bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircRNA: as a disease marker potential and research strategy
Authors: Xu Sheng , Zhou LuYu , Ponnusamy Murugavel , Zhang LiXia , Wang Kun
Published: May 2018

Circular RNA (CircRNA) is an endogenous noncoding RNA with covalently closed cyclic structure. It is divided into exonic circRNA, intronic circRNA and exon-intron circRNA, based on their components. CircRNAs are well conserved in sequence and abundantly expressed in a tissue specific manner. They have a high stability due to resistance to exonuclease. Depends on their sequence, they perform many biological function including microRNA sponging activity, modulation of alternative splicing or transcription, interaction with RNA binding proteins, rolling translation and derivative of pseudogenes. They are involved in the development of a variety pathological condition including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological diseases and cancer. Emerging evidences show that circRNA are likely to be potential targets for new clinical diagnostic markers or treatment of many diseases. In this review, we have described the potential relationship between circRNA and disease progression, methods and databases of cyclic RNA.
The Red Sea Biodiversity Project: Collection, understanding and preservation of the marine fauna of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sonnewald Moritz , Al-Aidaroos Ali M.
Published: May 2018

The Red Sea Biodiversity Project, a research collaboration of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KAU) and Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt, Germany (SRI), was founded in 2011. The main goal of this project is to assess and report on the marine biodiversity of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. We collect, identify and preserve a broad variety of marine species from various animal groups of that area and describe new taxa with integrative taxonomic methods. We currently build up a large reference collection and develop a Museum in order to close knowledge gaps and to communicate our results not only to scientists but also to the public. In various expeditions, the marine fauna along the Saudi Arabian coastline was sampled at 356 locations. Animals are identified to species level and catalogued into two publicly accessible reference collection databases both for SRI and KAU. In sum, they currently contain around 5.300 series with 13.600 individuals of more than 1.000 different species. The project was documented in 45 peer-reviewed publications and other scientific outputs. Herein, 22 species and two genera were described as new to science, while another 29 species were recorded as new to the Red Sea.
Pushing the limits of whole genome amplification: Successful sequencing of RADseq libraries from single micro-hymenoptera (Chalcidoidea, Trichogramma)
Authors: Cruaud Astrid , Groussier Géraldine , Genson Guenaëlle , Sauné Laure , Rasplus Jean-Yves
Published: May 2018

A major obstacle to high-throughput genotyping of micro-hymenoptera is their small size. As species are difficult to discriminate and because complexes may exist, the sequencing of a pool of specimens is hazardous. Thus, one should be able to sequence pangenomic markers (e.g. RADtags) from a single specimen. To date, whole genome amplification (WGA) prior to library construction is still a necessity as only ca 10ng of DNA can be obtained from single specimens. However this amount of DNA is not compatible with manufacturer’s requirements for commercialised kits. Here we tested the accuracy of the GenomiPhi kit V2 on Trichogramma wasps by comparing RAD libraries obtained from the WGA of single specimens (generation F0 and F1, ca 1 ng input DNA for the WGA) and a biological amplification of genomic material (the pool of the progeny of the F1 generation). Globally, we found that ca 99% of the examined loci (up to 48,189; 109 bp each) were compatible with the mode of reproduction of the studied model (haplodiploidy) or a Mendelian inheritance of alleles. The remaining 1% (ca 0.01% of the analysed nucleotides) could represent WGA bias or other experimental / analytical bias. This study shows that the multiple displacement amplification method on which the GenomiPhi kit relies, could also be of great help for the high-throughput genotyping of micro-hymenoptera used for biological control or other organisms from which only a very low amount of DNA can be extracted such as human disease vectors (e.g. sand flies, fleas, ticks etc.).
Análise morfométrica de populações do caranguejo-uçá (Ucides Cordatus L.) (Crustacea - Decapoda) em manguezais do litoral do Espírito Santo
Authors: Miranda Cristiana Libardi , Barbosa Renata Pasini , Lima Andressa De Sousa , Rovida Júlio Cola , Rocha Jaqueline Coelho , Souza Letícia Soncini de , Pires Aldrin Vieira , Martins Rodrigo Lemes , Paiva Samuel Rezende
Published: May 2018

O caranguejo-uçá (Ucides cordatus) é um crustáceo (Decápoda: Brachyura) de grande valor cultural, biológico e comercial em todo Espírito Santo. Contudo, ainda há uma grande lacuna de conhecimentos acerca de sua biologia. Com o intuito de minimizar essa carência, o presente trabalho realizou um estudo sobre a caracterização morfológica de três populações do caranguejo-uçá (Ucides cordatus L.) em manguezais do Espírito Santo. Foram analisadas quatro características morfométricas em 172 indivíduos machos, coletados nas cidades de São Mateus (N=62), Vitória (N=60) e Anchieta (50). Foi observada diferença significativa entre as três populações (p<0,01) por meio de uma Análise de Variância Multivariada. O maior grau de similaridade foi encontrado entre as populações de São Mateus (Norte) e Anchieta (Sul), de modo que a população de Vitória (Centro) foi agrupada separadamente, evidenciando-se divergência entre essa população e as demais. Os resultados sugerem pressões de seleção diferentes nas populações do interior em relação à população da capital, o que pode estar relacionado a uma maior ação antrópica nas populações da capital.
Estudo histopatológico do pâncreas de ratos intoxicados pelo veneno bruto do escorpião Tityus serrulatus.
Authors: Novaes Geóvana , Queiroz Aristides C , Queiroz Amanda P , Santos Raquel R , Flores Dimitri G , Henkes Gustavo , Dumet Fernandes Bruno J.
Published: May 2018

