bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Fingerprinting of Defects Sites in Thin Films of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks
Authors: Weckhuysen Bert M. , Öztürk Zafer , Brand Rogier P. , Boereboom Jelle M. , Meirer Florian
Published: March 2019

Surface‐mounted metal–organic frameworks (SURMOFs) are crystalline films of MOFs and have garnered a great deal of attention in the past years. So far, thin‐film MOF research has been mainly focused on the synthesis and the exploration of potential applications of these materials, while a detailed understanding of their growth is still lacking. In this report evidence is provided for the inter‐grown nature of surface‐mounted thin films of Zn‐ZIF‐8 (SURZIF‐8; ZIF=zeolitic imidazolate framework). Two distinct SURZIF‐8 thin films have been made through layer‐by‐layer (LBL) growth after applying 20 and 50 LBL cycles. They have been characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman micro‐spectroscopy. A detailed analysis of the Raman mapping data, inter alia using principal component analysis (PCA), revealed the existence of phase boundaries within the 20‐cycle thin film, while the 50‐cycle thin film is chemically more homogeneous. To further analyze these chemical heterogeneities, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed of three theoretical models providing spectroscopic fingerprints of the molecular vibrations associated with the Zn‐ZIF‐8 thin films. Based on these calculations and the experimental data distinct vibrational markers indicative for the presence of defects sites were identified.
Polyoxometalate‐Based Photochromic Supramolecular Hydrogels with Highly Ordered Spherical and Cylindrical Micellar Nanostructures
Authors: Sun Na , Wu Aoli , Yu Yang , Gao Xinpei , Zheng Liqiang
Published: March 2019

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have attracted much attention in the field of photochromic materials. However, POM‐based photochromic supramolecular hydrogels with high transparency and good photochromic properties are seldom reported. In this work, a homogenous, optically transparent, injectable, and photochromic supramolecular hydrogel was fabricated through the coassembly of ammonium heptamolybdate (Mo7) and an imidazolium‐based zwitterionic amphiphile (3‐(1‐hexadecyl‐3‐imidazolio)propanesulfonate (C16IPS)). The balance between electrostatic attraction and repulsion of Mo7 clusters and zwitterionic amphiphiles enables them to coassemble into a homogenous and transparent supramolecular hydrogel. By adjusting the molar ratio of C16IPS/Mo7, ordered spherical micelle‐based hydrogels and aligned wormlike micelle‐based hydrogels can be obtained. The incorporation of Mo7 into hydrogels endows these hydrogels with excellent photochromic properties. Specifically, after coassembly with C16IPS, the photochromic ability of hydrogels is significantly enhanced compared with that of a pure aqueous solution of Mo7. These hydrogels exhibit great potential applications as photochromic materials for the recording of rewritable information.
A C4N4 Diaminopyrimidine Fluorophore
Authors: Noda Hidetoshi , Asada Yasuko , Maruyama Tatsuro , Takizawa Naoki , Noda Nobuo N. , Shibasaki Masakatsu , Kumagai Naoya
Published: March 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Masakatsu Shibasaki and Naoya Kumagai at the Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), Tokyo. The image depicts the C4N4 unit, which harvests photoenergy and radiates a varied palette of lights. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900467.
Gold‐Catalyzed Cyclisation by 1,4‐Dioxidation
Authors: Claus Vanessa , Molinari Lise , Büllmann Simon , Thusek Jean , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2019

Amide‐substituted diynes were cyclized in the presence of a cationic gold catalyst and an external nucleophile leading to 1‐indenones and 1‐iminoindenones. The electron‐donating features of the nitrogen atom enable the formation of a reactive ketene iminium ion, which can be trapped by either diphenyl sulfoxide or anthranil as nucleophiles in a subsequent oxidation step, providing substituted inden‐1‐on‐3‐carboxamides.
Development of Novel Amides as Noncovalent Inhibitors of Immunoproteasomes
Authors: Ettari Roberta , Cerchia Carmen , Maiorana Santina , Guccione Manuela , Novellino Ettore , Bitto Alessandra , Grasso Silvana , Lavecchia Antonio , Zappalà Maria
Published: March 2019

The development of immunoproteasome‐selective inhibitors is a promising strategy for treating hematologic malignancies, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this context, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of amide derivatives as immunoproteasome inhibitors. Notably, the designed compounds act as noncovalent inhibitors, which might be a promising therapeutic option because of the lack of drawbacks and side effects associated with irreversible inhibition. Among the synthesized compounds, we identified a panel of active inhibitors with Ki values in the low micromolar or sub‐micromolar ranges toward the β5i and/or β1i subunits of immunoproteasomes. One of the active compounds was shown to be the most potent and selective inhibitor with a Ki value of 21 nm against the single β1i subunit. Docking studies allowed us to determine the mode of binding of the molecules in the catalytic site of immunoproteasome subunits.
Automatic mapping of atrial fiber orientations for patient‐specific modeling of cardiac electromechanics using image registration
Authors: Hoermann Julia M. , Pfaller Martin R. , Avena Linda , Bertoglio Cristóbal , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: March 2019

