bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape Rememorization of an Organosuperelastic Crystal through Superelasticity–Ferroelasticity Interconversion
Authors: Sakamoto Shunichi , Sasaki Toshiyuki , Sato‐Tomita Ayana , Takamizawa Satoshi
Published: July 2019

As altering permanent shapes without loss of material function is of practical importance for material molding, especially for elastic materials, shape‐rememorization ability would enhance the utility of elastic crystalline materials. Since diffusionless plastic deformability can preserve the crystallinity of materials, the interconversion of diffusionless mechanical deformability between superelasticity and ferroelasticity could enable shape rememorization of superelastic single crystals. This study demonstrates the shape rememorization of an organosuperelastic single crystal of 1,4‐dicyanobenzene through time‐reversible interconversion of superelasticity–ferroelasticity relaxation by holding the mechanically twinned crystal without heating. The shape‐rememorization ability of the organosuperelastic crystal indicates the compatibility of superelasticity (antiferroelasticity) and ferroelasticity as well as the intrinsic workability of organic crystalline materials capable of recovering their crystal functions under mild conditions.
Boosting Luminance Energy Transfer Efficiency in Upconversion Nanoparticles with an Energy‐Concentrating Zone
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Chen Weiwei , Xie Xiaoyu , Li Yuyi , Chen Desheng , Chao Zhicong , Liu Chenghui , Ma Haibo , Liu Ying , Ju Huangxian
Published: July 2019

Despite the successful application of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), their low energy transfer efficiency is still a bottleneck to further applications. Here we design UCNPs with a multilayer structure, including an inert NaYF4:Gd core and an energy‐concentrating zone (ECZ), for efficient energy concentration. The ECZ is composed of an emitting layer of NaYF4:Yb,Er and an absorption layer of NaYF4:Nd,Yb with antenna IRDye 800CW to manipulate the energy transfer. The stable and tight packing of 800CW linked originally with a bisphosphonate ligand improves greatly the transfer efficiency. The proximity of the emitting layer to both surface antenna and accepter also decreases energy depletion. Compared to classical UCNPs, the ECZ UCNPs show 3600 times higher luminescence intensity with an energy transfer efficiency near 60 %. In proof‐of‐concept applications, this type of structure was employed for Hg2+ detection and for photodynamic therapy under hypoxic conditions.
Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2 Reduction by Mesoporous Carbon Nitride Modified with Polymeric Cobalt Phthalocyanine
Authors: Roy Souvik , Reisner Erwin
Published: July 2019

The integration of molecular catalysts with low‐cost, solid light absorbers presents a promising strategy to construct catalysts for the generation of solar fuels. Here, we report a photocatalyst for CO2 reduction that consists of a polymeric cobalt phthalocyanine catalyst (CoPPc) coupled with mesoporous carbon nitride (mpg‐CNx) as the photosensitizer. This precious‐metal‐free hybrid catalyst selectively converts CO2 to CO in organic solvents under UV/Vis light (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2, λ>300 nm) with a cobalt‐based turnover number of 90 for CO after 60 h. Notably, the photocatalyst retains 60 % CO evolution activity under visible light irradiation (λ>400 nm) and displays moderate water tolerance. The in situ polymerization of the phthalocyanine allows control of catalyst loading and is key for achieving photocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Bioinspired Design Provides High‐Strength Benzoxazine Structural Adhesives
Authors: Higginson Cody J. , Malollari Katerina G. , Xu Yunqi , Kelleghan Andrew V. , Ricapito Nicole G. , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: July 2019

A synthetic strategy to incorporate catechol functional groups into benzoxazine thermoset monomers was developed, leading to a family of bioinspired small‐molecule resins and main‐chain polybenzoxazines derived from biologically available phenols. Lap‐shear adhesive testing revealed a polybenzoxazine derivative with greater than 5 times improved shear strength on aluminum substrates compared to a widely studied commercial benzoxazine resin. Derivative synthesis identified the catechol moiety as an important design feature in the adhesive performance and curing behavior of this bioinspired thermoset. Favorable mechanical properties comparable to commercial resin were maintained, and glass transition temperature and char yield under nitrogen were improved. Blending of monomers with bioinspired main‐chain polybenzoxazine derivatives provided formulations with enhanced shear adhesive strengths up to 16 MPa, while alloying with commercial core–shell particle‐toughened epoxy resins led to shear strengths exceeding 20 MPa. These results highlight the utility of bioinspired design and the use of biomolecules in the preparation of high‐performance thermoset resins and adhesives with potential utility in transportation and aerospace industries and applications in advanced composites synthesis.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes fabricated by vapor‐induced phase separation (VIPS) for the adsorption removal of VB12 from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Miao , Huang Yuan‐Wei , Chen Yan , Yan Xi , Xu Wen‐Yan , Lang Wan‐Zhong
Published: July 2019

