bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D
esulfallaceae

fam. nov.
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sulf.al.la.ce'ae. N.L. masc. n.
Desulfallas
type genus of the family; suff.
‐aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfallaceae
the family of
Desulfallas
.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales /
Desulfallaceae
fam. nov.

The family currently accommodates four genera,
Desulfallas, Desulfoscipio,
Desulfotruncus
and
Sporotomaculum
. Cells are straight or slightly curved rods.
Desulfallas
and
Desulfoscipio
species are Gram‐staining‐negative. Gram‐staining reaction is variable in
Desulfotruncus
species. Spherical spores occur central or subterminal of cells. Nonmotile or motile by means of flagella.
Desulfallas, Desulfoscipio
and
Desulfotruncus
species are Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory type of metabolism. Sporotomaculum species are fermentative with the incapacity of utilization of inorganic electron acceptors. Thermophilic or mesophilic. Neutrophilic. NaCl is not essential for growth. Chemoorganoheterotrophic growth occurs using organic acids, alcohols, short to long‐chain fatty acids. Chemolithoautotrophic growth with H
2
and CO
2
. Substrates are completely oxidized to CO
2
. Sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate are electron acceptors and reduced to H
2
S. Grows fermentatively on organic acids. Desulfoviridin is absent. The major cellular fatty acids are C
16:0
, iso‐C
15:0
, C
16:1
ω7
c
, C
16:1
c
9, iso‐C
17:1
ω10
c
. Major menaquinone is MK‐7. Type genus is
Desulfallas
. The type strain of the genus
Desulfallas
was isolated from gasoline‐contaminated soil.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 48–54.8 (LC,
T
m
, BD); 45.5–49.9 (genome).

Type genus
:
Desulfallas
Watanabe et al. 2018
VP
.
D
esulfovirgula
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sul.fo.vir'gu.la. L. pref.
de
from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
sulfur; L. fem. n.
virgula
twig or rod; N.L. fem. n.
Desulfovirgula
a rod that reduces sulfur compounds.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales / Desulfofundulaceae / Desulfovirgula

Cells are rod‐shaped. Gram‐stain‐positive. Spherical spores occur central or subterminal of cells causing swelling of cells. Motile with two or more flagella. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory type of metabolism. Thermophilic and neutrophilic. NaCl is not required for growth. Chemolithoautotroph or chemoorganoheterotroph using organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids (C
3
–C
7
, C
9
, C
10
, C
16
). The substrates are oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CO‐DH] pathway, Wood–Ljungdahl pathway) as indicated by genome data. H
2
can serve as the electron donor and CO
2
as the carbon source. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur are used as electron acceptors; nitrate, nitrite, and Fe(III) are not utilized. Grows fermentatively on organic acids. Major cellular fatty acids are iso‐C
15:0
, iso‐C
17:0
, and C
16:0
. Major menaquinone is MK‐7. The cell wall contained
meso
‐diaminopimelic acid. Found in a geothermally active underground mine in Japan.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 60.1 (LC); 61.3 (genome).

Type species
:
Desulfovirgula thermocuniculi
Kaksonen et al. 2007
VP
.
D
esulfallas
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sulf.al'las. L. pref.
de
from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
sulfur; Gr. masc. n.
allas
sausage; N.L. masc. n.
Desulfallas
sulfate‐reducing sausage.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales / Desulfallaceae / Desulfallas

Cells are straight rods. Gram‐stain‐negative. Spherical spores occur central to subterminal of cells. Motile. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory or fermentative type of metabolism. Mesophilic or thermophilic. Neutrophilic with optimal growth pH of 7.0–7.5. NaCl is not required for growth. Chemolithoautotroph or chemoorganoheterotroph using organic acids, fatty acids, and alcohols. Substrates are oxidized completely to CO
2
or incompletely to acids depending on the species. Vitamins are required for growth. Some species can grow autotrophically with H
2
as electron donor and CO
2
as carbon source. Sulfate, thiosulfate, and sulfite are used as electron acceptors and reduced to sulfide; nitrite and Fe (III) are not utilized. Some species grow fermentatively on organic acids. Major cellular fatty acids are iso‐C
15:0
, C
16:1
ω7
c
, and C
16:0
. Found in rice hulls or gasoline‐contaminated soil.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 48–51.2 (buoyant density).

Type species:
Desulfallas sapomandens
Watanabe et al. 2018
VP
(basonym:
Desulfotomaculum sapomandens
Cord‐Ruwisch and Garcia 1985).
Immunomodulation‐Based Strategy for Improving Soft Tissue and Metal Implant Integration and Its Implications in the Development of Metal Soft Tissue Materials
Authors: Liu Runheng , Chen Shoucheng , Huang Peina , Liu Guanqi , Luo Pu , Li Zhipeng , Xiao Yin , Chen Zhuofan , Chen Zetao
Published: March 2020

