bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐Temperature‐Processed Colloidal Quantum Dots as Building Blocks for Thermoelectrics
Authors: Nugraha Mohamad I. , Kim Hyunho , Sun Bin , Haque Md Azimul , de Arquer Francisco Pelayo Garcia , Villalva Diego Rosas , El‐Labban Abdulrahman , Sargent Edward H. , Alshareef Husam N. , Baran Derya
Published: February 2019

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are demonstrated to be promising materials to realize high‐performance thermoelectrics owing to their low thermal conductivity. The most studied CQD films, however, are using long ligands that require high processing and operation temperature (>400 °C) to achieve optimum thermoelectric performance. Here the thermoelectric properties of CQD films cross‐linked using short ligands that allow strong inter‐QD coupling are reported. Using the ligands, p‐type thermoelectric solids are demonstrated with a high Seebeck coefficient and power factor of 400 μV K−1 and 30 µW m−1 K−2, respectively, leading to maximum ZT of 0.02 at a lower measurement temperature (<400 K) and lower processing temperature (<300 °C). These ligands further reduce the annealing temperature to 175 °C, significantly increasing the Seebeck coefficient of the CQD films to 580 μV K−1. This high Seebeck coefficient with a superior ZT near room temperature compared to previously reported high temperature‐annealed CQD films is ascribed to the smaller grain size, which enables the retainment of quantum confinement and significantly increases the hole effective mass in the films. This study provides a pathway to approach quantum confinement for achieving a high Seebeck coefficient yet strong inter‐QD coupling, which offers a step toward low‐temperature‐processed high‐performance thermoelectric generators.
Ultrafine Copper Nanopalm Tree‐Like Framework Decorated with Iron Oxide for Li‐Ion Battery Anodes with Exceptional Rate Capability and Cycling Stability
Authors: Seok Jae Young , Lee Jaehak , Park Jung Hwan , Yang Minyang
Published: February 2019

Ultrafine copper nanopalm tree‐like frameworks conformally decorated with iron oxide (Cu NPF@Fe2O3) are prepared by a facile electrodeposition method utilizing bromine ions as unique anisotropic growth catalysts. The formation mechanism and control over Cu growth are comprehensively investigated under various conditions to provide a guideline for fabricating a Cu nanoarchitecture via electrochemical methods. The optimized Cu NPFs exhibit ultrathin (<90 nm) and elongated (2–50 µm) branches with well‐interconnected and entangled features, which result in highly desirable attributes such as a large specific surface area (≈6.97 m2 g−1), free transfer pathway for Li+, and high electrical conductivity. The structural advantages of Cu NPF@Fe2O3 enhance the electrochemical kinetics, providing large reactivity, fast Li+/electron transfer, and structural stability during cycling, that lead to superior electrochemical Li storage performance. The resulting Cu NPF@Fe2O3 demonstrates a high specific capacity (919.5 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C), long‐term stability (801.1 mAh g–1 at 2 C, ≈120% retention after 500 cycles), and outstanding rate capability (630 mAh g–1 at 10 C).
Charge‐Transfer States at Organic–Organic Interfaces: Impact of Static and Dynamic Disorders
Authors: Zheng Zilong , Tummala Naga Rajesh , Wang Tonghui , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations are combined with density functional theory calculations to evaluate the impact of static and dynamic disorders on the energy distribution of charge‐transfer (CT) states at donor–acceptor heterojunctions, such as those found in the active layers of organic solar cells. It is shown that each of these two disorder components can be partitioned into contributions related to the energetic disorder of the transport states and to the disorder associated with the hole–electron electrostatic interaction energies. The methodology is applied to evaluate the energy distributions of the CT states in representative bulk heterojunctions based on poly‐3‐hexyl‐thiophene and phenyl‐C61‐butyric‐acid methyl ester. The results indicate that the torsional fluctuations of the polymer backbones are the main source of both static and dynamic disorders for the CT states as well as for the transport levels. The impact of static and dynamic disorders on radiative and nonradiative geminate recombination processes is also discussed.
Interfacial Charge Modulation: An Efficient Strategy for Boosting Spatial Charge Separation on Semiconductor Photocatalysts
Authors: Tao Xiaoping , Gao Yuying , Wang Shengyang , Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Yang , Zhao Yue , Fan Fengtao , Dupuis Michel , Li Rengui , Li Can
Published: February 2019

