bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decarboxylative C(sp3)−N Bond Forming Reaction to Construct 4‐Imidazolidinones via Post‐Ugi Cascade Sequence in One Pot
Authors: Song Gui‐Ting , Qu Chuan‐Hua , Lei Jie , Yan Wei , Tang Dian‐Yong , Li Hong‐yu , Chen Zhong‐Zhu , Xu Zhi‐Gang
Published: July 2020

A post‐Ugi one‐pot cascade was developed to access 4‐imidazolidinones through an intramolecular decarboxylative C(sp3)−N bond forming reaction. The reaction has a broad tolerance for a variety of substituted aldehydes, anilines, isocyanides and glyoxylic acids. The cascade reaction scope was expanded to synthesize spiroimidazolidinone by the replacement of aldehyde with aliphatic ketone in the Ugi reaction. Subsequently, the methodology was applied to synthesize the core structures of pharmaceuticals GSK2137305 and SCH 900822 under the mild and facile conditions with one purification. This cascade reaction generates opportunities for the tailored synthesis of a range of biologically active 4‐imidazolidinones through tuneable Ugi inputs.

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Novel palladium nanoparticles supported on mesoporous natural phosphate: Catalytic ability for the preparation of aromatic hydrocarbons from natural terpenes
Authors: Mekkaoui Ayoub Abdelkader , Aberkouks Abderrazak , Fkhar Lahcen , Ait Ali Mustapha , El Firdoussi Larbi , El Houssame Soufiane
Published: July 2020

Various ratios of palladium nanoparticles supported on mesoporous natural phosphate (Pd@NP) were prepared using the wetness impregnation method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by IR, XRD, CV, SEM, EDX, XRF, TEM and BET analysis. The reduction and preparation of the palladium nanoparticles afford a crystallite size of 10.88 nm. The performance of the synthesized catalyst was investigated in the solvent‐free dehydroaromatization of α‐, β‐ and γ‐himachalene mixture from Cedrus atlantica oil as a model substrate. In order to achieve an efficient and selective catalysis, the catalytic dehydroaromatization of various terpenes such as limonene, limonaketone, carvone, carveol and perillyl alcohol was studied. The Pd@NP catalyst performed a high catalytic activity, selectivity and recyclability in the terpenes dehydroaromatization reaction.
NanoSiO2andTiO2embedded polyacrylonitrile/polyvinylidene fluoride ultrafiltration membranes: Improvement in flux and antifouling properties
Authors: Polisetti Veerababu , Ray Paramita
Published: July 2020

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are widely used in drinking water and wastewater applications. These membranes are prone to fouling and membrane efficiency decreases with time under constant operation. Significant improvements/modifications are necessary to apply these polymers as sustainable membrane materials. In this study, PVDF and PAN UF membranes were modified through incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) namely SiO2and TiO2. PVDF and PAN UF membranes were prepared by phase inversion method from polymer solutions having dispersed SiO2and TiO2NPs in it. Membrane surface hydrophilicity, charge, roughness, and morphology were studied. Equilibrium water content and molecular weight cut‐off of the membranes were also measured. Addition of NPs increased membrane surface hydrophilicity, equilibrium water content, and surface potential. NPs modified membranes exhibited better membrane flux (35–79% higher) and antifouling properties (flux recovery ratio values 28–41% higher) than the virgin membranes.
Bifunctional Electrocatalyst with 0D/2D Heterostructure for Highly Efficient Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation
Authors: Yu Xueping , Yang Chan , Zhang Shan , Xing Yonglei , Liu Chuntai , Peng Juan , Yan Qingyu
Published: July 2020

A novel MoS2 quantum dots/CoSe2 nanosheet (MoS2 QDs/CoSe2) hybrid with 0D/2D heterostructure has been developed. The CoSe2 nanosheets (NSs) enable an excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with increasing vacancy configuration on one hand, while the MoS2 QDs serve as an eminent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst on the other. By integrating MoS2 QDs and CoSe2 NSs, the hybrid exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performances in HER and OER. The unique 0D/2D hetero‐interface increases the exposed active sites and facilitates electron transfer, thereby boosting the electrocatalytic activity. Relatively low overpotentials of 82 mV and 280 mV are required to drive the current density of 10 mA/cm2 for HER and OER, with corresponding Tafel slopes of 69 and 75 mV/dec, respectively. As such, this work provides an efficient yet simple approach to construct bifunctional electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability.
Bioenergy production from orange industrial waste: a case study
Authors: Jiménez‐Castro Maria P. , Buller Luz S. , Sganzerla William G. , Forster‐Carneiro Tânia
Published: July 2020

