bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals and Challenges of Lithium Ion Batteries at Temperatures between −40 and 60 °C
Authors: Hou Junbo , Yang Min , Wang Deyu , Zhang Junliang
Published: February 2020

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) continuously prove themselves to be the main power source in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. To ensure environmental sustainability, LIBs must be capable of performing well at extreme temperatures, that is, between −40 and 60 °C. In this review, the recent important progress and advances in the subzero and elevated temperature operations of LIBs is comprehensively summarized from a materials perspective. In the scenario of subzero temperatures, limitations, electrolytes, anodes, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI); cathodes and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI); and binders are thoroughly discussed to explore the fundamentals and basics that underlie the decay in electrochemical performance and how the chemistry, physics, and electrochemistry are correlated with the materials and components that interact with each other. In the case of high temperatures limitations, the thermal stability of the key materials and components are reviewed, and then the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics of the anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and their interactions are described using the highest occupied molecular orbit (HOMO)/lowest unoccupied molecular orbit (LUMO), and are extensively discussed. The prospect of combining the extreme temperature poles in a single cell by introducing appropriate electrolytes and additives is discussed.
14.2% Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells by Co‐sensitizing Novel Thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐Based Organic Dyes with a Promising Porphyrin Sensitizer
Authors: Ji Jung‐Min , Zhou Haoran , Eom Yu Kyung , Kim Chul Hoon , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: February 2020

A new series of 4‐hexyl‐4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]indole (HxTI) based organic chromophores is developed by structural engineering of the electron donor (D) group in the D–HxTI–benzothiadiazole‐phenyl‐acceptor platform with different fluorenyl moieties, such as unsubstituted fluorenyl (SGT‐146) and hexyloxy (SGT‐147), decyloxy (SGT‐148) and hexyloxy‐phenyl substituted (SGT‐149) fluorenyl moieties. In comparison to a reference dye SGT‐137 with a biphenyl‐based donor, the effects of the donating ability and bulkiness of the fluorenyl based donor in this D–π–A‐structured platform on molecular properties and photovoltaic performance are investigated to establish the structure–property relationship. The photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is improved according to the bulkiness of the donor groups. As a result, the DSSCs based on SGT‐149 show high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 11.7% and 10.0% with a [Co(bpy)3]2+/3+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) and an I−/I3− redox electrolyte, respectively. Notably, the co‐sensitization of SGT‐149 with a SGT‐021 porphyrin dye by utilizing a simple “cocktail” method, exhibit state‐of‐the‐art PCEs of 14.2% and 11.6% with a [Co(bpy)3]2+/3+ and an I−/I3− redox electrolyte, respectively.
Advances in Piezo‐Phototronic Effect Enhanced Photocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis
Authors: Pan Lun , Sun Shangcong , Chen Ying , Wang Peihong , Wang Jiyu , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2020

Direct conversion of solar light into chemical energy by means of photocatalysis or photoelectrocatalysis is currently a point of focus for sustainable energy development and environmental remediation. However, its current efficiency is still far from satisfying, suffering especially from severe charge recombination. To solve this problem, the piezo‐phototronic effect has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for photo(electro)catalysis. Through the integration of piezoelectricity, photoexcitation, and semiconductor properties, the built‐in electric field by mechanical stimulation induced polarization can serve as a flexible autovalve to modulate the charge‐transfer pathway and facilitate carrier separation both in the bulk phase and at the surfaces of semiconductors. This review focuses on illustrating the trends and impacts of research based on piezo‐enhanced photocatalytic reactions. The fundamental mechanisms of piezo‐phototronics modulated band bending and charge migration are highlighted. Through comparing and classifying different categories of piezo‐photocatalysts (like the typical ZnO, MoS2, and BaTiO3), the recent advances in polarization‐promoted photo(electro)catalytic processes involving water splitting and pollutant degradation are overviewed. Meanwhile the optimization methods to promote their catalytic activities are described. Finally, the outlook for future development of polarization‐enhanced strategies is presented.
Soviet topographic maps and burial mounds of the Yambol province: digital workflow for mortuary landscape verification
Authors: Sobotkova Adela , Weissova Barbora
Published: February 2020

During a two‐week campaign in 2017, we verified burial mounds from 40‐year‐old Soviet topographic maps covering the northern part of the Yambol province, southeast Bulgaria. The aims of the project were to monitor the health of the burial mounds as well as to assess the reliability of Soviet maps at 1:50 000 scale and their utility for archaeological purposes. Three teams of volunteers visited and systematically documented 257 archaeological features, of which 200 were identified as burial mounds. Field documentation was conducted digitally, using a customization of the FAIMS Mobile platform, an offline ystem for integrated collection of multimedia with structured and spatial data. After field‐capture, data were synchronized and labelled automatically, allowing the teams to focus on questions of interpretation, burial mound definition, and the assessment of topographic map reliability. Of the present sample of mounds in the landscape, 73% were documented in the Soviet maps with very little spatial or attribute error. Comparison of mound condition with monitoring done in the south part of Yambol during 2009–2010 shows that while mounds are destroyed less aggressively, a larger percentage of mounds is impacted in the northern (4% of pristine mounds) compared to the southern (11%) part of the Yambol province.
Removing per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances from groundwaters using activated carbon and ion exchange resin packed columns
Authors: Zeng Chao , Atkinson Ariel , Sharma Naushita , Ashani Harsh , Hjelmstad Annika , Venkatesh Krishishvar , Westerhoff Paul
Published: February 2020

