bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Assessment of Unpasteurized Fruit Juices Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Aleru Constancy Prisca , Agi Vivian Nkemkanma , Njoku Kingsley
Published: June 2020

This study assessed the bacterial quality of fresh fruit juices sold in some restaurants in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) fruit juice samples were collected from four (4) different types of fruit juices sold at four (4) different restaurants. The fruits that were used for this study are: Orange, Watermelon, Pineapple and Tiger nuts. Samples of the fruit juices were collected for bacteriological assessment using heterotrophic plate count and most probable number techniques, while CHRO Magar for E. coli and other coliforms was used for the detection of E. coli. The results showed that E. coli, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, Streptococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp were present in the fruit juices. The results of the heterotrophic plate count showed that the bacterial count ranged from 2.7 x 102 (Orange) to 7.1 x 103 (Tiger nuts), while the results of the total coliform count ranged from 11 MPN/100 ml to 28 MPN/100 ml. However, the study revealed that the total E. coli count ranged from 0 to 7. The number of E. coli in each of the fruit juices and restaurants ranged from 6 to 13, Bacillus spp 12 to 19, Klebsiella spp 4 to 10, Streptococcus spp 6 to 11 and Staphylococcus spp 4 to 13. Bacillus spp had the highest percentage (31.4%), followed by Staphylococcus spp (20.1%). The highest percentage of bacteria was recovered from Tiger nuts (29.4%), followed by Watermelon (28.4%). Regular monitoring of the quality of fresh fruit juices sold in restaurants in Port Harcourt and other parts of Nigeria should therefore be enforced.
Blocking of Conducting Channels Widens Window for Ferroelectric Resistive Switching in Interface‐Engineered Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Tunnel Devices
Authors: Sulzbach Milena Cervo , Estandía Saúl , Gàzquez Jaume , Sánchez Florencio , Fina Ignasi , Fontcuberta Josep
Published: June 2020

Films of Hf0.5Z0.5O2 (HZO) contain a network of grain boundaries. In (111) HZO epitaxial films on (001) SrTiO3, for instance, twinned orthorhombic (o‐HZO) ferroelectric crystallites coexist with grain boundaries between o‐HZO and a residual paraelectric monoclinic (m‐HZO) phase. These grain boundaries contribute to the resistive switching response in addition to the genuine ferroelectric polarization switching and have detrimental effects on device performance. Here, it is shown that, by using suitable nanometric capping layer deposited on HZO film, a radical improvement of the operation window of the tunnel device can be achieved. Crystalline SrTiO3 and amorphous AlOx are explored as capping layers. It is observed that these layers conformally coat the HZO surface and allow to increase the yield and homogeneity of ferroelectric junctions while strengthening endurance. Data show that the capping layers block ionic‐like transport channels across grain boundaries. It is suggested that they act as oxygen suppliers to the oxygen‐getters grain boundaries in HZO. In this scenario it could be envisaged that these and other oxides could also be explored and tested for fully compatible CMOS technologies.
Phthalocyanine‐Based 2D Conjugated Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets for High‐Performance Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Mingchao , Shi Huanhuan , Zhang Panpan , Liao Zhongquan , Wang Mao , Zhong Haixia , Schwotzer Friedrich , Nia Ali Shaygan , Zschech Ehrenfried , Zhou Shengqiang , Kaskel Stefan , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang
Published: June 2020

2D conjugated metal‐organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) are emerging as a novel class of conductive redox‐active materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, developing 2D c‐MOFs as flexible thin‐film electrodes have been largely limited, due to the lack of capability of solution‐processing and integration into nanodevices arising from the rigid powder samples by solvothermal synthesis. Here, the synthesis of phthalocyanine‐based 2D c‐MOF (Ni2[CuPc(NH)8]) nanosheets through ball milling mechanical exfoliation method are reported. The nanosheets feature with average lateral size of ≈160 nm and mean thickness of ≈7 nm (≈10 layers), and exhibit high crystallinity and chemical stability as well as a p‐type semiconducting behavior with mobility of ≈1.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. Benefiting from the ultrathin feature, the nanosheets allow high utilization of active sites and facile solution‐processability. Thus, micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) devices are fabricated mixing Ni2[CuPc(NH)8] nanosheets with exfoliated graphene, which display outstanding cycling stability and a high areal capacitance up to 18.9 mF cm−2; the performance surpasses most of the reported conducting polymers‐based and 2D materials‐based MSCs.
Domain Engineering in ReS2 by Coupling Strain during Electrochemical Exfoliation
Authors: Yu Wei , Wang Zishen , Zhao Xiaoxu , Wang Junyong , Herng Tun Seng , Ma Teng , Zhu Zhiyu , Ding Jun , Eda Goki , Pennycook Stephen J. , Feng Yuan Ping , Loh Kian Ping
Published: June 2020

Chemical exfoliation has been used for the fast and large‐scale production of 2D nanosheets from graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides; however, it is rarely used for domain engineering of exfoliated nanosheets. Herein, it is found that the use of large sized molecular intercalants during electrochemical intercalation induce atomic row dislocation and parallel mirror twin boundaries (MTBs) on an otherwise pristine rhenium disulfide (ReS2) crystal, such that the exfoliated flakes possess a parallel, multi‐domain structure. These domains can be distinguished under a polarized microscope owing to the intrinsic in‐plane optical dichroic properties of ReS2, thereby affording a way to track the number of domains introduced versus the size of the molecular intercalant during electrochemical exfoliation. Ferromagnetism is detected on the intercalated sample using large sized molecular intercalants. Density function theory suggests that these may be due to the coupled effects of lattice strain and S vacancies in the MTBs.
Observation of Electrically Tunable van Hove Singularities in Twisted Bilayer Graphene from NanoARPES
Authors: Jones Alfred J. H. , Muzzio Ryan , Majchrzak Paulina , Pakdel Sahar , Curcio Davide , Volckaert Klara , Biswas Deepnarayan , Gobbo Jacob , Singh Simranjeet , Robinson Jeremy T. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kim Timur K. , Cacho Cephise , Lanata Nicola , Miwa Jill A. , Hofmann Philip , Katoch Jyoti , Ulstrup Søren
Published: June 2020

