bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização da comunidade San Nícolas del Cerrito, San Ignácio de Velasco, Bolívia
Authors: Costa Denildo da Silva , Souza Célia Alves de , Castrilon Solange Kimie Ikeda
Published: May 2019

A definição de cultura perpassa pelas estruturas de significações socialmente estabelecidas; logo, para sua compreensão, é necessário explorar o campo social. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os aspectos culturais e etnográficos, a organização social e a política da comunidade San Nícolas del Cerrito, localizada município de San Ignácio de Velasco, no Departamento de Santa Cruz, na Bolívia. Para tanto, foi empregada a a metodologia de observação participante e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Como resultados, destaca-se o surgimento da comunidade, oriunda do processo migratório de famílias que buscaram novas oportunidades e uma vida longe da opressão do Estado A população é composta por mais de trinta famílias, orientadas por uma estrutura herdada das Missões jesuítas do século XVIII. Dentre os atributos culturais, a comunidade ainda mantém tradições autóctones da etnia chiquitana (organização doméstica, a estrutura social, as práticas de cultivos e extrativismo), somada a uma rica diversidade de fauna e flora, influenciadas pela Laguna Marfil e por seus ambientes. Um aspecto de ênfase é a forte relação com a cultura brasileira, pela proximidade com a fronteira e, predominantemente, com a cidade de Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, município do estado do Mato Grosso.
Assessment of phenol compound removal from olive oil mill wastewater by using peroxidases extracted from radish and nettle leaves
Authors: Bouslimi Houda , Jouili Hager , Caçador Isabel , Sleimi Noomene
Published: May 2019

The aim of this work is to evaluate the degree of degradation phenolic compounds in olive mill wastewater (OMW), using crude plant peroxidases. In fact, OMW was treated with crude peroxidases extracted from radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and nettle (Urtica urens L.) leaves. A significant reduction of more than 60% of total phenols was observed in OMW incubated with peroxidase crude extract during seven days. The present chromatographic data obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) show that enzymatic treatment may change the composition of the polyphenols contained in the OMW. Thus, we observed a significant decrease in some phenolic acid levels, such as gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and hydroxytyrosol, and the disappearance of vanillic acid, compared to the non-treated OMW. Finally, phytotoxicity of the treated and non-treated OMW was tested by means of young sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus) grown in hydroponic medium. Our results showed that sunflower plants grow normally when the nutrient medium contains treated OMW; whereas they fade rapidly in the presence of non-treated OMW. We conclude that treatment of OMW with radish and nettle crude extracts could attenuate OMW phytotoxicity considerably.
Image based effective feature generation for protein structural class and ligand binding prediction
Authors: Sadique Nafees , Ahmed Al Amin Neaz , Islam Md Tajul , Pervage Md. Nawshad , Shatabda Swakkhar
Published: May 2019

Proteins are the building blocks of all cells in both human and all our living creatures of the world. Most of the work in the living organism is performed by Proteins. Proteins are polymers of amino acid monomers which are biomolecules or macromolecules. The tertiary structure of protein represents the three-dimensional shape of a protein. The functions, classification and binding sites are governed by protein’s tertiary structure. If two protein structures are alike then the two proteins can be of the same kind implying similar structural class and ligand binding properties. In this paper, we have used protein structure to generate effective features for applications in structural similarity to detect structural class and ligand binding. Firstly, we analyze the effectiveness of a group of image based features to predict the structural class of a protein. These features are derived from the image generated by the distance matrix of the tertiary structure of a given protein. They include local binary pattern histogram, Gabor filtered local binary pattern histogram, separate row multiplication matrix with uniform local binary pattern histogram, neighbour block subtraction matrix with uniform local binary pattern histogram and atom bond. The experiments were done on a standard benchmark dataset. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of these features over a large variety of supervised machine learning algorithms. Experiments suggest Random Forest is the best performing classifier on the selected dataset using the set of features. We believe the excellent performance of Hybrid LBP in terms of accuracy would motivate the researchers and practitioners to use it to identify protein structural class. To facilitate that, a classification model using Hybrid LBP is readily available for use at http://brl.uiu.ac.bd/PL/.

Protein-Ligand binding is accountable for managing the tasks of biological receptors that helps to cure diseases and many more. So, binding prediction between protein and ligand is important for understanding a protein’s activity or to accelerate docking computations in virtual screening-based drug design. Protein-Ligand Binding Prediction requires three-dimensional tertiary structure of the target protein to be searched for ligand binding. In this paper, we’ve proposed a supervised learning algorithm for predicting Protein-Ligand Binding which is a Similarity-Based Clustering approach using the same set of features. Our algorithm works better than most popular and widely used machine learning algorithms
Off-line and on-line optical monitoring of microalgal growth
Authors: Lazcano-Hernandez Hugo-Enrique , Aguilar Gabriela , Dzul Gabriela , Patiño Rodrigo , Arellano-Verdejo Javier
Published: May 2019

