bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to measure diffusion coefficients in biofilms: A critical analysis
Authors: van den Berg Lenno , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , de Kreuk Merle K.
Published: December 2020

Biofilm and granular sludge processes depend on diffusion of substrates. Despite their importance for the kinetic description of biofilm reactors, biofilm diffusion coefficients reported in literature vary greatly. The aim of this simulation study was to determine to what extent the methods that are used to measure diffusion coefficients contribute to the reported variability. Granular sludge was used as a case study. Six common methods were selected, based on mass balances and microelectrodes. A Monte Carlo simulation was carried out to determine the theoretical precision of each method, considering the uncertainty of various experimental parameters. A model‐based simulation of a diffusion experiment was used to determine the theoretical accuracy as a result of six sources of error: solute sorption, biomass deactivation, mass transfer boundary layer, granule roughness, granule shape, and granule size distribution. Based on the Monte Carlo analysis, the relative standard deviation of the different methods ranged from 5% to 61%. In a theoretical experiment, the six error sources led to an 37% underestimation of the diffusion coefficient. This highlights that diffusion coefficients cannot be determined accurately with existing experimental methods. At the same time, the need for measuring precise diffusion coefficients as input value for biofilm modeling can be questioned, since the output of biofilm models has a limited sensitivity toward the diffusion coefficient.
„Small Talk“
Authors: Dominelli Nazzareno , Heermann Ralf
Published: December 2020

Bakterien kommunizieren über kleine diffusionsfähige Moleküle, ein Prozess, den Mikrobiologen als „Quorum sensing“ bezeichnen. Die Sprachmoleküle werden von den Bakterien in die Umgebung abgegeben und dann von den Artgenossen über spezifische Rezeptoren sensiert. Somit kann sich die Gemeinschaft absprechen und bestimmte Phänotypen an die Zellzahl, das Quorum, anpassen. Durch die verschiedenen chemischen Strukturen und Modifikationen dieser Sprachmoleküle haben Bakterien unterschiedliche Sprachen und Dialekte entwickelt, die ihnen zusätzlich auch Informationen über Zeit und Ort geben können. Darüber hinaus sind Bakterien in der Lage, mit ihren Wirten wie Tieren, Pflanzen und sogar uns Menschen „Small Talk“ zu betreiben. Da bei pathogenen Bakterien die Kommunikation fast immer Voraussetzung für die Infektion der Wirte ist, bieten die molekularen Komponenten der bakteriellen Sprache potenzielle Wirkorte für neue Medikamente zur Bekämpfung von Infektionskrankheiten.
Proteinfasern als Hochleistungsmaterial
Authors: Bargel Hendrik , Hopfe Charlotte , Scheibel Thomas
Published: December 2020

Der evolutionäre Erfolg von Spinnen (Araneae) ist eng mit der Entwicklung und vielfältigen Verwendung ihrer Spinnenseiden verknüpft. Das Fasermaterial wird z. B. zum Schutz der Nachkommen, zur Verbreitung und Orientierung, und für den Beutefang genutzt. Etwa die Hälfte der über 48.000 bekannten Arten baut Netze, deren Variabilität als Beispiel für eine Koevolution mit Insekten und deren Lebensräumen gilt. Im Laufe der Evolution entstanden durch Anpassungen an die Beuteökologie und Veränderungen der Spidroine auf molekularer Ebene Hochleistungsmaterialien wie die Seiden der Großen Ampullendrüse, deren Zähigkeit die vieler technischer Materialien überragt. Die Etablierung einer rekombinanten Produktion von designten Spidroinen im industriellen Maßstab hat die Nutzung biokompatibler, wundheilungsfördernder und bakteriostatischer Seiden als nachhaltige Biopolymere in vielfältigen Anwendungen in Kosmetik, Biomedizin, Spezialtextilien, Filtermaterialien und Nanobiotechnologie ermöglicht.
A new and effective evaluation method for Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae herbs based on 2‐phenylethyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside, 2‐methoxyanofinic acid and gentioxepine by UPLC–QTOF–MS exploring and HPLC–DAD quantification
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhao Huan , Huang Rong , Ali Amur Safdar , Wang Xin , Meng Shian , Chen Guang
Published: December 2020

Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (RGM) is a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the Gentiana genus and including four species of herbs. Owing to the lack of characteristic constituents, it is difficult to discriminate RGMs of different origins or even differentiate between herbs in the same genus. The current research aimed to explore the characteristic aromatic compounds, verify their significance in distinguishing different origins of RGM herbs and provide a simple and effective quality evaluation method. A selective extraction method was developed for noniridoid compounds and the extract was then subjected to UPLC–QTOF–MS analysis to obtain the RGM–MS ion pair database for noniridoid components. An HPLC–DAD quantitative analysis method was further developed based on characteristic aromatic compounds (2‐phenylethyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside, 2‐methoxyanofinic acid and gentioxepine) after the ion screening in the MS database. By means of principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis analysis, the significant relationship between aromatic compounds contents and different species of RGM was revealed. As a result, the significance of 2‐phenylethyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside, 2‐methoxyanofinic acid and gentioxepine in distinguishing four species of RGM herbs was verified and a sensitive and reproducible HPLC–DAD method was established using these markers, which can be used for the classification and quantitative analysis of RGMs.
Rethinking power engineering education for Generation Z
Authors: Opriş Ioana , Gogoașe Nistoran Daniela E. , Costinaş Sorina , Ionescu Cristina S.
Published: December 2020

