bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocrine Disruptors in Aquatic Environment: Effects and Consequences on the Biodiversity of Fish and Amphibian Species
Authors: Alves da Silva Ana Paula , De Oliveira Cícero Diogo Lins , Siqueira Quirino Ana Maria , Da Silva Francisco Danilo Morais , Aquino Saraiva Rogério de , Silva-Cavalcanti Jacqueline Santos
Published: January 2018

Endocrine Disruptors (EDs) are synthetic or natural chemical compounds of exogenous origin that can cause serious health damage, in the growth and reproduction of animals when released into the aquatic environment through anthropic activities. Taking into account the current impact of pollutants on aquatic biodiversity in the last years, this study aims to systematically review the relevant literature on currently known EDs, focusing on their sources, their effects, and consequences on the aquatic biota, with emphasis to fish and amphibians. About 70% of the analyzed studies report that sewage represents the major source of EDs contamination to the water environment, and more than 90% of these contaminants are associated with interference in the sexual differentiation of aquatic animals, infertility, and reduction of sperm production. In addition, the main effects caused by EDs in fish include abnormalities in the reproductive system of animals (47%), induction of vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis (20%) and mortality of the species (13%). In amphibians, the main effects caused by EDs include changes in hormonal activity (physiological functions) during the embryonic development (11%), causing changes in anatomy (33%) and behavior (11%), leading to a reduction in reproductive success (11%), as well as gonadal abnormalities (22%), hermaphroditism (33%) and other alterations in the reproductive system (45%). Finally, this report calls attention to the importance to the rational use of these substances, as well as to encourage scientific research that shows the real seriousness of these contaminations on the decline of fish and amphibian populations, showing mediating and mitigating solutions to their impacts.
Hannah Arendt: The Recovery of the Political, The Recovery of Hope
Authors: Roncalli Elvira
Published: January 2018

This article contends that Hannah Arendt's understanding of the political as the space of appearance of many unique and distinct individuals is particularly instructive for our time. With a political reality that has become increasingly antagonistic, her work urges us to recover the political as the space where many interact in words and deeds, bringing visibility and reality to such plurality. Arendt teaches that power lies in the coming together of people. By creating spaces where people interact in words and deeds, acknowledging and sharing their differences, politics comes alive and the new is possible.
Assessment of the Basic Law Lesson Consistent with the Opinions of Social Studies Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Oguz Hacat Sibel
Published: January 2018

The aim of the present study is to identify the approach of social studies pre-service teachers to legal topics in the “Basic Law” lesson within the Social Studies Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Program. A case study based on qualitative research methods was employed. The study group consisted of 57 social studies pre-service teachers. Data was obtained using semi-structured interview forms consisting of open-ended questions. The interview form was administered twice, at the beginning and at the end of the semester. Data obtained was analysed using content analysis. At the beginning of the semester, the motives for teaching of the Basic Law lesson were identified in seven different categories. Consistent with the opinions of the pre-service teachers, it was determined that these categories were related to 26 subcategories. However, the motives for teaching the Basic Law lesson were indicated in 10 different categories at the end of the semester. Consistent with the opinions of the pre-service teachers, it was determined that the latter categories were related to 29 subcategories. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the content of the lesson influenced students’ opinions. Based on the results of the study and the literature review, there are a limited number of studies that focus on the teaching of legal topics in social studies education in our country. Thus, in the future, further studies should be carried out in this field.
Economical assigning weapons to targets
Authors: Chudy Marian
Published: January 2018

Some upper and lower bound are proposed to use in branch and bound method for solving Weapon-Target Assignment (WTA) problems. Analyze of WTA inspires to formulate another problem to economize the number of weapons under the condition that the establish threshold value of destroying targets is achieved.This requirement generates an additional constrain generating the set of feasible solutions of WTA.
Moral Dilemmas and Moral Injury
Authors: Ang Jennifer Mei Sze ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2018

Psychiatrists working with war veterans have, in recent years, constructed ‘moral injury’ as a separate manifestation of war trauma that is distinct from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This paper argues that for moral degradation to occur, it necessarily involves one’s commissions or omissions that transgresses one’s personal morality, and hence, distinguishes sufferers of moral injury from PTSD sufferers who were witnesses to traumatic and morally abhorrent events. To this end, it clarifies how some of the situations surrounding moral injury are misunderstood, by discussing the process of moral reasoning in the context of moral dilemmas, dirty hands, and moral blind alleys. Finally, it concludes that when we conceptualise moral injury as being caused by one’s commissions and omissions in moral dilemmas, we find that shame and guilt are situation-appropriate responses with a role to play in what ethics mean.
Augmented Reality Technology Using Microsoft HoloLens in Anatomic Pathology
Authors: Hanna Matthew G. , Ahmed Ishtiaque , Nine Jeffrey , Prajapati Shyam , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: January 2018

Context

Augmented reality (AR) devices such as the Microsoft HoloLens have not been well used in the medical field.

Objective

To test the HoloLens for clinical and nonclinical applications in pathology.

