bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstraction and Informality Generate a New Aesthetic An Interview with Kazuyo Sejima
Authors: Reisner Yael
Published: September 2019

Some believe that creating iconic architecture is done from the outside in, yet Tokyo‐based practice SANAA designs from the inside out, allowing opportunities for spatial flexibility for the users of their buildings to discover over time. Guest‐Editor Yael Reisner interviewed co‐founder Kazuyo Sejima to reveal the practice's approach to architectural beauty – a world of elegant minimalism, diffused light and new formal abstraction.
New Solids and Massive Forms
Authors: Dubbeldam Winka
Published: September 2019

Digital manufacturing has facilitated opportunities of surface patterning and the fabrication of one‐off special building components, removing the constraints of standardisation in the construction industry. Winka Dubbeldam, Chair and Miller Professor of Architecture at PennDesign at the University of Pennsylvania, expresses her current interest in massive architectural objects, as opposed to minimal forms, that instead of being an agglomeration of orthogonal planes and straight lines, are full bodied and sometimes voluptuous.
The Geometry of Seduction: Considerations of Beauty from Noun to Verb
Authors: Garcia David A
Published: September 2019

Can the noun ‘beauty’ be repurposed as a verb? Can beauty manifest itself in the act of making architecture to become a ‘doing word’? David A Garcia thinks so. His notion of beauty is illustrated through his recent work as Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (KADK) and with his practice MAP Architects, which uses art and technology to produce architecture in extreme arctic environments.
Guided‐Mode Resonances in All‐Dielectric Terahertz Metasurfaces
Authors: Han Song , Rybin Mikhail V. , Pitchappa Prakash , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Kivshar Yuri S. , Singh Ranjan
Published: September 2019

Coupling of diffracted waves in gratings with the waveguide modes gives rise to the guided mode resonances (GMRs). The GMRs provide designer linewidth and resonance intensity amidst a broad background, and thus have been widely used for numerous applications in visible and infrared spectral regions. Here, terahertz GMRs are demonstrated in low‐loss, all‐dielectric metasurfaces, which are periodic square lattices of silicon cuboids on quartz substrates. The silicon cuboid lattice simultaneously acts as a diffraction grating and an in‐plane slab waveguide, thereby resulting in the formation of terahertz GMRs. At oblique incidence, two distinct frequency detuned GMRs are observed. The frequency difference between these two GMRs increases at larger angle of incidence. However, extremely small angle of incidence causes destructive interference between these counter‐propagating GMRs that leads to a nonradiative symmetry‐protected bound state in the continuum. GMRs in all‐dielectric silicon metasurfaces can have potential applications in the realization of efficient terahertz devices such as high‐Q transmission filters with angular spectral selectivity, ultrafast modulators, and free‐space couplers.
All‐Solid‐State Printed Bipolar Li–S Batteries
Authors: Kim Se‐Hee , Kim Jung‐Hui , Cho Sung‐Ju , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: September 2019

Despite their potential advantages over currently widespread lithium‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are not yet in practical use. Here, for the first time bipolar all‐solid‐state Li–S batteries (ASSLSBs) are demonstrated that exhibit exceptional safety, flexibility, and aesthetics. The bipolar ASSLSBs are fabricated through a solvent‐drying‐free, ultraviolet curing‐assisted stepwise printing process at ambient conditions, without (high‐temperature/high‐pressure) sintering steps that are required for inorganic electrolyte‐based all‐solid‐state batteries. Two thermodynamically immiscible and nonflammable gel electrolytes based on ethyl methyl sulfone (EMS) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) are used to address longstanding concerns regarding the grain boundary resistance of conventional inorganic solid electrolytes, as well as the polysulfide shuttle effect in Li–S batteries. The EMS gel electrolytes embedded in the sulfur cathodes facilitate sulfur utilization, while the TEGDME gel composite electrolytes serve as polysulfide‐repelling separator membranes. Benefiting from the well‐designed cell components and printing‐driven facile processability, the resulting bipolar ASSLSBs exhibit unforeseen advancements in bipolar cell configuration, safety, foldability, and form factors, which lie far beyond those achievable with conventional Li–S battery technologies.
Diffusion kinetics of CO2 in amine‐impregnated MIL‐101, alumina, and silica adsorbents
Authors: Gelles Teresa , Rezaei Fateme
Published: September 2019

CO2 sorption kinetics of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)‐impregnated MIL‐101, γ‐alumina, and UVM‐7 silica were investigated by the zero‐length column technique for the purpose of understanding the effect of amine content, adsorbent porosity, and adsorption temperature on CO2 sorption rates. Each of the adsorbents was impregnated with three different amine contents (20, 35, and 50 wt%) and the effective diffusion time constants were determined at 25°C. For each respective adsorbent, it was found that increasing the amine content results in diminished diffusion rates. Additionally, it was found that the pore size of the support has a profound effect on diffusional kinetics, where microporous MIL‐101 yielded substantially slow desorption rates upon amine‐functionalization compared to mesoporous γ‐alumina. PEI‐impregnated UVM‐7 silica was further investigated at 50 and 75°C in order to provide insight into the effect of temperature on sorption kinetics. The results indicated that PEI‐impregnated UVM‐7 exhibited faster sorption kinetics at higher temperatures. Upon desorption, PEI‐UVM‐7 silica exhibited two distinct regions of mass‐transfer control that occur at different sorption times. This is best explained by first the occurrence of surface diffusion followed by diffusion out of the bulky PEI polymer chains. The findings of this study provide novel kinetic characterizations on promising amino‐adsorbents for carbon capture applications.
COSMO‐UNIFAC model for ionic liquids
Authors: Dong Yichun , Huang Shuai , Guo Yanyan , Lei Zhigang
Published: September 2019