The present study focuses on a bibliometric analysis of the global production of scientific papers related to the recovery of bioenergy from orange industrial waste or by‐products. The study also observed the top‐cited papers, international collaborative networks, top countries, and journals. The timespan was from 1900 to 2019, and the Web of Science© database was used. A total of 161 documents (research and review papers) were selected to carry out the investigation. Two main clusters of literature were highlighted, related to the authorship of the top‐cited papers and authorship collaboration networks, respectively. Recent scientific publications use different pre‐treatments to achieve the best biogas yield with many configurations of the anaerobic digestion system. The data indicated that the countries with most publications are Spain, China, and the USA, and the journals with a higher impact factors related to environmental assessments were responsible for a higher number of publications. In a biorefinery concept, orange peel could be submitted to different pre‐treatments to produce bioethanol and methane, as environmentally friendly fuels, and other co‐products such as d‐limonene and pectin. This study therefore presents trends in bioenergy production from orange industrial by‐products with the aim of supporting further research on energy recovery from orange industry solid waste and to assist future decision making in this field of science. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Occurrence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with essential thrombocythemia: How the immune system can overcome a neoplastic clone
Authors: Carruale Antonio , Longu Francesco , Mura Francesca , Caocci Giovanni , La Nasa Giorgio , Fozza Claudio
Published: July 2020

Our case highlights the possible coexistence of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), two pathological entities with opposite clinical and laboratory manifestations. It also underlines how an autoimmune attack has been temporarily able to overcome a neoplastic clone.
Carbon and carbon composites for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Zhang Yichuan , Zhang Qichun , Chen Guangming
Published: July 2020

The urgent need for consistent, reliable, ecofriendly, and stable power sources drives the development of new green energy materials. Thermoelectric (TE) materials receive increasing attention due to their unique capability of realizing the direct energy conversion between heat and electricity, showing diverse applications in harvesting waste heat and low‐grade heat. Carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have experienced a rapid development as TE materials because of their intrinsic ultrahigh electrical conductivity and light weight. Besides, polymer‐based carbon composites are particularly fascinating as the combination of the merits of polymers and filler materials leads to high TE performance and superior flexibility. Herein, the recent TE advances are systematically summarized in the studied popularity of carbon materials (ie, CNTs and graphene) and the category of polymers. The conducting polymer‐based carbon materials are particularly highlighted. Finally, the remaining challenges and some tentative suggestions possibly guiding future developments are proposed, which may pave a way for a bright future of carbon and carbon composites in the energy market.
Distribution and overlap of entorhinal, premotor, and amygdalar connections in the monkey anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Calderazzo Samantha M. , Busch Silas E. , Moore Tara L. , Rosene Douglas L. , Medalla Maria
Published: July 2020

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is important for decision‐making as it integrates motor plans with affective and contextual limbic information. Disruptions in these networks have been observed in depression, bipolar disorder, and post‐traumatic stress disorder. Yet, overlap of limbic and motor connections within subdivisions of the ACC is not well understood. Hence, we administered a combination of retrograde and anterograde tracers into structures important for contextual memories (entorhinal cortex), affective processing (amygdala), and motor planning (dorsal premotor cortex) to assess overlap of labeled projection neurons from (outputs) and axon terminals to (inputs) the ACC of adult rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Our data show that entorhinal and dorsal premotor cortical (dPMC) connections are segregated across ventral (A25, A24a) and dorsal (A24b,c) subregions of the ACC, while amygdalar connections are more evenly distributed across subregions. Among all areas, the rostral ACC (A32) had the lowest relative density of connections with all three regions. In the ventral ACC, entorhinal and amygdalar connections strongly overlap across all layers, especially in A25. In the dorsal ACC, outputs to dPMC and the amygdala strongly overlap in deep layers. However, dPMC input to the dorsal ACC was densest in deep layers, while amygdalar inputs predominantly localized in upper layers. These connection patterns are consistent with diverse roles of the dorsal ACC in motor evaluation and the ventral ACC in affective and contextual memory. Further, distinct laminar circuits suggest unique interactions within specific ACC compartments that are likely important for the temporal integration of motor and limbic information during flexible goal‐directed behavior.
Enhanced Anticancer Therapeutic Delivery to Tumor Microenvironment via Simultaneous Angiogenesis and Tumor Targeting
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Wang Sihan , Wang Haixia , Yang Yingjie , Gao Jin
Published: July 2020

