bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIES FOR THE ENERGY RETROFITTING OF SOCIAL HOUSING THROUGHOUT EUROPE
Authors: EGUIARTE OLAIA , GARRIDO MARIJUAN ANTONIO , DE AGUSTIN CAMACHO PABLO , VELEZ JARAMILLO JOHN FRED , ANTOLIN GUTIERREZ JAVIER , DEL PORTILLO VALDES LUIS ALFONSO
Published: October 2019

Nobel energy retrofitting strategies for social housing buildings are presented in this paper, which attempt to reduce their energy demand and enable a low carbon footprint consumption. Both passive and active approaches are applied to a building archetype under 7 representative climates and constructive properties in Europe. On the one hand, simulation results show that passive renovation of buildings through high efficiency envelopes and decentralized ventilation systems would lead to savings from the 69% to the 87% of the required heating demand. Additionally, the cooling demand is reduced up to 32%, although it increases slightly in cold climates due to the addition of insulation. On the other hand, the active trigeneration system includes parabolic trough solar collectors, ORC based cogeneration, adsorption chiller, and a biomass boiler as backup, which reaches a maximum efficiency of 59% in the best scenario. Results show that, a join exploitation of proposed strategies, would mean primary energy savings up to 38% in the worst case, and 61% in the best one. Regarding CO2 emissions, up to 85% reductions are achieved in the seven considered European climates. Finally, analyzing the costs, it is shown that even in the worst case, the energy bills would be reduced in 62%. These results reveal that, the strategies proposed in this paper, depict a feasible way to achieve nZEB while, at the same time, tackling the energy poverty problem that residents in social housing suffer along Europe.
A NEW MODEL FOR THE EUROPEAN ELECTRICITY MARKET: THE CITIZEN IS KING
Authors: ARCOS VARGAS ANGEL
Published: October 2019

Last July, Directive 944/2019 and Regulation 943/2019 came into force, completing the Clean energy for all europeans legislative package approved last December by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
The Effect of Healthcare Expenditure on the Health Outcomes in Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Weibo Xing , Yimer Birhanu
Published: October 2019

Health is a major component for a fulfilled life that everyone in the world desires to acquire. Governments are expected to play a vital role in providing quality health service to their people. Even though an increased health care expenditure is mostly considered as a primary contributor for an improved health outcome, empirical studies however indicate controversial results. The primary objective of this paper is to examine the effect of health expenditure on the selected health outcomes (Life Expectancy, Infant Mortality, Under-Five Mortality and Crude death) in Sub Saharan Africa. The linear dynamic generalized method of moments instrumental variable (GMM-IV) was used on a panel of 39 Sub-Saharan African Countries for the years 1995-2014. Results of this study showed that health expenditure significantly improves life expectancy and lowers infant mortality, under-five mortality & crude death in Sub Saharan Africa. The separate effects of Public and private health expenditures have also shown a significant positive relationship on life expectancy and negative on infant mortality, under-five mortality & crude death. The one period lag of health expenditure was estimated and the regression results indicated statistically significant relationship with health outcomes. In addition to health expenditure, other determinants like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, urbanization, immunization and basic drinking water brought improvement on life expectancy, infant mortality, under-five mortality & crude death. In contrast, HIV prevalence and unemployment are factors that reduce life expectancy and increase infant mortality, under-five mortality & crude death. This study indicated that health expenditure is an important element in attaining improved health outcome in Sub-Saharan African Countries. Therefore, increasing the amount of health expenditure allocated to the health sector yields a better health status. More on, revising policies to improve GDP per capita, immunization, urbanization and basic drinking water service, and strategies intended to reduce HIV prevalence and unemployment assure a better health outcome.
Soil Based Heavy Metals Originating from Anthropogenic Activities on Floristic Composition of Some Selected Sites in Kaduna Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Sodimu A. I. , Onwumere G. B. , Yilwa V. M.
Published: October 2019

Soil based heavy metals originating from anthropogenic activities on floristic composition of some selected sites in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria were investigated.   50m x 50m plots were laid in each of the three (3) selected sites with 30m espacement between each plot. This is replicated three (3) times to make a total of nine (9) plots in all.  Soil samples were collected at a depth of 25m with a soil auger and heavy metal analysis was carried out with the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The floristic compositions were evaluated using line transect method. Flora were enumerated in all the sites irrespective of the growth form, (i.e. trees, shrubs and herbs). The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistic, Anova using SPSS while the diversity index was calculated using Shannon Weiner method. The study revealed the presence of six (6) soil based metals in the selected sites, Cd; Cu; Mn; Ni; V and Zn.  Significance differences (P<0.05) exist in soil based heavy metal between sites.  A total of two thousand two hundred and sixty one (2,261) floral species were evaluated. The population densities of the floristic composition are higher in site A than all the other sites while species diversity decrease significantly (P<0.05) from Site A to C.  It is concluded that population densities and diversity of the floristic composition in the selected sites are influenced as a result of soil based heavy metals originating from anthropogenic activities in the sites. It is however recommended that there should be provision of guidelines for the abatement of pollution establishing standard for the control of fuel additives with respect to heavy metals.  Also, there should be prescribed standard for the level of emission from automobile exhaust and energy generating plants and stations.
Evaluation of the Antihyperglycemic Effect of N-butanol Leaves Extracts of Iraqi Fumaria parviflora in Alloxan-prompt Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kadheem Enas Jawad , Hussein Ahmed Omar
Published: October 2019

Objective: In this research, we evaluated the antihyperglycemic effect of leaves of Fumaria parviflora (F. parviflora) and implied mechanisms by using in vivo models of hyperglycemia.

Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were applied for the research. Soxhlet ethanolic extract of leaves of F. parviflora (EFP ) was prepared. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were orally remedied with the extract (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day), metformin (200 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Another animal received only extract, alloxan (diabetic control) or vehicle (control).

Results:  pretreatment effect of plant extract on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats Blood glucose levels in all extract pretreated groups was lower (p<0.05) when compared with the levels in rats that received alloxan alone, Rats that we are treated with plant extract had normal blood glucose levels that ranged for 73.00±1.5 to76.00±0.54 mg/dl at the beginning (first day) of experiment. Blood glucose levels in these animals declined during the period of extract administration, but the values obtained were not significant compared to control excluded those that were obtained on the 14th day, p < 0.05

Conclusion: Leaves of F. parviflora possess blood glucose-lowering effects  In Alloxan-Induced Diabetic  Rat, The findings of a study indicated that F. parviflora has a significant hypoglycemic effect on Alloxan-induced diabetic rats with no effects in blood glucose levels of normal rats.
O PROJETO PROTEÇÃO DE JOVENS EM TERRITÓRIO VULNERÁVEL: UMA ANÁLISE DOS PRESSUPOSTOS NORMATIVOS E SEUS EFEITOS LOCAIS
Authors: Martins Rafael Losada
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo se insere no campo de estudos sobre políticas públicas de segurança, circunscrevendo este tema mais amplo ao problema público da “juventude violenta” enquanto objeto de um tipo particular de intervenção: os projetos de prevenção da violência e criminalidade destinados aos jovens das periferias urbanas brasileiras. Seu objetivo principal é identificar e apresentar, a partir do exame de documentos oficiais, os principais pressupostos normativos presentes na formulação do projeto Proteção de Jovens em Território Vulnerável – Protejo (ação integrante do extinto Programa Nacional de Segurança Pública com Cidadania – Pronasci), para, em seguida, analisar alguns efeitos decorrentes da implementação desses pressupostos em um contexto local. A análise desses efeitos foi empiricamente restrita a execução do Protejo no bairro de Itinga, em Lauro de Freitas (Bahia), entre os anos de 2009 e 2011. Trata-se, portanto, de uma análise ex post facto. Na primeira parte do artigo, apresento sucintamente o projeto enquanto uma ação do Programa Nacional de Segurança Pública com Cidadania, enfatizando o entrelaçamento singular entre política de segurança e política social. Em seguida, após delinear os traços gerais do paradigma da “segurança cidadã”, descrevo e analiso situações ocorridas durante a realização do referido projeto, nas quais a atualização local deste paradigma gerou efeitos diversos daqueles esperados, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao propósito de efetivação do ideal político-jurídico de igualdade cristalizado na noção de cidadania.
Expanded amino acid sequence of the PhaC box in the active center of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases
Authors: Nambu Yuka , Ishii‐Hyakutake Manami , Harada Ken , Mizuno Shoji , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: October 2019

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthases catalyze the polymerization reaction of the acyl moiety of hydroxyacyl‐coenzyme A into polyester. The catalytic subunit PhaC of PHA synthase has the PhaC box sequence at the active site that is typically described as G‐X‐C‐X‐G‐G (X is an arbitrary amino acid), and cysteine is an active center. In this study, an amino acid replacement was introduced into the PhaC box of the PHA synthase derived from Ralstonia eutropha (PhaCRe) to investigate the importance of highly conserved residues in polymerizing activity. Point mutagenesis revealed that PhaCRe mutants with the expanded PhaC box sequence ([GAST]‐X‐C‐X‐[GASV]‐[GA]) are functional PHA synthases. These findings highlight the low mutational robustness of the last glycine residue in the PhaC box as well as that of the active center cysteine.
New moonlighting functions of mitochondrial cytochrome c in the cytoplasm and nucleus
Authors: González‐Arzola Katiuska , Velázquez‐Cruz Alejandro , Guerra‐Castellano Alejandra , Casado‐Combreras Miguel Á. , Pérez‐Mejías Gonzalo , Díaz‐Quintana Antonio , Díaz‐Moreno Irene , De la Rosa Miguel Á.
Published: October 2019

Cytochrome c (Cc) is a protein that functions as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. However, Cc has moonlighting roles outside mitochondria driving the transition of apoptotic cells from life to death. When living cells are damaged, Cc escapes its natural mitochondrial environment and, once in the cytosol, it binds other proteins to form a complex named the apoptosome—a platform that triggers caspase activation and further leads to controlled cell dismantlement. Early released Cc also binds to inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptors on the ER membrane, which stimulates further massive Cc release from mitochondria. Besides the well‐characterized binding proteins contributing to the proapoptotic functions of Cc, many novel protein targets have been recently described. Among them, histone chaperones were identified as key partners of Cc following DNA breaks, indicating that Cc might modulate chromatin dynamics through competitive binding to histone chaperones. In this article, we review the ample set of recently discovered antiapoptotic proteins—involved in DNA damage, transcription, and energetic metabolism—reported to interact with Cc in the cytoplasm and even the nucleus upon DNA breaks.
Regulation of the MDM2‐p53 pathway by the ubiquitin ligase HERC2
Authors: García‐Cano Jesús , Sánchez‐Tena Susana , Sala‐Gaston Joan , Figueras Agnès , Viñals Francesc , Bartrons Ramon , Ventura Francesc , Rosa Jose Luis
Published: October 2019

