bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Fabrication of MoS2 Ribbons and Their Light‐Induced Electronic/Thermal Properties: Dichotomies in the Structural and Defect Engineering
Authors: Li Yuan , Moy Emily C. , Murthy Akshay A. , Hao Shiqiang , Cain Jeffrey D. , Hanson Eve D. , DiStefano Jennifer G. , Chae Woo Hyun , Li Qianqian , Wolverton Chris , Chen Xinqi , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: January 2018

Controlled design and patterning of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) into specific dimensions and geometries hold great potential for next‐generation micro/nanoscale electronic applications. Herein, the large‐scale fabrication of MoS2 ribbons with widths ranging from micro‐ to nanoscale is reported. Their unique electric and thermal properties introduced by the shape change and defect creation are also demonstrated, with particular focus on the performance associated with light–matter interactions. The theoretical calculation indicates significantly increased absorption and scattering efficiency of the MoS2 ribbons with decreasing width. As a result, enhanced photocarrier generation ability is detected on their phototransistors with defect‐modulated light‐response behavior. The light‐induced thermal transport properties of the MoS2 ribbons are further studied. A decreased thermal conductivity is observed on narrower ribbons, attributed to the defects created during fabrication. It is also found that the effect of phonon scattering at ribbon edges on their thermal conductivity is insignificant, and the thermal transport has no obvious dependence on the ribbon direction at such width scale. This study evaluates the prospects for designing and fabricating TMD semiconductors with specific geometries for future optoelectronic applications.
Peripheral Nerve‐Derived Matrix Hydrogel Promotes Remyelination and Inhibits Synapse Formation
Authors: Zou Jian‐Long , Liu Sheng , Sun Jia‐Hui , Yang Wei‐Hong , Xu Yi‐Wei , Rao Zi‐Long , Jiang Bin , Zhu Qing‐Tang , Liu Xiao‐Lin , Wu Jin‐Lang , Chang Calvin , Mao Hai‐Quan , Ling Eng‐Ang , Quan Da‐Ping , Zeng Yuan‐Shan
Published: January 2018

Regeneration of injured nerve tissues requires intricate interplay of complex processes like axon elongation, remyelination, and synaptic formation in a tissue‐specific manner. A decellularized nerve matrix‐gel (DNM‐G) and a decellularized spinal cord matrix‐gel (DSCM‐G) are prepared from porcine sciatic nerves and spinal cord tissue, respectively, to recapitulate the microenvironment cues unique to the native tissue functions. Using an in vitro dorsal root ganglion–Schwann cells coculture model and proteomics analysis, it is confirmed that DNM‐G promotes far stronger remyelination activity and reduces synapse formation of the regenerating axons in contrast to DSCM‐G, Matrigel, and collagen I, consistent with its tissue‐specific function. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the lack of neurotrophic factors and presence of some axon inhibitory molecules may contribute to moderate axonal elongation activity, while laminin β2, Laminin γ1, collagens, and fibronectin in DNM‐G promote remyelination. These results confirm that DNM‐G is a promising matrix material for peripheral nerve repair. This study provides more insights into tissue‐specific extracellular matrix components correlating to biological functions supporting functional regeneration.
UV‐Induced Multilevel Current Amplification Memory Effect in Zinc Oxide Rods Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: Russo Paola , Xiao Ming , Liang Robert , Zhou Norman Y.
Published: January 2018

Zinc oxide (ZnO) devices represent an alternative in the semiconductor technology for their application in resistive switching memory devices and ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors due to their chemical and electrical properties. The multilevel current amplification of ZnO rods RRAM devices induced by UV light illumination is reported here for the first time. The resistive switching mechanism underlying in this type of devices is attributed to the formation of conductive filaments composed of oxygen vacancies. The analysis of the photodecay processes carried out on the devices fabricated with different electrodes shows that the type of interface (Ag/ZnO and Au/ZnO) affects the surface barrier height, which influences the photodecay rate. It is shown that by applying UV light, higher relaxation constants (slower photodecay rates) are obtained and lead to multilevel current amplification behavior.
Tailoring Sodium Anodes for Stable Sodium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Wu Shichao , Qiao Yu , Jiang Kezhu , He Yibo , Guo Shaohua , Zhou Haoshen
Published: January 2018

Sodium–oxygen batteries based on abundant sodium resource have caused increasing interest due to their high energy density and low cost. However, the reactive sodium anode always induces unpredictable side reactions especially in oxygen atmosphere and battery short circuit due to the uncontrolled formation of dendrites. Here, an accessible method to grow a durable protective passivation film on the surface of sodium anodes is reported. The sodium fluoride‐rich film efficiently suppresses O2 crossover and electrolyte decay related side reactions on sodium anodes. Significantly, no dendrites form during long‐term stripping/plating cycles. Benefiting from these superiorities, sodium–oxygen batteries achieve impressive improvement of discharge–charge ability and reliable safety. These results enrich the approaches for stabilizing sodium anodes and allow researchers to focus on the investigations on the air cathode and the overall chemistry of sodium–oxygen batteries.
NixSy Nanowalls/Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Foam Is an Efficient Trifunctional Catalyst for Unassisted Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Zou Haiyuan , He Bowen , Kuang Panyong , Yu Jiaguo , Fan Ke
Published: January 2018

Solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion through unassisted artificial photosynthesis (APS) devices is one of the promising and environmentally friendly strategies for sustainable development. However, the practical large‐scale application of the unassisted APS devices is impeded by the need for expensive noble metal‐based catalysts in photovoltaics and/or electrolyzers. Herein, well‐aligned 2D NixSy nanowalls (2D NixSy NWs) on a 3D nitrogen‐doped graphene foam (3D NGF) are synthesized and further employed it in unassisted APS. Due to the positive synergistic effect between the highly electrocatalytic activity of NixSy NW and excellent conductivity of NGF, this low cost material of (2D/3D) NixSy NW/NGF is highly efficient as a multifunctional catalyst in various applications: a counterelectrode for dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and a “bifunctional” electrocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen evolution for electrocatalytic overall water splitting. Furthermore, three NixSy NW/NGF‐based DSSCs as a tandem cell for unassisted solar‐driven overall water splitting is connected, using NixSy NW/NGF itself on nickel foams as the anode and cathode. Impressively, such integrated photovoltaic‐electrolyzer APS device can achieve an STH efficiency of 3.2% with an excellent stability and low cost. This work opens an avenue to advanced multifunctional materials for the low‐cost and unassisted solar‐driven overall water splitting.
New Bichromophoric Triplet Photosensitizer Designs and Their Application in Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion
Authors: Guo Xinyan , Liu Yiming , Chen Qi , Zhao Dahui , Ma Yuguo
Published: January 2018

As indispensable molecular components, photosensitizers play a crucial role in determining the quantum efficiency of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA UC). This emergent technology has attracted great attention in recent years for realizing large anti‐Stokes shifts with noncoherent excitation sources. In a typical TTA UC, low‐energy photons are first harvested by the photosensitizers, which upon intersystem crossing (ISC) undergo triplet–triplet energy transfer (TTET) to emitters (i.e., annihilators). Following the bimolecular TTA among the emitters, high‐energy photons are given off by the singlet excited state of the emitters. Apparently, the efficiencies of photon absorption, ISC, and TTET are all dependent on the sensitizers. With a Dexter‐type ET mechanism requiring collisional interactions, a long triplet lifetime of the energy donor (photosensitizer) is evidently favorable for enhancing the efficiency of TTET. This progress report summarizes the recent developments of photosensitizers used for TTA UC, many of which feature a bichromophoric molecular scaffold. Among the various consequences and functions entailed by such bichromophoric designs, the extended triplet lifetime is a particularly advantageous property for TTA UC. Additionally, these new potent photosensitizers with long triplet lifetimes are also useful for other applications such as singlet oxygen sensitization and oxygen sensing.
Fully Digitally Printed Image Sensor Based on Organic Photodiodes
Authors: Eckstein Ralph , Strobel Noah , Rödlmeier Tobias , Glaser Konstantin , Lemmer Uli , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo
Published: January 2018

Here, an entirely printed passive matrix image detector composed of 256 individual pixels with an individual active area of ≈250 µm × 300 µm is fabricated. The fabrication of the organic photodetector (OPD) array is enabled by exploiting a self‐alignment process of the functional layers induced by digitally printed dewetting patterns resulting in high‐performance reproducibility and fabrication yields of 100%. The single OPD pixels fabricated under ambient conditions exhibit state‐of‐the art performances with spectral responsivities of up to 0.3 A W−1, a linear dynamic range of 114 dB, and calculated specific detectivities (D*) > 1012 Jones, thereby, competing with performances of current inorganic devices.
Visible Light Activated Radical Denitrative Benzoylation of β‐Nitrostyrenes: A Photocatalytic Approach to Chalcones
Authors: Tripathi Shubhangi , Kapoor Ritu , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: January 2018

A metal‐free, convenient photocatalytic approach to chalcones from β‐nitrostyrenes and benzaldehydes via a radical denitrative benzoylation pathway is reported. The salient features of the protocol include the utilization of visible light as an inexpensive and ecosustainable energy source, N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as a reusable organophotocatalyst and acetonitrile as an acceptable green solvent to afford chalcones in excellent yields at room temperature in a one‐pot procedure. Notably, this is the first application of β‐nitrostyrenes as readily available substrates for chalcone synthesis and the first example of photocatalysis in this field.