Knowledge of appropriate local fiber architecture is necessary to simulate patient‐specific electromechanics in the human heart. However, it is not yet possible to reliably measure in vivo fiber directions especially in human atria. Thus, we present a method that defines the fiber architecture in arbitrarily shaped atria using image registration and reorientation methods based on atlas atria with fibers predefined from detailed histological observations. Thereby, it is possible to generate detailed fiber families in every new patient‐specific geometry in an automated, time‐efficient process. We demonstrate the good performance of the image registration and fiber definition on 10 differently shaped human atria. Additionally, we show that characteristics of the electrophysiological activation pattern that appear in the atlas atria also appear in the patients' atria. We arrive to analogous conclusions for coupled electro‐mechano‐hemodynamical computations.
Procedures for sensor nodes operation in the secured domain
Authors: Furtak Janusz , Zieliński Zbigniew , Chudzikiewicz Jan
Published: March 2019

Currently, the networks of mobile sensor nodes, which are IoT components, are increasingly a source of data for building situational awareness. Such networks can be a source of data for critical infrastructure systems if, in addition to the timeliness (freshness) of the data, it will also be possible to ensure the reliability of these data. Such requirements are met by a secure domain of sensor nodes, in which all sensor nodes are authenticated, sensitive data is stored in protected resources of sensor nodes, and data exchange in the domain and outside the domain is cryptographically protected. This paper presents the concept of a safe domain of sensor nodes for IoT and describes the data structures necessary to ensure security in the domain and the way of protecting the resources of each node. Particular attention was paid to the procedure of preparing a sensor node for work in a secured domain of sensor nodes.
Cosolvent and Crowding Effects on the Temperature‐ and Pressure‐Dependent Dissociation Process of the α/β‐Tubulin Heterodimer
Authors: Schummel Paul Hendrik , Anders Christian , Jaworek Michel W. , Winter Roland
Published: March 2019

Tubulin is one of the main components of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. The formation of microtubules depends strongly on environmental and solution conditions, and has been found to be among the most pressure sensitive processes in vivo. We explored the effects of different types of cosolvents, such as trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), sucrose and urea, and crowding agents to mimic cell‐like conditions, on the temperature and pressure stability of the building block of microtubules, i. e. the α/β‐tubulin heterodimer. To this end, fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning and pressure perturbation calorimetry as well as fluorescence anisotropy and correlation spectroscopies were applied. The pressure and temperature of dissociation of α/β‐tubulin as well as the underlying thermodynamic parameters upon dissociation, such as volume and enthalpy changes, have been determined for the different solution conditions. The temperature and pressure of dissociation of the α/β‐tubulin heterodimer and hence its stability increases dramatically in the presence of TMAO and the nanocrowder sucrose. We show that by adjusting the levels of compatible cosolutes and crowders, cells are able to withstand deteriorating effects of pressure even up to the kbar‐range.
Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Generation on g‐C3N4 Coupled with Iron Phosphide
Authors: Sun Zhichao , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Shi Chuan , Zhu Mingshan , Wang Anjie , Majima Tetsuro
Published: March 2019

Transition metal phosphides as promising noble metal free cocatalysts are gaining increasing interest for hydrogen generation and other energy conversion reactions. The present study reports a new Fe2P/g‐C3N4 hybrid for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation by water splitting under visible light irradiation. The H2 production rate obtained using this system is approximately 15 times higher than that obtained using pure g‐C3N4, and is comparable with that of Pt/g‐C3N4 under the same conditions. According to detailed studies using UV/Vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopies as well as photoelectrochemical measurements, the reason for the high efficiency of the Fe2P/g‐C3N4 hybrid is due to a highly effective separation and low recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes rather than absorption under visible light. The present study reports a promising non‐toxic photocatalyst with low cost and high natural abundance for improving photocatalytic H2 generation.
Photoswitchable Affinity Reagents: Computational Design and Efficient Red‐Light Switching
Authors: Yasuike Nobuo , Blacklock Kristin M. , Lu Huixin , Jaikaran Anna S. I. , McDonald Sherin , Uppalapati Maruti , Khare Sagar D. , Woolley G. Andrew
Published: March 2019

Photo‐controlled affinity reagents seek to provide modular spatiotemporal control of bioactivity by conferring photo‐switchability of function on an affinity reagent scaffold. Herein we used Rosetta‐based computational methods to screen for sites on the Fynomer affinity reagent structure for attachment of photoswitchable cross‐linkers. Both established UV‐based cross‐linkers (azobenzene‐iodoacetamide (IAC)) and an azonium‐based efficient red‐light‐switchable cross‐linker, piperazino‐tetra‐ortho‐methoxy azobenzene (PIP), were then tested experimentally. Several sites compatible with Fynomer function were identified, including sites showing rapid (<10 s) red light (633 nm) modulation of function. Although a range of overall target binding affinities were observed, the degree of photo‐switchability of Fynomer function was generally small (<twofold). Computational models suggest that local flexibility limits the degree of switching seen in these designs.
Expression and role of regulator of G‐protein signaling 5 in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Abe Yushi , Ogasawara Sachiko , Akiba Jun , Naito Yoshiki , Kondo Reiichiro , Nakamura Ken , Kusukawa Jingo , Yano Hirohisa
Published: March 2019

Regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) 5 acts as a GTPase‐activating protein to negatively regulate G‐protein signaling. RGS5 is reportedly related to the invasion and metastasis of cancers, such as nonsmall lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. We examined RGS5 expression and its relationship with invasion in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue. For immunohistochemical analysis of RGS5, we used SCC tissues of the tongue obtained from 43 patients. We examined the relationship between RGS5 expression in the deepest point of invasion and clinicopathological features. Because the invasion and metastasis of cancers are related to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), we carried out staining for N‐cadherin, vimentin, and E‐cadherin to examine the relationship between EMT and RGS5. RGS5 expression in the deepest point of invasion in SCC of the tongue was observed in 32 cases (75%). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant correlation between RGS5 expression in the aggressive invasion pattern, invasion depth, and lymphovascular invasion. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that high RGS5 expression was associated with postoperative early lymph node metastasis. Further, a significant positive correlation was observed between RGS5 and N‐cadherin (P = 0.0003) and vimentin (P < 0.0001). In contrast, E‐cadherin and RGS5 or vimentin were significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.0001–0.005). The findings indicate that RGS5 expression is related to tumor invasion and EMT in SCC of the tongue and that RGS5 may predict postoperative early lymph node metastasis. Therefore, RGS5 may be a useful prognostic biomarker of the surgically resected SCC and a potential target of molecular therapy for treating SCC of the tongue.
Acantholysis may precede elevation of circulating anti‐desmoglein 3 antibody levels in pemphigus vulgaris presenting with desquamative gingivitis
Authors: Endo Hiroyasu , Rees Terry D. , Niwa Hideo , Kuyama Kayo , Oshima Maya , Serizawa Tae , Tanaka Shigeo , Komiya Masamichi , Ito Takanori
Published: March 2019

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune, blistering disease that affects the mucosa and skin. The current theory favors the concept that anti‐desmoglein (Dsg) 3 autoimmunity is the only pathogenic event needed to induce acantholysis. However, a few cases of active PV in the oral cavity had no detectable anti‐Dsg 3 antibody. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in clinical and laboratory findings, whether or not the anti‐Dsg 3 antibodies were present. This study was based on a retrospective review of 10 PV cases. The evaluation of the circulating autoantibody titers to Dsg 3 was conducted by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An index value of 20 or more was used as the cutoff for a positive reaction. Only five of the 10 PV cases had a positive Dsg 3 ELISA. There were no differences in clinical, cytological, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence findings, whether or not the anti‐Dsg 3 antibodies were present. Of the five patients with a negative reaction at the time of diagnosis, the Dsg 3 ELISA became positive in the follow‐up period in three cases. In the remaining two cases, the Dsg 3 ELISA was consistently negative for 18 months. Dsg 3 ELISA was negative early in some PV cases. Therefore, PV acantholysis may precede the elevation of circulating anti‐Dsg 3 antibody levels. The diagnosis of PV should be considered based on comprehensive clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescent criteria.
Solar Cells Sensitized with Porphyrin Dyes Containing Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Units: A High Efficiency Beyond 12 %
Authors: Lu Yunyue , Liu Qingyun , Luo Jiaxin , Wang Bo , Feng Tong , Zhou Xiaoyi , Liu Xinyu , Xie Yongshu
Published: March 2019

A series of new porphyrin dyes (XW42–XW44) containing oligo(ethylene glycol) units have been designed and synthesized. Two triethylene glycol units were introduced into the phenothiazine moiety of XW42, whereas diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol chains were introduced to afford XW43 and XW44, respectively. Interestingly, the efficiencies of the DSSCs were clearly dependent on the chain lengths. Among the three dyes, XW42 and XW43 exhibited relatively high open‐circuit voltages of 751 and 750 mV, respectively, and XW43 exhibited the highest efficiency of 10.32 % owing to the presence of the DEG chains with suitable lengths and excellent ability to trap Li+. Furthermore, through a combined coadsorption and cosensitization approach, the efficiencies were dramatically enhanced. As a result, a highest efficiency of 12.10 % was obtained for the XW43+chenodeoxycholic acid+PT‐C6 (a metal‐free organic dye) system, which ranks among the highest efficiencies of cells based on the traditional iodine electrolyte.
Can we condition native plants to increase drought tolerance and improve restoration success?
Authors: Valliere Justin M. , Zhang Jacqueline , Sharifi M. Rasoul , Rundel Phillip W.
Published: March 2019

