bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changing Face of Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ley Steven V. , Baxendale Ian R.
Published: April 2008

The article describes the content of the Paul Karrer Lecture given at the University of Zürich on the 20th of June 2007 by Professor Steven V. Ley. The lecture illustrates the work underway within the Chemistry Department at Cambridge to develop microreactors for flow chemistry
applications. These modular, small footprint devices are capable of preparing a wide range of compounds including natural products in up to seven synthesis steps. Products can generally be obtained in high yield and purity without conventional work-up methods using a variety of reaction mixer
chips and pre-packed flow tubes of immobilised reagents and scavengers.
Chemistry at the ICBC: The Institute of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry in Wädenswil Chemie studieren am Institut für Chemie und Biologische Chemie (ICBC) der Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften in Wädenswil
Authors: Hinderling Christian
Published: April 2008

The newly established Institute of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry (ICBC) at the Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences offers Bachelor degrees in chemistry and biological chemistry and, starting 2008, a Master degree in Life
Sciences. While the Bachelor curriculum aims at training chemists with competencies that are modelled after the former FH-Diploma, the objective of the Master degree is to train Life Science chemists with specialised knowledge in surface (bio-)chemisty, nanotechnology, protein purification,
down stream processing and tissue engineering.
150 Years of Chemistry at the University of Zurich
Authors: Eugster Conrad Hans
Published: April 2008

This article was published in Chimia 1983, 37, to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of Chemistry at the University of Zurich. This excellent historical account displays a depth of information and research that makes it very worthwhile reproducing here. It presents
an account of Chemistry at the University of Zurich up to 1983 and has not been changed or updated in any way except translation into English from the original German.
Elevated serum ferritin concentrations in prediabetic subjects
Authors: Sharifi Faranak , Nasab N Mousavi , Zadeh H Jazebi
Published: April 2008

Background

Few data are available on the association of variables of the insulin resistance syndrome and serum ferritin, an indicator of body iron stores. We examined the relationship between serum ferritin levels and impaired fasting glucose, a pre-diabetes stage associated with insulin resistance, in this study.

Subjects & methods

One hundred and eighty seven people, including 91 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 96 healthy people who were well matched for age and sex, were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure of the participants were measured and serum cholesterol, triglyceride, white blood cells (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin were evaluated. All the data were analysed by t-test, X2 test and analysis of variance.

Results

The IFG group had higher serum ferritin concentrations (85.5±6.6 μg/L vs. 49.4±3.7 μg/L, p=0.001). A positive correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose and serum ferritin (r=0.29, p=0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, we found an association between serum ferritin and blood pressure (0.15, p=0.01), FPG (0.29, p=0.001), triglyceride (0.08, p=0.01) and cholesterol (0.07, p=0.03). The odds ratio for the association of IFG in male subjects with a high serum ferritin level was 8.3 (95% CI: 1.2–11.9, p=0.01) and for females was 3.06 (95% CI: 0.58–15, p=0.1).

Conclusion

Based on the data from our study, aelevation in serum ferritin can be seen in pre-diabetes stage, before the occurrence of an overt diabetes mellitus.
Beneficial effects of strategies for primary prevention of diabetes on cardiovascular risk factors: results of the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme
Authors: Snehalatha Chamukuttan , Mary Simon , Joshi Vasant V , Ramachandran Ambady
Published: April 2008

In subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) who participated in the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme (IDPP), abnormalities related to body mass index, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and electrocardiography were analysed (at baseline and third-year follow-up) in control, lifestyle modification (LSM), metformin (MET) and LSM + MET groups.

At baseline, elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed the highest (78.6%) and total cholesterol (TC) showed the lowest (42%) prevalence. At follow-up, prevalence of hypertension (BP ≥ 130/≥.85 mmHg) had increased significantly in all groups. Cardiovascular abnormalities were lower in intervention groups, with the lowest rates in the MET group (p=0.013 vs. control); the LDL-C level decreased in intervention groups.

In this programme, Asian Indian IGT subjects were observed to have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. LSM and MET had beneficial effects on the atherogenic phenotype of lipids but had no influence on blood pressure.
Detection and characterisation of microcirculatory abnormalities in the skin of diabetic patients with microvascular complications
Authors: Brooks Belinda A , McLennan Susan V , Twigg Stephen M , Yue Dennis K
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to characterise microvascular blood flow in the skin and to compare it with biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and tissue inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes with (n=20) or without (n=20) microvascular complications and 20 control subjects. Microvascular function was measured by laser Doppler velocimetry in combination with iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Blood was collected for measurement of biomarkers including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Both ACh and SNP responses fall progressively with the development of diabetes and microvascular complications. For the total cohort, there was a significant overall correlation between ACh and SNP response (r=0.7, p<0.0001), and this relationship was particularly strong in those with microvascular complications. There was a trend towards higher hsCRP levels across the three groups, but no difference in other biomarkers.

