bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Herbagreen Foliar Fertilizer on Growth and Productivity of Maize in the Mid-altitude Zone of Rwanda
Authors: Maniraho Leonidas , Mushimiyimana Isaie , Twagirumukiza Aloys , Kayonga Christian , Twagirayezu Olivier , Mbarubukeye Faustin
Published: December 2019

Maize (Zea mays L) is still largely a subsistence food crop under promotion as a food security crop and source of income for smallholders. It is grown in the mid altitude zone of Rwanda. Herbagreen is a Bio fertilizer, used successfully in agriculture in different countries of the world.

The objective of this study was to determine the maize response to herbagreen foliar fertilizer application and determine the optimum rate for maximum yield. This was done in Randomized Complete Bloc Design (RCBD) with four treatments, replicated in four times. Four treatments of herbagreen rates including T1 as control, T2=0.31Kg/ ha-1, T3=0.63Kg/ha-1and T4=0.94Kg ha-1 of herbagreen foliar fertilizer. This was applied to a population of 53.333 plants/ha. The planting spacing was used at 75 cmX50 cm with 2 plants per hill. Analysis of variance for the different parameters measured showed that there was a high significant (p<0.001) among treatment for number of leaves, ear weight and grain yield. The effect of herbagreen foliar fertilizer differed significantly (p<0.05) for male flowering, female flowering, ear length, ear diameter and plant height. The maximum grain yield was 4.922 t ha-1 recorded with the application of 0.94 kg ha-1, followed by 0.63 kg/ha which produced 4.629 t ha-1 also 0.31 kg ha-1of herbagreen yielded 4.589 t ha-1 and lastly the minimum grain yield was found in control plots where it produced 3.569 t ha-1 The control plots did not receive any herbagreen foliar fertilizer. The optimum herbagreen foliar fertilizer rate for maximum grain yield was 0.94 kg ha-1 from the regression equation and the predicted grain yield at this rate was 4.8 t ha-1. Herbargreen foliar application can increase Maize yield to a certain extent. However, further experiments need to be done to ensure the sustainability of the application.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase Pho85p and its cyclins are involved in replicative lifespan through multiple pathways in yeast
Authors: Nakajima Toshio , Maruhashi Tsubasa , Morimatsu Takaaki , Mukai Yukio
Published: December 2019

Lifespan is determined by genetic factors and influenced by environmental factors. Here, we find that the phosphate signal transduction (PHO) pathway is involved in the determination of replicative lifespan in budding yeast. Extracellular phosphate does not affect the lifespan. However, deletion of PHO80 (cyclin) and PHO85 (cyclin‐dependent kinase) genes, that is, negative regulators of the PHO pathway, shortens the lifespan, which is restored by further deletion of PHO4 (transcriptional activator). Four of the other nine Pho85p cyclin genes are also required to maintain normal lifespan. The short‐lived mutants show a metabolic profile that is similar to strains with normal lifespan. Thus, Pho85p kinase genetically determines replicative lifespan in combination with relevant cyclins. Our findings uncover novel cellular signals in longevity regulation.
Rates and pathways of energy migration from the phycobilisome to the photosystem II and to the orange carotenoid protein in cyanobacteria
Authors: Krasilnikov Pavel M. , Zlenko Dmitry V. , Stadnichuk Igor N.
Published: December 2019

The phycobilisome (PBS) is the cyanobacterial antenna complex which transfers absorbed light energy to the photosystem II (PSII), while the excess energy is nonphotochemically quenched by interaction of the PBS with the orange carotenoid protein (OCP). Here, the molecular model of the PBS‐PSII‐OCP supercomplex was utilized to assess the resonance energy transfer from PBS to PSII and, using the excitonic theory, the transfer from PBS to OCP. Our estimates show that the effective energy migration from PBS to PSII is realized due to the existence of several transfer pathways from phycobilin chromophores of the PBS to the neighboring antennal chlorophyll molecules of the PSII. At the same time, the single binding site of photoactivated OCP and the PBS is sufficient to realize the quenching.
Thermophysical Properties of Advanced Ni‐Based Superalloys in the Liquid State Measured on Board the International Space Station
Authors: Mohr Markus , Wunderlich Rainer , Dong Yue , Furrer David , Fecht Hans-Jörg
Published: December 2019

Advanced nickel‐based superalloys combine excellent high‐temperature mechanical strength, creep resistance, and toughness, and therefore find applications in next‐generation aircraft engines and turbines for land‐based power generators. The related fabrication processes are complex, time consuming, and costly, making it necessary to perform supporting computer simulations of the heat and material flow in the melt before and during crystallization. Such models are based on reliable thermophysical property data in the solid and liquid phase. However, measurements of surface‐ and volume‐dependent properties, such as liquid surface tension, viscosity, and specific heat of these complex liquid metal alloys, are very challenging, due to the melts high chemical reactivity at temperatures of interest. The method of choice is electromagnetic levitation, a containerless method. The measurements of surface tension, viscosity, mass density, and specific heat capacity, performed in the electromagnetic levitator (EML) on board the Space Laboratory Columbus in the International Space Station (ISS), are presented and discussed.
Surface Charge‐Driven Nanoengineering of Monodisperse Carbon Nanospheres with Tunable Surface Roughness
Authors: Wang Quan‐Gao , He Lei , Zhao Li‐Yuan , Liu Ru‐Shuai , Zhang Wei‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui
Published: December 2019

