bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zgodnji gigantocelični arteritis
Authors: Burja Blaž , Hočevar Alojzija , Sodin Šemrl Snežna , Lakota Katja , Rotar Žiga , Ješe Rok , Žigon Polona , Čučnik Saša , Nadkarni Suchita , Peretti Mauro , Praprotnik Sonja , Tomšič Matija
Published: October 2018

Gigantocelični arteritis (GCA) je najpogostejši primarni sistemski vaskulitis pri odraslih po 50. letu starosti v Evropi. Prizadene velike in srednje velike arterije in vnetni proces, ki zožuje ali popolnoma zapre svetlino žile, lahko dovede do hudih/trajnih ishemičnih zapletov kot so oslepitev, možganska kap ali miokardni infarkt. V zadnjem desetletju se je z vključitvijo slikovnih preiskav v diagnostični postopek pomembno skrajšal čas do prepoznave bolezni (t.i. zgodnji GCA). Pospešena obravnava bolnikov (ang. “fast track clinic”) je vodila v zmanjšanje pojavnosti najresnejših ishemičnih zapletov bolezni in znižanje stroškov zdravljenja. Vendar pa bolezen praviloma poteka kronično, s poslabšanji, kar skupaj s kroničnim glukokortikoidnem zdravljenjem vodi v kopičenje okvar organov in tkiv. Prav zato se intenzivno preučuje patogeneza bolezni, z možnostjo implementacije izsledkov kot so sodobne molekularno in celično usmerjene tarčne terapije. Glavni cilji našega preglednega članka so bili: a) analiza raziskav z navedenim časom trajanja od začetka simptomov do postavitve diagnoze, b) raziskava obetavnih molekularnih tarč za zdravljenje GCA in c) prepoznava klinično pomembnih celičnih podtipov. Najbolj obetavne tarčne molekule za tarčno zdravljenje so IL-6, IL-12/IL-23 in citototoksični z limfociti T povezan protein 4, medtem ko terapija z zaviralci TNF-α ni bila uspešna. Kliničnih raziskav z učinkovinami, usmerjenimi proti IL-17, še ni. V prispevku pa smo se dotaknili tudi drugih potencialnih terapevtskih tarč, vključno z molekulami, ki sodelujejujo v signalnih poteh.
Pomen ultrazvočne preiskave pri prepoznavanju poškodbe osrednjega živčevja pri nedonošenčkih
Authors: Soltirovska Šalamon Aneta , Paro Panjan Darja
Published: October 2018

Ultrazvočna preiskava (UZ) možganov je zanesljivo in neinvazivno orodje za odkrivanje najpogostejših prirojenih in pridobljenih nenormalnosti osrednjega živčevja (OŽ) pri nedonošenih novorojenčkih. Ustrezna oprema z namenskim ultrasonografskim aparatom in ustrezno velikimi sondami, posebnimi ultrasonografskimi nastavitvami za novorojenčke ter obsežnimi izkušnjami ultrasonografista so potrebni za pridobitev optimalne kakovosti ultrazvočne slike. Uporaba dodatnega akustičnega okna, kadar je to potrebno, in serijska ultrazvočna preiskava OŽ v času obravnave nedonošenčka omogočata, da prepoznamo večino poškodb in pridobimo podatke o času pojava in njihovem razvoju. Za bolj natančno določitev mesta in obsega poškodb in za odkrivanje tistih, ki so umeščene zunaj področja ultrazvočnega prikaza ter za prikaz mielinacije, pa ima dodano diagnostično vrednost časovno primerno izbrano magnetnoresonančno slikanje.
Zaviralci SGLT-2
Authors: Lunder Mojca , Janić Miodrag , Šabovič Mišo , Janež Andrej
Published: October 2018

Zaviralci natrij-glukoznega prenašalnega sistema 2 (SGLT-2) so najnovejša skupina zdravil za zdravljenje sladkorne bolezni tipa 2, ki so v klinični uporabi zadnjih nekaj let. V proksimalnih tubulih ledvic zmanjšajo reabsorpcijo glukoze, ki se zato izloči z urinom. Zato se zniža koncentracija glukoze v krvi in nastopi ugodni vpliv na urejenost glikemije, obenem pa s tem ne povečajo tveganja za hipoglikemijo. Zaviralci SGLT-2 imajo tudi ugodne presnovne učinke, in sicer znižajo telesno maso, krvni tlak in koncentracijo sečne kisline v serumu. Upočasnijo tudi napredovanje začetne diabetične ledvične bolezni. Za nekatere predstavnike so tudi pokazali, da pomembno zmanjšujejo pojavnost srčno-žilnih dogodkov in zapletov, vendar mehanizem še ni v celoti raziskan in je predmet intenzivnega preučevanja. Redko povzročijo resne neželene učinke. V prispevku je opisan mehanizem delovanja zaviralcev SGLT-2, njihov vpliv na urejenost glikemije in drugo: presnovni učinki, vpliv na pojavnost srčno-žilnih bolezni in najpogostejši neželeni učinki ter možnosti predpisovanja zaviralcev SGLT-2 v Sloveniji.
Egg perivitelline fluid of the invasive snailPomacea canaliculataaffects mice gastrointestinal function and morphology
Authors: Giglio Matías , Garro Cintia , Caviedes-Vidal Enrique , Heras Horacio
Published: October 2018

Background

Species beloging to the genusPomacea(Ampullariidae), often referred as apple snails, are freshwater, amphibious snails native to South, Central and North America. Some species such asP. canaliculatahave become a driver of ecosystem changes in wetlands and an important rice and taro pest after its introduction to Asia and other parts of the world. Females deposit colored egg clutches above the waterline, a reproductive strategy that exposes the eggs to harsh conditions and terrestrial predation. However, eggs have no reported predators in their native range, probably because of the acquisition of unparalleled biochemical defenses provided by a set of proteins (perivitellins) that nourish embryos and protect them from predators and abiotic factors. Notably, ingestion of egg perivitelline fluid (PVF) decreases rat growth rate and alters their gastrointestinal morphology. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of apple snail egg PVF on mice gut digestive activity, morphology and nutrient absorption.

