bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compensatory evolution drives multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Central Asia
Authors: Merker Matthias , Barbier Maxime , Cox Helen , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Feuerriegel Silke , Kohl Thomas Andreas , Diel Roland , Borrell Sonia , Gagneux Sebastien , Nikolayevskyy Vladyslav , Andres Sönke , Nübel Ulrich , Supply Philip , Wirth Thierry , Niemann Stefan
Published: October 2018

Bacterial factors favoring the unprecedented multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) epidemic in the former Soviet Union remain unclear. We utilized whole genome sequencing and Bayesian statistics to analyze the evolutionary history, temporal emergence of resistance and transmission networks of MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan (2001–2006). One clade (termed Central Asian outbreak, CAO) dating back to 1974 (95% HPD 1969–1982) subsequently acquired resistance mediating mutations to eight anti-TB drugs. Introduction of standardized WHO-endorsed directly observed treatment, short-course in Karakalpakstan in 1998 likely selected for CAO-strains, comprising 75% of sampled MDR-TB isolates in 2005/2006. CAO-isolates were also identified in a published cohort from Russia (2008–2010). Similarly, the presence of mutations supposed to compensate bacterial fitness deficits was associated with transmission success and higher drug resistance rates. The genetic make-up of these MDR-strains threatens the success of both empirical and standardized MDR-TB therapies, including the newly WHO-endorsed short MDR-TB regimen in Uzbekistan.
Ryanodine receptor dispersion disrupts Ca2+ release in failing cardiac myocytes
Authors: Kolstad Terje R , van den Brink Jonas , MacQuaide Niall , Lunde Per Kristian , Frisk Michael , Aronsen Jan Magnus , Norden Einar S , Cataliotti Alessandro , Sjaastad Ivar , Sejersted Ole M , Edwards Andrew G , Lines Glenn Terje , Louch William E
Published: October 2018

Reduced cardiac contractility during heart failure (HF) is linked to impaired Ca2+ release from Ryanodine Receptors (RyRs). We investigated whether this deficit can be traced to nanoscale RyR reorganization. Using super-resolution imaging, we observed dispersion of RyR clusters in cardiomyocytes from post-infarction HF rats, resulting in more numerous, smaller clusters. Functional groupings of RyR clusters which produce Ca2+ sparks (Ca2+ release units, CRUs) also became less solid. An increased fraction of small CRUs in HF was linked to augmented ‘silent’ Ca2+ leak, not visible as sparks. Larger multi-cluster CRUs common in HF also exhibited low fidelity spark generation. When successfully triggered, sparks in failing cells displayed slow kinetics as Ca2+ spread across dispersed CRUs. During the action potential, these slow sparks protracted and desynchronized the overall Ca2+ transient. Thus, nanoscale RyR reorganization during HF augments Ca2+ leak and slows Ca2+ release kinetics, leading to weakened contraction in this disease.
Adipose tissues of MPC1± mice display altered lipid metabolism-related enzyme expression levels
Authors: Zou Shiying , Zhu Liye , Huang Kunlun , Luo Haoshu , Xu Wentao , He Xiaoyun
Published: October 2018

Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1) is a component of the MPC1/MPC2 heterodimer that facilitates the transport of pyruvate into mitochondria. Pyruvate plays a central role in carbohydrate, fatty, and amino acid catabolism. The present study examined epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and intrascapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) from MPC1± mice following 24 weeks of feeding, which indicated low energy accumulation as evidenced by low body and eWAT weight and adipocyte volume. To characterize molecular changes in energy metabolism, we analyzed the transcriptomes of the adipose tissues using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). The results showed that the fatty acid oxidation pathway was activated and several genes involved in this pathway were upregulated. Furthermore, qPCR and western blotting indicated that numerous genes and proteins that participate in lipolysis were also upregulated. Based on these findings, we propose that the energy deficiency caused by reduced MPC1 activity can be alleviated by activating the lipolytic pathway.
Uncovering full-length transcript isoforms of sugarcane cultivar Khon Kaen 3 using single-molecule long-read sequencing
Authors: Piriyapongsa Jittima , Kaewprommal Pavita , Vaiwsri Sirintra , Anuntakarun Songtham , Wirojsirasak Warodom , Punpee Prapat , Klomsa-ard Peeraya , Shaw Philip J. , Pootakham Wirulda , Yoocha Thippawan , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Tongsima Sissades , Tragoonrung Somvong
Published: October 2018

Background

Sugarcane is an important global food crop and energy resource. To facilitate the sugarcane improvement program, genome and gene information are important for studying traits at the molecular level. Most currently available transcriptome data for sugarcane were generated using second-generation sequencing platforms, which provide short reads. The de novo assembled transcripts from these data are limited in length, and hence may be incomplete and inaccurate, especially for long RNAs.

Methods

We generated a transcriptome dataset of leaf tissue from a commercial Thai sugarcane cultivar Khon Kaen 3 (KK3) using PacBio RS II single-molecule long-read sequencing by the Iso-Seq method. Short-read RNA-Seq data were generated from the same RNA sample using the Ion Proton platform for reducing base calling errors.

