bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing harvest of ‘Russell’ and ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass receiving broiler litter for nutritive value and phosphorus removal
Authors: Read John J. , Lang David J. , Adeli Ardeshir , Jenkins Johnie N.
Published: February 2020

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay fields receiving broiler litter offer a means to both produce high quality forage and export excess manure nutrients, for example P. This 3‐yr study determined the nutritive value, P removal, and soil P for ‘Russell’ and ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass receiving 4 ton ac−1 broiler litter and 98 lb ac−1 N (as NH4NO3) annually and cut at 21‐, 35‐, and 49‐d intervals with residual stubble heights of 1.2 and 3.5 inches. Forage cut every 49 d at 1.2‐inch stubble height had the greatest dry matter (DM) yield and low nutritive value; weighted‐sum crude protein (CP) ranged from 7.2 to 8.2% and weighted‐sum in vitro true DM digestibility (IVTDMD) ranged from 56.8 to 62.0%, depending on year. With a 35‐d interval, forage CP and IVTDMD amounts generally exceeded 9.6 and 62.0%, respectively. Forage IVTDMD was greater in Tifton 44 than Russell in 2006 and 2007, when values with a 35‐d interval were approximately 3.0 and 0.3% greater, respectively. Cutting at a 1.2‐inch height increased P removal by approximately 23% in Russell and 30% in Tifton 44 compared with a 3.5‐inch height. Phosphorus removal was maximized with a 49‐d interval and 1.2‐inch height in 2005 (29.8 lb ac−1) and 2006 (19.3 lb ac−1) and with a 35‐d interval and 1.2‐inch height in 2007 (29.3 lb ac−1). Managing the balance between high DM and nutritive value in both cultivars can be achieved with a 35‐d interval and 1.2‐inch height. A prolonged harvest interval of 49 d is a valuable consideration for P removal via biomass.
Competitive Reactivity of Tautomers in the Degradation of Organophosphates by Imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Campos Renan B. , Silva Valmir B. , Menezes Leociley R. A. , Ocampos Fernanda M. M. , Fernandes Juliano M. , Barison Andersson , Oliveira Alfredo R. M. , Tantillo Dean J. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: February 2020

The harmful impact caused by pesticides on human health and the environment necessitates the development of efficient degradation processes and control of prohibited stocks of such substances. Organophosphates (OPs) are among the most used agrochemicals in the world and their degradation can proceed through several possible pathways. Investigating the reactivity of OPs with nucleophilic species allows one to propose new and efficient catalyst scaffolds for use in detoxification. In light of the remarkable catalytic activity of imidazole (IMZ) at promoting dephosphorylation processes of OPs, the reactivity of 4(5)‐hydroxymethylimidazole (HMZ) with diethyl‐2,4‐dinitrophenylphosphate (DEDNPP) and Paraoxon are evaluated by combining experimental and theoretical approaches. It is observed that HMZ is an efficient and regiospecific catalyst with reactivity modulated by competing tautomers. To propose an optimal IMZ‐based catalyst, quantum chemical calculations were performed for monosubstituted 4(5)IMZ derivatives that might cleave DEDNPP. Both inductive effects and hydrogen bonding by the substituents are shown to influence barriers and mechanisms.
Scope and Limitations of the s‐Block Metal‐Mediated Pudovik Reaction
Authors: Fener Benjamin E. , Schüler Philipp , Ueberschaar Nico , Bellstedt Peter , Görls Helmar , Krieck Sven , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: February 2020

The hydrophosphorylation of phenylacetylene with di(aryl)phosphane oxides Ar2P(O)H (Pudovik reaction) yields E/Z‐isomer mixtures of phenylethenyl‐di(aryl)phosphane oxides (1). Alkali and alkaline‐earth metal di(aryl)phosphinites have been studied as catalysts for this reaction with increasing activity for the heavier s‐block metals. The Pudovik reaction can only be mediated for di(aryl)phosphane oxides whereas P‐bound alkyl and alcoholate substituents impede the P−H addition across alkynes. The demanding mesityl group favors the single‐hydrophosphorylated products 1‐Ar whereas smaller aryl substituents lead to the double‐hydrophosphorylated products 2‐Ar. Polar solvents are beneficial for an effective addition. Increasing concentration of the reactants and the catalyst accelerates the Pudovik reaction. Whereas Mes2P(O)H does not form the bis‐phosphorylated product 2‐Mes, activation of an ortho‐methyl group and cyclization occurs yielding 2‐benzyl‐1‐mesityl‐5,7‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dihydrophosphindole 1‐oxide (3).
Solution Conformations Explain the Chameleonic Behaviour of Macrocyclic Drugs
Authors: Danelius Emma , Poongavanam Vasanthanathan , Peintner Stefan , Wieske Lianne H. E. , Erdélyi Máté , Kihlberg Jan
Published: February 2020