Abnormalities of microvascular blood flow are evident in diabetes and become more marked with the development of microvascular complications. This relationship was similar to that shown by the marker of inflammation (hsCRP), but stronger than that pertaining to biomarkers of endothelial function. As both ACh and SNP responses are attenuated, the disturbance is not characteristic of endothelial dysfunction alone.
Metabolic syndrome in the Philippine general population: prevalence and risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Morales Dante D , Punzalan Felix Eduardo R , Paz-Pacheco Elizabeth , Sy Rody G , Duante Charmaine A
Published: April 2008

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its component risk factors among Filipinos using three sets of criteria and to evaluate the association between MS and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The study utilised a multi-staged cluster sampling design.

The prevalence of MS was found to be 11.9% by National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP/ATP III) criteria, 14.5% by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and 18.6% by NCEP/ATP III criteria modified by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NCEP/ATP III-AHA/NHLBI) criteria. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) occurred in 60.2% of men and 80.9% of women. Abdominal obesity was noted in 17.7% of men and 35.1% of women. Blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/85 mmHg was seen in 33.3%, hypertriglyceridaemia in 20.6% and fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/dL (5.55 mmol/L) in 7.1%. Age-adjusted odds ratios showed that MS, by all three definitions, predisposed an individual to diabetes mellitus (DM) and stroke while MS by the IDF definition predisposed an individual to myocardial infarction (MI). Individuals with MS did not have a significant predisposition to angina and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Thus, the metabolic syndrome is common in Filipinos, with low HDL-C as the most prevalent component. The metabolic syndrome predisposes to diabetes mellitus and stroke, with a tendency to MI using the IDF criteria.
Characterisation of atherosclerotic lesions with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of wet tissue
Authors: Kamari Yehuda , Cohen Hofit , Shaish Aviv , Bitzur Rafael , Afek Arnon , Shen Shlomzion , Vainshtein Anya , Harats Dror
Published: April 2008

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the universal leading cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity. Additionally, the global epidemic of diabetes is associated with considerable cardiovascular mortality risk due to accelerated premature atherosclerosis.

Development of effective therapies for atherosclerosis is dependent upon improved tools to assess atherosclerotic lesion progression in animal models. We present a novel technique that utilises scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for imaging wet biological specimens, thus enabling rapid and high-resolution imaging of atherosclerotic lesions. This wet SEM technique was used in an apoE-deficient mice model for morphological characterisation of early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Further demonstration of lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions was carried out with osmium tetroxide staining for cholesterol. Gold immunolabelling of specific epitopes was applied in identification of the cellular and molecular components within the atherosclerotic lesions, namely foam cells, smooth muscle cells and collagen.

The wet SEM technique demonstrates an accurate and detailed structural evaluation of the pathological process of atherosclerosis. Understanding the mechanisms that precipitate the atherosclerotic process, utilising this novel technique, may assist in the development of innovative therapeutic interventions for CVD management and prevention in the general population and in those with diabetes.
Drinking modulates monocyte migration in healthy subjects: a randomised intervention study of water, ethanol, red wine and beer with or without alcohol
Authors: Imhof Armin , Blagieva Roza , Marx Nikolaus , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: April 2008

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality compared to non-consumption of alcohol and heavy drinking. Experimental data suggest a direct effect of alcohol on atherosclerotic lesion development. We assessed the effect of consumption of moderate amounts of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages on monocyte migration, a crucial step in atherogenesis.

Forty-nine healthy men and women (aged 22–56 years) were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. After wash-out, participants were assigned to either ethanol (concentration 12.5%), beer (5.6%) or red wine (12.5%) equivalent to 30 grams of ethanol per day (g/d) for men and 20 g/d for women, or to the same amount of de-alcoholised beer or red wine, or to water. Monocyte migration was evaluated ex vivo using a modified Boyden chamber.

Intake of ethanol or de-alcoholised red wine significantly reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)- induced monocyte migration by 58% (p<0.05; n=6) and 36% (p<0.05; n=7) and FMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine)-induced migration by 41% (p<0.05) and 36% (p<0.05), respectively. MCP-1 receptor expression was not affected by these interventions, as shown by flow cytometry.

Short-term intervention with moderate amounts of ethanol and de-alcoholised red wine inhibits monocyte migration ex vivo. This might represent one mechanism by which alcoholic beverages lower cardiovascular risk.
Blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to prevent diabetes mellitus
Authors: McGuire Darren K , Winterfield Jeffrey R , Rytlewski Jason A , Ferrannini Ele
Published: April 2008

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing around the world, and the public health impact of DM, driven largely by cardiovascular disease complications, underpins the importance of continued efforts toward primary prevention of DM. Only a few interventions have been shown to prevent DM, with none of them yet proven to improve cardiovascular risk commensurately. Accumulating evidence suggest that drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), many of which have proven cardiovascular disease (CVD) benefit, also have favourable effects on parameters of glucose metabolism and incident diabetes. Here we review the evidence accumulated to date from animal studies, clinical mechanistic studies and clinical trials regarding the effect of RAAS inhibition and incident DM.
Health Care Utilization in Canada: Twenty-five Years of Evidence
Authors: Curtis Lori J. , MacMinn William J.
Published: April 2008

