bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of euthanasia of sheep with intravenous saturated salt
solutions to enable the collection of whole, intact brains
Authors: Stanger KJ , Kells NJ , Fisher AD , Jubb T , Rault J-L , Johnson C
Published: October 2019

Captive bolts or firearms are unsuitable for euthanasia of livestock
when an intact brain is required for diagnostics. Injectable barbiturates
can be used, but this method carries risk of poisoning animals eating the
carcase. Intravenous saturated salt solutions have been used to euthanase
heavily sedated ruminants and are cheap, readily available and not a risk to
scavenging animals. However, there is concern that they may be painful or
cause distress to animals that are not unconscious. This study aimed to
determine the suitability of saturated salt solutions, in combination with
xylazine, as a method of euthanasia of ruminants using a sheep model.
Thirty-two sheep were sedated with xylazine (0.4 mg
kg-1 IM) and euthanased with an intravenous
overdose of pentobarbitone (PENT; n = 10), saturated potassium chloride
(KCL; n = 11) or saturated magnesium sulphate (MGS; n = 10). Time until end
of rhythmic breathing and cardiac arrest, and movement events were recorded.
Conscious perception of pain was evaluated by measuring cortical brain
activity by electroencephalography (EEG). There was no evidence of perceived
pain or unpleasant sensory experience for any treatment as indicated by P50,
P95 and Ptot and so all methods were deemed humane.
Time until transient EEG was comparable for all treatments. Time until onset
of isoelectric EEG was prolonged for KCL. Animals euthanased with KCL
consistently exhibited severe reflex movements during infusion (eg kicking,
convulsion). No severe movement events were observed in animals euthanased
with MGS, hence, physiological and movement data support the preferential
use of MGS over KCL.
Artificial rearing affects the emotional state and reactivity of pigs post-weaning
Authors: Schmitt O , O’Driscoll K , Baxter EM , Boye LA
Published: October 2019

Artificial rearing involves removing piglets from their mother at seven days of age and feeding them milk replacer until weaning. Early-life rearing conditions can influence piglets’ mental development, as reflected by their emotional state and reactivity. This study compared the post-weaning emotional state and reactivity of pigs which were either sow-reared or artificially reared pre-weaning. Behavioural tests (startle test, novel object test, human-animal relationship test and open door test) were conducted one week post-weaning (weaner 1, 34 [± 0.6] days old), one week after movement to weaner 2 (69 [±1.2] days old) and to finisher (100 [± 1.3] days old) stages. Qualitative Behavioural Assessments (QBA) were conducted on the same days in weaner 2 and finisher stages. QBA descriptors were computed by PCA and all other data were analysed using linear models. Artificially reared pigs were less fearful of human contact in weaner 1 (45.1 [± 8.43] vs 81.3 [± 7.89]%) and finisher (25.8 [± 5.19] vs 45.7 [± 6.00]%) stages; but there was no difference in the other tests. Artificially reared pigs had a higher QBA score (more positive) than sow-reared pigs in weaner 2 (54.49 [± 10.102] vs 17.88 [± 9.94]) but not in finisher (70.71 [± 8.860] vs 52.76 [± 9.735]) stage. In conclusion, artificially reared pigs appeared to have a more positive emotional state transiently post-weaning and a lower fearfulness towards humans, which are likely mediated by their pre-weaning conditions. These data emphasise the need to consider the entire life of the animals to fully evaluate the long-term impacts of a rearing system.
Humans can identify cats’ affective states from subtle facial expressions
Authors: Dawson LC , Cheal J , Niel L , Mason G
Published: October 2019

Although cats’ popularity as pets rivals that of dogs, cats are little studied, and people's abilities to read this apparently ‘inscrutable’ species have attracted negligible research. To determine whether people can identify feline emotions from cats’ faces, participants (n = 6,329) each viewed 20 video clips of cats in carefully operationalised positively (n =10) or negatively valenced states (n = 10) (cross-factored with low and high activity levels). Obvious cues (eg open mouths or fully retracted ears) were eliminated. Participants’ average scores were low (11.85/20 correct), but overall above chance; furthermore, 13% of participants were individually significantly successful at identifying the valence of cats’ states (scoring ≥ 15/20 correct). Women were more successful at this task than men, and younger participants more successful than older, as were participants with professional feline (eg veterinary) experience. In contrast, personal contact with cats (eg pet-owning) had little effect. Cats in positive states were most likely to be correctly identified, particularly if active rather than inactive. People can thus infer cats’ affective states from subtle aspects of their facial expressions (although most find this challenging); and some individuals are very good at doing so. Understanding where such abilities come from, and precisely how cats’ expressions change with affective state, could potentially help pet owners, animal care staff and veterinarians optimise feline care and welfare.
Adapting to Multiple Sclerosis Stigma Across the Life Span
Authors: Spencer Lauren A. , Silverman Arielle M. , Cook Jonathan E.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience social stigma at mild-to-moderate levels, with potential implications for their health. However, little is known about how adults adapt to social stigma across their lives, or with respect to MS stigma in particular. Using a large national database and controlling for confounding demographic and health-related variables, this study examined whether longer MS duration was associated with reports of stigma in people with MS.