The united chemical thermodynamic model, that is, COSMO‐UNIFAC model was first extended to the systems containing ionic liquids (ILs). This model for ILs combines the respective advantages of COSMO‐based (priori prediction) and UNIFAC (relatively accurate prediction) models. The comparison of the predicted values by COSMO‐UNIFAC model with experimental data indicates that this model can provide a moderate quantitative prediction for the systems containing ILs when the UNIFAC model parameters are vacant.
Redox‐State‐Mediated Regulation of Cytochrome c Release in Apoptosis Revealed by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering on Nickel Substrates
Authors: Zhu Jinyu , Jiang Muwei , Ma Hao , Zhang Haijing , Cheng Weina , Li Junbo , Cai Linjun , Han Xiao Xia , Zhao Bing
Published: September 2019

The interaction of cytochrome c (Cyt c) with cardiolipin (CL) is believed to play an important role in the initial events of apoptosis. Herein, we investigate the structural changes of CL‐bound Fe2+Cyt c and the correlation with Cyt c release through surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) on nickel substrates. The SERS results together with molecular dynamics simulation reveal that Fe2+Cyt c undergoes autoxidation and a relatively larger conformational alteration after binding with CL, inducing higher peroxidase activity of Cyt c and higher permeability of the CL membrane compared with those induced by the Fe3+Cyt c. The proapoptotic activity and SERS effect of the Ni nanostructures allow the in situ study of the redox‐state‐dependent Cyt c release from isolated mitochondria, which reveals for the first time that the ferrous state of Cyt c most likely plays a more important role in triggering apoptosis.
Ring Contraction by NHC‐Induced Pnictogen Abstraction
Authors: Piesch Martin , Reichl Stephan , Seidl Michael , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: September 2019

The reaction of [Cp′′′Co(η4‐P4)] (1) (Cp′′′=1,2,4‐tBu3C5H2) with MeNHC (MeNHC=1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) leads through NHC‐induced phosphorus cation abstraction to the ring contraction product [(MeNHC)2P][Cp′′′Co(η3‐P3)] (2), which represents the first example of an anionic CoP3 complex. Such NHC‐induced ring contraction reactions are also applicable for triple‐decker sandwich complexes. The complexes [(Cp*Mo)2(μ,η6:6‐E6)] (3 a, 3 b) (Cp*=C5Me5; E=P, As) can be transformed to the complexes [(MeNHC)2E][(Cp*M)2(μ,η3:3‐E3)(μ,η2:2‐E2)] (4 a, 4 b), with 4 b representing the first structurally characterized example of an NHC‐substituted AsI cation. Further, the reaction of the vanadium complex [(Cp*V)2(μ,η6:6‐P6)] (5) with MeNHC results in the formation of the unprecedented complexes [(MeNHC)2P][(Cp*V)2(μ,η6:6‐P6)] (6), [(MeNHC)2P][(Cp*V)2(μ,η5:5‐P5)] (7) and [(Cp*V)2(μ,η3:3‐P3)(μ,η1:1‐P{MeNHC})] (8).
Modular Approach to Degradable Acetal Polymers Using Cascade Enyne Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Fu Liangbing , Sui Xuelin , Crolais Alex E. , Gutekunst Will R.
Published: September 2019

A modular synthetic approach to degradable metathesis polymers is presented using acetal‐containing enyne monomers. The monomers are prepared in a short and divergent synthetic sequence that features two points of modification to tune polymerization behavior and introduce molecular cargo. Steric and stereochemical elements are critical in the monomer design in order to provide rapid and living polymerizations capable of generating block polymers. The developed polyacetal materials readily undergo pH‐dependent degradation in aqueous mixtures, and the rate of hydrolysis can be tuned through post‐polymerization modification with triazolinedione click chemistry. This presents a new scaffold for responsive metathesis polymers that may find use in applications that requires controllable breakdown and release of small molecules.
Elimination of 4‐chlorophenol in aqueous solution by the Novel Pd/MIL‐101(Cr)‐Hydrogen‐Accelerated catalytic fenton system
Authors: Liu Xin , Fan Jin‐Hong , Liu Zhong‐Xing , Yu Yang , You Juan‐Juan , Zhu Xiao‐Qian , Zhong Xiao‐Xin , Ma San‐Jian , Lin Zi‐Xia
Published: September 2019