Human exposure to per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water is of growing concern as a result of increasing reports of occurrence and potential regulation. Adsorption of PFAS by granular activated carbon (GAC) or ion exchange (IX) resin is a suitable treatment technique. However, few studies compare PFAS removal in continuous flow GAC or IX adsorption systems using real drinking water sources. In this study, rapid small‐scale column tests (RSSCTs) were used to investigate the effects of PFAS type and chain length on adsorption by GAC and IX resin for six groundwaters used as drinking water supplies. Seven PFAS substances with chain lengths of C4–C9 were detected in the groundwaters with the sum of their concentrations (ΣPFAS) ranging from 156 to 7,044 ng/L. Adsorption capacities (qΣPFAS) were calculated to compare the removal capacity among different sorbents and qΣPFAS values ranged from 10.3 to 228 ng PFAS/mg sorbent after about 100,000 bed volumes treated. Coal‐based GACs had higher adsorption capacity compared with coconutshell‐based GAC, which was likely due to higher mesopore and macropore volumes. IX resins performed better than GAC in removing PFAS, but they were not effective in treating short‐chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) broke through later than PFCAs with the same chain length. Within PFSA or PFCA classes, shorter‐chain PFAS species always broke through before longer‐chain PFAS. Statistical analysis demonstrated that PFAS with higher hydrophobicity and molecular weight are more amenable to GAC adsorption. Empirical models were developed and predicted PFAS breakthrough. By quantifying PFAS selectivity and removal efficiency, this work provides benchmark data for commercially available treatment technologies and guidance toward specific PFAS classes for which new treatment technologies may be most beneficial.
The Darwinian Rhetoric of Science in Petr Kropotkin'sMutual Aid. A Factor of Evolution(1902)
Authors: Nicolosi Riccardo
Published: February 2020

The paper explores the significance of rhetorical argumentation in Petr Kropotkin's treatiseMutual Aid. A Factor of Evolution(1902). It argues that Kropotkin's work is steeped in the tradition of a rhetoric of science that is profoundly Darwinian and in which various forms of analogic reasoning play a central role. After explaining the epistemic function of the metaphors “struggle for existence” and “mutual aid,” the paper analyses Kropotkin's argumentation strategies and offers an interpretation of them as a further development and reworking of Darwinian rhetoric.
Comparison of SynCAM1/CADM1 PDZ interactions with MUPP1 using mammalian and bacterial pull‐down systems
Authors: Baliova Martina , Jursky Frantisek
Published: February 2020

Background

Synaptic cell adhesion molecule 1 (SynCAM1) also known as cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) is a transmembrane cell adhesion protein that operates in a variety of physiological and pathological cellular contexts, and its interaction with the PDZ signalling protein MUPP1 have been previously implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

We used in vitro pull‐down systems based on the bacterial and mammalian extracts to study SynCAM1/CADM1 PDZ interactions with MUPP1 at various conditions.

Results

So far, the investigated interaction of SynCAM1/CADM1 with MUPP1 has been mostly attributed to an unspecified region of MUPP1 PDZ domains 1–5 or exclusively to domain 2, using a yeast two‐hybrid system. We also confirmed the single interaction of native synaptosomal CADM1 with PDZ domain 2. However, in this work, using recombinant proteins overexpressed in bacteria, we found an in vitro pull‐down conditions in which all first five domains and, to a much lesser extent, MUPP1 domains 7 and 11 significantly interacted with the whole C‐terminal domain of SynCAM1/CADM1. These PDZ interactions were confirmed by a pull‐down assay using the last seven amino acids of the SynCAM1/CADM1 PDZ motif and using two fusion partners. Multiple interactions were additionally replicated using the continuous N‐terminal MUPP1 protein fragment, which included first five PDZ domains, containing either intact or mutated domain 2.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that multiple interactions might exist in vivo, representing transient low‐affinity interactions or alternative binding sites on MUPP1 when domain 2 is occupied or occluded by the interaction with other ligands. This newly identified interactions extend the potential genetic mutations, possibly affecting SynCAM1/CADM1/MUPP1 function. Possible reasons for the absence of some of the identified CADM1 PDZ interactions in mammalian extracts are discussed.
Once‐weekly (70 mg/m2) vs twice‐weekly (56 mg/m2) dosing of carfilzomib in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: A post hoc analysis of the ENDEAVOR, A.R.R.O.W., and CHAMPION‐1 trials
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Stewart Keith A. , Dimopoulos Meletios , Siegel David , Facon Thierry , Berenson James , Raje Noopur , Berdeja Jesus G. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Yang Hui , Ma Haijun , Klippel Zandra , Zahlten‐Kumeli Anita , Mezzi Khalid , Iskander Karim , Mateos Maria‐Victoria
Published: February 2020