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Materials for Transparent Electrodes: From Metal Oxides to Organic Alternatives
Authors: Hofmann Anna Isabel , Cloutet Eric , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: January 2018

Optoelectronic devices, such as displays, are now omnipresent in our daily life. A crucial component of these devices is a transparent electrode, which allows the in‐ and outcoupling of light. With the goal of optimizing the electrode characteristics and improving device efficiencies, many approaches for the fabrication of thin, transparent, conducting films have been studied. This review gives an overview of the different material classes which are used as transparent electrodes, ranging from metal oxides, such as indium tin oxide, metal, and carbonaceous nanostructures, to conducting polymers and composites. For every material class, a brief description of the fundamental principles, processing routes, and the latest achievements is given. Furthermore, the optoelectronic performance, flexibility, and surface roughness of the different electrodes are compared. Ultimately, advantages and drawbacks of the respective electrodes are discussed. This critical comparison of fundamentally different transparent conducting materials allows, on one hand, to make a sensible choice of electrode for specific applications, and, on the other hand, to point out scientific challenges that must still be addressed.
Silica‐Protected Ultrathin Ni3FeN Nanocatalyst for the Efficient Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of NH3BH3
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhao Yufei , Jia Xiaodan , Zhao Yunxuan , Shang Lu , Wang Qing , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui
Published: January 2018

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) inevitably aggregate in the high‐temperature thermal ammonolysis process, resulting in blocking of the active catalytic sites and serious decreases in their corresponding catalytic performance. Therefore, how to synthesize ultrasmall TMNs with higher exposed unsaturated coordination sites is still a challenge. Herein, ultrathin Ni3FeN (Ni3FeN@SiO2) with the size of ≈20 nm and thickness of ≈3.0 nm is fabricated by SiO2 protection strategy. The obtained Ni3FeN@SiO2 displays outstanding performance in NH3BH3 hydrolytic dehydrogenation due to the high specific surface area, intrinsic metal‐vacancies, and hydrophilic SiO2 layer.
KVP2O7 as a Robust High‐Energy Cathode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries: Pinpointed by a Full Screening of the Inorganic Registry under Specific Search Conditions
Authors: Park Woon Bae , Han Su Cheol , Park Chunguk , Hong Sung Un , Han Ugyu , Singh Satendra Pal , Jung Young Hwa , Ahn Docheon , Sohn Kee‐Sun , Pyo Myoungho
Published: January 2018

Candidates for high‐energy cathodes in potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) are selected by fully screening the inorganic compound structure database. The compounds that satisfy the specific conditions for plausible KIB cathodes are further subjected to theoretical and electrochemical verification, and KVP2O7 is finally pinpointed. KVP2O7 can reversibly desert/insert ≈60% of K+ (60 mA h g−1) during either chemical or electrochemical oxidation/reduction. KVP2O7 shows an average discharge potential of ≈4.2 V versus K/K+, which corresponds to an energy density of 253 W h kg−1 at 0.25 C. This high energy density characteristic of KVP2O7 is maintained both during fast charge/discharge (C/D) and prolonged redox cycles. The C/D of KVP2O7 is also accompanied by a phase transition between a monoclinic KVP2O7 (P21/c) and a triclinic K1−xVP2O7. The structure interpretation of a new K1−xVP2O7 phase indicates that K+‐extraction induces a conformational change of two tetrahedral PO4 units in pyrophosphates. The phase of K1−xVP2O7 (x ≈0.6) remains stable during the C/D process, although it returns to the inborn P21/c phase after thermal treatment. It is believed that the data‐mining protocol designed for this study will provide a new strategy for materials discovery and that the pinpointed KVP2O7 can be utilized as a reliable KIB cathode.
Three‐generation family with novel contiguous gene deletion on chromosome 2p22 associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome
Authors: Quiñones‐Pérez Bianca , VanNoy Grace E. , Towne Meghan C. , Shen Yiping , Singh Michael N. , Agrawal Pankaj B. , Smith Sharon E.
Published: January 2018

Latent transforming growth factor binding proteins (LTBP) are a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins that play an important role in the regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐ß) activation. Dysregulation of the TGF‐ß pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inherited disorders predisposing to thoracic aortic aneurysms syndromes (TAAS) including Marfan syndrome (MFS; FBN1) and Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS; TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFB2, TGFB3, SMAD2, SMAD3). While these syndromes have distinct clinical criteria, they share clinical features including aortic root dilation and musculoskeletal findings. LTBP1 is a component of the TGF‐ß pathway that binds to fibrillin‐1 in the extracellular matrix rendering TGF‐ß inactive. We describe a three‐generation family case series with a heterozygous ∼5.1 Mb novel contiguous gene deletion of chromosome 2p22.3‐p22.2 involving 11 genes, including LTBP1. The deletion has been identified in the proband, father and grandfather, who all have a phenotype consistent with a TAAS. Findings include thoracic aortic dilation, ptosis, malar hypoplasia, high arched palate, retrognathia, pes planus, hindfoot deformity, obstructive sleep apnea, and low truncal tone during childhood with joint laxity that progressed to reduced joint mobility over time. While the three affected individuals did not meet criteria for either MFS or LDS, they shared features of both. Although the deletion includes 11 genes, given the relationship between LTBP1, TGF‐ß, and fibrillin‐1, LTBP1 stands out as one of the possible candidate genes for the clinical syndrome observed in this family. More studies are necessary to evaluate the potential role of LTBP1 in the pathophysiology of TAAS.
Randomized trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for poststroke dysphagia
Authors: Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja , Ringmaier Corinna , Muhle Paul , Wollbrink Andreas , Kemmling Andre , Hanning Uta , Claus Inga , Warnecke Tobias , Teismann Inga , Pantev Christo , Dziewas Rainer
Published: January 2018

Objective

We evaluated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is able to enhance dysphagia rehabilitation following stroke. Besides relating clinical effects with neuroplastic changes in cortical swallowing processing, we aimed to identify factors influencing treatment success.

