bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amino‐Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots as Cathode Interlayer for Efficient Organic Solar Cells: Quantum Dot Size on Interfacial Modification Ability and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Wang Shichao , Li Zuojia , Xu Xiaopeng , Zhang Guangjun , Li Ying , Peng Qiang
Published: November 2018

In this work, a series of amino‐functionalized graphene quantum dots (AF‐GQDs) with different quantum dot sizes are prepared successfully and employed as the cathode interfacial layers (CILs) for fabrication of efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). The effect of quantum dot size on the interfacial modification ability and photovoltaic performance is investigated in detail. By varying the particle size of AF‐GQDs, the work function of the cathode and the conductivity of CIL can be finely tuned. M‐GQD with the medium size achieves the best balance of interfacial modification and conductivity, giving rise to the best power conversion efficiencies both in fullerene and nonfullerene OSCs (poly[[4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl][3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butylic acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend: 10.14%; poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐co‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PBDB‐T):3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene) (ITIC) blend: 11.87%; and poly[(4,8‐bis(5‐(tripropylsilyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)‐co‐(5,6‐difluoro‐2‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole)] (J71):ITIC blend: 12.81%). This work not only provides a new type of high‐performance CIL materials but also demonstrates a simple way for fine‐tuning the interfacial modification ability and the conductivity via just controlling the quantum dot size of AF‐GQDs.
Zugang zu meta‐ und para‐C(sp2)‐H‐Bindungen mithilfe kovalent gebundener dirigierender Gruppen
Authors: Dey Aniruddha , Sinha Soumya Kumar , Achar Tapas Kumar , Maiti Debabrata
Published: November 2018

Die von dirigierenden Gruppen unterstützte ortho‐C‐H‐Aktivierung ist seit einigen Jahrzehnten bekannt. Dagegen blieb es lange Zeit schwierig, mit der gleichen Vorgehensweise eine Aktivierung der entfernten meta‐ und para‐C‐H‐Bindungen an aromatischen Molekülen zu erreichen. Das Hauptproblem ist die Gestaltung eines makrocyclischen Übergangszustandes, der notwendig ist, um den Metallkatalysator in der Nähe der anvisierten Bindung zu verankern. Durch die sorgfältige Anpassung von Kettenlänge, Bindungsverknüpfung und der Art des den Katalysator koordinierenden Donoratoms wurden in den letzten Jahren mehrere Fortschritte erzielt. Dieser Aufsatz trägt die auf diesem Gebiet erreichten bedeutenden Leistungen für sowohl die meta‐ als auch die para‐Selektivität mithilfe von kovalent gebundenen dirigierenden Gruppen zusammen, die basierend auf der Art ihrer kovalenten Verknüpfung mit dem Substrat sowie ihres chemischen Charakters systematisch klassifiziert wurden. Ziel ist es, einen heuristischen Ansatz zu entwickeln, um die Eignung dirigierender Gruppen für ihre zukünftige Verwendung in organischen Transformationen zu erkennen.
Pongamia pinnata seed extract‐mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Preparation, formulation and evaluation of bactericidal and wound healing potential
Authors: Paul Madhurima , Londhe Vaishali Yogesh
Published: November 2018

Pongamia pinnata – a plant used since olden times in Ayurvedic treatment – is reported to have diverse functions including antibacterial, antidiabetic, antineurodegenerative, antiepileptic, antiulcer, etc. In this study, our objective was to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green synthesis mediated by methanolic seed extract of P. pinnata and to determine their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential and wound healing activity. AgNPs were characterized for particle size and shape and for antioxidant potential. Further, the AgNPs were incorporated in a gel. The wound healing activity was investigated using an excision wound healing model in Wistar rats. The AgNP‐loaded gel was applied topically to the wounded rats daily for 30 days. The wound contraction was calculated and histopathological studies of the healed tissues were conducted. Karanjin content of the extract was found to be 349 ± 2.16 mg g−1. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed using transmission and scanning electron microscopies and X‐ray diffraction. AgNPs showed good antioxidant potential and were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Significant wound healing activity (p < 0.05) was shown by the AgNP gel as compared to 5% Betadine ointment. Thus, the prepared AgNPs have antimicrobial and wound healing effects that may be useful in treatment of topical infections especially in wounds.
Committee Summary Report: Corrosion Testing for Lead‐Free Copper Alloys Used for Drinking Water Applications in Underground Environments
Authors:   AWWA Water Service Line Fittings Committee
Published: November 2018

This article is a synopsis of the committee report that was produced as a collaboration between the AWWA Water Service Line Fittings Committee and Canmet Materials.
Leptin decreases circulating inflammatory IL‐6 and MCP‐1 in mice
Authors: Hoffmann Annett , Ebert Thomas , Klöting Nora , Kolb Marlen , Gericke Martin , Jeromin Franziska , Jessnitzer Beate , Lössner Ulrike , Burkhardt Ralph , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias , Kralisch Susan
Published: November 2018