It has been hypothesised that drugs in the chemical space “beyond the rule of 5” (bRo5) must behave as molecular chameleons to combine otherwise conflicting properties, including aqueous solubility, cell permeability and target binding. Evidence for this has, however, been limited to the cyclic peptide cyclosporine A. Herein, we show that the non‐peptidic and macrocyclic drugs roxithromycin, telithromycin and spiramycin behave as molecular chameleons, with rifampicin showing a less pronounced behaviour. In particular roxithromycin, telithromycin and spiramycin display a marked, yet limited flexibility and populate significantly less polar and more compact conformational ensembles in an apolar than in a polar environment. In addition to balancing of membrane permeability and aqueous solubility, this flexibility also allows binding to targets that vary in structure between species. The drugs’ passive cell permeability correlates to their 3D polar surface area and corroborate two theoretical models for permeability, developed for cyclic peptides. We conclude that molecular chameleonicity should be incorporated in the design of orally administered drugs in the bRo5 space.
Stereochemistry‐Controlled Supramolecular Architectures of New Tetrahydroxy‐Functionalised Amphiphilic Carbocyanine Dyes
Authors: Schade Boris , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Wycisk Virginia , Cuellar‐Camacho Jose Luis , von Berlepsch Hans , Haag Rainer , Böttcher Christoph
Published: February 2020

The syntheses of novel amphiphilic 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachlorobenzimidacarbocyanine (TBC) dye derivatives with aminopropanediol head groups, which only differ in stereochemistry (chiral enantiomers, meso form and conformer), are reported. For the achiral meso form, a new synthetic route towards asymmetric cyanine dyes was established. All compounds form J aggregates in water, the optical properties of which were characterised by means of spectroscopic methods. The supramolecular structure of the aggregates is investigated by means of cryo‐transmission electron microscopy, cryo‐electron tomography and AFM, revealing extended sheet‐like aggregates for chiral enantiomers and nanotubes for the mesomer, respectively, whereas the conformer forms predominately needle‐like crystals. The experiments demonstrate that the aggregation behaviour of compounds can be controlled solely by head group stereochemistry, which in the case of enantiomers enables the formation of extended hydrogen‐bond chains by the hydroxyl functionalities. In case of the achiral meso form, however, such chains turned out to be sterically excluded.
One‐Step Synthesis of Janus Fluorographene Derivatives
Authors: Kouloumpis Antonios , Chronopoulos Demetrios D. , Potsi Georgia , Pykal Martin , Vlček Jakub , Scheibe Magdalena , Otyepka Michal
Published: February 2020

Fluorographene, a two‐dimensional derivative of graphene, is an excellent starting material for the synthesis of graphene derivatives. In this work, a one‐step, substrate‐free method for the asymmetric functionalization of fluorographene layers with hydroxyl groups by a facile nucleophilic substitution reaction is reported. Such a chemical modification occurs in a biphasic aqueous–organic system under mild conditions, leading to Janus graphene nanosheets functionalized by hydroxyl groups on one side and retaining fluorine atoms on the other. The reported experimental route paves the way for two‐dimensional bifacial graphene templates, thus broadening the application potential of graphene materials.
Iron Biomineral Growth from the Initial Nucleation Seed in L‐Ferritin
Authors: Ciambellotti Silvia , Pozzi Cecilia , Mangani Stefano , Turano Paola
Published: February 2020

X‐ray structures of homopolymeric human L‐ferritin and horse spleen ferritin were solved by freezing protein crystals at different time intervals after exposure to a ferric salt and revealed the growth of an octa‐nuclear iron cluster on the inner surface of the protein cage with a key role played by some glutamate residues. An atomic resolution view of how the cluster formation develops starting from a (μ3‐oxo)tris[(μ2‐glutamato‐κO:κO’)](glutamato‐κO)(diaquo)triiron(III) seed is provided. The results support the idea that iron biomineralization in ferritin is a process initiating at the level of the protein surface, capable of contributing coordination bonds and electrostatic guidance.
Stereochemical analysis of chiral amines, diamines, and amino alcohols: Practical chiroptical sensing based on dynamic covalent chemistry
Authors: Hassan Diandra S. , Thanzeel F. Yushra , Wolf Christian
Published: February 2020

Practical chiroptical sensing with a small group of commercially available aromatic aldehydes is demonstrated. Schiff base formation between the electron‐deficient 2,4‐dinitrobenzaldehyde probe and either primary amines, diamines, or amino alcohols proceeds smoothly in chloroform at room temperature and is completed in the presence of molecular sieves within 2.5 hours. The substrate binding coincides with a distinct circular dichroism signal induction at approximately 330 nm, which can be correlated to the absolute configuration and enantiomeric composition of the analyte. The usefulness of this sensing method is highlighted with the successful sensing of 18 aliphatic and aromatic amines and amino alcohols and five examples showing quantitative %ee determination with good accuracy.
Klärschlammverbrennung in einer stationären Wirbelschicht mit integrierter Phosphor‐Rückgewinnung
Authors: Schnell Matthias , Quicker Peter
Published: February 2020