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized study, 60 acute dysphagic stroke patients received contralesional anodal (1mA, 20 minutes) or sham tDCS on 4 consecutive days. Swallowing function was thoroughly assessed before and after the intervention using the validated Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS) and clinical assessment. In 10 patients, swallowing‐related brain activation was recorded applying magnetoencephalography before and after the intervention. Voxel‐based statistical lesion pattern analysis was also performed.

Results

Study groups did not differ according to demographic data, stroke characteristics, or baseline dysphagia severity. Patients treated with tDCS showed greater improvement in FEDSS than the sham group (1.3 vs 0.4 points, mean difference = 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4–1.4, p < 0.0005). Functional recovery was accompanied by a significant increase of activation (p < 0.05) in the contralesional swallowing network after real but not sham tDCS. Regarding predictors of treatment success, for every hour earlier that treatment was initiated, there was greater improvement on the FEDSS (adjusted odds ratio = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–1.00, p < 0.05) in multivariate analysis. Stroke location in the right insula and operculum was indicative of worse response to tDCS (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

Application of tDCS over the contralesional swallowing motor cortex supports swallowing network reorganization, thereby leading to faster rehabilitation of acute poststroke dysphagia. Early treatment initiation seems beneficial. tDCS may be less effective in right‐hemispheric insulo‐opercular stroke. Ann Neurol 2018;83:328–340
Synthesis, properties and mechanism of photodegradation of core–shell structured upconversion luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@BiOCl
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Zhang Qiyan , Zhao Deqiang , Zong Wenjuan , Fan Zihong , Sun Yaofang , Xu Xuan
Published: January 2018

Microspherical bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) can only utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to promote photocatalytic reactions. To overcome this limitation, a uniform and thin BiOCl nanosheet was synthesized with a particle size of about 200 nm. As results of UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed, the band gap of this nanostructure was reduced to 2.78 eV, indicating that the BiOCl nanosheet could absorb and utilize visible light. Furthermore, the upconversion material NaYF4 doped with rare earth ions Yb3+ and Er3+ emitted visible light at 410 nm following excitation with near‐infrared (NIR) light (980 nm), which could be utilized by BiOCl to produce a photocatalytic reaction. To produce a high‐efficiency photocatalyst (NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@BiOCl), BiOCl‐loaded NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ was successfully synthesized via a simple two‐step hydrothermal method. The as‐synthesized material was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as other characterizations. The removal ratio of methylene blue by NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@BiOCl was much higher than that of BiOCl alone. Recycling experiments verified the stability of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@BiOCl, which demonstrated excellent adsorption, strong visible‐light absorption and high electron–hole separation efficiency. Such properties are expected to be useful in practical applications, and a further understanding of the NIR‐light‐responsive photocatalytic mechanism of this new catalytic material would be conducive to improving its structural design and function.
Selective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds using modified iridium nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang He‐yan , Xu Jie , Sun Bin
Published: January 2018

Till now, Ionic liquid‐stabilized metal nanoparticles were investigated as catalytic materials, mostly in the hydrogenation of simple substrates like olefins or arenes. The adjustable hydrogenation products of aromatic compounds, including quinoline and relevant compounds, aromatic nitro compounds, aromatic ketones as well as aromatic aldehydes, are always of special interest, since they provide more choices for additional derivatization. Iridium nanoparticles (Ir NPs) were synthesized by the H2 reduction in imidazolium ionic liquid. TEM indicated that the Ir NPs is worm‐like shape with the diameter around 12.2 nm and IR confirmed the modification of phosphine‐functionalized ionic liquids (PFILs) to the Ir NPs. With the variation of the modifier, solvent and reaction temperature, substrate like quinoline and relevant compounds, aromatic nitro compounds, aromatic ketones as well as aromatic aldehydes could be hydrogenated by Ir NPs with interesting adjustable catalytic activity and chemoselectivity. Ir NPs modified by PFILs are simple and efficient catalysts in challenging chemoselective hydrogenation of quinoline and relevant compounds, aromatic nitro compounds, aromatic ketones as well as aromatic aldehydes. The activity and chemoselectivity of the Ir NPs could be obviously impacted or adjusted by altering the modifier, solvent and reaction temperature.
How are the best JASIST papers cited?
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Peiling , Wu Qiang
Published: January 2018

