bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel route for synthesis of NiCoP/SiO2 hydrodesulfurization catalysts with active S species
Authors: Song Limin , Liu Dan , Zhang Shujuan
Published: February 2018

We report a new route for synthesis of NiCoP/SiO2 with active S species using NiS and CoS as precursors. The as‐prepared catalysts were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, N2‐adsorption specific surface area measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalyst was highly active during the dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of NiCoP/SiO2. The XPS spectra of the as‐obtained samples show that the surface of NiCoP contains a small amount of S species, which may be responsible for the higher HDS activity.
Preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) ultrafiltration membranes from PVC/additive/solvent and application of UF membranes as substrate for fabrication of reverse osmosis membranes
Authors: Sabzi Dizajikan Behnam , Asadollahi Mahdieh , Musavi Seyyed Abbas , Bastani Dariush
Published: February 2018

Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were prepared from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as main polymer, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as additive, and 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent using Design Expert software for designing the experiments. The membranes were characterized by SEM, contact angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy. The performance of UF membranes was evaluated by pure water flux (PWF) and blue indigo dye particle rejection. In addition, the molecular weight cutoff of UF membranes was determined by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) rejection. The UF membranes were used as substrates for fabrication of polyamide thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The results showed that the model had high reliability for prediction of PWF of UF membranes. Also, increment in PVC concentration caused reduction of PWF. Moreover, at constant PVC concentration and if the concentrations of PVC was lower than 10 wt %, the PWF reduced by increasing the concentration of PVP. However, at PVC concentration higher than 11 wt %, increment in PVP concentration showed increment and reduction of PWF. The PEG rejection results showed that the prepared membranes had UF membranes properties. Finally, the NaCl rejection tests of RO membranes by PVC as substrates indicated that the performance of RO membranes were lower than commercial membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46267.
Neurobiologic Features of Fibromyalgia Are Also Present Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Basu Neil , Kaplan Chelsea M. , Ichesco Eric , Larkin Tony , Harris Richard E. , Murray Alison , Waiter Gordon , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report pain despite excellent control of inflammation with immunotherapies. Variable degrees of coexisting fibromyalgia (FM) may explain this disparity. FM has been characterized by aberrant brain functional connectivity, especially between the default mode network (DMN) and insula. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that RA patients with the highest 2011 American College of Rheumatology FM survey criteria scores—a continuous measure of the degree of FM also known as “fibromyalgianess” (FMness)—would demonstrate functional connectivity abnormalities similar to those in FM.

Methods

RA patients underwent an 11‐minute functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan and a clinical evaluation which included a measure of FMness. Brain networks were isolated from functional connectivity MRI data. Individual patient network‐to–whole brain connectivity analyses were then conducted, followed by group‐level regression, which correlated the connectivity of each network with FMness. Results were significant on the cluster level with a family‐wise error (FWE) rate P value less than 0.05 derived from an uncorrected voxel‐level P value less than 0.001.

Results

A total of 54 patients participated (mean age 54.9 years, 75.9% women, mean FMness score 13.2 [range 1–29]). From the whole brain analyses, a single significant positive correlation between DMN connectivity to the left mid/posterior insula and FMness (r = 0.58, FWE‐corrected P = 0.001) was demonstrated.

Conclusion

RA patients who have increased levels of FMness appear to share neurobiologic features consistently observed in FM patients. This study is the first to provide neuroimaging evidence that RA is a mixed pain state, with many patients’ symptoms being related to the central nervous system rather than to classic inflammatory mechanisms.
Drug Self‐Delivery Systems Based on Hyperbranched Polyprodrugs towards Tumor Therapy
Authors: Duan Xiao , Chen Jianxin , Wu Yalan , Wu Si , Shao Dongyan , Kong Jie
Published: February 2018

Amphiphilic hyperbranched polyprodrugs (DOX‐S‐S‐PEG) with drug repeat units in hydrophobic core linked by disulfide bonds were developed as drug self‐delivery systems for cancer therapy. The hydroxyl groups and the amine group in doxorubicin (DOX) were linked by 3,3′‐dithiodipropanoic acid as hydrophobic hyperbranched cores, then amino‐terminated polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG‐NH2) as hydrophilic shell was linked to hydrophobic cores to form amphiphilic and glutathione (GSH)‐responsive micelle of hyperbranched polyprodrugs. The amphiphilic micelles can be disrupted under GSH (1 mg mL−1) circumstance. Cell viability of A549 cells and 293T cells was evaluated by CCK‐8 and Muse Annexin V & Dead Cell Kit. The disrupted polyprodrugs maintained drug activity for killing tumor cells. Meanwhile, the undisrupted polyprodrugs possessed low cytotoxicity to normal cells. The cell uptake experiments showed that the micelles of DOX‐S‐S‐PEG were taken up by A549 cells and distributed to cell nuclei. Thus, the drug self‐delivery systems with drug repeat units in hydrophobic cores linked by disulfide bonds showed significant special advantages: 1) facile one‐pot synthesis; 2) completely without toxic or non‐degradable polymers; 3) DOX itself functions as fluorescent labeled molecule and self‐delivery carrier; 4) drug with inactive form in hyperbranched cores and low cytotoxicity to normal cells. These advantages make them excellent drug self‐delivery systems for potential high efficient cancer therapy.
Malliavin calculus in a binomial framework
Authors: Cohen Samuel N. , Elliott Robert J. , Siu Tak Kuen
Published: February 2018