Angiogenesis is an event commonly occurring during tumorigenesis and the following development and progression provide an ideal target for anticancer drug‐targeted delivery. Nanoparticles with tumor‐cell binding ability are usually used for tumor therapy and proved to be able to accumulate in tumor tissues. The nanoparticles with dual angiogenesis and tumor‐cell targeting capacity are expected to deliver therapeutics to the lesions of tumors more efficiently and should achieve a better tumor therapeutical effect. In the present study, we employed melanoma xenograft as a tumor model, with VGB peptide and FA as angiogenesis and tumor cell guiding moieties, and with micelles as a model nanoparticle to examine our hypothesis. As a result, we proved that the dual strategy enhanced the delivery of bufalin, an anticancer agent, and achieved a better therapeutical outcome for melanoma, compared to the conventional single‐targeting methods. Since angiogenesis is common in tumor development, the simultaneous targeting strategy can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of tumors.
Synthesis of Triazole‐Containing Furanosyl Nucleoside Analogues and Their Phosphate, Phosphoramidate or Phoshonate Derivatives as Potential Sugar Diphosphate or Nucleotide Mimetics
Authors: Fortuna Andreia , Costa Paulo J. , Piedade M. Fátima M. , Conceição Oliveira M. , Xavier Nuno M.
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of stable and potentially bioactive xylofuranosyl nucleoside analogues and potential sugar diphosphate or nucleotide mimetics comprising a 1,2,3‐triazole moiety is reported. 3′‐O‐Methyl‐branched N‐benzyltriazole isonucleosides were accessed in 5–7 steps and 42–54 % overall yields using a Cu(I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition of 3‐O‐propargyl‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐xylofuranose with benzyl azide as key step. Related isonucleotides were obtained by 5‐O‐phosphorylation of acetonide‐protected 3‐O‐propargyl xylofuranose and further “click” cycloaddition or by Staudinger‐phosphite reaction of a 5‐azido N‐benzyltriazole isonucleoside. Hydroxy‐, amino‐ or bromomethyl triazole 5′‐isonucleosides were synthesized by thermal cycloaddition of 5‐azido 3‐O‐benzyl/dodecyl xylofuranoses with propargyl alcohol, propargylamine or propargyl bromide. Better yields (82–85 %) were obtained when using propargyl alcohol and a high 1,4‐regioselectivity was attained with propargyl bromide. Further O/N‐phosphorylation or Arbuzov reaction led to (triazolyl)methyl phosphates, phosphoramidates or phosphonates. The latter were converted into uracil nucleoside 5′‐(triazolyl)methyl phosphonates as prospective nucleoside diphosphate mimetics.
An overview of HIFEM technology in body contouring
Authors: Katz Bruce E.
Published: July 2020

Background

This review comprises a technology overview, clinical background, and applications of high‐intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM).

Methods

The physiology, mechanism of action, and dynamics of HIFEM will be discussed and its action on muscle fibers and fat elucidated.

Results

Clinical applications, body areas treated, and treatment parameters will be reviewed.

Conclusion

Efficacy and safety results from multiple studies will be included.
Firm parenting and youth adjustment: Stress reactivity and dyadic synchrony of respiratory sinus arrhythmia
Authors: Oshri Assaf , Liu Sihong , Huffman Landry G. , Koss Kalsea J.
Published: July 2020

Parental behaviors are potent risk and protective factors for youth development of externalizing problems. Firm control is a parenting strategy that is inconsistently linked to youth adjustment, possibly due to variations in individual biological contexts. Growing research shows that dyadic coregulation of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., parent–child physiological synchrony) is a neurobiological mechanism that links parenting to youth adjustment. However, physiological synchrony may be context‐dependent (e.g., adaptive in positive interactions, maladaptive in negative interactions). We aimed to test the role of dyadic synchrony in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during parent–child conflict as a mediator between parent firm control and youth's externalizing problems. To capture youth's stress reactivity, we also tested how galvanic skin response reactivity (GSR‐R) moderated this indirect path. The sample included 101 dyads of low socioeconomic‐status at‐risk preadolescents and parents. Results indicated that youth higher levels of GSR‐R significantly intensified the link between parent firm control and dyadic RSA synchrony during conflict. Dyadic RSA synchrony further predicted youth increased in externalizing problems. Overall, results suggest that when parents employ firm control parenting with highly reactive teens, dyadic RSA synchrony elevates, potentially modeling less optimal coping with conflict for the youth, which is associated with increased externalizing problems.
Urinary excretion profile of methiopropamine in mice following intraperitoneal administration: A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry investigation
Authors: Camuto Cristian , Pellegrini Sheila , De‐Giorgio Fabio , de la Torre Xavier , Marti Matteo , Mazzarino Monica , Botrè Francesco
Published: July 2020

We have considered the urinary excretion profile of methiopropamine (MPA), a thiophene ring‐based structural analog of methamphetamine with similar stimulant effects, with the aim of selecting the most appropriate marker(s) of intake that may be useful in forensic analysis. For this purpose, in vitro studies were preliminarily performed on human liver microsomes for tracing the phase I metabolic pathways of MPA, preselecting the best candidates as potential target analytes, and designing the optimal experimental strategy. In vivo studies were then conducted on mice, after the intraperitoneal administration of a 10‐mg/kg dose. Urine samples were collected every 3 h in the first 9 h and, subsequently, from 24 to 36 h, and stored at –80°C until further analysis. The measurements were performed using a targeted procedure based on liquid/liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our results show that in the time interval 0–9 h after administration, MPA was extensively oxidized mainly to nor‐MPA, oxo‐MPA, and two hydroxylated metabolites (ie, hydroxy‐aryl‐methiopropamine and hydroxy‐alkyl‐methiopropamine). All phase I metabolites underwent phase II metabolism, with the formation of nor‐hydroxy‐methiopropamine only in phase II, confirmed by the results obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis with β‐glucuronidase and arylsulfatase. In the time interval 24–36 h after administration, only unchanged MPA and nor‐MPA were detected, suggesting that these two markers are those endowed with the highest diagnostic value. The method was validated for these two principal markers, proving to be fit for anti‐doping, toxicological, and forensic analyses.
Migration sources and pathways of the pest species Sogatella furcifera in Yunnan, China, and across the border inferred from DNA and wind analyses
Authors: Hu Shao‐Ji , Sun Shan‐Shan , Fu Da‐Ying , Lü Jian‐Ping , Wang Xue‐Ying , Yu Yan‐Ping , Dong Li‐Min , Chen Sui‐Yun , Ye Hui
Published: July 2020

