bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of particle size on physicochemical and functional properties of superfine black kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) powder
Authors: Sun Xianbao , Zhang Yuwei , Li Jing , Aslam Nayab , Sun Hanju , Zhao Jinlong , Wu Zeyu , He Shudong
Published: February 2019

Black kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) powder (BKBP) with particle sizes of 250–180, 180–125, 125–75, 75–38, and <38 μm was prepared by using coarse and eccentric vibratory milling, respectively. Physicochemical properties, cholesterol adsorption, and antioxidant activities of powders were investigated. Size and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that particle size of BKBP could be effectively decreased after the superfine grinding treatment, and the specific surface area was increased. Flow properties, hydration properties, thermal stability, and cholesterol adsorption efficiency significantly improved with the reducing of particle size. The superfine powder with sizes of 75–38 or <38 μm exhibited higher antioxidant activity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical-scavenging, and ferrous ion-chelating assays. The results indicated that the BKBP with a size of <38 μm could serve as a better potential biological resource for food additives, and could be applied for the development of low-cholesterol products.
Density dependent attributes of fish aggregative behaviour
Authors: Holubová Michaela , Čech Martin , Vašek Mojmír , Peterka Jiří
Published: February 2019

Grouping behaviour, as fascinating as it is unclear, has lately drawn the attention of numerous researchers. While most of the authors focused their work on a mechanistic approach to the matter of schooling, this study explores the issue from a population point of view. Present camera observation study on the fish community carried out in the epipelagic habitat of a European temperate reservoir in the Czech Republic explored the relationship between density and aggregative features of predominantly cyprinid fish stock. Results demonstrated that schooling behaviour is triggered by the ‘critical density’ of fish in the habitat. School size as well as counts of schools and proportion of schooling individuals increased with the density of fish. Counts of clusters (observed units in time, including singletons, pairs and schools) and cluster size, on the other hand, showed a slowing tendency to increase. The slower increase implies the tendency of fish for not being frequent but rather to create larger groups. Altogether, our findings suggest that fish density is a triggering factor in the formation of large fish schools. As the tendency of cyprinid species for school formation could be an evolutional advantage responsible for dominance in later succession phases of water bodies, we suggest that more in situ studies should be encouraged for the proper understanding of the ecological interactions that drive the structure of aquatic ecosystems and for ensuring unbiased assessment.
Scheduling Flexible Manufacturing System with Stacker Crane Using Coloured Petri Nets
Authors: Setiawan Ari , Sitepu Teguh Ersada Natail
Published: February 2019

Scheduling Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) can increase production speed and accuracy. It because FMS has an ability to process various variety of product at same work station. However, FMS need efficient allocation of resources, for example: allocation of material handling equipment. This paper presents production scheduling FMS modelling to 24 jobs and 4 machines considering stacker crane. Coloured Petri Nets (CP-Nets) is the programming language which used to simulate model because it’s simplicity. This model consists two main model activities. The first one is Physical Activity (PA) which related to every activity that involve physical movement, including stacker crane processes. PA consist five CP-Nets models: loading/unloading station, stacker crane, machine, picking mechanism, and pallet stocker. The second activity is Logical Expression (LE) which related to the rules on how FMS should operate. LE consist three CP-Nets models: machine selection, pick-up request, and stage two procedure.  A simulation and numerical report show utilization level of all machines around 80-84% and stacker crane 8,74%.
Investigation of Lockout / Tagout Procedure Failure in Machine Maintenance Process
Authors: Dewi Luciana Triani
Published: February 2019

Lockout/tag out (LOTO) refers to specific practices and procedures to stop the release of hazardous energy and turnoff machinery and equipment during service or maintenance activities. An effective LOTO system will ensure the workers are protected from the unexpected conditions during maintenance activities. This paper focus on incidents of LOTO system failures in an electricity power industry. LOTO system had implemented for many years in the company, but many incidents of LOTO system failure was still happened. The purpose of the research was to investigate the cases of incident caused by LOTO procedure failures. The research was conducted using descriptive analytical approach to analyse the cases of incident to find the root causes and develop the solution. Main data used in the research was document of incidents and was analysed by Systematic Cause Analysis Technique (SCAT). The result of investigation showed the root causes of LOTO system failure were caused by individual, job and management factors. Based on SCAT chart synthesis, the control actions were identified. The identified control movement were improve operational procedure of LOTO and proposed job description of supervisor. Evaluation of control action concluded that basically the suggestions were feasible to implement and some adjustments were needed due to implementation.
Exploiting DNA repair defects in colorectal cancer
Authors: Reilly Nicole M. , Novara Luca , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Bardelli Alberto
Published: February 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Therapies that take advantage of defects in DNA repair pathways have been explored in the context of breast, ovarian, and other tumor types, but not yet systematically in CRC. At present, only immune checkpoint blockade therapies have been FDA approved for use in mismatch repair‐deficient colorectal tumors. Here, we discuss how systematic identification of alterations in DNA repair genes could provide new therapeutic opportunities for CRCs. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐COAD) and Rectal Adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐READ) PanCancer Atlas datasets identified 141 (out of 528) cases with putative driver mutations in 29 genes associated with DNA damage response and repair, including the mismatch repair and homologous recombination pathways. Genetic defects in these pathways might confer repair‐deficient characteristics, such as genomic instability in the absence of homologous recombination, which can be exploited. For example, inhibitors of poly(ADP)‐ribose polymerase are effectively used to treat cancers that carry mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 and have shown promising results in CRC preclinical studies. HR deficiency can also occur in cells with no detectable BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations but exhibiting BRCA‐like phenotypes. DNA repair‐targeting therapies, such as ATR and CHK1 inhibitors (which are most effective against cancers carrying ATM mutations), can be used in combination with current genotoxic chemotherapies in CRCs to further improve therapy response. Finally, therapies that target alternative DNA repair mechanisms, such as thiopurines, also have the potential to confer increased sensitivity to current chemotherapy regimens, thus expanding the spectrum of therapy options and potentially improving clinical outcomes for CRC patients.
No evidence that alcohol intoxication impairs judgments of learning in face recognition
Authors: Monds Lauren A. , Kloft Lilian , Sauer James D. , Honan Cynthia A. , Palmer Matthew A.
Published: February 2019

