bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rugged Textile Electrodes for Wearable Devices Obtained by Vapor Coating Off‐the‐Shelf, Plain‐Woven Fabrics
Authors: Zhang Lushuai , Fairbanks Marianne , Andrew Trisha L.
Published: May 2017

Fabrics are pliable, breathable, lightweight, ambient stable, and have unmatched haptic perception. Here, a vapor deposition method is used to transform off‐the‐shelf plain‐woven fabrics, such as linen, silk, and bast fiber fabrics, into metal‐free conducting electrodes. These fabric electrodes are resistant to wear, stable after laundering and ironing, and can be body‐mounted with little detriment to their performance. A unique by‐product of conformally vapor coating plain‐woven fabrics is that textile parameters, such as thread material and fabric porosity, significantly affect the conductivity of the resulting fabric electrodes. The resistivities of the electrodes reported herein are linearly, not exponentially, dependent on length, meaning that they can be feasibly incorporated into garments and other large‐area body‐mounted devices. Further, these fabric electrodes possess the feel, weight, breathability, and pliability of standard fabrics, which are important to enable adoption of wearable devices.
Percolating Network of Ultrathin Gold Nanowires and Silver Nanowires toward “Invisible” Wearable Sensors for Detecting Emotional Expression and Apexcardiogram
Authors: Ho My Duyen , Ling Yunzhi , Yap Lim Wei , Wang Yan , Dong Dashen , Zhao Yunmeng , Cheng Wenlong
Published: May 2017

2 nm thin gold nanowires (AuNWs) have extremely high aspect ratio (≈10 000) and are nanoscale soft building blocks; this is different from conventional silver nanowires (AgNWs), which are more rigid. Here, highly sensitive, stretchable, patchable, and transparent strain sensors are fabricated based on the hybrid films of soft/hard networks. They are mechanically stretchable, optically transparent, and electrically conductive and are fabricated using a simple and cost‐effective solution process. The combination of soft and more rigid nanowires enables their use as high‐performance strain sensors with the maximum gauge factor (GF) of ≈236 at low strain (<5%), the highest stretchability of up to 70% strain, and the optical transparency is from 58.7% to 66.7% depending on the amount of the AuNW component. The sensors can detect strain as low as 0.05% and are energy efficient to operate at a voltage as low as 0.1 V. These attributes are difficult to achieve with a single component of either AuNWs or AgNWs. The outstanding sensing performance indicates their potential applications as “invisible” wearable sensors for biometric information collection, as demonstrated in applications for detecting facial expressions, respiration, and apexcardiogram.
Solution‐Processed Nanoporous Organic Semiconductor Thin Films: Toward Health and Environmental Monitoring of Volatile Markers
Authors: Zhang Fengjiao , Qu Ge , Mohammadi Erfan , Mei Jianguo , Diao Ying
Published: May 2017

Porous materials are ubiquitous in nature and have found a wide range of applications because of their unique absorption, optical, mechanical, and catalytic properties. Large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio is deemed a key factor contributing to their catalytic properties. Here, it is shown that introducing tunable nanopores (50–700 nm) to organic semiconductor thin films enhances their reactivity with volatile organic compounds by up to an order of magnitude, while the surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio is almost unchanged. Mechanistic investigations show that nanopores grant direct access to the highly reactive sites otherwise buried in the conductive channel of the transistor. The high reactivity of nanoporous organic field‐effect transistors leads to unprecedented ultrasensitive, ultrafast, selective chemical sensing below the 1 ppb level on a hundred millisecond time scale, enabling a wide range of health and environmental applications. Flexible sensor chip for monitoring breath ammonia is further demonstrated; this is a potential biomarker for chronic kidney disease.
Hollow Au–Cu Nanocomposite for Real‐Time Tracing Photothermal/Antiangiogenic Therapy
Authors: Pang Xiaojuan , Tan Xiaoxiao , Wang Jinping , Liu Li , You Qing , Sun Qi , Wang Yidan , Tan Fengping , Li Nan
Published: May 2017

High absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) region is essential for a photoabsorbing agents to realize efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer. Here, a novel hollow Au–Cu nanocomposite (HGCNs) is developed, which displays a significantly enhanced NIR surface plasmon resonance absorption and photothermal transduction efficiency. Besides, fluorescent polymer dots poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐co‐benzothiadiazole) (PFBT) and chemotherapeutic mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor agent rapamycin (RAPA) are attached onto the HGCNs (RAPA/PFBT‐HGCNs) for real‐time NIR fluorescence tracing and combined PTT/antiangiogenesis therapy. In particular, due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect, RAPA/PFBT‐HGCNs can act as NIR‐activatable on/off probe system for real‐time tracing of tumor tissues. A standard in vitro cellular uptake study, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, dual‐staining study, and flow cytometry assay reveal that the RAPA/PFBT‐HGCNs combined with NIR laser exhibit higher drug accumulation and cytotoxicity in both tumor cells and epithelial cells. Moreover, the margins of tumor and normal tissue can be accurately indicated by NIR‐stimulated dequenched PFBT after 24 h intravenous administration. Further, tumor growth can be considerably hampered by the optimal formulation plus laser treatment with relatively lower side effects. Consequently, the work highlights the real‐time tracing and enhanced PTT/antiangiogenesis therapy prospects of the established HGCNs with tremendous potential for treatment of cancer.
Forward/Backward Switching of Plasmonic Wave Propagation Using Sign‐Reversal Coupling
Authors: Gao Zhen , Gao Fei , Zhang Youming , Xu Hongyi , Luo Yu , Zhang Baile
Published: May 2017

