bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What If Zhào Dùn Had Fled?
Authors: Van Auken Newell Ann
Published: November 2019

According to the Zuǒ zhuàn, in 607 BCE Zhào Chuān murdered Lord Líng of Jìn, but the Spring and Autumn ascribes the assassination to Zhào Dùn, senior member of the Zhào lineage and chief minister of Jìn. Remarks attributed to Confucius defend the ascription to Zhào Dùn, stating that had he fled across the border, he would have avoided blame. That Zhào Dùn was assigned responsibility for a crime he did not commit has been a source of much discussion and has been described as “false” or “inaccurate.” An overview of flights into exile (bēn 奔) in Spring and Autumn-period China indicates that although flight sometimes provided a practical mechanism for escaping difficulties, crossing the border without official sanction had substantial political and religious ramifications, including loss of position in the ancestral temple. Confucius’s remark may be understood as framing Zhào Dùn’s failure to flee across the border in terms of ritual or legal rules, implying that crossing the border would have removed him from a position of responsibility. Later versions of the story do not mention border crossing, focusing instead on moral responsibility, and their explanations of why blame was assigned to Zhào Dùn were attempts to rationalize recording practices that were based on earlier, Spring and Autumn-period norms, which no longer made sense in later times.
Secukinumab Provides Sustained Improvements in the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis: Final 5‐year Results from the Phase 3 FUTURE 1 Study
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Reimold Andreas , Tahir Hasan , Rech Juergen , Hall Stephen , Geusens Piet , Pellet Pascale , Delicha Eumorphia Maria , Pricop Luminita , Mpofu Shephard ,   on behalf of the FUTURE 1 study group
Published: November 2019

Objective

To report the 5‐year efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the FUTURE 1 study (NCT01392326).

Methods

Following the 2‐year core trial, eligible patients receiving subcutaneous secukinumab entered a 3‐year extension phase. Results are presented for key efficacy endpoints for the secukinumab 150‐mg group (n = 236), including patients who escalated from 150 to 300 mg (approved doses) starting at week 156. Safety is reported for all patients (n = 587) who received 1 dose or more of study treatment.

Results

Overall, 81.8%% (193 of 236) of patients in the secukinumab 150‐mg group completed 5 years of treatment, of which 36.4% (86 of 236) had dose escalation from 150 to 300 mg. Sustained improvements were achieved with secukinumab across all key efficacy endpoints through 5 years. Overall, 71.0%/51.8%/36.3% of patients achieved American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 responses at 5 years. Efficacy improved in patients requiring dose escalation from 150 to 300 mg and was comparable with those who did not require dose escalation. Exposure‐adjusted incidence rates for selected adverse events per 100 patient‐years for any secukinumab dose were serious infections (1.8), Crohn's disease (0.2), Candida infection (0.9), and major adverse cardiac events (0.5).

Conclusion

Secukinumab provided sustained improvements in the signs and symptoms in the major clinical domains of PsA. Efficacy improved for patients requiring dose escalation from 150 to 300 mg during the study. Secukinumab was well tolerated with no new safety signals.
Bioinspired Multiscale Wet Adhesive Surfaces: Structures and Controlled Adhesion
Authors: Chen Yupeng , Meng Jingxin , Gu Zhen , Wan Xizi , Jiang Lei , Wang Shutao
Published: November 2019

In nature, many organisms are able to accommodate a complex living environment by developing biological wet adhesive surfaces with unique functions such as fixation and predation. Significantly, most of these outstanding functions originate from the specialized micro/nanostructures and/or chemical components of these natural organisms. To design artificial surfaces with remarkable wet adhesive properties, the underlying mechanisms of the fascinating adhesion phenomena are further explored and summarized to provide continuous inspiration. Herein, a systematic overview of biological wet adhesive surfaces and the corresponding artificial counterparts from the perspective of surface micro/nanostructures is provided. First, the research progress of the typical biological wet adhesive surfaces such as the octopus, tree frogs, and mayfly larvae is introduced. Then, the fundamental models of surface adhesion in natural organisms and the commonly used instruments for measuring adhesion force are discussed. Later, the corresponding artificial wet adhesive surfaces inspired by these representative organisms are highlighted. After that, the typical methods for fabricating these surfaces are briefly introduced. Finally, future challenges and opportunities to develop bioinspired multiscaled wet adhesive surfaces with controlled adhesion are presented.
A Multifunctional Pro‐Healing Zwitterionic Hydrogel for Simultaneous Optical Monitoring of pH and Glucose in Diabetic Wound Treatment
Authors: Zhu Yingnan , Zhang Jiamin , Song Jiayin , Yang Jing , Du Zheng , Zhao Weiqiang , Guo Hongshuang , Wen Chiyu , Li Qingsi , Sui Xiaojie , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2019