Methods

Carbohydrate digestion by intestinal disaccharidases (sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase) was evaluatedex vivoin mice gavaged with 1 or 4 doses of PVF. Changes in gut morphological and absorptive surface were measured. In addition, alteration on nutrient absorption rates, transport pathways and intestinal permeability was evaluated by luminal perfusions of small intestine with radiolabeled L-proline (absorbed by paracellular and transcellular pathways) and L-arabinose (absorbed exclusively by paracellular pathway).

Results

Perivitelline fluid affected mice displayed significant morphological changes in the small intestine epithelium inducing the appearance of shorter and wider villi as well as fused villi. This resulted in a diminished absorptive surface, notably in the proximal portion.Likewise, the activity of disaccharidases diminished in the proximal portion of the intestine. Total absorption of L-proline increased in treated mice in a dose-dependent manner. There were no differences neither in the ratio of paracellular-to-transcellular absorption of L-proline nor in gut permeability as revealed by the clearance of L-arabinose.

Discussion

Oral administration of apple snail PVF to mice adversely alters gut morphophysiology by reducing the intestinal absorptive surface, affecting enzymes of sugar metabolism and increasing the absorption rate of nutrients without affecting the relative contribution of the absorption pathways or gut permeability. These resultsfurther support the role of PVF in passive anti-predator defenses inPomaceasnail eggs that target the digestive system.
Body size and temperature effects on standard metabolic rate for determining metabolic scope for activity of the polychaete Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor
Authors: Galasso Helena Lopes , Richard Marion , Lefebvre Sébastien , Aliaume Catherine , Callier Myriam D.
Published: October 2018

Considering the ecological importance and potential value of Hediste diversicolor, a better understanding of its metabolic rate and potential growth rates is required. The aims of this study are: (i) to describe key biometric relationships; (ii) to test the effects of temperature and body size on standard metabolic rate (as measure by oxygen consumption) to determine critical parameters, namely Arrhenius temperature (TA), allometric coefficient (b) and reaction rate; and (iii) to determine the metabolic scope for activity (MSA) of H. diversicolor for further comparison with published specific growth rates. Individuals were collected in a Mediterranean lagoon (France). After 10 days of acclimatization, 7 days at a fixed temperature and 24 h of fasting, resting oxygen consumption rates (VO2) were individually measured in the dark at four different temperatures (11, 17, 22 and 27 °C) in worms weighing from 4 to 94 mgDW (n = 27 per temperature). Results showed that DW and L3 were the most accurate measurements of weight and length, respectively, among all the metrics tested. Conversion of WW (mg), DW (mg) and L3 (mm) were quantified with the following equations: DW = 0.15 × WW, L3 = 0.025 × TL(mm) + 1.44 and DW = 0.8 × L33.68. Using an equation based on temperature and allometric effects, the allometric coefficient (b) was estimated at 0.8 for DW and at 2.83 for L3. The reaction rate (VO2) equaled to 12.33 µmol gDW−1 h−1 and 0.05 µmol mm L3−1 h−1 at the reference temperature (20 °C, 293.15 K). Arrhenius temperature (TA) was 5,707 and 5,664 K (for DW and L3, respectively). Metabolic scope for activity ranged from 120.1 to 627.6 J gDW−1 d−1. Predicted maximum growth rate increased with temperature, with expected values of 7–10% in the range of 15–20 °C. MSA was then used to evaluate specific growth rates (SGR) in several experiments. This paper may be used as a reference and could have interesting applications in the fields of aquaculture, ecology and biogeochemical processes.
Don’t worry, be active: how to facilitate the detection of errors in immersive virtual environments
Authors: Rigutti Sara , Stragà Marta , Jez Marco , Baldassi Giulio , Carnaghi Andrea , Miceu Piero , Fantoni Carlo
Published: October 2018

