bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of quantitative MRI phantoms to mimic the simultaneous presence of fat, iron, and fibrosis in the liver
Authors: Zhao Ruiyang , Hamilton Gavin , Brittain Jean H. , Reeder Scott B. , Hernando Diego
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To design, construct, and evaluate quantitative MR phantoms that mimic MRI signals from the liver with simultaneous control of three parameters: proton‐density fat fraction (PDFF), , and T1. These parameters are established biomarkers of hepatic steatosis, iron overload, and fibrosis/inflammation, respectively, which can occur simultaneously in the liver.

Methods

Phantoms including multiple vials were constructed. Peanut oil was used to modulate PDFF, MnCl2 and iron microspheres were used to modulate , and NiCl2 was used to modulate the T1 of water (T1,water). Phantoms were evaluated at both 1.5 T and 3 T using stimulated‐echo acquisition‐mode MRS and chemical shift–encoded MRI. Stimulated‐echo acquisition‐mode MRS data were processed to estimate T1,water, T1,fat, , and for each vial. Chemical shift–encoded MRI data were processed to generate PDFF and maps, and measurements were obtained in each vial. Measurements were evaluated using linear regression and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

High‐quality PDFF and maps were obtained with homogeneous values throughout each vial. High correlation was observed between imaging PDFF with target PDFF (slope = 0.94‐0.97, R2 = 0.994‐0.997) and imaging with target (slope = 0.84‐0.88, R2 = 0.935‐0.943) at both 1.5 T and 3 T. The values of and were highly correlated with slope close to 1.0 at both 1.5 T (slope = 0.90, R2 = 0.988) and 3 T (slope = 0.99, R2 = 0.959), similar to the behavior observed in vivo. The value of T1,water (500‐1200 ms) was controlled with varying NiCl2 concentration, while T1,fat (300 ms) was independent of NiCl2 concentration.

Conclusion

Novel quantitative MRI phantoms that mimic the simultaneous presence of fat, iron, and fibrosis in the liver were successfully developed and validated.
A pilot study of magnetic resonance fingerprinting in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Keil Vera Catharina , Bakoeva Stilyana Peteva , Jurcoane Alina , Doneva Mariya , Amthor Thomas , Koken Peter , Mädler Burkhard , Lüchters Guido , Block Wolfgang , Wüllner Ullrich , Hattingen Elke
Published: August 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects more than six million people, but reliable MRI biomarkers with which to diagnose patients have not been established. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a recent quantitative technique that can provide relaxometric maps from a single sequence. The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of MRF to identify PD in patients and their disease severity, as well as to evaluate comfort during MRF. Twenty‐five PD patients and 25 matching controls underwent 3 T MRI, including an axial 2D spoiled gradient echo MRF sequence. T1 and T2 maps were generated by voxel‐wise matching the measured MRF signal to a precomputed dictionary. All participants also received standard inversion recovery T1 and multi‐echo T2 mapping. An ROI‐based analysis of relaxation times was performed. Differences between patients and controls as well as techniques were determined by logistic regression, Spearman correlation and t‐test. Patients were asked to estimate the subjective comfort of the MRF sequence. Both MRF‐based T1 and T2 mapping discriminated patients from controls: T1 relaxation times differed most in cortical grey matter (PD 1337 ± 38 vs. control 1386 ± 37 ms; mean ± SD;P= .0001) and, in combination with normal‐appearing white matter, enabled correct discrimination in 85.7% of cases (sensitivity 83.3%; specificity 88.0%; receiver‐operating characteristic [ROC]) area under the curve [AUC] 0.87), while for T2 mapping the left putamen was the strongest classifier (40.54 ± 6.28 vs. 34.17 ± 4.96 ms;P= .0001), enabling differentiation of groups in 84.0% of all cases (sensitivity 80.0%; specificity 88.0%; ROC AUC 0.87). Relaxation time differences were not associated with disease severity. Standard mapping techniques generated significantly different relaxation time values and identified other structures as different between groups other than MRF. Twenty‐three out of 25 PD patients preferred the MRF examination instead of a standard MRI. MRF‐based mapping can identify PD patients with good comfort but needs further assessment regarding disease severity identification and its potential for comparability with standard mapping technique results.
Relevant Nutrition Therapy in COVID‐19 and the Constraints on Its Delivery by a Unique Disease Process
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , Martindale Robert G. , McClave Stephen A.
Published: August 2020

Worldwide, as of July 2020, >13.2 million people have been infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus. The spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) ranges from mild illness to critical illness in 5% of cases. The population infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 requiring an intensive care unit admission often requires nutrition therapy as part of supportive care. Although the various societal guidelines for critical care nutrition meet most needs for the patient with COVID‐19, numerous factors, which impact the application of those guideline recommendations, need to be considered. Since the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is highly contagious, several key principles should be considered when caring for all patients with COVID‐19 to ensure the safety of all healthcare personnel involved. Management strategies should cluster care, making all attempts to bundle patient care to limit exposure. Healthcare providers should be protected, and the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 should be limited by minimizing procedures and other interventions that lead to aerosolization, avoiding droplet exposure through hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should be preserved by decreasing the number of individuals providing direct patient care and by limiting the number of patient interactions. Enteral nutrition (EN) is tolerated by the majority of patients with COVID‐19, but a relatively low threshold for conversion to parenteral nutrition should be maintained if increased exposure to the virus is required to continue EN. This article offers relevant and practical recommendations on how to optimize nutrition therapy in critically ill patients with COVID‐19.
Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Polycarbonates by an Iron Pincer Complex
Authors: Alberti Christoph , Fedorenko Elena , Enthaler Stephan
Published: August 2020

