bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(lactic acid) composite films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose and keratin from chicken feather fiber in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride
Authors: Khaw Ying Ying , Chee Ching Yern , Gan Seng Neon , Singh Ramesh , Ghazali Nik Nazri Nik , Liu Nan‐Shang
Published: February 2019

Amphiphilic keratin from chicken feather fiber (CFF) and hydrophilic cellulose were incorporated as fillers into hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer blend. This study implemented ionic liquid (IL) of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) to dissolve the 1 wt % fillers. The composite films were compared with and without the addition of IL prepared from five sets of ratios of CFF to MCC using measuring mixers and compression molding. Thermal analysis showed that increase in CFF composition decreases the glass‐transition temperature (T
g), and crystallization temperature (T
c) as well as increases the degree of crystallinity. PLA composite with the 70/30 ratio of CFF to MCC was found to be the optimum composition in obtaining considerably low T
g and high crystallinity. BMIMCl enhanced the miscibility of the composites as observed in scanning electron microscope images and single T
g. Apart from creating porous structure and lowering mechanical hardness, BMIMCl also decreased the thermal stability of the PLA composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47642.
Bioinspired polydopamine coating‐assisted electrospun polyurethane‐graphene oxide nanofibers for bone tissue engineering application
Authors: Ghorbani Farnaz , Zamanian Ali , Aidun Amir
Published: February 2019

It is inevitable to replace the tissues and organs that have been malfunctioning due to trauma or difference diseases, so tissue engineering can be a promising approach in case of regeneration. In this investigation, electrospun polyurethane‐graphene oxide scaffold was coated with polydopamine (PDA) by immersing the constructs in dopamine hydrochloride solution under the alkaline condition for 24 h. The present study aimed to investigate the synergic effects of graphene oxide (GO) and PDA on the osteogenic expression. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) proved the synthesis of GO. Water drop contact angle and swelling absorption test indicated significantly enhancement in hydrophilicity after coating the scaffolds with PDA. Besides, PDA induced more ability of mineralization bone‐like component. According to the results, cell attachment and proliferation were greatly increased in coated constructs. Alkaline phosphatase expression was also increased on the PDA‐deposited polymeric scaffolds. In general, these characteristics suggest that the PDA‐coated polyurethane‐GO scaffolds are an appropriate substrate for in vivo studies and the bone regeneration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47656.
Efficient Enhancement of Electron Transport and Collection Capability in PTB7:PC71BM‐based Solar Cells Enabled by Sulforhodamine Cathode Interlayers
Authors: Song Wei , Li Wang , Peng Ruixiang , Fanady Billy , Huang Jiaming , Zhu Wenqing , Xie Lingchao , Lei Tao , Ge Ziyi
Published: February 2019

Development of low‐cost water‐/alcohol‐soluble interfacial materials is a crucial issue to promote the commercialization of polymer solar cells (PSCs). Herein, two derivatives of low‐cost rhodamine, called sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) and sulforhodamine B (SRB), are applied as cathode interfacial layers (CILs) to effectively improve the charge‐carrier transportation and collection, reduce the work function (WF) of Al counter electrode, and decrease the series resistance and charge recombination in the PSCs. As a result, SR101‐based devices show excellent performance with the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.10 %, superior to that of both the control devices with MeOH/Al and Ca/Al. Notably, sulforhodamine is commercially available with low cost and great solution‐processability. This work demonstrates that sulforhodamine has a great potential as a CIL material,which is suitable for the large‐area fabrication process and commercialization of highly efficient PSCs.
Influence of Backbone Chlorination on the Electronic Properties of Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐Based Dimers
Authors: Xue Ning , Wei Yuan , Zhang Guowei , Liu Lele , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2019

Chlorination of π‐conjugated backbones is garnering great interest because of fine‐tuning electronic properties of conjugated materials for organic devices. Herein we report a synthesis of thiophene‐based diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dimers and their chlorinated counterparts by introducing a chlorine atom in the outer thiophene ring to investigate the influence of the chlorination on charge transport. The backbone chlorination lowers both the HOMO and the LUMO of the dimers and leads to a blue‐shift of maximum absorption in compared to unsubstituted counterparts. X‐ray analysis reveals that the chlorine atom prompts the outer thiophene ring out of the planarity of the backbone with a relatively large torsional angle. The chlorinated dimers exhibit slipped one‐dimensional packing decorated with multiple intermolecular interactions, because of a combination of a negative inductive effect and a positive mesomeric effect of the halogen atom, which might facilitate charge transport within the oligomeric backbones. The mobility in the single‐crystal OFET devices of the chlorinated dimers is up to 1.5 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is two times higher than that of the non‐chlorinated DPP dimers. Our results indicate that the chlorine atom plays a key role in directing non‐covalent interactions to lock the slipped stacks, enabling electronic coupling between adjacent molecules for efficient charge transport. In addition, our results also demonstrate that these DPP dimers with straight n‐octyl chains exhibit higher mobilities than the dimers with branched 2‐ethylhexyl chains.
Autism prevalence and outcomes in older adults
Authors: Robison John Elder
Published: February 2019