Diabetic ulcer is the most common kind of chronic wound worldwide. Though great efforts have been devoted, diabetic ulcer still remains as a challenge that requires constant monitoring and management. In this work, a multifunctional zwitterionic hydrogel is developed to simultaneously detect two fluctuant wound parameters, pH and glucose level, to monitor the diabetic wound status. A pH indicator dye (phenol red) and two glucose sensing enzymes, glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), are encapsulated in the anti‐biofouling and biocompatible zwitterionic poly‐carboxybetaine (PCB) hydrogel matrix. The visible images are collected by a smartphone and transformed into RGB signals to quantify the wound parameters. Results show that the activity and stability of both two enzymes are improved within PCB hydrogel, and the Kcat/Km value of PCB‐HRP is ≈5.5 fold of free HRP in artificial wound exudate. This novel wound dressing can successfully monitor the pH range of 4–8 and glucose level of 0.1–10 × 10−3 m. Meanwhile, it also provides a moist healing environment that can promote diabetic wound healing. This multifunctional wound dressing may open vistas in chronic wound management and guide the diabetes treatment in clinical applications.
Trimetallic Mn‐Fe‐Ni Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as High‐Performance Bifunctional ORR/OER Electrocatalyst in Alkaline Media
Authors: Morales Dulce M. , Kazakova Mariya A. , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Selyutin Alexander G. , Golubtsov Georgiy V. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Masa Justus
Published: November 2019

Discovering precious metal‐free electrocatalysts exhibiting high activity and stability toward both the oxygen reduction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution (OER) reactions remains one of the main challenges for the development of reversible oxygen electrodes in rechargeable metal–air batteries and reversible electrolyzer/fuel cell systems. Herein, a highly active OER catalyst, Fe0.3Ni0.7OX supported on oxygen‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, is substantially activated into a bifunctional ORR/OER catalyst by means of additional incorporation of MnOX. The carbon nanotube‐supported trimetallic (Mn‐Ni‐Fe) oxide catalyst achieves remarkably low ORR and OER overpotentials with a low reversible ORR/OER overvoltage of only 0.73 V, as well as selective reduction of O2 predominantly to OH−. It is shown by means of rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode voltammetry that the combination of earth‐abundant transition metal oxides leads to strong synergistic interactions modulating catalytic activity. The applicability of the prepared catalyst for reversible ORR/OER electrocatalysis is evaluated by means of a four‐electrode configuration cell assembly comprising an integrated two‐layer bifunctional ORR/OER electrode system with the individual layers dedicated for the ORR and the OER to prevent deactivation of the ORR activity as commonly observed in single‐layer bifunctional ORR/OER electrodes after OER polarization.
A Flexible Dual‐Ion Battery Based on Sodium‐Ion Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolyte with Long Cycling Life
Authors: Xie Donghao , Zhang Miao , Wu Yue , Xiang Lei , Tang Yongbing
Published: November 2019

Sodium‐based dual‐ion batteries (SDIBs) have attracted much attention for their advantages of high operating voltage, environmental friendliness, and especially low cost. However, the electrochemical performances of the reported SDIBs are still unsatisfied due to the decomposition problem of traditional liquid electrolyte under high working voltage. Development of quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSSEs) with excellent electrochemical stability at high voltage is a possible means to improve their properties. In this work, a flexible SDIB based on a QSSE, consisting of poly(vinylidene ﬂuoride‐co‐hexaﬂuoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) three‐dimensionally cross‐linked with Al2O3 nanoparticles, which exhibits a porous 3D structure with dramatically enhanced ionic conductivity up to ≈1.3 × 10−3 S cm−1, facilitating fast ionic migration of both anions and cations, is reported. This quasi‐state SDIB exhibits a high specific capacity of 96.8 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 5 C and excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 97.5% after 600 cycles at 5 C, which is the best performance of the SDIBs. Moreover, excellent flexibility and a wide working temperature range (−20 to 70 °C) have been realized for this battery, suggesting its potential for high‐performance flexible energy storage applications.
Bioinspired Triboelectric Nanogenerators as Self‐Powered Electronic Skin for Robotic Tactile Sensing
Authors: Yao Guo , Xu Liang , Cheng Xiaowen , Li Yangyang , Huang Xin , Guo Wei , Liu Shaoyu , Wang Zhong Lin , Wu Hao
Published: November 2019

Electronic skin (e‐skin) has been under the spotlight due to great potential for applications in robotics, human–machine interfaces, and healthcare. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been emerging as an effective approach to realize self‐powered e‐skin sensors. In this work, bioinspired TENGs as self‐powered e‐skin sensors are developed and their applications for robotic tactile sensing are also demonstrated. Through the facile replication of the surface morphology of natural plants, the interlocking microstructures are generated on tribo‐layers to enhance triboelectric effects. Along with the adoption of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tinny burrs on the microstructured tribo‐surface, the sensitivity for pressure measurement is boosted with a 14‐fold increase. The tactile sensing capability of the TENG e‐skin sensors are demonstrated through the characterizations of handshaking pressure and bending angles of each finger of a bionic hand during handshaking with human. The TENG e‐skin sensors can also be utilized for tactile object recognition to measure surface roughness and discern hardness. The facile fabrication scheme of the self‐powered TENG e‐skin sensors enables their great potential for applications in robotic dexterous manipulation, prosthetics, human–machine interfaces, etc.
Ultrahigh Photocatalytic Rate at a Single‐Metal‐Atom‐Oxide
Authors: Wang Cong , Li Ang , Li Chong , Zhang Shengbai , Li Hui , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Hu Liming , Feng Yibo , Wang Kaiwen , Zhu Zhu , Shao Ruiwen , Chen Yanhui , Gao Peng , Mao Shengcheng , Huang Jun , Zhang Ze , Han Xiaodong
Published: November 2019