The current research aims to study the link between the type of vision experienced in a collaborative immersive virtual environment (active vs. multiple passive), the type of error one looks for during a cooperative multi-user exploration of a design project (affordance vs. perceptual violations), and the type of setting in which multi-user perform (field in Experiment 1 vs. laboratory in Experiment 2). The relevance of this link is backed by the lack of conclusive evidence on an active vs. passive vision advantage in cooperative search tasks within software based on immersive virtual reality (IVR). Using a yoking paradigm based on the mixed usage of simultaneous active and multiple passive viewings, we found that the likelihood of error detection in a complex 3D environment was characterized by an active vs. multi-passive viewing advantage depending on: (1) the degree of knowledge dependence of the type of error the passive/active observers were looking for (low for perceptual violations, vs. high for affordance violations), as the advantage tended to manifest itself irrespectively from the setting for affordance, but not for perceptual violations; and (2) the degree of social desirability possibly induced by the setting in which the task was performed, as the advantage occurred irrespectively from the type of error in the laboratory (Experiment 2) but not in the field (Experiment 1) setting. Results are relevant to future development of cooperative software based on IVR used for supporting the design review. A multi-user design review experience in which designers, engineers and end-users all cooperate actively within the IVR wearing their own head mounted display, seems more suitable for the detection of relevant errors than standard systems characterized by a mixed usage of active and passive viewing.
Ensemble learning for detecting gene-gene interactions in colorectal cancer
Authors: Dorani Faramarz , Hu Ting , Woods Michael O. , Zhai Guangju
Published: October 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incident rate in both men and women and is affecting millions of people every year. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on CRC have successfully revealed common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CRC risk. However, they can only explain a very limited fraction of the disease heritability. One reason may be the common uni-variable analyses in GWAS where genetic variants are examined one at a time. Given the complexity of cancers, the non-additive interaction effects among multiple genetic variants have a potential of explaining the missing heritability. In this study, we employed two powerful ensemble learning algorithms, random forests and gradient boosting machine (GBM), to search for SNPs that contribute to the disease risk through non-additive gene-gene interactions. We were able to find 44 possible susceptibility SNPs that were ranked most significant by both algorithms. Out of those 44 SNPs, 29 are in coding regions. The 29 genes include ARRDC5, DCC, ALK, and ITGA1, which have been found previously associated with CRC, and E2F3 and NID2, which are potentially related to CRC since they have known associations with other types of cancer. We performed pairwise and three-way interaction analysis on the 44 SNPs using information theoretical techniques and found 17 pairwise (p < 0.02) and 16 three-way (p ≤ 0.001) interactions among them. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis suggested 16 functional terms or biological pathways that may help us better understand the etiology of the disease.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Quasi‐Pyramidal CuInS2–ZnS Nanocrystals for Enhanced Near‐Infrared Targeted Fluorescent Imaging of Subcutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Chetty S. Shashank , Praneetha S. , Vadivel Murugan A. , Govarthanan Kavitha , Verma Rama S.
Published: October 2018

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent CuInS2–ZnS nanocrystals (CIZS NCs) are synthesized via an ultra‐fast, non‐injection microwave (MW)‐assisted nanoalloying process at 230 ºC within 5 min using 1‐dodecanethiol (DDT) as both the sulfur source and solvent under solvothermal (ST) condition. The structural and surface analyses reveal that DDT‐functionalized CIZS NCs exhibit quasi‐pyramids of tetragonal‐phase with well‐defined facets. The DDT‐functionalized CIZS NCs present a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 76% and a long‐lived fluorescence lifetime of ≈0.6 µs in organic‐phase. Subsequently, DDT‐functionalized CIZS NCs are phase‐transferred via ligand‐exchange using 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) into water‐soluble MUA–CIZS NCs that exhibit a substantial PLQY of 55%. In addition, the NIR‐fluorescent MUA‐functionalized CIZS NCs in conjugation with folic acid (FA), as a tumor‐targeting ligand, demonstrates enhanced tumor‐targeted imaging ability. The FA–MUA–CIZS NC conjugates exhibit a cell viability of ≈75% even at the highest concentration of 1 mg mL–1 and a labeling efficiency of 95.4%. The in vivo imaging results corroborate that FA–MUA–CIZS NCs conjugates are actively targeted to folate receptor‐positive B16F10 tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice in 2 h. The histopathological and hematological studies confirm no significant changes in tissue architecture and blood biochemical parameters. The confocal microscopy studies reveal deep penetration and uniform distribution of FA–MUA–CIZS NCs conjugates in subcutaneous melanoma.
Ultrafast Spin‐to‐Charge Conversion at the Surface of Topological Insulator Thin Films
Authors: Wang Xinbo , Cheng Liang , Zhu Dapeng , Wu Yang , Chen Mengji , Wang Yi , Zhao Daming , Boothroyd Chris B. , Lam Yeng Ming , Zhu Jian‐Xin , Battiato Marco , Song Justin C. W. , Yang Hyunsoo , Chia Elbert E. M.
Published: October 2018

Strong spin–orbit coupling, resulting in the formation of spin‐momentum‐locked surface states, endows topological insulators with superior spin‐to‐charge conversion characteristics, though the dynamics that govern it have remained elusive. Here, an all‐optical method is presented, which enables unprecedented tracking of the ultrafast dynamics of spin‐to‐charge conversion in a prototypical topological insulator Bi2Se3/ferromagnetic Co heterostructure, down to the sub‐picosecond timescale. Compared to pure Bi2Se3 or Co, a giant terahertz emission is observed in the heterostructure that originates from spin‐to‐charge conversion, in which the topological surface states play a crucial role. A 0.12 ps timescale is identified that sets a technological speed limit of spin‐to‐charge conversion processes in topological insulators. In addition, it is shown that the spin‐to‐charge conversion efficiency is temperature independent in Bi2Se3 as expected from the nature of the surface states, paving the way for designing next‐generation high‐speed optospintronic devices based on topological insulators at room temperature.
Direct Bandgap Behavior in Rashba‐Type Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Richter Johannes M. , Chen Kai , Sadhanala Aditya , Butkus Justinas , Rivett Jasmine P. H. , Friend Richard H. , Monserrat Bartomeu , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Deschler Felix
Published: October 2018