Excessive consumption of Fe (II) and massive generation of sludge containing Fe (III) from classic Fenton process remains a major obstacle for its poor recycling of Fe (III) to Fe (II). Therefore, the MHACF‐MIL‐101(Cr) system, by introducing H2, Pd0 and MIL‐101(Cr) into Fenton reaction system, was developed at normal temperature and pressure. In this system, the reduction of FeIII back to FeII by solid catalyst Pd/MIL‐101(Cr) for the storage and activation of H2, was accelerated significantly by above 10‐fold and 5‐fold controlled with the H2‐MIL‐101(Cr) system and H2‐Pd0 system, respectively. However, the concentration of Fe (II) generated by the reduction of Fe (III) could not be detected with the only input of H2 and without the addition of MOFs material. In addition, the apparent consumption of Fe (II) in MHACF‐MIL‐101(Cr) system was half of that in classical Fenton system, while more Fe (II) might be reused infinitely in fact. Accordingly, only trace amount of Fe (II) vs H2O2 concentration was needed and hydroxyl radicals through the detection of para‐hydroxybenzoic acid (p‐HBA) as the oxidative product of benzoic acid (BA) by·OH could be continuously generated for the effective degradation of 4‐chlorophenol(4‐CP). The effects of initial pH, concentration of 4‐CP, dosage of Fe2+, H2O2 and Pd/MIL‐101(Cr) catalyst, Pd content and H2 flow were investigated, combined with systematic controlled experiments. Moreover, the robustness and morphology change of Pd/MIL‐101(Cr) were thoroughly analyzed. This study enables better understanding of the H2‐mediated Fenton reaction enhanced by Pd/MIL‐101(Cr) and thus, will shed new light on how to accelerate Fe (III)/Fe (II) redox cycle and develop more efficient Fenton system.
Effect of gas‐phase tortuosity on the mechanical properties of low‐density polyolefin open‐cell foams at low‐ and high‐strain rates
Authors: Lopez‐Gonzalez E. , Muñoz‐Pascual S. , Saiz‐Arroyo C. , Rodriguez‐Perez M. A.
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the mechanical behavior in compression, at both low‐ and high‐strain rates, of several low‐density open‐cell polyolefin‐based foams with different gas phase interconnectivities and different levels of gas‐phase tortuosity. The mechanical properties of the open‐cell polyolefin foams have been compared with two different references: an open‐cell low tortuous foam based on flexible polyurethane and closed‐cell polyolefin foams. One the one hand, at low‐strain rates, it has been observed that the mechanical performance is controlled by the open‐cell content and the properties of the polymeric matrix, being the influence of tortuosity small. On the other hand, the influence of the level of tortuosity is critical to high‐strain rates. In fact, it has been demonstrated that open‐cell polyolefin foams with high tortuosity (HT) present an unexpected mechanical behavior, showing excellent mechanical properties, which are even similar to that of closed‐cell polyolefin materials with the same chemical composition. Therefore, low‐density polyolefin foams with HT have a unique mechanical performance strongly influenced by the strain rate. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48468.
One pot preparation of polyurethane‐based GSH‐responsive core‐shell nanogels for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Qi Desheng , Wang Jiayu , Qi Yugang , Wen Jing , Wei Shu , Liu Dajun , Yu Shuangjiang
Published: September 2019

In this work, we present a new type of glutathione (GSH)‐responsive polyurethane‐based core‑shell nanogels (RS‐CS‐PUNGs) with hydrophilic methoxypolyethylene glycols (mPEG) shell, which was prepared by a one‐pot synthetic method. The obtained RS‐CS‐PUNGs not only show a good size distribution with the hydrodynamic radii around of 20 nm, but also exhibit good stability in the organic solvent. The results demonstrate that GSH (10 mM) trigger the nanogel swelling and accelerate the loaded drug release in PBS (pH = 7.4). Although the RS‐CS‐PUNGs loaded with DOX show a slower cellular uptake behavior than the free doxorubicin (DOX), which is likely caused by the controlled drug release property of the nanocarrier, the enhanced cellular uptake fluorescence intensity of RS‐CS‐PUNGs loaded with DOX is still observed compared to the control group. Both MTT and CCK‐8 assay indicate that although an obvious lower initial cytotoxicity is observed compared to free DOX at 24 h postincubation, the cytotoxicity of the RS‐CS‐PUNGs loaded with DOX is obvious enhanced after treated 72 h, which stayed at the similar level with free DOX. Attributing to the easy preparation progress and GSH‐responsive property, RS‐CS‐PUNGs maybe hold the potential for further application in the field of drug delivery. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48473.
Ecological impacts of invasive carp in Australian dryland rivers
Authors: Marshall Jonathan C. , Blessing Joanna J. , Clifford Sara E. , Hodges Kate M. , Negus Peter M. , Steward Alisha L.
Published: September 2019

Invasive carp are widely reported to harm ecosystems. In Australia, carp are a serious pest and, consequently, investigations of biocontrol options are under way.

Best practice biocontrol requires cost/risk:benefit evaluation. To assist this, the impacts of carp on aquatic ecosystems have been summarized.

To aid the evaluation of benefits, general predictions were tested by comparing dryland river ecosystems with and without carp, and ecosystem responses to a gradient in local carp density.

Expectations were that in the presence of carp, and with increasing density, there would be increasing turbidity, decreasing densities of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates, and associated changes in assemblage composition, resulting in decreasing native fish density.

Not all expected responses were found, indicating that the general understanding of carp impact requires modification for dryland rivers. Notably, carp did not increase turbidity or reduce macroinvertebrate density or composition, probably because of key attributes of dryland rivers. In contrast, there were large impacts on native fish biomass, not from the mechanisms expected, but from food resource monopolization by carp. Macrophyte occurrence was reduced, but macrophytes are naturally rare in these rivers. It is likely that the extirpation of an endangered river snail resulted from carp predation.