The binomial model is a standard framework used to introduce risk neutral pricing of financial assets. Martingale representation, backward stochastic differential equations, and the Malliavin calculus are difficult concepts in a continuous‐time setting. This paper presents these ideas in the simple, discrete‐time binomial model.
Rethinking developmental toxicity testing: Evolution or revolution?
Authors: Scialli Anthony R. , Daston George , Chen Connie , Coder Prägati S. , Euling Susan Y. , Foreman Jennifer , Hoberman Alan M. , Hui Julia , Knudsen Thomas , Makris Susan L. , Morford LaRonda , Piersma Aldert H. , Stanislaus Dinesh , Thompson Kary E.
Published: February 2018

Background

Current developmental toxicity testing adheres largely to protocols suggested in 1966 involving the administration of test compound to pregnant laboratory animals. After more than 50 years of embryo‐fetal development testing, are we ready to consider a different approach to human developmental toxicity testing?

Methods

A workshop was held under the auspices of the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Technical Committee of the ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute to consider how we might design developmental toxicity testing if we started over with 21st century knowledge and techniques (revolution). We first consider what changes to the current protocols might be recommended to make them more predictive for human risk (evolution).

Results

The evolutionary approach includes modifications of existing protocols and can include humanized models, disease models, more accurate assessment and testing of metabolites, and informed approaches to dose selection. The revolution could start with hypothesis‐driven testing where we take what we know about a compound or close analog and answer specific questions using targeted experimental techniques rather than a one‐protocol‐fits‐all approach. Central to the idea of hypothesis‐driven testing is the concept that testing can be done at the level of mode of action. It might be feasible to identify a small number of key events at a molecular or cellular level that predict an adverse outcome and for which testing could be performed in vitro or in silico or, rarely, using limited in vivo models. Techniques for evaluating these key events exist today or are in development.

Discussion

Opportunities exist for refining and then replacing current developmental toxicity testing protocols using techniques that have already been developed or are within reach.
Hochtemperaturverhalten neuartiger Betone
Authors: Pistol Klaus
Published: February 2018

Die Bemessungsnorm für Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetontragwerke DIN EN 1992‐1‐2 (EC 2‐1‐2) erlaubt die Anwendung von vereinfachten und allgemeinen Rechenverfahren für den Tragfähigkeitsnachweis im Brandfall (Heißbemessung). Als Grundlage für die Heißbemessung werden für Normalbeton und für Hochfesten Beton temperaturabhängige Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Beziehungen angegeben, mit denen der Festigkeits‐ und Steifigkeitsverlust von Beton bei zunehmender Temperatur berücksichtigt wird. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird herausgearbeitet, dass die aktuelle betontechnologische Entwicklung und die damit einhergehende Diversifizierung in der stofflichen Zusammensetzung neuartiger Betone bei der Heißbemessung berücksichtigt werden muss. Die in dem Beitrag zusammengestellten temperaturabhängigen Druckfestigkeiten neuartiger Betone verdeutlichen den Einfluss der stofflichen Zusammensetzung auf das Hochtemperaturverhalten von Beton.
Cytosolic N‐Glycans: Triggers for Ubiquitination Directing Proteasomal and Autophagic Degradation
Authors: Yoshida Yukiko , Tanaka Keiji
Published: February 2018

Proteins on the cell surface and secreted proteins are modified with sugar chains that generate and modulate biological complexity and diversity. Sugar chains not only contribute physically to the conformation and solubility of proteins, but also exert various functions via sugar‐binding proteins (lectins) that reside on the cell surface or in organelles of the secretory pathway. However, some glycosidases and lectins are found in the cytosol or nucleus. Recent studies of cytosolic sugar–related molecules have revealed that sugar chains on proteins in the cytosol act as signals of adverse cellular conditions. In this review, we summarize recent reports that cytosolic sugar chains can trigger ubiquitination, followed by proteasomal and autophagic degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. In addition, we discuss the functions of sugar‐binding proteins revealed to date, along with possibilities not yet explored.
Advancing Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Using the CRISPR/Cas System
Authors: Lian Jiazhang , HamediRad Mohammad , Zhao Huimin
Published: February 2018

Thanks to its ease of use, modularity, and scalability, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system has been increasingly used in the design and engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the most popular hosts for industrial biotechnology. This review summarizes the recent development of this disruptive technology for metabolic engineering applications, including CRISPR‐mediated gene knock‐out and knock‐in as well as transcriptional activation and interference. More importantly, multi‐functional CRISPR systems that combine both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function modulations for combinatorial metabolic engineering are highlighted.
Relations between corporate economic performance, environmental disclosure and greenhouse gas emissions: New insights
Authors: Hassan Omaima A.G. , Romilly Peter
Published: February 2018

