bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyurethane fibrous membranes tailored by rotary jet spinning for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Pereira Rodrigues Isabella Caroline , Tamborlin Leticia , Rodrigues Ana Amélia , Jardini André Luiz , Ducati Luchessi Augusto , Maciel Filho Rubens , Najar Lopes Éder Sócrates , Pellizzer Gabriel Laís
Published: September 2019

Polymeric membranes have gained popularity as fibrous structures for tissue regeneration. This research focuses on the rotary jet spinning (RJS) process combined with a polymer as a strategy for designing membranes. To this end, RJS‐polyurethane (RJS‐PU) membranes with different microstructures were produced. Considering the effects of solution properties on fiber production, the viscosity of PU solutions was evaluated. Membrane morphology was studied based on scanning electron microscopy and 2D fast Fourier transform analysis. The chemical and thermal properties were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Live/Dead cell assays were performed to determine the material cytotoxicity by assessment of the profile of proliferation and cell viability. The results indicated that the combination of PU and RJS was an effective one for the production of fibrous structures for tissue engineering applications, demonstrating good compatibility with the cultured osteoblastic cell line. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48455.
Monitoring long‐term changes in UK grey seal pup production
Authors: Russell Debbie J. F. , Morris Chris D. , Duck Callan D. , Thompson Dave , Hiby Lex
Published: September 2019

The population size of many species, particularly those in the aquatic environment, cannot be censused directly. Counts, during the breeding season, of one component of the population (e.g. breeding females) are often used as an index to allow investigation of trends. In species, such as grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), for which births are not tightly synchronous, single counts of pups represent an unknown proportion of the total number of pups born (pup production), and thus of breeding females (i.e. each pup born represents a breeding female).

Grey seals pup at large colonies around the coast of the UK. Information on their populations is required under national and international legislation.

In the UK, pup production has been monitored at some colonies since 1956. Currently, large colonies (~90% of UK pup production) are monitored either using ground (~10%; annually) or aerial surveys (~80%; annually until 2010, and thereafter biennially).

Here, the model used to estimate pup production at aerially surveyed colonies from 1987 to 2010 is described; structured pup counts from multiple surveys are combined with knowledge of life‐history parameters to model birth curves.

The resulting trends in pup production up to 2010 (aerially surveyed colonies) and 2016 (ground surveyed colonies) are examined.

In 2010, over 45,000 pups were estimated to be born in the UK. Pup production appeared to have reached an asymptote in the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides and Orkney, whereas it is still increasing exponentially in the North Sea. Although density‐dependent processes acting at sea are likely to be responsible for these regional trends, we suggest that the substantial variation in trends within regions are likely caused by processes acting at the colony level. Some long‐established colonies, including Special Areas of Conservation, are exhibiting decreasing trends.

Special Areas of Conservation often serve as de facto monitoring sites and are the focus of management efforts. The observed temporal and spatial variability in patterns of colony growth rates highlight the potential risks of using such sites to develop wider management policies.
Changing distribution of the east coast of Scotland bottlenose dolphin population and the challenges of area‐based management
Authors: Arso Civil Mònica , Quick Nicola J. , Cheney Barbara , Pirotta Enrico , Thompson Paul M. , Hammond Philip S.
Published: September 2019

The efficacy of marine protected areas (MPAs) depends on clear conservation objectives and ecologically meaningful boundaries. The east coast of Scotland bottlenose dolphin population expanded its distributional range during the 1990s beyond the boundaries of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation (SAC), originally proposed to contain their core area of distribution. Two decades on, this study assesses the importance for this population of St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary, 300 km south of the SAC.

Photoidentification data from 2009 to 2015 were analysed using mark–recapture models to investigate the proportion of the population that uses St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary. Habitat models were fitted to bottlenose dolphin presence–absence data to identify areas of high use.

The estimated number of dolphins using St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary during the summer increased from 91 (95% confidence interval 78–106) in 2009 to 114 (95% confidence interval 95–137) in 2015, representing, on average, 52.5% of the total estimated east‐coast population for that period. Spatial mixing of individuals during the summer between St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary and the Moray Firth SAC was estimated to be a minimum of ~6% per year and ~30% over the study period. The entrance to the Firth of Tay and waters around Montrose were identified as areas of consistent high use.

The importance of St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary reconfirms that effective monitoring of the population requires dedicated effort in both this area and the SAC. The results lead to consideration of the wider context of area‐based management for the conservation/management of highly mobile wide‐ranging species and human activities that might impact them.
Age–length relationships in UK harbour seals during a period of population decline
Authors: Hall Ailsa J. , Mackey Beth , Kershaw Joanna L. , Thompson Paul
Published: September 2019

The abundance of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the UK as a whole has increased over the past 10 years, after a 30% decline during the preceding 10 years and two major viral epidemics. However, population trends vary greatly among regions, with those on the east coast of Scotland and in the Northern Isles experiencing dramatic declines since the early 2000s and populations on the west coast being either stable or increasing. The reasons for these differences in population dynamics are unknown.

Determining whether there has been a change in somatic growth among populations can assist in assessing potential causes for abundance declines, as shifts in juvenile growth rates or maximum length at maturity may indicate changes in environmental conditions. Resource limitations are likely to result in slower growth and later age at sexual maturity, whereas causes of acute mortality could have the opposite effect.