The difficulties associated with metal implants and soft tissue integration have significantly affected the applications of metal implants in soft‐tissue‐related areas. Prompted by the close association between soft tissue integration and the immune response, an immunomodulation‐based strategy is proposed to manipulate the immune microenvironment and improve metal implant–soft tissue integration. Considering their vital roles in soft tissue responses to metal implants, macrophages are used and the cytokines fingerprints of M1 and M2 macrophage immune microenvironments are evaluated for their potential modulatory effects on metal implant–soft tissue integration. The modulatory effects of different immune microenvironments on model soft tissue cells (human gingival epithelium cells) cultured on model metal implants (titanium alloy disks) are then described, with the underlying possible mechanism FAK‐AKT‐mTOR signaling unveiled. As further proof of concept, IL‐4/PDA (polydopamine)‐coated titanium alloy implants, aiming at modulating M2 macrophage polarization, are prepared and found to improve the in vivo metal implant‐soft tissue integration. It is the authors' ambition that this immunomodulation‐based strategy will change the negative perception and encourage the active development of metal materials with favorable soft tissue integration properties, thus improving the success rates of perforating metal implants and broadening their application in soft‐tissue‐related areas.
Progress in Computational and Machine‐Learning Methods for Heterogeneous Small‐Molecule Activation
Authors: Gu Geun Ho , Choi Changhyeok , Lee Yeunhee , Situmorang Andres B. , Noh Juhwan , Kim Yong‐Hyun , Jung Yousung
Published: March 2020

The chemical conversion of small molecules such as H2, H2O, O2, N2, CO2, and CH4to energy and chemicals is critical for a sustainable energy future. However, the high chemical stability of these molecules poses grand challenges to the practical implementation of these processes. In this regard, computational approaches such as density functional theory, microkinetic modeling, data science, and machine learning have guided the rational design of catalysts by elucidating mechanistic insights, identifying active sites, and predicting catalytic activity. Here, the theory and methodologies for heterogeneous catalysis and their applications for small‐molecule activation are reviewed. An overview of fundamental theory and key computational methods for designing catalysts, including the emerging data science techniques in particular, is given. Applications of these methods for finding efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the activation of the aforementioned small molecules are then surveyed. Finally, promising directions of the computational catalysis field for further outlooks are discussed, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for new methods.
Designed Growth of Large‐Size 2D Single Crystals
Authors: Liu Can , Wang Li , Qi Jiajie , Liu Kaihui
Published: March 2020

In the “post‐Moore's Law” era, new materials are highly expected to bring next revolutionary technologies in electronics and optoelectronics, wherein 2D materials are considered as very promising candidates beyond bulk materials due to their superiorities of atomic thickness, excellent properties, full components, and the compatibility with the processing technologies of traditional complementary metal‐oxide semiconductors, enabling great potential in fabrication of logic, storage, optoelectronic, and photonic 2D devices with better performances than state‐of‐the‐art ones. Toward the massive applications of highly integrated 2D devices, large‐size 2D single crystals are a prerequisite for the ultimate quality of materials and extreme uniformity of properties. However, at present, it is still very challenging to grow all 2D single crystals into the wafer scale. Therefore, a systematic understanding for controlled growth of various 2D single crystals needs to be further established. Here, four key aspects are reviewed, i.e., nucleation control, growth promotion, surface engineering, and phase control, which are expected to be controllable at different periods during the growth. In addition, the perspectives on designed growth and potential applications are discussed for showing the bright future of these advanced material systems of 2D single crystals.
Intrinsically Strain‐Insensitive, Hyperelastic Temperature‐Sensing Fiber with Compressed Micro‐Wrinkles for Integrated Textronics
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kim Da Wan , Chun Sungwoo , Song Jin Ho , Yoo Eui Sang , Kim Jung Kyu , Pang Changhyun
Published: March 2020

Fiber‐shaped sensors are useful for the simple fabrication of textile‐based electronics, which have excellent wearability and conformal adaptability for ubiquitous healthcare systems. In the case of temperature monitoring using highly deformable textronics for diagnostics, the device operation can be hindered by strain‐induced interferences when various movements are performed. An intrinsic strain‐insensitive fiber‐type temperature sensor with compressed micro‐wrinkles is demonstrated. The fiber sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity (≈0.93% °C‐1) and high strain insensitivity until 60% tensile strain. Once the sensor is regularly knitted into a soft fabric, negligible changes in the electrical resistance are observed up to 180% tensile strain. Temperature‐responsive wavy architectures on the fiber surface are fabricated via a facile dip‐coating method after applying a pre‐strain, followed by lamination of an elastic protective layer. By fabricating uniform microscale wavy architectures and adjusting the wavelength of the micro‐wrinkles, the device performance is significantly improved. The fiber temperature sensor demonstrated is highly repeatable and reproducible for <1000 cycles, exhibiting excellent cyclic responses to on/off switching. Additionally, the fiber sensor can be integrated into a smart glove with a wireless transmitter to monitor continuous changes of the outside temperature without deformation‐induced interference under numerous dynamic gestures and movements.
All‐Solid‐State Organic Schmitt Trigger Implemented by Twin Two‐in‐One Ferroelectric Memory Transistors
Authors: Hwang Sunbin , Jang Sukjae , Bae Sukang , Lee Seoung‐Ki , Lee Sang Hyun , Fabiano Simone , Berggren Magnus , Lee Takhee , Kim Tae‐Wook
Published: March 2020