On the basis of STEM, STEAM, and STREAMS, this paper presents a holistic multidisciplinary improved method for power engineering education of Generation Z students. The proposed STREAMS strategy is based on using the latest developments of technology for a mixed on‐the‐move and in‐house university educational approach. A case study on STREAMS is used within power engineering education. To validate STREAMS, a pilot application and a survey are used. While 66% of the students in power engineering chose to attend on‐the‐move visits to complete classical teaching, the participation in field visits showed an improvement of the grades by about 20%, the increase of the number of students with comparative cognitive level, and a significant decrease of the fail percentage from 84.2% to 15.8%. The results show that the use of STREAMS in power engineering education allows a better understanding of both theoretical and practical issues, improves the overall attitude on studying the field, and develops critical thinking, thus leveraging the entering into the workforce. The authors consider that on‐the‐move STREAMS also proves to be a valuable improved teaching method, even under coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic restrictions.
Towards the Effect of Pt0/Ptδ+ and Ce3+ Species at the Surface of CeO2 Crystals: Understanding the Nature of the Interactions under CO Oxidation Conditions
Authors: Borges Laís Reis , da Silva Anderson Gabriel Marques , Braga Adriano Henrique , Rossi Liane Marcia , Suller Garcia Marco Aurélio , Vidinha Pedro
Published: December 2020

We synthesized CeO2 nanowires and nanocubes showing {110}+{100} and {100} surfaces predominantly, respectively, once the different surface energies play a crucial role in the behavior of Ce4+/Ce3+ reversibility. We found out that Pt/CeO2 nanowires presented more Ce3+ content, oxygen vacancies, and atomically dispersed Pt, indicating a stronger Pt−Ce interaction. In contrast, the Pt/CeO2 nanocubes presented a higher contribution of Ptδ+ species, suggesting a well‐controlled Pt particle size (∼1 nm) and significant interaction with ceria, with oxygen species more available at the surface. Thus, we suggest that the ceria‘s different surface energies may lead to different Pt distributions of species over the supports. H2‐reduction treatment led to changes in Pt structure that showed a better catalysis performance for the Pt/CeO2 nanowires essentially, supported by XPS and CO‐DRIFTS. Nevertheless, this step did not cause improved activity to the point of overcoming the nanocubes‐based catalyst, and the reasons were fully discussed. Herein, we propose that catalysts′ performance depends on a complex combination of several materials′ characteristics. These features may lead to different reaction pathways depending on the pre‐treatment of the samples.
Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Performance of Si‐doped 2D Nanosheets of Boron Nitride Evaluated via Density Functional Theory
Authors: Guo Zhongyuan , Qiu Siyao , Li Huan , Xu Yongjun , Langford Steven J. , Sun Chenghua
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions is proposed as a sustainable alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch method to combat both a global energy crisis and climate change. However, effective catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) under ambient conditions, a crucial part for the electrocatalysis system, still face large challenges of low Faradic efficiency (FE) and low yield of ammonia. Here, we propose Si‐doped BN 2D nanosheets (BNNS) as a new class of metal‐free catalysts, and computationally study their performance in eNRR by density functional theory (DFT). The calculations show that the Si atom in the boron‐edge site exhibits the highest activity with the over‐potential (η) of 1.06 V from the first hydrogenation step, which is close in value to the benchmark of this reaction, the flat Ru(0001) surface (η=0.92 V). Moreover, Si‐doping can greatly enhance the conductivity of pristine BNNS, making it a good candidate for electrocatalysis. Overall, this research opens up a new direction of designing high‐performance Si‐based 2D catalysts for dinitrogen fixation beyond the hotspot research of boron‐ or transition metal‐based catalysts.
Dysfunctional Career Thoughts and Perceived Quality of Parental Relationships in Adolescents With Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Dipeolu Abiola , Hargrave Stephanie , Leierer Stephen J. , Mainzer Edward A. , Davies Leslie
Published: December 2020

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is known to cause significant difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Empirical research in career development has demonstrated that close, supportive relationships are associated with positive vocational behaviors (Kenny et al., 2018). We examined dysfunctional career thoughts and perceived quality of parental relationships in high school students with ADHD. One hundred two adolescents (76 boys, 26 girls) with ADHD responded to measures of career thoughts and interpersonal relationship quality. Preliminary exploratory analysis, using multiple linear regression, showed that male participants' dysfunctional career thoughts were statistically significantly related to their relationships with their mothers. For female participants, relationships with fathers represented an area for further exploration. Results suggest that career professionals can enhance positive outcomes of decision‐making and problem‐solving issues in adolescence with additional focus on relational interventions. Future research should incorporate the influence of gender and race/ethnicity on crucial relationships and focus on paternal relationships using cognitive information processing–based interventions with this population.
Silicon–Nitrogen Bond Formation via Heterodehydrocoupling and Catalytic N‐Silylation
Authors: Reuter Matthew B. , Hageman Kate , Waterman Rory
Published: December 2020