Recent studies of mortality, illness, and suicide among autistic adults paint an alarming picture. Autistic people appear to die much earlier than the general population, and they seem to be far more vulnerable to a surprising range of medical problems. Suicide and depression seem far more common than in the general population. If correct, that suggests an older autistic population in silent crisis, with few if any supports. If so, older autistic people should be a focus for public health and human service agencies. But is the picture complete? Autism researchers ask for answers, identifying problems and their scope. This article discusses the limitations of our adult autism knowledge, and the challenges we will face studying adults. Researching and ultimately serving older autistic adults presents a unique set of problems that have not yet been addressed by scientists or clinicians. Autism Res 2019, 12: 370–374 © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Public policy toward autistic people is driven by data. Most autism data to date have been derived from and about children, because autism tends to be identified and supported in the public school system. This has created a public perception of autism as a childhood problem. In fact, autism is a lifelong difference or disability, and recent studies suggest serious overlooked concerns for autistic adults. This commentary discusses how we have evaluated adult autism so far, limitations of our knowledge, and how we might evaluate adult needs going forward. The commentary makes a case for specific new adult prevalence and outcome studies to inform public policy.
Thiourea Bismuth Iodide: Crystal Structure, Characterization and High Performance as an Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Tianyue , Mallows John , Adams Keir , Nichol Gary S. , Thijssen Job H. J. , Robertson Neil
Published: February 2019

This paper reports on the synthesis, crystal structure and application of a novel hybrid bismuth‐halide complex: (CN2SH5)3BiI6 (TBI) for supercapacitor applications, featuring merits including high areal capacitance, low cost, solution‐processability and non‐toxicity. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that TBI crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with discrete [BiI6]3− octahedra as the inorganic motif. Utilizing TBI as the active supercapacitor electrode material with carbon cloth current collector and aqueous NaClO4 electrolyte, an electrode areal capacitance of 3.32 F/cm2 and a systemic specific capacitance of 1030 F/g was achieved when the device operates as an electric double‐layer capacitor (EDLC). The supercapacitor device shows excellent capacitance retention even after 5,000 charge‐discharge cycles. The powder XRD patterns, Raman spectroscopy and SEM images of TBI electrodes were compared before and after the cycling test to demonstrate the material stability and investigate the film morphology.
Veins and Arteries Build Hierarchical Branching Patterns Differently: Bottom‐Up versus Top‐Down
Authors: Red‐Horse Kristy , Siekmann Arndt F.
Published: February 2019

A tree‐like hierarchical branching structure is present in many biological systems, such as the kidney, lung, mammary gland, and blood vessels. Most of these organs form through branching morphogenesis, where outward growth results in smaller and smaller branches. However, the blood vasculature is unique in that it exists as two trees (arterial and venous) connected at their tips. Obtaining this organization might therefore require unique developmental mechanisms. As reviewed here, recent data indicate that arterial trees often form in reverse order. Accordingly, initial arterial endothelial cell differentiation occurs outside of arterial vessels. These pre‐artery cells then build trees by following a migratory path from smaller into larger arteries, a process guided by the forces imparted by blood flow. Thus, in comparison to other branched organs, arteries can obtain their structure through inward growth and coalescence. Here, new information on the underlying mechanisms is discussed, and how defects can lead to pathologies, such as hypoplastic arteries and arteriovenous malformations.
ROR1 associates unfavorable prognosis and promotes lymphoma growth in DLBCL by affecting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Mao Yuan , Xu Li , Wang Jun , Zhang Louqian , Hou Nan , Xu Juqing , Wang Lin , Yang Shu , Chen Yan , Xiong Lin , Zhu Jin , Fan Weifei , Xu Jiaren
Published: February 2019

The receptor‐tyrosine‐kinase (RTK)‐like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein regarded as a tumor‐associated antigen. ROR1 plays an important role in cancer development, but the detailed function of ROR1 in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unclear. In this study, we first detected ROR1 expression and evaluated the relationship between ROR1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of DLBCL patients. Next we employed shRNA‐mediated knockdown of ROR1 in DLBCL cell line to explore the characteristics of ROR1 in DLBCL development both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed a significantly higher level of ROR1 in DLBCL tissues than in lymphatic hyperplasia tissues. High ROR1 expression was correlated with unfavorable prognosis in DLBCL patients. Furthermore, ROR1 knockdown inhibited the growth and induced the apoptosis in DLBCL cells and xenografts. In addition, shROR1 inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that ROR1 is a novel prognostic marker for DLBCL survival and ROR1 significantly promotes DLBCL tumorigenesis by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Targeting ROR1 may provide a promising strategy for DLBCL treatment. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):416–426, 2019
Transcriptomic analysis of IgG4 Fc‐fusion protein degradation in a panel of clonally‐derived CHO cell lines using RNASeq
Authors: Clarke Colin , Gallagher Clair , Kelly Ronan M. , Henry Michael , Meleady Paula , Frye Christopher C. , Osborne Matthew D. , Brady Ciaran P , Barron Niall , Clynes Martin
Published: February 2019