A plethora of literature links socioeconomic status (SES) to health and health care utilization. Recent anecdotal evidence indicates that Canadians believe their access to health care is diminishing. This study describes health care utilization patterns for services provided under public health insurance (physicians, specialists, and hospitals) in Canada between 1978 and 2003. The relationship between SES and utilization, controlling for health and demographic characteristics, is examined to investigate whether changes in the equity of utilization have occurred over time. Results indicate that SES inequities in utilization are apparent, appearing to be more relevant in initial contact with the system than in the number of visits. Specialists' services are particularly problematic and becoming more so over time.
Identification of Proteins Secreted from Leptin Stimulated MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: A Dual Proteomic Approach
Authors: Perera Candida N. , Spalding Heather S. , Mohammed Sulma I. , Camarillo Ignacio G.
Published: April 2008

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that regulates energy expenditure and food intake. A significant role for leptin in breast cancer has also been indicated by the resistance of leptin knockout mice in development of mammary tumors. In vitro, leptin induces proliferation of MCF-7 cells by activating cellular signaling pathways ( 1 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 17 , 56 ). As leptin is emerging as an important factor for tumor growth, and hormones can exert their actions via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, we hypothesized leptin may act by regulating epithelial-derived proteins. To test this hypothesis, leptin-regulated proteins secreted from MCF-7 mammary tumor cells were identified using proteomics techniques. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with 500 ng/ml leptin for 24 hours resulted in a 40% increase in cell number and a 5-fold increase in protein secretion as compared to controls. Establishing the significance of leptin-induced secreted factors, the addition of conditioned media from leptin-treated MCF-7 cells to synchronized MCF-7 cells resulted in 40% increase in cell number. Identification of leptin-regulated secreted proteins was done by 2D gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Proteins identified using Pro Found software and NCBI database included KF10 Collagen Precursor, Serologically Defined Breast Cancer Antigen NY-BR-62 and Cortactin Isoform a. A Human Cytokine Antibody Array system was used to identify low abundant proteins in the media of control and 500 ng/ml leptin-stimulated MCF-7 cells. In leptin treated cells, levels of FGF-9 were increased while IGFBP-3 and TGF-β3 levels were decreased. Many previous studies have focused on the regulation of distinct cellular proteins by leptin during mammary tumor cell proliferation. However, ours is the first study to identify leptin-regulated secreted proteins, many of which are known to play important roles in cancer. Our data support that leptin can influence mammary tumor growth and progression through regulation of autocrine/paracrine factors and by modulating the extracellular matrix composition.
The Importance of the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in Cardiovascular Disease and Other Chronic Diseases
Authors: Simopoulos Artemis P.
Published: April 2008

Several sources of information suggest that human beings evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) of ~1 whereas in Western diets the ratio is 15/1–16.7/1. Western diets are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and have excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids compared with the diet on which human beings evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Excessive amounts of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a very high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, as is found in today’s Western diets, promote the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, whereas increased levels of omega-3 PUFA (a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio), exert suppressive effects. In the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, a ratio of 4/1 was associated with a 70% decrease in total mortality. A ratio of 2.5/1 reduced rectal cell proliferation in patients with colorectal cancer, whereas a ratio of 4/1 with the same amount of omega-3 PUFA had no effect. The lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio in women with breast cancer was associated with decreased risk. A ratio of 2–3/1 suppressed inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and a ratio of 5/1 had a beneficial effect on patients with asthma, whereas a ratio of 10/1 had adverse consequences. These studies indicate that the optimal ratio may vary with the disease under consideration. This is consistent with the fact that chronic diseases are multigenic and multifactorial. Therefore, it is quite possible that the therapeutic dose of omega-3 fatty acids will depend on the degree of severity of disease resulting from the genetic predisposition. A lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is more desirable in reducing the risk of many of the chronic diseases of high prevalence in Western societies, as well as in the developing countries.
Environmentalism in Ireland: Ecological Modernisation versus Populist Rural Sentiment
Authors: Leonard Liam
Published: April 2008

The recent phase of economic growth in the Republic of Ireland has led to an increase in industrial and infrastructural development across the island. One offshoot of this accelerated growth has been a rise in community based environmental movements, as environmentalists and concerned communities have come to mobilise campaigns to protect local communities and hinterlands. This paper examines the contestation of two forms of environmentalism, institutional ecomodernism versus a grassroots ecopopulism within the context of the ongoing dispute between a local community in the west of Ireland and both multinationals and the state, who are attempting to run gas pipelines from the Atlantic Corrib Field through the rural community's lands.
Dominating Nature
Authors: Brennan Jason
Published: April 2008