Here, analysis of the most comprehensive length‐at‐age dataset for UK harbour seals found no evidence for major differences, or changes over time, in asymptotic length or growth parameters from fitted von Bertalanffy growth curves, across all regions, with the exception of one pairwise comparison; males from East Scotland were significantly shorter than males from all other areas by an average of almost 9 cm. However, the power to detect small changes was limited by measurement uncertainty and differences in spatial and temporal sampling effort.

Asymptotic lengths at maturity across all regions were slightly lower than published lengths for harbour seal populations in Europe, the Arctic, and Canada, with females being on average 140.5 cm (95% confidence interval 139.4, 141.6 cm) and males 149.4 cm (95% confidence interval 147.8, 151.1 cm) at adulthood.

Reliable estimates of changes in growth over time are important for understanding environmental constraints on a population, but knowledge of the underlying drivers of change is essential for the design of robust conservation and mitigation plans.
Assessing cetacean body condition: Is total lipid content in blubber biopsies a useful monitoring tool?
Authors: Kershaw Joanna L. , Brownlow Andrew , Ramp Christian A. , Miller Patrick J.O. , Hall Ailsa J.
Published: September 2019

Measuring the energy stores, or body condition, of cetaceans is vital for monitoring population health. Cetaceans are exposed to a range of anthropogenic stressors, including, for example, noise, contaminants, habitat degradation, reduced prey availability, ship strike, and entanglement. Tools to assess body condition in these inaccessible and vulnerable animals are required to better understand the energetic consequences of anthropogenic stressors that can impact population health and, ultimately, conservation status.

Remotely obtained, dart biopsy samples are becoming an increasingly standard method of tissue collection from live, large cetaceans. Here, the potential applicability of using total lipid content in such biopsy samples to estimate overall body condition was assessed using full‐depth dorsal blubber samples from stranded ziphiids (n = 8) and balaenopterids (n = 9). First, variation in total lipid content through the blubber depth was investigated to assess the representativeness of shallow‐depth dart biopsies taken from live animals. Second, how lipid content varies by species, cause of death, sex, age class, and morphometric indices of body condition was assessed to evaluate what information about individual energy stores can be gained from such analyses.

Total lipid content in dorsal, shallow‐depth blubber biopsy samples from both cetacean families provides little information on overall body condition. Stratification of lipid content through the blubber layer in the balaenopterids means that superficial biopsy samples are not representative of the lipid stores available for mobilization through the rest of the tissue. A lack of variation in blubber lipid content, both within and between the ziphiid individuals, resulted in no ability to correlate these measures with morphometrics or other health, sex, or age class covariates.

Other potential markers in the blubber from remote biopsy sampling should be explored in order to further develop robust tools for estimating the body condition of free‐ranging cetaceans.
Modelling the population size and dynamics of the British grey seal
Authors: Thomas Len , Russell Debbie J.F. , Duck Callan D. , Morris Chris D. , Lonergan Mike , Empacher Fanny , Thompson Dave , Harwood John
Published: September 2019

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were the first mammals to be protected by an Act of Parliament in the UK and are currently protected under UK, Scottish, and EU conservation legislation. Reporting requirements under each of these statutes requires accurate and timely population estimates. Monitoring is principally conducted by aerial surveys of the breeding colonies; these are used to produce estimates of annual pup production. Translating these data to estimates of adult population size requires information about demographic parameters such as fecundity and sex ratio.

An age‐structured population dynamics model is presented, which includes density dependence in pup survival, with separate carrying capacities in each of the four breeding regions considered (North Sea, Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, and Orkney). This model is embedded within a Bayesian state–space modelling framework, allowing the population model to be linked to available data and the use of informative prior distributions on demographic parameters. A computer‐intensive fitting algorithm is presented based on particle filtering methods.

The model is fitted to region‐level pup production estimates from 1984 to 2010 and an independent estimate of adult population size, derived from aerial surveys of hauled‐out seals in 2008. The fitted model is used to estimate total population size from 1984 to 2010.

The population in the North Sea region has increased at a near‐constant rate; growth in the other three regions began to slow in the mid‐1990s and these populations appear to have reached carrying capacity. The total population size of seals aged 1 year or older in 2010 was estimated to be 116 100 (95% CI 98 400–138 600), an increase of <1% on the previous year.

The modelling and fitting methods are widely applicable to other wildlife populations where diverse sources of information are available and inference is required for the underlying population dynamics.
Fine‐scale habitat partitioning of Chilean and Peale's dolphins and their overlap with aquaculture
Authors: Heinrich Sonja , Genov Tilen , Fuentes Riquelme Marjorie , Hammond Philip S.
Published: September 2019

Predictive species distribution models (SDMs) have become powerful tools to determine habitat use patterns of mobile marine predators and their spatial overlap with potentially impacting anthropogenic activities.

This study used SDMs to investigate fine‐scale habitat use patterns of two poorly known and broadly sympatric coastal delphinids, Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) and Peale's dolphins (Lagenorhynchus australis), and their spatial interactions with intense aquaculture farming activities in the Chiloé archipelago, southern Chile.