The possibility of triggering correlated phenomena by placing a singularity of the density of states near the Fermi energy remains an intriguing avenue toward engineering the properties of quantum materials. Twisted bilayer graphene is a key material in this regard because the superlattice produced by the rotated graphene layers introduces a van Hove singularity and flat bands near the Fermi energy that cause the emergence of numerous correlated phases, including superconductivity. Direct demonstration of electrostatic control of the superlattice bands over a wide energy range has, so far, been critically missing. This work examines the effect of electrical doping on the electronic band structure of twisted bilayer graphene using a back‐gated device architecture for angle‐resolved photoemission measurements with a nano‐focused light spot. A twist angle of 12.2° is selected such that the superlattice Brillouin zone is sufficiently large to enable identification of van Hove singularities and flat band segments in momentum space. The doping dependence of these features is extracted over an energy range of 0.4 eV, expanding the combinations of twist angle and doping where they can be placed at the Fermi energy and thereby induce new correlated electronic phases in twisted bilayer graphene.
Electroluminescent Guest@MOF Nanoparticles for Thin Film Optoelectronics and Solid‐State Lighting
Authors: Gutiérrez Mario , Martín Cristina , Van der Auweraer Mark , Hofkens Johan , Tan Jin‐Chong
Published: June 2020

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are an efficient source of lighting, with many commercial applications like general illumination, camera flashes, phone or laptop displays, and TV screens. However, they present certain limitations, including low‐quality color rendition, and the use of expensive/toxic rare‐earth elements. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of improved luminescent materials free of rare earths. Luminescent metal–organic framework (LMOF) materials are promising candidates for photonics devices. Most MOF‐LEDs reported are of the down‐converter type, where UV or blue LED are coated with LMOFs, however there is limited progress in the development of LED using LMOFs as the electroluminescent layer. Herein, it is reported a novel Guest@MOF composite synthesized by encapsulating a semiconducting Gaq3 metal complex [gallium(III) tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)], into the ZIF‐8 pore [Zn (2‐methylimidazolate)2], yielding a green‐yellowish luminescent material exhibiting a relatively high quantum yield of 15% upon photoexcitation. Subsequently, a down‐converter LED comprising 405‐nm violet LED coated with Gaq3@ZIF‐8, yielding a white MOF‐LED is shown. Then the use of Gaq3@ZIF‐8 as an electroluminescent layer in a hybrid‐LED, achieving an orange‐yellowish light emitting device is demonstrated. This work reveals the potential of LMOFs for next‐generation LED technology, by exploiting the Guest@MOF concept to enable electroluminescent applications.
A Review on the Latest Progress of Chan‐Lam Coupling Reaction
Authors: Chen Jin‐Quan , Li Jing‐Hang , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: June 2020

Chan‐Lam reactions hold promise as one of the most efficient synthetic methods to construct various carbon‐heteroatom or carbon‐carbon bonds. Recently, a series of Chan‐Lam reactions were developed to boost organic synthesis. Herein, we summarized the latest research and progress of Chan‐Lam coupling to illustrate its synthetic value.

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Fabricating Bioactive 3D Metal–Organic Framework Devices
Authors: Singh Ruhani , Souillard Guillaume , Chassat Lucile , Gao Yuan , Mulet Xavier , Doherty Cara M.
Published: June 2020

Transforming the future capability to protect and restore vulnerable environments hinges on the ability to monitor them in real‐time with ever‐increasing sensitivity. Combining the precision and proficiency of biomolecules to signal the presence of low‐level toxins is key to developing water system monitoring that enables fast detection and remediation of pollution. Here, a 3D flow sensor is developed incorporating enzymes which can signal the presence of organic toxins from water systems over extended periods of time. The enzymes are encapsulated in a porous, crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF) cage, providing protection and stability. The inline flow device features a cutting‐edge 3D‐printed design to maximize flow and interfacial interactions between the encapsulated organophosphate degrading enzyme (OpdA) and the organophosphate based pollutants. The OpdA produces a yellow product on decomposition of the pollution that signals its presence. The porous protective MOF coating is key to this technology, structurally securing the enzyme while allowing the flow of reactant and thus the continuous breakdown of organic pollution over several days.
Metallic 1T Phase Tungsten Disulfide Microflowers for Trace Level Detection of Hg2+ Ions
Authors: Rahman Md Tawabur , Maruf Abdullah Al , Faisal Sakib , Pathak Rajesh , Reza Khan Mamun , Gurung Ashim , Hummel Matthew , Gu Zhengrong , Laskar Md Ashiqur Rahman , Rahman Sheikh Ifatur , Lamsal Buddhi Sagar , Qiao Qiquan
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical sensors for mercury ion detection would ideally demonstrate wide linear detection ranges (LDRs), ultratrace sensitivity, and high selectivity. This work presents an electrochemical sensor based on metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide (WS2) microflowers for the detection of trace levels of Hg2+ ions with wide LDRs, ultratrace sensitivity, and high selectivity. Under optimized conditions, the sensor shows excellent sensitivities for Hg2+ with LDRs of 1 nm–1 µm and 0.1–1 mm. In addition to this, the limit of detection of the sensor toward Hg2+ is 0.0798 nm or 79.8 pm, which is well below the guideline value recommended by the World Health Organization. The sensor exhibits excellent selectivity for Hg2+ against other heavy metal ions including Cu2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Cr3+, K+, Na+, Ag+, Sn2+, and Cd2+. The thus‐obtained excellent sensitivity and selectivity with wide LDRs can be attributed to the high conductivity, large surface area microflower structured 1T‐WS2, and the complexation of Hg2+ ions with S2−. In addition to good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability, this sensor shows the practical feasibility of Hg2+ detection in tap water suggesting a promising device for real applications.
Stepwise Achievement of Circularly Polarized Luminescence on Atomically Precise Silver Clusters
Authors: Li Si , Yan Zhi‐Ping , Li Xin‐Lei , Kong Yu‐Jin , Li Hai‐Yang , Gao Guang‐Gang , Zheng You‐Xuan , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: June 2020

