bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Thermal Radiation Modulation Platform by Emissivity Engineering with Graded Metal–Insulator Transition
Authors: Tang Kechao , Wang Xi , Dong Kaichen , Li Ying , Li Jiachen , Sun Bo , Zhang Xiang , Dames Chris , Qiu Chengwei , Yao Jie , Wu Junqiao
Published: July 2020

Thermal radiation from a black body increases with the fourth power of absolute temperature (T4), an effect known as the Stefan–Boltzmann law. Typical materials radiate heat at a portion of this limit, where the portion, called integrated emissivity (εint), is insensitive to temperature (|dεint/dT| ≈ 10−4 °C–1). The resultant radiance bound by the T4 law limits the ability to regulate radiative heat. Here, an unusual material platform is shown in which εint can be engineered to decrease in an arbitrary manner near room temperature (|dεint/dT| ≈ 8 × 10−3 °C–1), enabling unprecedented manipulation of infrared radiation. As an example, εint is programmed to vary with temperature as the inverse of T4, precisely counteracting the T4 dependence; hence, thermal radiance from the surface becomes temperature‐independent, allowing the fabrication of flexible and power‐free infrared camouflage with unique advantage in performance stability. The structure is based on thin films of tungsten‐doped vanadium dioxide where the tungsten fraction is judiciously graded across a thickness less than the skin depth of electromagnetic screening.
Light Management with Natural Materials: From Whiteness to Transparency
Authors: Jacucci Gianni , Schertel Lukas , Zhang Yating , Yang Han , Vignolini Silvia
Published: July 2020

The possibility of structuring material at the nanoscale is essential to control light–matter interactions and therefore fabricate next‐generation paints and coatings. In this context, nature can serve not only as a source of inspiration for the design of such novel optical structures, but also as a primary source of materials. Here, some of the strategies used in nature to optimize light–matter interaction are reviewed and some of the recent progress in the production of optical materials made solely of plant‐derived building blocks is highlighted. In nature, nano‐ to micrometer‐sized structured materials made from biopolymers are at the origin of most of the light‐transport effects. How natural photonic systems manage light scattering and what can be learned from plants and animals to produce photonic materials from biopolymers are discussed. Tuning the light‐scattering properties via structural variations allows a wide range of appearances to be obtained, from whiteness to transparency, using the same renewable and biodegradable building blocks. Here, various transparent and white cellulose‐based materials produced so far are highlighted.
Influence of Depolymerases and Lipases on the Degradation of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Determined in Langmuir Degradation Studies
Authors: Tarazona Natalia A. , Machatschek Rainhard , Lendlein Andreas
Published: July 2020

Microbially produced polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters that are degradable by naturally occurring enzymes. Albeit PHAs degrade slowly when implanted in animal models, their disintegration is faster compared to abiotic hydrolysis under simulated physiological environments. Ultrathin Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) films are used as models for fast in vitro degradation testing, to predict enzymatically catalyzed hydrolysis of PHAs in vivo. The activity of mammalian enzymes secreted by pancreas and liver, potentially involved in biomaterials degradation, along with microbial hydrolases is tested toward LB‐films of two model PHAs, poly(3‐R‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly[(3‐R‐hydroxyoctanoate)‐co‐(3‐R‐hydroxyhexanoate)] (PHOHHx). A specific PHA depolymerase from Streptomyces exfoliatus, used as a positive control, is shown to hydrolyze LB‐films of both polymers regardless of their side‐chain‐length and phase morphology. From amorphous PHB and PHOHHx, ≈80% is eroded in few hours, while mass loss for semicrystalline PHB is 25%. Surface potential and interfacial rheology measurements show that material dissolution is consistent with a random‐chain‐scission mechanism. Degradation‐induced crystallization of semicrystalline PHB LB‐films is also observed. Meanwhile, the surface and the mechanical properties of both LB‐films remain intact throughout the experiments with lipases and other microbial hydrolases, suggesting that non‐enzymatic hydrolysis could be the predominant factor for acceleration of PHAs degradation in vivo.
Researchers' ethical concerns regarding habituating wild‐nonhuman primates and perceived ethical duties to their subjects: Results of an online survey
Authors: Green Victoria M. , Gabriel Kara I.
Published: July 2020

While the process of habituation is essential for researchers to observe primates in their natural habitats, ethical dilemmas may arise from its consequences. We collected data from 286 participants via an online survey to investigate: (a) how primatologists perceive their ethical duties toward their subjects; (b) the extent to which primatologists are concerned about the potential ethical consequences of habituation; and (c) the methods primatologists use to reduce potential harms caused by habituation. Overall, primatologists felt an extremely strong duty to mitigate harms that they may cause (e.g., to not stress individuals during observation, treat injuries, and reunite separated individuals) and expressed very high concern for habituation's potential to increase the vulnerability of their subjects to poaching and disease transfer. Ratings for those items were so high that they could not be included in subsequent exploratory factor analyses that were designed to reveal constructs underlying respondents’ ratings of their ethical duties and concerns. Factor analysis of ratings of ethical duties revealed that primatologists reported a strong duty to mitigate harms caused by other humans and a lower perceived duty to mitigate naturally occurring harmful events. Factor analysis on ethical concern ratings revealed that respondents were concerned about harms during the habituation process, the presence of unhabituated behavior after habituation had been established, and indirect harms of habituation. Concerns for unhabituated behavior and indirect harms were rated slightly higher than concern for harms during the habituation process. To mitigate potential harms, primatologists primarily reported engaging in strategies to reduce stress in their subjects. Our findings reveal a disconnect between primatologists' ratings of their ethical concerns and their reported mitigation practices that may, in part, stem from gaps in knowledge about the true impacts of habituation. We suggest areas of discussion and research in the field necessary to address those gaps.
Die Erzeugung von Tyrosinaseaktivität in einer Catecholoxidase erlaubt die Identifizierung der für die C‐H‐Aktivierung in Typ‐III‐Kupferenzymen verantwortlichen Aminosäurereste
Authors: Kampatsikas Ioannis , Pretzler Matthias , Rompel Annette
Published: July 2020

