bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participation of Children, Birth Parents and Foster Carers in the Matching Decision. Paternalism or Partnership?
Authors: Zeijlmans Kirti , López López Mónica , Grietens Hans , Knorth Erik J.
Published: April 2019

Participation of children, birth parents and foster carers in matching decision‐making has the potential to improve the outcomes of a foster care placement. When practitioners choose which foster family is the best fit for a foster child, those affected by the foster care placement should be involved in decision‐making when possible. This research paper examines the influence of children, birth parents and foster carers on the matching decision from a practitioner's perspective. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 practitioners from 17 of the 28 foster care organisations in the Netherlands responsible for matching children with foster families. The analysis identified three themes that diminished the influence of children, birth parents and foster carers on the matching decision: assumptions, timing and feasibility. The findings emphasise that the influence of stakeholders on the matching decision is highly contextual. In the matching process, practitioners can be seen as key figures in facilitating the influence of stakeholders, yet they are also confronted with the difficulty of dealing with more than one stakeholder, who can have opposing interests, in an often compromised setting with limited choices.

‘Examines the influence of children, birth parents and foster carers on the matching decision from a practitioner's perspective’

Key Practitioner Messages

Despite policy to stimulate the involvement of children, birth parents and foster carers in decisions, their influence on the matching decision is sometimes futile.

Assumptions made by practitioners, timing in the matching process and a compromised setting diminish the stakeholders' influence on the matching decision.

Practitioners are key figures in improving participatory practice to make sure that stakeholders feel understood, valued and taken seriously.
An under‐recognized high‐risk atrial fibrillation population: Analyzing transcatheter mitral valve repair patients for left atrial appendage closure device application
Authors: Lane Colleen E. , Eleid Mackram F. , Holmes David R.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Identify patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) who could potentially benefit from alternative ischemic stroke prophylaxis utilizing a left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device.

Background

Patients undergoing TMVR have a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The co‐morbidities which qualify them to undergo TMVR also increase their risk of stroke and bleeding, making stroke prophylaxis problematic.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study, in which the bleeding and stroke risk of all patients undergoing TMVR for degenerative mitral valve disease were reviewed to determine candidacy for a LAAC device for stroke prevention as an alternative to chronic anticoagulation.

Results

AF was present in 122 (62%) of TMVR patients with an average CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 3.99. 23% of TMVR patients had a history of prior major bleeding event, predominately gastrointestinal bleed. Fifty‐three and 47% of TMVR patients were at high or intermediate risk of bleeding, respectively, according to their HAS‐BLED score. 50% of patients undergoing TMVR would qualify for LAAC device based on risk assessments.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing TMVR represent a high risk group of AF patients that may benefit from a LAAC device.
Bran characteristics influence the quality of whole‐wheat pancakes and baking powder biscuits
Authors: Ma Fengyun , Lee Yu Young , Palmquist Debra E. , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: April 2019

Background and objectives

Bran characteristics differ widely among wheat varieties and influence the quality of whole‐wheat products. The objective of this study was to identify bran characteristics that influence the quality of whole‐wheat pancakes and baking powder biscuits made from whole‐wheat meals (WWMs), which were blends of the brans of 17 soft red winter wheat varieties and two wheat flours.

Findings

Pancake diameters of 34 WWMs ranged from 106.6 to 116.0 mm. Biscuit height and shape factor (SF) of 34 WWMs ranged from 28.8 to 34.2 mm and 1.10–1.24, respectively. Bran protein content showed positive relationships with pancake diameter and biscuit height for both wheat flours blended with brans. Water‐retention capacity, free phenolics, and water‐extractable arabinoxylan contents of bran exhibited significant relationships with pancake diameter and biscuit SF in WWMs for only one wheat flour.

Conclusions

Whole‐wheat meals containing brans of high protein content produced pancakes of comparable diameter to those made with wheat flour. WWMs containing bran of high protein and soluble dietary fiber (DF) contents, and low arabinoxylan and insoluble DF contents produced biscuits with intermediate‐to‐high height and low‐to‐intermediate SF.

Significance and novelty

The results identify bran characteristics desirable for making whole‐wheat pancakes and biscuits.
Systemic schistosomiasis and large bowel perforation: An unexpected surgical urgency. Report of a case and literature review
Authors: Agrusa Antonino , Di Buono Giuseppe , Buscemi Salvatore , Canfora Ilaria , Randisi Brenda , Bonventre Giulia , Gulotta Leonardo , Maienza Elisa , Sorce Vincenzo , Romano Giorgio , Gulotta Gaspare
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

In the presence of suggestive clinical picture (high eosinophil count and multiple CT scan granuloma‐like lesions), schistosomiasis should be taken into account in case of suspected bowel perforation even if common risk factors are not identified through anamnesis.
Hydrogen Bonding as a Supramolecular Tool for Robust OFET Devices
Authors: Mula Soumyaditya , Han Tianyan , Heiser Thomas , Lévêque Patrick , Leclerc Nicolas , Srivastava Amit Prakash , Ruiz‐Carretero Amparo , Ulrich Gilles
Published: April 2019

