bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the effect of organic–inorganic additives loaded on modified polyethersulfone membranes
Authors: Alenazi Noof A. , Alamry Khalid A. , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Elfaky Mahmoud A. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: February 2019

In this work, a novel modified polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was made by blending PES with organic biomolecules which were N1,N4‐bis(4‐sulfamoylphenyl)terephthalamide (SF), and N1, N4‐bis[4‐(N‐(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)sulfamoyl)phenyl]terephthalamide (SZ) to afford PES‐SF and PES‐SZ membranes. Antifouling properties of these modified membranes were examined against different types of bacteria and a fungus as well as by measuring the contact angle. The results showed the addition of these organic additives to PES membranes did not improve the hydrophilicity and exhibit any microbial activity. Thus, Cu2O nanoparticles were used with different concentrations to afford PES‐SF‐Cu2O and PES‐SZ‐Cu2O nanocomposites membranes. The results showed when Cu2O nanoparticles (3 wt %) was added to PES‐SF3 and PES‐SZ3 membranes, both membranes showed the best hydrophilicity with 67° for PES‐SF3‐Cu2O membrane and 77° for PES‐SZ3‐Cu2O membranes. PES‐SF3‐Cu2O and PES‐SZ3‐Cu2O membranes showed antibacterial against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. To evaluate the anticoagulant activity of the PES‐SF and PES‐SZ membranes, the clotting times using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were measured. The results showed PT level was prolonged for the pure PES membrane with 13 s and for PES‐SF1 membrane with 12.4 s while the PES‐SZ1 membrane showed no difference from the control (pure plasma). Contrary to the PT factor, APTT level of the PES‐SF membrane showed the longest time with 43 s. The results of APPT and PT seemed somewhat satisfactory for the PES‐SF while the PES‐SZ membrane did not show any difference from the control sample. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47686.
Returns to education in India: Capturing the heterogeneity
Authors: Mitra Anuneeta
Published: February 2019

The aim of this article is to estimate the marginal rates of return to various levels of education in India, across the entire wage distribution. For this purpose, unit level data from the 68th round of the National Sample Survey Organisation (India) for the year 2011–2012 have been used, and the technique of quantile regression has been applied. Average estimates were ignored, and the heterogeneity in rates of return was captured across the following disaggregations: (a) all India, public and private sectors, (b) gender, and caste groups (scheduled tribes [STs], scheduled castes [SCs], other backward classes, and others). The findings showcase that the rates of return increased with consecutive higher levels of education. However, this impact varies across the disaggregations examined. The returns are the least for STs and SCs as compared with others (the unreserved category), with the differences in the rates of return being maximum in the private sector. Additionally, women experience a higher rate of return than men. These findings have important policy implications with respect to strengthening the public funding of higher education and encouraging participation from the marginalised segments (STs, SCs), which is otherwise dismal.
Utilizing herbarium specimens to quantify historical mycorrhizal communities
Authors: Heberling J. Mason , Burke David J.
Published: February 2019

Premise of the Study

Mycorrhiza are critical to ecosystem functioning, but a lack of historical baseline data limits our understanding of the long‐term belowground effects of global change. Herbarium specimens may provide this needed insight. However, it is unknown whether DNA of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be reliably extracted from vascular plant specimen roots.

Methods

We sampled roots from herbarium specimens of four herbaceous forest species collected in western Pennsylvania between 1881–2008. Using molecular methods (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis), we quantified AMF communities from specimen roots and tested for contamination.

Results

We successfully amplified AMF DNA from 44% (21/48) of the root but not leaf samples, indicating specimen contamination was negligible. As expected, there were significant differences in AMF composition between plant species (P < 0.05). However, no differences in AMF communities were detected through time, possibly due to limited sample size and low amplification rates in recent collections.

Discussion

Herbaria have potential as sources of valuable belowground microbial data to answer questions across geographic, temporal, and taxonomic scales otherwise not feasible. Ongoing methodological developments will only magnify this potential. Further tests are needed to determine curatorial practices that maximize this innovative use of herbarium specimens.
Monitoring a loss: Detection of the semi‐aquatic crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) in inaccessible habitats via environmental DNA
Authors: Reinhardt Timm , van Schingen Mona , Windisch Heidrun Sigrid , Nguyen Truong Quang , Ziegler Thomas , Fink Patrick
Published: February 2019

Assessing the conservation status of a species is strongly dependent upon data on species distribution and abundance. With the emergence of novel methods for species monitoring – such as the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) – monitoring success can be improved at reduced expenditure in the field, particularly in remote regions and terrains where access is difficult or dangerous.

The highly endangered crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus Ahl, 1930) inhabits fragmented sites of the remaining evergreen forest with running water systems in a narrow distribution range in southern China and north‐east Vietnam. Crocodile lizards spend most of the day within or above water bodies, which are commonly remote and inaccessible.

To monitor recent spatial occurrences, and to confirm the persistence or extinction of previously reported populations (especially in heavily altered habitats), the suitability of using eDNA and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was tested as an alternative method for monitoring this semiaquatic lizard.