Tyrosinasen (TYRs) katalysieren die Hydroxylierung von Phenolen und die Oxidation der resultierenden o‐Diphenole zu o‐Chinonen, während Catecholoxidasen (COs) nur die letztere Aktivität aufweisen. Die Auronsynthase (AUS) reagiert nicht mit klassischen Tyrosinasesubstraten wie Tyramin und l‐Tyrosin, jedoch hydroxyliert sie ihr natürliches Substrat: das Isoliquiritigenin. Der strukturelle Unterschied zwischen TYRs, COs und AUS, der zu ihren unterschiedlichen katalytischen Aktivitäten führt, ist noch immer ein Rätsel. Zu dessen Klärung wurde eine Bibliothek von 39 Mutanten der AUS von Coreopsis grandiflora (CgAUS) erstellt. Aktivitätsstudien an diesen zeigten, dass die Reaktivität der drei konservierten Histidine (HisA2, HisB1 und HisB2) durch ihre benachbarten Reste (HisB1+1, HisB2+1) und den Wasserträgerrest bestimmt wird, womit diese entweder als stärkere Basen reagieren oder/und in einer für das Verschieben von Substratprotonen günstigen Position stabilisiert werden. Diese Studie liefert das Verständnis für die CH‐Aktivierung basierend auf dem Typ‐III‐Kupferzentrum, das in zukünftigen biotechnologischen Prozessen verwendet werden kann.
Identification of Amino Acid Residues Responsible for C−H Activation in Type‐III Copper Enzymes by Generating Tyrosinase Activity in a Catechol Oxidase
Authors: Kampatsikas Ioannis , Pretzler Matthias , Rompel Annette
Published: July 2020

Tyrosinases (TYRs) catalyze the hydroxylation of phenols and the oxidation of the resulting o‐diphenols to o‐quinones, while catechol oxidases (COs) exhibit only the latter activity. Aurone synthase (AUS) is not able to react with classical tyrosinase substrates, such as tyramine and l‐tyrosine, while it can hydroxylate its natural substrate isoliquiritigenin. The structural difference of TYRs, COs, and AUS at the heart of their divergent catalytic activities is still a puzzle. Therefore, a library of 39 mutants of AUS from Coreopsis grandiflora (CgAUS) was generated and the activity studies showed that the reactivity of the three conserved histidines (HisA2, HisB1, and HisB2) is tuned by their adjacent residues (HisB1+1, HisB2+1, and waterkeeper residue) either to react as stronger bases or / and to stabilize a position permissive for substrate proton shuffling. This provides the understanding for C−H activation based on the type‐III copper center to be used in future biotechnological processes.
Organocatalytic Control over a Fuel‐Driven Transient‐Esterification Network**
Authors: van der Helm Michelle P. , Wang Chang‐Lin , Fan Bowen , Macchione Mariano , Mendes Eduardo , Eelkema Rienk
Published: July 2020

Signal transduction in living systems is the conversion of information into a chemical change, and is the principal process by which cells communicate. In nature, these functions are encoded in non‐equilibrium (bio)chemical reaction networks (CRNs) controlled by enzymes. However, man‐made catalytically controlled networks are rare. We incorporated catalysis into an artificial fuel‐driven out‐of‐equilibrium CRN, where the forward (ester formation) and backward (ester hydrolysis) reactions are controlled by varying the ratio of two organocatalysts: pyridine and imidazole. This catalytic regulation enables full control over ester yield and lifetime. This fuel‐driven strategy was expanded to a responsive polymer system, where transient polymer conformation and aggregation are controlled through fuel and catalyst levels. Altogether, we show that organocatalysis can be used to control a man‐made fuel‐driven system and induce a change in a macromolecular superstructure, as in natural non‐equilibrium systems.
Planar Cyclopenten‐4‐yl Cations: Highly Delocalized π Aromatics Stabilized by Hyperconjugation
Authors: Nees Samuel , Kupfer Thomas , Hofmann Alexander , Braunschweig Holger
Published: July 2020