This study compares the 45 “Best Paper” award articles with nonaward articles published in the Journal of Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) to observe the differences in citations. The results show that, in most cases, the citations of the award articles are more numerous than the median, belonging to the Top‐50% stratum. Only 15.6% of the award articles have the status of being the most‐cited article of the year in which the article was published; 24.4% belong to the Top‐5% stratum of the publication year; 44.4% belong to the Top‐10% stratum of the publication year; and 73.3% belong to the Top‐25% stratum of the publication year. Surprisingly, from 2000 to 2012, none of the award articles made it to the Top‐10% stratum, apart from the year 2004; the least‐cited award article received only three citations during a 5‐year period. The results show a wide range of citations among the Best JASIST Papers. This study also observes that the number of articles changed little from 1969 to 1995 but grew rapidly from 1996 to 2012. Suggestions for possible ways to better meet the challenges of the journal's growth in size and scope in selecting award articles are provided.
Coherent system with standby components
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan , Erkan T. Erman
Published: January 2018

A coherent system that consists of n independent components and equipped with r cold standby components is considered. A generalized mixture representation for the survival function of such a system is obtained, and it is used to examine reliability properties of the system. In particular, the effect of adding r standby components to a given set of original components is measured by computing mean time to failure of the system. The limiting behavior of the failure rate of the system is also examined using the mixture representation. The results are illustrated for a bridge system. A case study that is concerned with an oil pipeline system is also presented.
Validated UPLC‐MS/MS method for quantification of seven compounds in rat plasma and tissues: Application to pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies in rats after oral administration of extract of Eclipta prostrata L.
Authors: Du Guangyan , Fu Lingling , Jia Jun , Pang Xu , Yu Haiyang , Zhang Youcai , Fan Guanwei , Gao Xiumei , Han Lifeng
Published: January 2018

A rapid, sensitive and specific ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Eclipta prostrata extract. Rats were orally administrated the 70% ethanol extract of E. prostrata, and their plasma as well as various organs were collected. The concentrations of seven main compounds, ecliptasaponin IV, ecliptasaponin A, apigenin, 3′‐hydroxybiochanin A, luteolin, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and wedelolactone, were quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS through multiple reactions monitoring method. The precisions (RSD) of the analytes were all <15.00%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 74.65 to 107.45% with RSD ≤ 15.36%. The matrix effects ranged from 78.00 to 118.06% with RSD ≤ 15.04%. To conclude, the present pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies provided useful information for the clinical usage of Eclipta prostrata L.
Quantification of acyclovir in dermal interstitial fluid and human serum by ultra‐high‐performance liquid–high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry for topical bioequivalence evaluation
Authors: Schimek Denise , Raml Reingard , Francesconi Kevin A. , Bodenlenz Manfred , Sinner Frank
Published: January 2018

Time–concentration curves for the topical anti‐viral drug acyclovir can provide valuable information for drug development. Open flow microperfusion is used for continuous sampling of dermal interstitial fluid but it requires validated methods for subsequent sample analysis. Therefore, we developed a sensitive, selective and high‐throughput ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry method to determine acyclovir in human dermal interstitial fluid and serum. We validated the method over a concentration range of 0.1–25 ng/mL for a sample volume of just 20 μL and employed cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction in a fully automated sample treatment procedure. Short‐ and long‐term sample stability data and the analysis of 5000 samples from a clinical trial demonstrate the successful application of our method.
Identification of the absorbed components and metabolites of modified Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan in rat plasma by UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS/MS
Authors: Wang Nannan , Zhao Xiaoning , Li Yiran , Cheng Congcong , Huai Jiaxin , Bi Kaishun , Dai Ronghua
Published: January 2018

To reveal the material basis of Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXLD), a sensitive and selective ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS) method was developed to identify the absorbed components and metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of HLXLD. The plasma samples were pretreated by liquid–liquid extraction and separated on a Shim‐pack XR‐ODS C18 column (75 × 3.0 mm, 2.2 μm) using a gradient elution program. With the optimized conditions and single sample injection of each positive or negative ion mode, a total of 109 compounds, including 78 prototype compounds and 31 metabolites, were identified or tentatively characterized. The fragmentation patterns of representative compounds were illustrated as well. The results indicated that aromatization and hydration were the main metabolic pathways of lactones and tanshinone‐related metabolites; demethylation and oxidation were the major metabolic pathways of alkaloid‐related compounds; methylation and sulfation were the main metabolic pathways of phenolic acid‐related metabolites. It is concluded the developed UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS method with high sensitivity and resolution is suitable for identifying and characterizing the absorbed components and metabolites of HLXLD, and the results will provide essential data for further studying the relationship between the chemical components and pharmacological activity of HLXLD.
Anatomical study of the so‐called “retromolar gland”: Distinguishing normal anatomy from oral cavity pathology
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Nakamura Ken , Alonso Fernando , Kirkpatrick Christie , Oskouian Rod J. , Watanabe Koichi , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: January 2018

