bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Properties of Beeswax, Sunflower Wax, and Candelilla Wax Mixtures and Oleogels
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Anderson Julie , Felker Frederick C. , Hwang Hong‐Sik
Published: August 2019

To be able to tailor and optimize the physical properties of oleogels for various food applications, more information is needed to understand how different gelators interact. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the interactions between binary mixtures of beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CLW), and sunflower wax (SFW) in pure form as well as in 5% wax oleogels made with soybean oil, in terms of their crystallization and melting properties, crystal morphology, solid fat content, and gel firmness. CLW:BW mixtures had eutectic melting properties, and oleogels from these mixtures with 40:60 to 90:10 CLW:BW were firmer compared to oleogels made with one wax. The main components in SFW and BW appeared to cocrystallize or crystallize at the same temperature, but nonlinear changes in melting point and solid fat content profile of oleogels prepared with the mixed waxes indicated that SFW dominated oleogel formation. In addition, oleogels prepared with mixtures of SFW and BW had lower firmness compared to oleogels prepared with one wax, indicating an incompatibility between the two waxes. The main wax components in SFW and CLW never cocrystallized, and low levels of CLW appeared to prevent SFW from forming a crystalline platelet network. This resulted in low firmness of oleogels made from mixtures of 90:10 to 60:40 SFW:CLW compared to oleogels prepared with one wax. However, the firmest oleogels of all mixtures were made from 10:90 SFW:CLW. Changes in gel firmness and melting properties with mixed wax oleogels were likely to be due to changes observed in the crystal size and morphology. In addition, the firmest gels were shown to result from mixtures that were predicted to have >40% hydrocarbon content, and a high hydrocarbon to wax ester ratio, but minor components such as free fatty acids and fatty alcohols may have also influenced firmness.
ZnO microparticle‐loaded chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/acacia gum nanosphere‐based nanocomposite thin film wound dressings for accelerated wound healing
Authors: Güldiken Çağla Gül , Karaosmanoğlu Oğuzhan , Sivas Hülya , Gerçel Hasan Ferdi
Published: August 2019

The present study deals with the development of novel ZnO microparticle‐loaded chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/acacia gum nanosphere‐based nanocomposite thin films through electrospraying and evaluation of their potential use in wound healing applications for skin. ZnO microparticles were synthesized and used as bioactive agents. Morphology, size distribution, structure, and dispersion of the synthesized ZnO microparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ZnO microparticles were incorporated into the ternary nanocomposite films by electrospraying technique. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal that incorporation of ZnO microparticles into the nanocomposite structure improves the thermal stability. Mechanical analyses show that tensile strength reaches to the maximum value of 12.75 MPa with 0.6 wt % ZnO content. SEM and TEM micrographs demonstrate that the nanocomposite films consist of nanospheres with nanocapsular structures whose sizes are mostly between 250 and 550 nm. Viability tests established prevailing cellular performance of the fibroblasts on 0.6 wt % ZnO microparticle‐loaded nanocomposite films with a viability percentage of 160% compared to the control group. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48445.
Relationship between sphenoid sinus volume and accessory septations: A 3D assessment of risky anatomical variants for endoscopic surgery
Authors: Gibelli Daniele , Cellina Michaela , Gibelli Stefano , Cappella Annalisa , Oliva Antonio Giancarlo , Termine Giovanni , Sforza Chiarella
Published: August 2019

Sphenoid sinus accessory septations involve serious complications during their removal for the injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the optic nerve (ON). The relationships of this anatomical variant with sphenoid size still remain unclear. In the present study, 260 patients (equally divided among sexes, aged between 18 and 92 years) were retrospectively assessed. Number of accessory septations and their relationship with ICA and ON were recorded. The 3D model of sphenoid sinuses was extracted. Pearson's coefficient was calculated to assess correlations between the volume of sphenoid sinuses and the number of septations (P < 0.05). Sex‐related differences in prevalence of septations inserted onto ICA or ON were assessed through chi‐square test (P < 0.05). Differences in volume between patients with and without ICA or ON septal insertions were assessed through Mann–Whitney test (P < 0.05). In most of the cases, two septations were found (24.6%), whereas only 21.9% of patients did not show any septum. ICA and ON septal insertions were found in 20.8% and 7.7% of cases, respectively. Number of septations significantly increased with sinus volume, independently from sex (P < 0.001). Moreover, volume was significantly higher in patients with ICA septal insertion (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was found between subjects with and without ON septal insertion (P > 0.05). The present study first proved that septations and probability of ICA insertion are related with sphenoid volume. On the other side, ON insertion does not depend upon sphenoid sinuses size. Anat Rec, 303:1300–1304, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
You Can't Run, but You Can Hide: The Skeleton of the Sand‐Swimmer LizardCalyptommatus leiolepis(Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)
Authors: Holovacs Nicholas T. , Daza Juan D. , Guerra Cecilia , Stanley Edward L. , Montero Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Squamates exhibit a vast diversity of body plans, which directly determines habitat use and preference. Here the skeleton of the sand‐swimmer burrower gymnophthalmid,Calyptommatus leiolepis, is analyzed to investigate how its peculiar fossorial locomotion affects its osteology.Calyptommatus leiolepisis a limb‐reduced, short‐intermediate tailed lizard. Although there are other studies on its general anatomy, we performed a detailed description of its skeleton. Using high‐resolution computer tomography, each bone element within the skeleton was digitally segmented and a detailed description rendered. Anatomical features related to burrowing include the head having a shovel‐like snout with a well‐developed horizontal soft tissue ridge, nasal cartilages that exclude sand from the nostrils, reduced eyes covered by a brille, lack of forelimbs, extreme reduction of hind limbs, and imbricated scales among others. The genusCalyptommatushas unique features such as a triradiate jugal (with digit‐like posterior projections), a reduced pectoral girdle and forelimbs, parasternal processes that interconnect the ribs, and a single digit in the hind limbs. When comparing this species with other gymnophthalmid lizards including, fossorial species, it is clear thatCalyptommatusexhibits the highest number of structural modifications within the family. Despite its specialized morphology, it still retains characters that link this genus to other members of Gymnophthalmidae when included in a phylogeny based solely on phenotypic data. Anat Rec, 303:1305–1326, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Cardiovascular Safety of Tocilizumab Versus Etanercept in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Giles Jon T. , Sattar Naveed , Gabriel Sherine , Ridker Paul M. , Gay Steffen , Warne Charles , Musselman David , Brockwell Laura , Shittu Emma , Klearman Micki , Fleming Thomas R.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To assess the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tocilizumab compared to those treated with the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor etanercept.

