bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERCEPTION OF THE ESSENCE OF KNOWLEDGE SHARING AMONG TEACHERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Michalik Izabela
Published: June 2019

Knowledge sharing is one of the key processes taking place in the 21st century economy, determining the competitive advantage of the organization. The currently observed change in the approach to knowledge sharing from information to social, allows to understand the specifity of this process, what enables selection of actions and stimulation of desired behaviors of employees depending on the expected results. There is no difference among teachers who, as knowledge workers, earn a living by thinking, and their mind is a working tool. The article attempts to diagnose teachers in the matter of knowing the concept and understanding the essence of knowledge sharing in a modern society. The results of the research confirmed the awareness of the existence of knowledge sharing among teachers and pointed to their different understanding of the essence of this process
A influência do comportamento de inovatividade do consumidor online de eletroeletrônicos em relação ao processo de obsolescência programada
Authors: Neckel Anderson , Boeing Ricardo
Published: June 2019

The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of online consumer behavior innovativeness on the planned obsolescence process. Through a theoretical analysis of innovativeness constructs, consumer behavior and planned obsolescence process, the following scales and the following model for research development were employed: Domain Specific Innovativeness and New Involvement Profile scales and the Model of Diffusion of Innovations. The research approach uses mixed methods and was performed with two focus groups after a survey was carried out. The sample comprises 448 consumers of electrical and electronic equipment sold on the internet who reside in the Southern region of Brazil. Data processing was based on a multivariate data analysis and results show that innovativeness behavior has a significant positive influence on the planned obsolescence process.
Gestão de Operações e de Cadeia de Suprimentos da Saúde em Situações de Urgência: Estudo de caso da Tragédia em Santa Maria
Authors: Cembranel Priscila , Lopes Luís Felipe Dias , Schimith Cristiano Descovi , Esteves Roger Vinícius Rosa , Melo Henrique De Campos , Lima Mauren Pimentel
Published: June 2019

This study examines of operations and supply chain management of healthcare in light of the factors of management information systems to improve the quality of care in cases of urgency. The methodology used is based on a qualitative and exploratory procedure and interview techniques through case study of fire occurred and what became known as "Tragedy in Santa Maria / RS." The paper proposes a model for the management of operations and supply chain in urgent situations. The model is exemplified in the case of chemical pneumonia (contamination with cyanide gas), and burns.
Governing REDD+: a state of the art review
Authors: Pinsky Vanessa Cuzziol , Kruglianskas Isak
Published: June 2019

Climate change is a daunting problem that results in actions-interactions from a number of actors in complex global systems, which require multi-level governance and a myriad of international and national policies. Deforestation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Success in this area can have a large impact on mitigation. We focus on the governance of ‘Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ (REDD+), a large scale experiment in climate finance and a promising cost-effective mitigation mechanism to motivate developing countries to implement policy approaches to reduce forest-related GHG emissions. REDD+, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, is considered a breakthrough mechanism in international cooperation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) regime, as it was designed to be performance-based. In this paper we analyze a state of the art review on governing REDD+ based on a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed articles in the field. Ours results present a historical perspective of REDD+, literature review, and indicate the most relevant works and scholars in the field.
Fitotoxicidade do óleo essencial de Mikania Laevigata sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de duas espécies invasoras
Authors: Santos Livia Maria de Lima , Germano Carolina Mesquita , Gonçalves Adenilson Henrique , Bertolucci Suzan Kelly Vilela
Published: June 2019

Produtos naturais tem se mostrado eficazes no controle de plantas invasoras em áreas de produção agrícola. Dentre esses, os óleos essenciais destacam-se por serem bons agentes alelopáticos. Objetivou-se avaliar a fitotoxicidade do óleo essencial de Mikania laevigata no crescimento inicial das plantas invasivas Bidens pilosa e Digitaria insularis. O óleo essencial foi extraído pelo método da hidrodestilação e seus componentes foram analisados por CG-EM. A inibição do crescimento inicial das duas espécies invasoras utilizadas neste estudo foi avaliada utilizando duas concentrações de óleo essencial (0,5 e 1%). Os parâmetros analisados foram comprimentos das raízes e das partes aéreas das plântulas. Na ocorrência de efeitos significativos, os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de médias, as quais foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, com 5% de significância. Germacreno D (41,6%) foi o principal constituinte químico encontrado no óleo essencial. Para as duas espécies invasoras testadas, a concentração do óleo essencial a 1% foi a que apresentou melhores resultados para os parâmetros analisados.
Protein quality control in the nucleolus safeguards recovery of epigenetic regulators after heat shock
Authors: Azkanaz Maria , Rodríguez López Aida , de Boer Bauke , Huiting Wouter , Angrand Pierre-Olivier , Vellenga Edo , Kampinga Harm H , Bergink Steven , Martens Joost HA , Schuringa Jan Jacob , van den Boom Vincent
Published: June 2019