The growth of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalgae cultures was successfully monitored, from classic off-line optical techniques (optical density and fluorescence) to on-line analysis of digital images. In this study, it is shown that the chlorophyll fluorescence ratio F685/F740 has a linear correlation with the logarithmic concentration of microalgae. Moreover, with digital images, the biomass concentration was correlated with: the luminosity of the images through an exponential equation, and the length of penetration of a superluminescent blue beam (λ=440 nm), through an inversely proportional function. Outcomes of this study are useful to monitor both research and industrial microalgae cultures.
Applications of PDEs inpainting to magnetic particle imaging and corneal topography
Authors: Andrisani Andrea , Mininni Rosa Maria , Mazzia Francesca , Settanni Giuseppina , Iurino Alessandro , Tangaro Sabina , Tateo Andrea , Bellotti Roberto
Published: May 2019

In this work we propose a novel application of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) inpainting techniques to two medical contexts. The first one concerning recovering of concentration maps for superparamagnetic nanoparticles, used as tracers in the framework of Magnetic Particle Imaging. The analysis is carried out by two set of simulations, with and without adding a source of noise, to show that the inpainted images preserve the main properties of the original ones. The second medical application is related to recovering data of corneal elevation maps in ophthalmology. A new procedure consisting in applying the PDEs inpainting techniques to the radial curvature image is proposed. The images of the anterior corneal surface are properly recovered to obtain an approximation error of the required precision. We compare inpainting methods based on second, third and fourth-order PDEs with standard approximation and interpolation techniques.
HIV-1 integrase tetramers are the antiviral target of pyridine-based allosteric integrase inhibitors
Authors: Koneru Pratibha C , Francis Ashwanth C , Deng Nanjie , Rebensburg Stephanie V , Hoyte Ashley C , Lindenberger Jared , Adu-Ampratwum Daniel , Larue Ross C , Wempe Michael F , Engelman Alan N , Lyumkis Dmitry , Fuchs James R , Levy Ronald M , Melikyan Gregory B , Kvaratskhelia Mamuka
Published: May 2019

Allosteric HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors (ALLINIs) are a promising new class of antiretroviral agents that disrupt proper viral maturation by inducing hyper-multimerization of IN. Here we show that lead pyridine-based ALLINI KF116 exhibits striking selectivity for IN tetramers versus lower order protein oligomers. IN structural features that are essential for its functional tetramerization and HIV-1 replication are also critically important for KF116 mediated higher-order IN multimerization. Live cell imaging of single viral particles revealed that KF116 treatment during virion production compromises the tight association of IN with capsid cores during subsequent infection of target cells. We have synthesized the highly active (-)-KF116 enantiomer, which displayed EC50 of ~7 nM against wild type HIV-1 and ~10 fold higher, sub-nM activity against a clinically relevant dolutegravir resistant mutant virus suggesting potential clinical benefits for complementing dolutegravir therapy with pyridine-based ALLINIs.
Zhdanovshchina and the Ogolevets Affair
Authors: Tomoff Kiril
Published: May 2019

This chapter details the Composers' Union's reaction to the cultural bureaucracy during Andrei Zhdanov's ideological campaigns (the Zhdanovshchina, 1946–48). This period witnessed the disintegration of the theoretical congruence between the priorities of professionals and party ideologues, which had peaked during the war. Though the Composers' Union was not a direct target of the early phases of the Zhdanovshchina, professional leaders' ability to set their own professional agenda, so strong during the war, came under assault. They responded with a revealing two-part effort: first to preserve distinct professional and political spheres and then to use their control over the professional sphere to fulfill the tasks assigned to them according to the party's agenda. This effort shows the importance of agency in understanding how the profession operated. The professional leadership worked to keep political and professional spheres intact, but they did so as loyal party members.
“Most Respected Comrade . . .”
Authors: Tomoff Kiril
Published: May 2019

This chapter addresses the ubiquitous unofficial networks, primarily of patronage, that permeated the official bureaucracy. In the 1930s and 1940s, an elaborate bureaucratic apparatus emerged to administer the production and performance of music in the Soviet Union and provide for the material well-being of the musicians who produced and performed that music. For the second of these tasks, a subsidiary system of material support grew up within the bureaucracy. However, the official bureaucracy and related resource allocation institutions could not fulfill their respective tasks. As such, on a case-by-case basis, individuals could and did utilize unofficial networks to facilitate their negotiations through the official bureaucracy. At the same time, the existence of unofficial networks was a continual source of suspicion for those outside each one. The entire music system cannot be understood without coming to grips with the significance of these informal networks.
Conservation and sustainable use of the medicinal Leguminosae plants from Angola
Authors: Catarino Silvia , Duarte Maria Cristina , Costa Esperança , Carrero Paula Garcia , Romeiras Maria M.
Published: May 2019