In the present study, we demonstrated the effect of hydrogen bonding in the semiconducting behaviour of a small molecule used in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). For this study, the highly soluble dumbbell‐shaped molecule, Boc‐TATDPP based on a Boc‐protected thiophene‐diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and triazatruxene (TAT) moieties was used. The two Boc groups of the molecule were removed by annealing at 200 °C, which created a strong hydrogen‐bonded network of NH‐TATDPP supported by additional π–π stacking. These were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, XRD and high‐resolution (HR)‐TEM measurements. FETs were fabricated with the semiconducting channel made of Boc‐TATDPP and NH‐TATDPP separately. It is worth mentioning that the Boc‐TATDPP film can be cast from solution and then annealed to get the other systems with NH‐TATDPP. More importantly, NH‐TATDPP showed significantly higher hole mobilities compared to Boc‐TATDPP. Interestingly, the high hole mobility in the case of NH‐TATDPP was unaffected upon blending with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). Thus, this robust hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular network is likely to be useful in designing efficient and stable organic optoelectronic devices.
Finely Tuned Porous Coordination Polymers To Boost Methane Separation Efficiency
Authors: Wang Yang , Dong Qiubing , Cao Haifei , Ji Wei , Duan Jingui , Jing Su , Jin Wanqin
Published: April 2019

Absorbents with high breakthrough efficiency and weak host–guest interaction are considered to be promising candidates for an energy‐saving process in feasible pressure/volume swing adsorption (PSA/VSA). Herein, two groups of finely designed Fe‐ and Co‐based porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are proposed and validated; these possess hourglass‐shaped nanochannels, through the cooperation of T‐shaped ligands with shifted methyl groups. Featuring optimal nanochannels, high static adsorption, and relatively lower binding energy, one of these polymers, named NTU‐30, enables significant C2H6/CH4 and C2H4/CH4 breakthrough efficiency, with approximately 1.0 or 0.6 g CH4 (100 %) harvested from the corresponding mixtures using 1 g of sample at ambient temperature. Furthermore, the positive effect of aromatic sites within NTU‐30 is detected and investigated through an in situ IR study.
Improving Catalyst Activity in Hydrocarbon Functionalization by Remote Pyrene–Graphene Stacking
Authors: Ballestin Pilar , Ventura‐Espinosa David , Martín Santiago , Caballero Ana , Mata Jose A. , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: April 2019

A copper complex bearing an N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand with a pyrene “tail” attached to the backbone has been prepared and supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The free and supported copper materials have been employed as homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in the functionalization of hydrocarbons such as n‐hexane, cyclohexane, and benzene through incorporation of the CHCO2Et unit from ethyl diazoacetate. The graphene‐anchored complex displays higher reaction rates and induces higher yields than its soluble counterpart, features that can be rationalized in terms of a decrease in electron density at the metal center due to a remote net electronic flux from the supported copper complex to the graphene surface.
A bis‐Pyrazolate Pincer on Reduced Cr Deoxygenates CO2: Selective Capture of the Derived Oxide by CrII
Authors: Labrum Nicholas S. , Chen Chun‐Hsing , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: April 2019

Reduction of the bis‐(pyrazolyl)pyridine complex [LCr]2 with stoichiometric KC8 in THF produces a species that is reactive with CO2 to produce an aggregate composed of paramagnetic K2L2Cr2(CO3) linked by KCl into a product of formula [K2L2Cr2(CO3)]4⋅2KCl. X‐ray diffraction reveals a pincer hydrocarbon exterior and an inorganic interior composed of K+, Cl− and carbonate oxygens. Every Cr is five coordinate and square pyramidal, with the axial N donor weakly bonded to Cr due to the Jahn–Teller effect of a high spin d4 configuration. Reaction with 13CO2 confirms that carbonate here is derived from CO2, that oxide is derived from CO2, and that CO is indeed released, since it is not a competent ligand to CrII. Guiding principles for selectivity in CO2 reduction are deduced from the diverse successful molecular constructs to date.
Hyperpolarizing Concentrated Metronidazole 15NO2 Group over Six Chemical Bonds with More than 15 % Polarization and a 20 Minute Lifetime
Authors: Shchepin Roman V. , Birchall Jonathan R. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V. , Theis Thomas , Warren Warren S. , Gelovani Juri G. , Goodson Boyd M. , Shokouhi Sepideh , Rosen Matthew S. , Yen Yi‐Fen , Pham Wellington , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: April 2019