A common method in ecological restoration is the transplanting of nursery‐grown seedlings to the field and, with proper resources, this technique can be highly successful. However, stressors such as drought may negatively impact plant performance and restoration success, especially in dryland ecosystems. Furthermore, increasing environmental change may hamper the ability of practitioners to restore native vegetation. A growing body of research suggests that exposing plants to a stressor may improve tolerance to subsequent stress events later in life. We sought to understand if such a phenomenon could be exploited in order to improve plant drought‐tolerance and aid native plant restoration in southern California. In a multi‐phase experiment, we first exposed seedlings of native perennials to episodic drought and then later compared the response of these plants to a second drought event to that of well‐watered controls. We also transplanted replicates of both treatments to a restoration site in the field to test whether exposure to drought as a seedling could improve plant performance. Plant species responded to drought differently, with species exhibiting the full range of positive, neutral, and negative responses to temporal variability in water stress. However, some species appeared to benefit from drought preconditioning, exhibiting greater growth and increased water‐use efficiency compared to well‐watered plants. This suggests that simple applications of stress treatments could improve plant growth and stress tolerance, but the success of this method is likely very species specific. Restoration practitioners should consider conducting pilot studies with target plant species to better understand if this technique could assist in achieving restoration goals.
Optimizing treatment outcomes in adolescents with eating disorders: The potential role of cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Craig Mirin , Waine Joanne , Wilson Scott , Waller Glenn
Published: March 2019

Objective

While family‐based treatment (FBT) is the leading psychological therapy for adolescents with eating disorders, it is not universally effective or suitable. This study considered the effectiveness of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT‐ED) in adolescent cases where FBT was not fully effective or where it was not applicable to the individual case.

Method

A transdiagnostic case series of 54 adolescents with eating disorders (52% with anorexia nervosa; 31% with atypical anorexia nervosa) were offered CBT‐ED following previous treatment using FBT or following FBT being judged inappropriate. Pre‐post outcomes were assessed using standardized measures of eating attitudes and clinical impairment, and weight change was measured for the patients with anorexia nervosa.

Results

The rate of attrition was similar to that found in other CBT‐ED studies (38.9% of patients who started CBT‐ED; 59.3% of those offered CBT‐ED). The patients showed positive outcomes on all measures, regardless of whether they had previously been treated with FBT. Effect sizes were moderate to large. Severity and duration of the eating disorder were unrelated to outcomes.

Discussion

CBT‐ED merits consideration as a second‐line approach for adolescents with eating disorders when FBT has not been effective or could not be applied. There is no evidence that previous failure to benefit from FBT impairs outcome from subsequent CBT‐ED, and severity and duration of the eating disorder did not influence outcome. Treatment matching for adolescents with eating disorders might consider the role of previous treatment outcomes and family availability in determining optimum treatment strategies for individuals.
Postglacial colonization history reflects in the genetic structure of natural populations of Festuca rubra in Europe
Authors: von Cräutlein Maria , Leinonen Päivi H. , Korpelainen Helena , Helander Marjo , Väre Henry , Saikkonen Kari
Published: March 2019

We conducted a large‐scale population genetic survey of genetic diversity of the host grass Festuca rubra s.l., which fitness can be highly dependent on its symbiotic fungus Epichloë festucae, to evaluate genetic variation and population structure across the European range. The 27 studied populations have previously been found to differ in frequencies of occurrence of the symbiotic fungus E. festucae and ploidy levels. As predicted, we found decreased genetic diversity in previously glaciated areas in comparison with nonglaciated regions and discovered three major maternal genetic groups: southern, northeastern, and northwestern Europe. Interestingly, host populations from Greenland were genetically similar to those from the Faroe Islands and Iceland, suggesting gene flow also between those areas. The level of variation among populations within regions is evidently highly dependent on the postglacial colonization history, in particular on the number of independent long‐distance seed colonization events. Yet, also anthropogenic effects may have affected the population structure in F. rubra. We did not observe higher fungal infection rates in grass populations with lower levels of genetic variability. In fact, the fungal infection rates of E. festucae in relation to genetic variability of the host populations varied widely among geographical areas, which indicate differences in population histories due to colonization events and possible costs of systemic fungi in harsh environmental conditions. We found that the plants of different ploidy levels are genetically closely related within geographic areas indicating independent formation of polyploids in different maternal lineages.
Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy is associated with loss of tolerance to profilin
Authors: Orchard Paul J. , Nascene David R. , Gupta Ashish , Taisto Mandy E. , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd W. , Lund Troy C.
Published: March 2019

Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) is a devastating manifestation of ALD accompanied by demyelination, inflammation, and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption with shared characteristics of an auto‐immune disease. We utilized plasma samples pre‐ and postdevelopment of cALD to determine the presence of specific auto‐antibodies. Mass spectrometry of protein specifically bound with post‐cALD plasma antibody identified Profilin1 (PFN1) as the target. In a screen of 94 boys with cALD 48 (51%) had anti‐PFN1 antibodies, whereas only 2/29 boys with ALD but without cerebral disease, and 0/30 healthy controls showed anti‐PFN1 immunoreactivity. Cerebral spinal fluid from those with cALD showed higher levels of PFN1 protein compared with non‐cALD samples (324 ± 634 versus 42 ± 23 pg/mL, p = 0.04). Boys that were anti‐PFN positive had a significant increase in the amount of gadolinium signal observed on MRI when compared to boys that were anti‐PFN1 negative (p = 0.04) possibly indicating increased BBB disruption. Anti‐PFN1 positivity was also associated with elevated levels of very long chain fatty acids (C26 of 1.12 ± 0.41 versus 0.97 ± 0.30 mg/dL, p = 0.03) and increased plasma BAFF (973 ± 277 versus 733 ± 269 pg/mL, p = 0.03). In conclusion, anti‐PFN may be a novel biomarker associated with the development of cALD in boys with ALD.
Diastereoselective Electrophile‐Directed Alkylations
Authors: Kumar Chepuri V. Suneel , Holyoke Caleb W. , Fleming Fraser F.
Published: March 2019

Electrophile‐directed alkylations in which a chiral, sp3‐hybridized electrophile, dictates the facial attack on a prochiral nucleophile, provides a powerful method of asymmetric induction. The strategy is inherently efficient because the asymmetry of an sp3‐hybridized electrophile is propagated to install two contiguous chiral centers, the first through an SN2 displacement and the second through preferential facial recognition. The two primary modes of topological matching are through steric approach control and chelation between the electrophile and nucleophile. Electrophiles capable of chelation generally induce higher diastereoselectivity for secondary and primary electrophiles. Key parameters that influence the stereoselectivity are those expected for enolate/anion alkylations: solvent, cation, complexing agents. A generalized enolate‐electrophile alkylation model is used to provide an evaluative framework for collecting related alkylations with the aim of providing insight into the origin of the electrophile‐directed diastereoselectivity as a powerful synthetic strategy.
Dielectrophoretic cell trapping for improved surface plasmon resonance imaging sensing
Authors: Costella Marion , Avenas Quentin , Frénéa‐Robin Marie , Marchalot Julien , Bevilacqua Pascal , Charette Paul G. , Canva Michael
Published: March 2019

The performance of conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors can be limited by the diffusion of the target analyte to the sensor surface. This work presents an SPR biosensor that incorporates an active mass‐transport mechanism based on dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic flow to enhance analyte transport to the sensor surface and reduce the time required for detection. Both these phenomena rely on the generation of AC electric fields that can be tailored by shaping the electrodes that also serve as the SPR sensing areas. Numerical simulations of electric field distribution and microparticle trajectories were performed to choose an optimal electrode design. The proposed design improves on previous work combining SPR with DEP by using face‐to‐face electrodes, rather than a planar interdigitated design. Two different top‐bottom electrode designs were experimentally tested to concentrate firstly latex beads and secondly biological cells onto the SPR sensing area. SPR measurements were then performed by varying the target concentrations. The electrohydrodynamic flow enabled efficient concentration of small objects (3 μm beads, yeasts) onto the SPR sensing area, which resulted in an order of magnitude increased SPR response. Negative dielectrophoresis was also used to concentrate HEK293 cells onto the metal electrodes surrounded by insulating areas, where the SPR response was improved by one order of magnitude.
Nonuniform Redistribution of Sulfur and Lithium upon Cycling: Probing the Origin of Capacity Fading in Lithium–Sulfur Pouch Cells
Authors: Kong Long , Jin Qi , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhao Li‐Da , Li Peng , Li Bo‐Quan , Peng Hong‐Jie , Zhang Xitian , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have emerged as a promising candidate for the next‐generation high‐energy‐density system for energy‐demanding applications. Despite innovations in concepts and materials that significantly improve the electrochemical performance of coin cells, Li–S pouch cells have the disadvantages of short cycle life and inferior rate capability in comparison with coin cells. Bridging the fundamentals of Li–S chemistry to the hindrance on its practical application is of great importance for the development of Li–S batteries. Herein, the nonuniformity of the distribution of sulfur and lithium upon cycling is probed as one of the origins for the rapid capacity fading in a Li–S pouch cell. In particular, the nonuniform evolution of sulfur/lithium distribution impairs the discharge capacity of a low‐voltage plateau. Lithium polysulfide intermediates produced on discharge tend to diffuse toward the bottom of a pouch cell, leading to agglomeration of sulfur and thus passivating the cathode. The migration of polysulfides also etches lithium away from the central region of the anode and induces nonuniform anode pulverization. Herein, the importance of a rational design of a pouch cell to mitigate the nonuniform redistribution of the active material toward stable Li–S pouch cells is highlighted.
Unraveling the contemporary drivers of renewable energy consumption: Evidence from regime types
Authors: Yahya Farzan , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: March 2019