The generation and recombination of charge carriers in semiconductors through photons controls photovoltaic and light‐emitting diode operation. Understanding of these processes in hybrid perovskites has advanced, but remains incomplete. Using femtosecond transient absorption and photoluminescence, it is observed that the luminescence signal shows a rise over 2 ps, while initially hot photogenerated carriers cool to the band edge. This indicates that the luminescence from hot carriers is weaker than that of cold carriers, as expected from strongly radiative transitions in direct gap semiconductors. It is concluded that the electrons and holes show a strong overlap in momentum space, despite recent proposals that Rashba splitting leads to a band offset suppressing such an overlap. A number of possible resolutions to this, including lattice dynamics that remove the Rashba splitting at room temperature, and localization of luminescence events to length scales below 10 nm are considered.
Revealing the Role of Epithelial Mechanics and Macrophage Clearance during Pulmonary Epithelial Injury Recovery in the Presence of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Septiadi Dedy , Abdussalam Wildan , Rodriguez‐Lorenzo Laura , Spuch‐Calvar Miguel , Bourquin Joël , Petri‐Fink Alke , Rothen‐Rutishauser Barbara
Published: October 2018

Wound healing assays are extensively used to study tissue repair mechanisms; they are typically performed by means of physical (i.e., mechanical, electrical, or optical) detachment of the cells in order to create an open space in which live cells can lodge. Herein, an advanced system based on extensive photobleaching‐induced apoptosis; providing a powerful tool to understand the repair response of lung epithelial tissue, consisting of a small injury area where apoptotic cells are still intact, is developed. Notably, the importance of epithelial mechanics and the presence of macrophages during the repair can be understood. The findings reveal that individual epithelial cells are able to clear the apoptotic cells by applying a pushing force, whilst macrophages actively phagocytose the dead cells to create an empty space. It is further shown that this repair mechanism is hampered when carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are introduced: formation of aberrant (i.e., thickening) F‐actins, maturation of focal adhesion, and increase in traction force leading to retardation in cell migration are observed. The results provide a mechanistic view of how CNTs can interfere with lung repair.
2D Ti3C2 MXene/WO3 Hybrid Architectures for High‐Rate Supercapacitors
Authors: Ambade Swapnil B. , Ambade Rohan B. , Eom Wonsik , Noh Sung Hyun , Kim Seung Hun , Han Tae Hee
Published: October 2018

Energy storage capabilities of transition metal oxides (TMOs) have expanded beyond the realm of ruthenium and manganese oxides to a versatile TMO like tungsten trioxide (WO3). The phase‐determined nature, such as intrinsic formation of hollow tunnels in the hexagonal polymorph of WO3 (Hexa WO3) and highly crystalline features in the monoclinic phase (Mono WO3), makes WO3 an attractive candidate for energy storage applications like supercapacitors. The development of superior WO3 supercapacitor electrode demands developing synergetic architectures with a variety of 2D materials like graphene, titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXenes, etc. that can complement conductivity and stability. Here, the hybrids of Mono WO3–Ti3C2 and Hexa WO3–Ti3C2 are synthesized hydrothermally in one step by meticulously controlling the phase of WO3. The comparison of electrochemical performance reveals that the electrodes of 2D synergetic hybrid architectures almost double the specific capacitance (Csp) with respect to Mono WO3‐ and Hexa WO3‐only electrodes, exhibiting the highest Csp (566 F g−1) for Hexa WO3–Ti3C2, while retaining excellent life cycle (≈92%) of the initial Csp after 5000 cycles.
Copper‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Oxidative C−C Bond Cleavage of Simple Ketones for the Synthesis of Anilides and Paracetamol
Authors: Vodnala Nagaraju , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Hazra Chinmoy K. , Kaldhi Dhananjaya , Kabi Arup. K. , Beifuss Uwe , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: October 2018

A copper‐catalyzed approach for the N‐acylation of anilines with acetone and acetophenones via C−C bond cleavage is described. Under the developed conditions both CHCl3 and CH2Cl2 were identified as potential C1‐source to promote the transformation. The reaction features a site selective C−C bond cleavage to install the amide moieties with high functional‐group compatibility and wide substrate scope. The developed method avoids the use of sensitive and narcotic agents. The method also represents an excellent complement to the previous protocols with lower E‐factor (13.91 mg/1 mg) than current industrially used method (E‐factor 17.54 mg/1 mg). The developed approach has also been extended for the effective preparation of pyridine derivatives and paracetamol in gram scale. The course of the reaction was monitored by 1H NMR as a preliminary investigation of the reaction mechanism.