To assess the accuracy and limitations of this method, eDNA results from the field were compared with eDNA data from mesocosms and census data on the actual abundance of this species in the field.

Environmental DNA of the crocodile lizard was detected in all of the positive controls, and in four of six natural sites; thus, all data collected using traditional field surveys were confirmed with eDNA results.

eDNA monitoring was found to be a reliable method for assessing the viability of populations; we suggest that it should be developed as a tool for efficient wildlife management, particularly under difficult field and funding conditions.
Affinity Maturation of the Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Paratope Drives Epitope Spreading and Polyreactivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kongpachith Sarah , Lingampalli Nithya , Ju Chia‐Hsin , Blum Lisa K. , Lu Daniel R. , Elliott Serra E. , Mao Rong , Robinson William H.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While epitope spreading of the serum ACPA response is believed to contribute to RA pathogenesis, little is understood regarding how this phenomenon occurs. This study was undertaken to analyze the antibody repertoires of individuals with RA to gain insight into the mechanisms leading to epitope spreading of the serum ACPA response in RA.

Methods

Plasmablasts from the blood of 6 RA patients were stained with citrullinated peptide tetramers to identify ACPA‐producing B cells by flow cytometry. Plasmablasts were single‐cell sorted and sequenced to obtain antibody repertoires. Sixty‐nine antibodies were recombinantly expressed, and their anticitrulline reactivities were characterized using a cyclic citrullinated peptide enzyme‐linked immuosorbent assay and synovial antigen arrays. Thirty‐six mutated antibodies designed either to represent ancestral antibodies or to test paratope residues critical for binding, as determined from molecular modeling studies, were also tested for anticitrulline reactivities.

Results

Clonally related monoclonal ACPAs and their shared ancestral antibodies each exhibited differential reactivity against citrullinated antigens. Molecular modeling identified residues within the complementarity‐determining region loops and framework regions predicted to be important for citrullinated antigen binding. Affinity maturation resulted in mutations of these key residues, which conferred binding to different citrullinated epitopes and/or increased polyreactivity to citrullinated epitopes.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the different somatic hypermutations accumulated by clonally related B cells during affinity maturation alter the antibody paratope to mediate epitope spreading and polyreactivity of the ACPA response in RA, suggesting that these may be key properties that likely contribute to the pathogenicity of ACPAs.
Metal–Organic Gels Derived from Iron(III) and Pyridine Ligands: Morphology, Self‐Healing and Catalysis for Ethylene Selective Dimerization
Authors: Li Botian , Zhou Xue , Liu Xiangyun , Ye Haimu , Zhang Ying , Zhou Qiong
Published: February 2019

Metal‐organic gels showing potential application in catalysis have received much concern. In this work, we designed and synthesized two metal‐organic gels based on coordination between FeIII and pyridine ligands at room temperature. The gels were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal their assembly structures and morphologies, and it was found the metal‐organic gel derived from di‐topic ligand was composed of three‐dimensional network of nanofibers, while the gel derived from tri‐topic ligand was constituted of sponge‐like structure with amorphous phase. Rheological analysis showed the gel consisting of nanofiber networks displayed self‐healing property. The gels were used as catalysts for selective ethylene dimerization, and the optimum catalysis results of the gel with nanofibers reached the maximal catalytic activity of 1.48×105 g/(mol Fe⋅h) with C4 yield more than 90 %, whereas the sponge‐like gel only gave 38 % C4 products at the same condition. The higher dimerization selectivity of the former FeIII gel was attributed to its regular assembly structure and lower steric hindrance of the surface metal sites. Due to its catalytic activity, high selectivity and preparation simplicity, the FeIII gel might be potentially applicable for the preparation of C4 α‐olefins.
A Hollow Microtubular Triazine‐ and Benzobisoxazole‐Based Covalent Organic Framework Presenting Sponge‐Like Shells That Functions as a High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: El‐Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , Hung Ying‐Hui , Mansoure Tharwat Hassan , Yu Hsiao‐Hua , Chen Tao , Kuo Shiao‐Wei
Published: February 2019

In this paper we report the construction of a hollow microtubular triazine‐ and benzobisoxazole‐based covalent organic framework (COF) presenting a sponge‐like shell through a template‐free [3+2] condensation of the planar molecules 2,4,6‐tris(4‐formylphenyl)triazine (TPT‐3CHO) and 2,5‐diaminohydroquinone dihydrochloride (DAHQ‐2HCl). The synthesized COF exhibited extremely high crystallinity, a high surface area (ca. 1855 m2 g−1), and ultrahigh thermal stability. Interestingly, a time‐dependent study of the formation of the hollow microtubular COF having a sponge‐like shell revealed a transformation from initial ribbon‐like crystallites into a hollow tubular structure, and confirmed that the hollow nature of the synthesized COF was controlled by inside‐out Ostwald ripening, while the non‐interaction of the crystallites on the outer surface was responsible for the sponge‐like surface of the tubules. This COF exhibited significant supercapacitor performance: a high specific capacitance of 256 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, excellent cycling stability (98.8 % capacitance retention over 1850 cycles), and a high energy density of 43 Wh kg−1. Such hollow structural COFs with sponge‐like shells appear to have great potential for use as high‐performance supercapacitors in energy storage applications.
Monitoring distribution systems for Legionella pneumophila using Legiolert
Authors: LeChevallier Mark W.
Published: February 2019