Chemical recycling processes can contribute to a resource‐efficient plastic economy. Herein, a procedure for the iron‐catalyzed hydrogenation of the carbonate function of end‐of‐life polycarbonates under simultaneous depolymerization is presented. The use of a straightforward iron pincer complex leads to high rate of depolymerization of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) and poly(propylene carbonate) yielding the monomers bisphenol A and 1,2‐propanediol, respectively, as products under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the iron complex was able to depolymerize polycarbonates containing goods and mixture of plastics containing polycarbonates.
An examination of how multiple use of social media platforms influence romantic relationships
Authors: Arikewuyo Abdulgaffar Olawale , Efe‐Özad Bahire , Dambo Tamar Haruna , Abdulbaqi Saudat S. , Arikewuyo Halima Oluwaseyi
Published: August 2020

When in a romantic relationship, the experience of partners' use of multiple social media platforms varies from serving as a means of gratification to being a cause of discomfort in these relationships. To examine this new and expanding phenomenon, this study employed the media multiplexity theory to explore the roles of using multiple forms of social media when in a romantic relationship. Through the face‐to‐face, in‐depth, and semistructured interviews of 25 romantic partners, the study examined romantic partners' experience of social media use and its influence on their romantic relationships. The results showed how multiplexity in social media use facilitates satisfaction, affection, jealousy, monitoring of romantic partners, infidelity, and distraction. The findings also revealed that while using social media to facilitate satisfaction in romantic relationships, if not appropriately used, the use of social media might lead to romantic dissatisfaction.
The impact of gamification on consumer loyalty, electronic word‐of mouth sharing and purchase behavior
Authors: Al‐Zyoud Mohammad Fahmi
Published: August 2020

Firms often strive to acquire and increase the number of patronizes. Gamification ‐ a modern marketing and promotional tool is known activate positive emotions. Nevertheless, existing research has rarely examined how gamification shapes consumer loyalty and other tangible outcomes. The present research aims are twofold. First, this study examine how gamification affects consumer loyalty. Second, this study investigates how consumer loyalty resulting from gamified interactions manifest purchase and eWOM sharing behavior. Data were obtained using a simple random sampling technique from consumers who had multiple online transactions with a gamified eCommerce website in the last 3 months. The obtained data was analyzed using a variance‐based structural equation modeling (VB‐SEM) technique. Results from VB‐SEM confirmed that gamification is a predictor for enhanced consumer loyalty. Consumer loyalty did not only foster purchase intention and eWOM sharing behavior, but also mediate the link between gamification and purchase intention, and between gamification and eWOM sharing behavior. This article contributes to gamification marketing literature by empirically examining its effects on important marketing variables. Implications for theory and practice are discussed alongside limitations and future research course.
Tensile and longitudinal shrinkage behaviors of polylactide/wood‐fiber composites via direct injection molding
Authors: Guo Gangjian , Li Ye , Zhao Xiumei , Rizvi Reza
Published: August 2020

Polylactide (PLA), derived from bioresources, is an environmentally friendly plastic which has attracted tremendous interests in both academia and industry. This study investigates the feasibility of direct injection molding of PLA/wood‐fiber composites and their mechanical and longitudinal shrinkage behaviors under different molding conditions. To understand the processing–property relationship of the thermally sensitive composites, response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of molding parameters, as well as their interacting effects, on the tensile strength and the longitudinal shrinkage of the composites. Melt temperature, packing pressure, and injection speed were chosen as the molding parameters studied. The statistical models were validated through confirmation experiments. The predicted values are in agreement with experimental data, and the average prediction accuracy is more than 95% for both tensile strength and longitudinal shrinkage. The models would not only improve our understanding of the tensile strength and shrinkage behaviors, but also can be used to help tooling design and select a proper processing window to maximize the tensile strength while achieving the desired longitudinal shrinkage.
Multifunctional bionanocomposites with ultraviolet blocking, infrared reflection and thermal conductivity
Authors: Decol Marindia , Pachekoski Wagner M. , Becker Daniela
Published: August 2020

