bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the unity of sensible intuition to the sensible unity of intuition: revisiting the proof-structure of Kant’s B-Deduction argument
Authors: Perin Adriano
Published: July 2019

The B-Deduction accounts for Kant’s utmost solution at safeguarding both the distinctiveness and a necessary relation between understanding and sensibility. I aim at proposing an original thesis to the debate on this solution: the B-Deduction argument profits from a methodology correlating the unity of sensible intuition to the sensible unity of intuition. At first, Kant’s definition of “transcendental cognition” is set forth. Secondly, an inquiry into the argument’s methodology is carried out. After that, the justification of the categories within the understanding’s domain is taken into account. Finally, the relation of the understanding to sensibility is brought into discussion.
¿Por qué son –según Kant– imposibles las hipótesis en matemática?
Authors: Reyna Fortes Rafael
Published: July 2019

El tratamiento de las hipótesis en Kant es disperso, sin embargo, hay en el Nachlass una cuestión que, si bien no tiene un lugar protagónico, sí que permanece inalterada en su pensamiento: que las hipótesis son imposibles en la matemática. Esto contrasta con el hecho de que es por medio de ellas como es posible el avance del conocimiento científico. La respuesta a esta pregunta, no dada por Kant, conecta a mi juicio con aspectos centrales relativos al carácter a priori del conocimiento y a su alcance sintético.
El concepto teórico de libertad según Kant y la tradición de la libertas spontaneitatis
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas Sören
Published: July 2019

El artículo reconstruye el camino de Kant hacia una comprensión trascendental, esto es, tal como lo enseña la filosofía crítica, hacia una comprensión genuinamente reflexiva de la libertad. Para ello, en primer lugar, se recordará aquí la alternativa entre “libertas indifferentiae” y “libertas spontaneitatis”; una alternativa propia de la modernidad temprana, que adquiere su significado, no en menor medida, en el marco de la crisis de la ontología (teleológica) aristotélica. En este contexto, Leibniz entiende la “libertad” como auto-realización fundada en la sustancia individual. Kant, en la Nova Dilucidatio, sigue la posición de Leibniz, aunque lo hace con reparos. Pero en la KrV se comprueba ya que cualquier clase de fundamentación ontológico-objetiva de la libertad resulta problemática. La tercera antinomia puede leerse, en ese sentido, como una crítica a Leibniz. La comprensión “trascendental” alternativa de una libertad fundamentalmente no objetivable – una comprensión que al mismo tiempo remite a la absoluta espontaneidad de la relación reflexiva con sí mismo – describe la condición de posibilidad de la libertad propiamente práctica que, a su vez, puede ser entendida como una manera de auto-realización de la idea de libertad.
Identifying gene expression programs of cell-type identity and cellular activity with single-cell RNA-Seq
Authors: Kotliar Dylan , Veres Adrian , Nagy M Aurel , Tabrizi Shervin , Hodis Eran , Melton Douglas A , Sabeti Pardis C
Published: July 2019

Identifying gene expression programs underlying both cell-type identity and cellular activities (e.g. life-cycle processes, responses to environmental cues) is crucial for understanding the organization of cells and tissues. Although single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) can quantify transcripts in individual cells, each cell’s expression profile may be a mixture of both types of programs, making them difficult to disentangle. Here, we benchmark and enhance the use of matrix factorization to solve this problem. We show with simulations that a method we call consensus non-negative matrix factorization (cNMF) accurately infers identity and activity programs, including their relative contributions in each cell. To illustrate the insights this approach enables, we apply it to published brain organoid and visual cortex scRNA-Seq datasets; cNMF refines cell types and identifies both expected (e.g. cell cycle and hypoxia) and novel activity programs, including programs that may underlie a neurosecretory phenotype and synaptogenesis.
Autophagy regulates inflammatory programmed cell death via turnover of RHIM-domain proteins
Authors: Lim Junghyun , Park Hyunjoo , Heisler Jason , Maculins Timurs , Roose-Girma Merone , Xu Min , Mckenzie Brent , van Lookeren Campagne Menno , Newton Kim , Murthy Aditya
Published: July 2019

RIPK1, RIPK3, ZBP1 and TRIF, the four mammalian proteins harboring RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) domains, are key components of inflammatory signaling and programmed cell death. RHIM-domain protein activation is mediated by their oligomerization; however, mechanisms that promote a return to homeostasis remain unknown. Here we show that autophagy is critical for the turnover of all RHIM-domain proteins. Macrophages lacking the autophagy gene Atg16l1accumulated highly insoluble forms of RIPK1, RIPK3, TRIF and ZBP1. Defective autophagy enhanced necroptosis by Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. TNF-mediated necroptosis was mediated by RIPK1 kinase activity, whereas TLR3- or TLR4-mediated death was dependent on TRIF and RIPK3. Unexpectedly, combined deletion of Atg16l1 and Zbp1 accelerated LPS-mediated necroptosis and sepsis in mice. Thus, ZBP1 drives necroptosis in the absence of the RIPK1-RHIM, but suppresses this process when multiple RHIM-domain containing proteins accumulate. These findings identify autophagy as a central regulator of innate inflammation governed by RHIM-domain proteins.
The molecular architecture of engulfment during Bacillus subtilis sporulation
Authors: Khanna Kanika , Lopez-Garrido Javier , Zhao Ziyi , Watanabe Reika , Yuan Yuan , Sugie Joseph , Pogliano Kit , Villa Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

