bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRINQUEDO DE MIRITI, ARTE E CURRÍCULO: ALQUIMIA DECORRENTE DE EXPERIÊNCIA ETNOGRÁFICA OUTRA
Authors: Seixas Ribeiro Joyce Otânia , Lobato Lidia Sarges
Published: December 2019

O objetivo é apresentar o processo de produção de informação sobre o brinquedo de miriti, um artesanato-arte de Abaetetuba/Pará, e ressaltar os desafios teórico-metodológicos impostos pela pesquisa ao nos arremessar para lugares impensados, expressos em ferramentas teóricas outras que contribuem sobremaneira para pensar o currículo. A pesquisa se desenvolveu no período de 2013-2015 com o auxílio decisivo de duas bolsistas de iniciação científica. O trabalho de campo – observação, conversações, captura de imagens – foi desenvolvido em dois ateliês de produção do brinquedo de miriti por um período de dez meses, orientado pela etnografia pós-moderna de James Clifford (1998). Esta modalidade de etnografia surgiu nos 70, quando os antropólogos passaram a considerar o mapa pós-colonial, o que exigiu uma reinvenção metodológica levada a efeito com as contribuições de Nietzsche (2012), Foucault (1994), Deleuze (1968) e Said (1978). A etnografia pós-moderna não se ocupa com a descrição densa, preferindo focar na tradução e na escritura de textos etnográficos, tarefa alcançada por meio do entendimento das diferenças e das relações de poder em certo ambiente cultural. Os textos não perseguem a objetividade, pois resultam das complexas relações vividas entre etnógrafo/a e interlocutores/as. Os resultados produzidos pelo denso volume informações – que aos poucos vem sendo analisado –, apontam que o lugar do brinquedo de miriti é marcado por discursos que colocam em cena tanto os significados hegemônicos que o qualificam como artesanato, quanto significados contestados, dos artesãos e artesãs, que o representam como arte. Os brinquedos de miriti são modelados nas buchas de miriti, matéria-prima extraída da árvore do miritizeiro, espécie abundante na Amazônia; as peças são modeladas em miniaturas repletas de detalhes e com colorido vibrante, a partir de temas que representam a vida ribeirinha na região. O brinquedo de miriti é central para a cidade, pois constituiu uma cultura particular que conta com dois elementos: a bicentenária tradição e o patrimônio cultural imaterial. Porém, apesar desta centralidade cultural, este artefato é ignorado nas escolas da cidade, o que impõe pensar a cultura como eixo para o currículo, a partir da alquimia promovida por ferramentas como tradição, patrimônio cultural, arte-artesanato e tradução, todas exploradas no campo dos Estudos Culturais.
ESCREVER O DISCURSO DE OUTROS, COM OUTROS: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA IMANENTE DE ESCRITA-PESQUISA
Authors: Dreher Heuser Ester Maria , Dias Adriana Muniz , Scienza Roberto Corrêa
Published: December 2019

O artigo se ocupa dos supostos conceituais presentes em algumas experiências de escrita-pesquisa em Filosofia que visaram “fazer o múltiplo”. A noção de imanência é o solo sobre o qual o artigo é produzido com vistas a responder quais são as noções complexas que condicionam essas experiências reais de escrever com outros. Destacam-se a indissociabilidade do dialogismo e do outro no discurso; a diferença pensada em sua natureza própria; os devires que tornam possível a expressão de outrem como mundo possível; e o problema do estilo como agenciamento de enunciação. Por fim, avalia o que se passou nos participantes dessa experiência imanente.
The effects of walking intervention on preventing neck pain in office workers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sitthipornvorakul Ekalak , Sihawong Rattaporn , Waongenngarm Pooriput , Janwantanakul Prawit
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of increased daily walking steps on the 6-month incidence of neck pain among office workers.

Methods

Healthy office workers with high risk of neck pain were recruited into a 6-month prospective cluster-randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned at the cluster level, into either intervention (n = 50) or control (n = 41) groups. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to increase their daily walking steps to a designated level for a duration of 6 months. Participants in the control group received no intervention. The outcome measures included the 6-month incidence of neck pain as well as its pain intensity and disability level. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Of the participants in the intervention and control groups, 22% and 34% reported a 6-month incidence of neck pain, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, a significant preventive effect of walking intervention was found (adjusted odd ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.75). No significant difference in pain intensity and disability level was found between those in the intervention and control groups.