Silicon–nitrogen bond formation is an important subfield in main group chemistry, and catalysis is an attractive route for efficient, selective formation of these bonds. Indeed, heterodehydrocoupling and N‐silylation offer facile methods for the synthesis of small molecules through the coupling of primary, secondary, and tertiary silanes with N‐containing substrates such as amines, carbazoles, indoles, and pyrroles. However, the reactivity of these catalytic systems is far from uniform, and critical issues are often encountered with product selectivity, conversions, substrate scope, catalyst activation, and in some instances, competing side reactions. Herein, a catalogue of catalysts and their reactivity for Si−N heterodehydrocoupling and N‐silylation are reported.
Electro‐Oxidative Selective Esterification of Methylarenes and Benzaldehydes
Authors: Yu Congjun , Özkaya Bünyamin , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: December 2020

A mild and green electro‐oxidative protocol to construct aromatic esters from methylarenes and alcohols is herein reported. Importantly, the reaction is free of metals, chemical oxidants, bases, acids, and operates at room temperature. Moreover, the design of the electrolyte was found critical for the oxidation state and structure of the coupling products, a rarely documented effect. This electro‐oxidative coupling process also displays exceptional tolerance of many fragile easily oxidized functional groups such as hydroxy, aldehyde, olefin, alkyne, as well as neighboring benzylic positions. The enantiomeric enrichment of some chiral alcohols is moreover preserved during this electro‐oxidative coupling reaction, making it overall a promising synthetic tool.
Controlled Shape Evolution of Pure‐MOF 1D Microcrystals towards Efficient Waveguide and Laser Applications
Authors: Lv Yuanchao , Xiong Zhile , Yao Yinan , Ren Ang , Xiang Shengchang , Zhao Yong Sheng , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: December 2020

MOF‐based one‐dimensional materials have received increasing attention in the nanophotonics field, but it is still difficult in the flexible shape evolution of MOF micro/nanocrystals for desired optical functionalities due to the susceptible solvothermal growth process. Herein, we report on the well‐controlled shape evolution of pure‐MOF microcrystals with optical waveguide and lasing performances based on a bottom‐up and top‐down synergistic method. The MOF microcrystals from solvothermal synthesis (bottom‐up) enable the evolution from microrods via microtubes to nanowires through a chelating agent‐assisted etching process (top‐down). The three types of MOF 1D‐microstructures with high crystallinity and smooth surfaces all exhibit efficient optical waveguide performance. Furthermore, MOF nanowire with lowest propagation loss served as low‐threshold pure‐MOF nanolasers with Fabry–Pérot resonance. These results advance the fundamental understanding on the controlled MOF evolution mechanism, and offer a valuable route for the development of pure‐MOF‐based photonic components with desired functionalities.
Oxygen Mass Transfer in Biopharmaceutical Processes: Numerical and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Seidel Stefan , Maschke Rüdiger W. , Werner Sören , Jossen Valentin , Eibl Dieter
Published: December 2020

Oxygen supply in aerobic bioprocesses is of crucial importance. For this reason, this paper presents the oxygen demand of different cells and summarizes experimental and numerical possibilities for the determination of oxygen transfer in bioreactors. The focus lies on the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) calculation using computational fluid dynamics and state‐of‐the‐art models for surface‐aerated and forced‐aerated bioreactors. In addition, experimental methods for the determination of thekLavalue and the gas bubble size distribution are presented.
A Quick Route to Multiple Highly Potent SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease Inhibitors**
Authors: Yang Kai S. , Ma Xinyu R. , Ma Yuying , Alugubelli Yugendar R. , Scott Danielle A. , Vatansever Erol C. , Drelich Aleksandra K. , Sankaran Banumathi , Geng Zhi Z. , Blankenship Lauren R. , Ward Hannah E. , Sheng Yan J. , Hsu Jason C. , Kratch Kaci C. , Zhao Baoyu , Hayatshahi Hamed S. , Liu Jin , Li Pingwei , Fierke Carol A. , Tseng Chien‐Te K. , Xu Shiqing , Liu Wenshe Ray
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pathogen, SARS‐CoV‐2, requires its main protease (SC2MPro) to digest two of its translated long polypeptides to form a number of mature proteins that are essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. Inhibition of this vital proteolytic process is effective in preventing the virus from replicating in infected cells and therefore provides a potential COVID‐19 treatment option. Guided by previous medicinal chemistry studies about SARS‐CoV‐1 main protease (SC1MPro), we have designed and synthesized a series of SC2MPro inhibitors that contain β‐(S‐2‐oxopyrrolidin‐3‐yl)‐alaninal (Opal) for the formation of a reversible covalent bond with the SC2MPro active‐site cysteine C145. All inhibitors display high potency with Ki values at or below 100 nM. The most potent compound, MPI3, has as a Ki value of 8.3 nM. Crystallographic analyses of SC2MPro bound to seven inhibitors indicated both formation of a covalent bond with C145 and structural rearrangement from the apoenzyme to accommodate the inhibitors. Virus inhibition assays revealed that several inhibitors have high potency in inhibiting the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced cytopathogenic effect in both Vero E6 and A549/ACE2 cells. Two inhibitors, MPI5 and MPI8, completely prevented the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced cytopathogenic effect in Vero E6 cells at 2.5–5 μM and A549/ACE2 cells at 0.16–0.31 μM. Their virus inhibition potency is much higher than that of some existing molecules that are under preclinical and clinical investigations for the treatment of COVID‐19. Our study indicates that there is a large chemical space that needs to be explored for the development of SC2MPro inhibitors with ultra‐high antiviral potency.
The impact of peritoneal lavage cytology in biliary tract cancer (KHBO1701): Kansai Hepato‐Biliary Oncology Group
Authors: Matsukuma Satoshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Kobayashi Shogo , Wada Hiroshi , Seo Satoru , Tsugawa Daisuke , Okuyama Hiroyuki , Iida Kenjiro , Ohmura Yoshiaki , Takeda Yutaka , Miyamoto Atsushi , Nakashima Shinsuke , Yamada Terumasa , Ajiki Tetsuo , Tsuji Akihito , Yoshimura Kenichi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Hatano Etsuro , Ioka Tatsuya ,   Kansai Hepato‐Biliary Oncology (KHBO) Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Only few studies in literature have analyzed the clinical effects of peritoneal lavage status in biliary tract cancers.