The migration sources and pathways of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) in topologically complex regions like Yunnan, China, and adjacent montane areas have long been a challenging task and a bottleneck in effective pest forecast and control. The present research reinvestigated this issue using a combination of mtDNA and long‐term historical wind field data in an attempt to provide new insights. Genetic analyses showed that the 60 populations of S. furcufera collected across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan lack genetic structure and geographic isolation, while spatial analysis of haplotype and diversity indices discovered geographic relevance between populations. Migration rate analysis combined with high‐resolution 10‐year wind field analysis detected the following migration sources, pathways, and impacted areas which could explain the outbreak pattern in Yunnan. (a) Dominating stepwise northward migrations originated from northern Indochina, southern Yunnan, and central‐eastern Yunnan, impacting their northern areas. (b) Concurring summer–autumn southward (return) migration originated from nearly all latitude belts of Sichuan and Yunnan mainly impacting central and southern Yunnan. (c) Regular eastward and summer–autumn westward migrations across Yunnan. The northward migration reflects the temporal rhythm of gradual outbreaks from the south to the north in a year, while the return migration may explain the repeated or very severe outbreaks in the impacted areas. To form a better pest forecast and control network, attention must also be paid to the northern part of Yunnan to suppress the impact of return migration in summers and autumns.
Moderate grazing increased alpine meadow soils bacterial abundance and diversity index on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Du Yangong , Ke Xun , Dai Licong , Cao Guangmin , Zhou Huakun , Guo Xiaowei
Published: July 2020

The response of grassland soil bacterial community characteristics to different grazing intensities is central ecological topics. However, the underlying mechanisms between bacterial abundance, diversity index, and grazing intensity remain unclear. We measured alpine meadow soil bacterial gene richness and diversity index under four grazing intensities using 16S rDNA sequence analysis on the Tibetan Plateau. The results suggest that extreme grazing significantly decreased alpine meadow both bacterial gene abundance and diversity index (p < .05). The lowest operational taxonomic unit numbers were 3,012 ± 447 copies under heavy grazing in the growing season. It was significantly lower than heavy grazing with approximately 3,958 ± 119 copies (p < .05). The Shannon index for medium and high grazing grassland bacterial diversity was slightly higher than for light grazing in the growing season. Furthermore, the lowest index was approximately 9.20 ± 0.50 for extreme grazing of grassland in the growing season. The average bacterial gene abundance and diversity index in the dormancy period were slightly higher than that in the growing season. Soil bulk density, pH, ammonium, and nitrate nitrogen were the main positive factors driving grazed grassland bacterial communities. Our study provides insight into the response of alpine meadows to grazing intensity, demonstrating that moderate grazing increases bacterial community diversity in grazed grasslands.
The gut bacterial community affects immunity but not metabolism in a specialist herbivorous butterfly
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Minard Guillaume , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: July 2020

Plant tissues often lack essential nutritive elements and may contain a range of secondary toxic compounds. As nutritional imbalance in food intake may affect the performances of herbivores, the latter have evolved a variety of physiological mechanisms to cope with the challenges of digesting their plant‐based diet. Some of these strategies involve living in association with symbiotic microbes that promote the digestion and detoxification of plant compounds or supply their host with essential nutrients missing from the plant diet. In Lepidoptera, a growing body of evidence has, however, recently challenged the idea that herbivores are nutritionally dependent on their gut microbial community. It is suggested that many of the herbivorous Lepidopteran species may not host a resident microbial community, but rather a transient one, acquired from their environment and diet. Studies directly testing these hypotheses are however scarce and come from an even more limited number of species.

By coupling comparative metabarcoding, immune gene expression, and metabolomics analyses with experimental manipulation of the gut microbial community of prediapause larvae of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia, L.), we tested whether the gut microbial community supports early larval growth and survival, or modulates metabolism or immunity during early stages of development.

We successfully altered this microbiota through antibiotic treatments and consecutively restored it through fecal transplants from conspecifics. Our study suggests that although the microbiota is involved in the up‐regulation of an antimicrobial peptide, it did not affect the life history traits or the metabolism of early instars larvae.