This study implemented the Legiolert test (a culture‐based assay for L. pneumophila based on the most probable number [MPN]) at 12 utilities to assess their experiences and to develop a baseline of Legionella pneumophila occurrence in drinking water distribution systems. A total of 679 samples were analyzed during the study: 53 source water, 50 from the plant effluent, and 576 from the distribution system. L. pneumophila was detected in three of five source water samples at one utility but was not detected in any of the treated plant effluent samples. L. pneumophila was detected in only one distribution sample (0.17%) at a concentration of 1 MPN/100 mL in a sample that contained 0.72 mg/L free chlorine and was serotyped as belonging to the 2–14 serogroup. Four (0.7%) distribution samples could not be confirmed by serotyping. Overall, the utilities found the test easy to learn and apply in their systems. This study provides a precedent for future monitoring of drinking water systems.
Amberlite IRA 900 versus calcium alginate in immobilization of a novel, engineered β‐fructofuranosidase for short‐chain fructooligosaccharide synthesis from sucrose
Authors: Bedzo Oscar K. K. , Trollope Kim , Gottumukkala Lalitha D. , Coetzee Gerhardt , Görgens Johann F.
Published: February 2019

The immobilization of β‐fructofuranosidase for short‐chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) synthesis holds the potential for a more efficient use of the biocatalyst. However, the choice of carrier and immobilization technique is a key to achieving that efficiency. In this study, calcium alginate (CA), Amberlite IRA 900 (AI900) and Dowex Marathon MSA (DMM) were tested as supports for immobilizing a novel engineered β‐fructofuranosidase from Aspergillus japonicus for scFOS synthesis. Several immobilization parameters were estimated to ascertain the effectiveness of the carriers in immobilizing the enzyme. The performance of the immobilized biocatalysts are compared in terms of the yield of scFOS produced and reusability. The selection of carriers and reagents was motivated by the need to ensure safety of application in the production of food‐grade products. The CA and AI900 both recorded impressive immobilization yields of 82 and 62%, respectively, while the DMM recorded 47%. Enzyme immobilizations on CA, AI900 and DMM showed activity recoveries of 23, 27, and 17%, respectively. The CA, AI900 immobilized and the free enzymes recorded their highest scFOS yields of 59, 53, and 61%, respectively. The AI900 immobilized enzyme produced a consistent scFOS yield and composition for 12 batch cycles but for the CA immobilized enzyme, only 6 batch cycles gave a consistent scFOS yield. In its first record of application in scFOS production, the AI900 anion exchange resin exhibited potential as an adequate carrier for industrial application with possible savings on cost of immobilization and reduced technical difficulty.
Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with imiquimod 5% cream: The necessity of regimen guidelines
Authors: Yokoyama Maiko , Egawa Gyohei , Makino Takamitsu , Egawa Kiyofumi
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Development of noninvasive treatments for erythroplasia of Queyrat, a carcinoma in situ, is expected. This case suggests topical imiquimod might be a candidate with regimens consisting of much longer duration of the treatment than for genital warts and the maintenance phase of the treatment course to prevent the relapse.
Insight of the Metal–Ligand Interaction in f‐Element Complexes by Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Autillo Matthieu , Guerin Laetitia , Dumas Thomas , Grigoriev Mikhail S. , Fedoseev Alexandre M. , Cammelli Sebastiano , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Guillaumont Dominique , Guilbaud Philippe , Moisy Philippe , Bolvin Hélène , Berthon Claude
Published: February 2019

The magnetic properties of LnIII and AnIII complexes formed with dipicolinate ligands have been studied by NMR spectroscopy. To know precisely the geometries of these complexes, a crystallographic study by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) in solution was performed. Several methods to separate the paramagnetic shifts observed in the NMR spectra were applied to these complexes. Methods using a number of nuclei of the dipicolinate ligands revealed an abrupt change in the geometries of the complexes and a metal–ligand interaction in the middle of the lanthanide series. A study of the variation of the paramagnetic shifts with temperature demonstrated that higher‐order terms of the dipolar and contact contributions are required, especially for the lightest LnIII and almost all the studied AnIII. Bleaney's parameters a and
relating to the contact and dipolar terms, respectively, were deduced from experimental data and compared with the results of ab initio calculations. Quite a good agreement was found for the temperature dependencies of a and
. However, the
values obtained from cation magnetic anisotropy calculations showed some discrepancies with the values derived from Bleaney's equation defined for LnIII. Other parameters, such as the crystal field parameter and the hyperfine constants Fi obtained from the experimental data of the [An(ethyl‐dpa)3]3− complexes (ethyl‐dpa=4‐ethyl‐2,6‐dipicolinic acid), are at odds with the assumptions underlying Bleaney's theory.
How Many O‐Donor Groups in Enterobactin Does It Take to Bind a Metal Cation?
Authors: Baramov Todor , Schmid Bianca , Ryu Ho , Jeong Jinhoon , Keijzer Karlijn , von Eckardstein Leonard , Baik Mu‐Hyun , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: February 2019