Alcohol use is frequently involved in crime, making it crucial to understand the role of alcohol in facial recognition to maximize correct perpetrator identifications. Although the majority of the alcohol and face recognition research has investigated recognition with retrospective confidence judgments, we examined the effects of alcohol intoxication on face recognition with prospective metacognitive judgments. Participants (N = 54 university students without a history of hazardous alcohol/substance use) consumed either alcohol (mean breath alcohol concentration of 0.06 at pretest and 0.07 at post‐test) or a non‐alcoholic placebo drink. Participants then studied unfamiliar male and female faces and made judgments of learning (JOLs) for each face (i.e., predicted the likelihood of recognizing that face on a future memory test). After a brief distractor task, participants completed an old–new recognition test on which they attempted to distinguish the studied faces from new faces. It was found that the alcohol manipulation had minimal effect on face recognition performance or judgments of learning. Our results suggest that theory‐based cues about the effects of alcohol might play a greater role in retrospective judgments than prospective judgments. Although not a primary focus of the study, face recognition was better for male faces than female faces, and this occurred for both female and male participants. Limitations and implications of the research are discussed.
Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Preparation of Ni–Cr Dual Wrapped ZTA Particles for Reinforced Iron‐Based Composites
Authors: Ru Juanjian , He Han , Jiang Yehua , Zhou Rong , Hua Yixin
Published: February 2019

The surface metallization of ZTA particles with Ni–Cr coatings is performed to enhance the wettability of ZTA reinforced high manganese steel (HMS) matrix composites. Well‐proportioned and continuous Ni–Cr coated ZTA particles (ZTAp@Ni–Cr) are prepared by choline chloride‐ethylene glycol (ChCl‐EG) ionic liquid‐assisted electroless plating method. The Ni(CH3COO)2‐containing activator is used in the pretreatment process and the effects of CrCl3 concentration, ChCl‐EG concentration, temperature, ZTA concentration, and deposition times on the plating process are investigated systematically. The results show that the formation of Ni active sites on ZTA surface by Ni(CH3COO)2 activation pretreatment can efficiently simplify operation and lower cost compared with the SnCl2 sensitization‐AgNO3 activation method. By controlling experimental condition, uniform Ni–Cr layers with a thickness of 7.96–30.84 µm can be obtained and the Cr element content is about 6.31 at%. Additionally, ZTAp@Ni–Cr reinforced HMS matrix composite are fabricated without crack, shrink, and pore at the interface by non‐pressure casting infiltration method. The formation of an interface layer about 17.61 µm and the diffusion of element Ni and Cr between ZTA phase and HMS matrix can greatly reinforce the interfacial bonding strength of the ZTAp@Ni–Cr reinforced HMS matrix composite.
Hierarchical Spiky Microstraws‐Integrated Microfluidic Device for Efficient Capture and In Situ Manipulation of Cancer Cells
Authors: He Gen , Yang Chengduan , Feng Jianming , Wu Jiangming , Zhou Lingfei , Wen Rui , Huang Shuang , Wu Qianni , Liu Fanmao , Chen Hui‐Jiuan , Hang Tian , Xie Xi
Published: February 2019

Techniques for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an important role in cancer diagnosis. Recently, various 3D micro/nanostructures have been applied for effective CTC detection, yet in situ manipulation of the captured cancer cells on micro/nano‐structural substrates is rarely achieved. In this work, a hierarchical spiky microstraw array (HS‐MSA)‐integrated microfluidic device is demonstrated that possessed dual functions of cancer cell capture and in situ chemical manipulations of the captured cells. The 3D micro/nanostructure of HS‐MSA could capture cancer cells with high efficiency (≈84%) and strong specificity. Based on the HS‐MSA‐integrated microfluidic device, extracellular drug delivery to the captured cancer cells is achieved in situ with excellent spatial, dose, and temporal controls. In addition, a drug‐screening assay on the captured cancer cells is implemented to investigate the cell apoptosis behavior under the microstraw‐mediated delivery of staurosporine (STS). This microfluidic system not only presents tremendous potential for CTCs detection technology, but also opens up new opportunities for high‐throughput drug screening on cancer cells and understanding the cellular activity.
Photon‐Induced Reversible Phase Transition in CsPbBr3 Perovskite
Authors: Xue Jie , Yang Dandan , Cai Bo , Xu Xiaobao , Wang Jian , Ma He , Yu Xuechao , Yuan Guoliang , Zou Yousheng , Song Jizhong , Zeng Haibo
Published: February 2019

