bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Antibiogram Profiling of Rotten Fruits from Different Areas of Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Akhi Mahmuda , Banik Avijit , Ghurnee Oshin , Das Nantu Chandra , Nondi Showmitro , Abony Maruf
Published: January 2020

Fruits are highly nutritious, sources of vitamins, minerals, fibers etc. and these are part of our daily diet. However, during cultivation, harvesting, transportation, handling fruits get contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which leads to severe problems to community. Owning to this point, in current research, bacteriological analysis was performed on Sofeda, Pineapple, Grape, Banana, Apple, Orange, Guava, papaya, Jujube and Starfruit. Total 50 samples were randomly collected from market and street vendors of Dhaka city. Higher numbers of rotten fruits were present in wholesale markets. 35 strains were isolated which included Salmonella spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylocoous aureus and E. coli. They were identified using biochemical test and antibiogram for selective isolates. In case of drug resistance of isolates, majority exhibited resistance against Erythromycin, Vancomycin and Amoxycillin and showing sensitivity against Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone. It was observed in the current study that 100% isolates were resistant against Erythromycin, followed by Amoxycillin 90.63% and vancomycin 86.25%, where only 35.27% isolates were resistant against Ciprofloxacin. In case of sensitivity 64.73% isolates were sensitive against Ciprofloxacin followed by Ceftriaxone 66.25%.
Large‐Scale Preparation of 2D Metal Films by a Top‐Down Approach
Authors: Zeng Longfei , You Chaoping , Hong Nian , Zhang Xuehui , Liang Tongxiang
Published: January 2020

2D metal thin films attract extensive attention due to their intriguing physiochemical properties and a broad range of promising applications. Typically, 2D metal films are produced via bottom‐up synthetic methods. Herein, a top‐down approach that combines accumulative roll bonding (ARB) technique with selective etching is developed for the large‐scale preparation of 2D Ta films. First, alternatingly stacked 2D Cu/Ta multilayer structures are prepared by ARB. Then, 2D Ta films are achieved by selective chemical etching of the Cu layers. The as‐prepared 2D Ta films with controllable thicknesses range from several tens of micrometers to several tens of nanometers. The thickness of the resultant 2D Ta films can be controlled by ARB technique. Moreover, this top‐down approach can be generalized to fabricate other various 2D metal films with a wide range of dimensions.
All‐Printed Electrocorticography Array for In Vivo Neural Recordings
Authors: Borda Eleonora , Ferlauto Laura , Schleuniger Jürg , Mustaccio Alessandro , Lütolf Fabian , Lücke Arnold , Fricke Sören , Marjanović Nenad , Ghezzi Diego
Published: January 2020

Bioelectronic and neuroprosthetic interfaces rely on implanted microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to interact with the human body. Printing techniques, such as inkjet and screen printing, are attractive methods for the manufacturing of MEAs because they allow flexible, room‐temperature, scalable, and cost‐effective fabrication processes. Herein, the fabrication of all‐printed electrocorticography arrays made by inkjet printing of platinum and screen printing of polyimide is shown. Next, mechanical and electrochemical characterizations are performed. As a proof of concept, in vivo visually evoked cortical potentials are recorded in rabbits upon flash stimulation. Lastly, it is shown that the all‐printed electrocorticography arrays are not cytotoxic. Altogether, the results enable the use of printed MEAs for neurological applications.
H‐Ras Transformation of Mammary Epithelial Cells Induces ERK‐Mediated Spreading on Low Stiffness Matrix
Authors: Plunkett Christopher , Kumar Aditya , Yrastorza Jaime , Hou Yang‐Hsun , Placone Jesse K. , Grennan Gillian , Engler Adam J.
Published: January 2020

Oncogenic transformation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs) is a critical step in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), but evidence also shows that MECs undergo EMT with increasing matrix stiffness; the interplay of genetic and environmental effects on EMT is not clear. To understand their combinatorial effects on EMT, premalignant MCF10A and isogenic Ras‐transformed MCF10AT are cultured on polyacrylamide gels ranging from normal mammary stiffness, ≈150 Pa, to tumor stiffness, ≈5700 Pa. Though cells spread on stiff hydrogels independent of transformation, only 10AT cells exhibit heterogeneous spreading behavior on soft hydrogels. Within this mixed population, spread cells exhibit an elongated, mesenchymal‐like morphology, disrupted localization of the basement membrane, and nuclear localization of the EMT transcription factor TWIST1. MCF10AT spreading is not driven by typical mechanosensitive pathways including YAP and TGF‐β or by myosin contraction. Rather, ERK activation induces spreading of MCF10AT cells on soft hydrogels and requires dynamic microtubules. These findings indicate the importance of oncogenic signals, and their hierarchy with substrate mechanics, in regulating MEC EMT.
Extracellular Photovoltage Clamp Using Conducting Polymer‐Modified Organic Photocapacitors
Authors: Silverå Ejneby Malin , Migliaccio Ludovico , Gicevičius Mindaugas , Đerek Vedran , Jakešová Marie , Elinder Fredrik , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: January 2020