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes without any additives were fabricated by a vapor‐induced phase separation method and applied to the adsorption separation of vitamin B12 (VB12) from aqueous solution. The effects of preparation conditions including PVDF concentration in dope, vapor humidity, and exposure time on the morphologies, mechanical strength, adsorption, and permeation performances are investigated in detail. The results indicate that the PVDF membranes have a uniform spongy structure without macrovoids. The lower polymer concentration, relatively higher humidity, and longer exposure time easily leads to the formation of larger polymer nodules in the membrane matrix and lower mechanical strength of membranes. The resulted PVDF membranes exhibit superior separation efficiency for both static and dynamic adsorption for VB12. In the ultrafiltration (adsorption)‐regeneration cycles, the permeation flux remains above 2500 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and the VB12 removal ratio is above 92% after six cycles. The prepared PVDF membranes show superior adsorption capacities to other traditional adsorbents (such as activated carbons, nanoclay, etc.) for VB12 removal. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48179.
Fabrication of flower clusters‐like superhydrophobic surface via a UV curable coating of ODA and V‐PDMS
Authors: Shen Lixiang , Lai Yingying , Fu Heqing
Published: July 2019

In this work, a flower clusters‐like superhydrophobic surface was fabricated via an ultraviolet (UV) curable coating of octadecylamine (ODA) and vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (V‐PDMS). ODA self‐assembled into many flower clusters‐like structures on the surface of the coating, increasing the roughness of the coating surface without additional nanoparticles. V‐PDMS formed a highly crosslinked network under a UV lamp, which would be helpful for a robust superhydrophobic surface. The obtained PDMS/ODA fabric showed water contact angle of 161° and sliding angle of 5°. The durability of the superhydrophobic surface was tested by water impacting, tube brush scrubbing, knife scratching, hand twisting, finger pressing, tape adhesion, abrasion, continuous rinsing, and chemical conditions. The experimental results indicated that the superhydrophobic surface have good durability for long service life. Moreover, the PDMS/ODA fabric could selectively absorb oils from water with good separation performance. This work will provide a facile, low cost, and versatile method to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces, and enhance their efficiency of oil–water separation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48210.
Identification and functional analysis of an iron‐binding protein, ferritin heavy chain subunit, from the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus
Authors: Lu Zhan‐Jun , Xie Yan‐Xin , Yu Hai‐Zhong , Toufeeq Shahzad , Wang Jie , Huang Yu‐Ling , Li Ning‐Yan , Ouyang Zhi‐Gang
Published: July 2019

Ferritin, which is ubiquitous among all living organisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining iron homeostasis, immune response, and detoxification. In the present research, we identified an iron‐binding protein, ferritin heavy chain subunit, from Papilio xuthus and named PxFerHCH. The complete complementary DNA of PxFerHCH was 1,252 bp encoding a sequence of 211 amino acids, which includes an iron‐responsive element. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PxFerHCH is clustered with Manduca sexta and Galleria mellonella ferritin heavy chain subunits. Expression levels of PxFerHCH in various tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the results exhibited that PxFerHCH was expressed in all tissues with the highest expression in the fat body. The relative expression level of PxFerHCH in response to bacterial (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) challenges sharply increased by about 12 hr postinfection (hpi) and then decreased at 24 hpi. In addition, the iron‐binding capacity and antioxidation activity of recombinant PxFerHCH protein were also investigated. These results reveal that PxFerHCH might play an important role in defense against bacterial infection.
Unique features of flight muscles mitochondria of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Syromyatnikov Mikhail Y. , Gureev Artem P. , Vitkalova Inna Y. , Starkov Anatoly A. , Popov Vasily N.
Published: July 2019

Honey bees Apis mellifera L. are one of the most studied insect species due to their economic importance. The interest in studying honey bees chiefly stems from the recent rapid decrease in their world population, which has become a problem of food security. Nevertheless, there are no systemic studies on the properties of the mitochondria of honey bee flight muscles. We conducted a research of the mitochondria of the flight muscles of A. mellifera L. The influence of various organic substrates on mitochondrial respiration in the presence or absence of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was investigated. We demonstrated that pyruvate is the optimal substrate for the coupled respiration. A combination of pyruvate and glutamate is required for the maximal respiration rate. We also show that succinate oxidation does not support the oxidative phosphorylation and the generation of membrane potential. We also studied the production of reactive oxygen species by isolated mitochondria. The greatest production of H2O2 (as a percentage of the rate of oxygen consumed) in the absence of ADP was observed during the respiration supported by α‐glycerophosphate, malate, and a combination of malate with another NAD‐linked substrate. We showed that honey bee flight muscle mitochondria are unable to uptake Ca2+‐ions. We also show that bee mitochondria are able to oxidize the respiration substrates effectively at the temperature of 50°С compared to Bombus terrestris mitochondria, which were more adapted to lower temperatures.
Quinolone derivatives: Potential anti‐HIV agent—development and application
Authors: Wang Ruo , Xu Kai , Shi Weixiong
Published: July 2019