Structure reorganization within perovskite materials has attracted much attention due to its assisted appealing features in optoelectronic devices, such as achieving continue‐wave laser and performance enhancement in photovoltaic devices. Unfortunately, the difficulty of controlling reorganization processing and unclear underlying mechanisms impose an impediment for taking advantage of the structural reorganization in pursuit of distinctive functions in perovskite‐based devices. In this work, using above‐bandgap illumination with a small energy threshold (1.6 mW cm−2) triggering phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal in CsPbBr3 is first reported. This photon‐induced structure reorganization is reversible and presents a fast and controllable response (<0.5 s) to light on/off. Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations reveal that such a dynamic structure reorganization is caused by the transition of torsion direction in Pb–Br octahedral, while the diffusion potential difference induced local Coulombic field is proved to drive this process. The findings provide a deep understanding for universal structure reorganization under irradiation in perovskite materials and encourage further study of the novel functions associated with structure reorganization inducing temporal behaviors in optoelectronic devices, for example variations in dielectric constant and band edge fluctuation induced Rashba effects, which show a significant influence on perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices.
A Biocompatible Therapeutic Catheter‐Deliverable Hydrogel for In Situ Tissue Engineering
Authors: Steele Amanda N. , Stapleton Lyndsay M. , Farry Justin M. , Lucian Haley J. , Paulsen Michael J. , Eskandari Anahita , Hironaka Camille E. , Thakore Akshara D. , Wang Hanjay , Yu Anthony C. , Chan Doreen , Appel Eric A. , Woo Yiping Joseph
Published: February 2019

Hydrogels have emerged as a diverse class of biomaterials offering a broad range of biomedical applications. Specifically, injectable hydrogels are advantageous for minimally invasive delivery of various therapeutics and have great potential to treat a number of diseases. However, most current injectable hydrogels are limited by difficult and time‐consuming fabrication techniques and are unable to be delivered through long, narrow catheters, preventing extensive clinical translation. Here, the development of an easily‐scaled, catheter‐injectable hydrogel utilizing a polymer–nanoparticle crosslinking mechanism is reported, which exhibits notable shear‐thinning and self‐healing behavior. Gelation of the hydrogel occurs immediately upon mixing the biochemically modified hyaluronic acid polymer with biodegradable nanoparticles and can be easily injected through a high‐gauge syringe due to the dynamic nature of the strong, yet reversible crosslinks. Furthermore, the ability to deliver this novel hydrogel through a long, narrow, physiologically‐relevant catheter affixed with a 28‐G needle is highlighted, with hydrogel mechanics unchanged after delivery. Due to the composition of the gel, it is demonstrated that therapeutics can be differentially released with distinct elution profiles, allowing precise control over drug delivery. Finally, the cell‐signaling and biocompatibility properties of this innovative hydrogel are demonstrated, revealing its wide range of therapeutic applications.
An In Situ Procedure for the Preparation of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for Adsorption of Aqueous Pollutants
Authors: Maan Omar , Song Ping , Chen Ningxin , Lu Qingye
Published: February 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted a lot of attention in recent years because of their high surface area and tunable porosities, which allow them to serve as excellent and versatile adsorbents for pollutants in water/wastewater. One of the demanding challenges of using MOFs is that they need to be supported on a substrate or in a matrix to be easier to operate and more efficiently used. This work presents a simple in situ method of synthesizing one of the most popular MOF particles, zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF‐8), in a polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel using a zinc hydroxide PAM composite as a precursor gel. Characterization of the prepared ZIF‐8 PAM composite hydrogel by scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the successful synthesis of ZIF‐8 particles on the surface of and inside the PAM hydrogel. To test the potential of this novel material as an adsorbent, its ability to remove humic acid (HA), a model organic pollutant, from water is evaluated. The maximum adsorption capacity for HA is found to be 111.5 ± 3.0 mg g−1 ZIF‐8, comparable to the performance of other adsorbents for the removal of HA.
Single‐Electron‐Transfer‐Initiated Sequential Direct Arylation Reaction of Pyrrole with Aryl Diazonium Salts
Authors: Yamaguchi Eiji , Kashima Yayoi , Itoh Akichika
Published: February 2019

Direct and sequential arylations of pyrrole with a diazonium salt were initiated by single electron transfer from cobaltocene. The direct arylation reaction of pyrrole was completed within 30 min even at room temperature and the corresponding arylated product was obtained in good yield. The second arylation reaction of monoarylated heteroarenes also proceeded successfully and moderate to good yields of diarylated pyrroles were obtained. A gram‐scale reaction also proceeded without decreasing the yield of the product.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Trifluoroethylation of Benzo[h]quinoline Derivatives by Mesityl(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)iodonium Triflate
Authors: Han Qiu‐Yan , Hu Xiaoxiao , Xue Xiao‐Song , Zhao Cheng‐Long , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: February 2019