Für die zukünftig obligatorische Phosphorrückgewinnung aus Klärschlamm werden besonders nasschemische und thermochemische Verfahren diskutiert. Die Kopplung der Phosphorrückgewinnung mit der Verbrennung in stationären Wirbelschichtfeuerungen, der dominierenden Monoverbrennungstechnologie, bietet hinsichtlich des Nachbehandlungsaufwandes und der Wirtschaftlichkeit potenzielle Vorteile. In Versuchen konnte durch Einstellung der Verbrennungsbedingungen und Zugabe von Additiven eine Asche hergestellt werden, die der Düngemittelverordnung entspricht und somit potenziell als Phosphor‐Rezyklat einsetzbar ist.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Substrate‐Based Dipeptides and Heterocyclic Pseudo‐dipeptides as Potential NO Synthase Inhibitors
Authors: Touati‐Jallabe Youness , Tintillier Thibault , Mauchauffée Elodie , Boucher Jean‐Luc , Leroy Jérémy , Ramassamy Booma , Hamzé Abdallah , Mezghenna Karima , Bouzekrini Amine , Verna Claudia , Martinez Jean , Lajoix Anne‐Dominique , Hernandez Jean‐François
Published: February 2020

More than 160 arginine analogues modified on the C‐terminus via either an amide bond or a heterocyclic moiety (1,2,4‐oxadiazole, 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and 1,2,4‐triazole) were prepared as potential inhibitors of NO synthases (NOS). A methodology involving formation of a thiocitrulline intermediate linked through its side‐chain on a solid support followed by modification of its carboxylate group was developed. Finally, the side‐chain thiourea group was either let unchanged, S‐alkylated (Me, Et) or guanidinylated (Me, Et) to yield respectively after TFA treatment the corresponding thiocitrulline, S‐Me/Et‐isothiocitrulline and N‐Me/Et‐arginine substrate analogues. They all were tested against three recombinant NOS isoforms. Several compounds containing a S‐Et‐ or a S‐Me‐Itc moiety and mainly belonging to both the dipeptide‐like and 1,2,4‐oxadiazole series were shown to inhibit nNOS and iNOS with IC50 in the 1–50 μM range. Spectral studies confirmed that these new compounds interacted at the heme active site. The more active compounds were found to inhibit intra‐cellular iNOS expressed in RAW264.7 and INS‐1 cells with similar efficiency than the reference compounds L‐NIL and SEIT.
Using Complementary Ligand Denticity to Direct Metallosupramolecular Structure about Metal Ions with Square‐Planar Geometry
Authors: Preston Dan , Kruger Paul E.
Published: February 2020

An understanding of methods to control the structure of self‐assembled architectures is central to the efforts of chemists interested in self‐assembly synthesis. Metal ions with square‐planar geometry are a favorite of metallosupramolecular chemists, as there are only a limited number of possible ligand arrangements around the metal ion. Two such arrangements, firstly four monodentate donor sites (1,1,1,1), and secondly two monodentate donors and one bidentate donor (1,1,2) exemplify the symmetry interaction and ligand directed approaches, respectively. Symmetry interaction approaches using two bidentate sites (2,2) or a monodentate and tridentate site (1,3) have not received the same level of attention. In these arrangements, two complementary sites combine at the metal ion(s). This Minireview seeks to detail strategies employed to direct structure in systems with these arrangements, and is illustrated with key exemplars from the field.
Plasma‐Driven in Situ Production of Hydrogen Peroxide for Biocatalysis
Authors: Yayci Abdulkadir , Baraibar Álvaro Gómez , Krewing Marco , Fueyo Elena Fernandez , Hollmann Frank , Alcalde Miguel , Kourist Robert , Bandow Julia E.
Published: February 2020

Peroxidases and peroxygenases are promising classes of enzymes for biocatalysis because of their ability to carry out one‐electron oxidation reactions and stereoselective oxyfunctionalizations. However, industrial application is limited, as the major drawback is the sensitivity toward the required peroxide substrates. Herein, we report a novel biocatalysis approach to circumvent this shortcoming: in situ production of H2O2 by dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The discharge plasma can be controlled to produce hydrogen peroxide at desired rates, yielding desired concentrations. Using horseradish peroxidase, it is demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide produced by plasma treatment can drive the enzymatic oxidation of model substrates. Fungal peroxygenase is then employed to convert ethylbenzene to (R)‐1‐phenylethanol with an ee of >96 % using plasma‐generated hydrogen peroxide. As direct treatment of the reaction solution with plasma results in reduced enzyme activity, the use of plasma‐treated liquid and protection strategies are investigated to increase total turnover. Technical plasmas present a noninvasive means to drive peroxide‐based biotransformations.
Process‐induced variability modeling of subthreshold leakage power considering device stacking
Authors: Reddy Anala M. , Harish B.P.
Published: February 2020

The dominance of leakage currents in circuit design has been impelled by steady downscaling of MOSFET into nanometer regime, and has become a significant component of total IC power dissipation. The issue is further aggravated with the inability to gauge the tolerance of process parameters around their nominal value. Consequently, the drive to improve the static power prediction has enticed accurate and reliable modeling of leakage current, specifically for ultralow power applications. In contrast to gate‐ and band‐to‐band‐tunneling leakages, subthreshold leakage exhibits high susceptibility to process variations and hence has been considered for variability modeling. Fluctuations in the device electrical and geometry parameters result in a wider distribution of subthreshold leakage current. Hence, taking into account stacking effect, an analytical variability model to estimate subthreshold leakage power in subthreshold circuits, in the presence of threshold voltage variations is proposed. Further, the impact of threshold voltage variability on subthreshold leakage power is modeled in conjunction with simultaneous variations in gate length and width. The leakage power variability is characterized by model‐generated distributions obtained using Monte Carlo analysis and validated against SPICE simulations. The proposed model is about 700computationally faster than SPICE simulations with mean error being less than 0.19%.
Progress with the 5D full‐F continuum gyrokinetic code COGENT
Authors: Dorf Mikhail , Dorr Milo
Published: February 2020