Optoelectronic control of physiological processes accounts for new possibilities ranging from fundamental research to treatment of disease. Among nongenetic light‐driven approaches, organic semiconductor‐based device platforms such as the organic electrolytic photocapacitor (OEPC) offer the possibility of localized and wireless stimulation with a minimal mechanical footprint. Optimization of efficiency hinges on increasing effective capacitive charge delivery. Herein, a simple strategy to significantly enhance the photostimulation performance of OEPC devices by employing coatings of the conducting polymer formulation poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), or PEDOT:PSS is reported. This modification increases the charge density of the stimulating photoelectrodes by a factor of 2–3 and simultaneously decreases the interfacial impedance. The electrophysiological effects of PEDOT:PSS‐derivatized OEPCs on Xenopus laevis oocyte cells on membrane potential are measured and voltage‐clamp techniques are used, finding an at‐least twofold increase in capacitive coupling. The large electrolytic capacitance of PEDOT:PSS allows the OEPC to locally alter the extracellular voltage and keep it constant for long periods of time, effectively enabling a unique type of light‐controlled membrane depolarization for measurements of ion channel opening. The finding that PEDOT:PSS‐coated OEPCs can remain stable after a 50‐day accelerated ageing test demonstrates that PEDOT:PSS modification can be applied for fabricating reliable and efficient optoelectronic stimulation devices.
UV‐Sensitive Wearable Devices for Colorimetric Monitoring of UV Exposure
Authors: Kurz Wolfgang , Yetisen Ali K. , Kaito Mihai Valer , Fuchter Matthew J. , Jakobi Martin , Elsner Martin , Koch Alexander W.
Published: January 2020

The extensive exposure of the human epidermis to solar radiation creates a health risk that results in skin cancer. Commercial sunscreens offer sufficient protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation; however, the ability to determine UV exposure limits can provide informed decisions about the dose of sunscreen required and the frequency of re‐application. Here, a wide range of wearable devices that colorimetrically report on UV exposure are developed. Under UV radiation, UV‐sensitive dyes change their color from 280 to 400 nm in the visible spectrum. By correlating the current color value and the UV dose, the amount of sun exposure is determined with an accuracy of 95%. A smartphone camera algorithm is coded to automatically perform the color analysis of these dyes. The UV‐sensitive dyes are incorporated in wearable devices, skin patches, textiles, contact lenses, and tattoo inks. The developed wearable devices will ensure monitoring UV radiation to rationally manage the user's behavior in order to prevent harmful sun exposure.
In Situ Tin(II) Complex Antisolvent Process Featuring Simultaneous Quasi‐Core–Shell Structure and Heterojunction for Improving Efficiency and Stability of Low‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Can , Ma Ruiman , He Xinjun , Yang Tingbin , Zhou Ziming , Yang Shuo , Liang Yongye , Sun Xiao Wei , Wang Jiannong , Yan Yanfa , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: January 2020

Unlike Pb‐based perovskites, it is still a challenge for realizing the targets of high performance and stability in mixed Pb–Sn perovskite solar cells owing to grain boundary traps and chemical changes in the perovskites. In this work, proposed is the approach of in‐situ tin(II) inorganic complex antisolvent process for specifically tuning the perovskite nucleation and crystal growth process. Interestingly, uniquely formed is the quasi‐core–shell structure of Pb–Sn perovskite–tin(II) complex as well as heterojunction perovskite structure at the same time for achieving the targets. The core–shell structure of Pb–Sn perovskite crystals covered by a tin(II) complex at the grain boundaries effectively passivates the trap states and suppresses the nonradiative recombination, leading to longer carrier lifetime. Equally important, the perovskite heterostructure is intentionally formed at the perovskite top region for enhancing the carrier extraction. As a result, the mixed Pb–Sn low‐bandgap perovskite device achieves a high power conversion efficiency up to 19.03% with fill factor over 0.8, which is among the highest fill factor in high‐performance Pb–Sn perovskite solar cells. Remarkably, the device fail time under continuous light illumination is extended by over 18.5‐folds from 30 to 560 h, benefitting from the protection of the quasi‐core–shell structure.
Advances and Prospects in Gold‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Meera Gopinadh , Rohit K. R. , Treesa G. S. Susan , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: January 2020

The omnipresent character of C−H bonds in organic molecules gives a wide variety of opportunities for the synthesis of a number of functionalized molecules by the activation of the C−H bonds. One of those methods is gold‐catalyzed C−H activation. Recent developments in the area of gold‐catalyzed C−H activation involves annulation reactions leading to the formation of heterocyclic compounds, Au‐catalyzed cross coupling reactions, and C−H functionalization reactions with high atom efficiency. In this short review we summarize the developments and studies carried out in gold‐catalyzed C−H activation over the past decade.
Aspirin desensitization therapy in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease: a systematic review
Authors: Larivée Natasha , Chin Christopher J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents an aggressive form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis that is notoriously challenging to treat. There is evidence to suggest desensitization to aspirin may improve symptomatology and disease control in these patients. The goal of our study was to critically appraise the literature on this topic and assess the effect of desensitization on sinonasal symptomatology.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant literature. Studies were included if they were observational studies or randomized, controlled trials, had n > 1, and were published in English or French. Studies were excluded if they were systematic reviews. We assessed study for quality and presence of common sources of bias.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. In general, polyp size, polyp recurrence, nasal symptom scores, sense of smell, number of acute rhinosinusitis episodes, and systemic steroid use improved when patients were desensitized. The vast majority of studies recommend desensitization.

