bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionotronic Halide Perovskite Drift‐Diffusive Synapses for Low‐Power Neuromorphic Computation
Authors: John Rohit Abraham , Yantara Natalia , Ng Yan Fong , Narasimman Govind , Mosconi Edoardo , Meggiolaro Daniele , Kulkarni Mohit R. , Gopalakrishnan Pradeep Kumar , Nguyen Chien A. , De Angelis Filippo , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Basu Arindam , Mathews Nripan
Published: October 2018

Emulation of brain‐like signal processing is the foundation for development of efficient learning circuitry, but few devices offer the tunable conductance range necessary for mimicking spatiotemporal plasticity in biological synapses. An ionic semiconductor which couples electronic transitions with drift‐diffusive ionic kinetics would enable energy‐efficient analog‐like switching of metastable conductance states. Here, ionic–electronic coupling in halide perovskite semiconductors is utilized to create memristive synapses with a dynamic continuous transition of conductance states. Coexistence of carrier injection barriers and ion migration in the perovskite films defines the degree of synaptic plasticity, more notable for the larger organic ammonium and formamidinium cations than the inorganic cesium counterpart. Optimized pulsing schemes facilitates a balanced interplay of short‐ and long‐term plasticity rules like paired‐pulse facilitation and spike‐time‐dependent plasticity, cardinal for learning and computing. Trained as a memory array, halide perovskite synapses demonstrate reconfigurability, learning, forgetting, and fault tolerance analogous to the human brain. Network‐level simulations of unsupervised learning of handwritten digit images utilizing experimentally derived device parameters, validates the utility of these memristors for energy‐efficient neuromorphic computation, paving way for novel ionotronic neuromorphic architectures with halide perovskites as the active material.
Reliable Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Plasmonic Nanostructures Based on Seedless Pulsed Electrodeposition
Authors: Mueller Aaron D. , Tobing Landobasa Y. M. , Zhang Dao Hua
Published: October 2018

Strong plasmonic resonance in the visible spectrum requires high aspect ratio metallic resonators with deep subwavelength dimensions, which find applications as part of a cost‐effective and practical optics‐based sensing platform. Electrodeposition is a highly suitable method for fabricating such structures as it allows deposition of metals with much larger thickness and better morphology than that achieved by physical deposition. Herein are presented an in‐depth study of pulsed electrodeposition of a gold film directly onto a transparent substrate without a seed layer and the development of a reliable and efficient fabrication method for high aspect ratio metallic nanostructures with sub‐10 nm features. Based on this approach, a low‐cost fabrication of sub‐100 nm metallic nanostructures is demonstrated with a very high deposition rate (up to 7 nm per pulse), yet with good surface morphology. Specifically, high aspect ratio rotationally symmetric plasmonic nanostructures suitable for a practical sensing platform are realized, exhibiting strong resonances in the visible spectrum with Q factors as high as 10 under unpolarized excitation.
Optimization of Interferon–Alpha and Imatinib Combination Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Modeling Approach
Authors: Bunimovich‐Mendrazitsky Svetlana , Kronik Natalie , Vainstein Vladimir
Published: October 2018

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in its chronic phase is treated with imatinib, with an attempt at discontinuation after at least three years of therapy in patients with deep molecular responses. Following the attempted discontinuation, approximately half of the patients regress and need to return to the imatinib treatment. Interferon‐alpha monotherapy results in a cure in only a small percentage of patients. The combination of both drugs is simulated to optimize the treatment with respect to duration and schedule. This is achieved through a mathematical model in which three cell types are described: leukemic stem cells, mature leukemic cells, and CML‐cytotoxic‐lymphocyte (CML‐CTL) cells. The model is simulated in silico, under different combination treatment regimens of imatinib and interferon‐alpha. It is observed that a low level of CML‐CTL cells causes failure of the combination treatment; an intermediate level of CML‐CTL produces mixed results for the success of the combination treatment; a high level of CML‐CTL cells promotes the success of the combination treatment. According to the model, treatment can lead to low‐level persistence of CML stem cells after treatment discontinuation, even in the absence of acquired drug resistance. The model defines conditions under which imatinib‐interferon‐alpha treatment leads to CML eradication.
CoSe2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated by N‐Doped Carbon Framework Intertwined with Carbon Nanotubes: High‐Performance Dual‐Role Anode Materials for Both Li‐ and Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Jun , Gao Hongcheng , Men Shuang , Shi Zhenqing , Lin Zhang , Kang Xiongwu , Chen Shaowei
Published: October 2018

It is of fundamental and technological significance to develop dual‐role anode materials for both lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) with high performance. Here, a composite material based on CoSe2 nanoparticles encapsulated in N‐doped carbon framework intertwined with carbon nanotubes (CoSe2@N‐CF/CNTs) is prepared successfully from cobalt‐based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐67). As anode materials for LIBs, CoSe2@N‐CF/CNTs composites deliver a reversible capacity of 428 mAh g−1 even after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1 with almost 100% Coulombic efficiency. The charge and discharge mechanisms of CoSe2 are characterized using ex situ X‐ray diffraction and Raman analysis, from which the lithiation products of CoSe2 are found to be LixCoSe2 and Li2Se, which are further converted to CoSe2 upon delithiation. The CoSe2@N‐CF/CNTs composites also demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for SIBs with a carbonate‐based electrolyte, with specific capacities of 606 and 501 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 1 A g−1 in the 100th cycle. The electrochemical performance of the anode materials is further studied by pseudocapacitance and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurements. This work may be exploited for the rational design and development of dual‐role anode materials for both Li‐ and Na‐ion batteries.
Metal‐induced polymer framework membrane with high performance for CO2 separation
Authors: Qiao Zhihua , Sheng Menglong , Wang Jixiao , Zhao Song , Wang Zhi
Published: October 2018