The detrimental effect of climate change and pollutant emissions has shifted the attention of researchers and policymakers toward renewable energy resources. To unravel the underexplored determinants of renewable energy consumption, this study examines the individual and combined effect of innovativeness, regulatory quality, trade openness, and tax attractiveness after controlling for per capita GDP, financial liberalization, inflation, and political stability. In addition, system‐generalized method of moments estimator is utilized to reduce endogeneity bias in the model. A broader sample size of 85 countries is investigated and further divides it into four sub‐panels on the basis of regime types (full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid, and authoritarian regime). The findings indicate that innovativeness, regulatory quality, and trade openness are the major drivers of renewable energy consumption in global panel. The combined effect of innovativeness and regulatory policy is also statistically significant on renewable energy consumption. Furthermore, tax attractiveness positively moderates the relationship between trade openness and renewable energy consumption. The results differ across sub‐panels; however, the observed factors explain more variation in renewable energy consumption for full democracy and flawed democracy panels. It is suggested that economies should be shifted from authoritarianism to democracy to improve their public, industrial, trade, and tax policies which may help them to boost the consumption and production of clean energy. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Experimental investigation of the performance and emissions of a diesel engine fuelled by blends containing diesel s10, pyrolysis oil from used tires and biodiesel from waste cooking oil
Authors: Pinto Gabriel M. , de Souza Túlio A. Z. , Coronado Christian J. R. , Flôres Luiz Fernando V. , Chumpitaz Germán R. A. , da Silva Marcos H.
Published: March 2019

Using tire‐derived fuels can offer an alternative solution for tackling the problem of tire disposal. Similarly, biodiesel from waste cooking oil allows for the reduction of most environmental impacts caused by the incorrect disposal of oil. Thus, an analysis of blends containing traditional diesel, different amounts of pyrolysis oil from used tires and biodiesel from waste cooking oil has been proposed herein, with the aim of investigating the feasibility of using them in a diesel engine and analyzing their emissions and power in comparison with traditional diesel fuel. Tests were carried out using a single‐cylinder diesel engine with a maximum rated power of 5.6 kW and its emissions were measured with a gas analyzer. The results revealed that using small amounts of tire pyrolysis oil in the blends (up to 5%) leads to a very small decrease in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) while emitting fewer CO and NOx pollutants, when compared to neat diesel. However, adding higher quantities of tire‐pyrolysis oil causes a notable loss in BTE while increasing CO, decreasing NOx and emitting considerably more sulfur. Finally, replacing portions of diesel with biodiesel in diesel‐tire pyrolysis oil blends decreased CO, but at the cost of increasing NOx emissions. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Effect of different hydrogen blending ratios on combustion process of gasoline‐fueled rotary engine
Authors: Pan Jianfeng , Lu Yao , Huang Mingcai , Otchere Peter , Chen Wei , Fan Baowei
Published: March 2019

The pre‐eminent gasoline rotary engine may be criticized for its unsatisfactory fuel consumption rate and unburnt emissions. The clean and renewable hydrogen fuel is a promising alternative for conventional fuels to improve the combustion process and power performance of the rotary engine. In this article, highly advanced numerical simulation was used to obtain some pivotal results such as the distribution of combustion intermediates, the turbulent kinetic energy, the kinetic rate of reactions, and the fuel concentration fields which are difficult to experimentally achieve. An experimentally validated three‐dimensional dynamic simulation model of a rotary engine coupled with chemical kinetics skeletal mechanism was set up to exactly investigate the effects of hydrogen blending on the combustion process, power performance, and pollutant emissions. The results showed that with the increase of hydrogen mixing ratio, the average pressure and the peak pressure increased in the combustion process. Meanwhile, more combustion active intermediates were generated in both the flame development period and flame propagation period. The mass fraction of OH and H radicals has an increase of 36% and 34%, respectively. The fuel combustion rate rose and the turbulent kinetic energy increased which are conducive to improving flame diffusion in the rear part of the chamber and thus facilitate the complete combustion of the fuel. Moreover, the hydrogen blending led to an effective reduction in the CO emission of gasoline‐fueled rotary engine; however, the NO emission slightly increased due to the rise of temperature in cylinder. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
From potential to practical: conserving bees in urban public green spaces
Authors: Turo Katherine J , Gardiner Mary M
Published: March 2019

The documentation of many rare or declining bee species in urban green spaces has led to a recent focus on cities as conservation targets. However, for pollinator conservation to succeed long term, we argue that the opinions and values of local community members must be prioritized more explicitly. In our experience, conservation is difficult to achieve when the aesthetic and safety concerns of urban residents are not reconciled with the goals and habitat designs of conservation practitioners. Similarly, from a bee ecology perspective, many questions concerning optimal design and management practices for pollinator habitats in cities remain unresolved. It is our hope that frank discussion of the challenges associated with urban pollinator conservation in public green spaces will inspire thoughtful consideration of how best to implement new initiatives in cities.
Alien versus native species as drivers of recent extinctions
Authors: Blackburn Tim M , Bellard Céline , Ricciardi Anthony
Published: March 2019