Backward waves with wave‐front propagation opposite in direction to that of energy flow have attracted considerable interest in the context of photonic metamaterials. However, switching between forward and backward waves in the same frequency range has remained a challenge. Here, on a platform of coupled designer surface plasmon resonators in the microwave regime, multiband forward/backward switching of plasmonic wave propagation is demonstrated. This approach makes use of sign‐reversal coupling that occurs when switching the coupling configuration between tightly confined photonic modes. Direct experimental measurements of plasmon dispersion curves confirm the forward/backward propagation of plasmonic waves in the same frequency range. This study provides a solution to forward/backward switching of subwavelength plasmonic wave propagation, and may find potential applications in photonic integrated systems.
Clean Transfer of Large Graphene Single Crystals for High‐Intactness Suspended Membranes and Liquid Cells
Authors: Zhang Jincan , Lin Li , Sun Luzhao , Huang Yucheng , Koh Ai Leen , Dang Wenhui , Yin Jianbo , Wang Mingzhan , Tan Congwei , Li Tianran , Tan Zhenjun , Liu Zhongfan , Peng Hailin
Published: May 2017

The atomically thin 2D nature of suspended graphene membranes holds promising in numerous technological applications. In particular, the outstanding transparency to electron beam endows graphene membranes great potential as a candidate for specimen support of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, major hurdles remain to be addressed to acquire an ultraclean, high‐intactness, and defect‐free suspended graphene membrane. Here, a polymer‐free clean transfer of sub‐centimeter‐sized graphene single crystals onto TEM grids to fabricate large‐area and high‐quality suspended graphene membranes has been achieved. Through the control of interfacial force during the transfer, the intactness of large‐area graphene membranes can be as high as 95%, prominently larger than reported values in previous works. Graphene liquid cells are readily prepared by π–π stacking two clean single‐crystal graphene TEM grids, in which atomic‐scale resolution imaging and temporal evolution of colloid Au nanoparticles are recorded. This facile and scalable production of clean and high‐quality suspended graphene membrane is promising toward their wide applications for electron and optical microscopy.
Highly Efficient Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Using A Low Refractive Index Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Salehi Amin , Ho Szuheng , Chen Ying , Peng Cheng , Yersin Hartmut , So Franky
Published: May 2017

A low refractive index electron transport layer (ETL) can be very effective in enhancing the out‐coupling efficiency of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED). However, most organic films show a refractive index close to 1.8. In this work, it has been discovered that tris‐[3‐(3‐pyridyl)mesityl]borane (3TPYMB) has a low refractive index of 1.65 (at 550 nm), which is the lowest refractive index ETL among the commonly used ETLs up to date. Using 3TPYMB as an ETL, a solution processed OLED is demonstrated with nearly a 76% enhancement in external quantum efficiency (EQE). Optical simulation results of this study show that 59% of the enhancement comes from the low refractive index 3TPYMB, and the remaining 17% from the change in charge balance due to the 3TPYMB ETL in the OLED devices.
Carbon Nanotubes on Highly Interconnected Carbonized Cotton for Flexible and Light‐Weight Energy Storage
Authors: Rana Masud , Asim Sumreen , Hao Bin , Yang Sudong , Ma Peng‐Cheng
Published: May 2017

Development of novel light‐weight materials with high areal/volumetric energy density using bioresources provides a sustainable solution for portable energy storage devices. Most of the existing materials are powders or disordered textures with marginal interconnectivity among micro‐/mesoporous structures, leading to a low specific capacitance per geometric area and higher internal resistance as electrode materials. This work describes a simple strategy to develop carbon nanotubes on highly interconnected fibers in a carbonized cotton cloth using a single‐step chemical vapor deposition method. The developed material shows hierarchical structures with low weight (0.27 g cm−3), high surface area (137 m2 g−1), and excellent electrical conductivity (3.0 S cm−1). When employing the developed material as electrodes for aqueous and solid–gel electrolyte based supercapacitors, the sample exhibits specific areal capacitances of 1286 mF cm−2 (at 1 mA cm−2 current density) and 1140 mF cm−2 (at 2.5 mA cm−2 current density), respectively, which are much higher than recently reported carbon‐based electrode materials. The superior capacitance and high flexibility of fibrous carbon cloth endow the material great potential for light‐weight energy storage applications.
MgO Nanoparticle Modified Anode for Highly Efficient SnO2‐Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Junjie , Yang Guang , Qin Minchao , Zheng Xiaolu , Lei Hongwei , Chen Cong , Chen Zhiliang , Guo Yaxiong , Han Hongwei , Zhao Xingzhong , Fang Guojia
Published: May 2017