Impacts on native fish may be reversible by carp control, but reversal of impacts on the snail may require carp elimination and snail reintroduction. Modelling is necessary to predict the probability of beneficial versus undesirable outcomes from carp control, and complementary measures to control other stressors may be needed.

Benefits of carp control on dryland river ecosystems are fewer than generally predicted. This reinforces the point that ecological understanding cannot always be transferred between diverse settings and highlights the need to understand system characteristics relevant to causal impact pathways when applying generic carp impact models to specific settings. This has global relevance to future carp control efforts.
Is Pseudanodonta complanata the most vulnerable of widespread European species of unionids? An intense stress test leading to a massive die‐off
Authors: Ćmiel Adam M. , Zając Katarzyna , Lipińska Anna M. , Zając Tadeusz
Published: September 2019

This article reports a large‐scale die‐off of approximately one‐third of the unionid mussels inhabiting a shallow, naturally eutrophic, floodplain lake (Zalew Pińczowski), which took place within the space of just a few days.

Mortality was the highest in Pseudanodonta complanata (81%), followed by Unio pictorum (58%), Anodonta cygnea (26%), Unio tumidus (15%), and Anodonta anatina (5%). It was significantly related to mussel size (age) only in A. cygnea, with the mortality rate higher in smaller (young) mussels.

Pseudanodonta complanata was already the rarest species in the lake, and the number of survivors decreased to such an extent as to trigger a possible Allee effect.

The most likely cause of the die‐off was a motor‐boating incident that had directly preceded the die‐off. Analysis of the water samples collected just after the die‐off revealed an extremely high concentration of phosphate (up to 0.5 mg dm−3) and nitrite (up to 0.06 mg dm−3). We suggest that the boat movements must have disturbed the lake sediments, thereby disrupting the mussels' physiology and causing mass mortality.

The high sensitivity of P. complanata to environmental stress suggests that it may be an effective umbrella species for the protection of co‐occurring mussel species in eutrophic lakes.
Population Impact Attributable to Modifiable Risk Factors for Hyperuricemia
Authors: Choi Hyon K. , McCormick Natalie , Lu Na , Rai Sharan K. , Yokose Chio , Zhang Yuqing
Published: September 2019

Objective

To examine modifiable risk factors in relation to the presence of hyperuricemia and to estimate the proportion of hyperuricemia cases in the general population that could be prevented by risk factor modification, along with estimates of the variance explained.

Methods

Using data obtained from 14,624 adults representative of the US civilian noninstitutionalized population, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios for hyperuricemia, population attributable risks (PARs), and the variance explained according to the following 4 factors: body mass index (BMI; ≥25 kg/m2), alcohol intake, nonadherence to a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and diuretic use.

Results

BMI, alcohol intake, adherence to a DASH‐style diet, and diuretic use were all associated with serum urate levels and the presence of hyperuricemia in a dose‐dependent manner. The corresponding PARs of hyperuricemia cases for overweight/obesity (prevalence 60%), nonadherence to a DASH‐style diet (prevalence 82%), alcohol use (prevalence 48%), and diuretic use (prevalence 8%) were 44% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 41%, 48%), 9% (95% CI 3%, 16%), 8% (95% CI 5%, 11%), and 12% (95% CI 11%, 14%), respectively, whereas the corresponding variances explained were 8.9%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 5.0%. Our simulation study showed the variance nearing 0% as exposure prevalence neared 100%.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative study, 4 modifiable risk factors (BMI, the DASH diet, alcohol use, and diuretic use) could be used to individually account for a notable proportion of hyperuricemia cases. However, the corresponding serum urate variance explained by these risk factors was very small and paradoxically masked their high prevalences, providing real‐life empirical evidence for its limitations in assessing common risk factors.
A Temperature‐Sensitive Luminescent Ag42 Nanocluster Supported by TertButyl Thiol Ligands
Authors: Feng Yu‐Hui , Gao Xiang‐Ling , Shi Ju‐Feng , Zhou Kun , Ji Jiu‐Yu , Bi Yan‐Feng
Published: September 2019

Compound [Ag42S5(StBu)25(CF3COO)4(CO3)](CO3)0.5⋅CH2Cl2⋅4CH3OH⋅9DMF (1) has been obtained and well defined. It consists of a multi‐shell structure involving two Ag centres, one Ag5S5 pentagram, two Ag5S5 pentagons and one Ag25S15 shell. Compound 1 has been characterized by XPS, FT‐IR, PXRD, TGA, NMR, MS, UV/Vis spectrum, TEM and cyclic voltammetry. Temperature‐sensitive luminescent property of 1 has also been investigated.
Hierarchical inversion‐based output tracking control for uncertain autonomous underwater vehicles using extended Kalman filter
Authors: Wu Hsiu‐Ming , Karkoub Mansour
Published: September 2019

In this study, a hierarchical inversion‐based output tracking controller (HIOTC) is developed for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) subject to random uncertainties (e.g., current disturbances, unmodeled dynamics, and parameter variations) and noises (e.g., process and measurement noises). The proposed HIOTC respectively utilizes a combination of feedforward and feedback controls in a hierarchical structure based on the kinematic and dynamic models of the system. Moreover, to obtain uncontaminated or unavailable states for implementing the proposed control law, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is employed to estimate the system states. Then, the position outputs, orientation, and velocity of the AUV are reached with guaranteed asymptotic stability. The robustness of the proposed HIOTC is verified through injection of random uncertainties into the system model. The closed‐loop stability of the proposed individual subsystems is respectively guaranteed to have uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) performance based on the Lyapunov stability criteria. In addition, the asymptotic tracking of the overall system is demonstrated using Barbalat's lemma. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are evaluated through computer simulations and it is shown that the overall system achieves good asymptotic tracking performance.
Calcium ion induced thermodynamic stability, bisubstrate specificity, and differential organic solvent tolerance of a predominantly β‐sheet serine protease from Bacillus aquimaris VITP4
Authors: Thaz Chittoor Jabeena , Jayaraman Gurunathan
Published: September 2019