The objective of this paper is investigating the effect of different localizations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles in the poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends on the ultraviolet (UV) blocking, infrared reflection (NIR), and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites for the fabrication of bionanocomposites with high performance. Transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated that the different mixing sequences induced different nanoparticle localization in the immiscible PCL/PLA blend. These different localizations yielded differences in the properties of the hybrid quaternary nanocomposite. When the nanoparticles had different localizations, TiO2 at the interface and hBN in the PCL phase, the thermal conductivity was 0.86 Wm−1 K−1, 100% of UV radiation (λ = 300 nm) was blocked and 74% of NIR radiation was reflected. This nanocomposite has a strong potential for application as a multifunctional biodegradable film for agriculture, capable of absorbing UV radiation, reflecting NIR radiation, and conducting thermal energy.
Thermo‐rheological analysis of various chain extended recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Pandey Vivek , Seese Michael , Maia João M. , Schiraldi David A.
Published: August 2020

Three chain extenders, pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), ethylene carbonate (EC), and a polymeric‐epoxide, were investigated for improving recycled p(ethylene terephthalate) (r‐PET) properties with melt extrusion. The amount of additives and processing temperatures were also varied to check for melt degradation. Small amplitude oscillatory shear experiments were performed to probe rheological changes with different chain extenders. Capillary rheometry with haul‐off was also performed to measure extensional viscosity and melt strength. Higher loadings of the chain extenders were found to improve properties of r‐PET. These chain extenders definitely increased melt viscosities when incorporated at the higher level of the ranges examined, matching that of virgin PET. EC addition resulted in high shear thinning of the polymer. Epoxy and PMDA added to r‐PET produced products with the same extensional viscosity as v‐PET. Haul‐off experiments demonstrate superior performance by epoxy‐modified r‐PET compared to v‐PET.
The unique role of seed banking and cryobiotechnologies in plant conservation
Authors: Walters Christina , Pence Valerie C.
Published: August 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Eroding plant diversity has serious implications for the well‐being of humanity and our planet. Conserving plants ex situ requires technologies that are rapidly advancing and readily accessible. The alarming loss of plant habitats has spawned global investment in technologies that focus on either conventional freezer storage, which exploit seed adaptations to survive drying, or on cryogenic platforms, that ensure long‐term survival of germplasm that is not amenable to conventional methods. Increasing evidence that germplasm survives for decades provide proof of concept, but also warns of the limited utility of stored germplasm that is not returned to the Earth.

A future sustainable world requires concerted efforts to conserve plant biodiversity. Using an integrated approach, botanic gardens, arboreta, universities, governmental agencies, and non‐governmental organizations are addressing that challenge. Here, we summarize some of the technological advances, in an ever‐growing toolbox, that increase the scope of taxa that are conserved ex situ as well as the lifespans of diverse plant tissues that can be used as germplasm. Seed banking continues to be a powerful and efficient tool. Seeds that tolerate extreme drying and low temperature will likely survive at least 100 years using conventional conditions of a common freezer. The extreme tolerance of seeds among diverse taxa has led to the global growth of seed banks to over 1,750 currently, and the conservation of over 50,000 species. Not all plants produce seeds or seeds that survive freezer conditions. Predictive models provide insight into the extent of taxa needing alternative strategies and an initial list of such species is available. These “exceptional” species require cryobiotechnologies (cryogenic storage in liquid nitrogen and in vitro technologies), which provide effective, long‐term ex situ conservation for a wide variety of tissues beyond seeds. The application of cryobiotechnologies increases the potential for conserving all plant biodiversity. Restoration of plant biodiversity into the future will require institutional collaborations among living collections, seed banks, and cryobanks to ensure technology transfer, information gathering and sharing, and capacity building in centers of biodiversity.
A new method for protein characterization and classification using geometrical features for3Dface analysis: An example of tubulin structures
Authors: Di Grazia Luca , Aminpour Maral , Vezzetti Enrico , Rezania Vahid , Marcolin Federica , Tuszynski Jack Adam
Published: August 2020

This article reports on the results of research aimed to translate biometric 3D face recognition concepts and algorithms into the field of protein biophysics in order to precisely and rapidly classify morphological features of protein surfaces. Both human faces and protein surfaces are free‐forms and some descriptors used in differential geometry can be used to describe them applying the principles of feature extraction developed for computer vision and pattern recognition. The first part of this study focused on building the protein dataset using a simulation tool and performing feature extraction using novel geometrical descriptors. The second part tested the method on two examples, first involved a classification of tubulin isotypes and the second compared tubulin with the FtsZ protein, which is its bacterial analog. An additional test involved several unrelated proteins. Different classification methodologies have been used: a classic approach with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier and an unsupervised learning with a k‐means approach. The best result was obtained with SVM and the radial basis function kernel. The results are significant and competitive with the state‐of‐the‐art protein classification methods. This leads to a new methodological direction in protein structure analysis.
Residential mobility of couples around family formation in the Netherlands: Stated and revealed preferences
Authors: Kooiman Niels
Published: August 2020

