bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Analysis of Household Food Consumption Pattern in Fata Region of Pakistan
Authors: Shah Muhammad Haroon , Ullah Sami , Ullah Kalim , Amin Muhammad Tahir
Published: February 2020

Fata region has diverse characteristics of income and consumption than the other regions of Pakistan but no study is available in literature which address the household consumption in Fata region. To feel this gap, the study examines the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on household’s monthly expenditure on food items in FATA region of Pakistan in 2017. Regression analysis revealed that monthly income of household head, household size, education, experience, and region significantly determined the expenditure on food commodities. Income elasticity of less than unity (0.37<1) confirmed that food commodities are necessities and supported the Engel law. Household size has positively influenced the monthly expenditure on food commodities while education and experience have negatively influenced the food expenditure of households. Empirical results also confirmed that households in Kurrum agency spend less on food commodities as compared to Khyber agency households.
Geographic Distribution of Global Economic Important Mahogany Complex: A Review
Authors: Danquah Jones Abrefa , Appiah Mark , Osman Adam , Pappinen Ari
Published: February 2020

Mahogany is the collective international trade name for the high-value tropical and subtropical timber tree species of the family Meliaceae. Mahogany species are noted for their deep red-brown heartwood and are widely used in the construction, boat building, interior decoration (particularly paneling and floor tiles), and in the manufacture of furniture. Across their natural geographical distribution range, many rural communities depend for their livelihoods on the genetic resources of the species as they provide natural products and services. However, mahogany populations across their native range are threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, excessive logging and genetic erosion. In addition, climate change may bring about a shift in the distributional range of the native species. To safeguard the rich diversity of mahogany requires a conscientious effort in policy formulation and the enforcement of existing laws in regard to the management and conservation of the species. In addition, it is imperative that mahogany is used as an integral component in agroforestry systems and in reforestation efforts, as well as in the restoration of degraded forest ecosystems in order to protect the genetic resources of the species. The aim of this review was to highlight the threats to the sustainability of the species. We conducted literature review to examine the geographic distributional range of a mahogany complex (Khaya spp, Entandrophragma spp, Cedrela spp, Toona spp, Swietenia spp) at global, regional and ecosystem scales. We used maps as annotated diagrams to show the probable geographic global distribution range of the mahogany complex. The Khaya spp. and Entandrophragma spp. are native to Africa, Cedrela spp. and Swietenia spp. are native to Central and South America, whereas, Toona spp. are found primarily in southeast Asia.
Tachycardiomyopathy: Clinical Profile, Treatment and Outcome of a Series of Clinical Cases
Authors: Silva Rose Mary Ferreira Lisboa da , Borigato Sara Magro , Jesus Ítala Ferreira de , Carvalho Giovanni Oliveira , Gomes Mariana Alves , Moura Raissa Alves Pinto , Rodrigues Isabella Capobiango
Published: February 2020

Background: Tachycardiomyopathy is a non-familial cause of heart failure that can be reversible. A high index of suspicion is necessary for its diagnosis and for a rational approach in the management of patients.

Aims: To describe the clinical profile and verify the treatment and outcome of a series of cases of patients with tachycardiomyopathy.

Methodology: Among patients without previous ventricular dysfunction, those with tachycardiomyopathy were identified. They underwent clinical evaluation, complementary diagnostic tests, treatment and clinical follow-up.

Results: 10 patients had tachycardiomyopathy, mean age 64.5 ± 11.5 years, 6 women. The arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation with a high heart rate (80%); atrial tachycardia with high heart rate and frequent ventricular premature beats. Mean baseline heart rate was 110.2 bpm and the ejection fraction was 36.8%. For heart rate control, all were treated with beta-blockers, in association with digoxin in 6 patients. It was necessary to implant a pacemaker in VVI mode        (V: ventricle is stimulated, V: ventricle sensed; I: inhibiting response) and ablation of the atrioventricular node in 2 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. After a mean 27.6 months, the mean heart rate was 76.5 bpm (p <0.0001, paired t-test) and there was clinical improvement of all patients. There was an average increase of 9.6% in the left ventricular ejection fraction. Despite this, 4 patients still had ventricular dysfunction (3 of them developed comorbidities).

Conclusion: In this series, the main cause of tachycardiomyopathy was atrial fibrillation with high heart rate. Similar to the description of literature, there was remission of symptoms with restore normal heart rhythm or control heart rate.
The Anti-nutritional Effect of Phytate on Zinc, Iron and Calcium Bioavailabilities of Some Cereals Staple Foods in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Amos A. , Alvan A. , Florence A.
Published: February 2020

Aim of Study: To evaluate the effect of phytate on the bioavailabilities of zinc, iron and calcium of some cereals staple foods in Zaria, Nigeria.

Study Design: Experimental.

Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.

Methodology: Tuwon surfafen masara (TSM) was prepared by first milling the processed maize. Tuwon masara (TM) and Pap were prepared using standard local preparation methods. Phytic acid content was determined according to the method described by Reddy; The minerals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry; AOAC 1990. Data was analysed with one way ANOVA and differences were considered significant at P = .05.