A long‐term dataset (2002–2012) of boat‐based dolphin sightings and concurrently in situ collected environmental and anthropogenic variables was analysed using binomial Generalized Additive Models to investigate ecological drivers of each species' fine‐scale distribution and to predict dolphin occurrence spatially.

Chilean dolphins preferred shallow (<30 m deep), turbid waters, close to shore (<500 m) and river mouths which often placed them in sheltered bays and channels used intensively by shellfish farms. Peale's dolphins were also found in shallow waters but occurred over a wider range of conditions along more open or exposed coastlines. Both species had to navigate extensive salmon and shellfish farming sites to transit between areas of important habitat.

Sightings and predicted occurrence maps showed a clear pattern of spatial habitat partitioning between species, which remained stable across the 11 year study period. The identification of important habitat for Chilean dolphins warrants the consideration of spatially explicit conservation measures to limit the potential effects of overlapping salmon and shellfish farming.

The observed differences in ecological plasticity of the two sympatric species should be considered when evaluating and mitigating the effects of environmental change and ongoing anthropogenic pressures on their nearshore habitat. The estimated species–environment relationships could also be used to predict where dolphin habitat and anthropogenic activities are most likely to overlap in other parts of the species' ranges.
Habitat use of a coastal delphinid population investigated using passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Palmer Kaitlin J. , Brookes Kate L. , Davies Ian M. , Edwards Ewan , Rendell Luke
Published: September 2019

The population of bottlenose dolphins in eastern Scotland has undergone significant range expansion since the 1990s, when a Special Area of Conservation was established for the population.

Distribution of this population is well described within areas of its range where intensive work has been carried out, such as the inner Moray Firth, St Andrews Bay and the Tay estuary area. However, elsewhere in their range, habitat use is less well understood.

In this study, a large‐scale and long‐term passive acoustic array was used to gain a better understanding of bottlenose dolphin habitat use in eastern Scottish waters, complementing and augmenting existing visual surveys.

Data from the array were analysed using a three‐stage approach. First, acoustic occupancy results were reported; second, temporal trends were modelled; and third, a spatial–temporal‐habitat model of acoustic occupancy was created.

Results from the acoustic occupancy are in agreement with visual studies that found that areas near known foraging locations were consistently occupied. Results from the temporal trend analysis were inconclusive. Habitat modelling showed that, throughout their range, bottlenose dolphins are most likely to be detected closer to shore, and at a constant distance from shore, in deeper water.
Progenitor Cells from the Adult Human Inner Ear
Authors: Senn Pascal , Mina Amir , Volkenstein Stefan , Kranebitter Veronika , Oshima Kazuo , Heller Stefan
Published: September 2019

Loss of inner ear hair cells leads to incurable balance and hearing disorders because these sensory cells do not effectively regenerate in humans. A potential starting point for therapy would be the stimulation of quiescent progenitor cells within the damaged inner ear. Inner ear progenitor/stem cells, which have been described in rodent inner ears, would be principal candidates for such an approach. Despite the identification of progenitor cell populations in the human fetal cochlea and in the adult human spiral ganglion, no proliferative cell populations with the capacity to generate hair cells have been reported in vestibular and cochlear tissues of adult humans. The present study aimed at filling this gap by isolating colony‐forming progenitor cells from surgery‐ and autopsy‐derived adult human temporal bones in order to generate inner ear cell types in vitro. Sphere‐forming and mitogen‐responding progenitor cells were isolated from vestibular and cochlear tissues. Clonal spheres grown from adult human utricle and cochlear duct were propagated for a limited number of generations. When differentiated in absence of mitogens, the utricle‐derived spheres robustly gave rise to hair cell‐like cells, as well as to cells expressing supporting cell‐, neuron‐, and glial markers, indicating that the adult human utricle harbors multipotent progenitor cells. Spheres derived from the adult human cochlear duct did not give rise to hair cell‐like or neuronal cell types, which is an indication that human cochlear cells have limited proliferative potential but lack the ability to differentiate into major inner ear cell types. Anat Rec, 303:461–470, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Enhanced production of podophyllotoxin, kaempferol, and quercetin from callus culture of Dysosma pleiantha (Hance) Woodson: An endangered medicinal plant
Authors: Karuppaiya Palaniyandi , Tsay Hsin Sheng
Published: September 2019

Dysosma pleiantha (Hance) Woodson is one of the endangered traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, highly valued for its medicinal properties by Taiwan's mountain tribes. The present study aims to develop an efficient protocol for callus biomass by optimizing suitable culture medium, carbon source culture condition, and enhanced production of pharmaceutically important podophyllotoxin, kaempferol, and quercetin from callus culture of D. pleiantha under the influence of different additives. Best callus induction was achieved in Gamborg's medium (B5) with 1 mg/L 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) along with 0.2 mg/L kinetin under dark condition. Tender leaves of D. pleiantha showed the maximum of 86% callus induction among the different explants tested. Highest leaf callus proliferation was noted in B5 medium with 1 mg/L 2,4‐D incubated under complete darkness. In addition, it was found that B5 medium with 1 mg/L 2,4‐D along with 2 g/L peptone produced more leaf callus biomass and enhanced production of podophyllotoxin (16.3‐fold), kaempferol (12.39‐fold), and quercetin (5.03‐fold) compared to control. Therefore, D. pleiantha callogenesis can provide an alternative source for enhanced production of secondary compounds regardless of the exploitation of its natural plant population.
Nitratinduzierte Spannungsrisskorrosion in der Stahlbetonkuppel des Elefantenhauses Hellabrunn
Authors: Stengel Thorsten , Obermeier Philipp , Zellner Johannes
Published: September 2019