Maintenance of epigenetic modifiers is of utmost importance to preserve the epigenome and consequently appropriate cellular functioning. Here, we analyzed Polycomb group protein (PcG) complex integrity in response to heat shock (HS). Upon HS, various Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC)1 and PRC2 subunits, including CBX proteins, but also other chromatin regulators, are found to accumulate in the nucleolus. In parallel, binding of PRC1/2 to target genes is strongly reduced, coinciding with a dramatic loss of H2AK119ub and H3K27me3 marks. Nucleolar-accumulated CBX proteins are immobile, but remarkably both CBX protein accumulation and loss of PRC1/2 epigenetic marks are reversible. This post-heat shock recovery of pan-nuclear CBX protein localization and reinstallation of epigenetic marks is HSP70 dependent. Our findings demonstrate that the nucleolus is an essential protein quality control center, which is indispensable for recovery of epigenetic regulators and maintenance of the epigenome after heat shock.
Are we there yet?
Authors: Swann Nicole
Published: June 2019

Traveling to conferences with children presents a number of logistical and financial challenges.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis ofPP2CAfamily members in response to ABA and osmotic stress inGossypium
Authors: Lu Tingting , Zhang Gaofeng , Wang Yibin , He Shibin , Sun Lirong , Hao Fushun
Published: June 2019

Clade A type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2CAs), as central regulators of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, negative control growth, development and responses to multiple stresses in plants. PP2CA gene families have been characterized at genome-wide levels in several diploid plants likeArabidopsisand rice. However, the information about genome organization, phylogenesis and putative functions of PP2CAs inGossypiumis lacking. Here, PP2CA family members were comprehensively analyzed in fourGossypiumspecies including the diploid progenitorGossypium arboreum,G. raimondiiand the tetraploidG. hirsutumandG. barbadense, and 14, 13, 27, and 23 PP2CA genes were identified in the genomic sequences of these plants, respectively. Analysis results showed that mostGossypiumPP2CAs were highly conserved in chromosomal locations, structures, and phylogeny among the four cotton species. Segmental duplication might play important roles in the formation of thePP2CAs, and most PP2CAs may be under purifying selection inGossypiumduring evolution. The majority of thePP2CAswere expressed specifically in diverse tissues, and highly expressed in flowers inG. hirsutum. TheGhPP2CAsdisplayed diverse expression patterns in responding to ABA and osmotic stress. Yeast-two hybrid assays revealed that many GhPP2CAs were capable of interaction with the cotton ABA receptors pyrabactin resistance1/PYR1-like/regulatory components of ABA receptors (PYR1/PYL/RCAR) GhPYL2-2D (Gh_D08G2587), GhPYL6-2A (Gh_A06G1418), and GhPYL9-2A (Gh_A11G0870) in the presence and/or absence of ABA. These results gave a comprehensive view of theGossypiumPP2CAs and are valuable for further studying the functions of PP2CAs inGossypium.
Deconstructing the Polymerase Chain Reaction II: an improved workflow and effects on artifact formation and primer degeneracy
Authors: Naqib Ankur , Poggi Silvana , Green Stefan J.
Published: June 2019

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of complex microbial genomic DNA templates with degenerate primers can lead to distortion of the underlying community structure due to inefficient primer-template interactions leading to bias. We previously described a method of deconstructed PCR (“PEX PCR”) to separate linear copying and exponential amplification stages of PCR to reduce PCR bias. In this manuscript, we describe an improved deconstructed PCR (“DePCR”) protocol separating linear and exponential stages of PCR and allowing higher throughput of sample processing. We demonstrate that the new protocol shares the same benefits of the original and show that the protocol dramatically and significantly decreases the formation of chimeric sequences during PCR. By employing PCR with annealing temperature gradients, we further show that there is a strong negative correlation between annealing temperature and the evenness of primer utilization in a complex pool of degenerate primers. Shifting primer utilization patterns mirrored shifts in observed microbial community structure in a complex microbial DNA template. We further employed the DePCR method to amplify the same microbial DNA template independently with each primer variant from a degenerate primer pool. The non-degenerate primers generated a broad range of observed microbial communities, but some were highly similar to communities observed with degenerate primer pools. The same experiment conducted with standard PCR led to consistently divergent observed microbial community structure. The DePCR method is simple to perform, is limited to PCR mixes and cleanup steps, and is recommended for reactions in which degenerate primer pools are used or when mismatches between primers and template are possible.
Could do better! A high school market survey of fish labelling in Sydney, Australia, using DNA barcodes
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Rothbart Anna , Frankham Greta , Johnson Rebecca N. , Neaves Linda E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Processed seafood products are not readily identifiable based on physical characteristics, which leaves the industry vulnerable to high levels of product mislabelling (globally estimated at 5–30% mislabelled). This is both a food safety issue and a consumer protection issue as cheaper species could be substituted for more expensive species. DNA barcoding is proving to be a valuable tool for authentication of fish products. We worked with high school students to perform a market survey and subsequent species assessment via DNA barcoding to investigate the accuracy of fish product names used by retailers in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

Sixty-eight fish samples, sold under 50 different common names, were purchased anonymously from two retailers in Sydney. Each product name was recorded and reconciled with the Australian Fish Names Standard (AFNS). Samples were DNA barcoded and resulting sequences were deposited in the online Barcode of Life Data system using the simplified Student Data Portal interface.

