bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamide–surfactant interaction: Exploration of new avenues for reverse osmosis separation applications
Authors: Raval Hiren D. , Raviya Mayur R. , Rathod Harshad C.
Published: May 2018

Thin‐film composite (TFC) RO membrane has got widespread acceptability for desalination and water reuse applications. A novel approach toward modification of surface of TFC RO membrane using surfactant (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) has been presented. Anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, increased the water flux of TFC RO membrane up to 142% when TFC RO membrane was exposed to sodium hypochlorite solution of 2,000 mg/L for 2 hr followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate for 1 hr at pH 11. However, surface modification by cationic surfactant, that is, cetrimonium bromide resulted in decreased water flux. Boron rejection decreased to 87.31% when cetrimonium bromide of 500 mg/L was exposed after 2,000 mg/L sodium hypochlorite at pH 11 because of positive charge on the membrane surface. Nonionic surfactant Triton X‐100 exposure lower than critical micelle concentration, that is, 100 mg/L for 1 hr after sodium hypochlorite exposure of 2,000 mg/L for 2 hr, resulted in increased water flux of about 22%, however, on increasing surfactant concentration more than critical micelle concentration, that is, 4% with the same sodium hypochlorite pre‐exposure, resulted in 47.5% decline in water flux. Thus, surfactant can bind the top barrier layer of polyamide membrane to alter its performance.
Electronic and Defective Engineering of Electrospun CaMnO3 Nanotubes for Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Peng Shengjie , Han Xiaopeng , Li Linlin , Chou Shulei , Ji Dongxiao , Huang Huangjiao , Du Yonghua , Liu Jian , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2018

Rational design and massive production of bifunctional catalysts with superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities are essential for developing metal–air batteries and fuel cells. Herein, controllable large‐scale synthesis of sulfur‐doped CaMnO3 nanotubes is demonstrated via an electrospinning technique followed by calcination and sulfurization treatment. The sulfur doping can not only replace oxygen atoms to increase intrinsic electrical conductivity but also introduce abundant oxygen vacancies to provide enough catalytically active sites, which is further demonstrated by density functional theory calculation. The resulting sulfur‐modified CaMnO3 (CMO/S) exhibits better electrocatalytic activity for ORR and OER in alkaline solution with higher stability performance than the pristine CMO. These results highlight the importance of sulfur treatment as a facile yet effective strategy to improve the ORR and OER catalytic activity of the pristine CaMnO3. As a proof‐of‐concept, a rechargeable Zn–air battery using the bifunctional catalyst exhibits a small charge–discharge voltage polarization, and long cycling life. Furthermore, a solid‐state flexible and rechargeable Zn–air battery gives superior discharge–charge performance and remarkable stability. Therefore, the CMO/S nanotubes might be a promising replacement to the Pt‐based electrocatalysts for metal–air batteries and fuel cells.
Fe/Beta@SBA‐15 core‐shell catalyst: Interface stable effect and propene poisoning resistance for no abatement
Authors: Liu Jixing , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Tan Junbin , Wei Yuechang , Song Weiyu
Published: May 2018

A series of Fe/Beta@SBA‐15 core‐shell structural catalysts were designed and controllablly constructed by an ultradilute liquid‐phase coating method. Their catalytic activities were examined for ammonia selective catalytic reduction of NOx. It was found that their acidity and redox property were strongly dependent on SBA‐15 shells, Fe/Beta@SBA‐15 catalysts exhibit good propene and SO2 poisoning resistance, excellent hydrothermal stability, and wide NOx conversion temperature range (325–600°C) under a high gas hour space velocity. The kinetics results indicate that the mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 shell lowers the diffusion limitation and promotes the reactants accessing to active sites. Moreover, TGA and in situ DRIFT results reveal that SBA‐15 shell can not only prevent the generation and deposition of coke and nitrate species from blocking active sites but also serve as an effective “obstacle” to inhibit active FeOx nanoparticles from agglomerating at high temperature, leading to the higher propene resistance than Fe/Beta. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3967–3978, 2018
Dielectric barrier discharge plasma microbubble reactor for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Wright Alexander , Bandulasena Hemaka , Ibenegbu Christopher , Leak David , Holmes Thomas , Zimmerman William , Shaw Alex , Iza Felipe
Published: May 2018

A novel lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment reactor has been designed and tested to investigate pretreatment efficacy of miscanthus grass. The reactor was designed to optimize the transfer of highly oxidative species produced by dielectric barrier discharge plasma to the liquid phase immediately after generation, by arranging close proximity of the plasma to the gas‐liquid interface of microbubbles. The reactor produced a range of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, and the rate of production depended on the power source duty cycle and the temperature of the plasma. Ozone and other oxidative species were dispersed efficiently using energy efficient microbubbles produced by fluidic oscillations. A 5% (w/w) miscanthus suspension pretreated for 3 h at 10% duty cycle yielded 0.5% acid soluble lignin release and 26% sugar release post hydrolysis with accelerated pretreatment toward the latter stages of the treatment demonstrating the potential of this approach as an alternative pretreatment method. © 2018 The Authors. AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers. © 2018 The Authors. AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers. AIChE J, 64: 3803–3816, 2018
Highly Efficient Catalysts for Direct Arylation Polymerization (DArP)
Authors: Wakioka Masayuki , Ozawa Fumiyuki
Published: May 2018