The study of bacterial cell biology is limited by difficulties in visualizing cellular structures at high spatial resolution within their native milieu. Here, we visualize Bacillus subtilis sporulation using cryo-electron tomography coupled with cryo-focused ion beam milling, allowing the reconstruction of native-state cellular sections at molecular resolution. During sporulation, an asymmetrically-positioned septum generates a larger mother cell and a smaller forespore. Subsequently, the mother cell engulfs the forespore. We show that the septal peptidoglycan is not completely degraded at the onset of engulfment. Instead, the septum is uniformly and only slightly thinned as it curves towards the mother cell. Then, the mother cell membrane migrates around the forespore in tiny finger-like projections, whose formation requires the mother cell SpoIIDMP protein complex. We propose that a limited number of SpoIIDMP complexes tether to and degrade the peptidoglycan ahead of the engulfing membrane, generating an irregular membrane front.
Large protein organelles form a new iron sequestration system with high storage capacity
Authors: Giessen Tobias W , Orlando Benjamin J , Verdegaal Andrew A , Chambers Melissa G , Gardener Jules , Bell David C , Birrane Gabriel , Liao Maofu , Silver Pamela A
Published: July 2019

Iron storage proteins are essential for cellular iron homeostasis and redox balance. Ferritin proteins are the major storage units for bioavailable forms of iron. Some organisms lack ferritins, and it is not known how they store iron. Encapsulins, a class of protein-based organelles, have recently been implicated in microbial iron and redox metabolism. Here, we report the structural and mechanistic characterization of a 42 nm two-component encapsulin-based iron storage compartment from Quasibacillus thermotolerans. Using cryo-electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography, we reveal the assembly principles of a thermostable T = 4 shell topology and its catalytic ferroxidase cargo and show interactions underlying cargo-shell co-assembly. This compartment has an exceptionally large iron storage capacity storing over 23,000 iron atoms. Our results reveal a new approach for survival in diverse habitats with limited or fluctuating iron availability via an iron storage system able to store 10 to 20 times more iron than ferritin.
Identification of RBPMS as a mammalian smooth muscle master splicing regulator via proximity of its gene with super-enhancers
Authors: Nakagaki-Silva Erick E , Gooding Clare , Llorian Miriam , Jacob Aishwarya G , Richards Frederick , Buckroyd Adrian , Sinha Sanjay , Smith Christopher WJ
Published: July 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) programs are primarily controlled by regulatory RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). It has been proposed that a small number of master splicing regulators might control cell-specific splicing networks and that these RBPs could be identified by proximity of their genes to transcriptional super-enhancers. Using this approach we identified RBPMS as a critical splicing regulator in differentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). RBPMS is highly down-regulated during phenotypic switching of SMCs from a contractile to a motile and proliferative phenotype and is responsible for 20% of the AS changes during this transition. RBPMS directly regulates AS of numerous components of the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion machineries whose activity is critical for SMC function in both phenotypes. RBPMS also regulates splicing of other splicing, post-transcriptional and transcription regulators including the key SMC transcription factor Myocardin, thereby matching many of the criteria of a master regulator of AS in SMCs.
Self-sperm induce resistance to the detrimental effects of sexual encounters with males in hermaphroditic nematodes
Authors: Booth Lauren N , Maures Travis J , Yeo Robin W , Tantilert Cindy , Brunet Anne
Published: July 2019

Sexual interactions have a potent influence on health in several species, including mammals. Previous work in C. elegans identified strategies used by males to accelerate the demise of the opposite sex (hermaphrodites). But whether hermaphrodites evolved counter-strategies against males remains unknown. Here we discover that young C. elegans hermaphrodites are remarkably resistant to brief sexual encounters with males, whereas older hermaphrodites succumb prematurely. Surprisingly, it is not their youthfulness that protects young hermaphrodites, but the fact that they have self-sperm. The beneficial effect of self-sperm is mediated by a sperm-sensing pathway acting on the soma rather than by fertilization. Activation of this pathway in females triggers protection from the negative impact of males. Interestingly, the role of self-sperm in protecting against the detrimental effects of males evolved independently in hermaphroditic nematodes. Endogenous strategies to delay the negative effect of mating may represent a key evolutionary innovation to maximize reproductive success.
An explanation for origin unwinding in eukaryotes
Authors: Langston Lance D , O'Donnell Michael E
Published: July 2019

