bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial, Cytocompatible, Sustainably Sourced: Cellulose Membranes with Bifunctional Peptides for Advanced Wound Dressings
Authors: Weishaupt Ramon , Zünd Janina N. , Heuberger Lukas , Zuber Flavia , Faccio Greta , Robotti Francesco , Ferrari Aldo , Fortunato Giuseppino , Ren Qun , Maniura‐Weber Katharina , Guex Anne Géraldine
Published: March 2020

Progressive antibiotic resistance is a serious condition adding to the challenges associated with skin wound treatment, and antibacterial wound dressings with alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed. Cellulose‐based membranes are increasingly considered as wound dressings, necessitating further functionalization steps. A bifunctional peptide, combining an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and a cellulose binding peptide (CBP), is designed. AMPs affect bacteria via multiple modes of action, thereby reducing the evolutionary pressure selecting for antibiotic resistance. The bifunctional peptide is successfully immobilized on cellulose membranes of bacterial origin or electrospun fibers of plant‐derived cellulose, with tight control over peptide concentrations (0.2 ± 0.1 to 4.6 ± 1.6 µg mm−2). With this approach, new materials with antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (log4 reduction) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (log1 reduction) are developed. Furthermore, membranes are cytocompatible in cultures of human fibroblasts. Additionally, a cell adhesive CBP‐RGD peptide is designed and immobilized on membranes, inducing a 2.2‐fold increased cell spreading compared to pristine cellulose. The versatile concept provides a toolbox for the functionalization of cellulose membranes of different origins and architectures with a broad choice in peptides. Functionalization in tris‐buffered saline avoids further purification steps, allowing for translational research and multiple applications outside the field of wound dressings.
A Scalable Nickel–Cellulose Hybrid Metamaterial with Broadband Light Absorption for Efficient Solar Distillation
Authors: Yuan Yang , Dong Changlin , Gu Jiajun , Liu Qinglei , Xu Jian , Zhou Chenxin , Song Guofen , Chen Wenshu , Yao Lulu , Zhang Di
Published: March 2020

Sophisticated metastructures are usually required to broaden the inherently narrowband plasmonic absorption of light for applications such as solar desalination, photodetection, and thermoelectrics. Here, nonresonant nickel nanoparticles (diameters < 20 nm) are embedded into cellulose microfibers via a nanoconfinement effect, producing an intrinsically broadband metamaterial with 97.1% solar‐weighted absorption. Interband transitions rather than plasmonic resonance dominate the optical absorption throughout the solar spectrum due to a high density of electronic states near the Fermi level of nickel. Field solar purification of sewage and seawater based on the metamaterial demonstrates high solar‐to‐water efficiencies of 47.9–65.8%. More importantly, the solution‐processed metamaterial is mass‐producible (1.8 × 0.3 m2), low‐cost, flexible, and durable (even effective after 7 h boiling in water), which are critical to the commercialization of portable solar‐desalination and domestic‐water‐purification devices. This work also broadens material choices beyond plasmonic metals for the light absorption in photothermal and photocatalytic applications.
Evidence for Interfacial Octahedral Coupling as a Route to Enhance Magnetoresistance in Perovskite Oxide Superlattices
Authors: Zhou Yu , Kouser Summayya , Borisevich Albina Y. , Pantelides Sokrates T. , May Steven J.
Published: March 2020

Engineering octahedral rotations in oxide heterostructures is a promising route for controlling magnetic properties in perovskites, with recent work focusing on magnetic‐ordering temperatures and magnetic anisotropies. Here the effects of interfacial octahedral coupling on magnetoresistance are demonstrated in a series of (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)n/(LaFeO3)10 superlattices grown on (001)‐ and (111)‐oriented SrTiO3 substrates. The different crystallographic orientations allow for the interfacial octahedral connectivity to be tuned, with weaker interfacial coupling present at the (001)‐oriented than the (111)‐oriented structures as revealed by density functional theory calculations. In n = 14 superlattices, the effect of orientation on the physical properties is minimal with both (001)‐ and (111)‐oriented samples exhibiting similar magnetoresistance. As the fraction of interfacial volume within the LSMO layers is increased by decreasing n, the magnetoresistive behavior of the samples diverges with significantly larger magnetoresistance magnitudes present in the (111)‐oriented superlattices. The results are consistent with octahedral coupling playing a greater role in the functional properties at (111)‐heterointerfaces and demonstrate a structure‐driven approach to tuning interfacial magnetoresistance in complex‐oxide heterostructures.
Polymer‐Stabilized Monodomain Blue Phase Diffraction Grating
Authors: Manda Ramesh , Pagidi Srinivas , Heo Yun Jin , Lim Young Jin , Kim Min Su , Lee Seung Hee
Published: March 2020