Native plants and animals can rapidly become superabundant and dominate ecosystems, leading to claims that native species are no less likely than alien species to cause environmental damage, including biodiversity loss. We compared how frequently alien and native species have been implicated as drivers of recent extinctions in a comprehensive global database, the 2017 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Alien species were considered to be a contributing cause of 25% of plant extinctions and 33% of animal extinctions, whereas native species were implicated in less than 5% and 3% of plant and animal extinctions, respectively. When listed as a putative driver of recent extinctions, native species were more often associated with other extinction drivers than were alien species. Our results offer additional evidence that the biogeographic origin, and hence evolutionary history, of a species are determining factors of its potential to cause disruptive environmental impacts.
Development of marama bean, an orphan legume, as a crop
Authors: Cullis Christopher , Lawlor David W. , Chimwamurombe Percy , Bbebe Nchimunya , Kunert Karl , Vorster Juan
Published: March 2019

Advances have been recently made in the breeding and characterization of three major legume crops of the semiarid tropics, chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut. However, other wild‐growing legumes, called “orphan legumes,” with potential as crops, but are not yet cultivated would benefit from further attention. This review considers the domestication of one such plant, marama bean (Tylosema esculentum). Marama has long been recognized as a potential crop particularly for southern Africa, but coordinated, long‐term research and development has been lacking. Marama is a perennial, outcrossing hexaploid, growing under extreme conditions in a restricted geographic range; only natural stands exist that are likely to be overexploited. Marama has two potential units of economic yield, seed and tuber. The seed is protein‐ and oil‐rich, with potential in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries while the tuber is high in carbohydrates. In this review, the different aspects of bringing a wild plant into cultivation are considered, together with the additional socioeconomic benefits of developing a breeding program. An international collaboration is analyzing aspects of the plant structure and physiology, molecular biology, and its interactions with environment with a view to developing marama as a crop, with a role in food security, that could be harvested by local communities. Molecular topics considered include next‐generation sequencing for developing molecular maps, genotyping by sequencing, identification of quantitative trait loci for important agronomic traits, protein quality, and incompatibility mechanisms. To achieve domestication requires seed gardens and fields, and the phenotyping of marama material from different locations. Community engagement will also ensure agronomic sustainability and farmer participation. This review describes an approach for a successful outcome of a breeding program to introduce improved marama and highlights the challenges in achieving this, which is a paradigm for the difficulties in the cultivation of “orphan species.”
A Late Carboniferous–Early Permian back‐arc basin in the southeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraint from sedimentological and geochronological investigations of the Shoushangou Formation in the central Inner Mongolia
Authors: Wang Biren , Zhou Zhiguang , Yang Xiaosong , Li Shucai , Zhou Yi , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Huachuan
Published: March 2019

The Solonker Suture Zone was formed during the closure process of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean (PAO). In order to better constrain its tectonic setting and evolution history in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian, we conducted an integrated study of the Shoushangou Formation in the central Inner Mongolia, involving the sedimentological features, depositional age, and detrital zircon populations. Our results indicate that the Shoushangou Formation was deposited in ca. 320–280 Ma, overlain by the Dashizhai Formation with ages of ca. 280–274 Ma, and the 330‐ to 280‐Ma detrital age data almost serve as the entire age component of this formation. Also, its stratigraphic reconstruction shows a coarsening‐upward marine sequence upwards, which is characterized by sandstone turbidites with a Bouma sequence and the numerous tuff involvements in the lower strata, showing a deep marine environment and synchronous volcanism. Integrating previous data and our results, with a gradually deepening water depth and a geographic variation, detrital zircon age spectra from the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian sequence show distinct differences, and a marked shift of multiple resources to a single source occurred in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian. These clues suggest an active marginal setting and a northward‐dipping subduction during this period in the north side of the PAO, and we further attribute such a source variation to the spreading of a marine back‐arc basin after the amalgamation of the Uliastai Active Continental Margin with the Northern Accretionary Orogen. The Shoushangou Formation was the direct depositional response to such a back‐arc basin.
Resting‐state fMRI effective connectivity between the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala nuclei
Authors: Hofmann David , Straube Thomas
Published: March 2019

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the laterobasal nucleus (LB), centromedial nucleus (CM), and superficial nucleus (SF) of the amygdala form an interconnected dynamical system, whose combined activity mediates a variety of behavioral and autonomic responses in reaction to homeostatic challenges. Although previous research provided deeper insight into the structural and functional connections between these nuclei, studies investigating their resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity were solely based on undirected connectivity measures. Here, we used high‐quality data of 391 subjects from the Human Connectome Project to estimate the effective connectivity (EC) between the BNST, the LB, CM, and SF through spectral dynamic causal modeling, the relation of the EC estimates with age and sex as well as their stability over time. Our results reveal a time‐stable asymmetric EC structure with positive EC between all amygdala nuclei, which strongly inhibited the BNST while the BNST exerted positive influence onto all amygdala nuclei. Simulation of the impulse response of the estimated system showed that this EC structure shapes partially antagonistic (out of phase) activity flow between the BNST and amygdala nuclei. Moreover, the BNST‐LB and BNST‐CM EC parameters were less negative in males. In conclusion, our data points toward partially separated information processing between BNST and amygdala nuclei in the resting‐state.
Incidence and risk factors of interstitial lung disease of patients with head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab
Authors: Nakano Kenji , Seto Akira , Sasaki Toru , Shimbashi Wataru , Fukushima Hirofumi , Yonekawa Hiroyuki , Mitani Hiroki , Takahashi Shunji
Published: March 2019

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is known as a potentially severe adverse event associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapy. The incidence and risk factors of ILD in patients with head and neck squamous cancer (HNSCC) treated with cetuximab, an anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody, have not been established.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with HNSCC who received cetuximab from December 2012 to December 2016 at our institute and evaluated the incidence and risk factors of ILD.