Conclusion

An intervention to increase daily walking steps reduced onset neck pain in high-risk office workers. However, the walking interventions did not decrease pain intensity and disability in those increasing the number of daily walking steps compared to the control group.
G‐quadruplexes in fibrotic scars may open new therapeutic avenues for wound healing
Authors: Johnson F. Brad , Yatsunyk Liliya A.
Published: December 2019

Read the Original article at https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.13658
Tunable Photonic Materials via Monitoring Step‐Growth Polymerization Kinetics by Structural Colors
Authors: van Heeswijk Ellen P. A. , Yang Lanti , Grossiord Nadia , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: December 2019

The functional and responsive properties of elastomeric materials highly depend on crosslink density and molecular weight between crosslinks. However, tedious analytical steps are needed to obtain polymer network structure–property relationships. In this article, an in situ structure–property characterization method is reported by monitoring the structural color change in a photonic elastomeric material. The photonic materials are prepared in a two‐step polymerization process. First, linear chain extension occurs via Michael addition. Second, photopolymerization ensures crosslinking, resulting in the formation of an elastomeric photonic network. During the first step, the step‐growth polymer process can be monitored by following the photonic reflection band redshift, allowing to program the molecular weight between the crosslinks. During network formation, the crosslink density, chain length between crosslinks, and the colors are “frozen in.” These processes can be locally controlled creating both single‐layered multicolor patterned and broadband reflective coatings at room temperature. The scalability of the coating process is further demonstrated by using a gravure printing technique. Additionally, the final coatings are made responsive toward specific solvents and temperature. Here the modulus, response, and color of the coating are controlled by tuning the crosslink density and molecular weight between crosslinks of the elastomeric material.
Modulating Charge Separation Efficiency of Water Oxidation Photoanodes with Polyelectrolyte‐Assembled Interfacial Dipole Layers
Authors: Bae Sanghyun , Kim Dongseok , Kim Hyunwoo , Gu Minsu , Ryu Jungki , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: December 2019

The charge separation efficiency of water oxidation photoanodes is modulated by depositing polyelectrolyte multilayers on their surface using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly. The deposition of the polyelectrolyte multilayers of cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and anionic poly(styrene sulfonate) induces the formation of interfacial dipole layers on the surface of Fe2O3 and TiO2 photoanodes. The charge separation efficiency is modulated by tuning their magnitude and direction, which in turn can be achieved by controlling the number of bilayers and type of terminal polyelectrolytes, respectively. Specifically, the multilayers terminated with anionic poly(styrene sulfonate) exhibit a higher charge separation efficiency than those with cationic counterparts. Furthermore, the deposition of water oxidation molecular catalysts on top of interfacial dipole layers enables more efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation. The approach exploiting the polyelectrolyte multilayers for improving the charge separation efficiency is effective regardless of pH and types of photoelectrodes. Considering the versatility of the LbL assembly, it is anticipated that this study will provide insights for the design and fabrication of efficient photoelectrodes.
Flexible Janus Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Qin Zhen , Chen Xiangyang , Yin Yingying , Ma Guiping , Jia Yueran , Deng Jianping , Pan Kai
Published: December 2019

The traditional wearable nanogenerators are mostly assembled from the dense films that involve complex physical and chemical processes, which results in a high manufacturing cost and is hard to balance the physiological needs of human comfort. Herein, a wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is developed that is completely constructed from the Janus electrospun nanofiber films. This all‐nanofiber‐based TENG not only has ultra‐lightweight and high flexibility but also exhibits excellent breathability due to its porous structure. In addition, the asymmetric conductive Janus structure also provides an effective way to improve the poor adhesion force between the electrode and electrification layer. As a self‐powered device, it can generate a peak voltage of 140 V and a current of 3.8 µA with an instantaneous power of 0.75 mW under the effective contact area of 2 × 2 cm2. This simple but flexible and breathable TENG has huge application potential in self‐powered wearable devices, which can be used to harvest various mechanical energy from daily life and realize real‐time monitoring of human motions.
Optomechanics of Chiral Dielectric Metasurfaces
Authors: Zanotto Simone , Tredicucci Alessandro , Navarro‐Urrios Daniel , Cecchini Marco , Biasiol Giorgio , Mencarelli Davide , Pierantoni Luca , Pitanti Alessandro
Published: December 2019

The coupling between electromagnetic fields and mechanical motion in micro‐ and nanostructured materials has recently produced intriguing fundamental physics, such as the observation of mesoscopic optomechanical phenomena in objects operating in the quantum regime. It is also yielding innovative device applications, for instance in the manipulation of the optical response of photonic elements. Following this concept, here it is shown that combining a nanostructured chiral metasurface with a semiconductor suspended micromembrane can open new scenarios where the mechanical motion affects the polarization state of a light beam, and vice versa. Optical characterization of the fabricated samples, assisted by theory and numerical modeling, reveals that the interaction is mediated via moving‐boundary and thermoelastic effects, triggered by intracavity photons. This work represents a first example of “Polarization Optomechanics,” which can give access to new forms of polarization nonlinearities and control. It can also lead to wide applications in fast polarimetric devices, polarization modulators, and dynamically tunable chiral state generators and detectors.
Data‐driven physiologic thresholds for iron deficiency associated with hematologic decline
Authors: Foy Brody H. , Li Aodong , McClung James P. , Ranganath Rajesh , Higgins John M.
Published: December 2019