Aim

We aimed to assess the effect of cytology‐positive peritoneal lavage on survival for patients with biliary tract cancer who underwent curative resection.

Methods

The KHBO1701 study was a multi‐institutional retrospective study that assessed the clinical effects of peritoneal lavage cytology in biliary tract cancers. Using clinicopathological data from 11 Japanese institutions, we compared long‐term outcomes between patients with cytology‐positive and cytology‐negative peritoneal lavage.

Results

Of 169 patients who underwent curative resection, 164 were cytology‐negative, and five were cytology‐positive. The incidence of portal invasion and preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels were higher in the cytology‐positive group than in the cytology‐negative group. The incidence of peritoneal metastatic recurrence was also higher, and overall survival tended to be worse in the cytology‐positive group. In contrast, recurrence‐free survival was similar between the cytology‐negative and cytology‐positive groups.

Conclusions

The positive status of peritoneal lavage cytology could moderately affect the survival of patients with biliary tract cancers. Given that surgical resection is the only curative treatment option, it may be acceptable to resect biliary tract cancers without other non‐curative factors, regardless of peritoneal lavage cytology status.
Metalation of 2HTCNPP on Ag(111) with Zn: Evidence for the Sitting atop Complex at Room Temperature
Authors: Kuliga Jan , de Campos Ferreirra Rodrigo Cezar , Adhikari Rajan , Massicot Stephen , Lepper Michael , Hölzel Helen , Jux Norbert , Marbach Hubertus , de Siervo Abner , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: December 2020

We study the interaction and metalation reaction of a free base 5,10,15,20‐terakis(4‐cyanophenyl)porphyrin (2HTCNPP) with post‐deposited Zn atoms and the targeted reaction product Zn‐5,10,15,20‐terakis(4‐cyanophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTCNPP) on a Ag(111) surface. The investigations are performed with scanning tunneling microscopy at room temperature after Zn deposition and subsequent heating. The goal is to obtain further insights in the metalation reaction and the influence of the cyanogroups on this reaction. The interaction of 2HTCNPP with post‐deposited Zn leads to the formation of three different 2D ordered island types that coexist on the surface. All contain a new species with a bright appearance, which increases with the amount of post‐deposited Zn. We attribute this to metastable SAT (“sitting atop”) complexes formed by Zn and the macrocycle, that is, an intermediate in the metalation reaction to ZnTCNPP, which occurs upon heating to 500 K. Interestingly, the activation barrier for the successive reaction of the SAT complex to the metalated ZnTCNPP species can also be overcome by a voltage pulse applied to the STM tip.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Basic Techniques for Growth, Genetic Manipulation, and Analysis of Virulence Factors
Authors: Chimalapati Suneeta , Lafrance Alexander E. , Chen Luming , Orth Kim
Published: December 2020

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram‐negative, halophilic bacterium and opportunistic pathogen of humans and shrimp. Investigating the mechanisms of V. parahaemolyticus infection and the multifarious virulence factors it employs requires procedures for bacterial culture, genetic manipulation, and analysis of virulence phenotypes. Detailed protocols for growth assessment, generation of mutants, and phenotype assessment are included in this article. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Assessment of growth of V. parahaemolyticus

Alternate Protocol 1: Assessment of growth of V. parahaemolyticus using a plate reader

Basic Protocol 2: Swimming/swarming motility assay

Basic Protocol 3: Genetic manipulation

Alternate Protocol 2: Natural transformation

Basic Protocol 4: Secretion assay and sample preparation for mass spectrometry analysis

Basic Protocol 5: Invasion assay (gentamicin protection assay)

Basic Protocol 6: Immunofluorescence detection of intracellular V. parahaemolyticus

Basic Protocol 7: Cytotoxicity assay for T3SS2
Bioactive glass versus Arginine dentifrices on the reduction of dentin permeability and acid tolerance
Authors: Champaiboon Chantrakorn , Lertpimonchai Attawood , Lertpimonchai Kullanun
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) and arginine dentifrices on dentin permeability and acid tolerance.