The minor salivary glands in the retromolar trigone have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to better define the anatomy of the minor salivary glands in the retromolar trigone and establish the relationships between these and adjacent structures. The gland in the retromolar trigone was exposed and its relationships to surrounding structures were observed on 20 cadaveric sides. The boundaries of the gland included the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, the tendon of the buccinator muscle, and loose connective tissue. The gland was not continuous with the pterygomandibular or parapharyngeal spaces, but loose connective tissue was present between glands in the retromolar trigone and the medial pterygoid muscle. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the detailed anatomy of the minor salivary gland in the retromolar trigone. We suggest that the minor salivary gland in the retromolar trigone should be named the “retromolar gland.” Clin. Anat. 31:462–465, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐Stage Dry Anaerobic Digestion Process Control of Biowaste for Hydrolysis and Biogas Optimization
Authors: Micolucci Federico , Uellendhal Hinrich
Published: January 2018

An advanced management system is offered which adapts to most of the two‐stage anaerobic dry treatment plants that do not benefit from a local expert in biowaste treatment. This approach takes advantage of pH sensors to control the process within the optimal range to enhance the hydrolysis and to stabilize and increase the biogas production. By applying automatic pH control in the operational regime by a shift between direct recirculation in the first stage or using digestate of the second stage for percolation, the pH in the first stage could be kept low at pH 5.2 ± 0.2 over the whole operation period. The results demonstrate that the energy efficiency of the two‐stage dry anaerobic digestion process can be significantly increased by controlling the pH in the first stage.
Synthesis and Structure of a Longitudinally Twisted Hexacene
Authors: Clevenger Robert G. , Kumar Bharat , Menuey Elizabeth M. , Kilway Kathleen V.
Published: January 2018

The addition of phenyllithium to a polycyclic quinone, 9,11,12,21,22,24‐hexaphenyltetrabenzo[a,c,n,p]hexacene‐10,23‐dione (10), followed by SnCl2‐mediated reduction of the diol intermediate, yielded 9,10,11,12,21,22,23,24‐octaphenyltetrabenzo‐[a,c,n,p]hexacene (4). Crystallographic analysis of hexacene 4 showed it to possess a longitudinal twist of 184°, which was in good agreement with AM1 calculations. In addition to being the most twisted acene synthesized to this point, compound 4 contains within its substructure the most twisted naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, and pentacene moieties described.
Synthesis of Single and Double Dibenzohelicenes by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular [2+2+2] and [2+1+2+1] Cycloaddition
Authors: Yamano Ryota , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: January 2018

Dibenzo[7]helicenes were synthesized with up to 99 % ee by rhodium(I)/binap‐catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 2‐phenylnaphthalene‐linked triynes. Additionally, [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition products, that is, twisted anthracenes, were also synthesized by using difluorphos as ligand. Although these compounds are not configurationally stable at elevated temperature, their Scholl reactions afforded configurationally stable double dibenzo[6]helicenes. The thus‐obtained dibenzo[7]helicene exhibited good circularly polarized luminescence property and the double dibenzo[6]helicene showed high fluorescence quantum yield.
Helenalin Analogues Targeting NF‐κB p65: Thiol Reactivity and Cellular Potency Studies of Varied Electrophiles
Authors: Widen John C. , Kempema Aaron M. , Baur Jordan W. , Skopec Hannah M. , Edwards Jacob T. , Brown Tenley J. , Brown Dennis A. , Meece Frederick A. , Harki Daniel A.
Published: January 2018

Helenalin is a pseudoguaianolide natural product that targets Cys38 within the DNA binding domain of NF‐κB transcription factor p65 (RelA). Helenalin contains two Michael acceptors that covalently modify cysteines: a α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone and a cyclopentenone. We recently reported two simplified helenalin analogues that mimic the biological activity of helenalin and contain both electrophilic moieties. To determine the individual contributions of the Michael acceptors toward NF‐κB inhibition, we synthesized a small library of helenalin‐based analogues containing various combinations of α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones and cyclopentenones. The kinetics of thiol addition to a subset of the analogues was measured to determine the relative thiol reactivities of the embedded electrophiles. Additionally, the cellular NF‐κB inhibitory activities of the analogues were determined to elucidate the contributions of each Michael acceptor to biological potency. Our studies suggest the α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone contributes most significantly to the NF‐κB inhibition of our simplified helenalin analogues.
Phase 1b Trial of Ficlatuzumab, a Humanized Hepatocyte Growth Factor Inhibitory Monoclonal Antibody, in Combination With Gefitinib in Asian Patients With NSCLC
Authors: Tan Eng‐Huat , Lim Wan‐Teck , Ahn Myung‐Ju , Ng Quan‐Sing , Ahn Jin Seok , Shao‐Weng Tan Daniel , Sun Jong‐Mu , Han May , Payumo Francis C. , McKee Krista , Yin Wei , Credi Marc , Agarwal Shefali , Jac Jaroslaw , Park Keunchil
Published: January 2018