The weakly coordinated anionic nitrate ligands in a centrosymmetric Ag20 cluster are replaced in a stepwise manner by chiral amino acids and two achiral luminescent sulfonic‐group‐containing ligands while nearly maintaining the original silver(I) cage structure. This surface engineering enables the atomically precise Ag20 clusters to exhibit the high‐efficiency synergetic effects of chirality and fluorescence, producing rare circularly polarized luminescence among the metal clusters with a large dissymmetry factor of (|glum|) ≈ 5 × 10−3. This rational approach using joint functional ligands further opens a new avenue to diverse multifunctional metal clusters for promising applications.
Carboxylic Acid‐Functionalized Conjugated Polymer Promoting Diminished Electronic Drift and Amplified Proton Sensitivity of Remote Gates Compared to Nonpolar Surfaces in Aqueous Media
Authors: Jang Hyun‐June , Wagner Justine , Song Yunjia , Lee Taein , Katz Howard E.
Published: June 2020

A systematic analysis is used to understand electrical drift occurring in field‐effect transistor (FET) dissolved‐analyte sensors by investigating its dependence on electrode surface‐solution combinations in a remote‐gate (RG) FET configuration. Water at pH 7 and neat acetonitrile, having different dipoles and polarizabilities, are applied to the RG surface of indium tin oxide, SiO2, hexamethyldisilazane‐modified SiO2, polystyrene, poly(styrene‐co‐acrylic acid), poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT), and poly [3‐(3‐carboxypropyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (PT‐COOH). It is discovered that in some cases a slow reorientation of dipoles at the interface induced by gate electric fields causes severe drift and hysteresis because of induced interface potential changes. Conductive and charged P3HT and PT‐COOH increase electrochemical stability by promoting fast surface equilibrations. It is also demonstrated that pH sensitivity of P3HT (17 mV per pH) is an indication of proton doping. PT‐COOH shows further enhanced pH sensitivity (30 mV per pH). This combination of electrochemical stability and pH response in PT‐COOH are proposed as advantageous for polymer‐based biosensors.
Orthogonal Electric Control of the Out‐Of‐Plane Field‐Effect in 2D Ferroelectric α‐In2Se3
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Chen , Li Wei , Mao Xiaoyu , Liu Heng , Xiang Jianyong , Nie Anmin , Liu Zhongyuan , Zhu Wenguang , Zeng Hualing
Published: June 2020

Tuning the electric properties of crystalline solids is at the heart of material science and electronics. Generating the electric field‐effect via an external voltage is a clean, continuous, and systematic method. Here, utilizing the unique electric dipole locking in van der Waals (vdW) ferroelectric α‐In2Se3, a new approach is reported to establish the electric gating effect, where the electrostatic doping in the out‐of‐plane direction is induced and controlled by an in‐plane voltage. With the vertical vdW heterostructure of ultrathin α‐In2Se3 and MoS2, an in‐plane voltage gated coplanar field‐effect transistor with distinguished and retentive on/off ratio is validated. The results demonstrate unprecedented electric control of ferroelectricity, which paves the way for integrating 2D ferroelectric into novel nanoelectronic devices with broad applications.
Ultrastretchable, Self‐Healable, and Wearable Epidermal Sensors Based on Ultralong Ag Nanowires Composited Binary‐Networked Hydrogels
Authors: Zhao Wen , Qu Xinyu , Xu Qian , Lu Yao , Yuan Wei , Wang Wenjun , Wang Qian , Huang Wei , Dong Xiaochen
Published: June 2020

Stretchable and biocompatible flexible electronic devices are essential to meet the increasing demands of complex and multifunctional personal healthcare systems. To detect various external stimuli, noninvasively epidermal sensors with reliable and sustainable performances are desirable. Herein, ultrastretchable, self‐healable, and wearable epidermal sensors based on ultralong Ag nanowires (AgNWs) composited binary‐networked hydrogels are fabricated. The flexible hydrogel sensors can monitor dynamic strains in a wide range (4–3000%), realize high healing efficiency (94.3%) and strong adhesiveness, which is attributed to the strong covalent bond and reversible physical interaction structured binary‐network. The ultralong AgNWs network remains in direct contact under strain, ensures a rapid response to external stimuli. The strong interactions between polymer matrix and the nanowires endow the hydrogel sensors excellent sensitivity (gauge factor of 4.59) within a wide sensing range (0–850%). The cycling stability of the hydrogel sensors is further improved by the composition of AgNWs, presenting negligible degradation both on tension and compression. Based on the advantageous performances, the flexible stain sensors can differentiate complicated human motions and realize phonation recognition precisely, showing promising application in next‐generation wearable epidermal sensors with ultrabroad working range and high sensitivity.
The relationship between esophageal cancer mortality‐to‐incidence ratios of countries and ranking of world's health system
Authors: Chang Ming‐Hui , Huang Shih‐Ming , Sung Wen‐Wei , Yang Tzu‐Wei , Chen Hsuan‐Yi , Su Chang‐Cheng , Chen Wei‐Liang , Tsai Ming‐Chang , Wang Chi‐Chih
Published: June 2020