Results

A total of 119,339 error-corrected transcripts were generated with the N50 length of 3,611 bp, which is on average longer than any previously reported sugarcane transcriptome dataset. 110,253 sequences (92.4%) contain an open reading frame (ORF) of at least 300 bp long with ORF N50 of 1,416 bp. The mean lengths of 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions in 73,795 sequences with complete ORFs are 1,249 and 1,187 bp, respectively. 4,774 transcripts are putatively novel full-length transcripts which do not match with a previous Iso-Seq study of sugarcane. We annotated the functions of 68,962 putative full-length transcripts with at least 90% coverage when compared with homologous protein coding sequences in other plants.

Discussion

The new catalog of transcripts will be useful for genome annotation, identification of splicing variants, SNP identification, and other research pertaining to the sugarcane improvement program. The putatively novel transcripts suggest unique features of KK3, although more data from different tissues and stages of development are needed to establish a reference transcriptome of this cultivar.
Comparative functional analysis of proteins containing low-complexity predicted amyloid regions
Authors: Kumari Bandana , Kumar Ravindra , Chauhan Vipin , Kumar Manish
Published: October 2018

Background

In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins, repeated occurrence of a single or a group of few amino acids are found. These regions are termed as low complexity regions (LCRs). It has been observed that amino acid bias in LCR is directly linked to their uncontrolled expansion and amyloid formation. But a comparative analysis of the behavior of LCR based on their constituent amino acids and their association with amyloidogenic propensity is not available.

Methods

Firstly we grouped all LCRs on the basis of their composition: homo-polymers, positively charged amino acids, negatively charged amino acids, polar amino acids and hydrophobic amino acids. We analyzed the compositional pattern of LCRs in each group and their propensity to form amyloids. The functional characteristics of proteins containing different groups of LCRs were explored using DAVID. In addition, we also analyzed the classes, pathways and functions of human proteins that form amyloids in LCRs.

Results

Among homopolymeric LCRs, the most common was Gln repeats. LCRs composed of repeats of Met and aromatic amino acids were amongst the least occurring. The results revealed that LCRs composed of negatively charged and polar amino acids were more common in comparison to LCRs formed by positively charged and hydrophobic amino acids. We also noted that generally proteins with LCRs were involved in transcription but those with Gly repeats were associated to translational activities. Our analysis suggests that proteins in which LCR is composed of hydrophobic residues are more prone toward amyloid formation. We also found that the human proteins with amyloid forming LCRs were generally involved in binding and catalytic activity.

Discussion

The presented analysis summarizes the most common and least occurring LCRs in proteins. Our results show that though repeats of Gln are the most abundant but Asn repeats make longest stretch of low complexity. The results showed that potential of LCRs to form amyloids varies with their amino acid composition.
Hoya anulata (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) : a new record in Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Mustaqim Wendy Achmmad , Astuti Inggit Puji , Rahayu Sri
Published: October 2018

Hoya anulata Schltr. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) has been recorded for the first time in the Maluku Islands based on a specimen collected in Buru Island. Description, along with distribution, ecology, photograph and a brief discussion is presented.
MONTAGEM E ESTUDO DE UM QUIMIOSSENSOR CROMOGÊNICO PARA A DETECÇÃO DE CIANETO E DE ÁLCOOIS UTILIZANDO UM ÁCIDO BORÔNICO COMO RECEPTOR E UM CORANTE SOLVATOCRÔMICO COMO UNIDADE SINALIZADORA
Authors: Machado Vanderlei Gageiro , Testoni Fabíola Maria , Schuhmacher Samya Maren , Zimmermann-Dimer Lizandra Maria , Nicolini Jaqueline
Published: October 2018

Estudos foram realizados para analisar o comportamento do ácido fenil borônico (AB) em acetonitrila na presença da merocianina de Brooker (MB) e do corante de Reichardt. Verificou-se, por exemplo, que a adição de AB a uma solução de MB fez desaparecer a banda solvatocrômica do corante em 571,0 nm simultaneamente ao aparecimento de outra banda em 385,9 nm. Sugeriu-se que em excesso de AB, o complexo predominante apresenta uma estequiometria AB-MB 1:1, mas que se a concentração de AB for diminuída, uma mistura de três complexos, AB-MB, AB-(MB)2 e AB-(MB)3, é obtida. Foi verificado que o sistema AB-MB pode ser usado eficientemente como um quimiossensor para o fluoreto e para o cianeto, pois somente os dois ânions, dentre os vários estudados, tornaram violeta a solução incolor de AB-MB. Isto se deve ao fato de que estes ânions são ótimos nucleófilos e podem interagir eficazmente com o centro de boro, deslocando nucleofilicamente a MB, que pode assim colorir a solução. Ensaios também foram realizados para a montagem de um quimiossensor cromogênico para detecção de álcoois, usando-se AB e a MB. Foi observado que o complexo AB-MB atua eficientemente como quimiossensor cromogênico, permitindo a discriminação entre álcoois primários, secundários e terciários. Esta discriminação visual
pode ser explicada pelo fato de que, com o aumento do impedimento estéreo no álcool, a interação com o centro de
boro fica dificultada, tornando a reação mais lenta.