Theoretical studies predicted the planar cyclopenten‐4‐yl cation to be a classical carbocation, and the highest‐energy isomer of C5H7+. Hence, its existence has not been verified experimentally so far. We were now able to isolate two stable derivatives of the cyclopenten‐4‐yl cation by reaction of bulky alanes CpRAlBr2 with AlBr3. Elucidation of their (electronic) structures by X‐ray diffraction and quantum chemistry studies revealed planar geometries and strong hyperconjugation interactions primarily from the C−Al σ bonds to the empty p orbital of the cationic sp2 carbon center. A close inspection of the molecular orbitals (MOs) and of the anisotropy of current (induced) density (ACID), as well as the evaluation of various aromaticity descriptors indicated distinct aromaticity for these cyclopenten‐4‐yl derivatives, which strongly contrasts the classical description of this system. Here, strong delocalization of π electrons spanning the whole carbocycle has been verified, thus providing rare examples of π aromaticity involving saturated sp3 carbon atoms.
Monitoring the Crystallization Behavior of Hydrogenated Coconut Oil Using Ultrasonic Phase Velocity
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Matsuura Tsutashi , Masuko Tomosada , Katsuno Nakako , Nishizu Takahisa
Published: July 2020

Fat crystals are known to affect the stability and applicability of fat‐containing foods, and changes in quality during low‐temperature preservation. Therefore, understanding fat crystallization behavior is important for product development and quality control. Ultrasonic measurement is a nondestructive, noncontact, and highly versatile on‐line measurement method. Herein, we aim to verify the applicability of the ultrasonic characteristics to monitor fat crystallization behavior of hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO) using ultrasonic phase velocity (UPV) at 1.98 MHz under different cooling rates and with different emulsifier additives. The UPV was found to increase with decreasing HCO temperature, and the UPV‐temperature relation had an inflection point at approximately 20–25 °C. The inflection point coincided with the crystallization onset temperature determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The density of HCO was found to increase with decreasing temperature, while the compressibility of HCO decreased with the temperature. From the Laplace equation established between the UPV (c) and the density (ρ), c = (ρβ)−0.5, the increase in the compressibility (β) of UPV indicates a decrease in ρβ. Consequently, since the density increases with cooling, the dominant factor that causes an increase in UPV is a reduction in compressibility. The UPV of the solid phase was highly correlated with the crystallization enthalpy (R2 = 0.99).
Bio‐based hydroxymethylated eugenol modified bismaleimide resin and its high‐temperature composites
Authors: Ning Yi , Li Dian‐sen , Wang Ming‐cun , Chen Yi‐chi , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2020

Hydroxymethylated eugenol (MEG) and poly (hydroxymethylated eugenol) (PMEG) were synthesized by the condensation reaction of eugenol (EG) with formaldehyde. The different contents of MEG and PMEG were used to modify 4,4′‐bismaleimidediphenylmethane (BMI). The cured MEG‐BMI resins exhibit good thermal stability evidenced by its 5% weight loss temperatures above 407°C and its residue above 39.4% at 800°C under nitrogen. For carbon/MEG‐BMI composites, their glass transition temperatures were around 400°C; their flexural strength and moduli were maintained at a range of 488.87–575.47 MPa and 48.84–60.26 GPa, respectively. With the increasing content of BMI in the resin formulation, the flexural properties decreased; comprehensively the composite with the eugenol/maleimide unit ratio (1:0.3 mol) had the best mechanical and thermal properties, meanwhile its renewable carbon content was as high as 57.80%. As a new candidate of high temperature thermosetting resin, MEG would find promising applications for advanced composites' matrice.
A homogeneous immunoassay for detection of the interaction between two tumor biomarkers of IGF1R‐β and SOCS1
Authors: Kuang Zhenzhan , Deng Hao , Xu Lan , Hu Qianying , Cai Yan , Wang Ruixue , Luo Shuhong , Liu Tiancai , Hao Wenbo
Published: July 2020

The current protein interaction method is time consuming and cumbersome or the instrument is expensive. A new method that is convenient, fast, and high throughput needs to be studied urgently. The purpose of this study was to establish a homogeneous immunoassay to detect the interaction between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor‐β (IGF1R‐β) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1). The recombinant vectors IGF1R‐β/pENTER and SOCS1/pENTER were constructed and transfected into 293T cells. Based on homogeneous immunoassay technology, we established a suitable method. The signal intensity in the 293T lysate that overexpressed IGF1R‐β and SOCS1, respectively, was compared with the signal intensity in the simultaneous expression of IGF1R‐β and SOCS1. The interaction between IGF1R‐β and SOCS1 was verified in vitro. The detection system for the interaction between IGF1R‐β and SOCS1 was established. Compared with other methods, homogeneous immunoassay has the advantages of being rapid and sensitive, having higher sensitivity, and easy to operate. The interaction between IGF1R‐β and SOCS1 was tested to verify the feasibility of this method and prove its practicability and sensitivity. This new method can be used as a high‐throughput platform for protein–protein interaction, with the advantages of trace detection, short detective time, and high detective sensitivity.
Firm sustainable investment: Are female directors greener?
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Alam Md. Samsul , Hossain Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Are female directors greener than their male counterparts? We investigate this issue by examining the impact of female directors on firm sustainable investment. Using data of S&P 1500 indexed firms in the United States, covering the period 2004–2016, we find a positive relationship between female directors and sustainable investment. Consistent with critical mass theory, we also find that boards with two or more female directors have a pronounced impact on sustainable investment. Moreover, female independent directors have a stronger impact on sustainable investment than female executive directors. Our additional analysis shows higher value for firms with the presence of female directors and sustainable investment. Our findings are robust to alternative variable specification, estimation techniques, and different identification strategies including the two‐stage least squares, generalized method of moments, and propensity score matching. The study provides novel evidence on the role of female directors in promoting sustainable investment and adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate in sustainability literature.
Association of baseline kidney disease with outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair by MitraClip
Authors: Raheja Hitesh , Ahuja Keerat Rai , Nazir Salik , Saad Anas M. , Gad Mohamed M. , Chatterjee Saurav , Abdelfattah Omar M. , Hassanein Mohamed , Harb Serge , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study sought to determine the impact of baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) on in‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip (MC).

