bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peter F. Drucker
Authors: Paschek Peter
Published: August 2020

Peter Drucker's work, which has always been guided by a view of society as a whole, is captured from the perspective of a friendship that has lasted for decades. Drucker's work was that of a great political humanist; embedded in it: his management theory, which made him famous.

The first chapter tells the story of a deep long-lasting friendship. The following sheds light on Peter Drucker’s view of the 20th century as a wasted one.

His theory of Management as social function is the focus of chapter 3.

Chapter 4 draws the Portrait of Peter Drucker, the Intellectual.

Finally there are some anecdotes on the lives of Doris and Peter Drucker, two exceptionally strong characters, who shared a deep love for more than seventy years.
Geysha Gonzalez: "Con las noticias falsas ocurre como con la comida basura; sabes que te perjudica, pero la consumes porque te satisface"
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: August 2020

Mujer, joven, latina, interesada en política, fan de Beyoncé y seguidora del beisbol. Así es como las redes sociales caracterizan probablemente a la estadounidense Geysha Gonzalez a la hora de identificar perfiles de microtargeting. Experta en combatir la desinformación y las noticias falsas, es directora adjunta del Eurasia Center del think tank especializado en relaciones internacionales Atlantic Council. Conversamos con ella el pasado octubre en un encuentro auspiciado por el Col·legi de Periodistes de Catalunya y el Consulado de Estados Unidos en Barcelona.
III Jornada Almanzora Comparte: el brillo en la mirada
Authors: Sanz Martos Sandra
Published: August 2020

El pasado día 8 de noviembre tuvo lugar la tercera edición de la Jornada Almanzora Comparte. Una tercera edición que ha destacado principalmente por dos cosas: por un lado, por las iniciativas formativas innovadoras en el ámbito de la Administración Pública que se han compartido. Y por otro, por la movilización femenina que generó la asistencia de Miguel Lorente Acosta, experto en medicina legal y en temas relacionados con la igualdad y la violencia de género, que nos hizo reflexionar sobre el machismo y la seguridad de las mujeres.
Levantando muros: desconexiones humanas en una Europa Fortaleza
Authors: Ruiz Benedicto Ainhoa , Aranda Dani
Published: August 2020

Es en la frontera donde se muestra nuestra apertura física, social y política al mundo. Cuando la gestión se endurece, militariza y privatiza acaba teniendo un impacto cognitivo en el seno de la sociedad: la militarización progresiva de este punto de encuentro que son las fronteras, nos acaba enseñando que el otro, el que viene de fuera, es una persona extraña ante la cual no queda más opción que defenderse. Esto nos retrotrae al modelo de fortaleza medieval, donde había que defenderse de los bárbaros, para lo cual se levantaba una muralla, y todo lo indeseado para el sistema interno quedaba fuera de ella. En este contexto hablar de Europa Fortaleza no sólo es pertinente, sino también necesario y urgente: ¿queremos vivir amurallados?
El retrato fotográfico contemporáneo de la mano de Laura Pannack
Authors: Martorell Sandra
Published: August 2020

El storytelling está de moda. Usarlo en lengua sajona le da ese punto sexy, pero lo de contar historias no es nuevo, y no es propio únicamente del marketing, la comunicación o la publicidad, sino que encontramos storytelling por todas partes. También en fotografía, disciplina que desde sus orígenes y de forma más o menos voluntaria se ha dedicado a contarnos historias y buscar esa conexión emocional con el espectador. Lo sabe bien Laura Pannack, una contadora de historias nata que con su Hasselblad 500 ha conseguido hacerse un lugar entre los retratistas contemporáneos de moda, especialmente desde que ganara el World Press Photo de retrato en 2010.
Quantitative proteomics suggests changes in the carbohydrate metabolism of maize in response to larvae of the belowground herbivore Holotrichia parallela
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhao Shiwen , Wang Zhun , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xinxin , Lee Yunshuo , Xi Jinghui
Published: August 2020

The larvae of Holotrichia parallela, a destructive belowground herbivore, may cause yield losses of up to 20% in maize in a typical year. To understand the protein-level mechanisms governing the response of maize to this herbivore, tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics was used for the comparative analysis of protein abundance in the maize roots after H. parallela larval attack. A total of 351 upregulated proteins and 303 downregulated proteins were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were most strongly associated with carbohydrate and energy metabolism pathways, such as glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and fructose and mannose metabolism. Most glycolysis-related proteins were significantly induced. In addition, H. parallela larval attack decreased the glucose concentrations in the roots. This study demonstrates that maize can manipulate carbohydrate metabolism by modifying glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway response to root-feeding herbivorous attackers. The results of this study may help to establish a foundation for further functional studies of key protein-mediated responses to H. parallela larvae in maize.
Ethnobotanical Uses of Wild Edible Fruits of Vitaceae in Kerala
Authors: Joseph Rani
Published: August 2020

Fruit is a ripened ovary usually developed as a result of flower being pollinated. Plants are cultivated as well as wild, mainly cultivated fruits are grown by farmers for economical value while utility of wild fruits are occurring only in their natural habitat. As population increases the areas of plantation and forest used for human welfare, so wild edible plants lost their identity and decrease in their number. The objective of the study is to analyse ethnobotanically important edible fruits of Vitaceae in Kerala. Wild fruiting plants are major in numbers in Kerala which are not affected by human interaction due to their difficult geographic and climatic conditions which is not suitable for human survival. Vitaceae family includes 5 genus belonging to Kerala that are ethnobotanically very significant and edible.
Larvicidal Activity of Some Plants Extracts and Their Partitioned Fractions against Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Famuyiwa Funmilayo G. , Adewoyin Francis B. , Oladiran Oluyemi J. , Obagbemi Oluwatosin R.
Published: August 2020

Aim: The methanol extracts of fifteen plants and their partitioned fractions were screened for larvicidal activity against the fourth instar of larvae Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of lymphatic filariasis with a view to identifying the active ones.