The present study was aimed to get insights on the role of calcium ions on the thermodynamic stability, substrate specificity, and organic solvent compatibility of the extracellular protease produced by Bacillus aquimaris VITP4. Presence of Ca2+enhanced the activity of the enzyme in the temperature range of 30–60 °C and increased the half‐life from 164 to 234 Min. Circular dichroism experiments indicated that the temperature of half‐denaturation (Tm) of the protease increased from 76 to 86 °C. As judged by fluorescence emission profiles, the overall fold of the enzyme around the tryptophan residues could be similar. Further, thermal inactivation experiments revealed that the enzyme followed first order kinetics, with increase in energy for inactivation (Eai) by 24.2 ± 1.2 kJ mol −1 in the presence of Ca2+. Studies with synthetic peptides as well as with bovine serum albumin signified preferential hydrolysis of the peptide bonds at the C‐terminus of alanine residues (with a kcat/KM of 141,400 M−1 Sec−1) and at the C‐terminus of arginine residues with a lower specificity (72,400 M−1 Sec−1), indicating bisubstrate specificity of the enzyme. The enzyme was found to be compatible with organic solvents (50%, v/v) such as acetonitrile and butanol, indicating possible application under demanding nonaqueous conditions.
Miconazole alleviates peripheral nerve crush injury by mediating a macrophage phenotype change through the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Chen Xiuju , Liu Zengyun , Han Qingluan , Tang Liguo , Tian Zhen , Ren Zhiyong , Rong Cunmin , Xu Hui
Published: September 2019

Background

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) causes motor and sensory defects, has strong impact on life quality and still has no effective therapy. Miconazole is one of the most widely used antifungal drugs; the aims of the study were to investigate the effects of miconazole during sciatic nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush injury.

Methods

We established peripheral nerve crush model and investigated the effects of miconazole by multiple aspects. We further studied the potential mechanism of action of miconazole by Western blotting, fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and PCR analysis.

Results

Miconazole improves the symptoms of crushed nerve by improving inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelinating myelin of sciatic nerve. Affected by miconazole, the proportion of inflammatory M1 macrophages in the distal part of the sciatic nerve was reduced, and the proportion of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages was increased. Finally, the neuroprotective properties of miconazole may be regulated by the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that miconazole can effectively alleviate PNI, and the mechanism involves mediating a phenotype change of M1/ M2 macrophages. Thus, miconazole may represent a potential therapeutic intervention for nerve crush injury.
Sustainable Development Goals as educational tools to raise students' awareness of the rural development of biosphere reserves: A case study of Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Mammadova Aida
Published: September 2019

Biosphere reserves (BRs) function as learning sites to implement the UN's 2030 Agenda for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, many BRs in Japan now face issues such as depopulation and aging, and without inhabitants and young residents, these regions cannot be called sustainable. In this study, SDGs were used as tools to raise awareness in youth towards the rural issues within BRs. Fieldtrips were conducted in Japan's Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve. Based on the 17 SDGs, 17 community service activities were conducted by performing experiential practices in the social, tourism, and industrial sectors of a village. After the fieldtrips, 81% of the students replied that SDGs helped to identify and become aware of local issues. Most students found the lifestyle of the villagers very challenging for youth. SDGs helped students to see the reality of the village and those factors that prevent sustainable development.
Prognostic value of tumor length and diameter for esophageal squamous cell cancer patients treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy: Potential indicators for nonsurgical T staging
Authors: Xu Hongyao , Wu Shengxi , Luo Hesan , Chen Chuyun , Lin Lianxing , Huang Hecheng , Xue Renliang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The aim of this work was to evaluate the prognostic value of tumor length and diameter for patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy to identify potential indicators for separate nonsurgical T staging, which are needed in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

A total of 682 patients with ESCC who underwent definitive (chemo)radiotherapy between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. Esophageal tumor length and diameter were determined by barium esophagography and computed tomography before treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of tumor length and diameter on long‐term overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was also used to control intergroup heterogeneity.

Results

The median OS and PFS were 22.2 months and 15.4 months, respectively, in the tumor length ≤ 6 cm group, which were significantly longer than those in the tumor length > 6 cm group (13.4 and 8.5 months, respectively). The median OS and PFS were 23.3 months and 15.9 months, respectively, in the tumor diameter ≤ 3.5 cm group, which were also significantly longer than those in the tumor diameter > 3.5 cm group (13.3 and 8.8 months, respectively). Similar results were found after PSM. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that tumor length and diameter were both independent predictors of long‐term survival.