Results

Forty percent of the fish names did not comply with the AFNS, however, half of these were either spelling errors or vendors supplied more information than the standard requires. The other half of the non-compliant samples were given common names not listed on the AFNS. Despite this lack of standardization, DNA barcode data confirmed the retailers’ identifications for 93% of samples and 90% of species sampled.

Discussion

The level of mislabelling we report for Sydney retailers (7% of samples or 10% of species) compares favorably with the global rates of 5–30%, but unfavorably with the only previous DNA barcode fish authentication study for Australia, which found no confirmed mislabelling in Hobart. Our study sampled mostly Australian produce, only two retailers and no restaurants. Results of our limited sample suggest that although many Sydney fish retailers attempt to implement the voluntary fish name standards, the standards are inadequate. As Australia imports 75% of its seafood, and in other countries restaurants generally show lower levels of compliance than retailers, broader surveys are needed before generalizing these results. DNA barcoding is a powerful yet simple method supported by accessible online analytical tools. Incorporation of fish barcoding into high school science classes provided students with valuable firsthand experience in scientific research and drew together different strands of the NSW curriculum relating to genetics and sustainability. Given the techniques, equipment, and reagents are now readily accessible, we expect to see greater uptake of DNA barcoding technology by high schools, citizen scientists and consumer groups in Australia in future. However, there remains much scope for further development of DNA barcode diagnostics (both data and analytical methods) for commercial fish species.
Age-related late-onset disease heritability patterns and implications for genome-wide association studies
Authors: Oliynyk Roman Teo
Published: June 2019

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and other computational biology techniques are gradually discovering the causal gene variants that contribute to late-onset human diseases. After more than a decade of genome-wide association study efforts, these can account for only a fraction of the heritability implied by familial studies, the so-called “missing heritability” problem. Computer simulations of polygenic late-onset diseases (LODs) in an aging population have quantified the risk allele frequency decrease at older ages caused by individuals with higher polygenic risk scores (PRSs) becoming ill proportionately earlier. This effect is most prominent for diseases characterized by high cumulative incidence and high heritability, examples of which include Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease, cerebral stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The incidence rate for LODs grows exponentially for decades after early onset ages, guaranteeing that the cohorts used for GWASs overrepresent older individuals with lower PRSs, whose disease cases are disproportionately due to environmental causes such as old age itself. This mechanism explains the decline in clinical predictive power with age and the lower discovery power of familial studies of heritability and GWASs. It also explains the relatively constant-with-age heritability found for LODs of lower prevalence, exemplified by cancers.
Browning Prevention and Sensory Evaluation of Frozen Yam Slices (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata Cv Kponan) of Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: Coulibaly Aïssatou , Degbeu Kouadio Claver , Bekoin Abo Paul Marcelin , Kouakoua Yapi Elisée , Asare Pereko Kingsley Kwadwo , Dabonné Soumaïla , Amani N’Guessan Georges
Published: June 2019

Aim: To prevent enzymatic browning during the freezing of yam slices of the Kponan variety (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata).

Study Design: The experimental set-up was of a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Food Biochemistry and Tropical Products Technology Laboratory (BATPTL), University of Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, between August and December 2018.

Methodology: For this purpose, yam slices were either pretreated with a natural agent (lemon juice solution at different pH) or pretreated and blanched (85 °C for 2 min) and then packed in plastic bags and kept in the freezer at -18°C over a period of 4 weeks. Polyphenoloxidase and Peroxidase activities, Dry matter, rate of browning and sensory attributes of yam slices were determined.

Results: The results showed a decrease in polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities regardless of the treatment. The largest decreases in activity were observed in yam slices that were both pretreated and blanched compared to the control (about 53.49% decrease in the specific activity of the PPOs and 51.46% of POD). The combination of pretreatment and blanching also resulted in lower dry matter yam slices compared to pretreated slices only. After 1 month of storage in the freezer, the lower rates of loss (browning) were recorded for the slices of yams that were both pretreated and blanched compared to the other methods which had very high losses. The pretreated and blanched slices had high dry matter content. The sensory profile of slices processed by the combined technique after one month of freezing had a good appreciation for all sensory characteristics of yam.

Conclusion: In order to have a good product, the combined method is recommended for better freezer storage of yam slices.
Strengthening of Composite Steel-Concrete Beams Openings by Adopting Different Reinforcement Methods
Authors: Makhlouf Mohamed H. , Refat Hala M.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study carried out to investigate the flexural and shear behavior of concrete-steel composite beams with circular web openings strengthened using two different techniques around openings. The experimental program conducted on nine simply supported beams which were constructed with different variables. One steel beam and eight concrete-steel composite beams were experimentally tested. The tested beams are of 1500 mm length and BFI cross section of steel beam but composite beams were BFI steel section connected with concrete slab had 300 mm width and 70 mm depth, while this connection is done by headed stud shear connector. The tested specimens subjected to positive bending were loaded by one or two line load across the width of the concrete slab. The main parameters were the type of beams, web openings effect, location of web openings, strengthening techniques around openings externally CFRP strips and vertical steel links using steel plates placed on the top and bottom surface of beams anchored with fine threads, and number of CFRP strips layers. The effect of these parameters on the failure of modes, ultimate load, first cracking load and deflection were investigated. Moreover, a finite element models were developed by ANSYS (version 14) to simulate all the tested specimens, experimental test results were compared with FE results obtained. The experimental results showed that both strengthening systems applied in this research were remarkably increased the beam strength, and the capacity retrieve of beams without openings. This study approved that steel links technique gave more prominent simplicity of use and low cost. FEM models were in good agreement with the corresponding experimental ones. However, the calculated ultimate loads were slightly higher than the experimental ultimate loads up to 10%.
Perceptions of Ex-convicts on Rehabilitation Programmes in Preparation for Reintegration in Botswana
Authors: Raboloko Boipelo Milly , Maripe Kgosietsile
Published: June 2019