Modificações no teor de vários componentes da secreção pancreática e alterações histopatológicas desse órgão são verificadas após injeção de veneno do escorpião Tityus serrulatus em ratos. Entre essas alterações, podem ser citadas pancreatite aguda e crônica após uma única injeção de veneno. Os achados compatíveis com pancreatite aguda foram encontrados a partir de 10 minutos após a intoxicação e, 20 dias após, a maioria dos animais exibiu achados histológicos típicos de pancreatite crônica. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a cinética das alterações pancreáticas que ocorrem ao longo do tempo, após injeção endovenosa de veneno bruto de escorpião em ratos. Os animais, após jejum de 24-48 horas, receberam uma injeção venosa, pela veia peniana, de 0,2 ml de uma solução de cloreto de sódio (grupo controle) ou de 0,2 ml de uma solução contendo 300 mg/ml de veneno bruto do escorpião Tityus serrulatus (60 mg/animal). Os animais foram sacrificados em grupos de 5 a 10 cada, aos 10, 20 e 40 minutos e 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 e 20 dias após a injeção. O pâncreas foi retirado e processado para estudo histológico. Pancreatite aguda (PA) foi observada nos grupos sacrificados após 10, 20 e 40 minutos, 24 e 48 horas após a injeção. Achados compatíveis com pancreatite crônica (PC) foram detectados nos animais sacrificados entre 4 a 20 dias após a injeção. No grupo de animais sacrificados 3 dias após, observaram-se, no mesmo animal e, às vezes, no mesmo corte histológico, alterações características de PA (degranulação, vacuolização acinar, infiltração difusa de linfócitos e lesões granulomatosas) e, surpreendentemente, de PC (dilatação ductal com rolhas protéicas, hiperplasia ductal e hiperplasia dos linfonodos peripancreáticos), caracterizando a fase de transição da pancreatite aguda para pancreatite crônica. Todos os grupos apresentaram mobilização e degranulação de mastócitos, sugerindo a participação dessas células na etiopatogênese dessas lesões. Em 50% dos animais dos grupos sacrificados aos 18 e 20 dias após o veneno foram também observados, ao lado das lesões inflamatórias, hiperplasia das ilhotas de Langerhans.
Efeitos in vitro do ácido retinóico em células de glioblastoma.
Authors: Costa Sílvia Lima , Riche Danielle , Fages Christiane , Rochette Egly Cecilé , Tardy Marcienne
Published: May 2018

Os gliomas malignos são tumores muito infiltrantes, cujas células proliferam rapidamente, e apresentam um prognóstico muito reservado. Neste estudo, investigamos o efeito em potencial do ácido retinóico (AR) sobre a linhagem de células de glioblastoma multiforme humano GL-15. A exposição a uma única dose de AR (1-10 mM) inibiu a proliferação celular, induziu uma diferenciação transitória e, finalmente, conduziu estas células à apoptose. Observamos que as células GL-15 expressam os isotipos dos RARs a, b e g, e que as isoformas RARa1/2, RARb2 e RARg2 são induzidas pelo AR. Estes resultados sugerem que a relação entre a expressão das diferentes isoformas de RARs pode ser um elemento fundamental para a indução seja de uma diferenciação completa, seja de apoptose das células de glioblastoma, e que o uso de ligantes específicos a cada isotipo de receptor pode vir a ser um elemento importante para terapias futuras de gliomas.
Efeitos de metais pesados sobre o controle central do equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico.
Authors: Silva Emílio De Castro e , Fregoneze Josmara
Published: May 2018

O presente artigo revisa, comenta e sumariza os dados obtidos e publicados anteriormente pelo Laboratório de Neurociências do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde (UFBa) sobre a ação de metais pesados sobre o controle do equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico em animais de laboratório (ratos). Basicamente, os trabalhos do grupo têm demonstrado que a administração central aguda de chumbo e cádmio em ratos provoca um significativo efeito de inibição da ingestão de água (antidipsogênese), quer a sede tenha sido provocada por um estímulo fisiológico (desidratação), quer tenha sido induzida por mecanismos farmacológicos (estimulação colinérgica e angiotensinérgica central). Além disso, os trabalhos do grupo demonstraram um significativa ação natriurética resultante da administração central tanto de chumbo quanto de cádmio. Provou-se também que a injeção central de chumbo é capaz de reduzir o apetite específico por sódio. Os possíveis mecanismos de ação e as implicações dos achados são aqui discutidos.
A importância dos fatores de virulência do A. actinomycetemcomitans no desenvolvimento da doença periodontal agressiva
Authors: Campos Vinicius Barreto de Souza , Figueredo Carlos Marcelo
Published: May 2018

A doença periodontal é caracterizada por alterações morfológicas nas estruturas de suporte dos dentes e é causada pela interação de subgrupos bacterianos com um indivíduo suscetível. Essa interação é necessária porque a presença de periodontopatógenos pode ser freqüentemente detectada em pacientes saudáveis. Isso indica que nem todos os indivíduos são igualmente suscetíveis e (ou) que há uma variação na virulência e potencial patogênico. Freqüentemente acredita-se que bactérias Gram-negativas estão envolvidas na iniciação da doença periodontal inflamatória. Um dos principais microrganismos implicados em algumas formas de doença periodontal é o Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Embora o mecanismo exato de patogenicidade do A. actinomycetemcomitans não seja claro, vários fatores de virulência têm sido caracterizados. Esses fatores incluem: adesão e invasão de células epiteliais, lipopolissacarídeos, fatores inibitórios para fibroblastos, leucotoxina e fatores inibitórios para quimiotaxia de leucócitos polimorfonucleares.
Síndrome de Goldenhar: relato de caso
Authors: Farias Jener G. , Oliveira Christiano , Santiago Hamurabi B. , Campos Paulo Sérgio Flores , Carneiro Gleicy G. V. S. , Meirelles Mayle M.
Published: May 2018