Material and Methods

Sixty dentin discs were randomly assigned into 3 groups, then brushed for 1 min with CSPS, arginine, or fluoride (control) dentifrices. To test acid tolerance, each disc was soaked in 6% citric acid for 1 min. Dentin permeability was measured before, following brushing, and acid challenge. Ten discs per group were similarly treated and evaluated for tubule occlusion following a single dentifrice application, while other five discs per group were employed in an acid tolerance assay.

Results

The percentage reduction in dentin permeability was 39.26%, 32.27%, and 21.71% in the arginine, CSPS, and control groups, respectively. The differences in dentin permeability reduction between the arginine and CSPS groups following brushing and acid challenge were not significant (p = 0.398 and p = 0.211, respectively). The arginine dentifrice demonstrated a significant reduction in permeability compared with the control (p = 0.011). In addition, the occlusion exhibited by the arginine and CSPS dentifrices was more resistant to acid challenge compared with that of the control (p < 0.001). From SEM analysis, dentinal tubule occlusion was observed after a single application in all groups. Some open dentinal tubules were detected in the test groups, while almost all of the orifices were open in the fluoride group following acid challenge.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference between arginine and CSPS dentifrices in reducing dentin permeability following a single application and acid challenge. Following acid challenge, the reduced permeability generated by arginine and CSPS was more stable compared with the fluoride dentifrice.
Photosynthetic light response models for spring wheat mulching treatments in a northwestern China desert oasis
Authors: Song Dianxing , Ma Li , Wang Quanjiu
Published: December 2020

In the desert oasis areas of northwestern China, mulching treatments are an effective method for alleviating drought in agricultural production. Four mulching treatments of polyacrylamide (PAM), which is a water retention agent; plastic film; stones; straw; plus an unmulched control treatment were used in the field to explore their influence on soil water content (SWC), soil temperature, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), leaf area index (LAI), and yield in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Six light response models were used to simulate the light response of wheat. A significant difference was found between straw and the control vs. the other mulching treatments in terms of grain yield and yield components of spring wheat (p < .05). Under the film treatment, the yield increased by 9.8–16.9% and the water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 20% in 2012 and 23% in 2013. Compared with PAM, stone, straw, and the control, the film mulch had the largest maximum photosynthesis and the largest rate of light adaptation. The nonrectangular hyperbolic had the smallest error and simulated the best photosynthetic light response. Compared with the control treatment, the soil temperatures were reduced by a mean of 8.5–11.3 °C and the average SWC increased by 5.5–3.2% under all mulching treatments. However, SWC had a greater effect on Pn than soil temperature during the growth season under the mulching treatments, which increased yield in this arid environment. Film mulching was the best mulching treatment for spring wheat in this desert oasis.
New Opportunities in the Valorization of Technical Lignins
Authors: Balakshin Mikhail Yu. , Capanema Ewellyn A. , Sulaeva Irina , Schlee Philipp , Huang Zeen , Feng Martin , Borghei Maryam , Rojas Orlando J. , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: December 2020

Sugar‐based biorefineries have faced significant economic challenges. Biorefinery lignins are often classified as low‐value products (fuel or low‐cost chemical feedstock) mainly due to low lignin purities in the crude material. However, recent research has shown that biorefinery lignins have a great chance of being successfully used as high‐value products, which in turn should result in an economy renaissance of the whole biorefinery idea. This critical review summarizes recent developments from our groups, along with the state‐of‐the‐art in the valorization of technical lignins, with the focus on biorefinery lignins.

A beneficial synergistic effect of lignin and cellulose mixtures used in different applications (wood adhesives, carbon fiber and nanofibers, thermoplastics) has been demonstrated. This phenomenon causes crude biorefinery lignins, which contain a significant amount of residual crystalline cellulose, to perform superior to high‐purity lignins in certain applications. Where previously specific applications required high‐purity and/or functionalized lignins with narrow molecular weight distributions, simple green processes for upgrading crude biorefinery lignin are suggested here as an alternative. These approaches can be easily combined with lignin micro‐/nanoparticles (LMNP) production. The processes should also be cost‐efficient compared to traditional lignin modifications.

Biorefinery processes allow much greater flexibility in optimizing the lignin characteristics desirable for specific applications than traditional pulping processes. Such lignin engineering, at the same time, requires an efficient strategy capable of handling large datasets to find correlations between process variables, lignin structures and properties and finally their performance in different applications.
Controlling Solar Hydrogen Production by Organizing Porphyrins
Authors: Nikolaou Vasilis , Charalambidis Georgios , Ladomenou Kalliopi , Nikoloudakis Emmanouil , Drivas Charalambos , Vamvasakis Ioannis , Panagiotakis Stylianos , Landrou Georgios , Agapaki Eleni , Stangel Christina , Henkel Christian , Joseph Jan , Armatas Gerasimos , Vasilopoulou Maria , Kennou Stella , Guldi Dirk M. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: December 2020