Surface modulation via injection or extraction of charge carriers in microelectric devices has been used to tune the energy band alignment for desired electrical and optical properties, yet not well recognized in photocatalysis field. Here, taking semiconductor bismuth tantalum oxyhalides (Bi4TaO8X) as examples, chemically inactive molybdenum oxide (MoO3) with a large work function is introduced to qualitatively tune the properties of interfacial charges, achieving an evidently enhanced upward band bending and intensive built‐in electric field. Such a simple charge modulation exhibits a remarkable improvement in photocatalytic water oxidation, reaching an apparent quantum efficiency of 25% at the input wavelength of 420 nm. The validity and generality of surface charge modulating strategy are further demonstrated using other semiconductors (e.g., C3N4) and decorators (e.g., V2O5). The findings not only provide a promising strategy for rationally manipulating the interfacial built‐in electric field in photocatalysis but also pave the way to learn from microelectronic technologies to construct artificial photosynthesis systems for solar energy conversion.
Polypharmacy in elderly cancer patients: Challenges and the way clinical pharmacists can contribute in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Shrestha Sunil , Shrestha Sudip , Khanal Saval
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to address the problems associated with polypharmacy in elderly cancer patients and to highlight the role of pharmacists in such cases in resource‐limited settings. A narrative review of existing literature was performed to summarize the evidence regarding the impact of polypharmacy in elderly cancer patients and the pharmaceutical strategies to manage it. This review emphasizes the significance of polypharmacy, which is often ignored in real clinical practice. Polypharmacy in the elderly cancer population is mainly due to: chemotherapy with one or more neoplastic agents for cancer treatment, treatment for adverse drug reactions due to neoplastic agents, the patient's comorbid conditions, or drug interactions. The role of the clinical pharmacist in specialized oncology hospitals or oncology departments of tertiary care hospitals is well established; however, this is not the case in many developing countries. A clinical pharmacist can contribute to solving the problems associated with polypharmacy by identifying the risks associated with polypharmacy and its management in resource‐limited settings. As in many developed countries, the involvement of a clinical pharmacist in cancer care for elderly patients may play a vital role in the recognition and management of polypharmacy‐related problems. Further research can be conducted to support this role.
Counter‐rotating vortex shedding generated by acoustic excitations in confined mixing layers
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Guiren
Published: February 2019

Ultrafast mixing enhancement has been realized in confined mixing layers at an optimal forcing frequency, under which the flow exhibits the strongest mixing. The fast mixing is accompanied by the so‐called counter‐rotating vortices (CRVs). In this investigation, by using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and laser‐induced fluorescence, the conditions of generating CRVs in confined mixing layers are theoretically and experimentally investigated. To generate CRVs, (a) the acoustic particle displacement must be larger than the summation of the curvature radius of the trailing edge and the thickness of the Stokes layer, and (b) the temporal derivative term of the vorticity equation should be larger than the convective term of the mean vorticity generated by the mean flow. This study enhances our understanding on vortex shedding dynamics and enables novel designs of fast mixers for continuous operations in process industry.
Higher urate in LRRK2 mutation carriers resistant to Parkinson disease
Authors: Bakshi Rachit , Macklin Eric A. , Logan Robert , Zorlu Musab M. , Xia Ning , Crotty Grace F. , Zhang Ellen , Chen Xiqun , Ascherio Alberto , Schwarzschild Michael A.
Published: February 2019

Objective

LRRK2 mutations, the most common genetic cause of Parkinson disease (PD), display incomplete penetrance, indicating the importance of other genetic and environmental influences on disease pathogenesis in LRRK2 mutation carriers. The present study investigates whether urate, an antioxidant, Nrf2 activator, and inverse risk factor for idiopathic PD, is one such candidate biomarker of PD risk modulation in pathogenic LRRK2 mutation carriers.

Methods

Banked plasma samples or urate levels were obtained for 3 cohorts of age‐ and sex‐matched subjects with and without a known LRRK2 mutation in PD and unaffected controls to conduct a pilot study of 192 subjects from the LRRK2 Cohort Consortium (LCC) and 2 validation studies of 380 additional subjects from the LCC and 922 subjects from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Urate levels were compared by multiple regression between subjects with and without a PD diagnosis conditional on LRRK2 status, controlling for age and sex.

Results

Nonmanifesting LRRK2 mutation carriers had significantly higher levels of urate than those who developed PD in each of the 3 independent cohorts. A meta‐analysis demonstrated an adjusted mean difference of 0.62 mg/dL (p < 0.001), with similar results for separate assessments of women (p < 0.02) and men (p < 0.001). A 2 mg/dL increment in urate concentration decreased the odds of having PD by approximately 50% (odds ratio = 0.48, p = 0.004).

Interpretation

These findings identify and substantiate urate as a biomarker of resistance to PD among LRRK2 mutation carriers. Ann Neurol 2019;85:593–599
C1‐Linked Spirobifluorene Dimers: Pure Hydrocarbon Hosts for High‐Performance Blue Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Sicard Lambert J. , Li Hong‐Cheng , Wang Qiang , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Jeannin Olivier , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Poriel Cyril
Published: February 2019

Reported here are C1‐linked spiro‐bifluorene dimers. A comprehensive study is carried out to analyze the electronic properties of these highly twisted structures. This work shows that the C1‐position enables the design of pure hydrocarbon materials, with a high triplet energy, for hosting blue phosphors in efficient phosphorescent OLEDs (PhOLEDs). To date, this work describes the highest performance of blue PhOLEDs ever reported for pure hydrocarbons (external quantum efficiency of ca. 23 %), thus highlighting the potential of the C1‐spirobifluorene scaffold in organic electronics.
Ist ein gebogener Kristall immer noch ein Einkristall?
Authors: Commins Patrick , Karothu Durga Prasad , Naumov Panče
Published: February 2019