Palavras-chave: quimiossensor cromogênico, detecção visual, merocianina de Brooker, álcoois, cianeto.
Nephronectin mediates p38 MAPK‐induced cell viability via its integrin‐binding enhancer motif
Authors: Toraskar Jimita , Magnussen Synnøve N. , Chawla Konika , Svineng Gunbjørg , Steigedal Tonje S.
Published: October 2018

Nephronectin (NPNT) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein involved in kidney development. We recently reported intracellular NPNT as a potential prognostic marker in breast cancer and that NPNT promotes metastasis in an integrin‐dependent manner. Here, we used reverse‐phase protein array (RPPA) to analyze NPNT‐triggered intracellular signaling in the 66cl4 mouse breast cancer cell line. The results showed that the integrin‐binding enhancer motif is important for the cellular effects upon NPNT interaction with its receptors, including phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Furthermore, analysis using prediction tools suggests involvement of NPNT in promoting cell viability. In conclusion, our results indicate that NPNT, via its integrin‐binding motifs, promotes cell viability through phosphorylation of p38 MAPK.
A Facile and General Strategy to Deposit Polypyrrole on Various Substrates for Efficient Solar‐Driven Evaporation
Authors: Wang Canzhu , Wang Yuchao , Song Xiangju , Huang Minghua , Jiang Heqing
Published: October 2018

Solar‐driven evaporation for clean water production is currently considered to be one of the most effective and sustainable strategies to alleviate water shortages because of the sustainability, eco‐friendliness, and inexhaustibility of solar energy. Plenty of effort has been paid to developing easy‐to‐follow methods to fabricate the high‐performance photothermal materials for efficient water evaporation. In this manuscript, a facile and general strategy named chemical vapor deposition polymerization (CVDP) to deposit dark PPy coating layer onto various substrates, which acts as a light absorber to efficiently harvest and convert light to heat for solar‐driven interfacial water evaporation, is reported. The obtained PPy‐coated membranes can achieve an outstanding light absorption and show a high stagnation temperature up to 82.3 °C under 1 sun illumination (1 kW m−2). Furthermore, the water evaporation can be accelerated to 1.41 kg m−2 h−1, corresponding to 81.9% on solar conversion efficiency which is comparable to the results of the state‐of‐the‐art photothermal membranes. Due to the moderate reaction conditions, the PPy coating layer can also be deposited onto different porous substrates to meet different water environments. Such novel and effective CVDP strategy for high‐performance photothermal membrane fabrication contributes to the widespread applications in sustainable clean water production.
Unsaturated Sulfur Edge Engineering of Strongly Coupled MoS2 Nanosheet–Carbon Macroporous Hybrid Catalyst for Enhanced Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Xu Qiucheng , Liu Yu , Jiang Hao , Hu Yanjie , Liu Honglai , Li Chunzhong
Published: October 2018

The low hydrogen adsorption free energy and strong acid/alkaline resistance of layered MoS2 render it an excellent pH‐universal electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the catalytic activity is dominantly suppressed by its limited active‐edge‐site density. Herein, a new strategy is reported for making a class of strongly coupled MoS2 nanosheet–carbon macroporous hybrid catalysts with engineered unsaturated sulfur edges for boosting HER catalysis by controlling the precursor decomposition and subsequent sodiation/desodiation. Both surface chemical state analysis and first‐principles calculations verify that the resultant catalysts exhibit a desirable valence‐electron state with high exposure of unsaturated sulfur edges and an optimized hydrogen adsorption free energy, significantly improving the intrinsic HER catalytic activity. Such an electrocatalyst exhibits superior and stable catalytic activity toward HER with small overpotentials of 136 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 155 mV in 1 m KOH at 10 mA cm−2, which is the best report for MoS2–C hybrid electrocatalysts to date. This work paves a new avenue to improve the intrinsic catalytic activity of 2D materials for hydrogen generation.
Integration of Advanced Practice Providers in Academic Emergency Departments: Best Practices and Considerations
Authors: Chekijian Sharon A. , Elia Tala R. , Monti James E. , Temin Elizabeth S.
Published: October 2018

As emergency department (ED) visits continue to increase nationwide, the utilization of advanced practice providers (APPs) has been steadily increasing. Academic centers face unique challenges in the inclusion of APP staff into the educational and teaching environment. Effort should be made to both take advantage of and support the educational mission of academic centers while bolstering clinical care provided by APP staff. This paper highlights some of the considerations and challenges in incorporating APPs into academic EDs as discussed at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, in May 2018. The panel included representation from Massachusetts General Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate. Distillation of our common experience shows that best practices in supervision favor uniformity between resident and APP staff except with low‐acuity patients. Likewise, professional development takes advantage of the educational environment to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement as well as development of formal clinical and educational curricula for APPs working in academic institutions. Already established medical doctor residencies can be leveraged to provide postgraduate education for APPs in either formal or informal training programs.
From the field to the lab: Muriqui endocrinology from a collaborative perspective
Authors: Strier Karen B. , Ziegler Toni E.
Published: October 2018

The northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) is a critically endangered species endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Long‐term observational studies of wild muriquis have provided many insights into the behavioral ecology and life history of this species. However, nearly everything that is currently known about the northern muriqui's behavioral endocrinology has come from combining our respective expertise in noninvasive field and laboratory research. Here, we reflect on the history of our collaboration, focusing on major challenges, key scientific findings, and factors that contributed to its success. Challenges included insuring the reliable collection of frequent fecal samples from a large enough number of known individuals over extended periods of time, preserving the steroids in the field and transporting them, developing and validating the fecal steroid assays, and interpreting the hormonal profiles within the behavioral and ecological contexts of the study subjects. Major findings included our thorough description of the fecal progesterone and estradiol profiles associated with muriqui ovarian cycling and gestation, the seasonal resumption of cycling, its onset during puberty of dispersing females, and the differences between fertile and infertile cycles. We also documented the relationship between fecal cortisol and testosterone in sexually active males across breeding and nonbreeding seasons, and sex differences in cortisol levels across the mating and conception seasons. We attribute the success of our collaboration to a number of factors including our mutual appreciation for one another's high standards for ethics, data quality, and data interpretation.
Selective Functionalization of Styrenes with Oxygen Using Different Electrode Materials: Olefin Cleavage and Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran Derivatives
Authors: Imada Yasushi , Okada Yohei , Noguchi Keiichi , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: October 2018

Electrode materials can have a significant impact on the course of an electrolysis reaction. Of particular interest is that different electrodes can generate different products from the same substrate. The electrode‐material‐selective transformations of styrene derivatives with molecular oxygen are reported. Platinum electrodes afford carbonyl products via cleavage of olefins, whereas tetrahydrofuran formation is achieved with carbon electrodes. A variety of different styrenes are available for both reactions. Electrolysis allows straightforward and mild chemical conversions that are metal‐ and oxidant‐free. Electrochemical measurements illuminate the different effects of platinum and carbon electrodes on styrenes. The key to the differing reactions is probably that the oxidation potentials of the substrates are lower (higher HOMO energy) on carbon electrodes than on platinum electrodes. The adsorption of the substrates on carbon electrodes can also promote tetrahydrofuran formation.
Asymmetric Stepwise Reductive Amination of Sulfonamides, Sulfamates, and a Phosphinamide by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaohu , Xu Haiyan , Huang Xiaolei , Zhou Jianrong Steve
Published: October 2018

Asymmetric reductive amination of poorly nucleophilic sulfonamides was realized in the presence of nickel catalysts and titanium alkoxide. A wide range of ketones, including enolizable ketones and some biaryl ones, were converted into sulfonamides in excellent enantiomeric excess. The cyclization of sulfamates and intermolecular reductive amination of a diarylphosphinamide were also successful. Formic acid was used as a safe and economic surrogate of high‐pressure hydrogen gas.
Machine‐Driven Enzymatic Oligosaccharide Synthesis by Using a Peptide Synthesizer
Authors: Zhang Jiabin , Chen Congcong , Gadi Madhusudhan Reddy , Gibbons Christopher , Guo Yuxi , Cao Xuefeng , Edmunds Garrett , Wang Shuaishuai , Liu Ding , Yu Jin , Wen Liuqing , Wang Peng G.
Published: October 2018

For decades, researchers have endeavored to develop a general automated system to synthesize oligosaccharides that is comparable to the preparation of oligonucleotides and oligopeptides by commercially available machines. Inspired by the success of automated oligosaccharide synthesis through chemical glycosylation, a fully automated system is reported for oligosaccharides synthesis through enzymatic glycosylation in aqueous solution. The designed system is based on the use of a thermosensitive polymer and a commercially available peptide synthesizer. This study represents a proof‐of‐concept demonstration that the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides can be achieved in an automated manner using a commercially available peptide synthesizer.
Tuning the Morphology and Chiroptical Properties of Discrete Gold Nanorods with Amino Acids
Authors: Zheng Guangchao , Bao Zhiyong , Pérez‐Juste Jorge , Du Ruolan , Liu Wei , Dai Jiyan , Zhang Wei , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk , Wong Kwok‐Yin
Published: October 2018

The synthesis of discrete nanostructures with a strong, persistent, stable plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) signal is challenging. We report a seed‐mediated growth approach to obtain discrete Au nanorods with high and stable chiroptical responses (c‐Au NRs) in the visible to near‐IR region. The morphology of the c‐Au NRs was governed by the concentration of l‐ or d‐cysteine used. The amino acids encapsulated within the discrete gold nanostructure enhance their PCD signal, attributed to coupling of dipoles of chiral molecules with the near‐field induced optical activity at the hot spots inside the c‐Au NRs. The stability of the PCD signal and biocompatibility of c‐Au NRs was improved by coating with silica or protein corona. Discrete c‐Au NR@SiO2 with Janus or core–shell configurations retained their PCD signal even in organic solvents. A side‐by‐side assembly of c‐Au NRs induced by l‐glutathione led to further PCD signal enhancement, with anisotropic g factors as high as 0.048.
Effect of lignin esters on improving the thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Zhang Yanjuan , Hu Huayu , Huang Zuqiang , Qin Yuben , Shen Fang , Huang Aimin , Feng Zhenfei
Published: October 2018