The re-integration of ex-convicts is a concern globally and nationally yet a forgotten phenomenon. It is assumed that families are prepared for the release from custody of their incarcerated member. While the family may be longing to see ex-convict, it may be truamatised by his or her release from prison. The thinking about the known and anticipated behaviour of the ex-convict may affect the acceptance and supported needed by the ex-convict. This may complicate relationship problems and may perpetuate the negative labelling which affects positive integration. The unpreparedness of families and community may be hostile than being in prison leaving the ex-convict with no choice but to re-offend and be reconvicted and at most, a recidivist. As a result of this background, it was necessary to explore the process of re-integration of ex-convicts in Botswana and identify the challenges it poses for the ex-convicts.  The researcher adopted a qualitative approach and interviewed 26 participants which comprised of ex-convicts, community leaders, professionals, and community members. The study was informed by the differential Association theory, the labelling theory, and within the ecological perspective. The findings revealed that the ex-convicts after release face an enormous mountain which is difficult to climb without adequate assistance. It was further established that preparation for release and integration process are inadequate. Furthermore, communities do not have interventions to receive, integrate, and support ex-convicts. Therefore, this paper argues that families and communities must be involved in the rehabilitation processes of prisons and in their release.
Structure‐based control of the rate limitation of photosynthetic electron transport
Authors: Ness Jillian , Naurin Sejuti , Effinger Katherine , Stadnytskyi Valentyn , Ibrahim Iskander M. , Puthiyaveetil Sujith , Cramer William A.
Published: June 2019

The 2.5 Å structure of the cytochrome (cyt) b6f complex provides a basis for control of the rate‐limiting electron transfer step of oxygenic photosynthesis associated with the plastoquinol/quinone exchange pathway. Here, a structural change was made at a site containing two proline residues which border the intra‐cyt pathway for plastoquinol/quinone exchange. The proline side chains confer a larger aperture for passage of plastoquinol/quinone. Change of these prolines to alanine in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 results in attenuation of this rate‐limiting step, observed by a two‐fold reduction in the rate of cell growth, O2 evolution, and plastoquinol‐mediated reduction of cyt f. This study demonstrates modification by site‐directed mutagenesis of photosynthetic energy transduction based on rational application of information in the atomic structure.
Evaluation of Elekta Agility multi‐leaf collimator performance using statistical process control tools
Authors: Meyers Sandra M. , Balderson Michael J. , Létourneau Daniel
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the performance and stability of Elekta Agility multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) leaf positioning using a daily, automated quality control (QC) test based on megavoltage (MV) images in combination with statistical process control tools, and identify special causes of variations in performance.

Methods

Leaf positions were collected daily for 13 Elekta linear accelerators over 11‐37 months using the automated QC test, which analyzes 23 MV images to determine the location of MLC leaves relative to radiation isocenter. Leaf positioning stability was assessed using individual and moving range control charts. Specification levels of ±0.5, ±1, and ±1.5 mm were tested to determine positional accuracy. The durations between out‐of‐control and out‐of‐specification events were determined. Peaks in out‐of‐control leaf positions were identified and correlated to servicing events recorded for the whole duration of data collection.

Results

Mean leaf position error was −0.01 mm (range −1.3–1.6). Data stayed within ±1 mm specification for 457 days on average (range 3–838) and within ±1.5 mm for the entire date range. Measurements stayed within ±0.5 mm for 1 day on average (range 0–17); however, our MLC leaves were not calibrated to this level of accuracy. Leaf position varied little over time, as confirmed by tight individual (mean ±0.19 mm, range 0.09–0.43) and moving range (mean 0.23 mm, range 0.10–0.53) control limits. Due to sporadic out‐of‐control events, the mean in‐control duration was 2.8 days (range 1–28.5). A number of factors were found to contribute to leaf position errors and out‐of‐control behavior, including servicing events, beam spot motion, and image artifacts.