COGENT is an Eulerian gyrokinetic code being developed for edge plasma modelling. The code is distinguished by the use of a high‐order finite‐volume (conservative) discretization combined with mapped multi‐block grid technology. Our recent work is focused on the development of a 5D full‐F COGENT version. A numerical algorithm utilizing locally a field‐aligned multi‐block coordinate system is implemented to facilitate simulations of highly anisotropic microturbulence in the presence of a strong magnetic shear. In this approach, the toroidal direction is divided into blocks such that, within each block, the cells are field‐aligned and a non‐matching (non‐conformal) grid interface is allowed at the block boundaries. Here we report on details of the numerical implementation and present preliminary results of verification studies performed for the case of the ion temperature gradient (ITG) instability in a sheared toroidal annulus geometry.
Hair cortisol in pregnancy interacts with maternal depressive symptoms to predict maternal disrupted interaction with her infant at 4 months
Authors: Khoury Jennifer E. , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Patwa Mariya C. , Lyons‐Ruth Karlen
Published: February 2020

Disrupted maternal interaction in early infancy is associated with maladaptive child outcomes. Thus, identifying early risk factors for disrupted interaction is an important challenge. Research suggests that maternal depressive symptoms and maternal cortisol dysregulation are associated with disrupted maternal interaction, but both factors have rarely been considered together as independent or interactive predictors of disrupted interaction. In a sample of 51 women, hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) and depressive symptoms were assessed during pregnancy, and depressive symptoms were assessed again at 4‐month postpartum. Maternal disrupted interaction was assessed during the Still‐Face Paradigm at 4 months. Results indicated that HCC and depressive symptoms interacted to predict both maternal withdrawing and inappropriate/intrusive interaction. Withdrawing interaction was associated with high levels of HCC in pregnancy in the context of high depressive symptoms at 4 months; inappropriate/intrusive interaction was associated with high levels of HCC in the context of low depressive symptoms. Thus, high HCC potentiated both forms of disrupted interaction. Results raised questions about the meaning of very low reported depressive symptoms, and underscored the importance of chronic stress physiology and maternal depressed mood as risk factors for distinct forms of maternal disrupted interaction, both of which are deleterious for infant development.
Efficient Visible‐Light‐Excitable Eu3+ Complexes for Red Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Francis Biju , Nolasco Mariela M. , Brandão Paula , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Carvalho Rafael S. , Cremona Marco , Carlos Luís D.
Published: February 2020

Visible‐light‐excited Eu3+ complexes have received much attention in the last years due to the rapidly increasing demand for less‐harmful biomarkers and low‐voltage driven emitters in optoelectronics. Nevertheless, these complexes usually exhibit poor emission quantum yields, contrarily to the ones excited in the ultraviolet spectral region. To address this challenge, a series of complexes based on trivalent lanthanide ions, [Eu(bpyO2)(CH3OH)2(H2O)(NO3)2](NO3) (1), [Gd(bpyO2)(H2O)4(Cl)2]Cl (4), Ln(tta)3(H2O)(C2H5OH) {Ln = Eu (2), Gd (5)} and Ln(tta)3(bpyO2) {Ln = Eu (3), Gd (6)}, were synthesized using 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) as primary ligand and 2,2'‐dipyridyl N,N'‐dioxide (bpyO2) as neutral donor, and characterized, with special emphasis on their crystal structures and luminescence properties. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that the central metal ion has a coordination number of 9 in 1, and 8 in all other complexes. Complex 3 exhibited a broad excitation spectrum ranging from 250 to 480 nm, exhibiting, when compared to 1 and 2, higher absolute emission quantum yields of 0.46, 0.36 and 0.33, for excitation at 400, 425, and 450 nm, respectively. The theoretical intensity parameters, radiative and non‐radiative decay rates, and intrinsic and absolute emission quantum yields were assessed using the LUMPAC software displaying a very good accord with the experimental values. Moreover, organic light‐emitting diodes with a maximum efficiency of 5.7 × 10–2 cd A–1 at 14 V were fabricated using 3 as an emitting layer.
Construction of Acyclic Vicinal Tertiary and Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters via a Pd‐Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Stereodefined Polysubstituted Ketene Aminals
Authors: Huang Jianqiang , Marek Ilan
Published: February 2020

The Pd/Segphos‐catalyzed allylations of stereodefined polysubstituted ketene aminals provide an easy and straightforward access to vicinal acyclic tertiary and quaternary carbon stereocenters with very high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. All possible stereoisomers could be achieved through this diastereodivergent approach.
Novel approach towards musculoskeletal phenotypes
Authors: Meisingset Ingebrigt , Vasseljen Ottar , Vøllestad Nina K. , Robinson Hilde S. , Woodhouse Astrid , Engebretsen Kaia B. , Glette Mari , Øverås Cecilie K. , Nordstoga Anne L. , Evensen Kari A. I. , Skarpsno Eivind S.
Published: February 2020

Background

The multidimensional array of clinical features and prognostic factors makes it difficult to optimize management within the heterogeneity of patients with common musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify phenotypes across prognostic factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Concurrent and external validity were assessed against an established instrument and a new sample, respectively, and treatment outcome was described.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal observational study of 435 patients (aged 18–67 years) seeking treatment for nonspecific complaints in the neck, shoulder, low back or multisite/complex pain in primary health care physiotherapy in Norway. Latent class analysis was used to identify phenotypes based on 11 common prognostic factors within four biopsychosocial domains; pain, beliefs and thoughts, psychological and activity and lifestyle.