The mortality‐to‐incidence ratio (MIR) is a marker that reflects the clinical outcome of cancer treatment. The MIR as a prognostic marker is more reliable and accessible when compared with the long‐term follow‐up survival survey. Theoretically, countries with good health care systems should have favorable cancer outcomes. However, no report has evidenced an association between MIR and countries' placement on the World Health Organization's (WHO) ranking of the world's health systems for esophageal cancer (EC). Therefore, we analyzed the correlation of MIRs with the WHO's rankings and total expenditures on health/gross domestic product (e/GDP) via linear regression analyses. In total, 35 countries were selected according to the data quality. The results showed similar crude rates of incidence/mortality but much lower age‐standardized rates (ASR) of incidence/mortality in more developed regions. Among the continents, Asia had both the highest crude rates and ASR of incidence/mortality. Regarding the MIR, Latin America and the Caribbean had the lowest MIR (0.80), while North America had the highest MIR (0.94). Furthermore, the MIRs of EC failed to correlate with a good WHO ranking and a high e/GDP (P = 0.475 and P = 0.591, respectively). Hence, not all cancer MIRs are associated with a country's health system ranking and their expenditure on health. The results suggest that more effective screening policies are needed to manage EC issues.
Body mass estimation in hominins from humeral articular dimensions
Authors: Ruff Christopher B. , Squyres Nicole , Junno Juho‐Antti
Published: June 2020

Objectives

While many attempts have been made to estimate body mass in hominins from lower limb bone dimensions, the upper limb has received far less attention in this regard. Here we develop new body mass estimation equations based on humeral articular breadths in a large modern human sample and apply them to 95 Plio‐Pleistocene specimens.

Materials and Methods

Humeral head superoinferior and total distal articular mediolateral breadths were measured in a morphologically diverse sample of 611 modern human skeletons whose body masses were estimated from bi‐iliac breadth and reconstructed stature. Reduced major axis regressions were used to compute body mass estimation equations. Consistency of the resulting estimates with those derived previously using lower limb bone equations was assessed in matched Plio‐Pleistocene individuals or samples.

Results

In the modern reference sample, the new humeral body mass estimation equations exhibit only slightly lower precision compared to the previously derived lower limb bone equations. They give generally similar estimates for Pleistocene Homo, after accounting for the different shape of the humeral head articular surface in archaic Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo, except for distal humeral estimates for Late Pleistocene specimens, which average somewhat below lower limb estimates. Humeral equations give body mass estimates for australopiths that appear much too high, except for Australopithecus sediba. A chimpanzee‐based distal humeral articular formula appears to work well for larger australopith specimens.

Discussion

The new formulae provide a more secure foundation for estimating hominin body mass from humeri than previously available equations.
Synthese, Charakterisierung und Reaktivität eines Nitrooxylierungsreagenzes basierend auf einer hypervalenten Iodverbindung
Authors: Calvo Roxan , Le Tellier Antoine , Nauser Thomas , Rombach David , Nater Darryl , Katayev Dmitry
Published: June 2020

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Synthese und Charakterisierung eines hypervalenten Iodreagenzes, das die direkte und selektive Nitrooxylierung enolisierbarer Carbonylverbindungen und damit Zugang zu einer Breite organischer Salpetersäureester erlaubt. Das Reagenz ist unter konventionellen Laborbedingungen stabil, leicht handzuhaben und erlaubt den Transfer der Nitrooxygruppe unter milden Bedingungen. Die Aktivierung des Reagenzes durch Brønstedt‐ und Lewis‐Säuren wurde im Rahmen der Darstellung nitrooxylierter β‐Ketoester, 1,3‐Diketone sowie Malonate gezeigt, während ein photoredoxkatalytischer Aktivierungsmodus den Zugang zu nitrooxylierten Oxindolen erlaubt. Im Rahmen der Arbeit wurde der Mechanismus unter Verwendung von Pulsradiolyse, Fluoreszenzspektroskopie und UV‐Vis‐Spektroelektrochemie untersucht. Hierbei zeigte sich ein einzigartiger SET‐induzierter konzertierter Reaktionsverlauf, der nicht auf der Bildung des freien Nitratradikals beruht.
Ein Multitarget‐Gold(I)‐Komplex induziert Zytotoxizität im Zusammenhang mit Aneuploidie in HCT‐116‐Kolorektalkarzinomzellen
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Jing , Abu el Maaty Mohamed A. , Hoffmeister Henrik , Schmidt Claudia , Muenzner Julienne K. , Schobert Rainer , Wölfl Stefan , Ott Ingo
Published: June 2020

