bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middle ear pneumatization in nonhuman primates: A comparative analysis
Authors: Bernardi Margot , Couette Sébastien , Chateau Smith Carmela , Montuire Sophie
Published: May 2019

Objectives

We test the effects of body mass and phylogeny on middle ear cavity pneumatization, and the role of pneumatization in hearing function, spanning the anatomical, ecological, and behavioral diversity of nonhuman primates.

Materials and methods

All cavities were segmented in middle ear scans of 96 specimens, from 12 strepsirrhine and 15 haplorhine extant species. We measured the tympanic cavity (TC) separately, and all other middle ear spaces together (MES), calculating the degree of pneumatization with the surface area‐to‐volume ratio. We tested body mass effect with linear regression; we evaluated the phylogenetic signal and selection patterns, using a Kappa statistic test, and Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck models (OU). We investigated the link between pneumatization and hearing sensitivity using phylogenetic regression.

Results

Testing body mass reveals an allometric pattern for both TC and MES dimensions. Degree of pneumatization in MES is dependent on body mass in haplorhines: larger animals have more pneumatized MES. Differences at various taxonomic ranks were observed for MES, while no phylogenetic influence was observed for TC. Infraorder selection patterns are different. Auditory performance is significantly related to degree of pneumatization, indicating that a pneumatized middle ear is associated with better perception of low frequencies.

Discussion

Pneumatization in MES is under differential selective pressure, indicating several optima for this trait. Pneumatization in MES probably modifies hearing sensitivity through pressure regulation mechanisms, auditory bulla size reduction, and frequency modulation. This could explain strepsirrhine adaptation to high‐frequency perception, while haplorhine auditory perception is adapted to a broader sound range, including high and low frequencies.
Pushing the Envelope with Ex‐Parte Field Trips
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: May 2019

The problem is the perception of partiality.
How In‐House Counsel Can Be Viewed as an Agent of Change
Authors: Junqueira Kátia
Published: May 2019

“The Legal Department in Mediation” is a project conceived by this author and pioneered by the pipeline gas distribution company of Rio de Janeiro—“Companhia Distribuidora de Gás do Rio de Janeiro—CEG” one of the companies of Gas Natural Fenosa Brasil—Naturgy. The project is a partnership signed with the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro, and chaired by the Court's Judge César Cury, through NUPEMEC/RJ—Permanent Nucleus of Consensual Methods of Conflict Resolution, which is part of the structure of the Court of Justice of the State of Espírito Santo.
Effect of temperature on tensile and creep‐recovery properties of braided polyester harness cord
Authors: Xie Kaifang , Shen Hua , Xu Guangbiao
Published: May 2019

Tensile and creep‐recovery properties of braided polyester (PET) harness cord under various temperature and tension were studied by using an Instron universal tester. The study reveals that the tensile properties are highly related to the temperature, with a decrease of 29.6, 50.0, and 33.8% in initial modulus, yield force, and breaking force (BF), respectively, as increasing the temperature from 25 to 100 °C. Under the condition of 5% BF, the creep and recovery strain of harness cord increased by 185.7 and 353.8% separately, when the temperature increased from 40 to 100 °C, indicating the significant effect of temperature and tension on the creep‐recovery properties. The similar tendencies were also observed under the conditions of 10 and 15% BF. These results could be well described by Burgers four‐element model. During the 1.5 h creep test, only instant elastic and retarded elastic deformation could be observed and accounting for 56.1–84.3% and 15.2–43.4% of the total creep deformation, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47864.
Extending the working life of toluene diisocyanate‐based polyurethanes
Authors: Reardon Sean , Carroll Anna L. , Dumont Joseph H. , Park Chi Hoon , Lee Kwan‐Soo , Labouriau Andrea
Published: May 2019

This work demonstrates that the addition of tridecanoic acid to a toluene diisocyante (TDI)‐based polyurethane considerable increases its working life. Formulations with the additive exhibited little changes in chemistry, glass‐transition temperatures, and thermal stability as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheology studies, nuclear magnetic resonance, solvent swelling tests, and thermal analyses. There was a slight increase in toughness of the additive formulation associated with an increase in engineering strain and a decrease in peak engineering stress. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the acid forms hydrogen bonding with the OH groups from the diols, slowing down the polymerization. These studies demonstrate that tridecanoic acid can be used to extend working time of a TDI‐based polyurethane with minimal changes to physical and chemical properties when compared to the pristine polyurethane. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47865.
Self‐healing and conductivity of chitosan‐based hydrogels formed by the migration of ferric ions
Authors: Fu Beijia , Cheng Baoxiao , Bao Xiaojiong , Wang Zhengke , Shangguan Yonggang , Hu Qiaoling
Published: May 2019