Leptin influences inflammation and immune response. Dose‐dependent effects of leptin on biomarkers of inflammation have not been studied in vivo, so far. Leptin‐deficient low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout (LDLR−/−;ob/ob) female mice were treated with three different leptin doses or saline for 12 weeks. The effect of leptin on plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 concentrations and Il‐6 and Mcp‐1 mRNA expression in vivo were assessed. Macrophage infiltration in epididymal adipose tissue (epiAT) after leptin treatment was determined by quantitative immunohistochemical analysis. Aortic root atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed by oil red O staining. Mean plasma IL‐6 and MCP‐1 decreased significantly in the 3.0 mg/kg BW/day group as compared to control mice (both P < 0.01). Messenger RNA expression of Il‐6 and Mcp‐1 was significantly down‐regulated by leptin treatment in different adipose tissues in vivo. Characteristic crown‐like structures formed by adipose tissue macrophages were significantly reduced by leptin treatment in epiAT. Recombinant leptin dose‐dependently diminished plaque area in the aortic root. Leptin administration within the subphysiological to physiological range diminishes circulating pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 and MCP‐1. Reduction of Il‐6 and Mcp‐1 gene expression in adipose tissue, as well as decreased adipose tissue macrophage infiltration might contribute. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):43–48, 2019
Chimaeric Rift Valley Fever Virus‐Like Particle Vaccine Candidate Production in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Mbewana Sandiswa , Meyers Ann E. , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: November 2018

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging mosquito‐borne virus and hemorrhagic fever agent, which causes abortion storms in farmed small ruminants and potentially causes miscarriages in humans. Although live‐attenuated vaccines are available for animals, they can only be used in endemic areas and there are currently no commercially available vaccines for humans. Here the authors describe the production of chimaeric RVFV virus‐like particles transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated gene transfer. The glycoprotein (Gn) gene is modified by removing its ectodomain (Gne) and fusing it to the transmembrane domain and cytosolic tail‐encoding region of avian influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin. This is expressed transiently in N. benthamiana with purified protein yields calculated to be ≈57 mg kg−1 fresh weight. Transmission electron microscopy shows putative chimaeric RVFV Gne‐HA particles of 49–60 nm which are immunogenic, eliciting Gn‐specific antibody responses in vaccinated mice without the use of adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the synthesis of Gne‐HA chimaeric RVFV VLPs and the first demonstration of a detectable yield of RVFV Gn in plants.
Resting‐state functional brain networks in adults with a new diagnosis of focal epilepsy
Authors: Alonazi Batil K. , Keller Simon S. , Fallon Nicholas , Adams Valerie , Das Kumar , Marson Anthony G. , Sluming Vanessa
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Newly diagnosed focal epilepsy (NDfE) is rarely studied, particularly using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Many patients with NDfE experience cognitive impairments, particularly with respect to memory, sustained attention, mental flexibility, and executive functioning. Cognitive impairments have been related to alterations in resting‐state functional brain networks in patients with neurological disorders. In the present study, we investigated whether patients with NDfE had altered connectivity in large‐scale functional networks using resting‐state functional MRI.

Methods

We recruited 27 adults with NDfE and 36 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Resting‐state functional MRI was analyzed using the Functional Connectivity Toolbox (CONN). We investigate reproducibly determined large‐scale functional networks, including the default mode, salience, fronto‐parietal attention, sensorimotor, and language networks using a seed‐based approach. Network comparisons between patients and controls were thresholded using a FDR cluster‐level correction approach.

Results

We found no significant differences in functional connectivity between seeds within the default mode, salience, sensorimotor, and language networks and other regions of the brain between patients and controls. However, patients with NDfE had significantly reduced connectivity between intraparietal seeds within the fronto‐parietal attention network and predominantly frontal and temporal cortical regions relative to controls; this finding was demonstrated including and excluding the patients with brain lesions. No common alteration in brain structure was observed in patients using voxel‐based morphometry. Findings were not influenced by treatment outcome at 1 year.

Conclusions

Patients with focal epilepsy have brain functional connectivity alterations at diagnosis. Functional brain abnormalities are not necessarily a consequence of the chronicity of epilepsy and are present when seizures first emerge.
A naturalistic study of the effects of synchronous online chat counselling on young people's psychological distress, life satisfaction and hope
Authors: Dowling Mitchell , Rickwood Debra
Published: November 2018

Background

Online individual chat counselling is an emerging treatment modality that appears to be an effective method of providing single sessions of counselling to young people.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effects of online counselling over a 6‐week period and whether this was affected by the number of sessions attended or having sought additional help. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the effects of congruent and incongruent client hopes and expectations upon treatment outcomes.

Method

This study used a naturalistic prospective design, measuring online clients’ levels of psychological distress, life satisfaction, hopes, and expectations and tracking the number of sessions they attended or whether they sought additional help during the 6‐week period. Complete data were collected for 152 young people aged between 16 and 25 years.

Results

After 6 weeks, participant levels of psychological distress and life satisfaction were not significantly affected by the amount of online counselling received or by having sought additional treatment. However, participants who attended one or more online sessions reported significantly higher levels of hope 6 weeks later than those with no online counselling. Furthermore, participants with low hope but high expectations at the commencement of counselling reported significantly increased hope after 6 weeks.