In this study, we report an investigation of a panel of clonally‐derived Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines exhibiting variability in the proportion of full‐length IgG4 Fc‐fusion protein produced. The recombinant protein was found to be degraded during cell culture into four shorter “clipped” species (three of the four cleavage sites occurred at arginine residues) and preliminary analyses suggested that a host cell enzyme was responsible for proteolysis. To identify the specific enzyme responsible, RNA sequencing was used to identify gene expression differences between the cell lines with a “high” and “low” clipping phenotype. From this analysis, six protease‐encoding genes were found to be significantly upregulated in those cell lines yielding the lowest proportion of full‐length IgG4 Fc‐fusion protein. Four of these protease candidates were deprioritized after examination of their cleavage site specificity. The remaining enzymes, Adam19 and Furin, were found to be capable of cleavage at arginine residues, and inhibitors for both proteases were added to cell‐free media to determine if the product degradation could be reduced. While the Adam19 inhibitor had no impact, Furin inhibitor I (specific for the proprotein convertase family of enzymes) was found to result in a 33–39% increase in complete IgG4 Fc‐fusion protein when compared with untreated samples.
Three‐dimensional microfluidic tumor–macrophage system for breast cancer cell invasion
Authors: Mi Shengli , Liu Zhaoyu , Du Zhichang , Yi Xiaoman , Sun Wei
Published: February 2019

The recrudescence of breast cancer can partly be attributed to poor understanding of the early steps and the mechanisms involved in breast cancer metastasis, especially how tumor inflammatory cells including tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) affect invasion process. However, invasion‐related biological studies in traditional in vitro assays or in vivo models are challenging due to the arduousness in establishing models that precisely reproduce the tumor invasion environment. To this end, we proposed a juxtaposed dual‐layer cell‐loaded hydrogels biomimetic microfluidic system and formed monolayer size‐selective permeable vascular endothelial barriers besides the dual layer to mimic mammalian blood vessels. We clarified that in this system, TAM promoted the invasion of breast cancer cells, whereas breast cancer cells maintained the phenotype of TAM cells and promoted the differentiation of U937 cells into TAM. It formed a tumor–macrophage bidirectional crosstalk system. This system could be used for drug screening. So finally, through the calculation of the survival rate of breast cancer cells when cocultured with different macrophages under paclitaxel treatment, we analyzed the antagonism of tumor–macrophage bidirectional crosstalk on anticancer drugs.
Are high lumbar punctures safe? A magnetic resonance imaging morphometric study of the conus medullaris
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek , Jain Mika S. , Das Devsmita , Massoud Tarik F.
Published: February 2019

A high lumbar puncture (LP) at L2–L3 or above is often necessary to consider on technical grounds, but complications of conus medullaris (CM) damage during high LP are potentially concerning. We hypothesized that a high LP might be safer than previously thought by accounting for movements of the CM upon patient positional changes. We retrospectively reviewed standard normal supine lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging of 58 patients and used electronic calipers on axial images at the T12–L1, L1–L2, and L2–L3 disc levels to measure the transverse diameter of the CM relative to the size of the dorsal thecal sac space (DTSS) through which a spinal needle could be inserted. On 142 axial images, the means for CM diameters were 8.2, 6.0, and 2.9 mm at the three levels, respectively. We then used known literature mean CM displacement values in the legs flexed and unflexed lateral decubitus position (LDP) to factor in CM shifts to the dependent side. We found that at all three levels, the likely positional shift of the CM would be too small and insufficient to displace the entire CM out of the DTSS. However, if needle placement could be confined to the midsagittal plane, an LP in the unflexed LDP would theoretically be entirely safe at both L1–L2 and L2–L3, and almost so at L2–L3 in the legs flexed LDP. Thus, high LPs at L1–L2 and L2–L3 are in theory likely safer than considered previously, more so in the legs unflexed than in the flexed LDP. Clin. Anat. 32:618–629, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovicidal and Deleterious Effects of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Nut Shell Oil and Its Fractions on Musca domestica, Chrysomya megacephala, Anticarsia gemmatalis and Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Ferreira de Carvalho George Harrison , Lucília dos Santos Maria , Monnerat Rose , Aparecida Andrade Milene , Gonçalves de Andrade Marina , Barbosa dos Santos Alessandra , Marques Dourado Bastos Izabela , de Santana Jaime Martins
Published: February 2019

In this work, we evaluated the ovicidal activity and the deleterious effects of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell oil and its fractions on the development of Musca domestica and Chrysomya megacephala, important vectors of several diseases. The insecticidal effects of this plant were also measured on the first and second instar larvae of Anticarsia gemmatalis and Spodoptera frugiperda, soy and maize pests, respectively. The fly eggs and the crop pest insect larvae were exposed to the cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell liquid (CNSL) and its fractions: technical CNSL, anacardic acid, cardanol and cardol. The results show that the cardol fraction, for both species of flies, presented the lowest lethal concentration with LC50 of 80.4 mg/L for M. domestica and 90.2 mg/L for C. megacephala. For the mortality of the larvae of A. gemmatalis and S. frugiperda, the most effective fraction was anacardic acid with LC50 of 295.1 mg/L and 318.4 mg/L, respectively. In all species, the mortality rate of the commercial compounds (cypermethrin 600 mg/L and temephos 2 mg/L) was higher than that of the evaluated compounds. Despite this, the results obtained suggest their potential in field trials, once the fractions of A. occidentale presented high mortality at low lethal concentrations in laboratory conditions, with the possibility of integrated use in the control of disease vectors and agricultural pests, employing ecofriendly compounds.
Coupled Enzymatic Treatment and Mass Spectrometric Analysis for Identification of Glucuronidated Metabolites in Human Samples
Authors: Correia Mario S. P. , Rao Menghua , Ballet Caroline , Globisch Daniel
Published: February 2019