Leguminosae is an economically important family that contains a large number of medicinal plants, many of which are widely used in African traditional medicine. Angola holds a great socio-cultural diversity and is one of the richest floristic regions of the world, with over 900 native Leguminosae species. This study is the first to assess the medicinal uses of the legumes in Angola and provides new data to promote the conservation and the sustainable use of these unique resources. We document the ethnobotanical knowledge on Angola by reviewing the most important herbarium collections and literature, complemented by recent field surveys. Our results revealed that 127 native legume species have medicinal uses and 65% of them have other important uses by local populations. The species with most medicinal applications areErythrina abyssinica, Bauhinia thonningiiandPterocarpus angolensis. The rich flora found in Angola suggests an enormous potential for discovery of new drugs with therapeutic value. However, the overexploitation and the indiscriminate collection of legumes for multiple uses such as forage, food, timber and medical uses, increases the threats upon the native vegetation. Efforts to assess the conservation status of these species are urgently needed, and future actions should promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants in Angola together with the implementation of conservation strategies.
Insecticidal spider toxins are high affinity positive allosteric modulators of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Chambers Chris , Cutler Penny , Huang Yen‐Hua , Goodchild James A. , Blythe Judith , Wang Conan K. , Bigot Aurélien , Kaas Quentin , Craik David J. , Sabbadin Davide , Earley Fergus G.
Published: May 2019

The insecticidal effects of ω‐hexatoxin‐Hv1a, κ‐hexatoxin‐Hv1c and ω/κ‐hexatoxin‐Hv1h are currently attributed to action at calcium and potassium channels. By characterizing the binding of these toxins to neuronal membranes, we show that they have more potent effects as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), consistent with their neuroexcitatory toxicology. Alanine scanning analysis of ω‐hexatoxin‐Hv1a reveals a structure–activity relationship for binding that mirrors that for insecticidal activity. Spinosyn A does not compete with ω‐hexatoxin‐Hv‐1a for binding, and we show that these two PAMs have distinct pharmacology of binding indicating that they act at different receptor populations. These toxins represent valuable tools for the characterization of insect nAChRs and for the development of more selective agrochemicals.
Low expression of WWC1, a tumor suppressor gene, is associated with aggressive breast cancer and poor survival outcome
Authors: Wang Zhanwei , Katsaros Dionyssios , Biglia Nicoletta , Shen Yi , Fu Yuanyuan , Tiirikainen Maarit , Yu Herbert
Published: May 2019

The WW and C2 domain containing 1 (WWC1) gene encodes a protein named WWC1 (or KIBRA), which is involved in the Hippo signaling pathway. WWC1 is often lost in triple‐negative breast cancer and has been shown to suppress tumor metastasis. In this study, 470 breast cancer patients were recruited and WWC1 expression in the tumor samples was measured with quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Associations of WWC1 expression with breast cancer survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. The relationship between WWC1 expression and methylation was evaluated in a dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using our microarray data on gene expression and the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we predicted the WWC1‐associated signaling pathways in breast cancer. Our results showed that low expression of WWC1 was significantly associated with advanced‐stage diseases, high‐grade tumors, and estrogen receptor‐ or progesterone receptor‐negative status. Compared to those with high expression, patients with low WWC1 had higher risk of breast cancer relapse [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–3.37] and higher risk of death (HR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.51–5.03). The association with relapse‐free survival remained significant after adjustment for disease stage, tumor grade, and hormone receptor status and was replicated in a public dataset. Analysis of high‐throughput gene expression data indicated that WWC1 was involved in the Hippo signaling pathway. Online data also suggested that DNA methylation was inversely associated with WWC1 expression. The study confirmed that low WWC1 expression was associated with aggressive breast cancer and poor survival outcomes.
Kinetic Resolution of Axially Chiral 2‐Nitrovinyl Biaryls Catalyzed by a Bifunctional Thiophosphinamide
Authors: Cui Liying , Wang Youming , Fan Zhijin , Li Zhengming , Zhou Zhenghong
Published: May 2019

An efficient kinetic resolution of axially chiral 2‐nitrovinyl biaryls was realized through organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of acetone to the nitroolefin moiety. Under the catalysis of a chiral thiophosphinamide derived from (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine, racemic 2‐nitrovinyl biaryls were converted into highly enantiomer‐enriched 2‐nitrovinyl biaryls in 13–44% yields and a pair of separable Michael addition products bearing both axial and central chiralities in excellent stereocontrol. This represents the first successful application of asymmetric Michael addition of nitroolefins in kinetic resolution of axially chiral biaryls.

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Interfacial Zinc Phosphate is the Key to Controlling Biocompatibility of Metallic Zinc Implants
Authors: Su Yingchao , Yang Hongtao , Gao Julia , Qin Yi‐Xian , Zheng Yufeng , Zhu Donghui
Published: May 2019

Recently emerged metallic zinc (Zn) is a new generation of promising candidates for bioresorbable medical implants thanks to its essential physiological relevance, mechanical strength, and more matched degradation pace to that of tissue healing. Zn‐based metals exhibit excellent biocompatibility in various animal models. However, direct culture of cells on Zn metals yields surprisingly low viability, indicating high cytotoxicity of Zn. This contradicting phenomenon should result from the different degradation mechanisms between in vitro and in vivo. To solve this puzzle, the roles of all major players, i.e., zinc phosphate (ZnP), zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2), pH, and Zn2+, which are involved in the degradation process are examined. Data shows that ZnP, not ZnO or Zn(OH)2, significantly enhances its biocompatibility. The mild pH change during degradation also has no significant impact on cell viability. Collectively, ZnP appears to be the key to controlling the biocompatibility of Zn implants and could be applied as a novel surface coating to improve biocompatibility of different implants.
Benefiting from Spontaneously Generated 2D/3D Bulk‐Heterojunctions in Ruddlesden−Popper Perovskite by Incorporation of S‐Bearing Spacer Cation
Authors: Yan Yajie , Yu Shuang , Honarfar Alireza , Pullerits Tõnu , Zheng Kaibo , Liang Ziqi
Published: May 2019