Although there have been many attempts to replace conventional inorganic electronics with organic materials that can be mass produced at low cost, few organic electronic filters to increase immunity to electrical noise have been reported thus far. Conventional Schmitt triggers or their inverters are used in many electronic circuits as versatile electronic noise filters. However, it is challenging to manufacture organic electronic systems with complex circuitry. In this study, a simple, all‐solid‐state organic Schmitt trigger consisting of twin two‐in‐one organic ferroelectric memory transistors with the same chemical compositions and device dimensions but different threshold voltages is introduced. Threshold voltages and hysteresis in the two‐in‐one devices can be controlled by polarization switching as demonstrated in a previous study. Hysteresis of a ferroelectric p‐type depletion load inverter can be achieved using twin two‐in‐one devices when the sweep voltage is higher than the critical gate voltages. This facilitates inverter characteristics at two different threshold voltages, and realizing a Schmitt trigger. Finally, based on simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation, guidelines are proposed on how to design organic Schmitt triggers with p‐ or n‐type materials and ferroelectric or charge‐trapping mechanisms to achieve inverting or non‐inverting characteristics.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Vacancies in Carbon Shell to Tune Charge Distribution of Co6Ni3S8 Core and Boost Sodium Storage
Authors: Zou Yihui , Gu Yu , Hui Bin , Yang Xianfeng , Liu Hongwei , Chen Shuai , Cai Rongsheng , Sun Jin , Zhang Xiaoli , Yang Dongjiang
Published: March 2020

Recently, the metal sulfide‐carbon nanocomposites have been suggested as a low‐cost alternative to lithium ion batteries, but commercial application is seriously hindered by their relatively inferior cyclic performance. Herein, N and S vacancies in an N,S co‐doped carbon (NSC) shell for anchoring a new bimetallic sulfide core of Co6Ni3S8 using Co‐Ni‐alginate biomass are introduced. The obtained Co6Ni3S8/carbon aerogels (Co6Ni3S8/NSCA) exhibit excellent sodium‐ion storage properties, high reversible capacity (568.1 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1), and an excellent cycle stability (94.4% after 300 cycles). Density functional theory calculation results disclose that nitrogen and sulfur vacancies in the carbon shell can enhance the binding between the Co6Ni3S8 core and NSC shell, ensuring an improved structural and electrochemical stability. In addition, an increased adsorption energy of Na+ (−1.88 eV) and a decreased barrier energy for Na+ diffusion (0.46 eV) are observed indicating a fast Na+ diffusion process. The powder X‐ray diffraction refinement confirms that the lattice parameters of Co6Ni3S8 extend to 0.9972 nm compared with Co9S8 (0.9928 nm), suppressing the volume expansion in Na+ diffusion processes.
Soil test phosphorus and phosphorus balance trends: A county‐level analysis in Ohio
Authors: Dayton Elizabeth A. , Shrestha Raj K. , Fulford Anthony M. , Love Kim R. , W. Culman Steven , Lindsey Laura E.
Published: March 2020

Off‐site transport of phosphorus (P) is a concern with Lake Erie and other Ohio surface waters. Baseline knowledge of and long‐term trends in soil test P (STP) and P balance are important as farmers are under increased scrutiny due to ongoing water quality concerns. The objectives of this work were to examine Ohio county‐level trends in STP, P inputs, P outputs, and P balance. Soil test P data from all 88 Ohio counties were obtained from 1993 to 2015 from the three major soil test laboratories that service Ohio farmers. County‐level P inputs (fertilizer and manure), outputs (crop removal), and balance (inputs minus outputs) were obtained from the International Plant Nutrition Institute's Nutrient Use Geographic Information System database. Regression analysis techniques were used to identify long‐term trends. Across multiple percentile levels, 44–63% of Ohio counties had decreasing long‐term STP trends, while 11–21% had increasing trends. Eighty‐four percent of Ohio counties had a negative P balance in 2014, meaning P outputs exceeded P inputs. Decreasing long‐term trends in STP and P balance, suggest that farmers are taking steps to manage P inputs and STP, which should result in reduced P runoff concentrations.
Alcohol Drinking and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Instrumental Variable Causal Inference
Authors: Yu Xinghao , Wang Ting , Chen Yiming , Shen Ziyuan , Gao Yixing , Xiao Lishun , Zheng Junnian , Zeng Ping
Published: March 2020

Observational studies have shown alcohol drinking behaviors may be associated with the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but contradictory findings have emerged, and whether such an association is causal is unclear. We here investigate the causal relationship between alcohol consumption and ALS. By leveraging instruments from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies, we performed a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis and found alcohol consumption was causally associated with ALS, leading to ∼1.5‐fold (95% confidence interval = 1.4–3.4) higher risk of ALS for each ∼10g/day increase in alcohol intake. Our findings suggest accumulative alcohol consumption may serve as a crucial risk factor in the pathogenesis of ALS. ANN NEUROL 2020ANN NEUROL 2020;88:195–198
Strain‐Enhanced Metallic Intermixing in Shape‐Controlled Multilayered Core–Shell Nanostructures: Toward Shaped Intermetallics
Authors: Williams Benjamin P. , Young Allison P. , Andoni Ilektra , Han Yong , Lo Wei‐Shang , Golden Matthew , Yang Jane , Lyu Lian‐Ming , Kuo Chun‐Hong , Evans James W. , Huang Wenyu , Tsung Chia‐Kuang
Published: March 2020