Methodology: The plant parts were collected, separately dried and milled. Each powdered material was extracted in methanol at room temperature for 3 days, with agitation. The extract was filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Each extract was tested against the fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The methanol extracts were suspended in water and successively partitioned into n-hexane and ethylacetate. Each partitioned fraction was also tested against the fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Results: About fifty six percent (56.3%) of the tested extracts had moderate larvicidal activity after 48 hours. The fruit extract of Thevetia neriifolia and the leaf extracts of Calotropis procera and Solanum macrocarpon were the most active. After partitioning the methanol extracts, each of the plant extracts had one or two highly active partitioned fractions after 48 hours. The n-hexane fractions of S. macrocarpon (0.78 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and Spondias mombin (0.81 ± 0.03 mg/mL) were the most active.

Conclusion: The non-polar fractions of S. macrocarpon and S. mombin were the most active. Purification of these highly active fractions could lead to the isolation of potent larvicidal compounds that could be used in the control of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito.
Tidal Flat Depositional System of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-basin Northern Benue trough N. E. Nigeria: Implication for Macro-Tidal Coastline
Authors: Shettima B. , Bukar M. , Kuku A. , Kamale H. I. , Shettima B.
Published: August 2020

This research aims to evaluate the facies and facies association of the Yolde Formation at Kware stream in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough with objective of characterizing its paleodepositional environment. Six lithofacies consisting of trough crossbedded sandstone facies (St), massive bedded sandstone facies (Sm), planar crossbedded sandstone facies (Sp), ripple laminated sandstone facies (Sr), parallel sandstone facies (Sl) and mudstone facies (Fm) defining its stratal packages were skewed into distinctive assemblages of flaser, wavy and lenticular bedding. This present a fining upward signature with facies association typical of tidal flat system. This is evident of a coastal progradation with sequences reflecting migration of a supra-tidal mudflat over intertidal mixed-flat zone which progressively superposed subtidal sandflats. This is indicative of a coastal shoreline with a relatively progradational phase within the net transgressive regional framework of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation.
Cryo‐EM structure of the ribosome functional complex of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus at 3.2 Å resolution
Authors: Golubev Alexander , Fatkhullin Bulat , Khusainov Iskander , Jenner Lasse , Gabdulkhakov Azat , Validov Shamil , Yusupova Gulnara , Yusupov Marat , Usachev Konstantin
Published: August 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen and one of the leading causes of healthcare‐acquired infections in the world. The growing antibiotic resistance of S. aureus obliges us to search for new drugs and treatments. As the majority of antibiotics target the ribosome, knowledge of its detailed structure is crucial for drug development. Here, we report the cryo‐EM reconstruction at 3.2 Å resolution of the S. aureus ribosome with P‐site tRNA, messenger RNA, and 10 RNA modification sites previously not assigned or visualized. The resulting model is the most precise and complete high‐resolution structure to date of the S. aureus 70S ribosome with functional ligands.
A label‐free impedance assay in endothelial cells differentiates the activation and desensitization properties of clinical S1P1 agonists
Authors: Grailhe Patrick , Boutarfa‐Madec Asma , Beauverger Philippe , Janiak Philip , Parkar Ashfaq A.
Published: August 2020

Sphingosine‐1 phosphate receptor‐1 (S1P1) activation maintains endothelial barrier integrity, whereas S1P1 desensitization induces peripheral blood lymphopenia. The latter is exploited in the approval and/or late‐stage development of receptor‐desensitizing agents targeting the S1P1 receptor in multiple sclerosis, such as siponimod, ozanimod, and ponesimod. SAR247799 is a recently described G protein‐biased S1P1 agonist that activates S1P1 without desensitization and thus has endothelial‐protective properties in patients without reducing lymphocytes. As SAR247799 demonstrated endothelial‐protective effects at sub‐lymphocyte‐reducing doses, the possibility exists that other S1P1 modulators could also exhibit endothelial‐protective properties at lower doses. To explore this possibility, we sought to quantitatively compare the biased properties of SAR247799 with the most advanced clinical molecules targeting S1P1. In this study, we define the β‐arrestin pathway component of the impedance profile following S1P1 activation in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC) and report quantitative indices of the S1P1 activation‐to‐desensitization ratio of various clinical molecules. In a label‐free impedance assay assessing endothelial barrier integrity and disruption, the mean estimates (95% confidence interval) of the activation‐to‐desensitization ratios of SAR247799, ponesimod, ozanimod, and siponimod were 114 (91.1–143), 7.66 (3.41–17.2), 6.35 (3.21–12.5), and 0.170 (0.0523–0.555), respectively. Thus, we show that SAR247799 is the most G protein‐biased S1P1 agonist currently characterized. This rank order of bias among the most clinically advanced S1P1 modulators provides a new perspective on the relative potential of these clinical molecules for improving endothelial function in patients in relation to their lymphocyte‐reducing (desensitization) properties.
An Advanced Dual‐Function MnO2‐Fabric Air Filter Combining Catalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde and High‐Efficiency Fine Particulate Matter Removal
Authors: Dai Zijian , Zhu Jie , Yan Jiaqi , Su Jiafei , Gao Yunfei , Zhang Xing , Ke Qinfei , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: August 2020

