bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eight new provincial species records of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) from one Arctic watershed river in British Columbia
Authors: Huber Dezene P.W. , Shrimpton Claire M. , Erasmus Daniel J.
Published: January 2018

We repeatedly sampled eight sites on the Crooked River in British Columbia’s Arctic watershed for adult and nymph mayflies (Ephemeroptera) over the course of two years. Using taxonomic keys and DNA-barcoding we report eight new species records for the province. These are five Baetidae (Acerpenna pygmaea, Baetis phoebus, Baetis vernus, Iswaeon anoka, and Procloeon pennulatum), one Heptageniidae (Leucrocuta hebe), one Leptohyphidae (Tricorythodes mosegus), and one Siphlonuridae (Siphlonurus alternatus). Three of these – Acerpenna, Iswaeon, and Leucrocuta – are also new genus records for the province. In total we detected 40 species in eight families as indicated by clustering into BINs (Barcode Index Numbers), by morphological keys, and by matches in the Barcode of Life Database. One of those species, Ameletus vernalis, is of conservation concern. Our analysis indicated that a number of other specimens may represent new species or genus records for BC. In addition this unique and anthropogenically impacted river may contain cryptic species of Baetis tricaudatus (Baetidae), Leptophlebia nebulosa (Leptophlebiidae), and Paraleptophlebia debilis (Leptophlebiidae).
"As-you-go" instead of "after-the-fact": A network approach to scholarly communication and evaluation
Authors: Hartgerink Chris HJ , Zelst Marino van
Published: January 2018

Scholarly research faces severe threats to its sustainability on multiple domains (access, incentives, reproducibility, inclusivity). We argue that “after-the-fact” research papers do not help and actually cause some of these threats because the chronology of the research cycle is lost in a research paper. We propose to give up the academic paper and propose a digitally native “as-you-go” alternative. In this design, smaller pieces of research outputs are communicated along the way and are linked to each other to form a network of outputs that can facilitate research evaluation. This embeds chronology in the design of scholarly communication and facilitates recognition of more diverse outputs that go beyond the paper (e.g., code, materials). Moreover, using network analysis to investigate the relations between linked outputs could help align evaluation tools with evaluation questions. We illustrate how such an “as-you-go” design of scholarly communication could be structured and how network metrics could be computed to assist in the evaluation process, with specific use cases for funders, universities, and individual researchers.
Metacommunity analysis of meiobenthos of deep-sediments from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Cisterna-Céliz José Alejandro , Marcelino-Barros Mirayana , Rocha-Olivares Axayacatl
Published: January 2018

Background Metacommunity theory is a conceptual framework addressing the interdependence of local interactions and regional processes, especially when communities have no clear boundaries and it is difficult to relate community structure and the environment at different spatial scales.

Methods To test the applicability of this theory to meiobenthos, twenty-seven deep-sea sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed for meiobenthic and nematode community distribution and structure along with a set of environmental variables.

Results Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions were found among sampling stations; and some variables, such as depth, inorganic carbon, carbon/nitrogen ratio, oxygen and percentage of sand, proved influential on total community abundance. Nematodes were the dominant meiofaunal group and its abundance highly variable among sites and sampling periods. Nematofauna was dominated by bacterivory, which also possessed the highest maturity index. Environmental characteristics showed a significant relation with community structure, not so the dispersal of nematode genera.

Discussion In light of our findings we posit that the deep-sea meiobenthos of the Gulf of Mexico may represent a metacommunity following the “species sorting model”. This inference is based on the different taxonomic structures among sampling stations correlating with environmental differences, in the presence of local niche diversification and limited dispersal.
Heg1 and Ccm1/2 proteins control endocardial mechanosensitivity during zebrafish valvulogenesis
Authors: Donat Stefan , Lourenço Marta , Paolini Alessio , Otten Cécile , Renz Marc , Abdelilah-Seyfried Salim
Published: January 2018

Endothelial cells respond to different levels of fluid shear stress through adaptations of their mechanosensitivity. Currently, we lack a good understanding of how this contributes to sculpting of the cardiovascular system. Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is an inherited vascular disease that occurs when a second somatic mutation causes a loss of CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2, or CCM3 proteins. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish Krit1 regulates the formation of cardiac valves. Expression of heg1, which encodes a binding partner of Krit1, is positively regulated by blood-flow. In turn, Heg1 stabilizes levels of Krit1 protein, and both Heg1 and Krit1 dampen expression levels of klf2a, a major mechanosensitive gene. Conversely, loss of Krit1 results in increased expression of klf2a and notch1b throughout the endocardium and prevents cardiac valve leaflet formation. Hence, the correct balance of blood-flow-dependent induction and Krit1 protein-mediated repression of klf2a and notch1b ultimately shapes cardiac valve leaflet morphology.
Therapeutic effects of telomerase in mice with pulmonary fibrosis induced by damage to the lungs and short telomeres
Authors: Povedano Juan Manuel , Martinez Paula , Serrano Rosa , Tejera Águeda , Gómez-López Gonzalo , Bobadilla Maria , Flores Juana Maria , Bosch Fátima , Blasco Maria A
Published: January 2018

Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal lung disease characterized by fibrotic foci and inflammatory infiltrates. Short telomeres can impair tissue regeneration and are found both in hereditary and sporadic cases. We show here that telomerase expression using AAV9 vectors shows therapeutic effects in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis owing to a low-dose bleomycin insult and short telomeres. AAV9 preferentially targets regenerative alveolar type II cells (ATII). AAV9-Tert-treated mice show improved lung function and lower inflammation and fibrosis at 1–3 weeks after viral treatment, and improvement or disappearance of the fibrosis at 8 weeks after treatment. AAV9-Tert treatment leads to longer telomeres and increased proliferation of ATII cells, as well as lower DNA damage, apoptosis, and senescence. Transcriptome analysis of ATII cells confirms downregulation of fibrosis and inflammation pathways. We provide a proof-of-principle that telomerase activation may represent an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis provoked or associated with short telomeres.
Isolation and culture of primary adult skin fibroblasts from the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Siengdee Puntita , Klinhom Sarisa , Thitaram Chatchote , Nganvongpanit Korakot
Published: January 2018

Background

Primary cultures from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) allow scientists to obtain representative cells that have conserved most of their original characteristics, function, physiology and biochemistry. This technique has thus gained significant importance as a foundation for further cellular, cell biology and molecular research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe conditions for the successful establishment of primary adult fibroblasts from Asian elephant carcasses.

Methods

Ear tissue sample collection from Asian elephant carcasses and our recommendations are given. We describe here a simple modified protocol for successful isolation and maintenance of primary adult fibroblasts from elephant ear skin. Ear samples from each individual (five 3 × 3 cm2pieces) were brought to the laboratory within 3 h after collection, kept in transportation medium at 0–4 °C. The ear tissues were prepared by a combination of 10% collagenase type II digestion procedure together with a simple explant procedure. Primary fibroblasts were cultured at 37 °C in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2. After the third passage, fibroblasts were routinely trypsinized with 0.25% trypsin/EDTA and cultured in DMEM with 10% FCS at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Traditional cell counting method was used to measure cell viability and growth curve. Long-term storage of cells used freezing medium consisting of 40% FCS (v/v).

Results

We explored the most suitable conditions during sample collection (post-mortem storage time and sample storage temperature), which is the most important step in determining primary outgrowth. Our study successfully established and cultured primary adult skin fibroblasts obtained from post-mortemE. maximusear skin tissues from six carcasses, with a success rate of around 83.3%. Outgrowth could be seen 4–12 days after explantation, and epithelial-like cells were found after 4–7 days of culture, while fibroblasts appeared at around day 7–10. The fibroblasts had viability and post-freezing recovery rates of around 97.3 ± 4.3% and 95.5 ± 7.3%, respectively, and doubling time was about 25 h (passage 6).

Discussion

To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe primary cell cultures derived from adult Asian elephant skin. Future studies should benefit from the information and useful suggestions herein, which may be used as a standard method for establishing primary skin fibroblast cultures in future experiments.
Cu2+ Montmorillonite K10 Clay Catalyst as a Green Catalyst for Production of Stearic Acid Methyl Ester: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Almadani Enas A. , Harun Farah W. , Radzi Salina M. , Muhamad Syamsul K.
Published: January 2018

Clay catalyst has received much attention to replace the homogeneous catalysts in the esterification reaction to produce fatty acid methyl ester as the source of biodiesel as it is low cost, easily available, as well as environmental friendly. However, the use of unmodified clay, in particular montmorillonite K10 (MMT K10), for the esterification of fatty acids showed that the acid conversion was less than 60% and this is not preferable to the production of biodiesel. In this study, synthesis of stearic acid methyl ester using Cu2+-MMT K10 (Cu-MMT K10) was successfully optimized via response surface methodo-logy (RSM) based on 3-variable of Box-Behnken design (BB). The parameters were; reaction time (5-180 minutes), reaction temperature (80-120 oC) and concentration of Cu2+ in MMT K10 (0.25-1 M). The use of RSM in optimizing the conversion of stearic acid was successfully developed as the actual experimental conversion of stearic acid was found similar to the actual values under the optimum conditions. The model equation predicted that the following conditions would generate the maximum conversion of stearic acid (87.05 %reaction time of 62 minutes, a reaction temperature of 80 oC and catalyst used is 1.0 M Cu-MMT K10. This finding can be considered as green catalytic process as it worked at moderate reaction temperature using low cost clay catalyst with a short reaction time.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of La3+ doped Bicrystalline Titania Prepared via Combustion method for the Degradation of Cationic dye Under Solar Illumination
Authors: Nair Radhika R , Mohan Mothi Krishna , Devi Sunaja
Published: January 2018

La3+ doped TiO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by combustion method in the presence of urea and were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. Further, the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized catalysts was monitored by photocatalytic degradation of synthetic cationic dye-Methylene Blue (MB) under solar illumination. The bicrystalline phase of anatase and rutile was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the transformation from anatase to rutile phase proceeds at a slower rate in the La3+ doped TiO2 catalysts. Effective separation of charge carriers, a synergistic effect in the bicrystalline framework of anatase and rutile, smaller crystallite size, and higher concentration of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups helped these catalysts to show improved activity for the dye degradation.
Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines – a new strategy for therapy
Authors: Suksawat Manida , Techasen Anchalee , Namwat Nisana , Boonsong Thianrut , Titapun Attapol , Ungarreevittaya Piti , Yongvanit Puangrat , Loilome Watcharin
Published: January 2018

The isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) found in endothelial cells (eNOS) plays a crucial role in vasodilation. We recently reported the activation of eNOS in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) tissues and cell lines. Moreover, we also reported that the abundance of eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (p‐eNOS), as well as its upstream regulator proteins, is significantly associated with the metastatic status of CCA patients. However, the function of eNOS in CCA progression has not been addressed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of eNOS involved in the migration and invasion ability of CCA cell lines. The results reveal that eNOS activation significantly increases migration and invasion ability of CCA cells via the up‐regulation of phosphorylated vasodilator‐stimulated protein (p‐VASP). A combination treatment with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor C and eNOS inhibitor (Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride) resulted in the down‐regulation of p‐VASP, as well as a decreased migration and invasion ability of the CCA cell line. Thus, this work suggests that eNOS can serve as an attractive target to inhibit the progression of CCA.
A small‐molecule PAI‐1 inhibitor prevents bone loss by stimulating bone formation in a murine estrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis model
Authors: Jin Guangwen , Aobulikasimu Alkebaier , Piao Jinying , Aibibula Zulipiya , Koga Daisuke , Sato Shingo , Ochi Hiroki , Tsuji Kunikazu , Nakabayashi Tetsuo , Miyata Toshio , Okawa Atsushi , Asou Yoshinori
Published: January 2018

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. Recently, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) was shown to play an important role in bone metabolism using PAI‐1‐deficient mice. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic benefits of novel, orally available small‐molecule PAI‐1 inhibitor (iPAI‐1) in an estrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis model. Eight‐week‐old C57BL/6J female mice were divided into three groups: a sham + vehicle (Sham), ovariectomy + vehicle (OVX + v), and OVX + iPAI‐1 (OVX + i) group. iPAI‐1 was administered orally each day for 6 weeks starting the day after the operation. Six weeks of iPAI‐1 treatment prevented OVX‐induced trabecular bone loss in both the femoral bone and lumbar spine. Bone formation activity was significantly higher in the OVX + i group than in the OVX + v and Sham groups. Unexpectedly, OVX‐induced osteoclastogenesis was partially, but significantly reduced. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analyses indicated that the number of bone marrow stromal cells was higher in the OVX + i group than that in the OVX + v group. A colony‐forming unit‐osteoblast assay indicated enhanced mineralized nodule formation activity in bone marrow cells isolated from iPAI‐1‐treated animals. Bone marrow ablation analysis indicated that the remodeled trabecular bone volume was significantly higher in the iPAI‐1‐treated group than that in the control group. In conclusion, our results suggest PAI‐1 blockade via a small‐molecule inhibitor is a new therapeutic approach for the anabolic treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Clinicopathological and 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT correlations in patients with dementia
Authors: Jung Youngsin , Jordan Lennon G. , Lowe Val J. , Kantarci Kejal , Parisi Joseph E. , Dickson Dennis W. , Murray Melissa E. , Reichard Ross R. , Ferman Tanis J. , Jones David T. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Savica Rodolfo , Machulda Mary M. , Fields Julie A. , Allen Laura A. , Drubach Daniel A. , St. Louis Erik K. , Silber Michael H. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Boeve Bradley F.
Published: January 2018

The relationship between clinicopathologic diagnosis and 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT in 18 patients with dementia (12 with Lewy body disease) from one center in the United States was assessed. The sensitivity and specificity of abnormal 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT with reduced striatal uptake on visual inspection for predicting Lewy body disease were 91.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The mean calculated putamen to occipital ratio (mPOR) based on regions of interest was significantly reduced in Lewy body disease compared to non‐Lewy body disease cases (P = 0.002). In this study, abnormal 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT was strongly associated with underlying Lewy body disease pathology, supporting the utility of 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT in the clinical diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
Co‐thought gestures in children's mental problem solving: Prevalence and effects on subsequent performance
Authors: Pouw Wim , van Gog Tamara , Zwaan Rolf A. , Agostinho Shirley , Paas Fred
Published: January 2018

Co‐thought gestures are understudied as compared to co‐speech gestures yet, may provide insight into cognitive functions of gestures that are independent of speech processes. A recent study with adults showed that co‐thought gesticulation occurred spontaneously during mental preparation of problem solving. Moreover, co‐thought gesturing (either spontaneous or instructed) during mental preparation was effective for subsequent solving of the Tower of Hanoi under conditions of high cognitive load (i.e., when visual working memory capacity was limited and when the task was more difficult). In this preregistered study (https://osf.io/dreks/), we investigated whether co‐thought gestures would also spontaneously occur and would aid problem‐solving processes in children (N = 74; 8–12 years old) under high load conditions. Although children also spontaneously used co‐thought gestures during mental problem solving, this did not aid their subsequent performance when physically solving the problem. If these null results are on track, co‐thought gesture effects may be different in adults and children.
Using unexpected questions to elicit information and cues to deceit in interpreter‐based interviews
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Leal Sharon , Mann Samantha , Fisher Ronald P. , Dalton Gary , Jo Eunkyung , Shaboltas Alla , Khaleeva Maria , Granskaya Juliana , Houston Kate
Published: January 2018