Results: The ratios of Phytate:Ca, Phytate:Fe, Phytate:Zn for Tuwon surfafen masara were found to be 0.0026, 0.197 and 0.429 respectively. While that of Tuwon masara was 0.0044, 0.127 and 0.376 respectively. Accordingly pap showed a phytate to mineral ratios of 0.0025, 0.043 and 0.162 for Phytate:Ca, Phytate:Fe and Phytate:Zn respectively. The ratios of Phytate:Ca, Phytate:Fe and Phytate:Zn for local rice (LR) was found to be 0.0075, 0.110 and 0.625 respectively. While that of foreign rice (FR) was 0.0031, 0.046 and 0.266 respectively. The phytate to mineral ratios of all the staple foods in the present study falls below the critical values of >0.24, >1 and >18 for Phytate:ca, Phytate:Fe and Phytate:Zn respectively which indicate good bioavailability.

Conclusion: The result obtained showed that the bioavailability of Ca, Fe and Zn in TSM, TM, Pap, LR and FR in Zaria, Nigeria is not affected by their phytic acid contents.
Integration of Oyster and Milky Mushroom Flour to Underutilized Pulses for the Development of Mushroom Analogues
Authors: Ponbhagavathi T. R. Thirumuruga , Kanchana S. , Hemalatha G. , Vellaikumar S. , Kalpana K.
Published: February 2020

Mushrooms are considered to be a healthy food as they are low in fat, high in protein with good biological value and antioxidant properties. Mushrooms also contain appreciable amounts of dietary fiber. But their quality starts deteriorating immediately after the harvest. On the other hand, horse gram and cowpea have limited utilization due to the presence of anti nutritional factor. In order to extend the shelf life of mushrooms with added value and breakdown the limit of utilization of horse gram and cowpea, extrusion processing has been carried out to develop mushroom analogues through the combination of mushrooms with those underutilized pulses. A formulation comprising 50-75% of pulses and 25-50% mushrooms was made up and extruded with feed moisture content of 12%, an extrusion temperature of 120°C and a screw speed of 150 rpm. The developed products had protein content ranging from 23.01 to 24.56% with increased antioxidant and in-vitro- digestibility properties. Addition of mushroom flour increased the Water Absorption Index (WAI) and decreased the Water Solubility Index (WSI). Incorporation of oyster mushroom powder at 25% and 50% along with cowpea and horse gram flour was found most acceptable in terms of texture and other organoleptic attributes. Developed mushroom analogues can act as a novel vegetarian protein rich convenience product in the market to improve nutritional status of the population.
Environmental Diagnosis of Degraded Pasture Areas and Soil Chemical Quality
Authors: Fernandes Mota Shayani , Borges Marcelo , Azevedo Barbosa Bruna , Lourenço Borges Thais Alves da Silveira , Araújo de Freitas Gilson , Alves Ribeiro Evandro , Ribeiro da Silva Rubens
Published: February 2020

The extensive grazing system is predominant in Brazilian livestock. The lack of adequate management in these areas hinders the performance of the activity and can bring problems related to the environmental degradation of pastures. Therefore, our objective was to perform environmental diagnosis in pasture areas on the Belo Horizonte farm, in the municipality of Dueré-Tocantins in northern Brazil. The environmental diagnosis was made in three pastures composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (pasture 1, pasture 2 and pasture 3) in the rural property of Belo Horizonte, municipality of Dueré -Tocantins. Degradation was evaluated by the following methods: (a) structured interview of questionnaire to evaluate pasture formation, degradation, recovery and maintenance; (b) soil sampling of 0-20 cm layer and (c) visual assessment of the level of environmental degradation. Regarding the first method, the owner reported that the greatest difficulty in adopting conservation pasture practices was the high cost of implementation, which caused only a few practices to be performed. The soil analysis demonstrated that nutritional parameters were lower than the reference values adopted. In the third method, the five parameters: vigor and pasture quality; invasive plant population; soil cover; erosion were evaluated. In the use of these five parameters for evaluation, the individual results were established for each parameter, which ranges from 1 to 4. Only pastures 1 and 3 are in a state of degradation at different levels, ‘strong’ and ‘light/mild’, respectively. Reduced soil fertility was found to be one of the causal agents of pasture degradation. Pasture degradation is related to the reduction of soil chemical attributes, such as phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and high aluminum (Al) saturation.
Effects of Nitrogen Rates on Morphological Development of Upland Rice Varieties in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Kagito Sammy Kingei , Gikonyoi Esther W.
Published: February 2020

Rice is the third most important cereal in consumption after maize and wheat in Kenya. It has been grown as a commercial food crop under irrigated and rain fed ecologies. Low soil Nitrogen (N) fertility is a major constraint to upland rice production in smallholder farmers mostly under rain fed agriculture. This study evaluated the morphological development of upland rice varieties as influenced by different N fertilizer treatments. A field study was carried out at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization experimental farm in Kirinyaga County for two seasons. The experiment was laid down as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split-plot arrangement in three replications. The main plot factors were the five upland rice genotypes, MWUR1, MWUR4, NERICA4, NERICA10 and IRAT109, while the subplots factors were the four N rates, 0, 26, 52 and 78 kg N ha-1. In addition calcium ammonium nitrate (26% N) was top-dressed in two equal splits at 21 and 45 days after sowing. Data on plant growth parameters was collected at fortnight interval. The analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.05) variation on plant height and tiller numbers due to N rates. However, there was no significant variation in plant height and tiller numbers due to variety. In addition, shoot and root dry weight and leaf area were significantly different due to variety and N rates in both seasons. Finally root dry weight was not significantly different due to variety and N-rates in the two seasons. The current study has shown that increase in nitrogen level lead to significant increase in plant height, tiller numbers, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The study recommends the use of N fertilizers for rice cultivation to increase N supply in the soil.
Distribution and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Faecal Bacteria from Underground Faecal Storage Cisterns in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Anthony Kayode , Abi Sunday Stephen
Published: February 2020