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Tunable Quasi‐Plasticity of Microscale Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Song Jihwan , Kim Dongchoul
Published: October 2018

As shape memory alloys (SMAs)‐based devices become smaller in size, the elaborate design of these devices based on an understanding of their shape memory and quasi‐plastic behavior at the small scale is becoming more critical. However, the previous studies overlooked the fact that it is feasible to alter the quasi‐plasticity of SMAs at the small scale and to tune them according to various factors. Here, the feasibility of altering the quasi‐plasticity of microscale SMAs with the direction of applied stress and of tuning them according to the volume ratio of crystalline structures is reported. To achieve this, the dynamic model for SMA is developed and their quasi‐plastic behavior, including phase and crystalline structure transformations, is simulated. The simulation reveals that it is feasible to select the crystalline structure of SMA according to the direction of the applied stress and, more critically, to tune the quasi‐plastic deformation by varying the volume ratio of crystalline structures by up to approximately 600% (i.e., 0.8–5.3%). This study highlights the practical tunability in the design of small‐scale SMA‐based systems.
Dynamically Monitoring Cell Viability in a Dual‐Color Mode: Construction of an Aggregation/Monomer‐Based Probe Capable of Reversible Mitochondria‐Nucleus Migration
Authors: Tian Minggang , Sun Jie , Dong Baoli , Lin Weiying
Published: October 2018

Mitochondria and nucleus play crucial roles during cell apoptosis process. In this work, a unique fluorescent probe capable of reversible migration between mitochondria and nucleus, as well as detection of cell viability in a dual‐color mode is presented. The dual‐color probe targets mitochondria in healthy cells, to form aggregates with deep‐red emission. It migrates into nucleus and binds to DNA to form monomers with green fluorescence during apoptosis. Interestingly, the migration is reversible dependent on cell viability, which enables the dynamic visualization of apoptosis process. With the probe, mitochondria and nucleus can be visualized in dual colors during apoptosis, and the cell viability could be monitored by the emission color and localization of the probe.
Membrane Filtration with Liquids: A Global Approach with Prior Successes, New Developments and Unresolved Challenges
Authors: Belfort Georges
Published: October 2018

After 70 years, modern pressure‐driven polymer membrane processes with liquids are mature and accepted in many industries due to their good performance, ease of scale‐up, low energy consumption, modular compact construction, and low operating costs compared with thermal systems. Successful isothermal operation of synthetic membranes with liquids requires consideration of three critical aspects or “legs” in order of relevance: selectivity, capacity (i.e. permeation flow rate per unit area) and transport of mass and momentum comprising concentration polarization (CP) and fouling (F). Major challenges remain with respect to increasing selectivity and controlling mass transport in, to and away from membranes. Thus, prediction and control of membrane morphology and a deep understanding of the mechanism of dissolved and suspended solute transport near and in the membrane (i.e. diffusional and convective mass transport) is essential. Here, we focus on materials development to address the relatively poor selectivity of liquid membrane filtration with polymers and discuss the critical aspects of transport limitations. Machine learning could help optimize membrane structure design and transport conditions for improved membrane filtration performance.
Effect of Fullerene Volume Fraction on Two‐Dimensional Crystal‐Constructed Supramolecular Liquid Crystals
Authors: Shen Peng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Lu Huanjun , Su Zebin , Zhou Yi , Song Bo , Li Xiaohong , Yang Xiaoming , Tu Yingfeng , Li Christopher Y.
Published: October 2018

The volume fraction plays an important role in phase segregated soft matters. We demonstrate here that at high fullerene volume fraction in soft chain‐tethered‐fullerene dyads, different two‐dimensional (2D) crystal‐constructed smectic‐like lamella liquid crystalline (LC) phases can be formed with triple‐layer (ST phase) or quadruple‐layer (SQ phase) stacking of fullerenes in 2D crystals. The combination of 2D crystal and LC properties in one system affords these fullerene dyads controlled electron mobility in the range of 10−5–10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature (ST phase), by regulating the insulated soft layer thickness between 2D crystals via the manipulation of fullerene volume fraction.
Heat‐Triggered Crystallization of Liquid Crystalline Macrocycles Allowing for Conductance Switching through Hysteretic Thermal Phase Transitions
Authors: Muraoka Takahiro , Shima Tatsuya , Kajitani Takashi , Hoshino Norihisa , Morvan Estelle , Grélard Axelle , Dufourc Erick J. , Fukushima Takanori , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Nabeya Kota , Kinbara Kazushi
Published: October 2018

A polymesomorphic thermal phase‐transition of a macrocyclic amphiphile consisting of aromatic groups and oligoethylene glycol (OEG) chains is reported. The macrocyclic amphiphile exists in a highly‐ordered liquid crystal (LC) phase at room temperature. Upon heating, this macrocycle shows phase‐transition from columnar‐lamellar to nematic LC phases followed by crystallization before melting. Spectroscopic studies suggest that the thermally induced crystallization is triggered by a conformational change at the OEG chains. Interestingly, while the macrocycle returns to the columnar‐lamellar phase after cooling from the isotropic liquid, it retains the crystallinity after cooling from the thermally‐induced crystal. Thanks to this bistability, conductance switching was successfully demonstrated. A different macrocyclic amphiphile also shows an analogous phase‐transition behavior, suggesting that this molecular design is universal for developing switchable and memorizable materials, by means of hysteretic phase‐transition processes.
Utilizing Simtronics, a chemical engineering process simulation software, in chemical engineering coursework to reduce the skills gap
Authors: Johnson Denis , Singh Ramesh
Published: October 2018