Conclusions

The implications of these findings are discussed.
Modified secure AODV protocol to prevent wormhole attack in MANET
Authors: Sankara Narayanan S. , Murugaboopathi G.
Published: November 2018

An Adhoc network is a combination of mobile nodes that works without centralized infrastructure. Every mobile node acts as host and routers. Furthermore, it also forward packets to other mobile nodes in network which are not within the direct transmission range. Mobile Ad hoc networks are easily exposed to various network layer attacks that include black hole, wormhole, and DOS attack. Wormhole attack is one among the severe attacks in MANET. Wormhole attacker receives the packets at any particular location in the network and disturbs the flow of packet by tunneling them to another location. In this paper, advanced mechanism is presented against these wormhole attacks in a MANET. Existing methods use Quality of Service (QoS) for entire network to detect attacks. Our method makes use of the packet delivery ratio and round trip time for each node, and it also detects active and passive attacks. Thus, the complete identification of wormhole attack is possible using the proposed method.
A Quantitative and Reliable Calibration Standard for Dual‐Color Fluorescence Cross‐Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Werner Stefan , Ebenhan Jan , Haupt Caroline , Bacia Kirsten
Published: November 2018

Dual‐color Fluorescence Cross‐Correlation Spectroscopy (dcFCCS) allows binding analysis of biomolecules. Combining cross‐ and autocorrelation amplitudes yields binding degrees and concentrations of bound and unbound species. However, non‐ideal detection volume overlap reduces the cross‐correlation, causing overestimation of the Kd. The overlap quality factor that relates measured and true cross‐correlation amplitudes has been difficult to determine, because neither a perfect 1 : 1 labeled sample nor perfectly overlapping volumes are readily accomplished. Here, we describe how a stochastically labeled sample can be used for quantitative calibration. Lipid vesicles doped with green and red fluorescent dyes yield highly reproducible relative cross‐correlations and allow determination of the setup‐dependent overlap quality factor. This reliable, affordable and quick‐to‐prepare calibration standard expedites any quantitative co‐localization or binding analysis by dcFCCS.
Identification of Individual Reaction Steps in Complex Radical Reactions Involving Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lien Jennifer , Su Mengqi , Guo Ting
Published: November 2018

A triple‐jump model is invoked to help identify individual reaction steps in complex chemical reactions involving radical reactants in the presence of gold nanoparticles. The model consists of three sequential reaction phases: production of radicals, stabilization of radicals, and conversion from radical intermediates to final products. Isolated reaction phases were studied with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. As examples of the model, we investigated the spin trapping reaction with BMPO and the hydroxylation of 3‐CCA, and the results supported the model. For X‐ray irradiation of gold nanoparticle aqueous solutions, hydroxyl radicals were found to be scavenged by nanoparticles in the first phase. The stabilization phase was largely unaffected by gold nanoparticles, whereas conversion of radical intermediates was catalyzed. Such a step‐wise model is thus proven useful for determining the exact catalytic step in the presence of nanoparticle catalysts in complex reactions such as DNA strand breaks, polymerization and hydroxylation that are important to many fields including X‐ray nanochemistry.
Single‐point Attack of Two H2O Molecules towards a Lewis Acid Site on the GaAl12 Clusters for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Chen Jing , Luo Zhixun
Published: November 2018

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of water with metallic aluminum‐based materials provides an important way to address the global energy challenge; however, fundamental mechanism and reaction dynamics governing the chemical and electronic properties remain a debated research topic. Here we further study the HER mechanisms for water splitting on typical 13‐atoms clusters, Al12Ga and Al13, by first‐principles DFT calculations. We noted that the doping of a Ga atom into the Al13 cluster could reduce the transition state barrier for H2O dissociation on the metal cluster. Furthermore, it is interesting that the second water molecule prefers to adsorb on the same metal site giving rise to both thermodynamically and kinetically favorable reaction pathways. Based on the well‐established complementary active sites (CAS) mechanism for metal cluster reactivity, we provide insights into the reaction dynamics of such metal clusters with two water molecules, which also sheds light on the Eley‐Rideal and Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanisms in surface science. Natural bond orbitals (NBO) analysis was conducted to evaluate the donor‐acceptor charge‐transfer interactions between the cluster and the nucleophilic reagent. These results gain a better understanding of the mechanism for water reacting with aluminum‐based materials.
Metal Oxides in Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis: State of the Art and Challenges for a More Sustainable World
Authors: Védrine Jacques C.
Published: November 2018

This Review presents current knowledge, recent results, and challenges for the future in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis in liquid and gaseous phases on solid metal oxide catalysts. Metal oxides that are used as catalysts and their main structures and properties are summarized, as well as their catalytic properties in selective and total oxidation reactions, which were studied intensively, experimentally and theoretically, by Professor Jerzy Haber during his scientific life. Some emphasis is placed on the classical and unusual catalyst activation procedures for improving catalytic properties for better efficiency. For a more sustainable world, several examples are given of the oxidation of biomass derivatives to synthesize valuable chemicals and of other applications of metal oxides, such as depollution, photocatalysis, hydrogen production and fuel‐cell components. The importance of metal oxide catalysis in environmental and green chemistry and sustainability is discussed, and challenges for the future are considered.
Defect‐Type‐Dependent Near‐Infrared‐Driven Photocatalytic Bacterial Inactivation by Defective Bi2S3 nanorods
Authors: Sun Hongli , Jiang Zhifeng , Wu Dan , Ye Liqun , Wang Tianqi , Wang Bo , An Taicheng , Wong Po Keung
Published: November 2018