Direct pyrolysis of polymer nanospheres usually leads to severe particle aggregation, uncontrolled surface morphology, and poor solvent dispersibility of the carbonaceous analogues. The successful manipulation of surface roughness, surficial mesopores, and water dispersibility of carbon nanospheres (CNSs) is essential to meet their structural varieties and practical applications. In this study, a facile, surface charge‐driven, interfacial assembly method is reported for the synthesis of CNSs with the abovementioned properties, which involve the interfacial assembly between hetero‐charged silica nanoparticles and polymer nanospheres process. Noticeably, the surface area and pore volume of the resultant rough‐surface CNSs can be augmented remarkably compared to those of direct‐pyrolyzed CNSs. Moreover, the cooperation of uniformity and rough‐surface morphology imparts CNSs with good dispersion stability and more adsorption sites for efficiently removing and recovering water pollutants, e.g., fluorescent derivative fluorescein 5(6)‐isothiocyanate; thus, CNSs contribute greatly to environment protection and resource cyclic utilization. These findings may set the foundations for designing and constructing multifarious morphological carbon nanomaterials, with great monodispersity, surficial mesopores and rough surface, for various applications.
Spin‐On‐Patterning of Sn–Pb Perovskite Photodiodes on IGZO Transistor Arrays for Fast Active‐Matrix Near‐Infrared Imaging
Authors: Wang Ya , Chen Changdong , Zou Taoyu , Yan Lizhi , Liu Chuan , Du Xingzhi , Zhang Shengdong , Zhou Hang
Published: December 2019

Flat‐panel imagers have wide applications in industrial and medical inspections. Nonetheless, large area infrared imaging remains a challenge due to the fact that the state‐of‐the‐art infrared sensors are usually based on silicon or germanium technologies, which are limited by the wafer size. Recent advances in low bandgap Sn–Pb perovskite photodiodes (PDs) and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) matrix backplane bring new opportunity for developing the large area near‐infrared image sensor. As a proof of concept, a 12 × 12 pixels array with each pixel independently controlled by the gate voltage of a TFT are constructed. Arrays of Sn–Pb based perovskite PDs are spin deposited onto the IGZO TFT drain electrode via self‐assembled patterning process. The low bandgap perovskite PD exhibits a broad spectral response for wavelength from 300 to 1000 nm, featuring a high light to the dark current ratio of ≈104, and a high specific detectivity (D*) of ≈1011 Jones at 850 nm (biased at −0.1 V). The integration takes advantage of the high mobility of IGZO transistors and the high infrared sensitivity of low Sn–Pb perovskite materials, which enables the next generation near‐infrared flat‐panel imager with high frame rate and low operating voltages.
Laser‐Driven Strong‐Field Terahertz Sources
Authors: Fülöp József András , Tzortzakis Stelios , Kampfrath Tobias
Published: December 2019

A review on the recent development of intense laser‐driven terahertz (THz) sources is provided here. The technologies discussed include various types of sources based on optical rectification (OR), spintronic emitters, and laser‐filament‐induced plasma. The emphasis is on OR using pump pulses with tilted intensity front. Illustrative examples of newly emerging applications are briefly discussed, in particular strong‐field THz control of materials and acceleration and manipulation of charged particles.
Sodium Plating from Na‐β″‐Alumina Ceramics at Room Temperature, Paving the Way for Fast‐Charging All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Bay Marie‐Claude , Wang Michael , Grissa Rabeb , Heinz Meike V. F. , Sakamoto Jeff , Battaglia Corsin
Published: December 2019

All‐solid‐state batteries with an alkali metal anode have the potential to achieve high energy density. However, the onset of dendrite formation limits the maximum plating current density across the solid electrolyte and prevents fast charging. It is shown that the maximum plating current density is related to the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the metal anode. Due to their high ionic conductivity, low electronic conductivity, and stability against sodium metal, Na‐β″‐alumina ceramics are excellent candidates as electrolytes for room‐temperature all‐solid‐state batteries. Here, it is demonstrated that a heat treatment of Na‐β″‐alumina ceramics in argon atmosphere enables an interfacial resistance <10 Ω cm2 and current densities up to 12 mA cm−2 at room temperature. The current density obtained for Na‐β″‐alumina is ten times higher than that measured on a garnet‐type Li7La3Zr2O12 electrolyte under equivalent conditions. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that eliminating hydroxyl groups and carbon contaminations at the interface between Na‐β″‐alumina and sodium metal is key to reach such values. By comparing the temperature‐dependent stripping/plating behavior of Na‐β″‐alumina and Li7La3Zr2O12, the role of the alkali metal in governing interface kinetics is discussed. This study provides new insights into dendrite formation and paves the way for fast‐charging all‐solid‐state batteries.
All‐Optical Spin–Orbit Coupling of Light in Coherent Media Using Rotating Image
Authors: Zhao Lu
Published: December 2019