Die Erwähnung des Wortes “Kristall” ruft beim Betrachter Bilder von Mineralien, Edelsteinen und Gesteinen hervor, die alle unvermeidlich solide, harte und langlebige Objekte mit klar definierten glatten Flächen und geraden Kanten sind. Mit der Entdeckung in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts, dass viele molekulare Kristalle weich sind und ähnlich wie Gummi oder Kunststoff verformt werden können, entwickelte sich die Auffassung, dass das, was einst als Kristall galt, heute einer neuen formalen Definition bedarf. Die scheinbar naive Frage im Titel dieses Aufsatzes hat keine einfache Antwort. Wir diskutieren die Auswirkungen der elastischen und plastischen Verformung von Molekülkristallen auf die Beugungssignatur als primären Nachweis für den Grad ihrer Kristallinität. In den meisten Fällen gilt die allgemein akzeptierte Definition eines Kristalls auch für elastisch und plastisch verformte Kristalle. Sofern keine signifikante oder vollständige physikalische Trennung des Kristalls während der Verformung vorliegt, können sie sicher als (verformte) Einkristalle mit hoher Fehlerdichte betrachtet werden.
Successful Decontamination of 99TcO4− in Groundwater at Legacy Nuclear Sites by a Cationic Metal‐Organic Framework with Hydrophobic Pockets
Authors: Sheng Daopeng , Zhu Lin , Dai Xing , Xu Chao , Li Peng , Pearce Carolyn I. , Xiao Chengliang , Chen Jing , Zhou Ruhong , Duan Tao , Farha Omar K. , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: February 2019

99Tc contamination at legacy nuclear sites is a serious and unsolved environmental issue. The selective remediation of 99TcO4− in the presence of a large excess of NO3− and SO42− from natural waste systems represents a significant scientific and technical challenge, since anions with a higher charge density are often preferentially sorbed by traditional anion‐exchange materials. We present a solution to this challenge based on a stable cationic metal‐organic framework, SCU‐102 (Ni2(tipm)3(NO3)4), which exhibits fast sorption kinetics, a large capacity (291 mg g−1), a high distribution coefficient, and, most importantly, a record‐high TcO4− uptake selectivity. This material can almost quantitatively remove TcO4− in the presence of a large excess of NO3− and SO42−. Decontamination experiments confirm that SCU‐102 represents the optimal Tc scavenger with the highest reported clean‐up efficiency, while first‐principle simulations reveal that the origin of the selectivity is the recognition of TcO4− by the hydrophobic pockets of the structure.
Reusable Nickel Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Reductive Amination for Selective Synthesis of Primary Amines
Authors: Murugesan Kathiravan , Beller Matthias , Jagadeesh Rajenahally V.
Published: February 2019

The preparation of nickel nanoparticles as efficient reductive amination catalysts by pyrolysis of in situ generated Ni‐tartaric acid complex on silica is presented. The resulting stable and reusable Ni‐nanocatalyst enables the synthesis of functionalized and structurally diverse primary benzylic, heterocyclic and aliphatic amines starting from inexpensive and readily available carbonyl compounds and ammonia in presence of molecular hydrogen. Applying this Ni‐based amination protocol, ‐NH2moiety can be introduced in structurally complex compounds, for example, steroid derivatives and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical and Ribosomal Synthesis of Topologically Controlled Bicyclic and Tricyclic Peptide Scaffolds Primed by Selenoether Formation
Authors: Yin Yizhen , Fei Qianran , Liu Weidong , Li Zhuoru , Suga Hiroaki , Wu Chuanliu
Published: February 2019

Bicyclic and tricyclic peptides have emerged as promising candidates for the development of protein binders and new therapeutics. However, convenient and efficient strategies that can generate topologically controlled bicyclic and tricyclic peptide scaffolds from fully‐unprotected peptides are still much in demand, particularly for those amenable to the design of biosynthetic libraries. In this work, we report a reliable chemical and ribosomal synthesis of topologically controlled bicyclic and tricyclic peptide scaffolds. Our strategy involves the combination of selenoether cyclization followed by disulfide or thioether cyclization, yielding desirable bicyclic and tricyclic peptides. This work thus lays the foundation for developing peptide libraries with controlled topology of multicyclic scaffolds for in vitro display techniques.
Is a Bent Crystal Still a Single Crystal?
Authors: Commins Patrick , Karothu Durga Prasad , Naumov Panče
Published: February 2019

The mention of the word “crystal” invokes images of minerals, gems, and rocks, all of which are inevitably solid, hard, and durable entities with well‐defined smooth faces and straight edges. With the discovery in the first half of the 20th century that many molecular crystals are soft and can be deformed in a similar way as rubber or plastic, this perception is changing, and both the concept and formal definition of what a crystal is may require reinterpretation. The seemingly naïve question posed in the title of this Minireview does not have a simple answer. Here, we discuss how the effects of the elastic and plastic deformation of molecular crystals on the diffraction signature give primary evidence of their degree of crystallinity. In most cases, the definition of a crystal holds for both elastically and plastically deformed crystals and, unless there is significant or complete physical separation of the crystal during the deformation, they can safely be considered (deformed) single crystals with a high concentration of defects.
Controlled Reduction of Carboxamides to Alcohols or Amines by Zinc Hydrides
Authors: Ong Derek Yiren , Yen Zhihao , Yoshii Asami , Revillo Imbernon Julia , Takita Ryo , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: February 2019