Iron‐deficiency contributes to a ∼50% of anemia prevalence worldwide, but reference intervals for iron status tests are not optimized for anemia diagnosis. To address this limitation, we identified the serum ferritin (SF) thresholds associated with hematologic decline in iron‐deficient patients, and the SF thresholds from which an SF increase was associated with hematologic improvement. Paired red blood cell and SF measurements were analysed from two adult cohorts at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), from 2008‐2011 (N = 48 409), and 2016‐2018 (N = 10 042). Inter‐patient measurements in the first cohort were used to define optimal SF thresholds based on the physiologic relationship between SF and red cell measurements. Intra‐patient measurements (1‐26 weeks apart) in the second cohort were used to identify SF thresholds from which an SF increase was associated, with an increase in red cell measurements. The identified optimal SF thresholds varied with age, sex and red cell measure. Thresholds associated with a ∼5% decline in red cell index were typically in the range 10‐25 ng/mL. Thresholds for younger women (18‐45 year) were ∼5 ng/mL lower than for older women (60‐95 years), and ∼10 ng/mL lower than for men. Thresholds from which a subsequent increase in SF was associated with a concomitant increase in red cell measure showed similar patterns: younger women had lower thresholds (∼15 ng/mL) than older women (∼25 ng/mL), or men (∼35 ng/mL). These results suggest that diagnostic accuracy may be improved by setting different SF thresholds for younger women, older women, and men. This study illustrates how clinical databases may provide physiologic evidence for improved diagnostic thresholds.
Influence of internal migration on body mass index: Results of the ELSA‐Brasil study
Authors: Brandão Joana M. , Nobre Aline A. , Guimarães Joanna M. N. , de Jesus Mendes da Fonseca Maria , Matos Sheila M. A. , Luft Vivian C. , de Oliveira Cardoso Letícia
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To investigate the association between internal migration and body mass index (BMI) in the adult population with data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil) and to determine whether the association differs by the urban hierarchical levels (or influence regions) of Brazilian municipalities.

Methods

Baseline data from 13 084 participants aged 35 to 74 (2008‐2010) in the ELSA‐Brasil were analyzed. A migrant was defined as an individual whose municipality of residence at the beginning of schooling (origin) was different from the municipality of residence at the study baseline (destination). The origin and destination municipalities were classified by urban hierarchical levels, or influence regions, and migration was categorized as nonmigrant, stable migrant, downward migrant, or upward migrant.

Results

Of the ELSA‐Brasil participants, 51% were migrants. Using gamma regression models, it was observed that for women and men, upward migration was associated with lower mean BMI after adjusting for age, mother's education level, participant's education level, and income. Downward migration, on the other hand, was associated with the highest mean BMI, but this result was statistically significant only for women.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the role of environmental factors on nutritional status, noting that the effects on BMI may be positive or negative, depending on the trajectory of displacements between origin and destination.
Accurate Control of VS2 Nanosheets for Coexisting High Photoluminescence and Photothermal Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Zhou Yannan , Xu Qun , Ge Tianpei , Zheng Xiaoli , Zhang Li , Yan Pengfei
Published: December 2019

In two‐dimensional (2D) amorphous nanosheets, the electron–phonon coupling triggered by localization of the electronic state as well as multiple‐scattering feature make it exhibit excellent performance in optical science. VS2 nanosheets, especially single‐layer nanosheets with controllable electronic structure and intrinsic optical properties, have rarely been reported owing to the limited preparation methods. Now, a controllable and feasible switching method is used to fabricate 2D amorphous VS2 and partial crystallized 2D VO2(D) nanosheets by altering the pressure and temperature of supercritical CO2 precisely. Thanks to the strong carrier localization and the quantum confinement, the unique 2D amorphous structures exhibit full band absorption, strong photoluminescence, and outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency.
Radical Dehydroxymethylative Fluorination of Carbohydrates and Divergent Transformations of the Resulting Reverse Glycosyl Fluorides
Authors: Zhou Xin , Ding Han , Chen Pengwei , Liu Li , Sun Qikai , Wang Xianyang , Wang Peng , Lv Zhihua , Li Ming
Published: December 2019