Design

A Microsoft HoloLens was tested for virtual annotation during autopsy, viewing 3D gross and microscopic pathology specimens, navigating whole slide images, telepathology, as well as real-time pathology-radiology correlation.

Results

Pathology residents performing an autopsy wearing the HoloLens were remotely instructed with real-time diagrams, annotations, and voice instruction. 3D-scanned gross pathology specimens could be viewed as holograms and easily manipulated. Telepathology was supported during gross examination and at the time of intraoperative consultation, allowing users to remotely access a pathologist for guidance and to virtually annotate areas of interest on specimens in real-time. The HoloLens permitted radiographs to be coregistered on gross specimens and thereby enhanced locating important pathologic findings. The HoloLens also allowed easy viewing and navigation of whole slide images, using an AR workstation, including multiple coregistered tissue sections facilitating volumetric pathology evaluation.

Conclusions

The HoloLens is a novel AR tool with multiple clinical and nonclinical applications in pathology. The device was comfortable to wear, easy to use, provided sufficient computing power, and supported high-resolution imaging. It was useful for autopsy, gross and microscopic examination, and ideally suited for digital pathology. Unique applications include remote supervision and annotation, 3D image viewing and manipulation, telepathology in a mixed-reality environment, and real-time pathology-radiology correlation.
Leaning on Mathematical Habits of Mind
Authors: Sword Sarah , Matsuura Ryota , Cuoco Al , Kang Jane , Gates Miriam
Published: January 2018

Two high school classroom situations illustrate how routinely promoting the two practices of experimenting and describing in increasingly precise language can support students' modeling.
A Graphic Organizer for Problem Solving
Authors: Gillette Jane
Published: January 2018

Help students learn to think more effectively, record their ideas in a systematic way, and listen to their own thoughts.
Problems
Authors: Pelikan Stephan , DeJarnette Anna F. , Phelps Stephen
Published: January 2018

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Using Tools to Make Sense of Right Triangles
Authors: Kurz Terri L. , Lee Mi Yeon
Published: January 2018

Sometimes, teaching mathematics with a focus on conceptual understanding can be challenging. With the advent of standards and principles (CCSSI 2010; NCTM 2014) an emphasis has been placed on using tools for deeper mathematical understanding and learning with understanding. Specifically, there has been a movement to include opportunities for learners to engage in sense-making activities when exploring mathematical concepts (Schoenfeld 1992). Tools can be used to support sense making and the development of mathematical ideas, and numerous tools can support learning in geometry (e.g., geoboards, pattern blocks, three-dimensional shapes, and linking cubes). We focus on AngLegs®, which are linking rods that are becoming more common in the classroom.
The Mathematics of Loopy Picture Frames
Authors: Vishnubhotla Madhavi , Munakata Mika
Published: January 2018

We might think of folding and cutting paper as simple actions, but both can lead to interesting and beautiful mathematics. In fact, both origami (paper folding) and paper cutting have been used to promote mathematical thinking (e.g., Boakes 2009; Golan and Jackson 2009). For example, some have explored volume through origami (Georgeson 2011), and others have investigated limits through card folding (Pagni 2006). The Möbius strip, which can be considered a special kind of paper folding, leads to yet other revelations, challenging students' spatial sense and understanding of surfaces (for examples, see Smith and House 2011; Matthews 1972; Pedersen 1968).
Collective memory as tool for intergroup conflict: The case of 9/11 commemoration
Authors: Hakim Nader H. , Adams Glenn
Published: January 2018

We apply a cultural psychology approach to collective memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In particular, we considered whether practices associated with commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks would promote vigilance (prospective affordance hypothesis) and misattribution of responsibility for the original 9/11 attacks (reconstructive memory hypothesis) in an ostensibly unrelated context of intergroup conflict during September 2015. In Study 1, vigilance toward Iran and misattribution of responsibility for the 9/11 attacks to Iranian sources was greater among participants whom we asked about engagement with 9/11 commemoration than among participants whom we asked about engagement with Labor Day observations. Results of Study 2 suggested that patterns of greater vigilance and misattribution as a function of instructions to recall engagement with 9/11 commemoration were more specifically true only of participants who reported actual engagement with hegemonic commemoration practices. From a cultural psychological perspective, 9/11 commemoration is a case of collective memory not merely because it implicates collective-level (versus personal) identities, but instead because it emphasizes mediation of motivation and action via engagement with commemoration practices and other cultural tools.
Register Variation in Electronic Business Correspondence
Authors: Giménez Moreno Rosa
Published: January 2018

Electronic correspondence is a highly dynamic genre within the business world in which Register Variation (RV) is frequently used as a tool to improve communication but it often can lead to misunderstanding. In order to shed some light on this still unexplored area, the present study firstly offers a practical approach to classify and analyse RV within professional communication. After this, it reviews previous studies on email writing to apply their findings to this approach and, in the third part of the study, a corpus of recent business emails in English is analysed to examine how the key parameters of RV are currently used within this genre. The results will show that, not only the context, but also the roles and intentions of the senders influence an email’s register, often causing internal oscillations between different registers within the same text.
Effect of elevated temperature on membrane lipid saturation in Antarctic notothenioid fish
Authors: Malekar Vanita C , Morton James D , Hider Richard N , Cruickshank Robert H , Hodge Simon , Metcalf Victoria J
Published: January 2018

Homeoviscous adaptation (HVA) is a key cellular response by which fish protect their membranes against thermal stress. We investigated evolutionary HVA (long time scale) in Antarctic and non-Antarctic fish. Membrane lipid composition was determined for four Perciformes fish: two closely related Antarctic notothenioid species (Trematomus bernacchii and Pagothenia borchgrevinki); a diversified related notothenioid Antarctic icefish (Chionodraco hamatus); and a New Zealand species (Notolabrus celidotus). The membrane lipid compositions were consistent across the three Antarctic species and these were significantly different from that of the New Zealand species. Furthermore, acclimatory HVA (short time periods with seasonal changes) was investigated to determine whether stenothermal Antarctic fish, which evolved in the cold, stable environment of the Southern Ocean, have lost the acclimatory capacity to modulate their membrane saturation states, making them vulnerable to anthropogenic global warming. We compared liver membrane lipid composition in two closely related Antarctic fish species acclimated at 0 °C (control temperature), 4 °C for a period of 14 days in Trematomus bernacchii and 28 days for Pagothenia borchgrevinki, and 6 °C for 7 days in both species. Thermal acclimation at 4 °C did not result in changed membrane saturation states in either Antarctic species. Despite this, membrane functions were not compromised, as indicated by declining serum osmolality, implying positive compensation by enhanced hypo-osmoregulation. Increasing the temperature to 6 °C did not change the membrane lipids of P. borchgrevinki. However, in T. bernacchii, thermal acclimation at 6 °C resulted in an increase of membrane saturated fatty acids and a decline in unsaturated fatty acids. This is the first study to show a homeoviscous response to higher temperatures in an Antarctic fish, although for only one of the two species examined.
Drinking water and rural schools in the Western Amazon: an environmental intervention study
Authors: Ribeiro Maura Regina , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Laporta Gabriel Zorello
Published: January 2018

Although water and sanitation are considered as a human right, about three out of ten people (2.1 billion) do not have access to safe drinking water. In 2016, 5.6 million students were enrolled in the 33.9% of Brazilian schools located in rural areas. Only 72% of them have a public water supply network. Herein, we proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental intervention for water treatment in rural schools of the Western Amazonia. The study is characterized by an experimental design with environmental intervention for the treatment of water for human consumption, through the installation of a simplified chlorinator, in 20 public schools in the rural area of Rio Branco municipality, Acre state. Before the intervention, the results revealed 20% (n = 4), 100% (n = 20) and 70% (n = 14) of schools having water outside the potability standards for Turbidity, Faecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli, respectively. There was no significant difference in the turbidity results after the intervention (p = 0.71). On the other hand, there was a very significant difference in the results of Faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli after the intervention (p<0.001). The actions carried out in this intervention have considerably improved schools water quality, thus decreasing children’s health vulnerability due to inadequate water provided to the school community in the rural area. The activities such as training, educational lectures, installation of equipment, supply of materials and supplies (65% calcium hypochlorite, and reagents) were fundamental to obtain the results.
Targeting posttranslational modifications of RIOK1 inhibits the progression of colorectal and gastric cancers
Authors: Hong Xuehui , Huang He , Qiu Xingfeng , Ding Zhijie , Feng Xing , Zhu Yuekun , Zhuo Huiqin , Hou Jingjing , Zhao Jiabao , Cai Wangyu , Sha Ruihua , Hong Xinya , Li Yongxiang , Song Hongjiang , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: January 2018

RIOK1 has recently been shown to play important roles in cancers, but its posttranslational regulation is largely unknown. Here we report that RIOK1 is methylated at K411 by SETD7 methyltransferase and that lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) reverses its methylation. The mutated RIOK1 (K411R) that cannot be methylated exhibits a longer half-life than does the methylated RIOK1. FBXO6 specifically interacts with K411-methylated RIOK1 through its FBA domain to induce RIOK1 ubiquitination. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates RIOK1 at T410, which stabilizes RIOK1 by antagonizing K411 methylation and impeding the recruitment of FBXO6 to RIOK1. Functional experiments demonstrate the RIOK1 methylation reduces the tumor growth and metastasis in mice model. Importantly, the protein levels of CK2 and LSD1 show an inverse correlation with FBXO6 and SETD7 expression in human colorectal cancer tissues. Together, this study highlights the importance of a RIOK1 methylation-phosphorylation switch in determining colorectal and gastric cancer development.
The lawful imprecision of human surface tilt estimation in natural scenes
Authors: Kim Seha , Burge Johannes
Published: January 2018

Estimating local surface orientation (slant and tilt) is fundamental to recovering the three-dimensional structure of the environment. It is unknown how well humans perform this task in natural scenes. Here, with a database of natural stereo-images having groundtruth surface orientation at each pixel, we find dramatic differences in human tilt estimation with natural and artificial stimuli. Estimates are precise and unbiased with artificial stimuli and imprecise and strongly biased with natural stimuli. An image-computable Bayes optimal model grounded in natural scene statistics predicts human bias, precision, and trial-by-trial errors without fitting parameters to the human data. The similarities between human and model performance suggest that the complex human performance patterns with natural stimuli are lawful, and that human visual systems have internalized local image and scene statistics to optimally infer the three-dimensional structure of the environment. These results generalize our understanding of vision from the lab to the real world.
The representational dynamics of task and object processing in humans
Authors: Hebart Martin N , Bankson Brett B , Harel Assaf , Baker Chris I , Cichy Radoslaw M
Published: January 2018

Despite the importance of an observer’s goals in determining how a visual object is categorized, surprisingly little is known about how humans process the task context in which objects occur and how it may interact with the processing of objects. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and multivariate techniques, we studied the spatial and temporal dynamics of task and object processing. Our results reveal a sequence of separate but overlapping task-related processes spread across frontoparietal and occipitotemporal cortex. Task exhibited late effects on object processing by selectively enhancing task-relevant object features, with limited impact on the overall pattern of object representations. Combining MEG and fMRI data, we reveal a parallel rise in task-related signals throughout the cerebral cortex, with an increasing dominance of task over object representations from early to higher visual areas. Collectively, our results reveal the complex dynamics underlying task and object representations throughout human cortex.
Structural basis of ribosomal peptide macrocyclization in plants
Authors: Haywood Joel , Schmidberger Jason W , James Amy M , Nonis Samuel G , Sukhoverkov Kirill V , Elias Mikael , Bond Charles S , Mylne Joshua S
Published: January 2018

Constrained, cyclic peptides encoded by plant genes represent a new generation of drug leads. Evolution has repeatedly recruited the Cys-protease asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) to perform their head-to-tail ligation. These macrocyclization reactions use the substrates amino terminus instead of water to deacylate, so a peptide bond is formed. How solvent-exposed plant AEPs macrocyclize is poorly understood. Here we present the crystal structure of an active plant AEP from the common sunflower, Helianthus annuus. The active site contained electron density for a tetrahedral intermediate with partial occupancy that predicted a binding mode for peptide macrocyclization. By substituting catalytic residues we could alter the ratio of cyclic to acyclic products. Moreover, we showed AEPs from other species lacking cyclic peptides can perform macrocyclization under favorable pH conditions. This structural characterization of AEP presents a logical framework for engineering superior enzymes that generate macrocyclic peptide drug leads.
Signals of forest degradation in the demography of common Asian amphibians
Authors: Karraker Nancy E. , Fischer Samantha , Aowphol Anchalee , Sheridan Jennifer , Poo Sinlan
Published: January 2018

Background

Lowland areas in tropical East and Southeast Asia have a long history of conversion from forestland to agricultural land, with many remaining forests being chronically degraded by wood cutting, livestock grazing, and burning. Wetland-breeding amphibians that have evolved in lowland forests in the region have adjusted to changes in habitat composition caused by humans’ activities, and populations continue to persist. However, we have little understanding of the impacts of forest disturbance on these species beyond assessments of abundance and distribution, and species considered to be common and widespread have been largely neglected.

Methods

We examined body condition and sex ratios of toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), predation risk in treefrogs (2Polypedatesspp.), and growth and survival of leaf litter frogs (2Microhylaspp.) in agricultural land, degraded forest, and intact forest in two study areas, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Results

Toad populations exhibited higher body condition and female-biased sex ratios in intact forest. Predation of treefrog embryos by flies was lower in intact and degraded forests than in agricultural land. Embryonic survival and larval growth and survival in leaf litter frogs were lower in intact forests than in agricultural land. Results for each study were similar between study areas.

Discussion

For three of five of these common amphibian species, we documented signals of forest loss and disturbance in their populations. Although these species occur in disturbed habitats, loss of forest cover continues to degrade aspects of their population demography. We urge conservation biologists to consider that populations of species appearing to be common, widespread, and tolerant of human disturbance may be eroding over time.
Change in Dense Shelf Water and Adélie Land Bottom Water Precipitated by Iceberg Calving
Authors: Snow K. , Rintoul S. R. , Sloyan B. M. , Hogg A. McC.
Published: January 2018

Antarctic Bottom Water supplies the deep limb of the global overturning circulation and ventilates the abyssal ocean. Antarctic Bottom Water has warmed, freshened, and contracted in recent decades, but the causes remain poorly understood. We use unique multiyear observations from the continental shelf and deep ocean near the Mertz Polynya to examine the sensitivity of this bottom water formation region to changes on the continental shelf, including the calving of a large iceberg. Postcalving, the seasonal cycle of Dense Shelf Water (DSW) density almost halved in amplitude and the volume of DSW available for export reduced. In the deep ocean, the density and volume of Adélie Land Bottom Water decreased sharply after calving, while oxygen concentrations remained high, indicating continued ventilation by DSW. This natural experiment illustrates how local changes in forcing over the Antarctic continental shelf can drive large and rapid changes in the abyssal ocean.
Limited Impact of Subglacial Supercooling Freeze‐on for Greenland Ice Sheet Stratigraphy
Authors: Dow Christine F. , Karlsson Nanna B. , Werder Mauro A.
Published: January 2018

Large units of disrupted radiostratigraphy (UDR) are visible in many radio‐echo sounding data sets from the Greenland Ice Sheet. This study investigates whether supercooling freeze‐on rates at the bed can cause the observed UDR. We use a subglacial hydrology model to calculate both freezing and melting rates at the base of the ice sheet in a distributed sheet and within basal channels. We find that while supercooling freeze‐on is a phenomenon that occurs in many areas of the ice sheet, there is no discernible correlation with the occurrence of UDR. The supercooling freeze‐on rates are so low that it would require tens of thousands of years with minimal downstream ice motion to form the hundreds of meters of disrupted radiostratigraphy. Overall, the melt rates at the base of the ice sheet greatly overwhelm the freeze‐on rates, which has implications for mass balance calculations of Greenland ice.
Cassini CAPS Identification of Pickup Ion Compositions at Rhea
Authors: Desai R. T. , Taylor S. A. , Regoli L. H. , Coates A. J. , Nordheim T. A. , Cordiner M. A. , Teolis B. D. , Thomsen M. F. , Johnson R. E. , Jones G. H. , Cowee M. M. , Waite J. H.
Published: January 2018

Saturn's largest icy moon, Rhea, hosts a tenuous surface‐sputtered exosphere composed primarily of molecular oxygen and carbon dioxide. In this Letter, we examine Cassini Plasma Spectrometer velocity space distributions near Rhea and confirm that Cassini detected nongyrotropic fluxes of outflowing
during both the R1 and R1.5 encounters. Accounting for this nongyrotropy, we show that these possess comparable along‐track densities of ∼2 × 10−3 cm−3. Negatively charged pickup ions, also detected during R1, are surprisingly shown as consistent with mass 26 ± 3 u which we suggest are carbon‐based compounds, such as CN−,
,
, or HCO−, sputtered from carbonaceous material on the moon's surface. The negative ions are calculated to possess along‐track densities of ∼5 × 10−4 cm−3 and are suggested to derive from exogenic compounds, a finding consistent with the existence of Rhea's dynamic CO2 exosphere and surprisingly low O2 sputtering yields. These pickup ions provide important context for understanding the exospheric and surface ice composition of Rhea and of other icy moons which exhibit similar characteristics.
Bifunctional Heterostructure Assembly of NiFe LDH Nanosheets on NiCoP Nanowires for Highly Efficient and Stable Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Li Xiaopeng , Hähnel Angelika , Naumann Volker , Lin Chao , Azimi Sara , Schweizer Stefan L. , Maijenburg A. Wouter , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: January 2018

3D hierarchical heterostructure NiFe LDH@NiCoP/NF electrodes are prepared successfully on nickel foam with special interface engineering and synergistic effects. This research finds that the as‐prepared NiFe LDH@NiCoP/NF electrodes have a more sophisticated inner structure and intensive interface than a simple physical mixture. The NiFe LDH@NiCoP/NF electrodes require an overpotential as low as 120 and 220 mV to deliver 10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 m KOH, respectively. Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further reveal a favorable kinetic during electrolysis. Specifically, the NiFe LDH@NiCoP/NF electrodes are simultaneously used as cathode and anode for overall water splitting, which requires a cell voltage of 1.57 V at 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the heterostructure improves the structural stability and promotes the generation of active phases during HER and OER, resulting in excellent stability over 100 h of continuous operation. Moreover, the strategy and interface engineering of the introduced heterostructure can also be used to prepare other bifunctional and cost‐efficient electrocatalysts for various applications.
Bioinspired, Spine‐Like, Flexible, Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High Energy Density
Authors: Qian Guoyu , Zhu Bin , Liao Xiangbiao , Zhai Haowei , Srinivasan Arvind , Fritz Nathan Joseph , Cheng Qian , Ning Mingqiang , Qie Boyu , Li Yi , Yuan Songliu , Zhu Jia , Chen Xi , Yang Yuan
Published: January 2018

The rapid development of flexible and wearable electronics proposes the persistent requirements of high‐performance flexible batteries. Much progress has been achieved recently, but how to obtain remarkable flexibility and high energy density simultaneously remains a great challenge. Here, a facile and scalable approach to fabricate spine‐like flexible lithium‐ion batteries is reported. A thick, rigid segment to store energy through winding the electrodes corresponds to the vertebra of animals, while a thin, unwound, and flexible part acts as marrow to interconnect all vertebra‐like stacks together, providing excellent flexibility for the whole battery. As the volume of the rigid electrode part is significantly larger than the flexible interconnection, the energy density of such a flexible battery can be over 85% of that in conventional packing. A nonoptimized flexible cell with an energy density of 242 Wh L−1 is demonstrated with packaging considered, which is 86.1% of a standard prismatic cell using the same components. The cell also successfully survives a harsh dynamic mechanical load test due to this rational bioinspired design. Mechanical simulation results uncover the underlying mechanism: the maximum strain in the reported design (≈0.08%) is markedly smaller than traditional stacked cells (≈1.1%). This new approach offers great promise for applications in flexible devices.
Copper(II)‐Schiff Base Complex‐Functionalized Polyacrylonitrile Fiber as a Green Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for One‐Pot Multicomponent Syntheses of 1,2,3‐Triazoles and Propargylamines
Authors: Li Pengyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Lu , Xiao Jian , Tao Minli
Published: January 2018

A series of copper(II)‐Schiff bases‐functionalized polyacrylonitrile fiber catalysts were successfully prepared using copper acetate as copper source and characterized by elemental analysis, fourier‐transfer infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma analysis. Excellent physical strength and thermal stability of the fiber catalysts were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry analysis and mechanical strength measurements. Furthermore, these catalysts were successfully applied to one‐pot multicomponent copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction and aldehyde, alkyne, amine (A3) coupling reaction in which the influences of different substituent groups on the catalytic activities of fiber catalysts were investigated in detail. Among them, the bis[N‐ethyl‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐salicylideneiminato]copper(II)‐functionalized polyacrylonitrile fiber (PANS2F−Cu) as a green, efficient catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for its high hydrophobic micro‐environment can aggregate the reactants to the catalytic sites and accelerate the reaction. In addition, the PANS2F−Cu has performed well in scaled‐up experiment and shown excellent recyclability (at least ten times), and these enable it to have great potential for further applications.

magnified image
Barrier Reduction of Lithium Ion Tunneling through Graphene with Hybrid Defects: First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Xin Yanbo , Huang Anping , Hu Qi , Shi Hongliang , Wang Mei , Xiao Zhisong , Zheng Xiaohu , Di Zengfeng , Chu Paul K.
Published: January 2018

Atomically thin 2D materials such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride are increasingly explored as a possible platform for atomic diffusion barriers and novel separation technologies. However, a perfectly dense networked lattice structure is impermeable to nearly all ions thereby limiting their application as atomically thin barriers. In this work, climbing image nudged elastic band simulation is applied to identify meaningful strategies to reduce the energy barrier height of Li ions tunneling through monolayer (ML) graphene sheets. Our results reveal that defects such as pore defects, ripples, and some atomic substitutions can effectively reduce the Li ion tunneling barrier and the defects can alter the Li ion adsorption energy to influence the deintercalation process. Furthermore, hybrid defects can balance the energy barrier and potential well to increase the permeability of Li ions through graphene sheets.
Interdependence of Resistance and Optical Transmission in Conductive Nanowire Networks
Authors: Ainsworth Catherine A. , Derby Brian , Sampson William W.
Published: January 2018

Metallic nanowire networks show great potential for use in transparent conductive displays. The coupled relationship between the principal materials properties of interest for such applications, optical transmittance and sheet resistance, is known to be affected by both nanowire dimensions and area coverage. Existing theory to describe the observed interdependence requires consideration of both bulk and surface phases. Here, an analysis of structural variables in these materials is presented confirming that bulk considerations do not typically apply. Accordingly, a model using statistical theory for random line networks is developed that requires consideration of a surface phase only. The resultant simple expression relates sheet resistance and optical transmission of heterogeneous nanowire assemblies in terms of nanowire dimensions. Comparison of our model with experimental and simulation data from the literature shows excellent agreement. In closing, theoretical insights into the observed influence on sheet resistance of polydisperse nanowire lengths and structural variability are provided.
3D Flexible Carbon Felt Host for Highly Stable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Chi Shang‐Sen , Qi Xing‐Guo , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: January 2018

Sodium (Na) metal, which possesses a high theoretical capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential, is regarded as a promising anode material for Na–metal batteries. However, both Na dendrite growth and large volume change in cycling have severely impeded its practical applications. This study demonstrates that a 3D flexible carbon (C) felt which is already commercialized in large‐scale can be employed as a host for prestoring Na via a melt infusion strategy, through which a Na/C composite anode is obtained. The resulting anode exhibits a stable voltage profile and a small hysteresis over 120 cycles in carbonate‐based electrolytes in symmetrical cells owing to the fact that the metallic Na is confined in a conductive carbon felt host, which increases the Na+ deposition sites to lower the effective current density and render a uniform Na nucleation, restricting the dimension change in electrochemical cycling. More importantly, effective inhibition of Na dendrite growth and large volume change is achieved. When coupled with a Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 cathode, the Na/C composite demonstrates a good suitability in full cells. This work provides an alternative option for the fabrication of stable Na metal anodes, which is of great significance for the practical applications of Na metal anodes in high‐energy‐density batteries.
Flexible and Salt Resistant Janus Absorbers by Electrospinning for Stable and Efficient Solar Desalination
Authors: Xu Weichao , Hu Xiaozhen , Zhuang Shendong , Wang Yuxi , Li Xiuqiang , Zhou Lin , Zhu Shining , Zhu Jia
Published: January 2018

With recent progress in interfacial solar steam generation, direct solar desalination is considered a promising technology for providing a clean water solution through a cost effective and environmental‐friendly pathway. As a high and stable water production rate is the key to enable widespread applications, salt deposition becomes a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Herein, the authors demonstrate that a flexible Janus absorber fabricated by sequential electrospinning can enable stable and efficient solar desalination. Taking advantage of the unique structure of Janus, two functions of steam generation, solar absorption and water pumping, are decoupled into different layers, with an upper hydrophobic carbon black nanoparticles (CB) coating polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) layer for light absorption, and a lower hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) layer for pumping water. Therefore, salt can only be deposited in the hydrophilic PAN layer and quickly be dissolved because of continuous water pumping. Janus absorber demonstrates high efficiency (72%) and stable water output (1.3 kg m–2 h–1, over 16 days) under 1‐sun, not achieved in most previous absorbers. With a unique structure design achieved by scalable process, this flexible Janus absorber provides an efficient, stable and portable solar steam generator for direct solar desalination.
Changes of liver metabolites following hepatectomy with ischemia reperfusion towards liver regeneration
Authors: Saito Yu , Morine Yuji , Iwahashi Shuichi , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Imura Satoru , Yamanaka‐Okumura Hisami , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tomita Masaru , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: January 2018

Background

Metabolome analysis is one of the omics which investigates the final product of a central dogma. Changes of liver metabolites during liver regeneration following hepatectomy (Hx) continue to remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of liver metabolites following Hx with ischemia reperfusion (I/R) towards liver regeneration.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients who underwent Hx were enrolled in this study. Non‐tumor tissues were sampled immediately before and after Hx and a comparison was made between the liver samples taken before and after Hx using capillary electrophoresis (CE)—time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) as metabolome analysis.

Results

The metabolic pathway showed that there was a significant increase in “lactate” following Hx. There was a significant decrease in metabolites only in the first half of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by anaerobiotic glycolysis did not occur in time for energy consumption of the Hx. Principal component analysis revealed remarkably different component profiles between the samples taken before and after Hx. One hundred and three metabolites were selected as critical metabolites for separating components. Valine and tryptophan increased significantly after Hx and they were regulated by resected liver volume, ischemic time and liver function.

Conclusion

The liver metabolites changed remarkably between before and after Hx. Especially, liver valine and tryptophan were increased.
Further delineation of Temtamy syndrome of corpus callosum and ocular abnormalities
Authors: Alrakaf Laila , Al‐Owain Mohammed A. , Busehail Maryam , Alotaibi Maha A. , Monies Dorota , Aldhalaan Hesham M. , Alhashem Amal , Al‐Hassnan Zuhair N. , Rahbeeni Zuhair A. , Murshedi Fathiya Al , Ani Nadia Al , Al‐Maawali Almundher , Ibrahim Niema A. , Abdulwahab Firdous M. , Alsagob Maysoon , Hashem Mais O. , Ramadan Wafaa , Abouelhoda Mohamed , Meyer Brian F. , Kaya Namik , Maddirevula Sateesh , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: January 2018

Temtamy syndrome is a syndromic form of intellectual disability characterized by ocular involvement, epilepsy and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. After we initially mapped the disease to C12orf57, we noted a high carrier frequency of an ancient startloss founder mutation [c.1A>G; p.M1?] in our population, and variable phenotypic expressivity in newly identified cases. This study aims to combine 33 previously published patients with 23 who are described here for the first time to further delineate the phenotype of this syndrome. In addition to the known p.M1? founder, we describe four novel homozygous variants, thus increasing the number of Temtamy syndrome‐related C12orf57 variants to seven, all but one predicted to be loss of function. While all patients presented with intellectual disability/developmental delay, the frequency of other phenotypic features was variable: 73.2% (41/56) had epilepsy, 63% (34/54) had corpus callosal abnormalities, 14.5% (8/55) had coloboma, and 16.4% (9/55) had microphthalmia. Our analysis also revealed a high frequency of less recognized features such as congenital heart disease (51.4%), and brain white matter abnormalities (38%, 19/50). We conclude that C12orf57 variants should be considered in the etiology of developmental delay/intellectual disability, even when typical syndromic features are lacking, especially in those who trace their ancestry to Saudi Arabia where a founder C12orf57 mutation is among the most common recessive causes of intellectual disability.
Kinetic Resolution ofsec‐Thiols by Enantioselective Oxidation with Rationally Engineered 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural Oxidase
Authors: Pickl Mathias , Swoboda Alexander , Romero Elvira , Winkler Christoph K. , Binda Claudia , Mattevi Andrea , Faber Kurt , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: January 2018

Various flavoprotein oxidases were recently shown to oxidize primary thiols. Herein, this reactivity is extended tosec‐thiols by using structure‐guided engineering of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural oxidase (HMFO). The variants obtained were employed for the oxidative kinetic resolution of racemicsec‐thiols, thus yielding the corresponding thioketones and nonreactedR‐configured thiols with excellent enantioselectivities (E≥200). The engineering strategy applied went beyond the classic approach of replacing bulky amino acid residues with smaller ones, as the active site was additionally enlarged by a newly introduced Thr residue. This residue established a hydrogen‐bonding interaction with the substrates, as verified in the crystal structure of the variant. These strategies unlocked HMFO variants for the enantioselective oxidation of a range ofsec‐thiols.
Preparation of a branched amine and physical and thermal studies of epoxy compositions including the amine compound
Authors: Kim Taehee , Kim Sungyeon , Lee Dong‐gu , Lim Choong‐Sun , Seo Bongkuk
Published: January 2018