The NMR hyperpolarization of uniformly 15N‐labeled [15N3]metronidazole is demonstrated by using SABRE‐SHEATH. In this antibiotic, the 15NO2 group is hyperpolarized through spin relays created by 15N spins in [15N3]metronidazole, and the polarization is transferred from parahydrogen‐derived hydrides over six chemical bonds. In less than a minute of parahydrogen bubbling at approximately 0.4 μT, a high level of nuclear spin polarization (P15N) of around 16 % is achieved on all three 15N sites. This product of 15N polarization and concentration of 15N spins is around six‐fold better than any previous value determined for 15N SABRE‐derived hyperpolarization. At 1.4 T, the hyperpolarized state persists for tens of minutes (relaxation time, T1≈10 min). A novel synthesis of uniformly 15N‐enriched metronidazole is reported with a yield of 15 %. This approach can potentially be used for synthesis of a wide variety of in vivo metabolic probes with potential uses ranging from hypoxia sensing to theranostic imaging.
Unprecedented Diastereoselective Arylogous Michael Addition of Unactivated Phthalides
Authors: Sicignano Marina , Schettini Rosaria , Sica Luisa , Pierri Giovanni , De Riccardis Francesco , Izzo Irene , Maity Bholanath , Minenkov Yury , Cavallo Luigi , Della Sala Giorgio
Published: April 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Giorgio Della Sala at the Università degli Studi di Salerno and Luigi Cavallo at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The image depicts the transition state involved in the crown ether catalyzed arylogous Michael reaction of phthalides. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900168.
Cola‐Käse
Authors: Emden Markus , Engel Simon , Hild Pitt , Kallinna Kirsten , Murer Livia
Published: April 2019

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Experimente zu geben, die sich gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchführen lassen. Sie können damit als Quelle dienen für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz zu verstehen: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in!? Dann mach doch mal ein Experiment.“
A phase 2, randomized trial evaluating the combination of dalantercept plus axitinib in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Voss Martin H. , Bhatt Rupal S. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Fishman Mayer , Alter Robert S. , Rini Brian I. , Beck J. Thaddeus , Joshi Monika , Hauke Ralph , Atkins Michael B. , Burgess Earle , Logan Theodore F. , Shaffer David , Parikh Rahul , Moazzam Nauman , Zhang Xiaosha , Glasser Chad , Sherman Matthew L. , Plimack Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2019

Background

In a prior open‐label study, the combination of dalantercept, a novel antiangiogenic targeting activin receptor‐like kinase 1 (ALK1), plus axitinib was deemed safe and tolerable with a promising efficacy signal in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

In the current phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, patients with clear cell RCC previously treated with 1 prior angiogenesis inhibitor were randomized 1:1 to receive axitinib plus dalantercept versus axitinib plus placebo. Randomization was stratified by the type of prior therapy. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were PFS in patients with ≥2 prior lines of anticancer therapy, overall survival, and the objective response rate.

Results

Between June 10, 2014, and February 23, 2017, a total of 124 patients were randomly assigned to receive axitinib plus dalantercept (59 patients) or placebo (65 patients). The median PFS was not found to be significantly different between the treatment groups (median, 6.8 months vs 5.6 months; hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.71‐1.73; P = .670]). Neither group reached the median overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.70‐2.77; P = .349]). The objective response rate was 19.0% (11 of 58 patients; 95% CI, 9.9%‐31.4%) in the dalantercept plus axitinib group and 24.6% (15 of 61 patients; 95% CI, 14.5%‐37.3%) in the placebo plus axitinib group. At least 1 treatment‐emergent adverse event of ≥grade 3 was observed in 59% of patients (34 of 58 patients) in the dalantercept group and 64% of patients (39 of 61 patients) in the placebo group. One treatment‐related death occurred in the placebo plus axitinib group.

Conclusions

Although well tolerated, the addition of dalantercept to axitinib did not appear to improve treatment‐related outcomes in previously treated patients with advanced RCC.
Multiple myeloma epidemiology and patient geographic distribution in Canada: A population study
Authors: Tsang Matthew , Le Michelle , Ghazawi Feras M. , Cyr Janelle , Alakel Akram , Rahme Elham , Lagacé François , Netchiporouk Elena , Moreau Linda , Zubarev Andrei , Roshdy Osama , Glassman Steven J. , Sasseville Denis , Popradi Gizelle , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: April 2019

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of mature plasma cells. Environmental risk factors identified for this malignancy, among others, include farming and exposure to pesticides.

Methods

Using 3 independent population‐based databases (the Canadian Cancer Registry, le Registre Québécois du Cancer, and Canadian Vital Statistics), this study analyzed patients’ clinical characteristics and the incidence, mortality, and geographic distribution of MM cases in Canada during 1992‐2015.

Results

In total, ~32,065 patients were identified, and 53.7% were male. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 70 ± 12.1 years. The average incidence rate in Canada was 54.29 cases per million individuals per year, and linear regression modeling showed a steady rise in the annual rate of 0.96 cases per million individuals per year. At the provincial level, Quebec and Ontario had significantly higher incidence rates than the rest of Canada. An analysis of individual municipalities and postal codes showed lower incidence rates in large metropolitan areas and in high‐latitude regions of the country, whereas high incidence rates were observed in smaller municipalities and rural areas. Land use analysis demonstrated increased density of crop farms and agricultural industries in high‐incidence areas. A comparison with the available data from 2011‐2015 showed several consistent trends at provincial, municipal, and regional levels.