To improve the thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and the utilization of lignin (L), different L esters were added to PVC to produce the plates with enhanced thermal stabilities. The properties and structures of the L ester–PVC plates and the properties of the L esters and their mixtures with PVC were analyzed by universal mechanical testing, static thermal stability testing, thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that L improved the thermal stability of PVC, but the mechanical properties were substantially deteriorated. Proper esterification of L improved the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the plates. Noncyclic anhydride acetylated L–PVC plates possessed good static and dynamic thermal stabilities and mechanical properties. The PVC plates incorporated with the L esters with a degree of esterification of around 40% exhibited the best combination properties. Maleated L–PVC plates had good dynamic thermal stability and mechanical properties but poor static thermal stability. The opposite properties were found for succinylated L–PVC plates. The differences in the properties of different L ester–PVC plates were attributed to the different abilities of L esters to capture free radicals, the crosslinking reaction between L esters and PVC, and their compatibility. Different properties of the L esters indicated their different applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47176.
Effect of fatigue loading on wicking properties of polyamide 66 nanofiber yarns
Authors: Asghari Mooneghi Sara , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Hosseini‐Toudeshky Hossein , Torkaman Giti
Published: October 2018

The wicking phenomenon is of prime importance with regards to biomedical applications of nanofiber yarns such as suture yarns and tissue scaffolds. In such applications, the yarns are usually subjected to cyclic tensile forces and biological tensile stresses. There is a lack of science behind the effect of fatigue on wicking properties of nanofiber yarns and this work aims at exploring this venue. Wicking properties of polyamide 66 nanofiber yarns are investigated by tracing the color change in the yarn structure resulting from pH changes during the capillary rise of distilled water. Results show that applying cyclic loading increases equilibrium wicking height in the Lucus–Washburn equation, which is attributed to changes in the overall pore structure in the cyclic loaded yarn. The likely causes of these changes are studied by scanning electron microscope, which reveals disentangled, more or less aligned and parallel nanofibers with a smaller radius in the nanofibrous structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47206.
Inner relationship between the damping property and the sand‐fixing durability of polymer materials
Authors: Xie Hao , Liu Bailing , Chen Hualin , Xu Qian
Published: October 2018

This article for the first time reveals the impact of the damping property of materials on its sand‐fixing durability. Based on the turbulence of wind, it could be regarded as a kind of periodic mechanical force. So, when polymers are used to fix sand, they would constantly perceive a periodic force of wind. And, this force would give rise to yielding fracture and fatigue of polymer, so that the sand‐fixing durability of material could be weakened significantly. To impair the periodic force of wind and extend the durability of sand‐fixation polymer materials, we, for the first time, introduce the designing principle of macromolecular damping material, that can transform external mechanical force into own thermal energy, into the preparation of sand‐fixing materials. In this work, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) emulsions with different dangling chain have been synthesized successfully in order to improve their damping properties. The effects of the prepared PVAc with gradually growing dangling chain length have been investigated on their damping properties, on the sand stabilization strengths and sand‐fixing durability. And the relationship between the damping property and the sand‐fixing property of PVAc was built by simulating wind tunnel test. The experimental results show that, introducing the dangling chain could significantly improve the damping temperature range and extend the anti‐wind erosion time of PVAc. It has to be noticed that, introducing the dangling chain, will provide a double effects for the sand stabilization strength of materials, i.e., it can improve both the flexibility of the side‐chain and the internal friction of the molecular chains. Wind tunnel test verified that introducing the dangling chain can raise the damping performance of material and convert more periodic force of wind into the friction heat of molecular chain, and thus impair the damage of wind on the materials and improve their anti‐wind erosion properties. These findings suggest that the damping material applied in sand fixation is a bright idea and successful method for improving the sand‐fixing durability. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47208.
Processing influence on dielectric, mechanical, and electrical properties of reduced graphene oxide–TPU nanocomposites
Authors: Gómez Julio , Recio Imanol , Navas Ana , Villaro Elvira , Galindo Begoña , Ortega‐Murguialday Amaya
Published: October 2018

Two different reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) with similar concentration of oxygen and defects and differences in exfoliation were prepared to produce the rGO/thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites by solution blending (SB) and melt compounding (MC). Morphology, electrical, and dielectric properties were studied. Large agglomerates have been observed for the composites produced by SB and discrete and low agglomerated rGO particles in the case on the composites produced by MC. These morphological differences justify the observations in hardness, electrical conductivity, and even in the dielectric properties. The composites do not follow Jonscher's universal power law (UPL) and a linear trend between UPL factors (Log A vs n) has been observed for composites produced by SB, however, no trend is observed in the composites produced by MC, being the first time observed. Differences in the tunneling effect and breakage of H‐bonds within the polymer can be suggested from the dielectric relaxation characterization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47220.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of hyperbranched polyester improved by autocatalytic prepolymerization process
Authors: Liang Liuen , Long Junyuan , Li Guangji
Published: October 2018