In this study, a highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production system is developed by employing porphyrins as photocatalysts. Palladium and platinum tetracarboxyporphyrins (PdTCP and PtTCP) are adsorbed or coadsorbed onto TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which act as the electron transport medium and as a scaffold that promotes the self‐organization of the porphyrinoids. The self‐organization of PdTCP and PtTCP, forming H‐ and J‐aggregates, respectively, is the key element for H2 evolution, as in the absence of TiO2 NPs no catalytic activity is detected. Notably, J‐aggregated PtTCPs are more efficient for H2 production than H‐aggregated PdTCPs. In this approach, a single porphyrin, which self‐organizes onto TiO2 NPs, acts as the light harvester and simultaneously as the catalyst, whereas TiO2 serves as the electron transport medium. Importantly, the concurrent adsorption of PdTCP and PtTCP onto TiO2 NPs results in the most efficient catalytic system, giving a turnover number of 22,733 and 30.2 mmol(H2) g(cat)−1.
Post‐eclosion temperature effects on insect cuticular hydrocarbon profiles
Authors: Rajpurohit Subhash , Vrkoslav Vladimír , Hanus Robert , Gibbs Allen G. , Cvačka Josef , Schmidt Paul S
Published: December 2020

The insect cuticle is the interface between internal homeostasis and the often harsh external environment. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are key constituents of this hard cuticle and are associated with a variety of functions including stress response and communication. CHC production and deposition on the insect cuticle vary among natural populations and are affected by developmental temperature; however, little is known about CHC plasticity in response to the environment experienced following eclosion, during which time the insect cuticle undergoes several crucial changes. We targeted this crucial to important phase and studied post‐eclosion temperature effects on CHC profiles in two natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. A forty‐eight hour post‐eclosion exposure to three different temperatures (18, 25, and 30°C) significantly affected CHCs in both ancestral African and more recently derived North American populations of D. melanogaster. A clear shift from shorter to longer CHCs chain length was observed with increasing temperature, and the effects of post‐eclosion temperature varied across populations and between sexes. The quantitative differences in CHCs were associated with variation in desiccation tolerance among populations. Surprisingly, we did not detect any significant differences in water loss rate between African and North American populations. Overall, our results demonstrate strong genetic and plasticity effects in CHC profiles in response to environmental temperatures experienced at the adult stage as well as associations with desiccation tolerance, which is crucial in understanding holometabolan responses to stress.
Ligand conjugated antisense oligonucleotide for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis: preclinical and phase 1 data
Authors: Viney Nicholas J. , Guo Shuling , Tai Li‐Jung , Baker Brenda F. , Aghajan Mariam , Jung Shiangtung W. , Yu Rosie Z. , Booten Sheri , Murray Heather , Machemer Todd , Burel Sebastien , Murray Sue , Buchele Gustavo , Tsimikas Sotirios , Schneider Eugene , Geary Richard S. , Benson Merrill D. , Monia Brett P.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a fatal disease characterized by progressive cardiomyopathy and/or polyneuropathy. AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx (ION‐682884) is a ligand‐conjugated antisense drug designed for receptor‐mediated uptake by hepatocytes, the primary source of circulating transthyretin (TTR). Enhanced delivery of the antisense pharmacophore is expected to increase drug potency and support lower, less frequent dosing in treatment.

Methods and results

AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx demonstrated an approximate 50‐fold and 30‐fold increase in potency compared with the unconjugated antisense drug, inotersen, in human hepatocyte cell culture and mice expressing a mutated human genomic TTR sequence, respectively. This increase in potency was supported by a preferential distribution of AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx to liver hepatocytes in the transgenic hTTR mouse model. A randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx in healthy volunteers (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03728634). Eligible participants were assigned to one of three multiple‐dose cohorts (45, 60, and 90 mg) or a single‐dose cohort (120 mg), and then randomized 10:2 (active : placebo) to receive a total of 4 SC doses (Day 1, 29, 57, and 85) in the multiple‐dose cohorts or 1 SC dose in the single‐dose cohort. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were secondary endpoints. All randomized participants completed treatment. No serious adverse events were reported. In the multiple‐dose cohorts, AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx reduced TTR levels from baseline to 2 weeks after the last dose of 45, 60, or 90 mg by a mean (SD) of −85.7% (8.0), −90.5% (7.4), and −93.8% (3.4), compared with −5.9% (14.0) for pooled placebo (P < 0.001). A maximum mean (SD) reduction in TTR levels of −86.3% (6.5) from baseline was achieved after a single dose of 120 mg AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an improved safety and tolerability profile with the increase in potency achieved by productive receptor‐mediated uptake of AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx by hepatocytes and supports further development of AKCEA‐TTR‐LRx for the treatment of ATTR polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy.
Polar Lipids Reduce In Vitro Duodenal Lipolysis Rate of Oat Oil and Liquid Oat Base Products
Authors: Lindberg Yilmaz Jenny , Adlercreutz Patrick , Tullberg Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Alternative ways for increased appetite control are today widely sought for due to the growing global health issues connected to obesity. In in vivo studies, oat has been proven an attractive candidate for inducing satiety. Oat is rich in polar lipids, of which the galactolipids are especially interesting, and a hypothesis is that these lipids play an important role for the ileal brake mechanism. In this study, the aim is to investigate the role of polar oat lipids on pancreatic lipolysis rate, using a pH‐stat based in vitro digestion model of the duodenum. Lipolysis of oat oil, a mix of oat oil/rapeseed oil (RSO), as well as a liquid oat base (OB) simulating an oat drink with different polar lipid content are investigated, and compared with RSO as control. Increasing the polar lipid content of the product digested leads to a significantly decreased lipolysis rate, and this effect is even observed when mixing RSO with a low amount of oat oil (10%). The results support the hypothesis that polar lipids can delay lipolysis also in a complex, natural system like the liquid OB, and even a minor amount of oat lipids can have large effect on lipolysis rates.