Recently, the palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation polymerization (DArP) has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic means of making π‐conjugated polymers based on catalytic cross‐coupling reactions. The DArP, which proceeds through C−H bond activation, has a distinct advantage over cross‐coupling polymerization in terms of fewer reaction steps and higher functional group tolerance. We have developed novel catalysts for DArP by using P(2‐MeOC6H4)3 (L1) and P(2‐Me2NC6H4)3 (L2) as ligands. Although common direct arylation catalysts require the use of strongly coordinating solvents such as DMA and DMF, our catalysts exhibit high activity in THF and toluene, which are good solvents for π‐conjugated polymers. Thus, we could realize the precise synthesis of highly head‐to‐tail regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (HT‐P3HT) and donor–acceptor type alternating copolymers (DA polymers) with well‐controlled structures through DArP.
Dual Roles of α,β‐Unsaturated Oximes in Copper Catalyzed [3+3] Cyclization: Construction of 2,4,6‐Trisubstituted Pyridines
Authors: Liu Jianming , Zhao Shufang , Yan Xuyang , Wang Zhixian , Zhang Yanyan , Zhao Peizheng , Fang Wenhan , Zhuo Kelei , Yue Yuanyuan
Published: May 2018

A new approach to generate 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridines was successfully developed based on the cyclization of α,β‐unsaturated oximes catalyzed by copper(I). The method takes advantage of the inherent properties of α,β‐unsaturated oximes to generate pyridines. In this transformation, α,β‐unsaturated oximes play dual roles in the formation of nucleophilic copper(II) enamide and as the acceptor in the Michael addition.
CRISPR‐Based Targeted Epigenetic Editing Enables Gene Expression Modulation of the Silenced Beta‐Galactoside Alpha‐2,6‐Sialyltransferase 1 in CHO Cells
Authors: Marx Nicolas , Grünwald‐Gruber Clemens , Bydlinski Nina , Dhiman Heena , Ngoc Nguyen Ly , Klanert Gerald , Borth Nicole
Published: May 2018

Despite great efforts to control and modify gene expression of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells by conventional genetic engineering approaches, i.e. overexpression or knockdown/‐out, subclonal variation, induced unknown regulatory effects as well as overexpression stress are still a major hurdle for efficient cell line engineering and for unequivocal characterization of gene function. The use of epigenetic modulators – key players in CHO clonal heterogeneity – has only been marginally addressed so far. Here, we present the application of an alternative engineering strategy in CHO cells by utilizing targeted epigenetic editing tools that enable the turning‐on or ‐off of genes without altering the genomic sequence. The present, but silent beta‐galactoside alpha‐2,6‐sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) gene is activated by targeting the catalytic domain (CD) of Ten‐Eleven Translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) via deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) to its methylated promoter. Stable upregulation in up to 60% of transfected cells is achieved over a time span of more than 80 days. No difference in growth and recombinant protein productivity is observed between activated and control cultures. Re‐silencing by targeted methylation via DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3A‐CD resulted in an up to 5.4‐fold reduction of ST6GAL1 mRNA expression in ST6GAL1 expressing cells. This proof‐of‐concept demonstrates the feasibility of using epigenetic editing tools to efficiently modulate gene expression and provide a promising complement to conventional genetic engineering in CHO cells.
An RNA Origami Octahedron with Intrinsic siRNAs for Potent Gene Knockdown
Authors: Høiberg Hans Christian , Sparvath Steffen M. , Andersen Veronica L. , Kjems Jørgen , Andersen Ebbe S.
Published: May 2018

The fields of DNA and RNA nanotechnology have established nucleic acids as valuable building blocks for functional nanodevices with applications in nanomedicine. Here, a simple method for designing and assembling a 3D scaffolded RNA origami wireframe structure with intrinsic functioning small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) embedded is introduced. Uniquely, the method uses an mRNA fragment as scaffold strand, which is folded by sequence‐complementarity of nine shorter synthetic strands. High‐yield production of the intended 3D structure is verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Production of functional siRNAs is facilitated by incorporating recognition sites for Dicer at selected locations in the structure, and efficient silencing of a target reporter gene is demonstrated.
The effect of aberrant expression and genetic polymorphisms of Rad21 on cervical cancer biology
Authors: Xia Li , Wang Minjie , Li Hongying , Tang Xiangjing , Chen Fei , Cui Jinquan
Published: May 2018