The structural beauty of liquid crystalline blue phases is attested not only by their colorful optical micrographic textures but also by optical isotropy. More importantly, the homogeneity of the structures influences greatly to the electro‐optic properties. In this work, how the lattice orientation in polymer‐stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (PS‐BPLC) diffraction grating affects phase‐modulated diffraction efficiency is elaborated. A well‐arranged monodomain structure of blue phase is achieved and its diffraction capability is compared with multidomain PS‐BPLC. The diffraction efficiency in the zeroth order of monodomain PS‐BPLC is improved by 9% compared to that of multidomain structure. In addition, both driving and threshold voltages in monodomain PS‐BPLC are decreased by 29% and 30%, respectively, compared to those in multidomain PS‐BPLC owing to the regular arrangement of cubic lattices that give rise to increase in the coherence length and unified response in molecular reorientation under electric fields. Furthermore, the monodomain PS‐BPLC shows an efficient polarization conversion of linear polarization into circular polarization. It is believed that the device exhibits great potential to be used as a polarization converter or beam steering devices.
Fabrication of Platinum Villus Overlaid Porous Carbon Nanoweb Layers for Hydrogen Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Na Wonjoo , Kim Yun Ki , Kim Wooyoung , Kim Jungwon , Kim Sung Gun , Lee Yeri , Jang Jyongsik
Published: March 2020

Platinum (Pt) villus structure is introduced on the porous carbon nanoweb layers (PCNWLs) by electrochemical deposition under acidic condition. The PCNWLs are simply fabricated by spin‐coating method with a polymer mixture solution, and by sequential thermal treatment. The Pt structure grows from particle to villus shape with different deposition voltages. Moreover, the size of Pt villus structures increases with the increase in the concentration of Pt precursor from 0.1 × 10−3 to 5 × 10−3 m. The Pt villus overlaid porous carbon nanoweb layers (PtPCNWLs)‐based hydrogen gas (H2) sensor demonstrates excellent gas sensing performances due to its catalytic hydrogen gas sensing mechanism. The minimum detection level (MDL) of the PtPCNWLs‐based H2 gas sensor is 10 ppm and exhibits linear range from 10 to 200 ppm. The PtPCNWLs‐based H2 gas sensor also demonstrates excellent cyclic stability, reusability, and durability.
Exciton Character and High‐Performance Stimulated Emission of Hybrid Lead Bromide Perovskite Polycrystalline Film
Authors: Shi Jiangjian , Li Yiming , Wu Jionghua , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Jasieniak Jacek J. , Meng Qingbo
Published: March 2020

Electronic states of hybrid perovskites enable their exceptional optoelectronic applications. Herein, through heterojunction enhanced exciton dissociation and global tracing of multiple radiative electronic states across wide temperature regions, it has been found that excitons while not free carriers dominate the bandedge photoelectric properties of hybrid lead bromide perovskite (MAPbBr3). MAPbBr3 has exhibited two types of excitons with giant binding energies and superior phase stability. A bound exciton (BE) has been clearly confirmed according to a saturated photo‐induced bleaching behavior and a correlation of the exciton to the perovskite deep trap state. By stabilizing the excitonic phase of polycrystalline MAPbBr3, impressively low‐threshold and high‐gain stimulated emission from the BE has been realized at room temperature. Overall, this work provides new insight into the photophysics characteristics of the hybrid perovskite and more importantly brings huge opportunities for exploiting perovskite excitonic mechanism to realize more abundant optoelectronic applications.
Cycloaddition Reactions of Azides and Electron‐Deficient Alkenes in Deep Eutectic Solvents: Pyrazolines, Aziridines and Other Surprises
Authors: Sebest Filip , Lachhani Kushal , Pimpasri Chaleena , Casarrubios Luis , White Andrew J. P. , Rzepa Henry S. , Díez‐González Silvia
Published: March 2020

The reaction of organic azides and electron‐deficient alkenes was investigated in a deep eutectic solvents. A series of highly substituted 2‐pyrazolines was successfully isolated and their formation rationalised by DFT calculations. The critical effect of substitution was also explored; even relatively small changes in the cycloaddition partners led to completely different reaction outcomes and triazolines, triazoles or enaminones can be formed as major products depending on the alkene employed.

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Untethered Octopus‐Inspired Millirobot Actuated by Regular Tetrahedron Arranged Magnetic Field
Authors: Dai Yuguo , Liang Shuzhang , Chen Yuanyuan , Feng Yanmin , Chen Dixiao , Song Bin , Bai Xue , Zhang Deyuan , Feng Lin , Arai Fumihito
Published: March 2020

Flexible magnetic small‐scale robots (overall dimensions smaller than 1 cm) can use a patterned magnetization profile to noninvasively access a confined, enclosed liquid environment and therefore achieve applications in object manipulation or in minimally invasive procedures. Existing magnetic‐controlled small‐scale robots have shown wide usage for their high mobility and higher degrees of freedom than their rigid counterparts. Herein, an octopus‐like soft robot is proposed for potential use in biomedical and engineering fields. First, a magnetic control system is established, which uses the minimum number of coils arranged by a regular tetrahedron structure. This system responds quickly and with high precision to propel a robot in 3D space utilizing the coupled field from multiple electromagnets in concert. An octopus‐like robot with three legs is designed, which moves freely in the workspace without constraints. A time‐asymmetric gradient magnetic field is applied, to ensure that the movement of the robot is more stable and controlled. At the same time, the movement of the tail improves the precision of the robot and makes control easier.
Die nächste Generation des Recyclings – neues Leben für Kunststoffmüll
Authors: Vollmer Ina , Jenks Michael J. F. , Roelands Mark C. P. , White Robin J. , van Harmelen Toon , de Wild Paul , van der Laan Gerard P. , Meirer Florian , Keurentjes Jos T. F. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2020