A Síndrome de Goldenhar é uma condição rara, geralmente de ocorrência esporádica, caracterizada por microssomia hemifacial, dermóide epibulbar, más formações do pavilhão auditivo e anomalias vertebrais. Existem também relatos de associações da síndrome com outras condições sistêmicas. Os autores relatam um caso de Síndrome de Goldenhar em paciente do sexo feminino, 28 anos, sem antecedentes familiares, que apresentava microssomia hemifacial, o que comprometia os músculos da mastigação, a expressão facial e os ossos da face (mandíbula, maxila e zigomático) do lado esquerdo, presença de broto auricular, história médica de dermóide epibulbar e fissura lateral de face, ipsilateralmente. Na avaliação sistêmica, foram encontrados ectopia do rim esquerdo e discreto espessamento dos folhetos mitrais, com refluxo mitral de grau leve.
Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do ácido acético e dos vinagres branco e tinto sobre bactérias hospitalares*
Authors: Utyama Iwa Keiko Ainda , Andrade Denise De , Watanabe Evandro , Ito Izabel Yoko
Published: May 2018

O ácido acético e o vinagre têm longa história e aplicabilidade humana, incluindo o tratamento de feridas. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar in vitro a atividade antimicrobiana do ácido acético e de vinagres sobre cepas hospitalares. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada por meio da Técnica de Difusão de Poço, sobre cepas de Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Escherichia coli. Assim, os vinagres branco e tinto foram diluídos a 30,0; 25,0 e 10,0% e oácido acético a 1,0 e 0,7%. Para análise estatística, foi usado o teste de variância ANOVA–ONEWAY, seguido do teste de comparações múltiplas, com nível de significância a = 5%. No computo geral, o vinagre branco e tinto a 30,0% e doácido acético a 1,0 e 0,7% mostraram atividade antimicrobiana sobre Pseudomonas e Escherichia. Na concentração de 25,0 e 10.0%, houve crescimento tênue de algumas cepas e nenhuma ação sobre Staphylococcus aureus. Diante do exposto, é possível considerar que existe relação direta entre a concentração do agente químico e a atividade antimicrobiana.
Características e distribuição das maloclusões em pré-escolares
Authors: Bezerra Priscilla Kelly Medeiros , Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite
Published: May 2018

Este estudo avaliou as características e a distribuição das maloclusões em 106 pré-escolares, com idades entre 3 e 5 anos, através de um estudo epidemiológico, observacional e transversal. Quando do exame clínico, verificou-se a presença de sobressaliência e sobremordida acentuados, mordida aberta anterior (MAA) e mordida cruzada posterior (MCP). Os dados foram coletados por um único examinador calibrado (Kappa = 0,86), registrados em ficha específica, organizados com o Epi-Info e submetidos aos testes do Qui-quadrado e do Exato de Fisher. A maloclusão foi diagnosticada em  80,2% das crianças, não existindo diferenças significativas entre os gêneros (p > 0,05). A sobressaliência acentuada (49,1%) e a MAA (45,3%) foram as maloclusões mais freqüentes. A MAA de grau severo foi registrada em 64,6% das crianças, enquanto a MCP com maior freqüência foi a unilateral direita (44,4%). Observou-se que 73,6% das crianças possuíam um ou mais tipos de hábitos deletérios, sendo a sucção de chupeta o hábito mais freqüente (65,4%). Uma associação positiva pode ser observada entre hábitos bucais deletérios e a presença de MAA e de mordida cruzada posterior (p < 0,001). Face ao exposto, conclui-se ser elevada a prevalência de maloclusão nessas crianças, existindo uma  forte associação positiva com a presença de hábitos bucais deletérios.
Estratégias de regeneração em anfíbios urodelos
Authors: Santos Andréia Carvalho dos , Athanazio Daniel Abensur
Published: May 2018

Na era das células-tronco, é interessante observar que a natureza resolveu o problema da regeneração com estratégias diferentes da restauração de tecidos por células indiferenciadas. Anfíbios urodelos são únicos, entre vertebrados, que têm a capacidade de regenerar córnea, retina, mandíbula, membros e secções do coração. A proliferação de células especializadas, transdiferenciação e desdiferenciação são importantes estratégias da regeneração de tritões e salamandras. De modo importante, algumas vias sinalizadoras estão conservadas em mamíferos, incluindo os seres humanos, e o potencial papel do conhecimento sobre a regeneração de urodelos no contexto de mamíferos é discutido nesta revisão.
Aspectos anatomohistológicos da sutura na língua com poliglecaprone 25, náilon e categute simples em ratas
Authors: Mota José Carlos Nunes , Queiroz Aristides Cheto de , Araújo Roberto Paulo Correia de , Pinto Aline Santana , Sousa Gabriela Geralda , Pinto Maria Das Graças Farias
Published: May 2018