Ein neuartiger Alkinylphosphan‐Gold(I)‐Komplex – (Trimethylphosphan)(3‐(1,3‐dimethylxanthin‐7‐yl)prop‐1‐in‐1‐yl)gold(I) (1) – zeigte eine Vielzahl biologischer Aktivitäten, darunter selektive proliferationshemmende, antimetastatische und antiangiogene Wirkungen. In HCT‐116‐Kolonkarzinomzellen induzierte der Komplex zudem mit Aneuploidie in Zusammenhang stehende Effekte, die hauptsächlich auf die Dysfunktion der mitochondrialen Bioenergetik und die Herunterregulierung der Glykolyse zurückgeführt werden konnten. Die Induktion von Aneuploidie über ein kritisches Maß hinaus kann eine wirksame Strategie zur Bekämpfung von Krebs darstellen, besonders bei kolorektalen Tumoren mit einer geringen Toleranz für Aneuploidie. Dies könnte für 1 und andere Metallwirkstoffe von Bedeutung sein.
Engulfment Genes Promote Neuronal Regeneration in Caenorhabditis Elegans: Two Divergent But Complementary Views
Authors: Chang Chieh , Hisamoto Naoki
Published: June 2020

Axon regeneration is a conserved process across the animal kingdom. Recent studies using the soil worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system revealed that machineries regulating engulfment of dying cells also control axon regeneration and axon debris removal. In this review, the relationships between the engulfment machinery and the biological processes triggered by axon injury and subsequent axon regeneration drawn from divergent views are examined. In one study, it is found that engulfing cells directly promote axon regeneration. In this context, CED‐1 (Drosophila Draper/mouse MEGF10), an engulfment protein expressed on the surface of engulfing cells, functions as a receptor for axon debris removal and as an adhesion molecule for axon regeneration. In other studies, it is shown that those engulfment genes, previously known to function within the engulfing cells for cell corpse removal, can have a cell‐autonomous “non‐engulfing cell” role in axon regeneration. Together, these findings suggest that engulfment genes are repurposed for neuronal regeneration by acting in both engulfing cells and regenerating neurons.
Accurate and simple determination of oxcarbazepine in human plasma and urine samples using switchable‐hydrophilicity solvent in GC–MS
Authors: Erarpat Sezin , Bodur Süleyman , Ayyıldız Merve Fırat , Günkara Ömer Tahir , Erulaş Fatih , Chormey Dotse Selali , Turak Fatma , Budak Türkan Börklü , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: June 2020

This work presents a sensitive and rapid analytical method for the determination of oxcarbazepine in human plasma and urine samples. A vortex‐assisted switchable hydrophilicity solvent‐based liquid phase microextraction (VA–SHS–LPME) was used to preconcentrate oxcarbazepine from the samples before the determination by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The switchable hydrophilicity solvent was synthesized by protonating N,N‐dimethylbenzylamine with carbon dioxide to make it totally miscible with an equivalent volume of water. Parameters of the VA–SHS–LPME method including volume of switchable hydrophilicity solvent, concentration/volume of sodium hydroxide and vortex period were systematically optimized. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity ranging from 27.03 to 353.47 μg/kg was obtained for the analyte. Limit of detection and quantitation values were found to be 6.2 and 21 μg/kg (mass base), respectively. The relative standard deviation was calculated as 6.9% for six replicate measurements of the lowest concentration of the calibration plot. Satisfactory recovery results were calculated in the range of 97–100% for human plasma and urine samples spiked at five different concentrations.
A web‐based integrated GUI for 3D modeling, kinematic study, and control of robotic manipulators
Authors: Dey Ujjal , Cheruvu S. Kumar
Published: June 2020

The simulation‐based analysis of any robotic system has emerged broadly in the past few years for application in educational and research enhancement. Currently, many simulation tools are available for different research areas on robotics with some advantages and limitations. In this study, the methodology of creating a web‐based graphical user interface is proposed for motion simulations and kinematic study of industrial robotic manipulators. It describes simple and straightforward modeling techniques using Web Graphics Library for creating any three‐dimensional virtual model of the robots within an HTML canvas for its motion simulation and different kinds of analysis. The positional kinematic study of the programmable universal machine for assembly 560 (PUMA 560) industrial robot through the developed interface is presented here, which helps in understanding the whole framework and can be implemented quickly for any other simulation system development. An essential aspect of the kinematic study of these serial chain robots is inverse kinematic analysis demonstrated with PUMA 560 robot with all the possible solutions. Finally, the interface is connected to an actual system following web‐based communication architecture for remote control of the actual PUMA robot.
Undue burdens in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: June 2020

Beginning early in March of this year, postsecondary schools across the country responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic by quickly reconfiguring classroom instruction to exclusively online education.
Accumulation of Minerals by Leccinum scabrum from Two Large Forested Areas in Central Europe: Notecka Wilderness and Tuchola Forest (Pinewoods)
Authors: Mędyk Małgorzata , Treu Roland , Falandysz Jerzy
Published: June 2020

Leccinum scabrum sporocarps and associated topsoils from two areas in Poland have been characterized for contents and bioconcentration potential of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn. Topsoil and fruitbody element composition varied between the two study sites, most likely as a result of local soil geochemistry. Element content of the labile fraction in topsoil from both sites followed the ‘pseudo‐total’ fraction and median values (mg kg−1 dry matter) were: K 380 and 340, Mg 760 and 840, P 1100 and 920, Al 3800 and 8100, Ag 0.31 and 0.28, Ba 28 and 37, Ca 920 and 790, Cd 0.23 and 0.23, Co 2.0 and 1.7, Cu 3.2 and 3.6, Fe 2800 and 6300, Mn 280 and 180, Na 99 and 110, Ni 7.8 and 8.8, Pb 12 and 18, Rb 1.3 and 2.1, Sr 4.8 and 4.0 and Zn 22 and 19, respectively. Only for some elements such as K, Mg, Al, Ag, Ca, Co, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr and Zn we found concentration differences between the two study sites for the caps of sporocarps. With the exception of Al, Mn, Na and Pb, stipes showed a similar tendency. Caps had a higher concentration of K, Rb, P, Mg, Al, Ag, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni compared to stipes, while Na, Ba and Sr contents were higher in stipes. The comparison of soil and fruitbody concentrations indicates that L. scabrum bioconcentrate some elements while others are bioexcluded.
The dynamic collapse of the trachea during anesthesia for a pediatric patient with a large anterior mediastinal mass: A case report
Authors: Niimi Naoko , Kataoka Kumi , Hayashida Masakazu , Inada Eiichi
Published: June 2020