Das Vergrößern des Recyclingstroms erfordert einen neuen Ansatz, der über das Schmelzen und Umformen hinausgeht. Es gibt einige Techniken des chemischen Recyclings mit dem Potential, bestehende Recyclingmöglichkeiten zu ergänzen. In diesem Aufsatz sind die Methoden des chemischen Recyclings dargestellt und anhand einer Ökobilanz bewertet, ergänzt durch eine Aufzählung von Prozessen und Firmen in diesem Bereich. Wir zeigen, dass bestimmte Techniken besonders für spezifische Müllströme geeignet sind und dass nur eine Kombination aus den vorhandenen Methoden geeignet ist, das Kunststoffmüllproblem zu lösen. Aktuelle Forschung sollte realistischeren und weniger reinen Mischströmen größere Aufmerksamkeit widmen, während Trenn‐ und Sortierprozesse z. B. durch effektivere Regularien verbessert werden müssen. Dieser Aufsatz soll zur Entwicklung von Verfahren inspirieren, mit denen hochwertige Produkte hergestellt werden können, die die Kreislaufwirtschaft antreiben, indem sie nötige Wirtschaftsanreize und Erleichterungen für die Umwelt bieten.
Starke und sterisch begrenzte Säuren kontrollieren fünf stereogene Zentren in der katalytischen asymmetrischen Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion von Cyclohexadienonen mit Cyclopentadien
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Das Sayantani , De Chandra Kanta , Yepes Diana , Neese Frank , Bistoni Giovanni , Leutzsch Markus , List Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Wir stellen eine hochenantioselektiven Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion zwischen kreuzkonjugierten Cyclohexadienonen und Cyclopentadien vor, in der fünf Stereozentren durch den stark sauren und sterisch eingeschränkten Imidodiphosphorimidat‐Katalysator kontrolliert werden. Darüber hinaus zeigen wir Methoden auf, die damit gewonnenen Produkte in weithin nutzbare Intermediate umzuwandeln, sowie eine quantenchemische Studie, die es uns ermöglichte, einen tieferen Einblick in den Reaktionsmechanismus zu gewinnen und die stereoselektivitätsbestimmenden Faktoren zu ergründen.
Beyond Mechanical Recycling: Giving New Life to Plastic Waste
Authors: Vollmer Ina , Jenks Michael J. F. , Roelands Mark C. P. , White Robin J. , van Harmelen Toon , de Wild Paul , van der Laan Gerard P. , Meirer Florian , Keurentjes Jos T. F. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2020

Increasing the stream of recycled plastic necessitates an approach beyond the traditional recycling via melting and re‐extrusion. Various chemical recycling processes have great potential to enhance recycling rates. In this Review, a summary of the various chemical recycling routes and assessment via life‐cycle analysis is complemented by an extensive list of processes developed by companies active in chemical recycling. We show that each of the currently available processes is applicable for specific plastic waste streams. Thus, only a combination of different technologies can address the plastic waste problem. Research should focus on more realistic, more contaminated and mixed waste streams, while collection and sorting infrastructure will need to be improved, that is, by stricter regulation. This Review aims to inspire both science and innovation for the production of higher value and quality products from plastic recycling suitable for reuse or valorization to create the necessary economic and environmental push for a circular economy.
An Unusual and Facile Synthetic Route to Alumoles
Authors: Li Jiancheng , Wu Peng , Jiang Wenjun , Li Bin , Wang Binju , Zhu Hongping , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: March 2020

Reaction of the aluminum dialkynyl LAl(CCR)2 (L=N,N‐chelate ligand and R=organic group) with B(C6F5)3 proceeds through an intermediate with Al⋅⋅⋅η2‐C≡C side‐on coordination to form the alumoles (2, 4, 6). A distinctive reaction pattern indicates a new facile synthetic route to aluminum‐containing heterocycles. The synthetic process is described, and the characterization of compounds and computational calculations were carried out. Furthermore, alumoles 2 and 4 exhibit an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) of the bright yellow fluorescence.
Instandsetzungen von Parkhauszwischendecken nach dem Prinzip des kathodischen Korrosionsschutzes: Untersuchungen zum Schutznachweis bei Trennrissen
Authors: Fraundorfer Andreas , Vestner Stephan , Dauberschmidt Christoph
Published: March 2020