Conclusions

These results provide a comprehensive analysis of the MM burden in Canada. Large metropolitan cities as well as high‐latitude regions were associated with lower MM incidence. Higher incidence rates were noted in smaller cities and rural areas and were associated with increased density of agricultural facilities.
Pretectal projections to the oculomotor cerebellum in hummingbirds (Calypte anna), zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), and pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Gaede Andrea H. , Gutierrez‐Ibanez Cristian , Armstrong Melissa S. , Altshuler Douglas L. , Wylie Douglas R.
Published: April 2019

In birds, optic flow is processed by a retinal‐recipient nucleus in the pretectum, the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM), which then projects to the cerebellum, a key site for sensorimotor integration. Previous studies have shown that the LM is hypertrophied in hummingbirds, and that LM cell response properties differ between hummingbirds and other birds. Given these differences in anatomy and physiology, we ask here if there are also species differences in the connectivity of the LM. The LM is separated into lateral and medial subdivisions, which project to the oculomotor cerebellum and the vestibulocerebellum. In pigeons, the projection to the vestibulocerebellum largely arises from the lateral LM; the projection to the oculomotor cerebellum largely arises from the medial LM. Here, using retrograde tracing, we demonstrate differences in the distribution of projections in these pathways between Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna), zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), and pigeons (Columba livia). In all three species, the projections to the vestibulocerebellum were largely from lateral LM. In contrast, projections to the oculomotor cerebellum in hummingbirds and zebra finches do not originate in the medial LM (as in pigeons) but instead largely arise from pretectal structures just medial, the nucleus laminaris precommissuralis and nucleus principalis precommissuralis. These species differences in projection patterns provide further evidence that optic flow circuits differ among bird species with distinct modes of flight.
Size Fractionation of Graphene Oxide via Solvent‐Mediated Consecutive Charge Manipulation and Investigation of the Size Effect as Hole Transporting Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Ungsoo , Choi Keunsu , Park Kwang Hyun , Lee Junghyun , Choi Yunseong , Seo Jihyung , Oh Nam Khen , Jung Seungon , Yang Hyemi , Lee Jun Hee , Yang Changduk , Park Hyesung
Published: April 2019

Although intensive research for graphene oxide (GO) has been conducted, the broad size distribution of as‐synthesized GO flakes still remains a challenging issue since flake size has a direct impact on the material properties and related applications. Herein, we propose a facile and scalable approach for the size fractionation of GO flakes by manipulating the surface charge of GO with an organic solvent‐mediated aqueous solution. Both the experimental and simulation results confirm that the dispersion of GO flakes is notably influenced by the bond strength with solvent, which is attributed by the charge amount of oxygen in solvent molecule. From the understanding of the dispersion mechanism, an optimal solvent for the size fractionation of GO flakes was determined and GO flakes were successfully sorted into various size groups with a narrow distribution. The effect of size fractionation on the material property and related application was confirmed through various analyses. Our results could bring significant advances in producing two‐dimensional materials with reliable and reproducible material properties toward practical applications.
First‐in‐Human Pharmacokinetics and Safety Study of GSK3008356, a Selective DGAT1 Inhibitor, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Okour Malek , Gress Angela , Zhu Xinyi , Rieman David , Lickliter Jason D. , Brigandi Richard A.
Published: April 2019

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes are involved in triglyceride (TG) biosynthesis. GSK3008356 is a potent and selective DGAT1 inhibitor that was administered orally in a 2‐part study as double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled single doses (SDs) and repeat doses (RDs) in healthy subjects to investigate its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety/tolerability. Gastrointestinal adverse events were considered drug related and increased with dose and when given as multiple doses. In the SD part (n = 80), GSK3008356 was dosed from 5 to 200 mg as single or multiple doses per day. In the RD part (n = 24), GSK3008356 was dosed twice daily at 1, 3, and 10 mg for 14 days. GSK3008356 was generally well tolerated in the SD and RD parts. With single doses, absorption was rapid (median tmax, 0.5–1.5 hours), whereas single‐day divided dosing resulted in higher tmax. Following 14‐day RD oral administration, GSK3008356 was also rapidly absorbed, with median tmax ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 hours on days 1 and 14. Estimated mean half‐life ranged from 1.5 to 4.6 hours with SDs and 1.3 to 2.1 hours with RDs. Exposure of GSK3008356 was largely dose proportional after RDs. At higher doses, there was a trend toward lower absolute postprandial TG level in some subjects.
Design of a blind quantization‐based audio watermarking scheme using singular value decomposition
Authors: Bhat K Vivekananda , Das Ashok Kumar , Lee Jong‐Hyouk
Published: April 2019

Watermarking is a mechanism in which owner of the audio file hides the watermark information into a audio for various applications. The identity of the owner of the audio file is hidden in the audio, which is known as watermark. In this article, a quantization‐based audio watermarking using singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed. The original audio signal is converted into non overlapping two dimensional matrix blocks. The SVD is applied to each block. The watermark is embedded into audio signal by quantization of largest singular value of the block. The watermark is extracted blindly without using original audio signal. Experimental results show the watermark's high imperceptibility in the audio signal and good performance against Stirmark as well as traditional signal processing attacks. Compared with other audio watermarking methods, our method has higher embedding capacity and robust against various traditional signal processing attacks.
Efficient Building Blocks for Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis of Spin Labeled Peptides for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Applications
Authors: Brodrecht Martin , Herr Kevin , Bothe Sarah , de Oliveira Marcos , Gutmann Torsten , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: April 2019