We examined whether speech‐related differences between truth tellers and liars are more profound when answering unexpected questions than when answering expected questions. We also examined whether the presence of an interpreter affected these results. In the experiment, 204 participants from the United States (Hispanic participants only), Russia, and the Republic of Korea were interviewed in their native language by a native‐speaking interviewer or by a British interviewer through an interpreter. Truth tellers discussed a trip that they had made during the last 12 months; liars fabricated a story about such a trip. The key dependent variables were the amount of information provided and the proportion of all statements that were complications. The proportion of complications distinguished truth tellers from liars better when answering unexpected than expected questions, but only in interpreter‐absent interviews. The number of details provided did not differ between truth tellers and liars or between interpreter‐absent and interpreter‐present interviews.
Metal–Organic Framework Derived Narrow Bandgap Cobalt Carbide Sensitized Titanium Dioxide Nanocage for Superior Photo‐Electrochemical Water Oxidation Performance
Authors: Tang Rui , Zhou Shujie , Zhang Luyuan , Yin Longwei
Published: January 2018

Despite recent progress in photo‐electrochemical (PEC) water oxidation systems for TiO2‐based photoanodes, PEC performance improvement is still seriously hampered due to poor carrier transport efficiency and sluggish surface water oxidation kinetics of pristine TiO2. Herein, for the first time a brand new metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived Co3C nanosheet with narrow bandgap energy is demonstrated, to effectively sensitize TiO2 hollow cages as a heterostructure photoanode for PEC water oxidation. It is found that MOF‐derived Co3C nanosheet with narrow bandgap characteristic can simultaneously accelerate the surface water oxidation kinetics and extend the light harvesting range of pristine TiO2. Meanwhile, a uniquely matched type‐II heterojunction constructed between MOF‐derived Co3C and TiO2 results in an evidently spontaneous e−/h+ separation. MOF‐derived Co3C/TiO2 heterostructure photoanodes bring about drastically improved PEC water oxidation performance. Specifically, MOF‐derived Co3C‐3/TiO2 photoanode with an optimized content of Co3C achieves the highest photocurrent density and charge separation efficiency of 2.6 mA cm−2 and 92.6% at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, corresponding to 201% and 152% improvement compared with pristine TiO2 nanocages. The ingeniously prepared MOF‐derived Co3C carbide with narrow bandgap energy as a cocatalyst paves new way to construct potentially high performance solar‐energy conversion system.
Thermal‐Responsive Polymers for Enhancing Safety of Electrochemical Storage Devices
Authors: Yang Hui , Leow Wan Ru , Chen Xiaodong
Published: January 2018

Thermal runway constitutes the most pressing safety issue in lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors of large‐scale and high‐power density due to risks of fire or explosion. However, traditional strategies for averting thermal runaway do not enable the charging–discharging rate to change according to temperature or the original performance to resume when the device is cooled to room temperature. To efficiently control thermal runaway, thermal‐responsive polymers provide a feasible and reversible strategy due to their ability to sense and subsequently act according to a predetermined sequence when triggered by heat. Herein, recent research progress on the use of thermal‐responsive polymers to enhance the thermal safety of electrochemical storage devices is reviewed. First, a brief discussion is provided on the methods of preventing thermal runaway in electrochemical storage devices. Subsequently, a short review is provided on the different types of thermal‐responsive polymers that can efficiently avoid thermal runaway, such as phase change polymers, polymers with sol–gel transitions, and polymers with positive temperature coefficients. The results represent the important development of thermal‐responsive polymers toward the prevention of thermal runaway in next‐generation smart electrochemical storage devices.
Defect Effects on TiO2 Nanosheets: Stabilizing Single Atomic Site Au and Promoting Catalytic Properties
Authors: Wan Jiawei , Chen Wenxing , Jia Chuanyi , Zheng Lirong , Dong Juncai , Zheng Xusheng , Wang Yu , Yan Wensheng , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: January 2018

Isolated single atomic site catalysts have attracted great interest due to their remarkable catalytic properties. Because of their high surface energy, single atoms are highly mobile and tend to form aggregate during synthetic and catalytic processes. Therefore, it is a significant challenge to fabricate isolated single atomic site catalysts with good stability. Herein, a gentle method to stabilize single atomic site metal by constructing defects on the surface of supports is presented. As a proof of concept, single atomic site Au supported on defective TiO2 nanosheets is prepared and it is discovered that (1) the surface defects on TiO2 nanosheets can effectively stabilize Au single atomic sites through forming the Ti–Au–Ti structure; and (2) the Ti–Au–Ti structure can also promote the catalytic properties through reducing the energy barrier and relieving the competitive adsorption on isolated Au atomic sites. It is believed that this work paves a way to design stable and active single atomic site catalysts on oxide supports.
Synergism of Geometric Construction and Electronic Regulation: 3D Se‐(NiCo)Sx/(OH)x Nanosheets for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Hu Congling , Zhang Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Li Ang , Chang Xiaoxia , Gong Jinlong
Published: January 2018