Controlling the surface composition of shaped bimetallic nanoparticles could offer precise tunability of geometric and electronic surface structure for new nanocatalysts. To achieve this goal, a platform for studying the intermixing process in a shaped nanoparticle was designed, using multilayered Pd‐Ni‐Pt core–shell nanocubes as precursors. Under mild conditions, the intermixing between Ni and Pt could be tuned by changing layer thickness and number, triggering intermixing while preserving nanoparticle shape. Intermixing of the two metals is monitored using transmission electron microscopy. The surface structure evolution is characterized using electrochemical methanol oxidation. DFT calculations suggest that the low‐temperature mixing is enhanced by shorter diffusion lengths and strain introduced by the layered structure. The platform and insights presented are an advance toward the realization of shape‐controlled multimetallic nanoparticles tailored to each potential application.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of P‐Chirogenic and Atropisomeric 2,2′‐Bisphosphino‐1,1′‐binaphthyls Enabled by Internal Phosphine Oxide Directing Groups
Authors: Xue Qingquan , Huo Shangfei , Wang Tingyi , Wang Zeming , Li Jianli , Zhu Meifang , Zuo Weiwei
Published: March 2020

Diphosphine ligands that merge both axial and P‐centered chirality may exhibit superior or unique properties. Herein we report the diastereoselective introduction of P‐centered chirality at the 2‐position of the axially chiral 2′‐(phosphine oxide)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl scaffold. A lithium–bromide exchange reaction of a 2‐bromo‐2′‐(phosphine oxide)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl and treatment with dichlorophosphines followed by a nucleophilic organometallic reagent afforded unsymmetrical 2‐phosphino‐2′‐(phosphine oxide)‐1,1′‐binaphthyls with binaphthyl axial chirality and one or two phosphorus stereocenters with a variety of P substituents. The final diastereomerically pure 2,2′‐bisphosphino‐1,1′‐binaphthyls were obtained by reduction of the phosphine oxide directing group. Preliminary results demonstrated that a ligand with this hybrid chirality could induce higher stereoselectivity in the metal‐complex‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of a dialkyl ketone.
Ethylene Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly (PISA) of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polyethylene Copolymers via RAFT
Authors: Bergerbit Cédric , Baffie Florian , Wolpers Arne , Dugas Pierre‐Yves , Boyron Olivier , Taam Manel , Lansalot Muriel , Monteil Vincent , D'Agosto Franck
Published: March 2020

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with dithiocarbamate chain ends (PEO–SC(=S)−N(CH3)Ph and PEO–SC(=S)−NPh2, named PEO‐1 and PEO‐2, respectively) were used as macromolecular chain‐transfer agents (macro‐CTAs) to mediate the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of ethylene in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) under relatively mild conditions (80 °C, 80 bar). While only a slow consumption of PEO‐1 was observed, the rapid consumption of PEO‐2 led to a clean chain extension and the formation of a polyethylene (PE) segment. Upon polymerization, the resulting block copolymers PEO‐b‐PE self‐assembled into nanometric objects according to a polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA).
Synthesis of a “Masked” Terminal Zinc Sulfide and Its Reactivity with Brønsted and Lewis Acids
Authors: Baeza Cinco Miguel Á. , Wu Guang , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas , Hayton Trevor W.
Published: March 2020

The “masked” terminal Zn sulfide, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(S)] (2) (MeL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)}2CH), was isolated via reaction of [MeLZnSCPh3] (1) with 2.3 equivalents of KC8 in THF, in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand, at −78 °C. Complex 2 reacts readily with PhCCH and N2O to form [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SH)(CCPh)] (4) and [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][MeLZn(SNNO)] (5), respectively, displaying both Brønsted and Lewis basicity. In addition, the electronic structure of 2 was examined computationally and compared with the previously reported Ni congener, [K(2.2.2‐cryptand)][tBuLNi(S)] (tBuL={(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)NC(tBu)}2CH).
Growth of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Controlled Structure: Floating Carbide Solid Catalysts
Authors: Qian Liu , Xie Ying , Yu Yue , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Shuchen , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2020

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) horizontal arrays with specific chirality can be enriched using solid carbide catalysts on substrates. However, scale‐up production by continuous loading of the solid catalysts onto the substrates is challenging. Described here is the preparation of a floating carbide solid catalyst (FSC) for the controlled growth of SWNTs. The FSC, titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticle, was directly obtained in the carrier gas phase by decomposition and carbonization of the titanocene dichloride precursor at high temperature. By using the TiC nanoparticle FSC, both SWNT horizontal arrays and randomly distributed networks can be obtained. The chirality of the as‐grown SWNTs were thermodynamically controlled to have fourfold symmetry. Further optimization of growth condition resulted in an abundance of (16,8) tubes with about a 74 % content. This FSC chemical vapor deposition (FSCCVD) method has potential for realizing mass growth of SWNTs with controlled structures.
Iridium‐Catalyzed β‐Alkynylation of Aliphatic Oximes as Masked Carbonyl Compounds and Alcohols
Authors: Tan Eric , Zanini Margherita , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: March 2020

An Ir‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H alkynylation of aliphatic ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols was achieved by using the corresponding oxime derivatives and a IrIII catalyst. This general reaction is selective towards primary C(sp3)−H bonds and can be used for the late‐stage C−H alkynylation of complex molecules.
Recognition and Stabilization of Unsaturated Fatty Acids by a Polyaromatic Receptor
Authors: Niki Keita , Tsutsui Takahiro , Yamashina Masahiro , Akita Munetaka , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: March 2020