Combination of carfilzomib with dexamethasone (Kd) is approved for use in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), with carfilzomib administered twice weekly at 56 mg/m2 (Kd56 BIW) or once weekly at 70 mg/m2 (Kd70 QW). Post hoc cross‐trial comparisons were performed to compare efficacy and safety profiles of Kd70 QW vs Kd56 BIW dosing schedules using data from three trials of patients with RRMM: A.R.R.O.W., CHAMPION‐1, and ENDEAVOR. To select for comparable patient populations, side‐by‐side efficacy and safety comparisons were performed in subgroups of patients with 2‐3 prior lines of therapy who were not refractory to bortezomib. The overall response rate (ORR) was 69.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.7‐77.2) for Kd70 QW and 72.4% (95% CI, 65.9‐78.2) for Kd56 BIW. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.4‐14.3) for Kd70 QW and 14.5 months (95% CI, 10.2—not evaluable) for Kd56 BIW. Frequency of grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) was 67.6% for Kd70 QW and 85.3% for Kd56 BIW. Regression analyses (adjusting for prognostic factors) of all patients in the trials who received Kd70 QW vs Kd56 BIW estimated a PFS hazard ratio of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.69‐1.19; P = .47) and an ORR odds ratio of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.74‐1.69; P = .61). These results suggest that Kd70 QW has a comparable efficacy profile compared with Kd56 BIW and represents a convenient and well‐tolerated treatment for patients with RRMM.
Use of the GORE® CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder for percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defects: Results of the multicenter U.S. IDE trial
Authors: Gillespie Matthew J. , Javois Alexander J. , Moore Phillip , Forbes Thomas , Paolillo Joseph A. ,   for the GSO Investigator Group
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of the GORE® CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder for percutaneous transcatheter closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defects.

Background

The GORE® CARDIOFORM septal occluder is a double‐disc, low profile, soft, conformable device, with distinct advantages over the GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder.

Methods

Subjects were enrolled in this single arm prospective study from 21 U.S. sites, and followed for 3 years. Primary endpoint was 6 month composite clinical success, comprised of technical success (implantation and retention of device), closure success (normalization of right heart size), no 30 day serious adverse events, and no device embolization or reintervention. Secondary endpoints included technical success, procedure success (technical success and ≤ 2 mm residual shunt at procedure conclusion), closure success (clinically insignificant or no residual shunt), and safety (freedom from 30 day serious adverse events and 6‐month device events).

Results

Between October 2012 and May 2015, 50 pivotal and 350 continued access subjects underwent attempted transcatheter GORE® CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder implantation. Median age was 6.9 years, and mean static defect diameter 9.7 ± 3.1 mm. Device placement was achieved in 93.5% (374/400). Composite clinical success was 90.2% and clinical closure success was 98.8% at 6 months. Freedom from serious adverse events was 98.3% at 30 days, with no device embolizations or reinterventions through 6 months.

Conclusions

The GORE® CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder has high composite clinical success and safety, performing well in defects ≤17 mm by stop flow stretched diameter. Single, multifenestrated, and deficient retroaortic tissue defects were well represented and successfully treated.
Transition Metal‐free C−H Sulfonylation and Pyrazole Annulation Cascade for the Synthesis of 4‐Sulfonyl Pyrazoles
Authors: Tian Lihong , Wan Jie‐Ping , Sheng Shouri
Published: February 2020

A practical protocol for the synthesis of 4‐sulfonyl pyrazoles via the reactions of readily available N,N‐dimethyl enaminones and sulfonyl hydrazines has been developed via the catalysis of molecular iodine in the presence of TBHP and NaHCO3 at room temperature. The pyrazole products have been constructed via the tandem C(sp2)−H sulfonylation and a pyrazole annulation without employing any transition metal catalyst or reagent, thus providing a practical new method for the synthesis of the novel pyrazoles bearing a sulfonyl side chain in the heterocycle.
Energetic Tug‐of‐War between Pt and Leaky TiO2: Positive and Negative Effects on the Function of Molecularly‐Modified p‐Si(111)|TiO2|Pt Photocathodes
Authors: Pekarek Ryan T. , Boucher Dylan G. , Neale Nathan R. , Rose Michael J.
Published: February 2020

Photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion to chemical products is a promising avenue towards renewable fuels, and TiO2 deposition on semiconductor photocathodes is a widespread surface protection strategy. However, the electronic, thermodynamic, and kinetic effects of protection layers on interfacial energetics remains poorly understood. Here, electrochemical data (photocurrent onset and flatband potentials) of p‐Si(111)|TiO2|Pt is collected in contact with an outer‐sphere redox couple. We find that onset potentials shift negatively as a function of increasing oxide thickness, but this effect is not reflected in the flatband potentials. This reveals the mechanism of these shifts is kinetic rather than thermodynamic,and suggests that hole leakage through the TiO2 is responsible. When Pt nanoparticles are deposited onto the TiO2, positive shifts in both the onset and flatband potentials are observed, revealing Pt catalysts are beneficial for more than just increased catalytic rates. These results highlight the importance of understanding the effects of surface modifications on the energetics at the interface in both catalytic and simple electron transfer systems.
Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis of Structural Defects in Sputtered ZnO Films
Authors: Soares Costa Josiane , Prestat Michel , Tribollet Bernard , Lescop Benoit , Rioual Stéphane , Holzer Lorenz , Thierry Dominique
Published: February 2020