Comprehensive treatment of indoor contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using transition metal oxide catalysts or functional fibrous filters has gained substantial attention recently. However, coupling VOC oxidation catalysts into high‐performance filter systems remains a challenge. Herein, an overall solution to strongly bind manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanocrystals onto polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabrics is provided. For the first time, uniform heterogeneous nucleation and growth of MnO2 onto PP nonwoven fabrics using intermediate inorganic nucleation films, including Al2O3, TiO2, and ZnO, formed conformally on the fabrics via atomic layer deposition (ALD) are demonstrated. How different ALD thin films influence the crystallinity, morphology, surface area, and surface oxygen species of the MnO2 grown ALD‐coated PP fibers is further investigated. In addition to uniformity and integrity, ZnO thin films give rise to MnO2 crystals with the largest fraction of available surface oxygen, enabling 99.5% catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde within 60 min. Moreover, the metal oxide filters provide excellent PM removal efficiencies (ePM), achieving ePM2.5 90% and ePM10 98%, respectively, making the approach an outstanding method to produce fully dual‐functional filtration media.
TiO2 Nanocrystal‐Framed Li2TiSiO5 Platelets for Low‐Voltage Lithium Battery Anode
Authors: He Di , Wang Boya , Wu Tianhao , Su Heng , Zhang Xu , Ren Yang , Xu Gui‐Liang , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Jinshu , Amine Khalil , Yu Haijun
Published: August 2020

Titanium‐based anode materials are attracting considerable attention for use in high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries, but the compromised energy density caused by high voltage plateaus and unsatisfactory capacities severely retards their practical applications. Herein, a molten‐salt synthesis of Li2TiSiO5 crystalline platelets and a subsequent selective facet modification by in situ growth of TiO2 nanocrystal frames are facilely achieved. The discharge voltage plateau at around 0.5 V renders the Li2TiSiO5 anode safe compared with graphite and confers a high energy density compared with zero‐strain Li4Ti5O12 anode. With the optimized size, structure, and content of modified TiO2 nanocrystals associated with the exposed (001) plane of Li2TiSiO5, the Li2TiSiO5‐based anodes can deliver a capacity of above 300 mAh g−1, enhanced rate performance, and a capacity retention of 66% after 10 000 cycles. In situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ transmission electron microscopy have demonstrated the structural stability of the anodes upon charge/discharge. Further theoretical calculation reveals 3D migration paths of Li+ ions in Li2TiSiO5. The selective modification of in situ grown TiO2 nanocrystals on certain facets of crystallites opens a new door for the development of electrode materials possessing superior electrochemical properties.
Enhancing Chemotherapy of p53‐Mutated Cancer through Ubiquitination‐Dependent Proteasomal Degradation of Mutant p53 Proteins by Engineered ZnFe‐4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Qian Jieying , Zhang Wenbin , Wei Pengfei , Yao Guangyu , Yi Tianxiang , Zhang Hao , Ding He , Huang Xiaowan , Wang Meimei , Song Yang , Zhong Suqin , Yang Lijiao , Gao Jinhao , Zhou Zijian , Wen Long‐ping , Zhang Yunjiao
Published: August 2020

A significant percentage of human cancers harbor missense mutations in the TP53 gene and express highly stabilized mutant p53 protein (mutp53) with tumor‐promoting gain‐of‐function (GOF) properties. Inducing mutp53 degradation is a viable precision anti‐tumor therapeutic strategy. Based on the previously reported finding that a zinc‐curcumin compound induced mutp53 degradation, a series of ZnFe nanoparticles (ZnFe NPs) are synthesized and it is found that ZnFe‐4, with an Zn:Fe ratio of 1:2, exhibits outstanding mutp53‐degrading capability. ZnFe‐4 induced ubiquitination‐mediated proteasomal degradation of several different mutp53 species, but not the wild‐type p53 protein. Cellular internalization, intracellular Zn++ elevation and increased ROS are all necessary for ZnFe‐4‐induced mutp53 degradation. Degradation of mutp53 by ZnFe‐4, abrogated mutp53‐manifested GOF, leading to increased p21 expression, cell cycle arrest, reduced cell proliferation and cell migration, and cell demise. ZnFe‐4 also sensitized to cisplatin‐elicited killing in p53 S241F ES‐2 ovarian cancer cells, and dramatically improved the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in a subcutaneous ES‐2 tumor model. The potential clinical utility of ZnFe‐4 is further demonstrated in an orthotopically‐implanted p53 Y220C patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) breast cancer model. ZnFe‐4 is the first reported mutp53‐degrading nanomaterial, and further materials engineering may lead to the development of zinc‐based nanoparticles with minimal toxicity and maximized mutp53‐degrading capability.
Tailoring Gelation Mechanisms for Advanced Hydrogel Applications
Authors: Nele Valeria , Wojciechowski Jonathan P. , Armstrong James P. K. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: August 2020