The therapeutic challenge of advanced, recurrent, and refractory cervical cancer (CC) needs to develop new molecularly targeted drugs. Rad21 is an important regulatory gene that maintains the correct dissociation of sister chromatids during cell mitosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Rad21 on CC. Rad21 expression in CC and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III was significantly increased. Women with the rs2289937 C genotype (CC+CT) of rs4570 and rs4579555 genotypes and haplotype 1 (TTTCAGGCGC) were significantly associated with CC risk, while women with low frequencies of haplotype 6 (TTTTAGGCGC) also increased the risk of CC.Rad21‐specific shRNA decreased cancerous cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased the proportion of cells in G2/M phase as well as sensitivity to radiation. The Rad21 influenced the expression of XPO1, CyclinB1, CDK1, P21, P27, and P53 through up‐and downregulating the Rad21 expression. The TCGA database of CC also showed that Rad21 expression was associated with poor disease survival and XPO1 expression. Moreover, the KEGG pathway indicated that Rad21 is broadly involved in the cell cycle and RNA transportation via XPO1. This suggests that Rad21 involves the development of cervical cancer possibly by participating in the regulation of cell cycle and the nuclear output of the tumor suppressor gene via XPO1.
Is this really just “fatigue”? A case series of immune‐related central adrenal insufficiency secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Nagasaka Misako , Abdallah Nadine , Samantray Julie , Sukari Ammar
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

While immunotherapy with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) checkpoint inhibition has shown promising activity against many tumor types, adverse events are common. Hypophysitis is a rare but serious immune‐related event known to occur with anti‐PD1 inhibition. It will become more prevalent as the usage of checkpoint inhibitors increases.
Acylation of unprotected lactose with 1,18‐octadec‐9‐enedioyl chloride for the synthesis of monocatenary and bolaform agro‐based surfactants
Authors: Chorfa Nasima , Belkacemi Khaled , Arul Joseph , Hamoudi Safia
Published: May 2018

Agro‐based surfactants have one of two hydrophilic or hydrophobic parts of vegetable origin. They can be produced from renewable and readily available resources. Carbohydrate fatty acid esters are non‐toxic, non‐ionic, and biodegradable agro‐based surfactants with applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. In this work, the chemical synthesis of agro‐based surfactants through lactose acylation with 1,18‐octadec‐9‐enedioyl chloride (Acyl‐Cl) was investigated at room temperature. The acylation reaction proved to be regioselective to the primary hydroxyl group of the glucose‐moiety in the lactose molecule and was promoted by an excess of lactose to produce higher substituted derivatives. Acyl‐Cl conversion was ∼98 % after 1 h of reaction. The production of monocatenary agro‐based surfactant, mono‐lactose 1,18‐octadec‐9‐enoate, was favoured with a molar ratio lactose/Acyl‐Cl of 1 achieving a yield of 48 % after 20 min. Moreover, production of bolaform agro‐based surfactant, di‐lactose 1,18‐octadec‐9‐enedioate, was favoured with a molar ratio of 3 lactose/Acyl‐Cl with a yield of 33 % after 1 h of reaction. A one‐pot synthesis of agro‐based bolaform surfactant was successfully achieved for the first time in the open literature.

Monocatenary and bolaform agro‐based surfactants were isolated by preparative liquid chromatography with high purity according to their chemical structure identification by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Their critical micellar concentration (12–9 μM) determined by fluorescence spectroscopy with pyrene used as a probe, and hydrophilic:lipophilic balance values (10.7–14.2) indicated that monocatenary and bolaform agro‐based surfactants can act as oils in water emulsion.
Responses of Soil Bacterial Communities to Conyza canadensis Invasion with Different Cover Classes Along a Climatic Gradient
Authors: Wang Congyan , Jiang Kun , Zhou Jiawei , Xiao Hongguang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2018

Some invasive species can trigger shifts in soil microbial communities in their rhizosphere to facilitate the invasion process. Meanwhile, some invasive species can display different cover classes in the invaded ecosystems and even cross many climatic zones. This study aims to address the effects of the notorious invasive species Conyza canadensis with different cover classes along a climatic gradient in China on soil bacterial communities. All cover classes of C. canadensis increased the Shannon's diversity index and the abundance‐based coverage estimator (ACE) index but decreased the operational taxonomic richness and the Good's coverage of soil bacterial communities, although this change was not significant. Thus, C. canadensis invasion can raise the diversity and richness of soil bacterial communities but also leads to the extinction of some soil microbial species to create a microenvironment that facilitates its further invasion. The increased diversity and richness of soil bacterial communities induced by C. canadensis invasion with different cover classes may play an important role in its successful invasion across multiple climatic zones. This may be due to the fact that soil microbial communities can influence plant communities and higher soil bacterial diversity can improve soil functions and plant nutrient acquisition. Meanwhile, the effect size and the significance level of climatic gradient on the ACE index and the Chao1 index of soil bacterial communities was obviously higher than other indices of soil bacterial communities. Thus, species richness of soil bacterial communities was primarily changed under C. canadensis invasion along a climatic gradient.
Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance of nitroxide biradicals in fluid solution
Authors: Eaton Sandra S. , Woodcock Lukas B. , Eaton Gareth R.
Published: May 2018