O presente estudo analisou a reação aos fios de náilon, categute simples e poliglecaprone 25 na sutura da língua das ratas. Foram utilizadas oito ratas wistar fêmeas em cada grupo. Realizou-se, no animal sob anestesia, uma incisão (glossotomia) de 01 cm. na linha mediana da língua No grupo do náilon 4-0, categute simples 4-0 e poliglecaprone 25 4-0, foi feita a glossorrafia com pontos separados. A reoperação seguiu o cronograma de 3, 6, 12 e 24 dias, sob a mesma técnica operatória, para fazer a glossectomia, com encaminhamento para a análise histológica. O procedimento cirúrgico foi avaliado quanto a deiscência, exsudato e edema. Os três grupos apresentaram reações semelhantes. No 3° DPO, encontrou- se o fio sem granuloma; no 6° DPO, constatou-se a existência de resto de úlcera e crosta em todos os grupos; o 12° DPO mostrou cicatriz completa no GN e incompleta nos GSC e PGP; e no 24° DPO, a cicatrização foi completa em todos os grupos. Conclui-se que todos os fios utilizados apresentaram reação inflamatória com ulcerações, sem granulomas. Aconselha-se o uso do categute simples, pois, no 6° DPO, o fio foi absorvido.
Variantes do plexo braquial: um estudo anatômico
Authors: Oliveira-Filho Jamary , Araujo Vital F , Queiroz Rodolfo S , Nunes Luanna S , Masuko Telma S
Published: May 2018

O plexo braquial é um sítio frequente de lesões traumáticas, inflamatórias e neoplásicas. Variantes anatômicas ocorrem em até 48% dos casos, dependendo da população estudada e da técnica de imagem. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as principais variantes anatômicas nas nossas peças e compará-las às variantes descritas em outras populações. Dez peças anatômicas (cinco de cada lado) de cadáveres de idade e gênero desconhecido estavam preservadas em formol. Essas peças foram dissecadas desde as raízes da coluna cervical até a região axilar, identificando-se cada raiz, tronco e fascículo. Em todas as peças estudadas, o plexo braquial foi do tipo clássico, originado da quinta raiz cervical até a primeira raiz torácica. Variantes anatômicas descritas na literatura foram revisadas. Nenhuma variante anatômica foi encontrada nessas peças. Concluiu-se que variantes anatômicas do plexo braquial são aparentemente raras na nossa população. No entanto, amostras maiores devem ser estudadas antes de se generalizarem esses resultados na nossa população.
Influência do tempo de abertura dos frascos de sistemas adesivos na microinfiltração marginal em restaurações de resina composta
Authors: Libório Lago Cristiana Da Costa , Bezerra Rebeca Barroso
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar a influência da abertura dos frascos de sistemas adesivos na microinfiltração marginal em restaurações de resina composta. Quatro frascos de cada sistema adesivo, Prime & Bond NT (PBNT), Dentsply (à base de acetona) e Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2), 3M ESPE (à base de etanol/água), foram abertos diariamente (8 vezes por 15 segundos). Cento e doze cavidades classe V, preparadas na junção cemento-esmalte das faces vestibular e lingual de terceiros molares humanos, foram divididas em oitos grupos: G1 (PBNT) e G2 (SB2), nenhum dia de abertura; G3 (PBNT) e G4 (SB2), 30 dias de abertura; G5 (PBNT) e G6 (SB2), 60 dias de abertura; G7 (PBNT) e G8 (SB2), 90 dias de abertura. As cavidades foram restauradas com resina composta e, após acabamento, polimento e termociclagem, os dentes foram imersos em corante. Cada restauração foi seccionada no sentido vestíbulo-lingual em três cortes, analisados sob lupa estereoscópica. Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente através de ANOVA e pelos testes de Tukey e T de Student. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, considerando o tempo de abertura dos frascos de adesivos. A microinfiltração foi maior em dentina do que em esmalte (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os sistemas adesivos quanto à capacidade de selamento e nível de microinfiltração. Pôde-se concluir que a abertura dos frascos de adesivo não promoveu um aumento da microinfiltração nas restaurações de resina composta.
From UV to Near‐Infrared Light‐Responsive Metal–Organic Framework Composites: Plasmon and Upconversion Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Li Dandan , Yu Shu‐Hong , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: May 2018

The exploitation of photocatalysts that harvest solar spectrum as broad as possible remains a high‐priority target yet grand challenge. In this work, for the first time, metal–organic framework (MOF) composites are rationally fabricated to achieve broadband spectral response from UV to near‐infrared (NIR) region. In the core–shell structured upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)‐Pt@MOF/Au composites, the MOF is responsive to UV and a bit visible light, the plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) accept visible light, whereas the UCNPs absorb NIR light to emit UV and visible light that are harvested by the MOF and Au once again. Moreover, the MOF not only facilitates the generation of “bare and clean” Au NPs on its surface and realizes the spatial separation for the Au and Pt NPs, but also provides necessary access for catalytic substrates/products to Pt active sites. As a result, the optimized composite exhibits excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production activity (280 µmol g−1 h−1) under simulated solar light, and the involved mechanism of photocatalytic H2 production under UV, visible, and NIR irradiation is elucidated. Reportedly, this is an extremely rare study on photocatalytic H2 production by light harvesting in all UV, visible, and NIR regions.
All‐Solution‐Processed Metal‐Oxide‐Free Flexible Organic Solar Cells with Over 10% Efficiency
Authors: Song Wei , Fan Xi , Xu Bingang , Yan Feng , Cui Huiqin , Wei Qiang , Peng Ruixiang , Hong Ling , Huang Jiaming , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2018