Two hundred and fifty-six (256) human faecal samples were collected from thirty-three (33) underground faecal storage cisterns across 5 major towns (Akure, Akungba, Ondo, Ore and Owo) in Ondo State, Nigeria. Salmonella-Shigella agar, Eosine Methylene Blue agar and MacConkey agar, which are selective for faecal bacteria, were used to isolate a total of 103 strains of Gram-negative bacteria. Biochemical characterization of the isolates revealed Escherichia coli (32.04%), Enterobacter aerogenes (14.56), Klepsiella pneumoniae (12.62%), Salmonella typhi (11.65%), Psudomonas aeruginosa (7.77%), Shigella dysenteriae (6.80%), Proteus mirabilis (5.83%), Citrobacter koseri (3.88%), Providentia alcalifaciens (2.91%) and Klepsiella oxytoca (1.94%).  All the bacterial isolates were then subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test using antibiotic discs impregnated with Augmentin (30 µg), Gentamycin (10 µg), Pefloxacin (10 µg), Ofloxacin (5 µg), Streptomycin (10 μg), Sulfomethoxazole-trimethoprim (30 µg), Chloramphenicol (30 μg); Sparfloxacin (10 μg); Ciprofloxacin (5 μg) and Amoxicillin (20 μg). The resistance of the isolates to the antibiotics used varied from 27.18% to Ciprofloxacin, 33.98% to Ofloxacin, 47.57% to Sulphomethazole-Trimethroprim, 56.31% to Streptomycin, 66.99% to Chloramphenicol, 74.76% to Pefloxacin, 75.73% to Sparfloxacin, 75.73% to Gentamycin, 85.44% to Ampicillin and 95.15 to Augmentin. These results showed that underground human faecal storage cisterns contain potential multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria that may be transmitted to human via formites, animal vectors and water.
Effect of Financial Inclusion on Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Esther Kipoh Mpele
Published: February 2020

Aims: To analyze financial inclusion as a channel to alleviate inequality in order to provide insight into the edifice of inequality reduction.

Study Design:  Dynamic panel study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2004-2018.

Methodology: Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) on a sample of 27 Sub-Saharan African countries.

Results: The results show that the estimated financial inclusion index has a negative effect on income inequality. Therefore, the depth of commercial bank branches and the effective use of bank accounts reduce income inequality.

Conclusion: Increase financial inclusion as well as the development of financial infrastructure and the provision of specific low-cost services tailored to low-income households.
Effect of Spark Plasma Sintering Current and Voltage on the Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Borosilicate Glass–Indium Tin Oxide Composites
Authors: Rudzik Thomas J. , Gerhardt Rosario A.
Published: February 2020

Borosilicate glass–indium tin oxide (ITO) composites made from glass microspheres and ITO nanoparticles provide a unique model system to monitor the effect of spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters on the resultant electrical properties of the composites. Composite sets containing different ITO content (up to 10 phr), fabricated under the same SPS conditions, are used as the starting point for the equivalent circuit analysis. The effect of changing the various SPS parameters such as heating rate, hold temperature, and applied pressure on the current and voltage profiles experienced by samples containing 2.5 phr (2.44 wt%) ITO, and their resultant electrical response are reported. Experiments are carried out varying a single SPS parameter at a time while keeping others constant. The applied pressures used range from 5 to 40 MPa; the hold temperature is varied from 610 to 680 °C; and the heating rate is tested between 2 and 200 °C min−1. It is demonstrated that not only do the current and voltage profiles change in all of these instances but also the microstructure and resultant electrical properties of the composite samples being fabricated. Results indicate that all of these parameters are interdependent and can affect the electrical properties of the fabricated samples by many orders of magnitude in some cases.
A Voiceprint Recognition Sensor Based on a Fully 3D‐Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator via a One‐Step Molding Route
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhang Hulin , Pei Zhen , Yang Song , Ge Chao , Sang Shengbo , Hao Runfang
Published: February 2020

The efficient preparation of energy harvesters plays a pivotal role in large‐scale applications, especially in complex or smart electronics. Currently, most of home‐made laboratorial electrical devices are fabricated by handcraft, which severely suppresses the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Herein, a fully 3D‐printing TENG is reported, with a PDMS tribolayer and frame directly printed on an Al electrode. The one‐step fabrication not only simplifies the manufacturing process, but also narrows differences between devices and realizes large‐scale production. The subtly fabricated TENG shows a high sensitivity to microvibration, resulting in that a voiceprint recognition sensor is demonstrated to detect human language. Because of the ingenious 3D‐printing technique, the TENG sensor can identify human words steadily and accurately. Herein, a way is paved in larger‐scale applications based on TENGs and implies more potential in artificial intelligence and future robots.
Graphene–Carbon Composites for Solar and Low‐Voltage Powered Efficient Interfacial Evaporation
Authors: Liu Fenghua , Wang Lijian , Bradley Robert , Zhao Binyuan , Wu Weiping
Published: February 2020