Twin CMG complexes are assembled head-to-head around duplex DNA at eukaryotic origins of replication. Mcm10 activates CMGs to form helicases that encircle single-strand (ss) DNA and initiate bidirectional forks. How the CMGs melt duplex DNA while encircling it is unknown. Here we show that S. cerevisiae CMG tracks with force while encircling double-stranded (ds) DNA and that in the presence of Mcm10 the CMG melts long blocks of dsDNA while it encircles dsDNA. We demonstrate that CMG tracks mainly on the 3’−5’ strand during duplex translocation, predicting that head-to-head CMGs at an origin exert force on opposite strands. Accordingly, we show that CMGs that encircle double strand DNA in a head-to-head orientation melt the duplex in an Mcm10-dependent reaction.
Behavioral adjustments to prior predation experience and food deprivation of a common cyprinid fish species vary between singletons and a group
Authors: Wang Ya , Fu Shi-Jian , Fu Cheng
Published: July 2019

Fish often undergo predation stress and food shortages in nature, and living in groups may provide the ecological benefits of decreased predator risk but the costs of increased food competition. The main aim of the present study was to test whether the behavioral response of qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis) to predators and/or starvation differed between a singleton and a group. We measured the locomotor activity and distance to a predator and/or food item of prior predator-experienced, starved, double-treated and control qingbo; the qingbo were tested both as singletons and in a group (five individuals). Fish from all groups showed increased activity when tested collectively compared to individually. The predator-experienced fish showed decreased locomotor activity to predators as an antipredator strategy when tested as singletons; however, increased locomotor activity occurred when tested in a group, which might be partially due to the decreased predator risk when living in a group and thus higher levels of boldness. As expected, starvation elicited increased activity indicating increased foraging willingness when tested in a group; however, the difference between starved and normal-fed fish was no longer significant when they were tested as singletons, possibly due to the increased predation risk and decreased food competition when living individually and higher behavioral variation among individual fish than among those in a shoal. Compared with the control fish, the double-treated fish showed no difference in activity when tested both individually and collectively (except a slower speed when tested in a group). The reason for the results from the singletons might be an offset of the effect of predator exposure and starvation. The reason for this difference in the group might be due to the impaired body condition indicated by a slower swimming speed as a consequence of severe stress. The present study demonstrated that behavioral adjustment was closely related to the size of the group, which might be due to differences in the predation risk and food competition.
Prognostic value of mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio in patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Feng Ji-Feng , Sheng Chen , Zhao Qiang , Chen Pengcheng
Published: July 2019

Background

Mean platelet volume (MPV) to platelet count (PC) ratio (MPV/PC) is a useful indicator in several cancers. However, the role for MPV/PC ratio in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still controversial.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted including 277 resectable ESCC patients. The optimal cut-off values were calculated by the X-tile program. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were also created to show the candidate cut-off points. The comparisons between the X-tile plot and ROC curve were performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to analyze the cancer-specific survival (CSS). Prognostic factors for CSS were calculated with Cox regression univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

According to the X-tile program, the cut-off values for MPV, PC and MPV/PC ratio were 8.5 (fl), 200 (giga/l) and 0.04, respectively. However, the cut-off values for MPV, PC and MPV/PC ratio by the ROC curves were 8.25 (fl), 243.5 (giga/l) and 0.0410, respectively. The cut-off values were similar between the X-tile and ROC curve. A low MPV/PC ratio level (≤0.04) was associated with poor CSS (22.4% vs. 43.1%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, we found that MPV/PC ratio was an independent predictor for CSS (P < 0.001). When we set the cut-off point using ROC curve, the MPV/PC ratio was still an independent predictor for CSS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MPV/PC ratio is a useful predictive indicator in patients with ESCC.
Three-dimensional printing with biomaterials in craniofacial and dental tissue engineering
Authors: Liao Wen , Xu Lin , Wangrao Kaijuan , Du Yu , Xiong Qiuchan , Yao Yang
Published: July 2019

With the development of technology, tissue engineering (TE) has been widely applied in the medical field. In recent years, due to its accuracy and the demands of solid freeform fabrication in TE, three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has been applied for biological scaffold fabrication in craniofacial and dental regeneration. In this review, we have compared several types of AM techniques and summarized their advantages and limitations. The range of printable materials used in craniofacial and dental tissue includes all the biomaterials. Thus, basic and clinical studies were discussed in this review to present the application of AM techniques in craniofacial and dental tissue and their advances during these years, which might provide information for further AM studies in craniofacial and dental TE.
Evolutionary couplings detect side-chain interactions
Authors: Hockenberry Adam J. , Wilke Claus O.
Published: July 2019

Patterns of amino acid covariation in large protein sequence alignments can inform the prediction of de novo protein structures, binding interfaces, and mutational effects. While algorithms that detect these so-called evolutionary couplings between residues have proven useful for practical applications, less is known about how and why these methods perform so well, and what insights into biological processes can be gained from their application. Evolutionary coupling algorithms are commonly benchmarked by comparison to true structural contacts derived from solved protein structures. However, the methods used to determine true structural contacts are not standardized and different definitions of structural contacts may have important consequences for interpreting the results from evolutionary coupling analyses and understanding their overall utility. Here, we show that evolutionary coupling analyses are significantly more likely to identify structural contacts between side-chain atoms than between backbone atoms. We use both simulations and empirical analyses to highlight that purely backbone-based definitions of true residue–residue contacts (i.e., based on the distance between Cα atoms) may underestimate the accuracy of evolutionary coupling algorithms by as much as 40% and that a commonly used reference point (Cβ atoms) underestimates the accuracy by 10–15%. These findings show that co-evolutionary outcomes differ according to which atoms participate in residue–residue interactions and suggest that accounting for different interaction types may lead to further improvements to contact-prediction methods.
Temperature change in pulp chamber of primary teeth during curing of coloured compomers: an in vitro study using pulpal blood microcirculation model
Authors: Ertuğrul Ceylan Çağıl , Ertuğrul Ihsan Furkan
Published: July 2019