So stellt man sich einen 100sten Geburtstag nicht unbedingt vor: Am Vormittag des 12.09.2014 wurde die denkmalgeschützte Stahlbeton‐Rippenkuppel des Elefantenhauses im Tierpark Hellabrunn in München wegen irreparabler Schäden an der Bewehrung mithilfe einer 250 kg‐Ladung gesprengt. Vorausgegangen waren intensive mehrmonatige Baustoffuntersuchungen mit dem Ergebnis, dass der Betonstahl der historischen Stahlbetonkonstruktion in weiten Teilen durch nitratinduzierte Spannungsrisskorrosion erheblich geschädigt war. In der Folge musste das Elefantenhaus wegen Einsturzgefahr gesperrt und die Kuppel bis zur Sprengung notabgestützt werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag soll an die herausragenden ingenieurtechnischen Leistungen bei der Errichtung der Kuppel erinnern sowie die Zusammenhänge und Konsequenzen der nitratinduzierten Spannungsrisskorrosion erläutern.
Reactions of 2,4‐Dinitrophenyl 5‐substituted‐2‐thiophenecarboxylates with R2NH/R2NH2+ in 20 Mol % DMSO(aq). Effects of 5‐Thienyl Substituent and Leaving Group on the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Pyun Sang Yong , Paik Kyu Cheol , Han Man So , Cho Bong Rae
Published: September 2019

Reactions of 2,4‐dinitrophenyl 2‐thiophenecarboxylate (2a–d) with R2NH/R2NH2+ in 20 mol % DMSO(aq) have been studied. The reactions are overall second order, first order to the substrates, and first order to the nucleophiles. The Brönsted plots showed downward curves with pKa0 = 9.5, β1 = 0.22–0.34, and β2 = 0.85–0.92. The k1 values increased with a stronger electron‐withdrawing 5‐thienyl substituent and a stronger nucleophile, whereas the k2/k−1 values remained nearly the same for all 5‐thienyl substituents. The influence of 5‐thienyl substituent on the reaction rates showed excellent correlations on the Yukawa‐Tsuno plots with ρ = 1.28–2.16 and r = 0.20–0.60. The ρ value increased and r value decreased with a stronger nucleophile, indicating an increase in the electron density at the carbonyl carbon and a decrease in the resonance demand. From these results, a stepwise mechanism with a change in the rate‐determining step has been proposed.
LINC00462 is involved in high glucose‐induced apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells via AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Ruixin , Yan Yuehong , Li Cuicui
Published: September 2019

New evidences suggest that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play important roles in a variety of kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our present study investigated the potential function of LINC00462 in high glucose (HG)‐induced apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) and to determine the underlying mechanism. The expression of LINC00462 in renal biopsy tissues was examined using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Then, a loss of function assay was performed to determine the protective effect of LINC00462 in HG‐induced RTEC damage. In addition, the downstream signaling pathway of LINC00462 was also investigated. The qRT‐PCR results showed that the expression of LINC00462 was significantly up‐regulated in renal biopsies from DN patients. At the same time, LINC00462 was enhanced in a glucose concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner in human kidney (HK‐2 and HKC) cells subjected to HG treatment. The knockdown of LINC00462 improved the significantly reduced cell viability of HG treatment, decreased HG‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde levels, and up‐regulated the response of antioxidant systems to ROS by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. In addition, knockdown of LINC00462 inhibited HG‐induced cell apoptosis and affected the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins. Most importantly, we found that knockdown of LINC00462 enhanced the expression of p‐AKT. Moreover, AKT‐specific inhibitor LY294002 restored the effect of LINC00462 knockdown on apoptosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that knockdown of LINC00462 can ameliorate oxidative stress and apoptosis in HG‐induced RTEC by activating the AKT pathway, suggesting that knockdown of LINC00462 may provide a potential therapeutic approach for DN.
Discovery and Comparison of Homogeneous Catalysts in a Standardized HOT‐CAT Screen with Microwave‐Heating and qNMR Analysis: Exploring Catalytic Hydration of Alkynes
Authors: Schreyer Matthias , Milzarek Tobias M. , Wegmann Marcus , Brunner Andreas , Hintermann Lukas
Published: September 2019