Defect engineering is crucial in tailoring photocatalytic efficiency, but it suffers from uncertainty in determining the vacancy type and in which type of the vacancy can better promote the photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, Bi2S3 nanorods with bismuth or sulfur vacancies were synthesized to investigate their distinct effects on the electronic structure, electron–hole separation characteristics, and near‐infrared (NIR)‐driven photocatalytic bacterial inactivation activity. Both bismuth and sulfur vacancies can enhance the light absorption ability of Bi2S3. However, the lifetime of photoinduced electrons is extended by bismuth vacancies but shortened by sulfur vacancies. Owing to these tendencies, Bi2S3 with Bi vacancies fully inactivated 7 log E. coli cells within 40 min of NIR irradiation, displaying better NIR‐driven photocatalytic bacterial inactivation efficiency than Bi2S3 with S vacancies. This study discloses the defect‐type‐dependent photocatalytic behaviors, providing new insights into designing highly efficient photocatalysts.
Linear electrodynamic trap as a tool for cleaning dusty surfaces
Authors: Deputatova L.V. , Syrovatka R.A. , Vasilyak L.M. , Filinov V.S. , Lapitsky D.S. , Vladimirov V.I. , Pecherkin V.Ya.
Published: November 2018

This work is devoted to the experimental and numerical investigations of the possibility of cleaning dusty dielectric surfaces using an electrodynamic trap. We used a linear quadrupole Paul trap and polydisperse aluminium oxide particles in our experiments. Numerical simulations were performed using Brownian and molecular dynamic methods. The phenomenon of lifting and trapping of uncharged particles placed on the glass substrate located under the trap was experimentally observed. The parameters of the trap and charges of dust particles, which are necessary for drawing them from the substrate and confining in the trap, were also estimated using numerical simulations.
Selective inactivation of LGI1 in neuronal precursor cells leads to cortical dysplasia in mice
Authors: Silva Jeane , Qin Haiyan , Cowell John K
Published: November 2018

Constitutional mutations in Leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) predispose to an autosomal dominant epilepsy syndrome in humans and germline inactivation of LGI1 in mice leads to early onset seizures. LGI1 is highly expressed in the regions involved in neuronal stem cell generation and migration and detailed analysis of the brains in these mice reveals a subtle cortical dysplasia characterized by hypercellularity in the outer cortical layers. To investigate the cellular origin for this cortical dysplasia, we created mice that allow cell‐specific, conditional inactivation of LGI1. Exons 3–4, which contain critical motifs for LGI1 function, were targeted for deletion and, using a CMV‐cre mouse strain, global inactivation of LGI1 led to early onset seizures and the same cortical dysplasia seen in the constitutionally null mice. Similarly, inactivation of LGI1 in cells expressing Nestin, expressed primarily in neuronal precursor cells, led to early onset seizures and cortical dysplasia. In contrast, targeting inactivation of LGI1 in cells expressing Gfap, Camk2a, and parvalbumin, did not lead to cortical dysplasia. This strain of mouse, therefore, allows for a more refined investigation of the cell types involved in the cortical dysplasia seen following inactivation of LGI1 and potentially a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind LGI1‐induced epilepsy.
The role of self‐esteem in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa – A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kästner Denise , Löwe Bernd , Gumz Antje
Published: November 2018

Objective

We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of self‐esteem in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Specifically, our objectives were to investigate the differences in self‐esteem between individuals with AN and healthy controls, or individuals with other eating disorders, and to examine self‐esteem as an outcome, predictor, moderator, and mediator in AN treatment.

Method

The databases PsycINFO, PSYNDEXplus, Ovid MEDLINE®, and ProQuest were searched for studies published from 1990 to 2018. To estimate aggregated effect sizes, we performed random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

A screening of 1,596 abstracts and 203 full‐texts identified 68 relevant publications. Results suggest a significantly lower global self‐esteem in individuals with AN than in healthy controls (d = −1.90, p < .001). In contrast, global self‐esteem of AN and bulimia nervosa (BN) patients was found to be comparable (d = 0.05, p = .529). It might be specific to AN patients that negative self‐evaluations may not affect scholastic and professional abilities. Significantly moderate self‐esteem increases were observed in treated AN patients at the end of treatment (d = 0.56, p < .001), short‐term (d = 0.50, p < .001), and long‐term (d = 0.75, p < .001) follow‐up. Self‐esteem did not predict end of treatment remission‐or weight‐related outcome and treatment dropout. However, small to moderate predictive effects were detected on short‐term (r = .15, p = .007) and long‐term remission or weight (r = .33, p = .017). Finally, first indications point to self‐esteem as a mediator in adult AN inpatient treatment.