Background

MC is now an established treatment in high surgical risk patients. However, limited data are available on outcomes of MC in patients with baseline renal dysfunction.

Methods

The authors used data from January 2014 to December 2017 National Readmission Database to identify all patients ≥18 years of age who underwent MC. International classification of diseases (ICD)‐9 and ICD‐10 codes were used to identify patients with no‐CKD, CKD (without chronic dialysis), or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed using generalized estimating equations to examine in‐hospital outcomes.

Results

Of 13,563 patients undergoing MC, 8,935 (65.8%) had no‐CKD, 4,152 (30.6%) had CKD, and 476 (3.5%) had ESRD. ESRD patients compared to CKD and no‐CKD had significantly higher mortality (7.2% vs. 2.5% vs. 2.0%; p < .001), higher incidence of bleeding, blood transfusions, and 30 day all cause readmission. CKD patients compared to no‐CKD had significantly higher mortality (odds ratio‐1.29; CI 1.01–1.65; p = .04), acute kidney injury (odds ratio‐3.0; CI 2.69–3.34; p < .001), new in‐hospital hemodialysis (odds ratio‐ 2.70; CI 1.57–4.62; p < .001), blood transfusions, 30 day all cause and congestive heart failure (CHF) readmissions. In‐hospital stroke and cardiac tamponade did not differ between the three groups. Patients with baseline kidney disease undergoing MC had higher mortality at high volume centers compared to low volume centers. CHF was the most common cause of readmission postMC in patients with or without preprocedural kidney disease.

Conclusion

Patients with baseline kidney disease have worse outcomes after MC with higher readmission rates requiring careful patient selection and follow up in this population.
Development of quality protein product using biofortified maize to combat malnutrition among young children
Authors: Grover Kiran , Arora Shobita , Choudhary Monika
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

Protein–energy malnutrition is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency across the world predominantly affecting young children. The present study was undertaken to develop quality protein maize (QPM)‐based biscuits for its supplementation to 60 malnourished young children (aged between 4 and 6 years). The developed biscuits were analyzed for nutritional composition, and the effect of supplementation was determined by evaluating the overall nutritional status of the subjects.

Findings

The nutritional analysis revealed that QPM‐based biscuits contained 8.1 g/day crude protein, 0.8 g tryptophan, 1.6 g methionine, and 3.6 g lysine per 100 g. The evaluation of nutritional status of the subjects revealed that the blood levels of total protein in the subjects of both groups were at par with the standard value (6.6 g/dl) before and after supplementation.

Conclusions

A percentage of total anemic subjects (63.3%) in the experimental group significantly (p ≤ .01) reduced to 16.6 percent, and the prevalence of severe underweight (≥3 SD) (23.34%) reduced to zero after supplementation with QPM‐based biscuits.

Significance and novelty

This study opens prospects for the bakery industry to develop low‐cost quality protein products which may further be recommended to the supplementation programs engaged to curb malnutrition in the developing countries.
Small bowel obstruction caused by a fast‐growing desmoid tumor
Authors: Martin David , Labgaa Ismail , Petermann David , Di Mare Luca
Published: July 2020

Desmoid tumors are rare tumors which can cause intestinal obstructions. Surgical wide excision is currently the treatment of choice, with the goal of achieving free resection margins.
Cardiovascular patients in COVID‐19 era, a case series, an experience from a tertiary cardiovascular center in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Naderi Nasim , Ansari Ramandi Mohammad Mostafa , Baay Mohammadreza , Hosseini Zahra , Zanganehfar Mohammad Esmaeil , Rabieie Parham , Kamali Monireh , Manshouri Shirin , Moradnejad Pardis , Asadian Sanaz
Published: July 2020

Different cardiovascular presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 can be seen because of the systemic involvement. Considering its new presentations, there is need for further studies regarding the mechanistic pathways involved.
Highly Specific Recognition of Guanosine Using Engineered Base‐Excised Aptamers
Authors: Li Yuqing , Liu Juewen
Published: July 2020