2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite solar cells have manifested superior operation durability yet inferior charge transport compared to their 3D counterparts. Integrating 3D phases with 2D RP perovskites presents a compromise to maintain respective advantages of both components. Here, the spontaneous generation of 3D phases embedded in 2D perovskite matrix is demonstrated at room temperature via introducing S‐bearing thiophene−2−ethylamine (TEA) as both spacer and stabilizer of inorganic lattices. The resulting 2D/3D bulk heterojunction structures are believed to arise from the compression‐induced epitaxial growth of the 3D phase at the grain boundaries of the 2D phase through the Pb−S interaction. The as‐prepared 2D TEA perovskites exhibit longer exciton diffusion length and extended charge carrier lifetime than the paradigm 2D phenylethylamine (PEA)‐based analogues and hence demonstrate an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 7.20% with significantly increased photocurrent. Dual treatments by NH4Cl and dimethyl sulfoxide are further applied to ameliorate the crystallinity and crystal orientation of 2D perovskites. Consequently, TEA‐based devices exhibit a stabilized efficiency over 11% with negligible hysteresis and display excellent ambient stability without encapsulation by preserving 80% efficiency after 270 h storage in air with 60 ± 5% relative humidity at 25 °C.
Impact of the partnership between Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery, Society of Surgical Oncology, and Annals of Surgical Oncology
Authors: McMasters Kelly M.
Published: May 2019

The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) and its official journal, Annals of Surgical Oncology, have had a very important and successful partnership with the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS). This partnership has advanced our missions of promoting high‐quality surgical science focused on improving patient outcomes.
A novel biallelic loss‐of‐function mutation in TMCO1 gene confirming and expanding the phenotype spectrum of cerebro‐facio‐thoracic dysplasia
Authors: Sharkia Rajech , Zalan Abdelnaser , Jabareen‐Masri Azhar , Hengel Holger , Schöls Ludger , Kessel Amit , Azem Abdussalam , Mahajnah Muhammad
Published: May 2019

The main clinical features of cerebro‐facio‐thoracic dysplasia (CFTD) syndrome, which were described over four decades ago, include facial dysmorphism, multiple malformations of the vertebrae and ribs, and intellectual disability. Recently, a TMCO1 gene mutation was shown to be responsible for an autosomal recessive CFTD syndrome characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism, skeletal anomalies, and intellectual disability. In the current report, we describe two members of a consanguineous family from an Arab community in Israel who were clinically diagnosed as suffering from craniofacial dysmorphism, skeletal anomalies, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Both affected siblings had behavioral difficulties such as anxiety and emotional instability with impulsive behaviors. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a homozygous stop‐gain mutation NM_019026.4: c.616C > T; p.(Arg206*) in exon 6 of the TMCO1 gene. Bioinformatics analysis suggested a structural model for the TMCO1 protein and its homologues. The clinical features of our patients were compared with those of the only other five studies available in the literature. We conclude that this mutation in the TMCO1 gene is responsible for the various clinical manifestations of CFTD syndrome exhibited by the patients studied that expand the phenotypic spectrum of the disease to include epilepsy as a characteristic feature of this syndrome.
Biallelic variant in AGTPBP1 causes infantile lower motor neuron degeneration and cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Karakaya Mert , Paketci Cem , Altmueller Janine , Thiele Holger , Hoelker Irmgard , Yis Uluc , Wirth Brunhilde
Published: May 2019

Infantile hereditary lower motor neuron disorders beyond 5q–spinal muscular atrophy (5q‐SMA) are usually caused by mutations other than deletions or mutations in SMN1. In addition to motor neuron degeneration, further neurologic or multisystemic pathologies in non‐5q‐SMAs are not seldom. Some of the non‐5q‐SMA phenotypes, such as pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH1), have been classified later as a different disease group due to distinctive primary pathologies. Likewise, a novel phenotype, childhood‐onset neurodegeneration with cerebellar atrophy (CONDCA) has been described recently in individuals with lower motor neuron disorder and cerebellar atrophy due to biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in AGTPBP1 that encodes cytosolic carboxypeptidase 1 (CCP1). Here we present two individuals with CONDCA in whom a biallelic missense AGTPBP1 variant (NM_001330701.1:c.2396G>T, p.Arg799Leu) was identified by whole exome sequencing. Affected individuals in this report correspond to the severe infantile spectrum of the disease and underline the severe pathogenic effect of this missense variant. This report is the second in the literature that delineates the pathogenic effects of biallelic AGTPBP1 variants presenting the recently described CONDCA disease.
Tetralithio Metalla‐aromatics with Two Independent Perpendicular Dilithio Aromatic Rings Spiro‐fused by One Manganese Atom
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Wei Junnian , Zhu Miaomiao , Chi Yue , Zhang Wen‐Xiong , Ye Shengfa , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: May 2019