Conclusion

There is mounting evidence that aspirin desensitization is a valuable adjunct to treat sinonasal symptoms in the treatment of patients who have AERD.
Tuning Cellular Biological Functions Through the Controlled Release of NO from a Porous Ti‐MOF
Authors: Pinto Rosana V. , Wang Sujing , Tavares Sergio R. , Pires João , Antunes Fernando , Vimont Alexandre , Clet Guillaume , Daturi Marco , Maurin Guillaume , Serre Christian , Pinto Moisés L.
Published: January 2020

Materials for the controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) are of interest for therapeutic applications. However, to date, many suffer from toxicity and stability issues, as well as poor performance. Herein, we propose a new NO adsorption/release mechanism through the formation of nitrites on the skeleton of a titanium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) that we named MIP‐177, featuring a suitable set of properties for such an application: (i) high NO storage capacity (3 μmol mg−1solid), (ii) excellent biocompatibility at therapeutic relevant concentrations (no cytotoxicity at 90 μg mL−1 for wound healing) due to its high stability in biological media (<9 % degradation in 72 hours) and (iii) slow NO release in biological media (≈2 hours for 90 % release). The prospective application of MIP‐177 is demonstrated through NO‐driven control of mitochondrial respiration in cells and stimulation of cell migration, paving the way for the design of new NO delivery systems for wound healing therapy.
The Crucial Role of Charge Accumulation and Spin Polarization in Activating Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Zhang Lifu , Hu Zhenpeng , Zheng Yao , Tang Cheng , Chen Ping , Wang Ruguang , Qiu Kangwen , Mao Jing , Ling Tao , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: January 2020

Cost‐effective carbon‐based catalysts are promising for catalyzing the electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR). However, the activity origin of carbon‐based catalysts towards NRR remains unclear, and regularities and rules for the rational design of carbon‐based NRR electrocatalysts are still lacking. Based on a combination of theoretical calculations and experimental observations, chalcogen/oxygen group element (O, S, Se, Te) doped carbon materials were systematically evaluated as potential NRR catalysts. Heteroatom‐doping‐induced charge accumulation facilitates N2 adsorption on carbon atoms and spin polarization boosts the potential‐determining step of the first protonation to form *NNH. Te‐doped and Se‐doped C catalysts exhibited high intrinsic NRR activity that is superior to most metal‐based catalysts. Establishing the correlation between the electronic structure and NRR performance for carbon‐based materials paves the pathway for their NRR application.
Multivariate Modulation of the Zr MOF UiO‐66 for Defect‐Controlled Combination Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Abánades Lázaro Isabel , Wells Connor J. R. , Forgan Ross S.
Published: January 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging as leading candidates for nanoscale drug delivery, as a consequence of their high drug capacities, ease of functionality, and the ability to carefully engineer key physical properties. Despite many anticancer treatment regimens consisting of a cocktail of different drugs, examples of delivery of multiple drugs from one MOF are rare, potentially hampered by difficulties in postsynthetic loading of more than one cargo molecule. Herein, we report a new strategy, multivariate modulation, which allows incorporation of up to three drugs in the Zr MOF UiO‐66 by defect‐loading. The drugs are added to one‐pot solvothermal synthesis and are distributed throughout the MOF at defect sites by coordination to the metal clusters. This tight binding comes with retention of crystallinity and porosity, allowing a fourth drug to be postsynthetically loaded into the MOFs to yield nanoparticles loaded with cocktails of drugs that show enhancements in selective anticancer cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells in vitro. We believe that multivariate modulation is a significant advance in the application of MOFs in biomedicine, and anticipate the protocol will also be adopted in other areas of MOF chemistry, to easily produce defective MOFs with arrays of highly functionalised pores for potential application in gas separations and catalysis.
Continuous‐Flow Extraction of Adjacent Metals—A Disruptive Economic Window for In Situ Resource Utilization of Asteroids?
Authors: Hessel Volker , Tran Nam Nghiep , Orandi Sanaz , Asrami Mahdieh Razi , Goodsite Michael , Nguyen Hung
Published: January 2020

For the in situ resource utilization (ISRU) of asteroids, the cost–mass conundrum needs to be solved, and technologies may need to be conceptualised from first principals. By using this approach, this Review seeks to illustrate how chemical process intensification can help with the development of disruptive technologies and business matters, how this might influence space‐industry start‐ups, and even industrial transformations on Earth. The disruptive technology considered is continuous microflow solvent extraction and, as another disruptive element therein, the use of ionic liquids. The space business considered is asteroid mining, as it is probably the most challenging resource site, and the focus is on its last step: the purification of adjacent metals (cobalt versus nickel). The key economic barrier is defined as the reduction in the amount of water used in the asteroid mining process. This Review suggests a pathway toward water savings up to the technological limit of the best Earth‐based processes and their physical limits.
Highly Selective Separation of Minimum‐Boiling Azeotrope Toluene/Pyridine by Nonporous Adaptive Crystals of Cucurbit[6]uril
Authors: Li Qing , Jie Kecheng , Huang Feihe
Published: January 2020

The production of high purity toluene and pyridine is of significance in both industrial production and synthetic chemistry. The present protocols available to separate toluene/pyridine mixtures are several energy‐intensive distillation methods, which are not environmentally friendly and cost‐effective. Herein, we provide an energy‐efficient and simple adsorptive separation protocol using nonporous adaptive crystals of cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6]). Q[6] crystals separate pyridine from toluene/pyridine mixtures with nearly 100 % purity. Furthermore, removal of the guest from guest‐loaded Q[6] leads to the guest‐free cucurbit[6]uril, which can be recycled without losing performance.
Tridentate Schiff base and 4,4′‐bipyridine coordinated di/polynuclear Cu (II) complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA/protein binding and catecholase activity
Authors: Bhunia Apurba , Bertolasi Valerio , Manna Subal Chandra
Published: January 2020