The E. coli siderophore enterobactin, the strongest FeIII chelator known to date, forms hexacoordinate complexes with SiIV, GeIV, and TiIV. Synthetic protocols have been developed to prepare non‐symmetric enterobactin analogues with varying denticities. Various benzoic acid residues were coupled to the macrocyclic lactone to afford a diverse library of ligands. These enterobactin analogues were bound to SiIV, GeIV, and TiIV, and the complexes were investigated through experimental and computational techniques. The binding behavior of the synthesized chelators enabled assessment of the contribution of each of the phenolic hydroxy groups in enterobactin to metal‐ion complexation. It was found that at least four O‐donors are needed for enterobactin derivatives to act as metal binders. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the strong binding behavior of enterobactin can be ascribed to a diminished translational entropy penalty, a common feature of the chelate effect, coupled with the structural arrangement of the three catechol moieties, which allows the triseryl base to be installed without distorting the preferred local metal‐binding geometry of the catecholate ligands.
Interoperable and network‐aware service workflows for big data executions at internet scale
Authors: Kathiravelu Pradeeban , Van Roy Peter , Veiga Luís
Published: February 2019

Sharing of computing resources and workload across different big data frameworks is challenging due to their lack of interoperable interfaces. In contrast, web services natively support an interoperable execution. Therefore, an increasing number of big data workflows are composed of data services and web service implementations that access and process big data. On the other hand, big data execution in the wide area networks needs to minimize latency and communication overheads to be able to scale seamlessly. Lack of network‐awareness of classic web service execution beyond data centers significantly challenges the scope of data services.

Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) offers better control and management to the network, by unifying the control plane centrally, away from the distributed data plane devices. In this paper, we propose Software‐Defined Data Services (SDDS), an SDN‐based distributed service composition and workflow placement approach for data services in wide area networks. We first present the design of an SDDS framework that models the big data executions as composable data service workflows in multi‐domain network environments. We then evaluate the performance of a prototype SDDS framework through microbenchmarks. The benchmarks highlight the efficiency of SDDS in data service execution inside and beyond data centers.
A 7‐year follow‐up study of the Mindfulness‐Based Program for Infertility: Are there long‐term effects?
Authors: Galhardo Ana , Cunha Marina , Pinto‐Gouveia José
Published: February 2019

The Mindfulness‐Based Program for Infertility (MBPI) was developed for people facing infertility and proved effective in cultivating mindfulness skills, improving infertility self‐efficacy, and decreasing depression, shame, entrapment, and defeat feelings. Fifty‐five women attended the MBPI sessions and completed self‐report measures of depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance at post‐MBPI (T1), 6‐month follow‐up (T2), and 7‐year follow‐up (T3). There were significant direct time effects regarding experiential avoidance (F = 3.81;p < 0.033;ηp2 = 0.08), the mindfulness facets describing (F = 3.54;p = 0.037;ηp2 = 0.13), acting with awareness (F = 6.87;p = 0.002;ηp2 = 0.22), nonjudging of inner experience (F = 10.66;p < 0.001;ηp2 = 0.31), and depressive symptoms (F = 4.85;p = 0.020;ηp2 = 0.10). There was an increase in the describing facet from T1 to T3 (p = 0.036). The act with awareness facet increased from T1 to T2 (p = 0.010) and from T1 to T3 (p = 0.007), as well as the nonjudging of inner experience facet (T1 to T2 [p = 0.030] and T1 to T3 [p = 0.002]). Experiential avoidance decreased from T1 to T3 (p = 0.022) and depressive symptoms from T1 to T2 (p = 0.019). Post‐MBPI scores were maintained at T2 and T3 concerning anxiety symptoms and the observing and no‐reactivity mindfulness facets. There were long‐term effects of MBPI on mindfulness and experiential avoidance. Moreover, therapeutic gains were maintained regarding depression and anxiety symptoms, independently of the reproductive outcome.
Dusty plasma in the stratified glow discharge in moderate magnetic field
Authors: Pavlov Sergey I. , Dzlieva Elena S. , Novikov Leontiy A. , Ermolenko Maxim A. , Ivanov Artem Yu. , D'yachkov Lev G. , Karasev Viktor Yu.
Published: February 2019

This article presents the experimental study of dust structures formed in striations of glow discharge in an external magnetic field of up to 104 G, which was created using a cryomagnet. A magnetic field classification based on probe theory is described. In moderate magnetic field, we obtained stable dust structures. The corresponding experimental setup and the experiment itself are described in detail. Special attention was paid to the influence of magnetic field on the change of the diameter and inter‐particle distance of dusty cloud. And, we also determined the dependence of angular velocity of dust rotation on magnetic induction.
Monitoring and modelling the hydrological behaviour of a reclaimed wadi basin in Egypt
Authors: Coppola Antonio , Abdallah Mohamed , Dragonetti Giovanna , Zdruli Pandi , Lamaddalena Nicola
Published: February 2019