Reducing the energy loss and retarding the carrier recombination at the interface are crucial to improve the performance of the perovskite solar cell (PSCs). However, little is known about the recombination mechanism at the interface of anode and SnO2 electron transfer layer (ETL). In this work, an ultrathin wide bandgap dielectric MgO nanolayer is incorporated between SnO2:F (FTO) electrode and SnO2 ETL of planar PSCs, realizing enhanced electron transporting and hole blocking properties. With the use of this electrode modifier, a power conversion efficiency of 18.23% is demonstrated, an 11% increment compared with that without MgO modifier. These improvements are attributed to the better properties of MgO‐modified FTO/SnO2 as compared to FTO/SnO2, such as smoother surface, less FTO surface defects due to MgO passivation, and suppressed electron–hole recombinations. Also, MgO nanolayer with lower valance band minimum level played a better role in hole blocking. When FTO is replaced with Sn‐doped In2O3 (ITO), a higher power conversion efficiency of 18.82% is demonstrated. As a result, the device with the MgO hole‐blocking layer exhibits a remarkable improvement of all J–V parameters. This work presents a new direction to improve the performance of the PSCs based on SnO2 ETL by transparent conductive electrode surface modification.
Back Contact Engineering for Increased Performance in Kesterite Solar Cells
Authors: Antunez Priscilla D. , Bishop Douglas M. , Lee Yun Seog , Gokmen Tayfun , Gunawan Oki , Gershon Talia S. , Todorov Teodor K. , Singh Saurabh , Haight Richard
Published: May 2017

The thin‐film photovoltaic absorber Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) holds considerable promise for large scale conversion of sunlight into electricity. CZTSSe is composed of Earth‐abundant elements that exhibit low‐toxicities, but improvements in device efficiency have been hampered by difficulties in increasing open circuit voltages (VOC) due, at least in part, to disorder induced band tailing. We present a method to increase VOC through direct modification of the back contact; our approach involves the separation of fully functioning devices from their Mo/glass substrate to reveal the back CZTSSe surface. Formation of a new back contact consisting of a thermally deposited high work function material (MoO3), together with a higly reflective (Au) capping layer, creates an electrostatic field that drives electrons to the front p‐n junction and leads to a decrease in electron‐hole recombination. Model simulations indicating an increase in VOC with decreasing absorber thickness are borne out by experiments with devices of varying thicknesses (0.7–2.0 μm). We report VOC increases of up to 49 mV for a 1 μm thick absorber, with even greater increases up to 61 mV when the back CZTSSe surface is etched with bromine‐methanol.
Agricultural technical education and agrochemical use by rice farmers in China
Authors: Ying Ruiyao , Zhou Li , Hu Wuyang , Pan Dan
Published: May 2017

Using participatory approaches and experimental economic methods, this paper analyzes the impacts of different types of agricultural technical education on farmers’ agrochemical use in China. Agricultural technical education is differentiated as training through a short course and additional personal guidance both offered through agricultural extension agencies. Results show that training alone may generate the desired result of reducing fertilizer usage. However, additional personal guidance does not support the intended goal of reducing the application of either fertilizer or pesticide. This study also detects technology diffusion effect in that farmers who are not offered education but are in the same village where the education programs are offered are more likely to change their behavior. Implications of this study call for better supervision and implementation of agricultural extension efforts in China. [EconLit citations: Q12, Q16, Q52]
An experimental study of the flow of nonspherical grains in a rotating cylinder
Authors: Mandal Sandip , Khakhar Devang V.
Published: May 2017

The effect of particle aspect ratio on the rheology of the flow of granular materials is studied experimentally in a quasi–two‐dimensional rotating cylinder, using two varieties of prolate spheroidal grains with different aspect ratios. Image analysis of high speed videos is used to obtain the flow profiles near the centre of the cylinder. The dynamic angle of repose and apparent viscosity in the medium show significant increase with increasing aspect ratio. The mean velocity, root mean square velocity and shear rate profiles are qualitatively similar for nonspherical and spherical particles, however, their magnitudes increase with increasing aspect ratio. A simple scaling is shown to predict the maximum thickness of the flowing layer for all the particles. The predictions of a model for the flow match with the measured mean velocity profiles and layer thickness. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4307–4315, 2017
Catalytic ozonation of cinnamaldehyde to benzaldehyde over CaO: Experiments and intrinsic kinetics
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Su Tongming , Jiang Yuexiu , Xie Xinling , Qin Zuzeng , Ji Hongbing
Published: May 2017

The preparation, characterization of CaO and its application in the catalytic ozonation of cinnamaldehyde to benzaldehyde were studied. The calcination temperature greatly affected the physicochemical properties of CaO, and the CaO calcined at 900°C exhibited the optimal ozone utilization efficiency. When using 0.20 g CaO calcined at 900°C, 750 mL·min−1oxygen flow rate for generating O3, and reacted at 0°C for 210 min, the cinnamaldehyde conversion reached 97.77%, as well as the benzaldehyde yield was 59.51%. And the cinnamaldehyde conversion in a catalytic ozonation on CaO catalyst maintained above 90% for four used cycles, which exhibited reasonable catalyst stability. The electron donating process of surface O2‐on the catalyst is the key to improve the benzaldehyde yield, and based on the intrinsic kinetic study, the Eley‐Rideal kinetic model with cinnamaldehyde being adsorbed was the appropriate model for the catalytic ozonation of cinnamaldehyde on CaO. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 4403–4417, 2017
Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Masked Ortho‐Benzoquinones and Their Applications in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Harry Nissy Ann , Saranya Salim , Krishnan K. Keerthi , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: May 2017