Anesthesia for patient with large anterior mediastinal mass might induce life‐threatening complication. Maintaining the spontaneous breathing throughout the procedure and finding rescue position are the cornerstones of anesthetic management.
A Visible‐Light Promoted Amine Oxidation Catalyzed by a Cp*Ir Complex
Authors: Davis Holly Jane , Häussinger Daniel , Ward Thomas R. , Okamoto Yasunori
Published: June 2020

Through a rapid screening of Cp*Ir complexes based on a turn‐on type fluorescence readout, a [Cp*Ir(dipyrido[3,2‐a : 2’,3’‐c]phenazine)Cl]+ complex was found to catalyze the blue‐light promoted dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles under physiological conditions. In the dehydrogenation of tetrahydroisoquinolines, the catalyst preferentially yielded the monodehydrogenated product, accompanying H2O2 generation. We surmise that this mechanism may be reminiscent of flavin‐dependent oxidases.
Modeling of Convective Drying of Sawdust Using a Reaction Engineering Approach
Authors: Mohd Yusof Hanna Amirah , Ng Jes Lynn , Ng Sze Chiat , Lee Yan Jie , Hii Ching Lik , Putranto Aditya
Published: June 2020

Drying as a simultaneous heat and mass transfer process can be modeled via the reaction engineering approach (REA) where the apparent activation energy of the material is established and related to its moisture content during drying. This relationship is unique as the normalized activation energies can be collapsed into a single equation irrespective of the drying conditions and dryer types. Here, REA was applied to model the drying kinetics of sawdust using convective hot air in a laboratory setup. The normalized (relative) activation energy curve generated from one drying experiment was employed to predict the drying kinetics and temperature profiles. The REA can describe well the convective drying kinetics of sawdust, and major physics of the drying process was captured well with this technique.
Optimization of Red Mombin Juice Spray Drying: Physicochemical and Sensory Analyses of Powders
Authors: Morais Bárbara D. M. , Silva Júnior Marcony E. , Andrade Samara A. C. , Converti Attilio , Silva Milena F. , Maciel Maria Inês S.
Published: June 2020

Optimal spray drying conditions were selected to microencapsulate red mombin juice and maximize carotenoid retention. Microencapsulation was optimized following a rotatable central composite design where inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and maltodextrin concentration were chosen as independent variables. The powder prepared under optimized conditions, whose reconstituted nectar was the most appreciated by sensory analysis, exhibited a high total phenolic content and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging capacity, and its physicochemical properties proved to be suitable for applications in the food industry.
Alkane Shape‐ and Size‐Recognized Selective Vapor Sorption in “Channel‐Like” Crystals Based on Thiacalixarene Assemblies
Authors: Yamada Manabu , Uemura Fumiya , Kunda Uma Maheswara Rao , Tanno Takenori , Katagiri Hiroshi , Hamada Fumio
Published: June 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Manabu Yamada at Akita University and colleagues from Yamagata University and Vellore Institute of Technology. The image depicts two activated “channel‐like” crystals, effectively adsorb branched and cyclic alkanes from linear, branched, and cyclic alkane vapors. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000043.
First Total Syntheses of Novel Non‐Enzymatic Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolites and Their Identification in Edible Oils
Authors: Pavlíčková Tereza , Bultel‐Poncé Valérie , Guy Alexandre , Rocher Amandine , Reversat Guillaume , Vigor Claire , Durand Thierry , Galano Jean‐Marie , Jahn Ullrich , Oger Camille
Published: June 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) is an in vivo process leading to free radical overproduction, which triggers polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation resulting in the formation of racemic non‐enzymatic oxygenated metabolites. As potential biomarkers of OS, their in vivo quantification is of great interest. However, since a large number of isomeric metabolites is formed in parallel, their quantification remains difficult without primary standards. Three new PUFA‐metabolites, namely 18‐F3t‐isoprostane (IsoP) from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 20‐F4t‐neuroprostane (NeuroP) from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 20‐F3t‐NeuroP from docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn‐3) were synthesized by two complementary synthetic strategies. The first one relied on a racemic approach to 18(RS)‐18‐F3t‐IsoP using an oxidative radical anion cyclization as a key step, whereas the second used an enzymatic deracemization of a bicyclo[3.3.0]octene intermediate obtained from cyclooctadiene to pursue an asymmetric synthesis. The synthesized metabolites were applied in targeted lipidomics to prove lipid peroxidation in edible oils of commercial nutraceuticals.
Experimental and Theoretical Evidence of Spin‐Orbit Heavy Atom on the Light Atom 1H NMR Chemical Shifts Induced through H⋅⋅⋅I− Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Vícha Jan , Švec Petr , Růžičková Zdeňka , Samsonov Maksim A. , Bártová Kateřina , Růžička Aleš , Straka Michal , Dračínský Martin
Published: June 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Michal Straka and Martin Dračínský (IOCB Prague, Czech Academy of Sciences). The image depicts a neutron star, which is used to represent the relativistic effects between a heavy element and a hydrogen atom reported in this work. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202001532.
The Potential of the Diarsene Complex [(C5H5)2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2‐As2)] as a Connector Between Silver Ions
Authors: Moussa Mehdi Elsayed , Schiller Jana , Peresypkina Eugenia , Seidl Michael , Balázs Gábor , Shelyganov Pavel , Scheer Manfred
Published: June 2020