4,4′‐bipyridine bridged two Cu (II) complexes, [Cu2L12(4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1) and [Cu2L22(4,4′‐bipy)]n·(2H2O)n (2) (where, HL1 = 2‐[(3‐methylamino‐propylimino)‐methyl]‐phenol, H2L2 = 3‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐benzylidene)‐amino]‐propionic acid, and 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal structure determination, mass spectrometry, FT‐IR, electronic absorption, and emission spectroscopy. Complex 1 is dinuclear cationic compound and counter balanced by perchlorate anion, whereas complex 2 possesses 1D poly‐nuclear structure. Both the complexes crystallize in monoclinic system with P21/c space group and the copper centers possess square pyramidal geometry. H‐bonding, C‐H···π, π···π interactions results the formation of two dimentional supramolecular structure for both the complexes. Interactions of complexes with bovine serum albumins (BSA) and human serum albumins (HSA) have been studied by using electronic absorption and emission spectroscopic technique. The calculated values of binding constants (Kb) are (9.22 ± 0.26) × 105 L mol−1 (1‐BSA), (7.19 ± 0.16) × 105 L mol−1 (1‐HSA), (5.05 ± 0.20) × 105 L mol−1 (2‐BSA) and (3.56 ± 0.25) × 105 L mol−1 (2‐HSA). The mechanism of serum albumins‐complex interactions have been investigated by fluorescence lifetime measurement. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies indicate that both the complexes interact with calf thymas‐DNA. Catecholase activity of the complexes has been studied in methanol using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBC) as substrate and the result show that both the complexes are active for catalytic oxidation of 3,5‐DTBC to 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylquinone (3,5‐DTBQ) in presence of molecular oxygen. Calculated values of turnover numbers are 71.81 ± 1.04 h−1 and 69.45 ± 0.74 h−1 for 1 and 2, respectively.
Enhanced activity and SO2 resistance of Co‐modified CeO2‐TiO2 catalyst prepared by facile co‐precipitation for elemental mercury removal in flue gas
Authors: Li Honghu , Zhang Jingdong , Cao Yanxiao , Li Fei , Liu Chaoyang , Song Yongwei , Hu Jiangjun , Wang Yuan
Published: January 2020

The Co‐modified CeO2‐TiO2 catalyst prepared by facile co‐precipitation was used for efficient elemental mercury oxidation in flue gas. Results indicated that Co doping greatly enhanced the activity and SO2 resistance of the CeO2‐TiO2 catalyst. In the presence of 5% O2, 500 ppm NO, 800 ppm SO2 and 3% H2O at 200 °C, the Hg0 removal efficiency of CeCo3/Ti could maintain at about 87% for a relatively long time. Characterizations of catalysts (BET, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, H2‐TPR, O2‐TPD, XPS, TG‐MS and SO2‐DRIFTS) were carried out to reveal the mechanism of Co modification on the redox ability, SO2 resistance and resultant mercury oxidation removal performance of catalyst. It was found that an interaction of Ce with Co promoted the dispersion of CeO2, increased chemisorbed oxygen concentration, and improved the oxygen storage capacity and the reducibility of catalyst, which was beneficial to the improvement of Hg0 oxidation removal. Hg0 would adsorb onto the catalyst and react with surface active oxygen species replenished by gas‐phase O2 to be oxidized via Mars‐Maessen mechanism. SO2 consumed the surface active oxygen species and resulted in the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+, which induced the deactivation of catalyst. The introduced Co in CeO2‐TiO2 catalyst exerted the function of protecting Ce4+ from being poisoned by SO2 and thus promoted the sulfur resistance and Hg0 removal performance of the catalyst in the presence of SO2.
Construction of visible‐light‐responsive metal–organic framework with pillared structure for dye degradation and Cr(VI) reduction
Authors: Guo Zhifen , Zhao Hongmei , Liu Xin , Liang Xiao , Wei Hongxia , Mei Yingchun , Xing Hongzhu
Published: January 2020

A water‐stable mixed‐linker metal–organic framework (MOF) was rationally synthesized using a controllable pillared‐layer method. The prepared Co(II)–MOF shows wide‐range absorption in the visible light region due to the incorporation of highly conjugated anthracene‐based bipyridine ligand. Experiments suggest that the MOF is highly efficient for the photoreduction of toxic Cr(VI) ions in water under visible light. Important issues affecting photocatalytic performance, such as the influence of pH and the control of electron–hole separation by scavenger, were carefully examined. Beyond Cr(VI) ions, we also explored the photocatalytic degradation performance of the MOF using a persistent azo dye as a model substrate, where H2O2‐involved advanced oxidation process was applied. Control experiments suggest that the introduction of environmentally benign H2O2 significantly enhances the degradation performance due to the generation of reactive hydroxyl radicals. The study not only demonstrates the great feasibility of the preparation of a new MOF photocatalyst through a controllable pillared‐layer method, but also reveals that rational functionalization of ligand in the MOF is convenient for achieving desirable applications.
Preparation of chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose‐based polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel via SD‐A‐SGT method and its adsorption of anionic and cationic dye
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xing Tao , Li Qin , Chen Yu , Yao Weishang , Jin Shaohua , Chen Shusen
Published: January 2020