Eine Instandsetzung von Parkbauten nach dem Instandsetzungsprinzip des kathodischen Korrosionsschutzes (KKS) kann ein wirtschaftliches und schonendes Verfahren darstellen, die Restnutzungsdauer des Bauwerks nachhaltig zu erhöhen. Zwischendecken im Bestand weisen dabei häufig Trennrisse auf, durch die über einen längeren Zeitraum chloridhaltiges Wasser geflossen ist, wodurch auf der Unterseite der Decke eine Lochkorrosion an der Bewehrung initiiert wurde. Für den sachkundigen Planer stellt sich hierbei die Frage, ob durch ein deckenoberseitig appliziertes KKS‐System die korrodierende Bewehrung auf der Deckenunterseite sicher vor weiterer Korrosion geschützt werden kann. In der Praxis hat sich gezeigt, dass der praktische Nachweis über einen ausreichenden Schutz für diesen Anwendungsfall nicht trivial ist. In Laboruntersuchungen im Institut für Material‐ und Bauforschung der Hochschule München und durch Untersuchungen in einer Tiefgarage wurde diese Fragestellung eingehend untersucht. Zusammenfassend lässt sich bei den untersuchten Prüfkörpern feststellen, dass bei alleinig deckenoberseitig installiertem KKS der herkömmliche Nachweis des rückseitigen Schutzes der Bewehrung im Trennriss nur in wenigen der untersuchten Fälle erbracht werden konnte. Das normativ in DIN EN ISO 12696 geforderte 100‐mV‐Kriterium stellt sich für diesen Anwendungsbereich als zu konservativ dar. Alternativ können sich jedoch Korrosions‐ und Schutzstrommessungen bei nachträglich elektrisch getrennten Bewehrungsbereichen eignen.
Microbial microdroplet culture system (MMC): An integrated platform for automated, high‐throughput microbial cultivation and adaptive evolution
Authors: Jian Xingjin , Guo Xiaojie , Wang Jia , Tan Zheng Lin , Xing Xin‐hui , Wang Liyan , Zhang Chong
Published: March 2020

Conventional microbial cell cultivation techniques are typically labor intensive, low throughput, and poorlyparallelized, rendering them inefficient. The development of automated, modular microbial cell micro‐cultivation systems, particularly those employing droplet microfluidics, have gained attention for their high‐throughput, highly paralellized and efficient cultivation capabilities. Here, we report the development of a microbial microdroplet culture system (MMC), which is an integrated platform for automated, high‐throughput cultivation and adaptive evolution of microorganisms. We demonstrated that the MMC yielded both accurate and reproducible results for the manipulation and detection of droplets. The superior performance of MMC for microbial cell cultivation was validated by comparing the growth curves of six microbial strains grown in MMC, conventional shake flasks or well plates. The highest incipient growth rate for all six microbial strains was achieved by using MMC. We also conducted an 18‐day process of adaptive evolution of methanol‐essential Escherichia coli strain in MMC and obtained two strains exhibiting higher growth rates compared with the parent strain. Our study demonstrates the power of MMC to provide an efficient and reliable approach for automated, high‐throughput microbial cultivation and adaptive evolution.
Radial access: So much progress but a way to go
Authors: Manning Patrick , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: March 2020

Key Points

Transradial access is the key bleeding avoidance strategy in percutaneous coronary intervention.

This study showed a marked adoption of transradial access over a 10‐year period, however, women had a significantly lower rate compared to men and overall bleeding events did not decrease over time.

Strategies to overcome barriers to radial access in women and to maintaining competency in femoral access in all patients are needed.
Mikrowellenpyrolyse von carbonfaserhaltigen Kunststoffen als Recyclingoption
Authors: Seiler Elisa , Urban Helfried , Teipel Ulrich
Published: March 2020

Herausforderungen bei der Etablierung einer Circular Economy von carbonfaservertärkten Kunststoffen (CFK) ergeben sich insbesondere durch die nötige, jedoch problematische Trennung des Faser‐Matrix‐Verbunds. Das Pyrolyseverfahren stellt eine mögliche, bereits industriell umgesetzte, Technologie zur Verbundtrennung dar. Eine Weiterentwicklung ist die mikrowellenunterstütze Pyrolyse, bei der das CFK‐Material durch die Mikrowellen aufgeheizt und so die Faser freigelegt wird. Prozessgrundlagen und Einflüsse auf die Faser‐Matrix‐Trennung werden im vorliegenden Beitrag betrachtet.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy—XRD
Authors: Khan Hayat , Yerramilli Aditya S. , D'Oliveira Adrien , Alford Terry L. , Boffito Daria C. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: March 2020

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identifies the long‐range order (ie, the structure) of crystalline materials and the short‐range order of non‐crystalline materials. From this information we deduce lattice constants and phases, average grain size, degree of crystallinity, and crystal defects. Advanced XRD provides information about strain, texture, crystalline symmetry, and electron density. When radiation impinges upon a solid, coherent scattering of the radiation by periodically spaced atoms results in scattered beams that produce spot patterns from single crystalline samples and ring patterns from polycrystalline samples. The pattern, intensities of the diffraction maxima (peaks or lines), and their position (Bragg angle θ or interplanar spacing
dhkl), correlate to a specific crystal structure. In 2016 and 2017 close to 100 000 articles mention XRD—more than any other analytical technique, and it was the top analytical technique of researchers that published in Can. J. Chem. Eng. A bibliographic analysis based on the Web of Science groups articles referring to XRD into five clusters: the largest cluster includes research on nanoparticles, thin films, and optical properties; composites, electro‐chemistry, and synthesis are topics of the second largest cluster; crystal morphology and catalysis are next; photocatalysis and solar cells comprise the fourth largest cluster; and, waste water is among the topics of the cluster with the least number of occurrences. Researchers publishing in Can. J. Chem. Eng. focus most of the XRD analyses to characterize polymers, nanocomposite materials, and catalysts.
Flexible Broad‐Range Pressure Sensors Enabled by Deformation‐Induced Conductive Channels in 3D Graphene Foam@Polydimethylsiloxane Composite for Precise Vibrational Signal Detection
Authors: Miao Jiankun , Shi Yayuan , Zhu Hongfei , Gao Mingyi
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Here we report the design and fabrication of high‐performance pressure sensors based on three‐ dimensional (3D) graphene foam filled polydimethylsiloxane (GF@PDMS) composite with a broad sensing range spaning from 0.05 kPa to 130 kPa. The interpretation of device functioning mechanism can be classified into low and high pressure sensing regions. In the low pressure region (<15 kPa), the pressure loading leads to the temporal connection of micro‐cracks in GF scaffold and forming conductive channels. In the high pressure region (15 kPa to 130 kPa), the pressure induced deformation of GF results in the better connections among micro‐cracks and the shortening of conductive pathway to further decrease the electrical resistance. The GF@PDMS sensors exhibited accuracy, sensibility and reproducibility to detect pressure signals with remarkable stability for over 16000 loading‐unloading cycles, indicating its great potential for practical applications. Moreover, the GF@PDMS sensors also showed high performances in the detection of dynamic pressures, such as subtle mechanical vibration signals, as well as physiology vibrational signals generated by human throats. We expect this technology could be integrated into different sensing systems for the applications in wearable smart electronics and human‐machine communications.
CINeMA: Software for semiautomated assessment of the confidence in the results of network meta‐analysis
Authors: Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Higgins Julian P. T. , Egger Matthias , Salanti Georgia
Published: March 2020