All‐solution‐processing at low temperatures is important and desirable for making printed photovoltaic devices and also offers the possibility of a safe and cost‐effective fabrication environment for the devices. Herein, an all‐solution‐processed flexible organic solar cell (OSC) using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly‐(styrenesulfonate) electrodes is reported. The all‐solution‐processed flexible devices yield the highest power conversion efficiency of 10.12% with high fill factor of over 70%, which is the highest value for metal‐oxide‐free flexible OSCs reported so far. The enhanced performance is attributed to the newly developed gentle acid treatment at room temperature that enables a high‐performance PEDOT:PSS/plastic underlying substrate with a matched work function (≈4.91 eV), and the interface engineering that endows the devices with better interface contacts and improved hole mobility. Furthermore, the flexible devices exhibit an excellent mechanical flexibility, as indicated by a high retention (≈94%) of the initial efficiency after 1000 bending cycles. This work provides a simple route to fabricate high‐performance all‐solution‐processed flexible OSCs, which is important for the development of printing, blading, and roll‐to‐roll technologies.
CO2‐Promoted C=N Bond Cleavage of Amidines Leading to Multi‐Substituted Pyridines
Authors: Liu Jianming , Yan Xuyang , Yue Yuanyuan , Zhao Shufang , Zhang Jia , Sun Yangyang , Zhuo Kelei
Published: May 2018

A practical protocol is developed using carbon dioxide as a promoter for the C=N bond cleavage of amidines. This direct and operationally simple approach afforded parallel library of multi‐functional pyridines under the mild condition. The mechanistic isotope labeling experiment suggested that the oxygen atom of resulting carbonyl group was originated from water.

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Polymorphism of Syndiotactic Polystyrene Crystals from Multiscale Simulations
Authors: Liu Chan , Kremer Kurt , Bereau Tristan
Published: May 2018

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) exhibits complex polymorphic behavior upon crystallization. Computational modeling of polymer crystallization has remained a challenging task because the relevant processes are slow on the molecular time scale. A detailed characterization of sPS‐crystal polymorphism by means of coarse‐grained (CG) and atomistic (AA) modeling is reported herein. The CG model, parametrized in the melt, shows remarkable transferability properties in the crystalline phase. Not only is the transition temperature in good agreement with atomistic simulations, it stabilizes the main α and β polymorphs, observed experimentally. The propensities of polymorphs at the CG and AA levels are compared in detail, as well as finite‐size and box‐geometry effects. All in all, CG modeling stands as an efficient approach to characterize polymer‐crystal poymorphism at large scale.
Skin‐Inspired Low‐Grade Heat Energy Harvesting Using Directed Ionic Flow through Conical Nanochannels
Authors: Xie Ganhua , Li Pei , Zhang Zhen , Xiao Kai , Kong Xiang‐Yu , Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2018

Low‐grade heat energies are ubiquitous, and most of these energies are untapped as heated river water or seawater. Therefore, it is meaningful and valuable to extract the stored energies in the context of the energy crisis by using a simple device with low‐cost effectiveness. Here, a simple thermoelectric conversion system is shown using directed ionic flow through the biomimetic smart nanochannels, inspired by the human skin. The obtained power density of the nanodevice can ideally be 88.8 W m−2 with a membrane temperature gradient (ΔT) of 40 °C. As proof of concept, it is demonstrated that the principle can be introduced into simple and portable prototypes to harvest low‐grade heat. Such a thermoelectric conversion apparatus provides a new venue for low‐grade heat harvesting. In addition, this self‐powered system may extend the electronic skin field and find applications in skin prosthetics.
The Impact of Device Polarity on the Performance of Polymer–Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Li Junyu , Di Carlo Rasi Dario , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Wang Junke , Heintges Gaël H. L. , Lin Baojun , Li Weiwei , Ma Wei , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: May 2018

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐conjugated polymers are a versatile class of semiconductors for application in organic solar cells because of their tunable optoelectronic properties. A record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.4% was recently achieved for DPP polymers, but further improvements are required to reach true efficiency limits. Using five DPP polymers with different chemical structures and molecular weights, the device performance of polymer:fullerene solar cells is systematically optimized by considering device polarity, morphology, and light absorption. The polymer solubility is found to have a significant effect on the optimal device polarity. Soluble polymers show a 10–25% increase in PCE in inverted device configurations, while the device performance is independent of device polarity for less soluble DPP derivatives. The difference seems related to the polymer to fullerene weight ratio at the ZnO interface in inverted devices, which is higher for more soluble DPP polymers. Optimization of the nature of the cosolvent to narrow the fibril width of polymers in the blends toward the exciton diffusion length enhances charge generation. Additionally, the use of a retroreflective foil increases absorption of light. Combined, the effects afford a PCE of 9.6%, among the highest for DPP‐based polymer solar cells.
Vertically Grown Edge‐Rich Graphene Nanosheets for Spatial Control of Li Nucleation
Authors: Song Qiang , Yan Huibo , Liu Kedi , Xie Keyu , Li Wei , Gai Wenhan , Chen Guohui , Li Hejun , Shen Chao , Fu Qiangang , Zhang Shouyang , Zhang Leilei , Wei Bingqing
Published: May 2018

Inhomogeneous mass and charge transfers induce severe Li dendrite formation, impeding the service of Li metal anodes in rechargeable batteries. Various 3D hosts are proposed to address the related issues. To enable better progress, hybrid micro/nanostructures with the ability to realize spatial control of Li deposition over nucleation should be developed. Here, it is demonstrated that edge‐rich graphene (ERG), which is vertically grown on a 3D carbon nanofiber (CNF) substrate via a simple chemical vapor deposition method, can serve as nanoseeds to reduce the nucleation overpotential of Li effectively and guide the Li deposition on the 3D CNF substrate uniformly, free from dendrites. Different from the case in other sp2 carbon featuring interconnected graphitic structures such as planar graphene, the zero nucleation overpotential presented by ERG is attributed to its unique electron properties (i.e., the enhanced surface electronegativity) and its open architecture. Compared to the pristine CNF host, the ERG‐hybridized one resolves the problems of the Li metal anode better, endowing a practical Li battery with a long lifespan of 1000 cycles with a Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%. The results present novel sights for developing next‐generation Li‐carbon anodes with high cycling stability.
Detrimental effects of rhizobial inoculum early in the life of partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata
Authors: Pain Rachel E. , Shaw Ruth G. , Sheth Seema N.
Published: May 2018

Premise of the Study

Mutualistic relationships with microbes may aid plants in overcoming environmental stressors and increase the range of abiotic environments where plants can persist. Rhizobia, nitrogen‐fixing bacteria associated with legumes, often confer fitness benefits to their host plants by increasing access to nitrogen in nitrogen‐limited soils, but effects of rhizobia on host fitness under other stresses, such as drought, remain unclear.