This study confirms the poor impact of the microbiota on diverse life history traits of yet another Lepidoptera species. However, it also suggests that potential eco‐evolutionary host‐symbiont strategies that take place in the gut of herbivorous butterfly hosts might have been disregarded, particularly how the microbiota may affect the host immune system homeostasis.
Insights into the Structure Stability of Prussian Blue for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Zhuxin , Liu Tingting , Meng Ruijin , Gao Lujie , Zou Yiping , Peng Peng , Shao Yuying , Liang Xiao
Published: July 2020

The reversible storage of Zn2+ ions in Prussian blue analogues with typical aqueous solution was challenged by fast degradation and poor coulombic efficiency, while the mechanism is yet to be uncovered. This study correlates the performance of the nickel hexacyanoferrate to the dynamics of H2O in the electrolyte and the associated phase stability of the electrode. It demonstrates severe Ni dissolution in conventional diluted aqueous electrolyte (1 m ZnSO4 or 1 m Zn(TFSI)2), leading to structure collapse with the formation of an electrochemical inert phase. This is regarded as the descriptor for the fast decay of nickel hexacyanoferrate in diluted aqueous electrolyte. However, a well‐preserved open framework for zinc storage was obtained in concentrated aqueous electrolyte (1 m Zn(TFSI)2 + 21 m LiTFSI)—the H2O activity is highly suppressed by extensive coordination—thus, reversible capacity of 60.2 mAh g−1 over 1600 cycles could be delivered.
Boosting effects of Spirulina platensis, whey protein, and probiotics on the growth of microflora and the nutritional value of ayran
Authors: Çelekli Abuzer , Alslibi Zina Alajil , Bozkurt Hüseyin
Published: July 2020

Great attention has been given to Spirulina platensis for consideration as the superfood of the future due to its high bioactive compounds and nutritional values. Boosting effects of S. platensis and whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) on the growth of probiotics in ayran, a fermented milk product, through the fermentation and storage periods were investigated in this study. This study aimed to enhance the growth of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and L. acidophilus with the addition of S. platensis and WPH added or not probiotics into ayran. Effects of S. platensis and WPH (at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) on the growth of probiotic culture were studied before and after the fermentation and at seventh, 14th, and 21st days of storage. S. platensis and WPH had significant boosting effects (P < .05) on the growth of St. thermophilus (9.22 log cfu/mL), L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (6.85 log cfu/mL), L. acidophilus (5.39 log cfu/mL), and B. lactis (7.96 log cfu/mL) and biochemical variables. The highest total solid level (0.99) and protein content (25.16 mg/L) were observed by mixing of S. platensis and WPH at 1% into ayran. The encountered variability in the boosting effect of S. platensis and WPH depended on their addition to ayran. S. platensis and WPH had great potentials for enhancing the nutritional value of ayran and the growth of the probiotic culture.
A new index‐based method for optimal DG placement in distribution networks
Authors: Memarzadeh Gholamreza , Keynia Farshid
Published: July 2020

The expansion of distributed generations (DG) in the distribution networks brings visible technical and economic benefits to the grid. On the other hand, the place and size for DGs in a grid are very important, and optimal selection can decrease voltage profile volatility, system losses, and increase reliability indices especially. The issue of reliability in the distribution system is one of the important parameters in selecting the optimal location of DG. In other words, by considering this parameter, DG location will change in the distribution system and by installing it at this point; the reliability of the network has improved. Therefore, this paper proposes an analytical index to determine the optimal size and siting of DGs in a distribution network. The proposed index has consisted of loss sensitivity factor, voltage stability index, and reliability based factors. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method in the previous section, the simulation procedure has been implemented on the IEEE 33 and 69 bus distribution systems. The effectiveness of the suggested index is clarified by using different test systems, and the results have been compared with other proposed methods. The results indicated that the proposed simple index could be acceptable in finding the optimal location and size of DG better than complicated optimization methods.
Electrochemical and Physical Properties of Imidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquids with Pyrrolidinium or Piperidinium Cation Addition and Their Application in Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lv Zichuan , Sun Junhui , Zhou Shuai , Bian Yinghui , Chen Hui , Li Yuxia , Lin Meng-Chang
Published: July 2020

Herein, nonflammable ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes are prepared for dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) by mixing 1‐methyl‐1‐propylpyrrolidinium chloride (P13Cl) or 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium chloride (PP14Cl) with 1,2‐dimethyl‐3‐propylimidazolium chloride (DMPICl)/aluminum chloride (AlCl3) to form mixed IL electrolytes. Then, viscosity, ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrochemical limits measurements are recorded to reveal the fundamental properties of the mixed IL electrolytes for DIBs, which are not reported previously. As compared with DMPICl/AlCl3 (=1 in mole ratio) electrolyte, using electrolyte with addition of P13Cl or PP14Cl (e.g., 0.63 mole to replace DMPICl), the DIB with graphite electrodes show better electrochemical stability. With the addition of 0.63 P13Cl, the Coulombic efficiency of the DIB reaches up to 96.7% (≈91% for DMPICl/AlCl3); however, specific capacity loss should be considered. In general, ideas for designing higher energy density electrochemical energy storage devices are provided.
A GIS‐based multi‐proxy analysis of the evolution of subglacial dynamics of the Quebec–Labrador ice dome, northeastern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rice J.M. , Ross M. , Paulen R.C. , Kelley S.E. , Briner J.P.
Published: July 2020