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the largest and most devastating public health pandemics throughout the world. The global pandemic of drug‐sensitive HIV and the increasing threat from drug‐resistant HIV result in an urgent need to develop more effective anti‐HIV candidates. Quinolone represents a significant class of privileged heterocycles, and its derivatives possess promising in vitro and in vivo anti‐HIV properties. The 4‐quinolone elvitegravir has already been approved for the treatment of HIV; thus, quinolone derivatives might be promising candidates with anti‐HIV activity. This review emphasizes quinolone derivatives with potential anti‐HIV activity, covering articles published between 1992 and 2019. The structure‐activity relationship is also discussed to provide insights for further development of more active quinolone derivatives.
A CdII‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework with pcu Topology as Turn‐On Fluorescent Sensor for Al3+
Authors: Yao Shu‐Li , Tian Xue‐Mei , Li Le‐Qian , Liu Sui‐Jun , Zheng Teng‐Fei , Chen Yong‐Qiang , Zhang Da‐Shuai , Chen Jing‐Lin , Wen He‐Rui , Hu Tong‐Liang
Published: July 2019

A new metal‐organic framework (MOF) {[Cd2(bbib)2(ndc)2]⋅2DMF}n (JXUST‐1) (bbib=1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene, H2ndc=1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, PXRD, TGA, IR and elemental analysis. JXUST‐1 exhibits a three‐dimensional 6‐connected pcu topology with a Schläfli symbol {412.63} constructed by [Cd2(CO2)3] secondary building units. Fluorescence studies show that this MOF can sensitively and selectively recognize Al3+ via a fluorescence enhancement effect, and the detection limit is 0.048 ppm. Furthermore, JXUST‐1 displays relatively good thermal and chemical stabilities as well as reusability. All these results suggest JXUST‐1 to be a highly selective and recyclable luminescent sensing material for the detection of Al3+.
Melatonin promotes neuroblastoma cell differentiation by activating hyaluronan synthase 3‐induced mitophagy
Authors: Lee Wen‐Jui , Chen Li‐Ching , Lin Juo‐Han , Cheng Tzu‐Chun , Kuo Ching‐Chuan , Wu Chih‐Hsiung , Chang Hui‐Wen , Tu Shih‐Hsin , Ho Yuan‐Soon
Published: July 2019

Neuroblastoma is the second most common pediatric malignancy and has a high rate of spontaneous remission. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying neuroblastoma cell differentiation is critical for therapeutic purposes. A neuroblastoma cell line (N2a) treated with either serum withdrawal (<2.5%) or melatonin (>0.1 nmol/L) for 24 hours was used as a cell differentiation research model. Interestingly, the hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3) protein was induced in differentiated N2a cells. N2a‐allografted nude mice received an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (40 or 80 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks). The mean tumor volume in mice treated with 80 mg/kg melatonin was smaller than that in PBS‐treated mice (1416.3 and 3041.3 mm3, respectively, difference = 1625 mm3, *P = 0.0003, n = 7 per group). Compared with the vector control group, N2a cells with forced HAS3 overexpression showed significantly increased neuron length (*P = 0.00082) and neurite outgrowth (*P = 0.00059). Intracellular changes in autophagy, including distorted mitochondria with abnormal circular inner membranes, were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our study demonstrated that HAS3‐mediated signaling activated by physiological concentrations of melatonin (>0.1 nmol/L) triggered significant N2a cell differentiation. These results provide molecular data with potential clinical relevance for therapeutic drug development.
Suicide rates increasing; researchers especially worried about teens
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2019

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June reported a 30% increase in suicides from 2000 to 2016, and although rates went up across all age groups, the researchers were particularly concerned about adolescents. Concerns centered around social media use, anxiety, depression, and self‐inflicted injuries, all of which are on the rise among teens.
A Tunable, Fullerene‐Based Molecular Amplifier for Vibrational Circular Dichroism
Authors: Strudwick Benjamin H. , Koenis Mark A. J. , Sanders Hans J. , Nicu Valentin P. , Woutersen Sander , Buma Wybren Jan
Published: July 2019

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) studies are reported on a chiral compound in which a fullerene C60 moiety is used as an electron acceptor and local VCD amplifier for an alanine‐based peptide chain. Four redox states are investigated in this study, of which three are reduced species that possess low‐lying electronic states as confirmed by UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry. VCD measurements in combination with (TD)DFT calculations are used to investigate (i) how the low‐lying electronic states of the reduced species modulate the amplification of VCD signals, (ii) how this amplification depends on the distance between oscillator and amplifier, and (iii) how the spatial extent of the amplifier influences amplification. These results pave the way for further development of tailored molecular VCD amplifiers.
Isomeric Effect on Optoelectronic Properties and Photovoltaic Performance of Anthraquinone‐Core Perylene Diimide (PDI) and Helical PDI dimers
Authors: You Xiaoxiao , Hu Juan , Wu Mingliang , Huang Huaxi , Shao Guangwei , Zhang Junrui , Wu Di , Xia Jianlong
Published: July 2019