A mild and convenient method for the synthesis of reverse glycosyl fluorides (RGFs) has been developed that is based on the silver‐promoted radical dehydroxymethylative fluorination of carbohydrates. A salient feature of the reaction is that furanoid and pyranoid carbohydrates furnish structurally diverse RGFs bearing a wide variety of functional groups in good to excellent yields. Intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer experiments revealed that the reaction involves an underexploited radical fluorination that proceeds via β‐fragmentation of sugar‐derived primary alkoxyl radicals. Structurally divergent RGFs were obtained by catalytic C−F bond activation, and our method thus offers a concise and efficient strategy for the synthesis of reverse glycosides by late‐stage diversification of RGFs. The potential of this method is showcased by the preparation and diversification of sotagliflozin, leading to the discovery of a promising SGLT2 inhibitor candidate.
Highly ordered mesoporous La(III)‐substituted 5‐oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Glp) immobilized on SBA‐15 as a very efficient nanocatalyst for green aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides
Authors: Molaei Somayeh , Ghadermazi Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Selective aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols that are catalyzed by La(III)‐substituted 5‐oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Glp) immobilized on SBA‐15 (SBA‐15@Glp–La; SBA = Santa Barbara amorphous) was studied. Using SBA‐15@Glp–La, the complete conversion was achieved at room temperature in the presence of air without producing any over‐oxidized yields. SBA‐15@Glp–La was prepared by post‐grafting technique. 5‐Oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Glp) condensation followed by La(III) impregnation caused this La(III)‐grafted 5‐oxopyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Glp) to immobilize on SBA‐15. This SBA‐15@Glp–La catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity in the selective aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols. Effects of amount of the catalyst, polarity of the solvent, effects of substrate, and catalyst reusability were investigated. It has been observed that seven repetitive reaction cycles did not cause any appreciable loss in the catalytic activity of this catalyst. The catalyst characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma, elemental mapping, and N2 adsorption–desorption is reported. The procedure developed is heterogeneous and environmentally benign.
Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) walled thermochromic microcapsules and their application to cotton fabrics
Authors: Tözüm M. Selda , Alkan Cemil , Alay Aksoy Sennur
Published: December 2019

This study focused on fabrication of the thermochromic microcapsules and their application to the cotton fabric. In this study, thermochromic systems composed of crystal violet lactone, bisphenol A, and 1‐tetradecanol were prepared and microencapsulated by emulsion polymerization method in poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) wall. The microcapsules were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their thermoregulating property was tested by T‐history test. The results revealed that microcapsules with smooth surfaces, core–shell structured, and spherical shape were successfully produced. The latent heat storage capacity of the microcapsules decreased from 202 J g−1 to 167 J g−1 when their shell/core ratio changed from 0.5/1 to 2/1. Microcapsules were adequately had sufficient thermal resistance to the temperatures they will encounter during their application to textile products and their usage. According to the UV–visible spectroscopy analysis and color measurements, the microcapsules exhibited reversible color change from blue to colorless and vice versa. Besides, the microcapsule impregnated fabric was able to absorb latent heat energy of 21.79 J g−1 at around 35 °C and had cooling effect. According to the colorimetric parameters, the fabric was at blue color at room temperature and became colorless when heated to the temperature above the melting point of thermochromic system. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48815.
Influences of different preparation variables on polymeric membrane formation via nonsolvent induced phase separation
Authors: Kahrs Catharina , Gühlstorf Thorben , Schwellenbach Jan
Published: December 2019

This work presents a comparative study on the formation of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes via nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) in two different solvent systems.N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone was chosen as conventional solvent and 2‐pyrrolidone as a greener alternative. The overall objective was to obtain a mechanistic clarification of the membrane formation process in dependence of the most important controlling parameters. By performing different series of experiments, it was possible to determine the differences between the two solvents regarding the effects of variations in nonsolvent additives, polymer concentration, and precipitation conditions. It was found that a raising concentration of several nonsolvents, the increase of the polymer concentration and changes in the precipitation conditions can suppress the formation of macrovoids, regardless of the applied solvent. In contrast, differences were observed with regard to the performance of the membrane prototypes. This study improves the understanding of membrane formation via NIPS and identifies the effects of different variables. It shows that the choice of the solvent is essential for the dominating formation mechanisms and therefore for the resulting membrane features. It also proves that green solvents can substitute hazardous solvents if the influencing variables are well‐understood in order to control them for obtaining desired membrane properties. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Applied Polymer Sciencepublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48852.
Magnetic Relaxation Studies on Trigonal Bipyramidal Cobalt(II) Complexes
Authors: Shao Feng , Cahier Benjamin , Wang Yi‐Ting , Yang Feng‐Lei , Rivière Eric , Guillot Régis , Guihéry Nathalie , Tong Jia‐Ping , Mallah Talal
Published: December 2019

We report the preparation and the full characterization of a novel mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal CoII complex [Co(NS3iPr)Br](BPh4) (1) with the tetradentate sulfur‐containing ligand NS3iPr (N(CH2CH2SCH(CH3)2)3). The comparison of its magnetic behaviour with those of two previously reported compounds [Co(NS3iPr)Cl](BPh4) (2) and [Co(NS3tBu)Br](ClO4) (3) (NS3tBu=N(CH2CH2SC(CH3)3)3) with similar structures shows that 1 displays a single‐molecule magnet behaviour with the longest magnetic relaxation time (0.051 s) at T=1.8 K, which is almost thirty times larger than that of 3 (0.0019 s) and more than three times larger than that of 2 (0.015 s), though its effective energy barrier (26 cm−1) is smaller. Compound 1, which contains two crystallographically independent molecules, presents smaller rhombic parameters (E=1.45 and 0.59 cm−1) than 2 (E=2.05 and 1.02 cm−1) and 3 (E=2.00 and 0.80 cm−1) obtained from theoretical calculations. Compounds 2 and 3 have almost the same axial (D) and rhombic (E) parameter values, but present a large difference of their effective energy barrier and magnetic relaxation which may be attributed to the larger volume of BPh4− than ClO4− leading to larger diamagnetic dilution (weaker magnetic dipolar interaction) for 2 than for 3. The combination of these factors leads to a much slower magnetic relaxation for 1 than for the two other compounds.
Microenvironment improvement protocol for the sensitive spectrofluorimetric determination of an hepatitis C virus antiviral (Simeprevir): application to human plasma
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , A. El Hamd Mohamed , Ali Sayed , Samir Ebtihal
Published: December 2019