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) compares several interventions that are linked in a network of comparative studies and estimates the relative treatment effects between all treatments, using both direct and indirect evidence. NMA is increasingly used for decision making in health care, however, a user‐friendly system to evaluate the confidence that can be placed in the results of NMA is currently lacking. This paper is a tutorial describing the Confidence In Network Meta‐Analysis (CINeMA) web application, which is based on the framework developed by Salanti et al (2014, PLOS One, 9, e99682) and refined by Nikolakopoulou et al (2019, bioRxiv). Six domains that affect the level of confidence in the NMA results are considered: (a) within‐study bias, (b) reporting bias, (c) indirectness, (d) imprecision, (e) heterogeneity, and (f) incoherence. CINeMA is freely available and open‐source and no login is required. In the configuration step users upload their data, produce network plots and define the analysis and effect measure. The dataset should include assessments of study‐level risk of bias and judgments on indirectness. CINeMA calls the netmeta routine in R to estimate relative effects and heterogeneity. Users are then guided through a systematic evaluation of the six domains. In this way reviewers assess the level of concerns for each relative treatment effect from NMA as giving rise to “no concerns,” “some concerns,” or “major concerns” in each of the six domains, which are graphically summarized on the report page for all effect estimates. Finally, judgments across the domains are summarized into a single confidence rating (“high,” “moderate,” “low,” or “very low”). In conclusion, the user‐friendly web‐based CINeMA platform provides a transparent framework to evaluate evidence from systematic reviews with multiple interventions.
Double‐Sheet Vanadium Oxide as a Cathode Material for Calcium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chae Munseok S. , Heo Jongwook W. , Hyoung Jooeun , Hong Seung‐Tae
Published: March 2020

Calcium‐ion batteries (CIBs) are theoretically considered one of the potential post‐lithium‐ion battery technologies. However, only a few host materials are known to intercalate Ca ions. Herein, we demonstrate the use of double‐sheet vanadium oxide V2O5 ⋅ 0.63H2O as a high‐performance cathode material for CIBs. The vanadium oxide was synthesized via an electrochemical oxidation process on a graphite foil substrate. The material exhibited a high reversible capacity of 204 mAh g−1 at a 0.1 C rate in an aqueous electrolyte, with an average discharge voltage of 2.76 V vs. Ca/Ca2+, and a capacity retention of 86% after 350 cycles. The reaction mechanism can be described as a combination of diffusion‐controlled intercalation and surface‐limited pseudo‐capacitance reactions. This study provides a new type of Ca host material, motivating further development of new CIB cathode materials.
Photocleavage Synthesis of Hydroxy Group‐Bearing Porous Coordination Polymers
Authors: Wang Ping , Otake Ken‐ichi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: March 2020

Hydroxy groups (−OH) are versatile functional sites for porous coordination polymers (PCPs) and metal‐organic frameworks. However, because hydroxy groups are incompatible with the synthesis conditions of PCPs, the hydroxy group‐bearing PCP experiences synthesis problems. Herein, we report a photocleavage strategy to quantitatively synthesize non‐interpenetrated PCPs with open 1D channels and free functional sites. These hydroxy groups are aligned on a 6 Å channel surface and are fully available for covalent modification. This photocleavage strategy provides a PCP platform for versatile functionalization.
Ratiometric Single‐Molecule FRET Measurements to Probe Conformational Subpopulations of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Nasir Irem , Bentley Emily P. , Deniz Ashok A.
Published: March 2020