This study examines the associations and causations between corporate economic performance, environmental disclosure and greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing a large, longitudinal, multicountry dataset disaggregated between developed and developing countries. The methodology uses a simultaneous equation model with system estimation to deal with endogeneity between the variables, and Granger causality tests to indicate their direction of causation. A robust result is that lower emissions are strongly associated with better economic performance. After pretesting for stationarity, we find evidence of a one‐way causation from emissions and environmental disclosure to economic performance, but no evidence of reverse causation. We also find strong evidence of a one‐way causation from emissions to disclosure, but no evidence of reverse causation. The overarching policy implication is that environmental performance, as measured by greenhouse gas emissions, plays a crucial role in the formulation of business strategy at the firm level and government environmental policy at national and international levels.
Temperature Programmed Oxidation Coupled with In Situ Techniques Reveal the Nature and Location of Coke Deposited on a Ni/La2O3‐αAl2O3 Catalyst in the Steam Reforming of Bio‐oil
Authors: Ochoa Aitor , Valle Beatriz , Resasco Daniel E. , Bilbao Javier , Gayubo Ana G. , Castaño Pedro
Published: February 2018

The characterization of coke deposited on a Ni/La2O3‐αAl2O3 catalyst used in the steam reforming of bio‐oil has been studied by temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) coupled with different in situ techniques: thermogravimetry (TG), modulated thermogravimetry (MTG), FTIR spectroscopy with mass spectrometry (MS), Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The steam reforming of bio‐oil was carried out in a reactor equipment with two steps in series, comprising bio‐oil thermal treatment (500 °C) and subsequent reforming in a fluidized bed reactor (550–700 °C; and steam‐to‐carbon ratio, 1.5–6). TG/MS‐TPO experiments identify encapsulating and filamentous coke, and a more detailed analysis using other in situ techniques enable to characterize the nature and location of 4 types of coke: (i) an encapsulating coke with aliphatic nature placed in the most superficial layers; (ii) an encapsulating coke with higher aromatic nature in inner layers; (iii) the most superficial layers of a filamentous coke, further from active sites and with a more carbonized structure compared to encapsulating coke; and (iv) an innermost and mainly polyaromatic filamentous coke with a low oxygenates content.
Surface and Interface Engineering in Ag2S@MoS2 Core–Shell Nanowire Heterojunctions for Enhanced Visible Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Bai Lijie , Cai Xiaotong , Lu Jingjing , Li Luna , Zhong Shuxian , Wu Liang , Gong Peijun , Chen Jianrong , Bai Song
Published: February 2018

An Ag2S@MoS2 core–shell nanowire heterojunction, facilely synthesized by simultaneous sulfuration of Ag nanowires (NMs) and growth of MoS2, is used as a model system to disclose how the surface and interface structures influence the photocatalytic activity. The Ag2S@MoS2 NWs with different loading amounts of MoS2 are used as photocatalysts for H2 production. It is found that the highest photocatalytic activity is realized by a moderate loading amount of MoS2. A lower loading amount of MoS2 not only reduces the interfacial contact for insufficient electron–hole separation but also decreases the number of catalytic active sites for H2 production, while a higher loading amount of MoS2 increases the light‐shielding effect of Ag2S and extends the distance of electron transfer to the catalytic active sites for H2 production. Furthermore, with the same loading amount of MoS2, Ag2S@MoS2 NWs also exhibit superior H2 production activity in comparison with pre‐Ag2S@MoS2 NWs with MoS2 grown on pre‐synthesized Ag2S nanowires. The proposed reason is that the simultaneous sulfuration of Ag nanowires and growth of MoS2 results in an intimate contact between Ag2S and MoS2 for smooth interfacial charge transfer, while the two‐step synthetic method leads to a lower quality of the MoS2‐Ag2S interface and thus poor interelectron transfer. This work highlights the importance of a rational surface and interface design of semiconductor heterojunctions for realizing high‐performance photocatalytic applications.
The Impact of Salts Formed by the Neutralisation of (Ligno)Cellulose Hydrolysates on the Hydrogenation of Sugars
Authors: Hilgert Jakob , Lima Sérgio , Aho Atte , Eränen Kari , Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Rinaldi Roberto
Published: February 2018

Dilute acid hydrolysis of lignocellulose often requires a neutralisation step to utilise the hydrolysate's sugars. In this context, very little is known regarding the impact of low levels of acids or their corresponding salts produced by neutralisation on the catalyst performance in the hydrogenation of sugars. In this work, the influence of a series of ammonium and alkali metal salts (that is, NH4NO3, NaNO3, (NH4)2SO4, Na2SO4 and K2SO4) on the hydrogenation of glucose and xylose is addressed. This study also encompasses “real‐world” hydrolysates obtained by the mechanocatalytic depolymerisation of α‐cellulose and beechwood. The impact of low levels of acids and their salts upon the hydrogenation of sugars to sugar alcohols (alditols) was examined, in the presence of a commercial Ru/C catalyst (Ru/C, 0.7 wt % Ru) at 110 °C using batch and trickle‐bed reactors. The results show that the presence of salts leads to a considerable decrease in the alditols yields. Notably, salt anions exert an effect stronger than that of cations in the catalyst deactivation. Surprisingly, nitrates had a more significant effect on the decrease in the alditols yield than sulfates, and chlorides had the lowest impact. In this study, we also present the effect of sugars’ degradation products (e.g. 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural and furfural) upon hydrogenation of lignocellulose hydrolysates. The activated carbon pre‐treatments of the hydrolysates showed a positive effect on the catalyst activity, adsorbing hydrolysis by‐products. Overall, this study has significant implications for the practical aspects of hydrogenation of lignocellulose hydrolysates, which are often neglected in the current literature.
Systematic comparison and potential combination between multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) and band‐target entropy minimization (BTEM)
Authors: Bertinetto Carlo Giuseppe , de Juan Anna
Published: February 2018