Practical applications: The number of studies connecting galactolipids with a decreasing effect on duodenal lipolysis is growing; however, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is still not clarified. Here, the same effect is seen in a complex, natural food system. These findings open up for interesting future food products, where inclusion of oat oil, even at low concentrations, can have a prolonging effect on satiety. Oat for human consumption is an increasing market, thanks to the positive health benefits oat has been connected to, in combination with the current trend toward climate‐friendly plant‐based options for meat and dairy products. It is believed that oat oil can be attractive as an ingredient in various food products, for example, protein bars and spreads. More studies are needed to confirm the results in vivo. However, a great potential is seen for the use of oat oil to enhance appetite control.
Switching from Lithium to Sodium—an Operando Investigation of an FePO4 Electrode by Mechanical Measurements and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Janzen Manfred , Kramer Dominik , Mönig Reiner
Published: December 2020

Many physical and chemical properties of Na+ are very similar to those of Li+, and therefore, some electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries can also work with sodium ions. As the Na+ ion is larger than Li+, the strains in the host lattice are larger, which can cause deviations in the electrochemical reactions. Herein, mechanical stresses are compared, which are measured by the in situ substrate curvature method during (de)lithiation/(de)sodiation of an FePO4 electrode. The (de)lithiation and (de)sodiation experiments are performed on the same electrode. According to the change of the lattice parameters, during electrode operation, NaxFePO4 particles experience a volume change that is 2.6 times larger than that of LixFePO4. In the measurements, the composite electrode exhibits a change of the stress amplitude between operation with Li and Na by roughly one order of magnitude for 0 < x < 1. Compared with Li+, the mechanical stress evolution during extraction and insertion of Na+ is highly asymmetric. The observed asymmetry in the electrochemical and the mechanical data may be explained by the different energies that are required to move an intermediary amorphous phase away from or toward the crystalline sodium‐rich regions during the (de)sodiation of NaFePO4.
Micronucleus Test Reveals Genotoxic Effects in Bats Associated with Agricultural Activity
Authors: Sandoval-Herrera Natalia , Paz Castillo Jesusa , Herrera Montalvo L. Gerardo , Welch Kenneth C.
Published: December 2020

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems and economies as natural pest-control agents, seed dispersers, and pollinators. Agricultural intensification, however, can impact bats foraging near crops, affecting the ecosystem services they provide. Exposure to pesticides, for example, may induce chromosome breakage or missegregation that can result in micronucleus formation. Detection of micronuclei is a simple, inexpensive, and relatively minimally invasive technique commonly used to evaluate chemical genotoxicity but rarely applied to assess wildlife genotoxic effects. We evaluated the suitability of the micronucleus test as a biomarker of genotoxicity for biomonitoring field studies in bats. We collected blood samples from insectivorous bats roosting in caves surrounded by different levels of disturbance (agriculture, human settlements) in Colima and Jalisco, west central Mexico. Then, we examined the frequency of micronucleus inclusions in erythrocytes using differentially stained blood smears. Bats from caves surrounded by proportionately more (53%) land used for agriculture and irrigated year-round had higher micronucleus frequency than bats from a less disturbed site (15% agriculture). We conclude that the micronucleus test is a sensitive method to evaluate genotoxic effects in free-ranging bats and could provide a useful biomarker for evaluating risk of exposure in wild populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:202–207. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Bats roosting in areas with higher agricultural development present a higher frequency of micronuclei, a sensitive and field-friendly biomarker of genotoxicity.
A farming systems approach to linking agricultural policies with biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Santos José L , Moreira Francisco , Ribeiro Paulo F , Canadas Maria J , Novais Ana , Lomba Angela
Published: December 2020

Many countries are reshaping their agricultural policies to better enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) in farmlands, but measuring the effectiveness of policy instruments in BES delivery is challenging. Using the European Agricultural Policy as an example, we propose the application of a farming systems (FS) approach as a cost‐effective tool for linking policy design and expected BES outcomes. On the basis of available data from subsidy payment agencies, such an approach can identify groups of farms that share similar management practices as well as the associations between FS and corresponding BES potential, and improve modeled outputs of farm management responses to policies and other drivers of change. We describe how this relatively unexplored source of information can help to support applied ecological research and relevant policy, and call for these data to be made available across Europe and elsewhere.
Estimation of healthcare expenditure per capita of Turkey using artificial intelligence techniques with genetic algorithm‐based feature selection
Authors: Ceylan Zeynep , Atalan Abdulkadir
Published: December 2020