The possibility of all‐optical spin–orbit coupling (SOC) of light is investigated based on a rotating spinor image traveling through an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) medium. It is shown that the paraxial evolution of the spinor image composed of two Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes with different frequencies can be analogous with the quantum dynamics of a spin‐1/2 particle with strong and tunable SOC governed by the Pauli equation, where the spin‐up and ‐down states have different effective masses. Using realistic EIT parameters with cold atoms, both the radial inhomogeneity of the strong control field and the atomic density distribution with comparable size are considered. The results confirm that the large group refractive index varying in the radial dimension mimicking the central potential can greatly enhance the spin–orbit interaction, leading to visible spatial quantization of the oppositely oriented spin states, equivalent to the two LG modes.
Combining Complex and Radial Slave Boson Fields within the Kotliar–Ruckenstein Representation of Correlated Impurities
Authors: Dao Vu Hung , Frésard Raymond
Published: December 2019

The gauge symmetry group of any slave boson representation allows to gauge away the phase of bosonic fields. One benefit of this radial field formulation is the elimination of spurious Bose condensations when saddle‐point approximation is performed. Within the Kotliar–Ruckenstein representation, three of the four bosonic fields can be radial while the last one has to remain complex. In this work, the procedure to carry out the functional integration involving constrained fermionic fields, complex bosonic fields, and radial bosonic fields is presented. The correctness of the representation is verified by exactly evaluating the partition function and the Green's function of the Hubbard model in the atomic limit.
Improved Stability and Tunable Functionalization of Parallel β‐Sheets via Multicomponent N‐Alkylation of the Turn Moiety
Authors: Ricardo Manuel G. , Moya Celia G. , Pérez Carlos S. , Porzel Andrea , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Rivera Daniel G.
Published: December 2019

In contrast to the myriad of methods available to produce α‐helices and antiparallel β‐sheets in synthetic peptides, just a few are known for the construction of stable, non‐cyclic parallel β‐sheets. Herein, we report an efficient on‐resin approach for the assembly of parallel β‐sheet peptides in which the N‐alkylated turn moiety enhances the stability and gives access to a variety of functionalizations without modifying the parallel strands. The key synthetic step of this strategy is the multicomponent construction of an N‐alkylated turn using the Ugi reaction on varied isocyano‐resins. This four‐component process assembles the orthogonally protected turn fragment and incorporates handles serving for labeling/conjugation purposes or for reducing peptide aggregation. NMR and circular dichroism analyses confirm the better‐structured and more stable parallel β‐sheets in the N‐alkylated peptides compared to the non‐functionalized variants.
Unravelling the Synergy between Oxygen Vacancies and Oxygen Substitution in BiO2−x for Efficient Molecular‐Oxygen Activation
Authors: Mao Yueshuang , Wang Pengfei , Li Lina , Chen Zongwei , Wang Haitao , Li Yi , Zhan Sihui
Published: December 2019

Defects in nanomaterials often lead to properties that are absent in their pristine counterparts. To date, most studies have focused on the effect of single defects, while ignoring the synergy of multiple defects. In this study, a model of photocatalytic O2 activation was selected to unravel the role of dual defects by decorating bismuth oxide with surface O vacancies and bulk O substitution simultaneously. The introduction of dual defects led to a spatial and electronic synergistic process: i) O substitution induced a local electric field in the bulk of BiO2−x, which promoted bulk separation of electrons and holes immediately after their generation; ii) O vacancies efficiently lowered the conduction band, served as the capture center for electrons, and thus facilitated the adsorption and activation of O2. This effect was greatly promoted by the coexistence of bulk O substitution, and DFT calculations showed that only O substitution near an O vacancy could have this effect.
Effect of network mesh size and swelling to the drug delivery from pH responsive hydrogels
Authors: Hegab Rachel A. , Pardue Sibile , Shen Xinggui , Kevil Christopher , Peppas Nicholas A. , Caldorera‐Moore Mary E.
Published: December 2019

pH responsive hydrogels are ideal platforms for numerous therapeutic delivery applications, including oral delivery, as they are capable of overcoming the many barriers that must be considered when creating an effective drug delivery system. Understanding of the innate hydrogel network structure and its swelling behavior at environmentally relevant conditions is vital for designing hydrogel network capable of effective controlled drug release. Herein, we explored how to expand traditional techniques of swelling and pore characterization to gain better insight into the performance of anionic microparticles composed of the poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) with varying molar percentage of 10, 20, and 30 mol% of MMA, for controlled release of low‐molecular‐weight drugs. By evaluating these carrier systems at environmental conditions, we can observe changes in swelling and pore size of the anionic hydrogel networks as a function of MMA, which was then correlated with the release profiles of the small‐molecular‐weight drug sodium nitrate. With the correlation of the swelling behavior of the networks and the release profiles, we demonstrated how the expansion of swelling parameters at relevant pH values provides further incite for evaluating for the optimal blend for controlled release. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48767.
Coopetition for sustainability: Between organizational benefit and societal good
Authors: Manzhynski Siarhei , Figge Frank
Published: December 2019

Sustainable development requires coopetition, that is, the cooperation of organizations that compete at the same time. Research on coopetition for sustainability is sparse. From a sustainability perspective, coopetition contributes to sustainability when it makes a positive contribution on the societal level. Existing research on coopetition however focuses on organizational outcomes. In this paper, we link organizational and societal outcomes of coopetition. We show that for the simple case of two coopting firms and an economic and an environmental dimension, there are 51 different combinations that make a positive contribution to sustainability. All but one of these combinations consist of a mix of positive and negative outcomes. We identify four types of trade‐offs that can occur in coopetition for sustainability and that point to different pathways of achieving sustainability.
Risk assessment in sentencing and plea bargaining: The roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys
Authors: Monahan John , Metz Anne , Garrett Brandon L. , Jakubow Alexander
Published: December 2019