To connect theory taught in the classroom and practical skills required for the workforce, a new teaching methodology has been adopted in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. We have introduced Simtronics, a virtual chemical engineering process simulator, in chemical engineering coursework to teach students how to operate equipment and troubleshoot chemical processes often found in industrial settings. The students then learn the theories and calculations, and how to apply them to the studied processes at varying conditions. The analysis of these varying conditions provides the student with valuable hands‐on experience frequently sought after by employers.
Recent Developments on Supported Hydrogen‐bond Organocatalysts
Authors: Franconetti Antonio , de Gonzalo Gonzalo
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen‐bond organocatalysts are a family of Brønsted acid organic compounds able to activate electrophilic substrates toward nucleophilic addition through hydrogen bonding interactions. Since the first report using these catalysts, they have been widely exploited in several valuable processes, in general with high activities and selectivities. The immobilization of hydrogen‐bond catalysts affords heterogeneous systems which enable different features for a green chemistry approach, such as chemical and mechanical stability, easy work‐up and/or reusability. Several kinds of supports have been employed for immobilization while maintaining the advantages of the homogeneous catalysts. In the present review, we have mainly focused our attention in the immobilization of ureas, thioureas and squaramides organocatalysts onto various supports, including polymeric materials, mesoporous silicas, nanoparticles and ionic liquids, and also some copolymerization processes have been described. In addition, the role of these supported organocatalysts published since 2010 on different stereoselective transformations has been evaluated.
Size Tunable Zeolite‐Templated Carbon as Microporous Sulfur Host for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Noh Hyungjun , Choi Seokin , Kim Hyun Gyu , Choi Minkee , Kim Hee‐Tak
Published: October 2018

Spatial confinement of sulfur in porous carbons has been one of the major approaches to address the polysulfide (PS) shuttle problem of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Among them, microporous carbon can effectively confine sulfur inside pores, however, it shows low active material utilization due to pore blockage by discharge products. To address this issue, in this work, zeolite‐templated carbons (ZTCs) with high surface area and electronic conductivity are used as host material for Li−S battery and their particle size is varied to explore better performances. With decrease of the particle size from 400 to 20 nm, initial sulfur utilization is enhanced from 20.7 to 71.6 %. The smaller ZTC particle delivers a high capacity retention of 94.6 % at 200 cycles. From electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses, it is demonstrated that smaller ZTC particles lead to easier penetration of Li ions inside the pores, resulting in more uniform Li2S deposition on the entire surface of the micropores. Due to its excellent size‐tunability and well‐defined pore structure, ZTC can be an effective sulfur host for the design of high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Low power device coordination in internet of things environment using analytic hierarchy process model
Authors: Rajesh R. , Annadurai C. , Nirmaladevi K.
Published: October 2018

Internet of things (IoT) is a network technology can connect various physical devices into internet; it will improve the process technology and reduce human efforts. IEEE 802.15.4 specified that IPV6 low power wireless personal area networks (6LoWPAN) was the potential candidate for realizing IoT in real‐time scenario. To coordinate the large amount of data exchange between the nodes, centralized entity is the option for conventional approaches. To improve the resource utilization, analytic hierarchy process is discussed in this article. Proposed AHP algorithm was tested with various scenarios in the network. In all the cases, AHP provides optimum resource utilization.
TiNF and Related Analogues of TiO2: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Ayyub Mohd Monis , Prasad Suchitra , Lingampalli Srinivasa Rao , Manjunath Krishnappa , Waghmare Umesh V. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: October 2018

Aliovalent anion substitution in inorganic materials brings about marked changes in properties, as exemplified by N,F‐codoped metal oxides. Recently, complete substitution of oxygen in ZnO by N and F was carried out to generate Zn2NF. In view of the important properties of TiO2, we have attempted to prepare TiNF by employing an entirely new procedure involving the reaction of TiN with TiF4. While the reaction at low temperature (450 °C) yields TiNF in the anatase phase, reaction at a higher temperature (600 °C) yields TiNF in the rutile phase. This is interesting since the anatase phase of TiO2 also transforms to the rutile phase on heating. The lattice parameters of TiNF are close to those of the parent oxide. Partial substitution of oxygen in TiO2 by N and F reduces the band gap, but complete substitution increases the value comparable to that of the oxide. We have examined properties of N,F‐codoped TiO2, and more interestingly N,F‐codoped Ti3O5, both with lower band gaps than the parent oxides. A detailed first‐principles calculations has been carried out on structural and electronic properties of N,F−TiO2 and the TiNF phases. This has enabled us to understand the effects of N,F substitution in TiO2 in terms of the crystal structure, electronic structure and optical properties.
A Model‐Based Approach to Quantify the Time‐Course of Anti‐Drug Antibodies for Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Ren Yupeng , Li Liang , Kirshner Susan , Wang Yaning , Sahajwalla Chandrahas , Ji Ping
Published: October 2018

A mathematical antidrug antibody (ADA) model was developed to quantitatively assess immunogenicity for therapeutic proteins. The ADA model was built with antibody titer data in subjects from 10 clinical trials. The time course of the antibody titers was quantitatively characterized with a two‐component semimechanistic model describing the double peaks of ADA titers. The relationship between antibody titer and incidence was also explored. The ADA incidences in subjects from 12 clinical trials were used for internal and external validations. The ADA titers reasonably predicted the incidence of antibody. The model‐predicted elimination rate constant for antibody titer was 14.1 × 10−3 day−1 and 8.1 × 10−3 day−1 in healthy subjects and patients, respectively. This research provided a useful tool to quantitatively evaluate immunogenicity and its impact for therapeutic proteins.
Modes of Fe Incorporation in Co–Fe (Oxy)hydroxide Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Ting , Nellist Michael R. , Enman Lisa J. , Xiang Junhui , Boettcher Shannon W.
Published: October 2018