Masked ortho‐benzoquinones are important intermediates in organic synthesis that exhibit a rich and fascinating chemistry. Their functionally enriched structural skeleton makes them important scaffolds in organic synthesis. They undergo a variety of interesting reactions and have found wide applications, especially in the total synthesis of many natural products. The functionalities such as alkene, diene, carbonyl, enone, dienone and ketal inherent in their structure can interfere individually or collectively in chemical transformations, making their chemistry interesting as well as challenging. Here, the work on masked ortho‐benzoquinones is reviewed in terms of their reactions such as intermolecular and intramolecular Diels–Alder reactions, Michael additions, [3+2] cycloadditions, and Baylis–Hillman reactions; these reactions lead to the formation of highly functionalised heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds that are otherwise difficult to access. This Focus Review summarises the developments in the chemistry of masked ortho‐benzoquinones and covers the literature from 2005 to 2016.
Body growth and life history in wild mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) from Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Galbany Jordi , Abavandimwe Didier , Vakiener Meagan , Eckardt Winnie , Mudakikwa Antoine , Ndagijimana Felix , Stoinski Tara S. , McFarlin Shannon C.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Great apes show considerable diversity in socioecology and life history, but knowledge of their physical growth in natural settings is scarce. We characterized linear body size growth in wild mountain gorillas from Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, a population distinguished by its extreme folivory and accelerated life histories.

Methods

In 131 individuals (0.09–35.26 years), we used non‐invasive parallel laser photogrammetry to measure body length, back width, arm length and two head dimensions. Nonparametric LOESS regression was used to characterize cross‐sectional distance and velocity growth curves for males and females, and consider links with key life history milestones.

Results

Sex differences became evident between 8.5 and 10.0 years of age. Thereafter, female growth velocities declined, while males showed increased growth velocities until 10.0–14.5 years across dimensions. Body dimensions varied in growth; females and males reached 98% of maximum body length at 11.7 and 13.1 years, respectively. Females attained 95.3% of maximum body length by mean age at first birth. Neonates were 31% of maternal size, and doubled in size by mean weaning age. Males reached maximum body and arm length and back width before emigration, but experienced continued growth in head dimensions.

Conclusions

While comparable data are scarce, our findings provide preliminary support for the prediction that mountain gorillas reach maximum body size at earlier ages compared to more frugivorous western gorillas. Data from other wild populations are needed to better understand comparative great ape development, and investigate links between trajectories of physical, behavioral, and reproductive maturation.
Mangan(I)‐katalysierte regioselektive C‐H‐Allenierung: direkte Synthese von 2‐Allenylindolen
Authors: Lu Qingquan , Greßies Steffen , Klauck Felix J. R. , Glorius Frank
Published: May 2017

Eine regioselektive und durch Mangan(I)‐katalysierte C‐H‐Allenierung wird beschrieben. Diese ermöglicht einen einfachen Zugang zu einer Reihe von 2‐Allenylindolen, auch im Grammmaßstab. Durch Chiralitätstransfer können bis zu 93 % ee erreicht werden. Mit leicht modifizierten Reaktionsbedingungen können außerdem zum ersten Mal Ketone direkt über Mangan(I)‐katalysierte C‐H‐Aktivierung hergestellt werden. Mechanistische Untersuchungen unterstreichen die große Bedeutung der Koordination des Carbonat‐Sauerstoffatoms an den Katalysator und des tertiären Kohlenstoffatoms.
Pressure‐Induced Polymerization of Acetylene: Structure‐Directed Stereoselectivity and a Possible Route to Graphane
Authors: Sun Jiangman , Dong Xiao , Wang Yajie , Li Kuo , Zheng Haiyan , Wang Lijuan , Cody George D. , Tulk Christopher A. , Molaison Jamie J. , Lin Xiaohuan , Meng Yufei , Jin Changqing , Mao Ho‐kwang
Published: May 2017

Geometric isomerism in polyacetylene is a basic concept in chemistry textbooks. Polymerization to cis‐isomer is kinetically preferred at low temperature, not only in the classic catalytic reaction in solution but also, unexpectedly, in the crystalline phase when it is driven by external pressure without a catalyst. Until now, no perfect reaction route has been proposed for this pressure‐induced polymerization. Using in situ neutron diffraction and meta‐dynamic simulation, we discovered that under high pressure, acetylene molecules react along a specific crystallographic direction that is perpendicular to those previously proposed. Following this route produces a pure cis‐isomer and more surprisingly, predicts that graphane is the final product. Experimentally, polycyclic polymers with a layered structure were identified in the recovered product by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and neutron pair distribution functions, which indicates the possibility of synthesizing graphane under high pressure.
Switchable Site‐Selective Catalytic Carboxylation of Allylic Alcohols with CO2
Authors: van Gemmeren Manuel , Börjesson Marino , Tortajada Andreu , Sun Shang‐Zheng , Okura Keisho , Martin Ruben
Published: May 2017