Metal oxides, as one of the mostly abundant and widely utilized materials, are extensively investigated and applied in environmental remediation and protection, and in energy conversion and storage. Most of these diverse applications are the result of a large diversity of the electronic states of metal oxides. Noticeably, however, many metal oxides present obstacles for applications in catalysis, mainly due to the lack of efficient active sites with desired electronic states. Here, the fabrication of single‐tungsten‐atom‐oxide (STAO) is demonstrated, in which the metal oxide's volume reaches its minimum as a unit cell. The catalytic mechanism in the STAO is determined by a new single‐site physics mechanism, named as quasi‐atom physics. The photogenerated electron transfer process is enabled by an electron in the spin‐up channel excited from the highest occupied molecular orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital +1 state, which can only occur in STAO with W5+. STAO results in a record‐high and stable sunlight photocatalytic degradation rate of 0.24 s−1, which exceeds the rates of available photocatalysts by two orders of magnitude. The fabrication of STAO and its unique quasi‐atom photocatalytic mechanism lays new ground for achieving novel physical and chemical properties using single‐metal‐atom oxides (SMAO).
Side‐Viewing Endoscopic Raman Spectroscopy for Angle‐Resolved Analysis of Luminal Organs
Authors: Jayhooni Sayed Mohammad Hashem , Short Michael , Assadsangabi Babak , Hohert Geoffrey , Du Caigan , Zeng Haishan , Takahata Kenichi
Published: November 2019

There are many medical applications requiring angle‐resolved analysis of luminal organs. One example is lung cancer detection. Early diagnosis is the most effective way to tackle this disease. This, however, remains a challenge due to the lack of accurate detection technology. The problem is exacerbated in cases of peripheral lung cancer growing on narrow bronchi that are difficult to probe. Here, an endoscopic Raman spectroscopy device is demonstrated with a side‐viewing functionality that enables circumferential scanning spectral measurements inside thin conduits. A tubular micro rotary stepping actuator is custom‐designed and integrated with a Raman probe, for the first time, to scan a probing laser beam sideways for angle‐resolved local Raman analysis with no aid of tissue labeling, toward enabling detection of lesion‐induced biochemical changes in vivo and in real time. A microfabricated prototype is evaluated using test chemicals, harvested animal lung tissue ex vivo, as well as a murine colon model in situ and human skin in vivo. All the test results show excellent agreements with reported reference data while revealing >99% wavenumber accuracies. The study indicates that microactuator‐assisted endoscopic Raman spectroscopy is a promising technology for luminal tissue analysis and encourages further studies of its sensitivity in lesion detection.
Amide‐Directed Bay‐Region Two‐Step Annulative π‐Extension (APEX) of Biphenyls and Terphenyls with Diaryliodonium Salts: Efficient Access to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Peng Qiong , Zhang Wen , Zhao Ke , Du Yu , Feng Chun , Wang Bi‐Qin , Fang Dong‐Mei , Chen Xiao‐Zhen , Ni Hai‐Liang , Xiang Shi‐Kai
Published: November 2019

An amide‐directed bay‐region two‐step annulative π‐extension reaction of biphenyls and terphenyls with diaryliodonium salts has been developed. A variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be synthesized efficiently according to this approach, such as triphenylene, dibenzo[fg,op]tetracene, and tribenzo[fg,ij,rst]pentaphene derivatives.

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Humidity Sensors Based on 3D Porous Polyelectrolytes via Breath Figure Method
Authors: Dai Jianxun , Zhao Hongran , Lin Xiuzhu , Liu Sen , Fei Teng , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2019

A 3D porous P4VP film prepared via breath figure (BF) is used for quaternization to synthesize humidity‐sensitive polyelectrolytes. By combining the BF method, gaseous crosslinking, and screen‐printed electrodes, humidity sensors with good stability and a fast response to humidity change are obtained, thus making them possible for application in human breath monitoring. The water molecule adsorption of the porous polymer under different RHs is investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance. Cole–Cole plots and ionic conductivity change show that these devices function as humidity sensors under different humidity atmospheres.
Which Applicant Factors Predict Success in Emergency Medicine Training Programs? A Scoping Review
Authors: Yang Allen , Gilani Chris , Saadat Soheil , Murphy Linda , Toohey Shannon , Boysen‐Osborn Megan
Published: November 2019

Background

Program directors (PDs) in emergency medicine (EM) receive an abundance of applications for very few residency training spots. It is unclear which selection strategies will yield the most successful residents. Many authors have attempted to determine which items in an applicant’s file predict future performance in EM.

Objectives

The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the breadth of evidence related to the predictive value of selection factors for performance in EM residency.