A HOT‐CAT (homogeneous thermal catalysis) screen using microwave‐heating and quantitative NMR (qNMR) analysis has been developed for identification and comparison of catalyst activity in homogeneous metal‐based catalysis. The hydration of terminal alkynes to ketones or aldehydes served as a model reaction in this proof‐of‐concept study. Key aspects of the screen are the use of a high‐temperature setting (e. g., 160 °C) at a fixed, short reaction time (e. g., 15 min) for all samples. Analysis of crude reaction mixtures by a standardized, quantitative 1H NMR protocol gives a comprehensive picture of catalyst chemo‐ and regioselectivity, which permits broad comparisons and the discovery of non‐target reactivity. For catalytic alkyne hydration, data for 105 runs involving 81 catalyst systems with 15 different metals is presented. The activity of all established catalyst systems was reproduced, and new catalyst systems with Markovnikov hydration selectivity were discovered and applied to preparative runs, namely Cu2O−CSA (CSA=camphorsulfonic acid), Co(OAc)2−tetraphenylporphyrin−CSA and [IrCl(COD)]−CSA.
Highly Dispersed Graphene Network Achieved by using a Nanoparticle‐Crosslinked Polymer to Create a Sensitive Conductive Sensor
Authors: Wang Qiao , Li Lefan , Lu Zeyu , Hu Xiaosai , Li Zongjin , Sun Guoxing
Published: September 2019

Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs) have attracted significant interest in the past, owing to their potential applications in flexible electronic devices. The incorporation of reduced graphene sheets (GSs) is one effective way to endow hydrogels with electrical conductivity. However, inhomogeneous distribution of GSs in a hydrogel matrix has a side effect on the conductivity for GS‐based ECHs. In this work, cement‐released calcium hydroxide nanospherulites (CNSs) are innovatively employed to help disperse GSs in a poly‐acrylamide (PAM) hydrogel matrix. An excellent ECH with good mechanical performance is achieved by dispersing GSs homogeneously into the PAM hydrogel matrix with the support of CNSs. Raman measurements confirm the vital role of CNSs in dispersing GSs homogeneously into the hydrogel matrix. With a very low GS content of 0.2 wt %, the electrical conductivity of such ECH sample can reach four times than that of reported GS‐based conductive hydrogels dispersed by conventional surfactants. Furthermore, the homogeneous distribution of GSs in the hydrogel matrix also promotes energy dissipation in the mechanical property, leading to a high compression stress (214 MPa) and stretching stress (325 KPa) for such ECHs. Owing to its rapid response speed and high stability, this ECH is used as a strain sensor to monitor deformation. In a broader context, this ECH material may have potential applications in smart sensors and wearable devices.
Patterning Porous Networks through Self‐Assembly of Programmed Biomacromolecules
Authors: Carloni Laure‐Elie , Bezzu C. Grazia , Bonifazi Davide
Published: September 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) porous networks are of great interest for the fabrication of complex organized functional materials for potential applications in nanotechnologies and nanoelectronics. This review aims at providing an overview of bottom‐up approaches towards the engineering of 2D porous networks by using biomacromolecules, with a particular focus on nucleic acids and proteins. The first part illustrates how the advancements in DNA nanotechnology allowed for the attainment of complex ordered porous two‐dimensional DNA nanostructures, thanks to a biomimetic approach based on DNA molecules self‐assembly through specific hydrogen‐bond base pairing. The second part focuses the attention on how polypeptides and proteins structural properties could be used to engineer organized networks templating the formation of multifunctional materials. The structural organization of all examples is discussed as revealed by scanning probe microscopy or transmission electron microscopy imaging techniques.
Exploring the Subtle Effect of Aliphatic Ring Size on Minor Actinide‐Extraction Properties and Metal Ion Speciation in Bis‐1,2,4‐Triazine Ligands
Authors: Zaytsev Andrey V. , Bulmer Rachel , Kozhevnikov Valery N. , Sims Mark , Modolo Giuseppe , Wilden Andreas , Waddell Paul G. , Geist Andreas , Panak Petra J. , Wessling Patrik , Lewis Frank W.
Published: September 2019

The synthesis and evaluation of three novel bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands containing five‐membered aliphatic rings are reported. Compared to the more hydrophobic ligands 1–3 containing six‐membered aliphatic rings, the distribution ratios for relevant f‐block metal ions were approximately one order of magnitude lower in each case. Ligand 10 showed an efficient, selective and rapid separation of AmIII and CmIII from nitric acid. The speciation of the ligands with trivalent f‐block metal ions was probed using NMR titrations and competition experiments, time‐resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. While the tetradentate ligands 8 and 10 formed LnIII complexes of the same stoichiometry as their more hydrophobic analogues 2 and 3, significant differences in speciation were observed between the two classes of ligand, with a lower percentage of the extracted 1:2 complexes being formed for ligands 8 and 10. The structures of the solid state 1:1 and 1:2 complexes formed by 8 and 10 with YIII, LuIII and PrIII are very similar to those formed by 2 and 3 with LnIII. Ligand 10 forms CmIII and EuIII 1:2 complexes that are thermodynamically less stable than those formed by ligand 3, suggesting that less hydrophobic ligands form less stable AnIII complexes. Thus, it has been shown for the first time how tuning the cyclic aliphatic part of these ligands leads to subtle changes in their metal ion speciation, complex stability and metal extraction affinity.
Claiming a family brand identity: The role of website storytelling
Authors: Canziani Bonnie F. , Welsh Dianne H.B. , Dana Léo‐Paul , Ramadani Veland
Published: September 2019