Nanocarbon materials have great potential for sustainable energy harvest and energy utilizations, such as solar thermal stream generation, and interfacial evaporation. However, the evaporation rate is far too low for practical applications. The technologies are not ready yet for industries requiring rapid, energy‐efficient, and low‐cost evaporation processes such as distillation and sterilization. A flexible ultrathin graphene–carbon cloth (CC)‐based carbon–carbon composites is prepared by in situ electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide. The carbon–carbon composite materials demonstrate high performance in photothermal evaporation; more importantly, all carbon‐based devices can also be operated as low‐voltage Joule heating elements in wide temperature range up to 389 °C. Even when a very low voltage of 3 V is applied, the graphene–CC heater can reach a very high heating speed up to 112 °C s–1, and a steady‐state temperature up to 292 °C within 10 s only. The low‐voltage heater promises to be the most effective solution for high‐speed interfacial evaporation since its evaporation rate can reach up to 45.87 kg m−2 h−1, enhanced by one order of magnitude compared to the best solar power photothermal seawater desalination devices ever reported.
Thiol‐Ene Cationic and Radical Reactions: Cyclization, Step‐Growth, and Concurrent Polymerizations for Thioacetal and Thioether Units
Authors: Uchiyama Mineto , Osumi Masahiro , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: February 2020

Thiol‐ene cationic and radical reactions were conducted for 1:1 addition between a thiol and vinyl ether, and also for cyclization and step‐growth polymerization between a dithiol and divinyl ether.p‐Toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) induced a cationic thiol‐ene reaction to generate a thioacetal in high yield, whereas 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile resulted in a radical thiol‐ene reaction to give a thioether, also in high yield. The cationic and radical addition reactions between a dithiol and divinyl ether with oxyethylene units yielded amorphous poly(thioacetal)s and crystalline poly(thioether)s, respectively. Under high‐dilution conditions, the cationic and radical reactions resulted in 16‐ and 18‐membered cyclic thioacetal and thioether products, respectively. Furthermore, concurrent cationic and radical step‐growth polymerizations were realized using PTSA under UV irradiation to produce polymers having both thioacetal and thioether linkages in the main chain.
Genome Mining of Oxidation Modules in trans‐Acyltransferase Polyketide Synthases Reveals a Culturable Source for Lobatamides
Authors: Ueoka Reiko , Meoded Roy A. , Gran‐Scheuch Alejandro , Bhushan Agneya , Fraaije Marco W. , Piel Jörn
Published: February 2020

Bacterial trans‐acyltransferase polyketide synthases (trans‐AT PKSs) are multimodular megaenzymes that biosynthesize many bioactive natural products. They contain a remarkable range of domains and module types that introduce different substituents into growing polyketide chains. As one such modification, we recently reported Baeyer–Villiger‐type oxygen insertion into nascent polyketide backbones, thereby generating malonyl thioester intermediates. In this work, genome mining focusing on architecturally diverse oxidation modules in trans‐AT PKSs led us to the culturable plant symbiont Gynuella sunshinyii, which harbors two distinct modules in one orphan PKS. The PKS product was revealed to be lobatamide A, a potent cytotoxin previously only known from a marine tunicate. Biochemical studies show that one module generates glycolyl thioester intermediates, while the other is proposed to be involved in oxime formation. The data suggest varied roles of oxygenation modules in the biosynthesis of polyketide scaffolds and support the importance of trans‐AT PKSs in the specialized metabolism of symbiotic bacteria.
Mining Symbionts of a Spider‐Transmitted Fungus Illuminates Uncharted Biosynthetic Pathways to Cytotoxic Benzolactones
Authors: Niehs Sarah P. , Dose Benjamin , Richter Sophie , Pidot Sacha J. , Dahse Hans‐Martin , Stinear Timothy P. , Hertweck Christian
Published: February 2020

A spider‐transmitted fungus (Rhizopus microsporus) that was isolated from necrotic human tissue was found to harbor endofungal bacteria (Burkholderia sp.). Metabolic profiling of the symbionts revealed a complex of cytotoxic agents (necroximes). Their structures were characterized as oxime‐substituted benzolactone enamides with a peptidic side chain. The potently cytotoxic necroximes are also formed in symbiosis with the fungal host and could have contributed to the necrosis. Genome sequencing and computational analyses revealed a novel modular PKS/NRPS assembly line equipped with several non‐canonical domains. Based on gene‐deletion mutants, we propose a biosynthetic model for bacterial benzolactones. We identified specific traits that serve as genetic handles to find related salicylate macrolide pathways (lobatamide, oximidine, apicularen) in various other bacterial genera. Knowledge of the biosynthetic pathway enables biosynthetic engineering and genome‐mining approaches.
From Decades to Minutes: Steps Toward the Structure of Strychnine 1910–1948 and the Application of Today's Technology
Authors: Seeman Jeffrey I. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: February 2020