Methods

The authors systematically searched four databases and websites for peer‐reviewed and gray literature related to EM admissions published between 1992 and February 2019. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts for articles that met the inclusion criteria, according to the scoping review study protocol. The authors included studies if they specifically examined selection factors and whether those factors predicted performance in EM residency training in the United States.

Results

After screening 23,243 records, the authors selected 60 for full review. From these, the authors selected 15 published manuscripts, one unpublished manuscript, and 11 abstracts for inclusion in the review. These studies examined the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Standardized Letters of Evaluation, Medical Student Performance Evaluation, medical school attended, clerkship grades, membership in honor societies, and other less common factors and their association with future EM residency training performance.

Conclusions

The USMLE was the most common factor studied. It unreliably predicts clinical performance, but more reliably predicts performance on licensing examinations. All other factors were less commonly studied and, similar to the USMLE, yielded mixed results.
Quantitative comparison of flowering phenology traits among trees, perennial herbs, and annuals in a temperate plant community
Authors: Nagahama Ai , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: November 2019

Premise

Flowering phenology may differ among life forms due to the costs and benefits to attract pollinators, dependence on outcross pollination, and resource availability in their habitats. However, few studies have compared flowering phenology among life forms within a community and described flowering phenology at the individual, species, and community levels.

Methods

We recorded flowering events for individuals of insect‐pollinated trees, perennial herbs, and annuals from spring to summer of 2016 and 2017 in a warm‐temperate forest in Japan. To compare phenological variables including mean and variance of flowering length, we standardized the number of observed individuals for each species and tested differences in variables, considering the phylogenetic relationships among species.

Results

Total flowering length in trees (9–50 d) was significantly shorter than perennial herbs (27–113 d) or annuals (22–89 d), but mean flowering length was not significantly different among them. Flowering length variance was significantly smaller and intraspecies synchrony significantly higher in trees than in perennial herbs and annuals. At the community level, flowering times largely overlapped among successively flowering species, but interspecies synchrony was positive for all life forms.

Conclusions

Shorter total flowering length and higher intraspecific synchrony in trees are explained by a modified pollinator attraction hypothesis suggesting that selection favors higher intraspecific synchrony because it promotes between‐individual movement of pollinators. At the community level, positive interspecific synchrony for all life forms supports the hypothesis that flowering times tend to converge among species.
Comparison of the Response to Rituximab between Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein and Aquaporin‐4 Antibody Diseases
Authors: Durozard Pierre , Rico Audrey , Boutiere Clémence , Maarouf Adil , Lacroix Romaric , Cointe Sylvie , Fritz Shirley , Brunet Corinne , Pelletier Jean , Marignier Romain , Audoin Bertrand
Published: November 2019

Objective

To compare response to rituximab (RTX) between adult patients positive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) antibodies.

Methods

We prospectively studied adult patients with MOG or AQP4 antibodies who received RTX under an individualized dosing schedule adapted to the biological effect of RTX monitored by memory B‐cell measurement. Memory B cells were counted monthly and when relapse occurred. The biological effect of RTX was considered significant with <0.05% memory B cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Results

In 16 patients with MOG antibodies and 29 with AQP4 antibodies, mean follow‐up was 19 (range = 9–38) and 38 (13–79) months. Under RTX, 10 relapses occurred in 6 of 16 (37.5%) patients with MOG antibodies, and 13 occurred in 7 of 29 (24%) with AQP4 antibodies. The median time of relapse after the most recent infusion was 2.6 (0.6–5.8) and 7 (0.8–13) months, respectively (p < 0.001). Memory B cells had reemerged in 2 of 10 (20%) relapses in patients with MOG antibodies and 12 of 13 (92.5%) with AQP4 antibodies (p < 0.001).

Interpretation

In AQP4 antibody–associated disorder, relapse mostly occurs when the biological effect of RTX decreases, which argues for treatment efficacy. In MOG antibody–associated disorder, the efficacy of RTX is not constant, because one‐third of patients showed relapse despite an effective biological effect of RTX. In this subpopulation, memory B‐cell depletion was unable to prevent relapse, which was probably caused by different immunological mechanisms. These findings should be used to improve treatment strategies for MOG antibody–associated disorder. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:256–266
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Honeycomb CuP2@C in Molten ZnCl2 Salt for High‐Performance Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Zhiliang , Yang Shaolei , Sun Bingxue , Yang Piaoping , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: November 2019

Phosphorus‐rich metal phosphides have very high lithium storage capacities, but they are difficult to prepare. A low‐temperature phosphorization method based on Mg reducing PCl3 in ZnCl2 molten salt at 300 °C is developed to synthesize phosphorus‐rich CuP2@C from a Cu‐MOF derived Cu@C composite. Abnormal oxidation of Cu by Zn2+ in the molten salt is observed, which leads to the porous honeycomb nanostructure and homogeneously distributed ultrafine CuP2 nanocrystals. The honeycomb CuP2@C exhibits excellent lithium storage performance with high reversible capacity (1146 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) and superior cycling stability (720 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g−1), showing the promising application of P‐rich metal phosphides in lithium ion batteries.
Carbon Dots as a Promising Green Photocatalyst for Free Radical and ATRP‐Based Radical Photopolymerization with Blue LEDs
Authors: Kütahya Ceren , Wang Ping , Li Shujun , Liu Shouxin , Li Jian , Chen Zhijun , Strehmel Bernd
Published: November 2019