Reactions of a dimeric [(bzq)Pd(OAc)]2 complex (1 a′) and mesityl(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)iodonium triflate (2 a) with or without additives at room temperature gave 10‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)benzo[h]quinoline rapidly in moderate to high yields. The reaction might proceed through a unstable binuclear “PdIII−CH2CF3” intermediate (I), which was likely formed in situ from the oxidative addition of 2 a to [(bzq)Pd(OAc)]2 and favorably transformed to mononuclear “(bzq)PdIV−CH2CF3” complexes (III) in the presence of another equiv.alent of 2 a and a suitable additive. Based on these, a Pd‐catalyzed C−H trifluoroethylation of benzo[h]quinolines with 2 a was developed. Numerous benzo[h]quinoline derivatives reacted with [MesICH2CF3][OTf] at room temperature in the presence of 10 mol% Pd(OAc)2 and 2 equiv.. NaHCO3 to provide the corresponding 10‐trifluoroethylated products in excellent yields.
Use of intranasal submucosal fillers as a transient implant to alter upper airway aerodynamics: implications for the assessment of empty nose syndrome
Authors: Borchard Nicole A. , Dholakia Sachi S. , Yan Carol H. , Zarabanda David , Thamboo Andrew , Nayak Jayakar V.
Published: February 2019

Background

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a debilitating condition associated with inferior turbinate tissue loss. Surgical augmentation of the inferior meatus has been proposed to treat ENS, although efficacy data with validated, disease‐specific questionnaires is limited. Instead we evaluated submucosal injection of a transient, resorbable filler into the inferior meatus to favorably alter nasal aerodynamics in ENS patients.

Methods

Patients with a history of inferior turbinate reduction, diagnosed with ENS via Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) and cotton testing, were enrolled and underwent submucosal injection of carboxymethylcellulose/glycerin gel (Prolaryn®) into the inferior meatuses between July 2014 and May 2018. This material likely resorbs over several months. Outcomes included comparisons of preinjection and postinjection symptoms at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months using the ENS6Q, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item scale (GAD‐7), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9).

Results

Fourteen patients underwent injections. Mean ENS6Q scores significantly decreased from baseline at 1 week (20.8 vs 10.5; p < 0.0001), and remained reduced but upward‐trending at 1 month (13.7, p = 0.002) and 3 months (15.5, p > 0.05) following injections. Mean SNOT‐22 scores significantly decreased at 1 week (p = 0.01) and 1 month (p = 0.04), mean GAD‐7 at 1 month (p = 0.02) and 3 months (p = 0.02), and mean PHQ‐9 at 1 week (p = 0.01) and 1 month (p = 0.004) postinjection.

Conclusion

Transient, focal airway bulking via submucosal filler injection at sites of inferior turbinate tissue loss markedly benefits ENS patients, suggesting that aberrant nasal aerodynamics from inferior turbinate tissue loss contributes to (potentially reversible) ENS symptoms.
Composite‐Assisted Phase‐Matching: Efficient Wavelength Conversion in Nonlinear Optical Composite Materials Containing Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Hyon , Rim Wi‐Song
Published: February 2019

A novel phase‐matching scheme which is based on the dispersion compensation in the nonlinear optical composite materials containing metal nanoparticles is proposed. Anomalous dispersion originating from the plasmon resonance in metal nanoparticles compensates the dispersion of the host nonlinear material, leading to the perfect phase‐matching and high efficiency of nonlinear optical wavelength conversion. The effectiveness of this approach is theoretically demonstrated, taking third‐order nonlinear processes such as the direct third‐harmonic generation and four‐wave mixing in ZnO composites containing silica‐core–silver‐shell nanoparticles as examples. The results show that with the proposed phase‐matching scheme, unprecedentedly high conversion efficiency can be obtained compared with preceding results in third‐order nonlinear optical solid‐state materials.
Sustainable Co‐Synthesis of Glycolic Acid, Formamides and Formates from 1,3‐Dihydroxyacetone by a Cu/Al2O3 Catalyst with a Single Active Sites
Authors: Dai Xingchao , Adomeit Sven , Rabeah Jabor , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Brückner Angelika , Wang Hongli , Shi Feng
Published: February 2019

Glycolic acid (GA), as important building block of biodegradable polymers, has been synthesized for the first time in excellent yields at room temperature by selective oxidation of 1,3‐dihyroxyacetone (DHA) using a cheap supported Cu/Al2O3 catalyst with single active CuII species. By combining EPR spin‐trapping and operando ATR‐IR experiments, different mechanisms for the co‐synthesis of GA, formates, and formamides have been derived, in which .OH radicals formed from H2O2 by a Fenton‐like reaction play a key role.
ZnSe Nanorods as Visible‐Light Absorbers for Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical H2 Evolution in Water
Authors: Kuehnel Moritz F. , Creissen Charles E. , Sahm Constantin D. , Wielend Dominik , Schlosser Anja , Orchard Katherine L. , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2019