In this study, a novel porous material, that is, metal‐induced polymer framework‐1 (MPF‐1) was synthesized using Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and a high‐molecular weight PVAmacid. MPF‐1 has two structural advantages that help to create CO2 separation membranes with simple fabrication procedure and high performance. First, MPF‐1 is a high‐molecular weight polymer with certain flexibility, and thus having good membrane‐forming ability. Second, MPF‐1 has small and uniform distributed pores, and contains amine groups those can react with CO2 molecules reversibly. Therefore, CO2 molecules can preferentially adsorb on pore walls of MPF‐1 and transport across the pores by monomolecular surface diffusion, while most of N2, CH4, or H2 molecules are excluded out the pores. The MPF‐1 was employed to fabricate a microporous membrane by coating the MPF‐1 dispersions on a polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane. CO2 permeance and selectivity of the membrane keep almost unchanged with the feed pressure increasing from 0.11 to 1.0 MPa. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 239–249, 2019
DNA methylation of FKBP5 and response to exposure‐based psychological therapy
Authors: Roberts Susanna , Keers Robert , Breen Gerome , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Jöhren Peter , Kepa Agnieszka , Lester Kathryn J. , Margraf Jürgen , Scheider Silvia , Teismann Tobias , Wannemüller André , Eley Thalia C. , Wong Chloe C. Y.
Published: October 2018

Differential DNA methylation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis related gene FKBP5 has recently been shown to be associated with varying response to environmental influences and may play a role in how well people respond to psychological treatments. Participants (n = 111) received exposure‐based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for agoraphobia with or without panic disorder, or specific phobias. Percentage DNA methylation levels were measured for the promoter region and intron 7 of FKBP5. The association between percentage reduction in clinical severity and change in DNA methylation was tested using linear mixed models. The effect of genotype (rs1360780) was tested by the inclusion of an interaction term. The association between change in DNA methylation and FKBP5 expression was examined. Change in percentage DNA methylation at one CpG site of intron 7 was associated with percentage reduction in severity (β = −4.26, p = 3.90 × 10−4), where a decrease in DNA methylation was associated with greater response to therapy. An interaction was detected between rs1360780 and changes in DNA methylation in the promoter region of FKBP5 on treatment outcome (p = .045) but did not survive correction for multiple testing. Changes in DNA methylation were not associated with FKBP5 expression. Decreasing DNA methylation at one CpG site of intron 7 of FKBP5 was strongly associated with decreasing anxiety severity following exposure‐based CBT. In addition, there was suggestive evidence that allele‐specific methylation at the promoter region may also be associated with treatment response. The results of this study add to the growing literature demonstrating the role of biological processes such as DNA methylation in response to environmental influences.
Topochemical Synthesis of 2D Carbon Hybrids through Self‐Boosting Catalytic Carbonization of a Metal–Polymer Framework
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Zhou Yanping , Xu Feng , Lin Huijuan , Yan Yan , Rui Kun , Zhang Chenjun , Wang Qingqing , Ma Zhongyuan , Zhang Yao , Huang Kama , Zhu Jixin , Huang Wei
Published: October 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) carbon hybrids have promise in various areas such as energy storage and catalysis. Simple methods for controllable fabrication of 2D graphitic carbon hybrids in a scalable manner remains challenging. Now, a microwave‐assisted strategy for mass production of 2D carbon hybrids based on self‐boosting catalytic carbonization of a metal–agarose framework is demonstrated. Hybrids including hollow Fe3C nanoparticles, Ni/Co nanoparticles, and hollow FeOx nanoparticles uniformly embedded in 2D graphitic carbon nanosheets (GCNs) are obtained, demonstrating the generality of the approach. Metal–polymer coordination and microwave‐enabled fast catalytic decomposition of precursors play vital roles in facilitating the formation of the nanosheet structure. The resulting FeOx‐GCNs hybrid exhibits superior lithium‐storage performance (1118 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 and 818 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1 after 1200 cycles).
A Metal–Organic Framework with Tetrahedral Aluminate Sites as a Single‐Ion Li+ Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Fischer Sabrina , Roeser Jérôme , Lin Terri C. , DeBlock Ryan H. , Lau Jonathan , Dunn Bruce S. , Hoffmann Frank , Fröba Michael , Thomas Arne , Tolbert Sarah H.
Published: October 2018