Despite ongoing debates on urban resurgence and suggestions that cities have become more popular as a location to raise children, empirical evidence on the extent to which families with children tend to stay in cities is scarce. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap by analysing intentions to move and the actual mobility behaviour of young families in the Netherlands. First, and based on administrative data from Statistics Netherlands (2008–2016), it provides a detailed geographical analysis of couples' actual moving behaviour around the life event of first childbirth in a wide array of settlement types. Results demonstrate that the transition to parenthood still triggers couples to move down the urban hierarchy: urban couples, especially those in high‐density neighbourhoods, tend to leave the city, whereas couples in smaller municipalities outside the city tend to adjust their housing situation by local moves. However, lower density neighbourhoods in inner cities are relatively successful in retaining couples around family formation. Second, and based on the Netherlands' Housing Survey linked to administrative data, this paper examines geographical variations in families' stated intentions to move and analyses the likelihood that these moving intentions are realised. Results suggest that patterns of family migration cannot merely be interpreted as revealed preferences for suburban or rural environments. Whereas urban families are more likely than non‐urban families to have intentions to leave, they are also most likely to intend to move within their settlement. However, Amsterdam families in particular are unlikely to fulfil their intentions to make a local move, probably because of housing market constraints.
The influence of phytoestrogens on different physiological and pathological processes: An overview
Authors: Petrine Jéssica C. P. , Del Bianco‐Borges Bruno
Published: August 2020

Functional foods have nutritional properties and organic functions, which are beneficial to health. Certain types of functional food components are so‐called phytoestrogens, non‐steroidal compounds derived from the metabolism of precursors contained in plants, which originate secondary metabotypes known to induce biological responses and by mimicry or modulating the action of endogenous estrogen. These molecules are involved in several physiological and pathological processes related to reproduction, bone remodeling, skin, cardiovascular, nervous, immune systems, and metabolism. This review aimed to present an overview of phytoestrogens regarding their chemical structure, actions, and effects in the organism given several pathologies. Several studies have demonstrated beneficial phytoestrogen actions, such as lipid profile improvement, cognitive function, menopause, oxidative stress, among others. Phytoestrogens effects are not completely elucidated, being necessary future research to understand the exact action mechanisms, whether they are via estrogen receptor or whether other hidden mechanisms produce these effects. Thus, this review makes a general approach to the phytoestrogen actions, beneficial effects, risk and limitations. However, the complexities of biological effects after ingestion of phytoestrogens and the differences in their metabolism and bioavailability indicate that interpretation of either risk or benefits needs to be made with caution.
IgG4‐related lung disease progressing to respiratory failure
Authors: Kunimatsu Yusuke , Tani Nozomi , Sato Izumi , Ogura Yuri , Hirose Kazuki , Takeda Takayuki
Published: August 2020

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a systemic immune‐mediated, fibroinflammatory disorder categorized as proliferative or fibrotic depending on the responsiveness of corticosteroid treatment. IgG4‐related lung disease (IgG4‐RLD) accounts for 13–14% of IgG4‐RD cases, but respiratory failure is quite rare. A 71‐year‐old man diagnosed with interstitial lung disease was referred to our department after a 10‐month observational period. He presented with respiratory failure at the first visit, with significant elevations in serum IgG4 levels and histopathological findings meeting the criteria of IgG4‐positive plasma cells and IgG4/IgG‐positive plasma cell ratio in transbronchial lung biopsy and inguinal lymph node biopsy, resulting in a diagnosis of IgG4‐RD. Systemic corticosteroid treatment promptly ameliorated the respiratory failure. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed significant FDG accumulation in the lung fields, indicating the proliferative and reversible status of IgG4‐RLD, which responded well to corticosteroid treatment. The patient recovered from respiratory failure even after a 10‐month observational period.
Optimal robust fault detection of discrete‐time LPV systems with measurement error‐affected scheduling variables combining ZKF and pQP
Authors: Tan Junbo , Olaru Sorin , Xu Feng , Wang Xueqian , Liang Bin
Published: August 2020

Optimal robust state estimation (SE) and fault detection (FD) methods of discrete‐time linear parameter varying systems with measurement error‐affected scheduling variables are proposed under the boundedness assumption of system uncertainties. By using the weighted Frobenius norm of the generator matrix of SE zonotope to characterize the set size, the optimal observer gain can be computed by a zonotopic Kalman filter (ZKF) procedure for the purpose of observation. Meanwhile, by minimizing the influence of system uncertainties while maximizing that of faults on SE to enhance the sensitivity of FD, the optimal FD criterion is characterized based on an on‐line fractional programming problem, which can be equivalently transformed into a parametric quadratic programming (pQP) problem. The pQP problem can be efficiently solved by searching the root of its nonlinear characteristic equation using secant method. In general, as long as sensors with sufficiently high precision are equipped to measure the scheduling variables, the bounds of measurement errors of scheduling variables can be less conservative than those direct bounds of scheduling variables, which can reduce the conservatism of FD or SE in this way. At the end of this article, a case study based on a practical circuit model is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Injectable BMP-2 gene-activated scaffold for the repair of cranial bone defect in mice
Authors: Sun Kai , Lin Hang , Tang Ying , Xiang Shiqi , Xue Jingwen , Yin Weifeng , Tan Jian , Peng Hao , Alexander Peter G. , Tuan Rocky S. , Wang Bing
Published: August 2020