The excellent properties of the polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (PECHs) prepared with polysaccharides only, including polyampholyte, low toxicity, green, and clean production, have endowed them great application potentials as the adsorbents for dye‐containing wastewater treatments. In the current study, the PECH of chitosan (CTS) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was prepared by semi‐dissolution acidification sol–gel transition (SD‐A‐SGT) method. The hydrogel was formed by the strong electrostatic interaction of cationic NH3+ groups of CTS and the anionic COO− groups of CMC. This simple but efficient means exhibited great potentials in constructing PECHs with uniform composition and controllable sol–gel transitions. Molecular dynamics simulation was first employed to predict the formation process and the microstructure of PECHs prepared by SD‐A‐SGT method. The structure and properties of the CTS‐CMC PECHs were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SS 13C‐NMR, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical tests, and rheological measurements, respectively. Taking the advantage of amphoteric polyelectrolyte properties, adsorption properties of anionic and cationic dyes were investigated using sunset yellow FCF and methylene blue as model dyes, respectively. The PECHs prepared in the present work had good adsorption capacity for both cationic and anionic dyes with maximum adsorption capacity of 212.83 mg/g for sunset yellow FCF and 167.35 mg/g for methylene blue. Therefore, this PECH would be a promising environmentally friendly adsorbent for the treatment of functional molecules with different charges.
The Lack of Toxic Effect of High‐Power Short‐Pulse 101 GHz Millimeter Waves on Healthy Mice
Authors: Furman Olga , Komoshvili Konstantin , Levitan Jakob , Yahalom Asher , Marks Harry , Borodin Dmitri , Liberman‐Aronov Stella
Published: January 2020

Irradiation of cancer cells by non‐ionizing millimeter waves (MMW) causes increased cell mortality. We examined if MMW have toxic effects on healthy mice. To that end, the skin of healthy C57BL/6 mice was irradiated locally at the right flank with 101 GHz MMW in a pulsed (5–10 µs) regime using a free electron laser. Irradiation was performed in a dose‐dependent manner, with 20–50 pulses and a power range of 0.5–1.5 kW. Physical, physiological, and pathological parameters as well as behavior were examined before and after irradiation. Our results showed that all parameters were within normal range for all experimental mice groups and for the control group. No significant changes were noted in the physical, physiological, or behavioral status of the mice following irradiation as compared with the control group. In addition, no significant changes were found in locomotor, exploratory behavior, or anxiety of the irradiated mice and no pathological changes were noted following the hematological and biochemical blood analysis. Our results indicate that irradiation of healthy mice with MMW does not cause any general toxic effects. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
The Relative Permittivity Changes of EGF by 50 Hz MF Exposure Neither Affect the Interaction of EGF With EGFR Nor Its Biological Effects
Authors: Fei Yue , Jin Yumin , Zhao Xinyuan , Wang Yiqin , Qian Jun , Su Liling , Chen Guangdi
Published: January 2020

The biophysical mechanism of magnetic fields (MFs) acting on living systems is not clear. Previous research showed that, similar to epidermal growth factor (EGF), MF exposure induced EGF receptor (EGFR) clustering and activated EGFR signaling. In this study, we investigated whether MF exposure induced the changes in physical characteristics of EGF and downstream effects of EGF and EGFR interaction. The phase‐interrogation surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing analyses showed that 50 Hz MF exposure at 4.0 mT for 1 h induced reversible relative permittivity changes of EGF solution. However, compared with sham‐exposed EGF solution, the MF‐exposed EGF solution did not affect the binding of EGF to EGFR, nor the cell viability and EGFR clustering in human amniotic epithelial cells (FL cells). Our data suggest that cellular EGFR clustering response to MF exposure might not be a result of changes in relative permittivity of EGF in cell culture solution. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Elevated eosinophil level predicted long time to next treatment in relapsed or refractory myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide
Authors: Suzuki Kazuhito , Nishiwaki Kaichi , Gunji Tadahiro , Katori Mitsuji , Masuoka Hidekazu , Yano Shingo
Published: January 2020

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that is administered commonly in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Eosinophils have immunological functions, for instance, in allergic diseases and asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of elevated eosinophil levels in patients with RRMM treated with lenalidomide. A total of 59 patients were included. Elevated eosinophil level was defined as an increase in the eosinophil count of ≥250/µL from the eosinophil count on day 1 during the first cycle. The percentage of patients with elevated eosinophil levels was 22.0%. The overall response ratio in the elevated eosinophil group and nonelevated eosinophil group was 84.6% and 63.0% (P = .189), respectively. The median time to next treatment (TTNT) in the elevated eosinophil group was significantly longer than that in the nonelevated group (40.3 months vs 8.4 months; P = .017). Additionally, TTNT in the elevated eosinophil group with partial response (PR) or better was significantly longer than that in the nonelevated eosinophil group with PR or better (40.3 months vs 11.9 months; P = .021). We concluded that elevated eosinophil levels were frequently observed and might predict a longer TTNT in patients with RRMM treated with lenalidomide.
BF12, a Novel Benzofuran, Exhibits Antitumor Activity by Inhibiting Microtubules and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Gao Yiting , Ma Cheng , Feng Xuezhao , Liu Yang , Haimiti Xiaohelaiti
Published: January 2020