We demonstrate the synthesis of the first anionic aluminum metal–organic framework (MOFs) constructed from tetrahedral AlO4 sites. Al‐Td‐MOF‐1 was obtained in a simple two‐step synthesis by condensation of 1,4‐dihydroxybenzene and lithium aluminum hydride into an amorphous aluminate framework before applying a solvothermal treatment under basic conditions to obtain the crystalline Al‐Td‐MOF‐1 with a chemical composition of Li[Al(C6H4O2)2]. The overall Al‐Td‐MOF‐1 structure consists of one‐dimensional chains of alternating edge‐sharing AlO4 and LiO4 tetrahedral sites describing unidirectional pore channels with a square window aperture of ≈5×5 Å2, best described topologically as a uninodal 6‐coordinated snp rod net. Al‐Td‐MOF‐1 features the highest Li+ loading reported to date for a MOF (2.50 wt %) and proved to be an effective single‐ion solid electrolyte. An ionic conductivity of 5.7×10−5 S cm−1 was measured for Al‐Td‐MOF‐1 and the beneficial contribution of crystallinity was evidenced by an 8‐fold increase in conductivity between the disordered and crystalline material.
Switching Chemoselectivity: Using Mechanochemistry to Alter Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Howard Joseph L. , Brand Michael C. , Browne Duncan L.
Published: October 2018

A reaction manifold has been discovered in which the chemoselectivity can be altered by switching between neat milling and liquid assisted grinding (LAG) with polar additives. After investigation of the reaction mechanism, it has been established that this switching in reaction pathway is due to the neat mechanochemical conditions exhibiting different kinetics for a key step in the transformation. This proof of concept study demonstrates that mechanochemistry can be used to trap the kinetic product of a reaction. It is envisaged that, if this concept can be successfully applied to other transformations, novel synthetic processes could be discovered and known reaction pathways perturbed or diverted.
Nano‐synthesis, characterization, modeling and molecular docking analysis of Mn (II), Co (II), Cr (III) and Cu (II) complexes with azo pyrazolone ligand as new favorable antimicrobial and antitumor agents
Authors: Gaber Mohamed , Khedr Abdalla M. , Mansour Mohammed A. , Elsharkawy Mohsen
Published: October 2018

Novel nanosized Mn (II), Co (II), Cr (III) and Cu (II) complexes were synthesized with 2‐((5‐oxo‐1,3‐diphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)diazenyl) benzoic acid, HL applying precipitation method. Their structures were characterized based on the elemental and thermal analyses, spectra (FT‐IR, UV–Vis, MS, ESR and XRD), conductivity and magnetic moment measurements. IR spectra offered that HL behaves as monobasic tri‐dentate ligand towards Mn (II), Cr (III) and Cu (II) and monobasic bi‐dentate towards Co (II). The XRD results unambiguously confirmed the crystalline nature and nano‐sized particles of Cu (II) complex while HL and other complexes exhibited amorphous phases. The magnetic moment data, UV–Vis and ESR spectra supported the formation of octahedral geometries for Mn (II), and Cr (III) complexes, whereas Co (II), and Cu (II) complexes showed tetrahedral arrangement. The activation parameters for the thermal degradation stages were theoretically calculated using TGA curves. The obtained data showed the inspected complexes as favorable antimicrobial drug candidates. The studied compounds were screened out for their antitumor and antimicrobial activities. The inspected compounds exhibited a reasonable antibacterial activity and weak antitumor efficacy. The in vitro results were confirmed using the in silico molecular docking analysis (docking server) applying x‐ray crystallographic structures of the proteins (4 m01, 3 t88, 1zap & 4ynt) from PDB (Protein Data Bank). HL and probably its complexes displayed adequate binding with the receptors of 4 m01, 3 t88, 1zap, and 4ynt microorganisms. The obtained data show the inspected complexes as favorable antimicrobial drug candidates.
Syntheses, structural characterizations, and electrochemical and fluorescent properties of homo‐ and hetero‐polynuclear transition metal(II) complexes
Authors: Ren Zong‐Li , Li Xiao‐Yan , Hao Jing , Zhang Yang , Dong Wen‐Kui
Published: October 2018

Rare homo‐ and hetero‐polynuclear transition metal(II) complexes, [{Cu(L1)}2] (1) and [Cu(L2)Ni2(CH3OH)2] (2), were prepared and structurally characterized. Complex 1 possesses an uncommon dinuclear structure bonded by two alkoxy bridges, and all the Cu(II) atoms are tetra‐coordinated with slightly distorted square planar geometries. The Cu1─Cu2 bond distance is 2.994(3) Å. Complex 2 exhibits an unexpected trinuclear heterobimetallic structure from two chelating (L2)3− units in crossover mode, which is the first heterobimetallic 3d–3d salamo‐type transition metal complex. The two Ni(II) atoms are penta‐coordinated with slightly distorted square pyramidal geometries (τ = 0.269 (Ni1) and 0.498 (Ni2)), and the Cu(II) atom is tetra‐coordinated with a slightly distorted square planar geometry. Moreover, fluorescence behaviors of 1 and 2 were investigated, and electrochemical study reveals that the electrolytic redox reactions of 1 are irreversible processes.
Facile synthesis of copper hexacyanoferrate/graphene nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Targholi Ehsan , Rahmanifar Mohammad Safi , Mousavi‐Khoshdel S. Morteza
Published: October 2018