This work developed a facile and environmentally friendly route for lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of a hyperbranched polyester by introducing an autocatalytic prepolymerization of comonomers. Trimethylolpropane, 1,8‐octanediol, and adipic acid as comonomers for synthesizing the hyperbranched polyester were first prepolymerized via the automatic catalytic effect of the reactants themselves to obtain an appropriate reaction substrate for further lipase‐catalyzed polymerization, where immobilized lipase Novozym 435 was used as a biocatalyst. The acidity and fluidity of optimized oligomers after the autocatalytic prepolymerization provide a benign reaction substrate for the retention of enzymatic activity in the subsequent lipase‐catalyzed esterification, which is crucial for the enzymatic polymerization. The optimum reaction temperature and reaction time for prepolymerization were determined to be 120 °C and 150 min. The molecular weight (M
w) of the prepared polyester was approximately 26,300 g/mol. Quantitative analysis of 1H‐NMR and inverse‐gated 13C‐NMR spectra confirmed the hyperbranched structure of the resulting polyester with a branching degree of 31.3%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47221.
Synthesis of some novel quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one hybrid molecules as potent urease inhibitors
Authors: Menteşe Emre , Akyüz Gülay , Yılmaz Fatih , Baltaş Nimet , Emirik Mustafa
Published: October 2018

A new series of quinazolinone hybrid molecules containing coumarin, furan, 1,2,4‐triazole and 1,2,4‐thiadiazole rings was designed, synthesized, and screened for their urease inhibition activities. All newly synthesized compounds showed outstanding urease inhibitory potentials with IC50 values ranging between 1.26 ± 0.07 and 7.35 ± 0.31 μg/mL. Among the series, coumarin derivatives (10a–d) exhibited the best inhibitory effect against urease in the range of IC50 = 1.26 ± 0.07 to 1.82 ± 0.10 μg/mL, when compared to standard urease inhibitors such as acetohydroxamic acid and thiourea (IC50 = 21.05 ± 0.96 and 15.08 ± 0.71 μg/mL, respectively). Molecular docking studies were also performed to analyze the binding mode of compound 10b, and supported the experimental results.
A New Standard for Progressive Cavity Chemical Metering Pumps
Authors: DeWell Kathryn
Published: October 2018

AWWA has released a standard outlining the minimum requirements for progressive cavity pumps, which are proving useful in chemical feed processes for water treatment.
Retardation of Trap‐Assisted Recombination in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells by a Dimethylbiguanide Anchor Layer
Authors: Xue Baoda , Bi Shiqing , You Shuai , Zhou Jiyu , Wu Guangbao , Meng Rui , Wang Boxin , Wang Jianqiu , Leng Xuanye , Zhang Yuan , Ma Xiangdong , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: October 2018

Reaching the full potential of solar cells based on photo‐absorbers of organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites requires highly efficient charge extraction at the interface between perovskite and charge transporting layer. This demand is generally challenged by the presence of under‐coordinated metal or halogen ions, causing surface charge trapping and resultant recombination losses. These problems can be tackled by introducing a small molecule interfacial anchor layer based on dimethylbiguanide (DMBG). Benefitting from interactions between the nitrogen‐containing functional groups in DMBG and unsaturated ions in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskites, the electron extraction of TiO2 is dramatically improved in association with reduced Schottky–Read–Hall recombination, as revealed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. As a consequence, the power conversion efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells is boosted from 17.14 to 19.1 %, showing appreciably reduced hysteresis. The demonstrated molecular strategy based on DMBG enables one to achieve meliorations on key figures of merit in halide perovskite solar cells with improved stability.
Synthesis of magnetic multiwall carbon nanotubes for enantioseparation of three pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables by chiral liquid chromatography
Authors: Lei Shuo , Li Xianhui , Wang Yang , Sun Lirong , Liu Hao , Zhao Longshan
Published: October 2018

In this study, magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs) were synthesized and used as adsorbent for preconcentration of chiral pesticide residues (including epoxiconazole, tebuconazole, and metalaxyl) in lettuce, cabbage, and apple. Several parameters affecting the treatment efficiency were investigated, including extraction solvent and absorption solvent. Under the optimal conditions, all three chiral pesticides showed decent enantiomeric separation (Rs > 1.48). The linearity of each target was good with the correlation coefficient (r2) being greater than 0.9923. The average recoveries of the three spiked levels were 73.4% to 110.9% with repeatability (RSDr) less than 7.6%, and the limit of quantification of the method was 0.10 to 0.25 mg·kg−1. The results indicated that MMWCNTs had a good purifying effect, which can be applied as an effective pretreatment tool for the determination of residual chiral pesticides in fruits and vegetables.
ACHEMA 2018 – Energy
Authors: Müller Karsten
Published: October 2018

Auf der diesjährigen ACHEMA gab es zwar keinen eigenständigen Ausstellungs‐ oder Themenbereich zur Energie, nichtsdestotrotz spielte die Energie wieder an vielen Stellen eine große Rolle. Ein wesentliches Thema war die Wärme. Hier lag ein Schwerpunkt auf der Abwärmenutzung zur Verbesserung der Energieeffizienz, aber auch bei der Feuerungstechnik gab es neue Entwicklungen. Daneben wurden Neuerungen im Bereich der Umwandlung von elektrischer Energie in Wärme bzw. in Kraftstoffe oder Basischemikalien vorgestellt. Wasserstoff‐ und biomassebasierte Technologien spielten ebenfalls eine große Rolle.
NKX2.2 immunohistochemistry in the distinction of Ewing sarcoma from cytomorphologic mimics: Diagnostic utility and pitfalls
Authors: Russell‐Goldman Eleanor , Hornick Jason L. , Qian Xiaohua , Jo Vickie Y.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a round cell sarcoma that can be challenging to diagnose on cytologic material given its significant overlap with numerous mesenchymal, epithelial, and lymphoid cytomorphologic mimics. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of a novel marker, NKX2.2, in the diagnosis of ES in cytologic material and its ability to distinguish ES from its mimics.