A precious‐metal‐ and Cd‐free photocatalyst system for efficient H2 evolution from aqueous protons with a performance comparable to Cd‐based quantum dots is presented. Rod‐shaped ZnSe nanocrystals (nanorods, NRs) with a Ni(BF4)2 co‐catalyst suspended in aqueous ascorbic acid evolve H2 with an activity up to 54±2 mmol
 gZnSe−1 h−1 and a quantum yield of 50±4 % (λ=400 nm) under visible light illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2, λ>400 nm). Under simulated full‐spectrum solar irradiation (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2), up to 149±22 mmol
 gZnSe−1 h−1 is generated. Significant photocorrosion was not noticeable within 40 h and activity was even observed without an added co‐catalyst. The ZnSe NRs can also be used to construct an inexpensive delafossite CuCrO2 photocathode, which does not rely on a sacrificial electron donor. Immobilized ZnSe NRs on CuCrO2 generate photocurrents of around −10 μA cm−2 in an aqueous electrolyte solution (pH 5.5) with a photocurrent onset potential of approximately +0.75 V vs. RHE. This work establishes ZnSe as a state‐of‐the‐art light absorber for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical H2 generation.
Superhydrophilic Phytic‐Acid‐Doped Conductive Hydrogels as Metal‐Free and Binder‐Free Electrocatalysts for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Hu Qi , Li Guomin , Liu Xiufang , Zhu Bin , Chai Xiaoyan , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: February 2019

Recently, metal‐free, heteroatom‐doped carbon nanomaterials have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but their synthesis is a tedious process involving energy‐wasting calcination. Molecular electrocatalysts offer attractive catalysts for the OER. Here, phytic acid (PA) was selected to investigate the OER activity of carbons in organic molecules by DFT calculations and experiments. Positively charged carbons on PA were very active towards the OER. The PA molecules were fixed into a porous, conductive hydrogel with a superhydrophilic surface. This outperformed most metal‐free electrocatalysts. Besides the active sites on PA, the high OER activity was also related to the porous and conductive networks on the hydrogel, which allowed fast charge and mass transport during the OER. Therefore, this work provides a metal‐free, organic‐molecule‐based electrocatalyst to replace carbon nanomaterials for efficient OER.
Bimetallic Catalytic Asymmetric Tandem Reaction of β‐Alkynyl Ketones to Synthesize 6,6‐Spiroketals
Authors: Ge Shulin , Cao Weidi , Kang Tengfei , Hu Bowen , Zhang Hang , Su Zhishan , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2019

The enantioselective tandem reaction of β,γ‐unsaturated α‐ketoesters with β‐alkynyl ketones was realized by a bimetallic catalytic system of achiral AuΙΙΙ salt and chiral N,N′‐dioxide‐MgΙΙ complex. The cycloisomerization of β‐alkynyl ketone and asymmetric intermolecular [4+2] cycloaddition with β,γ‐unsaturated α‐ketoesters subsequently occurred, providing an efficient and straightforward access to chiral multifunctional 6,6‐spiroketals in up to 97 % yield, 94 % ee and >19/1 d.r. Besides, a catalytic cycle was proposed based on the results of control experiments.
Zeolite‐Type Metal Oxalate Frameworks
Authors: Yi Fei‐Yan , Yang Huajun , Zhao Xiang , Feng Pingyun , Bu Xianhui
Published: February 2019

While many metal oxalate salts are known, few are known to form zeolite‐type topologies. The construction of zeolite types, especially those with low framework density such as RHO, from linear ligands is generally perceived as less likely, because the 180° metal‐ligand‐metal geometry deviates too much from the established strategy of using ligands with bent coordination geometry (centered around 145°) to mimic the geometry in natural zeolites. We show the general feasibility of using linear ligands for the synthesis of zeolite types by reporting a family of indium oxalate salts with multiple zeolite topologies, including RHO, GIS, and ABW. Of particular interest is the synthesis of a zeolite RHO net with double 8‐rings and large alpha cages, which are highly desirable zeolite features.
Clinical Utility of Multi‐Energy Spectral Photon‐Counting Computed Tomography in Crystal Arthritis
Authors: Stamp Lisa K. , Anderson Nigel G. , Becce Fabio , Rajeswari Maya , Polson Matthew , Guyen Olivier , Viry Anais , Choi Chloe , Kirkbride Tracy E. , Raja Aamir Y.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine whether novel multi‐energy spectral photon‐counting computed tomography (SPCCT) imaging can detect and differentiate between monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), and hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposits ex vivo.

Methods

A finger with a subcutaneous gouty tophus and a calcified knee meniscus excised at the time of surgery were obtained. The finger was imaged using plain x‐ray, dual‐energy CT (DECT), and multi‐energy SPCCT. Plain x‐ray and multi‐energy SPCCT images of the meniscus were acquired. For validation purposes, samples of the crystals were obtained from the tophus and meniscus, and examined by polarized light microscopy and/or x‐ray diffraction. As further validation, synthetic crystal suspensions of MSU, CPP, and HA were scanned using multi‐energy SPCCT.

Results

Plain x‐ray of the gouty finger revealed bone erosions with overhanging edges. DECT and multi‐energy SPCCT both showed MSU crystal deposits; SPCCT was able to show finer detail. Plain x‐ray of the calcified meniscus showed chondrocalcinosis consistent with CPP, while SPCCT showed and differentiated CPP and HA.