Specific spin labeling allows the site‐selective investigation of biomolecules by EPR and DNP enhanced NMR spectroscopy. A novel spin labeling strategy for commercially available Fmoc‐amino acids is developed. In this approach, the PROXYL spin label is covalently attached to the hydroxyl side chain of three amino acids hydroxyproline (Hyp), serine (Ser) and tyrosine (Tyr) by a simple three‐step synthesis route. The obtained PROXYL containing building‐blocks are N‐terminally protected by the Fmoc‐protection group, which makes them applicable for the use in solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). This approach allows the insertion of the spin label at any desired position during SPPS, which makes it more versatile than the widely used post synthetic spin labeling strategies. For the final building‐blocks, the radical activity is proven by EPR. DNP enhanced solid‐state NMR experiments employing these building‐blocks in a TCE solution show enhancement factors of up to 26 for 1H and 13C (1H→13C cross‐polarization). To proof the viability of the presented building‐blocks for insertion of the spin label during SPPS the penta‐peptide Acetyl‐Gly‐Ser(PROXYL)‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly was synthesized employing the spin labeled Ser building‐block. This peptide could successfully be isolated and the spin label activity proved by EPR and DNP NMR measurements, showing enhancement factors of 12.1±0.1 for 1H and 13.9±0.5 for 13C (direct polarization).
Processes and Their Limitations in Oxygen Depolarized Cathodes: A Dynamic Model‐Based Analysis
Authors: Röhe Maximilian , Kubannek Fabian , Krewer Ulrike
Published: April 2019

Oxygen depolarized cathodes (ODCs) are key components of alkaline fuel cells and metal–air batteries or of chlor‐alkaline electrolysis, but suffer from limited oxygen availability at the reaction zone. Dynamic analysis is a highly suitable approach to identify the underlying causes, especially the limiting steps and process interactions in such gas diffusion electrodes. Herein, a one‐dimensional, dynamic, three‐phase model for analyzing the oxygen reduction reaction in silver‐based ODCs is presented. It allows for a detailed evaluation of the electrochemical reaction, the mass transport processes, and their interaction. The model also reveals that the depletion of reactant oxygen in the liquid electrolyte is caused by the current‐dependent change of the gas–liquid equilibrium as the limiting subprocess. The phase equilibrium, in turn, depends on the slow mass transport of water and hydroxide ions in the liquid phase. Key parameters are the location or size of the gas–liquid interface within the electrode. Profiles of local concentrations and partial pressures of different species reveal a steep gradient of oxygen in the liquid phase, but no limitation in oxygen mass transport in the gas phase. Dynamic simulations with potential steps allowed the identification of different time constants to separate overlapping processes. Accordingly, the mass transport of water and hydroxide ions was identified as the slowest process that strongly influenced the dynamic response of all species, including oxygen, and of the current. The characteristic time constant of the mass transport of water and hydroxide ions across the liquid phase within the ODC is determined to be τ
≈0.176 s, whereas the time constant of oxygen mass transport into the reaction zone is several magnitudes smaller: τ
≈1.70×10−6 s. Finally, a sensitivity analysis confirms that the overall performance is best improved by adjusting mass transport properties in the liquid phase.
Microfluidic chip technology applied to fine‐needle aspiration cytology samples for IGH clonality assessment
Authors: Vigliar Elena , Pepe Francesco , Migliatico Ilaria , Nacchio Mariantonia , Cesaro Sonia , Della Pepa Roberta , Bellevicine Claudio , Malapelle Umberto , Fassan Matteo , Pane Fabrizio , Picardi Marco , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: April 2019

Background

Most cases of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can be diagnosed using a combination of fine‐needle cytology (FNC) and flow cytometry together with immunoglobulin light chain restriction and/or specific phenotypic profiles. However, 5%‐15% of B‐cell NHLs lack these specific diagnostic features. In such cases, the diagnosis of NHL may be supported by molecular clonality testing based on the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) assay of clonality by polyacrylamide heteroduplex analysis or by automated capillary electrophoresis via GeneScan analysis. Chip‐based microfluidic technology (MT), based on miniaturized parallel capillary electrophoresis structures, is a viable alternative to capillary electrophoresis analysis, being less costly and cumbersome. In this study, we evaluated the performance of MT platform in IGH clonality assessment in a series of lymph node FNC samples.

Methods

Thirty‐five consecutive lymph node FNCs were evaluated. In all cases, the first and the second passes were used to prepare a conventional smear and to collect material for flow cytometry analysis; residual material was collected for molecular clonality assessment, and PCR products were analyzed both by MT and GeneScan platforms.

Results

Molecular clonality assessment by MT had a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 76.9%; GeneScan analysis had a sensitivity of 88.8% and a specificity of 92.8%. The overall agreement between the two platforms was 85.7% (30/35).