Research on risk assessment in sentencing has focused heavily on the role of judges. Ignoring the role of other courtroom actors in the sentencing process, however, leaves unexamined the potentially significant effects on judicial decision making of arguments made by prosecutors and defense attorneys at sentencing hearings. Unduly focusing on judges also overlooks the vast majority of sentences arrived at through negotiated guilty pleas. We explored the extent to which considerations of risk are made among prosecutors and defense attorneys when advocating for given sentences in open court or during plea negotiations. We surveyed all prosecutors and defense attorneys in 14 judicial circuits in Virginia and found that most prosecutors and defense attorneys at least “sometimes” explicitly invoked actuarial risk estimates both at sentencing hearings and during plea negotiations. However, defense attorneys were much more likely than prosecutors to be averse to the use of risk assessment in either form of case disposition.
Breaking Down the Barriers to a Natural Antiviral Agent: Antiviral Activity and Molecular Docking of Erythrina speciosa Extract, Fractions, and the Major Compound
Authors: Fahmy Nouran M. , Al‐Sayed Eman , Moghannem Saad , Azam Faizul , El‐Shazly Mohamed , Singab Abdel Nasser
Published: December 2019

The in vitro cytotoxic activity in Vero cells and the antiviral activity of Erythrina speciosa methanol extract, fractions, and isolated vitexin were studied. The results revealed that E. speciosa leaves ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanol extract (ESLE) was the most active against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1). Bioactivity‐guided fractionation was performed on ESLE to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity. One sub‐fraction from ESLE (ESLE IV) showed the highest activity against HSV‐1 and Hepatitis A HAV‐H10 viruses. Vitexin isolated from ESLE VI exhibited a significant antiviral activity (EC50=35±2.7 and 18±3.3 μg/mL against HAV‐H10 and HSV‐1 virus, respectively), which was notably greater than the activity of the extract and the fractions. Molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the molecular interactions of vitexin with different macromolecular targets. Analysis of the in silico data together with the in vitro studies validated the antiviral activity associated with vitexin. These outcomes indicated that vitexin is a potential candidate to be utilized commendably in lead optimization for the development of antiviral agents.
Outcomes of subintimal plaque modification in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Xenogiannis Iosif , Choi James W. , Alaswad Khaldoon , Khatri Jaikirshan J. , Doing Anthony H. , Dattilo Phil , Jaffer Farouc A. , Uretsky Barry , Krestyaninov Oleg , Khelimskii Dmitrii , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham , Potluri Srinivasa , Koutouzis Michalis , Tsiafoutis Ioannis , Jaber Wissam , Samady Habib , Jefferson Brian K. , Patel Taral , Megaly Michael S. , Hall Allison B. , Vemmou Evangelia , Nikolakopoulos Ilias , Rangan Bavana V. , Abdullah Shuaib , Garcia Santiago , Banerjee Subhash , Burke M. Nicholas , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: December 2019

Background

When crossing into the distal true lumen fails during chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), subintimal plaque modification (SPM) is often performed to restore antegrade flow and facilitate subsequent lesion recanalization.

Methods

Between January 2012 and May 4, 2019, 4,659 CTO PCIs were included in the PROGRESS‐CTO registry, of which 935 (20%) had a prior unsuccessful attempt. Of those 935 patients, 119 (13%) had prior SPM. We analyzed the outcomes of the 58 SPM procedures for which data were available, as well as the outcomes of the 60 subsequent CTO PCI attempts.

Results

Mean patient age was 67 ± 9 years and 86% were men. Patients had high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia (91%), hypertension (93%) diabetes (48%), prior PCI (61%), and prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (47%). The target CTO lesions often had proximal cap ambiguity (54%), moderate/severe calcification (73%), moderate/severe tortuosity (63%), and high J‐CTO score (mean 3.2 ± 1.1). The technical and procedural success of subsequent CTO PCI were high (83% for both) with an acceptable rate of in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (3.3%). Technical and procedural success were higher for repeat attempts that were performed ≥60 days after the index CTO PCI (94% vs. 69%, p = .015). Median (interquartile range) subsequent procedure time was 147 (100, 215) min, contrast volume was 185 (150, 260) ml, and air kerma radiation dose was 2.5 (1.4, 4.2) Gray.