We analysed the hydrological behaviour of a wadi basin in Egypt, whose channel was modified into levelled terraces for cultivation. A yearly data set was used, consisting of weather data, distributed water content measurements in the terraces of the wadi channel, and run‐off discharges at the wadi outlet. A modelling approach combining a run‐off model and an agro‐hydrological model was tested to simulate, respectively, the water stored in the wadi stream bed after a single rainfall event and the depletion of the stored water by evapotranspiration in the period between two subsequent rainfall events. Calibration and validation of the run‐off model were based on both basin outlet run‐off and distributed water storage measurements. High Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies were obtained for both distributed channel water storage and outlet discharges, showing the importance of having available distributed storage measurements, besides basin outlet discharges, to obtain more robust model predictions. The soil–plant–atmosphere model was not calibrated as the parameters for the hydraulic properties, all coming from direct measurements, proved to describe effectively the distributed water storages measured in the terraces during the monitoring campaign. It was observed that the terraces (about 100,000 m3) may store up to 50,000 m3 of water. By considering that in the soil considered, the water content at the wilting point is about 5% and that in July, the soil profile is still able to retain about 40% of the initial volume, most of the water stored may be used by crops for the whole spring–summer period.
Exploring the Optimal Synthetic Pathways towards µ‐Carbido Diruthenium(IV) Bisphthalocyaninates
Authors: Kroitor Andrey P. , Martynov Alexander G. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Sorokin Alexander B.
Published: February 2019

Series of substituted µ‐carbido diruthenium(IV) bisphthalocyaninates [Pc*Ru]2(µ‐C) [where Pc* = tetra‐tert‐butyl‐, octa‐n‐butoxy‐, tetra‐15‐crown‐5‐ and hexa‐n‐butoxy‐mono‐(15‐crown‐5)‐substituted ligands] were synthesized using two alternative approaches – (i) direct metalation of phthalocyanines with Ru3(CO)12 in refluxing o‐dichlorobenzene where [Pc*Ru]2(µ‐C) are formed as by‐products together with monomeric complexes [Pc*Ru](CO) and (ii) dimerization of [Pc*Ru](CO) by dichlorocarbene generated in situ from chloroform and bases (KOH or NMe4OH), which affords target complexes in high yield. Application of the appropriate base – NMe4OH was found to be crucial in the case of synthesis of crown‐substituted µ‐carbido dimers. Reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with the phthalocyanine bearing bulky mesityloxy‐groups yielded solely monomeric complex which could not be dimerized under any studied conditions. Therefore, the influence of nature of peripheral substituents in phthalocyanines on their reactivity in metalation and dimerization reactions was revealed.
Synchronized “Click” and Templated Synthesis of a Fluorescent Pyrene Crown Ether
Authors: Choo Yvonne S. L. , Waddell Paul G. , Benniston Andrew C.
Published: February 2019

The reaction of methyl 6,8‐bisethynylpyrene‐2‐carboxylate with 1‐azido‐2‐{[2‐(2‐azidoethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethane using standard “click” chemistry produced a 1+1 crown ether (CPYR). The copper ions used both catalyse the reaction and provide a template for ensuring smooth cyclisation. The X‐ray crystal structure of the compound reveals the two triazole groups are non‐coplanar with the pyrene moiety. The triazole groups are more co‐planar with the pyrene subunit in the first‐excited singlet state as revealed by a density functional theory (DFT) calculated molecular structure (B3LYP, 6‐311G). Partially structured emission observed in acetonitrile is consistent with the calculation result. In acetonitrile solution the macrocycle CPYR interacts with a Na+ ion to form a complex in which the ion binds with the crown and the pyrene residue.
A Method for Optimizing the Design of Heterogeneous Nano Gas Chemiresistor Arrays
Authors: Luna Steven , Stahovich Thomas F. , Su Heng C. , Myung Nosang V.
Published: February 2019

A method for optimizing the design of heterogeneous gas chemiresistor arrays to maximize classification accuracy is presented. The features used for classification include coefficients from a Fast Fourier Transform, properties of a piecewise representation of the response shape, and features characterizing the response time. The novel response time features are designed to be insensitive to noise and sensor drift. This work introduces a novel approach for leveraging experimental data to create large synthetic datasets for training classifiers. Pairs of time‐series sensor response measurements are randomly combined with a noise model to create synthetic sensor responses, which are then combined to create synthetic array responses. J48 decision trees are used to classify species and support vector machine regression models are used to determine the concentration once the species is known. The results demonstrate the value of array optimization, as the highest classification accuracy is achieved using a subset of the available sensor designs. J48 decision trees proved to be efficient for use in optimization and achieved high accuracy. Separating the tasks of classifying species and identifying concentration also proved to be effective. The techniques were applied to the design of an array for classifying H2, H2S, NH3, and NO2. The optimal array achieved 95.7 % accuracy at classifying species and an average correlation coefficient of 0.92 for determining concentration.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Molinate Using ZnO Nanoparticles Loaded Carbon Electrode
Authors: Shetti Nagaraj P. , Malode Shweta J. , Ilager Davalasab , Raghava Reddy Kakarla , Shukla Shyam S. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: February 2019