The degradation of sputtered columnar ZnO layers under DC polarization was studied by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electron microscopy. It was found that the structure of the as‐deposited ZnO film was dense at the nanoscale. An equivalent circuit model including de Levie impedance accounted for the localized propagation of microscale cracks towards the copper substrate. This generates a capacitance (CZnO) that represents the crack surface area in contact with the electrolyte. CZnO is small enough not to be obscured by the double layer capacitance at the top of the layers and increases with increasingly negative potential and time. These results were compared to nanoporous ZnO layers that behave differently and exhibit a large CZnO. The combination of in situ EIS analysis with the ex situ structural information provided by electron microscopy proved to be an efficient methodology to characterize very different microstructures of conductive coatings.
Wettability alteration of solid surface to enhance the bitumen liberation and the water‐based processability of weathered oil sands
Authors: Ding Mingshan , Ren Sili
Published: February 2020

Weathering often induces bituminous materials adsorbing on the sand grains and leads to poor processability of the oil sands. Chemical and microbial pre‐treatment of the prepared weathered ore model and a weathered oil sand ore were carried out to improve the solids surface wettability so as to facilitate the bitumen liberation and recovery. It was found that although all the cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate (SDBS), and microbial culture medium could greatly decrease the surface tension of the solution, the CTAB treatment failed to improve the bitumen liberation, while the SDBS and microbial treatment significantly accelerated the bitumen liberation from the silicon substrates. The wettability analysis showed that the improved bitumen liberation could be attributed to the alteration of the solids surface wettability from hydrophobic to hydrophilic by the SDBS and microbial treatment. Inconsistent with the findings of the bitumen liberation, floatation tests of a weathered ore showed that the CTAB pre‐treatment only gave a low bitumen recovery of 33%, while the SDBS and microbial pre‐treatment improved the processability of the ore. In particular, the microbial treatment was more effective at removing the adsorbed organics from the solids and improved the surface hydrophilicity, resulting in a much better bitumen recovery of 95%. This work provides a way to improve the processability of the weathered ore by altering the solids surface wettability.
Hollow Mesoporous Metal‐Organic Framework Microdisks via a Solid Template‐Based Approach and Post‐Synthetic Wet‐Chemical Etching for Protein Loading
Authors: Zhu Guixian , Cheng Lin , Qi Ruogu , Liu Xuewu
Published: February 2020

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), with high crystalline and ordered pore structures, hold great potential for various applications. However, the small microporous structures of MOFs restrict their applications. MOFs with larger porous structure and dimensions can expand their functionality to integrate with other large active agents. By applying porous silicon microdisks (PSi) as hard templates, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) were assembled on PSi to form PSi@ZIF‐8 core‐shell microdisks. A new porous structure of ZIF‐8 microcages was obtained via a post‐synthetic approach. The influence of PSi and reaction precursor for ZIF‐8 were explored, and the formation mechanism of mesoporous ZIF‐8 (PZIF‐8) hollow microcages was also proposed. By applying bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a loading agent, the protein release behavior of PSi@PZIF‐8 was investigated. It is noted that prepared PZIF‐8 microcages could serve as new vectors for loading active agents.
An Overview of Molecular Genetic Diagnosis Techniques
Authors: Goswami Rashmi S. , Harada Shuko
Published: February 2020

Our understanding of genetic disease(s) has increased exponentially since the completion of human genome sequencing and the development of numerous techniques to detect genetic variants. These techniques have not only allowed us to diagnose genetic disease, but in so doing, also provide increased understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases to aid in developing appropriate therapeutic options. Additionally, the advent of next‐generation or massively parallel sequencing (NGS/MPS) is increasingly being used in the clinical setting, as it can detect a number of abnormalities from point mutations to chromosomal rearrangements as well as aberrations within the transcriptome. In this article, we will discuss the use of multiple techniques that are used in genetic diagnosis. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Design and Synthesis of Fluorescent Nanocelluloses for Sensing and Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Liu Gang , Li Xinping , Zhang Sufeng , Lü Xingqiang , Wang Yaoyu
Published: February 2020

Recent materials research based on fluorescent nanocelluloses (NCs) used in the field of sensing and bioimaging is reviewed. Many designed morphologies have been reported, such as nanoparticles, fibers, nanopapers, hydrogels and aerogels, that have been produced by physical or chemical methods. In the field of sensing and bioimaging, these studies have involved, but not been limited to, special optical properties including fluorescence, long‐lived luminescence, polarized light, and/or aggregation‐induced emission. The fluorescence sensing platforms can be categorized according to stimuli such as pH and temperature, as well as the presence of toxic compounds, and anions and metal cations. In addition, NCs exhibit unique low toxicity, good biocompatibility, biodegradability and cell membrane penetration, and can be modified into fluorescent nanoprobes for in vivo imaging and tracing. As an excellent platform for fluorescent sensing and bioimaging, NCs are bound to be increasingly studied and widely applied in the field of production and life sciences.
Direct Alkylation of Benzene at Lower Temperatures in the Liquid Phase: Catalysis by Montmorillonites as Noble‐Metal‐Free Solid Acids
Authors: Takabatake Moe , Nambo Masayuki , Manaka Yuichi , Motokura Ken
Published: February 2020