This work does a systematic comparative evaluation of 2 methods originating from different fields, both dedicated to the problem of curve resolution/unmixing: multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) and band‐target entropy minimization (BTEM). The MCR‐ALS factorizes the data matrix into spectral and concentration profiles that satisfy constraints expressing physicochemical knowledge on the analyzed system. The BTEM reconstructs the pure components' spectral profiles as linear combinations of singular vectors that minimize the spectral entropy and contain specific peaks. Both methods were applied to 40 simulated and one real data set. The simulated data were generated from real spectral and concentration profiles that include different types of spectroscopy (mass spectrometry, Raman, and UV‐visible), data structures (random mixtures, images, and reaction system), and noise levels; the real data set was a Raman image of kidney calculus. For most data sets, both methods yielded accurate solutions, with a correlation between reference and resolved profiles >0.99. However, MCR‐ALS (here used with nonnegativity constraint only) was affected by rotational ambiguity in the recovery of spectral profiles coming from systems with high correlation or overlap in the concentration direction, whereas BTEM tended to distort UV‐visible spectra, a kind of measurement far in nature from low entropy conditions. MCR‐ALS solutions were more stable than BTEM to the increase in noise level. This work also explores the possibility of combining the 2 methods by performing them in sequence. The results show that this combination can significantly improve the outcome as compared to either method applied alone.
Learning Nature: Recyclable Monomers and Polymers
Authors: Lu Xiao‐Bing , Liu Ye , Zhou Hui
Published: February 2018

Recycling processes (such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen cycles etc.) occur each day as an essential character for nature. Managed ecosystems have maintained the natural environment in a state of great harmony for millions of years. In recent decades, various polymers with long‐term durability have been developed to be the most predominantly used materials, and have drastically changed the lifestyle of human beings. However, the tremendous growth of plastic debris, with no or very low degradability, over the past decades significantly affects the natural environment. The use of alternative recycling materials is the best option from the environmental point of view. This critical review highlights the most significant progress in chemically recyclable materials, especially several typical systems, which embody perfect recycling between polymers and the starting monomers.
An Efficient Amphiphilic‐Type Triphenylamine‐Based Organic Hole Transport Material for High‐Performance and Ambient‐Stable Dopant‐Free Perovskite and Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Reddy Saripally Sudhaker , Park Ho‐Yeol , Kwon Haeun , Shin Jongmoon , Kim Chang‐Su , Song Myungkwan , Jin Sung‐Ho
Published: February 2018

A new set of simply structured triphenylamine‐based small molecules are synthesized and evaluated as dopant‐free hole transporting materials (HTMs) for high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and bulk heterojunction inverted organic solar cells (BHJ IOSCs). Surprisingly, the new amphiphilic‐type HTM‐1 (with internal hydrophilic groups and peripheral hydrophobic alkyl tails) showed better compatibility and performance than the actual target molecule, that is, HTM‐2 in PSCs and BHJ IOSCs. Importantly, the HTM‐1‐based dopant‐free PSCs and BHJ IOSCs exhibited high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 11.45 % and 8.34 %, respectively. These performances are superior and comparable to those of standard HTMs Spiro‐OMeTAD (2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene) and PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate) in PSCs and BHJ IOSCs, respectively. The enhanced device performance of the HTM‐1‐based PSCs is ascribed to its strong affinity towards the perovskite, properly aligned energy levels with respect to the perovskite valence band, and excellent hole transporting behavior. In addition, the well‐organized energy levels of the HTMs showed excellent compatibility in BHJ IOSCs. The new amphiphilic‐type HTM‐based photovoltaic devices also showed long‐term air stability over 700 h. These promising results offer new and unexpected prospects for engineering the interface between the photoactive material and HTMs in PSCs and BHJ IOSCs.
Magnetic Slow Relaxation in a Metal–Organic Framework Made of Chains of Ferromagnetically Coupled Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Huang Gang , Fernandez‐Garcia Guglielmo , Badiane Insa , Camarra Magatte , Freslon Stéphane , Guillou Olivier , Daiguebonne Carole , Totti Federico , Cador Olivier , Guizouarn Thierry , Le Guennic Boris , Bernot Kevin
Published: February 2018