Methods

In this greenhouse study, we varied the application of rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium sp.) inoculum and drought to examine whether the fitness benefits of rhizobia to their host, partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), would differ between drought and well‐watered conditions. Plants were harvested 9 weeks after seeds were sown.

Key Results

Young C. fasciculata plants that had been inoculated had lower biomass, leaf relative growth rate, and stem relative growth rate compared to young uninoculated plants in both drought and well‐watered environments.

Conclusions

Under the conditions of this study, the rhizobial interaction imposed a net cost to their hosts early in development. Potential reasons for this cost include allocating more carbon to nodule and root development than to aboveground growth and a geographic mismatch between the source populations of host plants and rhizobia. If developing plants incur such costs from rhizobia in nature, they may suffer an early disadvantage relative to other plants, whether conspecifics lacking rhizobia or heterospecifics.
Exploring workplace TB interventions with foreign‐born Latino workers
Authors: Eggerth Donald E. , Keller Brenna M. , Flynn Michael A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Persons born outside the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with tuberculosis disease (TB) than native‐born individuals. Foreign‐born Latinos at risk of TB may be difficult to reach with public health interventions due to cultural and institutional barriers. Workplaces employing large concentrations of foreign‐born Latinos may be useful locations for TB interventions targeting this high‐risk population.

Method

This study used a two‐phase approach to investigate the feasibility of workplace TB interventions. The first phase investigated employer knowledge of TB and receptiveness to allowing TB interventions in their businesses through 5 structured interviews. The second phase investigated foreign‐born workers’ knowledge of TB and their receptiveness to receiving TB interventions in their places of employment through 12 focus groups stratified by gender and education.

Results

Phase 1: Only 1 of the 5 employers interviewed had a high level of knowledge about TB, and three had no knowledge other than that TB was a disease that involved coughing. They were receptive to workplace TB interventions, but were concerned about lost productivity and customers finding out if an employee had TB. Phase 2: There was no observed differences in responses between gender and between the bottom two education groups, so the final analysis took place between a gender‐combined lower education group and higher education group. The higher education group tended to have knowledge that was more accurate and to view TB as a disease associated with poverty. The lower education group tended to have more misconceptions about TB and more often expressed concern that their employers would not support worksite interventions.

Conclusions

The results from both phases indicate that more TB education is needed among both foreign‐born Latino workers and their employers. Obstacles to implementing workplace TB interventions include knowledge, potential productivity loss, employer liability, and perceived customer response.
Substitution‐Inert Polynuclear Platinum Complexes That Inhibit the Activity of DNA Polymerase in Triplex‐Forming Templates
Authors: Malina Jaroslav , Farrell Nicholas P. , Brabec Viktor
Published: May 2018

The formation of triple‐helical DNA is implicated in the regulation of gene expression. The triplexes are, however, unstable under physiological conditions so that effective stabilizers for the triplex formation are needed. Herein, we describe a new strategy for the stabilization of such triplexes that is based on antitumor substitution‐inert polynuclear platinum complexes (SI‐PPCs). These compounds were previously shown to bind to DNA through the phosphate clamp—a discrete mode of DNA–ligand recognition distinct from the canonical intercalation and minor‐groove binding. We have found that SI‐PPCs efficiently inhibit DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase in sequences prone to the formation of pyrimidine‐ and purine‐motif triplex DNAs. Moreover, the results suggest that SI‐PPCs are able to induce the formation of triple‐helical DNA between duplexes and strands that are not completely complementary to each other. Collectively, these data provide evidence that SI‐PPCs are very efficient stabilizers of triple‐stranded DNA that might exert their action by stabilizing higher‐order structures such as triple‐helical DNA.
Quantification of Interfacial pH Variation at Molecular Length Scales Using a Concurrent Non‐Faradaic Reaction
Authors: Ryu Jaeyune , Wuttig Anna , Surendranath Yogesh
Published: May 2018

We quantified changes in interfacial pH local to the electrochemical double layer during electrocatalysis by using a concurrent non‐faradaic probe reaction. In the absence of electrocatalysis, nanostructured Pt/C surfaces mediate the reaction of H2 with cis‐2‐butene‐1,4‐diol to form a mixture of 1,4‐butanediol and n‐butanol with selectivity that is linearly dependent on the bulk solution pH value. We show that kinetic branching occurs from a common surface‐bound intermediate, ensuring that this probe reaction is uniquely sensitive to the interfacial pH value within molecular length scales of the surface. We used the pH‐dependent selectivity of this reaction to track changes in interfacial pH during concurrent hydrogen oxidation electrocatalysis and found that the local pH value can vary dramatically (>3 units) relative to the bulk value even at modest current densities in well‐buffered electrolytes. This study highlights the key role of interfacial pH variation in modulating inner‐sphere electrocatalysis.
Coumaraz‐2‐on‐4‐ylidene: Ambiphilic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with a Tunable Electronic Structure
Authors: Song Hayoung , Kim Hyunho , Lee Eunsung
Published: May 2018