Nitroxide biradicals have been prepared with electron‐electron spin‐spin exchange interaction, J, ranging from weak to very strong. EPR spectra of these biradicals in fluid solution depend on the ratio of J to the nitrogen hyperfine coupling, AN, and the rates of interconversion between conformations with different values of J. For relatively rigid biradicals EPR spectra can be simulated as the superposition of AB splitting patterns arising from different combinations of nitrogen nuclear spin states. For more flexible biradicals spectra can be simulated with a Liouville representation of the dynamics that interconvert conformations with different values of J on the EPR timescale. Analysis of spectra, factors that impact J, and examples of applications to chemical and biophysical problems are discussed.
Finite element analysis of the influence of three‐joint spinal complex on the change of the intervertebral disc bulge and height
Authors: Szkoda‐Poliszuk Klaudia , Żak Małgorzata , Pezowicz Celina
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the changes of height and bulging occurring in individual layers of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc for 3 load scenarios (axial compression, flexion, and extension). The numerical model of a single motion segment of the thoracic spine was analysed for 2 different configurations, ie, for the model of a physiological segment and a segment with the posterior column removed. In the physiological segment, all annulus fibrosus layers decrease in height regardless of the applied load, bulging outside the intervertebral disc. Removal of the posterior column increases mobility and disrupts the load transfer system, with the lamellae bulging into the intervertebral disc.
Pure Organic Persistent Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence at both Crystalline and Amorphous States
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wang Xuan , An Zhongfu , Fang Zhiwei , Zhang Yongming , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: May 2018

Persistent room‐temperature phosphorescence (p‐RTP) of pure organic materials is attracting increasing attention. The design of efficient phosphors and understanding the origin of p‐RTP, however, remain challenging. Herein, to gain further insights into pure organic p‐RTP, we prepared a group of carbazole (CZ) and methyl benzoate (MBA) conjugates with a methyl ester unit at the para (4‐MBACZ), meta (3‐MBACZ), and ortho (2‐MBACZ) sites. These isomers merely produce prompt fluorescence in solutions, but generate blue prompt/delayed fluorescence (DF) and orange p‐RTP with lifetimes up to 865.2 ms in the crystalline state. Lifetimes of p‐RTP are in the order of 2‐MBACZ>3‐MBACZ>4‐MBACZ, which might be mainly ascribed to the combined effect of packing density, intermolecular interactions and steric hindrance. Meanwhile, upon mechanical grinding, while the emission color and profile of the luminogens do not significantly change, no (4‐MBACZ) or shortened (3‐MBACZ, 2‐MBACZ) p‐RTP is observed, accompanying the change from crystalline to amorphous states. Such p‐RTP at amorphous states without external hosts is rarely reported, which demonstrates important implications for the molecular design and mechanism understanding towards p‐RTP. Furthermore, their p‐RTP attribute and different emission colors before and after ceasing the UV irradiation endow them promising applications in encryption and anticounterfeiting fields.
Maternal depression and cortisol in pregnancy predict offspring emotional reactivity in the preschool period
Authors: Swales Danielle A. , Winiarski Dominika A. , Smith Alicia K. , Stowe Zachary N. , Newport D. Jeffrey , Brennan Patricia A.
Published: May 2018

Prenatal exposures to higher levels of maternal cortisol and depression have been linked to a variety of adverse physiological, neurological, and behavioral outcomes, such as dysregulated cortisol production, structural and functional differences in limbic areas of the brain, and greater negative emotionality. This study investigated prospective associations between maternal prepartum depression/cortisol levels and offspring emotional reactivity in 163 mother–child pairs. Women were assessed repeatedly during pregnancy, and later participated in a laboratory visit with their preschool‐aged children. Mothers self‐reported on depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and provided saliva samples for cortisol assay. Offspring emotional reactivity was assessed through multiple measures, including caregiver reports, cortisol response following a stressor, and laboratory observations of behavior. The findings suggest potential prenatal timing effects, with depression and maternal cortisol measured in the first and second trimesters being more strongly associated with child emotional reactivity. Sex was found to moderate associations between maternal prepartum depression/cortisol and child emotional reactivity, with the general pattern reflecting positive associations in girls, and negative associations in boys.
The analytical challenges of cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl: An approach for toxicological analysis
Authors: Maher Shane , Elliott Simon P. , George Steve
Published: May 2018

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are increasingly being seen in forensic casework globally and encompass a number of types of drugs including “designer opioids”, especially fentanyl analogues, which are of particular concern due to their high potency and significant risk of toxicity. They are often sold as heroin or mixed with other illicit drugs and therefore users may be unaware they are taking such hazardous compounds. Two fentanyl analogues that have recently been detected are cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl. In order to accurately determine the prevalence of such compounds in clinical and forensic casework, including potential toxicity, they need to be correctly identified using definitive and defensible techniques. Cyclopropylfentanyl and crotonylfentanyl are structural isomers, and it has previously been highlighted that these 2 compounds are analytically difficult to specifically identify owing to their similarity in structure and chromatographic behaviour. To further investigate in an attempt to overcome this problem, analysis of certified reference material using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array UV detection (HPLC–DAD), liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (LC–QToF–MS) has been performed. Whilst the compounds were shown to have an identical mass‐spectral fragmentation pattern, they had different UV spectra. This was coupled with a discernible difference in retention time with the HPLC conditions applied, allowing differentiation of the 2 compounds. Using this approach, cyclopropylfentanyl was positively identified and subsequently quantified in 4 fatalities with the exclusion of crotonylfentanyl.
Functional divergence in nitrogen uptake rates explains diversity–productivity relationship in microalgal communities
Authors: Mandal Shovon , Shurin Jonathan B. , Efroymson Rebecca A. , Mathews Teresa J.
Published: May 2018