The currently reported self‐healing hydrogels have problems of low mechanical strength, single performance, and poor self‐healing efficiency, which greatly limit their applications. Here, through adding N‐carboxyethyl chitosan to acrylic‐Fe3+ system, the self‐healing physically crosslinked hydrogels were prepared via in situ free radical polymerization, which have excellent self‐healing ability and mechanical properties. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break of the hydrogels can reach up to 280 KPa and 1900%, respectively. Owing to the reversibility of coordination, self‐healing efficiency of the hydrogels can reach 98% in 2.5 h. Moreover, the hydrogels also have good conductivity due to the migration of Fe3+. This strategy can broaden the applications of chitosan‐based self‐healing hydrogels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47885.
Recycling of thermoplastic polystyrene waste using citrus peel extract for oil spill remediation
Authors: Yadav Shital , Mattaparthi Srinadh , Sreenivasulu Kuncham , Khandelwal Mudrika , Majumdar Saptarshi , Sharma Chandra Shekhar
Published: May 2019

In this work, we report a low‐cost, less energy intensive, and an innovative way of recycling thermoplastic polystyrene (PS) waste objects into submicron, aligned fibers using extract from citrus peel, an agricultural waste. As‐fabricated recycled PS fabric is then structurally characterized and tested as an oil sorbent material. The hydrophobic‐oleophilic PS fabric is found to absorb 40.5 ± 3.6 g/g of oil, with 77.3% oil retention within 1 h. To investigate the practical application of recycled PS fabric for oil spills remediation, we tested its buoyancy properties in oil‐over‐water static and dynamic system besides examining their reusability. The as‐fabricated fabric floats on water after oil sorption indicating its high buoyancy and therefore can be collected easily after soaking the oil. This work is a simple illustration of systematic analysis of recycling two different waste materials (thermoplastic polystyrene and citrus peels) and reusing them into a more valuable product. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47886.
Synthesis of a polyethylene glycolylated polysiloxane system through a two‐step procedure and its compatibility
Authors: Liang Hongping , Tang Zilun , Feng Minghui , Wu Jianyu , Lin Wenjing , Zu Xihong , Zhang Jie , Gu Yuxin , Yi Guobin
Published: May 2019

Acrylic macromonomer was synthesized by esterification of acrylic acid (AA) and PEGylated siloxane alcohol. And the acrylic macromonomer was employed as unsaturated precursor for the hydrosilylation with polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS). FTIR,1H,13C,29Si‐NMR, and TGA proved that PEGylated polysiloxane was successfully synthesized. The morphological studies revealed that the dimples in the cross sections were attributed to polyethylene glycol (PEG) phase domains with diameters of 5–15 μm. The contribution of polar and dispersion factor toward surface energy was studied by contact angle (CA) measurement. The results showed that wetting behavior could transform from hydrophobic to hydrophilic with the CA from 122° to 54°. The final PEGylated polysiloxane provided sufficient compatibility and good wetting behavior, in contrast with silane ethers or alkyl silanes, indicating that it might be utilized as an alternate candidate for personal care. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47889.
Transformation and Closure for Anatomical Donor Families that Meet Medical Students
Authors: Halliday Nancy L. , Moon Mary B. , O'Donoghue Daniel L. , Thompson Britta M. , Crow Sheila M.
Published: May 2019

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has conducted an annual Anatomical Donor Luncheon where families of the anatomical donors met anatomy dissection groups of medical students. The luncheon presented an opportunity for donor family members to share the life story of their loved one with the medical students prior to the start of the anatomy course. This study was designed to understand the impact of the Anatomical Donor Luncheon on families of the donors. Seven families in two different focus groups were included to explore the reactions and attitudes of the donor families to meeting the medical students. Conversations were digitally recorded and transcribed. Qualitative analysis of textual data were coded by three investigators using the Constant Comparative Method. To provide evidence of validity, a form of member checking was utilized. For further triangulation, an analyst not involved in conducting the focus groups or analyzing the data, re‐coded all data. This analyst used categories and themes identified by the original analysts, ensuring validity of the themes and any negative cases (data not supporting or contradictory of the established categories and themes). One meta‐theme and three sub‐themes were identified. The meta‐theme was Donor Family Participants Experience Transformation and Closure, and sub‐themes were Motivators for Participation, Optimal Venue Factors, and Optimal Medical Student–Anatomical Donor Family Interactions. Study findings indicated the Anatomical Donor Luncheon facilitated closure on the death of their loved one, and transformed their apprehension about the luncheon and body donation into an attitude of gratitude and appreciation.
Micro‐/Nanomachines Driven by Ultrasonic Power Sources
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Shen Hui , Zhao Kangdong , Wang Zhiwen , Peng Hanmin , Liu Wenjuan
Published: May 2019

Autonomous micro‐/nanomachines that can convert diverse energy sources into effective locomotion under the constraint of low Reynolds numbers hold considerable promise for a variety of applications, such as cargo delivery, localized biosensing, nanosurgery, and detoxification. In this Minireview, we briefly overview recent advances in the development of micro‐/nanomachines that are specifically powered by ultrasound, in particular new concept design, their working principles, and their fabrication and manipulation strategies. Finally, the exclusive biocompatibility and sustainability of ultrasound‐powered micro‐/nanomachines, as well as the critical challenges that face their in vivo application, are discussed to provide insight for the next phase of micro‐/nanomachines with versatile functionalities and enhanced capabilities.
Pheophytin Derived Near‐Infrared‐Light Responsive Carbon Dot Assembly as a New Phototheranotic Agent for Bioimaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wen Yongmei , Jia Qingyan , Nan Fuchun , Zheng Xiuli , Liu Weimin , Wu Jiasheng , Ren Haohui , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: May 2019