Hydrogels are one of the most commonly explored classes of biomaterials. Their chemical and structural versatility has enabled their use across a wide range of applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cell culture. Hydrogels form upon a sol–gel transition, which can be elicited by different triggers designed to enable precise control over hydrogelation kinetics and hydrogel structure. The chosen hydrogelation trigger and chemistry can have a profound effect on the success of the targeted application. In this Progress Report, a critical overview of recent advances in hydrogel design is presented, with a focus on the available strategies used to trigger the formation of hydrogel networks (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound). These triggers are presented within a new classification system, and their suitability for six key hydrogel‐based applications is assessed. This Progress Report is intended to guide trigger selection for new hydrogel applications and inspire the rational design of new hydrogelation trigger mechanisms.
Recent Advances in Semiconducting Monoelemental Selenium Nanostructures for Device Applications
Authors: Huang Weichun , Wang Minmin , Hu Lanping , Wang Cong , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han
Published: August 2020

Investigations into semiconductor nanomaterials from both an academic and industrial point of view are of great significance. Selenium (Se) nanostructures, as narrow bandgap semiconductors, have a variety of potential applications in the fabrication of many high‐performance devices. The past decades have witnessed rapid development in new strategies for synthesizing Se nanostructures with controlled sizes, shapes, and structures, whose diverse structure‐dependent nature enables functional Se nanomaterials to have great potentials for modern applications. This review focuses on the synthesis and morphology control of intriguing Se nanostructures, the latest progress in understanding the fundamental properties of Se nanostructures, and the recent advances in high‐performance Se nanomaterial‐based devices for diverse applications. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for Se nanostructures and Se‐related devices are also discussed.
Living, Self‐Replicating Ferrofluids for Fluidic Transport
Authors: Mirkhani Nima , Christiansen Michael G. , Schuerle Simone
Published: August 2020

Magnetic actuation offers a means to wirelessly control flow in ferrofluids for applications including microfluidic pumping and targeted drug delivery. Despite the promise of these concepts, practical use of synthetic ferrofluids as actuators of flow frequently requires high concentrations and is hindered by low ferrohydrodynamic coupling efficiency and inhomogeneous flow fields. Inspired by the magnetic properties and hydrodynamic forms displayed by magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), this work studies the use of these microbes as a living, self‐replicating ferrofluid for improved fluidic transport via magnetically coerced rotation. Using multicore iron oxide nanoparticles as a performance benchmark, MTB under rotating magnetic fields are shown to produce more homogeneous and efficient flow. Coupling is enhanced whether the comparison is made in terms of volume of magnetic material or total volume fraction. To clarify the mechanistic role of interactions with boundaries in transport, a computational model is developed and validated experimentally. Applying this model, two distinct and feasible magnetic control strategies are predicted: a rotating gradient field that generates directional flow despite boundaries that promote flow in opposing directions and a magnetostatic gating field that enables spatially selective actuation. The advantageous properties identified for MTB open a design space for these strategies to be realized.
Design of a Janus‐Faced Electrode for Highly Stretchable Zinc–Silver Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Song Woo‐Jin , Hwang Chihyun , Lee Sangyeop , Kong Minsik , Kim Jonghak , Park Hyung Keun , Son Hye Bin , Park Gyeongbae , Cho Sunghwan , Song Jun Hyuk , Kim Hyoung Seop , Jeong Unyong , Shin Tae Joo , Song Hyun‐Kon , Park Soojin
Published: August 2020

One of the biggest challenges facing the development of comfortable wearable electronics is the fabrication of stretchable power sources, which are inherently safe and can maintain their electrochemical performance under mechanical elongation. Zinc–silver batteries based on water‐based chemistry have been investigated as viable power supply candidates, owing to their high energy/power density and safety. However, this type of batteries requires a new electrode that can guarantee both high elasticity and stable cycling characteristics of the battery. Here, stretchable zinc–silver rechargeable batteries based on a Janus‐faced electrode, which is a single electrode that comprises a cathode and an anode, are proposed. The Janus‐faced electrode exhibits good mechanical robustness (200 cycles at 200% strain) and retains a high electrical conductivity in the elongated state (2.1 Ω at 100% strain). A proof‐of‐concept stretchable zinc–silver battery based on the Janus‐faced electrode is fabricated to demonstrate the outstanding long‐term cyclability (capacity retentions of ≈90% after 200 cycles), owing to the prevention of short circuit from the zinc dendrite by the unique electrode configuration. Further, the proposed stretchable zinc–silver batteries can deliver a stable electrochemical performance even under a 200% strain while maintaining their functional properties.
Intracellular Fate of Hydrophobic Nanocrystal Self‐Assemblies in Tumor Cells
Authors: Nicolas‐Boluda Alba , Yang Zhijie , Dobryden Illia , Carn Florent , Winckelmans Naomi , Péchoux Christine , Bonville Pierre , Bals Sara , Claesson Per Martin , Gazeau Florence , Pileni Marie Paule
Published: August 2020