Results

Five distinct phenotypes were identified. Phenotype 1 (n = 77, 17.7%) and 2 (n = 142, 32.6%) were characterized by the lowest scores across all biopsychosocial domains. Phenotype 2 showed somewhat higher levels of symptoms across the biopsychosocial domains. Phenotype 3 (n = 89, 20.5%) and 4 (n = 78, 17.9%) were more affected across all domains, but phenotype 3 and 4 had opposite patterns in the psychological and pain domains. Phenotype 5 (n = 49, 11.3%) were characterized by worse symptoms across all domains, indicating a complex phenotype. The identified phenotypes had good external and concurrent validity, also differentiating for the phenotypes in function and health‐related quality of life outcome at 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The phenotypes may inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving the treatment efficiency in patients with common musculoskeletal disorders.

Significance

This observational prospective study identified five distinct and clinically meaningful phenotypes based on biopsychosocial prognostic factors across common musculoskeletal pain. These phenotypes were independent of primary pain location, showed good external validity, and clear variation in treatment outcome. The findings are particularly valuable as they describe the heterogeneity of patients with musculoskeletal pain and points to a need for more targeted interventions in common musculoskeletal disorders to improve treatment outcome.
pH Switchable Electrochemical and Optical Properties of Polyoctylthiophene – Pyrene Composites
Authors: Stelmach Emilia , Kałuza Dawid , Konefał Anna , Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Michalska Agata
Published: February 2020

Polyoctylthiophene electrochemical and optical properties are dependent on the polymer oxidation state, generally requiring presence of doping ions. In this work polyoctylthiophene composites with pyrene or aminopyrene have been prepared and studied using optical and electrochemical methods. It is shown that in the composite formed pyrene molecules act as molecular dopant for the conducting polymer, resulting in a system of partially oxidized polythiophene backbone, yet of high lipophilicity. On the other hand, composite of aminopyrene with polyoctylthiophene is characterized with pH dependent electrochemical and optical properties. The difference arises mostly from the protonation/ deprotonation reaction occurring for aminopyrene embedded in polyoctylothiophene. Nanoparticles of polythiophene‐aminopyrene show turn‐on emission dependence on increase of hydrogen ions concentration in solution in a wide pH range from 12 to 5. For low pH high emission activity is observed for nanoparticles, whereas for films high lipophilicity and low electrochemical activity pointing to presence of semiconducting polymer in the system for protonated aminopyrene. For high pH, when deprotonation of aminopyrene is observed, the system is characterized with low optical, yet high electrochemical activity and low lipophilicity. The electrochemical activity of polyoctylthiophene‐aminopyrene composite can be reversibly switched simply by solution pH change.
Finding the Optimal Surface Density of Aptamer Monolayers by SPR Imaging Detection‐based Aptamer Microarrays
Authors: Simon László , Bognár Zsófia , Gyurcsányi Róbert E.
Published: February 2020

Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) by enabling label‐free, real time assessment of biomolecular interactions in multiplexed manner is one of the methods of choice for high throughput characterization of large pools of DNA aptamer candidates following in vitro selection. Moreover, with major advances in in situ amplification methods SPRi became also a viable detection platform for aptamer microarrays. In case of aptamer microarrays, commonly prepared by microspotting, the direct assessment of the surface density of aptamer probes, which is essential for both kinetic and sensing measurements is not possible. Therefore, here we introduce a methodology for simple, one‐step determination of surface densities of thiol labelled aptamer monolayers microspotted on gold SPRi chips. Based on this methodology we investigated in detail the effect of the surface density of aptamers on target binding through two aptamer‐target systems, i. e. human immunoglobulin E (hIgE) and six histidine tag 6xHis‐tag. We found that the surface density of the aptamers is indeed critical and shows a sharp maximum in terms of target binding efficiency, which is largely determined by the size of the target. The optimal aptamer surface densities determined, the immobilization chemistry (shared by many detection platforms, e. g., electrochemical, surface acoustic) and the trends identified may be used for rapid rational optimization of aptamer‐target assays.
An Acid‐Resistant Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Lignocellulose of Natural Biomass for Supercapacitors
Authors: Qiu Feng , Huang Yun , Luo Chen , Li Xing , Wang Mingshan , Cao Haijun
Published: February 2020

A novel acid‐resistant gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is fabricated for improving the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors (SCs) using lignocellulose (LC) membrane as polymer matrices and H2SO4 solution as both plasticizer and conductive ions, in which the LC membrane with a stress of 10.1 MPa and an electrolyte uptake of 1300% is prepared from LC biomass. The prepared GPE (LC‐H2SO4) has no obvious change after immersion in 3 m H2SO4 solution for 30 days. The SC assembled with LC‐H2SO4 containing 1 m H2SO4 and activated carbon electrodes shows a rate capability of ≈90% retention of initial capacitance when the current density increases from 0.5 to 5 A g−1 and long cycling life of 20 000 cycles with 115% capacitance retention, which is attributed to hemicellulose dissolving in the electrolyte improving interfacial compatibility, and these oxygen‐containing functional groups provide partial faradic pseudocapacitance. Furthermore, the flat SC assembled with LC‐H2SO4 containing 3 m H2SO4 demonstrates better electrochemical performance than that of flat SCs based on LC‐H2SO4 containing 0.5 and 1 m H2SO4. The assembled flat SC can be bent to 180° without affecting its electrochemical performance. Hence, LC‐H2SO4 containing higher H2SO4 concentration is a candidate for assembly flexible SCs with excellent electrochemical performance.
Designing a bioinspired synthetic tree by unidirectional freezing for simultaneous solar steam generation and salt collection
Authors: Shao Yang , Tang Jiebin , Li Ningbo , Sun Tianyu , Yang Liping , Chen Duo , Zhi Hui , Wang Dejuan , Liu Hong , Xue Guobin
Published: February 2020

Solar steam generation with thermal localization was recently proposed for highly efficient solar‐thermal desalination. However, to achieve high steam productivity with long term stability remains a critical challenge due to salt accumulation at the evaporation surface. Here, we designed a T‐shaped synthetic tree that could simultaneously achieve high steam productivity and salt collection with the structure characteristics of interfacial thermal evaporation, ambient energy harvesting and edge‐preferential crystallizing. Under 1 sun, the synthetic tree exhibited a steady water evaporation rate of 2.03 kg m−2 hours−1 over 60 hours, achieving solar thermal efficiency of 75%. Salt was continuously rejected at the edge of the evaporator with a steady collection rate of 59.879 g m−2 hours−1, which did not affect water evaporation. This new design principle to simultaneously harvest water and salt provides a new avenue for solar energy utilization.

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Planet of fixers? Mapping the middle grounds of independent and do‐it‐yourself information and communication technology maintenance and repair
Authors: Lepawsky Josh
Published: February 2020

This paper explores the geographical distribution of independent and do‐it‐yourself information and communication technology maintenance and repair (INDIY ICT M&R) activity around the world. It examines a large set of Google Analytics data pertaining to users of free, open‐source online repair manuals provided by iFixit, a US‐based organisation that develops the free manuals, sells tools and components, and also engages in technical education and policy advocacy. The paper draws on three years of available user data (2016–2018). Over this time period the total user base of iFixit's manuals grew from over 1.3 million users to more than 4.1 million users across the planet. However, counter to what might be expected, the global distribution of iFixit users does not systematically co‐vary with internet access rates or with the population size of locations. The results reported here, while partial, are valuable in that they demonstrate both a globally distributed phenomenon and high‐resolution location patterns of INDIY ICT M&R activity. Mapping the extent and spatial patterning of such activity is a jumping off point for the kinds of qualitative analyses needed to elucidate the how's, the why's, and the meanings of the observed uneven distribution patterns. More broadly, the results suggest fruitful directions for deeper analyses and research into both pragmatic questions about ICT maintenance and repair (such as their social, economic, and environmental significance), as well as more speculative questions about how and why the fates of ICT within and between production, use, and discard stand in for dreams of technological futurity and nightmares of social and environmental breakdown.
Structural optimality and neurogenetic expression mediate functional dynamics in the human brain
Authors: Pappas Ioannis , Craig Michael M. , Menon David K. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A.
Published: February 2020

The human brain exhibits a rich functional repertoire in terms of complex functional connectivity patterns during rest and tasks. However, how this is developed upon a fixed structural anatomy remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the hypothesis that resting state functional connectivity and the manner in which it changes during tasks related to a set of underlying structural connections that promote optimal communication in the brain. We used a game‐theoretic model to identify such optimal connections in the structural connectome of 50 healthy individuals and subsequently used the optimal structural connections to predict resting‐state functional connectivity with high accuracy. In contrast, we found that nonoptimal connections accurately predicted functional connectivity during a working memory task. We further found that this balance between optimal and nonoptimal connections between brain regions was associated with a specific gene expression linked to neurotransmission. This multimodal evidence shows for the first time that structure–function relationships in the human brain are related to how brain networks navigate information along different white matter connections as well as the brain's underlying genetic profile.
Intraoperative nerve monitoring is used routinely by a significant majority of head and neck surgeons in thyroid surgery and impacts on extent of surgery—Survey of the American Head and Neck Society
Authors: Ritter Amit , Ganly Ian , Wong Richard J. , Randolph Gregory W. , Shpitzer Thomas , Bachar Gideon , Mizrachi Aviram
Published: February 2020

Background

The data on the advantages of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgeries is inconsistent. Our objective was to study the patterns of use of IONM in thyroid surgery among American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members.

Method

A web‐based survey was e‐mailed to all members of the AHNS.

Results

A total of 275 surgeons completed the survey. Seventy‐two percent reported using IONM routinely. Routine use of IONM was associated with longer period in practice. Twenty‐one percent only used IONM selectively in high‐risk cases. Most surgeons would consider aborting the procedure in cases of loss of signal without continuing to the contralateral side. Finally, only 19% of surgeons attempt to identify the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN).

Conclusions

The majority of AHNS surgeons routinely use IONM during thyroid surgery as a real‐time decision‐making tool. However, IONM for preservation of the EBSLN is underutilized.
Photonic devices fabricated from (111)‐oriented single crystal diamond
Authors: Regan Blake , Kim Sejeong , Ly Anh T. H. , Trycz Aleksandra , Bray Kerem , Ganesan Kumaravelu , Toth Milos , Aharonovich Igor
Published: February 2020

Diamond is a material of choice in the pursuit of integrated quantum photonic technologies. So far, the majority of photonic devices fabricated from diamond are made from (100)‐oriented crystals. In this work, we demonstrate a methodology for the fabrication of optically active membranes from (111)‐oriented diamond. We use a liftoff technique to generate membranes, followed by chemical vapor deposition of diamond in the presence of silicon to generate homogenous silicon vacancy color centers with emission properties that are superior to those in (100)‐oriented diamond. We further use the diamond membranes to fabricate microring resonators with quality factors exceeding ~ 3000. Supported by finite‐difference time‐domain calculations, we discuss the advantages of (111)‐oriented structures as building blocks for quantum nanophotonic devices.

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Restoration of microRNA‐197 expression suppresses oncogenicity in fibrosarcoma through negative regulation of RAN
Authors: Jain Neha , Das Basudeb , Mallick Bibekanand
Published: February 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as crucial regulators of biological pathways/processes by reinforcing transcriptional programs and moderating transcripts. Emerging evidences have shown the involvement of dysregulated miRNAs in pathophysiology of human diseases including several cancer types. Recently, miR‐197‐3p has been reported to play different roles in different cancers; however, its role in fibrosarcoma, a highly aggressive and malignant soft tissue sarcoma originated from the mesenchymal tissues, has not yet been studied. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible regulatory roles of miR‐197‐3p in the oncogenicity of fibrosarcoma. For this, we initially performed qRT‐PCR of miR‐197‐3p, which we found to be downregulated in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells compared with IMR90‐tert normal fibroblast cells. Subsequently, we performed gain‐of‐function study by employing several methods such as MTT assay, clonogenic assay, wound healing, flow cytometry cell cycle analysis, and acridine orange staining after transfecting HT1080 cells with miR‐197‐3p mimic. From these assays, we observed that miR‐197‐3p significantly inhibits viability, colony forming, and migration ability as well as triggers G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and autophagy in fibrosarcoma cells. To understand the mechanism through which miRNA performs these functions, we predicted its targets using TargetScan and performed pathway enrichment analysis after screening them by their expression in fibrosarcoma. Among the enriched targets, we found RAN (ras‐related nuclear protein) to be a crucial target through which miR‐197‐3p represses tumorigenesis by binding to its 3´ UTR, validated by luciferase reporter assay. The tumor suppressive role of the miRNA was further confirmed by transfecting its mimic in RAN‐overexpressed cells which showed significant attenuation in tumorigenic effect of RAN in fibrosarcoma as seen in different assays. Taken together, our study unveiled that miR‐197‐3p acts as an oncosuppressor in fibrosarcoma through G2/M phase arrest and induction of autophagy, and raises the possibility to act as a novel therapeutic intervention for the malignancy.
Stiffness and topography of biomaterials dictate cell‐matrix interaction in musculoskeletal cells at the bio‐interface: A concise progress review
Authors: Bai Mingru , Cai Linyi , Li Xin , Ye Ling , Xie Jing
Published: February 2020

Mutually interacted musculoskeletal tissues work together within the physiological environment full of varieties of external stimulus. Consistent with the locomotive function of the tissues, musculoskeletal cells are remarkably mechanosensitive to the physical cues. Signals like extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, topography, and geometry can be sensed and transduced into intracellular signaling cascades to trigger a series of cell responses, including cell adhesion, cell phenotype maintenance, cytoskeletal reconstruction, and stem cell differentiation (Du et al., 2011; Murphy et al., 2014; Lv et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2016; Kumar et al., 2017). With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the potent effects of ECM physical properties on cell behaviors at the cell‐matrix interface are drawing much attention. To mimic the interaction between cell and its ECM physical properties, developing advanced biomaterials with desired characteristics which could achieve the biointerface between cells and the surrounded matrix close to the physiological conditions becomes a great hotspot. In this review, based on the current publications in the field of biointerfaces, we systematically summarized the significant roles of stiffness and topography on musculoskeletal cell behaviors. We hope to shed light on the importance of physical cues in musculoskeletal tissue engineering and provide up to date strategies towards the natural or artificial replication of physiological microenvironment.
Ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of 3‐(1‐(2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl)‐2‐aryl‐6,6‐dimethyl‐4‐oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)indolin‐2‐ones by novel core‐shell bio‐based nanocatalyst anchoring sulfonated L‐histidine on magnetized silica (SO3H‐L‐His@SiO2‐nano Fe3O4)
Authors: Nikoofar Kobra , Peyrovebaghi Seyedeh S.
Published: February 2020