Conclusion

Tumor length and diameter are both independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy. These two imaging parameters have the potential for development and use in nonsurgical T staging.
A journey through a plant cytoskeleton: Hot spots in signaling and functioning
Authors: Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: September 2019

This survey paper contains a brief analysis of publications included in the special issue of the scientific journal Cell Biology International titled “Plant Cytoskeleton Structure, Dynamics and Functions”. The manuscripts in this special issue reflect some new aspects of plant cytoskeleton organization, signaling and functioning, and results from different Ukrainian research groups, and focuses on bringing together scientists working across different instrumental scales.
Community Colleges: Drivers of Economic Development in Small Rural Communities
Authors: Friedel Janice Nahra , Reed Jared W.
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses an innovative state public policy which has incentivized Iowa's community colleges to become the economic drivers of their region. Created in the 1983 legislation, it continues to this day to affect Iowa's rural communities and their colleges.
Achieving Institutional Sustainability Through Relevancy
Authors: Hicks Jud , Jones Stephanie J.
Published: September 2019

The pursuit of relevancy is a rural community college's chance to evolve, adapt, to obtain long‐term sustainability. This chapter discusses ways that institutions can demonstrate their relevancy to support their sustainability.
The Multiple Roles of Faculty in Supporting Community College Students
Authors: Finnegan Catherine L.
Published: September 2019

This chapter presents the results of a study focused on rural community college faculty experiences. Through their own stories, it becomes clear that rural faculty do not have a single role, but instead fulfill many roles that ensure the success of their students.
Replacing the mitral valve alone does not completely fix the heart!
Authors: Zahr Firas , Cigarroa Joaquin E.
Published: September 2019

Key Points

TMVR for degenerative (stenosis and regurgitation) mitral valve prosthesis (valves and rings) results in immediate and sustainable reduction but not normalization of left atrial pressure.

Concomitant comorbid conditions such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction adversely impact left atrial pressure and should be treated.

The long‐term impact of postprocedural ASD and patient‐prosthesis mismatch need to be systematically evaluated so we develop the appropriate data to guide decision making as more transeptal mitral procedures are being performed.
Relationship volume‐outcome for transcatheter mitral‐valve repair: When technique matters
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Cinconze Sebastian
Published: September 2019

Key Points

Edge‐to‐edge mitral repairment is a valid alternative in patient at high surgical risk.

It is important to differentiate outcomes for functional and degenerative mitral regurgitation.

The need of joint efforts to ensure a valid therapeutic pathway for these patients.
Expanding the armamentarium for the treatment of left main disease
Authors: Piccolo Raffaele , Esposito Giovanni
Published: September 2019

Key Points

The BiOSS LIM stent is a dedicated device for the treatment of bifurcation lesions that present a proximal and distal part with two different diameters and a middle zone with two connecting struts facilitating side branch rewiring.

In this study, after implanting the BiOSS LIM stent in the left main, rewiring to the side branch was easier compared to standard metallic stent.

The device may be very useful in the treatment of bifurcation lesions for provisional stenting strategies or for two‐stent strategies such as T‐stenting or T‐and‐Protruding (TAP).
Reducing radiation dose: Yes I can!
Authors: Nikolakopoulos Ilias , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: September 2019

Key Points

There are multiple ways to reduce radiation dose by: (a) not using radiation unless absolutely needed; (b) utilizing settings that give the lowest possible dose when using radiation; and (c) shielding.

Disposable radiation drapes, such as the SEPARPROCATH® can significantly reduce operator radiation dose.

Radiation is bad for both patient and operator, therefore do something about it, starting with your next case!
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for oncology patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis: New hope for a complicated medical condition
Authors: Kornowski Ran
Published: September 2019

Key Points

The clinical scenario of severe AS among patients with cancer diseases poses a growing clinical challenge.

The current study indicates that patients with cancer and severe AS that underwent AVR (predominantly TAVR) survived longer than those without AVR, regardless of the cancer type or treatment.

Patients can benefit from specialized management teams composed of cardiologists and oncologists that can navigate the crisis of severe symptomatic AS during oncology course.
Accessing Enantiopure Epoxides and Sulfoxides: Related Flavin‐Dependent Monooxygenases Provide Reversed Enantioselectivity
Authors: Heine Thomas , Scholtissek Anika , Hofmann Sarah , Koch Rainhard , Tischler Dirk
Published: September 2019

Enantiopure organic compounds are of major importance for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Flavin‐dependent group E monooxygenases, composed of monooxygenase and reductase, are known to perform epoxidation of substituted alkenes as well as sulfoxidation in a regio‐ and enantioselective fashion. Group E is divided into styrene monooxygenases (SMO) and indole monooxygenases (IMO). Hitherto mainly SMOs have been characterized. In this study, we assayed 31 monooxygenases from both types, while 23 of which showed activity. They almost exclusively produced (S)‐styrene oxide at high enantiomeric excess with maximum activities of 0.73 μmol min−1 mg−1 (kcat=0.54 s−1). In case of sulfoxidation, we found that the enantioselectivity is contrary between both types. IMOs preferably produce the (S)‐enantiomer while SMOs have a tendency to produce the (R)‐enantiomer. Sequence analysis and molecular docking of substrates allowed identifying fingerprint motives: SMO N46‐V48‐H50‐Y73‐H76‐S96 and IMO S46‐Q48‐M50‐V/I73‐I76‐A96. These form an essential part of the active site while the loop (AS44‐51) interacts with the co‐substrate and other amino acids direct the substrate. The motives clearly distinguish group E monooxygenases and define the enantioselectivity and thus direct biotechnological applications. Two‐hour biotransformations with several sulfides in conjunction with upscale experiments (10 and 100 mg scale) resulted in the identification of promising candidates for the realization of biocatalytic processes.
Effect of Carbon Support on the Electrocatalytic Properties of Pt−Ru Catalysts
Authors: Hasa Bjorn , Martino Eftychia , Vakros John , Trakakis George , Galiotis Costas , Katsaounis Alexandros
Published: September 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture are the groups of Alexandros Katsaounis at the Department of Chemical Engineering (University of Patras, Greece) and Costas Galiotis also at the same department and the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (FORTH/ICE‐HT, Greece). The cover picture shows schematically the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under hydrogen feeding. The metallic phase of the electrodes (usually Pt and Ru) is usually dispersed on a carbon‐based support. Novel carbon materials (such as carbon nanotubes, biochar and graphene) are used in this study as alternative supports and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art Vulcan XC‐72. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201900566.
Application of Alternating Current Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Local Visualization of the Electrode Surface
Authors: Liu Dongqing , Zeng Xiaojie , Liu Shuai , Wang Shuwei , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua
Published: September 2019