New protocols for controlled reduction of carboxamides to either alcohols or amines were established using a combination of sodium hydride (NaH) and zinc halides (ZnX2). Use of a different halide on ZnX2 dictates the selectivity, wherein the NaH‐ZnI2 system delivers alcohols and NaH‐ZnCl2 gives amines. Extensive mechanistic studies by experimental and theoretical approaches imply that polymeric zinc hydride (ZnH2)∞ is responsible for alcohol formation, whereas dimeric zinc chloride hydride (H−Zn−Cl)2 is the key species for the production of amines.
Fully Conjugated Two‐Dimensional sp2‐Carbon Covalent Organic Frameworks as Artificial Photosystem I with High Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Liu Hui , Wu Chenyu , Zhang Zhaohui , Pan Qingyan , Hu Fan , Wang Ruiming , Li Piwu , Huang Xiaowen , Li Zhibo
Published: February 2019

The synthesis of fully conjugated sp2‐carbon covalent organic frameworks (COF) is extremely challenging given the difficulty of the formation of very stable carbon‐carbon double bonds (‐C=C‐). Here, we report the successful preparation of a 2D COF (TP‐COF) based on triazine as central planar units bridged by sp2‐carbon linkers through the ‐C=C‐ condensation reaction. High‐resolution‐transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) clearly confirmed the tessellated hexagonal pore structure with a pore center‐to‐center distance of 2 nm. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) together with structural simulations revealed an AA stacking mode of the obtained layered structure. TP‐COF turned out to be an excellent semiconductor material with a LUMO energy of −3.23 eV and a band gap of 2.36 eV. Excitingly, this novel sp2‐carbon conjugated TP‐COF exhibited unprecedented coenzyme regeneration efficiency and can significantly boost the coenzyme‐assisted synthesis ofl‐glutamate to a record‐breaking 97 % yield within 12 minutes.
Influences of diffusion coefficient of 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride on structure and properties of regenerated cellulose fiber obtained via dry‐jet‐wet spinning
Authors: Zhang Desheng , Wang Yixin , Shi Zhenghui
Published: February 2019

The diffusion dynamics of the cellulose/1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) solution during coagulation of regenerated cellulose fiber in a nonsolvent bath was investigated in detail. According to Fick's second law of diffusion, the experimental data were fitted to obtain the diffusion coefficients of [Amim]Cl (D). The cellulose concentration, bath type, and temperature were varied to analyze their influence on the diffusion coefficient of [Amim]Cl. Furthermore, the dependence of the structure and properties of the regenerated fiber obtained via dry‐jet‐wet spinning on the diffusion coefficients were analyzed. Many defects were formed in the surface and cross sections of the regenerated fibers prepared with high diffusion coefficients. The crystallization and mechanical properties deteriorated with the increase in the diffusion rate of [Amim]Cl. Therefore, the diffusion coefficients of [Amim]Cl should be kept relatively low to enable the preparation of uniform‐structured regenerated cellulose fibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47609.
Cu2+‐Induced Structural Isomers: Effect of Foreign Metal Ions on the Structure and Properties of Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Lin Xinzhang , Liu Chao , Fu Xuemei , Huang Jiahui
Published: February 2019

Metal ions have an important impact on the precise control of the synthesis and atomic structural arrangement of noble metal nanoclusters. In this work, the effect of metal ions on the isomer generation of metal nanoclusters is revealed for the first time. Compared with the previous Ag23 nanoclusters with two face‐centered cubic (fcc) unit cells twisting 27°, the Ag23 isomer had a higher symmetry structure with two fcc unit cells almost overlapping. In addition, the UV/Vis absorption spectrum of the isomer showed a slight redshift of approximately 14 nm. The redshift might be because of the modulation of electronic structure, which is derived from fine‐tuned crystal structure. Based on the experimental results, we provide mechanisms to explain the Cu2+ effect on the structural isomer. This work reports a significant finding to tune precisely the crystal structure and understand the mechanism of shape‐controlled synthesis of metal nanoclusters.
Sliding mode control as binary‐based quantizers
Authors: Almakhles Dhafer
Published: February 2019

In recent years, sliding mode quantizers (SMQs), where signals are converted to switching signals represented by sequence of binary values −1's and +1's, are increasingly being used in various applications including control of power converters, networked control systems (NCSs), one‐bit control processing, etc. This paper derives the stability conditions of both continuous and discrete‐time switched control systems which are embedded with SMQs and quasi‐sliding mode quantizers (QSMQs), respectively. The optimal conditions of both SMQ and QSMQ, which assure that their outputs (binary values) optimally approximate their inputs, are established. The results of theoretical analysis are validated through numerical simulation.
The effects of perinatal bisphenol A exposure on thyroid hormone homeostasis and glucose metabolism in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Fan Shijun , Guo Yuanqiao , Tan Ruei , Zhang Junyu , Zhang Wenhua , Pan Bing‐Xing , Kato Nobumasa
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor widely used to manufacture consumer goods. Although the thyroid hormone (TH) disrupting potential of BPA has been thought to be responsible for the neuropsychiatric deficits in the animals that experienced perinatal BPA exposure, the TH availability change at the level of specific brain structures has not been subject to systematic investigation.

Methods

In the present study the impacts of perinatal BPA exposure (0.1 mg/L in drinking water) spanning gestation and lactation on TH homeostasis in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were assessed in male Sprague–Dawley rats at postnatal day 21 (PND21) and PND90. As TH regulates brain glucose metabolism at multiple levels，the effects of BPA treatment on glucose metabolism in the brain tissues were also assessed in adult rats.