A switchable site‐selective catalytic carboxylation of allylic alcohols has been developed in which CO2 is used with dual roles, both facilitating C−OH cleavage and as a C1 source. This protocol is characterized by its mild reaction conditions, absence of stoichiometric amounts of organometallic reagents, broad scope, and exquisite regiodivergency which can be modulated by the type of ligand employed.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in Au–Fe Nanoalloys
Authors: Vassalini Irene , Borgese Laura , Mariz Michele , Polizzi Stefano , Aquilanti Giuliana , Ghigna Paolo , Sartorel Andrea , Amendola Vincenzo , Alessandri Ivano
Published: May 2017

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the most critical step in water splitting, still limiting the development of efficient alkaline water electrolyzers. Here we investigate the OER activity of Au–Fe nanoalloys obtained by laser‐ablation synthesis in solution. This method allows a high amount of iron (up to 11 at %) to be incorporated into the gold lattice, which is not possible in Au–Fe alloys synthesized by other routes, due to thermodynamic constraints. The Au0.89Fe0.11 nanoalloys exhibit strongly enhanced OER in comparison to the individual pure metal nanoparticles, lowering the onset of OER and increasing up to 20 times the current density in alkaline aqueous solutions. Such a remarkable electrocatalytic activity is associated to nanoalloying, as demonstrated by comparative examples with physical mixtures of gold and iron nanoparticles. These results open attractive scenarios to the use of kinetically stable nanoalloys for catalysis and energy conversion.
DNA Films Containing the Artificial Nucleobase Imidazole Mediate Charge Transfer in a Silver(I)‐Responsive Way
Authors: Léon J. Christian , She Zhe , Kamal Ajar , Shamsi Mohtashim Hassan , Müller Jens , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: May 2017

The first sequence‐dependent study of DNA films containing metal‐mediated base pairs was performed to investigate the charge transfer resistance (RCT) of metal‐modified DNA. The imidazole (Im) deoxyribonucleoside was chosen as a highly AgI‐specific ligandoside for the formation of Im–AgI–Im complexes within the duplexes. This new class of site‐specifically metal‐modified DNA films was characterized by UV, circular dichroism (CD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical properties of these systems were investigated by means of electron impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. Taken together, these experiments indicated that the incorporation of AgI ions into the DNA films leads to reduced electron transfer through the DNA films. A simple device was proposed that can be switched reversibly between two distinct states with different charge transfer resistance.
Novel NHC Precursors: Synthesis, Characterization, and Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Properties
Authors: Aktaş Aydın , Taslimi Parham , Gülçin İlhami , Gök Yetkin
Published: May 2017

Three series of imidazolidinium ligands (NHC precursors) substituted with 4‐vinylbenzyl, 2‐methyl‐1,4‐benzodioxane, and N‐propylphthalimide were synthesized. N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors were prepared from N‐alkylimidazoline and alkyl halides. The novel NHC precursors were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis techniques. The enzymes inhibition activities of the NHC precursors were investigated against the cytosolic human carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and II) and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. The inhibition parameters (IC50 and Ki values) were calculated by spectrophotometric method. The inhibition constants (Ki) were found to be in the range of 166.65–635.38 nM for hCA I, 78.79–246.17 nM for hCA II, and 23.42–62.04 nM for AChE. Also, the inhibitory effects of the novel synthesized NHCs were compared to acetazolamide as a clinical CA isoenzymes inhibitor and tacrine as a clinical cholinergic enzymes inhibitor.
Matriptase Induction of Metalloproteinase‐Dependent Aggrecanolysis In Vitro and In Vivo: Promotion of Osteoarthritic Cartilage Damage by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Wilkinson David J. , Habgood Angela , Lamb Heather K. , Thompson Paul , Hawkins Alastair R. , Désilets Antoine , Leduc Richard , Steinmetzer Torsten , Hammami Maya , Lee Melody S. , Craik Charles S. , Watson Sharon , Lin Hua , Milner Jennifer M. , Rowan Andrew D.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To assess the ability of matriptase, a type II transmembrane serine proteinase, to promote aggrecan loss from the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine whether its inhibition can prevent aggrecan loss and cartilage damage in experimental OA.

Methods

Aggrecan release from human OA cartilage explants and human stem cell–derived cartilage discs was evaluated, and cartilage‐conditioned media were used for Western blotting. Gene expression was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Murine OA was induced by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus, and matriptase inhibitors were administered via osmotic minipump or intraarticular injection. Cartilage damage was scored histologically and aggrecan cleavage was visualized immunohistochemically using specific neoepitope antibodies.

Results

The addition of soluble recombinant matriptase promoted a time‐dependent release of aggrecan (and collagen) from OA cartilage, which was sensitive to metalloproteinase inhibition and protease‐activated receptor 2 antagonism. Although engineered human (normal) cartilage discs failed to release aggrecan following matriptase addition, both matrix metalloproteinase– and aggrecanase‐mediated cleavages of aggrecan were detected in human OA cartilage. Additionally, while matriptase did not directly degrade aggrecan, it promoted the accumulation of low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 (LRP‐1) in conditioned media of the OA cartilage explants. Matriptase inhibition via neutralizing antibody or small molecule inhibitor significantly reduced cartilage damage scores in murine OA, which was associated with reduced generation of metalloproteinase‐mediated aggrecan cleavage.

