctions has been diffusely used and shows huge potentials. The surface of active facet where the reductive and oxidative reactions occur has a great influence on the efficiency of reaction molecules that takes over the photogenerated charges. Construction of junctions is regarded as one of the most effective methods to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated charges. This review mainly focuses on summarizing the synthesis of active facet, facet dependent activities in various photocatalytic reactions, the construction of different kinds of heterojunctions and homojunctions, and the combination of active facet and junctions of bismuth‐based photocatalysts recently. In addition, other new and effective routes, like internal electric field (IEF) regulation and polarization electric field control are also shortly summarized. The review will deepen our understanding on bismuth‐based photocatalysts and provide novel guidelines and perspectives for designing high‐performance photocatalysts.
Porous‐Alumina‐Assisted Growth of Nanostructured Anodic Films on Ti−Nb Alloys
Authors: Bendova Maria , Kolar Jakub , Gispert‐Guirado Francesc , Mozalev Alexander
Published: July 2018

Porous‐anodic‐alumina (PAA)‐assisted anodizing is employed, for the first time, for growing arrays of oxide nanocolumns on Ti−Nb alloy films with up to 58 at% Nb. Beyond about 24 at% Nb in the alloy, the system allows for high formation potentials of 250–420 V, giving columns that are 500–700 nm long, which are 100 % stable during the PAA etch. The stability worsens when lowering the Nb content in the alloy, owing to contamination of the column roots by alumina, which arises from the amorphous‐to‐crystalline transition of the anodic oxide, oxygen evolution, formation of O2‐filled nanobubbles within the roots, and development of bigger voids. The voids force the roots to regrow and spread laterally along with anodizing the surrounding Al residues, which increases alumina content in the titania‐based nanoroots. The incorporation of sufficient amounts of Nb2O5 in the anodic TiO2 hinders oxide crystallization and lowers alumina content in the roots, which stabilizes the columns. The two oxides are distributed uniformly along the columns, indicating comparable migration rates of Ti4+ and Nb5+ ions in the mixed anodic oxide. This uniform distribution, combined with possibly mixing the oxides at atomic level, is expected to narrow the band gap of the material, which is of vast importance for solar energy conversion applications.
Deltahedral Organo‐Zintl Superhalogens
Authors: Reddy G. Naaresh , Parida Rakesh , Chakraborty Arindam , Giri Santanab
Published: July 2018

Zintl ions constitute a special type of naked anionic clusters, mainly consisting of Group 13, 14, and 15 elements of the Periodic Table. Due to the presence of multiple negative ions, the chemistry of Zintl ions is unique. They not only form Zintl phases with alkali and alkaline‐earth metal cations, but also form organo‐Zintl clusters with distinct properties. By first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory, we have designed a new deltahedral organo‐Zintl cluster with Ge94− as the core and aromatic heterocyclic compounds as ligands. Calculations on such complexes show that they form a special class of system known as a superhalogen (SH), with a high vertical detachment energy of 4.9 eV. The density of states (DOS), partial DOS, and different molecular orbitals give additional information about the bonding features of the complexes.
Magnetically Separable Fe3O4@CdS Type‐II Nanohybrids with Excellent Photocatalytic Activity and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Samadi‐Maybodi Abdolraouf , Shariati Mohammad Reza , Hosseinzadeh Colagar Abasalt
Published: July 2018

A magnetically separable Fe3O4@CdS type‐II core–shell nanohybrid (NH) photocatalyst, with excellent antibacterial properties and photocatalytic activity, was synthesized and characterized by means of structural, elemental, and morphological analyses. Steady‐state and time‐resolved emission and absorption spectroscopy were also exploited to realize the location of charge‐carrier wave functions in the NHs. The antibacterial activity of NHs was then evaluated against Escherichia coli (1.4×108 CFU mL−1; CFU=colony forming units) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (1.2×108 CFU mL−1) as model strains of Gram‐negative and ‐positive microbes. Compared with CdS and Fe3O4, the as‐synthesized Fe3O4@CdS composite exhibited highly improved bactericidal activity and recyclability. Concentration values of 5.0 and 4.0 mg mL−1 were required for Fe3O4@CdS NHs to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. saprophyticus, respectively. The contribution of OH. radicals to photocatalysis at the Fe3O4@CdS surface was also considered. Moreover, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl assay protocols have been exploited to monitor levels of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in cells. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@CdS NHs was monitored for the degradation of xylenol orange dye. Compared with CdS and Fe3O4, as‐synthesized Fe3O4@CdS displayed superior performances in the photodegradation of xylenol orange. Possible mechanisms involved in the degradation of xylenol orange are also discussed.
A Visible Light‐Mediated Regioselective Halogenation of Anilides and Quinolines by Using a Heterogeneous Cu‐MnO Catalyst
Authors: Singh Harshvardhan , Sen Chiranjit , Sahoo Tapan , Ghosh Subhash Chandra
Published: July 2018