Results

The results showed heterogeneous changes in TH concentration induced by BPA between serum and brain tissues, additionally, in the BPA–treated pups, up–regulated expression of the TH transporter monocarboxylate 8 mRNA at PND21 and increased type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase mRNA expressions at PND21 and PND90 were observed. Meanwhile, decreased glucose metabolism was seen in the PFC and hippocampus, while deficits in locomotor activity, spatial memory and social behaviors occurred in BPA‐treated groups.

Conclusion

These data support the concept that the developing brain possesses potent mechanisms to compensate for a small reduction in serum TH, such as serum hypothyrodism induced by BPA exposure, however, the long‐term negative effect of BPA treatment on TH homeostasis and glucose metabolism may be attributable to neuropsychiatric deficits after mature.
Comparison of breast cancer risk factors among molecular subtypes: A case‐only study
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Huang Yubei , Feng Ziwei , Wang Xin , Li Haixin , Song Fangfang , Liu Luyang , Li Junxian , Zheng Hong , Wang Peishan , Song Fengju , Chen Kexin
Published: February 2019

Epidemiological studies have a clear definition of the risk factors for breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether the distribution of these factors differs among breast cancer subtypes. We conducted a hospital‐based case‐only study consisting of 8067 breast cancer patients basing on the Tianjin Cohort of Breast Cancer Cases. Major breast cancer subtypes including luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐enriched and basal‐like were defined by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, and Ki‐67 status. Variables including demographic characteristics, reproductive factors, lifestyle habits, imaging examination, and clinicopathologic data were collected for patients. Chi‐square test and one‐way analysis of variance were used to compare the distributions of variables among the four breast cancer subtypes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals where luminal A patients served as the reference group. Overall, more commonality rather than heterogeneity on the distributions of factors was found between the four molecular subtypes of breast cancer. The proportion of overweight and obesity were lower in HER2‐enriched subtype. Women with age at menarche ≤13 years were more likely to be found in basal‐like subtype. Postmenopausal women were more frequent in HER2‐enriched and basal‐like subtypes. Women with benign breast disease and higher breast density were more common in HER2‐enriched subtype. Risk factor scoring showed that total risk scores were similar among the four subtypes. HER2‐enriched and basal‐like subtypes were more frequently diagnosed with large tumors. Calcification was more likely to be found in luminal B and HER2‐enriched subtypes, whereas less distributed in basal‐like subtype. Most of the breast cancer risk factors were similarly distributed among the four major breast cancer subtypes; commonality is predominant.
Real‐world outcomes of various regimens of recombinant human endostatin combined with chemotherapy in non‐driver gene mutation advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Zhongtai , Zhang Hui , Zhou Chunhua , Long Xiaoyan , Guan Rui , Yang Nong , Zhang Yongchang
Published: February 2019

Aims

This real‐world study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (rh‐endostatin) combined with chemotherapy as first‐line treatment for non‐driver genes mutation non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and establish evidence‐based optimal regimen for rh‐endostatin.

Patients and Methods

Using propensity score matching (cut‐off: 0.01), 88 patients were eligible for our study, 34 of which received platinum‐based chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy group), 54 patients received platinum‐based chemotherapy plus rh‐endostatin (rh‐endostatin group). Among those 54 patients in the rh‐endostatin group, 27 patients received rh‐endostatin administered at 7.5 mg/m2 from day 1 to day 14 (rh‐endostatin 14d group), and the other 27 patients were administered at 15 mg/m2 from day 1 to day 7 (rh‐endostatin 7d group). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety.

Results

There were no differences in clinic characteristics among 3 groups. Compared with chemotherapy group, rh‐endostatin group improved PFS and OS significantly. The median PFS was 6 months vs 4.5 months (P = 0.047), and median OS was 20 months vs 10 months (P < 0.001). The ORR was 33.3% vs 20.6% (P = 0.197) and DCR was 83.3% vs 64.7% (P = 0.046) in the rh‐endostatin group and chemotherapy group, respectively. The comparisons between the rh‐endostatin 7d and 14d groups revealed a significant improvement in PFS for the rh‐endostatin 7d group (P = 0.044), but no significant differences in OS (P = 0.111), ORR (P = 0.074), or DCR (P = 0.234). The incidences of grade 3 and 4 adverse events were similar among 3 groups.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy combined with rh‐endostatin was more effective than chemotherapy alone for non‐driver gene mutation NSCLC patients. The administration of rh‐endostatin for 7 days at 15 mg/m2 was non‐inferior to 14 days at 7.5 mg/m2 in prolonging patients’ PFS. Further evaluation should be conducted before its application in clinical work.
NOx Removal Performance Optimization of NiMnTi Mixed Oxide Catalysts by Tuning the Redox Capability
Authors: Wu Xu , Li XiaoJian , Du Yali , Wang RuoNan , Guo XingMei , Hou BenHui
Published: February 2019