A two‐component nanocomposite of copper hexacyanoferrate/reduced graphene oxide (CuHCF/rGO) was successfully synthesized using a solution‐based co‐precipitation process in the presence of graphene oxide solution. Electrochemical measurements indicated a specific capacitance of 548 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in the potential range of −0.2 to 1 V, versus Ag/AgCl standard electrode, obtained in an electrolyte of 0.5 M K2SO4 (as a neutral electrolyte) during galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. This value is higher than the specific capacitance of the raw materials rGO (174 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1) and CuHCF (236 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1), which is rooted in the activation of copper ions in the electrochemical reaction and some synergistic effects (observed between rGO and CuHCF). The rGO/CuHCF nanocomposite electrode was able to retain 83% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g−1.
Synthesis of nanocomposites from cationic polyacrylamide and modified carbon black: Application as flocculants for oily sludge suspension
Authors: Tian Gongwei , Chen Ying , Liang Yuning , Gao Yanhua
Published: October 2018

Carbon black was modified using various liquid‐phase oxidation methods (modified carbon black = m‐CB, m = (1, 2, 3): 1, sulfuric acid/potassium permanganate method; 2, nitric acid method; 3, hydrogen peroxide method). With acetone–ethylene glycol as initiator, dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and acrylamide (AM) as monomer, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) was prepared by UV excitation of the monomer. The m‐CB/CPAM nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The factors that affected the molecular weight of CPAM were investigated, including the total monomer concentration, the dosage of the complex initiator, the mass ratio of mAM:mDMDAAC and the UV irradiation time. The chemical structures and morphologies of the samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental composition, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. 1‐CB/CPAM was utilized to flocculate oil sludge suspension, and the effects of 1‐CB quality, 1‐CB/CPAM dosage, temperature and pH value on the flocculation performance of 1‐CB/CPAM were investigated. The flocculation mechanism of 1‐CB/CPAM was also analyzed. The results show that 1‐CB/CPAM has an outstanding flocculation effect, and it flocculates oil sludge particles by adsorption bridging and charge neutralization in acidic and alkaline conditions.
Discussion of shale rock wettability and the methods to determine it
Authors: Sheng James J.
Published: October 2018

Because of ultra‐low permeability of shale rocks, capillary pressure is very high. Wettability not only determines the value of capillary pressure, but, more importantly, it also determines whether the capillary pressure is a driving force or a resistance to fluid flow. This paper is to address the wettability characteristics of shale rocks. First, the common methods to determine wettability are reviewed and discussed for their feasibility for shale rocks. It is found that the real reservoir wettability must be determined in a system with oil and water being present; it cannot be determined by comparing the water and oil‐wetting angles measured on dry rock surfaces. It is also interesting to note that more shale rocks are water wet, although the oil‐wetting angles are smaller than water‐wetting angles on dry rock surfaces. The factors that affect shale wettability are also reviewed.
Concurrent operant preference assessment to identify social consequences to decrease task latency for adolescents with dual diagnosis
Authors: Robinson Elizabeth S. , Desrochers Marcie , Napolitano Deborah A.
Published: October 2018

Identifying effective reinforcers to use to increase desired behaviors is essential to the success of an intervention. Conducting preference assessments is a proven method for identification of effective reinforcers. In the current study, reinforcers were identified to decrease the latency of initiation of daily living skills such as laundry, showering, and chores in five individuals with dual diagnoses. A Concurrent Operant Preference Assessment measuring response allocation to social stimuli was completed with each individual to determine preferred consequence to increase task compliance. Results showed that all five participants decreased latency to initiate daily tasks once treatment was implemented compared with that during the baseline phase. These results were perceived as socially acceptable by staff, and the improvement was maintained 2 weeks beyond the completion of treatment.
Transcriptome‐wide association study identifies multiple genes and pathways associated with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gong Liuyun , Zhang Dan , Lei Yutiantian , Qian Yuanjie , Tan Xinyue , Han Suxia
Published: October 2018

Aim

To identify novel candidate genes for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We performed a transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) analysis of pancreatic cancer (PC). GWAS summary data were driven from the published studies of PC, totally involving 558 542 SNPs in 1896 individuals with pancreatic cancer and 1939 healthy controls. FUSION software was applied to the PC GWAS summary data for tissue‐related TWAS analysis, including whole blood, peripheral blood, adipose, and pancreas. The functional relevance of identified genes with PC was further validated by Oncomine, STRING, and CluePedia tool.

Results

Transcriptome‐wide association study analysis identified 19 genes significantly associated with PC, such as LRP5L (P value = 5.21 × 10‐5), SOX4 (P value = 3.2 × 10‐4), and EGLN3 (P value = 6.2 × 10‐3). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis detected several PC‐associated pathways, such as One carbon pool by folate (P value = 1.60 × 10‐16), Cell cycle (P value = 1.27 × 10‐7), TGF‐beta signaling pathway (P value = 4.64 × 10‐6). Further comparing the 19 genes with previously identified overexpressed genes in PC patients found one overlapped gene SOX4.