Carbon dots (CDs) have been used for the first time as a sensitizer to initiate and activate free radical and controlled radical polymerization, respectively, based on an ATRP protocol with blue LEDs. Consideration of diverse heteroatom‐doped CDs indicated that N‐doped CDs could serve as an effective photocatalyst and photosensitizer in combination with LEDs emitting either at 405 nm or 470 nm. Free radical polymerization was initiated by combining the CDs with an iodonium or sulfonium salt in tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) by photo‐induced ATRP was achieved with CDs and ethyl α‐bromophenylacetate using CuII as catalyst in the ppm range. The polymers obtained showed temporal control, narrower dispersity ≲1.5, and chain‐end fidelity. The first‐order kinetics and ON/OFF experiments additionally gave evidence of the constant concentration of polymer radicals. No remarkable cytotoxic activity was observed for the CDs, underlining their biocompatibility.
Amine‐Responsive Disassembly of AuI–CuI Double Salts for Oxidative Carbonylation
Authors: Cao Yanwei , Yang Jian‐Gong , Deng Yi , Wang Shengchun , Liu Qi , Shen Chaoren , Lu Wei , Che Chi‐Ming , Chen Yong , He Lin
Published: November 2019

A sensitive amine‐responsive disassembly of self‐assembled AuI‐CuI double salts was observed and its utilization for the synergistic catalysis was enlightened. Investigation of the disassembly of [Au(NHC)2][CuI2] revealed the contribution of Cu‐assisted ligand exchange of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by amine in [Au(NHC)2]+ and the capacity of [CuI2]− on the oxidative step. By integrating the implicative information coded in the responsive behavior and inherent catalytic functions of d10 metal complexes, a catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of amines was developed. The advantages of this method were clearly reflected on mild reaction conditions and the significantly expanded scope (51 examples); both primary and steric secondary amines can be employed as substrates. The cooperative reactivity from Au and Cu centers, as an indispensable prerequisite for the excellent catalytic performance, was validated in the synthesis of (un)symmetric ureas and carbamates.
Preparation and characterization of Cu (II) Schiff base complex functionalized boehmite nanoparticles and its application as an effective catalyst for oxidation of sulfides and thiols
Authors: Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi , Alizadeh Abdolhamid , Afshar Hezarkhani Hadis
Published: November 2019

The synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a Schiff base Cu (II) complex functionalized boehmite nanoparticles (Cu‐complex‐boehmite) as a new catalyst for oxidation of sulfides and thiols in the presence of hydrogen peroxide with complete selectivity and high conversion under solvent‐free and mild reaction conditions were reported. Characterization of the catalyst was performed with various physicochemical methods. This effective catalyst was evaluated in terms of activity and reusability. It indicated high catalytic activity, good recoverability and reusability, and supplied the corresponding products in high yields and short reaction times. In addition, it shows notable advantages such as simplicity of operation, heterogeneous nature, easy work up, and it could be used at least eight times with no significant loss of its activity.
Microlayer and nanolayer tubing and piping via layer multiplication coextrusion. II. Rheologically mismatched systems
Authors: Schneider Tyler , Colton Mark F. , McCauley Kevin M. , Maia João
Published: November 2019

An advanced technology, presented in Part 1, was utilized with a custom annular die to produce structures having 9–129 layers. Two material systems were chosen to produce layer structures of viscosity and elasticity stratified type both with/without the application of a rotating boundary wall within the annular land. A maximum rotation window for nine‐layer structures was determined to maintain the layer structure while minimizing the appearance of the weld lines and achieving concentric layers. ANSYS Polyflow was utilized in conjunction to study trilayered systems of generic material properties in stratified forms, along with replication of the experimental systems. Combination of experimental and simulation approaches herein are allowing for the achievement of high layer number, low layer thickness, systems in annular form for the first time. The continued development of this technology can lead to application areas of tubes/pipes with advanced properties such as optical filtering, pressure resistance, and permeation reduction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48684.
PEDOT solid‐state polymer supercapacitor assembled with a KI‐doped gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Gan Fangji , Xu Yuyu , Yang Huimin , Ren Zhe , Du Haiyan
Published: November 2019

Solid‐state polymer supercapacitors (SSP‐SCs) have vast potential for future development due to their compact, safe, environment‐friendly, and facile designing. Thus, prevalent researches have been explored in this area. In this article, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) SSP‐SCs were assembled by using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon paper (PEDOT/CP) as electrodes and polyvinyl alcohol/sulfuric acid/potassium iodide (PVA/H2SO4/KI) as the gel polymer electrolyte. The effect of KI content on the electrochemical performance of the SC was studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the PEDOT SSP‐SC has excellent electrochemical properties when KI doping amount was 60 wt %. The introduction of KI increased the specific capacitance due to the improved ionic conductivity and additional pseudocapacitance reaction at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The PEDOT SSP‐SC showed high energy and power densities of 451.32 Wh kg−1 and 13.29 kW kg−1, respectively, as well as a specific capacitance of 352.59 F g−1 for a discharge current of 1 mA cm−2. In addition, after 1000 GCD cycles, the PVA/H2SO4/KI‐based PEDOT SSP‐SC showed capacitance retention of 74.08%. Therefore, the SC exhibits outstanding energy and power density and good cycle stability and has great potential to be used in high‐energy density equipment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48723.
Development, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of water soluble poloxamer/pluronic‐mastic gum‐gum acacia‐based wound dressing
Authors: Buyana B. , Aderibigbe B.A. , Ray S. S. , Ndinteh D. T. , Fonkui Y.T.
Published: November 2019