Conclusion

Multi‐energy SPCCT can not only detect, differentiate, and quantify MSU crystal deposits in a gouty finger ex vivo, but also specifically detect, identify, and quantify CPP within an osteoarthritic meniscus, and distinguish them from HA crystal deposits. There is potential for multi‐energy SPCCT to become useful in the diagnosis of crystal arthropathies.
Data Challenges and Solutions in Energy‐for‐Water: Experience From Two Recent Studies
Authors: Sowby Robert B. , Burian Steven J. , Chini Christopher M. , Stillwell Ashlynn S.
Published: February 2019

Gathering utility‐specific energy data is challenging now, but unified data acquisition and management practices could close gaps in the energy–water nexus.
High cell density culture of baker's yeast FX‐2 based on pH‐stat coupling with respiratory quotient
Authors: Li Xiao , Huang Cong , Xu Chao‐Qun , Tan Ya‐Li , Luo Yu‐Di , Zou Kun , Li Jian‐Hua , Deng Zhang‐Shuang , Zheng Zhong , Ye Han , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Zheng Nian
Published: February 2019

The high cell density culture of baker's yeast FX‐2 was investigated in a 50 L(A) automatic bioreactor. Herein, it was found firstly that the Crabtree effect clearly existed in batch fermentation with higher glucose content, then the critical initial glucose content range (≤2.00 g L−1) was reasonably ascertained to effectively avoid Crabtree effect. In the next fed‐batch fermentations with different strategies, the second strategy (maintain ethanol concentration lower than 0.10% and pH around 4.80) was confirmed to be more beneficial to yeast growth than the first strategy (keep reducing sugar not more than 2.00 g L−1and control steady Carbon/Nitrogen ratio 3.05:1.00). After that, one optimal control strategy (maintain pH around 4.80 and keep respiratory quotient in the range of 0.90–1.00) was constructed to further enhance cell yield. Under an optimal control strategy, four schemes with the aim of achieving pH‐stat were compared, and yeast extract instead of other alkaline materials was selected as a better regulator. As a result, 148.37 g L−1dry cell weight, 38.25 × 108mL−1living cells, and 8.24 g L−1 h−1productivity were harvested, which respectively elevated 23.74%, 135.38%, and 24.47% compared to that obtained under the traditional scheme (regulate pH with ammonia); meanwhile, the maximum oxygen uptake rate and carbon dioxide excretion rate were both more than 250.00 mmol L−1 min−1.
Sentience and Consciousness in Single Cells: How the First Minds Emerged in Unicellular Species
Authors: Baluška František , Reber Arthur
Published: February 2019

A reductionistic, bottom‐up, cellular‐based concept of the origins of sentience and consciousness has been put forward. Because all life is based on cells, any evolutionary theory of the emergence of sentience and consciousness must be grounded in mechanisms that take place in prokaryotes, the simplest unicellular species. It has been posited that subjective awareness is a fundamental property of cellular life. It emerges as an inherent feature of, and contemporaneously with, the very first life‐forms. All other varieties of mentation are the result of evolutionary mechanisms based on this singular event. Therefore, all forms of sentience and consciousness evolve from this original instantiation in prokaryotes. It has also been identified that three cellular structures and mechanisms that likely play critical roles here are excitable membranes, oscillating cytoskeletal polymers, and structurally flexible proteins. Finally, basic biophysical principles are proposed to guide those processes that underly the emergence of supracellular sentience from cellular sentience in multicellular organisms.
A component analysis of job interview training for young adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rosales Rocío , Whitlow Helena
Published: February 2019

The job interview is a vital component to acquire employment. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience difficulties with job interviews due to notable deficits in social and communication skills. We evaluated the relative impact of several components of a job interview training package on six participants' responses to commonly asked interview questions. We used a multiple baseline design across participants to present the following components: written instructions, rehearsal and video self‐feedback with a commercially available training program, and verbal feedback delivered by the experimenter. Results demonstrated that all participants required an additional behavioral skills training session to meet our mastery criterion. However, once training was complete, all participants showed generalized performance when the interview questions were presented in a varied format and by a novel interviewer outside of the training environment. In addition, their performance was maintained at follow‐up.
Circular RNA expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hepatocellular carcinoma patients by sequence analysis
Authors: Lei Bo , Zhou Jian , Xuan Xiuyun , Tian Zhiqiang , Zhang Mengjie , Gao Weiwu , Lin Yuxin , Ni Bing , Pang Hui , Fan Weiping
Published: February 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of noncoding RNAs that have potential regulatory roles in disease pathogenesis and progression. Recently, circRNAs have been found to be expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and involved in the development and metastasis of HCC. However, the significance of circRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HCC patients remains unclear. In this study, RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify circRNAs from four HCC patients and three healthy controls to determine the expression pattern of circRNAs in the PBMCs and the circRNAs’ molecular regulatory networks in HCC pathogenesis. A total of 58 circRNAs were found to be significantly changed (≥2 or ≤0.5‐fold) in the PBMCs of HCC patients compared with those of the healthy cases. Six random representative circRNAs (three up‐ and three down‐regulated) were further validated by real‐time RT‐PCR in 72 samples of PBMCs from HCC patients and 30 control subjects. Chi‐square test indicated that one of the up‐regulated circRNA candidates—circ_0000798—was correlated with clinical variables. Highly expressed circ_0000798 was associated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further revealed that circ_0000798 was discriminating HCC patients from healthy controls. Finally, the predicted competing endogenous RNA network of circ_0000798 showed that it might act as a “sponge” of target microRNAs, that would subsequently regulate the expression of target genes in PBMCs. In summary, this is the first study to comprehensively identify dysregulated circRNAs in PBMCs of HCC patients, and its findings suggest that dysregulated circ_0000798 in PBMCs has potential as a convenient biomarker for diagnosing or prognosticating HCC.
When is the gift given? Organ donation, social representations, and an opportunity to register
Authors: Moloney Gail , Sutherland Michael , Norton Maddison , Walker Iain
Published: February 2019