Purines and their derivatives are highly important molecules in biology for nucleic acid synthesis, energy storage, and signaling. Although many DNA aptamers have been obtained for binding adenine derivatives such as adenosine, adenosine monophosphate, and adenosine triphosphate, success for the specific binding of guanosine has been limited. Instead of performing new aptamer selections, we report herein a base‐excision strategy to engineer existing aptamers to bind guanosine. Both a Na+‐binding aptamer and the classical adenosine aptamer have been manipulated as base‐excising scaffolds. A total of seven guanosine aptamers were designed, of which the G16‐deleted Na+ aptamer showed the highest bindng specificity and affinity for guanosine with an apparent dissociation constant of 0.78 mm. Single monophosphate difference in the target molecule was also recognizable. The generality of both the aptamer scaffold and excised site were systematically studied. Overall, this work provides a few guanosine binding aptamers by using a non‐SELEX method. It also provides deeper insights into the engineering of aptamers for molecular recognition.
Structural Design and Synthesis of an SnO2@C@Co‐NC Composite as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Qiongguang , Wang Yanhong , Tan Qiangqiang , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: July 2020

To overcome the drawbacks of the structural instability and poor conductivity of SnO2‐based anode materials, a hollow core–shell‐structured SnO2@C@Co‐NC (NC=N‐doped carbon) composite was designed and synthesized by employing the heteroatom‐doping and multiconfinement strategies. This composite material showed a much‐reduced resistance to charge transfer and excellent cycling performance compared to the bare SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2@C composites. The doped heteroatoms and heterostructure boost the charge transfer, and the porous structure shortens the Li‐ion diffusion pathway. Also, the volume expansion of SnO2 NPs is accommodated by the hollow space and restricted by the multishell heteroatom‐doped carbon framework. As a result, this structured anode material delivered a high initial capacity of 1559.1 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and an initial charge capacity of 627.2 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1. Moreover, the discharge capacity could be maintained at 410.8 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles with an attenuation rate of only 0.069 % per cycle. This multiconfined SnO2@C@Co‐NC structure with superior energy density and durable lifespan is highly promising for the next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries.
Triphenylamine/Tetracyanobutadiene‐Based π‐Conjugated Push–Pull Molecules End‐Capped with Arene Platforms: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Photovoltaic Response
Authors: Simón Marqués Pablo , Castán José María Andrés , Raul Benedito A. L. , Londi Giacomo , Ramirez Ivan , Pshenichnikov Maxim S. , Beljonne David , Walzer Karsten , Blais Martin , Allain Magali , Cabanetos Clément , Blanchard Philippe
Published: July 2020

π‐Conjugated push–pull molecules based on triphenylamine and 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐diene (TCBD) have been functionalized with different terminal arene units. In solution, these highly TCBD‐twisted systems showed a strong internal charge transfer band in the visible spectrum and no detectable photoluminescence (PL). Photophysical and theoretical investigations revealed very short singlet excited state deactivation time of ≈10 ps resulting from significant conformational changes of the TCBD‐arene moiety upon photoexcitation, opening a pathway for non‐radiative decay. The PL was recovered in vacuum‐processed films or when the molecules were dispersed in a PMMA matrix leading to a significant increase of the excited state deactivation time. As shown by cyclic voltammetry, these molecules can act as electron donors compared to C60. Hence, vacuum‐processed planar heterojunction organic solar cells were fabricated leading to a maximum power conversion efficiency of ca. 1.9 % which decreases with the increase of the arene size.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of a Zinc Porphyrin for CO2 Reduction: Cooperative Effects of Triazole Units in the Second Coordination Sphere
Authors: Lashgari Amir , Williams Caroline K. , Glover Jenna L. , Wu Yueshen , Chai Jingchao , Jiang Jianbing “Jimmy”
Published: July 2020

The control of the second coordination sphere in a coordination complex plays an important role in improving catalytic efficiency. Herein, we report a zinc porphyrin complex ZnPor8T with multiple flexible triazole units comprising the second coordination sphere, as an electrocatalyst for the highly selective electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO). This electrocatalyst converted CO2 to CO with a Faradaic efficiency of 99 % and a current density of −6.2 mA cm−2 at −2.4 V vs. Fc/Fc+ in N,N‐dimethylformamide using water as the proton source. Structure‐function relationship studies were carried out on ZnPor8T analogs containing different numbers of triazole units and distinct triazole geometries; these unveiled that the triazole units function cooperatively to stabilize the CO2‐catalyst adduct in order to facilitate intramolecular proton transfer. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating triazole units that function in a cooperative manner is a versatile strategy to enhance the activity of electrocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Künstliche Photosynthese
Authors: Weitze Marc‐Denis , Tran David , Dau Holger , Kurz Philipp
Published: July 2020

Die Künstliche Photosynthese kann einen wesentlichen Beitrag zum Gelingen einer nachhaltigen Energiewende leisten. Die einzelnen Schlüsselprozesse sind weitgehend erforscht und verstanden. Es gibt bereits einzelne Systeme, etwa basierend auf einer Kombination aus Elektrolyse und Photovoltaik, in denen durch Sonnenenergie Wasser und Kohlendioxid in Brenn‐ und Rohstoffe umgewandelt werden. Als konsequente Weiterentwicklung von Power‐to‐X‐Technologien kann durch Künstliche Photosynthese Sonnenergie noch am selben Ort zur Produktion von Brenn‐ und Wertstoffen genutzt und so der Umweg über das Stromnetz vermieden werden. Wichtig ist, dass die Gesellschaft durch einen intensiven Dialog im frühen Entwicklungsstadium für neue Technologien sensibilisiert wird. Nur so kann die Weiterentwicklung der Künstlichen Photosynthese nachhaltig vorangetrieben werden.
Iron recovery from zinc mine tailings by magnetic separation followed by carbothermal reduction of self‐reducing briquettes
Authors: Tenório Vinhal Jonathan , Húngaro Costa Raquel , Luís Coleti Jorge , Espinosa Denise C. R.
Published: July 2020