Selective recognition of natural fatty acids is intrinsically difficult owing to the long, flexible, and poorly interactive hydrocarbon chains. Inspired by biological recognition systems, we herein demonstrate the exclusive binding of a monounsaturated fatty acid by an artificial polyaromatic receptor from a mixture of the unsaturated and corresponding saturated substrates (i.e., oleic and stearic acids) in water. The selectivity stems from multiple CH–π/π–π interactions between the host framework and the guest in its roughly coiled conformation. Moreover, competitive binding experiments elucidate higher binding affinities of the receptor for oligo‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., α‐linolenic acid and EPA). Within the receptor, the biosubstrates are remarkably stabilized against air, light, and heat owing to the polyaromatic shielding effect.
A Chemical Probe for Dehydrobutyrine
Authors: Chambers Kaitlin A. , Abularrage Nile S. , Hill Caitlin J. , Khan Imran H. , Scheck Rebecca A.
Published: March 2020

Bacterial phosphothreonine lyases, or phospholyases, catalyze a unique post‐translational modification that introduces dehydrobutyrine (Dhb) or dehydroalanine (Dha) in place of phosphothreonine or phosphoserine residues, respectively. We report the use of a phospha‐Michael reaction to label proteins and peptides modified with Dha or Dhb. We demonstrate that a nucleophilic phosphine probe is able to modify Dhb‐containing proteins and peptides that were recalcitrant to reaction with thiol or amine nucleophiles under mild aqueous conditions. Furthermore, we used this reaction to detect multiple Dhb‐modified proteins in mammalian cell lysates, including histone H3, a previously unknown target of phospholyases. This method should prove useful for identifying new phospholyase targets, profiling the biomarkers of bacterial infection, and developing enzyme‐mediated strategies for bioorthogonal labeling in living cells.
Coordination Tunes Selectivity: Two‐Electron Oxygen Reduction on High‐Loading Molybdenum Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Tang Cheng , Jiao Yan , Shi Bingyang , Liu Jia‐Ning , Xie Zhenhua , Chen Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: March 2020

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have great potential in electrocatalysis. Their performance can be rationally optimized by tailoring the metal atoms, adjacent coordinative dopants, and metal loading. However, doing so is still a great challenge because of the limited synthesis approach and insufficient understanding of the structure–property relationships. Herein, we report a new kind of Mo SAC with a unique O,S coordination and a high metal loading over 10 wt %. The isolation and local environment was identified by high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure. The SACs catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via a 2 e− pathway with a high H2O2 selectivity of over 95 % in 0.10 m KOH. The critical role of the Mo single atoms and the coordination structure was revealed by both electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations.
Degradation of p‐aminophenol wastewater using Ti‐Si‐Sn‐Sb/GAC particle electrodes in a three‐dimensional electrochemical oxidation reactor
Authors: Zhang Na , Bu Jiaqi , Meng Yong , Wan Jia , Yuan Lu , Peng Xin
Published: March 2020

In this study, Ti‐Si‐Sn‐Sb/GAC particle electrodes were prepared by sol–gel method. The particle electrodes were characterized by SEM, XRD, EDX, and BET then used to carry out three‐dimensional (3D) electrocatalytic oxidation degradation on simulated refractory p‐aminophenol (PAP) wastewater. The effects of initial pH, cell voltage, aeration flow rate and initial PAP concentration on degradation experiments were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the PAP and COD removal rates were 89.45% and 75.17% respectively. In addition, the possible degradation mechanism of PAP was further investigated by UV–Vis and HPLC. Finally, it was found that the Ti‐Si‐Sn‐Sb/GAC particle electrodes with high catalytic activity and excellent stability could significantly improve the PAP wastewater removal efficiency.
Diffusion coefficients of polyurethane coatings by swelling experiments using dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Wittchen Sergei , Kahl Heike , Waltschew David , Shahzad Irfan , Beiner Mario , Cepus Valentin
Published: March 2020

The present work describes the use of dielectric analysis (DEA) for comparison of swelling kinetics of two polyurethane coating recipes, R1702 and R1703, with varied hardener amount by swelling in ethanol. For this purpose, a rapid swelling test, simulating a cleaning process of coated polymer housings, was created and the diffusion coefficients of different coating compositions were calculated. These diffusion coefficients were compared with diffusion coefficients determined from the classical swelling experiment. Besides this, the internal comparison of swelling kinetics after repeated exposure of coatings to ethanol was made. Subsequently, the coating compositions with the most resistant against swelling were determined. For the fitting of desorption curves, received from DEA measurements, a fit function based on the solution of the second Fick´s law and Doolittle like equation was used. The DEA can be successfully used for comparison of desorption processes in polyurethane coatings and for the calculation of diffusion coefficients.
sPLA2 behaves like a prophylactic agent and mediates cellular and humoral immune responses in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Roy Miltan Chandra , Kim Yonggyun
Published: March 2020