Tissue engineering using adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded within biomaterial scaffolds has shown the potential to enhance bone healing. Recently, we have developed an injectable, biodegradable methacrylated gelatin-based hydrogel, which was especially effective in producing scaffolds in situ and allowed the delivery of high viable stem cells and gene vehicles. The well-demonstrated benefits of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector, including long-term gene transfer efficiency and relative safety, combination of gene and cell therapies has been developed in both basic and translational research to support future bone tissue regeneration clinical trials. In this study, we have critically assessed the applicability of single-step visible light (VL) photocrosslinking fabrication of gelatin scaffold to deliver rAAV encoding human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene to address the need for sustained BMP-2 presence localized within scaffolds for the repair of cranial bone defect in mouse model. In this method, rAAV-BMP-2 and human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBMSCs) were simultaneously included into gelatin scaffolds during scaffold formation by VL illumination. We demonstrated that the subsequent release of rAAV-BMP-2 constructs from the scaffold matrix, which resulted in efficient in situ expression of BMP-2 gene by hBMSCs seeded within the scaffolds, and thus induced their osteogenic differentiation without the supplement of exogenous BMP-2. The reparative capacity of this novel stem cell-seeded and gene-activated scaffolds was further confirmed in the cranial defect in the severe combined immunodeficiency mice, revealed by imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry at 6 weeks after cranial defect treatment.

Significance statement This article describes a novel and advanced method of providing recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV)-human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) to human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine, encapsulated in the visible light photocrosslinking (VL-PXL) technology fabricated gelatin scaffold. In particular, live-dead staining and rAAV release kinetics assay were performed, to estimate the safety and efficiency of the scaffold-based delivery system. The in vivo study further showed the capacity of this new system in repairing the bone defect. This novel gene-engineered, cell-based, VL-PXL fabricated bone construct thus represents a robust treatment method for the mouse cranial defect.
Oxidative Amidation of Aldehydes with Amines Catalysed by Fe(II) – Hydride Complex and N‐ Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHC)
Authors: Singh Ashmita , Azad Chandra S. , Narula Anudeep K.
Published: August 2020

Oxidative amidation reaction of aldehydes with amines, by tert butyl hydrogen peroxide in toluene was achieved. The reaction utilised the in situ generated catalyst produced by Fe(II) – hydride complex [FeH2(PPh3)4], and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand. The catalytic system was found efficient for the synthesis of wide variety of mono and disubstiuted amides.
In Silico Identification of Potential Inhibitors of ADP‐Ribose Phosphatase of SARS‐CoV‐2 nsP3 by Combining E‐Pharmacophore‐ and Receptor‐Based Virtual Screening of Database
Authors: Debnath Pradip , Debnath Bimal , Bhaumik Samhita , Debnath Sudhan
Published: August 2020

The recently emerged 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) and associated COVID‐19 disease cause serious or even fatal respiratory tract infection. Observing the spread, illness and death caused by COVID‐19, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID‐19 a pandemic. To date, there is no approved therapeutics or effective treatment available to combat the outbreak. This urgent situation is pressing the world to respond with development of novel vaccine or a small molecule therapeutics for SARS‐CoV‐2. In line with these efforts, the structure of several proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 has been rapidly resolved and made publicly available to facilitate global efforts to develop novel drug candidates. In this paper, we aim to find out the small molecule inhibitors for ADP‐ribose phosphatase of SARS‐CoV‐2. In order to identify potential inhibitors, we applied sequential E‐pharmacophore and structure‐based virtual screening (VS) of MolPort database containing 113687 number of commercially available natural compounds using Glide module. Six potential inhibitors having admirable XP glide score range from −11.009 to −14.684 kcal/mol and good binding affinity towards active sites were identified. All the molecules are commercially available for further characterization and development by scientific community. The in vitro activity of selected inhibitors can be done easily which will provide useful information for clinical treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia.
Mechanistic Insight into Selective Sensing of Hazardous Hg2+ and Explosive Picric Acid by Using a Pyrene‐Azine‐Hydroxyquinoline Framework in Differential Media
Authors: Mondal Tapashree , Mondal Indranil , Biswas Sourav , Mane Manoj V. , Panja Sujit S.
Published: August 2020

A pyrene‐hydroxyquinoline tethered ingeniously designed and developed azine based Schiff base luminophoric system, 2‐((Z)‐((E)‐(pyren‐1‐ylmethylene)hydrazono)methyl)quinolin‐8‐ol (PHQ) has been explored as a selective ‘TURN ON’ chromofluorogenic sensor for hazardous Hg2+ ions in ethanol/H2O (9 : 1,v/v) medium with detection limit of 0.22 μM and binding constant of 1.09 x 103 M−1. The detail scrutiny of mechanism of interaction between PHQ and Hg2+ is rationalized through various techniques like 1H NMR titration, FT‐IR, mass spectral analysis, theoretical computations, Job's plot, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), time resolved excited state decay dynamics and fluorescence reversibility studies, which concretely declare a synergistic effect of supramolecular aggregation induced enhanced emission and deactivation of photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) processes. On the other hand, a ‘TURN OFF’ luminescence feature of highly fluorescent PHQ hydrosol is utilized for the selective screening of powerful explosive picric acid (PA) in aqueous medium and mechanism is deciphered by means of steady state, time‐resolved emission as well as computational studies which altogether reflect a combined effect of PET and ground state complexation between probe and PA. The commendable detection limit of 55 nM and Stern‐Volmer quenching constant of 1.48 x 104 M−1 with high quenching efficiency of 84% increases the pertinency of the nano‐probe.
Highly Selective and Sensitive (PPB Level) Quinolin‐Based Colorimetric Chemosensor for Cu(II)
Authors: Mohan Vaisakh , Das Nilimesh , Jain Vipin K. , Khan Tanmoy , Pandey Sarvesh K. , Faizi Md. Serajul H. , Daniel Joseph , Sen Pratik
Published: August 2020