Methods

This randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group trial enrolled patients with active seropositive RA (n = 3,080) who had an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and who had at least 1 cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive open‐label tocilizumab at 8 mg/kg/month or etanercept at 50 mg/week. All patients were followed up for a mean of 3.2 years. The primary end point was comparison of time to first occurrence of MACE. The trial was powered to exclude a relative hazard ratio for MACE of 1.8 or higher in the tocilizumab group compared to the etanercept group.

Results

By week 4 of treatment, the serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were a median 11.1%, 5.7%, and 13.6% higher, respectively, in patients receiving tocilizumab compared to those receiving etanercept (each P < 0.001). During follow‐up, 83 MACE occurred in the tocilizumab group compared to 78 MACE in the etanercept group. The estimated hazard ratio for occurrence of MACE in the tocilizumab group relative to the etanercept group was 1.05 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.43). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses and in the on‐treatment population analysis. Adverse events occurred more frequently in the tocilizumab group, including serious infection and gastrointestinal perforation.

Conclusion

The results of this trial, which provide insights into the CV safety of tocilizumab as compared to etanercept, ruled out a risk for occurrence of MACE of 1.43 or higher in patients treated with tocilizumab. This result should be interpreted in the context of the clinical efficacy and non‐CV safety of tocilizumab.
A self‐triggered scheme for cyber‐physical systems under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Geng Qing , Liu Fucai
Published: August 2019

A security issue in the stability analysis problem is investigated for cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) in this paper. A stability guaranteed self‐triggered scheme is proposed to actively defend the denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks and reduce unnecessary data communications in delta domain. In the self‐triggered scheme, a predictive agent is designed, in which the stability of the CPS is considered. A transmit instant is confirmed based on the packets dropout caused by the DoS attacks and the time‐varying delays in the communication channel. Furthermore, a sufficient condition in view of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is derived for stability of the CPS under DoS attacks. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the validity of the scheme.
Suppressed eddy driving during southward excursions of the North Atlantic jet on synoptic to seasonal time scales
Authors: Madonna Erica , Li Camille , Wettstein Justin J.
Published: August 2019

Jet streams shape midlatitude weather and climate. The North Atlantic jet is mainly eddy‐driven, with frequent north–south excursions on synoptic time scales arising from eddy forcings and feedbacks. There are, however, special periods during which the underlying dynamics appear to change—for example, winter 2009/2010, when the jet was persistently southward‐shifted, extremely zonal, and more thermally driven. This study shows evidence that the southern jet configuration exhibits altered dynamical behavior involving a shift in the balance of thermal and eddy‐driving processes, independent of timescale. Specifically, southern jets exhibit weaker eddy feedbacks and are associated with enhanced heating in the tropical Pacific. During winter 2009/2010, a remarkably frequent (66 days out of the 90‐day winter season) and persistent southern jet shaped the unusual seasonal signature. These results bridge the synoptic and climate perspectives of jet variability, with potential to help understand and reduce biases in regional climate variability as simulated by models.
Applying the Quality by Design to Robust Optimization and Design Space Define for Erythropoietin Cell Culture Process
Authors: Kim Tae Kyu , Seo Kwang‐Seok , Kwon Sang‐Oh , Kim Hee‐Sung , Kim Jun‐Hee , Jeong Min‐Woo , Little Thomas A. , Kim Mijung , Kim Chan‐Wha
Published: August 2019