Most immune effectors are inducible to microbial pathogen infection while some are already present to act as prophylactic immunity against as yet unseen infection. This study identified secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) as a prophylactic factor in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Western blotting using a polyclonal antibody raised against other lepidopteran sPLA2 reacted specifically with ∼25 kDa protein, which was present at approximately 0.4 mM in the plasma of naïve larvae. Interrogation of P. xylostella transcriptomes revealed an open‐reading frame for sPLA2 (Px‐sPLA2), exhibiting high homology with other Group III sPLA2s. Px‐sPLA2 was expressed in all developmental stages. In the larval stage, bacterial challenge induced its expression in hemocytes and fat body but not in gut or epidermis. RNA interference (RNAi) suppressed Px‐sPLA2 messenger RNA level and sPLA2 activity in plasma. An inhibition zone assay showed that Px‐sPLA2 exhibited antibacterial activities against different species, because specific RNAi knockdown impaired the activity. The RNAi treatment also suppressed the cellular immune response assessed by hemocyte nodule formation and humoral immune response assessed by antimicrobial peptide gene expression. Finally, benzylideneacetone (BZA, a specific sPLA2 inhibitor) treatment inhibited plasma sPLA2 activity of naive larvae in a dose‐dependent manner. An addition of BZA significantly increased the bacterial virulence of an entomopathogen, Bacillus thuringiensis. These results suggest that Px‐sPLA2 is an immune‐associated factor of P. xylostella and its relatively high level of concentration in the plasma of naive larvae strongly suggests its role as a prophylactic factor in defending against pathogens at early infection stages.
Activity of PRC1 and Histone H2AK119 Monoubiquitination: Revising Popular Misconceptions
Authors: Cohen Idan , Bar Carmit , Ezhkova Elena
Published: March 2020

Polycomb group proteins are evolutionary conserved chromatin‐modifying complexes, essential for the regulation of developmental and cell‐identity genes. Polycomb‐mediated transcriptional regulation is provided by two multi‐protein complexes known as Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). Recent studies positioned PRC1 as a foremost executer of Polycomb‐mediated transcriptional control. Mammalian PRC1 complexes can form multiple sub‐complexes that vary in their core and accessory subunit composition, leading to fascinating and diverse transcriptional regulatory mechanisms employed by PRC1 complexes. These mechanisms include PRC1‐catalytic activity toward monoubiquitination of histone H2AK119, a well‐established hallmark of PRC1 complexes, whose importance has been long debated. In this review, the central roles that PRC1‐catalytic activity plays in transcriptional repression are emphasized and the recent evidence supporting a role for PRC1 complexes in gene activation is discussed.
Synthesis, photophysical properties, and density functional theory studies of phenothiazine festooned vinylcyclohexenyl‐malononitrile
Authors: Al‐Zahrani Fatimah A.M. , Alzahrani Khalid Ahmed , El‐Shishtawy Reda M. , Abu Mellah Khloud , Al‐Soliemy Amerah M. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: March 2020

A novel phenothiazine derivative conjugated with vinylcyclohexenyl‐malononitrile (PTZ‐CDN) was synthesized through the Knoevenagel reaction of 10‐octyl‐10H‐phenothiazine‐3,7‐dicarbaldehyde with 2‐(3,5,5‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ylidene)‐malononitrile and fully characterized. The UV–vis absorption spectra of PTZ‐CDN in different solvents showed a λmax band at 497–531 nm with a high molar extinction coefficient attributed to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) with the characteristics of a π–π* transition. Increasing the solvent polarity resulted in a bathochromic shift of λmax. The PTZ‐CDN fluorescence emission spectra were more sensitive to increasing the solvent polarity than the absorption spectra; they displayed a blue shift of λem by 85 nm. To understand the behaviour of the PTZ‐CDN derivative, Stokes' shift (
with respect to the solvent polarity, Lippert–Mataga and linear solvation–energy relationship (LSER) models were applied in which the LSER showed better regression than the Lippert–Mataga plots (r2 = 0.9627). Finally, the TD‐density functional theory (DFT) electronic transition spectra in dioxane and dimethyl formamide (DMF) were calculated. The DFT data showed that λmax resulted from the support of the highest occupied molecular orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital transition with 74% and 99% in dioxane and DMF, respectively.
Application of dynamic metabolic flux analysis for process modeling: Robust flux estimation with regularization, confidence bounds, and selection of elementary modes
Authors: Hebing Lukas , Neymann Tobias , Engell Sebastian
Published: March 2020

In macroscopic dynamic models of fermentation processes, elementary modes (EM) derived from metabolic networks are often used to describe the reaction stoichiometry in a simplified manner and to build predictive models by parameterizing kinetic rate equations for the EM. In this procedure, the selection of a set of EM is a key step which is followed by an estimation of their reaction rates and of the associated confidence bounds. In this paper, we present a method for the computation of reaction rates of cellular reactions and EM as well as an algorithm for the selection of EM for process modeling. The method is based on the dynamic metabolic flux analysis (DMFA) proposed by Leighty and Antoniewicz (2011, Metab Eng, 13(6), 745–755) with additional constraints, regularization and analysis of uncertainty. Instead of using estimated uptake or secretion rates, concentration measurements are used directly to avoid an amplification of measurement errors by numerical differentiation. It is shown that the regularized DMFA for EM method is significantly more robust against measurement noise than methods using estimated rates. The confidence intervals for the estimated reaction rates are obtained by bootstrapping. For the selection of a set of EM for a given st oichiometric model, the DMFA for EM method is combined with a multiobjective genetic algorithm. The method is applied to real data from a CHO fed‐batch process. From measurements of six fed‐batch experiments, 10 EM were identified as the smallest subset of EM based upon which the data can be described sufficiently accurately by a dynamic model. The estimated EM reaction rates and their confidence intervals at different process conditions provide useful information for the kinetic modeling and subsequent process optimization.
Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Central Europe, update from Hungary
Authors: Biernacki Tamás , Sandi Dániel , Fricska‐Nagy Zsanett , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Füvesi Judit , Laczkó Rózsa , Kokas Zsófia , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László , Bencsik Krisztina
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Not so long ago, a novel phenotypic classification of multiple sclerosis (MS) and revisions to the McDonald diagnostic criteria were published. Good quality, standardized, and therefore comparable epidemiological data from the Central European region altogether are scarce, and data based on the aforementioned criteria are nonexistent; thus, an update is needed.