Conclusions

The Elekta Agility MLC model was found to perform with high stability, as evidenced by the tight control limits. The in‐specification durations support the current recommendation of monthly MLC QC tests with a ±1 mm tolerance. Future work is on‐going to determine if performance can be optimized further using high‐frequency QC test results to drive recalibration frequency.
Better Health‐Related Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Predicted by Low Disease Activity State/Remission: Data From the Peruvian Almenara Lupus Cohort
Authors: Ugarte‐Gil Manuel F. , Gamboa‐Cárdenas Rocío V. , Reátegui‐Sokolova Cristina , Medina‐Chinchón Mariela , Zevallos Francisco , Elera‐Fitzcarrald Claudia , Pimentel‐Quiroz Victor , Cucho‐Venegas Jorge M. , Rodríguez‐Bellido Zoila , Pastor‐Asurza César A. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Perich‐Campos Risto
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine if low disease activity state (LDAS)/remission predicts a better health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a single center and having completed at least 2 visits were included. Visits were performed every 6 months. HRQoL was measured with the LupusQoL questionnaire. The definition of remission included a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) score of 0, prednisone daily dosage of ≤5 mg/day, and immunosuppressive drugs on maintenance dose. LDAS was defined as a SLEDAI‐2K score of ≤4, prednisone daily dosage of ≤7.5 mg/day, and immunosuppressive drugs as maintenance therapy. For these analyses, remission and LDAS were combined as one variable. Generalized estimating equations were calculated, using as the outcome 1 of each of the 8 components of the LupusQoL questionnaire in the subsequent visit and the activity state in the previous visit. Multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders.

Results

A total of 243 patients were included. During the follow‐up, 590 visits (61.6%) were categorized as LDAS/remission. LDAS/remission predicted a better HRQoL in the components of physical health (B = 4.17 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20, 7.14]; P = 0.006), pain (B = 6.47 [95% CI 3.18, 9.76]; P < 0.001), planning (B = 4.97 [95% CI 1.43, 8.52]; P = 0.006), burden to others (B = 4.12 [95% CI 0.24, 8.01]; P = 0.037], emotional health (B = 4.50 [95% CI 1.56, 7.44]; P = 0.003), and fatigue (B = 3.25 [95% CI 0.04, 6.47]; P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Being in LDAS/remission predicts a better HRQoL, especially in the components of physical health, pain, planning, burden to others, emotional health, and fatigue.
Elastic Properties of 2D Ultrathin Tungsten Nitride Crystals Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Wang Hong , Sandoz‐Rosado Emil J. , Tsang Siu Hon , Lin Jinjun , Zhu Minmin , Mallick Govind , Liu Zheng , Teo Edwin Hang Tong
Published: June 2019

3D transition metal nitrides are well recognized for their good electrical conductivity, superior mechanical properties, and high chemical stability. Recently, 2D transition metal nitrides have been successfully prepared in the form of nanosheets and show potential application in energy storage. However, the synthesis of highly crystalline and well‐shaped 2D nitrides layers is still in demand for the investigation of their intrinsic physical properties. The present paper reports the growth of ultrathin tungsten nitride crystals on SiO2/Si substrates by a salt‐assisted chemical vapor deposition method. High‐resolution transmission microscopy confirms the as‐grown samples are highly crystalline WN. The stiffness of ultrathin WN is investigated by atomic force microscopy–based nanoindentation with the film suspended on circular holes. The 3D Young's modulus of few‐layer (4.5 nm thick or more) WN is determined to be 3.9 × 102 ± 1.6 × 102 GPa, which is comparable with the best experimental reported values in the 2D family except graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. The synthesis approach presented in this paper offers the possibilities of producing and utilizing other highly crystalline 2D transition‐metal nitride crystals.
Systematic Control of the Orientation of Organic Phosphorescent Pt Complexes in Thin Films for Increased Optical Outcoupling
Authors: Kim Jongchan , Batagoda Thilini , Lee Jaesang , Sylvinson Daniel , Ding Kan , Saris Patrick J. G. , Kaipa Ushasree , Oswald Iain W. H. , Omary Mohammad A. , Thompson Mark E. , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: June 2019

Orienting light‐emitting molecules relative to the substrate is an effective method to enhance the optical outcoupling of organic light‐emitting devices. Platinum(II) phosphorescent complexes enable facile control of the molecular alignment due to their planar structures. Here, the orientation of Pt(II) complexes during the growth of emissive layers is controlled by two different methods: modifying the molecular structure and using structural templating. Molecules whose structures are modified by adjusting the diketonate ligand of the Pt complex, dibenzo‐(f,h)quinoxaline Pt dipivaloylmethane, (dbx)Pt(dpm), show an ≈20% increased fraction of horizontally aligned transition dipole moments compared to (dbx)Pt(dpm) doped into a 4,4′‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl, CBP, host. Alternatively, a template composed of highly ordered 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride monolayers is predeposited to drive the alignment of a subsequently deposited emissive layer comprising (2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octaethyl)‐21H,23H‐porphyrinplatinum(II) doped into triindolotriazine. This results in a 60% increase in horizontally aligned transition dipole moments compared to the film deposited in the absence of the template. The findings provide a systematic route for controlling molecular alignment during layer growth, and ultimately to increase the optical outcoupling in organic light‐emitting diodes.
Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Carboboronation of Allenes: Access to Functionalized Dibenzo [b,f][1,4]oxazepine Derivatives
Authors: Deng Hao , Meng Ziwei , Wang Sifan , Zhang Zheming , Zhang Yaqi , Shangguan Yu , Yang Fazhou , Yuan Dekai , Guo Hongchao , Zhang Cheng
Published: June 2019

A copper‐catalyzed enantioselective three‐component difunctionalization of allenes with seven‐membered cyclic imines and bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2(Pin)2) to approach functionalized dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine derivatives is developed. The chiral products are obtained in up to 81% yield, >20:1 dr, and 98% ee when either a chiral diphosphine ligand or a chiral ferrocenyl‐based P,N‐ligand is used. Furthermore, the reaction exhibits reversed diastereoselectivities when the chiral diphosphine ligand and the chiral P,N‐ligand are used respectively.