Conclusion

We identified some novel candidate genes and pathways associated with PC. Our results provide novel clues for the genetic mechanism studies of pancreatic cancer.
Evaluation of Lignans from Piper cubeba against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Parreira Renato L. T. , Costa Eveline S. , Heleno Vladimir C. G. , Magalhães Lizandra G. , Souza Julia M. , Pauletti Patrícia M. , Cunha Wilson R. , Januário Ana H. , Símaro Guilherme V. , Bastos Jairo K. , Laurentiz Rosangela S. , Kar Tapas , Caramori Giovanni F. , Kawano Daniel Fábio , Andrade e Silva Márcio L.
Published: October 2018

Six dibenzylbutyrolactonic lignans ((−)‐hinokinin (1), (−)‐cubebin (2), (−)‐yatein (3), (−)‐5‐methoxyyatein (4), dihydrocubebin (5) and dihydroclusin (6)) were isolated from Piper cubeba seed extract and evaluated against Schistosoma mansoni. All lignans, except 5, were able to separate the adult worm pairs and reduce the egg numbers during 24 h of incubation. Lignans 1, 3 and 4 (containing a lactone ring) were the most efficient concerning antiparasitary activity. Comparing structures 3 and 4, the presence of the methoxy group at position 5 appears to be important for this activity. Considering 1 and 3, it is possible to see that the substitution pattern change (methylenedioxy or methoxy groups) in positions 3′ and 4′ alter the biological response, with 1 being the second most active compound. Computational calculations suggest that the activity of compound 4 can be correlated with the largest lipophilicity value.
Effect of finger millet on nutritional, rheological, and pasting profile of whole wheat flat bread (chapatti)
Authors: Panghal Anil , Khatkar Bhupendar Singh , Yadav Deep Narayan , Chhikara Navnidhi
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

Steam leavened flat breads (chapatti) are the staple food of Asian people and cheap source of protein and energy. Finger millet addition can significantly enhance the nutritional status of chapatti as well as utilization on domestic and industrial scale for nutritional security. The study was conducted to assess the effect of finger millet flour incorporation in whole wheat flour on dough characteristics, pasting, and chapatti making attributes.

Findings

The finger millet flour addition was negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with water absorption capacity (r = −0.992), dough stability (r = −0.978), lightness (r = −0.999), puffing height (r = −0.996), and overall acceptability (r = −0.987) of the chapatti. The study clearly depicted that dough with 40% level of incorporation of finger millet flour possesses poor dough handling and sheeting characteristics. Redness and high phenolic content of finger millet accounted for reduced L* (46.73 ± 2.858) and b* (8.89 ± 0.425) values, whereas, a* values increased to 9.45 ± 0.325. Overall acceptability was also decreased from 9.0 ± 0.23 to 7.13 ± 0.22. The study concluded that addition of finger millet flour at 20% level resulted in dough with good handling and sheeting properties and overall acceptable chapatti.

Conclusions

Considering dough handling, sheeting, and sensory analysis, finger millet flour at 20% level addition was recommended for chapatti preparation. Finger millet flour addition improved the nutritional profile of chapatti.

Significance and novelty

This work extensively suggests that incorporation of finger millet will result in improvement of nutritional quality of chapatti as well as utilization of finger millet. This approach can be used to avail the nutritional benefits of finger millet as well as to increase the contribution of finger millet in food industry.
Hydrotreating Model Comparison of Raw Castor Oil and its Methyl Esters for Biofuel Production
Authors: Mederos-Nieto Fabián S. , Elizalde-Martínez Ignacio , Hernández-Altamirano Raúl , Trejo-Zárraga Fernando , Mena-Cervantes Violeta Y. , Ramírez-Jiménez Edgar , Vallarta-Cardona Daniela E.
Published: October 2018

Some of the main problems during vegetable oil hydrotreating are the high heat of reaction released, the huge quantity of expensive hydrogen required, and the high corrosion rates in the equipment. Some insights into the advantages and disadvantages of processing raw vegetable oils or their respective fatty acid methyl esters are given. The ASPEN Plus process simulator was used for the simulation of a hydrotreating process, with two different feedstocks coming from the same plant: raw castor oil and castor oil methyl esters. That process was modeled with two stoichiometric reactors in series. The technical viability of using methyl esters as hydrotreating feedstock for the production of biofuels such as green gasoline and diesel is demonstrated.
Amoxicillin Extraction from Aqueous Solution by Emulsion Liquid Membranes Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Seifollahi Zahra , Rahbar-Kelishami Ahmad
Published: October 2018

The extraction of amoxicillin (AMX) from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) was investigated for the first time. The liquid membrane phase of the ELM consisted of Aliquat 336 as carrier, Span 80 as surfactant, n‐hexane as diluent, and sodium chloride solution as internal phase. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was applied to evaluate and optimize the effects of several parameters such as carrier concentration, feed concentration, internal phase concentration, and treat ratio (volume ratio of the external phase to the emulsion phase). A polynomial model was fitted to predict the extraction yield of AMX. Under optimized conditions, the highest extraction yield of AMX was 99.8 %.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Performances of γ‐KCoPO4 Nanocrystals as Promising Electrode for Aqueous Supercapatteries
Authors: Priyadharsini Natarajan , Surendran Subramani , Senthilkumar Baskar , Vasylechko Leonid , Selvan Ramakrishnan Kalai
Published: October 2018