We report the study of a Dy‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) with unprecedented magnetic properties. The compound is made of nine‐coordinated DyIII magnetic building blocks (MBBs) with poor intrinsic single‐molecule magnet behavior. However, the MOF architecture constrains the MBBs in a one‐dimensional structure that induces a ferromagnetic coupling between them. Overall, the material shows a magnetic slow relaxation in absence of external static field and a hysteretic behavior at 0.5 K. Low‐temperature magnetic studies, diamagnetic doping, and ab initio calculations highlight the crucial role played by the Dy–Dy ferromagnetic interaction. Overall, we report an original magnetic object at the frontier between single‐chain magnets and single‐molecule magnets that host intrachain couplings that cancel quantum tunneling between the MBBs. This compound is evidence that a bottom‐up approach through MOF design can induce spontaneous organization of MBBs able to produce remarkable molecular magnetic materials.
RhII‐Catalyzed Intermolecular C−H Arylation of Aromatics with Diazo Quinones
Authors: Wu Kai , Cao Bei , Zhou Cong‐Ying , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: February 2018

We developed an efficient synthesis of biaryls by a dirhodium(II)‐catalyzed aromatic C−H arylation with diazo quinones. The new biaryl synthesis can be performed under mild and neutral conditions and without directing group chelation assistance. The reaction tolerates various functionalities and is applicable to a broad range of aromatics. The regioselectivity of the C−H arylation was often high and predictable. The synthetic utility of the method was demonstrated by the late‐stage modifications of a series of pharmaceuticals and functional materials as well as a short synthesis of a transthyretin amyloid inhibitor.
Chiral molecules adsorbed on a solid surface: Tartaric acid diastereomers and their surface explosion on Cu(111)
Authors: Rieger Alexandra , Sax Cédric , Bauert Tobias , Wäckerlin Christian , Ernst Karl‐Heinz
Published: February 2018

The adsorption of diastereoisomers of tartaric acid, namely, meso (R,S)‐tartaric acid, (R,R)‐tartaric acid, and the racemic mixture of (R,R) and (S,S) tartaric acid on the (111) surface of a copper single crystal has been studied by means of reflection‐absorption IR Spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction, and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Two distinct adsorption modes are identified for all three adsorbate systems. All molecules undergo an identical thermally induced autocatalytic decomposition reaction above 510 K. The pure enantiomers show 2D chiral long‐range ordered structures of opposite handedness.
Multiobjective optimization of microalgae (Chlorella sp.) growth in a photobioreactor using Box‐Behnken design approach
Authors: Hossain S. M. Zakir , Alnoaimi Abdullah , Razzak Shaikh A. , Ezuber Husny , Al‐Bastaki Nader , Safdar Mohammed , Alkaabi Salman , Hossain Mohammad M.
Published: February 2018

This study investigates a parameter optimization approach to maximize the specific growth rate of the Chlorella vulgaris microalgae species, its biomass productivity, and CO2 capture rate. For this purpose, the Box‐Behnken experimental design technique is applied with temperature, nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, and light‐dark cycle per day, as the growth controlling parameters. For each response, a quadratic model is developed separately describing the algal specific growth rate, biomass productivity, and CO2 capture rate, respectively. The maximum specific growth rate of 0.84 d−1 is obtained at 25 °C, with a nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of 3.4:1, and light‐dark cycles of 24/0 h. Maximum biomass productivity of 147.3 mg L−1 d−1 is found at 30 °C, with a nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of 3:1, and light‐dark cycles of 12/12 h. In addition, the maximum CO2 capture rate of 159.5 mg L−1 d−1 is also obtained at 30 °C, with a nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of 4:1, and light‐dark cycles of 23/1 h. Finally, a multi‐response optimization method is applied to maximize the specific growth rate, biomass productivity, and CO2 capture rate, simultaneously. The optimal set of 30 °C, a nitrogen to phosphorus ratio 3:1, and light‐dark cycles 16/8 h, provide the maximum specific growth rate of 0.66 per day, biomass productivity of 147.6 mg L−1 d−1, and CO2 capture rate of 141.7 mg L−1 d−1.
Lead and Zinc Stabilization of Soil Using Sewage Sludge Biochar: Optimization through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Fathianpour Azin , Taheriyoun Masoud , Soleimani Mohsen
Published: February 2018

In this study, the effect of biochar produced from municipal sewage sludge on the stabilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in a mining polluted soil, is investigated. Biochar is produced through the pyrolysis process at three temperatures of 300, 400, and 500 °C. The results of the biochar characterization shows that the pH and surface area of the samples increases with increasing pyrolysis temperature whereas the biochar yield decreases. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to design and optimize the experiments. Three factors are considered, including biochar pyrolysis temperature, biochar/soil ratio, and time of incubation in the experimental design. The incubation time is the most effective parameter in the stabilization of both metals and shows a direct effect on the responses. However, the pyrolysis temperature has the lowest effect among the investigated parameters. The optimum conditions from RSM shows that biochar is able to stabilize each metal up to 70%, which presents the high potential of produced biochar to be used in the remediation of soils polluted with PTEs.
Early‐stage breast cancer and employment participation after 2 years of follow‐up: A comparison with age‐matched controls
Authors: Ekenga Christine C. , Pérez Maria , Margenthaler Julie A. , Jeffe Donna B.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Although cancer survivors are more likely to be unemployed than individuals without a cancer history, employment participation after treatment of early‐stage breast cancer has not been widely studied to date. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate employment trajectories in a cohort of patients with early‐stage breast cancer and age‐matched controls from the time of diagnosis to the 2‐year follow‐up, and identify factors associated with diminished and emerging employment participation.