Conclusion

Repeat CTO PCI attempts after SPM are associated with high likelihood for successful revascularization with acceptable risks.
Membranous nephropathy associated with profound hypothyroidism
Authors: Singhania Girish , Singhania Namrata
Published: December 2019

Membranous nephropathy can be primary or secondary. Although common causes of secondary MN are malignancy and lupus, hypothyroidism was rarely reported. Providers should check thyroid function tests in patients with unexplained nephrotic proteinuria.
Neonatal melioidosis case reports—Lessons learned
Authors: Daim Sylvia , Barnad Ester , Johnny Victor , Suleiman Maria , Jikal Muhammad , Chua Tock Hing , Rundi Christina
Published: December 2019

In endemic regions, include melioidosis in the routine differential diagnosis of neonates with respiratory distress, and consider early empirical ceftazidime treatment for neonates with worsening respiratory distress.
Syphilitic hepatitis: Case report of an overlooked condition
Authors: Marcos Pedro , Eliseu Liliana , Henrique Martinha , Vasconcelos Helena
Published: December 2019

Syphilis is an overlooked cause of hepatitis. Syphilitic hepatitis should be a differential diagnosis in all patients with abnormal liver biochemical marker levels. Syphilitic hepatitis has been defined as the combination of increased liver enzymes, positive serology for syphilis, the absence of alternative causes for hepatobiliary injury, and liver enzyme improvement with proper antibiotic therapy.
Facile CO Oxidation on Oxygen‐functionalized MXenes via the Mars‐van Krevelen Mechanism
Authors: Tahini Hassan A. , Tan Xin , Smith Sean C.
Published: December 2019

Ab initio screening of 2D MXenes was performed to identify potentially active candidates for CO oxidation. Unlike single‐atom catalysts or metal nanoclusters on reducible metal oxides, we find that a number of oxygen terminated MXenes can intrinsically facilitate the CO oxidation via lattice oxygen participation, also known as the Mars‐van Krevelen mechanism. The promising candidates Cr3C2O2, V3C2O2, Sc3C2O2 and Mo3C2O2 are predicted to have very favorable reaction steps, and as they are not made from any noble metals, they have the potential of offering an alternative to the currently used noble metal alloy catalysts. This work offers design strategies based on linking intrinsic electronic properties of the sorbent to its ability to participate in lattice mediated CO oxidation.
Hexagonal and Cubic Boron Nitride in Bulk and Nanosized Forms and Their Capacitive Behavior
Authors: Vyskočil Jan , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Szőkölová Kateřina , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2019

Two‐dimensional materials have attracted due to their remarkable optical, electrical, and chemical properties in different crystalline forms. Hexagonal and cubic boron nitride (BN) and their nanostructured forms are compared in respect to their capacitive behavior in different electrolytes. We found that hexagonal BN nanosheets exhibited the highest gravimetric capacitance compared with its bulk and with the cubic BN (bulk and nanosheets) counterpart. The higher capacity originates from the larger surface of nanosized sample and is related to it crystal structure as well. These materials can be beneficial in energy storage applications when forming electrode of supercapacitors, where high energy density is required.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Transmission electron microscopy—TEM
Authors: Braidy Nadi , Béchu Aude , de Souza Terra Júlio C. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: December 2019

Thanks to an accelerating voltage in the range of 30 to 300 kV, an electron beam can pass through a thin specimen and form an image with sub‐Ångström spatial resolution. When impinging on a thin crystalline specimen, the fast electrons scatter and diffract. The transmitted electron pattern depends on the local thickness, density, crystal structure, and chemical nature of the sample. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) shapes the incoming electron beam using magnetic lenses onto the specimen and, using a different set of magnetic lenses, focuses the projected electron pattern to a camera. The final image magnification and contrast are controlled using the parameters from the electron gun, apertures positioned along the optical path, and magnetic lenses. With this combination of lens and aperture, TEM offers two possible modes of operation: (a) imaging, including high‐resolution electron microscopy to reveal the size, shape, crystallinity, and morphology of materials; and (b) diffraction, to determine the crystalline nature of a region of interest of a thin film, particle, or collection of particles. Chemical engineers have taken advantage of both of these modes to analyze their samples and inform their research. A bibliometric study conducted using the WoS database places TEM as one of the preferred microscopy tools to study advanced materials such as thin films, nanomaterials, and composites used in particular for the development of applications related to energy storage and conversion (catalysis, photocatalysis, electrochemistry, and batteries) and environment (adsorption, waste‐water treatment, and filtration).
NHC‐catalyzed Redox‐Neutral Aza‐Benzoin Reaction of Aldehydes with Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Jiang Di , Wu Zijun , Wang Jian
Published: December 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives are useful synthetic intermediates, which play an important role in the preparation of natural products, pharmaceuticals and other materials. Herein, we report an unprecedented redox‐neutral aza‐benzoin protocol to construct such scaffold. Upon exposure of tetrahydroisoquinolines to aromatic aldehydes in the presence of an NHC catalyst, the C‐1 acylated tetrahydroisoquinolines were obtained in moderate to good yields.
A Comparative Study of in vitro Assays for Predicting the Nonspecific Binding of PET Imaging Agents in vivo
Authors: Gobbi Luca , Mercier Joël , Bang‐Andersen Benny , Nicolas Jean‐Marie , Reilly John , Wagner Björn , Whitehead David , Briard Emmanuelle , Maguire R. Paul , Borroni Edilio , Auberson Yves P.
Published: December 2019