In this work, electrochemical detection of molinate herbicide was studied by developing a novel sensor based on carbon paste incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using cyclic (CV) and square wave voltammetric (SWV) techniques. Molinate exhibited one well resolved peak at pH of 3.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS), which was irreversible. The lowest possible detection limit of 1.0×10−8 M was achieved in the concentration range of 0.002 μM to 0.25 μM. The modifying ability of ZnO nanoparticles was responsible for such a low level sensing in water and soil samples.
Forecasting economic indicators using a consumer sentiment index: Survey‐based versus text‐based data
Authors: Song Minchae , Shin Kyung‐shik
Published: February 2019

Given the confirmed effectiveness of the survey‐based consumer sentiment index (CSI) as a leading indicator of real economic conditions, the CSI is actively used in making policy judgments and decisions in many countries. However, although the CSI offers qualitative information for presenting current conditions and predicting a household's future economic activity, the survey‐based method has several limitations. In this context, we extracted sentiment information from online economic news articles and demonstrated that the Korean cases are a good illustration of applying a text mining technique when generating a CSI using sentiment analysis. By applying a simple sentiment analysis based on the lexicon approach, this paper confirmed that news articles can be an effective source for generating an economic indicator in Korea. Even though cross‐national comparative research results are suited better than national‐level data to generalize and verify the method used in this study, international comparisons are quite challenging to draw due to the necessary linguistic preprocessing. We hope to encourage further cross‐national comparative research to apply the approach proposed in this study.
Influence of vermicompost and sheep manure on mechanical properties of tomato fruit
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Kheiralipour Kamran
Published: February 2019

Mechanical properties of the horticultural products play an important role in improving the products quality and storage life after harvesting and also reducing product waste. Recently, using organic fertilizers has increasing trend for producing high‐quality products as well as improvement of soil quality. Two of the best options to produce organic material and sustainability of agricultural production are vermicompost and sheep manure. The present study relied on determination of mechanical properties through pressure and shear tests. Vermicompost and sheep manure were used separately to fertilize the soil. After planting tomato seeds and harvesting, tomato fruits were analyzed by a universal test machine. The results showed that vermicompost was a better fertilizer than sheep manure due to its more appropriate carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), acidity, and salinity. Also, in the pressure test, the maximum force required for bruise of tomato produced with vermicompost (41.5N) was more than that of control sample (no fertilizer) and sheep manure. In the shearing test, the maximum force required for shearing tomato produced with vermicompost (58.60 N) was lower than that of control sample (no fertilizer) and sheep manure. The findings of this study can be used to reduce the amount of waste at different stages of tomato production and supply including the design and optimization of processing and transportation equipment.
Linear age‐course effects on the associations between body mass index, triglycerides, and female breast and male liver cancer risk: An internal replication study of 800,000 individuals
Authors: Häggström Christel , Jonsson Håkan , Bjørge Tone , Nagel Gabriele , Manjer Jonas , Ulmer Hanno , Drake Isabel , Ghaderi Sara , Lang Alois , Engeland Anders , Stattin Pär , Stocks Tanja
Published: February 2019

Apart from the consistently observed differential association between obesity and breast cancer risk by menopausal status, the associations between obesity and other metabolic imbalances with risks of cancers have not been systematically investigated across the age‐course. We created two random 50–50% cohorts from six European cohorts comprising 813,927 individuals. In the “discovery cohort”, we used Cox regression with attained age as time‐scale and tested interactions between body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, plasma glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, and attained age in relation to cancer risk. Results with a p‐value below 0.05 were additionally tested in the “replication cohort” where a replicated result was considered evidence of a linear interaction with attained age. These findings were investigated by flexible parametric survival models for any age‐plateaus in their shape of associations with cancer risk across age. Consistent with other studies, BMI was negatively related to breast cancer risk (n cases = 11,723) among younger (premenopausal) women. However, the association remained negative for several years after menopause and, although gradually weakening over age, the association became positive only at 62 years of age. This linear and positive age‐interaction was also found for triglycerides and breast cancer, and for BMI and triglycerides in relation to liver cancer among men (n cases = 444). These findings are unlikely to be due to chance owing to the replication. The linear age‐interactions in breast cancer may suggest an influence by other age‐related factors than menopause; however, further investigation of age‐related effect modifiers in both breast and liver cancer is needed.
Trigonal Prismatic Cu6L3 Coordination Cage: Encapsulation of Aromatic Molecules and Tuned Photoluminescence
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Chun , Zhang De‐Xiang , Zhan Shun‐Ze , Li Mian , Zheng Ji , Yang Hu , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan
Published: February 2019