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Merging Visible‐Light Photoredox and Organoamine Catalysis for the C‐3 Difluoroalkylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐Ones
Authors: Jin Can , Zhuang Xiaohui , Sun Bin , Li Deyu , Zhu Rui
Published: June 2019

A mild and efficient protocol for visible‐light and organoamine cocatalyzed difluoroalkylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with functionalized difluoromethyl bromides has been developed. The transformation could be carried out at room temperature and gave a variety of C‐3 difluoroalkylated quinoxaline‐2(1H)‐ones in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that this transformation proceeded through a radical‐type debrominative coupling process with only need of catalytic amount of diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA). This strategy featured wide functional group tolerance, excellent regioselectivity, mild conditions, and operational simplicity.
Eye‐Readable Detection and Oxidation of CO with a Platinum‐Based Catalyst and a Binuclear Rhodium Complex
Authors: Qu Jiafu , Cao Yueqiang , Duan Xuezhi , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Chen Dongyun , Lu Jianmei
Published: June 2019

Toxic gases that are colorless and odorless, such as CO, are a major environmental concern and require early detection to prevent serious toxicological effects. In this study, a unique system (Pt/HMSs‐BRC) was fabricated by combining a catalyst (Pt/hollow mesoporous silica spheres, Pt/HMSs) with a silica gel containing an adsorbed chromogenic probe (binuclear rhodium complex, BRC). The process is a simple method to prepare well‐dispersed and uniform Pt nanoparticles. The Pt/HMSs‐BRC materials demonstrated early CO detection and excellent catalytic performance for CO oxidation. The probe exhibited remarkable color modulation from gray‐violet to light‐yellow when exposed to CO concentration levels above 50 ppm, and the color of the chromogenic probe was fully recoverable. By a kinetics‐assisted discrimination method and DFT calculations, it was found that the corner Pt sites are the dominant active sites for CO oxidation.
Dimension‐Matched Zinc Phthalocyanine/BiVO4 Ultrathin Nanocomposites for CO2 Reduction as Efficient Wide‐Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysts via a Cascade Charge Transfer
Authors: Bian Ji , Feng Jiannan , Zhang Ziqing , Li Zhijun , Zhang Yuhang , Liu Yadi , Ali Sharafat , Qu Yang , Bai Linlu , Xie Jijia , Tang Dongyan , Li Xin , Bai Fuquan , Tang Junwang , Jing Liqiang
Published: June 2019

Cascade charge transfer was realized by a H‐bond linked zinc phthalocyanine/BiVO4 nanosheet (ZnPc/BVNS) composite, which subsequently works as an efficient wide‐visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst for converting CO2 into CO and CH4, as shown by product analysis and 13C isotopic measurement. The optimized ZnPc/BVNS nanocomposite exhibits a ca. 16‐fold enhancement in the quantum efficiency compared with the reported BiVO4 nanoparticles at the excitation of 520 nm with an assistance of 660 nm photons. Experimental and theoretical results show the exceptional activities are attributed to the rapid charge separation by a cascade Z‐scheme charge transfer mechanism formed by the dimension‐matched ultrathin (ca. 8 nm) heterojunction nanostructure. The central Zn2+ in ZnPc could accept the excited electrons from the ligand and then provide a catalytic function for CO2 reduction. This Z‐scheme is also feasible for other MPc, such as FePc and CoPc, together with BVNS.
Bis(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐Substituted Subtriazachlorin: A Subphthalocyanine Analogue with Redox Properties
Authors: Wang Yemei , Mori Shigeki , Furuta Hiroyuki , Shimizu Soji
Published: June 2019

Bis(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐substituted subtriazachlorin was formed because of an unusual reaction of a 1,3‐dithiole‐2‐one‐fused subphthalocyanine in a triethylphosphite‐mediated tetrathiafulvalene synthesis. In this novel molecule, the bis(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene)ethane moiety and subtriazachlorin structure are fused, resulting in an electron‐donating ability and broad absorption in the near‐infrared region.
High oxygen permeable Zeolite‐4A poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane for air separation
Authors: Prajapati Pradeep K. , Kansara Ankit M. , Aswal Vinod K. , Singh Puyam S.
Published: June 2019

High oxygen permeability with optimal selectivity of the membrane is required for advancement in air separation membrane technology. Zeolite 4A‐PDMS composite membranes were prepared by incorporation of Zeolite 4A nanoscale crystals during the polymerization process of PDMS membrane using toluene andn‐heptane solvents, and their oxygen gas permeability and selectivity were explored. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique was further used to study the polymer chain conformation and structure of membranes influenced by Zeolite 4A loading. The intersegmental distance between polymer chains and polymer chain aggregation or clustering were found to be increased on increasing the Zeolite 4A content in the membranes. Increment in the O2permeability and O2/N2selectivity were observed for both type of membranes (toluene andn‐heptane) with 1 wt% Zeolite 4A loading. The best performance result with O2/N2selectivity of 2.6, and O2permeability of 1052 Barrer was exhibited by PDMS/toluene membrane loaded with 1 wt% Zeolite 4A. The PDMS/toluene membranes with 10 wt% Zeolite 4A loading exhibited increased O2permeability of 1245 Barrer with a fair O2/N2selectivity of ~1.7, while the PDMS/n‐heptane membrane with the same loading exhibited excellent O2permeability of 6773 Barrer but lesser O2/N2selectivity of ~1.2. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48047.
Bioenergy production using Trichormus variabilis – a review
Authors: Abedi Sepideh , Astaraei Fatemeh R. , Ghobadian Barat , Tavakoli Omid , Jalili Hassan , Chivasa Stephen , Greenwell Hugh Christopher
Published: June 2019