4‐(quinolin‐2‐ylmethylene)aminophenol (QMAP) is synthesised in a one‐step synthetic process and was checked for its sensing ability towards metal ions. The molecule is found to be effective for the instantaneous selective and sensitive Cu(II) ion detection in PPB level in methanolic solution with a distinct development of orangish yellow colour from a colourless solution, which can be detected visually. The sensing ability of the QMAP towards Cu(II) is found independent on the type of counter anions and also in the presence of other metal ions. QMAP does not show any colour change in the presence of other metal salts. A 2 : 1 binding stoichiometry between QMAP and Cu(II) with a large binding constant of 3.2 x 1010 M−2 has been measured. Quantum chemical calculations have been used to understand the nature of the complex and the mechanism of the sensing.
The Ultrasmall Palladium Nanoparticles Catalyzed Telomerization of CO2 with 1,3‐Butadiene at Room Temperature: Selective Synthesis of δ‐Lactone
Authors: Wang Jixiao , Feng Xiujuan , Song Jiliang , Gao Zhanming , Wang Wan‐Hui , Bao Ming
Published: August 2020

An efficient method for the selective synthesis of δ‐lactone from CO2 and 1,3‐butadiene was developed by using ultrasmall palladium nanoparticles as a catalyst for the first time. Palladium nanoparticles (1.90±0.39 nm) were generated in situ in the presence of Pd(acac)2, tetrabutylammonium acetate (TBAAc), and PPh3 as the precatalyst, stabilizer, and reductant, respectively. Maximum yield (86 % with 96 % selectivity) with satisfactory conversion (89 %) and turnover number (1271) was achieved under mild conditions.
Highly Enhanced OER Activity of Amorphous Co3O4 via Fabricating Hybrid Amorphous‐Crystalline Gold Nanostructures
Authors: Muthukumar Pandi , Ranganathan Prabha , Pannipara Mehboobali , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: August 2020

Hybrid nanostructures of amorphous cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and crystalline gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) showed strongly enhanced OER activity compared to pure amorphous Co3O4. Particularly, gold nanorods (Au NRs) integrated amorphous Co3O4 nanostructures (aCo3O4/Au NRs) required significantly low overpotential (225 mV) to produce geometric current density and needed 336 and 398 mV for achieving current density of 100 and 400 mA/cm2, respectively. Further, aCo3O4/Au NRs displayed good stability over 40 h at 336 mV.
Design and Synthesis of Coumarin‐Based Pyrazolopyridines as Biocompatible Fluorescence Dyes for Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Farajpour Behnaz , Mohammadi Sanam Sadeghi , Sedghi Mosslim , Naderi‐Manesh Hossein , Janiak Christoph , Knedel Tim‐Oliver
Published: August 2020

An unprecedented strategy for the synthesis of highly fluorescent chromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyridin‐4(3H)‐ones via a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction/ring closure in the presence of NH4OAc/air oxidation in a one‐pot procedure is described. The molecular structures were characterized by IR spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of synthesized compounds were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. All of the compounds exhibited almost similar spectra due to their resembling molecular structures. Therefore, one of the synthesized coumarin‐based pyrazolopyridines was selected to evaluate its application as a live‐cell imaging agent by an inverted phase‐contrast microscope. The result reveals that synthesized chromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyridin‐4(3H)‐one has acceptable photostability, low cytotoxicity, satisfactory fluorescence efficiency (Φf: 0.53), and excellent capability to penetrate into the intracellular space. Accordingly, it can be rendered as a promising dye in fluorescence bioimaging. Chemoselectivity, simple and available starting materials, operational simplicity, and good yields are other outstanding advantages of this reaction.
Electrochemical Sensing of Paracetamol Using Electropolymerised and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Modified Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode
Authors: Manjunatha Charithra Madikeri , Manjunatha Jamballi G.
Published: August 2020