Methods:

Data were available from 6771 participants enrolled in the semiannual survey conducted by the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS). Participants completed measures of MS stigma and reported on demographic and health-related covariates.

Results:

With disability level, age, and other demographic and health-related covariates taken into account, the longer respondents had lived with MS, the less stigma they felt. Results were similar for people's anticipation of stigma and their feelings of isolation because of stigma.

Conclusions:

As people gain experience living with MS, their adaptations to the social aspects of their illness may allow them to structure their lives so that they can mitigate the impact of stigma. Doctors, therapists, and other health care personnel should consider that patients with MS might be especially concerned and distressed by stigma earlier in the course of their illness.
Model of Forensic Hydrography
Authors: Kasum Josip , Pilić Marko , Jovanović Nebojša , Pienaar Harrison
Published: October 2019

Forensic science plays a vital role in the work of judicial bodies. The contents, knowledge, and specialized expertise permit the identification of facts essential to law enforcement and judicial disputes. Hydrography is an applied science that concerns the physical description, measurement, mapping, and predictions of marine and terrestrial water features (ocean, seas, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas). A variety of economic and other activities take place in water resources. In order to reduce incidents and losses, it is extremely important to operate with accurate hydrographic data. In addition to its standard analytical role, forensics may serve in the prevention of adverse events and /or conditions. This paper aims at contributing towards the development of the new multidisciplinary field of forensic hydrography. The specific objectives are to provide a framework for the establishment of a model of forensic hydrography. A model of forensic hydrography is developed based on eleven modules (elements) relevant to fields in the marine, terrestrial, and coastal water domains. Forensic hydrography should serve the analysis and prevention of unwanted and other events and conditions to increase safety of navigation and security of water resources and in support of all other marine activities, including economic development, defence, safety and security, scientific research, social cohesion, as well as environmental management and conservation.
Review of Autonomous and Remotely Controlled Ships in Maritime Sector
Authors: Bratić Karlo , Pavić Ivan , Vukša Srđan , Stazić Ladislav
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the extent of the currently achieved progress in autonomous and remotely controlled ships in the maritime sector. Major researches, statements from relevant sources and various anticipations on this subject are presented to outline a comprehensive scope of such progress.

The engine room on conventional merchant ships is used as a viewpoint because it comprises numerous and complex systems. The main purpose of this paper is to establish a link between the levels of autonomy and the engine room with its associated systems on a conventional ship. At each level, the link should describe the relations between autonomy and the systems which are commonly found in the engine room on conventional ships.

To create this link, comparison analysis uses the latest statements from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Classification Societies. Technical standards for autonomous and offshore vessels are derived from the guidelines provided by Classification Societies. Technical standards and requirements, related to the engine room of such ships, are individually described and compared to provide accurate and comprehensive scope of their current progress.
Inducing conformational preference of the membrane protein transporter EmrE through conservative mutations
Authors: Leninger Maureen , Sae Her Ampon , Traaseth Nathaniel J
Published: October 2019

Transporters from bacteria to humans contain inverted repeat domains thought to arise evolutionarily from the fusion of smaller membrane protein genes. Association between these domains forms the functional unit that enables transporters to adopt distinct conformations necessary for function. The small multidrug resistance (SMR) family provides an ideal system to explore the role of mutations in altering conformational preference since transporters from this family consist of antiparallel dimers that resemble the inverted repeats present in larger transporters. Here, we show using NMR spectroscopy how a single conservative mutation introduced into an SMR dimer is sufficient to change the resting conformation and function in bacteria. These results underscore the dynamic energy landscape for transporters and demonstrate how conservative mutations can influence structure and function.
Discovery proteomics in aging human skeletal muscle finds change in spliceosome, immunity, proteostasis and mitochondria
Authors: Ubaida-Mohien Ceereena , Lyashkov Alexey , Gonzalez-Freire Marta , Tharakan Ravi , Shardell Michelle , Moaddel Ruin , Semba Richard D , Chia Chee W , Gorospe Myriam , Sen Ranjan , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: October 2019

A decline of skeletal muscle strength with aging is a primary cause of mobility loss and frailty in older persons, but the molecular mechanisms of such decline are not understood. Here, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis from skeletal muscle collected from 58 healthy persons aged 20 to 87 years. In muscle from older persons, ribosomal proteins and proteins related to energetic metabolism, including those related to the TCA cycle, mitochondria respiration, and glycolysis, were underrepresented, while proteins implicated in innate and adaptive immunity, proteostasis, and alternative splicing were overrepresented. Consistent with reports in animal models, older human muscle was characterized by deranged energetic metabolism, a pro-inflammatory environment and increased proteolysis. Changes in alternative splicing with aging were confirmed by RNA-seq analysis. We propose that changes in the splicing machinery enables muscle cells to respond to a rise in damage with aging.
Identification of a five-miRNA signature predicting survival in cutaneous melanoma cancer patients
Authors: Lu Tao , Chen Shuang , Qu Le , Wang Yunlin , Chen Hong-duo , He Chundi
Published: October 2019

Background

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Numerous studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed abnormally in melanoma tissues. Our work aimed to assess multiple miRNAs using bioinformatic analysis in order to predict the prognoses of cutaneous melanoma patients.