Isomerism heavily influences the optoelectronic properties and self‐assembly behavior of compounds and subsequently affects their device performance. Herein, two pairs of isomeric perylene diimide (PDI) dimers, PDI and PDI2, were designed and synthesized. The electron‐deficient 9,10‐anthraquinone group was employed as the bridge, and thus, the resultant dimers exhibited an acceptor–acceptor–acceptor (A‐A‐A) structure. To determine the isomeric effects on the optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance of these dimers, their absorptivity, luminescence, and redox behavior were studied. Bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on these four dimers were fabricated and measured. The two PDI dimers exhibited clear differences in photovoltaic performance, whereas the two PDI2 analogues showed similar power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). The PCEs of the two PDI2 dimers are much higher than those of the PDI dimers. These results illustrate that the isomeric effect of PDI dimers is much larger than that of PDI2 dimers on the device performance, and proper expansion of conjugation could improve the device performance.
Nucleation of Hematite: A Nonclassical Mechanism
Authors: Scheck Johanna , Fuhrer Lisa M. , Wu Baohu , Drechsler Markus , Gebauer Denis
Published: July 2019

Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) is thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions, of vast geological importance, and widely used in applications, for example, as corrosion protection and as a pigment. It forms at elevated temperatures, whereas room‐temperature reactions typically yield metastable akaganéite or ferrihydrite. The mechanistic key changes underlying this observation were explored in the present study. The entropic contribution to the prenucleation hydrolysis reaction categorically implies the presence of prenucleation clusters (PNCs) as fundamental precursors. The formation of hematite is then due to a change in the reaction mechanism above approximately 50 °C, whereby the reaction limitation towards oxolation in phase‐separated clusters is overcome. A model that rationalizes the occurrence of hematite, akaganéite, and ferrihydrite based on the chemistry of olation PNCs is proposed. Supersaturation and the temperature dependence of olation and oxolation rates from monomeric precursors are irrelevant in this nonclassical mechanism.
Nickel Phosphinidene Molecular Clusters from Organocyclophosphine Precursors
Authors: Doud Evan A. , Butler Chiara J. , Paley Daniel W. , Roy Xavier
Published: July 2019

We report a new family of nickel phosphinidene molecular clusters synthesized from the reaction of bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)nickel(0) ([Ni(cod)2]) with organocyclophosphine and trialkylphosphine. We found that [Ni(cod)2] cleaves the organocyclophosphine P−P bonds to generate phosphinidene groups, establishing the cyclic molecules as valuable precursors for making charge‐neutral molecular clusters passivated by two‐electron donor capping ligands. The formation of the cluster core structure is controlled by the bulkiness of the precursor and of the capping ligand. As a demonstration of this new cluster‐forming reaction, we describe three clusters with different core nuclearity and degree of ligation: Ni12(PMe)10(PEt3)8, Ni8(PMe)6(PMe3)8, and Ni8(PiPr)6(PMe3)6. In addition, we show that the larger cluster, Ni12(PMe)10(PEt3)8, can be used as a low temperature single‐source molecular precursor to the catalytically active nickel phosphide phase Ni2P.
Nonfattening of Mean Curvature Flow at Singularities of Mean Convex Type
Authors: Hershkovits Or , White Brian
Published: July 2019

We show that a mean curvature flow starting from a compact, smoothly embedded hypersurface M ⊆ ℝn + 1 remains unique past singularities, provided the singularities are of mean convex type, i.e., if around each singular point, the surface moves in one direction. Specifically, the level set flow of M does not fatten if all singularities are of mean convex type. We further show that assumptions of the theorem hold provided all blowup flows are of the kind appearing in a mean convex flow, i.e., smooth, multiplicity 1, and convex. Our results generalize the well‐known fact that the level set flow of a mean convex initial hypersurface M does not fatten. They also provide the first instance where nonfattening is concluded from local information around the singular set or from information about the singularity profiles of a flow. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Task scheduling in Internet of Things cloud environment using a robust particle swarm optimization
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Zaki , Al‐Rizzo Hussain
Published: July 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) is steadily growing in support of current and projected real‐time distributed Internet applications in civilian and military applications, while Cloud Computing has the ability to meet the performance expectations of these applications. In this paper, we present the implementation of logistics management applications relying on cooperative resources with optimized performances. To dynamically incorporate smart manufacturing objects into logistics management IoT applications within a ubiquitous environment, task scheduling must be provided for resource allocation in an optimized way. Within such environment, we propose a task scheduling algorithm based on a robust Canonical Particle Swarm Optimization (CPSO) algorithm to solve the problem of resource allocation and management in both homogeneous and heterogeneous IoT Cloud Computing. Our objective is to satisfy the Makespan by performing optimal task scheduling while considering different policies of incoming tasks. Performance evaluation from simulation experiments reveals that optimizing the Makespan can be significantly improved by Longest Processing Time (LPT), Shortest Processing Time (SPT), Earliest Computation Time (ECT), Earliest Starting Time (EST), Earliest Deadline First (EDF), and Earliest Duedate (EDD) using our CPSO algorithm as compared with traditional list task scheduling algorithms.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Embedded with Co9S8 Nanoparticles: Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Huan , Tang Duihai , Huang Yuan , Zhang Wenting , Sun Xue , Yang Xunyu , Qiao Zhen‐An , Wang Jianjun , Zhao Zhen
Published: July 2019