The volume of tailings produced by the extractive industry has been increasing due to the processing of the low‐grade ore. This issue can cause environmental accidents and require significant investment to control the disposal of tailings. Therefore, this study aims to recover iron from zinc mine tailings by wet magnetic separation followed by the carbothermal reduction of self‐reducing briquettes. Two magnetic separation routes were investigated to concentrate iron. Zinc mine tailings were processed by route I, in a rougher stage followed by a scavenger stage; and route II, in a rougher stage followed by a cleaner stage. The carbothermal reductions were performed using self‐reducing briquettes composed of Fe concentrate from the route with high Fe content and charcoal. The products were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and volumetric chemical analysis. Magnetic separation route II provided the highest‐grade Fe concentrate, 52% Fe, while route I provided 33% Fe. In the carbothermal reductions, a metallization degree of 98% in the Fe concentrate briquette, 97% in the briquette with a 10% replacement of its raw material by Fe concentrate, and 99% in the hematite briquette was reached. The replacement of raw material by Fe concentrate showed no significant change in Fe recovery. Considering the whole process, magnetic separation and carbothermal reduction, the recovery of Fe from the zinc mine tailings was 67%. Therefore, the process route suggested in this study will not only reduce tailings disposal and consequently the risk of environmental accidents, but it will also provide profitable raw material for the steel industry.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Hydrocarbofunctionalization of Internal Alkenes†
Authors: Wang Dongping , He Yijie , Dai Haotian , Huang Congcong , Yuan Xiang‐Ai , Xie Jin
Published: July 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A highly regio‐ and chemo‐selective dimeric Mn(I)‐catalyzed hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of unbiased internal alkenes with commercially abundant organoboron compounds is reported. A wide range of densely functionalized aliphatic alkenyl amides can successfully undergo site‐exclusive hydrocarbofunctionalization in air atmosphere without any exogenous directing auxiliary, affording an enhanced lead library of structurally diverse γ‐functionalized carboxylic acid derivatives in moderate to good yields. The precise chemoselectivity of the reaction among multiple alkene units even in the presence of reactive terminal alkenes highlights the unique catalytic features of manganese catalyst, and the excellent functional group compatibility of primary amides further complements other transition metals.
Targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD Interface: a Supervised Computational Data‐Driven Approach to Identify Potential Modulators
Authors: Gulotta Maria Rita , Lombino Jessica , Perricone Ugo , De Simone Giada , Mekni Nedra , De Rosa Maria , Diana Patrizia , Padova Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has spread out as a pandemic threat affecting over 2 million people. The infectious process initiates via binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike (S) glycoprotein to host angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The interaction is mediated by the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of S glycoprotein, promoting host receptor recognition and binding to ACE2 peptidase domain (PD), thus representing a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Herein, we present a computational study aimed at identifying small molecules potentially able to target RBD. Although targeting PPI remains a challenge in drug discovery, our investigation highlights that interaction between SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD and ACE2 PD might be prone to small molecule modulation, due to the hydrophilic nature of the bi‐molecular recognition process and the presence of druggable hot spots. The fundamental objective is to identify, and provide to the international scientific community, hit molecules potentially suitable to enter the drug discovery process, preclinical validation and development.
7‐Amidocoumarins as Multitarget Agents against Neurodegenerative Diseases: Substitution Pattern Modulation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Enríquez Fernanda , Viña Dolores , Uriarte Eugenio , Laguna Reyes , Matos Maria J.
Published: July 2020

This study explores the potential of 7‐amidocoumarins as multitarget agents against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, by modulating the substitution patterns within the scaffold. Sixteen compounds were synthesized via 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin acylation, and in vitro evaluation of the molecules against hMAO‐A, hMAO‐B, hAChE, hBuChE and hBACE1 was performed. Five compounds turned out to be potent and selective hMAO‐B inhibitors in the nanomolar range, six displayed inhibitory activity of hMAO‐A in the low micromolar range, one showed hAChE inhibitory activity and another one hBACE1 inhibitory activity. MAO‐B reversibility profile of 7‐(4’‐chlorobenzamido)‐4‐methylcoumarin (10) was investigated, with this compound being a reversible inhibitor. Neurotoxicity on motor cortex neurons and neuroprotection against H2O2 were also studied, corroborating the safety profile of these molecules. Finally, theoretical ADME properties were also calculated, showing these molecules as good candidates for the optimization of a lead compound. Results suggest that by modulating the substitution pattern at position 7 of the scaffold, selective or multitarget molecules can be achieved.
Assessment of Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Letermovir and Fluconazole in Healthy Participants
Authors: Adedoyin Adedayo , Fancourt Craig , Menzel Karsten , Zhao Tian , Tomek Charles , Panebianco Deborah , McCrea Jacqueline B. , Stoch S. Aubrey , Iwamoto Marian
Published: July 2020