Introduction

An increase in the temperature of the pulp chamber occurs during polymerisation of all types of light-curing resin-containing restorative materials, due to both the exothermic reaction of the material and the energy absorbed during the curing process. Increase in temperature of the pulp chamber of primary teeth during the curing process or the thermal conductivity properties of coloured compomers (CCs) have not yet been investigated in detail. The aim of the present study was to investigate the increase in pulpal temperature in primary teeth during curing of CCs.

Materials and Methods

A Class-II cavity was prepared on the extracted primary mandibular second molar. Pulpal microcirculation of the tooth was performed using an experimental mechanism. The study included 15 groups and 10 experiments in each. Seven different CCs: pink, blue, gold, silver, orange, lemon, green, respectively from two different manufacturers (Groups 1–7: Twinky Star; VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany. Groups 8–14: Nova Rainbow; IMICRYL, Konya, Turkey.) and a tooth-CC (Group 15: Dyract XP; DENTSPLY, Weybridge, UK.) were applied in prepared cavity. In all groups the compomers were light cured for 40 s. Intrapulpal temperature changes (Δt) in 20th and 40th second were recorded. In Group-15 the Δt values in 10th second were also recorded as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney-U test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

At the end of 40-s irradiation time, the orange, lemon and green colours of Nova Rainbow resulted in significantly lower Δt values than the same colours of Twinky Star (p = 0.0001), and silver, blue, lemon, green, orange, and pink CCs of Nova Rainbow and the blue and silver shades of Twinky Star demonstrated lower Δt values than the reported critical temperature increase (5.5 °C).

Conclusion

An increase in the irradiation time consequently led to an increase in the intrapulpal temperature. Therefore, manufacturers should focus on production of new CCs with shorter polimerization time.
The effects of gluteal squeezes compared to bilateral bridges on gluteal strength, power, endurance, and girth
Authors: Lehecka Bryan J. , Turley Jessica , Stapleton Aaron , Waits Kyle , Zirkle John
Published: July 2019

Background

Hip extension weakness is correlated with low back, hip, and knee pathology. Isometric gluteal squeezes have been shown to elicit high electromyographic gluteal activity. However, there is little research regarding the specific effects of isometric gluteal squeezes on hip strength and functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of gluteal squeezes on hip extension strength, vertical jump, broad jump, single-leg bridge endurance, and gluteal girth compared to bilateral gluteal bridging.

Methods

A total of 32 healthy university students (mean age 23.28 ± 2.15 years) were randomly assigned to perform either gluteal squeezes or bilateral bridges daily. Subjects were tested at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Subjects’ hip extension strength, vertical jump, broad jump, single-leg bridge endurance, and gluteal girth were tested.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between the bridge and squeeze groups after 8 weeks of training. Both groups significantly improved hip extension strength bilaterally (p = 0.000–0.011). The squeeze group significantly increased gluteal girth at the level of the greater trochanter (p = 0.007), but no significant girth increase was seen in the bridge group (p = 0.742). Although increases were seen in both groups for the endurance and jump tasks, no statistically significant changes occurred for those outcomes. All outcome measurements demonstrated high reliability (ICC = 0.93–0.99).

Conclusion

Gluteal squeezes were as effective as bilateral bridges for increasing hip extension strength. Gluteal squeezes also significantly increased girth at the level of the greater trochanter. These results provide clinical and aesthetic reasons to perform gluteal squeezes.
Germination and Emergence of Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde Susceptible and Resistant to Glyphosate
Authors: Ferreira Silvio Douglas , Barbosa Jaqueline de Araújo , Cordeiro Noélle Khristinne
Published: July 2019

To Know the behavior shown in seed germination and emergence of Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde enables develop strategies to reduce the seed bank in cultivated areas. The aim of this research was to evaluate the germination and emergence of weed biotypes of D. insularis susceptible and resistant to glyphosate in two substrates.

The experiment was divided into two stages (germination test in BOD and emergence in sand box). In both phases of the study, it was used a completely randomized experimental design, with two treatments (weed biotypes of D. insularis susceptible and resistant to glyphosate) and ten replications.

The work was done in the State University of Western Paraná, Brazil, Post-Graduation in Agronomy, between July 2018 and December 2018.

In the two tests the experimental units consisted of 25 seeds of D. insularis, evenly distributed. In the germination test was evaluated the first count and the index of germination speed. In the same way, for the emergency test was evaluated the first count and the index of emergence speed. It was also calculated the germination and the emergence percentage, total number of germinated seeds, total number of emerged plants.