Ni–Fe (oxy)hydroxide and Co–Fe (oxy)hydroxide are among the most active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in alkaline media. Fe is essential for the high activity, but the details of how Fe is incorporated into the Ni or Co (oxy)hydroxide structure and affects catalysis remain incompletely understood. This study concerns two different modes of Fe incorporation to form Co(Fe)OxHy, which both yield increased OER activity but result in Fe and Co species that differ in chemical reactivity and electrochemical response. Co(Fe)OxHy films that were cathodically deposited from mixed Co and Fe nitrate solution (co‐deposited) result in Fe species that interact strongly with the Co species (as evidenced by an anodic shift in the Co redox wave) and are difficult to leach out under electrochemical conditions. Fe incorporated into a CoOxHy film by cycling in Fe‐spiked KOH electrolyte similarly enhance activity, but do not strongly electronically interact with the majority of the Co in the film and are removed by cycling in Fe‐free KOH. These results support the hypothesis that co‐deposition of Co(Fe)OxHy leads to films where the Co and Fe are mixed within the nanosheet structure and cycling in Fe‐spiked KOH incorporates Fe species largely at surface, edge, or defect sites, where they drive OER but do not otherwise significantly modulate the electrochemical response of the Co.
The impact of intraspecific variation on food web structure
Authors: Clegg Tom , Ali Mohammad , Beckerman Andrew P.
Published: October 2018

Accounting for the variation that occurs within species in food webs can theoretically result in significant changes in both network structure and dynamics. However, there has been little work exploring their role with empirical data. In particular, the variation associated with species’ life cycles, which is prevalent and represents both trait variation and taxonomic identity, has received little attention. Here, we characterize the structural consequences of life stage variation in five food webs, including a newly compiled web from the Arabian Gulf. We show that making life stage variation explicit in food webs results in larger food webs that possess consistent structural changes that are separate from the changes in structure that come simply from increasing the number of nodes in the webs. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of these changes is related to ontogenetic specialism, the degree of overlap in the ecological niches of life stages. These results demonstrate the capacity of intraspecific variation to affect ecological networks and indicate the potential usefulness of stage‐structured food webs, which capture size and taxonomic information, to represent variation below the species level.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of a Mononuclear η2‐(Ge–H)palladium(0) Complex Bearing a PGeP‐Pincer‐Type Germyl Ligand: Reactivity Differences between Silicon and Germanium
Authors: Takaya Jun , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: October 2018

Reactivity differences between silicon and germanium as supporting ligands in PEP‐pincer type palladium complexes (E = Si, Ge) were clarified by experimental and theoretical studies. An η2‐(Ge–H)palladium(0) complex, which was synthesized and structurally characterized for the first time, exhibited higher reactivity for hydrometallation of ethylene than the silyl‐analogue. The resulting PGeP‐ethylpalladium(II) complex was more stable than the silyl‐analogue, which allowed its isolation and structural analysis by X‐ray crystallography. Formation of a Ge‐bridged Pd dimer complex by thermal decomposition of the η2‐(Ge–H)palladium(0) complex was also demonstrated. Experimental and theoretical studies clarified that the germanium ligand stabilizes the PdII state with the Pd–E bond and destabilizes the η2‐(E–H)Pd0 state compared to the case of the silicon ligand. This study provided useful insights for rational design of transition metal complexes bearing a heavier group 14 element as a supporting ligand in organometallic chemistry.
Effects of corneal injury on ciliary nerve fibre activity and corneal nociception in mice: A behavioural and electrophysiological study
Authors: Joubert Fanny , Acosta Maria del Carmen , Gallar Juana , Fakih Darine , Sahel José‐Alain , Baudouin Christophe , Bodineau Laurence , Mélik Parsadaniantz Stéphane , Réaux‐Le Goazigo Annabelle
Published: October 2018

Background

Ocular surface diseases are among the most frequent ocular pathologies. Ocular pain following corneal injury is frequently observed in clinic. Corneal sensory innervation is supplied by ciliary nerves derived from ophthalmic division of the trigeminal ganglion.

Methods & Results

Extracellular activity of the mouse ciliary nerve was first used to investigate the corneal responsiveness to chemical, mechanical and thermal stimulations in order to specifically study the responses of polymodal nociceptors, mechano‐nociceptors and cold thermoreceptor in a control cornea. Then, in two models of corneal injury (repeated instillations of 0.02% benzalkonium chloride and corneal scraping), we first measured the corneal sensitivity to chemical (eye‐wiping test) and mechanical (von Frey filaments) stimulation. Thereafter, we evaluated whether these corneal injuries modified the spontaneous and chemical stimulation‐evoked activity of the ciliary nerve. Both models of injury induced a significant corneal chemical hypersensitivity correlated with an increase of the spontaneous activity of the ciliary nerve and a faster response of the ciliary nerve after a chemical stimulation.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides new insights into the functional aspects of corneal nerve fibre activity in mice after corneal injury. The increase in ciliary nerve activity may thus contribute to the development of ocular pain after corneal damage.