Bacterial infections are serious complications associated with wounds. Wounds can become chronic due to bacterial infections. In this research, lyophilized wound dressings were prepared from poloxamer, pluronic, mastic gum, and gum acacia. The wound dressings were loaded with metal‐based nanoparticles and carbon‐based materials. They exhibited effective antibacterial activity, water‐soluble, biodegradable with the capability to absorb large amounts of wound exudates. The bandages were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy followed by porosity and water uptake. TEM confirmed the successful incorporation of the metal‐based NPs and carbon‐based materials into the wound dressings. The TGA confirmed that the wound dressings are thermally stable. The wound dressings were also characterized by a high uptake of water to form a gel which was soluble in water indicating their useful application for wounds with large wound exudate, sensitive and damaged skin. The unique properties of the wound dressings indicate that they are potential materials for the treatment of chronic wounds in patients with sensitive skin. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48728.
Effects of dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide on serum lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 and hypersensitive C‐reactive protein levels in acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Lei , Dong Yin‐Tao , Liu Yi , Zhang Yi , Li Ting‐Ting , Hu Feng‐Yun
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aims to explore the curative effect of dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP) on patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and its effects on serum lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) and hypersensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels.

Methods

A total of 136 ACI patients treated in our hospital, who met the criteria, were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 60, including 28 males and 32 females) and treatment group (n = 76, including 32 males and 44 females). Patients in the control group were treated with routine drug therapy, while patients in the treatment group were treated with NBP on this basis. A dose of 100 ml was administered by intravenous injection for 2 times/day, for 14 days. The curative effect was evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel index (BI) self‐care ability. The levels of the two factors in serum were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the changes in levels of these two factors in serum at different time points before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

(a) Lp‐PLA2 and hs‐CRP levels in the treatment group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment and those in the control group after treatment (p < .05). (b) The NIHSS and BI scores in the treatment group were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment and those in the control group after treatment (p < .05).

Conclusion

Dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide can improve the expression of Lp‐PLA2 and hs‐CRP in serum in ACI patients. Furthermore, NBP has significant efficacy in inhibiting inflammation and improving neurological symptoms.
Every‐other‐day palonosetron plus aprepitant for prevention of emesis following induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: A randomized, controlled study from the “Rete Ematologica Pugliese”
Authors: Di Renzo Nicola , Melillo Lorella , Porretto Fernando , Dargenio Michela , Pavone Vincenzo , Pastore Domenico , Mazza Patrizio , Mannina Donato , Merenda Anxur , Cascavilla Nicola , Greco Giuseppina , Matera Rosella , Bonizzoni Erminio , Celio Luigi , Musso Maurizio
Published: November 2019

Background

Compared with older 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists, palonosetron requires fewer drug administrations to prevent chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following multiple‐day chemotherapy. We conducted a phase II multicenter study comparing palonosetron plus aprepitant to palonosetron alone in patients undergoing a range of induction chemotherapy regimens for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

Patients were randomized to palonosetron (0.25 mg) every other day until the last dose of chemotherapy alone or with aprepitant on days 1‐3. Patients mainly received an anthracycline on days 1‐3 plus cytarabine administered for 5‐10 days. The primary end point was complete response (CR; no emesis and no rescue medication) over the whole study period (days of chemotherapy plus two additional days). Unplanned analysis of time to anti‐emetic treatment failure (TTF) was also performed.

Results

Of the 134 patients enrolled in the study, 130 were evaluable: 68 subjects received palonosetron plus aprepitant and 62 received palonosetron alone. Although the primary end point of CR was similar between the treatment arms (72% vs 69%; P = .55), a higher proportion of patients treated with palonosetron plus aprepitant were free from nausea during the whole study period (43% vs 27%; P = .03). There was also a significant difference in favor of the two‐drug regimens in TTF (median: 5 days vs 3 days; P = .03).

Conclusions

The study suggests that every‐other‐day palonosetron plus 3‐day aprepitant can add clinical benefit to the control of CINV caused by multiple‐day, corticosteroid‐free chemotherapy for AML. In this challenging setting of CINV, further investigations of palonosetron in combination with aprepitant administered with an expanded schedule are warranted.

ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT02205164.
Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbons as Effective Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Synthesized from Cellulose and Polyamide
Authors: Xu Jiahuan , Xia Chunlin , Li Ming , Xiao Rui
Published: November 2019

The development of catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction with excellent performance, low cost, and long‐time stability is significant for energy conversion devices like fuel cells. Herein, micro/mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbon has been successfully fabricated through one‐step pyrolysis and activation by using cellulose and polyamide as precursors and ZnCl2 as activator. The sample displayed the comparable ORR catalytic activity (onset potential, 0.986 V vs. RHE) with commercial platinum‐based catalysts as well as excellent durability to methanol crossover effect. Furthermore, the correlations between ORR performance and chemical and structural properties (i. e. graphitic N and pyridinic N content, ID/IG, BET specific surface area and micropore volume) have been investigated. This report provided a facile and cost‐effective method of transforming nylon waste and biomass‐derived resource into nitrogen‐doped carbon.
New chiral stationary phases for liquid chromatography based on small molecules: Development, enantioresolution evaluation and chiral recognition mechanisms
Authors: Phyo Ye' Zaw , Teixeira Joana , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Cravo Sara , Palmeira Andreia , Gales Luís , Silva Artur M.S. , Pinto Madalena M.M. , Kijjoa Anake , Fernandes Carla
Published: November 2019

Recently, we reported the development of new chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for liquid chromatography (LC) based on chiral derivatives of xanthones (CDXs). Based on the most promising CDX selectors, 12 new CSPs were successfully prepared starting from suitable functionalized small molecules including xanthone and benzophenone derivatives. The chiral selectors comprising one, two, three, or four chiral moieties were covalently bonded to a chromatographic support and further packed into LC stainless‐steel columns (150 × 2.1 mm I.D.). The enantioselective performance of the new CSPs was evaluated by LC using different classes of chiral compounds. Specificity for enantioseparation of some CDXs was observed in the evaluation of the new CSPs. Besides, assessment of chiral recognition mechanisms was performed by computational studies using molecular docking approach, which are in accordance with the chromatographic parameters. X‐Ray analysis was used to establish a chiral selector 3D structure.
Neuron types in the zebrafish optic tectum labeled by an id2b transgene
Authors: DeMarco Elisabeth , Xu Nina , Baier Herwig , Robles Estuardo
Published: November 2019

The larval zebrafish optic tectum has emerged as a prominent model for understanding how neural circuits control visually guided behaviors. Further advances in this area will require tools to monitor and manipulate tectal neurons with cell type specificity. Here, we characterize the morphology and neurotransmitter phenotype of tectal neurons labeled by an id2b:gal4 transgene. Whole‐brain imaging of stable transgenic id2b:gal4 larvae revealed labeling in a subset of neurons in optic tectum, cerebellum, and hindbrain. Genetic mosaic labeling of single neurons within the id2b:gal4 expression pattern enabled us to characterize three tectal neuron types with distinct morphologies and connectivities. The first is a neuron type previously identified in the optic tectum of other teleost fish: the tectal pyramidal neuron (PyrN). PyrNs are local interneurons that form two stratified dendritic arbors and one stratified axonal arbor in the tectal neuropil. The second tectal neuron type labeled by the id2b:gal4 transgene is a projection neuron that forms a stratified dendritic arbor in the tectal neuropil and an axon that exits tectum to form a topographic projection to torus longitudinalis (TL). A third neuron type labeled is a projection neuron with a nonstratified dendritic arbor and a descending axonal projection to tegmentum. These findings establish the id2b:gal4 transgenic as a useful tool for future studies aimed at elucidating the functional role of tectum, TL, and tegmentum in visually guided behaviors.
Harnessing the Photocatalytic Potential of Polypyrroles in Water through Nanointervension: Synthesis and Photophysical Evaluation of Biodegradable Polypyrrolic Nanoencapsulates
Authors: Nikhileshwar Reddy Yeddula , Singh Thakur Neeraj , Bhaumik Jayeeta
Published: November 2019

Polypyrroles, being natural mimics, have promising photophysical properties which facilitate light harvesting. Due to the lack of solubility in aqueous media, their practical applications are restricted. Hence, the development of biodegradable polymeric nanoencapsulates can be of considerable interest to leverage the photophysical properties of polypyrroles. Herein, we report the high‐yielding synthesis of polypyrroles (BODIPYs and porphyrins) which were further encapsulated into PLGA polymer to impart hydrophilicity into them. The polypyrroles and their nanoencapsulates were further examined for photophysical properties (namely, fluorescence quantum yield, singlet oxygen quantum yield, and fluorescence lifetime measurements). Then the photocatalytic dye degradation potential of the synthesized entities in the presence of low‐cost LED lights was evaluated and correlated with their photophysical characteristics. This photocatalytic phenomenon exhibited by the polypyrrolic nanoencapsulates can be further translated for various light harvesting applications.
Do income taxes affect corporate social responsibility? Evidence from European‐listed companies
Authors: Gandullia Luca , Piserà Stefano
Published: November 2019