Herein, we present the realization of a class of unprecedented aromatic structures 2: metalla‐aromatics with two independent and perpendicular aromatic rings spiro‐fused by a transition‐metal spiro atom, of which their corresponding organic analogues are impossible. Tetralithio spiro manganacycles 2 are readily synthesized from 1,4‐dilithio‐1,3‐butadienes 1 and MnCl2 in the presence of lithium. The aromaticity of 2 is supported by experimental measurements (X‐ray structural analysis, NMR) and theoretical analyses (NICS, ACID, MOs). The spiro atom Mn in 2 uses its 3dxz and 3dxy orbitals to form the two perpendicular manganacycles, which are two independent 6π aromatic systems. Theoretical analyses reveal that the Li cations play an indispensable role in governing their geometric and electronic structures and hence their aromaticity. Therefore, this work contributes not only to enrich the concept of aromaticity, but also to deepen the understanding of the fundamental chemical bonding.
C−H and C−F Bond Activation Reactions of Fluorinated Propenes at Rhodium: Distinctive Reactivity of the Refrigerant HFO‐1234yf
Authors: Talavera Maria , von Hahmann Cortney N. , Müller Robert , Ahrens Mike , Kaupp Martin , Braun Thomas
Published: May 2019

The reaction of [Rh(H)(PEt3)3] (1) with the refrigerant HFO‐1234yf (2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) affords an efficient route to obtain [Rh(F)(PEt3)3] (3) by C−F bond activation. Catalytic hydrodefluorinations were achieved in the presence of the silane HSiPh3. In the presence of a fluorosilane, 3 provides a C−H bond activation followed by a 1,2‐fluorine shift to produce [Rh{(E)‐C(CF3)=CHF}(PEt3)3] (4). Similar rearrangements of HFO‐1234yf were observed at [Rh(E)(PEt3)3] [E=Bpin (6), C7D7 (8), Me (9)]. The ability to favor C−H bond activation using 3 and fluorosilane is also demonstrated with 3,3,3‐trifluoropropene. Studies are supported by DFT calculations.
Effect of surface area of nanosilica particles on the cure kinetics parameters of an epoxy resin system
Authors: Nikzamir Mahdieh , Mortezaei Mehrzad , Jahani Mehran
Published: May 2019

Knowing of thermoset curing kinetics is essential for process development, quality control, and achieving desirable products. Hence, in this article, cure kinetics of an EPON 828 epoxy resin/dicyandiamide curing agent/diuron accelerator system is investigated. This resin system is usually used for the production of epoxy/glass fiber prepregs used in wind turbine blades. For this, differential scanning calorimetry analysis is used and the effect of temperature, weight percentage, and size of nanosilica is studied by conducting isothermal tests at several temperatures for samples with and without nanoparticles. An autocatalytic curing model is applied to describe the cure kinetic of system and then the variations in model parameters calculated by curve fitting using the MATLAB software. The results show that the increase in temperature, weight percentage of nanosilica from 0 to 6%, and surface area of nanosilica particles lead to the increase in curing rate, whereas the increase in the percentage and surface area of nanosilica particles significantly decreases total heat of reaction. At the end, the relation between each of model parameters and the total surface area of nanosilica particles, calculated by mathematical equations, is obtained. The allowable maximum surface area of nanosilica used in the mathematical equations is 12 m2 g−1. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47958.
Gel hybrid copolymer of organic palygorskite and methyl methacrylate electrolyte coated onto Celgard 2325 applied in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tian Lanlan , Xiong Lian , Huang Chao , Wang Mengkun , Zhang Hairong , Chen Xinde
Published: May 2019

Separator is a critical component in the rechargeable lithium‐ion battery. The continuous improvement in the performance of the separator is usually focused on reducing its thermal shrinkage and improving ionic conductivity. A new composite separator poly(organic Pal‐co‐methyl methacrylate) [p(OPal‐MMA)@CPM] was developed by coating the hybrid polymer [p(OPal‐MMA)] of organic palygorskite and MMA onto both sides of a Celgard 2325 [polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene /PP, CPM] in this research. The ionic conductivity and liquid electrolyte uptake of the p(OPal‐MMA)@CPM were dramatically improved compared to CPM. The thermal shrinkage percentage of the composite separators was significant decreased compared to the pure CPM. The Li+ transference number of Li/p(OPal‐MMA)@CPM/Li cell (0.893) was higher than that of Li/CPM/Li cell (0.483). Lithium iron phosphate/p(OPal‐MMA)@CPM/Li cell showed high capacity on charge–discharge cycles compared with poly(MMA) and CPM. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47970.
Rheology and sheet extrusion of Novatein thermoplastic protein/polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate blends
Authors: Verbeek Casparus J.R. , Smith Matthew J. , Cozens Wade C.
Published: May 2019