BF12 [(2E)‐3‐[6‐Methoxy‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoyl)‐1‐benzofuran‐5‐yl]prop‐2‐enoic acid], a novel derivative of combretastatin A‐4 (CA‐4), was previously found to inhibit tumor cell lines, with a particularly strong inhibitory effect on cervical cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the microtubule polymerization effects and apoptosis signaling mechanism of BF12. BF12 showed a potent efficiency against cervical cancer cells, SiHa and HeLa, with IC50 values of 1.10 and 1.06 μm, respectively. The cellular mechanism studies revealed that BF12 induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in SiHa and HeLa cells, which were associated with alterations in the expression of the cell G2/M cycle checkpoint‐related proteins (cyclin B1 and cdc2) and alterations in the levels of apoptosis‐related proteins (P53, caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, and Bax) of these cells, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that BF12 inhibited the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and induced apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. BF12 was identified as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor, evidenced by the effective inhibition of tubulin polymerization and heavily disrupted microtubule networks in living SiHa and HeLa cells. By inhibiting the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells, BF12 shows promise for use as a microtubule inhibitor.
Can ductus arteriosus morphology influence technique/outcome of stent treatment?
Authors: Roggen Mieke , Cools Bjorn , Brown Stephen , Boshoff Derize , Heying Ruth , Eyskens Benedicte , Gewillig Marc
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Results and outcomes of ductus arteriosus stenting vary widely. The aim of this study was to determine whether ductus morphology is associated with different procedural outcome.

Methods

Over an 18‐year period, 123 patients presented with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow. Results were retrospectively assessed based on radiographic anatomic features of the ductus arteriosus: Group 1: “straight” ductus arteriosus, typically seen in patients with Pulmonary atresia with intact septum (PA‐IVS), Group 2: “intermediate” ductus arteriosus as seen in severe pulmonary stenosis (PS)‐single ventricle, Group 3: “vertical” ductus arteriosus typically seen in patients with pulmonary atresia‐ventricular septal defect, Group 4: ductus arteriosus arising from the aorta to a single lung, Group 5: ductus arteriosus arising from the innominate/subclavian artery to a single lung, Group 6: ductus arteriosus from innominate/subclavian artery to both lungs.

Results

Ductal stenting (DS) was attempted in 98 patients with 99 ducts. Successful stenting was possible in 83 patients. Success of DS was significantly different among the groups (p = .04, F = 5.41). Groups 1, 4, and 5 were “easy” with good success while Groups 2, 3, and 6 were complex and demanding. There were two deaths (after 5 and 7 days, respectively) that could be ascribed to DS. Elective re‐interventions were performed in 34 ductuses (40%). Fifty three percent (n = 44/83) of successful ductus stents proceeded to further surgery and 20 ducts closed spontaneously in asymptomatic patients over time.

Conclusions

Ductus arteriosus morphology influences technique and determines complexity, safety, and final outcome of ductus arteriosus stenting.
Synergetic effect of C60/g‐C3N4 nanowire composites for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation
Authors: Long Dan , Chen Wenlan , Rao Xi , Zheng Shaohui , Zhang Yongping
Published: January 2020

C60 functioned g‐C3N4 nanocomposites were prepared by calcining the mixture of urea and C60 nanorods formed via a liquid‐liquid interfacial precipitation method. The obtained C60/g‐C3N4 nanowire composites exhibit better utilization of solar energy, efficient transfer and separation of photoinduced charge carriers. The optimum photocatalytic H2 evolution rate for C60/g‐C3N4‐0.03 wt % containing 0.03 wt % C60 under visible light irradiation reaches 8.73 μmol/h (with quantum efficiency of 5.10 %), which is about 4.7 times as high as that of pure g‐C3N4. This remarkable enhanced photocatalytic performance of C60/g‐C3N4‐0.03 wt % is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the interface formed between g‐C3N4 and C60 nanorods.
CO2‐Promoted Catalytic Process Forming Higher Alcohols with Tunable Nature at Record Productivity
Authors: Luk Ho Ting , Novak Gabrijel , Safonova Olga V. , Siol Sebastian , Stewart Joseph A. , Curulla Ferré Daniel , Mondelli Cecilia , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: January 2020

Converting syngas obtained from renewable or abundant feedstocks into higher alcohols (HA) is a potentially more sustainable route to these important chemicals and fuels than industrial technologies, but lacks a performing catalytic process to reach commercialization. Here, we show that moderate CO2 amounts (R=CO2/(CO+CO2)=0.12) in the feed raise the HA productivity over copper‐iron catalysts carried on carbon nanofibers and promoted by potassium to a 3‐fold higher level than the state of the art. CO2 promotes copper dispersion and thus the formation of activated CO species, as in traditional methanol synthesis. Still, since its vicinity to iron is boosted, CO insertion into growing hydrocarbon chains prevails on hydrogenation, translating positive effects to HA production. Cascade zeolite‐catalyzed upgrading of methanol and olefins byproducts generates a breakthrough process forming 2.42 gHA h−1 gcat−1, which is 4‐times superior to the best systems, and tuning the HA nature based on the aluminosilicate topology.
Flow Characteristics in a Honeycomb Structure to Design Nanobubble Generating Apparatus
Authors: Noda Nao-Aki , Zhai Hongfang , Takata Kakeru , Sano Yoshikazu , Takase Yasushi , Ren Fei , Kawano Ryo , Umekaga Toshihiko , Yonezawa Yuji , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2020