The reaction of the organometallic diarsene complex [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(μ,η2‐As2)] (B) (Cp = C5H5) with Ag[FAl{OC6F10(C6F5)}3] (Ag[FAl]) and Ag[Al{OC(CF3)3}4] (Ag[TEF]), respectively, yields three unprecedented supramolecular assemblies [(η2‐B)4Ag2][FAl]2 (4), [(μ,η1:η2‐B)3(η2‐B)2Ag3][TEF]3 (5) and [(μ,η1:η2‐B)4Ag3][TEF]3 (6). These products are only composed of the complexes B and AgI. Moreover, compounds 5 and 6 are the only supramolecular assemblies featuring B as a linking unit, and the first examples of [AgI]3 units stabilized by organometallic bichelating ligands. According to DFT calculations, complex B coordinates to metal centers through both the As lone pair and the As−As σ‐bond thus showing this unique feature of this diarsene ligand.
Global Mild Solutions of the Landau and Non‐Cutoff Boltzmann Equations
Authors: Duan Renjun , Liu Shuangqian , Sakamoto Shota , Strain Robert M.
Published: June 2020

This paper proves the existence of small‐amplitude global‐in‐time unique mild solutions to both the Landau equation including the Coulomb potential and the Boltzmann equation without angular cutoff. Since the well‐known works [45] and [3, 43] on the construction of classical solutions in smooth Sobolev spaces which in particular are regular in the spatial variables, it still remains an open problem to obtain global solutions in an framework, similar to that in [49], for the Boltzmann equation with the cutoff assumption in general bounded domains. One main difficulty arises from the interaction between the transport operator and the velocity‐diffusion‐type collision operator in the non‐cutoff Boltzmann and Landau equations; another major difficulty is the potential formation of singularities for solutions to the boundary value problem.

In the present work we introduce a new function space with low regularity in the spatial variable to treat the problem in cases when the spatial domain is either a torus or a finite channel with boundary. For the latter case, either the inflow boundary condition or the specular reflection boundary condition is considered. An important property of the function space is that the norm, in velocity and time, of the distribution function is in the Wiener algebra A(Ω) in the spatial variables. Besides the construction of global solutions in these function spaces, we additionally study the large‐time behavior of solutions for both hard and soft potentials, and we further justify the property of propagation of regularity of solutions in the spatial variables. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kymolyzer, a Semi‐Autonomous Kymography Tool to Analyze Intracellular Motility
Authors: Basu Himanish , Ding Lai , Pekkurnaz Gulcin , Cronin Michelle , Schwarz Thomas L.
Published: June 2020

The movement of intracellular cargo, such as transcripts, proteins, and organelles, is fundamental to cellular function. Neurons, due to their long axons and dendrites, are particularly dependent on proper intracellular trafficking and vulnerable to defects in the movement of intracellular cargo that are noted in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Accurate quantification of intracellular transport is therefore needed for studying the mechanisms of cargo trafficking, the influence of mutations, and the effects of potentially therapeutic pharmaceuticals. In this article, we introduce an algorithm called “Kymolyzer.” The algorithm can quantify intracellular trafficking along a defined path, such as that formed by the aligned microtubules of axons and dendrites. Kymolyzer works as a semi‐autonomous kymography software application. It constructs and analyzes kymographs to measure the movement and distribution of fluorescently tagged objects along a user‐defined path. The algorithm can be used under a wide variety of experimental conditions and can extract a diverse array of motility parameters describing intracellular movement, including time spent in motion, percentage of objects in motion, percentage of objects that are stationary, and velocities of motile objects. This article serves as a user manual describing the design of Kymolyzer, providing a stepwise protocol for its use and illustrating its functions with common examples. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol: Kymolyzer, a semi‐autonomous kymography tool to analyze intracellular motility
FMOD expression in whole blood aids in distinguishing between chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other leukemic lymphoproliferative disorders. A pilot study
Authors: Sorigue Marc , Junca Jordi , Ferra Christelle , Marce Silvia , Ruiz‐Xivillé Neus , Pinyol Laia , Cabezon Marta , Espasa Andrea , Dominguez Diana , Lopez‐Viaplana Laia , Ruiz Rocio , Buch Joan , Plensa Esther , Mostacedo Silvia‐Zdenka , Aranda Jessica , Vergara Sara , Raya Minerva , Granada Isabel , Tapia Gustavo , Navarro Jose‐Tomas , Beà Silvia , Zamora Lurdes
Published: June 2020

Background

Within the hematopoietic compartment, fibromodulin (FMOD) is almost exclusively expressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lymphocytes. We set out to determine whether FMOD could be of help in diagnosing borderline lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD).

Methods

We established 3 flow cytometry‐defined groups (CLL [n = 65], borderline LPD [n = 28], broadly defined as those with CLLflow score between 35 and −20 or discordant CD43 and CLLflow, and non‐CLL LPD [n = 40]). FMOD expression levels were determined by standard RT‐PCR in whole‐blood samples. Patients were included regardless of lymphocyte count but with tumor burden ≥40%.

Results

FMOD expression levels distinguished between CLL (median 98.5, interquartile range [IQR] 37.8–195.1) and non‐CLL LPD (median 0.012, IQR 0.003–0.033) with a sensitivity and specificity of 1. Most borderline LPDs were CD5/CD23/CD200‐positive with no loss of B‐cell antigens and negative or partial expression of CD43. 16/22 patients with available cytogenetic analysis showed trisomy 12. In 25/28 (89%) of these patients, FMOD expression levels fell between CLL and non‐CLL (median 3.58, IQR 1.06–6.21).