Glucuronidation is the most common phase II modification and plays an important role in human clearance metabolism. Glucuronidated metabolites have also been linked to disease development and microbiota–host co‐metabolism. Although many of these compounds have been identified, the total number of unknown glucuronides and their impact on the human host's physiology can only be estimated. Herein, we describe the combination of an untargeted metabolomics analysis and enzymatic metabolic conversion for the selective detection of glucuronide conjugates by using UPLC‐MS/MS in human urine samples. Our study demonstrates that this powerful strategy can be used for the selective identification of glucuronidated molecules and to discover unknown natural metabolites. In total, we identified 191 metabolites in a single sample including microbiota‐derived compounds as well as previously unidentified molecules.
2nd PSL Chemical Biology Symposium (2019): At the Crossroads of Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Lucchino Marco , Billet Anne , Versini Antoine , Bavireddi Harikrishna , Dasari Bhanu‐Das , Debieu Sylvain , Colombeau Ludovic , Cañeque Tatiana , Wagner Alain , Masson Géraldine , Taran Frédéric , Karoyan Philippe , Delepierre Muriel , Gaillet Christine , Houdusse Anne , Britton Sébastien , Schmidt Frédéric , Florent Jean‐Claude , Belmont Philippe , Monchaud David , Cossy Janine , Thomas Christophe , Gautier Arnaud , Johannes Ludger , Rodriguez Raphaël
Published: February 2019

Chemical Biology is the science of designing chemical tools to dissect and manipulate biology at different scales. It provides the fertile ground from which to address important problems of our society, such as human health and environment.
Distal transradial artery access in the anatomical snuffbox for coronary angiography as an alternative access site for faster hemostasis
Authors: Aoi Shunsuke , Htun Wah Wah , Freeo Stephanie , Lee Samuel , Kyaw Htoo , Alfaro Victor , Coppola John , Pancholy Samir , Kwan Tak
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and the potential benefit of faster hemostasis with the distal transradial artery access (TRA).

Background

TRA has been shown to be associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications. Limited data are available regarding the new technique of accessing the distal radial artery in the anatomical snuffbox.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 202 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography and intervention with distal TRA. Two hundred and six conventional TRA cases were collected as a comparison arm.

Results

Out of 408 patients, successful distal radial access was obtained in 99.5% (201/202) in the distal TRA cases and 99.0% (204/206) in the conventional TRA cases. The rate of access site crossover was 2.0% (4/202) for distal TRA. Right distal radial artery was accessed in 176 cases (87.6%). Mean access time from local anesthesia to radial flush was 7.3 min. Ninety cases (44.8%) were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and the mean heparin dose used was 4,448 units (6,009 units for PCI and 3,182 units for diagnostic catheterization). Mean time to remove TR band was 104.7 min (120.8 min for PCI and 91.7 min for diagnostics). Follow‐up ultrasound study showed two partial occlusions (1.0%) and one arteriovenous fistula (0.5%) that resolved with prolonged TR band inflation.

Conclusions

Despite longer time to access the distal radial artery in the anatomical snuffbox, it is a safe and feasible alternative to conventional TRA and might result in shorter time to hemostasis especially in cases of PCI.
Primary cutaneous CD4+ small‐/medium‐sized T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder: A case report
Authors: Koper Monika , Putała‐Pośpiech Małgorzata , Biernat Wojciech , Woźniacka Anna , Robak Ewa
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small‐/medium‐sized T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder is usually characterized by nodules and plaques affecting the upper part of the body. The present case presented with a large, single tumor located on a lower extremity. The patient did not respond to surgical therapy but responded to cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and radiotherapy.
Enzyme‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Esters in Water
Authors: Mestrom Luuk , Claessen Jord G. R. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: February 2019

MsAcT catalyzes the esterification of primary alcohols in water. When utilizing acid and alcohol as starting materials low yields dictated by thermodynamics were observed. However, with activated esters such as ethyl acetate and vinyl acetate very high yields of the desired ester can be achieved in combination with the appropriate alcohol. This study investigated both the intrinsic kinetic properties of MsAcT for the hydrolysis and transesterification of esters in water as well as the thermodynamics of the reaction. In comparison to the chemical or enzymatic ester synthesis using either toxic reagent, and harsh organic solvents, the MsAcT‐catalyzed synthesis of esters of primary alcohols can be achieved efficiently in water without neutralization steps.
Catalysis and Stability Effect of Solvent Alcohol on the C6 Aldose Conversion toward Tetrose
Authors: Hou Wenrong , Yan Yueer , Li Gang , Zhan Yulu , Feng Lei , Zhang Ruohong , Hua Li Zhen , Zhang Yahong , Tang Yi
Published: February 2019