Between 1910 and 1947, Robert Robinson (primarily), among others, published numerous proposed structures for strychnine. Robinson published 17 of his strychnine papers with his doctoral advisor William Henry Perkin, Jr., though all but two appeared after Robinson had taken his first permanent academic position. This Essay analyzes 20 key publications leading up to Robinson's (correct, then incorrect, then correct again though not definitively) proposal and Woodward's assignment of the actual structure of strychnine. We subjected the assignment of the strychnine structure to a modern computational quantum chemistry workflow. By computing, with density functional theory,1H and13C NMR chemical shifts for the literature‐proposed strychnine structures, we were able to rule out most incorrect structures.13C NMR predictions were better at this, but1H NMR chemical shifts were helpful. A comparison is made between the consequences of publishing erroneous ideas in the first half of the 20th centuryanddoing so in the 21st century.
Two‐Dimensional Boronate Ester Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films with Large Single Crystalline Domains for a Neuromorphic Memory Device
Authors: Park SangWook , Liao Zhongquan , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Qi Haoyuan , Lin Hung‐Hsuan , Becker Daniel , Melidonie Jason , Zhang Tao , Sahabudeen Hafeesudeen , Baraban Larysa , Baek Chang‐Ki , Zheng Zhikun , Zschech Ehrenfried , Fery Andreas , Heine Thomas , Kaiser Ute , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang
Published: February 2020

Despite the recent progress in the synthesis of crystalline boronate ester covalent organic frameworks (BECOFs) in powder and thin‐film through solvothermal method and on‐solid‐surface synthesis, respectively, their applications in electronics, remain less explored due to the challenges in thin‐film processability and device integration associated with the control of film thickness, layer orientation, stability and crystallinity. Moreover, although the crystalline domain sizes of the powder samples can reach micrometer scale (up to ≈1.5 μm), the reported thin‐film samples have so far rather small crystalline domains up to 100 nm. Here we demonstrate a general and efficient synthesis of crystalline two‐dimensional (2D) BECOF films composed of porphyrin macrocycles and phenyl or naphthyl linkers (named as 2D BECOF‐PP or 2D BECOF‐PN) by employing a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) on the water surface. The achieved 2D BECOF‐PP is featured as free‐standing thin film with large single‐crystalline domains up to ≈60 μm2 and tunable thickness from 6 to 16 nm. A hybrid memory device composed of 2D BECOF‐PP film on silicon nanowire‐based field‐effect transistor is demonstrated as a bio‐inspired system to mimic neuronal synapses, displaying a learning–erasing–forgetting memory process.
Styrene Hydroformylation with In Situ Hydrogen: Regioselectivity Control by Coupling with the Low‐Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Li Tianbo , Chen Fang , Lang Rui , Wang Hua , Su Yang , Qiao Botao , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2020

The hydroformylation of olefins is one of the most important homogeneously catalyzed industrial reactions for aldehyde synthesis. Various ligands can be used to obtain the desired linear aldehydes in the hydroformylation of aliphatic olefins. However, in the hydroformylation of aromatic substrates, branched aldehydes are formed preferentially with common ligands. In this study, a novel approach to selectively obtain linear aldehydes in the hydroformylation of styrene and its derivatives was developed by coupling with a water–gas shift reaction on a Rh single‐atom catalyst without the use of ligands. Detailed studies revealed that the hydrogen generated in situ from the water–gas shift is critical for the highly regioselective formation of linear products. The coupling of a traditional homogeneous catalytic process with a heterogeneous catalytic reaction to tune product selectivity may provide a new avenue for the heterogenization of homogenous catalytic processes.
Thermal and Nonthermal Effects in Plasmon‐Mediated Electrochemistry at Nanostructured Ag Electrodes
Authors: Ou Weihui , Zhou Binbin , Shen Junda , Lo Tsz Wing , Lei Dangyuan , Li Shengliang , Zhong Jing , Li Yang Yang , Lu Jian
Published: February 2020

Hot carriers (HCs) and thermal effects, stemming from plasmon decays, are crucial for most plasmonic applications. However, quantifying these two effects remains extremely challenging due to the experimental difficulty in accurately measuring the temperature at reaction sites. Herein, we provide a novel strategy to disentangle HCs from photothermal effects based on the different traits of heat dissipation (long range) and HCs transport (short range), and quantitatively uncover the dominant and potential‐dependent role of photothermal effect by investigating the rapid‐ and slow‐response currents in plasmon‐mediated electrochemistry at nanostructured Ag electrode. Furthermore, the plasmoelectric surface potential is found to contribute to the rapid‐response currents, which is absent in the previous studies.
Redox Stability Controls the Cellular Uptake and Activity of Ruthenium‐Based Inhibitors of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU)
Authors: Woods Joshua J. , Lovett James , Lai Barry , Harris Hugh H. , Wilson Justin J.
Published: February 2020