Something is wrong with the desire to dominate nature. In this paper, I explain both the causes and solution to anti-environmental attitudes within the framework of Hegel's master–slave dialectic. I argue that the master–slave dialectic (interpreted as a metaphor, rather than literally) can provide reasons against taking an attitude of domination, and instead gives reasons to seek to be worthy of respect from nature, though nature cannot, of course, respect us. I then discuss what the social and economic conditions of moving to a post-domination philosophy appear to be.
Re-writing the History of Australian Tropical Rainforests: 'Alien Invasives' or 'Ancient Indigenes'?
Authors: Sanderson Rachel
Published: April 2008

In 1860 in the Flora Tasmaniae , J.D. Hooker characterised the vegetation of north-eastern Australia as 'Polynesian and Malayan'. Hooker was arguing against the notion that Australian flora and fauna were so different from that found elsewhere that their origin was only explicable by an act of separate creation. Botanist and geologists following Hooker also highlighted the similarities between Australian tropical rainforests and those of South-east Asia; however a number suggested that despite appearances, the Australian rainforests were not recent arrivals, but were comprised of ancient and distinctive species. From the 1980s, ecologists Webb and Tracey utilised evidence provided by palaeoecological studies and the new theory of continental drift to argue that these rainforests were an ancient and truly Australian environment - a relict of the Gondwanan vegetation that preceded the sclerophyllous vegetation more commonly regarded as uniquely 'Australian'. They represented their findings as overturning previous notions of rainforest as 'alien and invasive'. Their reclaiming of the rainforest as a symbol of nationhood, while involving a re-writing of previous scientific views, played a significant role in the subsequent arguments over the rainforests' conservation.
Landscape Histories: Mapping Environmental and Ecological Change Through the Landscape Art of the Swan River Region of Western Australia
Authors: Gaynor Andrea , McLean Ian
Published: April 2008

What can works of landscape art tell us about past ecologies? This article describes a pilot study in which a method for systematically recording the aesthetic, ecological and environmental content of landscape artworks was investigated. Using database software that allows for the identification and evaluation of relationships between aesthetic criteria (such as style) and environmental content (such as vegetation characteristics), we surveyed landscape artworks of the Swan River region of Western Australia created between 1827 and 1950. The database was first populated with aesthetic and ecological surveys of selected artworks, then the data was analysed in order to identify patterns of ecological change that are readily amenable to historical explanation. The veracity of such explanations was supported by a more fine-grained analysis of a specific site, for which the depiction of the environment in artworks was compared with that in written and photographic sources. Collectively, the artworks appeared to reflect probable changes in the prevalence of large trees and the broad composition of flora, with the site-specific study finding more specific correspondences between artworks and other sources. Although further research is required in order to expand and verify findings, these initial results suggest that there is scope for more extensive use of fine art in the production of the environmental histories and historical ecologies that increasingly inform ecological restoration and management projects.
The Spectre at the Feast: The Emergence of Salt in Victoria's Irrigated Districts
Authors: Howes Hilary Susan
Published: April 2008

Salinity in Victoria's irrigated districts can be understood as the result not only of environmental predisposition and technological inadequacies, but of a prevailing political philosophy which considered irrigation as a social and economic good per se. Victorian authorities (governments and water institutions), anxious to secure the state's economic prosperity and to encourage the establishment of independent family smallholdings, tended to underestimate the actual and potential severity of salinity problems, and to blame their development on the farming practices of individual landholders rather than on systemic failure. Their dismissal of farmers' concerns as 'ignorance' and their tardiness in implementing remedial measures in salt-affected areas were indicative not only of the restrictions imposed by insufficient knowledge, primitive technologies, and limited finances, but also of official resistance to the challenging of 'progress-through-irrigation' narratives. The salinity problems experienced today in many of Victoria's irrigated districts therefore reflect the long-term consequences of a broadly progress-oriented philosophy of natural resource management.
'Folk-Ecology' in the Australian Alps: Forest Cattlemen and the Royal Commissions of 1939 and 1946
Authors: Soeterboek Chris
Published: April 2008

Folk-ecology is a term more commonly used by anthropologists describing small-scale subsistence societies. I use the concept to explain the environmental understandings of the forest cattlemen or 'bushmen' of Victoria's alpine forests, in particular their understanding of fire-ecology in alpine and mountain ash landscapes on which they based their use of fire. Confident in their local knowledge, mountain cattlemen challenged the dominant scientific understandings of the environment held to by foresters and ecologists of the time. I argue in this paper that the basis of these cattlemen's use of fire to manage the land was their understanding of the practices during the 'pioneering' period of European settlement and of Aboriginal people before that. This peculiar view of the 'natural' state of the environment made it difficult for many of them to see their own environmental impacts. Information from ecologists and foresters that often highlighted the existence of environmental problems was dismissed as merely the 'theoretical' understandings of those who had not experienced the landscape as intimately as the high-country bushmen.
Selling the 'Untold Wealth' in the Seas: A Social and Cultural History of the South-east Australian Shelf Trawling Industry, 1915-1961
Authors: Gowers Richard J.
Published: April 2008