A nanobubble generator with honeycomb structures producing a large amount of water including large nanobubble density in a short time is described. The nanobubble‐generating performance is investigated for large and small apparatus having different honeycomb cell dimensions by applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with a population balance model (PBM). The CFD simulation shows that a significant pressure drop and shear stress occur in the bubbly flow in the honeycomb cell. The numerical model is based on the Eulerian multiphase model and the PBM is used to calculate the bubble size distribution. The obtained CFD‐PBM results are compared with the experimental results for large and small apparatus. Bubble size distributions in the honeycomb structure under different inlet absolute pressure can be predicted by the PBM. The maximum shear stress is determined as the main controlling factor for nanobubble generation.
Synthesis and Structure of Uranium‐Silylene Complexes
Authors: Brackbill I. Joseph , Douair Iskander , Lussier Daniel J. , Boreen Michael A. , Maron Laurent , Arnold John
Published: January 2020

While carbene complexes of uranium have been known for over a decade, there are no reported examples of complexes between an actinide and a „heavy carbene.“ Herein, we report the syntheses and structures of the first uranium‐heavy tetrylene complexes: (CpSiMe3)3U‐Si[PhC(NR)2]R’ (R=tBu, R’=NMe2 1; R=iPr, R’=PhC(NiPr)2 2). Complex 1 features a kinetically robust uranium‐silicon bonding interaction, while the uranium‐silicon bond in 2 is easily disrupted thermally or by competing ligands in solution. Calculations reveal polarized σ bonds, but depending on the substituents at silicon a substantial π‐bonding interaction is also present. The complexes possess relatively high bond orders which suggests primarily covalent bonding between uranium and silicon. These results comprise a new frontier in actinide‐heavy main‐group bonding.
Distributions of hypothalamic neuron populations coexpressing tyrosine hydroxylase and the vesicular GABA transporter in the mouse
Authors: Negishi Kenichiro , Payant Mikayla A. , Schumacker Kayla S. , Wittmann Gabor , Butler Rebecca M. , Lechan Ronald M. , Steinbusch Harry W. M. , Khan Arshad M. , Chee Melissa J.
Published: January 2020

The hypothalamus contains catecholaminergic neurons marked by the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). As multiple chemical messengers coexist in each neuron, we determined if hypothalamic TH‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons express vesicular glutamate or GABA transporters. We used Cre/loxP recombination to express enhanced GFP (EGFP) in neurons expressing the vesicular glutamate (vGLUT2) or GABA transporter (vGAT), then determined whether TH‐ir neurons colocalized with native EGFPVglut2‐ or EGFPVgat‐fluorescence, respectively. EGFPVglut2 neurons were not TH‐ir. However, discrete TH‐ir signals colocalized with EGFPVgat neurons, which we validated by in situ hybridization for Vgat mRNA. To contextualize the observed pattern of colocalization between TH‐ir and EGFPVgat, we first performed Nissl‐based parcellation and plane‐of‐section analysis, and then mapped the distribution of TH‐ir EGFPVgat neurons onto atlas templates from the Allen Reference Atlas (ARA) for the mouse brain. TH‐ir EGFPVgat neurons were distributed throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the hypothalamus. Within the ARA ontology of gray matter regions, TH‐ir neurons localized primarily to the periventricular hypothalamic zone, periventricular hypothalamic region, and lateral hypothalamic zone. There was a strong presence of EGFPVgat fluorescence in TH‐ir neurons across all brain regions, but the most striking colocalization was found in a circumscribed portion of the zona incerta (ZI)—a region assigned to the hypothalamus in the ARA—where every TH‐ir neuron expressed EGFPVgat. Neurochemical characterization of these ZI neurons revealed that they display immunoreactivity for dopamine but not dopamine β‐hydroxylase. Collectively, these findings indicate the existence of a novel mouse hypothalamic population that may signal through the release of GABA and/or dopamine.
Blue‐Shift Hydrogen Bonds in Silyltriptycene Derivatives: Antibonding σ* Orbitals of the Si−C Bond as Effective Acceptors of Electron Density
Authors: Mames Adam , Gołowicz Dariusz , Pietrzak Mariusz , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof , Szymański Sławomir , Ratajczyk Tomasz
Published: January 2020

Triptycene derivatives are widely utilized in different fields of chemistry and materials sciences. Their physicochemical properties, often of pivotal importance for the rational design of triptycene‐based functional materials, are influenced by noncovalent interactions between substituents mounted on the triptycene skeleton. Herein, a unique interaction between electron‐rich substituents in the peri position and the silyl group located on the bridgehead sp3‐carbon is discussed on the example of 1,4‐dichloro‐9‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐silyltriptycene (TRPCl) which exists in solution in the form of two rotamers differing by dispositions, syn or anti, of the Si−CPh (the CPh atom is from the p‐methoxyphenyl group) bond against the peri‐Cl atom. For the first time, substantial differences between the Si−CPh bonds in these two dispositions are identified, based on indirect experimental and direct theoretical evidence. For these two orientations, the experimental 1J(Si,CPh) values differ by as much as 10 percent. The differences are explained in terms of effective electron density transfer from the peri‐Cl atom to the antibonding σ* orbitals of the Si−X bonds (X=H, CPh) oriented anti to that atom. The electronic effects are revealed by an NBO analysis. Connections of these observations with the notion of blue‐shifting hydrogen bonds are discussed.
LR‐selHSQMBC: Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Very Weak Long‐Range Heteronuclear NMR Correlations
Authors: Motiram‐Corral Kumar , Souza Alexandre A. , Saurí Josep , Nolis Pau , Parella Teodor
Published: January 2020