METHODS

As part of a larger cohort study of 1096 patients with early‐stage breast cancer and same‐aged women without breast cancer, data from 723 working‐age (aged 40‐64 years) women (347 patients and 376 controls) were analyzed to evaluate 4 employment trajectories (sustained unemployment, diminished employment, emerging employment, and sustained employment). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with diminished employment versus sustained employment, and emerging employment versus sustained unemployment.

RESULTS

Lower percentages of patients (71%) compared with controls (79%) reported full‐time or part‐time employment at enrollment (P<.01). Fatigue was a significant predictor of diminished employment for both patients (odds ratio [OR], 5.71; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.48‐13.15) and controls (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.21‐4.68). Among patients, African American race (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.57‐10.28) and public/uninsured insurance status (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.34‐12.38) were found to be associated with diminished employment. Among controls, high social support was associated with emerging employment (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.25‐7.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigued patients, African American patients, and publicly insured/uninsured patients with cancer were more likely to experience diminished employment after 2 years of follow‐up. Further investigation with longer follow‐up is warranted to identify factors associated with these disparities in employment participation after treatment of early‐stage breast cancer. Cancer 2018;124:2026‐35. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Microstructured Photo‐Crosslinked Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate) for Use in Soft Lithography Applications: A Biodegradable Alternative for Poly(Dimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Schüller‐Ravoo Sigrid , Teixeira Sandra M. , Papenburg Bernke , Stamatialis Dimitrios , Feijen Jan , Grijpma Dirk W.
Published: February 2018

Photo‐crosslinkable poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) macromers were used to fabricate microstructured surfaces. Microstructured PTMC surfaces were obtained by hot embossing the macromer against structured silicon masters and subsequent photo‐crosslinking, resulting in network formation. The microstructures of the master could be precisely replicated, limiting the shrinkage. Microstructured PTMC was investigated for use in two different applications: as stamping material to transfer a model protein to another surface and as structured substrate for cell culture. Using the flexible and elastic materials as stamps, bovine serum albumin labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate was patterned on glass surfaces. In cell culture experiments, the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells on nonstructured and microstructured PTMC surfaces was investigated. The cells strongly adhered to the PTMC surfaces and proliferated well. Compared to poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), which is commonly used in soft lithography, the PTMC networks offer significant advantages. They show better compatibility with cells, are biodegradable, and have much better mechanical properties. Both materials are transparent, flexible, and elastic at room temperature, but the tear resistance of PTMC networks is much higher than that of PDMS. Thus, PTMC might be an alternative material to PDMS in the fields of biology, medicine, and tissue engineering, in which microfabricated devices are increasingly being applied.
Economics of Pharmacogenetic‐Guided Treatments: Underwhelming or Overstated?
Authors: Hughes Dyfrig A.
Published: February 2018

Economic evaluations have dispelled a perception that precision medicine, achieved through pharmacogenetic testing, reduces healthcare costs. For many tests aimed at preventing adverse drug reactions, cost‐effectiveness analyses predict modest improvements in health benefits and increases in total costs. While there are many uncertainties in estimating the value of testing, factors that influence cost‐effectiveness include the rarity of the outcome, the effectiveness of alternative treatments, and the scope and perspective of analysis.
Photoanode for Aqueous Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells based on a Novel Multicomponent Thin Film
Authors: Husmann Samantha , Lima Lucas F. , Roman Lucimara S. , Zarbin Aldo J. G.
Published: February 2018

Most of the dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) developed so far use organic electrolytes and water‐sensible sensitizers. The search for aqueous DSSCs, a promising technology for solar‐energy conversion, implies finding materials that are stable in aqueous solution. In this study, Prussian blue (PB) was utilized as an innovative sensitizer in a photoanode for DSSCs and a novel synthetic approach to a carbon nanotubes/TiO2/PB nanocomposite thin film was developed. The photoresponse was evaluated in a total aqueous electrolyte, and photocurrents of 600 μA cm−2 were achieved.
Gold–Copper Aerogels with Intriguing Surface Electronic Modulation as Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Borohydride Oxidation
Authors: Wang Jiali , Chen Fuyi , Jin Yachao , Johnston Roy L.
Published: February 2018

We, for the first time, report the successful synthesis of self‐assembled AuCu aerogels by a one‐pot kinetically controlled approach. A startling electronic modulation effect of Cu on Au was observed across the entire alloy composition range, for which the optimal upshift of the d‐band center for the highest activities was 0.24 eV. Owing to the combination of a nanoporous architecture and a robust electronic effect, the Au52Cu48 aerogels exhibited better catalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the direct borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR) than commercial Pt/C catalysts. The specific and mass ORR activities were 4.5 and 6.3 times higher, respectively, on the Au52Cu48 aerogels than on Pt/C with negligible activity decay even after 10 000 cycles and a duration of 40 000 s. For the BOR, the Au52Cu48 aerogels also exhibited far better selectivity and activity than Pt/C. The new AuCu aerogels show great potential as a promising alternative for Pt‐based catalysts in fuel cells.
Textile reinforcement in the bed joint of basement masonry – First findings from a current research project
Authors: Erler Maik
Published: February 2018