Over the past few decades, numerous examples have demonstrated that intrinsic disorder in proteins lies at the heart of many vital processes, including transcriptional regulation, stress response, cellular signaling, and most recently protein liquid‐liquid phase separation. The so‐called intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) involved in these processes have presented a challenge to the classic protein “structure‐function paradigm,” as their functions do not necessarily involve well‐defined structures. Understanding the mechanisms of IDP function is likewise challenging because traditional structure determination methods often fail with such proteins or provide little information about the diverse array of structures that can be related to different functions of a single IDP. Single‐molecule fluorescence methods can overcome this ensemble‐average masking, allowing the resolution of subpopulations and dynamics and thus providing invaluable insights into IDPs and their function. In this protocol, we describe a ratiometric single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) routine that permits the investigation of IDP conformational subpopulations and dynamics. We note that this is a basic protocol, and we provide brief information and references for more complex analysis schemes available for in‐depth characterization. This protocol covers optical setup preparation and protein handling and provides insights into experimental design and outcomes, together with background information about theory and a brief discussion of troubleshooting. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Ratiometric smFRET detection and analysis of IDPs

Support Protocol 1: Fluorophore labeling of a protein through maleimide chemistry

Support Protocol 2: Sample chamber preparation

Support Protocol 3: Determination of direct excitation of acceptor by donor excitation and leakage of donor emission to acceptor emission channel
Generation and Functional Characterization of Monocytes and Macrophages Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Cao Xu , van den Hil Francijna E. , Mummery Christine L. , Orlova Valeria V.
Published: March 2020

Monocytes and macrophages are essential for immune defense and tissue hemostasis. They are also the underlying trigger of many diseases. The availability of robust and short protocols to induce monocytes and macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will benefit many applications of immune cells in biomedical research. Here, we describe a protocol to derive and functionally characterize these cells. Large numbers of hiPSC‐derived monocytes (hiPSC‐mono) could be generated in just 15 days. These monocytes were fully functional after cryopreservation and could be polarized to M1 and M2 macrophage subtypes. hiPSC‐derived macrophages (iPSDMs) showed high phagocytotic uptake of bacteria, apoptotic cells, and tumor cells. The protocol was effective across multiple hiPSC lines. In summary, we developed a robust protocol to generate hiPSC‐mono and iPSDMs which showed phenotypic features of macrophages and functional maturity in different bioassays. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation of hiPSCs toward monocytes

Support Protocol 1: Isolation and cryopreservation of monocytes

Support Protocol 2: Characterization of monocytes

Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of different subtypes of macrophages

Support Protocol 3: Characterization of hiPSC‐derived macrophages (iPSDMs)

Support Protocol 4: Functional characterization of different subtypes of macrophages
Response of Pseudomonas putida to Complex, Aromatic‐Rich Fractions from Biomass
Authors: Park Mee‐Rye , Chen Yan , Thompson Mitchell , Benites Veronica T. , Fong Bonnie , Petzold Christopher J. , Baidoo Edward E. K. , Gladden John M. , Adams Paul D. , Keasling Jay D. , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: March 2020

There is strong interest in the valorization of lignin to produce valuable products; however, its structural complexity has been a conversion bottleneck. Chemical pretreatment liberates lignin‐derived soluble fractions that may be upgraded by bioconversion. Cholinium ionic liquid pretreatment of sorghum produced soluble, aromatic‐rich fractions that were converted by Pseudomonas putida (P. putida), a promising host for aromatic bioconversion. Growth studies and mutational analysis demonstrated that P. putida growth on these fractions was dependent on aromatic monomers but unknown factors also contributed. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that these unknown factors were amino acids and residual ionic liquid; the oligomeric aromatic fraction derived from lignin was not converted. A cholinium catabolic pathway was identified, and the deletion of the pathway stopped the ability of P. putida to grow on cholinium ionic liquid. This work demonstrates that aromatic‐rich fractions obtained through pretreatment contain multiple substrates; conversion strategies should account for this complexity.
Lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome: A report of seven cases from a single institution
Authors: Hu Zhihong , Wang Wei , Thakral Beenu , Chen Zhining , Estrov Zeev , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , Verstovsek Srdan , Medeiros L Jeffrey , Wang Sa A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome (L‐HES) is a subtype of HES driven by cytokines produced by clonal T‐cells. Due to the rarity of its occurrence and challenges in diagnosis, this subtype of HES is under recognized.

Methods and Results

We report seven patients with L‐HES, diagnosed from a group of 136 patients who were referred to our institution for the work‐up of hypereosinophilia. The clinical presentation, symptoms and signs were heterogeneous and uncharacteristic; indistinguishable from idiopathic HES. Flow cytometry immunophenotypic analysis revealed aberrant T‐cells in all patients, with a Th2 immunophenotype, CD2 + CD3−CD4 + CD5 + CD7dim+/−CD8− in six of seven (86%) cases. CD10 was partially expressed in one of seven (14%) cases, and clonal TCR gene rearrangement was detected by PCR in five of seven (71%) patients. All patients were treated with corticosteroids and two of seven (29%) patients received anti‐IL5 antibody therapy. With a median follow‐up time of 7.5 years (2.3–14.1 years), one (11%) patient developed peripheral T‐cell lymphoma 6.1 years after the initial diagnosis of L‐HES and responded well to chemotherapy. All patients were alive at the last follow‐up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a combination of flow cytometry immunophenotyping and molecular analysis allows the identification of aberrant T‐cells, facilitating a diagnosis of L‐HES in patients with eosinophilia. A correct diagnosis is essential for the proper management of these patients.
RPCP‐MAC: Receiver preambling with channel polling MAC protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Roy Alak , Sarma Nityananda
Published: March 2020