Carbon dots (CDs), a kind of phototheranostic agent with the capability of simultaneous bioimaging and phototherapy [i.e., photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT)], have received considerable attention because of their remarkable properties, including flexibility for surface modification, high biocompatibility, low toxicity and photo‐induced activity for malignant tumor cells. Among numerous carbon sources, it has been found that natural biomass are good candidates for the preparation of CD phototheranostic agents. In this study, pheophytin, a type of Mg‐free chlorophyll derivative and also a natural product with low toxicity, was used as a raw carbon source for the synthesis of CDs by using a microwave method. The obtained hydrophobic CDs exhibited a maximum near‐infrared (NIR) emission peak at approximately 680 nm, and high singlet oxygen (1O2) generation with a quantum yield of 0.62. The self‐assembled CDs from the as‐prepared CDs with DSPE‐mPEG2000 retained efficient 1O2 generation. The obtained carbon dot assembly was not only an efficient fluorescence (FL) imaging agent but also a smart PDT agent. Our studies indicated that the obtained hydrophilic CD assembly holds great potential as a new phototheranostic agent for cancer therapy. This work provides a new route for synthesis of CDs and proposes a readily available candidate for tumor treatment.
Near‐optimal control for a stochastic SIRS model with imprecise parameters
Authors: Mu Xiaojie , Zhang Qimin , Rong Libin
Published: May 2019

Parameter values are usually assumed to be precisely known in many epidemic models but they could be imprecise due to various uncertainties. In this paper, we develop a stochastic SIRS model that includes imprecise parameters and white noise, formulate and analyze the near‐optimal control problem for the stochastic model. We obtain priori estimates of the susceptible, infected and recovered populations. Sufficient and necessary conditions for the near optimality of the model are established using Ekeland's principle and a nearly maximum condition on the Hamiltonian function. Numerical simulations are also performed to demonstrate the analytical results and evaluate the influence of imprecise parameters, white noise and treatment control on the dynamics of epidemics.
Adaptive dynamic surface control of switched MIMO nonlinear systems with input saturation and its application to NSVs
Authors: Ye Bohong , Long Lijun , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the problem of adaptive tracking control is addressed for a class of switched multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems in the presence of external disturbance and input saturation. To efficiently handle the external disturbance, a switched Nussbaum disturbance observer is designed. Also, a switched auxiliary system is constructed to compensate for the effect of the input saturation, which extends the classical control technique from its original non‐switched version to a switched version. A switched dynamic surface control technique is set up by exploiting the common Lyapunov function (CLF) method and backstepping and the Nussbaum gain technique, which overcomes the problem of “explosion of complexity" in the backstepping control designed. It is shown that the proposed control technique is able to guarantee semiglobal uniformly ultimately boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system under arbitrary switchings, and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control technique is illustrated by its application to a variable structure near space vehicle (NSV) with input saturation.
Matrix approach to simplification of finite state machines using semi‐tensor product of matrices
Authors: Yue Jumei , Yan Yongyi , Chen Zengqiang
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we use a new mathematical tool, semi‐tensor product of matrices, to investigate the problem of simplification of finite state machines (FSMs) in a mathematical manner. First, based on the dynamic equations of state transition and output behavior which are developed recently, an algebraic criterion of k‐difference states is established. Second, using the criterion, a scheme is designed to construct the incompatible graphs of FSMs. Third, with the incompatible graphs and the method of searching internally stable sets of graphs proposed by the authors, a solution is proposed to obtain all of the compatible state set (CSS) of FSMs. Then, with the aid of the CSS, we investigate three kinds of structures of state space of FSMs, including compatible cover of state set (CCSS), representative set of state set (RSSS), and minimum representative set of state set (MRSSS); necessary and sufficient conditions are proposed to formulate the three kinds of structures. Finally, examples are given to exemplify minimum realizations of FSMs by these conditions.
New spectrofluorimetric analysis of dapagliflozin after derivatization with NBD‐Cl in human plasma using factorial design experiments
Authors: Omar Mahmoud A. , Ahmed Hytham M. , Abdel Hamid Mohamed A. , Batakoushy Hany A.
Published: May 2019

A new validated spectrofluorimetric method was proposed for dapagliflozin (DGF) analysis in bulk, plexin its commercially available tablets and in spiked human plasma. The proposed spectrofluorimetric method depended on the formation of a fluorescent complex soluble in organic liquids by a substitution reaction between 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD‐Cl) reagent and DGF in aqueous buffered solution at pH 7. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 522 nm after excitation at 453 nm. The high selectivity of the proposed method allowed analysis of DGF in dosage form and human plasma samples with average recovery values of 99.84 ± 1.38% and 98.71 ± 1.80%, respectively, without any interference from matrix components. The calibration range was 50–1000 ng ml−1. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 14.24 ng ml−1 and 43.14 ng ml−1, respectively. The estimated relative standard deviation values were lower than 2.0%, this showed the excellent precision at both levels. Factorial design was used to get the optimum method conditions for the analysis of the resulting DGF fluorescence complex in different matrices. The proposed method could be used in routine analysis of DGF in quality control laboratories. Also, it could be used to assay DGF in human plasma and be applied for pharmacokinetic investigation of DGF.
Adaptive laboratory evolution of nanocellulose‐producing bacterium
Authors: Vasconcellos Vanessa M. , Farinas Cristiane S. , Ximenes Eduardo , Slininger Patricia , Ladisch Michael
Published: May 2019

Adaptive laboratory evolution through 12 rounds of culturing experiments of the nanocellulose‐producing bacterium Komagataeibacter hansenii ATCC 23769 in a liquid fraction from hydrothermal pretreatment of corn stover resulted in a strain that resists inhibition by phenolics. The original strain generated nanocellulose from glucose in standard Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium, but not from the glucose in pretreatment liquid. K. hansenii cultured in pretreatment liquid treated with activated charcoal to remove inhibitors also converted glucose to bacterial nanocellulose and used xylose as carbon source for growth. The properties of this cellulose were the same as nanocellulose generated from media specifically formulated for bacterial cellulose formation. However, attempts to directly utilize glucose proved unsuccessful due to the toxic character of the lignin‐derived phenolics, and in particular, vanillan and ferulic acid. Adaptive laboratory evolution at increasing concentrations of pretreatment liquid from corn stover in HS medium resulted in a strain of K. hansenii that generated bacterial nanocellulose directly from pretreatment liquids of corn stover. The development of this adapted strain positions pretreatment liquid as a valuable resource since K. hansenii is able to convert and thereby concentrate a dilute form of glucose into an insoluble, readily recovered and value‐added product—bacterial nanocellulose.
Process design and development of a mammalian cell perfusion culture in shake‐tube and benchtop bioreactors
Authors: Wolf Moritz K. F. , Müller Andrea , Souquet Jonathan , Broly Hervé , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: May 2019

The development of mammalian cell perfusion cultures is still laborious and complex to perform due to the limited availability of scale‐down models and limited knowledge of time‐ and cost‐effective procedures. The maximum achievable viable cell density (VCDmax), minimum cell‐specific perfusion rate (CSPRmin), cellular growth characteristics, and resulting bleed rate at steady‐state operation are key variables for the effective development of perfusion cultures. In this study, we developed a stepwise procedure to use shake tubes (ST) in combination with benchtop (BR) bioreactors for the design of a mammalian cell perfusion culture at high productivity (23 pg·cell−1·day−1) and low product loss in the bleed (around 10%) for a given expression system. In a first experiment, we investigated peak VCDs in STs by the daily discontinuous medium exchange of 1 reactor volume (RV) without additional bleeding. Based on this knowledge, we performed steady‐state cultures in the ST system using a working volume of 10 ml. The evaluation of the steady‐state cultures allowed performing a perfusion bioreactor run at 20 × 106 cells/ml at a perfusion rate of 1 RV/day. Constant cellular environment and metabolism resulted in stable product quality patterns. This study presents a promising strategy for the effective design and development of perfusion cultures for a given expression system and underlines the potential of the ST system as a valuable scale‐down tool for perfusion cultures.
A mechanistic model for gas–liquid mass transfer prediction in a rocking disposable bioreactor
Authors: Bai Yun , Moo‐Young Murray , Anderson William A.
Published: May 2019

Rocking disposable bioreactors are a newer approach to smaller‐scale cell growth that use a cyclic rocking motion to induce mixing and oxygen transfer from the headspace gas into the liquid. Compared with traditional stirred‐tank and pneumatic bioreactors, rocking bioreactors operate in a very different physical mode and in this study the oxygen transfer pathways are reassessed to develop a fundamental mass transfer (kLa) model that is compared with experimental data. The model combines two mechanisms, namely surface aeration and oxygenation via a breaking wave with air entrainment, borrowing concepts from ocean wave models. Experimental data for across the range of possible operating conditions (rocking speed, angle, and liquid volume) confirms the validity of the modeling approach, with most predictions falling within ±20% of the experimental values. At low speeds (up to 20 rpm) the surface aeration mechanism is shown to be dominant with a of around 3.5 hr−1, while at high speeds (40 rpm) and angles the breaking wave mechanism contributes up to 91% of the overall (65 hr−1). This model provides an improved fundamental basis for understanding gas–liquid mass transfer for the operation, scale‐up, and potential design improvements for rocking bioreactors.
Enzyme‐mediated hydrogel encapsulation of single cells for high‐throughput screening and directed evolution of oxidoreductases
Authors: Vanella Rosario , Ta Duy Tien , Nash Michael A.
Published: May 2019

Directed evolution of oxidoreductases to improve their catalytic properties is being ardently pursued in the industrial, biotechnological, and biopharma sectors. Hampering this pursuit are current enzyme screening methods that are limited in terms of throughput, cost, time, and complexity. We present a directed evolution strategy that allows for large‐scale one‐pot screening of glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme libraries in well‐mixed homogeneous solution. We used GOx variants displayed on the outer cell wall of yeasts to initiate a cascade reaction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), resulting in peroxidase‐mediated phenol cross‐coupling and encapsulation of individual cells in well‐defined fluorescent alginate hydrogel shells within ~10 min in mixed cell suspensions. Following application of denaturing stress to whole‐cell GOx libraries, only cells displaying GOx variants with enhanced stability or catalytic activity were able to carry out the hydrogel encapsulation reaction. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting was then used to isolate the enhanced variants. We characterized three of the newly evolved Aspergillus niger GOx enzyme sequences and found up to ~5‐fold higher specific activity, enhanced thermal stability, and differentiable glycosylation patterns. By coupling intracellular gene expression with the rapid formation of an extracellular hydrogel capsule, our system improves high‐throughput screening for directed evolution of H
2O
2‐producing enzymes many folds.
Progress in the study of virus detection methods: The possibility of alternative methods to validate virus inactivation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qu Shuxin , Xu Liming
Published: May 2019