Control of interactions between nanomaterials and cells remains a biomedical challenge. A strategy is proposed to modulate the intralysosomal distribution of nanoparticles through the design of 3D suprastructures built by hydrophilic nanocrystals (NCs) coated with alkyl chains. The intracellular fate of two water‐dispersible architectures of self‐assembled hydrophobic magnetic NCs: hollow deformable shells (colloidosomes) or solid fcc particles (supraballs) is compared. These two self‐assemblies display increased cellular uptake by tumor cells compared to dispersions of the water‐soluble NC building blocks. Moreover, the self‐assembly structures increase the NCs density in lysosomes and close to the lysosome membrane. Importantly, the structural organization of NCs in colloidosomes and supraballs are maintained in lysosomes up to 8 days after internalization, whereas initially dispersed hydrophilic NCs are randomly aggregated. Supraballs and colloidosomes are differently sensed by cells due to their different architectures and mechanical properties. Flexible and soft colloidosomes deform and spread along the biological membranes. In contrast, the more rigid supraballs remain spherical. By subjecting the internalized suprastructures to a magnetic field, they both align and form long chains. Overall, it is highlighted that the mechanical and topological properties of the self‐assemblies direct their intracellular fate allowing the control intralysosomal density, ordering, and localization of NCs.
Adhesive Hydrogel Patch with Enhanced Strength and Adhesiveness to Skin for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Jung Hooyeon , Kim Min Kyung , Lee Jun Yup , Choi Seung Woo , Kim Jaeyun
Published: August 2020

Transdermal drug delivery patches based on hydrogels are widely used for the transdermal delivery of diverse drugs. However, most hydrogels do not exhibit adequate adhesiveness to skin surface. Herein, tissue adhesive hydrogels consisting of polyacrylamide/polydopamine (PAM/PDA) hydrogels embedded with extra‐large pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (XL‐MSNs) are proposed based on the synergy of cohesive and adhesive properties. The incorporation of XL‐MSNs leads to enhanced strength and adhesiveness to skin tissue due to an increased cohesive property derived from molecular interactions between XL‐MSNs and polymer chains. The application of XL‐MSNs to the hydrogel–skin tissue interface leads to a further enhanced adhesiveness due to the adhesive gluing role of XL‐MSNs on the interface. The optimized condition enables a 4.9‐fold increase in adhesion energy on the porcine skin tissue, compared to the control PAM/PDA patch. Strong adhesion is achieved immediately after the hydrogel patch is attached onto the skin as well as the surfaces of other organs. Finally, transdermal drug delivery through porcine skin is demonstrated by using the hydrogel patch, with a model drug loaded in the XL‐MSNs embedded in the patch. These observations indicate a simple but highly effective strategy for preparing a highly adhesive hydrogel patch for transdermal drug delivery.
Neuronal Migration on Silicon Microcone Arrays with Different Pitches
Authors: Seo Jeongyeon , Lanara Christina , Choi Ji Yu , Kim Jungnam , Cho Hyeoncheol , Chang Young‐Tae , Kang Kyungtae , Stratakis Emmanuel , Choi Insung S.
Published: August 2020

Neuronal migration is a complicated but fundamental process for proper construction and functioning of neural circuits in the brain. Many in vivo studies have suggested the involvement of environmental physical features of a neuron in its migration, but little effort has been made for the in vitro demonstration of topography‐driven neuronal migration. This work investigates migratory behaviors of primary hippocampal neurons on a silicon microcone (SiMC) array that presents 14 different pitch domains (pitch: 2.5–7.3 µm). Neuronal migration becomes the maximum at the pitch of around 3 µm, with an upper migration threshold of about 4 µm. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that the speed and direction of migration, as well as its probability of occurrence, are correlated with the morphology of the neuron, which is dictated by the pitch and shape of underlying SiMC structures. In addition to the effects on neuronal migration, the real‐time imaging of migrating neurons on the topographical substrate reveals new in vitro modes of neuronal migration, which have not been observed on the conventional flat culture plate, but been suggested by in vivo studies.
mRNA Delivery Using Bioreducible Lipidoid Nanoparticles Facilitates Neural Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhao Xuewei , Glass Zachary , Chen Jinjin , Yang Liu , Kaplan David L. , Xu Qiaobing
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering and delivering biological molecules into MSCs has been used to control stem cell behavior. However, the efficient delivery of large biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins into MSCs using nonviral delivery strategies remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, nanoparticles composed of cationic bioreducible lipid‐like materials (lipidoids) are developed to intracellularly deliver mRNA into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The delivery efficacy to hMSCs is improved by adding three excipients including cholesterol, 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐polyethylene glycol (DSPE‐PEG) during lipidoid nanoparticle formulation. Using an optimized lipidoid formulation, Cas9 mRNA and single guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting neuron restrictive silencing factor (NRSF) are delivered to hMSCs, leading to successful neural‐like differentiation as demonstrated by the expression of synaptophysin (SYP), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and neuron‐specific growth‐associated protein (SCG10). Overall, a synthetic lipid formulation that can efficiently deliver mRNA to hMSCs is identified, leading to CRISPR‐based gene knockdown to facilitate hMSCs transdifferentiation into neural‐like lineage.
pH, Nanosheet Concentration, and Antioxidant Affect the Oxidation of Ti3C2Tx and Ti2CTx MXene Dispersions
Authors: Zhao Xiaofei , Vashisth Aniruddh , Blivin Jackson W. , Tan Zeyi , Holta Dustin E. , Kotasthane Vrushali , Shah Smit A. , Habib Touseef , Liu Shuhao , Lutkenhaus Jodie L. , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J.
Published: August 2020