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a transcription factor that plays a prominent role in protecting cells from malignant transformation. Protein levels of p53 and its transcriptional activity are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin E3 ligase MDM2, the gene expression of which is transcriptionally regulated by p53 in a negative feedback loop. The p53 protein is transcriptionally active as a tetramer, and this oligomerization state is modulated by a complex formed by NEURL4 and the ubiquitin E3 ligase HERC2. Here, we report that MDM2 forms a complex with oligomeric p53, HERC2, and NEURL4. HERC2 knockdown results in a decline in MDM2 protein levels without affecting its protein stability, as it reduces its mRNA expression by inhibition of its promoter activation. DNA damage induced by bleomycin dissociates MDM2 from the p53/HERC2/NEURL4 complex and increases the phosphorylation and acetylation of oligomeric p53 bound to HERC2 and NEURL4. Moreover, the MDM2 promoter, which contains p53‐response elements, competes with HERC2 for binding of oligomeric, phosphorylated and acetylated p53. We integrate these findings in a model showing the pivotal role of HERC2 in p53‐MDM2 loop regulation. Altogether, these new insights in p53 pathway regulation are of great interest in cancer and may provide new therapeutic targets.
Peak‐to‐Average Power Ratio Reduction Techniques
Authors: Guzmán Borja Genovés , Jiménez Víctor P. Gil , Pérez Roberto Pérez
Published: October 2019

Multicarrier transmission schemes produce time‐domain (TD) signals with large envelope fluctuations. These signals suffer from nonlinear distortions when passing through a high‐power amplifier (HPA) because of its nonlinear transfer function. Several metrics are used to quantify the envelope fluctuations: peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR), crest factor (CF), and cubic metric (CM). Multiple techniques and algorithms have been proposed for reducing such metrics in the literature. This article reviews all the possible PAPR reduction techniques and emphasizes the importance of their application in multicarrier schemes. Besides, new variants adapted to multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) are also presented, which take on importance in 5G systems. Finally, a comparison among these techniques is presented in terms of the key aspects considered when designing a 5G system: power increase, implementation complexity, bit error rate (BER) degradation, and required side information. It is shown that the selection of the PAPR reduction technique depends on the application, the system requirements, and the scenario.
Advanced Functional Materials and Cell‐Based Therapies for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke and Postischemic Stroke Effects
Authors: Tapeinos Christos , Larrañaga Aitor , Tomatis Francesca , Bizeau Joëlle , Marino Attilio , Battaglini Matteo , Pandit Abhay , Ciofani Gianni
Published: October 2019

Ischemic stroke is considered one of the most threatening neurological disorders with high percentages of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although in recent years, several nanotechnological advances have improved the survival rates, severe untreated poststroke side‐effects continue to significantly influence the way of life of many. Tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy are considered the gold standards for the treatment of acute cerebral ischemia. These, however, fail to improve postischemic disorders. Herein, after a brief description of the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and the following biochemical cascade, the most recent biomaterial and cell‐based strategies are reviewed for its treatment. Other therapeutics that have been proposed not only for the treatment of cerebral ischemia but also for the regeneration of the infarcted brain that is responsible for a variety of disorders, including cognitive, motor, and speech problems are also presented. Finally, a few reported studies on diagnostic and theranostic nanostructures are also provided.
Fabrication of Curcumin‐Modified TiO2 Nanoarrays via Cyclodextrin Based Polymer Functional Coatings for Osteosarcoma Therapy
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Jiting , Chen Jisheng , Zeng Yan , Zhu Zhihong , Wan Ying
Published: October 2019

The incomplete removal of bone tumors leads to increased local recurrence and poor prognosis. To prevent ostoperative tumor recurrence and simultaneously repair surgery‐caused bone defects, there is a need of great significance to develop implantable biomaterials possessing both cancer cell‐killing ability and excellent bioactivity. In this work, a functionalized titanium‐based implant is successfully fabricated by loading curcumin (CUR) onto cyclodextrin based polymer (pCD) modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod arrays. Herein, a polydopamine (pDA) assisted film is implemented as a first coating layer onto the surface of the TiO2 nanoarrays to guarantee the robust anchorage of the pCD. The pCD coating acts as a reservoir for CUR, allowing for efficient drug loading and sustained release of anticancer drugs. Studies show that the CUR‐modified surfaces (TiO2/pDA/pCD/CUR) can significantly promote apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in vitro by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the ROS overproduction, and meanwhile, effectively inhibit the tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, such functionalized implants with surface density of loaded CUR at 22.48 µg cm−2 or lower support the attachment and proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro. These results successfully demonstrate that as‐prepared TiO2/pDA/pCD/CUR constructs have combined anticancer performance and good biocompatibility, which has great promise for the surgical therapy of bone tumors.
Recent Advances in Nanostrategies Capable of Overcoming Biological Barriers for Tumor Management
Authors: Huo Da , Jiang Xiqun , Hu Yong
Published: October 2019