This study is aimed to identify the process characterization of the cell culture of the biopharmaceutical erythropoietin alpha. In biopharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring safety and efficacy should always be target qualities. The “quality by design” initiative provides guidance on pharmaceutical development to facilitate design of products and processes that maximizes the product′s efficacy and safety profile while enhancing product manufacturability. Fundamental to this approach is an understanding of the relationship between the quality attributes of the product and their impact on safety and efficacy. The DoE approach focuses on quality‐by‐design (QbD). To implement QbD, we report on a case regarding the production of erythropoietin alpha using cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Changes in the four critical process parameters (CPPs) of RPM, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature were evaluated. To evaluate the DoE, the three CQAs of Z‐value (N‐glycan score), host cell protein content, and erythropoietin alpha concentration (titer) were monitored and analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis between CPPs and CQAs were used to identify the design space needed to satisfy the targeted CQAs. We used QbD techniques and found optimal conditions for the cell culture process of erythropoietin alpha. Monte Carlo simulation was used under the optimized conditions and the set points were verified. As a result, it was confirmed that the optimal operational range was RPM 191.1–209.0, bioreactor temperature 32–34 °C, pH 7.0–7.2, and dissolved oxygen 24.9–35.1. This scientific understanding facilitates establishment of an expanded design space. In these situations, opportunities exist to develop more flexible regulatory approaches.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts secrete Wnt2 to promote cancer progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Aizawa Takashi , Karasawa Hideaki , Funayama Ryo , Shirota Matsuyuki , Suzuki Takashi , Maeda Shimpei , Suzuki Hideyuki , Yamamura Akihiro , Naitoh Takeshi , Nakayama Keiko , Unno Michiaki
Published: August 2019

Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment plays a significant role in the progression of solid tumors. As an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to promote tumorigenesis and cancer aggressiveness, but their molecular characteristics remain poorly understood. In the present study, paired CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from five colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues from patients who underwent surgical resection. The gene expression profiles of CAFs and NFs identified by RNA sequencing were compared to understand the complex role of CAFs in cancer progression. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that the gene sets related to the Wnt signaling pathway were highly enriched in CAFs, as well as TGFβ signaling, which is considered to be a regulator of CAFs. Among the components of this pathway, Wnt2 was specifically expressed. The observations led us to speculate that Wnt2 is extremely involved in regulating CRC progression by CAFs. Thus, we performed immunohistochemical analysis on Wnt2 in 171 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma. Positive staining for Wnt2 was mainly observed in cancer stroma, although the immunoreactivity was weak in cancer cells. Wnt2 expression in CAFs was significantly correlated with depth of tumor (P < .001), lymph node metastasis (P = .044), TNM stage (P = .010), venous invasion (P < .001), and recurrence (P = .013). Subsequent in vitro analyses were conducted using conditioned medium (CM) from immortalized CAFs transfected with siRNA targeting Wnt2. As a result, cancer cell invasion and migration were significantly decreased in the CM from immortalized CAFs transfected with siRNA targeting Wnt2. Our findings indicated that Wnt2 protein released from CAFs enhances CRC cell invasion and migration. In conclusion, Wnt2 secreted by CAFs plays a key role in cancer progression and is a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
A rare and reversible case of heart failure—Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism
Authors: de Oliveira Martins Duarte Josiana , Pestana Pereira Paula Maria Lobato , Sobral Ana Sofia Gonçalves , Campoamor Durán David , da Silva Fernandes Ana Isabel , Rita Henrique José Barrelas , de Sousa e Costa José António
Published: August 2019

Physicians should look more carefully for the potential reversible causes of acute heart failure, namely hypoparathyroidism. The recovery of left ventricular function with the treatment of hypoparathyroidism underlines the importance of calcium and the reversibility of this type of cardiomyopathy.
Drastic drop in blood flow of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation induced by an excessive increase in intra‐abdominal pressure in an obese patient
Authors: Kandori Kenji , Narumiya Hiromichi , Iiduka Ryoji
Published: August 2019

Obesity and conditions that increase intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) should be considered as risk factors for reduced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) blood flow (BF) drastically. For obese patients on ECMO, effective IAP control and risk factor assessment is necessary to prevent excessive IAP elevation and subsequent drop in ECMO BF.
The interference with transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation by the anterior chordae tendineae preserved at previous mitral valve replacement
Authors: Furuta Akihisa , Sato Katsumasa , Morimoto Hironobu , Mukai Shogo , Goto Kenji
Published: August 2019

Preserved anterior chordae tendineae is a possible risk factor for disturbing delivery of a transcatheter heart valve. Inserting a sheath just below the aortic valve for delivery of the transcatheter heart valve might be proposed as an alternative to avoid the chordae tendineae.
One‐Step Synthesis of Ultrathin NiMn Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Zhao , Wang Xuemin , Zhang Hang , Yan Sihao , Zhang Cui , Liu Shuangxi
Published: August 2019