Herein, a coumaraz‐2‐on‐4‐ylidene (1) as a new example of an ambiphilic N‐heterocyclic carbene, having electronic properties that can be fine‐tuned, is reported. The N‐carbamic and aryl groups on the carbene carbon center provide exceptionally high electrophilicity and nucleophilicity simultaneously to the carbene center, as evidenced by the 77Se NMR chemical shifts of their selenoketone derivatives and the CO stretching strengths of their rhodium carbonyl complexes. Since the precursors of 1 could be synthesized from various functionalized Schiff bases in a practical and scalable manner, the electronic properties of 1 can be fine‐tuned in a quantitative and predictable way by using the Hammett σ constant of the functional groups on aryl ring. The facile electronic tuning capability of 1 may be applicable to eliciting novel properties in main‐group and transition‐metal chemistry.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Annulation of Ylides with Ynals: Direct Access to α‐Pyrones
Authors: Lang Ming , Jia Qianfa , Wang Jian
Published: May 2018

We herein report an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed annulation of ylides with ynals that provides an efficient protocol to make 4,6‐disubstituted α‐pyrones. This method affords a variety of α‐pyrones in good to high yields as well as broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.
Sustainable power generation from wastewater sources using Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Bose Debajyoti , Gopinath Margavelu , Vijay Parthasarthy
Published: May 2018

Microbial fuel‐cell performance depends primarily on five factors: the nature of the electrodes, pH, concentration, temperature, and period of operation. The present work describes work on optimization that has resulted in improved system performance of processes for energy recovery from wastewater by addressing these five parameters. This optimization is related to Monod kinetics, which forms the basis for microbial growth and substrate depletion rate. A difference in energy recovery from wastewater sources has been reported for studies with pure microbial culture and with undefined mixed microbes. Energy utilization research with microbial reactors has grown significantly with varying electrogenic reactor configurations, reductions in material costs, and a global need for power with reduced net CO2 emissions. The potential for future developments of these electrogenic reactor systems is also discussed, including how these systems can be integrated with existing wastewater treatment sources such as anaerobic digesters, and the positive impact they can have on energy security, which is linked with economic stability. Treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater using the microbial reserves can contribute significantly to advancing wastewater treatment infrastructure through effective COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) removal, and in the process generate value‐added product in the form of bioelectricity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Emil Mörsch und die Fachwerkanalogie
Authors: Pogacnik Marco
Published: May 2018

Innerhalb von 15 Jahren vollzog sich die rasante Entwicklung des jungen Ingenieurs Emil Mörsch in einer der anerkanntesten Persönlichkeiten im Bereich Betonbau: seit 1901 Leiter des technischen Büros bei W&F, 1904–1908 als ordentlicher Professor an der ETH Zürich, begann Emil Mörsch am 1. Oktober 1916 seine Lehrtätigkeit an der TH Stuttgart als ordentlicher Professor und Begründer einer der erfolgreichsten deutschen Ingenieurschulen. In dieser Zeitspanne erscheint sein wichtigstes theoretisches Werk, „Der Eisenbetonbau“, in drei Auflagen (1902, 1906, 1908), die Zeugnisse seiner parallelen Bau‐ und Labortätigkeit waren. Eine zentrale Bedeutung soll dem Zürcher Aufenthalt zugeschrieben werden, als Mörsch in einem offenen, international geprägten Milieu sein theroretisches Werk präzisierte. Die Mörsch'sche Fachwerkanalogie stellt in beispielhafter Weise eine solche Brücke zwischen fremden Baukulturen dar und resümierte eine lange historische Entwicklung, die die beste europäische Ingenieurwissenschaft zusammenfasste.
Isarsteg – ein ressourceneffizientes Tragwerk und/oder Kunstwerk?
Authors: Bergmeister Konrad , Taferner Josef , Gander Matthias , Prighel Philipp
Published: May 2018

Der neue Isarsteg Nord bei Freising, eine fast 160 Meter lange Fußweg‐ und Fahrradbrücke aus wetterfestem Baustahl S355 J2G2W und abschnittsweisen Verbundbauteilen, ist Beispiel für eine ressourcensparende Konstruktion. Wie ein verzweigtes Blätter‐ und Flügelstrukturwerk mutet diese Brücke an. Die Trag‐ und Fahrplatte besteht aus einem speziellen Beton, schubfest mit Kopfbolzen zu einer Verbundplatte verankert. Die Einwirkungen und Kräfte werden ressourcensparend über torsionssteife geschweißte Hohlprofile gezielt in die Fundamente abgeleitet. Die Betonbauteile der Fundamente und Gründungen wurden ausschließlich mit chromatreduzierten Zementen ohne grundwasserschädliche Zusatzstoffe hergestellt.
Development and validation of a fast and sensitive UHPLC‐ESI‐MS method for the simultaneous quantification of spironolactone and its metabolites in ocular tissues
Authors: Dahmana Naoual , Gabriel Doris , Gurny Robert , Kalia Yogeshvar N.
Published: May 2018