Conversions of biomass feedstock into various valuable chemicals are of great significance. As a typical route, retro‐aldol condensation of monosaccharide greatly expands the variety of biomass‐derived platform chemicals via a selective C−C splitting. Herein, we describe a solvent‐catalysed strategy to high‐selectively accumulate tetrose (four‐carbon platform chemical) from C6 aldoses via the retro‐aldol/aldol process. We find that alcohol solvents with Lewis acidity facilitate the C−C splitting process of hexose under the catalyst‐free condition. The conversion is the fastest in methanol while it is the slowest in isopropanol. The product distribution is greatly influenced by the alcohols through shifting the equilibrium between tetrose and glycolaldehyde (GA). The addition of catalyst only accelerates the reaction rate, and does not change the product distribution. On the one hand, the acetalization of GA with methanol or ethanol shifts the equilibrium from tetrose toward GA, which results in a low yield of tetrose in methanol or ethanol solvent. On the other hand, tetrose can be well accumulated in isopropanol or n‐butanol, and the yield of tetrose in isopropanol is higher than in n‐butanol because tetrose can be well solvated and stabilized in it. This solvent‐dependent reaction strategy provides a new possibility which contributes to the conversion of biomass feedback into valuable platform chemicals and accumulation of target products by utilizing the solvation effect.
Chloramphenicol Base: A New Privileged Chiral Scaffold in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Xiao You‐Cai , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: February 2019

This Minireview focuses on the synthetic application of a chloramphenicol base (ANP)‐derived catalyst. In the illustrated examples, ANP derivatives have proven to be readily available and highly versatile catalysts in a wide range of asymmetric transformations, showing high proficiency as both chiral ligands (amino alcohol, Schiff base and oxazoline‐containing ligand) and organocatalyst (hydrogen bonding‐based bifunctional catalyst and phase transfer catalyst).
Modification of a Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) Porous Membrane to Superhydrophilicity with Improved Durability
Authors: Liu Shijie , Cui Suping , Qin Zhenping , Zhang Xuehong , Zhao Yao , Zhao Yingying , Guo Hongxia
Published: February 2019

The commercial fluorocarbon surfactant (FCS) DuPont™ Zonyl 321 fluorinated cationic surfactants, was employed to modify both flat‐sheet and hollow‐fiber poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) porous membranes. The variation of morphology, wettability, and hydrophilicity durability to acid and alkali as well as the filtration performance of both membranes were investigated. Such superhydrophilic membranes showed better wetting stability and higher resistance to acid and alkali solutions. Moreover, both membranes exhibited good filtration performance.
Mixing of Oil in Water Through Electrical Resistance Tomography and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mirshekari Fahimeh , Pakzad Leila
Published: February 2019

The mixing performance of the oil‐in‐water dispersion system was evaluated. Using an electrical resistance tomography system composed of two measuring planes, the effect of parameters such as impeller type, impeller speed, oil type, and oil volume fraction on the mixing performance through axial mixing indices were explored. The oil type and the oil volume fraction were identified as the most influential factors on the mixing index. Castor oil, with the highest viscosity of the tested oils, was found as the most difficult oil to disperse. The Scaba impeller was the most efficient impeller in dispersing oil in water. The interactions between oil type and impeller type as well as between impeller speed and oil type, had the greatest impact on the mixing index.
Electroanalysis of Pharmaceuticals on Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Sousa Camila P. , Ribeiro Francisco W. P. , Oliveira Thiago M. B. F. , Salazar‐Banda Giancarlo R. , de Lima‐Neto Pedro , Morais Simone , Correia Adriana N.
Published: February 2019

Boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes possess outstanding physical, chemical, and electronic properties and have been successfully, yet in a limited way, explored in the electroanalysis of substances with therapeutic action (analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories, antihypertensives, antidepressants, vitamins, and others) in diverse milieus (pharmaceutical formulations, urine, serum, whole blood, surface waters, seawaters, groundwater, wastewaters, etc.). Therefore, in this Review, a broad overview of the available scientific information on recent progress and achievements of the application of bare or modified BDD electrodes to the bioanalytical and environmental detection of pharmaceutical compounds is presented. The main parameters, for example boron concentration, applied operational conditions during pretreatment, chemical and physical structure, and other influential factors on the electroanalytical BDD electrodes performance, are discussed.
Metabolism‐Inspired Electrosynthesis
Authors: Rahman Muhammad H. , Bal Mandeep K. , Jones Alan M.
Published: February 2019

Drug metabolism is a critical stage in the development of new chemical entities to understand how the drug will behave in the body and to reveal potential toxic metabolites. In this Review, we discuss how a renaissance in the applications of synthetic electrochemistry can be employed both to identify drug metabolites (and mechanisms) and enable electrosynthetic preparation of drug metabolites for further analysis. Recent advances in electro‐oxidative drug reactions are reviewed together with a perspective on the future use of electrosynthesis to diversify lead stage drug molecules to enable rapid testing of advanced analogues. A focus on the remarkable advances in the last decade with the inclusion of seminal papers for contextual analysis are reviewed.
Understanding the Effect of Different Synthesis Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties of Mixed‐Ion Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Quere Brian , Pydzińska‐Białek Katarzyna , Karolczak Jerzy , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Coy Emerson , Ziółek Marcin
Published: February 2019