METHODS

NKX2.2 immunohistochemistry was performed on cell blocks from 107 fine‐needle aspirations, and nuclear expression was scored semiquantitatively for extent and intensity. The study cohort included ES (n = 10), well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (n = 20), melanoma (n = 11), Merkel cell carcinoma (n = 10), small cell carcinoma (n = 10), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 2), spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 2), synovial sarcoma (n = 12), solitary fibrous tumor (n = 2), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 10), lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 11), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 6), and CIC‐rearranged sarcoma (n = 1).

RESULTS

NKX2.2 had high sensitivity (100%) and moderate specificity (85%) for the diagnosis of ES in cytologic material. NKX2.2 expression also was present in a subset of mesenchymal and epithelial mimics, and staining was most commonly observed in small cell carcinoma (80%) and well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (45%). Among mesenchymal mimics, 42% exhibited NKX2.2 expression. NKX2.2 staining was absent in melanoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and lymphoproliferative neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS

NKX2.2 is a highly sensitive but only moderately specific marker for ES. Neuroendocrine neoplasms exhibit variable NKX2.2 expression and remain a significant potential diagnostic pitfall. Thus, NKX2.2 expression should be interpreted in the context of an appropriate immunohistochemical panel (and often with confirmatory molecular testing) for the accurate diagnosis of ES.
Visualization of Genomic Loci in Living Cells with BiFC‐TALE
Authors: Hu Huan , Yang Xiaojing , Tang Chao
Published: October 2018

Tracking the dynamics of genomic loci is essential for understanding a variety of cellular processes. However, earlier methods have all suffered from a low signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR), mainly caused by the background fluorescence from diffuse full‐length fluorescent proteins in the nucleus. We have developed a novel method (BiFC‐TALE) for labeling and tracking genomic loci in live mammalian cells, combining bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and transcription activator–like effector (TALE) technologies. Since only the sequences‐targeted BiFC fragments can be pulled together by TALE modules to recombine intact fluorescent proteins, the background fluorescence in the living nucleus can be largely reduced, which significantly improves SBR. Using telomere and centromere labeling as examples, this unit describes in detail the design and implementation of BiFC‐TALE system. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What makes consumers respond to creating shared value strategy? Considering consumers as stakeholders in sustainable development
Authors: Nam Su‐Jung , Hwang Hyesun
Published: October 2018

Creating shared value is a strategic approach for sustainable development connected to social value that moves away from a corporation's profit and competition‐oriented strategies. This study examines consumers' responses, including attitudes and intentions to participate in a strategy creating shared value by applying the persuasion knowledge model. Results reveal that consumers formed positive attitudes mainly through persuasive knowledge, which led to higher intentions to participate in creating the shared value strategy. This study also provides evidence for the role of consumers' propensity for socially responsible consumption, and intentions became stronger when consumers had a strong propensity for socially responsible consumption. This study elaborates on the discussion around corporations' strategies for achieving a sustainable society through social‐centric corporate strategies that can be developed by reconciling corporate and consumer morality in the marketplace.
The relationship between cognitive enrichment and cognitive control: A systematic investigation of environmental influences on development through socioeconomic status
Authors: Amso Dima , Salhi Carmel , Badre David
Published: October 2018

We measured the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on cognitive processes. We examined cognitive control, specifically working memory (WM), in a sample of N = 141 7‐ to 17‐year‐olds using rule‐guided behavior tasks. Our hypothesis is based on computational modeling data that suggest that the development of flexible cognitive control requires variable experiences in which to implement rule‐guided action. We found that not all experiences that correlated with SES in our sample impacted task performance, and not all experiential variables that impacted performance were associated with SES. Of the experiential variables associated with task performance, only cognitive enrichment opportunities worked indirectly through SES to affect WM as tested with rule‐guided behavior tasks. We discuss the data in the context of necessary precision in SES research.
The measurement and quantification of generalized gradients of soil fertility relevant to plant community ecology
Authors: Daou Laurent , Shipley Bill
Published: October 2018

We propose an operational definition of soil “fertility” that is applicable to plant community ecology and develop a method of measuring and quantifying it, using structural equations modeling, that is generalizable to soils in different regions whose fertility has different causes. To do this, we used structural equation modeling (SEM). The measurement submodel predicts the latent “generalized fertility,”FG, of a soil using four indicator variables: the relative growth rates ofFestuca rubra,Trifolium pratense,Triticum aestivum, andArabidopsis thaliana. The direct causes ofFGin this study were the supply rates of NO3−, P, and K as well as three indirect causes consisting of three physical soil properties, but these can change between studies. The model was calibrated using 76 grassland soils from southern Quebec, Canada and independently tested using aboveground net primary productivity (NPP) of the natural vegetation over two growing seasons. Both the measurement submodel and the full SEM fit the data well. TheFGvalues predicted 51% of the variance in NPP and were a better predictor than any other single variable, including the actual nutrient flux rates. Furthermore, this model can be applied to grassland soils anywhere because of its modular nature in which the causes and effects of soil fertility are clearly separated.
Sn‐based Intermetallic Compounds for Li‐ion Batteries: Structures, Lithiation Mechanism, and Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Yi Zheng , Wang Zhaomin , Cheng Yong , Wang Limin
Published: October 2018