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is the ion channel that mediates Ca2+ uptake in mitochondria. Inhibitors of the MCU are valuable as potential therapeutic agents and tools to study mitochondrial Ca2+. The best‐known inhibitor of the MCU is the ruthenium compound Ru360. Although this compound is effective in permeabilized cells, it does not work in intact biological systems. We have recently reported the synthesis and characterization of Ru265, a complex that selectively inhibits the MCU in intact cells. Here, the physical and biological properties of Ru265 and Ru360 are described in detail. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence imaging, we show that Ru265 is transported by organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) and taken up more effectively than Ru360. As an explanation for the poor cell uptake of Ru360, we show that Ru360 is deactivated by biological reductants. These data highlight how structural modifications in metal complexes can have profound effects on their biological activities.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Tropanes: Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Pseudotransannular Desymmetrization
Authors: Rodriguez Sandra , Uria Uxue , Reyes Efraim , Carrillo Luisa , Tejero Tomás , Merino Pedro , Vicario Jose L.
Published: February 2020

The enantioselective synthesis of tropanols has been accomplished through chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed pseudotransannular ring opening of 1‐aminocyclohept‐4‐ene‐derived epoxides. The reaction proceeds together with the desymmetrization of the starting material and leads to the direct formation of the 8‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffold with excellent stereoselectivity. The synthetic applicability of the reaction was demonstrated by the enantioselective synthesis of the two natural products (−)‐α‐tropanol and (+)‐ferruginine.
Evaluation of Financial Conflicts of Interest Among Physician‐Authors of American College of Rheumatology Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Wayant Cole , Walters Corbin , Zaaza Zachary , Gilstrap Carrie , Combs Tyler , Crow Hanna , Vassar Matt
Published: February 2020

Objective

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) underpin patient care, and ideally authors of these guidelines would be free from outside influence. However, it has been shown many times that authors of professional society CPGs receive large sums of money from industry drug companies, creating financial conflicts of interest. This study investigated industry payments catalogued in the Open Payments Database (OPD) that have been received by authors of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) CPGs.

Methods

Guidelines on the ACR web site that were published during or after August 2014 were used to retrieve the list of authors. All general, research, associated research, and ownership payments reported on the OPD between the date of publication of the CPG and 12 months prior were extracted in a parallel and blinded manner by 2 investigators.

Results

Of the 89 US‐based physician‐authors from the 5 ACR CPGs identified within the study timeframe, 56 (62.9%) had received at least 1 payment according to OPD records. These 56 authors had received a median of $522 (interquartile range $119–2,500), which, combined, was a total of $9,728,751. Nineteen authors had received at least 1 industry payment relevant to the CPG recommendations, for a median amount of $748 and a total of $1,961,362 in relevant payments. Of the total relevant payments received, a significant proportion was undisclosed (for ACR CPGs during or after August 2014, undisclosed payments were $699,561, or 35.7% of the total).

Conclusion

Fewer than one‐half of the US‐based physician‐authors of ACR CPGs during or after August 2014 had received guideline‐relevant industry payments. Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of the money received was not disclosed. Conflict of interest disclosure is a bare minimum requirement, and more permanent solutions may include divestiture or inclusion of more nonconflicted authors.
Enhanced lactic acid production by Bacillus coagulans through simultaneous saccharification, biodetoxification, and fermentation
Authors: Liu Jiantong , Cai Yuyuan , Liu Ling , Zhan Rui , Zhao Shumiao , Liang Yuxiang , Peng Nan , Zhu Jing , Li Hong , Xiao Naidong , Hu Jinglong , He Mingxiong , Hu Guoquan
Published: February 2020

Agricultural straw is abundant worldwide, but efficient production of lactic acid from straw is still challenging. In this paper, Trichoderma viride R16 was cultivated using corncob as the substrate in a fed‐batch process, after which the enzymes from T. viride R16 broth were analyzed through protein mass spectrometry and used for lactic acid production. Dioxygenase activity was found in the T. viride R16 enzymes, and 0.2 g/L phenolics (vanillin, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, syringaldehyde) was degraded during enzyme production. Lactic acid production and yield from NH3‐H2O2 pretreated and washed corncob were increased by more than 24% and total phenolics was significantly lower using T. viride R16 enzymes compared with commercial enzymes in batch and fed‐batch fermentation. These characteristics of T. viride R16 support industrial applications with efficient in situ detoxification of phenolic inhibitors without adding an extra step during lactic acid production from pretreated agricultural straw using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Understanding your ‘due process’ can help manage risks of claims
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: February 2020