The relationship between biodiversity and productivity has emerged as a central theme in ecology. Mechanistic explanations for this relationship suggest that the role organisms play in the ecosystem (i.e., niches or functional traits) is a better predictor of ecosystem stability and productivity than taxonomic richness. Here, we tested the capacity of functional diversity in nitrogen uptake in experimental microalgal communities to predict the complementarity effect (CE) and selection effect (SE) of biodiversity on productivity. We grew five algal species as monocultures and as polycultures in pairwise combinations in homogeneous (ammonium, nitrate, or urea alone) and heterogeneous nitrogen (mixed nitrogen) environments to determine whether complementarity between species may be enhanced in heterogeneous environments. We show that the positive diversity effects on productivity in heterogeneous environments resulted from complementarity effects with no positive contribution by species‐specific SEs. Positive biodiversity effects in homogeneous environments, when present (nitrate and urea treatments but not ammonium), were driven both by CE and SE. Our results suggest that functional diversity increases species complementarity and productivity mainly in heterogeneous resource environments. These results provide evidence that the positive effect of functional diversity on community productivity depends on the diversity of resources present in the environment.
Comorbid fibromyalgia: A qualitative review of prevalence and importance
Authors: Fitzcharles M.‐A. , Perrot S. , Häuser W.
Published: May 2018

Fibromyalgia (FM) may be an unrecognized cause of suffering for persons with an array of medical conditions. This is especially true for illness that is characterized by pain of any nature. Once believed to be a unique diagnosis, FM is recently reported to occur concomitantly with various rheumatic diseases, and importantly adversely impacts global health status. However, there is increasing report of FM associated with other diseases that are not defined by chronic pain. This qualitative review examines the evidence for comorbid FM in illness, and where available the effect of FM on the primary disease. Other than for musculoskeletal disorders, the published literature reporting an association of FM with illness is limited with scanty reports for some neurological, gastrointestinal, mental health and other overlapping pain conditions. Comorbid FM adversely affects both health status and outcome for rheumatic diseases, but with limited study in other diseases. When unrecognized, comorbid FM may be mistaken as poor control of the primary disease, leading to incorrect treatment decisions. FM may be a neglected condition that pervades many conditions and may contribute to the burden of illness. Physicians should be alert to the possibility of comorbid FM, and symptoms of FM should be specifically addressed.

Significance

Comorbid fibromyalgia (FM) in other medical conditions is largely unrecognized. When reported as accompanying rheumatic diseases, FM adversely affects global health status. With limited reports of comorbid FM with other conditions, neglect to diagnose comorbid FM may misdirect treatments.
Forest fire effects on groundwater in a coastal aquifer (Ravenna, Italy)
Authors: Giambastiani Beatrice M. S. , Greggio Nicolas , Nobili Giovanni , Dinelli Enrico , Antonellini Marco
Published: May 2018

We examined the fire‐induced changes in groundwater recharge rate. This aspect is particularly important in the case of large forested areas growing over a coastal aquifer affected by saltwater intrusion. In the Ravenna coastal area (Italy), pine forests grow on coastal dune belts, overlying a sandy unconfined aquifer, which is strongly affected by marine ingression. Three groundwater profiles across the forest and perpendicular to the coastline were monitored for groundwater level, physical, and chemical parameters. The aims were to define groundwater quality, recharge rate, freshwater volume, and highlight change, which occurred after a forest fire with reference to pre‐fire conditions. Analytical solutions based on Darcy Law and the Dupuit Equation were applied to calculate unconfined flow and compare recharge rates among the profiles. The estimated recharge rates increased in the partially and completely burnt areas (219 and 511 mm year−1, respectively) compared with the pristine pine forest area (73 mm year−1). Although pre‐fire conditions were similar in all monitored profiles, a post‐fire decrease in salinity was observed across the burnt forest, along with an increase in infiltration and freshwater lens thickness. This was attributed to decrease canopy interception and evapotranspiration caused by vegetation absence after the fire. This research provided an example of positive forest fire feedback on the quantity and quality of fresh groundwater resources in a lowland coastal aquifer affected by saltwater intrusion, with limited availability of freshwater resources. The fire provided an opportunity to evaluate a new forest management approach and consider the restoration and promotion of native dune herbaceous vegetation.
Rotations in Excited ICT States – Fluorescence and its Microenvironmental Sensitivity
Authors: Liese David , Haberhauer Gebhard
Published: May 2018