Methods

The microarray dataset GSE35579 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to detect the differential expression of miRNAs (DEMs), including 41 melanoma (primary and metastatic) tissues and 11 benign nevi. Clinical information and miRNA sequencing data of cutaneous melanoma tissues were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) to assess the prognostic values of DEMs. Additionally, the target genes of DEMs were anticipated using miRanda, miRmap, TargetScan, and PicTar. Finally, functional analysis was performed using selected target genes on the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website.

Results

After performing bioinformatic analysis, a total of 185 DEMs were identified: 80 upregulated miRNAs and 105 downregulated miRNAs. A five-miRNA (miR-25, miR-204, miR-211, miR-510, miR-513c) signature was discovered to be a potential significant prognostic biomarker of cutaneous melanoma when using the Kaplan–Meier survival method (P = 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the five-miRNA signature could be an independent prognostic marker (HR = 0.605, P = 0.006) in cutaneous melanoma patients. Biological pathway analysis indicated that the target genes may be involved in PI3K-Akt pathways, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and focal adhesion.

Conclusion

The identified five-miRNA signature may serve as a prognostic biomarker, or as a potential therapeutic target, in cutaneous melanoma patients.
Exploration of the selective binding mechanism of protein kinase Aurora A selectivity via a comprehensive molecular modeling study
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Xu Yafei , Wu Jian , Shen Ying , Cheng Hao , Xiang Yiming
Published: October 2019

Background

The kinase of Aurora A has been regarded as a promising therapeutic target due to its altered expression in various human cancers. However, given the high similarity of the active binding site of Aurora A to other kinases, designing highly selective inhibitors towards Aurora A remains a challenge. Recently, two potential small-molecule inhibitors named AT9283 and Danusertib were reported to exhibit significant selectivity to Aurora A, but not to Gleevec. It was argued that protein dynamics is crucial for drug selectivity to Aurora A. However, little computational research has been conducted to shed light on the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, MM/GBSA calculations based on conventional molecular dynamics (cMD) simulations and enhanced sampling simulations including Gaussian accelerated MD (GaMD) simulations and umbrella sampling were carried out to illustrate the selectivity of inhibitors to Aurora A.

Results

The calculation results from cMD simulation showed that the binding specificity is primarily controlled by conformational change of the kinase hinge. The protein dynamics and energetic differences were further supported by the GaMD simulations. Umbrella sampling further proved that AT9283 and Danusertib have similar potential of mean force (PMF) profiles toward Aurora A in terms of PMF depth. Compared with AT9283 and Danusertib, Gleevec has much lower PMF depth, indicating that Gleevec is more easily dissociated from Aurora A than AT9283 and Danusertib. These results not only show the selective determinants of Aurora A, but also provide valuable clues for the further development of novel potent Aurora A selective inhibitors.
The role of ambient temperature and body mass on body temperature, standard metabolic rate and evaporative water loss in southern African anurans of different habitat specialisation
Authors: Mokhatla Mohlamatsane , Measey John , Smit Ben
Published: October 2019

Temperature and water availability are two of the most important variables affecting all aspects of an anuran’s key physiological processes such as body temperature (Tb), evaporative water loss (EWL) and standard metabolic rate (SMR). Since anurans display pronounced sexual dimorphism, evidence suggests that these processes are further influenced by other factors such as vapour pressure deficit (VPD), sex and body mass (Mb). However, a limited number of studies have tested the generality of these results across a wide range of ecologically relevant ambient temperatures (Ta), while taking habitat use into account. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ta on Tb, whole-animal EWL and whole-animal SMR in three wild caught African anuran species with different ecological specialisations: the principally aquatic African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), stream-breeding common river frog (Amietia delalandii), and the largely terrestrial raucous toad (Sclerophrys capensis). Experiments were conducted at a range of test temperatures (5–35 °C, at 5 °C increments). We found that VPD better predicted rates of EWL than Ta in two of the three species considered. Moreover, we found that Tb, whole-animal EWL and whole-animal SMR increased with increasing Ta, while Tb increased with increasing Mb in A. delalandii and S. capensis but not in X. laevis. Whole-animal SMR increased with increasing Mb in S. capensis only. We did not find any significant effect of VPD, Mb or sex on whole-animal EWL within species. Lastly, Mb did not influence Tb, whole-animal SMR and EWL in the principally aquatic X. laevis. These results suggest that Mb may not have the same effect on key physiological variables, and that the influence of Mb may also depend on the species ecological specialisation. Thus, the generality of Mb as an important factor should be taken in the context of both physiology and species habitat specialisation.
A
ctinoallomurus
Authors: Tamura Tomohiko
Published: October 2019

Gr. fem. n.
actis actinos
, ray, used to refer to actinomycetes; Gr. adj.
allos
, different; L. masc. n.
murus
, wall; N.L. masc. n.
Actinoallomurus
, actinomycetes with a different wall.