Perovskite solar cells, composed of a mixture of methylammonium (MA) and formamidinium (FA) cations [in the benchmark proportions of (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15] and titania as an electron‐accepting material, are prepared under different conditions, with the objective of finding correlations between the solar cell performance and several important stationary and dynamical parameters of the material. The effects of humidity, oxygen, the use of anti‐solvent, and the presence and quality of a mesoporous titania layer are investigated. It is found that an increase in the photocurrent corresponds to a higher content of the desired cubic perovskite phase and to increased long‐wavelength absorption of the sample. On the contrary, for poorer‐quality cells, additional short‐wavelength bands in both absorption and emission spectra are present. Furthermore, a higher photocurrent of the cells is correlated with faster interfacial charge‐transfer dynamics. For the highest photocurrent of >20 mA cm−2, the characteristic times of about 1 μs are observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and emission half‐lifetimes of about 6 ns by time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (upon excitation with 420 nm pulses of ≈0.5 mW power). Both first‐ and second‐order rate constants, extracted from the emission measurements, are greater for the cells showing higher photocurrents, probably owing to a more rapid charge injection.
C−F Bond Activation Mediated by Phosphorus Compounds
Authors: Bayne Julia M. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2019

The activation and functionalization of C−F bonds has garnered significant attention in the scientific community as a strategy to mitigate toxicity and environmental concerns, as well as provide new pathways to agro‐ and pharmaceutical chemicals and materials. Although several transition‐metal‐based systems have been developed for this transformation, the use of main‐group compounds remains less explored. In recent years, several strategies for C−F bond activation have focused on the use of phosphorus‐based reagents. In this Minireview, an overview of strategies is provided that exploits PV and PIII‐based Lewis acids as well as PIII Lewis bases in frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) protocols for hydrodefluorination, C−C couplings and C−F derivatizations.
Two desired epitopes of cTnI benefit for preparation of standardized monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Yan JunJie , Yang QiLing , Li WenLi , Yu Juan , Xie Jun , Xiang JunJian , Wang Hong
Published: February 2019

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most severe cardiovascular diseases in humans, often resulting in unexpected death. Early detection is critical for patient survival. Sandwich ELISA is a common method for the detection of AMI. However, ELISA kits from different manufacturers can give different results, in part because of the lack of standardized epitopes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find two standardized epitopes. We predicted two antigen epitopes and respectively immunize mice to manufacture standardized monoclonal antibodies. Eight monoclonal antibodies were prepared. Monoclonal antibodies 7D2 and 2C3 were selected with high affinity, and their characteristics were explored. The results show that monoclonal antibodies 7D2 and 2C3 can both bind to various modified forms and complexes of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), were not cross‐reaction with related antigens of normal human serum and can be paired. Therefore, we deem epitopes 30 to 42 and 77 to 89 standardized epitopes.
The Effect of Correlated Kinetic Parameters on (Bio)Chemical Reaction Networks
Authors: Xie Xiangzhong , Schenkendorf René , Krewer Ulrike
Published: February 2019

Exploiting the information provided by (bio)chemical reaction networks has proved beneficial for process analysis and design. To this end, parameter uncertainties have to be included in the analysis and design of (bio)chemical processes to ensure reliable model‐based results. The goal is to investigate the impact of parameter correlations on (bio)chemical reaction networks and parameter sensitivities. An efficient sensitivity analysis concept is demonstrated with two simulation studies, and the results indicate a significant impact of the parameter correlations on the derived parameter sensitivities and the model‐based results in general.
Chiral Pool Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of C‐Furanosidic LpxC Inhibitors
Authors: Dreger Alexander , Kharwb Omar , Agoglitta Oriana , Bülbül Emre F. , Melesina Jelena , Sippl Wolfgang , Holl Ralph
Published: February 2019

Inhibitors of the bacterial deacetylase LpxC are a promising class of novel antibiotics, being selectively active against Gram‐negative bacteria. To improve the biological activity of reported C‐furanosidic LpxC inhibitors, the stereochemistry at positions 3 and 4 of the tetrahydrofuran ring was varied. In chiral pool syntheses starting from d‐gulono‐γ‐lactone and d‐ribose, a series of (3S,4R)‐configured dihydroxytetrahydrofuran derivatives was obtained, of which the (2S,5S)‐configured hydroxamic acid 15 ((2S,3S,4R,5S)‐N,3,4‐trihydroxy‐5‐(4‐{[4‐(morpholinomethyl)phenyl]ethynyl}phenyl)tetrahydrofuran‐2‐carboxamide) was found to be the most potent LpxC inhibitor (Ki=0.4 μm), exhibiting the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli BL21 (DE3) and the D22 strain. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed to rationalize the obtained structure–activity relationships.
Tearing down the false walls to HIV cancer care
Authors: Little Richard F.
Published: February 2019

HIV serostatus is not a barrier to curative‐intent radiochemotherapy for women with cervical cancer in Botswana. This model should be adopted for all HIV and cancer care worldwide.
Biomass Derived Graphene‐Like Carbons for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Huang Baobing , Xia Miao , Qiu Jiugen , Xie Zailai
Published: February 2019