Materials and Methods

Patients residing in Csongrád county with a definitive diagnosis of MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria were included and evaluated by the 2014 revised phenotypic classification.

Results

A total of 420 patients were included, of whom 313 were females (female/male ratio 2.925:1). Standardized prevalence was 101.8/100,000, and incidence was 4.44/100,000. Relapsing–remitting disease type was identified in 288 (68.57%) cases, of which 230 patients (79.86%) were treated and of which 202 patients (87.8%) showed no disease activity with their current treatment. Progressive disease type was seen in 132 (31.43%) cases, with 72 patients (54.54%) receiving treatment. More than half of the treated patients (178, 57%) were administered platform therapies, while 134 (43%) received highly active disease modifying therapies.

Conclusion

The prevalence of MS in Hungary similarly to other countries shows a constant increase in the past decades. The majority of our patients received treatment and had a stable disease while being treated. The distribution of disease courses, phenotypes, and treatment status fell in line with data in the literature based on MS registries with a large number of participants. Ours is the first study to give epidemiological data based on the most recent McDonald criteria and phenotypic classification from the Central European region.
Role of entrepreneurial opportunity identification factors in the eco‐innovation of agribusiness
Authors: Ben Amara Dhekra , Chen Hong , Hafeez Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Agribusiness is central to human life, and eco‐innovation is the key driving force behind economic and ecological growth. However, in developing countries, setting economic and environmental goals remains challenging for entrepreneurs. This article focuses on the perceived role of entrepreneurial opportunity identification (EOI) factors on eco‐innovation in Tunisian agribusiness. A combination of external and sustainable factors was used to create an integrated model to assess the potential of EOI for stimulating eco‐innovation and sustainable development. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the positive effect of these factors and investigate the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness. The findings confirm (a) the positive influence of EOI factors on eco‐innovation, which serves as an innovative way for entrepreneurs to gain profits; (b) entrepreneurial alertness constitutes the most important factor for adopting eco‐innovation; (c) entrepreneurial alertness plays a mediating role between (1) prior knowledge and (2) social networks and eco‐innovation.
Scaling sustainability from the organizational periphery to the strategic core: Towards a practice‐based framework of what practitioners “do”
Authors: Ivory Sarah Birrell , MacKay R. Bradley
Published: March 2020

This paper explores what sustainability managers do when attempting to scale sustainability to a strategic level within their organization. Drawing on semistructured interview data with 44 sustainability managers in large, for‐profit companies, we identify three distinct scaling microstrategies that individuals use when scaling sustainability. We label these conforming, leveraging, and shaping. Our analysis also finds that sustainability managers deploy combinations of these microstrategies in three distinct approaches, which we call the assimilation approach, the mobilization approach, and the transition approach. Finally, we interrogate the degree to which employing these different approaches achieves a peripheral, intermediate, or strategic scale of sustainability within the organizations represented in the study. Our paper contributes to theory and practice at the interface of strategy and sustainability by developing a practice‐based Scaling Approach Framework, whereby an assimilation approach is associated with organizations with sustainability at a peripheral scale, a mobilization approach is associated with an intermediate scale of sustainability, and a transition approach is associated with scaling sustainability to a strategic level. From these results, we propose a Scaling Progression Model that reflects the phases that individuals progress through when scaling sustainability.
Communications between the superficial and deep fibular nerves in the foot: An anatomical and electrophysiological study
Authors: Manning Colleen , Cook Samantha , Rand Royale , Mills Jessie , Thomas Ashley , Galloway Kathleen
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The deep fibular sensory nerve can be recorded to evaluate for peripheral nerve injury; however, it can be challenging in some individuals. Anatomic variation could account for some of this difficulty. Cadaver dissection and electrophysiological testing were used to characterize deep and superficial fibular sensory nerve supply to the foot.

Materials and Methods

Nineteen feet from 15 (8 males and 7 females) cadavers were dissected to identify the deep fibular nerves (DFNs) and superficial fibular nerves (SFNs). Sensation to the first dorsal web space was tested electrophysiologically in 101 participants (31 males and 70 females) with an age range of 18–47 years with stimulation over both DFNs and SFNs.

Results

Eleven of the 19 (58%) cadaver limbs had a communication between SFNs and DFNs in the dorsum of the foot. A reliable sensory response was recorded in the first dorsal web space in 88% of the limbs tested. Deep fibular stimulation alone produced a response in 34% of the limbs, while superficial fibular stimulation alone produced a response in 10% of the limbs. A separate response with stimulation of both the DFNs and SFNs was recorded in 44% of the limbs.