The successful structural verification of basement walls under earth pressure loading with light imposed loading is often difficult. This situation is often encountered for external basement walls under terrace doors, stairs, masonry light wells etc., where the theoretically necessary imposed loading is missing. This makes it impossible to resist the acting bending forces from earth pressure using a vertical arch model. In such cases, the earth pressure has to be resisted in a horizontal direction. Since however the bending moment capacity of unreinforced masonry parallel to the bed joint is low, another possibility is to use a textile‐reinforced bed joint with longitudinal fibres of alkali‐resistant glass or carbon fibre. With an appropriately adapted textile reinforcement in the bed joints, the masonry can fulfil the requirements for load‐bearing capacity against earth pressure with horizontal load transfer, even under a small imposed load. Textile reinforcement has the advantage above all of corrosion resistance compared to conventional steel reinforcement, and textiles can also be inserted into thin bed joints. The Chair of Structural Design in the Faculty of Architecture of the TU Dresden is currently carrying out extensive numerical and experimental studies for this purpose. The objective is to develop an optimal configuration of material and textile form for use as bed joint reinforcement. The investigations are concentrating on the tension strength, bonding and durability of the composite material ”textile mortar“. This report should give a brief overview of the state of the work in the currently running research project.
Tectono‐stratigraphic response of the Sandino Forearc Basin (N‐Costa Rica and W‐Nicaragua) to episodes of rough crust and oblique subduction
Authors: Andjić Goran , Baumgartner‐Mora Claudia , Baumgartner Peter Oliver , Petrizzo Maria Rose
Published: February 2018

The southern Central American active margin is a world‐class site where past and present subduction processes have been extensively studied. Tectonic erosion/accretion and oblique/orthogonal subduction are thought to alternate in space and time along the Middle American Trench. These processes may cause various responses in the upper plate, such as uplift/subsidence, deformation, and volcanic arc migration/shut‐off. We present an updated stratigraphic framework of the Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic Sandino Forearc Basin (SFB) which provides evidence of sedimentary response to tectonic events. Since its inception, the basin was predominantly filled with deep‐water volcaniclastic deposits. In contrast, shallow‐water deposits appeared episodically in the basin record and are considered as tectonic event markers. The SFB stretches for about 300 km and varies in thickness from 5 km (southern part) to about 16 km (northern part). The drastic, along‐basin, thickness variation appears to be the result of (1) differential tectonic evolutions and (2) differential rates of sediment supply. (1) The northern SFB did not experience major tectonic events. In contrast, the reduced thickness of the southern SFB (5 km) is the result of at least four uplift phases related to the collision/accretion of bathymetric reliefs on the incoming plate: (i) the accretion of a buoyant oceanic plateau (Nicoya Complex) during the middle Campanian; (ii) the collision of an oceanic plateau (?) during the late Danian–Selandian; (iii) the collision/accretion of seamounts during the late Eocene–early Oligocene; (iv) the collision of seamounts and ridges during the Pliocene–Holocene. (2) The northwestward thickening of the SFB may have been enhanced by high sediment supply in the Fonseca Gulf area which reflects sourcing from wide, high relief drainage basins. In contrast, sedimentary input has possibly been lower along the southern SFB, due to the proximity of the narrow, lowland isthmus of southern Central America. Moreover, two phases of strongly oblique subduction affected the margin, producing strike‐slip faulting in the forearc basin: (1) prior to the Farallon Plate breakup, an Oligocene transpressional phase caused deformation and uplift of the basin depocenter, triggering shallowing‐upward of the Nicaraguan Isthmus in the central and northern SFB; (2) a Pleistocene–Holocene transtensional phase drives the NW‐directed motion of a forearc sliver and reactivation of the graben‐bounding faults of the late Neogene Nicaraguan Depression. We discuss arguments in favour of a Pliocene development of the Nicaraguan Depression and propose that the Nicaraguan Isthmus, which is the apparent rift shoulder of the depression, represents a structure inherited from the Oligocene transpressional phase.
Relating soil organic matter composition to soil water repellency for soil biopore surfaces different in history from two Bt horizons of a Haplic Luvisol
Authors: Haas C. , Gerke H.H. , Ellerbrock R.H. , Hallett P.D. , Horn R.
Published: February 2018

The deposition of organic matter (OM), which is known for its high potential water repellency, on biopore walls can enhance preferential flow through these pores. In this study, OM composition determined with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy was related to soil water repellency (SWR) determined with sessile drop method, Wilhelmy plate method, and sorptivity tests. We hypothesized that the chemical composition (in terms of potential wettability index; a) is related to the physical properties (i.e., contact angle) of biopore walls, (b) depends on the history of the biopore, and (c) differs from the bulk soil matrix. Thus, the main objective was to identify the relation between OM composition determined with DRIFT spectroscopy and SWR in structured soils. The experiments were carried out on biopores and their surrounding soil matrices, excavated from 2 depths of a haplic Luvisol, with 3 different biopore histories (i.e., root channels, earthworm burrows, and root channels that were short‐term colonized by an earthworm). All measurements at intact biopore surfaces indicated a larger SWR at the surface of biopore walls as compared with the surrounding matrices and showed a higher proportion of hydrophobic functional groups. The OM composition determined with DRIFT spectroscopy correlated (R2 > .7) with contact angles (sessile drop method) that is in line with results of both water sorptivity and Wilhelmy plate method for soils with reduced wettability. The surfaces of short‐term colonized earthworm burrows had the most varying hydrophobic to hydrophilic components (A/B)‐ratio of all investigated biopore surfaces depending on soil depth. For biopore surfaces at this depth, contact angles >90° were frequently observed. The results also indicate that earthworms can lower SWR by aggregate disruption.
Landscapes of facilitation: how self‐organized patchiness of aquatic macrophytes promotes diversity in streams
Authors: Cornacchia Loreta , van de Koppel Johan , van der Wal Daphne , Wharton Geraldene , Puijalon Sara , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: February 2018