Engineered nanomaterials have been extensively employed as therapeutics for tumor management. Meanwhile, the complex tumor niche along with multiple barriers at the cellular level collectively hinders the action of nanomedicines. Here, the advanced strategies that hold promise for overcoming the numerous biological barriers facing nanomedicines are summarized. Starting from tumor entry, methods that promote tissue penetration of nanomedicine and address the hypoxia issue are also highlighted. Then, emphasis is given to the significance of overcoming both physical barriers, such as membrane‐associated efflux pumps, and biological features, such as resistance to apoptosis. The pros and cons for an individual approach are presented. In addition, the associated technical problems are discussed, along with the importance of balancing the therapeutic merits and the additional cost of sophisticated nanomedicine designs.
Intelligent Metamaterials Based on Nonlinearity for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhao Xiaoguang , Duan Guangwu , Wu Ke , Anderson Stephan W. , Zhang Xin
Published: October 2019

Metamaterials provide a powerful platform to probe and enhance nonlinear responses in physical systems toward myriad applications. Herein, the development of a coupled nonlinear metamaterial (NLMM) featuring a self‐adaptive response that selectively amplifies the magnetic field is reported. The resonance of the NLMM is suppressed in response to higher degrees of radio‐frequency excitation strength and recovers during a subsequent low excitation strength phase, thereby exhibiting an intelligent, or nonlinear, behavior by passively sensing excitation signal strength and responding accordingly. The nonlinear response of the NLMM enables us to boost the signal‐to‐noise ratio during magnetic resonance imaging to an unprecedented degree. These results provide insights into a new paradigm to construct NLMMs consisting of coupled resonators and pave the way toward the utilization of NLMMs to address a host of practical technological applications.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Enynyl Boronates via Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of 1,4‐Diaryl‐Substituted 1,3‐Diynes
Authors: Sokolnicki Tomasz , Szyling Jakub , Franczyk Adrian , Walkowiak Jędrzej
Published: October 2019

A facile ruthenium‐catalyzed regio‐ and stereoselective hydroboration of symmetrical, aromatic 1,3‐diynes with pinacolborane towards 2‐boryl‐1,4‐diaryl‐buta‐1‐en‐3‐ynes and their further transformation into potassium trifluoroborate salts is presented. The reaction proceeded efficiently for 1,4‐diphenylbutadiynes with various substituents on the phenyl rings and heterocyclic 1,4‐di(thiophen‐3‐yl)buta‐1,3‐diyne. The resulting products were isolated and fully characterized (1H, 13C, 11B and 1D NOESY NMR, IR, GC‐MS, HRMS or elemental analysis). Moreover, the crystal structure of an enynyl boronate was determined, proving the addition of boryl moiety at the internal carbon in the diyne, according to the anti‐Markovnikov rule. The results presented here are the first examples of selective catalytic monohydroboration of conjugated diynes. The products obtained due to the presence of the boryl group and the unsaturated bonds are potential synthons in the synthesis of natural compounds or active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The model Suzuki coupling of 2‐boryl‐1,4‐diphenyl‐buta‐1‐en‐3‐ynes with iodobenzene was carried out to illustrate the utility of the resulting compounds.

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A Flexible Solid‐State Aqueous Zinc Hybrid Battery with Flat and High‐Voltage Discharge Plateau
Authors: Liu Zhuoxin , Yang Qi , Wang Donghong , Liang Guojin , Zhu Youhuan , Mo Funian , Huang Zhaodong , Li Xinliang , Ma Longtao , Tang Tiancheng , Lu Zhouguang , Zhi Chunyi
Published: October 2019

The migration of zinc‐ion batteries from alkaline electrolyte to neutral or mild acidic electrolyte promotes research into their flexible applications. However, discharge voltage of many reported zinc‐ion batteries is far from satisfactory. On one hand, the battery voltage is substantially restricted by the narrow voltage window of aqueous electrolytes. On the other hand, many batteries yield a low‐voltage discharge plateau or show no plateau but capacitor‐like sloping discharge profiles. This impacts the battery's practicability for flexible electronics where stable and consistent high energy is needed. Herein, an aqueous zinc hybrid battery based on a highly concentrated dual‐ion electrolyte and a hierarchically structured lithium‐ion‐intercalative LiVPO4F cathode is developed. This hybrid battery delivers a flat and high‐voltage discharge plateau of nearly 1.9 V, ranking among the highest reported values for all aqueous zinc‐based batteries. The resultant high energy density of 235.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 320.8 W kg−1 also outperforms most reported zinc‐based batteries. A designed solid‐state and long‐lasting hydrogel electrolyte is subsequently applied in the fabrication of a flexible battery, which can be integrated into various flexible devices as powerful energy supply. The idea of designing such a hybrid battery offers a new strategy for developing high‐voltage and high‐energy aqueous energy storage systems.
Confined Fe2VO4⊂Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanowires with Internal Void Space for High‐Rate and Ultrastable Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Yang Chao , Lv Fan , Zhang Yelong , Wen Jie , Dong Kang , Su Hai , Lai Feili , Qian Guoyu , Wang Wei , Hilger André , Xu Yunhua , Zhu Yizhou , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin , Manke Ingo , Chen Yanan
Published: October 2019