Conclusions

A functional superficial to deep fibular sensory communication is present in a significant portion of the population. Those with the communication may not have the isolated sensory loss that would be expected in the first dorsal web space in conditions impacting the DFNs.
Examining consumer behaviour in the UK Energy sector through the sentimental and thematic analysis of tweets
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel , Balakrishnan Janarthanan , Kieu Tai Anh
Published: March 2020

Consumer engagement with brands on social media has been empirically proven. However, little is known about consumers' natural behaviour on social media, as literature on this topic is still in an early stage of its evolution. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate and understand the group interactions of consumer behaviour, with a specific focus on tweets within the UK energy sector. Energy is a significant utility in the United Kingdom, and the sector is evolving more rapidly than ever before, with pressure being applied to energy suppliers to meet the demands of consumers. This study draws on social capital theory to investigate how UK consumers engage with their suppliers, as well as the knowledge‐sharing capabilities of the Twitter community. In Study 1, Python was used to conduct tweet mining and sentiment analysis to investigate the polarity in consumer engagement with 82 energy companies in the United Kingdom. Results indicated overall positive sentiments towards the energy suppliers, although the level of engagement varies across the different groups of suppliers. Study 2 followed up with a qualitative insight into the factors shaping consumers' behaviour as they engage with brands on social media. A thematic model emerges in the form of an interrelated conceptual theory comprising three stakeholders, the key relationships between them, and their natural behaviours. This study offers a contemporary, essential, and interconnected understanding of consumer behaviour online with a focus on the energy sector, and further advances research into online consumer behaviour, sentiment analysis, netnography, and social media research.
Lactic Acid Production from Lignocellulose – A Review of Major Challenges and Selected Solutions
Authors: Ajala Elijah Olawale , Olonade Yusuf Olanrewaju , Ajala Mary Adejoke , Akinpelu Gbolagade Sunday
Published: March 2020

The industrial application of lactic acid is very broad; hence, the high demand is forecasted to multiply in the future. This review presented the major problems for the efficient production of lactic acid from lignocellulose biomass using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and further proposes three promising solutions to solve these problems, exposing their potentials and future research needs. Recombinant cellulolytic strategy in LAB promises a significant reduction of lactic acid production costs, however, extensive research on genetic engineering is still needed. Microwave‐assisted deep eutectic solvent pretreatment is extremely fast and produces little to no harmful by‐products, but it has not been investigated for lactic acid production yet. Continuous simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with enzyme and cell recycle is newly proposed by the authors as a process set up that can solve the problems of feedback‐, substrate‐ and end‐product inhibition while resulting in higher lactic acid productivities, yield, and concentration.
New Nocobactin Derivatives with Antimuscarinic Activity, Terpenibactins A–C, Revealed by Genome Mining of Nocardia terpenica IFM 0406
Authors: Chen Julia , Frediansyah Andri , Männle Daniel , Straetener Jan , Brötz‐Oesterhelt Heike , Ziemert Nadine , Kaysser Leonard , Gross Harald
Published: March 2020

We report a genomics‐guided exploration of the metabolic potential of the brasilicardin producer strain Nocardia terpenica IFM 0406. Bioinformatics analysis of the whole genome sequence revealed the presence of a biosynthetic gene cluster presumably responsible for the generation of formerly unknown nocobactin derivatives. Mass spectrometry‐assisted isolation led to the identification of three new siderophores, terpenibactins A (1), B (2) and C (3), which belong to the class of nocobactins. Their structures were elucidated by employing spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1–3 demonstrated inhibitory activity towards the muscarinic M3 receptor, while exhibiting only a low cytotoxicity.
Breaking a Couple: Disulfide Reducing Agents
Authors: Mthembu Sinenhlanhla N. , Sharma Anamika , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: March 2020

Cysteine is present in a large number of natural and synthetic (bio)molecules. Although the thiol side chain of Cys can be in a free form, in most cases it forms a disulfide bond either with a second Cys (bridge) or with another thiol, as in the case of protecting groups. Efficient reduction of these disulfide bridges is a requirement for many applications of Cys‐containing molecules in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Here we review reducing methods for disulfide bonds, taking into consideration the solubility of the substrates when selecting the appropriate reducing reagent.
Rhenium‐Based Complexes and in Vivo Testing: A Brief History
Authors: Capper Miles S. , Packman Hollie , Rehkämper Mark
Published: March 2020

The success of metal‐based anticancer therapeutics in the treatment of cancer is best exemplified by cisplatin. Currently used in 32/78 cancer regimens, metal‐based drugs have a clear role in cancer therapy. Despite this, metal‐based anticancer therapeutics are not without drawbacks, with issues such as toxic side effects and the development of resistance mechanisms. This has led to investigations of other metal‐based drug candidates such as auranofin, a gold‐based drug candidate as well as ruthenium‐based candidates, NAMI‐A, NKP‐1339 and TLD‐1433. All are currently undergoing clinical trials. Another class of complexes under study are rhenium‐based; such complexes have undergone extensive in vitro testing but only nine have been reported to display antitumour in vivo activity, which is a necessary step before entering clinical trials. This review will document, chronologically, the rhenium‐based drug candidates that have undergone in vivo testing and the outlook for such complexes.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Bennett Karina M. , Storrar Neill , Johnson Peter , Fernandes Peter M.
Published: March 2020

PML should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms following MM and in those who are immunosuppressed. Symptoms are diverse and often rapidly progressing. Prompt referral and early involvement of the multidisciplinary team are crucial.