The glacial records of the inner‐core regions of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) document complex yet coherent patterns reflecting ice‐sheet change (e.g. ice‐divide migration), providing unique insights into past glacial conditions. This study develops a conceptual model of subglacial dynamics evolution within a major ice‐dispersal centre of the LIS in northeastern Quebec, Canada using a GIS‐based analysis of the surficial geologic record. Multiple proxies of subglacial conditions (subglacial streamlined landforms, lake density and lake area over thin drift/bedrock) were analysed through grid‐overlay techniques and then classified based on different proxy variables ranging from highly mobile warm‐based to immobile cold‐based conditions. An additional proxy (till blanket) was used to identify areas of thick till deposition, but with few proxies (few lake or landform metrics). Based on local ice‐flow reconstructions, the most ‘relict’ glacial terrain zone (GTZ1) has warm‐based conditions over 66% of its area and is remarkably well preserved, suggesting laterally extensive warm‐based conditions during the oldest identified ice‐flow phase. This relict glacial terrain is partially overprinted by two subsequent ice‐flow phases in spatially restricted zones in the northeast (73% warm‐based), east‐central (41% warm‐based), and northwest (33% warm‐based) of the study area. A zone of more sluggish conditions (only 3% warm‐based) was identified in the highlands at the centre of the study area, characterized by thin till cover, few landforms, yet with large patches of relatively abundant small lakes, indicative of areal scouring. No clear evidence of sustained cold‐based conditions (i.e. high chemical index of alteration values or high 10Be abundances) was found in the study area. These results suggest that warm‐based conditions (active erosion and/or deposition) were uniformly widespread during the earliest ice‐flow phase, later becoming more spatially restricted with broader sluggish ice conditions. These spatially restricted regions of warm‐based subglacial regimes were likely controlled by surrounding and down‐flow ice streaming. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The Effects of Modified Clay on Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) Based on Laboratory and Field Experiments
Authors: Zhang Yue , Song Xiuxian , Shen Huihui , Cao Xihua , Yuan Yongquan , Wu Zaixing , Yu Zhiming
Published: July 2020

The abalone industry has suffered immense economic losses due to the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Among the methods for mitigating HABs, modified clay is considered the most promising strategy and has been successfully used for field applications in many countries, and its environmental effects have become a subject of global concern. The effects of modified clay on the survival, growth, nutritional quality, and oxidative stress indicators of abalone were studied based on both laboratory and field experiments. The results showed that modified clay at 3–10 times the concentrations used for HAB treatment did not affect the survival of abalone. During the laboratory experiments, the increases in abalone shell length and weight nonsignificantly decreased with increasing concentrations of modified clay at 1–15 d, whereas the weight of abalone in the experimental groups increased rapidly during the recovery period at 16–30 d. The growth and nutrition qualities of abalone in field experiments showed negligible differences between the control and experimental groups. Catalase (CAT) activity in the hepatopancreas and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the gills were significantly affected by certain concentrations of modified clay at individual time points, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased in all experimental groups within 96 h. The removal of bacteria and the mitigation of water quality decline were among the effects of modified clay that contributed to the decrease in MDA content. The present study showed that modified clay had no obvious adverse effects on the survival, growth, quality, or oxidative stress indicators of abalone at the experimental concentrations, thus providing a reference for the field application of modified clay in typical aquaculture areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2065–2075. © 2020 SETAC
Hyperbole, Simile, Metaphor, and Invasivore: Messaging About non-native Blue Catfish Expansion
Authors: Orth Donald J , Schmitt Joseph D , Hilling Corbin D
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we explore the news messaging surrounding the introduction and expansion of Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in mid-Atlantic tidal waters. In the early news reports surrounding the non-native catfish controversy, the species was described with hyperboles and terms that evoked threats, danger, and the need for caution, all of which make science-based debate difficult. Three evidence-based models of invasion effects refer to introduced species as passengers, back-seat drivers, and drivers of ecosystem degradation. Like other non-native species introduced and supported by humans, the Blue Catfish story should shift from the invasiveness metaphor to one of collaborative problem solving to conserve elements of our natural heritage in the face of growing pressures from urbanizing watersheds. We recommend that scientists and managers, in all their communications, avoid value-laden language and focus on exploration of evidence to support alternative management interventions, rather than promoting automatic management positions without considering all aspects of the problem.
The protective effect of soybean protein‐derived peptides on apoptosis via the activation of PI3K‐AKT and inhibition on apoptosis pathway
Authors: Yi Guofu , Li He , Li You , Zhao Fen , Ying Zhiwei , Liu Menglan , Zhang Jian , Liu Xinqi
Published: July 2020

