bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivalent Dendrimers and their Differential Recognition of Short Single‐Stranded DNAs of Various Length and Sequence
Authors: Zhang Yan , Petit Eddy , Barboiu Mihail
Published: April 2018

Polycationic dendrimers were generated through simple and versatile reversible amine/aldehyde–imine chemistry. The inherent CD spectroscopic signal arising from the helical structures of single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) undergoes a dramatic amplification in the presence of the synthesised polycationic dendrimers. Compared to the first‐generation core molecule, the second‐generation dendrimer shows high spectroscopic responses upon chiral recognition of short ssDNA, owing to the combination of self‐assembly and multivalency effects. The maximum signal variation is reached at the molar ratio at which the ratio between the negative charges in ssDNA balance the positive charges of the dendrimers, thus the approach enables differential recognition of ssDNAs of different lengths. Altogether, these results accelerate the simple and systematic discovery of efficient adaptive molecules for biomimetic recognition of ssDNA with high accuracy.
Meditation and Appropriation: Best Practices for Counselors Who Utilize Meditation
Authors: Surmitis Kendra A. , Fox Jesse , Gutierrez Daniel
Published: April 2018

Support for meditation is found across academic communities and popular culture. Although the application of meditative practices has yielded positive treatment outcomes, larger purposes of the practice are perhaps lost in the empirically driven West, thus driving a risk of appropriation. In response, the authors outline 4 implications for best practice for counselors who aspire to engage in the culturally responsible use of meditative practices.
Post‐thyroidectomy suture granuloma: A diagnosis on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Mathai Alka Mary , Preetha K. , Valsala Devi S. , Vicliph Sam , Gopinath Ashok
Published: April 2018

Suture granulomas result from the use of nonabsorbable suture and is an infrequent complication following thyroidectomy. When they occur, suture granulomas may mimic both benign and malignant diagnoses, posing a potential diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology is an accurate diagnostic modality for the workup of nodules within the thyroidectomy bed. We herein present 2 cases of post‐thyroidectomy suture granulomas, presenting as a painless, palpable mass in the surgical bed and occurring as a late complication of thyroidectomy that were diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology.
Influence of the Metal Ion on the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production by a Thiosemicarbazone Palladium Complex
Authors: Straistari Tatiana , Hardré Renaud , Massin Julien , Attolini Mireille , Faure Bruno , Giorgi Michel , Réglier Marius , Orio Maylis
Published: April 2018

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a new mononuclear palladium complex (PdL) based on a thiosemicarbazone ligand. X‐ray diffraction data collected on single crystals reveal that the complex is a neutral mononuclear entity with symmetric square‐planar geometry around the metal center. The complex exhibits an electrocatalytic behavior for proton reduction in DMF solvent using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a proton source. Gas analysis under controlled electrocatalytic conditions during 4 h at a pool mercury working electrode showed a moderate production of dihydrogen. By combining experimental techniques to theoretical calculations, the results are analyzed and compared to those obtained for the previously reported NiL complex in an effort to rationalize the influence of the metal center on the catalytic performance of PdL to mediate hydrogen evolution.
The influence of war on moral judgments about harm
Authors: Watkins Hanne M. , Laham Simon
Published: April 2018

How does war influence moral judgments about harm? While the general rule is “thou shalt not kill,” war appears to provide an exception to the moral prohibition on intentional harm. In three studies (n = 263,n = 557,n = 793), we quantify the difference in moral judgments across peace and war contexts, and explore two possible explanations for the difference. The findings demonstrate that third‐party observers judge a trade‐off of one life for five as more morally acceptable in war than in peace, especially if the one person is from an outgroup of the person making the trade‐off. In addition, the robust difference in moral judgments across “switch” and “footbridge” trolley problems is attenuated in war compared to in peace. The present studies have implications for moral psychology researchers who use war‐based scenarios to study broader cognitive or affective processes. If the war context changes judgments of moral scenarios by triggering group‐based reasoning or altering the perceived structure of the moral event, using such scenarios to make decontextualized claims about moral judgment may not be warranted.
Facile Synthesis of Carbon‐Coated Li3VO4 Anode Material and its Application in Full Cells
Authors: Wang Xueting , Qin Bin , Sui Dong , Sun Zhenhe , Zhou Ying , Zhang Hongtao , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2018

Li3VO4 is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, but suffers from low electronic conductivity. Here we demonstrated a facile solid‐state method to synthesize carbon‐coated Li3VO4 (LVO/C) to enhance its electronic conductivity and electrochemical performance. The LVO/C composites exhibit preferable specific capacity, desirable cycle performance and suitable rate performance than the carbon‐free Li3VO4. A high reversible capacity of 456 mAh/g and 400 mAh/g can be maintained up to 100 cycles and 500 cycles at 1 C (92.2 % and 80 % retention of the second cycle of discharge capacity, respectively). Coupled with conventional cathodes, the fabricated full cells can deliver higher energy density than their commercial counterparts using Li4Ti5O12 anodes and exhibit much more stable cycle performance than full cells using graphite anodes. The LiFePO4‐LVO/C full cell delivers an excellent cycling stability with capacity retention of 99 % vs. the second cycle after 100 cycles at 1 C. The LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2‐LVO/C full cell delivers a maximum energy density of about 300 Wh/kg.
Forecasting US GNP growth: The role of uncertainty
Authors: Segnon Mawuli , Gupta Rangan , Bekiros Stelios , Wohar Mark E.
Published: April 2018