The gift of life doctrine underpins Australia's approach to organ donation: in legislation, clinical practice, community awareness campaigns, and educational activities. In this paper, we present an approach that situates an understanding of organ donation within a social representation framework as a system of values, ideas, and practices. In cadaveric donation, the final giving‐of‐the‐gift can never be by the donor, leading us to ask where the potential donor's decision to give the gift really lies. We present research from three studies that explored the relationship between what was socially understood about organ donation and the registration of donation intent. Drawing from three socially and culturally diverse populations, we asked people working in a corporate city institution and those attending two football matches in the outer city area to complete a word‐association task and Likert‐scale belief questions about organ donation—followed by an opportunity to register immediately on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Driven by the interdependent themata of life/death and self/other, the gift of life doctrine is inextricably linked with the loss of life emerging as both positive and negative beliefs allowing their relationship to actual registration behaviour to be observed. Our findings suggest that in many instances, the potential donor's genuine desire to give the gift lies in the tension between positive and negative beliefs, manifesting as a consent registration when the positive beliefs about donation prevail and an immediate opportunity to register is available.
Energy, Thermal, and Economic Analysis of Air Heat Pumps for Hot Water
Authors: Szreder Mariusz
Published: February 2019

Operation tests of an air heat pump used for domestic hot water (DHW) heating were performed. The influence of the supply air temperature in the evaporator cycle and the variable heat load of the condenser on the heating power of the heat pump and the coefficient of performance (COP) was evaluated and discussed. In order to ensure conditions for efficient compressor operation, it is advisable to gradate the heat load of the heat pump using a circulating pump with smooth capacity regulation. The economic analysis demonstrates that the usage of air heat pumps for DHW in comparison with installations equipped with solar collectors provides no measurable economic benefits.
Revisiting Bond Breaking and Making in EuCo2P2: Where are the Electrons?
Authors: Yannello Vincent , Guillou Francois , Yaroslavtsev Alexander A. , Tener Zachary P. , Wilhelm Fabrice , Yaresko Alexander N. , Molodtsov Serguei L. , Scherz Andreas , Rogalev Andrei , Shatruk Michael
Published: February 2019

X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to elucidate changes in the electronic structure caused by the pressure‐induced structural collapse in EuCo2P2. The spectral changes observed at the L3‐edge of Eu and K‐edges of Co and P suggest electron density redistribution, which contradicts the formal charges calculated from the commonly used Zintl–Klemm concept. Quantum‐chemical calculations show that, despite the increase in the oxidation state of Eu and the formation of a weak P−P bond in the high‐pressure phase, the electron transfer from the Eu 4f orbitals to the hybridized 5d and 6s states causes strengthening of the Eu−P and P−P bonds. These changes explain the increased electron density on P atoms, deduced from the P K‐edge XAS spectra. This work shows that the formal electron counting schemes do not provide an adequate description of changes associated with phase transitions in metallic systems with substantial mixing of the electronic states.
A C4N4 Diaminopyrimidine Fluorophore
Authors: Noda Hidetoshi , Asada Yasuko , Maruyama Tatsuro , Takizawa Naoki , Noda Nobuo N. , Shibasaki Masakatsu , Kumagai Naoya
Published: February 2019

A new scaffold for producing efficient organic fluorescent materials was identified: 2,5‐diamino‐4,6‐diarylpyrimidine featuring a C4N4 elemental composition. Single‐step installation of two aryl groups at the 4,6‐positions of the pyrimidine core delivered fluorescent organic materials in a modular fashion. A range of fluorescent compounds with distinct absorption/emission properties was readily accessed by changing the aromatic attachments. A generally high absorption coefficient and quantum yield were observed, including C4N4 derivatives that could fluoresce even in the solid state. The two amino groups at the 2,5‐positions of the pyrimidine were essential for intense fluorescence with a large Stokes shift, which was corroborated by structural relaxation to a p‐iminoquinone‐like structure in the excited state. Besides live‐cell imaging capabilities, fluorescent labeling of a protein involved in autophagy elucidated a new protein–protein interaction, supporting potential utility in bioimaging applications.
Homocarbaporphyrinoids: The m‐o‐m and p‐o‐p Terphenyl Embedded Expanded Porphyrin Analogues and Their RhI Complexes
Authors: Adinarayana B. , Das Mainak , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Srinivasan A.
Published: February 2019