Differences were observed in the first count, index of germination speed and germination percentage, seeds of D. insularis susceptible and resistant to glyphosate. During the first count, susceptible biotype showed higher germination, with 78% of compared to resistant. Similar behavior was observed for the index of germination speed and for the germination percentage, in which the susceptible biotype surpassed in 80.4% and 47%, respectively, the resistant biotype.

Conclusion: The selection of D. insularis biotypes resistant to glyphosate affects the germination and emergence, the species in relation to the original population of susceptible biotypes. For each 100 seeds of the biotype resistant to glyphosate 53 seeds of them germinate and 32.6 seeds can emerge.
Structure and Use of a Rocky Cerrado in Northeastern Brazil: Does the Ecological Appearancy Hypothesis Explain this Relationship?
Authors: Oliveira Tony C. S. , Sousa Vanessa F. S. , Silva Valdemir F. , Farias Ruth R. S. , Andrade Ivanilza M. , Castro Antonio A. J. F.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to characterize the vegetation structure of a low-altitude rupestrian Cerrado in the state of Piauí and to evaluate its economic exploitation by the population. The research was developed in the Castelo do Piauí. Vegetation sampling was performed by the Minimum Phytosociological Assessment Protocol (MPAP). The phytosociological parameters were obtained through the Software R. The use of the species was surveyed through interviews with the community, after which the value of use was analyzed and the hypothesis of the ecological appearancy was tested. In all 73.7% of the species found are useful for the community and the timber category was the most prominent. The hypothesis of the ecological appearancy showed a negative relation between the use and some phytosociological parameters.
Burnout and Employee Performance in Hospitality Industry: The Role of Social Capital
Authors: Harjanti Dhyah
Published: July 2019

The hospitality industry is known for its labor-intensive and intense interpersonal relationships characteristic. The high rate of burnout in hospitality industry has been a crucial issue. The burnout could lead to employee performance decline. The previous studies suggested that the happy and cooperative employees tend to deliver a better performance. Since cooperative is a part of social capital, this study aims to analyse the role social capital in reducing burnout and improving employee performance.The data collection was conducted by distributing questionnaires to all of non-daily worker employees at the first-line and middle-line level in three budget hotels in the similar chained hotel group in Surabaya. We processed the data using partial least square analysis technique.The result reveals that the social capital have a significant negative influence on burnout, and a significant positive influence on employee performance. We also ascertain that burnout have a significant negative influence on employee performance.
“Brain‐Coral‐Like” Mesoporous Hollow CoS2@N‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nanoshells as Efficient Sulfur Reservoirs for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Seo Seung‐Deok , Park Dongjoo , Park Sangbaek , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: July 2019

Hollow carbon materials are considered promising sulfur reservoirs for lithium–sulfur batteries owing to their internal void space and porous conductive shell, providing high loading and utilization of sulfur. Since the pores in carbon materials play a critical role in the infusion of sulfur, access of the electrolyte, and the passage of lithium polysulfides (LPSs), the creation and tuning of hierarchical pore structures is strongly required to improve the electrochemical properties of sulfur/porous carbon composites, but remains a major challenge. Herein, a “brain‐coral‐like” mesoporous hollow carbon nanostructure consisting of an in situ‐grown N‐doped graphitic carbon nanoshell (NGCNs) matrix and embedded CoS2 nanoparticles as an efficient sulfur host is presented. The rational synthetic design based on metal–organic framework chemistry furnishes unusual multiple porosity in a carbon scaffold with a macrohollow in the core and microhollows and mesopores in the shell, without the use of any surfactant or template. The CoS2@NGCNs/S composite electrode facilitates high sulfur loading (75 wt%), strong adsorption of LPSs, efficient reaction kinetics, and stable cycle performance (903 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles), derived from the synergetic effects of the dual hollow features, chemically active CoS2, and the conductive and mesoporous N‐doped carbon matrix.
High‐Temperature CO2 Electrolysis in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells: Developments, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Song Yuefeng , Zhang Xiaomin , Xie Kui , Wang Guoxiong , Bao Xinhe
Published: July 2019

High‐temperature CO2 electrolysis in solid‐oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) could greatly assist in the reduction of CO2 emissions by electrochemically converting CO2 to valuable fuels through effective electrothermal activation of the stable CO bond. If powered by renewable energy resources, it could also provide an advanced energy‐storage method for their intermittent output. Compared to low‐temperature electrochemical CO2 reduction, CO2 electrolysis in SOECs at high temperature exhibits higher current density and energy efficiency and has thus attracted much recent attention. The history of its development and its fundamental mechanisms, cathode materials, oxygen‐ion‐conducting electrolyte materials, and anode materials are highlighted. Electrode, electrolyte, and electrode–electrolyte interface degradation issues are comprehensively summarized. Fuel‐assisted SOECs with low‐cost fuels applied to the anode to decrease the overpotential and electricity consumption are introduced. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects for future research into high‐temperature CO2 electrolysis in SOECs are included.
Graphene Hybrid Structures for Integrated and Flexible Optoelectronics
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Shehzad Khurram , Gao Li , Long Mingsheng , Guo Hui , Qin Shuchao , Wang Xiaomu , Wang Fengqiu , Shi Yi , Hu Weida , Xu Yang , Wang Xinran
Published: July 2019