Co9S8 embedded, N,S co‐doepd mesoporous carbon materials were synthesized by adopting CoCl2 as the molten salt. In details, CoCl2 and glucose were used as cobalt and carbon precursors, respectively, and thiourea was utilized as sulfur and nitrogen precursors. This synthetic process involved three steps, including hand‐milling, carbonation, and acid leaching. The results of characterization exhibited that the final products had mesoporous structures, which also showed high nitrogen and sulfur contents. Moreover, the Co9S8 nanoparticles dispersed evenly in the carbonaceous matrix. Furthermore, the calcining temperature could affect the porosities of the final products and the contents of the heteroatoms, which could further determine the electrocatalytic activities of these catalysts. When used as the electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction, the optimal catalyst, GTCo900, exhibited superior catalytic activities under acidic condition. The overpotential is 62 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, it could also reveal excellent stability for 12 h.
Identification and Functional Investigation of Genome‐Encoded, Small, Secreted Peptides in Plants
Authors: Boschiero Clarissa , Lundquist Peter K. , Roy Sonali , Dai Xinbin , Zhao Patrick X. , Scheible Wolf‐Rüdiger
Published: July 2019

Hundreds to thousands of small secreted peptides (SSPs) are encoded in plant genomes but have been overlooked, and most remain unannotated and unstudied. Despite their low profile, they have been found to confer dramatic effects on growth and development of plants. With the growing appreciation of their significance, the development of appropriate methods to identify and functionally assess the myriad SSPs encoded in plant genomes has become critical. Here, we provide protocols for the computational and physiological analysis of SSPs in plant genomes. We first describe our methodology successfully used for genome‐wide identification and annotation of SSP‐coding genes in the model legume Medicago truncatula, which can be readily adapted for other plant species. We then provide protocols for the functional analysis of SSPs using various synthetic peptide screens. Considerations for the design and handling of peptides are included. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strongly Coupled Interface Structure in CoFe/Co3O4 Nanohybrids as Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalysts
Authors: Ma Ping , Yang Haidong , Luo Yutong , Liu Yang , Zhu Yan , Luo Sha , Hu Yiping , Zhao Ziming , Ma Jiantai
Published: July 2019

The quest for developing electrochemical energy‐storage and ‐conversion technologies continues to be a great impetus to develop cost‐effective, highly active, and electrochemically stable electrocatalysts for overcoming the activation energy barriers of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Co3O4 nanocrystals have great potential as OER catalysts, and research efforts on improving the catalytic activity of Co3O4 are currently underway in many laboratories. Herein, CoFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets were directly grown on the active Co3O4 substrate to form nanohybrid electrocatalysts for OER. The CoFe LDH/Co3O4(6:4) nanohybrid exhibited superior catalytic performance with a low overpotential and a small Tafel slope in alkaline solution. The outstanding performance of the CoFe LDH/Co3O4(6:4) nanohybrid was primarily owing to the synergistic effects induced by the strongly coupled interface between CoFe LDH and Co3O4; this feature enhanced the intrinsic OER catalytic activity of the nanohybrid and favored fast charge transfer. Compared with other Co3O4‐based catalysts, the nanohybrid shows advantages and offers a feasible avenue for improving the activity of Co3O4‐based catalysts.
Analyzing the coexistence of conflict and cooperation in a regional delta management system: Tidal River Management (TRM) in the Bangladesh delta
Authors: Mutahara Mahmuda , Warner Jeroen , Khan M. Shah Alam
Published: July 2019