With the help of ethylenediamine (EN), we built through hydrothermal synthesis a multiple‐level NiMn layered double hydroxide nanostructure consisting of ultrathin nanosheets (UNML) with plenty buffer spaces. Such porous structure provides more active sites, shortens the diffusion path of electrolyte ions, and creates massive “live volume” to ensure structural integrity during long‐term cycling. The UNML possesses high specific capacitance (1513 F g−1 at 1 A g−1). Moreover, the hybrid supercapacitor employing UNML and AC as positive and negative electrode delivers enhanced energy density up to 59 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 808 W kg−1 and robust cycling stability with capacitance degradation of 8.7 % after 5000 cycles. This simple strategy is expected to cope with the prevalent issues facing battery‐type electrode materials, ensuring improvement of the overall electrochemical performance.
Enhancing Potency and Selectivity of a DC‐SIGN Glycomimetic Ligand by Fragment‐Based Design: Structural Basis
Authors: Medve Laura , Achilli Silvia , Guzman‐Caldentey Joan , Thépaut Michel , Senaldi Luca , Le Roy Aline , Sattin Sara , Ebel Christine , Vivès Corinne , Martin‐Santamaria Sonsoles , Bernardi Anna , Fieschi Franck
Published: August 2019

Chemical modification of pseudo‐dimannoside ligands guided by fragment‐based design allowed for the exploitation of an ammonium‐binding region in the vicinity of the mannose‐binding site of DC‐SIGN, leading to the synthesis of a glycomimetic antagonist (compound 16) of unprecedented affinity and selectivity against the related lectin langerin. Here, the computational design of pseudo‐dimannoside derivatives as DC‐SIGN ligands, their synthesis, their evaluation as DC‐SIGN selective antagonists, the biophysical characterization of the DC‐SIGN/16 complex, and the structural basis for the ligand activity are presented. On the way to the characterization of this ligand, an unusual bridging interaction within the crystals shed light on the plasticity and potential secondary binding sites within the DC‐SIGN carbohydrate recognition domain.
Construction of Ternary Iodine–Bromine–Chlorine Octahalides
Authors: Abdelbassit Mohammed S. , Curnow Owen J.
Published: August 2019

A series of five ternary octanuclear iodine‐bromine‐chlorine interhalides, [I2Br2Cl4]2− (1), [I3BrCl4]2− (2), [I4Br2Cl2]2− (3), [I2Br4Cl2]2− (4) and [I3Br3Cl2]2− (5), have been rationally constructed in two steps. Firstly, addition of a dihalogen (ICl or IBr) to the triaminocyclopropenium chloride salt [C3(NEt2)3]Cl forms the corresponding trihalide salt with [ICl2]− or [BrICl]− anions, respectively. Secondly, addition of a half‐equivalent of a second dihalogen, followed by crystallization at low temperature, gives the corresponding octahalide: addition of Br2 and IBr to [ICl2]− gives 1 and 2, respectively, whereas addition of I2, Br2 and IBr to [BrICl]− gives 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The five octahalides were characterized by X‐ray crystallography and far–IR spectroscopy.
Selective Photoinactivation of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Highly Positively Charged RuII Complexes
Authors: Feng Yang , Sun Wei‐Ze , Wang Xue‐Song , Zhou Qian‐Xiong
Published: August 2019

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes featuring peripheral quaternary ammonium structures were found to be able to selectively inactivate Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) upon visible light irradiation, but have low phototoxicity toward 293T cells, L02 cells and lack hemolysis toward rabbit red blood cells (RBC), exhibiting promising potential as a novel type of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) agents.
Flow‐Induced Precipitation in Thin Capillaries Creates Helices, Lamellae, and Tubes
Authors: Knoll Pamela , Gonzalez Alexander V. , McQueen Zachary C. , Steinbock Oliver
Published: August 2019

Precipitation reactions under flow in confined media are relevant to the control of pathological biomineralization, processes affecting aquifers, and challenges in the petroleum industry. Here we show that for a simple geometry, such conditions create macroscopic structures including helices, tubes, lamellae, slugs, and disordered patterns. All structures emerge when salt solution is slowly injected into thin capillaries filled with hydroxide solution. For the helices, the pitch is proportional to the pump rate revealing a constant period of 0.63 s. Different morphologies of the insoluble metal hydroxide can co‐exist causing random transitions along the capillary. On average, 15 % of the final system contains residual hydroxide solution. While mechanically stable for flow speeds above 25 mm min−1, structures collapse and sediment for slower injection speeds. Some of the observed features share similarities with precipitate tubes in chemical gardens and the dynamics of liquid–liquid pipe flow.
The impact of target CEO celebrity on M&A premiums
Authors: Fralich Russell , Papadopoulos Andrew
Published: August 2019

We examine the influence of target‐CEO celebrity on the premium paid by bidders using information asymmetry, uncertainty, and resource‐based‐view perspectives. Studies suggest that CEOs and their firms can suffer from a “burden of celebrity” if they fail to meet heightened performance expectations. We hypothesize that bidders acquire targets led by celebrity CEOs (those who garner significant and widespread media attention) with lower premiums because bidders react to market overvaluation. We also argue that celebrity CEOs who leave post‐merger drive premiums even lower because they take their potential integration value with them. A six‐year sample of US‐based M&A transactions supports our hypotheses.
Time to tackle the blood‐brain barrier in HER2‐mutant lung cancer
Authors: Lin Jessica J. , Gainor Justin F.
Published: August 2019

Growing evidence supports potential differences in the frequencies of brain metastases across distinct oncogenic subsets of non–small cell lung cancer. Insights into these different patterns of brain metastases may help to inform neuroimaging surveillance recommendations and facilitate drug development for more brain‐penetrant targeted therapies.
Retrospective study of patients with amelogenesis imperfecta treated with different bonded restoration techniques
Authors: Ohrvik Hanne G. , Hjortsjö Carl
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical success and satisfaction of patients with amelogenesis imperfecta treated with three different types of bonded restorations at a university clinic.

Materials and Methods

One hundred fifty‐four restorations in 15 subjects with mean age of 17.3 years (SD 8.2) were evaluated after treatment with three different types of bonded restorations: all ceramic enamel‐dentin bonded restorations, prefabricated composite veneers, and direct composite resin restorations. A modified version of the Californian Dental Association system for quality evaluation of dental care and a questionnaire assessing patient satisfaction were used for classification. The restorations were evaluated with respect to patient satisfaction, esthetics, technical, and biological complications.

Results

Mean observation period for the restorations was 42.5 months (SD 35.6). All restorations were in place at the time of the examination. Surface and color calibration showed a success of 95% for the ceramic enamel‐dentin bonded restorations, 44% for the direct composite resin restorations, and 0% for the prefabricated composite veneers. The same pattern was evident for anatomy and marginal integrity. The subjects reported a high degree of satisfaction with both the esthetics and function of their restorations.

Conclusion

The results indicated that all ceramic restorations demonstrated the best results for patients with amelogenesis imperfecta.
Defect‐Cluster‐Boosted Solar Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting by n‐Cu2O Thin Films Prepared Through Anisotropic Crystal Growth
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chu , Chen Yen‐Ju , Popescu Radian , Dong Pin‐Han , Gerthsen Dagmar , Hsu Yu‐Kuei
Published: August 2019

Anisotropic growth of Cu2O crystals deposited on an indium‐doped tin oxide‐coated glass substrate through facile electrodeposition and low‐temperature calcination results in favorable solar photoelectrochemical water splitting. XRD, TEM, and SEM reveal that appreciable oxygen vacancies are populated in the Cu2O crystals with a highly branched dendritic thin film morphology, which are further substituted by Cu atoms to form Cu antisite defects exclusively along the [111] direction. The post‐thermal treatment presumably accelerates such migration of the lattice imperfections, favoring the exposure of the catalytically active (111) facets. The Cu2O thin film derived in this way shows n‐type conduction with a donor concentration in the order of 1017 cm−3 and a flat‐band potential of −1.19 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is also confirmed by Mott–Schottky analysis. The material is employed as a photoanode and delivers a photocurrent density of 2.2 mA cm−2 at a potential of 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl, surpassing reported values more than twofold. Such superiority mostly originates from the synergism of the selective facet exposure within the Cu2O crystals, which have decent crystallinity, as shown by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and a favorable bandgap of 2.1 eV, as confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The n‐type Cu2O thin film reported herein holds excellent promise for solar‐related applications.
Efficient and Stable FASnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Effective Interface Modulation by Low‐Dimensional Perovskite Layer
Authors: Liao Min , Yu Bin‐Bin , Jin Zhixin , Chen Wei , Zhu Yudong , Zhang Xusheng , Yao Weitang , Duan Tao , Djerdj Igor , He Zhubing
Published: August 2019

The promising tin perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+, leading to a disappointing conversion efficiency along with poor stability. In this work, phenylethylammonium bromide (PEABr) was employed to form an ultrathin, low‐dimensional perovskite layer on the surface of the FASnI3 (FA=formamidinium) absorber film to improve the interface of perovskite/PCBM ([6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyricacid methyl) in the inverted planar device structure of the ITO (indium‐doped tin oxide)/PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate]/perovskite/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyricacid methyl (PCBM)/BCP (2,9‐dimethyl‐4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) electrode. The device efficiency was enhanced from 4.77 to 7.86 % by this PEABr treatment. A series of characterizations proved that this modification could improve the crystallinity of the FASnI3 perovskite by incorporating Br and forming an ultrathin, low‐dimensional perovskite layer at the interface, which led to the effective suppression of Sn2+ oxidation, improved band level alignment, and decreased defect density. These effects contributed to the clear enhancement of conversion efficiency. Moreover, this treatment also led to remarkably enhanced device stability, with approximately 80 % of the initial efficiency retained after 350 h light soaking, whereas the control device failed within 140 h. This work deepens our understanding of the suppression effect of PEABr on the oxidation of Sn2+ and paves a new way to fabricate promising tin halide PSCs by facile interface engineering.
Intercellular transfer of HLA‐G: its potential in cancer immunology
Authors: Lin Aifen , Yan Wei‐Hua
Published: August 2019

Intercellular protein transfer between cancer cells and immune cells is a very common phenomenon that can affect different stages of host antitumor immune responses. HLA‐G, a non‐classical HLA class I antigen, has been observed to be widely expressed in various malignancies, and its immune‐suppressive functions have been well recognised. HLA‐G expression in cancer cells can directly mediate immune tolerance by interacting with inhibitory receptors such as ILT2 and ILT4 expressed on immune cells. Moreover, a network of multiple directional intercellular transfers of HLA‐G among cancer cells and immune cells through trogocytosis, exosomes and tunnelling nanotubes provides malignant cells with an alternative ploy for antigen sharing and induces more complex heterogeneity, to modulate immune responses, ultimately leading to immune evasion, therapy resistance, disease progression and poor clinical outcome. Herein, we discuss the relative aspects of the intercellular transfer of HLA‐G between tumor cells and immune cells and its potential use in tumor immunology research and translational cancer therapy.
Climate‐driven changes in macrobenthic communities in the Mediterranean Sea: A 10‐year study in the Bay of Banyuls‐sur‐Mer
Authors: Bonifácio Paulo , Grémare Antoine , Amouroux Jean-Michel , Labrune Céline
Published: August 2019

Marine ecosystems worldwide are affected by both natural variation and human activities; to disentangle and understand their individual role in influencing the macrobenthic community composition is challenging. The relationship between interannual variability in atmospheric circulation, dictated by the climatic oscillation indices, and the benthic macrofauna composition was assessed at four sampling sites located in the Bay of Banyuls‐sur‐Mer (NW Mediterranean Sea). Between 2004 and 2013, these sites were sampled annually during autumn/winter and analyzed for sediment grain‐size and benthic macrofauna composition (species richness, abundance, and biomass). Temporal changes in these descriptors were correlated with two climatic indices (NAO and WeMO indices) and a set of environmental parameters integrated over three different time periods (i.e., whole year, springtime, and wintertime). Our results confirm the occurrence of major temporal changes in the composition of macrobenthic communities within the Gulf of Lions. More specifically, the results indicate that (a) the WeMO appears to be more closely related to benthic macrofauna composition in the Bay of Banyuls‐sur‐Mer than the NAO, (b) winter is a better integration period than spring or the whole year as a proxy for community composition changes, and (c) Rhône River water flow is likely involved in the control of benthic macrofauna composition in the whole Gulf of Lions. The present study highlights the importance of WeMO as a regional proxy, which can be used to evaluate changes in benthic macrofauna linked to climatic variability.
Agroforestry coffee soils increase the insect‐suppressive potential offered by entomopathogenic fungi over full‐sun soils: A case proposing a “bait survival technique”
Authors: Moreira Camila Costa , Celestino Daiane , Guerra Sobrinho Tathiana , Cardoso Irene Maria , Elliot Simon Luke
Published: August 2019

Entomopathogenic fungi are important natural enemies of insects. However, there is little information on the insect‐suppressive potential of these fungi and possible effects of farming management on this. Meanwhile, changes in natural landscapes due to agricultural intensification have caused considerable biodiversity loss and consequent decay of ecosystem services. However, the adoption of practices such as agroforestry in agroecosystems can foster abiotic and biotic conditions that conserve biodiversity, consequently restoring the provision of ecosystems services. Here, we assessed the effect of management systems (agroforestry or full‐sun) on the pest‐suppressive potential of entomopathogenic fungi in Brazilian coffee plantations. We used the insect bait method coupled with survival analyses to assess the speed of kill by entomopathogenic fungi and their presence in soil samples from both farming systems. We found that insects exposed to agroforestry soils died more quickly than insects exposed to full‐sun soils. Of the fungi isolated from the bait insects, Metarhizium was found most frequently, followed by Beauveria. Meanwhile, Fusarium was frequently isolated as primary or secondary infections. We propose that the differential survival of insects is indicative of a greater suppressive potential by entomopathogenic fungi in agroforestry, and that this could be promoted by the diversified landscape, microclimatic stability, and reduced soil disturbance in agroforestry systems. Furthermore, our results provide a useful demonstration of the potential use of the insect bait method to investigate pest‐suppressive potential through bait insect mortality, and we term this the “bait survival technique.”
A Systematic Chemometric Approach to Identify the Geographical Origin of Olive Oils
Authors: Gertz Christian , Gertz Alexander , Matthäus Bertrand , Willenberg Ina
Published: August 2019

The verification of the geographical origin of olive oils by analytical techniques is still a challenge. The goal of this work is to explore the application and accuracy of different chemometric tools combined with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) based analytical methods in the field of geographical authenticity of olive oils. As olive oils associated with different geographical origins are mainly characterized by different fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, NIR methods for the fast and reliable determination of these parameters are developed. Next, these NIR methods are used to characterize a comprehensive set of olive oils (n > 5000) derived from 19 different countries. This set of data is used to build a statistical workflow, which allows the determination of the geographical origin of unknown olive oil samples. First of all, the untreated data set is pretreated by k‐means clustering and the selection of the relevant analytical variables by principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and min/max normalization of all parameters. Subsequently, classification is performed with a reduced sample set of the 200 most similar samples identified by k‐nearest neighbor tool (kNN). For classification purpose kNN, LDA, naïve Bayes classifier, and logit regression are applied.

Practical Applications: The established statistical workflow can be used to verify the geographical origin of olive oils. The application and usage of up to four different statistical models for classification purpose results in a superior probability of the predicted origin in comparison to the application of only one single statistical classification test. As standardized methods are used as reference methods for building the NIR methods, the FA and TAG composition and the iodine value can be either determined by the standard methods or by the described NIR method. The presented statistical approach will help to build up a system for the verification of the geographical origin of olive oils.
Slip and instability mechanisms of coal‐rock parting‐coal structure (CRCS) under coupled dynamic and static loading
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Cai‐Ping , Liu Bin , Xiao Zi‐Yi , Zhang Heng
Published: August 2019

The slip and instability mechanisms of coal‐rock parting‐coal structure (CRCS) under coupled dynamic and static loading were investigated using theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, and the fracture and instability processes were described by monitoring the displacement, strain, and acoustic emissions (AEs) of coal and rock parting blocks. Based on the parameters of dynamic load, three different effects on slip and instability characteristics of CRCS were presented, and the effect mechanisms of static stress, as well as amplitude and frequency of dynamic stress wave, were analyzed in detail. Finally, the direct effect on the slip and instability strength of CRCS and the frequency range of dynamic load for generating synchronous slip along two discontinuities sandwiched between coal and rock parting blocks were discussed. This work is relevant for early warning coal‐rock dynamic disasters that are triggered by the slip and fracture instability of CRCS under coupled dynamic and static loading in coal mines.
Initial decratonization of the eastern North China Craton: New constraints from geochronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotopic compositions of Mesozoic igneous rocks in the Qingchengzi district
Authors: Li Jian , Cai Wen‐yan , Wang Ke‐yong , Kim Namhoon , Liu Han‐lun , Lee Gill‐Jae , Yoo Bong‐Chul
Published: August 2019

Herein, new zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry, and Hf isotopes are presented for four Mesozoic granitic rock samples within the Qingchengzi district, eastern China. These data provide precise age and petrogenesis information with respect to the Mesozoic intrusions in the Qingchengzi district, which further constrain the initial decratonization process of the eastern North China Craton (NCC). The zircon U–Pb data reveal that these granitoids are emplaced in the following two stages: Triassic (243–220 Ma) and Middle Jurassic (∼164 Ma). These Mesozoic rocks (lithology: syenogranite, monzogranite, and biotite granite) contain high concentrations of silica (68.94–77.07 wt.%) and total alkali (7.35–9.71 wt.%) together with low concentrations of MgO (0.07–0.98 wt.%), total Fe2O3(0.81–2.92 wt.%), and CaO (0.17–1.80 wt.%), and they are characterized by an enrichment of large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, Cs, and K) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) in addition to depletion of high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), indicating that these Mesozoic rocks are similar to I‐type granitoids. The εHf(t) values of the magmatic zircons in these granitoids range from −18.7 to −11.4. Such geochemical characteristics indicate that these granitoid formations were generated by the partial melting of the ancient lower crustal material. However, the occurrence of mafic microgranular enclaves in the Shuangdinggou monzogranite implies the mixing of the mantle‐derived magmas.

Combined with the results of the previous research, these new data indicate that initial decratonization of the eastern NCC occurred during the Triassic period in response to the collision and amalgamation of the Yangtze Craton and NCC. During the Jurassic, the dynamic mechanism of lithospheric thinning was overprinted owing to the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate. Furthermore, cratonic destruction reached its peak during the Early Cretaceous, which could be related to the asthenospheric upwelling induced by the rollback of the subducting oceanic slab.
The effects of state‐level earned income tax credits on suicides
Authors: Lenhart Otto
Published: August 2019

This study examines the relationship between state‐level earned income tax credit (EITC) laws in the United States on suicides. Following findings in previous work showing that the EITC is associated with lower depression rates and reduced number of risky biomarkers, I estimated the effects of state EITC generosity on suicide rates. Using data for the years 1996 to 2016, a period with 74 state‐level EITC policy changes, I find that introducing a high state EITC rate reduces suicide rates for adults aged 25 or above by 3.91%. The results are consistent across four different measures of EITC generosity.
Sox9 Is a Modifier of the Liver Disease Severity in a Mouse Model of Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Adams Joshua M. , Huppert Kari A. , Castro Eumenia C. , Lopez Mario F. , Niknejad Nima , Subramanian Sanjay , Zarrin‐Khameh Neda , Finegold Milton J. , Huppert Stacey S. , Jafar‐Nejad Hamed
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystem developmental disorder characterized by bile duct (BD) paucity, caused primarily by haploinsufficiency of the Notch ligand jagged1. The course of the liver disease is highly variable in ALGS. However, the genetic basis for ALGS phenotypic variability is unknown. Previous studies have reported decreased expression of the transcription factor SOX9 (sex determining region Y‐box 9) in late embryonic and neonatal livers of Jag1‐deficient mice. Here, we investigated the effects of altering the Sox9 gene dosage on the severity of liver disease in an ALGS mouse model.

Approach and Results

Conditional removal of one copy of Sox9 in Jag1+/−
livers impairs the biliary commitment of cholangiocytes and enhances the inflammatory reaction and liver fibrosis. Loss of both copies of Sox9 in Jag1+/−
livers further worsens the phenotypes and results in partial lethality. Ink injection experiments reveal impaired biliary tree formation in the periphery of P30 Jag1+/−
livers, which is improved by 5 months of age. Sox9 heterozygosity worsens the P30 biliary tree phenotype and impairs the partial recovery in 5‐month‐old animals. Notably, Sox9 overexpression improves BD paucity and liver phenotypes in Jag1+/−
mice without ectopic hepatocyte‐to‐cholangiocyte transdifferentiation or long‐term liver abnormalities. Notch2 expression in the liver is increased following Sox9 overexpression, and SOX9 binds the Notch2 regulatory region in the liver. Histological analysis shows a correlation between the level and pattern of SOX9 expression in the liver and outcome of the liver disease in patients with ALGS.

Conclusions

Our results establish Sox9 as a dosage‐sensitive modifier of Jag1+/−
liver phenotypes with a permissive role in biliary development. Our data further suggest that liver‐specific increase in SOX9 levels is a potential therapeutic approach for BD paucity in ALGS.
hnRNPU/TrkB Defines a Chromatin Accessibility Checkpoint for Liver Injury and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Pathogenesis
Authors: Xiong Jing , Liu Tongyu , Mi Lin , Kuang Henry , Xiong Xuelian , Chen Zhimin , Li Siming , Lin Jiandie D.
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease that is characterized by liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. NASH pathogenesis is linked to reprogramming of chromatin landscape in the liver that predisposes hepatocytes to stress‐induced tissue injury. However, the molecular nature of the putative checkpoint that maintains chromatin architecture and preserves hepatocyte health remains elusive.

Approach and Results

Here we show that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU), a nuclear matrix protein that governs chromatin architecture and gene transcription, is a critical factor that couples chromatin disruption to NASH pathogenesis. RNA‐seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation‐seq studies revealed an extensive overlap between hnRNPU occupancy and altered gene expression during NASH. Hepatocyte‐specific inactivation of hnRNPU disrupted liver chromatin accessibility, activated molecular signature of NASH, and sensitized mice to diet‐induced NASH pathogenesis. Mechanistically, hnRNPU deficiency stimulated the expression of a truncated isoform of TrkB (TRKB‐T1) that promotes inflammatory signaling in hepatocytes and stress‐induced cell death. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor treatment reduced membrane TRKB‐T1 protein and protected mice from diet‐induced NASH.

Conclusions

These findings illustrate a mechanism through which disruptions of chromatin architecture drive the emergence of disease‐specific signaling patterns that promote liver injury and exacerbate NASH pathogenesis.
Perception of risk of tripping under lighting and obstacle conditions
Authors: Li Kai Way , Chen Yunxiu , Zou Fan , Li Nailiang , Duan Tianhong
Published: August 2019

A gait experiment was performed to test the effects of obstacle presence on the perception of the risk of tripping. The experimental conditions included lighting condition, obstacle type, color contrast, and obstacle height. Both male and female participants attended this study. The participants reported a perceived risk of tripping (PRT), on a five‐point scale, both before and after a walk. A rating of gait disturbance, also on a five‐point scale, was recorded. The results indicated that lighting condition, obstacle type, color contrast, and obstacle height were all significant on the PRT ratings, both before and after the walk, and on the rating of gait disturbance. The PRTs were positively correlated with the rating of gait disturbance. The possibility of obstacle‐contact, or tripping without falling, in the dimmed condition was 15.5 times of that in the normal lighting condition. A high rating of perceived risk of tripping before a walk was associated with a high gait disturbance score. It, however, did not necessarily lead to the low occurrence of tripping.
A Review of the Literature on Potential Effects of Runoff from Refined Coal-Tar–Based Sealant Coating on Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Kane Driscoll Susan , Kulacki Konrad , Marzooghi Solmaz
Published: August 2019

Pavement sealants are frequently applied to parking lots and driveways to improve their appearance and protect the integrity of the underlying asphalt. We performed a comprehensive literature review to summarize the potential impacts of refined coal-tar–based sealant (RCTS) runoff to aquatic organisms and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the lines of evidence presented in the literature. The studies reviewed included both laboratory and field exposures, with and without exposure to UV light, and measured effects on multiple endpoints associated with bacteria, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish. Several studies demonstrated that constituents in RCTS runoff can affect survival, growth, behavior, development, and molecular responses of aquatic organisms in controlled laboratory settings. However, translating effects observed in the laboratory to field settings, where runoff is diluted and constituents interact with particulate and dissolved stream constituents (e.g., organic matter), has proven difficult. In this review, we identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature and provide recommendations for study designs and methods to fill the most critical data gaps in understanding the risk of this material to aquatic organisms. Our review highlights the need for environmentally relevant study designs that demonstrate cause–effect relationships under field conditions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–11. © 2019 SETAC