Spatial heterogeneity plays a crucial role in the coexistence of species. Despite recognition of the importance of self‐organization in creating environmental heterogeneity in otherwise uniform landscapes, the effects of such self‐organized pattern formation in promoting coexistence through facilitation are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of pattern formation on species interactions and community spatial structure in ecosystems with limited underlying environmental heterogeneity, using self‐organized patchiness of the aquatic macrophyte Callitriche platycarpa in streams as a model system. Our theoretical model predicted that pattern formation in aquatic vegetation – due to feedback interactions between plant growth, water flow and sedimentation processes – could promote species coexistence, by creating heterogeneous flow conditions inside and around the plant patches. The spatial plant patterns predicted by our model agreed with field observations at the reach scale in naturally vegetated rivers, where we found a significant spatial aggregation of two macrophyte species around C. platycarpa. Field transplantation experiments showed that C. platycarpa had a positive effect on the growth of both beneficiary species, and the intensity of this facilitative effect was correlated with the heterogeneous hydrodynamic conditions created within and around C. platycarpa patches. Our results emphasize the importance of self‐organized patchiness in promoting species coexistence by creating a landscape of facilitation, where new niches and facilitative effects arise in different locations. Understanding the interplay between competition and facilitation is therefore essential for successful management of biodiversity in many ecosystems.
Characterization of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with lymphoid tissue organizer cell potential in tonsils from children
Authors: Prados Alejandro , Muñoz‐Fernández Raquel , Fernandez‐Rubio Pablo , Olivares Enrique G.
Published: February 2018

Lymphoid tissue organizer (LTo) cells, identified in mouse and human embryos, are thought to be precursors of stromal cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Whether LTo cells are present in human adults, however remains unknown. We obtained 15 stromal cell lines from tonsils from children who underwent tonsillectomy, and studied the antigen phenotype of these tonsil stromal cell (TSC) lines by flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Cell lines met the minimal criteria proposed by the International Society for Cellular Therapy to define human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs): plastic‐adherent capacity; expression of CD73, CD90 and CD105, lack of CD45, CD19 and HLA‐DR; and capacity to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Furthermore, our TSC lines exhibited an antigen phenotype and functional characteristics very similar to those seen in murine embryo LTo cells: they expressed chemokines CCL19, CCL21 and CXCL13, cytokines TRANCE and IL‐7, and adhesion molecules ICAM‐1, mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MadCAM)‐1 and VCAM‐1. The expression of LTo cell‐associated markers and functions were upregulated by lymphotoxin (LT)α1β2 and TNF, two cytokines involved in the development and maturation of secondary lymphoid tissues. Our results show that TSCs are tonsil MSCs that differentiate into LTo‐like cells in response to the effects of these cytokines.
Evidence for dispensability of protein kinase R in host control of tuberculosis
Authors: Mundhra Shashirekha , Bryk Ruslana , Hawryluk Natalie , Zhang Tuo , Jiang Xiuju , Nathan Carl F.
Published: February 2018

Genetic deficiency of protein kinase R (PKR) in mice was reported to enhance macrophage activation in vitro in response to interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and to reduce the burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in vivo (Wu et al. PloS One. 2012 7:e30512). Consistent with this, treatment of wild‐type (WT) macrophages in vitro with a novel PKR inhibitor (Bryk et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2011 21:4108–4114) also enhanced IFN‐γ–dependent macrophage activation (Wu et al. PloS One. 2012 7:e30512). Here we show that co‐treatment with IFN‐γ and a new PKR inhibitor identified herein to be highly but not completely selective likewise induced macrophages to produce more reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and less interleukin 10 (IL‐10) than seen with IFN‐γ alone. Unexpectedly, however, this new PKR inhibitor had a comparable effect on PKR‐deficient macrophages. Retrospective investigation revealed that the PKR‐deficient mice in (Wu et al. PloS One. 2012 7:e30512) had not been backcrossed. On comparing genetically matched PKR‐deficient and WT mice, we saw no impact of PKR deficiency on macrophage activation in vitro or during the course of Mtb infection in vivo. In addition, although 129S1/SvImJ macrophage responses to IFN‐γ were greater than those of C57BL/6J macrophages, PKR was not required to mediate the IFN‐γ–dependent production of IL‐10, RNI or TNF‐α in either strain. Together the data cast doubt on PKR as a potential therapeutic target for tuberculosis.