The optimum detection and accurate measurement of longer‐range (4J and higher) heteronuclear NMR correlations is described. The magnitude and/or the sign of a wide range of large and small long‐range couplings can be simultaneously determined for protonated and non‐protonated 13C and 15N nuclei using the LR‐selHSQMBC experiment.
IRMPD Spectra of Protonated Hydroxybenzaldehydes: Evidence of Torsional Barriers in Carboxonium Ions
Authors: Chiavarino Barbara , Dopfer Otto , Crestoni Maria Elisa , Corinti Davide , Maître Philippe , Fornarini Simonetta
Published: January 2020

Protonation at the formyl oxygen atom of benzaldehydes leading to the formation of carboxonium ions yields two distinct isomers, depending on the relative orientation of the proton either cis or trans with respect to the hydrogen atom on the adjacent carbon. In this context, the IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectra of protonated ortho, meta, and para‐hydroxybenzaldehydes (OH−BZH+), delivered into the gas phase by electrospray ionization of hydro‐alcoholic solutions, are reported in the 3200–3700 cm−1 spectral range. This range is characteristic of O−H stretching modes and thus able to differentiate cis and trans carboxonium isomers. Comparison between IRMPD spectra and DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(2df2p) level suggests that for both p‐OH−BZH+ and m‐OH−BZH+ only cis conformers are present in the ion population analyzed. For o‐OH−BZH+, IRMPD spectroscopy points to a mixture comprising one trans and more than one cis conformers. The energy barrier for cis–trans isomerization calculated for each OH−BZH+ isomer is a measure of the degree of π‐electron delocalization. Furthermore, IRMPD spectra of p‐OH−BZH+, m‐OH−BZH+ and protonated phenol (this last used as reference) were recorded also in the fingerprint range. Both the observed C−O and O−H stretching vibrations appear to be a measure of π‐electron delocalization in the ions.
Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy and Metal Ions: Methodology and Biological Applications
Authors: Abdullin Dinar , Schiemann Olav
Published: January 2020

Pulsed dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) is a valuable method for determining biomolecular structures and their conformational changes during function. Often, this method is applied to paramagnetic metal ions that are either intrinsic co‐factors of biomolecules or introduced into biomolecules as spin labels. Here, the key achievements and the remaining challenges of PDS on metal ions are summarized and critically discussed. The first part of the Review describes the methodology of PDS experiments and the related data analysis for each of the biologically relevant paramagnetic metal centers. The second part highlights applications with the aim to give an idea about what kind of questions from structural biology can be answered by PDS‐based distance measurements involving metal centers.
Improving social functioning and life satisfaction among patients with personality dysfunction: Connectedness and engagement in integrative group treatment
Authors: Kealy David , Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Weber Rainer , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Joyce Anthony S.
Published: January 2020

Reduced social impairment and improved life satisfaction are important objectives in group treatment for patients with personality dysfunction. Knowledge regarding patient characteristics and group treatment processes that contribute to these outcomes, however, remains limited. Dispositional connectedness, the valuing of interpersonal connections, may be an important patient factor that influences patients' experience of group treatment in ways that facilitate therapeutic benefits. The present study investigated the roles of dispositional connectedness and group engagement in contributing to improvement in social functioning and life satisfaction through integrative group treatment for personality dysfunction. Seventy‐nine patients who completed an integrative group treatment programme were assessed for dispositional connectedness at baseline and social functioning and life satisfaction at pretreatment and posttreatment; each also provided ratings of group engagement during treatment. Regression analyses using bootstrap confidence intervals found significant indirect effects for dispositional connectedness regarding improvement in both social functioning and life satisfaction, through the mediating effect of group engagement. Thus, patients who entered treatment with tendencies towards interpersonal connectedness perceived a higher level of engagement in the group environment. Group engagement in turn contributed to greater improvement in social functioning and to greater improvement in life satisfaction following treatment. The findings indicate dispositional connectedness as a salient characteristic in selecting patients for group treatment and highlight the role of an engaged interpersonal climate in facilitating improvement in social functioning and life satisfaction.
Fluorescent Western Blotting: High Sensitivity Detection of Multiple Targets
Authors: Berkelman Tom
Published: January 2020

Western blotting with fluorescence detection offers the possibility of detecting multiple targets simultaneously on a single blot. Primary antibodies are increasingly available from multiple hosts, and there are now a wide variety of dye labels to exploit multiple imaging channels. If primary and secondary antibodies are selected so that individual targets can be discriminated, multiple antigens can be detected and quantified in a single experiment. Current fluorescence imaging instrumentation offers multiple detection channels and gives sensitivity comparable to other methods. The method described in this article allows multiple targets to be quantified simultaneously and reduces the need for stripping and re‐probing. It also allows loading controls to be detected alongside the targets of interest. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Five‐plex western blot detection, including tubulin detection for loading control