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐Met pathway dysregulation is a mechanism for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ficlatuzumab (AV‐299; SCH 900105), a humanized IgG1κ HGF inhibitory monoclonal antibody, prevents HGF/c‐Met pathway ligand–mediated activation. This phase 1b study assessed the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of ficlatuzumab plus gefitinib in Asian patients with previously treated advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients received intravenous ficlatuzumab either 10 mg/kg (cohort 1; n = 3) or 20 mg/kg (cohort 2; n = 12) every 2 weeks plus oral gefitinib 250 mg daily. Patients tolerated the drug combination well. Four treatment‐related grade 3/4 adverse events were reported in 3 patients (cohort 2). Pharmacokinetic profiles for ficlatuzumab and gefitinib were consistent with prior single‐agent trials. Partial responses were achieved in 5 patients (4 confirmed), all in cohort 2; objective response rate (ORR) was 33% (duration, 1.9–6.4 months). Responding patients had no prior EGFR TKI treatment, 2 without an EGFR mutation. Four additional patients had disease stabilization (cohort 2; duration, 2.7–9.1 months; 42% ORR). The recommended phase 2 dose for ficlatuzumab plus gefitinib 250 mg/day was 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks. This drug combination has shown preliminary dose‐related antitumor activity in advanced NSCLC.
Sensitive and rapid determination of pyrethroids in human blood by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction
Authors: Gao Xue , Guo Hao , Wang Junwei , Zhao Qingbiao
Published: January 2018

In this study, a sensitive and fast procedure of ultrasonic‐assisted dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction (UADLLME) coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) for the determination of major pyrethroid pesticides (permethrin, tetramethrin, bifenthrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, fluvalinate, fenpropathrin, deltamethrin, and cyhalothrin) in blood samples was developed. Response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box‐Behnken design (BBD) and ANOVA function was used to optimize key factors affecting the extraction efficiency of UADLLME procedure. Target compounds were analyzed by GC‐MS/MS. Under the optimal conditions, good linearity (R2>0.99) was achieved for all the analytes in the concentration range of 0.5 to 100 μg L‐1. The recoveries for spiked samples at 3 concentration levels were between 70.2 and 91.8%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 10%. Very low limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 μg L‐1 and from 0.03 to 0.3 μg L‐1 were achieved. This method was successfully applied to the determination of low concentration of pyrethroids in blood samples from real forensic cases. High sensitivity, fast determination, simplicity in operation, small sample volume, and low usage of organic solvents are the advantages of this method. This methodology is of important value for sensitive and quick determination of residue pesticides and metabolites, study of residue pesticides behavior in human body, as well as application in real forensic cases.
The chemistry and pharmacology of synthetic cannabinoid SDB‐006 and its regioisomeric fluorinated and methoxylated analogs
Authors: Banister Samuel D. , Olson Alexander , Winchester Matthew , Stuart Jordyn , Edington Amelia R. , Kevin Richard C. , Longworth Mitchell , Herrera Marco , Connor Mark , McGregor Iain S. , Gerona Roy R. , Kassiou Michael
Published: January 2018

Synthetic cannabinoids are the largest and most structurally diverse class of new psychoactive substances, with manufacturers often using isomerism to evade detection and circumvent legal restriction. The regioisomeric methoxy‐ and fluorine‐substituted analogs of SDB‐006 (N‐benzyl‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide) were synthesized and could not be differentiated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), but were distinguishable by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–MS (LC–QTOF–MS). In a fluorescence‐based plate reader membrane potential assay, SDB‐006 acted as a potent agonist at human cannabinoid receptors (CB1 EC50 = 19 nM). All methoxy‐ and fluorine‐substituted analogs showed reduced potency compared to SDB‐006, although the 2‐fluorinated analog (EC50 = 166 nM) was comparable to known synthetic cannabinoid RCS‐4 (EC50 = 146 nM). Using biotelemetry in rats, SDB‐006 and RCS‐4 evoked comparable reduction in body temperature (~0.7°C at a dose of 10 mg/kg), suggesting lower potency than the recent synthetic cannabinoid AB‐CHMINACA (>2°C, 3 mg/kg).
Dispersal and population state of an endangered island lizard following a conservation translocation
Authors: Angeli Nicole F. , Lundgren Ian F. , Pollock Clayton G. , Hillis‐Starr Zandy M. , Fitzgerald Lee A.
Published: January 2018

Population size is widely used as a unit of ecological analysis, yet to estimate population size requires accounting for observed and latent heterogeneity influencing dispersion of individuals across landscapes. In newly established populations, such as when animals are translocated for conservation, dispersal and availability of resources influence patterns of abundance. We developed a process to estimate population size using N‐mixture models and spatial models for newly established and dispersing populations. We used our approach to estimate the population size of critically endangered St. Croix ground lizards (Ameiva polops) five years after translocation of 57 individuals to Buck Island, an offshore island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Estimates of population size incorporated abiotic variables, dispersal limits, and operative environmental temperature available to the lizards to account for low species detection. Operative environmental temperature and distance from the translocation site were always important in fitting the N‐mixture model indicating effects of dispersal and species biology on estimates of population size. We found that the population is increasing its range across the island by 5–10% every six months. We spatially interpolated site‐specific abundance from the N‐mixture model to the entire island, and we estimated 1,473 (95% CI, 940–1,802) St. Croix ground lizards on Buck Island in 2013 corresponding to survey results. This represents a 26‐fold increase since the translocation. We predicted the future dispersal of the lizards to all habitats on Buck Island, with the potential for the population to increase by another five times in the future. Incorporating biologically relevant covariates as explicit parameters in population models can improve predictions of population size and the future spread of species introduced to new localities.
Nitrogen addition and ecosystem functioning: Both species abundances and traits alter community structure and function
Authors: Tatarko Anna R. , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: January 2018