To design a reliable and energy efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) is an active research area due to its variety of applications. There are many issues associated with underwater acoustic channels including long and variable propagation delay, attenuation, and limited bandwidth which pose significant challenges in the design of MAC protocol. The available sender‐initiated asynchronous preamble‐based MAC protocols for UWSNs are not reliable and energy‐efficient. This is due to the problems caused by transmission of preambles for longer duration and collision of preambles from hidden nodes in sender‐initiated preamble‐based MAC protocols. To resolve these issues, the paper proposed an asynchronous receiver‐initiated preamble‐based MAC protocol named Receiver Preambling with Channel Polling MAC (RPCP‐MAC) protocol for shallow underwater monitoring applications with high data rates. The protocol is proposed to resolve data packet collision and support reliability in an energy‐efficient way without using any transmission schedule. The proposed protocol is based on the following mechanisms. Firstly, receiver preambling mechanism is adopted to reduce idle listening. Secondly, channel polling mechanism is used to determine missing data frame during its sleeping period and to minimize the active time of node and reduces energy wastage. Finally, a back‐off mechanism is applied to resolve collision when preambles are received simultaneously. In addition, performance analysis through Markov chain together with its validation with simulation‐based studies is reported in the paper. Both the analytical and simulation results have demonstrated the reliability achievable with RPCP‐MAC while providing good energy efficiency.
Cytomorphology of glioblastoma metastic to a cervical lymph node diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA): A case report and review of literature
Authors: Gestrich Catherine , Cowden Daniel , Harbhajanka Aparna
Published: March 2020

Glioblastoma is an aggressive primary central nervous system tumor with a dismal prognosis. However, extracranial metastases are extremely rare. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 64‐year‐old male with glioblastoma metastatic to a cervical lymph node in which the diagnosis was made on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The cytomorphologic features of glioblastoma are distinct, with pleomorphic cells in loosely cohesive clusters with prominent nucleoli, coarsely clumped chromatin and cellular processes. We suggest that FNAC, along with clinical history, is a cost effective, safe, and diagnostically accurate method of diagnosing glioblastoma metastases. Cell block is also helpful in establishing the diagnosis.
Selective TEMPO‐Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes in Alternative Organic Solvents
Authors: Hinzmann Alessa , Stricker Michael , Busch Jasmin , Glinski Sylvia , Oike Keiko , Gröger Harald
Published: March 2020

The TEMPO‐catalyzed oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes has emerged to one of the most widely applied methodologies for such transformations. Advantages are the utilization of sodium hypochlorite, a component of household bleach, as an oxidation agent and the use of water as a co‐solvent. However, a major drawback of this method is the often occurring strict limitation to use dichloromethane as an organic solvent in a biphasic reaction medium with water. Previous studies show that dichloromethane cannot easily be substituted because a decrease of selectivity or inhibition of the reaction is observed by using alternative organic solvents. Thus, up to now, only a few examples are known in which after a tedious optimization of the reaction dichloromethane could be replaced. In order to overcome the current limitations, we were interested in finding a TEMPO‐oxidation method in alternative organic solvents, which is applicable for various alcohol oxidations. As a result, we found a method for N‐oxyl radical‐catalyzed oxidation using sodium hypochlorite as an oxidation agent in nitriles as an organic solvent component instead of dichloromethane. Besides the oxidation of aromatic primary alcohols also aliphatic primary alcohols, secondary alcohols as well as dialcohols were successfully converted when using this method, showing high selectivity towards the carbonyl compound and low amounts of the acid side‐product.
Study on the production law of heavy oil gravity‐drainage‐assisted steam flooding
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiaohu , Xi Kexin , Zhang Weisen , Chen Jiaxiang
Published: March 2020

Gravity‐drainage‐assisted steam flooding is a new technology to improve the recovery factor after deep penetration in deep super‐heavy oil reservoirs. This study is based on a model of the 60‐H25 test well group in Block 59 in Liaohe Oilfield, China. The numerical model uses the C programming language to analyze the influence of change in the bottom water height on the drainage effect and provides a theoretical basis for physical model experiments and field production. The physical model experiment uses similar principles to describe the production characteristics at different stages in a short cycle. We combine the numerical model and the physical model experiment to analyze the production rule of the Wa59 block over a long time period. The results show that the physical model experiment and the actual production of the block reflect the productivity change law of the well group, the degree of production, and the productivity relationship of the well group over short cycles and long periods, respectively. The comparison showed that the actual production was consistent with the production model of the physical model test, and the drainage effect was verified. The study of gravity‐drainage‐assisted steam flooding provides a reliable basis for the next stage of oilfield production.
A fuzzy‐based multi‐objective robust optimization model for a regional hybrid energy system considering uncertainty
Authors: Song Xueying , Zhao Rui , De Gejirifu , Wu Jing , Shen Huayu , Tan Zhongfu , Liu Jicheng
Published: March 2020