This article analyzes the history and dynamics of conflict and cooperation in a local and regional delta management system focusing on tidal river management (TRM). TRM was formally implemented through a participatory approach since early 2000 to address waterlogging problems in the southwest delta of Bangladesh. There have been, and still are, serious difficulties in achieving the full potential of TRM because multistakeholder processes (MSPs) are not effectively sustained. One major cause of ineffective MSPs is incompetent dealing with conflict and cooperation among stakeholders. Our research was a participatory assessment of water management events focusing on the causes, intensity, and trend of conflict and cooperation in TRM practices over the last 30 years. The results show that the history of TRM appeared more conflictive than cooperative, and also the cooperations between major stakeholders were rarely sustained in TRM practices. To that effect, we applied an adapted “Transboundary Water Interaction Nexus (TWINs)” model to this local water management context, which explores the interrelatedness of conflict and cooperation for learning to deal with MSPs in local delta water management. The research findings should be helpful for improving participation policy in water management in Bangladesh and also facilitate MSPs in delta water governance elsewhere.
Mechanisms of vapor‐phase antibacterial action of essential oil from Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloofera Fujita against Escherichia coli
Authors: Wu Kegang , Lin Yahui , Chai Xianghua , Duan Xuejuan , Zhao Xinxin , Chun Chen
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate antibacterial activity of essential oil from Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloofera Fujita (EOL) at vapor phase and its mechanism of bactericidal action against Escherichia coli. Results showed that the vapor‐phase EOL had significant antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 200 μl/L. Further analyses showed that treatment of E. coli with vapor‐phase EOL resulted in partial degradation of cell membrane, increased membrane permeability, leakage of cytoplasm materials, and prominent distortion and shrinkage of bacterial cells. FTIR showed that EOL altered bacterial protein secondary and tertiary structures. GC/MS analysis showed that the components of vapor‐phase EOL included linalool (69.94%), camphor (10.90%), nerolidol (10.92%), and safrole (8.24%), of which linalool had bactericidal activity. Quantum chemical analysis suggested that the antibacterial reactive center of linalool was oxygen atom (O10) which transferred electrons during antibacterial action by the donation of electrons.
Why deprescribing antipsychotics in older people with dementia in long‐term care is not always successful: Insights from the HALT study
Authors: Aerts Liesbeth , Cations Monica , Harrison Fleur , Jessop Tiffany , Shell Allan , Chenoweth Lynn , Brodaty Henry
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia despite their side effects and harms. While the Halting Antipsychotic Use in Long‐Term care (HALT) deprescribing trial was successful at reducing antipsychotic use, 19% of participants had their antipsychotics represcribed or never reached a dose of zero. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for represcription of antipsychotic medication and factors associated with ongoing antipsychotic use, relating to care staff requests and perceived behavioural changes.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐nine of 133 HALT participants never ceased their antipsychotic medication or were represcribed a regular or pro re nata (PRN) antipsychotic after initial deprescribing. The views of nursing staff, general practitioner, and family on the circumstances leading up to these outcomes were collected via a questionnaire‐based approach. This information was triangulated with observation and detailed file audit (including progress notes, medical notes, medication charts, incident reports, and hospital discharge summaries). A consensus panel reconstructed the represcribing context.

Results

Nurses were the most common drivers of represcribing (63.2%), followed by family members (39.5%), GPs (23.7%), specialists (13.2%), and hospital staff (10.5%). There were multiple drivers for antipsychotic use in 46.2% of participants. Increased agitated and aggressive behaviours were the most commonly reported reasons for represcribing even though these changes were not identified over time on objective measures. Consent and dosage practices remained poor despite education.

Discussion

Nursing staff are the key drivers of deprescribing particularly in response to perceived worsening agitation and aggression among male residents. The train‐the‐trainer model used in the HALT trial may have been insufficient on its own to improve staff competence and confidence in applying nonpharmacological approaches when responding to behaviour change.
Effects of variable thermophysical properties on mixed convection slip flow over a wedge
Authors: Roy Sudharonjon , Roy Nepal Chandra , Saha Litan Kumar , Uddin K. M. Salah
Published: July 2019

This paper reveals the characteristics of mixed convection slip flow of an electrically conducting fluid over a wedge subject to temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity variations. The system of dimensionless nonsimilar governing equations has been solved by an implicit finite difference method. We also use stream‐function formulation to reduce the governing equations into a convenient form, which are valid for small and large time regimes. These are solved employing the perturbation method for small time and the asymptotic method for large time. Numerical solutions yield a good agreement with the series solutions. Because of the increase in the mixed convection parameter, the peak of the velocity profile increases whereas the maximum temperature decreases. In contrast, the local skin‐friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are found to increase with the mixed convection parameter. For higher values of the velocity slip and temperature jump conditions, the local skin‐friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are found to increase. The viscosity parameter enhances the local skin friction and the local Nusselt number. But the converse characteristic is observed for the thermal conductivity parameter. The results could be used in microelectromechanical systems, fabrication, melting of polymers, polishing of artificial heart valves, etc.
An experimental investigation in forced convective heat transfer and friction factor of air flow over aligned round and flattened tube banks
Authors: Jassim Ataalah Hussain , Tahseen Tahseen Ahmad , Mustafa Ahmed Waheed , Rahman Md Mustafizur , Ishak Mahadzir
Published: July 2019

Heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop are studied experimentally for airflow over aligned round and flattened tube configurations. The Reynolds number is based on the outer diameter of the round tube or the outside transverse diameter of the flattened tube, which is used for various flows, ranging from 133 to 800 with a constant input heat flux. In the present work, a total of 30 samples of round and flattened tubes heat exchangers with three transverse pitches, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.5, were studied to investigate their thermal performance. The results indicate that the relative gain in the overall Nusselt number is about 32.5 to 60.6% in flattened tubes, while the reduction range in the friction factor is about 11 to 30.6%. Correlations are proposed for the overall Nusselt number, friction factor, and Colburn j–factor for both round and flattened tube banks. A higher value means that a deviation error of 9.9% in the round tube banks and 10.1% in the flattened tube banks are expected. In addition, the best value for thermal performance for the flattened tube bundle was found to be coincident with a smaller Reynolds number.
Fluorination effect to intermediate molecular weight polyethylenimine for gene delivery systems
Authors: Lee Gyeong Jin , Kim Tae‐il
Published: July 2019