Discussion

The review provides insights relevant for theory, research, and practice. Implications concern the overall support for transdiagnostic approaches and the recommendation to consider low initial self‐esteem for decisions on after‐care.
Hibernation in bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) did not evolve through positive selection of leptin
Authors: Lazzeroni Margaret E. , Burbrink Frank T. , Simmons Nancy B.
Published: November 2018

Temperature regulation is an indispensable physiological activity critical for animal survival. However, relatively little is known about the origin of thermoregulatory regimes in a phylogenetic context, or the genetic mechanisms driving the evolution of these regimes. Using bats as a study system, we examined the evolution of three thermoregulatory regimes (hibernation, daily heterothermy, and homeothermy) in relation to the evolution of leptin, a protein implicated in regulation of torpor bouts in mammals, including bats. A threshold model was used to test for a correlation between lineages with positively selected lep, the gene encoding leptin, and the thermoregulatory regimes of those lineages. Although evidence for episodic positive selection of lep was found, positive selection was not correlated with lineages of heterothermic bats, a finding that contradicts results from previous studies. Evidence from our ancestral state reconstructions suggests that the most recent common ancestor of bats used daily heterothermy and that the presence of hibernation is highly unlikely at this node. Hibernation likely evolved independently at least four times in bats—once in the common ancestor of Vespertilionidae and Molossidae, once in the clade containing Rhinolophidae and Rhinopomatidae, and again independently in the lineages leading to Taphozous melanopogon and Mystacina tuberculata. Our reconstructions revealed that thermoregulatory regimes never transitioned directly from hibernation to homeothermy, or the reverse, in the evolutionary history of bats. This, in addition to recent evidence that heterothermy is best described along a continuum, suggests that thermoregulatory regimes in mammals are best represented as an ordered continuous trait (homeothermy ← → daily torpor ← → hibernation) rather than as the three discrete regimes that evolve in an unordered fashion. These results have important implications for methodological approaches in future physiological and evolutionary research.
Polyoxopalladates as Prototype Molecular Hydrogen Uptake Systems and Novel In situ Hydrogen Detectors on the Nanoscale
Authors: Schmitz‐Antoniak Carolin , Izarova Natalya V. , Svechkina Nataliya , Smekhova Alevtina , Stuckart Maria , Schmitz Detlef , Kögerler Paul
Published: November 2018

Dodecapalladium(II) oxide‐based molecular nanocubes encapsulating Fe3+ (3d5) or Co2+ (3d7) ions display facile hydrogen uptake with concurrent pronounced magnetization changes that suggests use as molecular hydrogen detection materials. Electronic and magnetic properties were investigated element‐specifically by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and its associated magnetic circular and linear dichroisms. Hydrogenation reduces the Fe3+ (3d5) ions to a 3d6 state while the Co2+ 3d7 configuration remains largely unaffected. However, in both cases, drastic changes of the crystal field and the magnetic properties were observed and quantified. The spin magnetic moments in the as‐prepared state were obtained to be similar to the ones expected for free ions and are reduced significantly by about 30–40 % for both Fe and Co central ions upon loading with hydrogen. In addition, re‐oxidation and hydrogenation in a second cycle were monitored and the sensitivity to hydrogen and oxygen exposure as a function of the peripheral capping groups is discussed.
Lutein is Four Times More Stable in Sunflower Oil than Olive Oil at 40 °C
Authors: Sattar Zohreh , Iranshahy Milad , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: November 2018

The thermal degradation of lutein is investigated in refined sunflower and olive oils at a selected temperature (40 °C) for 3 months. All experiments are performed with lutein (6 mg ml−1) that is obtained from marigold flowers. Samples of the pigment in oil are incubated at 40 °C for up to 3 months and each month, the amount of lutein is monitored by a spectrophotometric method. A kinetic analysis of the data shows that thermal degradation is in accordance with the first‐order kinetics. Thekvalues of lutein degradation in sunflower oil and olive oil are estimated to be 44 × 10−4and 186 × 10−4, respectively. In the presence of vitamin E (15 mg ml−1), thekvalues are decreased and reach 24 × 10−4and 72 × 10−4in sunflower and olive oils, respectively. These results suggest that lutein is approximately four times more stable in sunflower oil than olive oil.

Practical Applications: The obtained degradation kinetics of lutein in olive oil and sunflower oil under different thermal conditions can be used for designing pharmaceutical formulations with high stability and bioavailability in the future.

In order to assess the degradation behavior of the lutein in oily media, a treatmentis performed at 40 °C for 3 months and UV‐visible spectroscopy is performed for qualitative analysis.
Simple Strategy for Selective Determination of Levamisole in Seized Cocaine and Pharmaceutical Samples Using Disposable Screen‐printed Electrodes
Authors: Rocha Raquel G. , Stefano Jéssica S. , Arantes Iana V. S. , Ribeiro Michelle M. A. C. , Santana Mario H. P. , Richter Eduardo M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A.
Published: November 2018