This study focuses on the creation of a family identity as a central communication objective in business storytelling. We contribute to the field of business website marketing by identifying, through textual analysis of US winery website narratives, how businesses communicate family brand identities. Results show that three claims that are critical for family brand identities—character, temporal continuity, and distinctiveness—do appear in the website texts. Our study provides beginning evidence that family identity does not require family ownership alone but can be built upon complementary narrative elements and tactics, including kinship references and heritage storytelling. Both content and linguistic style of narratives are useful in conveying a family brand identity to an external public for website design. Implications are discussed.
Renewable Responsive Systems Based on Original Click and Polyurethane Cross‐Linked Architectures with Advanced Properties
Authors: Tremblay‐Parrado Khantutta‐Kim , Avérous Luc
Published: September 2019

A new chemical architecture from oleic acid, consisting of a diol structure containing pendant furan rings, denoted the furan oligomer (FO) was synthesized and fully characterized. The FO was integrated into a linear rapeseed‐based polyurethane (PU) backbone and cross‐linked through a Diels–Alder (DA) reaction by using pendant furan rings and a short polypropylene oxide‐based bismaleimide. This is the first time that a thermoreversible PU network based on vegetable oil has been reported. The effects of varying proportions of FO in linear and cross‐linked systems, by DA, were studied. These materials were analyzed by classic characterization techniques. The stability and recyclability of the cross‐linked materials were shown by successive reprocessing cycles and reanalyzing the mechanical properties. Self‐healing properties were macroscopically exhibited and investigated by tensile tests on healed materials. The resulting cross‐linked materials present a large range of properties, such as tunable mechanical and thermoresponsive behavior, good thermal recyclability, and self‐healing abilities.
One‐Pot Enzyme Cascade for Controlled Synthesis of Furancarboxylic Acids from 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by H2O2 Internal Recycling
Authors: Jia Hao‐Yu , Zong Min‐Hua , Zheng Gao‐Wei , Li Ning
Published: September 2019

Furancarboxylic acids are promising biobased building blocks in pharmaceutical and polymer industries. In this work, dual‐enzyme cascade systems composed of galactose oxidase (GOase) and alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are constructed for controlled synthesis of 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), based on the catalytic promiscuity of ADHs. The byproduct H2O2, which is produced in GOase‐catalyzed oxidation of HMF to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF), is used for horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐mediated regeneration of the oxidized nicotinamide cofactors for subsequent oxidation of DFF promoted by an ADH, thus implementing H2O2 internal recycling. The desired products FFCA and FDCA are obtained with yields of more than 95 %.
Ecologically unequal exchange and national governance: A cross‐national analysis of forest loss
Authors: Sommer Jamie M.
Published: September 2019

Previous research within the theory of ecologically unequal exchange finds that forestry exports from low‐ and middle‐income nations to high‐income nations yield increased forest loss in exporting nations. I expand upon this research by considering how the level of national governance within a nation moderates the impacts of forestry export flows from low‐ and middle‐income nations to high‐income nations on forest loss. To test this claim, I include an interaction term between forestry export flows and three national governance measures (i.e., voice and accountability, political stability, and regulatory quality) using robust regression for a sample of 76 low‐ and middle‐income nations. The findings suggest that forestry exports flows from low‐ and middle‐income nations to high‐income nations increase forest loss more at lower levels of national governance than higher levels of national governance. I also find that forestry rents, environmental nongovernmental organizations, gross domestic product per capita, and economic growth are related to forest loss.
Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling in hematopoietic‐lineage cells contributes to the enhanced activity of the human vaccine adjuvant AS01
Authors: Van Maele Laurye , Fougeron Delphine , Cayet Delphine , Chalon Aurélie , Piccioli Diego , Collignon Catherine , Sirard Jean‐Claude , Didierlaurent Arnaud M
Published: September 2019

The 3‐O‐desacyl‐4’‐monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) activates immunity through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. The Adjuvant System AS01 contains MPL and is used in the candidate malaria vaccine and the licensed zoster vaccine. Recent studies reported that AS01 adjuvant activity depends on a transient inflammation at the site of vaccination, but the role of stromal or structural cells in the adjuvant effect is unknown. We investigated this question in mouse models by assessing the role of TLR4 on hematopoietic versus resident structural cells during immunization with AS01‐adjuvanted vaccines. We first established that TLR4‐deficient animals had a reduced immune response to an AS01‐adjuvanted vaccine. Using bone marrow chimera, we consistently found that Tlr4 expression in radio‐sensitive cells, i.e., hematopoietic cells, was required for an optimal adjuvant effect on antibody and T‐cell responses. At day 1 after injection, the pro‐inflammatory reaction at the site of injection was strongly dependent on TLR4 signaling in hematopoietic cells. Similarly, activation of dendritic cells in muscle‐draining lymph nodes was strictly associated with the radio‐sensitive cells expressing Tlr4. Altogether, these data suggest that MPL‐mediated TLR4‐signaling in hematopoietic cells is critical in the mode of action of AS01.
Dinuclear Copper Complexes Triply Bridged by a Tetraphosphane, rac‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)CH2P(Ph)CH2PPh2
Authors: Tanase Tomoaki , Otaki Risa , Okue Ayumi , Nakamae Kanako , Nakajima Takayuki
Published: September 2019