Two‐dimensional carbons synthesis through sustainable bio‐manufacturing methods has attracted much attention in the past decade. This process facilitates low cost and facile manufacturing of porous carbon materials with specific characteristics, as well as chemical functions that differ from their bulk counterparts due to the low dimensionality. Herein, a unique graphene‐like carbon framework composed of three‐dimensionally interconnected nanosheets has been successfully fabricated via carbonization of a biomass precursor guanine and colloidal silica. The obtained two‐dimensional carbon materials, consisting of carbon nanosheets with varying sizes, can provide huge exposed areas. Owing to the merits of in situ nitrogen‐doping, particularly the optimization of nitrogen species and significant improvement in porosity, the sample GHS‐1000‐2.5 delivers the outstanding electrochemical activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in both acid and alkaline conditions, which are comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalyst and show even better performance under the same conditions. This highly efficient, facile and low‐cost strategy is expected to meet the requirements for the commercialization for fuel cells.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of DNA with a Cationic Polythiophene: From Polyplexes to Fibers
Authors: Leclercq Maxime , Rubio‐Magnieto Jenifer , Mohammed Danahe , Gabriele Sylvain , Leclercq Laurent , Cottet Hervé , Richeter Sébastien , Clément Sébastien , Surin Mathieu
Published: February 2019

Cationic polythiophenes constitute an interesting class of polymers for prospective applications in imaging, gene delivery and biosensing, as they combine solubility in aqueous media and have sensitive optical properties for the detection of biomolecules such as DNA. Here, we study the supramolecular self‐assembly of poly[3‐(6’‐(trimethylphosphonium)hexyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (P3HT‐PMe3) with different types of DNA such as single‐stranded oligonucleotides or long genomic DNA. Self‐assembly in buffered aqueous solution yields polyplexes (polymer/DNA complexes) with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 7 nm to around 25 nm, as observed by Taylor Dispersion Analysis. In these polyplexes, the achiral polymer presents chiroptical signals induced by supramolecular organization along chiral DNA. When the solution of long DNA/P3HT‐PMe3 is deposited on surfaces, tens of μm‐long fibers are formed by condensation of DNA and compaction of the polyplexes, as evidenced by microscopy techniques.
Self‐Formed Protection Layer on a 3D Lithium Metal Anode for Ultrastable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yan Xinxiu , Zhang Huan , Huang Meiling , Qu Meizhen , Wei Zhikai
Published: February 2019

Lithium metal anodes are a key component of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the issues associated with lithium anodes remain unsolved owing to the immature lithium anode construction and protection technology, which leads to internal short circuits, poor capacity retention, and low coulombic efficiency for high‐sulfur‐loading Li–S batteries. Herein, a highly stable 3D lithium carbon fiber composite (3D LiCF) anode for high‐sulfur‐loading Li–S batteries was demonstrated, in which a self‐formed hybrid solid‐electrolyte protection layer was constructed on a lithium metal surface through codeposition of thiophenolate ions and inorganic lithium salts by using diphenyl disulfide as a co‐additive in the electrolyte. The aromatic components from thiophenolate could improve the stability of the protection layer, and the 3D structure of the carbon fiber could effectively buffer the volume effect during lithium cycling. A Li–S battery based on a 3D LiCF anode exhibited excellent cycling stability with an energy efficiency of 89.2 % for 100 cycles in terms of a high energy density of 22.3 mWh cm−2 (10 mAh cm−2 area capacity of lithium cycling). This contribution demonstrates versatile and ingenious strategies for the construction of a 3D lithium anode structure and protection layer, providing an effective solution for practical stable Li–S batteries.
MgSc2Se4—A Magnesium Solid Ionic Conductor for All‐Solid‐State Mg Batteries?
Authors: Wang Li‐Ping , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Klein Franziska , Chable Johann , Braun Tobias , Schür Annika R. , Wang Chun‐Ru , Guo Yu‐Guo , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: February 2019

Recently, the ternary spinel selenide MgSc2Se4 was proposed to have high magnesium ion mobility and is therefore an interesting potential candidate as a solid electrolyte in magnesium secondary batteries. To test the properties of the material, a modified solid‐state reaction was used to synthesize pure MgSc2Se4. Electrochemical characterizations identified detrimental high electronic conductivities, which limit its application as a Mg‐conducting solid electrolyte. Two methods were attempted to lower electronic conductivities, including the implementation of Se‐rich phases and aliovalent doping, however, with no sufficient improvement. Based on the mixed conducting properties of MgSc2Se4, a reversible insertion/extraction of Mg2+ into the spinel structure could be demonstrated.
The role of peer victimization, sexual identity, and gender on unhealthy weight control behaviors in a representative sample of Texas youth
Authors: Pistella Jessica , Ioverno Salvatore , Russell Stephen T.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The aim of the study is to examine the association between victimization and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB), accounting for other key correlates of UWCB while considering the moderating role of sexual identity and gender.