Regional hybrid energy system (RHES) is an effective way to accommodate clean energy and reduce its uncertainty. It is also an important development direction for energy market reform, playing an important role in the field of energy supply and demand. Based on electricity price, thermal price, and the relationship between load supply and demand, the paper proposes an optimal scheduling model for regional energy systems to promote clean energy consumption. Firstly, the typical structure and system modules of the integrated regional energy system are introduced in detail, and the two subsystem operating models of electricity and heating are given. Secondly, a multi‐objective function that combines the economics and stability of the system is constructed. The model maximizes the economic benefits and minimizes the net load fluctuations on the basis of maximizing the consumption of clean energy. The multi‐objective singularity is realized by fuzzy membership function. The decision‐making risk caused by the uncertainty of clean energy output is analyzed by introducing robust optimization theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified based on a region in northwestern China. The results show that the proposed multi‐objective model can combine different optimization demands together, maximize the economic characteristics of clean energy while properly controlling risks, and provide reasonable support for decision makers to develop optimal operation plans.
Policy challenges of food advertisements from the viewpoints of Stakeholders: A qualitative study
Authors: Mohammadi‐Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Salmani Yeganeh , Banihashemi Seyed Mohsen , Haghighian Roudsari Arezoo , Zargaraan Azizollaah , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: March 2020

This study aims to explore the stakeholders’ views and suggestions about the policy challenges of food advertisements. Sixteen semistructured interviews were held with media and the food industry experts. Directed content analysis and constant comparison methods were used to obtained categories until subthemes were extracted, and the results were shared as member checking with the stakeholders. Two categories in two themes and seven subthemes were investigated based on the perspectives of the stakeholders: (a) Creating food advertisements and (b) Regulations and rules of food advertising. Few strict guidelines and rules are governing food advertising in Iran. Some factors influencing the general approach in nutrition policy and particularly the choice of policy options and instruments that can be placed in this area, including economic factors, political leadership, lack of political, and systematic monitoring of food advertising status, will were perceived as powerful constraints in advertising policy. Strong links must be established between all sectors that have a bearing on healthy food (the media, public health community, food industry, and consumers). The research findings seek to offer policy options for both the government and the stakeholders for challenging future policies of food advertising.
Toxoplasma infection induces microglia‐neuron contact and the loss of perisomatic inhibitory synapses
Authors: Carrillo Gabriela L. , Ballard Valerie A. , Glausen Taylor , Boone Zack , Teamer Joseph , Hinkson Cyrus L. , Wohlfert Elizabeth A. , Blader Ira J. , Fox Michael A.
Published: March 2020

Infection and inflammation within the brain induces changes in neuronal connectivity and function. The intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is one pathogen that infects the brain and can cause encephalitis and seizures. Persistent infection by this parasite is also associated with behavioral alterations and an increased risk for developing psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia. Current evidence from studies in humans and mouse models suggest that both seizures and schizophrenia result from a loss or dysfunction of inhibitory synapses. In line with this, we recently reported that persistent T. gondii infection alters the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), an enzyme that catalyzes GABA synthesis in inhibitory synapses. These changes could reflect a redistribution of presynaptic machinery in inhibitory neurons or a loss of inhibitory nerve terminals. To directly assess the latter possibility, we employed serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) and quantified inhibitory perisomatic synapses in neocortex and hippocampus following parasitic infection. Not only did persistent infection lead to a significant loss of perisomatic synapses, it induced the ensheathment of neuronal somata by myeloid‐derived cells. Immunohistochemical, genetic, and ultrastructural analyses revealed that these myeloid‐derived cells included activated microglia. Finally, ultrastructural analysis identified myeloid‐derived cells enveloping perisomatic nerve terminals, suggesting they may actively displace or phagocytose synaptic elements. Thus, these results suggest that activated microglia contribute to perisomatic inhibitory synapse loss following parasitic infection and offer a novel mechanism as to how persistent T. gondii infection may contribute to both seizures and psychiatric illness.
Performance indicators in breast cancer screening in the European Union: A comparison across countries of screen positivity and detection rates
Authors: Armaroli Paola , Riggi Emilia , Basu Partha , Anttila Ahti , Ponti Antonio , Carvalho Andre L. , Dillner Joakim , Elfström Miriam K. , Giordano Livia , Lönnberg Stefan , Ronco Gugliemo , Senore Carlo , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Tomatis Mariano , Vale Diama B. , Jarm Katja , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Segnan Nereo
Published: March 2020

Comparable performance indicators for breast cancer screening in the European Union (EU) have not been previously reported. We estimated adjusted breast cancer screening positivity rate (PR) and detection rates (DR) to investigate variation across EU countries. For the age 50–69 years, the adjusted EU‐pooled PR for initial screening was 8.9% (cross‐programme variation range 3.2–19.5%) while DR of invasive cancers was 5.3/1,000 (range 3.8–7.4/1,000) and DR of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was 1.3/1,000 (range 0.7–2.7/1,000). For subsequent screening, the adjusted EU‐pooled PR was 3.6% (range 1.4–8.4%), the DR was 4.0/1,000 (range 2.2–5.8/1,000) and 0.8/1,000 (range 0.5–1.3/1,000) for invasive and DCIS, respectively. Adjusted performance indicators showed remarkable heterogeneity, likely due to different background breast cancer risk and awareness between target populations, and also different screening protocols and organisation. Periodic reporting of the screening indicators permits comparison and evaluation of the screening activities between and within countries aiming to improve the quality and the outcomes of screening programmes. Cancer Screening Registries would be a milestone in this direction and EU Screening Reports provide a fundamental contribution to building them.