Alkylated benzenes are widely used as raw materials for the production of a variety of chemical compounds. Conventionally, they are obtained by the Friedel‐Crafts reaction between alkyl halides and benzene. In this study, the synthesis of halogen‐free alkylated benzenes was made possible by the direct alkylation of benzene with alkanes using montmorillonites as noble‐metal‐free solid acid catalysts. The direct alkylation of benzene with n‐heptane was performed at 150 °C. Aluminum‐exchanged montmorillonite showed the highest yield of the target C‐7 alkylated products (Ph‐C7) compared with other homogeneous and heterogeneous acid catalysts: 1.8 % conversion of benzene with 58 % selectivity in 16 h. The montmorillonite catalyst system was applied to other linear and cyclic alkanes to give the corresponding alkylated products with good selectivities.
Corporate social responsibility strategy and corporate environmental and social performance: The moderating role of board gender diversity
Authors: Orazalin Nurlan , Baydauletov Mady
Published: February 2020

Drawing on upper echelons and resource dependence theories and using data of European listed companies over the period 2009–2016, we examine the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and board gender diversity on environmental and social performance. In particular, we investigate whether CSR strategy contributes to improving corporate environmental and social performance, and whether this relationship is moderated by board gender diversity. Our empirical findings suggest that firms with more effective CSR strategies exhibit better environmental and social performance. The results also show that board gender diversity is positively associated with environmental and social performance, thus supporting the notion that board gender diversity promotes sustainable development. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the positive relationship between CSR strategy and environmental performance is negatively moderated by board gender diversity. Finally, the results show that that national governance quality and firm size are important underlying factors affecting corporate environmental and social performance.
To clean or not to clean: Cleaning mutualism breakdown in a tidal environment
Authors: Dunkley Katie , Ward Ashley J. W. , Perkins Sarah E. , Cable Jo
Published: February 2020

The dynamics and prevalence of mutualistic interactions, which are responsible for the maintenance and structuring of all ecological communities, are vulnerable to changes in abiotic and biotic environmental conditions. Mutualistic outcomes can quickly shift from cooperation to conflict, but it unclear how resilient and stable mutualistic outcomes are to more variable conditions. Tidally controlled coral atoll lagoons that experience extreme diurnal environmental shifts thus provide a model from which to test plasticity in mutualistic behavior of dedicated (formerly obligate) cleaner fish, which acquire all their food resources through client interactions. Here, we investigated cleaning patterns of a model cleaner fish species, the bluestreak wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), in an isolated tidal lagoon on the Great Barrier Reef. Under tidally restricted conditions, uniquely both adults and juveniles were part‐time facultative cleaners, pecking on Isopora palifera coral. The mutualism was not completely abandoned, with adults also wandering across the reef in search of clients, rather than waiting at fixed site cleaning stations, a behavior not yet observed at any other reef. Contrary to well‐established patterns for this cleaner, juveniles appeared to exploit the system, by biting (“cheating”) their clients more frequently than adults. We show for the first time, that within this variable tidal environment, where mutualistic cleaning might not represent a stable food source, the prevalence and dynamics of this mutualism may be breaking down (through increased cheating and partial abandonment). Environmental variability could thus reduce the pervasiveness of mutualisms within our ecosystems, ultimately reducing the stability of the system.
para‐Quinone Methides as Acceptors in 1,6‐Nucleophilic Conjugate Addition Reactions for the Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Molecules
Authors: Lima Carolina G. S. , Pauli Fernanda P. , Costa Dora C. S. , de Souza Acácio S. , Forezi Luana S. M. , Ferreira Vitor F. , de Carvalho da Silva Fernando
Published: February 2020

para‐Quinone methides (p‐QMs) are naturally occurring molecules that have been finding increasing synthetic applications in the last few years. The presence of two electronically different exocyclic conjugate substituents in their structure, carbonyl and methylidene, leads to a pronounced reactivity owing to the polarization of the molecule. In this sense, those are prone to undergo the attack of nucleophiles in the terminal carbon exocyclic double bond, behaving as vinylogous electrophiles and generating 1,6‐addition products. In this context, in the last few years the development of catalytic approaches for 1,6‐nucleophilic addition reactions involvingp‐QMs has attracted considerable attention. Considering the extensive applications that such molecules have found in the last decades in 1,6‐addition reactions, in this review we comprehensively discuss the historical development of this field, starting with early approaches on natural product synthesis, going through seminal non‐stereoselective processes and progressing to cutting‐edge asymmetric‐catalyzed approaches.
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Trinuclear N‐Fused Hybrid Scaffolds by Double C(sp2)–N Bond Formation between 2‐(2‐Bromoaryl)indoles and 2‐Aminoazoles
Authors: Diep Thi Duyen , Duy Quang Dao Pham , Ho Son Long , Cho Chan Sik
Published: February 2020