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Streptosporangiales / Thermomonosporaceae / Actinoallomurus

The genus
Actinoallomurus
shows extensive branching and nonfragmenting substrate hyphae, and spore chains develop on the tips of the aerial mycelium. The cell wall contains
d
‐glutamic acid,
d
‐ and
l
‐alanine,
d
‐ and
l
‐lysine, and
meso
‐A
2
pm. Whole‐cell hydrolysates contain madurose and galactose. Cellular fatty acids comprise iso‐branched, anteiso‐branched, 10‐methylated branched saturated, and unsaturated fatty acids; iso‐C
16 : 0
is the major component. MK‐9(H
6
) and MK‐9(H
8
) or MK‐9(H
4
) are the predominant menaquinones. Phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol are detected (phospholipid pattern type PI). Mycolic acids are not detected. The acyl type of the muramic acid is
N
‐acetyl.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 65–74.

Type species
:
Actinoallomurus spadix
(Nonomura and Ohara 1971) Tamura, Ishida, Nozawa, Otoguro and Suzuki 2009, 1872
VP
(basonym
Actinomadura spadix
Nonomura and Ohara 1971, 911).
Graphene Hybrid Anisotropic Structural Color Film for Cardiomyocytes' Monitoring
Authors: Li Linjie , Chen Zhuoyue , Shao Changmin , Sun Lingyu , Sun Lingyun , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: October 2019

Heart‐on‐a‐chip based on microfluidic platform can simulate the structure and reveal the function of heart at the micrometer level, compensating the gap between organism and experiments in vitro. In this paper, a novel heart‐on‐a‐chip system integrated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid anisotropic structural color film is designed for cardiac sensing and evaluation. This hybrid anisotropic film is based on the opposite adhesion properties of the polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). The PEGDA area with low adhesion rate has inverse opal structure and specific reflection peak, while microgroove‐patterned rGO‐doped GelMA area with high adhesion rate provides the cardiomyocytes with excellent growing environment and induced orientation property. Benefiting from the design, the cultured cardiomyocytes only adhere in specific area without affecting the surface microstructure of the structural color. When cardiomyocytes recover beating, its elongation and contraction will stretch the structure of PEGDA and result in a color shift, which realizes the transformation from micromechanics to macroscopic optics. In addition, the heart‐on‐a‐chip system based on the anisotropic structural color hydrogels and microfluidics provides an outstanding visible method for cardiac sensing, which is of great significance in cardiac pathophysiological studies and drug detection in vitro.
A Universal Platform for High‐Efficiency “Engineering” Living Cells: Integration of Cell Capture, Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules, and Cell Harvesting Functions
Authors: Qu Yangcui , Zheng Yanjun , Yu Liyin , Zhou Yang , Wang Yaran , Zhang Yanxia , Yu Qian , Chen Hong
Published: October 2019

A universal platform for the efficient intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules with minimal trauma to the cells is highly desirable for biological research and clinical applications. Moreover, such a platform should include the ability to harvest the “engineered” cells, for particular in vitro or ex vivo conditions. Herein, a broadly applicable platform is presented with integrated multifunctions based on silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) modified with a sugar‐responsive polymer containing phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups. Due to the synergistic effects of the specific recognition of PBA groups by sialic acid and “nanoenhancement” by the SiNWAs, this system shows a high capture capacity for both surface adherent and suspension cells overexpressing sialic acid on the membrane. Under appropriate near‐infrared irradiation, the photothermal properties of SiNWAs endow this system with high efficiency to deliver biomacromolecules into the captured cells by a membrane disruption mechanism. The cells thus “engineered” can be harvested simply by treatment with a nontoxic sugar solution, thereby maintaining good viability for subsequent applications. This method appears to have strong potential for the intracellular delivery of diverse biomacromolecules into both surface adherent and suspension cells, including hard‐to‐transfect suspension T cells, and may open up new pathways for engineering living cells.
Nanostructured β‐Bi2O3 Fractals on Carbon Fibers for Highly Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Formate
Authors: Tran‐Phu Thanh , Daiyan Rahman , Fusco Zelio , Ma Zhipeng , Amal Rose , Tricoli Antonio
Published: October 2019

3D Bi2O3 fractal nanostructures (f‐Bi2O3) are directly self‐assembled on carbon fiber papers (CFP) using a scalable hot‐aerosol synthesis strategy. This approach provides high versatility in modulating the physiochemical properties of the Bi2O3 catalyst by a tailorable control of its crystalline size, loading, electron density as well as providing exposed stacking of the nanomaterials on the porous CFP substrate. As a result, when tested for electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR), these f‐Bi2O3 electrodes demonstrate superior conversion of CO2 to formate (HCOO−) with low onset overpotential and a high mass‐specific formate partial current density of −52.2 mA mg−1, which is ≈3 times higher than that of the drop‐casted control Bi2O3 catalyst (−15.5 mA mg−1), and a high Faradaic efficiency (FEHCOO−) of 87% at an applied potential of −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The findings reveal that the high exposure of roughened β‐phase Bi2O3/Bi edges and the improved electron density of these fractal structures are key contributors in attainment of high CO2RR activity.
Combination of Bacterial‐Photothermal Therapy with an Anti‐PD‐1 Peptide Depot for Enhanced Immunity against Advanced Cancer
Authors: Chen Wenfei , Guo Zhaofei , Zhu Yining , Qiao Nan , Zhang Zhirong , Sun Xun
Published: October 2019

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment, but it has so far proven successful only with relatively small subcutaneous tumors in animal models. Treating larger tumors (≈200 mm3) is challenging because most PTT materials do not efficiently reach the hypoxic, avascular center of tumors, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment prevents T cells from fighting against residual tumor cells, thereby allowing recurrence and metastasis. Here, the widely used PTT material polydopamine is coated on the surface of the facultative anaerobe Salmonella VNP20009, which can penetrate deep into larger tumors. The coated bacteria are intravenously injected followed by near‐infrared laser irradiation at the tumor site, combined with a local inoculation of phospholipid‐based phase separation gel containing the anti‐programmed cell death‐1 peptide AUNP‐12. The gel releases AUNP‐12 sustainably during 42 days, maintaining the tumor microenvironment as immunopermissive. Using a mouse model of melanoma, this triple combination of biotherapy, PTT, and sustainable programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) blockade shows high efficiency on eliciting robust antitumor immune responses and eliminating relatively large tumors in 50% of animals within 80 days. Thus, the results shed new light on a previously unrecognized immunological facet of bacteria‐mediated therapy, and this innovative triple therapy may be a powerful cancer immunotherapy tool.
Robust, Superelastic Hard Carbon with In Situ Ultrafine Crystals
Authors: Ding Chenfeng , Huang Lingbo , Yan Xiaodong , Dunne Francis , Hong Song , Lan Jinle , Yu Yunhua , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Yang Xiaoping
Published: October 2019

Advancement in developing superelastic carbon aerogels is highly demanded in new industry sectors, particularly in wearable functional electronics for artificial intelligence applications. However, it is very challenging to increase the compressive strength and electrical conductivity while lowering the density of carbon aerogels. Here, an ultralight and superelastic hard carbon aerogel with in situ ultrafine carbon crystals is reported. Based on a novel precursor prepared from self‐assembling bacterial cellulose and thiourea molecules, the resulting aerogel possesses a unique cellular structure and simultaneously exhibits remarkable compressive and electrical properties with ultralow density in addition to excellent compressive cyclability. Specifically, the normalized compression strength and electrical conductivity are up to 20 and 10 times, respectively, of reported carbon aerogels. Armed with the compressed aerogel electrodes, the supercapacitor exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in areal capacitance, rate capability, and high‐power cyclic stability. Furthermore, the supercapacitor displays distinguished pressure‐response capacitive signal and excellent signal cyclicality. This study provides a unique carbon aerogel for advanced wearable monitoring and energy storage systems.
Dynamically Reconfigurable, Multifunctional Emulsions with Controllable Structure and Movement
Authors: Ku Kang Hee , Li Jie , Yoshinaga Kosuke , Swager Timothy M.
Published: October 2019

Dynamically reconfigurable oil‐in‐water (o/w) Pickering emulsions are developed, wherein the assembly of particles (i.e., platinum‐on‐carbon and iron‐on‐carbon particles) can be actively controlled by adjusting interfacial tensions. A balanced adsorption of particles and surfactants at the o/w interface allows for the creation of inhomogeneity of the particle distribution on the emulsion surface. Complex Pickering emulsions with highly controllable and reconfigurable morphologies are produced in a single step by exploiting the temperature‐sensitive miscibility of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon liquids. Dynamic adsorption/desorption of (polymer) surfactants afford both shape and configuration transitions of multiple Pickering emulsions and encapsulated core/shell structured can be transformed into a Janus configuration. Finally, to demonstrate the intrinsic catalytic or magnetic properties of the particles provided by carbon bound Pt and Fe nanoparticles, two different systems are investigated. Specifically, the creation of a bimetallic microcapsule with controlled payload release and precise modulation of translational and rotational motions of magnetic emulsions are demonstrated, suggesting potential applications for sensing and smart payload delivery.
A Bendable, Stretchable Transistor with Aligned Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Yu Ilhwan , Ye Youngsin , Moon Sangji , Lee Seoung‐Ki , Joo Yongho
Published: October 2019

Controlling the packing density and degree of alignment of carbon nanotubes is essential for obtaining optimal charge transport properties in carbon nanotube transistors. Here, a method is introduced for evaporative self‐assembly at the air–water interface to deposit continuous films of well‐aligned, uniform semiconducting bundle nanotubes for stretchable and bendable transistor applications. Polymer‐wrapped nanotubes in organic ink are dropped on the water surface and diffused at the air–water interface to deposit aligned semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes on a partially submersed substrate. The speed dependency of the substrate is also elucidated. The optimized conditions enable alignment within ±5° at a packing density of ≈12.5 nanotubes µm−1 with continuously well‐ordered layers. The semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotube films enabled a high degree of stretchability, with the flexible nature of the ion gel maintaining the charge properties of the device. The resulting ion‐gel‐based field effect transistor devices have a high mobility of 5.11 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an on/off ratio >104 under both bending and elongation and demonstrate a continuous performance over 1000 stretching cycles.
Geomaterial‐Functionalized Microfluidic Devices Using a Universal Surface Modification Approach
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Yesiloz Gurkan , Sharahi Hossein Jiryaei , Khorshidian Hossein , Kim Seonghwan , Sanati‐Nezhad Amir , Hejazi Seyed Hossein
Published: October 2019

The layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly technique is used to coat the surface of flow channels in microfluidic chips with geomaterials. The surface modifications diminish the discrepancy between the surface chemistry of synthesized microfluidic devices and those of underground porous rocks. Hence, the use of visual models and, in particular, microfluidic devices is broadened to simulate the multiphase flows and fluid–solid interactions in actual rocks. Glass and quartz substrates are successfully coated with silicon dioxide (SiO2), bentonite, and montmorillonite. On‐chip functionalization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass micromodels with SiO2 is also accomplished. The functionalized coatings using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements are characterized. The surface modification technique is shown to be material‐independent, which generates a hydrophilic surface. The surface‐coated chips, functionalized by clay particles, are utilized to illustrate the role of water salinity on oil displacement.
Effect of Dielectric Environment on Excitonic Dynamics in Monolayer WS2
Authors: Fu Yang , He Dawei , He Jiaqi , Bian Ang , Zhang Lu , Liu Shuangyan , Wang Yongsheng , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2019

An experimental study on the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) underlay and cap layers on excitonic dynamics in monolayer WS2 is reported. A monolayer WS2 flake is fabricated by mechanical exfoliation. By using a dry transfer technique, three regions of the sample are obtained: WS2 directly on SiO2, WS2 on h‐BN, and WS2 sandwiched by two h‐BN flakes. Photoluminescence measurements show higher yield and narrower linewidth of the h‐BN/WS2/h‐BN region. Transient absorption measurements reveal that the top h‐BN layer enhances the exciton formation, prolongs the exciton lifetime, and slightly affects the exciton–exciton annihilation. By performing spatially resolved transient absorption measurements, exciton diffusion coefficients of about 100, 40, and 26 cm2 s−1 for the regions of WS2, h‐BN/WS2, and h‐BN/WS2/h‐BN, respectively, are obtained. The suppression of exciton diffusion by h‐BN is attributed to the additional phonon scattering mechanisms introduced by h‐BN, which decreases the exciton mean free path and thus the diffusion coefficient. The findings provide useful information for designing and understanding the effect of h‐BN layers interfacing with 2D semiconductors.
Fabrication of a MoS2/Graphene Nanoribbon Heterojunction Network for Improved Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Oh Jinwoo , Kim Youngwoo , Chung Seungjun , Kim Heesuk , Son Jeong Gon
Published: October 2019

A number of 2D materials have been developed that have properties different from bulk materials due to the quantum confinement effect. These 2D materials can also form a vertical van der Waals heterojunction at a large interface with other 2D materials, resulting in unique electronic and thermoelectric properties. However, it is difficult to fabricate a van der Waals heterostructure of 2D materials that can provide a sufficient temperature gradient while also forming carrier paths across the vertical heterojunction. Here, a heterojunction network structure constructed of highly conductive sub‐20‐nm graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) arrays stacked on a semiconducting molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer is suggested to maximize the heterojunction effect on carrier transport. This heterojunction network allows the carriers inevitably pass back and forth between the GNR and the MoS2 through the vertical heterojunction, effectively utilizing the interfacial properties in thermoelectricity. This structure also can modify the band structure by controlling the linewidth of the nanoribbons, or introduce an interlayer at the heterojunctions to enhance the tunneling effect between the two layers, thus significantly improved thermoelectric properties are achieved such as enhanced electrical conductivity of 700 S m−1 and a high power factor of 222 µW m−1 K−1.
Self‐Sealed Polyamide (PA)/Zinc Imidazole Framework (ZIF) Thin Film Nanocomposite (TFN) Nanofiltration Membranes with Nanoscale Turing Type Structures
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Zhu Yaoyao , Sun Zhijuan , Gao Congjie , Xue Lixin
Published: October 2019

Polyamide (PA) thin‐film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membranes with superior water permeating nanoscale Turing type networks are formed using preloaded zinc(II) cations as diffusion slower during the interfacial polymerization on polysulfone support. Large nanopores in the size of about 4.3–8.0 Å formed during the interfacial polymerization process are self‐sealed by in situ grown zinc imidazole framework (ZIF) nanocrystals in a counterdiffusion polymerization reaction of Zn(II) cations with imidazole ligands. PA/ZIF mixed matrix NF membranes with superior water permeating networks are formed. Such novel membranes show not only 3–4 fold higher water flux than TFC membranes, but also retain comparably high salt rejection and antifouling resistance capability. The impact of Zn(II) loading levels, counterdiffusion reaction times, and structures of imidazole ligands on the structures and properties of formed TFN‐ZIF membranes are studied.
Insect Solutions for Open Self‐Cleaning Microfluidics
Authors: Zhang Chengqi , Adler Peter H. , Kornev Konstantin G.
Published: October 2019