Virus inactivation validation studies have been widely applied in the risk assessment of biogenic material‐based medical products, such as biological products, animal tissue‐derived biomaterials, and allogeneic biomaterials, to decrease the risk of virus transmission. Traditional virus detection methods in an inactivation validation study utilize cell culture as a tool to quantify the infectious virus by observing cytopathic effects (CPEs) after virus inactivation. However, this is susceptible to subjective factors because CPEs must be observed by experts under a microscope during virus titration. In addition, this method is costly and time‐ and labor‐consuming. Molecular biological technologies such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) have been widely used for virus detection but cannot distinguish infectious and noninfectious viruses. Therefore, qPCR cannot be directly applied to virus inactivation validation studies. In this paper, methods to detect viruses and progress in the challenge of differentiating infectious and noninfectious viruses with the combination of pretreatment and qPCR techniques such as the integrated cell culture‐qPCR (ICC‐qPCR) method are reviewed. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each new method, as well as its prospect in virus inactivation validation studies, are discussed.
Adhesive thermosensitive gels for local delivery of viral vectors
Authors: Caronia Jeanette M. , Sorensen Daniel W. , Leslie Hope M. , van Berlo Jop H. , Azarin Samira M.
Published: May 2019

Local delivery of viral vectors can enhance the efficacy of therapies by selectively affecting necessary tissues and reducing the required vector dose. Pluronic F127 is a thermosensitive polymer that undergoes a solution–gelation (sol–gel) transition as temperature increases and can deliver vectors without damaging them. While pluronics can be spread over large areas, such as the surface of an organ, before gelation, they lack sufficient adhesivity to remain attached to some tissues, such as the surface of the heart or mucosal surfaces. Here, we utilized blends of pluronic F127 and polycarbophil (PCB), a mucoadhesive agent, to provide the necessary adhesivity for local delivery of viral vectors to the cardiac muscle. The effects of PCB concentration on adhesive properties, sol–gel temperature transition and cytocompatibility were evaluated. Rheological studies showed that PCB decreased the sol–gel transition temperature at concentrations >1% and increased the adhesive properties of the gel. Furthermore, these gels were able to deliver viral vectors and transduce cells in vitro and in vivo in a neonatal mouse apical resection model. These gels could be a useful platform for delivering viral vectors over the surface of organs where increased adhesivity is required.
Evidences for Different Reaction Sites for Dehydrogenation and Dehydration of Ethanol over Vanadia Supported on Titania
Authors: Kim Yu Kwon , Ryu Seol
Published: May 2019

Vanadia supported on titania were prepared with increasing vanadia loadings up to 20 wt % to study the effect of the vanadia loading on catalytic reactivity. A competitive decomposition of ethanol into ethylene (dehydration) and acetaldehyde (dehydrogenation) over the catalyst occurs over the vanadia supported on TiO2. Dehydrogenation is generally favored over dehydration over a wide range of the vanadia loadings up to 20 wt % due to a lower energy barrier for the dehydrogenation channel. Both dehydration and dehydrogenation rates are enhanced in proportion to the vanadia loadings up to about 2 wt %. At higher vanadia loadings (>2 wt %), however, the dehydration rate decreases while the dehydrogenation rate saturates. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis reveals that reduced V and Ti species are formed at the low vanadia contents and act as strong dissociative adsorption sites for H2O, while extended VOx clusters as well as three‐dimensional V2O5 islands formed at high vanadia loadings prevent the formation of such sites. Thus, the observed difference between the two reaction channels can be explained from the structural transition of the vanadia overlayers from highly dispersed small VOx clusters into larger polyvanadates or islands. At low vanadia loadings (<2 wt %), both the edge sites and the surface sites of the small VOx clusters grow in proportion to the loadings as the number of the clusters increases. Thus, both reaction channels are enhanced as well. At higher vanadia loadings (>2 wt %), however, the transformation into larger islands reduces the edge sites or the boundaries between the clusters and TiO, not the surface area. This implies that the active sites for the dehydrogenation are on the surfaces of the vanadia overlayers, while those for the dehydration are on the boundaries between the VOx and TiO2. Our results provide an additional insight into the active sites for dehydration and dehydrogenation reactions over the titania‐supported vanadia catalysts.
Relationship between Protein Expression Pattern and Host Metabolome Perturbation as Monitored by Two‐Dimensional NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chae Young Kee , Kim Seol Hyun , Um Yoonjin
Published: May 2019

In producing large amounts of heterologous proteins, researchers most often use Escherichia coli as a host thanks to its extensively studied genetics, simple growth procedure, and low cost. However, the desired protein is often produced only in a form of inclusion bodies. Researchers have tried to devise a way to circumvent such a problem, and the ones using fusion partners seem to be the most successful. Based on our previous observation that the host metabolome was related to the outcomes of protein expression patterns, we proceeded to perturb the metabolome by applying a salt stress to see if we could shake up metabolite compositions to make them better suited for soluble expression of the target protein. We examined a subset of the metabolites which had been partially labeled with input 13C‐glucose. We tested 11 genes under 4 different NaCl concentrations, and identified 18 metabolites using the heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR experiment. Most of the proteins kept their expression profiles unchanged, but two proteins were converted from inclusion bodies to a soluble form with increased NaCl concentration. Through the statistical analysis, we could identify a region where the soluble protein production was favored in the metabolite space. We hope that this work would provide an alternative strategy to produce the recombinant proteins in their soluble or native forms, not only in E. coli but also in other hosts.
Highly selective enrichment of phosphopeptides using poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) as a solid‐phase extraction material
Authors: Mirza Munazza Raza , Rainer Matthias , Duran Shahid , Moin Syed Tarique , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Bonn Günther K.
Published: May 2019

A poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) was used as a new solid‐phase extraction material for the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. Isolation of phosphopeptides was achieved based on specific ionic interactions between poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) and the phosphate group of phosphopeptides. Thus, a method was developed and optimized, including loading, washing and elution steps, for the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. To assess this potential, tryptic digest of three proteins (α‐ casein, β‐casein and ovalbumin) was applied on poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6). The nonspecific products were removed by centrifugation and washing. The spectrometric analysis was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Highly selective enrichment of both mono‐ and multiphosphorylated peptides was achieved using poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) as solid‐phase extraction material with minimum interference from nonspecific compounds. Furthermore, evaluation of the efficiency of the poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) was performed by applying the digest of egg white. Finally, quantum mechanical calculations were performed to calculate the binding energies to predict the affinity between poly(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6) and various ligands. The newly identified solid‐phase extraction material was found to be a highly efficient tool for phosphopeptide recovery from tryptic digest of proteins.
The prognostic comparison among unilateral, bilateral, synchronous bilateral, and metachronous bilateral breast cancer: A meta‐analysis of studies from recent decade (2008‐2018)
Authors: Pan Bo , Xu Ying , Zhou Yi‐Dong , Yao Ru , Wu Huan‐Wen , Zhu Qing‐Li , Wang Chang‐Jun , Mao Feng , Lin Yan , Shen Song‐Jie , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2019

Background

The incidence of bilateral breast cancer (BBC) is increasing nowadays comprising 2%‐11% of all breast cancer (BC). According to the interval time between the first and second cancer, BBC could be divided into synchronous (SBBC) and metachronous (MBBC). However, this interval time is quite different across studies. It remains controversial whether the survival of BBC, SBBC, and MBBC is similar or worse compared to that of unilateral breast cancer (UBC), and whether the survival of SBBC is similar or worse compared to MBBC. To better understand the survival of UBC, BBC, SBBC, and MBBC and how the interval time would influence the prognosis of SBBC and MBBC, we performed this meta‐analysis on studies from recent 10 years (2008‐2018).

Methods

Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies within recent 10 years. Hazard ratio (HR) was adopted to evaluate the difference of overall survival (OS) of UBC, BBC, SBBC, and MBBC. HR of OS comparisons were performed between BBC vs UBC, SBBC vs UBC, MBBC vs UBC, and SBBC vs MBBC with 3, 6, 12 months as the interval time, respectively.

Results

There were 15 studies of 72 302 UBC and 2912 BBC included in the meta‐analysis. The summary HR of OS comparison between BBC vs UBC was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.28‐2.20), SBBC vs UBC was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.14‐3.55), MBBC vs UBC was 3.22 (95% CI: 0.75‐13.78). When 3, 6, 12 months were used as the interval time, the summary HR of the OS comparison between of SBBC vs MBBC were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.44‐0.94), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.84‐1.63) and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.10‐1.92), respectively.

Conclusion

BBC and SBBC showed worse prognosis in terms of OS compared to UBC while MBBC manifested similar or non‐superior survival as UBC. The OS comparison between SBBC and MBBC changed with different interval time used. The longer the interval time used, the worse the survival of SBBC. SBBC with interval of 3‐12 months between the two cancers had the worst prognosis. When 6 months was used to differentiate SBBC from MBBC, these two clinical entities showed similar OS.
Dynamic Synthetic Cells Based on Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Martin Nicolas
Published: May 2019

Living cells have long been a source of inspiration for chemists. Their capacity of performing complex tasks relies on the spatiotemporal coordination of matter and energy fluxes. Recent years have witnessed growing interest in the bottom‐up construction of cell‐like models capable of reproducing aspects of such dynamic organisation. Liquid–liquid phase‐separation (LLPS) processes in water are increasingly recognised as representing a viable compartmentalisation strategy through which to produce dynamic synthetic cells. Herein, we highlight examples of the dynamic properties of LLPS used to assemble synthetic cells, including their biocatalytic activity, reversible condensation and dissolution, growth and division, and recent directions towards the design of higher‐order structures and behaviour.
Calmodulin‐like skin protein suppresses the increase in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase induced by hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet irradiation in keratinocytes
Authors: Takahara Yusuke , Miyachi Nobuyuki , Nawa Mikiro , Matsuoka Masaaki
Published: May 2019