Levamisole is the most common adulterant found in cocaine samples and its electrochemical determination in cocaine seized samples is a challenge due to peak overlapping with cocaine. Herein, we propose a deconvolution procedure for levamisole determination in seized cocaine samples using screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPE). Square‐wave voltammetry in 0.04 mol L−1 Britton Robinson buffered solution (pH 8.0) was selected in combination with optimized SWV parameters (f=8 s−1, a=10 mV and ΔEs=1 mV) to result in the best peak resolution to apply the deconvolution procedure. Deconvoluted responses of levamisole in the presence of cocaine were similar to untreated signals of standard levamisole solutions in absence of cocaine. A linear response was obtained in the range of 20–100 μmol L−1 (r=0.995). The results obtained for the analysis of a seized cocaine sample was statistically similar to that obtained by gas chromatography. Other adulterants found in cocaine street samples (paracetamol, glucose, phenacetin, caffeine, boric acid and lidocaine) did not affect the treated of voltammetric responses of levamisole. A pharmaceutical sample containing levamisole was also analyzed on SPEs and a recovery of 93±2 % was obtained (no deconvolution required for this sample), showing great applicability of SPEs for forensic and pharmaceutical analyses.
Performance of glass fiber‐reinforced cement composites containing phase change materials
Authors: Tuncel Erman Yiğit , Pekmezci Bekir Yılmaz
Published: November 2018

The use of solar energy has become a promising method to reach energy efficient solutions throughout the last century. Improving the thermal properties of building members will contribute to the efficient use of energy by preventing heat gain/loss through the building envelope. Phase change materials (PCMs) are favorable materials for thermal applications because of their large contribution to the thermal mass of a building and thus providing “inertia” against temperature fluctuations. In this experimental study, glass fiber‐reinforced cementitious composites were modified using a commercial microencapsulated PCM to improve their thermal performance. The thermal and the mechanical performances of the composites were investigated. With the use of PCMs, the latent heat capacity of the composites increased while the thermal conductivity decreased. Conversely, the mechanical properties of composites declined with increases in PCM amount. The main conclusions of the experimental study are as follows: PCMs provide a great potential to fiber‐reinforced cementitious composites to support the efficient use of energy, thereby enhancing the thermal features of the composites. The performance of PCM composites shows a serious variation according to different service temperatures. Therefore, the effect of service temperature must be considered particularly with respect to safe utilization of these materials. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13061, 2019
Innovative zein extraction from distillers' grains with solubles: Process development and product characterization studies
Authors: Gupta Jhinuk , Vadlani Praveen V. , Lau Ching‐Shuan , Madl Ronald L. , Shi Yong C.
Published: November 2018

Zein is a promising bioplastic for replacing polyethylene, a widely used industrial polymer. However, current processes of zein production are associated with high production costs. Replacing corn with abundantly available, underutilized, corn co‐products such as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS), in addition to using a binary solvent mixture, may help to reduce the cost. Strongly alkaline and acidic extraction media are known to enhance zein yield. However, use of such corrosive conditions may shorten the life of equipment and substantially deter scalability to the industrial level. Here, we propose an innovative high‐yielding protocol that isolates zein from DDGS at milder pH and lower ethanol concentrations without significant compromise on purity. Response surface methodology was used for optimizing the extraction parameters. Purity of the extracted zein was tested using proximate analysis, gel electrophoresis, and infrared spectroscopy. Use of aqueous ethanol (63%, v/v, pH 5) at 77 °C, followed by cryoprecipitation at −20 °C, resulted in a zein product of 84% protein purity at 11.64% yield (based on DDGS dry mass). The process was scaled up to 7 L scale without significant change in yield and purity. Results of this study are important as they offer an easily scalable protocol for affordable zein production other than efficient valorization of DDGS.

Novelty or Significance: Although strongly alkaline and acidic solvents help to enhance zein yield from DDGS, their use is not preferred by industry. Here, we report an innovative, environmentally friendly, zein extraction protocol, which gives higher yield at a milder pH without losing purity. Moreover, lower ethanol requirements, as compared to earlier reports, and use of inexpensive and easily scalable techniques such as precipitation, filtration, and ambient temperature air‐drying, help to reduce zein production costs and makes the protocol industrially adoptable. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2018 © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13093, 2019
The experience of the multidisciplinary team in epilepsy management from a resource‐limited country
Authors: Li Wei , Hao Nanya , Liu Wenyu , An Dongmei , Yan Bo , Li Jinmei , Liu Ling , Luo Rong , Zhang Heng , Lei Ding , Zhou Dong
Published: November 2018

Objective

The use of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) is a global trend in disease management, while China is still at the exploratory stage MDTs. We aimed to summarize our experience and assess the impact of MDT use in managing patients with epilepsy and optimizing their seizure outcomes.

Methods

Our MDT is staffed with skilled epileptologists, electroencephalography experts, neurosurgeons, child neurologists, radiologists, and psychiatrists. The MDT discussion has been carried out once or twice a week since 2013. We reviewed our consecutive patients discussed at our MDT from March 2013 to December 2017. The detailed clinical characteristics, suggestions, and follow‐up data were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1088 patients (604 male, 484 female) were included in this study. The median age at MDT discussion was 21 years (range 10 months to 79 years). Three hundred eighty‐seven patients (35.6%) were younger than18 years of age. The median age at seizure onset was 12 years (range 2 days to 77 years). Most patients (80.4%) had at least one seizure per month and most (77%) took 2 or more antiepileptic drugs. A total of 70.6% of patients reached the standard of drug‐resistant epilepsy and 74.2% of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies detected positive findings. After detailed MDT discussion, 18 patients were diagnosed as having nonepileptic diseases, including psychogenic nonepileptic seizure, syncope, sleep disorder, paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, withdrawal symptom, and cerebral palsy. Three hundred eighty‐two patients (35.1%) were suitable for resective surgery. Among the postoperative patients successfully followed up for more than 1 year, 72.7% (136/187) received favorable outcomes (Engel class I). The seizure‐free rate was 78.6% after temporal lobe surgery and 58.9% after extratemporal surgery.