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to predict healthcare expenditure per capita (pcHCE) in Turkey. Well‐known AI techniques such as random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), multiple linear regression (MLR), support vector regression (SVR), and relevance vector machine (RVM) were used to forecast pcHCE. Twenty‐nine years of historical data from 1990 to 2018 were used in the training and testing phases of the models. Gross domestic product per capita, life expectancy at birth, unemployment rate, crude birth rate, and the number of physicians and hospitals were used as input variables for the analysis. A genetic algorithm‐based feature selection (GAFS) method was applied to all models to select the relevant and optimal feature subset in the prediction of pcHCE. The comparative results showed that the GAFS method improved the overall performance of all base AI models. The hybrid GAFS‐RF model performed best among all AI‐based prediction methods, with a 99.86% correlation of determination (R2) value at the testing stage.
Influence of Microstructure on Electrochemical Performance of Plasma Sprayed Ni‐YSZ Anodes for SOFCs
Authors: Metcalfe C. , Kesler O.
Published: December 2020

The influence of anode microstructural parameters on the electrochemical performance of plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cells with metal supports has been investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to correlate the measured polarization resistances associated with both the three‐phase boundary length density and gas diffusivity of porous nickel/yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anodes. Each anode was deposited in atmospheric conditions using solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS), dry‐powder plasma spraying (DPPS), or suspension plasma spraying (SPS). The high‐frequency (> 1 kHz) part of the impedance spectrum was found to correlate with the three‐phase boundary length per unit volume of each anode. The low‐frequency part of the impedance spectrum was found to correlate with diffusive transport of gases through the porous anode. Gas transport measurements in the context of the dusty gas model were used to extract microstructure‐dependent parameters that provided a quantitative comparison among the distinct microstructures obtained using the three plasma spray methods. These results were compared to measurements using Darcy's law, which yielded similar trends and provided an efficient method to more rapidly compare gas transport rates in porous electrodes having different structures.
Provenance and tectonic setting of the Early Permian sedimentary succession in the southern edge of the Sydney Basin, eastern Australia
Authors: Maravelis Angelos G. , Offler Robin , Pantopoulos George , Collins William J.
Published: December 2020

Early Permian basins formed during a major phase of crustal extension are common throughout eastern Gondwana. One of these basins, the Sydney Basin, has not been subjected to geochemical studies aimed at determining the sedimentary provenance and the tectonic setting. This study provides new geochemical data of the Lower Permian siliciclastic successions in the southern edge of the Sydney Basin. Published petrographic analysis indicates a source area containing sedimentary, felsic volcanic, plutonic, and low‐grade metamorphic rocks. Major, trace and rare earth element data suggest that the clastic rocks are geochemically mature and originated from a continental source that has been subjected to moderate to strong weathering. Further, they indicate that most source rocks were of felsic composition and that only the oldest sediments possess a more mafic signature. The provenance data presented in this study, along with published palaeocurrent data, point to the Lachlan orogen being the main source of sediments for the basin. Multi‐dimensional discrimination diagrams suggest a continental rift setting and agree with the published sequence stratigraphic framework that suggests a deepening‐upward depositional trend associated with tectonic subsidence. This study documents geochemically the provenance of the sedimentary successions within the southern edge of the Sydney Basin and the continental rift origin of the basin.
Amyloid‐β impairs the phagocytosis of dystrophic synapses by astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sanchez‐Mico Maria V. , Jimenez Sebastian , Gomez‐Arboledas Angela , Muñoz‐Castro Clara , Romero‐Molina Carmen , Navarro Victoria , Sanchez‐Mejias Elisabeth , Nuñez‐Diaz Cristina , Sanchez‐Varo Raquel , Galea Elena , Davila José C. , Vizuete Marisa , Gutierrez Antonia , Vitorica Javier
Published: December 2020

Reactive astrocytes and dystrophic neurites, most aberrant presynaptic elements, are found surrounding amyloid‐β plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have previously shown that reactive astrocytes enwrap, phagocytose, and degrade dystrophic synapses in the hippocampus of APP mice and AD patients, but affecting less than 7% of dystrophic neurites, suggesting reduced phagocytic capacity of astrocytes in AD. Here, we aimed to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms by analyzing the capacity of primary astrocyte cultures to phagocytose and degrade isolated synapses (synaptoneurosomes, SNs) from APP (containing dystrophic synapses and amyloid‐β peptides), Tau (containing AT8‐ and AT100‐positive phosphorylated Tau) and WT (controls) mice. We found highly reduced phagocytic and degradative capacity of SNs‐APP, but not AT8/AT100‐positive SNs‐Tau, as compared with SNs‐WT. The reduced astrocyte phagocytic capacity was verified in hippocampus from 12‐month‐old APP mice, since only 1.60 ± 3.81% of peri‐plaque astrocytes presented phagocytic structures. This low phagocytic capacity did not depend on microglia‐mediated astrocyte reactivity, because removal of microglia from the primary astrocyte cultures abrogated the expression of microglia‐dependent genes in astrocytes, but did not affect the phagocytic impairment induced by oligomeric amyloid‐β alone. Taken together, our data suggest that amyloid‐β, but not hyperphosphorylated Tau, directly impairs the capacity of astrocytes to clear the pathological accumulation of oligomeric amyloid‐β, as well as of peri‐plaque dystrophic synapses containing amyloid‐β, perhaps by reducing the expression of phagocytosis receptors such as Mertk and Megf10, thus increasing neuronal damage in AD. Therefore, the potentiation or recovery of astrocytic phagocytosis may be a novel therapeutic avenue in AD.