This study explores empirically the effects of corporate income taxes on the incentive to invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. We estimate the relation between CSR ratings and firm‐specific corporate effective tax rates for a large sample of nonfinancial‐listed companies from 15 European countries during 2006–2016. By employing an instrumental variable approach, we find that average effective tax rates are negatively correlated with CSR ratings. Our findings are also consistent under additional tests and robustness checks. We, therefore, can provide suggestive evidence that corporate taxation discourages corporate socially responsible behaviour. At the same time, in a tax policy perspective, our analysis suggests how countries could encourage through the tax system the corporate provision of sustainable investments.
Sustainable Ligand‐Free, Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions in Water: Insights into the Role of Base
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Wei‐qiang , Sun Huaming , Zhang Kan , Jian Yajun , Gu Quan , Zhang Guofang , Li Jiyang , Gao Ziwei
Published: November 2019

A simple and efficient system was developed for the ligand‐free Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in water under mild conditions. Quaternary ammonium hydroxides with long chains were found to be very suitable bases. This ligand‐free Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction showed improved durability in water with Pd loadings decreased to ppm level. Bases were shown to stabilize active palladium species in addition to acting as a base during the catalytic process. In the catalytic system with a strong base, the soluble active PdII ion exhibited anti‐reduction properties, which prevented aggregation and deactivation of Pd species. The entire catalytic system could be recycled after separating the product by simple filtration. The water‐compatible and air‐stable effective catalytic protocol described herein represents an attractive and green synthetic advance in Suzuki–Miyaura couplings.
Annual banned‐substance review – Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kuuranne Tiia , Geyer Hans
Published: November 2019

Within the complex construct of today's antidoping work, continuously updated routine doping controls, as well as advancements in sampling and analysis have been of particular relevance and importance. New analytes of existing classes of prohibited substances are frequently included into sports drug testing assays, analytical approaches are optimized to allow for better sensitivities, selectivity, and/or faster turnaround times, and research dedicated to addressing analytical issues concerning scenarios of both (potentially) inadvertent doping and new emerging doping agents is constantly conducted. By way of reviewing and summarizing, this annual banned‐substance review evaluates the literature published between October 2018 and September 2019 offering an in‐depth evaluation of developments in these arenas and their potential application to substances reported in WADA's 2019 Prohibited List.
Interferon regulatory factor 6 is required for proper wound healing in vivo
Authors: Rhea Lindsey , Canady Franklin J. , Le Marc , Reeb Tanner , Canady John W. , Kacmarynski Deborah S. F. , Avvari Rishika , Biggs Leah C. , Dunnwald Martine
Published: November 2019

Background

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is the most common form of syndromic orofacial cleft caused predominantly by mutations in Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6). We previously reported that individuals with VWS have increased risk of wound healing complications following cleft repair compared with individuals with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate—NSCLP). In vitro, absence of IRF6 leads to impaired keratinocyte migration and embryonic wound healing. However, there is currently no data on tissue repair in adult animals and cells with reduced levels of IRF6 like in VWS.

Results

Excisional wounds of Irf6+/− and wild‐type animals were analyzed 4 and 7 days post‐wounding. Although all wounds were reepithelialized after 7 days, the epidermal and wound volume of repaired wounds was larger in Irf6+/−. These data were supported by increased keratinocyte proliferation in the neoformed epidermis and a less mature granulation tissue with increased cytokine levels. This effect was not cell autonomous, as Irf6+/− neonatal keratinocytes in vitro did not exhibit defects in scratch wound closure or proliferation. Keratinocytes from individuals with VWS also migrated similarly to keratinocytes from NSCLP individuals.

Conclusions

These data support a role for IRF6 in wound healing by regulating keratinocyte proliferation, granulation tissue maturation, and cytokine levels.
Identifying climate refugia and its potential impact on Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) in Sanjiangyuan National Park, China
Authors: Dai Yunchuan , Hacker Charlotte E. , Zhang Yuguang , Li Wenwen , Zhang Yu , Liu Haodong , Zhang Jingjie , Ji Yunrui , Xue Yadong , Li Diqiang
Published: November 2019

Climate change has direct impacts on wildlife and future biodiversity protection efforts. Vulnerability assessment and habitat connectivity analyses are necessary for drafting effective conservation strategies for threatened species such as the Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus). We used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to assess the current (1950–2000) and future (2041–2060) habitat suitability by combining bioclimatic and environmental variables, and identified potential climate refugia for Tibetan brown bears in Sanjiangyuan National Park, China. Next, we selected Circuit model to simulate potential migration paths based on current and future climatically suitable habitat. Results indicate a total area of potential suitable habitat under the current climate scenario of approximately 31,649.46 km2, of which 28,778.29 km2 would be unsuitable by the 2050s. Potentially suitable habitat under the future climate scenario was projected to cover an area of 23,738.6 km2. Climate refugia occupied 2,871.17 km2, primarily in the midwestern and northeastern regions of Yangtze River Zone, as well as the northern region of Yellow River Zone. The altitude of climate refugia ranged from 4,307 to 5,524 m, with 52.93% lying at altitudes between 4,300 and 4,600 m. Refugia were mainly distributed on bare rock, alpine steppe, and alpine meadow. Corridors linking areas of potentially suitable brown bear habitat and a substantial portion of paths with low‐resistance value were distributed in climate refugia. We recommend various actions to ameliorate the impact of climate change on brown bears, such as protecting climatically suitable habitat, establishing habitat corridors, restructuring conservation areas, and strengthening monitoring efforts.