Letermovir is a prophylactic agent for cytomegalovirus infection and disease in adult cytomegalovirus‐seropositive recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. As the antifungal agent fluconazole is administered frequently in transplant recipients, a drug–drug interaction study was conducted between oral letermovir and oral fluconazole. A phase 1 open‐label, fixed‐sequence study was performed in healthy females (N = 14, 19‐55 years). In Period 1, a single dose of fluconazole 400 mg was administered. Following a 14‐day washout, a single dose of letermovir 480 mg was administered (Period 2), and after a 7‐day washout, single doses of fluconazole 400 mg and letermovir 480 mg were coadministered in Period 3. Pharmacokinetics and safety were evaluated. The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole and letermovir were not meaningfully changed following coadministration. Fluconazole geometric mean ratio (GMR; 90% confidence interval [CI]) with letermovir for area under the concentration‐versus‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞) was 1.03 (0.99‐1.08); maximum concentration (Cmax) was 0.95 (0.92‐0.99). Letermovir AUC0‐∞ GMR (90%CI) was 1.11 (1.01‐1.23), and Cmax was 1.06 (0.93‐1.21) following coadministration with fluconazole. Coadministration of fluconazole and letermovir was generally well tolerated.
Detection of structure query language injection vulnerability in web driven database application
Authors: Aliero Muhammad Saidu , Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Pasha Muhammad Fermi , Ahmad Awais , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: July 2020

Structure Query Language Injection Attack is among the top 10‐security threats that can be used on the web application to cause severe damage or gain unauthorized data access to the application server. Many reports have indicated an average of 64% of global websites are at risk of being attack by SQL injection, and many of the top companies have experienced thousands of attacks attempts through SQL injection. The current trend shows the increasing number of attacks factor as a result of the daily deployment of these applications without security detection and prevention mechanism is placed. To overcome this challenge, researches in academia and industry presented a proposal that automates SQL injection vulnerabilities assessment on the tested application. Current studies show the need to enhance techniques of these proposals to reduce the false alarms. In this study, we propose a component‐based technique to minimize the incidence of inaccurate results, as well as enable the ease of improving the proposed solution. The study uses three costumed applications as tested to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed solution. Each of these testbed consists of several vulnerabilities where the experimental evaluation performs to test the proposed tool. An empirical evaluation is carried out on three vulnerable custom websites to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed study. The experiment results indicated significant results in terms of high accuracy. On the other hand, the proposed solution also has better capabilities to analyze page response based on four different techniques. Moreover, the proposed solution is the only solution that performs stored procedure attacks SQL and bypass login authentication even if the returned records are limited restriction is applied.
Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Isolated From Mouse Tissues
Authors: Buckland Rebecca L. , Wilson Alicia S. , Brüstle Anne
Published: July 2020

One of the most intriguing functions of neutrophils is the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are formed when neutrophils decondense their internal DNA and extrude it along with cytotoxic proteins in a web‐like structure. This process allows neutrophils to trap and kill pathogens, and is also associated with multiple hematological and autoimmune conditions. Due to their rapid degradation, there are many challenges in accurately and specifically detecting and quantifying NETs. Microscopy is the gold standard for NET detection, but is not optimal for large‐scale screening. Furthermore, methods relying on detection of free DNA or on flow cytometry–based examination of NET‐associated markers can be nonspecific, time‐consuming, and expensive. Here, we describe an innovative, quick, specific, and inexpensive conventional flow cytometry method for detecting neutrophils on the verge of forming NETs. These methods utilize pulse‐shaped analysis (PulSA) to distinguish resting neutrophils from those with decondensed DNA, a prerequisite for NET formation. An increase in DNA‐diffuse neutrophils is found in cell populations after exposure to NET‐inducing stimuli, consistent with the DNA decondensation expected during neutrophil NET formation. These populations are only observed in granulocytes, validating the specificity of this method. We describe protocols optimized for neutrophils retrieved from mouse blood, spleen, and bone marrow. The relative speed and simplicity of the method described here makes it a useful tool for detecting NET formation in large‐scale experiments. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Detection of nuclear decondensation in neutrophils from stimulated murine bone marrow

Alternate Protocol 1: Detection of nuclear decondensation in neutrophils from splenocytes

Alternate Protocol 2: Detection of nuclear decondensation in neutrophils from blood

Support Protocol 1: Cryopreservation and defrosting of samples

Support Protocol 2: Paraformaldehyde fixation of samples
Strategic corporate social responsibility, capabilities, and opportunities: Empirical substantiation and futuristic implications
Authors: Rameshwar Rudra , Saha Raiswa , Sanyal Shamindra Nath
Published: July 2020