Increased nutrient inputs can cause shifts in plant community composition and plant functional traits, both of which affect ecosystem function. We studied community‐ and species‐level leaf functional trait changes in a full factorial nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization experiment in a semi‐arid grassland. Nitrogen was the only nutrient addition to significantly affect leaf functional traits, and N addition increased community‐weighted specific leaf area (SLA) by 19%, leaf chlorophyll content by 34%, height by 26%, and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) decreased by 11% while leaf thickness and toughness did not change significantly. At the species level, most species contributed to the community‐weighted trait and increased in SLA, chlorophyll, height, and LDMC with N addition. These intraspecific changes in functional traits account for 51–71% of the community‐level changes in SLA, chlorophyll, plant height, and LDMC. The remaining change is due to species abundance changes; the two most abundant species (Bouteloua gracilis and Carex filifolia) decreased in abundance with N addition while subdominant species increased in abundance. We also found annual variation in SLA, chlorophyll, plant height, and LDMC to be as important in influencing traits as N addition, likely due to differences in precipitation. Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) did not change significantly with N addition. However, N addition caused a 34% increase in leaf area index (LAI) and a 67% increase in canopy chlorophyll density. We demonstrate that nitrogen‐induced changes in both functional traits and species abundances magnify ANPP changes in LAI and canopy chlorophyll density. Therefore, ANPP underestimates N addition‐induced ecosystem‐level changes in the canopy vegetation.
Sea Salts Flavored with Mediterranean Herbs and Fruits Prevent Cholesterol and Phospholipid Membrane Oxidation and Cell Free Radical Generation
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Putzu Danilo , Atzeri Angela , Cesare Marincola Flaminia , Sarais Giorgia
Published: January 2018

The authors evaluated and compared, with respect to normal salt, the antioxidant activity of commercial sea salts flavored with Mediterranean herbs and fruits in chemical models of lipid peroxidation and in cell cultures. Salts flavored with myrtle, rosemary, and a mixture of herbs/plants preserves liposomes from Cu2+‐induced oxidation. Methanol extracts obtained from all flavored sea salts significantly reduces the reactive oxygen species generation in Caco‐2 cells, while extracts obtained from myrtle, rosemary, and mixed herbs/plants salts prevents cholesterol oxidative degradation (140 °C). 1H NMR spectroscopy led to the identification of carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids in salt extracts. The phenol content of flavored salts is estimated by the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and HPLC–DAD analyses. The results of this work assess the potential antioxidant role and health benefits of the use of flavored sea salts in foods instead of normal salt.

Practical Applications: This preliminary study evidences that the addition of sea salts flavored with Mediterranean herbs and fruits to food products could represents a strategy to preserve salt‐induced lipid oxidation and a source of antioxidants with potential health benefits.

Four sea salts flavored with Mediterranean herbs/plants and fruits inhibit cholesterol/liposomes oxidation and reduce cell ROS generation.
Total Synthesis and Evaluation of B‐Homo Palmatine and Berberine Derivatives as p300 Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Authors: Yang Zhongzhen , Zhang Yong , Chen Xin , Li Weijian , Li Guo‐Bo , Wu Yong
Published: January 2018

Palmatine and berberine, structurally similar isoquinoline alkaloids exhibiting a broad range of biological activities, were recently found to inhibit p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT), a potential therapeutic target for treating transcriptional activator‐driven malignancies and diseases. Here, we report the first total synthesis of B‐homo palmatine (11a) and berberine (11b) derivatives, which were synthesized from 3,4‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde (1a) and benzo[d][1,3]dioxole‐5‐carbaldehyde (1b) in nine steps in 13.8 and 16.9 % overall yields, respectively. A number of other new B‐homo palmatine and berberine derivatives were also prepared. These derivatives display good inhibitory activity against p300 HAT; compound 12a manifests the most potent inhibition with an IC50 value of 0.42 µm. Cell‐based assays revealed that 12a exhibits certain inhibitory activity against HCG27, HT1080, and Z‐138 cell lines, and no visible activity towards other cancer cell lines tested, reflecting that 12a has low cytotoxicity and acts against some types of cancer cells.
Review fall international student enrollment trends
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: January 2018

In an earlier article in this publication, I promised I would report on the mobility trends of international students for the fall 2017 term. Although final enrollments have yet to be published, I would like to highlight some of the international student trends reported for the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and China.
Unbundle the degree to increase opportunities for students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2018

Employers want to know what skills or competencies people have, said Jonathan Finkelstein, chief executive officer of Credly. Transcripts and diplomas are not transparent enough to tell them what they want to know. In fact, 83 percent of employers prefer digital credentials over transcripts when assessing employee readiness, he said.