On account of the lower theoretical capacity of the traditional graphite, the development of reliable anode materials with high capacity and energy density for application in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is zealously pursued to meet the ever‐increasing power demands for portable mobile devices or (hybrid) electronic vehicles. Recently, Sn‐based intermetallic compounds have attracted considerable research interests as the promising candidate anode materials for high‐performance LIBs in consideration of the high theoretical capacity of Sn (994 mAh g−1) and low operating voltage (below 0.6 V vs Li+/Li). The fabrication of Sn‐based intermetallic compounds is aiming at buffering the huge volumetric variation of Sn anode during lithiation/delithiation processes. Therefore, the rational construction of those anode materials with enhanced electrochemical performance is meaningful. This review is focusing on sum up the recent development in the structures, lithiation mechanism and electrochemical performances of various Sn‐based intermetallic compounds as anode materials in LIBs. The developments of modified methods for further enhancement of lithium storage performances of Sn‐based intermetallic compounds are also systematically summarized. We hope this review could provide a fundamental understanding of the Sn‐based intermetallic compounds for the application in LIBs.
Copper‐Catalyzed Reaction of Secondary Propargylamines with Ethyl Buta‐2,3‐dienoate for the Synthesis of 1,6‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Gaigai , Wang Yuqing , Pereshivko Olga P. , Peshkov Vsevolod A.
Published: October 2018

A copper(I) bromide‐catalyzed reaction of A3‐coupling‐derived propargylamines with ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate for the fast assembly of a 1,6‐dihydropyridine core is described. The developed protocol was tested on a variety of secondary propargylamines and the possibility of a one‐pot synthesis of 1,6‐dihydropyridine through the A3‐coupling and subsequent ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate incorporation was investigated.
May a sigma‐1 antagonist improve neuropathic signs induced by cisplatin and vincristine in rats?
Authors: Paniagua Nancy , Goicoechea Carlos , Abalo Raquel , López‐Miranda Visitacion , Vela J. Miguel , Merlos Manuel , Martín Fontelles María Isabel , Girón Rocio
Published: October 2018

Background

The antineoplastic drugs cisplatin and vincristine induce peripheral neuropathies. The sigma‐1 receptor (σ1R) is expressed in areas of pain control, and its blockade with the novel selective antagonist MR‐309 has shown efficacy in nociceptive and neuropathic pain models. Our goal was to test whether this compound reduces neuropathic signs provoked by these antitumoural drugs.

Methods

Rats were treated with cisplatin or vincristine to induce neuropathies. The effects of acute or repeated administration of MR‐309 were tested on mechanical and thermal sensitivity, electrophysiological activity of Aδ‐primary afferents in the rat skin–saphenous nerve preparation, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular functions.

Results

Rats treated with antitumourals developed tactile allodynia, while those treated with vincristine also developed mechanical hyperalgesia. These in vivo modifications correlated with electrophysiological hyperactivity (increased spontaneous activity and hyperresponsiveness to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimulation). Animals treated with cisplatin showed gastrointestinal impairment and those receiving vincristine showed cardiovascular toxicity. A single dose of MR‐309 strongly reduced both nociceptive behaviour and electrophysiological changes. Moreover, its concomitant administration with the antitumourals blocked the development of neuropathic symptoms, thus restoring mechanical sensitivity, improving the impairment of feeding behaviour and gastrointestinal transit in the cisplatin‐treated group along with ameliorating the altered vascular reactivity recorded in rats treated with vincristine.

Conclusion

σ1R antagonist, MR‐309, reduces sensorial and electrophysiological neuropathic signs in rats treated with cisplatin or vincristine and, in addition, reduces gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

Significance

σ1R antagonism could be an interesting and new option to palliate antitumoural neuropathies.
Comparison of mathematical models to predict glass transition temperature of rice (cultivar IRGA 424) measured by dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Bertotto M. Mercedes , Gastón Analía , Rodríguez Batiller María J. , Calello Pablo
Published: October 2018

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was applied to measure the Tg of rice IRGA 424 at different moisture content values (9.3%–22.3% wet basis). To conduct temperature sweeps, the samples were heated at a rate of 2°C/min from 20 to 120°C keeping frequency to 1 Hz. Tg was measured both from the E″ peak temperature (Tgmidpoint) and from the tan (δ) peak temperature (Tgendset). Tgmidpoint and Tgendset increased from 31.8 to 86.6°C and 42.1 to 104.7°C, respectively, as moisture content decreased from 22.3 to 9.3%. Six models were tested for their ability to predict Tg as a function of the moisture content. As all residuals were normally distributed and homoskedastic, standard metrics were used to assess the fitted models. Goodness of fit by these models was established by comparing the coefficient of determination (R2), standard error of the estimate (SEE), and mean relative deviation (MRD). The Gordon–Taylor linearized equation was the most accurate in predicting Tg. To predict Tg from the moisture content of the rice samples, a new expression was proposed. For the conditions considered in this work, the developed equation satisfactorily predicts the Tg of rice IRGA 424 without needing prior linearization.