Conclusion

Matriptase potently induces the release of metalloproteinase‐generated aggrecan fragments as well as soluble LRP‐1 from OA cartilage. Therapeutic targeting of matriptase proteolytic activity reduces metalloproteinase activity, further suggesting that this serine proteinase may have potential as a disease‐modifying therapy in OA.
In Memoriam: Thomas H. Shepard, M.D., Pioneer in Embryology and Teratology
Authors: Fantel Alan G. , Polifka Janine E. , Oakley Godfrey P.
Published: May 2017

Dr. Thomas H. Shepard died on October 3, 2016 at the age of 93. He was a major figure in the fields of teratology, embryonic and fetal pathology, and pediatrics. He was beloved by his colleagues as he was by the many students and fellows whom he taught, mentored and befriended. His contributions to teratology are extraordinary and he is greatly missed.Birth Defects Research 109:533–534, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary schools and network governance: A policy analysis of reception baseline assessment
Authors: Roberts‐Holmes Guy , Bradbury Alice
Published: May 2017

Primary school reception baseline assessment was designed to produce a single ‘baseline’ data figure on the basis of which young children's progress across primary school could be measured and accounted for. This paper suggests that within the context of punitive performativity, head teachers might be considered ‘irresponsible’ if not engaging with the new accountability measure in its voluntary year. Using DfE‐accredited baseline assessment providers blurred the distinctions between not‐for‐profit social enterprises, digital policy innovation labs, edu‐business, and the state. It is argued that through a process of networked governance, these cross‐sectoral organisations successfully enticed some primary schools with the ‘moral economy’ of using baseline assessment. It is argued that baseline's simplistic reductionism allowed for the economisation of early years education assessment and for its commercialisation of comparison. This paper reports on a sample of five head teachers, taken from a much larger study that used a mixed‐methods approach involving a nationwide survey (n=1131) and in‐depth interviews with reception staff and head teachers in five geographically disparate primary schools. Baseline assessment was ‘withdrawn’ by the DfE in April 2016, quite possibly because of campaigns by early years organisations, the government's own report showing that the three separate baseline datasets were incompatible, and national research funded by the teachers’ unions, a small part of which is reported upon here.
Compartmentalized metabolic engineering for biochemical and biofuel production
Authors: Huttanus Herbert M. , Feng Xueyang
Published: May 2017

Sub‐cellular compartments create specialized reaction chambers in eukaryotes. These compartments provide favorable micro‐environments for many metabolic processes. Recently, metabolic engineers have explored the concept of pathway compartmentalization to enhance the performance of metabolic pathways. This strategy offers many unique advantages, including (i) increased local concentrations of enzymes and substrates, (ii) accessing alternate substrate pools, (iii) separation from competing reactions, and (iv) isolation of harmful intermediates or conditions needed for the pathway. In this review, the method of localizing metabolic pathways into specific organelles as well as the benefits of pathway compartmentalization in terms of enhancing the production of value‐added chemicals is discussed.
The amino‐terminal tail of Hxt11 confers membrane stability to the Hxt2 sugar transporter and improves xylose fermentation in the presence of acetic acid
Authors: Shin Hyun Yong , Nijland Jeroen G. , de Waal Paul P. , Driessen Arnold J. M.
Published: May 2017

Hxt2 is a glucose repressed, high affinity glucose transporter of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is subjected to high glucose induced degradation. Hxt11 is a sugar transporter that is stably expressed at the membrane irrespective the sugar concentration. To transfer this property to Hxt2, the N‐terminal tail of Hxt2 was replaced by the corresponding region of Hxt11 yielding a chimeric Hxt11/2 transporter. This resulted in the stable expression of Hxt2 at the membrane and improved the growth on 8% d‐glucose and 4% d‐xylose. Mutation of N361 of Hxt11/2 into threonine reversed the specificity for d‐xylose over d‐glucose with high d‐xylose transport rates. This mutant supported efficient sugar fermentation of both d‐glucose and d‐xylose at industrially relevant sugar concentrations even in the presence of the inhibitor acetic acid which is normally present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1937–1945. © 2017 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the accuracy of granular sludge and biofilm reactor simulations in Aquasim through artificial diffusion
Authors: Baeten Janis E. , van Loosdrecht Mark C.M. , Volcke Eveline I.P.
Published: May 2017

Aquasim is public‐domain and user‐friendly software that is widely used for biofilm modeling. The program uses built‐in process unit blocks, such as biofilm and mixed compartments. In the literature, often several of these compartments are linked with artificial advective flows to represent a single physical well‐mixed system, such as a granular sludge reactor. This work shows that caution should be exercised with this popular approach because numerical errors occur when too high artificial advective flows are used. These errors could stay unnoticed if mass‐balances of the simulation results are not checked. A solution to this problem is proposed in this work. A new method based on diffusive links between compartments instead of advective links leads to more reliable and faster simulations and is much easier to implement. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2131–2136. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Periodic harvesting of microalgae from calcium alginate hydrogels for sustained high‐density production
Authors: Pierobon Scott C. , Riordon Jason , Nguyen Brian , Ooms Matthew D. , Sinton David
Published: May 2017