Calmodulin‐like skin protein (CLSP) is a secreted peptide that is produced by skin keratinocytes and some related epithelial cells. It has previously been shown that CLSP is recruited via the bloodstream into the central nervous system where it likely exerts a neuroprotective effect against toxicity related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by binding to the heterotrimeric humanin receptor and activating intracellular survival signaling. However, it remains to be elucidated whether secreted CLSP shows a protective effect in the skin tissues. In the current study, using primary keratinocytes treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as senescence models of keratinocytes, we addressed whether CLSP affects senescence in skin keratinocytes. We found that CLSP expression was upregulated by H2O2 or UV in keratinocytes. Furthermore, co‐incubation with recombinant CLSP reduced the increase in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase‐positivity in keratinocytes that were induced by H2O2 or UV. These results suggest that CLSP may function as a senescence‐suppressing factor in keratinocytes.
One‐year clinical outcome of biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction: Insight from the ULISSE registry
Authors: Moscarella Elisabetta , Ielasi Alfonso , Beneduce Alessandro , Ferrante Giuseppe , Pivato Carlo Andrea , Chiarito Mauro , Cappelletti Alberto , Perfetti Giulia , Magni Valeria , Prati Eugenio , Falcone Stefania , Pierri Adele , De Martini Stefano , Montorfano Matteo , Parisi Rosario , Rutigliano David , Locuratolo Nicola , Anzuini Angelo , Calabrò Paolo , Tespili Maurizio , Margonato Alberto , Benassi Alberto , Briguori Carlo , Fabbiocchi Franco , Reimers Bernhard , Bartorelli Antonio , Colombo Antonio , Godino Cosmo
Published: May 2019

Background

The ULISSE registry has demonstrated the real‐world performance of the Ultimaster biodegradable polymer sirolimus‐eluting stent (BP‐SES) in a large cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, including a large proportion of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We performed a subgroup analysis of the ULISSE registry in AMI patients and compared the outcomes of this vulnerable cohort with that of patients presenting without AMI (non‐AMI). The primary end point was the incidence of 1‐year target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV‐MI), and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Results

Of 1,660 patients included in the ULISSE registry, 381(23%) presented with AMI, 207(54.3%) non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction, and 174(45.7%) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction. Compared with non‐AMI patients, those with AMI were more frequently female and smokers, with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. At 1 year, TLF rate was significantly higher in AMI than non‐AMI patients (7.9 vs. 4.1%; HR 1.98, CI 95% 1.22–3.23; p = .005) driven by higher rate of cardiac death (4.0 vs. 1.1%; HR 3.59, CI 95% 1.64–7.88; p = .01) and TV‐MI (2.8 vs 0.9%; HR 2.99,CI 95% 1.22–7.37; p = .01), without differences in TLR rate (4.3 vs. 2.9%,HR 0.66, CI95% 0.35–1.25; p = .2). At multivariate Cox regression analysis, eGFR <40 mL/min (HR: 2.868) and LVEF <40% (HR: 2.394) were the only independent predictors of TLF.

Conclusions

In AMI patients, Ultimaster BP‐SES implantation was associated with higher rate of TLF and definite stent thrombosis compared with non‐AMI patients. The high incidence of adverse events was mainly driven by the unfavorable baseline risk profile.
Influence of particle size on flour and baking properties of yellow pea, navy bean, and red lentil flours
Authors: Bourré Lindsay , Frohlich Peter , Young Gina , Borsuk Yulia , Sopiwnyk Elaine , Sarkar Ashok , Nickerson Michael T. , Ai Yongfeng , Dyck Adam , Malcolmson Linda
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

Pulse flours are produced by dry grinding pulses. Currently, no standards exist for the particle size of pulse flours. The objective of this study was to investigate how particle size affected the flour and bread‐baking properties of commercially milled pulse flours and those produced using a Ferkar mill.

Findings

Finer pulse flours tended to have greater starch damage, lower water absorption capacity (WAC), and higher peak and final viscosities. Navy bean flour had a larger particle size distribution, lower starch damage, greater WAC, and lower peak and final viscosities due to presence of hull. Red lentil flour had a larger particle size distribution and higher starch damage than yellow pea flour. Bread made with finer pulse flours had better bread scores and a tighter, less open crumb structure. Bread volume was not affected by flour particle size, nor were the sensory properties of the bread in most cases.

Conclusions

Particle size affected flour and bread‐baking properties of pulse flours indicating that particle size should be considered when formulating pulse‐based breads. Flours milled from whole pulses will have larger particle size distributions due to the presence of hull. Seed hardness will affect the grinding properties of pulses which will affect particle size and starch damage.