The electrode surface of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries has been studied with alternating‐current scanning electrochemical microscopy (AC‐SECM), which enables the visualization of microscopic domains with different topography. An equivalent circuit was proposed to analyze the appropriate frequency for the interface image. In addition, AC signals (impedance, current, and phase shift) and measurement conditions, including the tip position, step size, and excitation voltage amplitude, were discussed and statistically treated to optimize the interface visualization parameter. This work not only provides some fundamental knowledge for obtaining high‐resolution AC‐SECM images of the electrode surface in lithium‐ion batteries, but also paves way for the solid electrolyte interphase studies in other battery systems.
Polyol Solvation Effect on Tuning the Universal Growth of Binary Metal Oxide Nanodots@Graphene Oxide Heterostructures for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Tan Shuangshuang , Pan Yexin , Wei Qiulong , Jiang Yalong , Xiong Fangyu , Yao Xuhui , Cai Zhijun , An Qinyou , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: September 2019

Tuning the uniformity and size of binary metal oxide nanodots on graphene oxide (BMO NDs@GO) is significant but full of challenges in wet‐chemistry, owing to the difficulties of controlling the complicated cation/anion co‐adsorption, heterogeneous nucleation, and overgrowth processes. Herein, the aim is to tune these processes by understanding the functions of various alcohol solvents for NDs growth on GO. It is found that the polyol solvation effect is beneficial for obtaining highly uniform BMO NDs@GO. Polyol shell capped metal ions exhibit stronger hydrogen‐bond interactions with the GO surface, leading to a uniform cation/anion co‐adsorption and followed heterogeneous nucleation. The polyol‐solvated ions with large diffusion energy barrier drastically limit the ion diffusion kinetics in liquids and at the solid/liquid interface, resulting in a slow and controllable growth. Moreover, the synthesis in polyol systems is highly controllable and universal, thus eleven BMO and polynary metal oxide NDs@GO are obtained by this method. The synthetic strategy provides improved prospects for the manufacture of inorganic NDs and their expanding electrochemical applications.
2,4,6‐Tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine: Photoinduced Charge Separation and Photochromism in the Crystalline State
Authors: Zhang Ning‐Ning , Han Yong‐Fang , Du Ming‐Xiu , Sa Rong‐Jian , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: September 2019

2,4,6‐Tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt) is a widely used ligand for functional coordination compounds. In this work, tpt has shown unprecedented photochromism in the crystalline state. Experimental and theoretical data has revealed that the photocoloration of tpt very likely originates from intramolecular charge separation and the formation of a triplet diradical product. This finding demonstrates a new simple, neutral photochromic molecule and endows the tpt molecule and related compounds with potential optical applications.
Peroxycarbenium Ions as the “Gatekeepers” in Reaction Design: Assistance from Inverse Alpha‐Effect in Three‐Component β‐Alkoxy‐β‐peroxylactones Synthesis
Authors: Vil' Vera A. , Barsegyan Yana A. , Barsukov Denis V. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Alabugin Igor V. , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: September 2019

Stereoelectronic interactions control reactivity of peroxycarbenium cations, the key intermediates in (per)oxidation chemistry. Computational analysis suggests that alcohol involvement as a third component in the carbonyl/peroxide reactions remained invisible due to the absence of sufficiently deep kinetic traps needed to prevent the escape of mixed alcohol/peroxide products to the more stable bisperoxides. Synthesis of β‐alkoxy‐β‐peroxylactones, a new type of organic peroxides, was accomplished by interrupting a thermodynamically driven peroxidation cascade. The higher energy β‐alkoxy‐β‐peroxylactones do not transform into the more stable bisperoxides due to the stereoelectronically imposed instability of a cyclic peroxycarbenium intermediate as a consequence of amplified inverse alpha‐effect. The practical consequence of this fundamental finding is the first three‐component cyclization/condensation of β‐ketoesters, H2O2, and alcohols that provides β‐alkoxy‐β‐peroxylactones in 15–80 % yields.
Tunability of Porous CuCo2O4 Architectures as High‐Performance Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Sydulu Singu Bal , Kuchi Rambabu , Cao Van Phuoc , Kim Dongsoo , Ro Yoon Kuk , Ryul Jeong Jong
Published: September 2019