Developing low‐cost, high‐capacity, high‐rate, and robust earth‐abundant electrode materials for energy storage is critical for the practical and scalable application of advanced battery technologies. Herein, the first example of synthesizing 1D peapod‐like bimetallic Fe2VO4 nanorods confined in N‐doped carbon porous nanowires with internal void space (Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapods) as a high‐capacity and stable anode material for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) is reported. The peapod‐like Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapod heterostructures with interior void space and external carbon shell efficiently prevent the aggregation of the active materials, facilitate fast transportation of electrons and ions, and accommodate volume variation during the cycling process, which substantially boosts the rate and cycling performance of Fe2VO4. The Fe2VO4⊂NC electrode exhibits high reversible specific depotassiation capacity of 380 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 60 cycles and remarkable rate capability as well as long cycling stability with a high capacity of 196 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 after 2300 cycles. The first‐principles calculations reveal that Fe2VO4⊂NC nanopeapods have high ionic/electronic conductivity characteristics and low diffusion barriers for K+‐intercalation. This study opens up new way for investigating high‐capacity metal oxide as high‐rate and robust electrode materials for KIBs.
Aging Effect of a Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Absorber on the Photovoltaic Performance of Its Cd‐Free Solar Cell Fabricated by an All‐Dry Process: Its Carrier Recombination Analysis
Authors: Chantana Jakapan , Nishimura Takahito , Kawano Yu , Suyama Naoki , Yamada Akira , Kimoto Yoshinori , Kato Takuya , Sugimoto Hiroki , Minemoto Takashi
Published: October 2019

Cd‐free Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) solar cells are fabricated by an all‐dry process (a Cd‐free and all‐dry process CIGSSe solar cell) with aged CIGSSe thin film absorbers. The aged CIGSSe thin films are kept in a desiccator cabinet under partial pressure of oxygen of ≈200 Pa for aging time up to 10 months. It is reported for the first time that aged CIGSSe thin film with increased aging time results in significant enhancement of photovoltaic performance of Cd‐free and all‐dry process CIGSSe solar cells, regardless of the alkali treatment. Based on carrier recombination analysis, carrier recombination rates at the interface and in the depletion region of the Cd‐free and all‐dry process CIGSSe solar cells are reduced owing to avoidance of sputtering damage on CIGSSe absorber surface, which is consistent with the strong electron beam‐induced current signal near CIGSSe surface after the increased aging time. It is implied that the interface and near‐surface qualities are clearly improved through the increased aging time, which is attributable to the self‐forming of Inx(O,S)y near CIGSSe surface, which acts as a buffer layer. Ultimately, the 22.0%‐efficient Cd‐free CIGSSe solar cell fabricated by all‐dry process is achieved with the aged Cs‐treated CIGSSe absorber with the aging time of 10 months.
The Critical Role of Stereopsis in Virtual and Mixed Reality Learning Environments
Authors: Wainman Bruce , Pukas Giancarlo , Wolak Liliana , Mohanraj Sylvia , Lamb Jason , Norman Geoffrey R.
Published: October 2019

Anatomy education has been revolutionized through digital media, resulting in major advances in realism, portability, scalability, and user satisfaction. However, while such approaches may well be more portable, realistic, or satisfying than traditional photographic presentations, it is less clear that they have any superiority in terms of student learning. In this study, it was hypothesized that virtual and mixed reality presentations of pelvic anatomy will have an advantage over two‐dimensional (2D) presentations and perform approximately equal to physical models and that this advantage over 2D presentations will be reduced when stereopsis is decreased by covering the non‐dominant eye. Groups of 20 undergraduate students learned pelvic anatomy under seven conditions: physical model with and without stereo vision, mixed reality with and without stereo vision, virtual reality with and without stereo vision, and key views on a computer monitor. All were tested with a cadaveric pelvis and a 15‐item, short‐answer recognition test. Compared to the key views, the physical model had a 70% increase in accuracy in structure identification; the virtual reality a 25% increase, and the mixed reality a non‐significant 2.5% change. Blocking stereopsis reduced performance on the physical model by 15%, on virtual reality by 60%, but by only 2.5% on the mixed reality technology. The data show that virtual and mixed reality technologies tested are inferior to physical models and that true stereopsis is critical in learning anatomy.
T‐Cell Differentiation to T Helper 9 Phenotype is Elevated by Extremely Low‐Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Via Induction of IL‐2 Signaling
Authors: Jang Ye Won , Gil Ki Cheol , Lee Ji Soo , Kang WonKu , Park So‐Young , Hwang Kwang Woo
Published: October 2019