The chemical stability of 2D MXene nanosheets in aqueous dispersions must be maintained to foster their widespread application. MXene nanosheets react with water, which results in the degradation of their 2D structure into oxides and carbon residues. The latter detrimentally restricts the shelf life of MXene dispersions and devices. However, the mechanism of MXene degradation in aqueous environment has yet to be fully understood. In this work, the oxidation kinetics is investigated of Ti3C2Tx and Ti2CTx in aqueous media as a function of initial pH values, ionic strengths, and nanosheet concentrations. The pH value of the dispersion is found to change with time as a result of MXene oxidation. Specifically, MXene oxidation is accelerated in basic media by their reaction with hydroxyl anions. It is also demonstrated that oxidation kinetics are strongly dependent on nanosheet dispersion concentration, in which oxidation is accelerated for lower MXene concentrations. Ionic strength does not strongly affect MXene oxidation. The authors also report that citric acid acts as an effective antioxidant and mitigates the oxidation of both Ti3C2Tx and Ti2CTx MXenes. Reactive molecular dynamic simulations suggest that citric acid associates with the nanosheet edge to hinder the initiation of oxidation.
Highly Transparent and Colorless Nanocellulose/Polyimide Substrates with Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties for Flexible OLED Displays
Authors: Chen Linlin , Yu Huang , Dirican Mahmut , Fang Dongjun , Tian Yan , Yan Chaoyi , Xie Jingyi , Jia Dongmei , Liu Hao , Wang Jiasheng , Tang Fangcheng , Zhang Xiangwu , Tao Jinsong
Published: August 2020

Flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays have attracted worldwide attention and colorless polyimides (CPIs) are their key substrate materials. However, desirable CPIs are difficult to obtain since the thermal and mechanical properties are sacrificed during CPI production through modification of colored polyimide. Here, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/CPI hybrid substrate with high optical, mechanical, and thermal properties is introduced. Due to the outstanding mechanical and thermal properties of CNCs as well as their strong interfacial interaction with CPI matrix, the sacrificed properties are made up and hybrid substrate is demonstrated strikingly improved thermal properties and mechanical properties with thermal decomposition temperature of 555 °C, upper operating temperature of 320 °C, glass transition temperature of 289 °C, coefficient of thermal expansion of 31.62 ppm K−1, tensile strength of 128 MPa, elastic modulus of 3.72 GPa, and folding capacity of 160 000 times. Particularly, the substrate keeps an excellent transmittance of 86% at 600 nm and it is colorless. The OLED devices built on the hybrid substrates show outstanding performance, which is superior to that of OLED@CPI, and comparable to that of OLED@glass. It is expected that this work will open new avenues for fabricating high‐performance and low‐cost flexible OLED devices.
E3 Ligase FBXW2 Is a New Therapeutic Target in Obesity and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Xu Wenjing , Chao Yuelin , Liang Minglu , Zhang Fengxiao , Huang Kai
Published: August 2020

Chronic low‐grade inflammation orchestrated by macrophages plays a critical role in metabolic chronic diseases, like obesity and atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, the E3 ubiquitin ligase F‐box/WD Repeat‐Containing Protein 2 (FBXW2), the substrate‐binding subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligase SCF (a complex of FBXW2, SKP1, and cullin‐1), as an inflammatory mediator in macrophages, is identified. Myeloid‐specific FBXW2 gene deficiency improves both obesity‐associated with insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in murine models. The beneficial effects by FBXW2 knockout are accompanied by decreased proinflammatory responses and macrophage infiltration in the microenvironment. Mechanistically, it is identified that KH‐type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) is a new bona fide ubiquitin substrate of SCFFBXW2. Inhibition of KSRP prevents FBXW2‐deficient macrophages from exerting a protective effect on inflammatory reactions, insulin resistance and plaque formation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the C‐terminus (P3) of FBXW2 competitively ablates the function of FBXW2 in KSRP degradation and serves as an effective inhibitor of obesity and atherogenesis progression. Thus, the data strongly suggest that SCFFBXW2 is an important mediator in the context of metabolic diseases. The development of FBXW2 (P3)‐mimicking inhibitors and small‐molecular drugs specifically abrogating KSRP ubiquitination‐dependent inflammatory responses are viable approaches for obesity and atherosclerosis treatment.
Combining early (<11 weeks’ gestation) ultrasound features and maternal factors to predict small‐for‐gestational age neonates
Authors: Hanchard Tracey J. , de Vries Bradley S. , Quinton Ann E. , Sinosich Michael , Hyett Jonathan A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Placental related adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction have significant short‐ and long‐term implications for both mother and fetus. This study aimed to determine if conventional and novel early first trimester ultrasound measures are associated with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. In addition, we aimed to assess whether a combination of ultrasound measures, maternal characteristics and biochemistry improved the prediction of this adverse pregnancy outcome.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study including ultrasound measurements: trophoblast thickness (TT), trophoblast volume (TV), mean uterine artery pulsatility index, crown‐rump length, fetal heart rate, mean sac diameter (MSD) and yolk sac diameter. Biochemical markers considered in the analysis were placental growth factor (PIGF), pregnancy – associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), beta human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha fetoprotein. Regression models were fitted for ultrasound parameters using multiples of the median (MoM). All measures were compared with normal birthweight (BW) ≥10th centile and SGA (BW < 10th centile). Logistic regression analysis was used to create a clinical prediction model for SGA based on maternal characteristics, ultrasound measurements at <11 weeks gestational age and maternal biochemistry collected at 10–14 weeks.