Discussion

This study could suggest that borderline LPDs may constitute a distinct group laying in the biological spectrum of chronic leukemic LPDs. Future studies will have to confirm these results with other biological data. Quantification of FMOD can potentially be of help in the diagnosis of phenotypically complex LPDs.
Validation of a modified pre‐lysis sample preparation technique for flow cytometric minimal residual disease assessment in multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and B‐non Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bayly Emma , Nguyen Vuong , Binek Adrian , Piggin Anna , Baldwin Kylie , Westerman David , Came Neil
Published: June 2020

Background

Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment of hematopoietic neoplasia below 10−4 requires more leukocytes than is usually attainable by post‐lysis preparation. However, not all laboratories are resourced for consensus Euroflow pre‐lysis methodology. Our study aim was to validate a modified pre‐lysis protocol against our standard post‐lysis method for MRD detection of multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and B‐non Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL), to meet demand for deeper MRD assessment by flow cytometry.

Method

Clinical samples for MRD assessment of MM, CLL, and B‐NHL (50, 30, and 30 cases, respectively) were prepared in parallel by pre and post‐lysis methods for the initial validation. Total leukocytes, MRD, and median fluorescence intensity of antigen expression were compared as measures of sensitivity and antigen stability. Lymphocyte and granulocyte composition were compared, assessing relative sample processing stability. Sensitivity of the pre‐lysis assay was monitored post validation for a further 18 months.

Results

Pre‐lysis achieved at least 10−4 sensitivity in 85% MM, 81% CLL, and 90% B‐NHL samples versus 24%, 48%, and 26% by post‐lysis, respectively, with stable antigen expression and leukocyte composition. Post validation over 18 months with technical expertise improving, pre‐lysis permitted 10−5 MRD assessment in 69%, 86%, and 82% of the respective patient groups.

Conclusion

This modified pre‐lysis procedure provides a sensitive, robust, time efficient, and relatively cost‐effective alternative for MRD testing by MFC at 10−5, facilitating clinically meaningful deeper response assessment for MM, CLL, and B‐NHL. This method adaptation may facilitate more widespread adoption of highly sensitive flow cytometry‐based MRD assessment.
DNA methylation patterns of RAR‐β2 and RASSF1A gene promoters in FNAB samples from Greek population with benign or malignant breast lesions
Authors: Kougioumtsidou Niki , Vavoulidis Eleftherios , Nasioutziki Maria , Symeonidou Marianthi , Pratilas Georgios Chrysostomos , Mareti Evangelia , Petousis Stamatios , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Grimbizis Gregorios , Theodoridis Theodoros , Miliaras Dimosthenis , Dinas Konstantinos , Zepiridis Leonidas
Published: June 2020

Background

Promoter hypermethylation is common in Breast Cancer (BC) with studies mainly in histological specimens showing frequent methylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) compared with normal tissues. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of promoter methylation of RAR‐β2 and RASSF1A genes in breast FNAB material aiming to evaluate the methylation status of these two genes as biomarker for detecting BC in Greek population.

Methods

FNAB material from 104 patients was collected for cytological evaluation and epigenetic analysis. DNA was extracted and subjected to bisulfite conversion. A methylation‐specific PCR was carried out and the final products were separated with electrophoresis in 2% agarose gels.

Results

From 104 samples, RASSF1A hypermethylation was observed in 78 (75%) and RAR‐β2 hypermethylation in 64 (61.6%). 84% and 78% of the cases diagnosed with breast malignancy (n = 50) were methylated for RASSF1A and RAR‐β2, respectively. Methylated RASSF1A and RAR‐β2 were also detected in 88.3% and 76.5% in samples diagnosed as suspicious for malignancy (n = 17) and in 57.2% of samples diagnosed with atypia (n = 14). The Odds Ratio for breast malignancy was 4.545 in patients with RASSF1A hypermethylation and 9.167 in patients with RAR‐β2 hypermethylation underlying their promoter's methylation positive correlation with breast malignancy.

Conclusion

To optimize the sensitivity and specificity of this epigenetic setting, more TSGs related to BC should be gradually imported in our evaluated methylation panel and be validated in a larger study sample with the aim that the obtained epigenetic profiles will provide clinicians with valuable tools for management of BC patients in Greece.
Predators can influence the host‐parasite dynamics of their prey via nonconsumptive effects
Authors: Zukowski Nicolette , Kirk Devin , Wadhawan Kiran , Shea Dylan , Start Denon , Krkošek Martin
Published: June 2020

Ecological communities are partly structured by indirect interactions, where one species can indirectly affect another by altering its interactions with a third species. In the absence of direct predation, nonconsumptive effects of predators on prey have important implications for subsequent community interactions. To better understand these interactions, we used a Daphnia‐parasite‐predator cue system to evaluate if predation risk affects Daphnia responses to a parasite. We investigated the effects of predator cues on two aspects of host–parasite interactions (susceptibility to infection and infection intensity), and whether or not these effects differed between sexes. Our results show that changes in response to predator cues caused an increase in the prevalence and intensity of parasite infections in female predator‐exposed Daphnia. Importantly, the magnitude of infection risk depended on how long Daphnia were exposed to the cues. Additionally, heavily infected Daphnia that were constantly exposed to cues produced relatively more offspring. While males were ~5× less likely to become infected compared to females, we were unable to detect effects of predator cues on male Daphnia–parasite interactions. In sum, predators, prey, and their parasites can form complex subnetworks in food webs, necessitating a nuanced understanding of how nonconsumptive effects may mediate these interactions.