Between 1915 and 1961 a state-run trawling industry operated on the South-east Australian shelf targeting tiger flathead (Neoplatycephalus richardsoni) as its principal species. When the last steam-trawlers left in 1961, stocks in flathead had effectively collapsed. The familiar experience of overfishing, however, was due as much to social and cultural pressures as it was to increasing numbers of fishers targeting a delicate species with ever improving technologies. Flathead stocks declined as a direct result of a government initiative, designed to induce New South Wales residents to consume the Shelf's neglected wealth. In the intersection between the consuming masses, trawling nets, and government-directed marketing campaigns, tiger flathead became a new 'cheap food' and it could not withstand those forces. This article analyses the emergence of the Shelf fishery in 1915 and its evolution through the twentieth century. The history it details reveals the impact of the culture of consumerism on fishing ecosystems and the process through which a species declined from abundant to exhausted.
Untreated Opioid Use Disorder and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Syringe Service Program Clients
Authors: Deaner Megan E. , Rausch Johnathan , Entrup Parker , Hall O. Trent
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study explores health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the challenges to physical, emotional, and social functioning among individuals with opioid use disorder.
Skraban‐Deardorff intellectual disability syndrome‐associated mutations in WDR26 impair CTLH E3 complex assembly
Authors: Gross Annette , Müller Judith , Chrustowicz Jakub , Strasser Alexander , Gottemukkala Karthik V. , Sherpa Dawafuti , Schulman Brenda A. , Murray Peter J. , Alpi Arno F.
Published: April 2024

Patients with Skraban‐Deardorff syndrome (SKDEAS), a neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with a spectrum of developmental and intellectual delays and disabilities, harbor diverse mutations in WDR26, encoding a subunit of the multiprotein CTLH E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Structural studies revealed that homodimers of WDR26 bridge two core‐CTLH E3 complexes to generate giant, hollow oval‐shaped supramolecular CTLH E3 assemblies. Additionally, WDR26 mediates CTLH E3 complex binding to subunit YPEL5 and functions as substrate receptor for the transcriptional repressor HBP1. Here, we mapped SKDEAS‐associated mutations on a WDR26 structural model and tested their functionality in complementation studies using genetically engineered human cells lacking CTLH E3 supramolecular assemblies. Despite the diversity of mutations, 15 of 16 tested mutants impaired at least one CTLH E3 complex function contributing to complex assembly and interactions, thus providing first mechanistic insights into SKDEAS pathology.
Skin‐Mount Textile‐Based Flexible Strain Sensors for Physiotherapy
Authors: Javaid Aqsa , Zulfiqar Muhammad Hamza , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Khan Muhammad Atif , Zubair Muhammad , Massoud Yehia , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim
Published: April 2024

Tremendous development in intelligent wearable gadgets creates opportunities for flexible strain sensors. Comfortable and safe flexible strain sensors have high demand in wearable applications and therefore the textile‐based strain sensors are desired. Achieving attributes like easy fabrication, cost‐effectiveness, high sensitivity, good stability, and portability is still a challenge to overcome. In this regard, textile‐based flexible strain sensors, one on jeans fabric and other on cotton fabric, are presented. A conventional interdigitated electrode structure is adopted and sensors are prepared by facile and economical fabrication process. Both sensors own high sensitivity factors, i.e., gauge factor >200 and stability of ≈10 000 cycles. The anticipated works show a linear response R2 = 0.99, low hysteresis <5%, and minimum resolution <7°. The intended sensors are implemented for real‐time application, i.e., the physiotherapy of the knee and neck. The jeans‐fabric‐based sensor is used for knee therapy and the cotton for neck. The daily therapy sessions are recorded and examined. The sensors respond well to the applied strain during therapy sessions, proving to be an outstanding choice for integration into biomedical wearable devices for therapeutic purposes. The proposed sensors can also be auspicious candidates for targeting many other wearable applications.
Extension of Aqueous Zinc Battery Life Using a Robust and Hydrophilic Polymer Separator
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhu Ruijie , Yang Wuhai , Yang Yang , Okagaki Jun , Lu Ziyang , Sun Jianming , Yang Huijun , Yoo Eunjoo
Published: April 2024

The use of zinc (Zn) metal as an anode in aqueous batteries offers an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective energy storage solution. However, Zn dendrite formation severely restricts the cycle life of the battery toward practical application. Herein, a commercially hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane is demonstrated as a separator to significantly extend the cycle life of the Zn metal anode. In contrast with the conventional fragile glass fiber separator, a wetted PTFE separator exhibited high mechanical strength (stress of 34.3 MPa at 41.4% strain) and favorable hydrophilicity, which both efficiently suppress dendrite growth. The uniform and robust pore structures are proven to facilitate a homogeneous Zn2+ ion flux and a high transfer number of Zn2+ (0.81), which has guaranteed reversible Zn plating/stripping. As a proof of concept, the PTFE separator extended the cycle life considerably to over 3000 h and promoted a Zn plating/stripping efficiency of 99.5% in the unmodified 2 m ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. This advancement underscores the significant potential of the PTFE separator for enhancement of the cycling durability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs).
All‐Fluorinated Low‐Solvation Electrolytes for High‐Voltage Sodium Metal Batteries with Appealing Stability
Authors: Yu Qingtao , Xiao Ying , Zhao Shunshun , Miao Yue , Wan Shuang , Zhou Luoyuan , Rong Junfeng , Hou Guolin , Chen Shimou
Published: April 2024