Copper cobaltite (CuCo2O4) porous structures with different morphologies are prepared through a hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing process. The tunability of morphologies is succeeded by simply regulation of solvent medium and amount of the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which is served as structure directing agent. All the prepared samples have a mesoporous nature. Specifically, the CuCo2O4‐porous structures with flowers morphology have a higher surface area (43.2 m2 g−1) and porosity (0.18 cm3 g−1) than the other porous nano structures such as flakes, blades and wires. The maximum specific capacity of CuCo2O4‐Flowers is 466.4 C g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1. The cycling stability of CuCo2O4‐Flowers shows capacity retention of 86.3 % at a high current density of 15 A g−1 after completion of 5000 charge‐discharge cycles. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the CuCo2O4‐Flower shows superior performance than the CuCo2O4‐Flakes, Blade and Wires.
Base‐Promoted Formation of an Annelated Pyrrolo‐1,4‐oxazine Ensemble from 1H‐pyrrol‐2‐ylmethanol and Propargyl Chloride: A Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Vitkovskaya Nadezhda M. , Bobkov Alexander S. , Kuznetsova Svetlana V. , Shcherbakova Victoriya S. , Ivanov Andrey V.
Published: September 2019

A one‐pot transition‐metal‐free synthesis of pyrrolo‐1,4‐oxazine ensemble in a KOH/DMSO superbasic medium has been developed based on the theoretical evaluation of kinetic (free activation energies) and thermodynamic (thermal effects) characteristics of the individual reaction steps. Possible interconversions of 1‐H‐pyrrol‐2‐ylmethanol and propargyl chloride have been addressed and the probable products of these interactions were predicted by using CBS‐Q//B3 and B2PLYP/6‐311++G**//B3LYP/6‐31+G* quantum‐chemistry approaches. Besides the target product, two other synthetically valuable compounds are synthesized with high selectivity.
Top‐Down Inhibition (TDi) and Baseline Activation (BLa): Controlling Signal Transduction When Endogenous Cytokines are Ruining Your Differentiation
Authors: Hackland James
Published: September 2019

In the 20 years since the first human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines were established, there have been a plethora of protocols developed that allow us to generate a wide range of human cell types in vitro. Efforts to achieve a greater degree of specificity and efficiency in generating desired cell types have resulted in increasingly complex approaches. The magnitude and timing of signals has become key, and the concept of a “fully defined” system is a forever sought‐after goal with shifting goalposts. This overview discusses two related approaches that can be used to deliver a tightly regulated, intermediate‐strength signal, and which can also manage the impact of endogenous signaling variation and enable a switch away from bovine serum albumin–containing medium to a better‐defined system without suffering a subsequent loss of robustness or efficiency. The approaches, referred to as top‐down inhibition and baseline activation, were developed to deliver intermediate levels of BMP and WNT signaling during neural crest induction from hPSC, but could be applied to a variety of other signals and differentiation systems. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrating piezoresistive sensors on the embouchure analysis of the lower lip in single reed instrumentalists: implementation of the lip pressure appliance (LPA)
Authors: Pais Clemente Miguel , Mendes Joaquim , Cerqueira Joana , Moreira André , Vasconcelos Mário , Pinhão Ferreira Afonso , Amarante José Manuel
Published: September 2019

Background

It is essential to understand, characterize, and measure the embouchure mechanism of a wind instrumentalists, where the applied forces on the perioral tissues can usually promote discomfort or pain.

Methods

The sample consisted of five clarinet players and five saxophone players. The embouchure force measurements at the lower lip area were assessed using a piezoresistive sensor (FlexiForceTM, Tekscan, Boston, USA, 0.07 kgf/cm2) placed on the lower part of the mouthpiece of the single reed instrument. Furthermore, each participant performed three times three different notes at different pitches: high, medium, and low. An intraoral device was manufactured in order to dissipate the existing pressures.

Results

The piezoresistive sensors applied to the mouthpiece of the five clarinetists presented values between 16 and 226 g of force. In the case of the five saxophonists, the values registered were between 5 and 320 g of force.

Conclusions

Piezoresistive sensors are a valid option to characterize that single reed instrumentalists apply substantial forces at the lower lip that can be equivalent to medium orthodontic forces. The implementation of the Lip Pressure Appliance can be a valid solution on the prevention of eventual lesions resulting from the embouchure forces.
Corporate sustainability and stakeholder value trade‐offs in project selection through optimization modeling: Application of investment banking
Authors: Kudratova Shamsiya , Huang Xiaoxia , Kudratov Khikmatullo , Qudratov Shohrukh
Published: September 2019

This study presents a new optimization model for quantitative sustainability measurement in net present value estimation process of corporate investments. Proposed model presents an innovative perspective for the transformation of the logic behind traditional investment project selection practices to the sustainable project selection in corporations. By using the proposed model, it is possible that investors' can find positive sustainability trade‐offs without harming returns on investment. A case study is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model in project selection decision‐making processes. Expected net present value is employed to calculate the return of the project investment for project selection decision‐stage. In order to identify stakeholder value trade‐off gaps, proposed model with sustainability involvement is evaluated in contrast to the traditional net value method estimations of the model. Based on optimization results, comparative analysis of proposed sustainability cost involvement in net present value estimation with traditional net present value estimation in project selection practices restore positive trade‐offs verifying the efficiency of proposed methodology.