A series of Ni4‐xMnxTi1Oy mixed metal oxides (Ni4‐xMnxTi1‐LDO) catalysts originated from layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were fabricated and evaluated in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3‐SCR). To optimize the denitrification performance, the redox capability of catalysts was adjusted by calcining the Ni4‐xMnxTi1‐LDHs precursors with different Mn loading at different temperatures. The results revealed that calcination temperature was the secondary factor while the molar ratio of Mn to Ni was the main factor for influencing the redox properties. Among Ni4‐xMnxTi1‐LDO catalysts, the Ni2Mn2Ti1‐LDO catalyst afforded the optimal DeNOx behavior with above 90 % NOx conversion and 95 % selectivity of N2 as well as superior SO2 resistance in the wide temperature region of 150–360 °C. Multiple characterizations indicated that exceptional catalytic performance of Ni2Mn2Ti1‐LDO catalyst was highly dependent on the suitable redox capability resulted from moderate concentration of Ni3+, Mn4+ and chemisorbed oxygen Oβ in catalysts surface.
Sub‐Nanometer‐Sized Iridium Species Decorated on Mesoporous Co3O4 for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wang Wenquan , Xi Shunming , Shao Yalong , Gao Xi , Lin Jing , Meng Chao , Wang Wenjing , Guo Xiaosong , Li Guicun
Published: February 2019

Optimizing the surface structure at the atomic scale is crucial for developing effective catalysts. In this work, a hybrid material consisting of well‐dispersed sub‐nanometer‐sized (SNS) iridium (Ir) species decorated on mesoporous Co3O4 was fabricated as electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through pyrolysis of IrCl3/Co(NO3)2 complexes confined within the mesoporous KIT‐6 template. It was found that the KIT‐6 template played a critical role in the formation of SNS Ir species. The optimized Ir−Co3O4‐1 showed highly efficient OER catalytic performance with an overpotential of 1.527 V to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2, and superior stability in alkaline condition. The electrochemical results demonstrated that moderate Ir incorporation was conductive to form the high valence Co ions in form of Co oxyhydroxide during the OER process. The present work would open a new route for material design of SNS Ir species decorated mesoporous metal oxides for the application in catalysis.
Cationic IrIII Emitters with Near‐Infrared Emission Beyond 800 nm and Their Use in Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Chen Guan‐Yu , Chang Bo‐Ren , Shih Ting‐An , Lin Chien‐Hsiang , Lo Chieh‐Liang , Chen Yan‐Zhi , Liu You‐Xuan , Li Yu‐Ru , Guo Jin‐Ting , Lu Chin‐Wei , Yang Zu‐Po , Su Hai‐Ching
Published: February 2019

Solid‐state near‐infrared (NIR) light‐emitting devices have recently received considerable attention as NIR light sources that can penetrate deep into human tissue and are suitable for bioimaging and labeling. In addition, solid‐state NIR light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have shown several promising advantages over NIR organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs). However, among the reported NIR LECs based on ionic transition‐metal complexes (iTMCs), there is currently no iridium‐based LEC that displays NIR electroluminescence (EL) peaks near to or above 800 nm. In this report we demonstrate a simple method for adjusting the energy gap between the highest‐occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of iridium‐based iTMCs to generate NIR emission. We describe a series of novel ionic iridium complexes with very small energy gaps, namely NIR1–NIR6, in which 2,3‐diphenylbenzo[g]quinoxaline moieties mainly take charge of the HOMO energy levels and 2,2′‐biquinoline, 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)quinazoline, and 2,2′‐bibenzo[d]thiazole moieties mainly control the LUMO energy levels. All the complexes exhibited NIR phosphorescence, with emission maxima up to 850 nm, and have been applied as components in LECs, showing a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.05 % in the EL devices. By using a host–guest emissive system, with the iridium complex RED as the host and the complex NIR3 or NIR6 as guest, the highest EQE of the LECs can be further enhanced to above 0.1 %.
[2]Rotaxane End‐Capping Synthesis by Click Michael‐Type Addition to the Vinyl Sulfonyl Group
Authors: David Arthur H. G. , García‐Cerezo Pablo , Campaña Araceli G. , Santoyo‐González Francisco , Blanco Victor
Published: February 2019

We report the application of the click Michael‐type addition reaction to vinyl sulfone or vinyl sulfonate groups in the synthesis of rotaxanes through the threading‐and‐capping method. This methodology has proven to be efficient and versatile as it allowed the preparation of rotaxanes using template approaches based on different noncovalent interactions (i.e., donor‐acceptor π–π interactions or hydrogen bonding) in yields of generally 60–80 % and up to 91 % aided by the mild conditions required (room temperature or 0 °C and a mild base such as Et3N or 4‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP)). Furthermore, the use of vinyl sulfonate moieties, which are suitable motifs for coupling‐and‐decoupling (CAD) chemistry, implies another advantage because it allows the controlled chemical disassembly of the rotaxanes into their components through nucleophilic substitution of the sulfonates resulting from the capping step with a thiol under mild conditions (Cs2CO3 and room temperature).
Impact of Different Nitrogen‐Horizontal Placements on Greenhouse Gas Exchange in an Apple Orchard
Authors: Zhang Man , Guo Shengli , Li Bo
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen (N) placement can impact nitrogen use efficiency, but its effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain unclear. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of four different N horizontal placement methods (i.e., annular canal (An), radial canal (Ra), band (Ba), and nest fertilization (Ne)) with urea broadcast (Br) on nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and soil heterotrophic respiration carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an apple orchard to assess the seasonal and spatial variations in these gas emissions. The total cumulative GHG emissions are determined through spots that are differentiated as fertilized or unfertilized. A field simulation study is conducted in an apple orchard, and all N sources have an application rate of 300 kg N ha−1. In the spots with fertilizer application, the N2O emissions from the Br treatment are significantly lower than those of other treatments, and the emissions from the Ne treatment are 1.7‐fold higher than those of the Br treatment. Surprisingly, the cumulative N2O emissions from the Br treatment are significantly higher than those of the other four treatments. N horizontal placement does not significantly influence the soil CH4 sink. The CO2 emissions in the Br treatment are higher than in other treatments. High N2O emissions in the Br treatment result in a significantly higher GHG exchange than in other treatments, while the Ne treatment significantly reduces the GHG exchange throughout the measurement period. Therefore, optimizing N placement may serve as an effective way to reduce GHG emissions from arable soils.
Personal identification study for touchable devices with ECG
Authors: Ko Hoon , Pan Sung Bum , Měsíček Libor
Published: February 2019