Conclusions

MT analysis proved to be a viable technique for IGH clonality assessment on FNC samples. Should our data be confirmed in larger studies, the MT procedure may be suitable for routine diagnostic practice, even on cytological samples.
Sexual conflict in action: An antagonistic relationship between maternal and paternal sex allocation in the tammar wallaby, Notamacropus eugenii
Authors: Edwards Amy M. , Cameron Elissa Z. , Deakin Janine E. , Ezaz Tariq , Pereira Jorge C. , Ferguson‐Smith Malcolm A. , Robert Kylie A.
Published: April 2019

Sex ratio biases are often inconsistent, both among and within species and populations. While some of these inconsistencies may be due to experimental design, much of the variation remains inexplicable. Recent research suggests that an exclusive focus on mothers may account for some of the inconsistency, with an increasing number of studies showing variation in sperm sex ratios and seminal fluids. Using fluorescent in‐situ hybridization, we show a significant population‐level Y‐chromosome bias in the spermatozoa of wild tammar wallabies, but with significant intraindividual variation between males. We also show a population‐level birth sex ratio trend in the same direction toward male offspring, but a weaning sex ratio that is significantly female‐biased, indicating that males are disproportionately lost during lactation. We hypothesize that sexual conflict between parents may cause mothers to adjust offspring sex ratios after birth, through abandonment of male pouch young and reactivation of diapaused embryos. Further research is required in a captive, controlled setting to understand what is driving and mechanistically controlling sperm sex ratio and offspring sex ratio biases and to understand the sexually antagonistic relationship between mothers and fathers over offspring sex. These results extend beyond sex allocation, as they question studies of population processes that assume equal input of sex chromosomes from fathers, and will also assist with future reproduction studies for management and conservation of marsupials.
Estimating groundwater evapotranspiration by phreatophytes using combined water level and soil moisture observations
Authors: Wang Tian‐Ye , Yu Jing‐Jie , Wang Ping , Min Lei‐Lei , Pozdniakov Sergey P. , Yuan Guo‐Fu
Published: April 2019

One of the classical methods for estimating groundwater evapotranspiration (ETg) by phreatophytes is based on diurnal water table fluctuations (WTFs). This method was initially introduced by White in 1932 and has recently been improved. However, vegetation‐induced disequilibrium between groundwater and capillary fringe (CF) water is not considered under White's assumptions. In this study, we propose an approach that considers root‐driven water depletion in the CF using the soil moisture profile (hereafter referred to as the SMP method). The SMP method is demonstrated to perform equally well for both long‐term water table rises and declines. The apparent advantages of the SMP method over traditional WTF‐based methods include its greater effectiveness in revealing physical mechanisms and its omission of specific yield determination. However, appropriately determining the boundary condition, which is related to active root‐zone thickness, is crucial for the SMP method. Further development of the SMP method requires a deeper understanding of the interactions among roots, groundwater, and soil moisture.
Local and landscape drivers of aquatic‐to‐terrestrial subsidies in riparian ecosystems: a worldwide meta‐analysis
Authors: Lafage D. , Bergman E. , Eckstein R. L. , Österling E. M. , Sadler J. P. , Piccolo J. J.
Published: April 2019

Cross‐boundary fluxes of organisms and matter, termed “subsidies,” are now recognized to be reciprocal and of roughly equal importance for both aquatic and terrestrial systems, even if terrestrial input to aquatic ecosystems has received most attention. The magnitude of aquatic‐to‐terrestrial subsidies is well documented, but the drivers behind these subsidies and their utilization by terrestrial consumers are characteristically local‐scale studies, limiting the inferences that can be drawn for broader geographic scales. We therefore built and analyzed a database of stable isotope data extracted from 21 studies worldwide, to identify both landscape‐scale (catchment) and local‐scale (100‐m riparian zone) variables that may affect the diet of terrestrial predators in riparian ecosystems. Our meta‐analysis revealed a greater magnitude of aquatic‐to‐terrestrial subsidies (>50%) than previously reported, albeit with large geographic and inter‐annual variations. Moreover, we demonstrated a large effect of landscape‐scale factors on aquatic‐to‐terrestrial subsidies, particularly anthropogenic land use and tree cover. Local human population was the only relevant factor at the local scale. We also found that studies on landscape‐scale and anthropogenic land use effects on aquatic‐to‐terrestrial subsidies are strongly under‐represented in the ecological literature, which limits the general inferences that can currently be drawn about landscape effects. We suggest that landscape‐scale studies could improve our understanding of how land use and environmental change might influence future patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Electrochemical Detection of Free Chlorine Using Ni Metal Nanoparticles Combined with Multilayered Graphene Nanoshells
Authors: Kodera Fumihiro , Saito Ryou , Ishikawa Hiroya , Miyakoshi Akihiko , Umeda Minoru
Published: April 2019

An electrochemical detection of free chlorine using carbon‐metal (C−M) composite powder, with a nickel‐metal nanoparticle combined with a multilayered graphene nanoshell (Ni metal@multilayered graphene) as the main component, synthesized from CH4 via multimode microwave‐assisted catalytic decomposition, was studied. Morphological analysis of the C−M composite powder was performed by TEM–EDX and Raman spectroscopy. The C−M composite powder was packed in a porous microelectrode (PME), and its electrochemical activity with respect to free chlorine was evaluated using a potential sweep method. The C−M composite powder exhibited a sufficient activity against free chlorine. A current based on the reduction of free chlorine was observed in the potential < around+0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl. A linear relationship was observed between the current and the concentration.
The Effect of Supporting Electrolyte Concentration on Zinc Electrodeposition Kinetics from Methimazole Solutions
Authors: Nieszporek Jolanta , Gugała‐Fekner Dorota , Nieszporek Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