High‐density biomass production is currently only realized in biofilm‐based photobioreactors. Harvest yields of whole biofilms are self‐limited by daughter‐upon‐parent cell growth that hinders light and leads to respiratory biomass losses. In this work, we demonstrate a sustainable multi‐harvest approach for prolonged generation of high‐density biomass. Calcium‐alginate hydrogel cultures loaded with Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 achieved production densities comparable to that of biofilms (109 cells/mL) and optimal total productivity in harvest periods of 2 or 3 days that allowed high‐density surface growth without self‐limiting cell buildup or surface death. Cross‐linking calcium concentration had a strong influence on surface growth and harvest yields, especially in the first harvests. Subsequent harvests achieved more uniform biomass yields and distributions, unaffected by bulk respiration or light penetration. Collectively, these results demonstrate the feasibility of sustained, high‐density biomass production by periodic harvesting within microalgal hydrogel cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2023–2031. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the Parkinson Fatigue Scale in Chinese Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Fu Rao , Cui Shi‐Shuang , Du Juan‐Juan , Huang Pei , He Ya‐Chao , Gao Chao , Luo Xiao‐Guang , Chen Sheng‐Di
Published: May 2017

Objective

Fatigue is a common nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the Parkinson's disease fatigue scale (PFS), which is designed to measure fatigue in PD, has not been validated in China. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the PFS in PD patients.

Methods

A total of 115 PD patients were evaluated at baseline and after 7 days. Assessments included the PFS, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and scales assessing motor, cognition, depression, and anxiety. Acceptability was assessed in terms of the rate of missing data and floor and ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to calculate convergent and divergent validity between PFS scores and scales assessing clinical characteristics.

Results

No data were missing for the PFS. Compared with the original scoring method, the binary scoring method had relatively large floor effects (5.21% vs. 17.39%) and ceiling effects (0.90% vs. 4.31%). The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the PFS were satisfactory (original scoring method: Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94; binary scoring method: Cronbach's alpha = 0.94, ICC = 0.94). The PFS score exhibited strong convergent validity with FSS score (correlation coefficient = 0.87). PFS score was weakly to moderately correlated with disease duration and with measures of disease stage, motor function, depression, and anxiety (range of correlation coefficients: 0.25–0.48). There was no significant correlation between PFS score and either onset age or MoCA score (range of correlation coefficients: −0.05 to 0.12).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the PFS is a valid measure for assessing fatigue in PD.
Substance P NK1 receptor in the rat corpus callosum during postnatal development
Authors: Barbaresi Paolo , Mensà Emanuela , Bastioli Guendalina , Amoroso Salvatore
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The expression of substance P (SP) receptor (neurokinin 1, NK1) was studied in the rat corpus callosum (cc) from postnatal day 0 (the first 24 hr from birth, P0) to P30.

Methods

We used immunocytochemistry to study the presence of intracallosal NK1‐immunopositive neurons (NK1IP‐n) during cc development.

Results

NK1IP‐n first appeared on P5. Their number increased significantly between P5 and P10, it remained almost constant between P10 and P15, then declined slightly until P30. The size of intracallosal NK1IP‐n increased constantly from P5 (102.3 μm2) to P30 (262.07 μm2). From P5 onward, their distribution pattern was adult‐like, that is, they were more numerous in the lateral and intermediate parts of the cc, and declined to few or none approaching the midline. At P5, intracallosal NK1IP‐n had a predominantly round cell bodies with primary dendrites of different thickness from which originated thinner secondary branches. Between P10 and P15, dendrites were longer and more thickly branched, and displayed several varicosities as well as short, thin appendages. Between P20 and P30, NK1IP‐n were qualitatively indistinguishable from those of adult animals and could be classified as bipolar (fusiform and rectangular), round–polygonal, and pyramidal (triangular–pyriform).

Conclusions

Number of NK1IP‐n increase between P5 and P10, then declines, but unlike other intracallosal neurons, NK1IP‐n make up a significant population in the adult cc. These findings suggest that NK1IP‐n may be involved in the myelination of callosal axons, could play an important role in their pathfinding. Since they are also found in adult rat cc, it is likely that their role changes during lifetime.
Designing a course and infrastructure for teaching software‐defined networking
Authors: Šuh Jelena , Bojović Živko , Despotović‐Zrakić Marijana , Bogdanović Zorica , Labus Aleksandra
Published: May 2017

Software‐defined networking (SDN) is an emerging technology that allows efficient and flexible management of networking equipment through standard interfaces. In order to encourage the seamless adoption of this technology, a new approach for the education of network engineers should be established, shifting the focus from conventional vendor specific technologies toward the concepts of standardized network management. In this paper, we propose an approach for designing an SDN course where students are encouraged to learn how to design and manage software‐defined networks in general, rather than focusing on the specifics of one vendor in particular. In addition, deeper student involvement is achieved through the use of globally available Open APIs and open source software which are the backbone of the course. The approach was evaluated at the graduate studies at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade. The results indicate that the proposed approach can have a positive impact on the learning process, and in time hopefully serve as a stepping stone for the education of the new generation of network engineers.
Student career path recommendation in engineering stream based on three‐dimensional model
Authors: Verma Prabal , Sood Sandeep K. , Kalra Sheetal
Published: May 2017