Soybean protein‐derived peptides (SBP) are a rich source of various bioactive peptides with multiple health benefits. However, the prospective effects of SBP on human cells are still unclear. Therefore, this article investigated the effects of small molecular weight SBP on MG132‐induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells. SBP inhibited MG132‐induced apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells in a dose‐dependent manner by flow cytometry. To further study its molecular mechanisms, Western blot analysis demonstrated that SBP could activate the PI3K‐AKT pathway by increasing the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT and inhibiting apoptosis pathway by downregulating the expressions of pro‐apoptotic proteins of Bim, Bax, Fas, and Fasl and promoting the expressions of anti‐apoptotic proteins of Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐2. These results indicated the protective effect of SBP on MG132‐induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells.
Direct visualization and characterization of the human zona incerta and surrounding structures
Authors: Lau Jonathan C. , Xiao Yiming , Haast Roy A. M. , Gilmore Greydon , Uludağ Kâmil , MacDougall Keith W. , Menon Ravi S. , Parrent Andrew G. , Peters Terry M. , Khan Ali R.
Published: July 2020

The zona incerta (ZI) is a small gray matter region of the deep brain first identified in the 19th century, yet direct in vivo visualization and characterization has remained elusive. Noninvasive detection of the ZI and surrounding region could be critical to further our understanding of this widely connected but poorly understood deep brain region and could contribute to the development and optimization of neuromodulatory therapies. We demonstrate that high resolution (submillimetric) longitudinal (T1) relaxometry measurements at high magnetic field strength (7 T) can be used to delineate the ZI from surrounding white matter structures, specifically the fasciculus cerebellothalamicus, fields of Forel (fasciculus lenticularis, fasciculus thalamicus, and field H), and medial lemniscus. Using this approach, we successfully derived in vivo estimates of the size, shape, location, and tissue characteristics of substructures in the ZI region, confirming observations only previously possible through histological evaluation that this region is not just a space between structures but contains distinct morphological entities that should be considered separately. Our findings pave the way for increasingly detailed in vivo study and provide a structural foundation for precise functional and neuromodulatory investigation.
Global Warming Impacts of Residential Electricity Consumption: Agent-Based Modeling of Rooftop Solar Panel Adoption in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Grant Courtney A , Hicks Andrea L
Published: July 2020

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are a renewable electricity technology with lower carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) impacts compared to fossil electricity, making it a technology of interest with respect to combatting global climate change. This paper combines agent-based modeling (ABM) with life cycle assessment (LCA) to simulate rooftop solar PV adoption in Los Angeles (LA) County from 2018–2050 and generate CO2e impact data at the societal level to compare PV and grid electricity. With respect to solar PV panels, consumer adoption is the “pull” that moves the system and corresponding life cycle CO2e impacts forward. ABM is used to evaluate the impact of policies and evolutions in technology regarding the adoption of solar PV. Life cycle assessment is used to quantify the life cycle CO2e impacts of solar PV (including raw materials, manufacturing, and use). The results show that scenarios that increase PV adoption also increase the CO2e impacts from solar PV use in the short term, due to the raw materials and manufacturing portions of the life cycle. Yet, in the long term, adoption of solar PV may provide CO2e impact savings from offsetting grid electricity (although this is dependent on the carbon intensity of the electricity sources). The CO2e impacts of solar panels are dominated by the raw materials and manufacturing phases on a product level basis, but the use phase contributes to the majority of environmental impact savings from an adoption and societal-level perspective. Future work may apply the methodology to other locations in the United States to evaluate if solar panels are an advantageous electricity source compared to the environmental impacts of the electricity grid. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:1008–1018. © 2020 SETAC
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Considerations for automated flux measurement
Authors: Grace Peter R. , van der Weerden Tony J. , Rowlings David W. , Scheer Clemens , Brunk Christian , Kiese Ralf , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Rees Robert M. , Robertson G. Philip , Skiba Ute M.
Published: July 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are highly episodic in response to nitrogen additions and changes in soil moisture. Automated gas sampling provides the necessary high temporal frequency to capture these emission events in real time, ensuring the development of accurate N2O inventories and effective mitigation strategies to reduce global warming. This paper outlines the design and operational considerations of automated chamber systems including chamber design and deployment, frequency of gas sampling, and options in terms of the analysis of gas samples. The basic hardware and software requirements for automated chambers are described, including the major challenges and obstacles in their implementation and operation in a wide range of environments. Detailed descriptions are provided of automated systems that have been deployed to assess the impacts of agronomy on the emissions of N2O and other significant greenhouse gases. This information will assist researchers across the world in the successful deployment and operation of automated N2O chamber systems.
Drug target validation in primary human natural killer cells using CRISPR RNP
Authors: Rautela Jai , Surgenor Elliot , Huntington Nicholas D
Published: July 2020

The ability to genetically modify CD8 T cells using viral gene delivery has facilitated the development of next generation of cancer immunotherapies such as chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) T cells engineered to specifically kill tumor cells. Development of immunotherapies targeting NK cells have stalled in part by their resistance to traditional viral gene delivery systems. Here, an efficient approach is described to genetically edit human NK cells by electroporation and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Electroporation pulse codes and buffer optimization for protein uptake by human NK cells and viability, and the efficiency of this approach over other methods are detailed. To highlight the transformative step this technique will have for NK cell immunotherapy drug discovery, NCR1 and CISH are deleted in primary human NK cells and murine findings are validated on their key roles in regulating NK cell antitumor function.
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes: Maintainers of intestinal immune tolerance and regulators of intestinal immunity
Authors: Ma Haitao , Qiu Yuan , Yang Hua
Published: July 2020

Intestinal immune tolerance is essential for the immune system, as it prevents abnormal immune responses to large quantities of antigens from the intestinal lumen, such as antigens from commensal microorganisms, and avoids self-injury. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), a special group of mucosal T lymphocytes, play a significant role in intestinal immune tolerance. To accomplish this, IELs exhibit a high threshold of activation and low reactivity to most antigens from the intestinal lumen. In particular, CD8αα+TCRαβ+ IELs, TCRγδ+ IELs, and CD4+CD8αα+ IELs show great potential for maintaining intestinal immune tolerance and regulating intestinal immunity. However, if the intestinal microenvironment becomes abnormal or intestinal tolerance is broken, IELs may be activated abnormally and become pathogenic.
Decision‐Making In A Choreographic Creative Process: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Fonseca Ana R. , Abril‐de‐Abreu Rodrigo , Fernandes Carla
Published: July 2020

Human creativity finds in artistic practices one of its most admirable forms. Most of the studies about artistic practices have used qualitative approaches, focusing on the conceptual structures conveyed by the artwork. Few studies have used quantitative approaches with the potential to be generalized. This study has focused on developing a quantitative methodology to characterize an artist’s behavioral patterns while creating an artwork. Inspired by a theoretical framework from animal cognition, we analyzed the decision‐making process of an artist while choosing to invest more or less effort in given elements of the art piece. We have video recorded the rehearsals of a dance piece and hand‐scored the movement phrases elicited individually by two dancers and quantitatively reconstructed the sequence of movement phrases being performed at each moment. This representation has revealed, implicitly, that the choreographer invested more energy in creating movement sequences, and that certain elements of movement were more prone to several iterations. Our study shows that decision‐making processes in artistic practices can be revealed through the use of quantitative methodologies which can be potentially generalized to other choreographic methodologies and styles, thus leading to a better understanding of those artistic practices and, generally, of human creative behavior.
Effects of shading model and opacity on depth perception in optical see‐through augmented reality
Authors: Ping Jiamin , Thomas Bruce H. , Baumeister James , Guo Jie , Weng Dongdong , Liu Yue
Published: July 2020

Augmented reality (AR) technologies create an immersive environment by augmenting the real world with rendered virtual objects. One of the key requirements of an AR system is to understand how users perceive the depth of an AR object. Perceived distances to AR objects can be based on various depth cues such as rendering method used for the virtual object. The existing researches on the shading model and opacity mainly focus on the shape perception or the position relationship of several virtual objects in the virtual environment. We predicted that shading models and opacity would impact a user's estimation of a virtual object's depth in AR. We conducted two experiments to investigate the impact of color, size (Experiment 1), shading model, and opacity (Experiment 2) on the depth perception in an optical see‐through head‐mounted display (HMD). We found that the virtual object's color and size impact estimation efficacy. An interaction effect between color and size was also found. The results showed that shading models with specular highlights could help to improve depth perception in AR. Additionally, users had the lowest matching error when the opacity of a virtual object was 0.8.
Post‐Hypoxic Myoclonus after COVID‐19 Infection Recovery
Authors: Ros‐Castelló Victoria , Quereda Carmen , López‐Sendón José , Corral Iñigo
Published: July 2020

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Effective allocation of financial services intensity and its impact on channel competition
Authors: Wang Zongrun , Yang Mei
Published: July 2020

We study the role of adjusting the sales intensity of financial advisers in determining investors' choice of purchasing channels and explore how banks take advantage of the “aspirations” deviation of investors to formulate the optimal strategy for making recommendations. Our research shows that the flexible allocation of financial services increases the profits of banks, but investors' surplus is often completely deprived. Interestingly, in online and offline channel competition, improving platform competitiveness may lead to increased, rather than decreased, profitability for banks. Moreover, with completely heterogeneous investors, strategic outcomes can be significantly different under the perception coefficient of different dispersion degree.