Stable homocarbaporphyrinoids were successfully synthesized by incorporating the m‐o‐m and p‐o‐p terphenyl units into the porphyrin core. The distinct bonding modes of terphenyl in the macrocycle generated two structural isomers with two and four carbon atoms in the macrocyclic environment. The core was utilized to stabilize the RhI ion. The spectral and structural analyses revealed that the restricted (m‐o‐m) and allowed (p‐o‐p) conjugation in the macrocyclic core provide overall non‐aromatic characteristics both to the free bases and their complexes.
Evaluation of PCR‐HRM, RFLP, and direct sequencing as simple and cost‐effective methods to detect common EGFR mutations in plasma cell–free DNA of non–small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Zaini Jamal , Syahruddin Elisna , Yunus Muhammad , Andarini Sita Laksmi , Hudoyo Achmad , Masykura Najmiatul , Yasril Refniwita , Ridwanuloh Asep , Hidajat Heriawaty , Nurwidya Fariz , Suharsono Sony , Utomo Ahmad R.H.
Published: February 2019

Background

Lung cancer patients with mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

Aims

We aimed to evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–high‐resolution melting (HRM), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and direct sequencing (DS) to detect EGFR mutations in cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) before and after TKI treatment in real‐world settings of a developing country.

Methods

Paired cytology and plasma samples were collected from 116 treatment‐naïve lung cancer patients. DNA from both plasma and cytology specimens was isolated and analyzed using PCR‐HRM (to detect exon 19 insertion/deletion), RFLP (to genotypes L858R and L861Q), and DS (to detect uncommon mutations G719A, G719C, or G719S [G719Xaa] in exon 18 and T790M and insertion mutations in exon 20).

Results

EGFR genotypes were obtained in all 116 (100%) cfDNA and 110/116 (94.82%) of cytological specimens of treatment‐naïve patient (baseline samples). EGFR‐activating mutations were detected in 46/110 (40.6%) plasma samples, and 69/110 (63.2%) mutations were found in routine cytology samples. Using cytological EGFR genotypes as reference, we found that sensitivity and specificity of baseline plasma EGFR testing varied from 9.1% to 39.39% and 83.12% to 96.55%, respectively. In particular, the sensitivity and specificity of this assay in detecting baseline T790M mutations in exon 20 were 30% and 89.58%, respectively. Three months after TKI treatment, plasma T790M and insertion exon 20 mutations appeared in 5.4% and 2.7% patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite low sensitivity, combined DS, RFLP, and PCR‐HRM was able to detect EGFR mutations in plasma cfDNA with high specificity. Moreover, TKI resistance exon 20 insertions mutation was detected as early as 3 months post TKI treatment.
Efficient mobile code offloading in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Lu Feng , Liu Ruoxue , Li Wei , Jin Hai , Zomaya Albert Y.
Published: February 2019

Mobile data offloading has already appeared to offer the means of addressing the challenges of limited computing capability and battery life of mobile devices. Most existing code offloading frameworks only consider migrating an application within a single network at a time and failed to fully utilize the energy efficiency mechanism of the latest CPU chips. To tackle these issues, we propose an offloading approach under both a multitasking environment and a heterogeneous network to increase energy and execution efficiency. The offloading problem was formulated as a biobjective optimization problem that aims to save energy and keep a good performance by combining mobile cloud computing with big.LITTLE technology under a heterogeneous network equipped with cellular and WiFi connectivity. By varying the applications and network scenarios, the experimental results show that with offloading a single application using our proposed framework, the data‐intensive application can obviously benefit when the access point density of WiFi reaches 0.0002 unit/m2. Under multiple application scenarios, our proposed framework can increase processing speed by an average of 0.3× over the single application and can save an average of 25% power over the single application.
Local diagnosability under the PMC model with application to matching composition networks
Authors: Jiang Hua , Qiu Weidi , Gui Weixia , Liang Jiarong
Published: February 2019

Matching composition network is a family of interconnection networks, including the BC network and the hyper Petersen network, etc. In this paper, we prove that the local diagnosability of an MCN can be obtained by adding one to that of the component with some structural restrictions. Additionally, we obtain a sufficient condition for verifying that an MCN with fault‐free edges (faulty edges, respectively) has strong local diagnostic properties. By applying these results, the BC network BCn and the hyper Petersen network HPn are nl‐diagnosable at each node belonging to them, for n ⩾ 3. These interconnection networks with fault‐free edges (faulty edges, respectively) possess the strong local diagnosability property.
Abuse, invalidation, and lack of early warmth show distinct relationships with self‐criticism, self‐compassion, and fear of self‐compassion in personality disorder
Authors: Naismith Iona , Zarate Guerrero Santiago , Feigenbaum Janet
Published: February 2019

Background

Cultivating self‐compassion is increasingly recognized as a powerful method to regulate hyperactive threat processes such as shame and self‐criticism, but fear of self‐compassion (FSC) can inhibit this. These difficulties are underexplored in personality disorder (PD) despite their prevalence. Furthermore, little evidence exists regarding how these factors relate to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attachment.

Method

Fifty‐three participants with a diagnosis of PD completed measures including childhood abuse/neglect, invalidation, early warmth, self‐compassion, shame, self‐criticism, FSC, and anxious/avoidant attachment.

Results

Self‐compassion was predicted uniquely by low early warmth; self‐inadequacy by invalidation and abuse; and FSC by multiple ACEs. FSC and self‐compassion were significantly correlated with self‐criticism and shame, but not with one another.

Conclusions

Low self‐compassion and high FSC appear to be distinct problems, substantiating physiological models proposing distinct threat and soothing systems. Results are consistent with theories positing that low self‐compassion has distinct origins to shame, self‐criticism, and FSC.