Significance and novelty

Standardization of particle size for pulse flours would allow for consistency when sourcing flours from different suppliers. However, given that different particle size distributions may be better suited to certain applications than others, it may be more useful if suppliers specify the particle size similar to what is done with oat ingredients.
Underpotential Photoelectrooxidation of Water by SnS2−Laccase Co‐catalysts on Nanostructured Electrodes with Only Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Jarne Carmen , Paul Logan , Conesa José Carlos , Shleev Sergey , De Lacey Antonio L. , Pita Marcos
Published: May 2019

More sustainable ways to produce and store energy are urgently needed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are the principal drivers of global warming and pollution. Hydrogen may become the energy vector needed for this purpose if its production through water splitting can become competitive against steam methane reforming. Even after decades of research, the proposed strategies for water splitting are not efficient enough to overcome the high overpotential of the water oxidation reaction. In a quest for new approaches to this problem, recent studies have attempted to combine inorganic catalysts with biocatalysts, aiming to open new possibilities towards a definitive solution. In the present work we have tested a chalcogenide semiconductor, SnS2, characterized by a deep valence band and a visible‐light band gap of approximately 2.2 eV (λ=550 nm). Preparation of a fluorine‐doped tin oxide electrode modified with SnS2 and laccase allowed water oxidation at a lower overpotential, taking better advantage of light energy. Additionally, indium tin oxide nanoparticles were added to increase the contact area between SnS2 and the electrode surface and thereby improve charge separation for photobioelectrocatalytic water oxidation. We tested the nanostructured anode electrodes under different applied potentials and irradiance intensities from a solar simulator to find the optimal photonic and faradaic efficiencies.
On shifting consumers from high‐interest to low‐interest debt
Authors: Greenberg Adam Eric , Hershfield Hal E.
Published: May 2019

In the United States, many consumers are increasingly accumulating debt, much of which is harmful and expensive. Prior research has devoted a great deal of attention to understanding why consumers generally get into debt and the strategies they can use to repay existing debts. While this work has furthered the agenda of helping consumers reduce or eliminate their overall debt balances, it has failed to emphasize the fact that for many consumers, debt may be unavoidable. This article aims to promote research that addresses not only overall debt reduction but also the need for consumers to shift from more to less costly types of debt. By shedding light on the psychological reasons why consumers may naturally gravitate toward more costly forms of debt when less costly ones may be available, we offer a novel perspective on why consumers get into and stay in debt longer than they should. This new angle has the potential to spur on further research into the ways consumers can use debt more effectively and less expensively in service of the overarching goal of debt reduction.
Regiochemistry Control by Bipyridine Substituents in the Deprotonation of ReI and MoIIN‐Alkylimidazole Complexes
Authors: Espinal‐Viguri Maialen , Fombona Sergio , Álvarez Daniel , Díaz Jesús , Menéndez M. Isabel , López Ramón , Pérez Julio , Riera Lucía
Published: May 2019

Compounds containing N‐alkylimidazoles (N‐RIm) and 4,4′‐disubstituted 2,2′‐bipyridines (4,4′‐R′2bipy) coordinated to cationic {Mo(η3‐C4H7)(CO)2} and {Re(CO)3} fragments undergo deprotonation of the C2‐H group of the N‐RIm ligands in their reactions with KN(SiMe3)2. The resulting internal nucleophile adds either to one pyridyl ring, which becomes dearomatized and can undergo ring opening in the subsequent reaction with excess MeOTf, or to the metal center, yielding imidazol‐2‐yl complexes, which in turn add HOTf or MeOTf, affording N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes. Which pathway is followed is dictated by the metal and the nature of the imidazole (R) and bipyridine (R′) substituents. For ReI compounds, addition to pyridine is found with R′=tBu and OMe, whereas for R=Me and R′=NMe2, imidazolyl formation is preferred. Coordination of 4,7‐Cl2‐1,10‐phenanthroline to MoII favors C−C coupling, in contrast to the analogous parent bipy or phenanthroline complexes, for which formation of the imidazol‐2‐yl complexes had been found. DFT calculations showed the theoretically expected products in each case, and following their predictions new types of products were obtained experimentally.
B2N2‐Embedded Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Furan and Thiophene Derivatives Functionalized in Crossed Directions
Authors: Chen Yijing , Chen Weinan , Qiao Yanjun , Zhou Gang
Published: May 2019

A series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), consisting of two pairs of BN units, have been designed and their synthesis has been achieved by electrophilic C−H borylation. Two conjugation extension directions can be found in these B2N2‐embedded PAHs. The B2N2‐containing backbone with shorter effective conjugation length is isoelectronic with diaryl‐fused anthracene, whereas the second derivative, with longer effective conjugation length, is isoelectronic with bis(trans‐arylvinyl)benzene. By incorporating different aryl groups, i.e., furyl, thienyl, benzo[b]furyl, and benzo[b]thienyl groups, into the two crossed directions of the B2N2‐embedded PAHs, their electronic and optical properties have been comparatively investigated by photophysical, electrochemical, and theoretical approaches. It is found that both the substituents and their conjugation extension directions have significant effects on the aromatic and photophysical properties of the B2N2‐embedded PAHs. The conjugation extension in the shorter backbone is more pronounced on the effective conjugation length than the longer backbone. Moreover, all the B2N2‐embedded PAHs behave as both Lewis acids and Lewis bases, and reversible photoluminescence switching can be observed by simply neutralizing the added Lewis acid or Lewis base.