Fluorescence spectroscopy as an analytical tool for various applications as well as fluorescence probes showing a sensitive behavior towards their microenvironmental properties have experienced an increasing interest in research in the last decades. Recently our group has contributed to this field of interest by introducing a novel mechanism where a planarization in the excited state occurs leading to an advantageous allowed emission. Here, we provide an overview of intramolecular charge transfer states where a rotation in the excited state causes a high sensitivity for microenvironmental changes. Furthermore, effects which influence the surroundings of the fluorophores are described in detail. Recent results where twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effects were combined are described and a promising outlook for further research progress is provided.
DISCOVERING FRUGAL INNOVATIONS THROUGH DELIVERING EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME‐VISITING INTERVENTIONS IN LOW‐RESOURCE TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Barlow Allison , McDaniel Judy A. , Marfani Farha , Lowe Anne , Keplinger Cassie , Beltangady Moushumi , Goklish Novalene
Published: May 2018

Early childhood home‐visiting has been shown to yield the greatest impact for the lowest income, highest disparity families. Yet, poor communities generally experience fractured systems of care, a paucity of providers, and limited resources to deliver intensive home‐visiting models to families who stand to benefit most. This article explores lessons emerging from the recent Tribal Maternal and Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) legislation supporting delivery of home‐visiting interventions in low‐income, hard‐to‐reach American Indian and Alaska Native communities. We draw experience from four diverse tribal communities that participated in the Tribal MIECHV Program and overcame socioeconomic, geographic, and structural challenges that called for both early childhood home‐visiting services and increased the difficulty of delivery. Key innovations are described, including unique community engagement, recruitment and retention strategies, expanded case management roles of home visitors to overcome fragmented care systems, contextual demands for employing paraprofessional home visitors, and practical advances toward streamlined evaluation approaches. We draw on the concept of “frugal innovation” to explain how the experience of Tribal MIECHV participation has led to more efficient, effective, and culturally informed early childhood home‐visiting service delivery, with lessons for future dissemination to underserved communities in the United States and abroad.
The enhancement of osseointegration using a graphene oxide/chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite coating on titanium fabricated by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Suo Lai , Jiang Nan , Wang Yan , Wang Puyu , Chen Junyu , Pei Xibo , Wang Jian , Wan Qianbing
Published: May 2018

Titanium (Ti) has been commonly used as an implant material in dentistry and bone surgery for several decades. Meanwhile, surface modification of titanium can enhance the osseointegration of implants. In this study, a graphene oxide/chitosan/hydroxyapatite (GO/CS/HA) composite coating was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition on Ti substrates. Subsequently, the surface morphology, phase composition, wettability, and bonding strength of this composite coating were researched. Additionally, in vitro cytological examination was performed, including evaluations of cell adhesion, cell viability, cell differentiation, cell mineralization, and osteogenetic factor expression. Finally, the in vivo osteogenetic properties were evaluated through an animal study, including a histological analysis, a microcomputed tomography, and biomechanical tests. The results showed that a homogeneous and crack‐free GO/CS/HA composite coating was coated on Ti, and the wettability and bonding strength of the GO/CS/HA composite coating were enhanced compared with HA, GO/HA, and CS/HA coatings. Furthermore, the GO/CS/HA coating greatly heightened the cell–material interactions in vitro. Additionally, this GO/CS/HA‐Ti implant could enhance osseointegration in vivo. Consequently, GO/CS/HA‐Ti may have potential applications in the field of dental implants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 635–645, 2019.
A New Version of Loss Aversion: Introduction to Research Dialogue
Authors: Shavitt Sharon
Published: May 2018

This article is part of a Research Dialogue: Gal & Rucker (): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1047 Simonson & Kivetz (): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1046 Higgins & Liberman (): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1045 Gal & Rucker (): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1044
Developments in electrode design: structure, decoration and applications of electrodes for electrochemical technology
Authors: Walsh Frank C , Arenas Luis F , Ponce de León Carlos
Published: May 2018

The diversity of cell geometries and their use for electrochemical processing and energy conversion are concisely reviewed, updating earlier treatments, with an emphasis on an engineering approach to electrode design. Electrode size varies from several cm2 in the laboratory to stacks containing hundreds of m2 at the industrial plant scale, and currents can range from nA at laboratory to many 100 kA in industry. Electrode materials include metals, conductive ceramics and polymers, as well as polymer–metal or ceramic–metal composites. Area, electrocatalytic activity and functionality can be tailored by selecting an appropriate support structure‐coating combination. The core structure of porous supports can be a foam, mesh or particulate bed, whereas the surface can be enhanced using numerous techniques. Inspiration for electrode design can come from multiple sources, including biomimetics and technology transfer. Important aspects of electrodes include manufacture, electrochemical activity, active area, the possibilities of 3D and nanostructured surfaces, decoration and functionalization, in addition to reasonable cost and adequate lifetime. The diversity of electrodes is illustrated by examples from the authors' laboratory in the fields of inorganic and organic synthesis, environmental remediation of wastewaters, surface finishing of materials and energy storage/conversion. A forward look is made to potential future developments in electrochemical technology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Platelet indices (mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width) have correlations with periodontal inflamed surface area in coronary artery disease patients: A pilot study
Authors: Temelli Başak , Yetkin Ay Zuhal , Aksoy Fatih , Büyükbayram Halil İbrahim , Kumbul Doğuç Duygu , Uskun Ersin , Varol Ercan
Published: May 2018

Background

The plausible mechanisms regarding the relationship between periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) has long been the focus of studies. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) values have positive correlations with increased complete blood parameters in patients with CAD.