An efficient synthesis of 3‐(1‐(2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl)‐2‐aryl‐6,6‐dimethyl‐4‐oxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)indolin‐2‐ones is reported via a one‐pot three‐component reaction of 3‐phenacylidenoxindoles, tryptamine, and dimedone under ultrasound irradiation using a newly prepared core‐shell nanostructure. The utilized nanocatalyst is obtained by anchoring sulfonated L‐histidine amino acid shell, as the bio part, on silica‐nanomagnetite core (SO3H‐L‐His@SiO2‐nano Fe3O4) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and back‐titration. The protocol contains several advantages, such as relatively short reaction times, simple work‐up procedure by separation of the catalyst with an external magnet, the use of economical and environmentally friendly ultrasonic waves, and reusability and recoverability of the core‐shell nano‐promoter for three runs without significant activity loss.
A complete solution to the infinite Oberwolfach problem
Authors: Costa Simone
Published: February 2020

LetFbe a 2‐regular graph of orderv. The Oberwolfach problem,OP(F), asks for a 2‐factorization of the complete graph onvvertices in which each 2‐factor is isomorphic toF. In this paper, we give a complete solution to the Oberwolfach problem over infinite complete graphs, proving the existence of solutions that are regular under the action of a given involution free groupG. We will also consider the same problem in the more general context of graphsFthat are spanning subgraphs of an infinite complete graph and we provide a solution whenFis locally finite. Moreover, we characterize the infinite subgraphsLofFsuch that there exists a solution toOP(F) containing a solution toOP(L).
Prevention of trauma‐related mental health problems among refugees: A mixed‐methods evaluation of the MindSpring group programme in Denmark
Authors: Husby Simon Ruben , Carlsson Jessica , Mathilde Scotte Jensen Anna , Glahder Lindberg Laura , Sonne Charlotte
Published: February 2020

MindSpring (MS) is a community group intervention for refugees with the purpose of strengthening the participants' ability to cope with psychosocial problems, thereby preventing that premigration trauma and postmigratory stressors evolve into psychiatric disorders. The aim of the present project was to study the acceptability and impacts of MS. The study was a mixed‐methods observational study including 92 Arabic speaking refugees. Participants completed a baseline demographic questionnaire, an outcome questionnaire and the World Health Organization (WHO)‐5 well‐being questionnaire (which is also validated as a depression screening tool) before and after the intervention. The paired t test showed a highly significant prepost difference on 12.84 points on the WHO‐5. Participants' satisfaction was very high with a 98% overall satisfaction rate. The focus groups results supported these findings. The MS programme is an acceptable intervention for refugees. The significant improvement on WHO‐5 suggests a positive impact on depressive symptoms and well‐being.
Distinct cachexia profiles in response to human pancreatic tumours in mouse limb and respiratory muscle
Authors: Nosacka Rachel L. , Delitto Andrea E. , Delitto Dan , Patel Rohan , Judge Sarah M. , Trevino Jose G. , Judge Andrew R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Cancer cachexia is a life‐threatening metabolic syndrome that causes significant loss of skeletal muscle mass and significantly increases mortality in cancer patients. Currently, there is an urgent need for better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of this disease so that effective therapies can be developed. The majority of pre‐clinical studies evaluating skeletal muscle's response to cancer have focused on one or two pre‐clinical models, and almost all have focused specifically on limb muscles. In the current study, we reveal key differences in the histology and transcriptomic signatures of a limb muscle and a respiratory muscle in orthotopic pancreatic cancer patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mice.

Methods

To create four cohorts of PDX mice evaluated in this study, tumours resected from four pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients were portioned and attached to the pancreas of immunodeficient NSG mice.

Results

Body weight, muscle mass, and fat mass were significantly decreased in each PDX line. Histological assessment of cryosections taken from the tibialis anterior (TA) and diaphragm (DIA) revealed differential effects of tumour burden on their morphology. Subsequent genome‐wide microarray analysis on TA and DIA also revealed key differences between their transcriptomes in response to cancer. Genes up‐regulated in the DIA were enriched for extracellular matrix protein‐encoding genes and genes related to the inflammatory response, while down‐regulated genes were enriched for mitochondria related protein‐encoding genes. Conversely, the TA showed up‐regulation of canonical atrophy‐associated pathways such as ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation and apoptosis, and down‐regulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins.

Conclusions

These data suggest that distinct biological processes may account for wasting in different skeletal muscles in response to the same tumour burden. Further investigation into these differences will be critical for the future development of effective clinical strategies to counter cancer cachexia.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and heterocyclic functionalization of chromenopyridines on calixarene scaffold
Authors: Ali Korany A. , Abdel Hafez Naglaa A. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Alhuessin A.
Published: February 2020

A three‐component one‐pot condensation reaction of chroman‐4‐one with ethyl 2‐cyanoacetate and various aldehydes in the presence of ammonium acetate afforded a series of 2‐oxo‐4‐phenyl‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐chromeno[4,3‐b]pyridine‐3‐carbonitrile. These heterocycles have been converted to chloropyridine derivatives and appended to macrocyclic calix[4]arene scaffold through aromatic nucleophilic substitution under microwave irradiation. In this study, the microwave‐assisted functionalization of the lower rim of calix[4]arene has been considered the only appropriate tool because the conventional heating did not lead to any new product after 72 hours of heating under thermal condition.