Fluorinated intermediate molecular weight polyethylenimine (FP2ks) with various fluorination degrees was synthesized by conjugation with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and the fluorination effect for gene delivery systems was examined. FP2ks could condense pDNA, forming compact, positively charged, and nano‐sized spherical particles. It was thought that their decreased electrostatic interaction with pDNA would be compensated by hydrophobic interaction. The cytotoxicity of FP2ks was increased with the increase of fluorination degree, probably due to the cellular membrane disruption via hydrophobic interaction with FP2ks. The transfection efficiency of highly fluorinated FP2ks was not severely affected in serum condition, assuming their good serum‐compatibility. Discrepancy between their higher cellular uptake efficiency and lower transfection efficiency than PEI25k was thought to arise from the formation of compact polyplexes followed by the decreased dissociation of pDNA. It was also suggested that multiple energy‐dependent cellular uptake mechanisms and endosome buffering would mediate the transfection of FP2ks.
A review of transition metal‐based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts
Authors: Ibrahim Kassa B. , Tsai Meng‐Che , Chala Soressa A. , Berihun Mulatu K. , Kahsay Amaha W. , Berhe Taame A. , Su Wei‐Nien , Hwang Bing‐Joe
Published: July 2019

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices play a key role in the development of clean, sustainable, and efficient energy systems to meet the sustainable growth of our society. However, challenging issues including the sluggish kinetics of oxygen electrode reactions involving the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are present, limiting the implementation of devices such as metal‐air batteries, water electrolyzers, and regenerative fuel cells. In this review, various monometallic and bimetallic transition metal oxides (TMOs) and hydroxides are summarized in terms of their application for ORR/OER, in which the merits and demerits of various precious metal and carbon‐based metal oxide materials are discussed, with requirements for better electrocatalysts and catalyst support being introduced as well. Following this, different approaches to improve catalytic activity such as the introduction of doping and defects, the manipulation of crystal facets, and the engineering of supports, compositions, and morphologies are summarized in which TMOs with improved ORR/OER catalytic activities can be synthesized, further improving the speed, stability, and polarization of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. Finally, perspectives into the improvement of performance and the better understanding of ORR/OER mechanisms for bifunctional electrocatalysts using in situ spectroscopic techniques and density functional theory calculations are also discussed.
Circulating exosomal miRNAs in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis: New emerging hopes
Authors: Aghabozorgi Amirsaeed S. , Ahangari Najmeh , Eftekhaari Tasnim E. , Torbati Paria N. , Bahiraee Alireza , Ebrahimi Reyhane , Pasdar Alireza
Published: July 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Standard therapies have failed to significantly increase patients’ survival. Moreover, the majority of conventional screening procedures are ineffective for the diagnosis of CVDs at early stages. Accumulating evidence suggests that numerous cell types release a class of nano‐sized vesicles named exosomes into the extracellular space. Exosomes are widely distributed in various body fluids and contain a number of diverse biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and both mRNA and noncoding RNAs which reflect host‐cell molecular architecture. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which can be found in exosomes, could be taken up by both neighboring and distal cells. Not only has recent evidence indicated the regulatory role of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CVD, but it has also been shown that differential expression of exosomal miRNAs in CVDs has made them promising biomarkers for early detection of CVDs. Owing to these remarkable features, exosomal miRNAs have emerged as hot spots in research. This review summarizes the role of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CVDs and discusses their potential application in the clinical setting as both therapeutic and diagnostic tools.
lncRNA SNHG1 cooperated with miR‐497/miR‐195‐5p to modify epithelial–mesenchymal transition underlying colorectal cancer exacerbation
Authors: Bai Jinghui , Xu Jian , Zhao Jian , Zhang Rui
Published: July 2019

Our study was intended to provide evidence for whether long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG1 would accelerate the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) course intrinsic in colorectal cancer (CRC) by sponging downstream miR‐497‐5p and miR‐195‐5p. We altogether collected 338 pairs of CRC and noncancerous tissues, and meanwhile purchased five CRC cell lines (i.e., SW480, HCT116, Lovo, CaCO‐2, and HT29) and human embryo intestinal mucosal tissue‐sourced cell line (i.e., CCC‐HIE‐2). The CRC cells as mentioned above were appraised regarding their potencies in proliferation, migration, and invasion, after being transfected with pcDNA3.1‐SNHG1, si‐SNHG1, miR‐195‐5p mimic/inhibitor, and miR‐497‐5p mimic/inhibitor. Eventually, we depended on reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction to assess SNHG1, miR‐497‐5p, and miR‐195‐5p expressions, and the protein levels of EMT‐specific molecules were determined on the strength of western blotting. It seemed that there was a high potential for highly expressed SNHG1 and lowly expressed miR‐497/miR‐195 to symbolize CRC patients’ unfavorable prognosis (p < .05). Concurrently, CRC cells were detected with higher SNHG1 expression and lower miR‐497/miR‐195 expression than CCC‐HIE‐2 cells (p < .05). In addition, the EMT process of CRC cells was facilitated markedly against the contexts of overexpressed SNHG1 and underexpressed miR‐497‐5p/miR‐195‐5p. Intriguingly, the strength of miR‐195‐5p collaborating with miR‐497‐5p in affecting the activity of CRC cells seemed to overweigh that of miR‐497/miR‐195‐5p alone. Besides, both miR‐195‐5p and miR‐497‐5p were subjected to in vivo and in vitro modification of SNHG1 (p < .05). Conclusively, application of lncRNA SNHG1 for treating CRC might be promising, given its dual modulation of miR‐497 and miR‐195 underlying CRC pathogenesis.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study of Pseudoephedrine for the Temporary Relief of Nasal Congestion in Children With the Common Cold
Authors: Gelotte Cathy K. , Albrecht Helmut H. , Hynson Jennifer , Gallagher Valerie
Published: July 2019