Novatein is a thermoplastic polymer made from blood meal proteins, but it has rheological properties very different from commodity thermoplastics. Capillary rheometry revealed an apparent time dependent shear viscosity for Novatein, evident from a decreasing pressure drop over time, measured at constant shear rate. However, blending with polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate (PBAT) reduced the time dependence for uncompatibilized blends and virtually eliminated time dependence for compatibilized blends containing 30 wt % PBAT. Novatein's extensional viscosity is three orders of magnitude more than its shear viscosity and explained the difficulty in sheet extrusion. In contrast, 30% compatibilized blends had an extensional viscosity similar to neat PBAT and was also the only blend that could be successfully sheet extruded. Although uncompatibilized blends at the same or lower PBAT content also had a lower extensional viscosity, they could not be sheet extruded and the difference was the 30% compatibilized blends had a fine PBAT phase structure (co‐continuous in this case), which was sufficiently adhered to the Novatein phase. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47977.
Effect of polyurethane sizing agent on interface properties of carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites
Authors: Zhang Weisu , Yang Changling , Yao Lili , Li Zhihao , Li Shengxia , Lu Yonggen
Published: May 2019

This work is aimed at investigating how molecule structure of polyurethanes (PUs) as sizing agents influence the interface properties of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites. Effects of four PUs as sizing agents for CF on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of CF reinforced PC composites are investigated. It is found that the three PUs except PC–PU as sizing agents on oxidized CF (OCF) made the ILSS of their reinforced PC composites increase up to 62.9 MPa by more than 24.8%. The chemical interaction between PU sizing agents and CF are attributed to high reactivity of isocyanate, but carbonate groups on PC–PU may have a chain unzipping reaction due to active groups on the surface of OCF. The chemical interaction between PU sizing agents and PC are attributed to transesterification. As a result, PUs containing isocyanate or polyester groups are ideal sizing agents for CF reinforced PC composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47982.
Dielectric properties and energy‐storage performance of two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide nanosheets/polyimide composite films
Authors: Cheng Dekang , Wang Huan , Liu Bin , Wang Shan , Li Yang , Xia Yushuang , Xiong Chuanxi
Published: May 2019

Flexible dielectric materials with high electric energy density and high‐temperature resistant characteristic are of great importance for modern electronics and electrical systems. Herein, two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets were efficiently produced via liquid‐phase exfoliation and then incorporated into polyimide (PI) to prepare MoS2/PI dielectric nanocomposites. Compared to the pristine PI, MoS2/PI nanocomposite films exhibited much larger dielectric permittivity while their dielectric losses still maintained relatively low levels. On the other hand, the Weibull breakdown strength of these nanocomposite films initially increased and then decreased with the increase in the MoS2 content and gave rise to a maximum value of 395 MV m−1 at 1 vol % loading. Combination of the improved dielectric permittivity and breakdown strength makes the MoS2/PI nanocomposite film with 1 vol % MoS2 possess an elevated energy density of about 3.35 J cm−3. Moreover, good tensile and thermal properties of the nanocomposite films hold great promise for their applications in high‐temperature and harsh conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47991.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case for Initiating Trials
Authors: Kello Nina , Anderson Erik , Diamond Betty
Published: May 2019

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is an insidious and underdiagnosed manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that has a considerable impact on quality of life, which can be devastating. Given the inconsistencies in the modes of assessment and the difficulties in attribution to SLE, the reported prevalence of CD ranges from 5% to 80%. Although clinical studies of SLE‐related CD have been hampered by heterogeneous subject populations and a lack of sensitive and standardized cognitive tests or other validated objective biomarkers for CD, there are, nonetheless, strong data from mouse models and from the clinical arena that show CD is related to known disease mechanisms. Several cytokines, inflammatory molecules, and antibodies have been associated with CD. Proposed mechanisms for antibody‐ and cytokine‐mediated neuronal injury include the abrogation of blood–brain barrier integrity with direct access of soluble molecules in the circulation to the brain and ensuing neurotoxicity and microglial activation. No treatments for SLE‐mediated CD exist, but potential candidates include agents that inhibit microglial activation, such as angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, or that protect blood–brain barrier integrity, such as C5a receptor blockers. Structural and functional neuroimaging data have shown a range of regional abnormalities in metabolism and white matter microstructural integrity in SLE patients that correlate with CD and could in the future become diagnostic tools and outcome measures in clinical trials aimed at preserving cognitive function in SLE.
Revisiting personal information management through information practices with activity tracking technology
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Agosto Denise E.
Published: May 2019