Insect feeding devices with unobstructed channels offer a wetting–dewetting dichotomy that allows fluid to be self‐contained but the channels to be self‐cleaning. An explanation of this unprecedented robustness is previously lacking. C‐faced channels are fabricated with different openings and their surfaces are modified to study the effects of different contact angles on channel wettability. X‐ray microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) reveals hidden features of wetting–dewetting transitions of droplets in these channels. A wetting–dewetting phase diagram is theoretically constructed and experimentally validated to reveal the conditions for which a liquid will spread to form a column that is self‐contained in these channels. This study significantly relaxes the requirements for materials to be wettable and self‐contain fluids. This work offers promising new applications for microfluidics that can keep the empty channels clean but allow efficient transport of probing liquids.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reductive and Carbonylative Cyclization of Ortho‐Iodo‐Tethered Methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) Using N‐Formylsaccharin as CO Source
Authors: Fan Xing , Shi Min , Wei Yin
Published: October 2019

A palladium‐catalyzed reductive and carbonylative cyclization of ortho‐iodo‐tethered methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) using N‐formylsaccharin as CO source has been developed, affording the desired indanone derivatives in moderate to good yields with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity and good functional group compatibility.

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Synthesis of Indenones via Palladium‐Catalyzed Ligand‐Free Carbonylation
Authors: Song Juan , Sun Haisen , Sun Wei , Fan Yuxuan , Li Cui , Wang Haotian , Xiao Kang , Qian Yan
Published: October 2019

A palladium‐catalyzed ligand‐free carbonylation reaction has been developed for the synthesis of indenones. Under CO atmosphere, this cascade reaction proceeded smoothly to provide the desired indenones in moderate to excellent yields with good functional‐group compatibility. The mechanistic investigations suggested the in situ formation of palladium nanoparticles and this transformation was driven by a controlled reaction sequence of alkyne insertion followed by carbonylation and annulation to form the indenone framework.

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Mutations in the sonic hedgehog pathway cause macrocephaly‐associated conditions due to crosstalk to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Klein Steven D. , Nguyen Dzung C. , Bhakta Viraj , Wong Derek , Chang Vivian Y. , Davidson Tom B. , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A.
Published: October 2019

The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is highly conserved and required for embryonic patterning and determination. Mutations in the Hh pathway are observed in sporadic tumors as well as under syndromic conditions. Common to these syndromes are the findings of polydactyly/syndactyly and brain overgrowth. The latter is also a finding most commonly observed in the cases of mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We have identified novel Hh pathway mutations and structural copy number variations in individuals with somatic overgrowth, macrocephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and developmental delay, which phenotypically closely resemble patients with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutations. We hypothesized that brain overgrowth and phenotypic overlap with syndromic overgrowth syndromes in these cases may be due to crosstalk between the Hh and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. To test this, we modeled disease‐associated variants by generating PTCH1 and Suppressor of Fused (SUFU) heterozygote cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These cells demonstrate activation of PI3K signaling and increased phosphorylation of its downstream target p4EBP1 as well as a distinct cellular phenotype. To further investigate the mechanism underlying this crosstalk, we treated human neural stem cells with sonic hedgehog (SHH) ligand and performed transcriptional analysis of components of the mTOR pathway. These studies identified decreased expression of a set of mTOR negative regulators, leading to its activation. We conclude that there is a significant crosstalk between the SHH and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. We propose that this crosstalk is responsible for why mutations in PTCH1 and SUFU lead to macrocephaly phenotypes similar to those observed in PTEN hamartoma and other overgrowth syndromes associated with mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Remote C−H Difluoroalkylation of 8‐Aminoquinolines via Debrominative Coupling with Functionalized Difluoromethyl Bromides
Authors: Jin Can , Zhu Rui , Sun Bin , Zhang Liang , Zhuang Xiaohui , Yu Chuanming
Published: October 2019

An efficient photocatalytic regioselective difluoroalkylation of 8‐aminoquinolines at the C‐5 position via a debrominative coupling reaction with difluoromethyl bromides has been developed. A series of 8‐aminoquinolines amides proved to be tolerated for this transformation, aﬀording a variety of 5‐difluoromethylated quinoline derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol was highlighted by its readily available starting materials, wide functional group tolerance, operational simplicity, and mild conditions.
A stable pillared metal–organic framework constructed by H4TCPP ligand as luminescent sensor for selective detection of TNP and Fe3+ ions
Authors: Ye Yu , Sun Libo , Zhang Chenghui , Du Jianfeng , Liu Yuchuan , Song Xiaowei , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

A novel luminescent metal–organic framework (Zn‐TCPP/BPY) with pillared structure based on 2,3,5,6‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)pyrazine (H4TCPP) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (BPY) has been designed and synthesized through a solvothermal reaction. The [Zn2(COO)4] paddlewheel units are linked by TCPP4− ligands to form two‐dimensional layers and further connected by BPY ligands as pillars to construct the twofold interpenetrating three‐dimensional framework. Interestingly, Zn‐TCPP/BPY possesses outstanding stability in organic solvents and water as well as maintains its structural rigidity in aqueous solutions of different pH values (3–12). After activation, Zn‐TCPP/BPY possesses permanent porosity with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 630 m2 g–1. Remarkably, Zn‐TCPP/BPY displays excellent fluorescent property in virtue of the aggregation‐induced emission effect of the H4TCPP ligand, which can be highly active and quenched by small amounts of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) and Fe3+ ions. Furthermore, the detection effect of Zn‐TCPP/BPY remains basically the same even after five cycles. The excellent stability, high sensitivity, and recyclability of Zn‐TCPP/BPY make it an outstanding chemical sensor for detecting TNP and Fe3+ ions.
Formaldehyde‐free curing of cotton cellulose fabrics in anhydrous media
Authors: Mommer Stefan , Kurniadi Juliana , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: October 2019