The kinetic parameters of Zn2+ ion electroreduction in sodium perchlorate used as the supporting electrolyte on the mercury electrode in the presence of methimazole were determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and DC polarography. The two‐stage nature of this process was demonstrated. Both steps are catalysed by a methimazole. The size of the acceleration effect depends on the concentrations of methimazole and the supporting electrolyte. The acceleration of the electrode process involves the formation of active complexes between the depolarizer ions and methimazole on the electrode surface. These complexes facilitate the exchange of charge between the electrode and zinc ions during electroreduction process. The change of the hydrating sphere of the zinc ion is also important here. This in turn depends on its oxidation state and the concentration of the supporting electrolyte.
Facile Non‐enzymatic Lactic Acid Sensor Based on Cobalt Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Chang Abdul Sattar , Memon Nusrat Naeem , Amin Sidra , Chang Fouzia , Aftab Umair , Abro Muhammad Ishaq , dad Chandio Ali , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Ibupoto Mazhar Hussain , Ansari Muhammad Akram , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: April 2019

In this study, we have investigated the effect of counter anions on the morphology of cobalt oxide nanostructures. The nanostructures of cobalt oxide are prepared by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The morphology of cobalt oxide nanostructure material was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the crystalline structure was studied by powder X‐ray diffraction technique. The cobalt oxide nanostructures exhibit the nanowire, lump, bundle of the nanowire and flower‐like morphologies. The XRD study has revealed a cubic phase of cobalt oxide nanostructures. The electro‐catalytic properties of cobalt oxide nanostructures were explored through cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques by sensing of lactic acid in the alkaline media. The cobalt oxide nanostructures prepared from cobalt nitrate have shown a well‐resolved redox peak. The proposed mechanism for the non‐enzymatic lactic acid sensor is elucidated by considering the morphology and cyclic voltammetry response. The limit of detection for the sensor was found to be 0.006 mM and it exhibits a linear range from 0.05–3 mM of lactic acid as shown by cyclic voltammetry. The amperometric response has shown the excellent current‐concentration response and the linear range of sensor was found to be 0.1 mM to 5.5 mM. The lactic acid sensor is stable, selective and can be used for practical applications. This study provides an excellent alternative analytical tool for the determination of lactic acid.
Enzyme‐free Cu2O@MnO2/GCE for Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Ouiram Tik , Moonla Chochanon , Preechaworapun Anchana , Tangkuaram Tanin
Published: April 2019

A novel composite material of copper (I) oxide at manganese (IV) oxide (Cu2O@MnO2), was synthesized and applied for modification on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface (Cu2O@MnO2/GCE) as a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor. The composite material was characterized regarding its structural and morphological properties, using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Cu2O@MnO2/GCE showed an excellent electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of H2O2 which provided a 0.56 s−1 charge transfer rate constant (Ks), 1.65×10−5 cm2 s−1 diffusion coefficient value (D), 0.12 mm2 electroactive surface area (Ae) and 1.04×10−8 mol cm−2 surface concentration (
). At the optimal condition, the constructed sensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.5 μM to 20 mM with a low limit of detection (63 nM, (S/N=3) and a good sensitivity of 256.33 μA mM−1 cm−2. It also presented high stability (ΔIresponse±15 %, n=100), repeatability (1.25 %RSD, n=10) and reproducibility (3.55 %RSD, n=10). The results indicated that the synthesized Cu2O@MnO2 was successfully used as a new platform for H2O2 sensing.
Disposable Amperometric Biosensor Based on Poly‐L‐lysine and Fe3O4 NPs‐chitosan Composite for the Detection of Tyramine in Cheese
Authors: Dalkıran Berna , Erden Pınar Esra , Kaçar Ceren , Kılıç Esma
Published: April 2019

An amperometric tyramine biosensor based on poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4NP) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed. PLL was formed on the SPCE by the electropolymerization of L‐lysine. Subsequently, Fe3O4NP suspension prepared in chitosan (CH) solution was casted onto the PLL/SPCE. Tyrosinase (Ty) enzyme was immobilized onto the modified Fe3O4−CH/PLL/SPCE and the electrode was coated with Nafion to fabricate the Ty/Fe3O4−CH/PLL/SPCE. Different techniques including scanning electron microscopy, chronoamperometry (i–t curve), cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were utilized to study the fabrication processes, electrochemical characteristics and performance parameters of the biosensor. The analytical performance of the tyramine biosensor was evaluated with respect to linear range, sensitivity, limit of detection, repeatability and reproducibility. The response of the biosensor to tyramine was linear between 4.9×10−7–6.3×10−5 M with a detection limit of 7.5×10−8 M and sensitivity of 71.36 μA mM−1 (595 μA mM−1 cm−2). The application of the developed biosensor for the determination of tyramine was successfully tested in cheese sample and mean analytical recovery of added tyramine in cheese extract was calculated as 101.2±2.1 %. The presented tyramine biosensor is a promising approach for tyramine analysis in real samples due to its high sensitivity, rapid response and easy fabrication.
Iodine‐mediated Oxidation of Resveratrol. An Electroanalytical Study Using Platinum and Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Gómez‐Monedero Beatriz , Jiménez‐Pérez Rebeca , González‐Sánchez María Isabel , Almagro Loreno , Valero Edelmira , Compton Richard G.
Published: April 2019