A trigonal prismatic Cu6L3 coordination cage has been assembled from Cu(I) and semi‐rigid bipyrazolyl ligand. The X‐ray crystallography demonstrates that the cage has a cavity and can encapsulate the toluene as a guest, exhibiting thermochromism phenomenon. Empty cage can be obtained by expulsion of the guest through single crystal to single crystal transformation. After removed the guest, the empty cage shows a blue‐shifted emission (580 nm), in comparison to its parent cage (615 nm). The empty cage could further serve as a host to encapsulate other aromatic molecules (e. g. mesitylene), which shows new emission band. The trigonal prismatic Cu6L3 coordination cage provides a platform to make advanced luminescent materials.
Toxicity of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on human blood lymphocytes
Authors: Assadian Evelyn , Dezhampanah Hamid , Seydi Enayatollah , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: February 2019

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are used to a large extent in the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible toxicity of Fe2O
3 NPs on human cells, including blood lymphocytes. We isolated blood lymphocytes from healthy humans using Ficoll polysaccharide and subsequently by gradient centrifugation. Then, the toxicity parameters, including cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, cellular glutathione (GSH) level, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, were measured in blood lymphocytes after exposure to Fe
2O
3 NPs. Our results indicated that Fe
2O
3 NPs significantly (dependent on concentration) reduced the cell viability, and the IC
50 was determined to be 1 mM. With increasing concentrations, we found that Fe
2O
3 NPs–induced cell toxicity was associated with a significant increase in intracellular ROS and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and lysosomal membrane leakiness. Consequently, these NPs at different concentrations affect GSH level and cause oxidative stress in human lymphocytes.
miR‐497‐5p inhibits tumor cell growth and invasion by targeting SOX5 in non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Kai , Wang Jiansheng , Qin Sida , Sun Xin , Ren Hong
Published: February 2019

MicroRNAs plays an important role in the ccurrence and development of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). miR‐497‐5p has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. However, the role of miR‐497‐5p in NSCLC remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological role and potential molecular mechanism of miR‐497‐5p in NSCLC. Our results showed that the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of miR‐497‐5p was notably downregulated in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines. miR‐497‐5p overexpression remarkably inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis in A549 and H460 cells, whereas inhibition of miR‐497‐5p had an opposite effect. The ability of cell migration and invasion was inhibited by miR‐497‐5p overexpression but was increased by miR‐497‐5p inhibition. Moreover, our findings indicated that SOX5 was a direct target of miR‐497‐5p. The protein and mRNA expression levels of SOX5 in A549 cells were remarkably inhibited by miR‐497‐5p overexpression but was upregulated by miR‐497‐5p inhibition. Furthermore, SOX5 overexpression notably reversed the effect of miR‐497‐5p mimic on NSCLC cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell migration, and invasion. Taken together, these results indicated that miR‐497‐5p overexpression inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis through inhibiting SOX5 gene expression. It was conceivable that miR‐497‐5p might serve as a potential molecular target for NSCLC treatment.
P53: The endothelium defender
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Afaz , Barabutis Nektarios
Published: February 2019

P53 represents the paradigm of a multitalented transcription factor, responsible for the cellular defense against a plethora of potentially harmful stimuli. It exercises the ability to strongly oppose both cancer and inflammation, partially due to the fact that both conditions are highly interrelated. Endothelium hyperpermeability is considered the hallmark of severe lung inflammation, and the cardinal feature of the lethal acute respiratory distress syndrome. An emerging body of evidence suggests a strategic role of P53 towards vascular barrier integrity. The “endothelium defender” orchestrates meticulously devised responses; to counteract toxin‐induced destructions of endothelium monolayers. The present effort seeks to further our understanding on the expanding P53 universe, discussing the most recent information regarding the involvement of that molecule in the pulmonary function.
Temperature–pressure shuffling outlier flooding method enhances the conformational sampling of proteins
Authors: Harada Ryuhei , Yoshino Ryunosuke , Nishizawa Hiroaki , Shigeta Yasuteru
Published: February 2019

Outlier flooding method (OFLOOD) is an efficient conformational sampling method developed by the authors. In the present study, to further enhance the conformational sampling efficiency, a set of parameters (temperatures and pressures) specified as inputs in the original OFLOOD were shuffled before restarting the short‐time molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Because of the diversity of these parameters, it was confirmed that the extended OFLOOD becomes superior to the original one in finding the folding pathways of Trp‐cage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of urbanicity on internalizing disorders
Authors: Piccirillo Marilyn L. , Levinson Cheri A. , Rodebaugh Thomas L.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Urbanicity is a known risk factor for psychopathology, yet the term urbanicity has been used to describe multiple constructs, resulting in mixed findings across the social sciences literature.

Methods

We used the National Survey of American Life (N = 6,082) to construct a structural equation model of urbanicity and internalizing disorders. Urbanicity was measured using both neighborhood characteristics, as well as population‐based measures. We hypothesized that urbanicity would predict higher rates of internalizing disorders.

Results

Neighborhood quality (b* = 0.18,
p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of psychopathology in the final model. Population‐based indicators were not significant predictors of internalizing disorders.