The effect of formaldehyde‐free curing on standard cotton cellulose fabrics in anhydrous media is studied. Different crosslinkers are applied via (1) a pad‐cure‐dry process (solid/liquid) and (2) in a vapor chamber (solid/gas). The performance of each crosslinker and set of conditions is assessed by measuring dry crease recovery angles, DCRAs. We find that in control samples (treatment without crosslinker) the DCRAs are altered depending on the solvent. Using DMF, carbonyldiimidazole shows the best DCRA (160.1°, 15° higher than the non‐treated fabrics). In ethyl acetate, triglycidyl isocyanurate shows the highest DCRA (22° higher than the control). The most promising crosslinkers are applied with selected catalysts known from literature. Here, trigycidyl isocyanurate in combination with the superbase P4‐t‐Bu gives the best DCRA (35° higher than the control). Using the vapor‐chemical finishing, divinylsulfone as crosslinker increases the DCRA to 162.7° (18° higher than non‐treated fabrics). Hence, cotton cellulose fabrics can be successfully finished in anhydrous conditions. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Applied Polymer Sciencepublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48371.
Spray processable polyurea formulations: Effect of chain extender length on material properties of polyurea coatings
Authors: Tripathi Manorama , Parthasarathy Surekha , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: October 2019

The increasing usage of polyurea coatings has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Commercial polyurea formulations contain chain extenders as an essential ingredient, which increases the possibility of intermolecular H‐bonding by bringing the urea linkages closer. In this work, we establish the effect of increasing chain length of chain extender on the material properties of the polymer. Different types of chain extender were blended with a long chain diamine and subsequently reacted with an MDI‐based isocyanate prepolymer through a reactive spray processing technique. Polyurea coatings containing aromatic chain extenders were found to exhibit higher tensile strength as compared to their aliphatic analogues. Increasing the chain length of the aliphatic chain extender led to a reduction in the mechanical strength. A suitable combination of aromatic and aliphatic chain extender of short length was found to force the macromolecule to orient in such a fashion so as to result in optimal H‐bonding. This manifested in terms of improved processability, as confirmed by chemorheological investigations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to understand the H‐bonded internal structure of the polymer. Optimum H‐bonding resulted in improved mechanical properties of the spray‐coated polyurea. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48573.
Acrylic acid/allyloxy polyethylene glycol copolymer with methoxysilicon end groups as a highly effective dispersant for nano‐SiO2aqueous system
Authors: Yang Bing , Zhou Yu , Chen Hongxiang , Zhang Song , Liu Jingyi
Published: October 2019

In order to improve the dispersity and stability of nano‐SiO2aqueous system with high solid content, acrylic acid/allyloxy polyethylene glycol copolymer dispersants with methoxysilicon end groups (KH590‐AAx‐APEGy) were synthesized by photopolymerization. After adding KH590‐AAx‐APEGyinto the nano‐SiO2aqueous system, the viscosity, the curing time, the particle size, and the zeta potential of these systems were respectively measured. The results showed that introducing polyethylene glycol chain into the dispersant was beneficial to better exerting its electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance effects and further improving the dispersibility of the nano‐SiO2aqueous system. Moreover, the dispersion stability of SiO2nanoparticles in water was closely related to the composition, the molecular weight, and the addition amount of KH590‐AAx‐APEGyand the solid content. When the molecular weight of KH590‐AAx‐APEGywas 3200 g mol−1and its addition amount was 0.1 wt %, the nano‐SiO2aqueous system with 20 wt % solid content showed the best dispersity and stability. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48617.
Development of novel microsatellite markers for Alkanna tinctoria by comparative transcriptomics
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Lazic Desanka , Hansel‐Hohl Karin , Lexer Christian , Sehr Eva Maria
Published: October 2019

Premise

Alkanna tinctoria (Boraginaceae) is an important medicinal herb with its main distribution across the Mediterranean region. To reveal its genetic variation and population structure, microsatellite markers were developed and validated in four Greek populations.

Methods and Results

RNA‐Seq data of the related species Arnebia euchroma and Echium plantagineum were assembled and mined to identify conserved ortholog sets containing simple sequence repeat motifs. Fifty potential loci were identified and then tested on A. tinctoria, of which 17 loci were polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged from one to nine, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.820, respectively. Most of these loci could be successfully amplified in eight other species of Boraginaceae (Alkanna graeca, A. hellenica, A. sfikasiana, Echium vulgare, E. plantagineum, Lithospermum officinale, Borago officinalis, and Anchusa officinalis).

Conclusions

This study provides the first set of microsatellite loci for studying the genetic variation and population structure of A. tinctoria and shows their potential usefulness in other Boraginaceae species.