Method

This study used data from the 2017 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a representative sample of students in grades 9–12 in the U.S. state of Texas, including 2,067 students (1,754 heterosexuals and 313 sexual minorities). We used survey‐weighted logistic regression to examine the association of sexual identity, gender, and victimization (dating violence, cyberbullying, and school bullying) with UWCB, after adjusting for demographic information and indicators of weight, physical activity, and support from adults.

Results

Unhealthy weight control behaviors were associated with older age, being obese, lack of support from adults, low physical activity, and cyberbullying. A significant three‐way interaction between gender, sexual identity and bullying showed that bullying was associated with high levels of UWCB among sexual minority males.

Discussion

Our study highlights the role of victimization in health behaviors for stigmatized groups, and the importance of school efforts to implement an equitable and safe learning environment for all students.
Asymmetrical habitat coupling of an aquatic predator—The importance of individual specialization
Authors: Marklund Maria H. K. , Svanbäck Richard , Faulks Leanne , Breed Martin F. , Scharnweber Kristin , Zha Yinghua , Eklöv Peter
Published: February 2019

Predators should stabilize food webs because they can move between spatially separate habitats. However, predators adapted to forage on local resources may have a reduced ability to couple habitats. Here, we show clear asymmetry in the ability to couple habitats by Eurasian perch—a common polymorphic predator in European lakes. We sampled perch from two spatially separate habitats—pelagic and littoral zones—in Lake Erken, Sweden. Littoral perch showed stronger individual specialization, but they also used resources from the pelagic zone, indicating their ability to couple habitats. In contrast, pelagic perch showed weaker individual specialization but near complete reliance on pelagic resources, indicating their preference to one habitat. This asymmetry in the habitat coupling ability of perch challenges the expectation that, in general, predators should stabilize spatially separated food webs. Our results suggest that habitat coupling might be constrained by morphological adaptations, which in this case were not related to genetic differentiation but were more likely related to differences in individual specialization.
Transcriptomic changes during caste development through social interactions in the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis
Authors: Yaguchi Hajime , Suzuki Ryutaro , Matsunami Masatoshi , Shigenobu Shuji , Maekawa Kiyoto
Published: February 2019

One of the most striking examples of phenotypic plasticity is the different phenotypes (i.e., castes) within a same nest of social insects. Castes usually derive from a single genotype initially by receiving social cues among individuals during development. Specific gene expression changes may be involved in caste differentiation, and thus, the regulatory mechanism of these changes should be clarified in order to understand social maintenance and evolution. The damp‐wood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis is one of the most important model termite species, due to not only the availability of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic information but also evidence that soldier‐ and worker‐destined individuals can be identified in natural conditions. Given that the nutritional intakes via social interactions are crucial for caste differentiation in this species, there is a possibility that transcriptomic changes are influenced by the nutritional difference among these individuals. Here, whole body RNA‐seq analysis of 3rd‐instar larvae with biological replications and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted. We found the drastic expression differences during caste developments between soldier‐ and worker‐destined individuals. The results indicated that there are several key signaling pathways responsible for caste formations, which are involved in developments and social interactions. Particularly, the nutritional sensitive signaling was upregulated in soldier‐destined individuals, while some metabolic pathways were identified in worker‐destined individuals. These bioinformatic data obtained should be utilized to examine the molecular mechanisms of caste determination in social insects.
Worsening renal failure in patients with acute heart failure: the importance of cardiac biomarkers
Authors: Shirakabe Akihiro , Hata Noritake , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Okazaki Hirotake , Matsushita Masato , Shibata Yusaku , Uchiyama Saori , Sawatani Tomofumi , Asai Kuniya , Shimizu Wataru
Published: February 2019

Aims

The importance of true worsening renal failure (WRF), which is associated with a poor prognosis, had been suggested in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The aim of the present study was to establish the biomarker strategy for the prediction of true WRF in AHF.

Methods and results

Two hundred eighty‐one patients with AHF were analysed. Their biomarkers were measured within 30 min of admission. Patients were assigned to the non‐WRF (n = 168), pseudo‐WRF (n = 56), or true‐WRF (n = 57) groups using the criteria of both acute kidney injury on admission and increasing serum creatinine value during the first 7 days. A Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the survival and heart failure event rate of the true‐WRF group within 1000 days was significantly lower than that of the non‐WRF and pseudo‐WRF groups (P ≤ 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression model also indicated that true WRF was an independent predictor of 1000 day mortality and heart failure events [hazard ratio: 4.315, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.466–7.550, P ≤ 0.001, and hazard ratio: 2.834, 95% CI: 1.893–4.243, P ≤ 0.001, respectively]. The serum heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (s‐HFABP) levels were significantly higher in the true‐WRF group than in the non‐WRF and pseudo‐WRF groups (P ≤ 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that the predictive biomarker for the true‐WRF group was the s‐HFABP level (odds ratio: 5.472, 95% CI: 2.729–10.972, P ≤ 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity for indicating the presence of true WRF were 73.7% and 76.8% (area under the curve = 0.831) for s‐HFABP in whole patients, respectively, and 94.7% and 72.7% (area under the curve = 0.904) in non‐chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiac biomarkers, especially the s‐HFABP, might predict the development of true WRF in AHF patients. Furthermore, the predictive value was higher in AHF patients without CKD than in those with CKD.