Significance

This study highlights the parallel increase in ciliary nerve activity and corneal sensitivity after corneal injury in mice. The strategy of combining ex vivo electrophysiological recordings of the ciliary nerve in mice and corneal sensitivity measurements therefore helps to uncover the functional aspects of corneal pain.
Deciphering key proteins of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fruit mesocarp development by proteomics and chemometrics
Authors: Hassan Hasliza , Amiruddin Mohd Din , Weckwerth Wolfram , Ramli Umi Salamah
Published: October 2018

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from lipid‐rich fleshy mesocarp tissue of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fruit and is of global economic and nutritional relevance. While the understanding of oil biosynthesis in plants is improving, the fundamentals of oil biosynthesis in oil palm still require further investigations. To gain insight into the systemic mechanisms that govern oil synthesis during oil palm fruit ripening, the proteomics approach combining gel‐based electrophoresis and mass spectrometry was used to profile protein changes and classify the patterns of protein accumulation during these complex physiological processes. Protein profiles from different stages of fruit ripening at 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 20 weeks after anthesis (WAA) were analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). The proteome data were then visualised using a multivariate statistical analysis of principal component analysis (PCA) to get an overview of the proteome changes during the development of oil palm mesocarp. A total of 68 differentially expressed protein spots were successfully identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) and functionally classified using ontology analysis. Proteins related to lipid production, energy, secondary metabolites and amino acid metabolism are the most significantly changed proteins during fruit development representing potential candidates for oil yield improvement endeavors. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD009579. This study provides important proteome information for protein regulation during oil palm fruit ripening and oil synthesis.
Providing a Context for Interpreting Predictions of Job Performance
Authors: Dorans Neil J.
Published: October 2018

A distinction is made between scores as measures of a construct and predictions of a criterion or outcome variable. The interpretation attached to predictions of criteria, such as job performance or college grade point average (GPA), differs from that attached to scores that are measures of a construct, such as reading proficiency or knowledge about a domain (e.g., physics). In contrast to a score whose meaning is tied to the fidelity with which it measures a construct, the meaning of a prediction is tied to the statistical relationship of its scale to that of the criterion. A contrived example that might be seen in an employment setting is used to illustrate potential misinterpretations associated with making the predicted score distribution look like the criterion score distribution it is predicting.
Differences in soil moisture in two Middle Eastern oak forests: Comparing the effects of trees and soil composition
Authors: Kopler Idan , Burg David , Wittenberg Lea , Malkinson Dan
Published: October 2018

The incidence of large rain events in Mediterranean ecosystems vary among years. Summer aridity is interpreted as a resetting event, eliminating previous soil‐moisture dynamics. The dynamics of soil moisture and retention are critical to tree survival, particularly in dry regions. This study examines the long‐term soil water content (θV) dynamics in two distinct locations within the forest, under the canopy and forest clearing, within two diverse oak forests: subhumid mixed oak forests (MG) and semiarid monospecific oak woodlands (YE). Plots were established at small‐scale catchments and soil water contents were measured during 2010–2013, at three depths in the two different locations. Cumulative rainfall was used as an independent proxy for θV analysis. A novel bell‐bilogistic mathematical model of wetting, saturation, and drying arms was developed. We aimed to study the θV distribution differences between soil profiles giving the large climatic gradient between the two forested sub basins, the differences in vegetation traits along with soil attributes. We further aimed at determining the role of an individual tree in regulating soil‐moisture dynamics. We hypothesized the occurrence of distinct responses between sites in all soil‐moisture indices with higher θV at the wetter site. We tested the hypothesis that seasonal cumulative rainfall dictates the variations in soil‐moisture regimes throughout contiguous years. Annual rainfall was higher than long‐term average throughout the study. Soil profiles under the canopies at both sites were consistently wetter. Infiltration and depletion constants were higher at MG whereas maximum soil moisture was higher at YE. Homogenous recharge patterns were seen at MG although YE evinced more variation. Oaks had no effect on recharge at MG compared with the forest clearing. Soil properties primarily affected the wetting arm whereas vegetation composition regulated the drying arm. Mixed‐stands characterized by ever‐green and deciduous species may maintain favourable soil‐moisture conditions, in comparison with other mixed stand morphologies. The increasing role of slacking forces in infiltration process may alter the interaction between trees and herbaceous vegetation.
Assessing multidecadal runoff (1970–2010) using regional hydrological modelling under data and water scarcity conditions in Peruvian Pacific catchments
Authors: Rau Pedro , Bourrel Luc , Labat David , Ruelland Denis , Frappart Frédéric , Lavado Waldo , Dewitte Boris , Felipe Oscar
Published: October 2018

In a context of water scarcity in Peruvian Pacific catchments as a crucial issue for Peru, added to the paucity of data availability, we propose a methodology that provides new perspectives for freshwater availability estimation as a base reference for unimpaired conditions. Under those considerations, a regional discharge of 709 m3/s to the Pacific Ocean is estimated with a significant increasing trend of about 43 m3/s per decade over the 1970–2010 period.

To represent the multidecadal behaviour of freshwater runoff along the region, a regional runoff analysis is proposed based on hydrological modelling at annual and monthly time step for unimpaired conditions over the whole 1970–2010 period. Differential Split‐Sample Tests are used to assess the hydrological modelling robustness of the GR1A and GR2M conceptual lumped models, showing a satisfactory transposability from dry to wet years inside the thresholds defined for Nash–Sutcliffe and bias criteria. This allowed relating physical catchment characteristics with calibrated and validated model parameters, thus offering a regional perspective for dryland conditions in the study area (e.g., the anticlockwise hysteresis relationship found for seasonal precipitation–runoff relationship) as well as the impacts of climate variability and catchment characteristics.