Each person has unique bio‐information, and this information rarely would be overlapped to other people. Because of this feature, many researchers have been working on a user's identification. However, the problem is that it is not certain if the feature is exactly matched at any time and in any place for the dynamic signal. It is very hard to match bio‐information whenever it is measured; however, all natural signals have an individual pattern. In this paper, it uses an ECG (electrocardiogram) as bio‐information, and it tries to find each pattern, which will be located within the threshold. With the pattern in the threshold, it detects the user's identification. To analyze the patterns, it analyzes them as measured for 120 seconds. Next, it divides them every 1‐2 seconds to 5 seconds. Then, it could recognize the users' identification with this study, and then, finally, the accuracy is 83.3618%.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Extended Conjugate Effects in Donor–π–Acceptor‐Type Mesoporous Carbon Nitride for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Sun Zongzhao , Jiang Yabin , Zeng Lei , Huang Limin
Published: February 2019

Inspired by donor–acceptor (D–A) polymers in organic solar cell and the extended conjugation effect, a conceptual design of D–π–A‐type mesoporous carbon nitride with benzene or thiophene as a π‐spacer is proposed as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. The photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a one‐pot thermopolymerization based on nucleophilic substitution and a Schiff‐base chemical reaction. On the molecular level, the insertion of an in‐plane benzene as a π‐spacer by forming covalent bonds C=N (acceptor) and C−N (donor) interrupts the continuity of tri‐s‐triazine units and maintains the intrinsic π–π conjugated electronic system. Synchronously, the enlarged electron delocalization and the intramolecular charge transfer induced by polarization provide force‐directed migration of electrons, leading to boosted optical absorption capability and enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. With the synergistic effects of the mesoporous structure and excellent optical and electronic properties, a fivefold increase in the H2evolution rate compared with that of pristine g‐C3N4was achieved with robust performance. In addition, other simple aromatic heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine, thiophene and furan)‐based D–π–A structures with a higher hydrogen evolution rate (up to sevenfold increase) were also explored to broaden the application for the design of novel photocatalysts.
Resting Escherichia coli as Chassis for Microbial Electrosynthesis: Production of Chiral Alcohols
Authors: Mayr Jeannine C. , Grosch Jan‐Hendrik , Hartmann Lena , Rosa Luis F. M. , Spiess Antje C. , Harnisch Falk
Published: February 2019

Chiral alcohols constitute important building blocks that can be produced enantioselectively by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H]‐dependent oxidoreductases. For NAD(P)H regeneration, electricity delivers the cheapest reduction equivalents. Enzymatic electrosynthesis suffers from cofactor and enzyme instability, whereas microbial electrosynthesis (MES) exploits whole cells. Here, we demonstrate MES by using resting Escherichia coli as biocatalytic chassis for a production platform towards fine chemicals through electric power. This chassis was exemplified for the synthesis of chiral alcohols by using a NADPH‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis for synthesis of (R)‐1‐phenylethanol from acetophenone. The E. coli strain and growth conditions affected the performance. Maximum yields of (39.4±5.7) % at a coulombic efficiency of (50.5±6.0) % with enantiomeric excess >99 % was demonstrated at a rate of (83.5±13.9) μm h−1, confirming the potential of MES for synthesis of high‐value compounds.
Mitochondrial DNA genomes of five majorHelicoverpapest species from the Old and New Worlds (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Walsh Tom K. , Perera Omaththage , Anderson Craig , Gordon Karl , Czepak Cecilia , McGaughran Angela , Zwick Andreas , Hackett Daniel , Tay Wee Tek
Published: February 2019

Five species of noctuid moths,Helicoverpa armigera,H. punctigera,H. assulta,H. zea,andH. gelotopoeon,are major agricultural pests inhabiting various and often overlapping global distributions. Visual identification of these species requires a great deal of expertise and misidentification can have repercussions for pest management and agricultural biosecurity. Here, we report on the complete mitochondrial genomes ofH. assulta assultaandH. assulta afra,H. gelotopoeon, H. punctigera, H. zea, andH. armigera armigeraandH. armigera conferta’assembled from high‐throughput sequencing data. This study significantly increases the mitogenome resources for these five agricultural pests with sequences assembled from across different continents, including anH. armigeraindividual collected from an invasive population in Brazil. We infer the phylogenetic relationships of these fiveHelicoverpaspecies based on the 13 mitochondrial DNA protein‐coding genes (PCG's) and show that two publicly available mitogenomes ofH. assulta(KP015198andKR149448) have been misidentified or incorrectly assembled. We further consolidate existing PCR‐RFLP methods to cover all fiveHelicoverpapest species, providing an updated method that will contribute to species differentiation and to future monitoring efforts ofHelicoverpapest species across different continents. We discuss the value ofHelicoverpamitogenomes to assist with species identification in view of the context of the rapid spread ofH. armigerain the New World. With this work, we provide the molecular resources necessary for future studies of the evolutionary history and ecology of these species.
Wolverines in winter: indirect habitat loss and functional responses to backcountry recreation
Authors: Heinemeyer Kimberly , Squires John , Hebblewhite Mark , O'Keefe Julia J. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Copeland Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