In the current scenario, students remain in dilemma to choose right career path in their lives. Many students have chosen their career path without receiving proper guidance from suitable professionals or services. This can potentially cause mismatch among personality, interest, and skill of students. Relative to this context, this paper proposes a comprehensive student‐centric recommendation system based on research analytics framework for choosing best career path. More specifically, this system utilizes the multiple measurements from three‐dimensional model, that is, preference, fuzzy logic, and influence. By integrating these measurements with the relative weighted set generated using Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) decision system, a desire score of student related to each career oriented engineering stream is computed. The results of user based evaluation demonstrates that our proposed approach generates more satisfactory career based path recommendations as compared to other baseline methods.
A networking laboratory using an integrated mixture of physical equipment and simulators
Authors: Chan Ka C. , Haythorne Sean
Published: May 2017

This article presents the design and development of a networking laboratory that integrates a combination of physical networking equipment with the open source GNS3 network simulators for on‐campus, blended‐learning, and potentially online delivery of networking classes. This transformative work has resulted in a significant increase in laboratory capacity, thus reducing the need for repeating classes. The integrated platform offers students both hands‐on experience using real equipment, and the convenience of easy setup and reconfiguration using simulators. An example practical exercise in setting up an OSPF/BGP network is presented to illustrate the experimental design before and after the integration of GNS3 simulators. In summary, we describe the infrastructure, the integrated platform and systems, network design and experiment design; and the learning and teaching experiences of using GNS3 in classes.
Specificity Effects of Amino Acid Substitutions in Promiscuous Hydrolases: Context‐Dependence of Catalytic Residue Contributions to Local Fitness Landscapes in Nearby Sequence Space
Authors: Bayer Christopher D. , van Loo Bert , Hollfelder Florian
Published: May 2017

Catalytic promiscuity can facilitate evolution of enzyme functions—a multifunctional catalyst may act as a springboard for efficient functional adaptation. We test the effect of single mutations on multiple activities in two groups of promiscuous AP superfamily members to probe this hypothesis. We quantify the effect of site‐saturating mutagenesis of an analogous, nucleophile‐flanking residue in two superfamily members: an arylsulfatase (AS) and a phosphonate monoester hydrolase (PMH). Statistical analysis suggests that no one physicochemical characteristic alone explains the mutational effects. Instead, these effects appear to be dominated by their structural context. Likewise, the effect of changing the catalytic nucleophile itself is not reaction‐type‐specific. Mapping of “fitness landscapes” of four activities onto the possible variation of a chosen sequence position revealed tremendous potential for respecialization of AP superfamily members through single‐point mutations, highlighting catalytic promiscuity as a powerful predictor of adaptive potential.
Aromatic Polyketide GTRI‐02 is a Previously Unidentified Product of theactGene Cluster inStreptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Wu Changsheng , Ichinose Koji , Choi Young Hae , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: May 2017

The biosynthesis of aromatic polyketides derived from type II polyketide synthases (PKSs) is complex, and it is not uncommon that highly similar gene clusters give rise to diverse structural architectures. Theactbiosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of the model actinomyceteStreptomyces coelicolor A3(2) is an archetypal type II PKS. Here we show that theactBGC also specifies the aromatic polyketide GTRI‐02 (1) and propose a mechanism for the biogenesis of its 3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one backbone. Polyketide 1was also produced byStreptomycessp. MBT76 after activation of theact‐likeqingene cluster by overexpression of the pathway‐specific activator. Mining of this strain also identified dehydroxy‐GTRI‐02 (2), which most likely originated from dehydration of1during the isolation process. This work shows that even extensively studied model gene clusters such asactofS. coelicolorcan still produce new chemistry, offering new perspectives for drug discovery.
Altered expression of eNOS, prostacyclin synthase, prostaglandin G/H synthase, and thromboxane synthase in porcine aortic endothelial cells after exposure to human serum—relevance to xenotransplantation
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Gao Hanchao , Lu Ying , Nie Huirong , Liu Zhaoming , Zhao Yu , Fan Nana , Zou Qingjian , Dai Yifan , Tang Aifa , Hara Hidetaka , Cai Zhiming , Cooper David K.C. , Lai Liangxue , Mou Lisha
Published: May 2017

Under normal conditions, the activity of platelets is stringently and precisely balanced between activation and quiescent state. This guarantees rapid hemostasis and avoids uncontrolled thrombosis. However, excessive platelet activation and resulting thrombotic microangiopathy are frequently observed in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation models. Endothelium‐derived inhibitory mechanisms play an important role in regulation of platelet activation. These mainly include nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin PGI2, and adenosine, which are synthesized by endothelial NO synthases (eNOS), prostacyclin synthase, and CD39/CD73, respectively. We investigated whether endothelium‐derived regulatory mechanisms are affected in porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) after exposure to human serum. In the present study, exposure of PAECs or porcine iliac arteries to human serum suppressed gene expression of eNOS and prostacyclin synthase, while induced gene expression of prostaglandin G/H synthase and thromboxane synthase. Simultaneously, exposure to human serum reduced NO and PGI2 production in PAEC culture supernatants. Thus, human serum altered the balance of endothelium‐derived inhibitory mechanisms in PAECs, which may indicate a regulatory mechanism of excessive platelet activation in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation.