bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition‐Metal‐Free Hydrogen Autotransfer: Diastereoselective N‐Alkylation of Amines with Racemic Alcohols
Authors: Xiao Miao , Yue Xin , Xu Ruirui , Tang Weijun , Xue Dong , Li Chaoqun , Lei Ming , Xiao Jianliang , Wang Chao
Published: June 2019

A practical method for the synthesis of α‐chiral amines by alkylation of amines with alcohols in the absence of any transition‐metal catalysts has been developed. Under the co‐catalysis of a ketone and NaOH, racemic secondary alcohols reacted with Ellman's chiral tert‐butanesulfinamide by a hydrogen autotransfer process to afford chiral amines with high diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1). Broad substrate scope and up to a 10 gram scale production of chiral amines were demonstrated. The method was applied to the synthesis of chiral deuterium‐labelled amines with high deuterium incorporation and optical purity, including examples of chiral deuterated drugs. The configuration of amine products is found to be determined solely by the configuration of the chiral tert‐butanesulfinamide regardless of that of alcohols, and this is corroborated by DFT calculations. Further mechanistic studies showed that the reaction is initiated by the ketone catalyst and involves a transition state similar to that proposed for the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction, and importantly, it is the interaction of the sodium cation of the base with both the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the sulfinamide moiety that makes feasible, and determines the diastereoselectivity of, the reaction.
Novel thin‐film nanocomposite membrane with water‐soluble polyhydroxylated fullerene for the separation of Mg2+/Li+ aqueous solution
Authors: Shen Qian , Xu Sun‐Jie , Xu Zhen‐Liang , Zhang Hai‐Zhen , Dong Zhe‐Qin
Published: June 2019

Despite the prosperity of membrane technology, the separation efficiency for Mg2+/Li+ mixture is still far from satisfactory. Herein, a novel thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane was developed by loading polyhydroxylated fullerene (PHF) via interfacial polymerization. The effects of the PHF dosages on the as‐developed membranes were investigated comprehensively by XPS, SEM, AFM, contact angle measurements, as well as nanofiltration tests. The results revealed the TFN membrane containing 0.01% (w/v) PHF exhibited the optimum performances. The membrane showed a pure water flux of 6.7 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and salt rejections with the order of Na2SO4 (95.6%) > MgSO4 (93.6%) > MgCl2 (89.9%) > NaCl (22.6%) > LiCl (16.3%). The membrane not only presented a separation factor of 13.1 in separating Mg2+/Li+ mixtures, but also demonstrated excellent antifouling ability, which enables membrane regeneration without operation break, suggesting its great potentials in the recovery of Li+ from brine or seawater. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48029.
Facile and efficient isocyanate microencapsulation via SDBS/PVP synergetic emulsion
Authors: Lu Wei , Meng Qingwei , Qin Chuanrui , Li Jinliang , Qi Guansheng , Kong Biao , He Zhenglong
Published: June 2019

A binary emulsion system via combination of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was employed to prepare microcapsules containing isophorone diisocyanate. The effect of different concentrations of SDBS and PVP on the size and distribution of capsules was investigated. The results showed that uniform and size‐controllable capsules were synthesized by synergistic function of SDBS and PVP. Characteristics of capsule were studied by optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and 1H NMR. The results revealed that the core content and yield of the spherical capsules were approximately 65.7 and 79 wt %, respectively, at the capsule diameter of ~115 μm. The residue core content of microcapsules was approximately 44.7 wt % after immersion in water for 10 days. And its self‐healing epoxy coatings showed excellent corrosion resistance performance after accelerated corrosion tests. These results exhibited the feasibility and great application prospect of the multiemulsifiers system in the microcapsule synthesis process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48045.
Amphiphilic PVDF‐g‐PDMAPMA ultrafiltration membrane with enhanced hydrophilicity and antifouling properties
Authors: Liu Lu , Huang Lukuan , Shi Manli , Li Weixing , Xing Weihong
Published: June 2019

It is easy to adsorb the pollutants from water owning to the hydrophobicity of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. To improve the hydrophilicity of the PVDF UF membrane, a novel amphiphilic copolymer PVDF‐g‐poly‐N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)methacrylamide] (PDMAPMA) was developed. The amphiphilic PVDF‐g‐PDMAPMA was synthesized with PVDF and N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)methacrylamide (DMAPMA) via free‐radical polymerization, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure morphologies and elementals of the blend PVDF membranes, respectively. The pure water flux (PWF), molecular weight cutoff, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution filtration experiments were tested to evaluate the permeation performance and antifouling properties of the membranes. The experimental results showed that the PWF was 263.1 L m−2 h−1, BSA rejection rate was 98.1% and flux recovery rate was 95.1% of the prepared blend membrane which had obvious improvement compared with the pristine PVDF membrane (17.3 L m−2 h−1, 91.0, and 83.8%, respectively). The antibacterial activity test showed the prepared blend membrane had good potency against microorganisms. A novel hydrophilic PVDF membrane with good antibacterial properties was developed and would be promising for wastewater treatment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48049.
‘Learning to play the game’: How schools with below average attainment can support the decision‐making processes for high‐potential learners in applying for university
Authors: Rose Jo , Tikly Leon , Washbrook Liz
Published: June 2019

This article explores how schools with below average attainment can support high‐attaining learners in their decision‐making about university. We report on a project involving longitudinal case studies of 43 high‐achieving learners from a range of backgrounds across five institutions, during their sixth form career in 2013/14 and 2014/15, focusing on ways in which aspirations towards university develop. To understand schools’ roles in supporting learners, we draw on Hart's analytical framework which sees the development of aspiration for higher education as a capability—the development of the opportunity freedoms of young people to pursue future trajectories that they have reason to value. We draw attention to the factors that facilitate or hinder this development, and highlight the key crunch points at which this feeds into young people's decision‐making about university. We suggest that policy and practice should move beyond a traditional focus on the role of schools in raising aspirations amongst learners from non‐traditional backgrounds. Instead, there should be a focus on how schools can support young people to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the university landscape, so that young people do not rule out options without fully understanding them. This will in turn lead to young people being able to make informed choices linked to future trajectories they have reason to value. ‘Learning to play the game’ of attending Russell Group universities needs to be seen as part of the development of this wider capability to aspire.
Assessment at an Urban Community College: From Resistance to Discovery
Authors: LaManna Richard
Published: June 2019

This chapter affirms the increasing value of outcomes assessment at one of many institutions where once it was mostly ignored, how the knowledge afforded by increased use of assessment functions as a precursor to change, and how the faculty and staff work of program and outcomes assessment—discussions, decisions, preparations, actions, revisions—helps maintain an evolving, dynamic approach to educating community college students.
Toward Authentic Assessment: Using ePortfolio at Salt Lake Community College
Authors: Tyler Deidre , Dibble Emily
Published: June 2019

This chapter describes how Salt Lake Community College established an ePortfolio program to help students develop critical and analytic thinking skills, and to assess their proficiency in general education.
The Role of Adjuncts in Assessment: Perspectives of a Former Adjunct Instructor
Authors: Buffardi Harry C.
Published: June 2019

This chapter explores issues surrounding adjunct instructor roles in assessment, and provides some useful techniques to incorporate their assessment work toward unifying education delivery.
Effect of extruded mung bean flour on dough rheology and quality of Chinese noodles
Authors: Zhang Hua , Meng Yuejiao , Liu Xingli , Guan Xiao , Huang Kai , Li Sen
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives

Modified properties of mung bean flour could be obtained by extrusion, which could improve the properties of extruded mung bean–wheat composite dough and noodles. This study was designed to investigate the effect of extruded mung bean flour (EMF) on the dough rheological properties and noodle quality.

Findings

Pasting viscosity, development time, and stability of the composite flour decreased gradually with the increased levels of EMF, while the water absorption, softening, and pasting temperature increased with the increased EMF content. Compared with the wheat noodles, noodles prepared from flour blends of EMF with wheat flour (WF) showed lower water absorption of dry matter, higher cooked breaking rate, and cooking loss. Increasing the level of EMF incorporated into WF led to a decrease in hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness, and resilience of composite noodles. In addition, with the increased levels of additional EMF, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and resistant starch (RS) increased, while rapidly digestible starch (RDS) decreased.

Conclusions

When the content of additional EMF was higher than 25%, the cooked breaking rate and cooking loss of composite noodles exceeded the satisfactory point of industrial standard. Increase of total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and RS and decrease of RDS made the addition of EMF into WF becomes a feasible process in noodle industry.

Significance and novelty

Blending WF with a certain amount of EMF resulted in lower setback viscosity and final viscosity was beneficial for noodle making. Furthermore, the decrease of dry matter water absorption, hardness, and chewiness of noodles could have contributions to the eating qualities of noodles.
A rare systemic etiology of heart failure and liver dysfunction
Authors: Lee Christopher , Chau Edward , Patel Sumit , Zhao Diana , Yang Alexander H. , Lee Brian T. , Alexander Jacob , Ostrzega Enrique , Sarte Patrick
Published: June 2019

Systemic amyloidosis is a rare condition that can manifest with cardiomyopathy, hepatic dysfunction, and renal disease. Diagnosis is often missed and/or delayed due to chronic multi‐system involvement and indeterminate signs and symptoms. Treatment generally involves systemic therapy and autologous stem‐cell transplantation.
Pregnancy‐induced progressive change of prolactin‐secreting macroadenoma with the development of bitemporal hemianopia and severe headache
Authors: Sirilert Sirinart , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Pantasri Tawiwan , Tongsong Theera
Published: June 2019

In a difficult case of macroadenoma with progressive change during pregnancy, timely cesarean delivery, avoidance of breastfeeding, and intensive conservative treatment after birth could have satisfactory results, in terms of fetal outcomes, regression of tumor, and resumption of visual activity.
Cooperative Use of Brønsted Acids and Metal Catalysts in Tandem Isomerization Reactions of Olefins
Authors: Kathe Prasad , Fleischer Ivana
Published: June 2019

Dual catalysis constitutes a growing field of the organic synthesis. It is a useful methodology, which allows for a discovery of new and more efficient transformations. This concept article describes tandem reactions, which comprise of an isomerization of the double bond and following transformation, whereby a combination of a homogeneous metal catalyst and Brønsted acid is used. The aim is to highlight the versatility of this catalyst combination.
Well‐Defined Platinum Surfaces for the Ethanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Rizo Rubén , Pérez‐Rodríguez Sara , García Gonzalo
Published: June 2019

Direct ethanol fuel cells are a promising technology for clean energy production. The ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) is surface sensitive and, hence, the study of single‐crystal electrodes provides fundamental knowledge of the different activity of the metal crystal planes. However, for practical applications, metal nanoparticles dispersed on a porous support are generally used to enhance the efficiency and to reduce the catalyst cost. Although some research has been devoted to the development of shape‐controlled nanoparticles, the finding of an efficient, cost‐effective, and easily scaled‐up catalytic system remains a challenge. Furthermore, the use of a suitable support with a well‐defined nanoarchitecture is essential for the control of the catalyst reactivity. In this Review, a general overview of the performance of single‐crystal electrodes and unsupported/supported shape‐controlled nanoparticles for the EOR is presented, paying special attention to Pt surfaces. Finally, the major challenges and directions for future research are also discussed to guide the design of efficient shape‐controlled catalysts for the EOR.
Advanced Electrochemical Properties of PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.9Ni0.1O5+δ as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Lee Hansol , Gwon Ohhun , Lim Chaehyun , Kim Jeongwon , Galindev Oyunbileg , Kim Guntae
Published: June 2019

Various simple and layered perovskites have been extensively investigated as promising cathode materials for metal‐air batteries and fuel cells, because of their tunable structural, electronic, and chemical properties. However, the electrocatalytic activity of perovskite oxides towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) must be improved by increasing the slow kinetics and by decreasing the overpotential associated with those reactions. Doping with other transition metals such as Ni, Mn, Fe and Cu represents one of the effective chemical methods to improve the catalytic activity of perovskite oxides. Herein, we investigate Ni‐doped cobalt‐based double perovskites, PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2‐xNixO5+δ (x=0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3), as promising cathode materials for rechargeable alkaline Zn‐air batteries. PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.9Ni0.1O5+δ (PBSCN1) shows low Tafel slopes (OER: 83 mV dec−1 and ORR: 67 mV dec−1), favorable onset potentials (OER: 1.513 V vs. RHE at 1 mA cm−2 and ORR: 0.720 V vs. RHE at −1 mA cm−2), and high limiting currents (OER: 25.20 mA cm−2 and ORR: −5.67 mA cm−2). In addition, it shows improved discharge‐charge performances for a full‐cell Zn‐air battery. The enhanced electrochemical properties of PBSCN1 could be achieved by the high concentration of surface oxygen species, and the coexistence of different chemical states of cobalt cations caused by the presence of nickel cations in the lattice. Based on these results, PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.9Ni0.1O5+δ could be considered a promising cathode material for Zn‐air battery systems.
Electrochemistry of Iron(II/III)‐N,N'‐ethylene‐bis‐(o‐hydroxyphenylglycine) Complexes in Aqueous Solution Indicates Potential for Use in Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Schröder Philipp , Obendorf Dagmar , Bechtold Thomas
Published: June 2019

The iron complexes of the two diastereomers of N,N′‐ethylene‐bis‐(o‐hydroxyphenylglycine) (EDDHA), racemic (R,R−S,S) and meso (R,S−S,R) were isolated from commercial Fe‐EDDHA fertilizer. Cyclic voltammetry in aqueous solution in the pH range between 4.0 and 11.5 indicated reversible behaviour at both mercury and glassy carbon electrodes and quasi reversible characteristics at a copper electrode. An E1/2 value of −642 mV (racemic diastereomer) and −615 mV (meso form) vs. Ag/AgCl 1 M NaCl reference electrode was observed at pH 9. In unbuffered solutions the complex of the racemic diastereomer shows almost pH independent redox behaviour over the whole pH range studied. The iron complex of the meso isomer hydrolyses at pH values above 9. Diffusion coefficients of the complex species were determined from the voltammograms for the meso isomer and the racemic form with 5.4 10−6 cm2 s−1 and 5.8 10−6 cm2 s−1 respectively. Bulk electrolysis experiments at pH 9 demonstrated the chemical stability of both the FeII‐ and the FeIII‐form of the complex with racemic EDDHA. Good cycling stability and current efficiency were obtained in subsequent charge/discharge experiments using a carbon felt electrode. The redox properties and the stability of FeII/III‐EDDHA complexes make them interesting candidates for future use as negative redox electrolytes in redox flow batteries (RFB).
Solvoluminescence of Cerium(III) Thiocyanate Complex
Authors: Kuramochi Yusuke , Sayama Shunsuke , Satake Akiharu
Published: June 2019

A cerium(III) thiocyanate complex shows bright‐blue emission at approximately 450 nm in acetonitrile, the quantum yield of which reaches more than 40 % at 298 K. Non‐coordinating solvents such as acetonitrile give blue emission whereas oxygen‐coordinating and nitrogen‐coordinating solvents afford near UV and green emissions, respectively.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Multifunctional Catalysis
Authors: Iqbal Bushra , Saleem Murtaza , Arshad Salman Noshear , Rashid Jamshaid , Hussain Naveed , Zaheer Muhammad
Published: June 2019

A one‐pot synthesis of bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (Co/Fe‐MOFs) was achieved by treating stoichiometric amounts of Fe and Co salts with 2‐aminoterephthalic acid (NH2‐BDC). Monometallic Fe (catalyst A) and Co (catalyst F) were also prepared along with mixed‐metal Fe/Co catalysts (B–E) by changing the Fe/Co ratio. For mixed‐metal catalysts (B–E) SEM energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the incorporation of both Fe and Co in the catalysts. However, a spindle‐shaped morphology, typically known for the Fe‐MIL‐88B structure and confirmed by PXRD analysis, was only observed for catalysts A–D. To test the catalytic potential of mixed‐metal MOFs, reduction of nitroarenes was selected as a benchmark reaction. Incorporation of Co enhanced the activity of the catalysts compared with the parent NH2‐BDC‐Fe catalyst. These MOFs were also tested as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the best activity was exhibited by mixed‐metal Fe/Co‐MOF (Fe/Co batch ratio=1). The catalyst provided a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 410 mV overpotential, which is comparable to the benchmark OER catalyst (i.e., RuO2). Moreover, it showed long‐term stability in 1 m KOH. In a third catalytic test, dehydrogenation of sodium borohydride showed high activity (turnover frequency=87 min−1) and hydrogen generation rate (67 L min−1 g−1 catalyst). This is the first example of the synthesis of bimetallic MOFs as multifunctional catalysts particularly for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes and dehydrogenation reactions.
Scattered podosomes and podosomes associated with the sealing zone architecture in cultured osteoclasts revealed by cell shearing, quick freezing, and platinum‐replica electron microscopy
Authors: Akisaka Toshitaka , Yoshida Atsushi
Published: June 2019

Osteoclasts (OCs) can adhere to a variety of substrate surfaces by highly dynamic actin‐based cytoskeletal structures termed podosomes. This tight attachment is established by a sealing zone (SZ), which is made of interconnected individual podosomes. Compared with scattered podosomes in various cell types, the architecture of the SZ is still unclear. Especially, ultrastructural studies on the details of the cytoskeletal structure of an OC have been challenging, because the high density of filaments in their podosomes obscure visualization of individual filaments. Therefore, to study this organization in more exact detail, we employed shearing open combined with replica electron microscopy. The present study provides several new details of the podosome and SZ structure, which were previously unrecognized: (a) the SZ consists of recognizable podosomes with a dense actin network of interpodosomal regions characterized by multiple layers of crossing, branching and anastomosing actin filament networks; (b) the Arp2/3 complex is distributed throughout the actin network of podosomes and SZ, indicating that actin polymerization is concentrated at these regions; (c) a close spatial relationship between the podosome and the dorsal membrane; and (d) a network of membranous organelles in close proximity to the podosomes in the SZ. Taken together, the present study reveals that a more complicated interpodosomal actin network among neighboring individual podosomes, which is more complicated than previously thought, appears to form the SZ. Indeed, individual podosomes are not an isolated structural unit from other organelles; and, in turn, their dynamism might affect the surrounding interpodosomal cytoskeletons, membranous organelles, and plasma membrane.
Synthesis and Study of Multifunctional Cyclodextrin–Deferasirox Hybrids
Authors: Gascon Jose Miguel , Oliveri Valentina , McGown Andrew , Kaya Ecem , Chen Yu‐Lin , Austin Carol , Walker Martin , Platt Frances M. , Vecchio Graziella , Spencer John
Published: June 2019

Metal dyshomeostasis is central to a number of disorders that result from, inter alia, oxidative stress, protein misfolding, and cholesterol dyshomeostasis. In this respect, metal deficiencies are usually readily corrected by treatment with supplements, whereas metal overload can be overcome by the use of metal‐selective chelation therapy. Deferasirox, 4‐[(3Z,5E)‐3,5‐bis(6‐oxo‐1‐cyclohexa‐2,4‐dienylidene)‐1,2,4‐triazolidin‐1‐yl]benzoic acid, Exjade, or ICL670, is used clinically to treat hemosiderosis (iron overload), which often results from multiple blood transfusions. Cyclodextrins are cyclic glucose units that are extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry as formulating agents as well as for encapsulating hydrophobic molecules such as in the treatment of Niemann–Pick type C or for hypervitaminosis. We conjugated deferasirox, via an amide coupling reaction, to both 6A‐amino‐6A‐deoxy‐β‐cyclodextrin and 3A‐amino‐3A‐deoxy‐2A(S),3A(S)‐β‐cyclodextrin, at the upper and lower rim, respectively, creating hybrid molecules with dual properties, capable of both metal chelation and cholesterol encapsulation. Our findings emphasize the importance of the conjugation of β‐cyclodextrin with deferasirox to significantly improve the biological properties and to decrease the cytotoxicity of this drug.
Diethoxyacetate Salts as Co‐initiators for Radical Photosensitive Resins: Towards Aromatic Amine‐Free Systems?
Authors: Abdallah Mira , Al Mousawi Assi , Nechab Malek , Hijazi Akram , Fouassier Jean‐Pierre , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: June 2019

Diethoxyacetate salts are investigated as new co‐initiators for the free radical polymerization (FRP) of (meth)acrylates upon visible light exposure, with light emitting diodes (LEDs; 405 nm, 477 nm) being employed for this purpose. Interestingly, the impact of the counter cation on their initiating ability is clearly highlighted. When these co‐initiators are combined with commercial photoinitiators such as 2‐isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) or camphorquinone (CQ), good to excellent free radical polymerization initiating performances are found and high final reactive function conversions are achieved. In the absence of these co‐initiators, no or poor polymerization occurs, clearly highlighting the importance of these co‐initiators for an efficient process. These systems can be interesting for the replacement of aromatic amines opening the way for amine‐free Type II photoinitiating systems.
Nitride‐Derived Copper Modified with Indium as a Selective and Highly Stable Catalyst for the Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Veenstra Florentine L. P. , Martín Antonio J. , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: June 2019

The lack of efficient catalysts prevents the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide from contributing to the pressing target of a carbon‐neutral economy. Indium‐modified copper nitride was identified as a stable electrocatalyst selective toward CO. In2O3/Cu3N showed a Faradaic efficiency of 80 % at 0.5 V overpotential for at least 50 h, in stark contrast to the very limited stability of the benchmark In2O3/Cu2O. Microfabricated systems allowed to correlate activity with highly stable interfaces in indium‐modified copper nitride. In contrast, fast diffusion of indium resulted in rapidly evolving interfaces in the case of the system based on oxide‐derived Cu. A metastable nitrogen species observed by spectroscopic means was proposed as the underlying cause leading to the unchanging interfaces. This work reveals the stabilizing properties of nitride‐derived copper toward high‐performance multicomponent catalysts.
Expression of Concern: Trait variation across biological scales shapes community structure and ecosystem function
Authors: Start Denon , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Trait variation underlies our understanding of the patterns and importance of biodiversity, yet we have a poor understanding of how variation at different levels of biological organization structures communities and ecosystems. Here, we use a mesocosm experiment to test for the effects of a larval dragonfly functional trait on community and ecosystem dynamics by creating artificial populations to mirror within‐ and between‐population trait variation observed in our study area. Specifically, we manipulate variation in activity rate, a key functional trait shaping food webs, across three levels of biological organization: within‐populations (differences in trait variation in a population), among‐populations (differences in population mean trait values), and among‐species (species‐level differences of co‐occurring dragonflies). We show that differences in activity rate alter prey communities, trophic cascades, and multiple ecosystem processes. However, trait variation among populations had much larger effects than differences between co‐occurring species or even the presence of a predator, whereas within‐population variation had a relatively minor impact. Interestingly, combined with earlier work in the same system, our study suggests that the relative importance of species vs. individual level differences for ecosystem functioning will depend on the spatial scale considered. Ecological processes, including biodiversity–ecosystem‐functioning relationships, cannot be understood without accounting for trait variation across biological scales of organization, including at fine scales.
Capillary electrophoresis/visible‐LED induced fluorescence of tryptophan: What's new?
Authors: Perquis Lucie , Ta Hai Yen , Ong‐Meang Varravaddheay , Poinso Alix , Collin Fabrice , Poinsot Véréna , Couderc François
Published: June 2019

Tryptophane (Trp) labelled by 3‐(4‐carboxybenzoyl)‐2‐quinolinecarboxaldehyde (CBQCA) is very difficult to identify using CE and fluorescence detection (480 nm). Why in this article some mass spectrometry experiments show that Trp is really labelled by CBQCA as Leucine (Leu)? If the maximum of UV absorption (λmax) is the same between Leu‐CBQCA and Trp‐CBQCA, the molar extinction coefficient is around 2 fold higher for Trp‐CBQCA. The fluorescence of the Leu‐CBQCA derivative is 50 times more important than for Trp‐CBQCA. The addition of 7.5 mM of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was found to be a good mean to improve 2.1 fold the sensitivity of the Trp‐CBQCA fluorescence. Using a buffer containing SDS and β‐CD in CE, a LOD of 0.7 µM of L‐Trp can be reached and the ratio of the intensities between Leu, Isoleucine, Valine, Trp is 100, 21, 15, 1. Negative ESI/MS and MS/MS of the labeled amino acids show that a loss of the carboxylate function takes place. In the presence of two enantiomers of Trp‐CBQCA, we have shown that this decarboxylation is not due to the derivatization process in the solution but rather occurs in the source of the mass spectrometer.
Comparison of the peptidome released from keratins in Saiga antelope horn and goat horn under simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhu Zhenhua , Qian Dawei , Duan Jin‐ao
Published: June 2019

Goat horn (Caprae Hircus Cornu, GH) has been used as a substitute for Saiga antelope horn (Saigae Tataricae Cornu, SAH) in the clinic and the pharmaceutical industry. In the present study, peptides released from SAH and GH under simulated gastric and intestinal digestion were identified. The results showed that most of the peptides released from SAH and GH under simulated gastrointestinal digestion were hydrophilic, and over 75% of the peptides from keratins (KRTs) were hydrophilic. In total, over 58% of the identified peptides were released from KRTs, and were from the four main regions of KRTs. The peptide features and the peptide release profiles from KRTs in SAH and GH were similar, which may provide a method for the identification of sustainable alternatives to replace the threatened SAH, and provide further evidence of the feasibility of using GH as a replacement for SAH based on their peptidomic analysis.
Method of localized removal of cells using a bolt‐clamped Langevin transducer with an ultrasonic horn
Authors: Inui Takumi , Kurashina Yuta , Imashiro Chikahiro , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: June 2019

Cell isolation by eliminating undesirable cell aggregations or colonies with low activity is essential to improve cell culture efficiency. Moreover, when creating tissues from induced pluripotent stem cells, residual undifferentiated cells must be removed to prevent tumor formation in vivo. Here, we evaluated the use of ultrasonic irradiation, which can apply energy locally without contact, and proposed a method to eliminate cells in a small area of culture by ultrasonic irradiation from a Langevin transducer. We constructed a device that incorporated a bolt‐clamped 19.84 kHz Langevin transducer with an ultrasonic horn and determined the optimal conditions for stable elimination of cells in small areas of a 35‐mm culture dish. The optimal conditions were as follows: number of cycles = 400, clearance distance = 1 mm, volume of medium = 4 mL, and distance from the center of culture surface = 0 mm. The mean cell elimination area under these conditions was 0.097 mm2. We also evaluated the viability of neighboring cells after ultrasonic irradiation by fluorescent staining and found that most cells around the elimination area survived. These findings suggest that the proposed method has potential for localized elimination of cells without the need for contact with the cell surface.
Experimental investigation on influencing factors of CO2huff and puff under fractured low‐permeability conditions
Authors: Li Binfei , Bai Hao , Li Aishan , Zhang Liaoyuan , Zhang Qiliang
Published: June 2019

The fracture system is a vital component of fractured low‐permeability reservoirs. The presence of fractures can improve reservoir flow capacity and injected carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization, thus leading to higher oil recovery. In this study, the effects of the presence of fracture, fracture morphology, soaking time, andCO2injection volume onCO2huff and puff were investigated through 11 low‐permeability cores with different properties. The experimental results indicated that the presence of fractures enhanced cyclic oil recovery and increased the effective cycle numbers duringCO2huff and puff in low‐permeability cores. Moreover, compared with low‐permeability cores without fractures, ultimate oil recovery ofCO2huff and puff was risen up by ~11% in fractured cores. Longer soaking time was conducive to enhancing ultimate oil recovery ofCO2huff and puff in fractured low‐permeability cores, but the excessive soaking time had little effect on ultimate oil recovery. Meanwhile, excessiveCO2injection volume did not significantly improve the performance ofCO2huff and puff, but it did reduce theCO2utilization. Moreover, gravity caused the produced oil to deposit on the bottom surface of the blowout end of the fracture, which made oil recovery of the core with a horizontal fracture slightly higher (~7%) than that of the core with a vertical fracture. In addition, variation in the intersection angle of fractures had little effect on ultimate oil recovery ofCO2huff and puff in fractured low‐permeability cores. It, however, did change the conductivity of the entire core, thus affecting oil recovery during the first two cycles remarkably.
Growth-Correcting the Bioconcentration Factor and Biomagnification Factor in Bioaccumulation Assessments
Authors: Gobas Frank A.P.C. , Lee Yung-Shan
Published: June 2019

We illustrate that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 305 (OECD-305) for growth-correcting bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and biomagnification factors (BMFs) violates the mass-balance assumption underlying the definition of BCFs and BMFs and provides unrealistic estimates of BCFs and BMFs of chemicals in nongrowing fish. We present and test alternative methods for growth-correcting BCFs and BMFs that maintain mass balance. We conclude that the OECD-305-recommended growth correction of BCFs and BMFs causes error, is unnecessary, and should be revisited. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2065–2072. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Effect of growth on bioconcentration factors and biomagnification factors.
Improving the Match Between Sustainability Questions and Evaluation Practice: Some Reflections and a Checklist
Authors: Chelimsky Eleanor
Published: June 2019

There is increasing evaluative interest in assessing not just the current effectiveness of programs but also their likely sustainability. Assessing the likely sustainability of a program, however, requires methodological judgments about the future and about the influences of many complex political, economic, and social factors, which themselves are likely to change. While strong confidence in these types of prospective judgments may continue to be elusive, careful consideration of some major factors—including the cyclical character of certain public interest values and the predictable influence of special interest groups—should be helpful in improving the current ability of evaluation practice to address sustainability issues. This chapter ends with a checklist of seventeen questions to help focus attention on relevant, accessible, but often ignored, program or policy areas affecting sustainability.
A smoke segmentation algorithm based on improved intelligent seeded region growing
Authors: Zhao Wangda , Chen Weixiang , Liu Yujie , Wang Xiangwei , Zhou Yang
Published: June 2019

Image segmentation method based on region growing has the advantages of simple segmentation method and complete segmentation target. Because the color discrimination and gray gradient of smoke are not obvious, the traditional region growing segmentation method is difficult to separate it from the image, resulting in an unsatisfactory segmentation effect. To solve this problem, this paper partially improved the region growing method and proposed a new smoke segmentation algorithm based on the improved intelligent seeded region growing (IISRG) method. First, smoke images obtained from experimental videos were converted from the RGB color space to the HSV color space, and image binarization was achieved using background subtraction with an adaptive threshold in the V channel. Then, a pixel in the binary image was selected intelligently as the seed point, which was used for the regional growth. The final smoke segmentation images were obtained by the morphological processing of region growing images. Experimental smoke segmentation results show that the proposed algorithm has a higher overlap rate and a lower overflow rate, and performs a better smoke segmentation effect compared with the other two approaches. In addition, this algorithm can also effectively solve the problems of under‐segmentation and over‐segmentation of smoke images.
Ontogenetic oligodendrocyte maturation through gestational iron deprivation: The road not taken
Authors: Guitart María E. , Vence Marianela , Correale Jorge , Pasquini Juana M. , Rosato‐Siri María V.
Published: June 2019

Developmental iron deficiency (dID) models facilitate the study of specific oligodendrocyte (OL) requirements for their progression to a mature state and subsequent contribution to myelination. In the current work, we used the dID model in transgenic mice expressing green fluorescence protein under the CNPase promoter allowing the identification of cells belonging to the oligodendroglial lineage, and the visualization of the entire myelin structure and single OL morphology. The present work evaluates dID effects on OL complexity in different brain areas. Control animals showed an increase in OL complexity both during development and along the anterior–posterior axis. In contrast, dID animals exhibited an initial increase in CNPase+ cells with prevalence of immature‐OL (i‐OL), an effect later compensated during development by selective death of those i‐OL. As a consequence, developmental behavior was impaired in terms of body balance, muscle response, and sensorimotor functions. To explore why i‐OL fail to mature in dID, expression levels of transcriptional factors involved in the maturation of the OL lineage were studied. In nuclear fractions, dID animals showed an increase in Hes5, which prevents the maturation of i‐OL, and a decrease in Sox10, a positive regulator of OL maturation. The cytoplasmic fractions showed a decrease in Olig1, which is critical for precursor cell differentiation into premyelinating OL. Overall, the expression levels of Hes5, Sox10, and Olig1 in dID conditions correlated with an unfavorable OL maturation profile. In sum, the current results provide further evidence of dID impact on myelination, keeping OL away from the maturational path.
Lung cancer mortality reduction by LDCT screening—Results from the randomized German LUSI trial
Authors: Becker Nikolaus , Motsch Erna , Trotter Anke , Heussel Claus P. , Dienemann Hendrik , Schnabel Philipp A. , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Maldonado Sandra González , Miller Anthony B. , Kaaks Rudolf , Delorme Stefan
Published: June 2019

In 2011, the U.S. National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) reported a 20% reduction of lung cancer mortality after regular screening by low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT), as compared to X‐ray screening. The introduction of lung cancer screening programs in Europe awaits confirmation of these first findings from European trials that started in parallel with the NLST. The German Lung cancer Screening Intervention (LUSI) is a randomized trial among 4,052 long‐term smokers, 50–69 years of age, recruited from the general population, comparing five annual rounds of LDCT screening (screening arm; n = 2,029 participants) with a control arm (n = 2,023) followed by annual postal questionnaire inquiries. Data on lung cancer incidence and mortality and vital status were collected from hospitals or office‐based physicians, cancer registries, population registers and health offices. Over an average observation time of 8.8 years after randomization, the hazard ratio for lung cancer mortality was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.46–1.19; p = 0.21) among men and women combined. Modeling by sex, however showed a statistically significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among women (HR = 0.31 [95% CI: 0.10–0.96], p = 0.04), but not among men (HR = 0.94 [95% CI: 0.54–1.61], p = 0.81) screened by LDCT (pheterogeneity = 0.09). Findings from LUSI are in line with those from other trials, including NLST, that suggest a stronger reduction of lung cancer mortality after LDCT screening among women as compared to men. This heterogeneity could be the result of different relative counts of lung tumor subtypes occurring in men and women.
Clinicopathologic features and prognostic value of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations and DNA mismatch repair status: A single‐center retrospective study of 1,834 Chinese patients with Stage I–IV colorectal cancer
Authors: Guo Tian‐An , Wu Yu‐Chen , Tan Cong , Jin Yu‐Tong , Sheng Wei‐Qi , Cai San‐Jun , Liu Fang‐Qi , Xu Ye
Published: June 2019

Mutations of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status have become an important part of the assessment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), while respective clinicopathologic features and prognostic significance in specific stages and related detection strategies remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic features and prognosis of 1,834 patients with Stage I–IV colorectal adenocarcinoma. Mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF and DNA MMR status were determined. The mutation rates of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF were 46.4, 3.2 and 3.5%, respectively, and the mismatch repair gene deletion (dMMR) rate was 5.6%. In a multivariate analysis, female, advanced age, tumor type histology, mucinous carcinoma and positive tumor deposits were associated with a high KRAS mutation rate. A high BRAF mutation rate was associated with female, poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion and positive tumor deposits. Factors associated with high dMMR rates included low age, large tumor size, poor differentiation, Stages I–III. Tumor site was independently associated with KRAS mutation, BRAF mutation and dMMR. KRAS and BRAF mutations were independent risk factors for shorter overall survival (OS) in Stage IV tumors but not in Stage I–III tumors. NRAS mutation was an independent risk factor for shorter OS in Stage I–II tumors. dMMR was independently associated with longer OS in Stage III tumors.
Context influences preference for and level of physical activity of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Pincus Shari M. , Hausman Nicole L. , Borrero John C. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: June 2019

The purpose of the current study was to replicate and extend Hustyi, Normand, Larson, and Morley (2012) by determining the effects of different contexts on physical activity displayed by adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and determining preference for various activities. Results indicated that an exergaming condition produced the highest levels of activity. Results of a preference assessment indicated that 2 out of 3 participants preferred the physical activity context to the sedentary. For the third participant, an intervention was included to increase activity. Although the intervention was successful, participant preference for the sedentary activity context remained unchanged.
Raman microspectroscopy differentiates perinatal pathogens on ex vivo infected human fetal membrane tissues
Authors: Ayala Oscar D. , Doster Ryan S. , Manning Shannon D. , O'Brien Christine M. , Aronoff David M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Mahadevan‐Jansen Anita
Published: June 2019

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a major cause of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. This study evaluates Raman spectroscopy (RS) to identify spectral characteristics of infection and differentiate GBS from Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus during ex vivo infection of human fetal membrane tissues. Unique spectral features were identified from colonies grown on agar and infected fetal membrane tissues. Multinomial logistic regression analysis accurately identified GBS infected tissues with 100.0% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity. Together, these findings support further investigation into the use of RS as an emerging microbiologic diagnostic tool and intrapartum screening test for GBS carriage.
Recent progress in preparation and agricultural application of microcapsules
Authors: Li Ting , Teng Da , Mao Ruoyu , Hao Ya , Wang Xiumin , Wang Jianhua
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in life science technology have prompted the need to develop microcapsule delivery systems that can encapsulate many different functional or active materials such as drugs, peptides, and live cells, etc. The encapsulation technology is now commonly used in medicine, agriculture, food, and other many fields. The application of biodegradable microcapsule systems can not only effectively prevent the degradation of core materials in the body or the biological environment, but also improve the bioavailability, control the release and prolong the halftime or storage of core active materials. Various wall materials, preparation methods, encapsulation processes, and release mechanisms are covered in this review, as well as several main factors including pH values, temperatures, particle sizes, and additives, which can strongly influence the encapsulation efficiency, the strength, and release of microcapsules. The improvement of coating materials, preparation techniques, and challenges are also highlighted, as well as application prospects.
Design and characterization of biodegradable multi layered electrospun nanofibers for corneal tissue engineering applications
Authors: Arabpour Zohreh , Baradaran‐Rafii Alireza , Bakhshaiesh Nasrin L. , Ai Jafar , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Esmaeili Malekabadi Hossein , Nazeri Niloofar , Vaez Ahmad , Salehi Majid , Sefat Farshid , Ostad Seyed N.
Published: June 2019

Tissue engineering is one of the most promising areas for treatment of various ophthalmic diseases particularly for patients who suffer from limbal stem cell deficiency and this is due to the lack of existence of appropriate matrix for stem cell regeneration. The aim of this research project is to design and fabricate triple layered electrospun nanofibers as a suitable corneal tissue engineering scaffold and the objective is to investigate and perform various in vitro tests to find the most optimum and suitable scaffold for this purpose. Electrospun scaffolds were prepared in three layers. Poly(d, l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide; PLGA, 50:50) nanofibers were electrospun as outer and inner layers of the scaffold and aligned type I collagen nanofibers were electrospun in the middle layer. Furthermore, the scaffolds were cross‐linked by 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3 dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and glutaraldehyde. Structural, physical, and mechanical properties of scaffolds were investigated by using N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, tensile test, degradation, shrinkage analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, capability to support cell attachment and viability were characterized by SEM, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining. According to the result of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, specific surface area of electrospun scaffold was about 23.7 m2 g‐1. Tensile tests on cross‐linked scaffolds represented more suitable hydrophilicity and tensile behavior. In addition, degradation rate analysis indicated that noncross‐linked scaffolds degraded faster than cross‐linked one and cross‐linking led to controlled shrinkage in the scaffold. The SEM analysis depicted nano‐sized fibers in good shape. Also, the in vitro study represented an improved cell attachment and proliferation in the presence of human endometrial stem cells for both cross‐linked and noncross‐linked samples. The current study suggests the possibility of producing an appropriate substrate for successful cornea tissue engineering with a novel design.