“What about due process!” is an exclamation sometimes heard by college and university administrators when someone is unhappy with a decision. Although administrators should consider whether any process was due, before affirming that someone is entitled to due process it's worth evaluating how the term is being used and whether it even applies.
Percutaneous endoluminal anatomical bypass for patients with external iliac artery occlusion after failed conventional endovascular recanalization
Authors: Nakama Tatsuya , Obunai Kotaro , Muraishi Makio , Watanabe Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Endovascular therapy, an established first‐line treatment for isolated iliac artery (IA) occlusion (IAO), may be of limited use in challenging lesions. We describe a novel percutaneous endoluminal anatomical bypass (PEApass) technique for uncrossable external IA (EIA) occlusion. A 70‐year‐old man on hemodialysis with a history of colostomy presented with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia due to a left EIA with below‐the‐knee occlusions. During a previous colostomy, the left EIA was accidentally ligated. Conventional endovascular recanalization for the ligated EIA failed, and a femoral‐femoral bypass and below‐knee angioplasty were performed as alternative therapy. Two weeks later, surgical site infection developed at both anastomosis sites. PEApass was performed prior to removing the infected graft. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the distal location was created using a re‐entry device, and its proximal location was created using a 0.014‐in. penetration guidewire, which was snared on the inside of the iliac vein (IV) using a retrograde snare. The proximal and distal sections of the IA were connected using an 8.0‐mm × 100‐mm stent graft implanted through the IV. A final angiogram indicated that flow to the occluded IA was completely restored without complications. Following the PEApass, the infected graft was removed. Complete wound healing was achieved within approximately 1 month. This innovative PEApass procedure is feasible and could be an alternative procedure for patients with uncrossable IAO.
A Facile Grinding Method for the Synthesis of 3D Ag Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Containing Ag6Mo7O24 for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Gong Lige , Wang Chunxiao , Wang Chunmei , Yu Kai , Zhou Baibin
Published: February 2020

Successful synthesis of three kinds of dynamically stable compounds by a simple grinding method is reported, giving Ag6Mo7O24, Ag‐BTC (Ag‐MOF, BTC=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid), and {Ag6Mo7O24}@Ag‐MOF metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). According to the electrochemical dynamic analysis, these materials have pseudocapacitor behavior and high capacitance. The unique nanorod structure of {Ag6Mo7O24}@Ag‐MOF provides more active sites, faster ion/electron transfer, and electrolyte diffusion pathways, resulting in excellent specific capacitance (971 F g−1) higher than the other compounds. {Ag6Mo7O24}@Ag‐MOF (glassy carbon electrode) also has an excellent rate ability (60.1 %) and long cycle stability (98 % retention after 5000 cycles). In addition, the fully symmetrical button battery (with nickel foam as the current collector) fabricated with {Ag6Mo7O24}@Ag‐MOF delivers an energy density of 11.1 Wh kg−1 at 600.1 Wh kg−1 coupled with excellent cycling stability (86.4 %) at 1.2 V. These results demonstrate a new simple grinding method to prepare polyoxometalate‐based metal–organic frameworks (POMOFs) for high‐performance materials.
Solid‐State Dynamics and High‐Pressure Studies of a Supramolecular Spiral Gear
Authors: Fornasari Luca , Olejniczak Anna , Rossi Federica , d'Agostino Simone , Chierotti Michele R. , Gobetto Roberto , Katrusiak Andrzej , Braga Dario
Published: February 2020

The structures and solid‐state dynamics of the supramolecular salts of the general formula [(12‐crown‐4)2⋅DABCOH2](X)2 (where DABCO=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, X=BF4, ClO4) have been investigated as a function of temperature (from 100 to 360 K) and pressure (up to 3.4 GPa), through the combination of variable‐temperature and variable‐pressure XRD techniques and variable‐temperature solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The two salts are isomorphous and crystallize in the enantiomeric space groups P3221 and P3121. All building blocks composing the supramolecular complex display dynamic processes at ambient temperature and pressure. It has been demonstrated that the motion of the crown ethers is maintained on lowering the temperature (down to 100 K) or on increasing the pressure (up to 1.5 GPa) thanks to the correlation between neighboring molecules, which mesh and rotate in a concerted manner similar to spiral gears. Above 1.55 GPa, a collapse‐type transition to a lower‐symmetry ordered structure, not attainable at a temperature of 100 K, takes place, proving, thus, that the pressure acts as the means to couple and decouple the gears. The relationship between temperature and pressure effects on molecular motion in the solid state has also been discussed.
Two Rare‐Earth Molecular Ferroelectrics with High Curie Temperatures, Large Spontaneous Polarization, Switchable Second Harmonic Generation Effects, and Strong Photoluminescence
Authors: Yang Kang , Yang Chang‐Shan , Dong Xing‐Xian , Tan Yu‐Hui , Tang Yun‐Zhi , Wei Wen‐Juan
Published: February 2020

Smart multifunctional molecular ferroelectrics bearing high Curie temperatures and diverse excellent physical properties, such as second harmonic generation (SHG) responses, luminescence, and semiconductivity, among others, have significant applications but have seldom been documented. Herein, the rare‐earth metals Nd and Pr are introduced into a simple molecular system (nBu4N)3[M(NO3)x(SCN)y] (nBu4N=tetrabutyl ammonium, M=rare‐earth metal, nBu=CH3CH2CH2CH2), and two new multifunctional molecular ferroelectrics are obtained: (nBu4N)3[Nd(NO3)4(SCN)2] (1) and (nBu4N)3[Pr(NO3)4(SCN)2] (2). Their distinct heat and dielectric anomaly dependence on temperature verifies that compounds 1 and 2 experience high‐temperature para‐ferroelectric phase transitions at 408 and 413 K, respectively. Strikingly, both molecular ferroelectrics possess large spontaneous polarization with Ps values of 9.05 and 8.50 μC cm−2, respectively, and are further characterized by the appearance of multiple intersecting non‐180° domains and polarization switching behavior. In particular, compounds 1 and 2 show good stability with only a small decrease in SHG intensity after switching cycles, suggesting that they have great potential for application in nonlinear optical (NLO) switches. Simultaneously, the rare‐earth compounds 1 and 2 present bright yellow–red and bright green fluorescence, respectively, at room temperature.
Study on the uniformity of water film in a transpiring wall reactor for supercritical water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Fengming , Ma Jianan , Su Chuangjian
Published: February 2020