Simeprevir (SPV) is a powerful antihepatitis C virus agent that was newly introduced into the pharmaceutical market. We here established and validated an easy, simple, and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for its estimation at λem 427 nm (λex 337 nm). The suggested procedure was based on two times enhancement in the original emission of SPV through modifying its microenvironment in buffered aqueous solution by adding Triton X‐100. The relationship between the concentration of SPV and the observed fluorescence intensity was linear in the range 0.06–1.0 μg ml−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The limits of detection and quantitation were 21 and 64 ng ml−1, respectively. The present method was effectively applied to quantify SPV content in pharmaceutical tablets and human plasma spiked with the drug with no interference from tablet excipients or plasma components.
Structural and optical properties of europium‐ and titanium‐doped Y2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Manali Ísis F. , Rodrigues Lucas C.V. , Braga Adriano H. , Galante Douglas , Teixeira Verônica C.
Published: December 2019

Luminescent nanoparticles of Y2O3 doped with europium (Eu) and/or titanium (Ti) were synthesized using modified sol–gel routes. The crystalline cubic phase was confirmed using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). Particle morphology and size were evaluated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the synthesis method affected the average particle size and the Fourier transform of the images showed the lattice plane distances, indicating that the samples presented high crystallinity degree in accordance with the XRD pattern. The Ti valence was investigated using X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and the tetravalent form was the dominant oxidizing state in the samples, mainly in Eu and Ti co‐doped Y2O3. Optical behaviour was investigated through X‐ray excited optical luminescence and photoluminescence under ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation. Results indicated that Eu3+ is the emitting centre in samples doped with only Eu and with both Eu and Ti with the 5D0→7F2 transition as the most intense, indicating Eu3+ in a noncentrosymmetric site. Finally, in the Eu,Ti‐doped Y2O3 system, Ti3+ (or TiIV) excitation was observed but no Ti emission was present, indicating a very efficient energy transfer process from Ti to Eu3+. These results can aid the development of efficient nanomaterials, activated using UV, VUV, or X‐rays.
A simple and rapid spectrofluorometric determination of pomalidomide in spiked plasma and urine. Application to degradation studies
Authors: Aydoğmuş Z. , Yılmaz E.M. , Yildiz G.
Published: December 2019

A rapid and accurate spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of pomalidomide was developed and validated based on the measurement of its native fluorescence without the need for any derivatization and separation for the first time. The fluorescence intensity of the drug in acetonitrile solution allowed precise detection at 460 nm after excitation at 296 nm. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range 31.0–500.0 ng/ml. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 8.04 and 24.36 ng/ml, respectively. Sensitive results allowed the drug to be detected with good recovery (75.46–109.72%) in human plasma and urine using the developed method. The proposed method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability parameters. Pomalidomide was subjected to degradation under various stress conditions (hydrolytic, oxidative and thermal) to demonstrate that the method was stable, indicating and identifying possible degradation products. In addition, the drug was exposed to electrochemical degradation using the chronoamperometry technique for the first time. Characterization of pomalidomide degradation products obtained because of oxidative degradation and electrochemical degradation was carried out using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography − mass spectrometry methods and possible structures were proposed.
Insights from the new horizons in biochemistry and molecular biology education conference. September 6–8, 2017, Rehovot, Israel
Authors: Macaulay Janet , Akdogan Gul Guner , Yarden Anat
Published: December 2019

The New Horizons in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Conference was organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) in collaboration with the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS), and the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) and held in Rehovot, Israel, on September 6–8, 2017. The program covered the entire lifespan of students/scientists from the school level to undergraduate, graduate, and post‐doctoral levels and brought together 130 international participants. This article provides an overview of the major issues and topics discussed at the conference and suggestions for the way forward.
Financing sustainable development goals: A review of challenges and mitigation strategies
Authors: Barua Suborna
Published: December 2019

Sustainable development goal (SDG) implementation is still at an early stage globally. Implementation of the SDGs in developing countries particularly appears very complex and challenging. A key challenge encountered by policymakers at the national and international levels is the prevailing huge financing gap. The current level of SDG‐related financing and investing is far less than what is needed, and there is a growing concern on how to close this gap. This paper explores the key challenges in SDG financing and potential way‐out to mitigate them, particularly in the context of developing countries. The paper reviews the existing literature and practitioner documents, identifies the key challenges, and provides a suggestive mapping of potential strategies to overcome those. The paper argues that given the current level of SDG progress and financing, the world needs immediate action to mobilize adequate financing to achieve the SDGs by the set time line of 2030.
YAP1 amplification as a prognostic factor of definitive chemoradiotherapy in nonsurgical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Honghai , Shao Yang W. , Tong Xiaoling , Wu Xue , Pang Jiaohui , Feng Alei , Yang Zhe
Published: December 2019

Background

Definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT) is the standard treatment for patients with nonsurgical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), yet patients have demonstrated great variations in their responses to dCRT and inevitably progressed following treatment.