Conclusions

Results suggest that neighborhood characteristics, rather than population‐based indicators, may be better predictors of psychopathology. Future research should continue to develop and examine structural interventions. Integration of allied mental health professionals may help to alleviate negative health outcomes associated with poor neighborhood quality.
Exercise with blood flow restriction: an effective alternative for the non‐pharmaceutical treatment for muscle wasting
Authors: Conceição Miguel S. , Ugrinowitsch Carlos
Published: February 2019

Significant muscle wasting is generally experienced by ill and bed rest patients and older people. Muscle wasting leads to significant decrements in muscle strength, cardiorespiratory, and functional capacity, which increase mortality rates. As a consequence, different interventions have been tested to minimize muscle wasting. In this regard, blood flow restriction (BFR) has been used as a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate the burden associated with muscle waste conditions. Evidence has shown that BFR per se can counteract muscle wasting during immobilization or bed rest. Moreover, BFR has also been applied while performing low intensity resistance and endurance exercises and produced increases in muscle strength and mass. Endurance training with BFR has also been proved to increase cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, frail patients can benefit from exercising with BFR due to the lower cardiovascular and join stress compared with traditional high intensity exercises. Therefore, low intensity resistance and endurance training combined with BFR may be considered as a novel and attractive intervention to counteract muscle wasting and to decrease the burden associated with this condition.
Cell‐permeable organic fluorescent probes for live‐cell super‐resolution imaging of actin filaments
Authors: Han Yubing , Li Meihua , Zhang Meng , Huang Xiaoshuai , Chen Liangyi , Hao Xiang , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Zhang Yu‐Hui
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The recently developed super‐resolution microscopy has been applied to characterize the nanometer‐scale structure of actin filaments in live cells, owing to its live‐cell imaging ability at sub‐diffraction resolution. However, there are still some limitations to existing live‐cell labeling methods for super‐resolution imaging of F‐actin.

RESULTS

A series of cell‐permeable fluorescent probes was developed for super‐resolution imaging of actin filaments with the introduction of a cell‐penetrating peptide, (rR)3R2. These probes are highly specific, multicolor available and suitable for different cell lines. With these probes, we resolve actin filaments at spatial resolution of ca 60 nm in live‐cell super‐resolution imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results here extensively expand the types of probes for live‐cell super‐resolution imaging of F‐actin and open up a new avenue in the design of cell‐permeable fluorescent probes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activities of 2,3‐Dimethyl‐4‐(1‐acyloxy)alkoxy‐6‐tert‐butyl‐8‐fluoroquinolines
Authors: Pei Dan , Zhang Fan , Liu Jie , Zhang Dong‐Lin , Yang Ren , Zhong Liang‐Kun , Tan Cheng‐Xia , Xu Tian‐Ming
Published: February 2019

A series of 2,3‐dimethyl‐4‐(1‐acyloxy)alkoxy‐6‐tert‐butyl‐8‐fluoroquinolines were synthesized by 4‐(tert‐butyl)aniline as the starting material via acylation, substitution, and hydrolysis, and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The fungicidal activity showed that compounds 6c, 6e, and 6f had excellent activity against Sphoaerotheca fuliginea with EC50 values of 38.62, 6.77, and 50.35 mg/L, respectively. The results suggest that this chemotype of compounds warrant further studies as promising fungicide.
Acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Women Using a Variety of Contraceptive Options: A prospective Study among High‐risk African Women
Authors: Kiweewa Flavia Matovu , Brown Elizabeth , Mishra Anu , Nair Gonasagrie , Palanee‐Phillips Thesla , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Nakabiito Clemensia , Chakhtoura Nahida , Hillier Sharon L , Baeten Jared M ,   the MTN‐020/ASPIRE Study Team
Published: February 2019

Introduction

In many African settings, women concurrently face substantial risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Few studies have evaluated STI risk among users of hormonal implants and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) although these long‐acting reversible contraceptive methods are being promoted widely because of their benefits. Within a prospective study of women at risk for HIV‐1, we compared the risk of acquisition of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis among women using different contraceptive methods.

Methods

MTN‐020/ASPIRE was a randomized trial of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV‐1 prevention among 2629 women aged 18 to 45 years from Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, of whom 2264 used copper IUDs or progestin‐based injectables or implants during follow‐up. Screening for the above STIs occurred semi‐annually.

Results

Over 3440 person‐years of follow‐up, 408 cases of C. trachomatis (incidence 11.86/100 person‐years), 196 of N. gonorrhoeae (5.70/100 person‐years) and 213 cases of T. vaginalis (6.19/100 person‐years) were detected. C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae incidence were not significantly different across contraceptive methods. T. vaginalis incidence was significantly higher for copper IUD users compared to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), implant and norethisterone enanthate users.

Conclusion

Among African women at high HIV‐1 risk, STIs were common. Risk of cervical infections did not differ across contraceptive methods. Significantly higher rates of T. vaginalis were observed among progestin‐based methods compared to copper IUD users. Overall, these findings call for more intensive routine screening for STIs, and they support current World Health Organization guidance that women should have a wide range of contraceptive options.