Significance

Epilepsy management can be optimized through MDT discussion to attain accurate diagnosis and favorable seizure outcomes. There is still room for MDT improvement in resource‐limited countries.
Adsorption characteristics of clay‐organic complexes and their role in shale gas resource evaluation
Authors: Mao Ruiyong , Zhang Jie , Pei Peng , Xie Zhi , Zhou Xin
Published: November 2018

Adsorbed gas can share a significant portion of total gas content in shale reservoirs. At the same time, the adsorption characteristics of clay‐organic complexes which commonly exist in reservoir formations differ from other lithologies. To better understand the effect of adsorption characteristics of clay‐organic complexes on shale gas storage mechanism and estimation of resources, clay‐organic complexes were extracted from original core samples obtained from shales of Niutitang (NTT) and Longmaxi (LMX) formations in the northern Guizhou region, China. Petrophysical and adsorption experiments were performed and results show that the adsorbability of the clay‐organic complexes is obviously higher than regular shales in the reservoir. Therefore, the gas contents calculated based on the adsorbability of clay‐organic complexes are higher by 30%‐70% than that based on regular shales. Combined with other measured petrophysical properties, the NTT and LMX shales display a promising potential for further exploration and development. The clay‐organic complexes may accumulate in certain areas in the reservoir, and these accumulated areas could form the “sweet spots” for shale gas development. Methodologies and results presented in this study are beneficial in more accurately understanding gas storage mechanism, estimating gas resources and identifying sweet spots in shale reservoirs.
Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology of the Permian strata in the Turpan–Hami Basin in North Xinjiang, NW China: Depositional age, provenance, and tectonic implications
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Wang Jianqiang , Liu Chiyang , Bai Jianke , Peng Heng , Huang Hexin , Guan Yuzhao
Published: November 2018

The Permian sedimentary rocks in the Turpan–Hami Basin are key records of the tectonic evolution in the Eastern Tianshan area, although their depositional ages and provenances remain relatively less studied. Here, we conducted detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology on subsurface samples collected from Well LN1 in the Turpan–Hami Basin to understand the depositional ages and provenances of the Permian rocks. In this study, detrital zircon U–Pb ages from the Late Carboniferous Sumuke Formation yielded a notable Permian age population with the youngest single‐grain age at 282.6 Ma. Compiling this result with a published dataset from the surrounding regions of the Turpan–Hami Basin, it shows that the Sumuke Formation was actually deposited in the Early Permian and the Late Carboniferous palynological assemblages within it are of recycled origin. The detrital zircon age spectra of the three Early–Middle Permian samples from Well LN1 define similar unimodal distribution, with prominent late Carboniferous age peaks and scarce Precambrian ages, further indicating that the zircon grains in these three samples should be ultimately sourced from the Jueluotag, the southern branch of the North Tianshan. Regionally, the Bogda, the northern branch of the North Tianshan, as catchment areas recorded interaction between southern and northern sources, and thus, there was a single greater Junggar–Turpan Basin during the Early–Middle Permian. During the latest Middle Permian to Late Permian, provenance shifts occurred at the Jueluotag and the southern piedmont of the Bogda, reflecting the uplift of the Central Tianshan and the Bogda and the isolation of the Junggar Basin and Turpan–Hami Basin. Integrating regional geological studies and provenance evolution trends, we suggest that the Turpan–Hami Basin and its surrounding regions were in a rift setting controlled by post‐collision extension during Early–Middle Permian. By contrast, tectonic contraction and inversion occurred during the latest Middle Permian to Late Permian as a part of the intraplate orogenic process in the Tianshan, which responded to the convergence between the Songpan–Ganzi terrane and palaeo‐Eurasian Plate.
An overall experimental analysis: Effects of synthetic parameters on the degree of order of mesochannels in nano‐sized Al‐MCM‐41
Authors: Roohollahi Hossein , Halladj Rouein , Ebrahimi Hadis , Askari Sima
Published: November 2018