Methods

To identify prognostic biomarkers, we performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of 416 cancer‐related genes on primary tumors from 47 nonsurgical ESCC patients prior to dCRT treatment. The association between genetic alterations and patients' local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed.

Results

TP53 (78% of patients), NOTCH1 (32%), ARID1A (13%), FAT1 (13%), and CDKN2A (13%) were commonly mutated in ESCC patients, while gene amplifications frequently occurred in MCL1 (36%), FGF19 (34%), MYC (32%), CCND1 (27%), ZNF217 (15%), CDKN2A (13%), and YAP1 (11%). Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical factors and genetic alterations indicated that sex is an independent prognostic factor, with males tending to have better LRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95%CI, 0.08‐0.77, P = .015) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.13‐0.93, P = .030) following dCRT. Meanwhile, YAP1 amplification (n = 7) was an adverse prognostic factor, and patients with this alteration demonstrated a tendency toward worse outcomes with shorter LRFS (HR, 4.06; 95%CI, 1.26‐13.14, P = .019) and OS (HR, 2.78; 95%CI, 0.95‐8.17, P = .062). In a subgroup analysis, while sex and M‐stage were controlled, a much stronger negative effect of YAP1 amplification vs wild‐type in LRFS was observed (log‐rank P = .0067).

Conclusion

The results suggested that YAP1 amplification is a potentially useful biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes and identifying patients with a high risk of relapse who should be closely monitored.
Phase II study of Radium‐223 dichloride combined with hormonal therapy for hormone receptor‐positive, bone‐dominant metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Ueno Naoto T. , Tahara Rie K. , Fujii Takeo , Reuben James M. , Gao Hui , Saigal Babita , Lucci Anthony , Iwase Toshiaki , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Damodaran Senthil , Shen Yu , Liu Diane D. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Tripathy Debu , Lim Bora , Chasen Beth A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Radium‐223 dichloride (Ra‐223) is a targeted alpha therapy that induces localized cytotoxicity in bone metastases. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Ra‐223 plus hormonal therapy in hormone receptor‐positive (HR+), bone‐dominant metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

In this single‐center phase II study, 36 patients received Ra‐223 (55 kBq/kg intravenously every 4 weeks) up to 6 cycles with endocrine therapy. The primary objective was to determine the clinical disease control rate at 9 months. Secondary objectives were to determine (a) tumor response rate at 6 months, (b) progression‐free survival (PFS) durations, and (c) safety.

Results

The median number of prior systemic treatments for metastatic disease was 1 (range, 0‐4). The disease control rate at 9 months was 49%. The tumor response rate at 6 months was 54% (complete response, 21%; partial, 32%). The median PFS was 7.4 months (95% CI, 4.8‐not reached [NR]). The median bone‐PFS was 16 months (95% CI, 7.3‐NR). There were no grade 3/4 adverse events.

Conclusions

Ra‐223 with hormonal therapy showed possible efficacy in HR+ bone‐dominant breast cancer metastasis, and adverse events were tolerable. We plan to further investigate the clinical application of Ra‐223 in these patients. (NCT02366130).
Live‐Cell Copper‐Induced Fluorescence Quenching of the Flavin‐Binding Fluorescent Protein CreiLOV
Authors: Zou Wenping , Le Khoa , Zastrow Melissa L.
Published: December 2019

CreiLOV is a flavin‐binding fluorescent protein derived from the blue‐light photoreceptor protein family that contains light‐oxygen‐voltage (LOV) sensing domains. Flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins represent a promising foundation for new fluorescent reporters and biosensors that can address limitations of the well‐established green fluorescent protein (GFP) family. Flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins are smaller than GFPs, are stable over a wider pH range, offer rapid chromophore incorporation, and are oxygen‐independent so can be applied to live anaerobic organisms. Among the flavin‐binding fluorescent proteins, CreiLOV has a high quantum yield and excellent photophysical properties, making it promising for cellular applications. Here, we investigated the suitability of CreiLOV as an intensity‐ and fluorescence‐lifetime‐based metal sensor. CreiLOV selectively binds copper(II) over other biologically relevant metals with low‐micromolar affinity, resulting in fluorescence quenching and a decrease in the fluorescence lifetime that can be observed in cuvettes and live bacterial cells.
Borophene: A Metal‐free and Metallic Electrocatalyst for Efficient Converting CO2 into CH4
Authors: Qin Gangqiang , Cui Qianyi , Du Aijun , Sun Qiao
Published: December 2019