High‐voltage sodium‐metal batteries (SMBs) are considered a promising battery system due to their abundant sodium source and high energy density. However, the instability of electrolytes, notorious reactivity of Na metal, and severe dissolution of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film impede their long lifespan and high safety. Herein, a low‐solvation modulating strategy is proposed to design an all‐fluorinated electrolyte consisting of 1 m NaPF6 in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), methyl 2, 2, 2‐trifluoroethyl carbonate (FEMC), and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB), realizing high working voltage and excellent cycling stability of SMBs. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations confirm that the presence of FEMC significantly improves the antioxidant property of the electrolyte and contributes to the formation of high‐quality interfacial phases on both anode and cathode. While LiDFOB benefits to optimize the energy bandgap and the solvated structure and stabilizing the FEMC. Consequently, excellent oxidative stability up to 5 V and ultra‐stable cycling of Na||Na3(VOPO4)2F battery (with a capacity retention of 82.9% after 1800 cycles at 4.4 V) are obtained, exhibiting superior stability to its counterparts. The proposed strategy provides a new insight to design SMBs operated at high voltages.
Brain‐On‐A‐Chip Based on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Neurons and Astrocytes for Neurotoxicity Testing: Communicative Astrocyte–Neuron DYnamics (CANDY) Chip
Authors: Choi Geonho , Yang Han‐Yeol , Cho Sungwoo , Kwon Dohyung , Kim Dong‐Wook , Ko Sungho
Published: April 2024

Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental pollutant, is a ubiquitous neurotoxicant that ultimately leads to neurodegenerative diseases. New experimental models are needed for public health toxicity testing associated with this pollutant. In this study, a human pluripotent stem cell‐based brain‐on‐a‐chip, named Communicative Astrocyte–Neuron DYnamics chip (CANDY chip), is reported, which enables observation of the interactions of neurons with astrocytes and accurate assessment of responses to penetration of MeHg across the blood‐brain barrier. Five neurophysiological characteristics of the CANDY chip provide an exact emulation of the brain: i) co‐culture of neurons with astrocytes, ii) transport of nutrients from blood vessels to neurons via astrocytes, iii) glia‐to‐neurons ratio of 1:1, iv) low‐speed flow of brain interstitial fluid, and v) neuroprotection by astrocytes against MeHg‐induced toxicity. The remarkable vulnerability of neurons is identified to MeHg toxicity as shattered neurites and verifies the tolerance of astrocytes to MeHg toxicity despite morphological changes such as cell shrinkage. It is also confirmed that the chip faithfully recapitulates actual neurophysiological responses through high neuronal cell viability because of the astrocytes and increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor as a neuroprotector. The CANDY chip can be a powerful platform for accurate neurotoxicity testing and modeling of complex neurodegenerative diseases.
Transparent Nanofibrous Membranes with Optimized Optical Channel Structure for Window Screens
Authors: Sun Feifei , Lin Yanyan , Li Xueqin , Wang Chao , Cheng Ningbo , Meng Na , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: April 2024

Nanofibrous membranes, characterized by their flexibility, high porosity, and tunable structure, are emerging as a promising contender for advanced transparent materials with sufficient breathability and pliability. However, the considerable surface light reflection and internal light scattering of nanofibrous membranes pose a challenging task in achieving transparency. In this study, transparent nanofibrous membranes are fabricated by constructing a topological structure with optimized optical transmission channels, which provide the minimum equivalent thickness to minimize light loss in nanofibrous membranes. The resultant fabricated membrane exhibits a high light transmittance of up to 81%, along with a sufficient porosity of 84% and flexibility. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated effective PM0.3–10 removal efficiency (>91%), low air pressure drops (<110 Pa), high air permeability (≈104 mm s−1), and good waterproof performance. Therefore, the prepared transparent nanofibrous membrane may serve as a transparent air filtration window screen to enhance indoor comfort for people.
Organoselenium Catalyzed Electrochemical Cascade Cyclization: An Access to Naphthofuran‐2‐carboxaldehyde
Authors: Dagar Neha , Singh Swati , Raha Roy Sudipta
Published: April 2024