Owing to the development of information technology and the electronics industry, and the increase in the use of electronic products, an increasing number of people are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in daily life. There has been concern about the effects of EMFs on the human body. Th9 cells, which are characterized by the generation of interleukin‐(IL‐9), are a recently defined subset of T helper (Th) cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of extremely low‐frequency (60 Hz) EMFs, such as those generated by household power sources, at 0.8 mT intensity on CD4+ T cells. The exposure of CD4+ T cells to such EMFs under Th9‐polarizing conditions increased IL‐9 secretion and gene expression of transcription factors that are important for Th9 development. The expression of GATA3 increased in the early stage, and the phosphorylation of STAT5 and STAT6, which regulate the expression of GATA3, increased. In addition, EMFs increased the expression of IL‐2 by the T cells. In conclusion, the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to the Th9 phenotype was increased by exposure to extremely low‐frequency EMFs, and this appeared to be dependent on the IL‐2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, co‐cultures of EMF‐exposed Th9 cells and mast cells showed an increased expression of mast cell proteases, FcεR1α, and mast cell‐derived inflammatory cytokines compared with co‐cultures of non‐EMF‐exposed Th9 cells and mast cells. Our results suggest that EMFs enhance the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to the Th9 phenotype, resulting in mast cell activation and inflammation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:588–601. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Admixture in Mammals and How to Understand Its Functional Implications
Authors: Fontsere Claudia , de Manuel Marc , Marques‐Bonet Tomas , Kuhlwilm Martin
Published: October 2019

Admixture, the genetic exchange between differentiated populations appears to be common in the history of species, but has not yet been comparatively studied across mammals. This limits the understanding of its mechanisms and potential role in mammalian evolution. The authors want to summarize the current knowledge on admixture in non‐human primates, and suggest that it is important to establish a comparative framework for this phenomenon in humans. Genetic observations in domesticated mammals and their wild counterparts are discussed, and a brief global overview on other clades is presented. Based on this, some of the consequences of gene flow, including incompatibilities and their genomic footprint, as well as adaptive introgression are discussed, and suggestions for a functional genomics approach are made. It is proposed that the field is moving beyond descriptive observations in single species, to a comprehensive analysis of admixture and its impact. Admixture is becoming an integral part of mammalian evolution.
Effects of serum from breast cancer surgery patients receiving perioperative dexmedetomidine on breast cancer cell malignancy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yan , Sun Jiaxin , Wu Tong , Lu Xiaoying , Du Yueyao , Duan Hongwei , Yu Weifeng , Su Diansan , Lu Jinsong , Tian Jie
Published: October 2019

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) have gained attention for their involvement in breast cancer (BC) progression. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2‐AR agonist, has been reported to increase the malignancy of BC cells in vitro or stimulate tumor growth in mice. However, clinical evidence is lacking. Clinical research in this area is important as dexmedetomidine is widely used in BC surgery patients. Here we allocated 24 women with primary BC to the dexmedetomidine group (who received a total dose of 2 μg kg−1 dexmedetomidine perioperatively) or to the control group (who received the same volume of normal saline). Venous blood was obtained from all patients immediately upon entering the operating room and 24 hours postoperatively. Serum was then exposed to MCF‐7 cells at a concentration of 10% for 24 hours. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed using EdU, Transwell, and Matrigel methods, respectively. We found that postoperative serum from those who received dexmedetomidine was associated with significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with preoperative serum when used to culture MCF‐7 cells. The mean percentage change from post to preoperative values in these cell functions was significantly larger in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (proliferation, 30.44% vs 8.45%, P = .0024; migration, 15.90% vs 3.25%, P = .0015; invasion, 8.17% vs 2.13%, P = .04). In conclusion, these findings suggest that in patients undergoing surgery for primary BC, perioperative administration of dexmedetomidine might influence the serum milieu in a way that favors the malignancy of MCF‐7 cells.

Clinical trial registration: NCT03108937.
Worse characteristics can predict survival effectively in bilateral primary breast cancer: A competing risk nomogram using the SEER database
Authors: Shen Kaiwen , Yao Longdi , Wei Jinli , Luo Zhou , Yu Wang , Zhai Huamin , Wang Jianwen , Chen Luhong , Fu Deyuan
Published: October 2019

Objective

There is limited information from population‐based cancer registries regarding prognostic features of bilateral primary breast cancer (BPBC).

Methods

Female patients diagnosed with BPBC between 2004 and 2014 were randomly divided into training (n = 7740) and validation (n = 2579) cohorts from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database. We proposed five various models. Multivariate Cox hazard regression and competing risk analysis were to explore prognosis factors in training cohort. Competing risk nomograms were constructed to combine significant prognostic factors to predict the 3‐year and the 5‐year survival of patients with BPBC. At last, in the validation cohort, the new score performance was evaluated with respect to the area under curve, concordance index, net reclassification index and calibration curve.

Results

We found out that age, interval time, lymph nodes invasion, tumor size, tumor grade and estrogen receptor status were independent prognostic factors in both multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis and competing risk analysis. Concordance index in the model of the worse characteristics was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.791‐0.840), of the bilateral tumors was 0.819 (95% CI: 0.793‐0.844), of the worse tumor was 0.807 (0.782‐0.832), of the first tumor was 0.744 (0.728‐0.763) and of the second tumor was 0.778 (0.762‐0.794). Net reclassification index of the 3‐year and the 5‐year between them was 2.7% and −1.0%. The calibration curves showed high concordance between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion

The prognosis of BPBC depended on bilateral tumors. The competing risk nomogram of the model of the worse characteristics may help clinicians predict survival simply and effectively. Metachronous bilateral breast cancer presented poorer survival than synchronous bilateral breast cancer.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil of Chinese Propolis
Authors: Chi Yunyang , Luo Liping , Cui Meng , Hao Yingbin , Liu Tao , Huang Xueyong , Guo Xiali
Published: October 2019

The chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the essential oil of propolis (EOP) collected from 25 locations in China was investigated. Steam‐distillation extraction was used to extract the EOP, and chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. The antioxidant activities of EOP were also measured. The result showed that a total of 406 compounds were detected in EOP. The major compounds of Chinese EOP were cedrol, γ‐eudesmol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinylphenol, 3,4‐dimethoxystyrene and guaiol. Principal component analysis revealed the significant correlation between EOP compositions and their origins, and certain correlation was detected between EOP and their color. Linear discriminant analysis showed that 88 % and 84 % of the propolis samples were predicted correctly as the groupings identified by climatic zone and the color, respectively. Furthermore, the differences of antioxidant activities of EOP were significant. EOP of Shandong had the strongest antioxidant activities, whereas EOP of Guangdong, Yunnan and Hunan showed the poorest.
On the Mechanism of the Ruthenium‐catalyzed β‐methylation of Alcohols with Methanol
Authors: Kaithal Akash , Schmitz Marc , Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: October 2019

Selective β‐methylation of alcohols with methanol has been recently described using a catalytic system comprising the ruthenium pincer complex [RuH(CO)(BH4)(HN(C2H4PPh2)2)]‐(Ru‐MACHO‐BH) 1 and alcoholate bases as co‐catalysts.1 Here we present a detailed mechanistic analysis for the mono‐methylation of 1‐phenyl‐propane‐1‐ol 2 a as prototypical example. Several experimentally observed intermediates were localized as stable minima on the DFT‐derived energy surface of the entire reaction network. The ruthenium complex [Ru(H)2(CO)(HN(C2H4PPh2)2)] I was inferred as the active species catalyzing the de‐hydrogenation/re‐hydrogenation of substrates and intermediates (“hydrogen borrowing”). The hydrogen‐bonded alcohol adduct of this complex was identified as the lowest lying intermediate (TDI). The C−C bond formation results from a base‐catalyzed aldol reaction comprising the transition state with the highest energy (TDTS). Experimentally determined Gibbs free activation barriers of 26.1 kcal/mol and 26.0 kcal/mol in methanol and toluene as solvents, respectively, are reflected well by the computed energy span of the complex reaction network (29.2 kcal/mol).
Preparation of Hierarchical Porous Carbon from Wheat Bran for Free‐Standing Electrode of High Areal Capacitance Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Ying , Gao Hongpeng , Song Xiaolan , Kong Xiaodong , Xu Hongmei
Published: October 2019

It is impressive that biomass gives out another option for carbon electrode fabrication in supercapacitors which has low cost and sustainable source. In this work, waste of wheat bran was used to synthesize porous carbon via alkali activation. Under mass ratio of NaOH/precursor as 4, the wheat bran carbon presented hierarchical hexagon pores with prominent surface area of 2562 m2 g−1. Utilizing two symmetrical free‐standing electrodes, the as‐prepared carbon exhibited gravimetric capacitance of 294.3 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and cyclic life of 94 % for 50,000 cycles at 2 A g−1, while commercial carbon showed 269.7 F g−1 and 75 % stability under the same condition. With large mass loading of 20 mg cm−2, the wheat bran carbon revealed superior areal capacitance of 3.08 F cm−2, and the value could still maintain as 2.80 F cm−2 over 10,000 cycles. Consequently, the wheat bran has been found as a promising precursor for advanced carbon electrode.
Automation of a Procedure for the Experimental Investigation of Liquid‐Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Sibirtsev Stephan , Göbel Clara Berinike , Jupke Andreas
Published: October 2019

Optimal design of a liquid‐liquid settler requires experimental investigation on phase separation behavior of the used material system under the same operating conditions as in the technical application. Performing these experiments and evaluating the obtained data is highly time‐consuming. To reduce manual effort, the procedure was largely automated. In this work, the experimental setup, the automated procedure, and its validation results at various operating temperatures are presented. The results show the suitability of the automated procedure and the influence of temperature on phase separation behavior of the liquid‐liquid system 1‐octanol/water.
Construction of FRET‐Based Off‐On Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Sensitive Detection of Intracellular Singlet Oxygen
Authors: Ping Jian‐tao , Qin Jing‐lei , Zhou Chao , Guo Lan‐ying , Liu Bei , Chen Zhi‐hua , Geng Zhao‐xin , Peng Hong‐shang
Published: October 2019

Singlet oxygen (1O2) detection remains an active area of research in the field of biological and biomedical science. In this work, we reported a novel Off‐On type FRET‐based fluorescent 1O2 nanoprobe comprising the energy‐donating conjugated polymer, poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (PFO), and the energy‐accepting 1O2 indicator, 3‐diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). Prior to the reaction with 1O2, the nanoprobe was in Off‐state because fluorescence of PFO (λem=441 nm) was completely quenched by loaded DPBF; in the presence of 1O2, it switched to On‐state due to the depletion of DPBF. The as‐prepared 1O2 nanoprobe had a particle size of ∼59 nm, good biocompatibility, high specificity and sensitivity with a limit of detection of 353 nM. Importantly, the fluorescent nanoprobes were highly sensitive to 1O2 under two‐photon excitation (λex=800 nm). Using a multiphoton confocal microscope, generation of intracellular 1O2 during photodynamic therapy was sensitively detected by recording fluorescence intensity of the nanoprobes.
Pre‐Carbonization: An Efficient Route to Improve the Textural and Gas Sorption Properties of Nitrogen‐Enriched Nanoporous Polytriazine
Authors: Chaudhary Monika , Mohanty Paritosh
Published: October 2019