A simple and practical heterogeneous Cu‐MnO catalyzed regioselective halogenation of anilides and quinolines under irradiation with household 40 W incandescent lamp was developed. This method uses a recyclable Cu‐MnO catalyst, acetonitrile as an industrially friendly solvent, and economic N‐halo succinimides as a halogenating source. The reaction is scalable and well tolerated with a broad range of functional groups.
Gender stereotypes underlie child custody decisions
Authors: Costa Luiza Lopes Franco , Esteves Ana Beatriz Dillon , Kreimer Roxana , Struchiner Noel , Hannikainen Ivar
Published: July 2018

Using hypothetical divorce cases we examine the role of gender stereotypes in decisions about child custody. Good mothers received greater custody allocations than did good fathers across a tightly matched pair of vignettes in three culturally distinct samples: Argentina, Brazil, and the United States (Study 1). Two follow‐up studies indicated that the warmth dimension of stereotype content partly accounted for the asymmetry in custody awards: The proportion of maternal‐primary custody was predicted by the tendency to ascribe warmth‐related traits—such as friendliness, generosity, or trustworthiness—to mothers (Study 2) and associate them with female over male nouns (Study 3). We also found that endorsing shared custody mitigated the asymmetry in custody awards documented in our studies. Together, these results highlight the interplay of stereotyped attitudes and egalitarian commitments in the context of judicial decisions about child custody.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome in South Asian Americans in Maryland
Authors: Khan Saira A. , Jackson Robert T.
Published: July 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors among men and women worldwide. The use of very long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC PUFA) could potentially benefit individuals with MetS. The goal was to better understand the relationship between MetS and VLC PUFA in South Asian (SA) Americans who experience an elevated risk for heart disease. We analyzed a cross section of South Asian (SA) using the automated self‐administered 24‐hr recall (ASA24) and clinic data in a low‐income SA in Maryland. We found no correlation between MetS indicators (high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference (WC)) and dietary n‐3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic acids). However, dietary n‐6 VLC PUFA (arachidonic acid [AA]) was associated with cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels. SA with MetS did not have a significantly low level of dietary VLC PUFA intake, and there were no SA group differences in the intake of VLC PUFA but there were significant gender differences. Dietary practices in SA may contribute to increased proinflammatory markers and play a role in elevated MetS components.
Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in poultry feces and carcasses in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Kagambèga Assèta , Thibodeau Alexandre , Trinetta Valentina , Soro Daniel K. , Sama Florent N. , Bako Évariste , Bouda Caroline S. , Wereme N’Diaye Aïssata , Fravalo Philippe , Barro Nicolas
Published: July 2018

The importance of Salmonella and Campylobacter as foodborne pathogens is well recognized worldwide. Poultry and poultry products are commonly considered as the major vehicles of Salmonella and Campylobacter infection in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the hygienic status of poultry facilities and determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in slaughtered poultry feces and carcasses in four different markets in Ouagadougou, capital city of Burkina Faso. A total of 103 poultry feces and 20 carcasses were analyzed using microbiological standard methods. Among the 103 fecal samples, 70 were positive for Campylobacter ssp (67.96%) and 54 for Salmonella ssp (52.42%). The hippurate hydrolysis test revealed that among the 70 Campylobacter strains isolated from feces, 49 were C. jejuni (70%) and 21 were C. coli (30%). From the 20 carcasses analyzed, 18 were contaminated with Salmonella (90%) and 10 with Campylobacter ssp (50%). Among the 10 Campylobacter ssp samples isolated from poultry carcasses, all were identified as C. jejuni using the API CAMPY system and the hippurate hydrolysis test. The assessment of markets hygienic practices for production, transportation, display, and vending of meat revealed unhygienic conditions. To complete the observation of unhygienic practices, we have sampled chicken‐washing solution from the study sites and microbiological analysis of these samples revealed the presence of Salmonella spp in 100% of the samples. This study highlighted that poultry products on sale in Ouagadougou are highly contaminated with Salmonella and Campylobacter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing Campylobacter presence in the poultry industry of Burkina Faso. Our findings might help to better understand the epidemiology of Salmonella and Campylobacter.