Nonspecific binding (NSB) is a key parameter in optimizing PET imaging tracers. We compared the ability to predict NSB of three available methods: LIMBA, rat fu,brain, and CHI(IAM). Even though NSB is often associated with lipophilicity, we observed that logD does not correlate with any of these assays, clearly indicating that lipophilicity, while influencing NSB, is insufficient to predict it. A cross‐comparison of the methods showed that all three correlate and are useful predictors of NSB. The three assays, however, rank the molecules slightly differently, illustrating the challenge of comparing molecules within a narrow chemical space. We also noted that CHI(IAM) values more effectively predict VNS, a measure of in vivo NSB in the human brain. CHI(IAM) measurements might be a closer model of the actual physicochemical interaction between PET tracer candidates and cell membranes, and seems to be the method of choice for the optimization of in vivo NSB.
Pyrazolones Activate the Proteasome by Gating Mechanisms and Protect Neuronal Cells from β‐Amyloid Toxicity
Authors: Santoro Anna Maria , Lanza Valeria , Bellia Francesco , Sbardella Diego , Tundo Grazia R. , Cannizzo Alessandra , Grasso Giuseppe , Arizzi Mariaconcetta , Nicoletti Vincenzo G. , Alcaro Stefano , Costa Giosuè , Pietropaolo Adriana , Malgieri Gaetano , D'Abrosca Gianluca , Fattorusso Roberto , García‐Viñuales Sara , Ahmed Ikhlas M. M. , Coletta Massimiliano , Milardi Danilo
Published: December 2019

Proteasome malfunction parallels abnormal amyloid accumulation in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Here we scrutinize a small library of pyrazolones by assaying their ability to enhance proteasome activity and protect neuronal cells from amyloid toxicity. Tube tests evidenced that aminopyrine and nifenazone behave as 20S proteasome activators. Enzyme assays carried out on an “open gate” mutant (α3ΔN) proteasome demonstrated that aminopyrine activates proteasome through binding the α‐ring surfaces and influencing gating dynamics. Docking studies coupled with STD‐NMR experiments showed that H‐bonds and π‐π stacking interactions between pyrazolones and the enzyme play a key role in bridging α1 to α2 and, alternatively, α5 to α6 subunits of the outer α‐ring. Aminopyrine and nifenazone exhibit neurotrophic properties and protect differentiated human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells from β‐amyloid (Aβ) toxicity. ESI‐MS studies confirmed that aminopyrine enhances Aβ degradation by proteasome in a dose‐dependent manner. Our results suggest that some pyrazolones and, in particular, aminopyrine are promising compounds for the development of proteasome activators for AD treatment.
Xevolver: A code transformation framework for separation of system‐awareness from application codes
Authors: Komatsu Kazuhiko , Gomi Ayumu , Egawa Ryusuke , Takahashi Daisuke , Suda Reiji , Takizawa Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces the Xevolver code transformation framework to separate system‐aware code optimizations from HPC application codes. System‐aware code optimizations often make it difficult for programmers to maintain HPC application codes. On the other side, system‐aware code optimizations are mandatory to exploit the performance of target HPC systems. To achieve both high maintainability and high performance, the Xevolver framework provides an easy way to express system‐aware code optimizations as user‐defined code transformation rules. Those rules can be defined separately from HPC application codes. As a result, an HPC application code is converted into its optimized version for a particular target system just before the compilation, and standard HPC programmers do not usually need to maintain the optimized version that could be complicated and difficult‐to‐maintain. In this paper, three important components of the Xevolver framework are described, and then their practicality and benefits are demonstrated through six case studies. Accordingly, the user‐defined code transformation approach behind the Xevolver framework is promising to express system‐awareness for extracting the performance of an HPC system, and also for sharing expert knowledge and experiences about code optimizations. As the complexity and diversity of HPC system architectures are increasing in an extreme‐scale computing era, system‐aware code optimization without overcomplicating the code as discussed in this paper will become more and more important in the future.
Self‐Assembled Graphene/MWCNT Bilayers as Platinum‐Free Counter Electrode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wahyuono Ruri Agung , Jia Guobin , Plentz Jonathan , Dellith Andrea , Dellith Jan , Herrmann‐Westendorf Felix , Seyring Martin , Presselt Martin , Andrä Gudrun , Rettenmayr Markus , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: December 2019

We describe the preparation and properties of bilayers of graphene‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an alternative to conventionally used platinum‐based counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The counter electrodes were prepared by a simple and easy‐to‐implement double self‐assembly process. The preparation allows for controlling the surface roughness of electrode in a layer‐by‐layer deposition. Annealing under N2 atmosphere improves the electrode's conductivity and the catalytic activity of graphene and MWCNTs to reduce the I3− species within the electrolyte of the DSSC. The performance of different counter‐electrodes is compared for ZnO photoanode‐based DSSCs. Bilayer electrodes show higher power conversion efficiencies than monolayer graphene electrodes or monolayer MWCNTs electrodes. The bilayer graphene (bottom)/MWCNTs (top) counter electrode‐based DSSC exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.1 % exceeding the efficiency of a reference DSSC with a thin film platinum counter electrode (efficiency of 3.4 %). In addition, the double self‐assembled counter electrodes are mechanically stable, which enables their recycling for DSSCs fabrication without significant loss of the solar cell performance.
Emerging role of primary heterogeneous nucleation in pharmaceutical crystallization
Authors: Thakore Samarth D. , Sood Aaruti , Bansal Arvind K.
Published: December 2019