Fossil‐fuel processing and consumption contaminates air, soil, and water resources through the release of hazardous chemicals. The harnessing of renewable energy resources and development of sustainable technologies have become prime targets of research and increased investment to protect the environment. The use of bio‐based feedstocks in energy production provides a valuable pollution‐curbing pathway with sustainability credentials, especially when wastewater is used to provide the nutrient requirements. The filamentous cyanobacterium Trichormus variabilis has attracted substantial attention from researchers due to its potential for dual industrial functions in bioenergy production and bioremediation. This species can use the power of sunlight energy efficiently to fix atmospheric CO2 and to generate valuable chemical compounds, such as carbohydrates and fatty acids, which can be converted to biofuels. As it grows in nutrient‐rich wastewater (industrial effluent) it can serve as a bio‐absorbant and replace costly chemical catalysts and nano‐materials traditionally used for the removal of nutrients and metals. However, no recent review has presented the potential for state‐of‐the‐art T. variabilis‐driven phycoremediation‐bioenergy production systems. This review suggests possible routes from phycoremediation to energy production as a strategy for developing the industrial application of T. variabilis. It brings important research results on this species together and highlights major related challenges and opportunities. It explores the current status of the use of algae in bioremediation and the production of liquid and gaseous fuels utilizing wild‐type and mutants of T. variabilis. Finally, key points underlying the potential for future research on optimization of robust technologies for supplying sustainable bioenergy using this organism are presented. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Genetic association analysis of 5‐HTR2A gene variants in eating disorders in a Mexican population
Authors: Genis‐Mendoza Alma Delia , Ruiz‐Ramos David , López‐Narvaez María Lilia , Tovilla‐Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Rosa García Ana , Cortes Meda Gabriela , Martinez‐Magaña José Jaime , González‐Castro Thelma Beatriz , Juárez‐Rojop Isela Esther , Nicolini Humberto
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The 5‐HTR2A gene has been implicated as candidate gene for eating disorders. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of rs6311 and rs6313 polymorphisms of 5‐HTR2A gene with eating disorders in Mexican population, and to evaluate if the polymorphisms of 5‐HTR2A gene were associated with comorbidities in eating behavior.

Methods

We conducted a case–control analysis with 460 subjects. We included 168 patients with eating disorders and 292 controls; two polymorphisms of 5‐HTR2A gene were genotyped. We assessed the association by allele, genotype, and inheritance models. Psychiatric comorbidities were analyzed by genotype in patients with eating disorders.

Results

We found an association between rs6311 and eating disorders in a Mexican population by allele (OR = 8.09; 95% CI = 5.99–11.03; p = 2.2e‐16) and genotype (OR = 76.14; 95% CI = 35.61–177.18; p = 2.2e‐16). Individuals who carried GG genotype showed increased risk for suicide attempted (OR = 2.14; CI = 1.10–4.26; p = 0.035) as comorbidity associated with eating disorders. No positive associations were observed for rs6313 polymorphism.

Conclusion

Our results showed an association of rs6311 (A1438G) polymorphism of 5‐HTR2A gene with eating disorders, and these polymorphic variants could increase the risk of psychiatric comorbidities. However, more studies are required to replicate the results and to reach to a conclusive association between eating disorders and rs6311.
Plasma Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and serum cortisol levels in a sample of workers exposed to occupational stress and suffering from Adjustment Disorders
Authors: Buselli Rodolfo , Veltri Antonello , Baldanzi Sigrid , Marino Riccardo , Bonotti Alessandra , Chiumiento Martina , Girardi Michelle , Pellegrini Luca , Guglielmi Giovanni , Dell'Osso Liliana , Cristaudo Alfonso
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Decreased plasma BDNF (pBDNF) levels have been proposed as a biomarker in illness phases of mood disorders. Serum cortisol (seC) levels are an index of energy mobilization and stress. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate pBDNF and seC levels in workers exposed to occupational stress and suffering from Adjustment Disorders (AD) compared to healthy workers.

Methods

Plasma BDNF and seC levels were measured by means of specific immunoassays in 64 AD patients and 38 healthy controls. Perceived and occupational stress was evaluated in patients and controls using the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM) and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Psychopatological symptoms in patients were assessed using specific rating scales.

Results

Plasma BDNF levels resulted significantly higher in patients than in controls, whereas no significant differences were found for seC levels. In patients but not in controls pBDNF levels showed a significant positive correlation with seC levels. Perceived stress levels were positively correlated with all psychopatological rating scales scores.