Results

As compared to pregnancies delivered of babies with normal BW (n = 1068), MoM values for TT, TV, MSD, PAPP‐A and PIGF were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in pregnancies delivered of SGA babies (n = 73). The proposed logistic regression model includes maternal height, TV and PIGF resulting in an area under the receiver operator curve 0.70 (95% CI 0.63–0.76) for the prediction of SGA.

Conclusion

A significantly decreased TV, measured <11 weeks gestation, is predictive of BW < 10th centile. With addition of maternal height and PIGF, this three‐marker algorithm provided a reasonable predictive value for the development of SGA later in pregnancy.
Stereoselective C−C Oxidative Coupling Reactions Photocatalyzed by Zwitterionic Ligand Capped CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Yuan Yucheng , Zhu Hua , Hills‐Kimball Katie , Cai Tong , Shi Wenwu , Wei Zichao , Yang Hanjun , Candler Yolanda , Wang Ping , He Jie , Chen Ou
Published: August 2020

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have attracted tremendous attention in the field of photocatalysis, owing to their superior optoelectronic properties for photocatalytic reactions, including high absorption coefficients and long photogenerated carrier lifetimes. Herein, by choosing 2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐3‐oxobutanenitrile as a model substrate, we demonstrate that the stereoselective (>99 %) C−C oxidative coupling reaction can be realized with a high product yield (99 %) using zwitterionic ligand capped CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs under visible light illumination. The reaction can be generalized to different starting materials with various substituents on the phenyl ring and varied functional moieties, producing stereoselective dl‐isomers. A radical mediated reaction pathway has been proposed. Our study provides a new way of stereoselective C−C oxidative coupling via a photocatalytic means using specially designed perovskite QDs.
Deoxygenative Fluorination of Phosphine Oxides: A General Route to Fluorinated Organophosphorus(V) Compounds and Beyond
Authors: Bornemann Dustin , Pitts Cody Ross , Wettstein Lionel , Brüning Fabian , Küng Sebastian , Guan Liangyu , Trapp Nils , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Togni Antonio
Published: August 2020

Fluorinated organophosphorus(V) compounds are a very versatile class of compounds, but the synthetic methods available to make them bear the disadvantages of 1) occasional handling of toxic or pyrophoric PIII starting materials and 2) a dependence on hazardous fluorinating reagents such as XeF2. Herein, we present a simple solution and introduce a deoxygenative fluorination (DOF) approach that utilizes easy‐to‐handle phosphine oxides as starting materials and effectively replaces harsh fluorinating reagents by a combination of oxalyl chloride and potassium fluoride. The reaction has proven to be general, as R3PF2, R2PF3, and RPF4 compounds (as well as various cations and anions derived from these) are accessible in good yields and on up to a multi‐gram scale. DFT calculations were used to bolster our observations. Notably, the discovery of this new method led to a convenient synthesis of 1) new difluorophosphonium ions, 2) hexafluorophosphate salts, and 3) fluorinated antimony‐ and arsenic‐ compounds.
Improving glass transition temperature of unsaturated polyester thermosets: Conventional unsaturated polyester resins
Authors: Stuck Moritz , Krenz Irina , Schulze Kökelsum Benedikt , Boye Susanne , Voit Brigitte , Lorenz Reinhard
Published: August 2020

Highly crosslinkable unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) have attracted many interests in the application as reinforced matrix materials. Here, we present a systematical study of the influence of different curing conditions and styrene concentrations on resin viscosity and dynamic‐mechanical properties of the thermoset. The pure maleic Palapreg® P18‐03 was selected as model UPR because of its broad industrial use. By applying newly developed thermal curing profiles (without thermal initiators) and by raising the styrene content, the Tg of the network could be increased up to 206/215°C (1/10 Hz). For the first time, a fast curable UPR based on propylene glycol and neopentyl glycol with a Tg of up to 215°C is described. A partial substitution of problematic styrene with methylmethacrylate, tert‐butylacrylate, and maleic anhydride (MA) was studied as well. MA leads to significantly improved resin reactivity. A resin containing 42 wt% styrene and 8 wt% MA yields thermosets with remarkably improved mechanical properties and with a narrower glass transition range compared to the original P18‐03.
The reduction of adhesive application in plywood manufacturing by using nanocellulose‐reinforced urea‐formaldehyde resin
Authors: Kawalerczyk Jakub , Dziurka Dorota , Mirski Radosław , Siuda Joanna
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of nanocellulose (cellulose nanocrystals [NCC]) addition to urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resin on the properties of plywood and the possibility of reducing resin spread rate in plywood production. The studies have shown the increase in viscosity of experimental adhesive mixture in comparison with reference one. On the basis of the bonding quality results, it was concluded that the NCC‐reinforcement led to significant improvement in bonding quality of plywood. Moreover, values of bending strength (modulus of rupture) and modulus of elasticity also increased because of the cellulosic nanoparticles introduction. The positive effect of NCC addition on the properties of plywood allowed the reduction of resin spread rate by 50 g/m2and maintaining equally good strength as reference panels. The modification with nanocellulose itself did not lead to a decrease of free formaldehyde content. However, allowing the reduction of adhesive application led to a slight decrease in the amount of emitted formaldehyde.
Robust tracking design for uncertain MIMO systems using proportional–integral controller of order v
Authors: Celentano Laura , Basin Michael V. , Chadli Mohammed
Published: August 2020