Personal information management (PIM) is an interdisciplinary research area with established theoretical foundations from information science and applied empirical research from human‐computer interaction (HCI). The increasingly popular activity tracking technology (ATT) has given rise to a new type of personal information about one's daily physical activities, which has not been scrutinized under theoretical frameworks in PIM. This article presents an in‐depth qualitative interview study supplemented by participant‐driven photo elicitation with 20 long‐term activity tracker users about how they manage personal information generated by ATT. Key findings include the identification of two distinctive user groups (i.e., consistent casual users and powers users) among long‐term activity tracker users and an in‐depth portrayal of these groups' PIM behaviors with ATT. These behaviors include concurrent and subsequent PIM practices, 6 types of PIM activities, and the use of a spectrum of PIM tools. This research provides timely theoretical updates to PIM under the background of self‐tracking technologies, outlines empirical implications to improve ATT in support of PIM, and offers recommendations for incorporating participant‐driven photo elicitation as a supplementary method for qualitative interviews in information behavior research.
Egocentric biases and atypical generosity in autistic individuals
Authors: Tei Shisei , Fujino Junya , Itahashi Takashi , Aoki Yuta , Ohta Haruhisa , Kubota Manabu , Hashimoto Ryu‐ichiro , Nakamura Motoaki , Kato Nobumasa , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: May 2019

Individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) often experience difficulty and confusion in acknowledging others' perspectives and arguably exhibit egocentricity. However, whether this egocentricity necessarily results in selfish behavior during social situations remains a matter of debate. To study this relationship, we used computerized visuospatial perspective‐taking task (VPT) and social‐discounting task (SDT), derived from cognitive psychology and behavioral economics, and examined egocentric and other‐oriented judgments in participants with ASCs (mean age 29.0 ± 4.2 years) and a group of matched typically developing (TD) controls (30.8 ± 8.5). The response time in VPT showed altered perspective‐taking in the ASCs group compared with the TD group that involved in enhanced self‐other intrusion and condition‐insensitive response. Regardless of self/other perspective judgments, responses were relatively slower and consistent in duration in the ASCs group compared with the TD group. Social discounting was attenuated rather than steep discounting in the ASCs group. Their discounting was comparatively more consistent, irrespective of the task condition (i.e., self‐other closeness‐level). In effect, ASCs group exhibited more generous decisions than the TD group in this task. Finally, those with more egocentric perspective intrusion in VPT paradoxically showed more generous behaviors in SDT in the ASCs group. Our findings suggest that having ASCs does not always exhibit selfish behavior during interpersonal communication. Reduced flexibility in distinguishing self/other perspective and shifting decision‐rules might account for this unique relationship between egocentricity and apparently generous behaviors. These results extend the recent suggestion that more careful attention should be paid to the idea of egocentricity in individuals with ASCs. Autism Res 2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We aimed to examine whether seeing the world from another person's point of view and being generous toward other people are related in autistic and nonautistic people. We used a visual perspective‐taking task and a social task in which individuals made decisions about how to divide a sum of money with others. Our results suggest that being autistic does not always make someone bad at seeing the world from another's viewpoint, and that autistic people may make fairer social decisions toward unfamiliar people because of lower bias.
The role of genetic variation in DGKK on moderate and severe hypospadias
Authors: Richard Melissa A. , Sok Pagna , Canon Stephen , Brown Austin L. , Peckham‐Gregory Erin C. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Ehli Erik A. , Kallsen Noah A. , Peyton Shanna A. , Davies Gareth E. , Patel Ashay , Zamilpa Ismael , Wyatt Richard A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Recent genome‐wide association studies of hypospadias have implicated the role of genetic variants in or near the diacylglycerol kinase kappa (DGKK) gene. However, these variants are largely identified among samples of mild and moderate hypospadias cases. Therefore, we evaluated previously identified DGKK variants among second‐ and third‐degree hypospadias cases and controls recruited in Arkansas, a state characterized by a high birth prevalence of hypospadias.

Methods

Second‐ and third‐degree hypospadias non‐Hispanic white cases (n = 36 and n = 9, respectively) and controls (n = 45) were recruited at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Preputial tissue was collected on cases and controls between 2013 and 2017. Cases and controls were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array. We used logistic regression models to assess the association of genotyped and imputed genetic variants mapped to the DGKK region with second‐ and third‐degree hypospadias.

Results

All families self‐reported as non‐Hispanic white and genetic principal component analyses did not demonstrate evidence of population stratification. Five DGKK variants previously reported as associated with hypospadias were identified in the genotype data. None of the variants were associated with second‐ or third‐degree hypospadias (range of odds ratios = 0.7–0.9, all p > .05).

Conclusions

In our analyses, genetic variation in DGKK does not play a role in the development of moderate and severe hypospadias. Our findings provide support to the etiologic heterogeneity of hypospadias by all classifications of severity.
Universal tumor screening for Lynch syndrome: Perceptions of Canadian pathologists and genetic counselors of barriers and facilitators
Authors: Dicks Elizabeth , Pullman Daryl , Kao Ken , MacMillan Andrée , Logan Gabrielle S. , Simmonds Charlene , Etchegary Holly
Published: May 2019

Background

People at risk of developing hereditary cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome (LS) can be identified through universal screening of colorectal tumors. However, tumor screening practices are variable across Canada and few studies explore the perspectives of genetic counselors and pathologists about tumor screening. This study was conducted to better understand the barriers and facilitators of implementing universal tumor screening in health centers across Canada.

Methods

An online survey about tumor screening programs was administered to genetic counselors and pathologists across Canada through communication channels of professional organizations. It was hosted on SurveyMonkey and accessible from October 2016 to March 2017.