The sensing tool based on the electropolymerisation of alizarin carmine (AC) and immobilization of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on the surface of bare carbon nanotube paste electrode (BCNTPE) has been developed. The developed ultrasensitive electrochemical device employed for the voltammetric analysis of paracetamol (PR). Poly (AC) SLS modified CNTPE (PACSLSMCNTPE) facilitates the enhancement in voltammetric signal for PR in 0.2 M supporting electrolyte (pH 7.0). The surface morphology features of the proposed electrodes were gained from the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The calibration curve for PR concentration level from 4.0‐100 μM was plotted and 0.06 μM limit of detection (LD), 0.21 μM limit of quantification (LQ) was attained. The designed sensor unveiled with sufficient repeatability, satisfactory reproducibility, and acceptable stability. No major disturbance in the voltammetric signal for PR in the existence of dopamine (DA) and estriol (ES) discloses the selectivity of the proposed sensor. The projected sensor was magnificently applied for the electroanalysis of PR in the tablet formulations.
In Situ Formation of Ag Nanoparticles Capped by Photoactivable Ligands for Optical Sensing of Hypochlorite
Authors: Tang Hong , Wang Xu , Huang Xiaohuan
Published: August 2020

Photomediated ligands afford powerful tools to improve the spatial and temporal resolution in the clinical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. In this work, a photoactivable ligand was designed by attachment of a pyrene unit to the strained cyclic disulfide of lipoic acid. Co‐incubation of the ligand with AgNO3 under sunlight induce the in situ formation of Ag nanoparticles with a remarkable fluorescence enhancement. By integration of fluorescent and plasmonic modalities into one structure, the obtained Ag nanoparticles exhibit a dual‐mode sensing to hypochlorite with fast response and high selectivity. This method could become an easy‐to‐obtain, ready‐to‐use, and eco‐friendly way to detect hypochlorite.
The Crucial Role of Environmental Coronas in Determining the Biological Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials
Authors: Xu Lining , Xu Ming , Wang Ruixia , Yin Yongguang , Lynch Iseult , Liu Sijin
Published: August 2020

In aquatic environments, a large number of ecological macromolecules (e.g., natural organic matter (NOM), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and proteins) can adsorb onto the surface of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) to form a unique environmental corona. The presence of environmental corona as an eco–nano interface can significantly alter the bioavailability, biocompatibility, and toxicity of pristine ENMs to aquatic organisms. However, as an emerging field, research on the impact of the environmental corona on the fate and behavior of ENMs in aquatic environments is still in its infancy. To promote a deeper understanding of its importance in driving or moderating ENM toxicity, this study systemically recapitulates the literature of representative types of macromolecules that are adsorbed onto ENMs; these constitute the environmental corona, including NOM, EPS, proteins, and surfactants. Next, the ecotoxicological effects of environmental corona‐coated ENMs on representative aquatic organisms at different trophic levels are discussed in comparison to pristine ENMs, based on the reported studies. According to this analysis, molecular mechanisms triggered by pristine and environmental corona‐coated ENMs are compared, including membrane adhesion, membrane damage, cellular internalization, oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Finally, current knowledge gaps and challenges in this field are discussed from the ecotoxicology perspective.
Characterization and behavior of basalt fiber‐reinforced lightweight concrete
Authors: Divyah Nagarajan , Thenmozhi Rajagopal , Neelamegam Meyappan , Prakash Ramaiah
Published: August 2020

The improvised construction techniques and utilization of industrial wastes in manufacturing concrete play a major role in sustainability. The artificially manufactured aggregates are gaining importance in the present era. The use of fibers as secondary reinforcement is greatly pronounced. Sintered fly ash aggregate concrete and normal aggregate concrete with and without basalt fiber with 28 days compressive strength of 30 Mpa were cast and tested. The stress–strain curve of the lightweight concrete has a lower modulus of elasticity when compared with the normal aggregate concrete. A simple linear relationship has been developed between the mechanical properties using regression analysis. The water absorption and void ratio had a direct relationship with the sorptivity and ponding of concrete. The strength and durability aspects of the lightweight aggregate concrete had better agreement with the requirements of the structural lightweight concrete. Strict adherence to codal provisions with respect to strength and durability can be made for improvised behavior.
Influence of brick dust, stone dust, and recycled fine aggregate on properties of natural and recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Chakradhara Rao Meesala
Published: August 2020

The brick, stone, and construction industries produces huge quantities of non‐biodegradable waste materials and incorporation of such waste materials in concrete eventually leads to the green and sustainable construction. The present paper study the effect of partial substitution of brick dust (BD), stone dust (SD), and recycled fine aggregate (RFA) as fine aggregate on the properties of natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). In the present investigation, two groups of mixes were considered: Group A consists of 100% natural coarse aggregate (NCA) and group B consists of 50% NCA and 50% recycled coarse aggregate. In each group, the natural fine aggregate was partially replaced with 30% BD, 30% SD, and 30% RFA separately. All mixes were designed for M25 grade concrete with a constant w/c ratio of 0.45. The properties viz. compressive strength, density, indirect tensile strength, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity of all mixes was performed. Also, durability performance of all the mixes under acid conditions viz.: HCl and H2SO4 solutions were studied. From the results it was found that the compressive strength and split tensile strengths (27.95–23.23%) of both natural and recycled aggregate concrete were significantly increased with the partial substitution of SD. Also, the results reveal that the water absorption decreased by 57.14–69.64% and 4.67–34.67%, respectively, when the replacement of NFA with BD and SD in both NAC and RAC. Both natural and recycled aggregate concrete were more susceptible for H2SO4 than HCl acid in terms of loss of weight and compressive strength.
Uncertainty and Narratives of the Future: A Theoretical Framework for Contemporary Fertility
Authors: Vignoli Daniele , Bazzani Giacomo , Guetto Raffaele , Minello Alessandra , Pirani Elena
Published: August 2020