Graphene (Gr) has many unique properties including gapless band structure, ultrafast carrier dynamics, high carrier mobility, and flexibility, making it appealing for ultrafast, broadband, and flexible optoelectronics. To overcome its intrinsic limit of low absorption, hybrid structures are exploited to improve the device performance. Particularly, van der Waals heterostructures with different photosensitive materials and photonic structures are very effective for improving photodetection and modulation efficiency. With such hybrid structures, Gr hybrid photodetectors can operate from ultraviolet to terahertz, with significantly improved R (up to 109 A W−1) and bandwidth (up to 128 GHz). Furthermore, integration of Gr with silicon (Si) complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) circuits, the human body, and soft tissues is successfully demonstrated, opening promising opportunities for wearable sensors and biomedical electronics. Here, the recent progress in using Gr hybrid structures toward high‐performance photodetectors and integrated optoelectronic applications is reviewed.
Advances in Hydrogels in Organoids and Organs‐on‐a‐Chip
Authors: Liu Haitao , Wang Yaqing , Cui Kangli , Guo Yaqiong , Zhang Xu , Qin Jianhua
Published: July 2019

Significant advances in materials, microscale technology, and stem cell biology have enabled the construction of 3D tissues and organs, which will ultimately lead to more effective diagnostics and therapy. Organoids and organs‐on‐a‐chip (OOC), evolved from developmental biology and bioengineering principles, have emerged as major technological breakthrough and distinct model systems to revolutionize biomedical research and drug discovery by recapitulating the key structural and functional complexity of human organs in vitro. There is growing interest in the development of functional biomaterials, especially hydrogels, for utilization in these promising systems to build more physiologically relevant 3D tissues with defined properties. The remarkable properties of defined hydrogels as proper extracellular matrix that can instruct cellular behaviors are presented. The recent trend where functional hydrogels are integrated into organoids and OOC systems for the construction of 3D tissue models is highlighted. Future opportunities and perspectives in the development of advanced hydrogels toward accelerating organoids and OOC research in biomedical applications are also discussed.
Cationic Polyelectrolyte Bridged Boron Nitride Microplatelet Based Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite: A Novel Method toward High Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Li Huayuan , Gao Yuan , Zhu Pengli , Du Xiaomeng , Yu Xuecheng , Ma Longquan , Li Gang , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: July 2019

Efficient heat dissipation becomes increasingly important for high power density devices. 2D layered material hexagonal (BN) has gained extensive attention due to its superior heat conduction performance. However, phonon scattering within the polymer composites makes it fail to reach the full potential of BN. In this work, a cationic polyelectrolyte namely branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) is utilized to building bridged structure between BN and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer. The PEI on the BN surface can help to restrict the agglomeration of the fillers to achieve more uniform distribution then building more effective thermal conductive channels. When filled with BN@PEI particles at the loading of 50 vol%, the thermal conductivity is increased to 14.22 W m−1 K−1. The ultrahigh of thermal conductivity is mainly attributed to this linear polyelectrolyte bridged molecular which can be acted as a phonon transfer pathway between BN and PVA matrix and lead to the remarkably decrease of interface thermal resistance. In addition, mechanical performance of the BN@PEI/PVA composites is also attributed to the enhanced interfacial affinity between filler and polymer matrix. This work provides an effective universal strategy to design polymer composites to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation in next‐generation high power products.
Synergistical Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties in n‐Type Bi2O2Se by Carrier Engineering and Hierarchical Microstructure
Authors: Tan Xing , Liu Yaochun , Liu Rui , Zhou Zhifang , Liu Chan , Lan Jin‐Le , Zhang Qinghua , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: July 2019

Oxygen‐containing compounds are promising thermoelectric (TE) materials for their chemical and thermal stability. As compared with the high‐performance p‐type counterparts (e.g., ZT ≈1.5 for BiCuSeO), the enhancement of the TE performance of n‐type oxygen‐containing materials remains challenging due to their mediocre electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity. Here, n‐type layered Bi2O2Se is reported as a potential TE material, of which the thermal conductivity and electrical transport properties can be effectively tuned via carrier engineering and hierarchical microstructure. By selective modification of insulating [Bi2O2]2+ layers with Ta dopant, carrier concentration can be increased by four orders of magnitude (from 1015 to 1019 cm−3) while relatively high carrier mobility can be maintained, thus greatly enhancing the power factors (≈451.5 µW K−2 m−1). Meanwhile, the hierarchical microstructure can be induced by Ta doping, and the phonon scattering can be strengthened by atomic point defects, nanodots of 5–10 nm and grains of sub‐micrometer level, which progressively suppresses the lattice thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the ZT value of Bi1.90Ta0.10O2Se reaches 0.36 at 773 K, a ≈350% improvement in comparison with that of the pristine Bi2O2Se. The average ZT value of 0.30 from 500 to 823 K is outstanding among n‐type oxygen‐containing TE materials. This work provides a desirable way for enhancing the ZT values in oxygen‐containing compounds.
Convergent evolution in floral morphology in a plant ring species, the Caribbean Euphorbia tithymaloides
Authors: Cacho N. Ivalú , Monteverde‐Suárez María José , McIntyre Patrick J.
Published: July 2019

Premise

Ring species have long fascinated evolutionary biologists for their potential insights into lineage divergence and speciation across space. Few studies have investigated the potential for convergent or parallel evolution along the diverging fronts of ring species. We investigated a potential case of parallel floral variation in the Caribbean spurge Euphorbia tithymaloides, the only plant system with molecular support as a ring species. The terminal populations of each front, despite being the most divergent, exhibit such similar floral traits that they were originally considered each other's closest relative.