Exploring novel and metal‐free electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction is of great significance not only for reducing of CO2 emission but also for energy storage. However, searching metal‐free and highly efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction is still challenging. Here, we report that a metal‐free and metallic borophene can be used as an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Through a comprehensive DFT investigation of CO2 activation and conversion on newly fabricated metallic 2D boron sheets (borophene, β12 or χ3 boron sheets), our calculational results indicate that electron deficient borophene can provide electrons to CO2 and effectively activate the inserted CO2 by breaking π bond of CO2. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the most feasible product of CO2 reduction on the borophene is CH4 with a limiting potential of −0.27 V and the largest activation barrier of 0.98 eV along the minimum energy pathway. The very small values of the limiting potential and activation barrier indicate that CO2 reduction reaction on borophene is both thermodynamically and kinetically feasible. Overall, our work provides insight that the metal free and metallic borophene can be used as an excellent electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction.
Optimized Electrolytic Carbon and Electrolyte Systems for Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Hughes Matthew A. , Allen Jessica A. , Donne Scott W.
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical reduction of a molten Li2CO3−Na2CO3−K2CO3 eutectic is used to produce highly amorphous carbon with considerable oxygen functionalization in a process focusing on the conversion of CO2 to value‐added carbon. Electrochemical characterization of materials using multiple techniques in different electrolytes allowed for the optimization of these materials as electrochemical capacitor electrodes. Variation in capacitive performance of the investigated materials has been provided based on their physical characteristics. The synthesized carbons are hybrid materials, showing both pseudocapacitive and electric double layer contributions to the total performance. Annealing under nitrogen at 800 °C is shown to widen pores in the carbon material, resulting in an increase in medium scan rate (5–10 mV.s−1) capacitance. A stable specific capacitance of 425 F.g−1 is obtained at 5 mV s−1 in 0.5 M Na2SO4 after 1000 cycles.
Rational Design of Core‐Shell Structured C@SnO2@CNTs Composite with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Cheng Yayi , Huang Jianfeng , Cao Liyun , Xie Hui , Yu Fangli , Xi Shaohua , Shi Bingyao , Li Jiayin
Published: December 2019

SnO2 is considered to be a potential anode material in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high specific capacity of 1494 mAh g−1. Herein, we reported the unique core‐shell structured C@SnO2@CNTs composite with controllable outer carbon thickness, which was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing process. Results show that the C@SnO2@CNTs with outer carbon layer around 1.8 nm displays high reversible capacity and long‐term cycling performance. It maintains a capacity of 850 mAh g−1 should be at current density of 200 mA g−1 up to 100 cycles. Further analysis found that the C@SnO2@CNTs composite exhibits excellent structural stability even after 100 cycles, which contributes to provide a highway for charge transmission. These results give rise to superior electrochemical performance of C@SnO2@CNTs composite and provide new insight for design metal oxide composite anode materials in LIBs field.
Detection of Transient Nanoparticle Collision Events Using Electrochemiluminescence on a Closed Bipolar Microelectrode
Authors: Defnet Peter A. , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2019

The use of optical imaging and bipolar electrochemical arrays is a powerful approach for optically monitoring as well as spatially and temporally resolving heterogeneous electron‐transfer processes. Previous studies, however, have been largely limited to the study of slower or steady‐state redox processes. In this work, we use electrochemiluminescence (ECL) to demonstrate the ability to optically record transient collision events of single platinum nanoparticles on a carbon ultramicroelectrode (UME). The electrocatalytic signal of a Pt nanoparticle on a cathodic pole of a bipolar electrode is coupled to the ECL signal on the anodic pole generating a transient optical signal. Correlated amperometric (i‐t) and ECL (count‐t) traces are then compared to determine critical parameters which influence the accurate temporal resolution of these rapid events. Our results suggest that ECL can be an effective means for spatially and temporally resolving transient redox processes when used on arrays of closed bipolar electrodes.
Optimization of Catalytic Sites in Cobalt‐Modified Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon towards High‐Performance Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Xue Daxiang , Li Chenxue , Wei Penghui , Zhao Shulin , Yu Fengjiao , Yang Yang
Published: December 2019

Efficient yet low‐cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are highly desirable for energy systems such as metal‐air batteries and fuel cells. Herein, we report the synthesis of efficient cobalt‐modified nitrogen‐doped carbon (N−C/Co) electrocatalysts by using a one‐pot pyrolysis. The abundant source of N in g‐C3N4 contributes to the in situ N doping in the carbon matrix, which favors the formation of Co‐related catalytic active sites. The N−C/Co‐1 (prepared with 1 mmol Co salt) sample exhibits the best performance towards the ORR, with a positive half‐wave potential of 0.86 V (vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), high stability and excellent methanol tolerance, which outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalyst. We find that the high performance is dependent on the optimal content of Co that can achieve the maximum amount of Co−Nx catalytic species. In addition, we reveal that the size effect of Co nanoparticles is not the determining factor for the ORR activity in the current system, as the kinetics of the ORR reaction is dominantly determined by the active sites derived from Co−Nx species. By exploiting the N−C/Co‐1 sample as an air cathode catalyst, the assembled Zn‐air battery presents a maximal power density of 153 mW cm−2 as well as good durability during continuous cycle tests.
Acid‐Cleavable Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels Displaying Protein Release at pH 5
Authors: Ewald Johannes , Blankenburg Jan , Worm Matthias , Besch Laura , Unger Ronald E. , Tremel Wolfgang , Frey Holger , Pohlit Hannah
Published: December 2019