A branched amine, abbreviated as EATP, was synthesized by reacting ethylene diamine with methyl acrylate, followed by reaction with xylylene diamine via a two‐step process. The prepared EATP (in the range of 5–30 parts per resin) was added to epoxy compositions with bisphenol A epoxy resin and a curing agent, xylylene diamine. The epoxy compositions were cured at high temperatures and processed for flexural strength testing and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results showed that the flexural strength was improved by 13% when 10% EATP was present in the epoxy matrix, but there was a decrease in tan δ and storage modulus values. Moreover, the degree of fire hazard of the epoxy compositions and EATP was studied by measuring the heat release rate (HRR). The reduction in the HRR with higher amounts of EATP in the epoxy indicated that the xylylene groups of EATP enhance the thermal stability of the resin. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46233.
Synergistic effect of graphene oxide‐silver nanofillers on engineering performances of polyelectrolyte complex nanofiber membranes
Authors: Cai Ning , Zeng Huan , Fu Jing , Chan Vincent , Chen Mei , Li Hui , Yu Faquan
Published: January 2018

The poor mechanical and antibacterial performance has become a big hurdle for extending the application of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanofibers in various fields. In this study, chitosan/gelatin (CG) composite nanofiber system was used for portraying the synergistic enhancement of mechanical and antibacterial properties of PEC nanofiber membranes by inclusion of graphene oxide‐silver (GO‐Ag) nanofillers. In particular, the introduction of 1.5 wt % GO‐Ag has raised the elastic modulus and tensile strength of CG nanofiber membrane by 105% and 488%, respectively, which are partially attributed to the alleviated restacking of graphene sheets by the anchored AgNPs. Meanwhile, the diameters of inhibition zone againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuson LB‐agar plates induced by GO‐Ag/CG nanofiber membranes are increased by 80.5% and 50.1%, respectively, compared to that by CG membrane. The synergistic improvement of antimicrobial performance of GO‐Ag/CG may be related to the accumulation of microorganisms induced by GO. In summary, the incorporation of GO‐Ag composite nanofillers has emerged as an effective strategy for engineering PEC nanofiber membranes for potential applications in nanomedicine and tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46238.
Improving the recombinant human erythropoietin glycosylation using microsome supplementation in CHO cell‐free system
Authors: Gurramkonda Chandrasekhar , Rao Aniruddha , Borhani Shayan , Pilli Manohar , Deldari Sevda , Ge Xudong , Pezeshk Niloufar , Han Tzu‐Chiang , Tolosa Michael , Kostov Yordan , Tolosa Leah , Wood David W. , Vattem Krishna , Frey Douglas D. , Rao Govind
Published: January 2018

Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS) offers many advantages for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins using the CHO cell‐free system. However, many complex proteins are still difficult to express using this method. To investigate the current bottlenecks in cell‐free glycoprotein production, we chose erythropoietin (40% glycosylated), an essential endogenous hormone which stimulates the development of red blood cells. Here, we report the production of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) using CHO cell‐free system. Using this method, EPO was expressed and purified with a twofold increase in yield when the cell‐free reaction was supplemented with CHO microsomes. The protein was purified to near homogeneity using an ion‐metal affinity column. We were able to analyze the expressed and purified products (glycosylated cell‐free EPO runs at 25–28 kDa, and unglycosylated protein runs at 20 kDa on an SDS–PAGE), identifying the presence of glycan moieties by PNGase shift assay. The purified protein was predicted to have ∼2,300 IU in vitro activity. Additionally, we tested the presence and absence of sugars on the cell‐free EPO using a lectin‐based assay system. The results obtained in this study indicate that microsomes augmented in vitro production of the glycoprotein is useful for the rapid production of single doses of a therapeutic glycoprotein drug and to rapidly screen glycoprotein constructs in the development of these types of drugs. CFPS is useful for implementing a lectin‐based method for rapid screening and detection of glycan moieties, which is a critical quality attribute in the industrial production of therapeutic glycoproteins.
Determination of Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs in Urine by HPLC–UV/Vis Analysis Coupled with Electromembrane Extraction
Authors: Kim Jin Mun , Myung Seung‐Woon
Published: January 2018

A simple, effective, and environment‐friendly sample preparation method featuring electromembrane extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis was developed for the simultaneous determination of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (indoprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and ibuprofen) in human urine. Optimization was performed for parameters such as sample dilution, liquid membrane type, donor/acceptor solution pH, stirring speed, voltage, and extraction time. For spiked samples, the limits of detection and quantitation equaled 0.20–0.27 and 0.68–0.84 μg/mL, respectively, with the accuracy and precision in the working range equaling 95.1–128.4 and 2.71–10.2%, respectively. Linear equations used for quantitative analysis were valid in the concentration range of 0.68–8.4 μg/mL, with correlation coefficients (R) equaling 0.9934–0.9979.