Crystallization is an important and difficult to control unit operation in the pharmaceutical industry. Crystallization can control molecular (i.e., polymorphism) and particulate (i.e., particle size and crystal habit) properties of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Moreover, these molecular and particulate properties govern the manufacturability, stability, and biopharmaceutical performance of the API and drug product. Nucleation is a key step and primary heterogeneous nucleation is a common mode of nucleation during crystallization. Hence, it is important to understand the parameters affecting primary heterogeneous nucleation, to achieve desirable properties in crystalline APIs. Primary heterogeneous crystallization has usually been linked to the surface characteristics like topography and functionality of the heteronucleant. The review outlines recent findings in the primary heterogeneous crystallization with specific emphasis on its pharmaceutical applications including regulatory considerations. Molecular‐level mechanisms governing heteronucleation and subsequent outcome in terms of molecular as well as particulate‐level properties of API have also been discussed. Moreover, general guidance for the selection of heteronucleant has also been included. Heterogeneous crystallization is a promising tool for efficient crystallization of API having properties for optimal pharmaceutical performance.
Serial heart rate measurement and mortality after acute heart failure
Authors: Ancion Arnaud , Tridetti Julien , Nguyen Trung Mai‐Linh , Oury Cécile , Lancellotti Patrizio
Published: December 2019

Aim

Heart failure (HF) poses a unique medical burden of high morbidity and mortality. Elevated resting heart rate (HR) is associated with worse outcomes in chronic HF, but little is known about the prognostic impact of serial HR measurement during hospital stay after acute HF. We examined the association between HR obtained at admission at Day 4 and at discharge and long‐term mortality in a cohort of 672 patients discharge from hospital after management of acute HF.

Methods and results

All patients examined were in sinus rhythm. HR was derived from electrocardiogram and was defined as the first reported HR in the medical record. At 1 year follow up, 60 patients died. Median HR was 86 ± 17 b.p.m. (first tertile: 75 b.p.m., third tertile: 97 b.p.m.) at admission, 76 ± 14 b.p.m. (first tertile: 67 b.p.m., third tertile 85 b.p.m.) at Day 4, and 72 ± 11 b.p.m. (first tertile: 64 b.p.m., third tertile 80 b.p.m.) at discharge. Patients who died were significantly older (75 ± 11 vs. 71 ± 12 years; P = 0.027), had more frequently a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 34/60, P = 0.012) and of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 26/60, P = 0.027), had higher admission N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (14 572 ± 21 600 vs. 7647 ± 7964 pg/ml; P = 0.027), had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P < 0.05), haemoglobin level (10.6 ± 2.2 vs. 12.2 ± 2.2 g/L; P = 0.005), albumin level (35.2 ± 4.3 vs 37.1 ± 4.1 g/dl; P = 0.003) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (47 ± 21 vs. 60 ± 28 ml/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.0017). There were no significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in left ventricular ejection, the use of beta‐blocker and angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitor, and the rate of comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes) (P=NS, for all). HR at admission was not significantly associated with 1 year mortality (P = 0.20), whereas there was a significant increase in 1 year mortality for HRs>85 b.p.m. at Day 4 (P < 0.0001) and > 80 b.p.m. at discharge (P < 0.0001). In the multivariable model that included the third tertile at Day 4 and discharge HR and adjusted for all other significant covariates, haemoglobin (P = 0.019), and HR at Day 4 (P = 0.023) were independently associated with 1 year mortality. When only discharge HR was included haemoglobin (P = 0.0004) and HR at discharge (P = 0.00053) remained independently associated with 1 year mortality.

Conclusions

In patients surviving the acute HF phase, a high HR at Day 4, and at a lesser degree at discharge, but not at admission, is a strong predictor of 1 year mortality.
All the small things: How virus‐like particles and liposomes modulate allergic immune responses
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Hofer Sandra , Zabel Maja , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: December 2019

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the range of applications of virus‐like nanoparticle (VNP)‐ and liposome‐based antigen delivery systems for the treatment of allergies. These platforms rely on a growing number of inert virus‐backbones or distinct lipid formulations and intend to engage the host's innate and/or adaptive immune system by virtue of their co‐delivered immunogens. Due to their particulate nature, VNP and liposomal preparations are also capable of breaking tolerance against endogenous cytokines, Igs, and their receptors, allowing for the facile induction of anti‐cytokine, anti‐IgE, or anti‐FcεR antibodies in the host. We here discuss the “pros and cons” of inducing such neutralizing autoantibodies. Moreover, we cover another major theme of the last years, i.e., the engineering of non‐anaphylactogenic particles and the elucidation of the parameters relevant for the specific trafficking and processing of such particles in vivo. Finally, we put the various technical advances in VNP‐ and liposome‐research into (pre‐)clinical context by referring and critically discussing the relevant studies performed to treat allergic diseases.
Atomic Platinum Anchored on Fe‐N‐C Material for High Performance Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sha Ying , Ji Jiapeng , Li Siyuan , Gao Xuehui , Zhang Bingkai , Ling Min , Liang Chengdu , Lin Zhan
Published: December 2019