Methods

Patients who underwent coronary angiography with a suspicion of CAD between the ages 30 to 75 years were included. Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing) were recorded, and the participants were divided into four groups after the coronary angiography: group 1: CAD (+) with periodontitis (n = 20), group 2: CAD (+) without periodontitis (n = 20), group 3: CAD (‐) with periodontitis (n = 21), group 4: CAD (‐) without periodontitis (n = 16). Complete blood counts were analyzed regarding the differences and correlations between the investigated parameters.

Results

CAD (+) P (+) individuals had significantly higher platelet distribution width (PDW) values than the other groups (P < 0.0125). Positive lower correlations were found between PISA scores and mean platelet volume (MPV, P = 0.021, rho = 0.264), PISA and PDW (P = 0.240, rho = 0.036) in the whole study group; and moderate correlation between PD and red blood cell distribution width (RDW, P = 0.049, rho = 0.445) in CAD (‐) groups with/without periodontitis were found. Age was found to predict CAD with o lower OR (1.17, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of the present study highlight some blood parameters (PDW, RDW, and MPV) in CAD patients with/without periodontitis in terms of the relationship between inflammatory diseases and their significant low and moderate correlations with PISA values.
Egyptian propolis compared to nanohydroxyapatite graft in the treatment of Class II furcation defects in dogs
Authors: Zohery Amr A. , Meshri Suzanne M. , Madi Marwa I. , Abd El Rehim Samia S. , Nour Zubaida M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine approaches are gaining ground in everyday practice. Propolis is a bee product that has been suggested to have bone regenerative effects. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Egyptian propolis with nanohydroxyapatite graft on furcation defect regeneration in mongrel dogs.

Methods

A split mouth design was utilized in six clinically healthy mongrel dogs. A total of 24 Class II furcation defects were surgically created in mandibular third and fourth premolars. The defects on the right side were filled with nanohydroxyapatite graft and covered with collagen membrane, while on the left side the defects were filled with propolis and also covered with collagen membrane. The dogs were sacrificed after 1 and 3 months. Segments containing the defects were prepared for histological evaluation.

Results

The histological evaluation after one month revealed newly formed bone in both treatment groups. However, after 3 months, the bone trabeculae appeared thinner in the collagen/nanohydroxyapatite group than in the collagen/propolis group. The histomorphometric evaluation showed a significant increase in bone height as well as bone surface area for the collagen/propolis group compared to collagen/nanohydroxyapatite group.

Conclusions

Both Egyptian propolis and nanohydroxyapatite graft material showed favorable periodontal regenerative effect. Propolis showed increased cellular proliferative ability that could be beneficial in reducing the healing period needed after periodontal therapy.
Effect of radio‐frequency heating on microbial load, flavor, color, and texture profiles of Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhang Min , Zhao Shuyong
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Cordyceps militaris is a medicine and food dual‐purpose mushroom extensively cultivated and consumed in East and Southeast Asia for centuries. However, it has an extremely short shelf life of 3–4 days at room temperature. C. militaris was pasteurized for 10, 20, and 30 min by radio‐frequency (RF) at an electrode gap of 20 mm. The effect of RF heating on the microbial load, color, texture, and flavor attributes of C. militaris was evaluated and compared with those sterilized by conventional high‐pressure steam.

RESULTS

RF heating contributed to good heating uniformity, uniform temperature distribution, and significant decrease in total microbial load. C. militaris heated by RF exhibited unnoticeable total color difference compared with unpasteurized ones, while those sterilized by high‐pressure steam presented undesired and unacceptable browning. Insignificant differences in hardness and chewiness were observed after RF heating. Improvements in mushroom‐like flavor occurred after 10 and 20 min of RF heating.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that RF heating for pasteurization of edible mushrooms has promising prospects. Evaluation of RF heating on the taste and nutritional characteristics of edible mushrooms is needed in future work. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterizations and rheological study of the purified polysaccharide extracted from quince seeds
Authors: Rezagholi Fatemeh , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Gholamhosseinpour Aliakbar , Sherahi Mousa Hamidabadi , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Ale Marcel T
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The functional characteristics of hydrocolloids are mainly dependent on their physicochemical properties. Thus, it is essential to characterize the new sources of hydrocolloids.

RESULTS

Quince seed gum (QSG) is a high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide (9.61 × 106 g mol−1) composed of 85.04 ± 2.87% carbohydrate (6.39% l‐arabinose, 40.43% d‐xylose, 5.60% d‐galactose, 5.75% d‐glucose and 31.11% d‐mannose), 13.16 ± 1.73% uronic acid, 5.77 ± 0.83% moisture, 2.78 ± 0.21% protein, 5.64 ± 0.21% ash, and 0.75 ± 0.09% fat. Our findings indicated that this gum could be introduced as a value‐added by‐product in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested a highly substituted xylan structure for QSG. In the dilute regime, an increase in the ion concentration was accompanied by a decrease in intrinsic viscosity of QSG. When the salt concentration increased from 0 to 50 mmol L−1, the consistency coefficient (as a measure of apparent viscosity) declined. On the other hand, with further increasing of salt concentration, the consistency coefficient (as a measure of apparent viscosity) values increased. Similarly, the G′ and G″ values for 10 and 50 mmol L−1 calcium chloride concentrations were less than in control samples.