We have developed an approach for the construction of naphthofuran‐2‐carboxaldehyde derivatives utilizing the synergy of electrochemical oxidation and organo‐selenium catalysis at room temperature. The compatibility of various functional groups and scalability of this protocol demonstrate the practicality of the electrochemical strategy. The synthetic utility of this strategy is furthermore demonstrated by synthesizing diversified molecules through downstream transformations.
Boosted Enzyme Activity via Encapsulation within Metal–Organic Frameworks with Pores Matching Enzyme Size and Shape
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Ziman , Wang Zheng , Lv Yongqin
Published: April 2024

A novel and versatile approach called “physical imprinting” is introduced to modulate enzyme conformation using mesoporous materials, addressing challenges in achieving improved enzyme activity and stability. Metal–organic frameworks with tailored mesopores, precisely matching enzyme size and shape, are synthesized. Remarkably, enzymes encapsulated within these customized mesopores exhibit over 1670% relative activity compared to free enzymes, maintaining outstanding efficiency even under harsh conditions such as heat, exposure to organic solvents, wide‐ranging pH extremes from acidic to alkaline, and exposure to a digestion cocktail. After 18 consecutive cycles of use, the immobilized enzymes retain 80% of their initial activity. Additionally, the encapsulated enzymes exhibit a substantial increase in catalytic efficiency, with a 14.1‐fold enhancement in kcat/KM compared to native enzymes. This enhancement is among the highest reported for immobilized enzymes. The improved enzyme activity and stability are corroborated by solid‐state UV–vis, electron paramagnetic resonance, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The findings not only offer valuable insights into the crucial role of size and shape complementarity within confined microenvironments but also establish a new pathway for developing solid carriers capable of enhancing enzyme activity and stability.
Auxetic Structure‐Assisted Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Efficient Energy Collection and Wearable Sensing
Authors: Yue Ouyang , Wang Xuechuan , Zhou Yi , Bai Zhongxue , Zou Xiaoliang , Xie Long , Liu Xinhua
Published: April 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are recognized for energy conversion efficiency and applications including electronics and energy storage devices. This study introduces a groundbreaking development in TENG by incorporating negative Poisson's ratio metamaterials to fabricate auxetic‐assisted triboelectric nanogenerators (Auxetic‐TENG), subversively overcoming the low power density of traditional materials. Subtly, an integrated layer‐by‐layer‐assembly and core–shell accumulation strategy is employed to create a synclastic polytetrafluoroethylene negative friction shell‐skeleton, into which positive Poisson's ratio nature collagen aggregate (CA) foam is inwardly embedded as the positive friction core‐material. Surprisingly, the on‐demand introduction of metamaterials in synergy with CA significantly increases the contact area and mechanical energy absorption of the Auxetic‐TENG under pressure. This enhancement in the conversion efficiency of mechanical to electricity capitalizes on the contraction origins of negative Poisson's ratio metamaterials, integrated with the expansion characteristics of the positive Poisson's ratio materials within the structure, facilitating the synergistic compression of the positive and negative friction stratum. Consequently, Auxetic‐TENG achieves an open‐circuit voltage of 85 V, an overturning four times compared to conventional contact–separation TENG, and a power density of 4.2 W m−2. Application experiments demonstrate the superior performance of auxetic‐TENG under various compression ratios and stress conditions, highlighting its potential for real‐time monitoring in healthcare applications.
Lobster quality indicators for grading
Authors: Thériault Michelle , David Aleasha , Samson Simone , Frame Stacey , Mdaini Zied , Lane Daniel
Published: April 2024

Male lobsters (Homarus americanus) harvested as ‘quarters’ (1.25 lbs/567 g) in two time periods (winter, N = 16, and summer, N = 25) of 2018 are examined. Indicators of quality data were collected for each lobster, including non‐invasive measures (shell hardness, carapace length, sex, live weight, colour, body shape, location, time of harvest) and invasive measures (blood protein [BRIX] level at time of harvest, cooked weight, meat content). Lobster BRIX levels are used as a proxy for actual meat content and as the key indicator of lobster quality. A regression model of the relationship between the natural logarithmic transformation of lobster BRIX levels (independent variable) and meat content yield as a percentage of shell‐on (uncooked) weight (dependent variable) is presented. The objective of this study is to evaluate alternative BRIX‐based decision rules for achieving desired meat content percentage yields for preparing shipments to global markets. The present study found that BRIX‐based grading rules can be determined to achieve minimum desired meat yields, minimum overall shipment yields and minimum proportions of shipments below desirable yield rate. For a minimum desired industry threshold of 24% meat content, the preferred BRIX value rules are (i) 8.5 mg mL−1 and (ii) ‘9 mg mL−1 with 10% plus condition’. These rules improve the admissibility of samples and reduce the risk of below desirable meat yields.
An Expanded Palette of Fluorescent COS/H2S‐Releasing Donors for H2S Delivery, Detection, and In Vivo Application
Authors: Fosnacht Kaylin G. , Dorogin Jonathan , Jefferis Payton M. , Hettiaratchi Marian H. , Pluth Michael D.
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important reactive sulfur species that is involved in many biological functions, and H2S imbalances have been indicated as a potential biomarker for various diseases. Different H2S donors have been developed to deliver H2S directly to biological systems, but few reports include donors with optical responses that allow for tracking of H2S release. Moreover, donor systems that use the same chemistry to deliver H2S across a palette of fluorescent responses remain lacking. Here we report five thiol‐activated fluorescence turn‐on COS/H2S donors that utilize blue, yellow, orange, red, and near infrared‐emitting dyes functionalized with an H2S‐releasing sulfenyl thiocarbonate scaffold. Upon treatment with thiols, each donor provides a fluorescence turn‐on response (3–310‐fold) and high H2S release efficiencies (>60 %). Using combined electrode and fluorescence experiments, we directly correlate the measured H2S release with the fluorescence response. All donors are biocompatible and release H2S in live cell environments. In addition, we demonstrate that the NIR donor allows for imaging H2S release in live rats via subcutaneous injection of the donor loaded into an alginate gel, which to the best of our knowledge is the first in vivo tracking of H2S release from a fluorogenic donor in non‐transparent organisms.
Nanogels with Metal‐Organic Cages as Functional Crosslinks
Authors: Hu Chaolei , Severin Kay
Published: April 2024