Results

Of the 201 patients with HNSCC, ILD was observed in 9 patients (4.5%), 8 of whom had grade 3 or higher. High Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) and ≥50 pack‐years of smoking were significantly predictive of associated with ILD (P = 0.00011 and 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

The incidence of ILD in patients with HNSCC treated with cetuximab was <5%, but most of the ILD cases were severe. High KL‐6 and smoking histories might be predictive for ILD among patients with HNSCC.
Squamous cell carcinoma antigen concentration in fine needle aspiration samples: A new method to detect cervical lymph node metastases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: van Schaik Jeroen E. , Muller Kobold Anna C. , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , van der Vegt Bert , van Hemel Bettien M. , Plaat Boudewijn E. C.
Published: March 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the additional diagnostic value of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC‐Ag) in cervical lymph node fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples for the detection of regional metastases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

In 149 FNA samples of 114 patients, SCC‐Ag concentration was retrospectively analyzed and associated with diagnosis to establish a cutoff concentration in relation to sensitivity and specificity of HNSCC detection.

Results

SCC‐Ag was elevated in lymph nodes from patients with HNSCC compared to lymph nodes from other patients (P < 0.01). With 0.3 μg/L as the cutoff concentration, SCC‐Ag has 96% sensitivity for detecting HNSCC.

Conclusions

SCC‐Ag in FNA is a reliable test for detecting HNSCC in cervical lymph nodes.
Targeting RIPK1 in AML cells carrying FLT3‐ITD
Authors: Hillert Laura K. , Bettermann‐Bethge Kira , Nimmagadda Subbaiah Chary , Fischer Thomas , Naumann Michael , Lavrik Inna N.
Published: March 2019

Mutations of fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are the most frequent mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Furthermore, the internal tandem duplication (ITD) represents the most common mutation of FLT3 in AML. To explore therapeutic strategies for AML patients carrying FLT3‐ITD, we analyzed death receptor (DR) signaling networks in AML cells comprising FLT3‐ITD. We have started with murine myeloid progenitor 32D cells that ectopically express human FLT3‐ITD (32D‐ FLT3‐ITD) and found that RIPK1 is strongly upregulated in these cells. Subsequently, we have shown that combinatorial treatment of 32D‐FLT3‐ITD cells with the SMAC mimetic BV6 and CD95L sensitizes these cells toward apoptosis and necroptosis. Moreover, combinatorial treatment with death ligands (DLs), for example, CD95L or tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and BV6 enhanced cell death in primary AML blasts from patients carrying FLT3‐ITD mutation. Finally, pharmacological and genetic targeting of RIPK1 inhibited DL/BV6‐mediated cell death in cells with FLT3‐ITD mutations. Taken together, our study suggests a promising therapeutic opportunity for AML cancer cells harboring FLT3‐ITD mutation via targeting RIPK1 pathways.
Lack of Association Between Select Circulating miRNAs and Bone Mass, Turnover, and Fractures: Data From the OFELY Cohort
Authors: Feurer Elodie , Kan Casina , Croset Martine , Sornay-Rendu Elisabeth , Chapurlat Roland
Published: March 2019

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by the occurrence of fragility fracture with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have raised interest as regulators of translational repression, mediating a number of key processes, including bone tissue in both physiological and diseased states. The aim of this study was to examine the serum levels of 32 preselected miRNAs with reported function in bone and their association with osteoporotic fracture. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses from the OFELY Cohort. Serum levels of the miRNAs were quantified by qRT-PCR in 682 women: 99 premenopausal and 583 postmenopausal women, with 1 and 122 women with prevalent fragility fractures in each group, respectively. We have collected clinical variables (such as age, prevalent, and incident fractures), bone turnover markers (BTMs), BMD by dual X-ray absorptiometry, and bone microarchitecture with HRpQCT. We observed a number of miRNAs to be associated with fragility fractures (prevalent or incident), BTMs, BMD, and microarchitecture. This effect, however, was negated after age adjustment. This may be because age was also strongly associated with the serum levels of the 32 miRNAs (correlation coefficient up to 0.49), confirming previous findings. In conclusion, in a well-characterized prospective cohort with a sizeable sample size, we found no evidence that these 32 preselected miRNAs were not associated with BTMs, BMD, microarchitecture, and or fragility fractures. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.