Herein, discrete γ‐KCoPO4 nanocrystals were prepared by a facile, green and fast sol‐gel route. The lattice parameters as well as positional and displacement parameters of atoms in the average γ‐KCoPO4 structure with a space group of P21/n were calculated using full profile Rietveld refinement. Monodispersed quadrangular γ‐KCoPO4 nanocrystals with improved phase purity and crystallinity were found through XRD patterns and HRTEM images. Subsequently, the prepared γ‐KCoPO4 nanocrystals were tested as electrode material for supercapatteries in aqueous electrolytes. The γ‐KCoPO4 electrode shows superior specific charge capacity of 309 C g−1 at 1 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH, compared to 1 M NaOH (222 C g−1) and 1 M LiOH (77 C g−1). Further, it exhibits improved electrochemical activity by delivering an impressive specific charge capacity of 100 C g−1 at a current of 0.6 mA cm−2 in an aqueous electrolyte medium with acceptable capacity retention. A lab‐scale supercapattery was assembled resembling the commercial device. The fabricated device delivered an enhanced specific energy of 28 W h kg−1 and a specific power of 1600 W kg−1 and prolonged cycle life of about 5000 cycles.
Halides of the Heavier Group 14 Homologues Germanium, Tin, and Lead—A Journey through Unusual Compounds and Oxidation States
Authors: Kunz Tanja , Schnepf Andreas
Published: October 2018

Classical halides of the heavier Group 14 homologues germanium, tin, and lead are common precursors for the synthesis of exciting compounds, such as polyhedral clusters. To get access to larger metalloid cluster compounds of Group 14, the disproportionation reaction of metastable monohalide solutions, accessible through a preparative co‐condensation reaction, proved to be quite successful. As the identity of the subvalent halides within the metastable solutions were yet unknown the reaction course from a monohalide precursor to a metalloid cluster was mostly unidentified. This might change now, as a first subhalide cluster [Ge14Br8(Et3P)4] could be characterized, being the first trapped intermediate of the disproportionation reaction of Group 14 subhalides. All these aspects are included within this Minireview, together with a short historical overview, dealing with the development of the preparative co‐condensation technique out of the matrix isolation technique, being the essential first step of the synthesis of metastable monohalide solutions of the heavier Group 14 elements Ge and Sn.
In Operando Analysis of Diffusion in Porous Metal‐Organic Framework Catalysts
Authors: Gao Wen‐Yang , Cardenal Ashley D. , Wang Chen‐Hao , Powers David C.
Published: October 2018

The potential to exert atomistic control over the structure of site‐isolated catalyst sites, as well as the topology and chemical environment of interstitial pore spaces, has inspired efforts to apply porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts for fine chemical synthesis. In analogy to enzyme‐catalyzed reactions, MOF catalysts have been proposed as platforms in which substrate confinement could be used to achieve chemo‐ and stereoselectivities that are orthogonal to solution‐phase catalysts. In order to leverage the tunable pore topology of MOFs to impact catalyst selectivity, catalysis must proceed at interstitial catalyst sites, rather than at solvent‐exposed interfacial sites. This Minireview addresses challenges inherent to interstitial MOF catalysis by 1) describing the diffusional processes available to sorbates in porous materials, 2) discussing critical factors that impact the diffusion rate of substrates in porous materials, and 3) presenting in operando experimental strategies to assess the relative rates of substrate diffusion and catalyst turnover in MOF catalysis. It is anticipated that the continued development of in operando tools to evaluate substrate diffusion in porous catalysts will advance the application of these materials in fine chemical synthesis.
Activating the MoS2 Basal Plane by Controllable Fabrication of Pores for an Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Geng Shuo , Liu Hu , Yang Weiwei , Yu Yong Sheng
Published: October 2018

Molybdenum disulfide has drawn persistent interest as a promising nonprecious electrocatalyst alternative to Pt for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the MoS2 catalytic efficiency is still lower than the Pt‐based catalysts owing to insufficient active sites with more inert basal planes. Herein, we designed and synthesized porous MoS2 nanosheets to activate the basal planes by etching away Al in Al‐doped MoS2. The optimized porous MoS2 shows a small onset overpotential as low as 136 mV, a large cathode current density of 10 mA cm−2 at η=201 mV, a low Tafel slope of 62 mV decade−1, and a high TOF of 0.29 H2 s−1 per active site at η=200 mV. This study opens up new avenues for designing electrocatalysts based on porous MoS2 or other layered materials with enhanced HER performance.
Submerging a Biomimetic Metallo‐Receptor in Water for Molecular Recognition: Micellar Incorporation or Water Solubilization? A Case Study
Authors: Collin Solène , Parrot Arnaud , Marcelis Lionel , Brunetti Emilio , Jabin Ivan , Bruylants Gilles , Bartik Kristin , Reinaud Olivia
Published: October 2018