A dinuclear metal‐organic cage with four acrylate side chains was prepared by self‐assembly. Precipitation polymerization of the cage with N‐isopropylacrylamide yielded a thermoresponsive nanogel. The host properties of the cage were retained within the gel matrix, endowing the nanogel with the capability to serve as a sorbent for chloride ions in water. Moreover, a heteroleptic cage with the drug abiraterone as co‐ligand was integrated into a nanogel. The addition of chloride ions induced a structural rearrangement of the metal‐ligand assembly, resulting in the gradual release of abiraterone.
Evaluation of mechanical, permeation, and degradation properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate) blends for sustainable packaging
Authors: Ahuja Simran , Verma Amisha , Arora Sanjiv
Published: April 2024

This study explores the development of environmentally sustainable, high‐quality packaging materials by incorporating poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with different polymers. To accomplish this objective, pure PHB was blended with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in a precise 9:1 ratio. Subsequently, this blend was further combined with 50 wt% of various polymers, namely, polycaprolactone, poly(vinylacetate), and polylactic acid (PLA), using a solvent‐casting method. Further, the research investigates the multifaceted properties of these materials, including their thermal characteristics, morphological structures, mechanical strengths, barrier properties, and degradation behaviors. Among these blends, the film consisting of PHB, PEG, and PLA (PHB/PEG/PLA) emerged as a standout performer, displaying exceptional attributes. Notably, the PHB/PEG/PLA composite film exhibited remarkable thermal stability, boasting a high tensile strength of 26.6 MPa. Additionally, it demonstrated an outstanding ability to serve as a barrier against water vapors. These findings imply that the PHB/PEG/PLA composite film holds significant potential for a wide range of applications, particularly in the field of packaging and beyond.
Enhancing coal slime processing: Investigating the efficacy of sodium dodecyl sulfonate in the adsorption on kaolinite surfaces
Authors: Lu Fangqin , Liu Lingyun , Kong Chuilei , Zhao Hongyu
Published: April 2024

Addressing the issue of processing fine kaolinite and quartz particles in coal slime, this study utilized molecular simulation and Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the chelate adsorption characteristics of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on kaolinite surfaces. As a major clay mineral component in coal slime, kaolinite reduces coal's calorific value but holds potential for industrial and agricultural applications. The research identified distinct interactions between SDS and the tetrahedral SiO layer and octahedral AlO layer of kaolinite, in contrast to quartz, which contains only the tetrahedral SiO layer. This difference is crucial for the effective separation of kaolinite from quartz. The study focused on analyzing SDS adsorption on the (001) and (00‐1) planes of kaolinite. The findings revealed strong adsorption of SDS on kaolinite surfaces, especially on the (001) plane, evidenced by significant charge transfer indicating efficient chelation. This effect results from the interaction of SDS's electron‐donating atoms (such as S and O) with the metal atoms on the surface of kaolinite. Adsorption strength was quantified through adsorption energy calculations, showing a stronger interaction on the (001) surface. Experimental validations, including single mineral flotation experiments and infrared spectroscopic analysis, further corroborated the simulation outcomes. These tests demonstrated improved flotation recovery of kaolinite in the presence of SDS and with reduced particle size. Infrared analysis revealed that SDS selectively and strongly adsorbs on kaolinite surfaces, as indicated by diminished hydroxyl group stretching vibrations in the FTIR spectrum and changes in absorption peaks related to inorganic vibrations and sulfonic acid groups. The study demonstrates that SDS can selectively and effectively adsorb onto kaolinite surfaces, particularly on the (001) plane, facilitating the efficient extraction of fine kaolinite from coal slime. This research holds significant potential for enhancing the utilization of resources from coal slime in the coal industry, offering both economic and environmental benefits.