Outdoor recreation is increasingly recognized to impact nature and wildlife, yet few studies have examined recreation within large natural landscapes that are critical habitat to some of our most rare and potentially disturbance‐sensitive species. Over six winters (2010–2015) and four study areas (>1.1 million ha) in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, we studied the responses of wolverines (Gulo gulo) to backcountry winter recreation. We fit Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to 24 individual wolverines and acquired >54,000 GPS locations over 39 animal‐years during winter (January–April). Simultaneously, we monitored winter recreation, collecting ~6000 GPS tracks (~200,000 km) from backcountry recreationists. We combined the GPS tracks with trail use counts and aerial recreation surveys to map the extent and relative intensity of motorized and non‐motorized recreation. We integrated our wolverine and backcountry recreation data to (1) assess patterns of wolverine habitat selection and (2) evaluate the effect of backcountry recreation on wolverine habitat relationships. We used resource selection functions to model habitat selection of male and female wolverines within their home ranges. We first modeled habitat selection for environmental covariates to understand male and female habitat use then incorporated winter recreation covariates. We assessed the potential for indirect habitat loss from winter recreation and tested for functional responses of wolverines to differing levels and types of recreation. Motorized recreation occurred at higher intensity across a larger footprint than non‐motorized recreation in most wolverine home ranges. Wolverines avoided areas of both motorized and non‐motorized winter recreation with off‐road recreation eliciting a stronger response than road‐based recreation. Female wolverines exhibited stronger avoidance of off‐road motorized recreation and experienced higher indirect habitat loss than male wolverines. Wolverines showed negative functional responses to the level of recreation exposure within the home range, with female wolverines showing the strongest functional response to motorized winter recreation. We suggest indirect habitat loss, particularly to females, could be of concern in areas with higher recreation levels. We speculate that the potential for backcountry winter recreation to affect wolverines may increase under climate change if reduced snow pack concentrates winter recreationists and wolverines in the remaining areas of persistent snow cover.
Homo‐ and Heterobimetallic Complexes Bearing NHC Ligands: Applications in α‐Arylation of Amide, Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reactions, and Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Majumder Adhir , Naskar Rajat , Roy Pallabi , Maity Ramananda
Published: February 2019

A heterobimetallic IrIII/PdII complex from a dicarbene donor ligand featuring cyclometalated IrIII and PEPPSI type PdII is presented along with a homodinuclear PEPPSI type PdII complex starting from the same bis‐imidazolium salt. All the PdII complexes are active precatalyst in both α‐arylation and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. The heterobimetallic IrIII/PdII complex shows much higher yields in tandem C–C coupling/transfer hydrogenation reactions compared to the equimolar mixture of their mononuclear PdII and IrIII counterparts.
Production stability and biomass quality in microalgal cultivation – Contribution of community dynamics
Authors: Olofsson Martin , Lindehoff Elin , Legrand Catherine
Published: February 2019

The prospect of using constructed communities of microalgae in algal cultivation was confirmed in this study. Three different algal communities, constructed of diatoms (Diatom), green algae (Green), and cyanobacteria (Cyano), each mixed with a natural community of microalgae were cultivated in batch and semi‐continuous mode and fed CO2 or cement flue gas (12–15% CO2). Diatom had the highest growth rate but Green had the highest yield. Changes in the community composition occurred throughout the experiment. Green algae were the most competitive group, while filamentous cyanobacteria were outcompeted. Euglenoids, recruited from scarce species in the natural community became a large part of the biomass in semi‐steady state in all communities. High temporal and yield stability were demonstrated in all communities during semi‐steady state. Valuable products (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates) comprised 61.5 ± 5% of ash‐free biomass and were similar for the three communities with lipids ranging 14–26% of dry mass (DM), proteins (15–28% DM) and carbohydrates (9–23% DM). Our results indicate that culture functions (stability, biomass quality) were maintained while dynamic changes occurred in community composition. We propose that a multispecies community approach can aid sustainability in microalgal cultivation, through complementary use of resources and higher culture stability.
Discover effective strategies for redesigning student services
Authors: Griff Adam
Published: February 2019

Student needs are increasingly complex and cut across the typical siloes of student services. Consider students who want to study abroad and the questions they might have: How will this contribute to my degree requirements? Will my credits transfer? Which program best positions me for a future job? How do I pay for this? How do I obtain the right visas and the necessary vaccinations? Embarking on a study‐abroad program can involve enrollment, career services, financial aid, student accounts, and the health center. For students, study abroad is a singular coherent experience and process, but from the perspective of colleges and universities it involves multiple workflows and providers.