The underlying principle of the present research work is to examine how manager's personal values and strategic CSR influences employees perceived CSR and implementation within their organizations, therefore, giving importance to the performance and sustainable development as a whole. Here, the research model is tested all the way through an assessment conferring with 238 survey participants from companies functioning in a variety of sectors like agribusiness, automobiles, and so forth. The end result guides to the subsequent conclusions: managers' personal values exhibited a direct positive relationship with both employees' CSR perception and CSR implementation; strategic CSR also displayed a positive relationship with both employees' CSR perception and CSR implementation. The analysis also shows an optimistic association between CSR implementation and CSR performance; whereas CSR performance demonstrated a significant positive relationship with corporate sustainable development, thereby, accepting the proposed hypothesis formulated. The CSR implementation has changed to be a vital constituent of management and organizational behavior. However, the internal CSR dimension has been principally mistreated so far. Hence, this is a bridging study between the micro aspect of perception leading to macro perspective of sustainability and performance system management which is a vital contribution of this paper.
What lies beneath the airway mucosal barrier? Throwing the spotlight on antigen‐presenting cell function in the lower respiratory tract
Authors: Pai Saparna , Muruganandah Visai , Kupz Andreas
Published: July 2020

The global prevalence of respiratory infectious and inflammatory diseases remains a major public health concern. Prevention and management strategies have not kept pace with the increasing incidence of these diseases. The airway mucosa is the most common portal of entry for infectious and inflammatory agents. Therefore, significant benefits would be derived from a detailed understanding of how immune responses regulate the filigree of the airways. Here, the role of different antigen‐presenting cells (APC) in the lower airways and the mechanisms used by pathogens to modulate APC function during infectious disease is reviewed. Features of APC that are unique to the airways and the influence they have on uptake and presentation of antigen to T cells directly in the airways are discussed. Current information on the crucial role that airway APC play in regulating respiratory infection is summarised. We examine the clinical implications of APC dysregulation in the airways on asthma and tuberculosis, two chronic diseases that are the major cause of illness and death in the developed and developing world. A brief overview of emerging therapies that specifically target APC function in the airways is provided.
Plant species identity drives soil microbial community structures that persist under a following crop
Authors: Fox Aaron , Lüscher Andreas , Widmer Franco
Published: July 2020

Compared to monocultures, multi‐species swards have demonstrated numerous positive diversity effects on aboveground plant performance, such as yield, N concentration, and even legacy effects on a following crop. Whether such diversity effects are seen in the soil microbiome is currently unclear. In a field experiment, we analyzed the effect that three plant species (a grass, forb, and legume), and mixtures of these, had on soil fungal and bacterial community structures, as well as their associated legacy effects under a following crop, the grass Lolium multiflorum. We utilized six sward types, three monocultures (Lolium perenne, Cichorium intybus and Trifolium pratense), two bi‐species mixtures, and a mixture of the three species. Soil samples were taken from these swards in March (at the end of a three year conditioning phase) and in June, August, and September after L. multiflorum was established, that is, the legacy samplings. When present, the differing monocultures had a significant effect on various aspects of the fungal community: structure, OTU richness, the relative abundance of the phylum Glomeromycota, and indicator OTUs. The effect on bacterial community structure was not as strong. In the multi‐species swards, a blending of individual plant species monoculture effects (identity effect) was seen in (a) fungal and bacterial community structure and (b) fungal OTU richness and the relative abundance of the Glomeromycota. This would indicate that plant species identity, rather than diversity effects (i.e., the interactions among the plant species), was the stronger determinant. During the legacy samplings, structural patterns in the fungal and bacterial communities associated with the previous swards were retained, but the effect faded with time. These results highlight that plant species identity can be a strong driver of soil microbial community structures. They also suggest that their legacy effect on the soil microbiome may play a crucial role in following crop performance.
Temperature‐driven color lightness and body size variation scale to local assemblages of European Odonata but are modified by propensity for dispersal
Authors: Acquah‐Lamptey Daniel , Brändle Martin , Brandl Roland , Pinkert Stefan
Published: July 2020

Previous macrophysiological studies suggested that temperature‐driven color lightness and body size variations strongly influence biogeographical patterns in ectotherms. However, these trait–environment relationships scale to local assemblages and the extent to which they can be modified by dispersal remains largely unexplored. We test whether the predictions of the thermal melanism hypothesis and the Bergmann's rule hold for local assemblages. We also assess whether these trait–environment relationships are more important for species adapted to less stable (lentic) habitats, due to their greater dispersal propensity compared to those adapted to stable (lotic) habitats.

We quantified the color lightness and body volume of 99 European dragon‐ and damselflies (Odonata) and combined these trait information with survey data for 518 local assemblages across Europe. Based on this continent‐wide yet spatially explicit dataset, we tested for effects temperature and precipitation on the color lightness and body volume of local assemblages and assessed differences in their relative importance and strength between lentic and lotic assemblages, while accounting for spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelation.

The color lightness of assemblages of odonates increased, and body size decreased with increasing temperature. Trait–environment relationships in the average and phylogenetic predicted component were equally important for assemblages of both habitat types but were stronger in lentic assemblages when accounting for phylogenetic autocorrelation.

Our results show that the mechanism underlying color lightness and body size variations scale to local assemblages, indicating their general importance. These mechanisms were of equal evolutionary significance for lentic and lotic species, but higher dispersal ability seems to enable lentic species to cope better with historical climatic changes. The documented differences between lentic and lotic assemblages also highlight the importance of integrating interactions of thermal adaptations with proxies of the dispersal ability of species into trait‐based models, for improving our understanding of climate‐driven biological responses.