Resveratrol is a phenolic compound that shows important biological antioxidant activities. In this paper, the electrochemical oxidation of iodide in the presence of resveratrol was investigated using both platinum and glassy carbon electrodes. The experimental results showed a diffusion controlled process for the oxidation of iodide to iodine, followed by the chemical reaction of iodine with resveratrol. The possible applicability of iodine‐mediated reaction in the quantitative analysis of resveratrol was studied, obtaining sensitivities of 0.98±0.03 and 4.22±0.20 μAμM−1 cm−2 using platinum and glassy carbon electrodes, respectively. The resveratrol content in a sample obtained from the extracellular medium of elicited suspension‐cultured cells of Vitis vinifera was evaluated and compared with data obtained by HPLC analysis, with good correlations. The signal of other compounds that may be present in the samples or they are precursors of the biosynthesis of trans‐resveratrol (L‐ascorbic, glycine, saccharose, tyrosine, cinnamic acid and p‐coumaric acid) was also evaluated, which shows lower interferences when using glassy carbon electrodes.
Screen‐printed Electrode Modified with ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Detection of Acetylcholine
Authors: Beitollahi Hadi , Safaei Mohadeseh , Tajik Somayeh
Published: April 2019

In this paper a sensor to detect acetylcholine on the basis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles modified screen printed electrode (SPE) is reported. In the range 0.08–500.0 μM, with the detection limit of 0.024±0.001 μM, acquired anodic peak currents where shown to be linearly dependent on acetylcholine concentrations by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was proven that acetylcholine oxidation at adjusted electrode surface takes place at 100 mV potential less positive compared to an unadjusted screen printed electrode. The electron transfer coefficient (α=0.51) and diffusion coefficient (D=9.3×10−6 cm2/s) of acetylcholine oxidation were determined too. In addition, this original sensor possesses numerous benefits such as reproducibility, high stability and rapid response (20 s).
Biomimetic preparation of core‐shell structured surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate with antifouling ability, good stability, and reliable quantitative capability
Authors: Chen Na , Meng Xinyu , Ding Pan , Su Yuanyuan , Wang Houyu , He Yao
Published: April 2019

The fouling and stability are two most critical limiting factors for practical applications of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based microfluidic electrophoresis device. Herein, we present a novel biomimetic nanoengineering strategy to achieve a SERS substrate featuring antifouling ability, good stability, and reliable quantitative capability. Typically, by employing tea polyphenol as the reducing agent, the substrate made of silver core‐gold shell nanostructures in situ grown on silicon wafer surface is fabricated. The core‐shell nanostructures are further embedded with internal standard molecules. Remarkably, the fabricated substrate preserves distinct SERS effects, adaptable reproducibility, and reliable quantitative ability even if the substrate is incubated with 15% H2O2, 13% HNO3, or 108 CFU/mL bacteria, or suffered from 12‐day continuous vibration at 250 rpm/min in PBS buffer. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the DNA‐functionalized substrate is capable of precise quantification of Hg2+ with a limit of detection down to ca. 1 pM even in sewage water.
Nanoscaled porphyrinic metal–organic framework for photodynamic/photothermal therapy of tumor
Authors: Wang Shengyan , Chen Weihua , Jiang Chunhuan , Lu Lehui
Published: April 2019

Nanoagents achieving photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) combination treatment with improved therapeutic effect are highly desirable. However, the incorporation of both PDT and PTT into a single nanoagent often requires multistep fabrication process. Herein, we report that photoactive porphyrin ligands have been successfully introduced into Zn‐TCPP structure to construct the nanoagents that possesses photodynamic performance and photothermal performance simultaneously. Such a nanoagent enables the generation of single oxygen and heat under laser irradiation. Additionally, it exhibits satisfactory biocompatibility and high light toxicity against cancer cells. The current work provides a feasible approach to introduce both PDT and PTT into a single nanoplatform.
Sulfur Loaded by Nanometric Tin as a New Electrode for High‐Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Marangon Vittorio , Hassoun Jusef
Published: April 2019

Herein, a composite material formed by coating sulfur on nanometric tin is investigated as the cathode for high‐performance lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries. The study includes structural and morphological characterization performed by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy, as well as electrochemical investigation by means of voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic cycling in lithium cell. The data show an electrode reflecting the crystalline structure of S8 and Sn, with a suitable morphology that consists of micrometric sulfur particles surrounding a metallic core of nanometric tin. This particular configuration leads to optimal behavior in the lithium cell, with a highly reversible electrochemical process evolving between 1.9 and 2.8 V versus Li+/Li and low polarization. The S‐Sn composite shows a favorable electrode/electrolyte interphase having a resistance limited to few ohms after the first activation charge/discharge cycle in the Li/S cell, which allows suitable operation with excellent rate capability and limited capacity fading. Indeed, the cell shows an efficiency approaching 100% upon the first cycle, a maximum specific capacity of about 1200 mAh g−1 at C/10 rate, and still a relevant capacity value of about 700 mAh g−1 at the relatively high C‐rate of 2 C, with suitable retention upon 100 charge/discharge cycles.