Glucocorticoids are a mainstay for the treatment of immune‐mediated conditions and inflammatory diseases. However, their chronic use causes numerous side‐effects including delays in corneal and cutaneous wound healing. This is attributed to off‐target agonism of the mineralocorticoid receptor, which can be reduced by co‐administration of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist such as spironolactone. The aim of this study was to develop a fast, selective and sensitive UHPLC‐ESI‐MS method for the simultaneous quantification of spironolactone, its active metabolites (7α‐thiomethylspironolactone and canrenone), the latter's water‐soluble prodrug potassium canrenoate and the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, in corneal samples (17α‐methyltestosterone served as an internal standard). A one‐step extraction procedure using MeOH–H2O (1:1) was validated and employed to recover the analytes from the corneal tissue. Extracts were centrifuged and the supernatant analyzed under isocratic conditions. Compounds were detected using selected ion recording mode. The method satisfied US Food and Drug Administration guidelines with respect to selectivity, precision and accuracy and displayed linearity from 5 to 1000 ng/mL for all of the analytes. The lower limit of quantitation of the method was 5 ng/mL, making it sufficiently sensitive for quantification of the analytes in samples from in vivo studies.
Step by step full mouth rehabilitation of a class III edentulous patient by implant‐supported prosthesis: A case report
Authors: Arshad Mahnaz , Shirani Gholamreza , Rasouli Kamran
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Full mouth rehabilitation by dental implants is complex in class III patients. Prediction of the outcome of orthognathic surgery in edentulous patients with no dental index or record is challenging. This report describes rehabilitation of an edentulous patient by placement of dental implants after prediction of the outcome of orthognathic correction.
Anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery with functional ischemia determined with fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography
Authors: Miki Takashi , Miyoshi Toru , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Osawa Kazuhiro , Amioka Naofumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

A right coronary artery of anomalous origin is rare congenital anatomy that can be fatal. CT angiography is an excellent tool for its anatomical assessment. Noninvasive CT‐based fractional flow reserve measurement can additionally evaluate the functional severity of coronary stenosis and is potentially useful for evaluating coronary anomalies.
Dislodged biliary stent causes lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage four years postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , Tziatzios Georgios , Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Parasyris Stavros , Kizgala Polyxeni , Economopoulos Nikolaos , Papadopoulos Iordanis N. , Dimitriadis George D. , Triantafyllou Konstantinos
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Endoscopic biliary stent placement is an efficient method for the decompression of the biliary system in various benign and malignant causes. Dislocation and stent migration is a well‐known complication, with most displaced stents passing through the bowel, uneventfully. Rarely, migrated stents can be accounted for potentially life‐threatening complications.
Gastric mucosal prolapse: A case of proton‐pump inhibitor nonresponsive dyspepsia
Authors: Sunkara Tagore , Ofori Emmanuel , Yarlagadda Krishna Sowjanya , Gaduputi Vinaya
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Gastric mucosal prolapse (GMP) is a rare clinical syndrome that in patients with hiatal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may present with typical findings of abdominal pain and reflux symptoms but prove resistant to medical therapy. Physicians should therefore be aware and consider GMP as a differential in such patients in order to make an accurate diagnosis and provide timely treatment.
Multi‐Enzyme Immobilized Anodes Utilizing Maltose Fuel for Biofuel Cell Applications
Authors: Yasujima Reiho , Yasueda Kengo , Horiba Tatsuo , Komaba Shinichi
Published: May 2018

Multi‐enzyme immobilized carbon‐felt electrodes are fabricated for application as a bioanode in biofuel cells to utilize both maltose and glucose as the fuel. The unique combination of three enzymes (maltase, mutarotase, and glucose oxidase) enables us to utilize maltose as the fuel for the bioanode. The new electrode based on carbon felt (CF) demonstrates a high oxidation current density of 6.5 mA cm−2 at 0.34 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a neutral phosphate buffer solution containing 0.025 mol dm−3 (≡M) maltose in a half‐cell configuration. Furthermore, we improve the bioanode performance by changing the surfactant from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to Triton X‐100® (TX), which is used as a carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersant in the bioanode preparation process. A superior current density of 17 mA cm−2 at 0.34 V vs. Ag/AgCl is demonstrated with the multi‐enzyme bioanode by using TX as the CNT dispersant, owing to the good dispersion of CNTs attached to CF and the reduced deactivation and leakage of the enzymes. A maltose/O2 biofuel cell, composed of the multi‐enzyme immobilized bioanode and a biocathode based on bilirubin oxidase and mediator, delivers a maximum power density of 2.3 mW cm−2 and an open‐circuit voltage of 0.69 V in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution containing 50 mM maltose.
Self‐assembly of Fluorescent Dehydroberberine Enhances Mitochondria‐Dependent Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: An Ruibing , Gu Zhanni , Sun Haifeng , Hu Yuxuan , Yan Runqi , Ye Deju , Liu Hong
Published: May 2018

Selective imaging and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in tumor cells using mitochondria‐targeting probes has become as a promising approach for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Here, we report the design of a fluorescent berberine analog, dehydroberberine (DH‐BBR), as a new mitochondria‐targeting probe capable of self‐assembling into monodisperse organic nanoparticles (DTNPs) upon integration with a lipophilic counter anion, allowing for enhanced fluorescence imaging and treatment of tumors in living mice. X‐ray crystallography revealed that the self‐assembly process was attributed to a synergy of different molecular interactions, including π–π stacking, O⋅⋅⋅π interaction and electrostatic interaction between DH‐BBR and counter anions. We demonstrated that DTNPs could efficiently enter tumor tissue following intravenous injection and enhance mitochondrial delivery of DH‐BBR via an electrostatic interaction driven anion exchange process. Selective accumulation in the mitochondria capable of emitting strong fluorescence and causing mitochondrial dysfunction was achieved, enabling efficient inhibition of tumor growth in living mice. This study demonstrates promise for applying lipophilic anions to control molecular self‐assembly and tune antitumor activity of mitochondria‐targeting probes, which can facilitate to improve cancer treatment in vivo.