Methods

We evaluated convergence in floral and leaf traits in relation to geography across 95 populations spanning the distribution of E. tithymaloides. We also reanalyzed available genetic data (from previous phylogenetic analyses) in an explicitly spatial framework.

Results

Floral morphology appears to have shifted in a convergent fashion along both geographic fronts of E. tithymaloides, resulting in shorter and more compact inflorescences in Antillean populations compared to the typical elongate “slipper‐like” cyathia characteristic of the area of origin. Patterns of spatial genetic variation were more consistent with a two‐fronted invasion of the Caribbean than with a simpler model of isolation‐by‐distance.

Conclusions

Floral divergence in E. tithymaloides is consistent with convergent evolution along the two fronts of a ring species. We outline several (not mutually exclusive) mechanisms that could be driving patterns in morphology, including shifts toward generalized pollination with reduced reliance on hummingbirds, shifts in floral structure closely matching available hummingbird bill traits, and shifts toward increased selfing.
Combined effects of layered nanofillers and intumescent flame retardant on thermal and fire behavior of ABS resin
Authors: Hu Dongtao , Zhou Qianqian , Zhou Keqing
Published: July 2019

The application of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) copolymer as construction material is largely restricted by its inherent flammability and the release of a great amount of smoke and toxic gases during combustion. To address this issue, the combination of conventional flame retardants and nanoadditives was proven to be a promising way. Herein, both intumescent flame retardants (IFR) and layered nanofillers, that is, graphene and layered double hydroxide were added into ABS resin. These nanofillers exhibited superior dispersion in the ABS matrix. Thermal and fire behaviors of ABS resin were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis, UL‐94 vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index test, and cone calorimetry. The ABS composites containing IFR and layered nanofillers presented remarkable decline in total heat release, peak heat release rate, and volume of toxic effluents released in the burning process compared with those of neat ABS, indicating the significantly improved fire safety of ABS. Moreover, introducing layered nanofillers could further enhance the heat stability and fire safety of the flame‐retardant ABS composites, indicating the presence of synergistic effect between IFR and layered nanofillers. The scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of compact and dense intumescent chars, which could obstruct the spread of heat and mass, and thus improved the heat stability and flame retardancy of ABS resin. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48220.
Perioperative outcomes and long-term quality of life after total pancreatectomy
Authors: Pulvirenti A , Pea A , Rezaee N , Gasparini C , Malleo G , Weiss M J , Cameron J L , Wolfgang C L , He J , Salvia R
Published: July 2019

Background

Total pancreatectomy is required to treat diseases involving the entire pancreas, and is characterized by high morbidity rates and impaired long-term quality of life (QoL). To date, risk factors associated with perioperative and long-term outcomes have not been determined fully.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing total pancreatectomy between 2000 and 2014 at two high-volume centres were analysed retrospectively to assess risk factors for major surgical complications. Short Form (SF) 36, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-PAN26 and Audit of Diabetes Dependent questionnaires, as well as an original survey were used to investigate factors influencing QoL.

Results

A total of 329 consecutive patients underwent total pancreatectomy in the two centres. Overall, total pancreatectomy was associated with a morbidity rate of 59·3 per cent and a 30-day mortality rate of 2·1 per cent. Age over 65 years and long duration of surgery (more than 420 min) were independently associated with major complications (at least Clavien–Dindo grade III). QoL analysis was available for 94 patients (28·6 per cent) with a median follow-up of 63 (i.q.r. 20–109) months; the most common indication for total pancreatectomy in these patients was intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (46 per cent). Both physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores of SF-36® were lower after total pancreatectomy compared with scores for a normative population (P = 0·020 and P < 0·001 respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that young age, abdominal pain and worse perception of body image were negatively associated with the PCS, whereas diabetes, sexual satisfaction and perception of body image affected MCS.