Reaction of [Cu(MeCN)4]BF4 with rac‐Ph2PCH2P(Ph)CH2P(Ph)CH2PPh2 (rac‐dpmppm) gave [Cu2(µ‐rac‐dpmppm)(MeCN)4](BF4)2 (1), and that of CuCl with rac‐dpmppm in the presence of 2,6‐xylyl isocyanide (XylNC) and NH4PF6 afforded [Cu2(µ‐rac‐dpmppm)(XylNC)4](PF6)2 (2). Complex 1 was converted by treatment with diimino ligands (N^N) to a series of CuI2 complexes, [Cu2(µ‐rac‐dpmppm)(N^N)2]2+ (N^N = phen (3), 4‐Mephen (4), 4,7‐Me2phen (5), 5,6‐Me2phen (6), 2,9‐Me2phen (7), 3,4,7,8‐Me4phen (8), 4,7‐Ph2phen (9), bpy (10), 4,4′‐Me2bpy (11), and 1,8‐naphtyridine (nap) (12)), where phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline and bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl. The isolated complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic analyses to reveal that two CuI ions are triply bridged by a rac‐dpmppm ligand in κ2,κ2 fashion resulting in robust Z‐form dicopper structures, where the Cu···Cu distances vary from 4.2 to 5.6 Å depending on the ancillary ligands through altering conformation of the fused six‐membered chelate rings. The bulky ligands of XylNC and 2,9‐Me2phen deform the conformation to boat (2) and twist boat (7) forms, leading to elongation of Cu···Cu separation (Cu···Cu = 5.3488(5) Å (2), 5.5681(6) Å (7)), and other non‐bulky ligands render them deformed chair forms with Cu···Cu = 4.2051(5) Å (8) to 4.7341(5) Å (10). The solution behaviors of 5 and 11 were examined by variable temperature 1H NMR measurements to show fluxional exchange of the two nitrogen atoms attaching to the tetrahedral Cu centers with ΔG‡ of 14 kcal/mol at room temperature. Photophysical properties of 3–12 were also investigated to show rapid fluorescence at 394–467 nm in CH2Cl2 solutions and phosphorescence at 582–608 nm in the solid states. Reaction of [Cu(MeCN)4]BF4 with rac‐dpmppm and NaBH4 in MeOH/CHCl3 afforded [Cu4(µ4‐H)(µ‐Cl)2(µ‐rac‐dpmppm)2]BF4 (13), in which two rac‐dpmppm ligands exhibited a new coordination mode of κ2,κ1,κ1 M3‐bridge to hold two {Cu2(µ‐Cl)(µ‐rac‐dpmppm)}+ units connected by a central µ4‐hydride.
Toward Optimal Metal–Organic Frameworks for Adsorption Chillers: Insights from the Scale‐Up of MIL‐101(Cr) and NH2‐MIL‐125
Authors: Graf Stefan , Redder Florian , Bau Uwe , de Lange Martijn , Kapteijn Freek , Bardow André
Published: September 2019

The metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) MIL‐101(Cr) and NH2‐MIL‐125 offer high adsorption capacities and have therefore been suggested for sustainable energy conversion in adsorption chillers. Herein, these MOFs are benchmarked to commercial Siogel. The evaluation method combines small‐scale experiments with dynamic modeling of full‐scale adsorption chillers. For the common temperature set 10/30/80 °C, it is found that MIL‐101(Cr) has the highest adsorption capacity, but considerably lower efficiency (−19%) and power density (−66%) than Siogel. NH2‐MIL‐125 increases efficiency by 18% compared with Siogel, but reduces the practically important power density by 28%. From the results, guidelines for MOF development are derived: High efficiencies are achieved by matching the shape of the isotherms to the specific operating temperatures. By only adapting shape, efficiencies are 1.5 times higher. Also, higher power density requires matching the shape of the isotherms to create high driving forces for heat and mass transfer. Second, if MOFs’ heat and mass transfer coefficients could reach the level of Siogel, their maximum power density would double. Thus, development of MOFs should go beyond adsorption capacity, and tune the structure to the application requirements. As a result, MOFs could to serve as optimal adsorbents for sustainable energy conversion.
The effect of bariatric surgery on health care costs: A synthetic control approach using Bayesian structural time series
Authors: Kurz Christoph F. , Rehm Martin , Holle Rolf , Teuner Christina , Laxy Michael , Schwarzkopf Larissa
Published: September 2019

Surgical measures to combat obesity are very effective in terms of weight loss, recovery from diabetes, and improvement in cardiovascular risk factors. However, previous studies found both positive and negative results regarding the effect of bariatric surgery on health care utilization. Using claims data from the largest health insurance provider in Germany, we estimated the causal effect of bariatric surgery on health care costs in a time period ranging from 2 years before to 3 years after bariatric intervention. Owing to the absence of a control group, we employed a Bayesian structural forecasting model to construct a synthetic control. We observed a decrease in medication and physician expenditures after bariatric surgery, whereas hospital expenditures increased in the post‐intervention period. Overall, we found a slight increase in total costs after bariatric surgery, but our estimates include a high degree of uncertainty.
Development and validation of work ethic instrument to measure Chinese people's work‐related values and attitudes
Authors: Li Jessica , Huang Mei‐Tzu , Hedayati‐Mehdiabadi Amir , Wang Yarong , Yang Xue
Published: September 2019