2‐(2‐Bromoaryl)indoles react with 2‐aminoazoles by microwave irradiation in DMF in the presence of a catalytic amount of CuI and a base to produce trinuclear N‐fused hybrid scaffolds, benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]indolo[1,2‐c]quinazolines and imidazo[1,2‐a]indolo[1,2‐c]quinazolines in moderate to good yields. The reaction seems to proceed via copper‐catalyzed C(sp2)‐N coupling and subsequent intramolecular cyclocondensation accompanied by ammonia evolution. Complete regioselective C–N cyclization is observed with the reaction of 2‐(2‐bromophenyl)indole with 2‐aminoazoles.
Neurodegenerative pathways as targets for acquired epilepsy therapy development
Authors: Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Ali Idrish , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: February 2020

There is a growing body of clinical and experimental evidence that neurodegenerative diseases and epileptogenesis after an acquired brain insult may share common etiological mechanisms. Acquired epilepsy commonly develops as a comorbid condition in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, although it is likely much under diagnosed in practice. Progressive neurodegeneration has also been described after traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other forms of brain insults. Moreover, recent evidence has shown that acquired epilepsy is often a progressive disorder that is associated with the development of drug resistance, cognitive decline, and worsening of other neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, new pharmacological therapies that target neurobiological pathways that underpin neurodegenerative diseases have potential to have both an anti‐epileptogenic and disease‐modifying effect on the seizures in patients with acquired epilepsy, and also mitigate the progressive neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Here, we review the neurodegenerative pathways that are plausible targets for the development of novel therapies that could prevent the development or modify the progression of acquired epilepsy, and the supporting published experimental and clinical evidence.
Three‐dimensional characterization of open and closed coal nanopores based on a multi‐scale analysis including CO2 adsorption, mercury intrusion, low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Nie Baisheng , Lun Jiayun , Wang Kedi , Shen Jiesheng
Published: February 2020

Coal seams in China have poor permeability and a complex pore structure, leading to a low gas extraction efficiency. Studying the pore structure of different metamorphic degrees of coal by using modern technological methods and employing appropriate pumping measures for different pore structures can improve the gas extraction efficiency. In this study, the pore sizes of three coal samples with different metamorphic grades were measured at different pore scales through CO2 adsorption, nitrogen adsorption, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and mercury pressure methods. The pore structure was three‐dimensionally reconstructed using the lattice Boltzmann method‐based quartet structure generation set algorithm. The optimum pore size measurements performed using the CO2 adsorption, nitrogen adsorption, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and mercury pressure methods were in the ranges of 0.3‐2, 1.7‐300, 1‐50, and 7.5‐11 000 nm, respectively; this demonstrates that the structure of a full‐scale coal model cannot be accurately tested using a single technique. The pore structure varies depending on the metamorphic degree of the coal; therefore, coal metamorphism should be considered for effective gas extraction.
The zooarchaeology and paleoecology of early hominin scavenging
Authors: Pobiner Briana L.
Published: February 2020

Questions about the timing, frequency, resource yield, and behavioral and biological implications of large animal carcass acquisition by early hominins have been a part of the “hunting‐scavenging debate” for decades. This article presents a brief outline of this debate, reviews the zooarchaeological and modern ecological evidence for a possible scavenging niche among the earliest animal tissue‐consuming hominins (pre‐2.0 Ma), revisits some of the questions that this debate has generated, and outlines some ways to explore answers to those questions with evidence from the archaeological record.
Preparation and properties of chitosan‐based microspheres by spray drying
Authors: Zhang Zeng‐liang , Li Li‐jie , Sun Dan , Wang Min , Shi Ju‐ran , Yang Di , Wang Lu‐hui , Zou Sheng‐can
Published: February 2020

In this study, the chitosan‐based release microspheres were prepared by spray drying method. Chitosan was used as the carrier material, and Panax notoginseng extract, Codonopsis extract, and Atractylodes extract (the mass ratio was 2:7:5) were active substance. The spray drying preparation process of microsphere was optimized by single factor experiment and L9 (34) orthogonal design. Drug loading (DL), particle size, and sustained release performance of microspheres were investigated. The mass fraction of chitosan was 1.5%, the mass ratio of drug to chitosan was 1:3, the inlet air temperature was 130°C, and the injection rate was 400 ml/hr. The chitosan‐based microspheres prepared under the above conditions had a smooth surface, and the DL was 23.87 ± 0.93%; the average particle diameter was 10.27 ± 1.05 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the microspheres was 91.28 ± 1.04%. The preparation process of chitosan‐based drug microsphere prepared by spray drying method was simple and stable. The prepared microspheres in this paper showed a sustained release effect in vitro.
Qualitative discrimination of Chinese dianhong black tea grades based on a handheld spectroscopy system coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Huang Jing , Ren Guangxin , Sun Yemei , Jin Shanshan , Li Luqing , Wang Yujie , Ning Jingming , Zhang Zhengzhu
Published: February 2020