The exploration of highly efficient electrocatalysts for both oxygen and hydrogen generation via water splitting is receiving considerable attention in recent decades. Up till now, Pt‐based catalysts still exhibit the best hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and Ir/Ru‐based oxides are identified as the benchmark for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the high cost and rarity of these materials extremely hinder their large‐scale applications. This paper describes the construction of the ultrathin defect‐enriched 3D Se‐(NiCo)Sx/(OH)x nanosheets for overall water splitting through a facile Se‐induced hydrothermal treatment. Via Se‐induced fabrication, highly efficient Se‐(NiCo)Sx/(OH)x nanosheets are successfully fabricated through morphology optimization, defect engineering, and electronic structure tailoring. The as‐prepared hybrids exhibit relatively low overpotentials of 155 and 103 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 for OER and HER, respectively. Moreover, an overall water‐splitting device delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for ≈66 h without obvious degradation.
Oriented Nanofibrous Polymer Scaffolds Containing Protein‐Loaded Porous Silicon Generated by Spray Nebulization
Authors: Zuidema Jonathan M. , Kumeria Tushar , Kim Dokyoung , Kang Jinyoung , Wang Joanna , Hollett Geoffrey , Zhang Xuan , Roberts David S. , Chan Nicole , Dowling Cari , Blanco‐Suarez Elena , Allen Nicola J. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Sailor Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Oriented composite nanofibers consisting of porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) embedded in a polycaprolactone or poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) matrix are prepared by spray nebulization from chloroform solutions using an airbrush. The nanofibers can be oriented by an appropriate positioning of the airbrush nozzle, and they can direct growth of neurites from rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. When loaded with the model protein lysozyme, the pSiNPs allow the generation of nanofiber scaffolds that carry and deliver the protein under physiologic conditions (phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), at 37 °C) for up to 60 d, retaining 75% of the enzymatic activity over this time period. The mass loading of protein in the pSiNPs is 36%, and in the resulting polymer/pSiNP scaffolds it is 3.6%. The use of pSiNPs that display intrinsic photoluminescence (from the quantum‐confined Si nanostructure) allows the polymer/pSiNP composites to be definitively identified and tracked by time‐gated photoluminescence imaging. The remarkable ability of the pSiNPs to protect the protein payload from denaturation, both during processing and for the duration of the long‐term aqueous release study, establishes a model for the generation of biodegradable nanofiber scaffolds that can load and deliver sensitive biologics.
Au/TiO2–gC3N4 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Production from Water under Visible Light Irradiation with Very Low Quantities of Sacrificial Agents
Authors: Marchal Clément , Cottineau Thomas , Méndez‐Medrano María Guadalupe , Colbeau‐Justin Christophe , Caps Valérie , Keller Valérie
Published: January 2018

Here for the first time the design and optimization are presented of a three‐component Au/TiO2–gC3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst able to efficiently produce H2 from water using very low amounts of sacrificial agents and under visible light irradiation. This enhanced photocatalytic behavior compared to Au/TiO2 and Au/gC3N4 materials is the result of synergetic effects due to high quality assembly and interface between the three components. This optimized nanoscale assembly characterized by simultaneous favorable nanoheterojunction formation between g‐C3N4 and TiO2 semiconductors, as well as AuNPs/gC3N4 and AuNPs/TiO2 junctions, leads to enhanced visible light harvesting, charge separation, and H2 production. This composite photocatalyst yields a high H2 production (350 µmol−1 h−1 gcatalyst−1) under visible light irradiation with minimal amounts of sacrificial agent (≤1 vol%), corresponding to activities much higher than reported so far under comparable conditions.
Simultaneous Improvement of Photovoltaic Performance and Stability by In Situ Formation of 2D Perovskite at (FAPbI3)0.88(CsPbBr3)0.12/CuSCN Interface
Authors: Chen Jiangzhao , Seo Ja‐Young , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: January 2018

To solve the stability issues of perovskite solar cells (PSC), here a novel interface engineering strategy that a versatile ultrathin 2D perovskite (5‐AVA)2PbI4 (5‐AVA = 5‐ammoniumvaleric acid) passivation layer that is in situ incorporated at the interface between (FAPbI3)0.88(CsPbBr3)0.12 and the hole transporting CuSCN is reported. Surface analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the formation of 2D perovskite. Hysteresis is reduced by the interfacial 2D layer, which could be ascribed to improvement of interfacial charge extraction efficiency, associated with suppression of recombination. Moreover, introduction of the interface passivating layer enhances the moisture stability and photostability as compared to the control perovskite film due to hydrophobic nature of 2D perovskite. The unencapsulated device retains 98% of the initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 63 d under moisture exposure of about 10% in the dark. A PCE of the control device is boosted from 13.72 to 16.75% as a consequence of enhanced open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor along with slightly increased short‐circuit current density (Jsc), which results from reduced trap states of (FAPbI3)0.88(CsPbBr3)0.12 as evidenced by enhanced carrier lifetimes and charge extraction. The perovskite/hole transport material interface engineering gives insight into simultaneous improvements of PCE and device stability.
Non‐pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome; a systematic review
Authors: Buijs Petra C. M. , Bassett Anne S. , Boot Erik
Published: January 2018