CONCLUSION

The rheological behavior of the QSG studied in this paper can provide insight into its potential application in food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the Ultrasound Appearance of the Normal Parathyroid Using an Intraoperative Procedure
Authors: Xia Chunxia , Zhu Qiang , Li Zheng , Hu Minxia , Fang Jugao , Zhong Qi , Yue Changli , Bai Yuping
Published: May 2018

Objectives

This study was designed to confirm the echogenicity of normal parathyroid glands using intraoperative ultrasound (US).

Methods

Between October 2015 and January 2016, normal parathyroid glands were examined with an intraoperative US transducer during thyroidectomy procedures in 13 patients with thyroid disease. According to the findings from intraoperative US, routine percutaneous US of normal parathyroid glands was performed in a group of adults. On the basis of previous information on normal parathyroid echogenicity, a series of parathyroid diseases that were proved by surgery and histopathologic analyses were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of residual normal parathyroid in the lesion on US imaging, which was defined as the residual parathyroid sign in this study, was reviewed and correlated with histopathologic results.

Results

In the intraoperative US group, 23 parathyroid glands were scanned intraoperatively, and 21 (91.3%) were hyperechoic, homogeneous in texture, and oval. In the routine percutaneous US group, 106 parathyroid glands were found in total, and 96 (90.5%) of the glands had hyperechoic and homogeneous echogenicity, with 75 (70.8%) being oval. In the review of parathyroid diseases, 33 parathyroid glands in 30 cases were reviewed, with a positive residual parathyroid sign in 7 (21.2%) parathyroid glands, presenting with a hyperechoic rim in the margin, and 4 of them (12.1%) were confirmed by histopathologic results.

Conclusions

The normal parathyroid had hyperechoic echogenicity on both intraoperative and percutaneous US imaging. Residual tissue of parathyroid glands can also be observed in some parathyroid abnormalities with an echogenic appearance on US imaging and confirmed by histopathologic results.
Adhesion of gram‐negative rod‐shaped bacteria on 1D nano‐ripple glass pattern in weak magnetic fields
Authors: Saleem Iram , Masood Samina , Smith Derek , Chu Wei‐Kan
Published: May 2018

This research project has major applications in the healthcare and biomedical industries. Bacteria reside in human bodies and play an integral role in the mechanism of life. However, their excessive growth or the invasion of similar agents can be dangerous and may cause fatal or incurable diseases. On the other hand, increased exposure to electromagnetic radiation and its impact on health and safety is a common concern to medical science. Some nanostructure materials have interesting properties regarding facilitating or impeding cell growth. An understanding of these phenomena can be utilized to establish the optimum benefit of these structures in healthcare and medical research. We focus on the commonly found rod‐shaped, gram‐negative bacteria and their orientation and community development on the cellular level in the presence of weak magnetic fields on one dimensional nano‐ripple glass patterns to investigate the impact of nanostructures on the growth pattern of bacteria. The change in bacterial behavior on nanostructures and the impact of magnetic fields will open up new venues in the utilization of nanostructures. It is noticed that bacterial entrapment in nano‐grooves leads to the growth of larger colonies on the nanostructures, whereas magnetic fields reduce the size of colonies and suppress their growth.
MiR‐181a/b induce the growth, invasion, and metastasis of neuroblastoma cells through targeting ABI1
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Peng Hongxia , Liao Wang , Luo Ailing , Cai Mansi , He Jing , Zhang Xiaohong , Luo Ziyan , Jiang Hua , Xu Ling
Published: May 2018

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy, and the clinical phenotypes range from localized tumors with excellent outcomes to widely metastatic disease in which long‐term survival is approximately 40%, despite intensive therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that aberrant miRNA regulation plays a role in neuroblastoma, but the miRNA functions and mechanisms remain unknown. miR‐181 family members were detected in 32 neuroblastoma patients, and the effects of miR‐181a/b on cell viability, invasion, and migration were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. A parallel global mRNA expression profile was obtained for neuroblastoma cells overexpressing miR‐181a. The potential targets of miR‐181a/b were validated. miR‐181a/b expression levels were positively associated with MYCN amplification and neuroblastoma aggressiveness. Moreover, ectopic miR‐181a/b expression significantly induced the growth and invasion of neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis revealed that mRNAs were consistently downregulated after miR‐181a overexpression, leading to cell migration. In addition, the expression of ABI1 was suppressed by miR‐181a/b, and ABI1 was validated as a direct target of miR‐181a/b. We concluded that miR‐181a/b were significantly upregulated in aggressive neuroblastoma, which enhanced its tumorigenesis and progression by suppressing the expression of ABI1.