Work ethic, a construct of work‐related values and attitudes, is believed to have a direct impact on how people approach work, work behavior, and on‐the‐job performance. When people experience social transformations, their work‐related values and attitudes change. The Chinese society has experienced significant transformations over an extended period of economic reform. This study is designed to develop and validate a work ethic instrument that can be used to measure current Chinese people's work‐related values and attitudes. To be sensitive to the Chinese context, this study follows a process of systematic cross‐context theory borrowing: borrowing a validated western work ethic instrument developed by Miller, Woehr, and Hudspeth (2002) and incorporating the findings of two qualitative studies on Chinese work ethic profile conducted previously in China to initiate the instrument development. This paper presents the research process including the data collection, instrument development, and instrument validation. A multigenerational and multiregional sample of 928 was used to conduct the study. The findings suggested an eight‐dimensional profile of Chinese workers' work ethic with a robust model fit. The eight dimensions are the concept of time, work centrality, morality, leisure, delay of gratification, hard work, group dynamics, and commitment to education. Implications for the field of human resource development, limitations of the study, and calls for future research are also presented.
Employee ownership heterogeneity and firm performance in China
Authors: Ren Ting , Xiao Youzhi , Yang Hongyan , Liu Shiyao
Published: September 2019

Employee ownership (EO) has gained increasingly significant attention from both business practitioners and policy makers in China. Through the examination of the implementation of EO by China's listed firms from 1992 to 2017 with a total of 3,396 firms and 36,559 firm‐year observations, we explored the relationship between EO implementation and firm performance. In general, we found that over time, EO firms outperform non‐EO firms in China, and the influence of EO is only different in nuanced aspects in different time periods according to the change of policies. The data from the most recent period, that is, 2014–2017, indicate that EO adopters have higher performance than matched non‐EO firms both before and after adoption, but the relative performance does not increase after adoption. We further examined the interactive effect between EO and executive stock ownership (ESO) schemes and found that the adoption of ESO weakens the positive relationship between EO and firm performance. Regarding different types of EO, we found lower performance in companies with high return rights but no control rights, and we found better performance when high return rights are combined with control rights. We suggested policy and managerial implications on the basis of the findings.
Neighbourhood chaos moderates the association of socioeconomic status and child executive functioning
Authors: St. John Ashley M. , Tarullo Amanda R.
Published: September 2019

Although broad associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and child executive functions (EFs) are well established, contextual factors that may matter for effects of SES on EF are not fully understood. This study used a bioecological approach to examine factors that may moderate SES–EF relations. A socioeconomically diverse sample of children ages 4.5–5.5 completed working memory and go/no‐go tasks. Parents reported on well‐being, household chaos, and neighbourhood chaos. Higher SES related to better working memory performance and higher accuracy on go trials, but neighbourhood chaos moderated these associations. Specifically, for higher neighbourhood chaos, the relations between SES and working memory and go accuracy (indexing general vigilance) were especially pronounced, such that the best EF performance was observed in children in high‐SES households who experienced higher neighbourhood chaos. Results highlight the relevance of neighbourhood quality for underlying processes of EF development, particularly in the context of high SES. Further, findings suggest the importance of teasing apart specific contextual factors that matter for child cognitive functioning.

Highlights

Children ages 4.5‐5.5 years completed working memory and go/no‐go tasks to assess executive function. Parents reported on household socioeconomic status, well‐being, household chaos and neighborhood chaos.

In more chaotic neighbourhoods, SES was significantly related to child executive functions such that children with both high‐SES and high‐neighbourhood chaos showed better executive function performance.

Results highlight the importance of considering the interplay of contextual factors and socio‐economic status in early childhood executive function development.
An intervention to improve the quality of medication abortion knowledge among pharmacists in India
Authors: Diamond‐Smith Nadia , Phillips Beth , Percher Joanna , Saxena Malvika , Dwivedi Pravesh , Srivastava Aradhana
Published: September 2019

Objective

To test an infographic two‐pager on medication abortions (MA) aimed to improve pharmacists counseling in India.

Methods

A quantitative baseline survey was conducted among 283 pharmacists in three districts around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in January 2018. The intervention (infographic) was given to 117 of these pharmacists a few weeks later and a follow‐up survey was conducted 3 months later with 281 pharmacists. In addition, mystery clients were sent to 115 of the pharmacists.

Results

A statistically significant improvement in knowledge post‐intervention was found, compared to pre‐, for almost all quality items measured. Difference‐in‐difference estimators showed a difference in knowledge among indicators related to misoprostol in particular. However, mystery client reports showed few differences in pharmacist behaviors between intervention and control pharmacists.

Conclusion

This simple, paper‐based intervention, which required no training, showed a significant improvement in pharmacists’ knowledge and was welcomed by the providers. Translating knowledge into behavior change, however, seems more difficult to impact. Adapting this simple intervention to motivate providers to change behaviors could improve the quality of care provided by pharmacists in India.