Molecular recognition in water is an important topic, but a challenging task due to the very competitive nature of the medium. The focus of this study is the comparison of two different strategies for the water solubilization of a biomimetic metallo‐receptor based on a poly(imidazole) resorcinarene core. The first relies on a new synthetic path for the introduction of hydrophilic substituents on the receptor, at a remote distance from the coordination site. The second involves the incorporation of the organosoluble metallo‐receptor into dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles, which mimic the proteic surrounding of the active site of metallo‐enzymes. The resorcinarene ligand can be transferred into water through both strategies, in which it binds ZnII over a wide pH window. Quite surprisingly, very similar metal ion affinities, pH responses, and recognition properties were observed with both strategies. The systems behave as remarkable receptors for small organic anions in water at near‐physiological pH. These results show that, provided the biomimetic site is well structured and presents a recognition pocket, the micellar environment has very little impact on either metal ion binding or guest hosting. Hence, micellar incorporation represents an easy alternative to difficult synthetic work, even for the binding of charged species (metal cations or anions), which opens new perspectives for molecular recognition in water, whether for sensing, transport, or catalysis.
Pregnancies during and after trastuzumab and/or lapatinib in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive early breast cancer: Analysis from the NeoALTTO (BIG 1‐06) and ALTTO (BIG 2‐06) trials
Authors: Lambertini Matteo , Martel Samuel , Campbell Christine , Guillaume Sébastien , Hilbers Florentine S. , Schuehly Uwe , Korde Larissa , Azim Hatem A. , Di Cosimo Serena , Tenglin Richard C. , Huober Jens , Baselga José , Moreno‐Aspitia Alvaro , Piccart‐Gebhart Martine , Gelber Richard D. , de Azambuja Evandro , Ignatiadis Michail
Published: October 2018

Background

Limited data exist on the safety of using anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted agents during pregnancy. To date, only retrospective studies have assessed the prognosis of patients with a pregnancy after prior early breast cancer, with no data in HER2‐positive patients.

Methods

The Neoadjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimization (NeoALTTO) trial and the Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimization (ALTTO) trial were randomized phase 3 trials for patients with HER2‐positive early breast cancer. In both trials, pregnancy information was prospectively collected. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between patients unintentionally exposed to trastuzumab and/or lapatinib during gestation (the exposed group) and those who became pregnant after trastuzumab and/or lapatinib completion (the unexposed group). In the ALTTO trial, disease‐free survival (DFS) was compared between pregnant patients and those aged 40 years or younger without a subsequent pregnancy via an extended Cox model with time‐varying covariates to account for a guarantee‐time bias.

Results

Ninety‐two patients (12 in the exposed group and 80 in the unexposed group) had a pregnancy: 7 in the NeoALTTO trial and 85 in the ALTTO trial. Seven patients (58.3%) in the exposed group and 10 patients (12.5%) in the unexposed group opted for an induced abortion; in the unexposed group, 10 patients (12.5%) had a spontaneous abortion. No pregnancy/delivery complications were reported for the remaining cases, who successfully completed their pregnancy, with the exception of 1 fetus with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). No significant difference in DFS (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.52‐2.42) was observed between young patients with a pregnancy (n = 85) and young patients without a pregnancy (n = 1307).

Conclusions

For patients with HER2‐positive early breast cancer, having a pregnancy after treatment completion appears to be safe without compromising fetal outcome or maternal prognosis.
An SDN‐based MTD model
Authors: Yang Yubin , Cheng Liming
Published: October 2018

An SDN‐based moving target defense (MTD) model maps the physical network elements to a considerably larger space than the original address space and creates different times of validity randomly to generate mapping addresses on the basis of the security level of the targets accessed, making it more difficult for attackers to find the targets. The methods used to make the MTD technique work include generating different times of validity and coefficients of difficulty for the address mapping randomly based on the security level of the targets accessed, changing the mapping destination IPv4 to IPv6 (to increase the target space by several orders of magnitude), transforming the IP, MAC addresses, and the protocol ports, and mapping the SDN network elements. All of these measures increase the difficulty of network reconnaissance, making it more difficult for attackers to obtain authentic target information. In this paper, we present the relevant technological background, discuss the design of a new security adaptive system model based on SDN, and propose a target security level identification algorithm and a network element information mapping algorithm.
A new VRSA‐based pairing‐free certificateless signature scheme for fog computing
Authors: Wang Liangliang , Wen Mi , Chen Kefei , Bi Zhongqin , Long Yu
Published: October 2018

Fog computing is composed of various computers with weak performance instead of servers with strong performance. As history has shown, there has not been a general pairing‐free certificateless signature scheme that is mainly designed with modular exponentiation and modular multiplication that can possess resistance to Type I and Type II adversaries. The lightweight certificateless signature algorithm with low requirements for computing and storage capabilities, which can be practicably implemented in fog computing, needs to be studied. Therefore, a new hard mathematic problem is firstly defined in this paper, which is called variant of RSA problem. Then, a new general pairing‐free certificateless signature scheme is proposed based on the variant of RSA problem and the discrete logarithm problem. Fortunately, the proposed scheme is the first RSA‐based certificateless signature scheme that can possess resistance to Type I and Type II adversaries. A formal security proof is provided to demonstrate that, under adaptively chosen message attacks, the scheme is provably secure against Type I and Type II adversaries in the random oracle model. When compared with other known pairing‐free certificateless signature schemes of the same type, the computation cost of our scheme is slightly higher; however, a higher security level can be achieved.
Glucose‐Responsiveness of Pancreatic β‐Like (GRP β‐L) Cells Generated from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Rajaei Bahareh , Massumi Mohammad , Wheeler Michael
Published: October 2018