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with high rates of anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. In the general population, psychiatric disorders are treated with proven pharmacological and non‐pharmacological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To begin to assess the feasibility and efficacy of non‐pharmacological therapies in 22q11.2DS, we performed a systematic search to identify literature on non‐pharmacological interventions for psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2DS. Of 1,240 individual publications up to mid‐2016 initially identified, 11 met inclusion criteria. There were five literature reviews, five publications reporting original research (two originating from a single study), and one publication not fitting either category that suggested adaptations to an intervention without providing scientific evidence. None of the original research involved direct study of the evidence‐based non‐pharmacological therapies available for psychiatric disorders. Rather, these four studies involved computer‐based or group interventions aimed at improving neuropsychological deficits that may be associated with psychiatric disorders. Although the sample sizes were relatively small (maximum 28 participants in the intervention group), these reports documented the promising feasibility of these interventions, and improvements in domains of neuropsychological functioning, including working memory, attention, and social cognition. The results of this review underline the need for research into the feasibility and efficacy of non‐pharmacological treatments of psychiatric disorders in individuals with 22q11.2DS to inform clinical care, using larger samples, and optimally, standard randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials methodology.
Nucleophile Promiscuity of Engineered Class II Pyruvate Aldolase YfaU from E. Coli
Authors: Hernández Karel , Joglar Jesús , Bujons Jordi , Parella Teodor , Clapés Pere
Published: January 2018

Pyruvate‐dependent aldolases exhibit a stringent selectivity for pyruvate, limiting application of their synthetic potential, which is a drawback shared with other existing aldolases. Structure‐guided rational protein engineering rendered a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐l‐rhamnonate aldolase variant, fused with a maltose‐binding protein (MBP‐YfaU W23V/L216A), capable of efficiently converting larger pyruvate analogues, for example, those with linear and branched aliphatic chains, in aldol addition reactions. Combination of these nucleophiles with N‐Cbz‐alaninal (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl) and N‐Cbz‐prolinal electrophiles gave access to chiral building blocks, for example, derivatives of (2S,3S,4R)‐4‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpentanoic acid (68 %, d.r. 90:10) and the enantiomer of dolaproine (33 %, d.r. 94:6) as well as a collection of unprecedented α‐amino acid derivatives of the proline and pyrrolizidine type. Conversions varied between 6–93 % and diastereomeric ratios from 50:50 to 95:5 depending on the nucleophilic and electrophilic components.
Direkte Umwandlung von Methan zu protoniertem Formaldehyd bei Raumtemperatur in der Gasphase: Zur Rolle von Quecksilber unter den Oxidkationen der Zinktriade
Authors: Yue Lei , Zhou Shaodong , Sun Xiaoyan , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: January 2018

In den thermischen Reaktionen der zweiatomigen Metalloxide [MO].+ der Zinktriade (M=Zn, Cd, Hg) entsteht protonierter Formaldehyd, und zwar als Hauptprodukt, ausschließlich für das [HgO].+/CH4‐Paar. Durch quantenchemische Rechnungen konnten mechanistische Einblicke in diese Reaktion erhalten werden; die unerwartete Bildung von [CH2OH]+ aus [HgO].+/CH4 beruht vermutlich auf relativistischen Effekten.
Stepwise Hydride Transfer in a Biological System: Insights into the Reaction Mechanism of the Light‐Dependent Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase
Authors: Archipowa Nataliya , Kutta Roger J. , Heyes Derren J. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: January 2018

Hydride transfer plays a crucial role in a wide range of biological systems. However, its mode of action (concerted or stepwise) is still under debate. Light‐dependent NADPH: protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) catalyzes the stereospecific trans addition of a hydride anion and a proton across the C17−C18 double bond of protochlorophyllide. Time‐resolved absorption and emission spectroscopy were used to investigate the hydride transfer mechanism in POR. Apart from excited states of protochlorophyllide, three discrete intermediates were resolved, consistent with a stepwise mechanism that involves an initial electron transfer from NADPH. A subsequent proton‐coupled electron transfer followed by a proton transfer yield distinct different intermediates for wild type and the C226S variant, that is, initial hydride attaches to either C17 or C18, but ends in the same chlorophyllide stereoisomer. This work provides the first evidence of a stepwise hydride transfer in a biological system.
Tailored Organic Electrode Material Compatible with Sulfide Electrolyte for Stable All‐Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Chi Xiaowei , Liang Yanliang , Hao Fang , Zhang Ye , Whiteley Justin , Dong Hui , Hu Pu , Lee Sehee , Yao Yan
Published: January 2018

All‐solid‐state sodium batteries (ASSSBs) with nonflammable electrolytes and ubiquitous sodium resource are a promising solution to the safety and cost concerns for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the intrinsic mismatch between low anodic decomposition potential of superionic sulfide electrolytes and high operating potentials of sodium‐ion cathodes leads to a volatile cathode–electrolyte interface and undesirable cell performance. Here we report a high‐capacity organic cathode, Na4C6O6, that is chemically and electrochemically compatible with sulfide electrolytes. A bulk‐type ASSSB shows high specific capacity (184 mAh g−1) and one of the highest specific energies (395 Wh kg−1) among intercalation compound‐based ASSSBs. The capacity retentions of 76 % after 100 cycles at 0.1 C and 70 % after 400 cycles at 0.2 C represent the record stability for ASSSBs. Additionally, Na4C6O6 functions as a capable anode material, enabling a symmetric all‐organic ASSSB with Na4C6O6 as both cathode and anode materials.
Iod(III)‐Verbindungen als Halogenbrückenkatalysatoren
Authors: Heinen Flemming , Engelage Elric , Dreger Alexander , Weiss Robert , Huber Stefan M.
Published: January 2018

Hypervalente Iod(III)‐Verbindungen sind als vielseitige Reagenzien in der organischen Synthese bekannt. Bisher gibt es allerdings nur einen Bericht über ihren Einsatz als Lewis‐Säuren in der Organokatalyse. Wir berichten hier über erste starke Hinweise auf die entscheidende Bedeutung von Halogenbrücken in dieser Art der Katalyse. Hierbei dienten die Solvolyse von Benzhydrylchlorid und die Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion zwischen Cyclopentadien und Methylvinylketon als Testreaktionen für Halogenidabstraktion sowie die Aktivierung von Neutralverbindungen. Iodoliumsalze (cyclische Diaryliodonium‐Verbindungen) wurden als Aktivatoren und Katalysatoren verwendet, und ihre Aktivität konnte durch Blockieren einer oder beider elektrophiler Achsen signifikant verringert bzw. vollständig ausgeschaltet werden. Im Vergleich zu den zuvor veröffentlichten zweizähnigen kationischen Halogenbrückendonoren zeigen die hier verwendeten einzähnigen Organoiodderivate eine vergleichbare Aktivität (in der Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion) oder sogar eine deutlich höhere (in der Solvolyse von Benzhydrylchlorid).
Single‐Molecule Determination of the Isomers of d‐Glucose and d‐Fructose that Bind to Boronic Acids
Authors: Ramsay William J. , Bayley Hagan
Published: January 2018

Monosaccharides, such as d‐glucose and d‐fructose, exist in aqueous solution as an equilibrium mixture of cyclic isomers and can be detected with boronic acids by the reversible formation of boronate esters. The engineering of accurate, discriminating and continuous monitoring devices relies on knowledge of which cyclic isomer of a sugar binds to a boronic acid receptor. Herein, by monitoring fluctuations in ionic current, we show that an engineered α‐hemolysin (αHL) nanopore modified with a boronic acid reacts reversibly with d‐glucose as the pyranose isomer (α‐d‐glucopyranose) and d‐fructose as either the furanose (β‐d‐fructofuranose) or the pyranose (β‐d‐fructopyranose). Both of these binding modes contradict current binding models. With this knowledge, we distinguished the individual sugars in a mixture of d‐maltose, d‐glucose, and d‐fructose.
Using landing statistics and fishers’ traditional ecological knowledge to assess conservation threats to Pacific goliath grouper in Colombia
Authors: Castellanos‐Galindo Gustavo A. , Chong‐Montenegro Carolina , Baos E Rodrigo A. , Zapata Luis A. , Tompkins Paul , Graham Rachel T. , Craig Matthew
Published: January 2018

Groupers are vulnerable to fishing pressure largely because of their life‐history traits. The Pacific goliath grouper (PGG; Epinephelus quinquefasciatus), the largest reef fish inhabiting the tropical Eastern Pacific region, is suspected to be subject to high levels of exploitation, but scarce information exists on their population status and the species remains classed as Data Deficient according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

This study documents for the first time the threats to the PGG along the Colombian Pacific coast, where one of the few active fisheries for this species persists. Reconstructed landings of groupers and traditional ecological knowledge, gathered throughout several coastal villages, were used to obtain a historical and contemporary overview of the PGG status in Colombia.

Over the past 20 years grouper landings in the Colombian Pacific have been around 200 tons per year. Landings of PGG have averaged ~35 tons per year and are now close to matching those of the historically most landed grouper on this coast, the rooster hind (Hyporthodus acanthistius). The current small‐scale fishery for PGG focuses on immature small individuals, with most taken from the extensive southern mangroves. Until recently fishers have captured PGG exclusively with handlines, but new fishing practices (spearfishing) and markets commanding higher prices for small individuals are increasing the extinction risk for the PGG.

The exploitation of PGG in the Colombian Pacific may not be as severe as in other countries where severe population declines are suspected (e.g. Mexico). Low coastal human population density and the presence of relatively intact mangroves, essential habitat for juvenile fishes, contribute to the persistence of PGG populations throughout the Colombian Pacific.