PEG is the gold standard polymer for pharmaceutical applications, however it lacks degradability. Degradation under physiologically relevant pH as present in endolysosomes, cancerous and inflammatory tissues is crucial for many areas. The authors present anionic ring‐opening copolymerization of ethylene oxide with 3,4‐epoxy‐1‐butene (EPB) and subsequent modification to introduce acid‐degradable vinyl ether groups as well as methacrylate (MA) units, enabling radical cross‐linking. Copolymers with different molar ratios of EPB, molecular weights (Mn) up to 10 000 g mol−1 and narrow dispersities (Đ<1.05) were prepared. Both the P(EG‐co‐isoEPB)MA copolymer and the hydrogels showed pH‐dependent, rapid hydrolysis at pH 5–6 and long‐term storage stability at neutral pH (pH 7.4). By designing the degree of polymerization and content of degradable vinyl ether groups, the release time of an entrapped protein OVA‐Alexa488 can be tailored from a few hours to several days (hydrolysis half‐life time t1/2 at pH 5: 13 h to 51 h).
Ligand Substitution of RuII–Alkylidenes to Ru(bpy)32+: Sequential Olefin Metathesis/Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Gallhof Malte , Kell Lukas , Brasholz Malte
Published: December 2019

Ruthenium(II) alkylidene complexes such as the Grubbs’ 1st and 2nd generation catalysts undergo a ligand substitution with 2,2′‐bipyridine, which readily leads to the common photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)32+. The application of this catalyst transformation in sequential olefin metathesis/photoredox catalysis is demonstrated by way of ring‐closing metathesis (RCM)/photoredox ATRA reactions.
Semiparametric regression methods for temporal processes subject to multiple sources of censoring
Authors: Zhan Tianyu , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Process regression methodology is underdeveloped relative to the frequency with which pertinent data arise. In this article, the response‐190 is a binary indicator process representing the joint event of being alive and remaining in a specific state. The process is indexed by time (e.g., time since diagnosis) and observed continuously. Data of this sort occur frequently in the study of chronic disease. A general area of application involves a recurrent event with non‐negligible duration (e.g., hospitalization and associated length of hospital stay) and subject to a terminating event (e.g., death). We propose a semiparametric multiplicative model for the process version of the probability of being alive and in the (transient) state of interest. Under the proposed methods, the regression parameter is estimated through a procedure that does not require estimating the baseline probability. Unlike the majority of process regression methods, the proposed methods accommodate multiple sources of censoring. In particular, we derive a computationally convenient variant of inverse probability of censoring weighting based on the additive hazards model. We show that the regression parameter estimator is asymptotically normal, and that the baseline probability function estimator converges to a Gaussian process. Simulations demonstrate that our estimators have good finite sample performance. We apply our method to national end‐stage liver disease data.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 222–237; 2020 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Targeting iNOS As a Valuable Strategy for the Therapy of Glioma
Authors: Maccallini Cristina , Gallorini Marialucia , Cataldi Amelia , Amoroso Rosa
Published: December 2019

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Histologically, they share features of normal glial cells, but whether gliomas originate from normal glial cells, glial or neural precursors, stem cells, or other cell types remains a topic of investigation. The enhanced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been reported as a hallmark of chemoresistance in gliomas, and several lines of evidence have reported that a decreased proliferation of glioma cells could be related to the selective inhibition of iNOS. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of iNOS expression and activity modulation in the regulation of glioma pathogenesis, along with compounds that could act as therapeutic agents against glioma.
UniFlexView: A unified framework for consistent construction of BPMN and BPEL process views
Authors: Yongchareon Sira , Liu Chengfei , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: December 2019

Summary

Process view technologies allow organizations to create different granularity levels of abstraction of their business processes, therefore enabling a more effective business process management, analysis, interoperation, and privacy controls. Existing research proposed view construction and abstraction techniques for block‐based (ie, BPEL) and graph‐based (ie, BPMN) process models. However, the existing techniques treat each type of the two types of models separately. Especially, this brings in challenges for achieving a consistent process view for a BPEL model that derives from a BPMN model. In this paper, we propose a unified framework, namely UniFlexView, for supporting automatic and consistent process view construction. With our framework, process modelers can use our proposed View Definition Language to specify their view construction requirements disregarding the types of process models. Our UniFlexView's system prototype has been developed as a proof of concept and demonstration of the usability and feasibility of our framework.