An unprecedented approach to improve the CO2 capture capacity by heating nitrogen enriched nanoporous polytriazine (NENP‐1) below the carbonization (pre‐carbonization) temperature has been invented. The NENP‐1 heated at 350 °C for 2 h (assigned as NENP‐1‐350) in argon atmosphere has improved specific surface area (SABET) marginally from 840 (NENP‐1) to 880 m2 g−1 (NENP‐1‐350). However, there was a substantial increase in the CO2 capture capacity from 22.9 (NENP‐1) to 33.8 wt% (NENP‐1‐350) measured at 0 °C and 1 bar. Although, both the specimens have comparable SABET, the NENP‐1‐350 has larger pore volume of 1.10 cm3 g−1 (as compared to 0.71 cm3 g−1 in NENP‐1) and larger pore size distribution (PSD) along with the higher isosteric heat of adsorption that contributed for such a high CO2 capture capacity. Unlike the CO2 capture capacity in the NENP‐1‐350, there was only marginal increase in the hydrogen storage capacity from 2.30 to 2.47 wt% and methane sorption capacity from 1.8 to 1.9 wt% measured at −196 and 0 °C, respectively, as compared to the NENP‐1.
Protein Expression and Functional Relevance of Efflux and Uptake Drug Transporters at the Blood–Brain Barrier of Human Brain and Glioblastoma
Authors: Bao Xun , Wu Jianmei , Xie Youming , Kim Seongho , Michelhaugh Sharon , Jiang Jun , Mittal Sandeep , Sanai Nader , Li Jing
Published: October 2019

The knowledge of transporter protein expression and function at the human blood–brain barrier (BBB) is critical to prediction of drug BBB penetration and design of strategies for improving drug delivery to the brain or brain tumor. This study determined absolute transporter protein abundances in isolated microvessels of human normal brain (N = 30), glioblastoma (N = 47), rat (N = 10) and mouse brain (N = 10), and cell membranes of MDCKII cell lines, using targeted proteomics. In glioblastoma microvessels, efflux transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2), monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), sodium–potassium pump (Na/K ATPase), and Claudin‐5 protein levels were significantly reduced, while large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) was increased and GLU3 remained the same, as compared with human normal brain microvessels. ABCC4, OATP1A2, OATP2B1, and OAT3 were undetectable in microvessels of both human brain and glioblastoma. Species difference in BBB transporter abundances was noted. Cellular permeability experiments and modeling simulations suggested that not a single apical uptake transporter but a vectorial transport system consisting of an apical uptake transporter and basolateral efflux mechanism was required for efficient delivery of poor transmembrane permeability drugs from the blood to brain.
An overlooked placode: Recharacterizing the papillae in the embryonic eye of reptilia
Authors: Drake Paige M. , Jourdeuil Karyn , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: October 2019

The papillae in the chicken embryonic eye, described as scleral papillae in the well‐known Hamburger and Hamilton (1951) staging table, are one of the key anatomical features used to stage reptilian (including bird) embryos from HH30‐36. These papillae are epithelial thickenings of the conjunctiva and are situated above the mesenchymal sclera. Here, we present evidence that the conjunctival papillae, which are required for the induction and patterning of the underlying scleral ossicles, require epithelial pre‐patterning and have a placodal stage similar to other placode systems. We also suggest modifications to the Hamburger Hamilton staging criteria that incorporate this change in terminology (from “scleral” to “conjunctival” papillae) and provide a more detailed description of this anatomical feature that includes its placode stage. This enables a more complete and accurate description of chick embryo staging. The acknowledgment of a placode phase, which shares molecular and morphological features with other cutaneous placodes, will direct future research into the early inductive events leading to scleral ossicle formation.
The Use of the Macrocyclic Chelator DOTA in Radiochemical Separations
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Tircsó Gyula , Rösch Frank
Published: October 2019

Radiometals play an important role in the diagnosis of physiological processes in vivo by means of imaging technologies, but also increasingly contribute to the treatment of diseases. The by far dominant way to apply the advantages of nuclear transformations of radiometals is the use of radiometal‐ligand complexes. In this context, it turns out that DOTA (and its derivatives) currently is the most potent chelator. This article reviews the physico‐chemical properties of DOTA and its [*M(DOTA)]– complexes, which made the DOTA moiety the dominant chelator for theranostics in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and nuclear medicine. Interestingly, and beyond nuclear medicine applications, the physico‐chemical properties of [*M(DOTA)] complexes open access to unique radiochemical separation strategies, which for decades appeared to be impossible not only within conventional chemistry, but also within modern radiochemistry. We will discuss three groups of such separations: i) the radiochemical separation of two chemically very similar elements such as two neighbor lanthanides, ii) the radiochemical separation of two isotopes of the same element, and even iii) the radiochemical separation of two nuclear levels of one and the same isotope.