Development of highly active and stable catalysts to reduce the amount of Pt or replace Pt with nonprecious transition metal in acid of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is still an enormous challenge. Herein, we report anchoring atomic Pt particles on Fe/N‐doped carbon material (Pt1.1FeNC) are, for the first time, synthesized by the photodeposition method. The obtained Pt1.1FeNC electrocatalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and good stability for four‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an acidic electrolyte. Pt1.1FeNC electrocatalyst shows a half‐wave potential of 0.85 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 m HClO4 (0.83 V of 20 wt.‐% commercial Pt/C). After 10,000 cycles after, the catalysis active only decreases 20 mV. These are mainly due to the synergistic effect between Pt and Fe.
Pyrone Synthesis from Renewable Sources: Easy Preparation of 3‐Acetoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐6‐carboxylic Salts and their Derivatives as 3‐Hydroxy‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one from C6 Aldaric Acids
Authors: Leonardi Gabriella , Li Jiemeng , Righetti Grazia Isa C. , Truscello Ada M. , Gambarotti Cristian , Terraneo Giancarlo , Citterio Attilio , Sebastiano Roberto
Published: December 2019

2‐Pyrones are compounds present in several natural products and represent interesting building blocks for the preparation of intermediates in organic syntheses. For these reasons, many different preparation protocols have been developed for the synthesis of pyrone moieties. In this work, a green approach toward the synthesis of those compounds starting from C6 aldaric acids has been investigated. These products are an interesting and versatile class of poly functional C6 units coming from renewable sources. In this paper, we report a green procedure based on a reaction with acetic anhydride under different pH conditions to convert mucic acid and glucaric acid salts into the 3‐acetoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐6‐carboxylic acid salts and their derivatives. The salts, in the presence of hydrochloric acid, are quantitatively converted into the corresponding 3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐6‐carboxylic acid, which afforded 3‐hydroxy‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one in very high yield by further thermal decarboxylation. Crystal structure of the five membered ring lactone intermediate is reported.
Hemoglobin‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Indolizines Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Li Fengxi , Tang Xuyong , Xu Yaning , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Liu , Zhang Jiaxin , Liu Jiaxu , Li Zhengqiang , Wang Lei
Published: December 2019

Hemoglobin‐catalyzed synthesis of indolizines via a multicomponent reaction has been reported for the first time. The corresponding indolizines were obtained in moderate to high yields by using this method. This mild, efficient and practical method is distinguished by the use of a commercially inexpensive biocatalyst and readily available starting materials, wide substrate scope, and operational simplicity. Furthermore, this method expands the application of hemoglobin in organic synthesis.
Photoredox Fluoroalkylation of Arylidene and Alkylidene Amidrazones
Authors: Supranovich Vyacheslav I. , Chernov Grigory N. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: December 2019

A method for the photoredox fluoroalkylation of the C–H bond of azomethine compounds obtained from condensation of aldehydes and N‐methylpyrrolidinone‐derived amidrazones is described. The reactions are promoted with a carbazole‐based organic photocatalyst under blue light irradiation. The ability of the cyclic nitrogen to stabilize a nitrogen‐centered radical is believed to be a key factor responsible for the reaction efficiency.
Simulating combined SO2 and CO2 capture from combustion flue gas
Authors: Cousins Ashleigh , Pearson Pauline , Puxty Graeme , Jiang Kaiqi , Garg Bharti , Zhai Rongrong , Ott Pedro , Verheyen Vince , Feron Paul H. M.
Published: December 2019

The requirement to pre‐treat flue gas prior to the CO2 capture step is an economic challenge when using aqueous amine absorbents for capturing CO2 from coal‐fired power station flue gases. A potentially lower cost alternative is to combine the capture of both CO2 and SO2 from the flue gas into a single process, removing the requirement for the desulfurization pre‐treatment step. The CSIRO's CS‐Cap process uses a single aqueous amine absorbent to capture both of these acid gases from flue gas streams. This paper covers the initial simulation of this process applied to both brown and black coal flue gases. Removal of absorbed SO2 is achieved via reactive crystallization. This is simulated here using a ‘black box’ process, resulting in a K2SO4 product. Different operating conditions have been evaluated that increase the sulfate concentration of the absorbent in the SO2 capture section of the process, which is expected to increase the efficiency of the reactive crystallization step. This paper provides information on the absorption of SO2 into the amine solution, and heat and mass balances for the wider process. This information will be required for further detailed simulation of the reactive crystallization step, and economic evaluation of the CS‐Cap process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microglial cell‐derived interleukin‐6 influences behavior and inflammatory response in the brain following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sanchis Paula , Fernández‐Gayol Olaya , Vizueta Joel , Comes Gemma , Canal Carla , Escrig Anna , Molinero Amalia , Giralt Mercedes , Hidalgo Juan
Published: December 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem with high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The response of the brain to TBI is orchestrated by a number of cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). IL‐6 is a major cytokine in the central nervous system and it is produced by different cells, such as neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells. Since glial cells are one of the most important sources and targets of IL‐6, we have examined the role of microglia‐derived IL‐6 in normal conditions and following a model of TBI, cryolesion of the somatosensorial cortex. To this end, tamoxifen‐inducible microglial IL‐6‐deficient (Il6ΔMic, using Cx3cr1
CreER model) mice and control (Il6lox/lox) mice were used. In normal conditions, microglial IL‐6 deficiency reduced deambulation and exploratory behavior and decreased anxiety in a sex‐dependent manner. The transcriptome profile following cryolesion was dramatically altered 1 day post‐lesion in Il6ΔMic compared with Il6lox/lox mice. However, the phenotype of Il6ΔMic mice was less compromised in the following days, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms are at play.