The evaluation of Chinese dianhong black tea (CDBT) grades was an important indicator to ensure its quality. A handheld spectroscopy system combined with chemometrics was utilized to assess CDBT from eight grades. Both variables selection methods, namely genetic algorithm (GA) and successive projections algorithm (SPA), were employed to acquire the feature variables of each sample spectrum. A partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were applied for the establishment of the grading discrimination models based on near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Comparisons of the portable and benchtop NIRS systems were implemented to obtain the optimal discriminant models. Experimental results showed that GA‐SVM models by the handheld sensors yielded the best predictive performance with the correct discriminant rate (CDR) of 98.75% and 100% in the training set and prediction set, respectively. This study demonstrated that the handheld system combined with a suitable chemometric and feature information selection method could successfully be used for the rapid and efficient discrimination of CDBT rankings. It was promising to establish a specific economical portable NIRS sensor for in situ quality assurance of CDBT grades.
Decreased Hepatocyte Autophagy Leads to Synergistic IL‐1β and TNF Mouse Liver Injury and Inflammation
Authors: Shen Yang , Malik Shoaib Ahmad , Amir Muhammad , Kumar Pradeep , Cingolani Francesca , Wen Jing , Liu Yunshan , Zhao Enpeng , Farris Alton B. , Raeman Reben , Czaja Mark J.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

The proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β has been implicated in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic and alcoholic steatohepatitis. How IL‐1β promotes liver injury in these diseases is unclear, as no IL‐1β receptor‐linked death pathway has been identified. Autophagy functions in hepatocyte resistance to injury and death, and findings of decreased hepatic autophagy in many liver diseases suggest a role for impaired autophagy in disease pathogenesis. Recent findings that autophagy blocks mouse liver injury from lipopolysaccharide led to an examination of autophagy’s function in hepatotoxicity from proinflammatory cytokines.

Approach and Results

AML12 cells with decreased autophagy from a lentiviral autophagy‐related 5 (Atg5) knockdown were resistant to toxicity from TNF, but sensitized to death from IL‐1β, which was markedly amplified by TNF co‐treatment. IL‐1β/TNF death was necrosis by trypan blue and propidium iodide positivity, absence of mitochondrial death pathway and caspase activation, and failure of a caspase inhibitor or necrostatin‐1s to prevent death. IL‐1β/TNF depleted autophagy‐deficient cells of ATP, and ATP depletion and cell death were prevented by supplementation with the energy substrate pyruvate or oleate. Pharmacological inhibitors and genetic knockdown studies demonstrated that IL‐1β/TNF‐induced necrosis resulted from lysosomal permeabilization and release of cathepsins B and L in autophagy‐deficient cells. Mice with a tamoxifen‐inducible, hepatocyte‐specific Atg5 knockout were similarly sensitized to cathepsin‐dependent hepatocellular injury and death from IL‐1β/TNF in combination, but neither IL‐1β nor TNF alone. Knockout mice had increased hepatic inflammation, and IL‐1β/TNF‐treated, autophagy‐deficient AML12 cells secreted exosomes with proinflammatory damage–associated molecular patterns.

Conclusions

The findings delineate mechanisms by which decreased hepatocyte autophagy promotes IL‐1β/TNF‐induced necrosis from impaired energy homeostasis and lysosomal permeabilization and inflammation through the secretion of exosomal damage–associated molecular patterns.
Investigation of the influence of various numbers of impeller blades on internal flow field analysis and the pressure pulsation of an axial pump based on transient flow behavior
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: February 2020

In the current study, the flow behavior in an axial pump through changing the number of impeller blades is analyzed. Due to the number of blades being very important geometrical parameters in the pump, the study of the influence of various numbers of blades on flow and pressure pulsation in the pump is carried out using the computational fluid dynamics technique. The sliding mesh with the standard turbulence k‐ε model is used to investigate the unsteady flow with several flows and impeller blades. Pump performance prediction results with available experimental data indicate reasonable and good agreement with each other. Static pressure, shear stress, and different velocity compounds are qualitatively analyzed. Moreover, the fluctuation pressure and average pressure under different operating conditions and impeller blades are quantitatively investigated. The numerical results show that the impeller blade has a high impact on pressure, shear stress, magnitude velocity, axial velocity, radial velocity, tangential velocity, and average pressure. Furthermore, this numerical study provides good and useful information for the hydraulic design of axial pumps.
The prospective curative role of lipoxin A4 in induced gastric ulcer in rats: Possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway
Authors: Madi Nermin M. , Ibrahim Rowida R. , Alghazaly Ghada M. , Marea Karima E. , El‐Saka Mervat H.
Published: February 2020

This study purposed to examine the prospective curative role of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in induced gastric ulcer in rats and explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway. Forty‐eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, indomethacin (IND), IND + omeprazole (IND + Omez), and IND+ LXA4 groups. At the end of the experiment, the gastric pH, gastric fluid volume, total gastric acidity, ulcer index, and curative index were estimated. The gene expression of mitochondrial related protein 1 and mitofusin 2 were determined. In addition, some mitochondrial parameters include mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex‐I activity and reactive oxygen species were measured. Also, some gastric biochemical parameters, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of the gastric mucosa were determined. We found that IND induced gastric ulcer, as manifested by the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Both Omez and LXA4 treatment for 15 days alleviated the IND‐induced gastric ulcer as explored by ameliorating the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. We concluded that LXA4 mitigated the IND‐induced gastric ulcer via improving the mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction, in addition to its anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
AKAP1 mediates high glucose‐induced mitochondrial fission through the phosphorylation of Drp1 in podocytes
Authors: Chen Zhaowei , Ma Yiqiong , Yang Qian , Hu Jijia , Feng Jun , Liang Wei , Ding Guohua
Published: February 2020

Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), however, its specific pathomechanism remains unclear. A‐kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) 1 is a scaffold protein in the AKAP family that is involved in mitochondrial fission and fusion. Here, we show that rats with streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes developed podocyte damage accompanied by AKAP1 overexpression and that AKAP1 closely interacted with the mitochondrial fission enzyme dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1). At the molecular level, high glucose (HG) promoted podocyte injury and Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser637 as proven by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated reactive oxygen species generation, reduced adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and increased podocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the AKAP1 knockdown protected HG‐induced podocyte injury and suppressed HG‐induced Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser637. AKAP1 overexpression aggravated HG‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation and podocyte apoptosis. The coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that HG‐induced Drp1 interacted with AKAP1, revealing that AKAP1 could recruit Drp1 from the cytoplasm under HG stimulation. Subsequently, we detected the effect of drp1 phosphorylation on Ser637 by transferring several different Drp1 mutants. We demonstrated that activated AKAP1 promoted Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser637, which promoted the transposition of Drp1 to the surface of the mitochondria and accounts for mitochondrial dysfunction events. These findings indicate that AKAP1 is the main pathogenic factor in the development and progression of HG‐induced podocyte injury through the destruction of mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis by regulating Drp1 phosphorylation in human podocytes.
Discovery of a new fungicide by screening triazole sulfonylhydrazone derivatives and its downy mildew inhibition in cucumber
Authors: Li Yitao , Lin Jian , Yao Wenqiang , Gao Guoliang , Jing Dewang , Wu Yang
Published: February 2020

Downy mildew is a very important detrimental disease that lead reduced to fruits and vegetables. Due to the continuous growth of drug resistance, finding novel fungicides with dissimilar modes of function from present fungicides for controlling downy mildew are imminent. This work is an extension of our preceding research on the original triazole sulfonamide derivatives lead compound. Triazole sulfonamide as a remarkable nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compound opposed cucumber downy mildew (CDM) develops a quite vital part in the sphere of the study of new farm chemicals. The existing report designs a certain amount of 1,2,4‐triazole‐1,3‐disulfonamide derivatives. Hydrazones have obtained extensive attention in the field of pharmaceutical due to its unique chemical structure and remarkable activity (insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal and herbicidal). By means of coupling numerous hydrazone with triazole sulfonyl chloride groups, 24 novel derivatives were synthesized. Spectrum analysis of LC‐MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR were used for characterizing these new compounds. Compared with commercial Cyazofamid using bioassays, most of these compounds displayed preferable fungicidal activities. Moreover, compounds 8q illustrated the greatest CDM resistance (EC50 = 7.776 mg/L). Field efficacy trials revealed that compound 8q fungicidal activity was higher than the purchased agrochemical Cyazofamid and Amisulbrom. Thus, the research declared that 8q displayed a great potential for the application of fungicide against CDM.
Rapid viral rebound after analytical treatment interruption in patients with very small HIV reservoir and minimal on‐going viral transcription
Authors: Pannus Pieter , Rutsaert Sofie , De Wit Stéphane , Allard Sabine D , Vanham Guido , Cole Basiel , Nescoi Coca , Aerts Joeri , De Spiegelaere Ward , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Couttenye Marie‐Madeleine , Herssens Natacha , De Scheerder Marie‐Angélique , Vandekerckhove Linos , Florence Eric
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Viral remission after analytical treatment interruption (ATI), termed post‐treatment control, has been described in a small proportion of HIV‐positive patients. This phenomenon has been separately associated to both low levels of HIV‐1 proviral DNA as well as cell‐associated RNA. We investigated whether the combination of both parameters could help predict delayed viral rebound after treatment interruption (TI).

Methods

We conducted an open single‐arm ATI study in four Belgian HIV reference centres from January 2016 to July 2018. Eligible participants were adults who had fewer than 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL for more than two years, more than 500 CD4 cells/µL for more than three months, and were in general good health. Consenting participants who had fewer than 66 copies total HIV‐1 DNA (t‐DNA) and fewer than 10 copies cell‐associated HIV‐1 unspliced RNA (US‐RNA) per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), interrupted therapy and were monitored closely. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was resumed after two consecutive viral loads exceeding 1000 copies or one exceeding 10,000 copies/mL. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with fewer than 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL 48 weeks after TI. Secondary outcomes were time to viral rebound, the frequency of serious adverse events (AEs) and evolution of t‐DNA and US‐RNA after TI.

Results

All 16 consenting participants who interrupted therapy experienced rapid viral rebound two to eight weeks after TI. No serious AEs were observed. Levels of t‐DNA and US‐RNA increased after TI but returned to pre‐ATI levels after treatment restart. None of the studied demographic, clinical and biological parameters were predictive of time of viral rebound.

Conclusions

The combination of low levels of t‐DNA and US‐RNA in PBMCs, corresponding respectively to a small and transcriptionally silent viral reservoir, is not predictive of viral remission after TI in patients on ART.