Explanations for fertility decisions based on structural constraints—such as labor, housing condition, or income—do not account for the contemporary fertility downturn faced by many countries in Europe. In this paper, we posit that the rise of uncertainty is central for understanding contemporary fertility dynamics. We propose a theoretical framework (the Narrative Framework) for the study of fertility decisions under uncertain conditions based on expectations, imaginaries and narratives. Relying on the idea of future–oriented action, we argue that uncertainty needs to be conceptualized and operationalized taking into account that people use works of imagination, producing their ownnarrative of the future. Narratives of the future are potent driving forces helping people to actaccording toordespiteuncertainty. We present the different elements of the Narrative Framework and address its causal validity. We conclude by highlighting the advantages of taking into account the narratives of the future in fertility research.
Rheological and physical analysis of oil-water emulsion based on enzymatic structured fat
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Krztoń-Maziopa Anna , Babut Monika , Mitrosz Paulina
Published: August 2020

Structured triacylglycerols play an important role in determining the functional properties of fat-based emulsion products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical properties of the emulsion systems manufactured on the basis of enzymatically modified rabbit fat with pumpkin seed oil in the presence of sn-1,3 regioselective lipase. Emulsions containing variable contents of thickener and variable fat ratios were analyzed for rheological behavior and particle size changes during storage, and their stability was assessed using the Turbiscan test. The results showed that the emulsion containing the majority of rabbit fat and 1 wt% of carboxymethylcellulose was characterized by the highest stability. On the other hand, the emulsions containing higher amounts of pumpkin seed oil in a fatty base characterized the lowest resistance to destabilization processes. The research confirmed the possibility of producing structured fat which can be the basis for new emulsion systems proposed as a food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product.
Elasticity-dependent response of malignant cells to viscous dissipation
Authors: Charrier Elisabeth E. , Pogoda Katarzyna , Li Robin , Wells Rebecca G. , Janmey Paul A.
Published: August 2020

The stiffness of the cellular environment controls malignant cell phenotype and proliferation. However, the effect of viscous dissipation on these parameters has not yet been investigated, in part due to the lack of in vitro cell substrates reproducing the mechanical properties of normal tissues and tumors. In this article, we use a newly reported viscoelastic polyacrylamide gel cell substrate, and we characterize the impact of viscous dissipation on three malignant cell lines: DU145 and PC3 derived from prostate and LN229 from brain. The spreading, motility and proliferation rates of these cells were analyzed on 1 kPa and 5 kPa elastic and viscoelastic gels. Surprisingly, the effect of substrate viscous dissipation on cell behavior depended on substrate stiffness for the three cell types tested. We conclude that viscoelasticity controls the spreading, proliferation and migration of malignant cells in vitro. These results highlight the critical role of viscous dissipation in the phenotype and proliferation of malignant cells, especially in stiff tumor environments.
The risk of cardiovascular complications in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Czubkowski Piotr , Osiecki Marcin , Szymańska Edyta , Kierkuś Jarosław
Published: August 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing disease of unknown etiology involving gastrointestinal tract. IBD comprises two main entities: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Several studies showed increased risk of cardiovascular complications in chronic inflammatory disorders, especially during IBD relapses. Endothelium plays a role in physiologic regulation of vascular tone, cell adhesion, migration and resistance to thrombosis. Also, its dysfunction is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis development. There are several potential links between chronic IBD-related inflammatory processes and the risk of cardiovascular disease, but insight into pathogenetic pathways remains unclear. We present the current concepts and review of adult and pediatric studies on the risk of CVD in IBD.
Enchantment in Business Ethics Research
Authors: Bell Emma , Winchester Nik , Wray-Bliss Edward
Published: August 2020

This article draws attention to the importance of enchantment in business ethics research. Starting from a Weberian understanding of disenchantment, as a force that arises through modernity and scientific rationality, we show how rationalist business ethics research has become disenchanted as a consequence of the normalization of positivist, quantitative methods of inquiry. Such methods absent the relational and lively nature of business ethics research and detract from the ethical meaning that can be generated through research encounters. To address this issue, we draw on the work of political theorist and philosopher, Jane Bennett, using this to show how interpretive qualitative research creates possibilities for enchantment. We identify three opportunities for reenchanting business ethics research related to: (i) moments of novelty or disruption; (ii) deep, meaningful attachments to things studied; and (iii) possibilities for embodied, affective encounters. In conclusion, we suggest that business ethics research needs to recognize and reorient scholarship towards an appreciation of the ethical value of interpretive, qualitative research as a source of potential enchantment.