A three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamic model of a transpiring wall reactor for supercritical water oxidation has been built to optimize the uniformity of water film. Results show that the temperature and species distributions at the nozzle outlet deviate from the reactor centre. The inner wall of the porous tube near the transpiring water injection tube displays low temperatures, while high temperatures are recorded far from the injection tube. The circumferential temperature distribution on the inner wall of the porous tube is uneven. This phenomenon is due to the uneven injection of the transpiring water, leading to the uneven protection of the water film and local overheating of the porous wall. The injection velocity of the transpiring water significantly decreases when the number of injection tubes is increased, and the circumferential velocity and temperature distributions on the porous wall gradually become even. Moreover, high pressure drops across the porous wall at low porosities are useful for the uniform injection of the transpiring water. This characteristic is also conducive to obtaining a more uniform water film protection.
Insights into the Photoinduced Isomerization Mechanisms of a N,C–Chelate Organoboron Compound: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Zhu Hong‐Yang , Li Quan‐Song
Published: February 2020

As the first discovered organoboron compound with photochromic property, B(ppy)Mes2 (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, Mes=mesityl) displays rich photochemistry that constitutes a solid foundation for wide applications in optoelectronic fields. In this work, we investigated the B(ppy)Mes2 to borirane isomerization mechanisms in the three lowest electronic states (S0, S1, and T1) based on the complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) and its second‐order perturbation (CASPT2) methods combined with time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. Our results show that the photoisomerization in the S1 state is dominant, which is initiated by the cleavage of the B‐Cppy bond. After overcoming a barrier of 0.5 eV, the reaction pathway leads to a conical intersection between the S1 and S0 states (S1/S0)x, from which the decay path may go back to the reactant B(ppy)Mes2 via a closed‐shell intermediate (Int1‐S0) or to the product borirane via a biradical intermediate (Int2‐S0). Although triplet states are probably involved in the photoinduced process, the possibility of the photoisomerization in T1 state is very small owing to the weakly allowed S1→T1 intersystem crossing and the high energy barrier (0.77 eV). In addition, we found the photoisomerization is thermally reversible, which is consistent with the experimental observations.
Laboratory Maintenance and Growth of Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Andrianopoulos Alex
Published: February 2020

Talaromyces marneffei is an important opportunistic human pathogen endemic to Southeast Asia. It is one of a number of pathogenic fungi that exhibits thermally controlled dimorphism. At 25°C, T. marneffei grows in a multicellular, filamentous hyphal form that can differentiate to produce dormant spores called conidia. These conidia are the likely infectious agent. At 37°C, T. marneffei grows as a uninucleate yeast that divides by fission. The yeast cells are the pathogenic form of this fungus. The protocols described here explain how to grow T. marneffei in the two vegetative growth forms in vitro, grow yeast cells inside mammalian macrophages, produce conidial stocks, and store strains both short and long term. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth of the vegetative hyphal form on solid medium

Alternate Protocol 1: Growth of the vegetative hyphal form in liquid suspension

Basic Protocol 2: Growth of the vegetative yeast form on solid medium

Alternate Protocol 2: Growth of the vegetative yeast form in liquid suspension

Basic Protocol 3: Growth for production of dormant conidia

Support Protocol: Preparation of Miracloth filter tubes

Basic Protocol 4: Growth of Talaromyces marneffei in mammalian macrophages

Basic Protocol 5: Storage of Talaromyces marneffei strains

Alternate Protocol 3: Lyophilization of Talaromyces marneffei strains
Association between gastrointestinal complaints and psychopathology in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Kessler Ute , Rekkedal Guro Å. , Rø Øyvind , Berentsen Birgitte , Steinsvik Elisabeth K. , Lied Gülen A. , Danielsen Yngvild
Published: February 2020

Objective

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms appear frequently in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but the associations between psychopathological, GI, and eating disorder (ED) symptoms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationships of GI complaints with psychopathological measures, ED symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) in patients with AN.

Method

Thirty outpatients with AN aged >16 years were included. Psychopathological measures (Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised, Beck Depression Inventory‐II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory), ED symptoms (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire), ED‐associated impairment (Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire), GI complaints (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System [IBS‐SSS]), and BMI were assessed prior to starting treatment, and correlation and multiple regression analyses were applied to data from 19 patients.

Results

IBS‐symptoms were significantly correlated only with ED symptoms (r = 0.583, p = .009) and somatization (r = 0.666, p = .002). Multiple regression analysis revealed that somatization significantly predicted worse IBS symptoms (beta = 0.5, p = .04), while ED symptoms did not.

Discussion

Higher IBS‐SSS scores were associated with higher severities of other somatic complaints. GI complaints and somatization should be addressed in treatments for AN in order to prevent these factors impeding the establishment of healthy eating patterns.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02745067.