The International Diabetic Federation estimated that 415 million adults currently have diabetes and 318 million adults had impaired glucose tolerance, putting them at high risk of developing diabetes in the future. In Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the β cells are lost because of autoimmune reactions. Although islet transplantation has been a promising therapy for T1D, it is greatly limited by pancreatic donors. Here, we describe a protocol to generate glucose‐ responsive pancreatic β‐like (GRPβ‐L) cells from human‐induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. We recapitulate in vivo pancreas development by in vitro induction of differentiating human (iPS) cells with stage‐specific signaling molecules and proteins. Inhibition of Tyrosine Kinase receptor AXL, TGF‐β, and Notch signaling pathways in the final stage of the five‐stage protocol could efficiently generate GRPβ‐L from the endocrine progenitor. Differentiation of human iPS cells through the protocol could result in functional GRPβ‐L cells, which could be used in pharmaceutical and β cell biology studies. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Extended immunophenotyping reference values in a healthy pediatric population
Authors: Garcia‐Prat Marina , Álvarez‐Sierra Daniel , Aguiló‐Cucurull Aina , Salgado‐Perandrés Sandra , Briongos‐Sebastian Sara , Franco‐Jarava Clara , Martin‐Nalda Andrea , Colobran Roger , Montserrat Isabel , Hernández‐González Manuel , Pujol‐Borrell Ricardo , Soler‐Palacin Pere , Martínez‐Gallo Mónica
Published: October 2018

Background

For the accurate diagnosis of immunodeficiencies is crucial to compare patients’ immunology laboratory values with age‐sex matched controls, yet there is a paucity of normal values for most populations.

Objectives

To define appropriate reference values of extended lymphocyte subpopulations and T‐cell receptor excision circle (TRECs) levels in healthy pediatric donors between 1 month and 18 years of age.

Methods

Extended immunophenotyping values were obtained by analysis of multiparameter flow cytometry panels for the following subpopulations: CD4+ and CD8+ Naive, Effector, Effector Memory and Central Memory, T helper subpopulations and their degrees of activation, T Regulatory cells, Recent Thymic Emigrants (RTE), B Lymphocyte subpopulations (Transitional, Naive, Preswitch‐Memory, Switch‐Memory, Plasmablasts, CD21low, and Exhausted), and subpopulations for Monocytes, NK cells and Dendritic Cells.

Results

Median values and the 10th and 90th percentiles were obtained for 32 lymphocyte and monocyte subpopulations, and for TRECs levels in each age group of children. Naive CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell populations tended to decrease with age, with significant difference between the groups, in parallel with the reduction in thymic function assessed by TRECs counts and the recent thymic emigrant population. Relative numbers of Th cell populations tended to increase with age. The percentage of class‐switched B cell populations showed a significant increase between the youngest group and the others.

Conclusion

This study provides essential data for interpreting extended immunophenotyping profiles in the pediatric and young adult populations, which could be of value for the diagnosis of PIDs and immune‐mediated diseases, particularly those associated with subtle immunological abnormalities. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Plaintiffs respond to Harvard's attempt to dismiss web access complaint
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: October 2018

Earlier this year, Harvard University filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings in the complaint filed by the National Association of the Deaf on behalf of its members, private individuals on behalf of themselves, and a proposed class of similarly situated persons brought pursuant to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act against Harvard for failure to provide full and equal access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to the audio and audiovisual content Harvard makes available online to the general public by not providing captioning.
Prepare to help accommodate faculty, staff, and student‐workers with disabilities
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: October 2018

The demand for disability accommodations for students in higher education has increased greatly since the Americans with Disabilities Act was implemented. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 11 percent of undergraduates have disabilities, and the processes for students requesting accommodations today are widely known and used.
Confirmation of arboreal habits in Dromiciops gliroides: a key role in Chilean Temperate Rainforests
Authors: Godoy‐Güinao Javier , Díaz Iván A. , Celis‐Diez Juan L.
Published: October 2018

Dromiciops gliroides is a small marsupial endemic to the South American temperate rainforest; it is considered a living fossil because it is the only living species of the order Microbiotheria, more related to Australian marsupials than those found in South America. Dromiciops gliroides has been considered a scansorial marsupial most frequently found in the understory. Nonetheless, several authors have hypothesized that this species could be arboreal because of its ability to climb through the vegetation. However, all previous studies on D. gliroides have been conducted from the ground, with no documentation of this species’ ability to climb trees, or how high they may reach. Here, we present the first evidence of arboreal habits in D. gliroides, and we analyze its functional importance for the biodiversity of forest canopies. In the Bosque Pehuén Park (39°25′ S, 71°45′ W), in six emergent Nothofagus dombeyi (Nothofagaceae) trees, we installed camera traps, one per tree, between 12 and 21 m aboveground, in the trees’ crowns. Camera traps were active from January to April of 2017, during the Southern Hemisphere's summer and fall. We recorded a total of 2319 photographs, including small mammals, birds, and lizards, in addition to several unidentified species. A total of 230 photographs of D. gliroides were recorded, across all six of the surveyed trees. In a more recent survey (February 2018), we found this species at 26 m, 2 m from the tree's highest point. Dromiciops gliroides is thus a frequent canopy user and could influence canopy biota and ecological processes. Dromiciops gliroides is considered a seed disperser of most vascular epiphytes and vines, and may therefore strongly influence epiphytic dynamics. It is also an active invertebrate predator and as such could significantly decrease tree herbivory. The roles that D. gliroides plays in this ecosystem need more clarification; this living fossil may be more important for this forest ecosystem than previously believed, modulating biodiversity and functions in unexpected, yet relevant ways.