National and regional conservation and management measures should identify and protect mangrove nurseries and offshore spawning aggregation sites. Well‐enforced protected nurseries and spawning aggregation sites will then protect juvenile and adult PGG, improving the sustainability of this fishery.
Rheological Behavior of Mixtures of Ionic Liquids with Water
Authors: Kliemann Christian , Kleiber Michael , Müller Karsten
Published: January 2018

The changes in viscosity exhibited upon mixing remain one of the major challenges for substance property prediction. Viscosity often drastically changes after even small changes in concentration of one of the compounds in the mixture. The viscosity behavior of mixtures of ionic liquids with water has been studied. First, a generalized evaluation of the shape of the viscosity‐concentration curves has been done. About one‐tenth of the investigated systems exhibited maxima or inflection points of the curve. The simple logarithmic mixing rule turns out to be applicable as a first approximation for many systems. However, it tends to underestimate mixture viscosity. Following these results, parameters for a group contribution method were fitted and evaluated. This method is based on the Grunberg and Nissan extension of the logarithmic mixing rule.
Achieving Skeletal Diversity in Peptide Macrocycles through The Use of Heterocyclic Grafts
Authors: Kaldas Sherif J. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: January 2018

Despite their therapeutic potential, peptide macrocycles often suffer from drawbacks such as low membrane permeability, proteolytic instability, and conformational lability. As a result, there have been significant efforts to “depeptidize” amino acid‐rich macrocycles through the incorporation of heterocyclic grafts into their backbones. In this concept article, we summarize selected recent methodologies that can be used to introduce heterocycles into cyclic peptides.
From a Metastable Layer to a Stable Ring: A Kinetic Study for Transformation Reactions of Li2Mo3TeO12 to Polyoxometalates
Authors: Oh Seung‐Jin , Lim Seong‐Ji , You Tae‐Soo , Ok Kang Min
Published: January 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Kang Ming Ok at the Chung An University in Seoul. The image depicts stacked Jenga blocks with unstable structures and highly organized structures, depicting the metastable tellurites and the thermodynamically stable polyoxometalates, respectively. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201704755.
A survey of techniques for architecting SLC/MLC/TLC hybrid Flash memory–based SSDs
Authors: Alsalibi Ahmed Izzat , Mittal Sparsh , Al‐Betar Mohammed Azmi , Sumari Putra Bin
Published: January 2018

Flash memory–based solid‐state drives (SSDs) offer several attractive features and benefits compared to hard disk drive (HDD), such as shock resistance and better performance especially for random data access. Depending on the number of bits in each cell, Flash memory can be designed as single/multi/triple level cell (SLC/MLC/TLC), which have different performance, density, cost and write endurance characteristics. To bring the best of these together, several researchers have proposed designing SSD using hybrid SLC/MLC/TLC Flash memory. However, these SSDs also present several challenges such as buffer management, placement of hot/cold data in suitable portion, and intelligent garbage collection. Several recent techniques aim to address these challenges. In this paper, we present a survey of techniques for managing SSDs designed with SLC/MLC/TLC Flash memory. We classify the works on several axes to bring out their similarities and differences. We aim to synthesize the state‐of‐art progress in hybrid SSD management and also spark further research in this area.
Reducing distributed JR program start‐up time via extending JR's operation abstraction
Authors: Olsson Ronald A. , Keen Aaron W. , Williamson Todd
Published: January 2018

This paper shows how to simplify and speed up distributed JR program start‐up. We accomplish this goal by extending JR's operation abstraction so that it includes the creation of virtual machines and remote objects, the key components in distributed JR programs. This extension is conceptually simple, fits well with the rest of the JR language, and provides additional flexibility. Extending JR's operation abstraction yields a considerably less complex solution and a simpler implementation than other approaches, which would have led to redundant or ad‐hoc language mechanisms. The extension also allows for reduced distributed JR program start‐up costs because the creation of virtual machines and remote objects can now be done in parallel. This paper also describes how we have simulated this extension and have implemented a prototype that provides this extension. These reflect closely what we would need to do to actually include the extension within the standard JR implementation. Using the simulation and prototype, we obtained performance data on a few typical distributed applications written to use the extension. The data show large reductions, ranging from about 50% to 95%, in distributed JR program start‐up times. Our experiments also explored a few strategies to further reduce start‐up times, but, among our strategies, the straightforward strategies seem the best. This paper also discusses design alternatives for creating virtual machines and remote objects. Our experience suggests that the proposed extension to JR's operation abstraction is actually worthwhile to add to the standard JR language and implementation.
A faster phase frequency detector using transmission gate–based latch for the reduced response time of the PLL
Authors: Koithyar Aravinda , Ramesh T.K.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we present a new design of phase frequency detector (PFD) without reset, such that the blind zone and dead zone issues in the phase locked loop are annihilated. The PFD is designed using transmission gate–based latches, which produce UP and DOWN pulses only when there is a distinct phase difference between the reference and divided frequencies. Thus, the continuous pulses that get produced by the conventional NAND gate–based latches are avoided, leading to reduced power consumption of the PFD. The charge pump makes use of an op‐amp used as a buffer, to reduce the current mismatch. The loop filter used is of second order, and the voltage‐controlled oscillator is of conventional current–starved type. The divider makes use of true single‐phase clock latches. It was found that the phase locked loop with new design of PFD, compared with the conventional design, consumes 27% lesser power, and the lock time is decreased by 79%. In addition, it was found that the control voltage swing is reduced by 71%, which leads to much lesser spur content at the output of the voltage‐controlled oscillator.