Conclusion

Total pancreatectomy can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Older patients had a higher risk of postoperative complications but reported better QoL than younger patients.
Ondansetron induced torsades de pointes
Authors: Patel Eshan , Rosemond Danielle , Afzal Ashwad
Published: July 2019

A single dose of oral Ondansetron can precipitate torsades de pointes and other arrhythmias in patients with risk factors that may prolong QTc interval.
Catalytic Transformation of Biomass Derivatives to Value‐Added Chemicals and Fuels in Continuous Flow Microreactors
Authors: Hommes Arne , Heeres Hero Jan , Yue Jun
Published: July 2019

Biomass as a renewable and abundantly available carbon source is a promising alternative to fossil resources for the production of chemicals and fuels. The development of biobased chemistry, along with catalyst design, has received much research attention over recent years. However, dedicated reactor concepts for the conversion of biomass and its derivatives are a relatively new research field. Continuous flow microreactors are a promising tool for process intensification, especially for reactions in multiphase systems. In this work, the potential of microreactors for the catalytic conversion of biomass derivatives to value‐added chemicals and fuels is critically reviewed. Emphases are laid on the biphasic synthesis of furans from sugars, oxidation and hydrogenation of biomass derivatives. Microreactor processing has been shown capable of improving the efficiency of many biobased reactions, due to the transport intensification and a fine control over the process. Microreactors are expected to contribute in accelerating the technological development of biomass conversion and have a promising potential for industrial application in this area.
A Lithium‐Free Energy‐Storage Device Based on an Alkyne‐Substituted‐Porphyrin Complex
Authors: Chen Zhi , Gao Ping , Wang Wu , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Wang Di , Kübel Christian , Fuhr Olaf , Fichtner Maximilian , Ruben Mario
Published: July 2019

Porphyrin complexes are well‐known for their application in solar‐cell systems and as catalysts; however, their use in electrochemical energy‐storage applications has scarcely been studied. Here, a tetra‐alkenyl‐substituted [5,10,15,20‐tetra(ethynyl)porphinato]copper(II) (CuTEP) complex was used as anode material in a high‐performance lithium‐free CuTEP/PP14TFSI/graphite cell [PP14TFSI=1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide]. Thereby, the influence of size and morphology on the electrochemical performance of the cell was thoroughly investigated. Three different nanocrystal CuTEP morphologies, namely nanobricks, nanosheets, and nanoribbons, were studied as anode material, and the best cyclability and highest rate capability were obtained for the nanoribbon samples. A high specific power density of 14 kW kg−1 (based on active material) and excellent rechargeability were achieved with negligible capacity decay over 1000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1. These results indicate that the porphyrin complex CuTEP could be a promising electrode material in high‐performance lithium‐free batteries.
Prolonged follow‐up on lenalidomide‐based treatment for mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT lymphoma)—Real‐world data from the Medical University of Vienna
Authors: Kiesewetter Barbara , Lamm Wolfgang , Neuper Ortrun , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Simonitsch‐Klupp Ingrid , Raderer Markus
Published: July 2019

Based on results of two pilot trials, lenalidomide (LEN) was found to be active and safe as monotherapy and showed an increased response rate of 80% in combination with rituximab (R) for patients with mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. While initial results were promising, there are currently no data on long‐term outcome, and larger international phase II/III trials on LEN for indolent lymphoma lack specific subgroup analyses. Thus, we have systematically analyzed 50 patients treated with LEN‐based therapy (LEN‐monotherapy n = 16, R‐LEN n = 34) at the Medical University of Vienna 2009 to 2019 and investigated long‐term outcome and relapse patterns. At a follow‐up of more than 5 years (median 68 months), 54% of patients are free of relapse, and estimated median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 72 months (95%CI 49‐96). There was no difference in PFS according to stage of disease, i.e. localized versus disseminated disease (P = .67) and previous systemic treatment (P = .16). Interestingly, but with the caveat of the limited number of patients included in this series, primary extragastric disease had a superior PFS compared with gastric lymphoma (P = .04) and also depth of response, i.e. complete or partial response versus stable disease was associated with significantly prolonged PFS (P = .01). We documented four patients (8%) with pronounced improvement of response during follow‐up including three patients initially rated as partial remission and finally achieving complete remission at 12 to 32 months. This highlights the potential of delayed responses to LEN treatment. Estimated overall survival at 5 years was excellent at 92%. These “real‐world” data confirm long‐term activity of LEN in MALT lymphoma.
Multicriteria Decision Analysis Characterization of Chemical Hazard Assessment Data Sources
Authors: He Haoyang , Malloy Timothy F , Schoenung Julie M
Published: July 2019

Chemical hazard assessment (CHA), which aims to investigate the inherent hazard potential of chemicals, has been developed with the purpose of promoting safer consumer products. Despite the increasing use of CHA in recent years, finding adequate and reliable toxicity data required for CHA is still challenging due to issues regarding data completeness and data quality. Also, collecting data from primary toxicity reports or literature can be time consuming, which promotes the use of secondary data sources instead. In this study, we evaluate and characterize numerous secondary data sources on the basis of 5 performance attributes: reliability, adequacy, transparency, volume, and ease of use. We use GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals v1.4 as the CHA framework, which defines the endpoints of interest used in this analysis. We focused upon 34 data sources that reflect 3 types of secondary data: chemical-oriented data sources, hazard-trait–oriented data sources, and predictive data sources. To integrate and analyze the evaluation results, we applied 2 multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodologies: multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) and stochastic multiobjective acceptability analysis (SMAA). Overall, the findings in this research program allow us to explore the relative importance of performance criteria and the data source quality for effectively conducting CHA. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–14. © 2019 SETAC