In an experimental and statistical study, the effects of five synthesis parameters on the degree of order of nano‐sized Al‐MCM‐41 were basically investigated. In a series of designed experiments, hydrothermal conditions (temperature and time), Si/Al, NaOH/Si, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/Si molar ratios were studied each at three levels. Degree of order of mesoporous channels was evaluated using small angle XRD. Nitrogen adsorption‐desorption technique, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM‐TEM), and field‐emission SEM were also applied to detect the textural properties and the morphology of prepared nanoparticles. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and mapping (EDS‐Map), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy, and small angle X‐ray scattering were provided as complementary analyses. An accurate reduced quadratic equation was proposed as a function of effective terms in good agreement with the experimental results. Based on the analysis of variance, the amount of aluminum incorporated, sodium hydroxide, and the hydrothermal treatment duration was found to possess more dramatic effects on the degree of order than the other factors. The optimum conditions for the synthesis of a well‐ordered Al‐MCM‐41 were also obtained with the lowest template and the minimum hydrothermal duration verified by two validation tests.
Self‐assembly of sulfur‐containing heterocyclic compounds constructed by thianthrene units and their sulfonium salts
Authors: Hirabayashi Kazunori , Ebine Kenki , Kawabata Youhei , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Shimizu Toshio
Published: November 2018

The self‐assembly of sulfur‐containing heterocyclic compounds, 5,6,11,12,17,18‐hexathia‐5,6,11,12,17,18‐hexahydrotrinaphthylene and 5,7,12,14‐tetrathiapentacene having octyloxy groups 1 and 2, was examined. Sulfides 1 and 2 self‐assembled to form fibrous materials. The methylation reactions of 1 and 2 proceeded to give monomethylated sulfonium salts 3 and 4, and the self‐assembly of 3 and 4 was also studied. Fibrous materials of sulfonium salts 3 and 4 were formed in hexane/CHCl3 solution. The structure of the fibrous material of 3 might be similar to that of the fibrous material of 1. The aggregation behavior of 1 and 3 in cyclohexane‐d12 was studied by VT 1H NMR measurements at various concentrations. VT 1H NMR measurements revealed that the stacking structure of 1 was different from that of 3.
Effect of GAD1 genotype status on auditory attention and acute nicotine administration in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hadjis Efthymios , Hyde Molly , Choueiry Joelle , Jaworska Natalia , Nelson Renee , de la Salle Sara , Smith Dylan , Aidelbaum Rob , Knott Verner
Published: November 2018

Objective

The effects of GABA modulating drugs and nicotine, the prototypical nicotinic cholinergic agonist, on attention have been investigated using subcomponents of the P300 event‐related potentials (ERP), which index involuntary (P3a) and voluntary attention (P3b). However, investigations into how such pharmacologic effects interact with genetic features in the GABA system remain unclear. This study examined the moderating effects of a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs7557793) in the glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD1) gene, which is implicated in the conversion of glutamate to GABA, on P300‐indices of auditory attentional processing; the influence of nicotine administration was also assessed.

Methods

The effects of GAD1 genotype (TT/CC/CT) were examined on the P3a/b in response to an auditory selective attention task in healthy, nonsmoking male volunteers (N = 126; 18–40 years). Participants responded to rare target stimuli (P3b‐eliciting) and ignored frequent nontarget stimuli as well as rare distractor stimuli (P3a‐eliciting). In a subsample (N = 59), P3a/b profiles to acute nicotine (vs. placebo) administration were examined as a function of GAD1 genotype. As a secondary aim, earlier sensory processes were assessed with N200 ERP subcomponents elicited by novel (N2a) and target (N2b) auditory stimuli.

Results

GAD1 allelic variation moderated early sensory processes, enhancing N2a amplitudes in CT versus TT carriers. Further, TT homozygotes exhibited larger P3b amplitudes than CC homozygotes in the placebo versus nicotine condition. Regardless of genotype, nicotine versus placebo moderated the N200 ERP.

Conclusion

These findings expand our knowledge regarding the attentional effects of GAD1 genetic variants in relation to nicotine.
Bone Matrix Mineralization in Patients With Gain-of-Function Calcium-Sensing Receptor Mutations Is Distinctly Different From that in Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Ovejero Diana , Misof Barbara M , Gafni Rachel I , Dempster David , Zhou Hua , Klaushofer Klaus , Collins Michael T , Roschger Paul
Published: November 2018

The role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) as a regulator of parathyroid hormone secretion is well established, but its function in bone is less well defined. In an effort to elucidate the CaSR's skeletal role, bone tissue and material characteristics from patients with autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH), a genetic form of primary hypoparathyroidism caused by CASR gain-of-function mutations, were compared to patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PSH). Bone structure and formation/resorption indices and mineralization density distribution (BMDD), were examined in transiliac biopsy samples from PSH (n = 13) and ADH (n = 6) patients by histomorphometry and quantitative backscatter electron imaging, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD by DXA) and biochemical characteristics were measured at the time of the biopsy. Because both study groups comprised children and adults, all measured biopsy parameters and BMD outcomes were converted to Z-scores for comparison. Histomorphometric indices were normal and not different between ADH and PSH, with the exception of mineral apposition rate Z-score, which was higher in the ADH group. Similarly, average BMD Z-scores were normal and not different between ADH and PSH. Significant differences were observed for the BMDD: average Z-scores of mean and typical degree of mineralization (CaMean, CaPeak, respectively) were lower (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), whereas the heterogeneity of mineralization (CaWidth) and percentage of lower mineralized areas (CaLow) were increased in ADH versus PSH (p = 0.01 and p = 0.002, respectively). The BMDD outcomes point toward a direct, PTH-independent role of the CaSR in the regulation of bone mineralization. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.