This paper provides a systematic method to design robust tracking controllers of reference signals with bounded derivatives of order ν for uncertain multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) systems with bounded parametric uncertainties, in particular, of rational multi‐affine type, and/or in presence of disturbances with bounded derivatives of order ν. The proposed controllers have state‐feedback structures combined with proportional–integral regulators of order ν (PIν). Theoretical tools and systematic methodologies are provided to effectively design robust controllers for the considered systems, also in case of additional bounded nonlinearities and/or not directly measurable states. Applicability and efficiency of the proposed methods are validated through three examples: the first one is theoretical and useful to validate the proposed methodology, the second case study presents a metal‐cutting problem for an industrial robot, and the third example deals with a composite robot, such as a milling machine.
Latitude observations of the last century to obtain accurate independent latitude stations (INDLS) catalog of μδ for 682 Hipparcos stars and comparison with Gaia DR2
Authors: Damljanović Goran
Published: August 2020

The independent latitude stations (INDLS) catalog of proper motion in declination μδ for 682 bright Hipparcos (HIP) stars is presented. It is obtained in the Hipparcos reference frame, and only the Hipparcos mean position at epoch 1991.25 is used for INDLS data to calculate independent μδ (the HIP μδ values are not included in the INDLS data). Catalog comparisons were made in pairs for the four catalogs (HIP, new Hipparcos—NHIP, Gaia DR2, INDLS) to look for possible systematic differences as a function of brightness, color, and position coordinates (α, δ). All catalogs were found to be in agreement, except 0.21 mas year−1 for differences in INDLS–DR2 in line with the brightness; −0.13 and 0.24 mas year−1 for differences in HIP–DR2 in line with the free term and brightness, respectively; and −0.16, 0.23, and 0.13 mas year−1 for differences NHIP–DR2 in line with the free term, brightness, and color, respectively. A slightly better consistency is observed in the cases of INDLS–NHIP and INDLS–DR2 than HIP–DR2 and NHIP–DR2. The systematic error is in line with brightness on the level 0.1 mas year−1 in DR2 and, near 0.1 mas year−1, in line with color. An indication that the bright reference frame of DR2 rotates by about 0.1 mas year−1 relative to the faint quasar frame is in line with a presented sinusoidal curve of differences μδ as a function of α. Its amplitude is A = 0.53 ± 0.11 mas year−1 for INDLS–DR2 (0.26 ± 0.07 for INDLS–NHIP); about 0.2 belongs to DR2. The level of formal errors is near 1.9 mas year−1 for the case INDLS–DR2 and near 1.5 for: INDLS–NHIP, HIP–DR2, and NHIP–DR2. The values μδ of bright DR2 stars could be underestimated; the astrometry is unreliable for G ≤ 6 mag due to detector saturation.
Evaluation of a concurrent‐operant demand assessment to determine task preference
Authors: Lloveras Lindsay A. , Call Nathan A. , Bourret Jason C. , Slocum Sarah K.
Published: August 2020

We conducted a concurrent‐operant demand assessment (CODA) to identify a hierarchy of preference for demands in 17 individuals who exhibited problem behavior. We presented demands in pairs, with selection between demands serving as the dependent variable. The reinforcing efficacy of escape from the most‐ and least‐selected demands from the CODA was evaluated for 7 participants using progressive‐ratio (PR) schedules. Outcomes from the PR analysis corresponded with the rank order of demands from the CODA. Four of these seven participants were subsequently exposed to a brief CODA with only two items, which consisted of successive presentations of the most‐ and least‐selected demands from the CODA. Outcomes of the brief CODA corresponded with the PR and CODA for 3 out of 4 participants. These results suggest that the CODA might be an effective technology to determine a hierarchy of preference for demands for assessment and treatment purposes.
Behavioral treatment of spitting in a child with autism spectrum disorder: Functional analysis, intervention evaluation, and maintenance assessment
Authors: Hartz Renee M. , Luiselli James K. , Harper Jill M.
Published: August 2020

Spitting is a socially and hygienically unappealing behavior displayed by some persons who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the present study, we conducted a test‐only functional analysis, intervention evaluation, and maintenance assessment with a 12‐year‐old child who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and displayed spitting among staff and peers in a special education classroom. Based on hypothesized automatic reinforcement of spitting, intervention combining differential reinforcement and nonexclusionary time‐out was evaluated in an A‐B‐A‐B reversal design. Intervention reduced and eliminated spitting with effects maintained several months after the study. Results support use of nonmatched (social) stimuli in treating automatically reinforced problem behavior and compared to previous research on spitting, the study featured intervention that was informed through functional analysis, implemented beyond brief simulated sessions, and associated with extended response maintenance.