This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30‐mg tablets in children aged 6 to 11 years for the temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold. The primary efficacy end point was the weighted sum of the change from baseline in instantaneous nasal congestion severity score over the period from 1 to 8 hours following the first dose of study drug on day 1. Safety assessments included adverse events, sleepiness ratings, and vital signs. Pseudoephedrine was superior to placebo in reducing instantaneous nasal congestion severity in pediatric children over the first 8 hours after dosing on day 1 (least squares mean difference between treatment groups was 1.2; P = .029). Overall, secondary end points associated with nasal congestion were supportive on day 1, whereas secondary end points on day 2 were only numerically favorable. Somnolence was reported in a greater percentage of children on pseudoephedrine compared to placebo (71.9% vs 63.9%), while similar percentages of children in the same respective groups reported insomnia (34.4% and 38.9%) and nervousness (20.0% and 23.6%).Pseudoephedrine provides temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold in children 6 to <12 years of age at the current over‐the‐counter monograph dose. Multiple dosing of pseudoephedrine for up to 7 days, when given as needed for symptom relief, was generally safe in this population of children with the common cold.
Retrospective investigation of tacrolimus combined with an anti‐tumor necrosis factorα antibody as remission induction therapy for refractory ulcerative colitis: Efficacy, safety, and relapse rate
Authors: Ito Ayumi , Omori Teppei , Nakamura Shinichi , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Combined therapy with tacrolimus (TAC) and an anti‐tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) antibody is used to induce remission in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who have not responded to monotherapy with either drug. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined therapy, as well as the relapse rate.

Methods

Combined therapy was performed to induce remission in UC patients showing an inadequate response to monotherapy with TAC or an anti‐TNFα antibody. The following items were assessed retrospectively: (i) clinical characteristics, (ii) the remission induction rate, (iii) the relapse rate, and (iv) adverse events.

Results

Combined therapy induced remission in 7 of the 12 patients (58.3%). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the patients with and without the successful induction of remission. However, the number of female patients tended to be higher in the remission group than in the nonremission group. The remission group also showed trends of a lower clinical activity index (Lichtiger index; CAI) on admission and before combined therapy and a lower total dose of prednisolone during hospitalization. The 1‐year relapse rate was 33.3%. Adverse events due to combined therapy included renal impairment (n = 2), tremors (n = 2), influenza (n = 1), and a positive cytomegalovirus antibody test (n = 3). None of these events were serious.

Conclusions

Combined therapy was effective in more than half of the patients with refractory UC who had not responded to monotherapy. Our findings suggest that combination therapy may be a new, third option for the treatment of refractory UC.
TANGO2 deficiency as a cause of neurodevelopmental delay with indirect effects on mitochondrial energy metabolism
Authors: Jennions Elizabeth , Hedberg‐Oldfors Carola , Berglund Anna‐Karin , Kollberg Gittan , Törnhage Carl‐Johan , Eklund Erik A. , Oldfors Anders , Verloo Patrick , Vanlander Arnaud V. , De Meirleir Linda , Seneca Sara , Sterky Fredrik H. , Darin Niklas
Published: July 2019

Exome sequencing has recently identified mutations in the gene TANGO2 (transport and Golgi organization 2) as a cause of developmental delay associated with recurrent crises involving rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and metabolic derangements. The disease is not well understood, in part as the cellular function and subcellular localization of the TANGO2 protein remain unknown. Furthermore, the clinical syndrome with its heterogeneity of symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings is still being defined. Here, we describe 11 new cases of TANGO2‐related disease, confirming and further expanding the previously described clinical phenotype. Patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous for previously described exonic deletions or new frameshift, splice site, and missense mutations. All patients showed developmental delay with ataxia, dysarthria, intellectual disability, or signs of spastic diplegia. Of importance, we identify two subjects (aged 12 and 17 years) who have never experienced any overt episode of the catabolism‐induced metabolic crises typical for the disease. Mitochondrial complex II activity was mildly reduced in patients investigated in association with crises but normal in other patients. In one deceased patient, post‐mortem autopsy revealed heterotopic neurons in the cerebral white matter, indicating a possible role for TANGO2 in neuronal migration. Furthermore, we have addressed the subcellular localization of several alternative isoforms of TANGO2, none of which were mitochondrial but instead appeared to have a primarily cytoplasmic localization. Previously described aberrations in Golgi morphology were not observed in cultured skin fibroblasts.