Results

Barriers to tumor screening included a lack of sustainable resources, including funding and genetic counselors. Respondents strongly identified the need for a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to program planning with the “right people at the table.” Respondents currently with a screening program provided advice such as carefully designing the program structure, developing patient and family follow‐up protocols, and ensuring adequate resources (funding, staff, training for providers) were available prior to program initiation.

Conclusion

There is no national approach to universal tumor screening in Canada. However, future efforts can be informed by the experiences of those centers that have already created a universal tumor screening program for LS. These data suggest the need for an interdisciplinary approach, initial and sustained funding, and careful advanced planning of program structures and policies.
Towards Light‐Activated Ruthenium–Arene (RAPTA‐Type) Prodrug Candidates
Authors: Renfrew Anna K. , Karges Johannes , Scopelliti Rosario , Bobbink Felix D. , Nowak‐Sliwinska Patrycja , Gasser Gilles , Dyson Paul J.
Published: May 2019

Cancer is currently one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Based on the high incidence of this disease, the side effects associated with current chemotherapies and the appearance of drug resistance, considerable efforts have been directed towards the development of new anticancer drugs with new modes of action. Metal‐based compounds are particularly attractive candidates due to their metabolic mechanisms, which differ substantially from those of organic drugs. Of special interest in this context are organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(η6‐arene)(pta)Cl2] (arene: p‐cymene, toluene, benzene, etc.; pta: 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane), which are abbreviated to RAPTA. Complementary to chemotherapy, photoactivated chemotherapy is a technique that has received increasing attention towards the development of treatment for numerous kinds of cancer. With this in mind, a photoactive RAPTA‐type complex bearing azide ligands has been designed. The diazide complex, [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene)pta‐(N3)2], is inert in water, but slowly releases the azide ligand upon exposure to light. Consequently, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complex in the dark and upon light exposure at λ=450 nm in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and noncancerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE‐1) cells was investigated. Although the cytotoxicity of the complex was found to be modest in the dark, an increase in toxicity upon light exposure was observed.
Effect of debranning process on deoxynivalenol content in whole‐wheat flours
Authors: Tibola Casiane Salete , Guarienti Eliana Maria , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Nicolau Marcio , Devos Rafaela Julyana Barboza , Teixeira Daniela Dalbosco
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

Post‐harvest mitigation strategies are essential to reduce mycotoxin contamination in wheat‐based foods. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the debranning process on the deoxynivalenol content in whole‐wheat flour naturally contaminated by Fusarium spp. Thirty commercial wheat samples were used and were obtained in Southern Brazil Region in 2015 crop season.

Findings

The highest DON contamination level was found in the no‐debranned samples and the outermost fraction (extraction rate >95%), which corresponds to the debranning time of 15 s. When all debranning times were included in the analysis, only the samples from Paraná State had the DON content significantly reduced after the debranning.

Conclusions

The debranning process reduced the DON content in whole‐wheat flour with lower to moderate levels of contamination, corresponding to DON content of 1.032 and 1.174 µg/kg, obtained in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul States, respectively.

Significance and novelty

These results are important for wheat supply chain to meet the legislation requirements and to produce safer foods.
Conversion of Carbonyl Compounds to Olefins via Enolate Intermediate
Authors: Cao Zhi‐Chao , Xu Pei‐Lin , Luo Qin‐Yu , Li Xiao‐Lei , Yu Da‐Gang , Fang Huayi , Shi Zhang‐Jie
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A general and efficient protocol to synthesize substituted olefins from carbonyl compounds via nickel catalyzed C—O activation of enolates was developed. Besides ketones, aldehydes were also suitable substrates for the presented catalytic system to produce di‐ or tri‐ substituted olefins. It is worth noting that this approach exhibited good tolerance to highly reactive tertiary alcohols, which could not survive in other reported routes for converting carbonyl compounds to olefins. This method also showed good regio‐ and stereo‐selectivity for olefin products. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction was accomplished through nickel catalyzed C—O activation of enolates, thus offering helpful contribution to current enol chemistry.
Single‐Crystalline Organoiridium Complex for Gas‐Triggered Chromogenic Switches and Its Applications on CO Detection and Reversible Scavenging
Authors: Sun Li‐Ying , An Yuan‐Yuan , Ma Li‐Li , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Nonporous molecular single crystals of coordinatively unsaturated 16‐electron metallacycle are found to undergo highly selective – yet reversible – binding of CO over CH4, H2, N2, CO2, various volatile organic compounds and water, through binding of the molecule to its metal centers. Carbon monoxide is taken up by black crystals and subsequently liberated from the corresponding orange CO adduct by reversible metal coordination, the structural evidence obtained from in situ X‐ray diffraction. The single‐crystallinity of the metallacycle is retained even after several cycles. The material, when adsorbed on silica, shows remarkable sensitivity and selectivity for CO, allowing visual CO sensing in the solid state. The metallacycle offer the possibility of serving as readily regenerable scavenger for removing trace CO from gas mixtures with N2.