Conclusions

BDNF could play a key role in the pathophysiology of stress‐related disorders and its peripheral levels elevation could contribute to protect neurons under stress. Further research is needed focusing on biomarkers for stress‐related disorders as a potential tool for the diagnosis and prevention of occupational diseases.
Comprehensive genomic profiling of small cell lung cancer in Chinese patients and the implications for therapeutic potential
Authors: Hu Jing , Wang Yu , Zhang Yuan , Yu Yanfei , Chen Hui , Liu Kuai , Yao Ming , Wang Kai , Gu Weiguang , Shou Tao
Published: June 2019

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the deadliest malignancies and accounts for nearly 15% of lung cancers. Previous study had revealed the genomic characterization of SCLC in Western patients. However, little is known about that in Chinese SCLC patients.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor tissues and matched blood samples from 122 Chinese SCLC patients were collected for next generation sequencing to detect 450 cancer‐related genes. All pathological diagnoses were confirmed by independent pathologists.

Results

The most frequently altered genes were TP53 (93.4%), RB1 (78.7%), LRP1B (18.9%), KMT2D (15.6%), FAT1 (11.5%), KMT2C (11.5%), SPTA1 (11.5%), STK24 (11.5%), FAM135B (10.7%), and NOTCH1 (10.7%). The gene fusion/rearrangement detection rate was 16.4%, and mostly occurred in chromosomes 7 and 17. The rate of co‐occurring mutations of TP53 and RB1 in these Chinese SCLC patients was 74.6%, and lower than the reported Western patients (90.9%, P = 0.007). The most common gene mutations (83.6%) were found in cell cycle signaling pathway in Chinese SCLC patients. Mutation of Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in the Chinese cohort were lower than Western cohort (P = 0.0013 and 0.0068). A significant association was found between high tumor mutation burden and mutations involved in FAT1, TP53, SPTA1, KEAP1, KMT2D, MAGI2, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, FLT1, KDM6A, and FAT4.

Conclusions

In this study, we characterized the genomic alterations profile of Chinese SCLC patients. Compared with westerners, the genetic alterations of Chinese SCLC patients presented different patterns. Our data might provide useful information in targeted therapy and drug development for Chinese SCLC patients.
Patent ductus venosus in an infant with direct hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Kamali Leila , Moradi Maryam , Ebrahimian Shadi , Masjedi Esfahani Mahsa , Jafarpishe Mohamad Saleh
Published: June 2019

Patent ductus venosus is caused by a defect in obliteration of ductus venosus after birth. Ductus venosus connects umbilical vein and inferior vena cava during fetal period. Patent ductus venosus is a very rare cause of cholestatic jaundice.
A Sterically Overcrowded, Isopropyl‐Substituted, Lanthanide‐Chelating Tag for Protein Pseudocontact Shift NMR Spectroscopy: Synthesis of its Macrocyclic Scaffold and Benchmarking on Ubiquitin S57 C and hCA II S166 C
Authors: Joss Daniel , Bertrams Maria‐Sophie , Häussinger Daniel
Published: June 2019

A sterically overcrowded lanthanide‐chelating tag has been synthesized in order to investigate the influence on the obtained pseudocontact shifts and the anisotropic part of the magnetic susceptibility tensor compared to those of its predecessor DOTA‐M8‐(4R,4S)‐SSPy. For the first time, a concise synthetic route is presented for isopropyl‐substituted cyclen, the macrocyclic scaffold of the lanthanide‐chelating tag, delivering the macrocycle in an overall yield of 6 % over 11 steps. The geometry of the lutetium complex has been assigned by ROESY experiments, adopting exclusively a Λ(δδδδ) conformation, and DFT calculations have confirmed a stabilization of 32.6 kJ mol−1 compared to the Δ(δδδδ) conformer. The highly rigidified lanthanide‐chelating tag induces strong pseudocontact shifts of up to 6.5 ppm on ubiquitin S57 C, shows significantly improved tensor properties compared to those of its predecessor, and constitutes a highly promising starting point for the further development of lanthanide‐chelating tags.
Scandium Phosphonioketene: Synthesis, Bonding and Reactivity
Authors: Mao Weiqing , Wang Yaya , Xiang Li , Peng Qian , Leng Xuebing , Chen Yaofeng
Published: June 2019

Reaction of a scandium phosphoniomethylidene with carbon monoxide provides the first scandium phosphonioketene (1). X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the complex has a very short Sc−C bond (2.138(2) Å), and DFT calculations indicate that this unusual short bond length is due to the significant contribution of ionic coulomb interaction between carbon and scandium and the η2‐O,C coordination fashion. Complex 1 is thermally stable, albeit shows high reactivity towards a series of unsaturated substrates, including carbon dioxide, ketone, imine, nitrile and isocyanide. In the reaction with tert‐butyl isocyanide, not only an insertion of tert‐butyl isocyanide into the Sc−C bond occur, but also a C−H activation on the phenyl ring. DFT calculations show that the reactivity of 1 operated by nucleophilic properties, and therefore the reaction mechanism favors the nucleophilic attack to isocyanide as a rate‐determining step, followed by the stepwise C−H activation through an interesting C−H deprotonation.