A large number of models have been developed in the literature to analyze and forecast changes in output dynamics. The objective of this paper was to compare the predictive ability of univariate and bivariate models, in terms of forecasting US gross national product (GNP) growth at different forecasting horizons, with the bivariate models containing information on a measure of economic uncertainty. Based on point and density forecast accuracy measures, as well as on equal predictive ability (EPA) and superior predictive ability (SPA) tests, we evaluate the relative forecasting performance of different model specifications over the quarterly period of 1919:Q2 until 2014:Q4. We find that the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index should improve the accuracy of US GNP growth forecasts in bivariate models. We also find that the EPU exhibits similar forecasting ability to the term spread and outperforms other uncertainty measures such as the volatility index and geopolitical risk in predicting US recessions. While the Markov switching time‐varying parameter vector autoregressive model yields the lowest values for the root mean squared error in most cases, we observe relatively low values for the log predictive density score, when using the Bayesian vector regression model with stochastic volatility. More importantly, our results highlight the importance of uncertainty in forecasting US GNP growth rates.
Effect of the S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase inhibitor N6022 on bronchial hyperreactivity in asthma
Authors: Que Loretta G. , Yang Zhonghui , Lugogo Njira L. , Katial Rohit K. , Shoemaker Steven A. , Troha Janice M. , Rodman David M. , Tighe Robert M. , Kraft Monica
Published: April 2018

Rationale

Patients with asthma demonstrate depletion of the endogenous bronchodilator GSNO and upregulation of GSNOR.

Objectives

An exploratory proof of concept clinical study of N6022 in mild asthma to determine the potential bronchoprotective effects of GSNOR inhibition. Mechanistic studies aimed to provide translational evidence of effect.

Methods

Fourteen mild asthma patients were treated with intravenous N6022 (5 mg) or placebo and observed for 7 days, with repeated assessments of the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (methacholine PC20 FEV1), followed by a washout period and crossover treatment and observation. In vitro studies in isolated eosinophils investigated the effect of GSNO and N6022 on apoptosis.

Measurements and Main Results

This was a negative trial as it failed to reach its primary endpoint, which was change from baseline in methacholine PC20 FEV1 at 24 h. However, our exploratory analysis demonstrated significantly more two dose‐doubling increases in PC20 FEV1 for N6022 compared with placebo (21% vs 6%, P < 0.05) over the 7‐day observation period. Furthermore, a significant treatment effect was observed in the change in PC20FEV1 from baseline averaged over the 7‐day observation period (mean change: +0.82 mg/ml [N6022] from 1.34 mg/ml [baseline] vs −0.18 mg/ml [placebo] from 1.16 mg/ml [baseline], P = 0.023). N6022 was well tolerated in mild asthmatics. In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced eosinophilic apoptosis with N6022.

Conclusions

In this early phase exploratory proof of concept trial in asthma, N6022 did not significantly alter methacholine PC20 FEV1 at 24 h, but did have a treatment effect at 7 days compared to baseline. Further investigation of the efficacy of S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase inhibition in a patient population with eosinophilic asthma is warranted.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid can suppress progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Wang Liang , Li Lin , Quan Mo‐Yuan , Wang Dong , Jia Zhen , Li Zhen‐Fei , Li Bin , Guo Li , Tan Guo‐Jun
Published: April 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a poorly understood disease mechanistically. MOG35‐55 peptide induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a broadly used model to study MS. Using this model we have earlier shown that the antioxidant tempol or the small molecule inhibitor of p38 SB203580 can effectively prevent EAE progression. This effect was mediated by means of regulating immune inflammation, signaling by the p38MAPK‐SGK1 pathway, and oxidative stress. However, there is a need to test drugs that can be used in pharmacological intervention of EAE. Given that nordihydroguaiaretic Acid (NDGA) has been shown to possess anti‐oxidant activity and capacity of antagonizing autoimmune inflammation, we tested the effect of NDGA in ameliorating EAE in the current study. NDGA showed significant beneficial effect against EAE with both anti‐inflammation and antioxidant activity. NDGA could weaken the immune inflammation at least partly by inhibiting the oxidant stress‐p38MAPK‐SGK1 pathway representing a target for putative pharmacological intervention. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):432–436, 2018
In vivo study of self‐assembled alkylsilane coated degradable magnesium devices
Authors: Patil Avinash , Zaky Samer H. , Chong Rong , Verdelis Kostas , Beniash Elia
Published: April 2018

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are candidate materials for resorbable implantable devices, such as orthopedic devices or cardiovascular stents. Mg has a number advantages, including mechanical properties, light weight, its osteogenic effects and the fact that its degradation products are nontoxic and naturally present in the body. However, production of H2 gas during the corrosion reaction can cause formation of gas pockets at the implantation site, posing a barrier to clinical applications of Mg. It is therefore desirable to develop methods to control corrosion rate and gas pocket formation around the implants. Here we evaluate the potential of self‐assembled multilayer alkylsilane (AS) coatings to control Mg device corrosion and formation of gas pockets in vivo and to assess effects of the AS coatings on the surrounding tissues in a subcutaneous mouse model over a 6 weeks' period. The coating significantly slowed down corrosion and gas pocket formation as evidenced by smaller gas pockets around the AS coated implants (ANOVA; p = 0.013) and decrease in the weight loss values (t test; p = 0.07). Importantly, the microCT and profilometry analyses demonstrated that the coating inhibited the pitting corrosion. Specifically, the roughness of the coated samples was ∼30% lower than uncoated specimen (p = 0.02). Histological assessment of the tissues under the implant revealed no inflammation or foreign body reaction. Overall, our results demonstrate the feasibility of use of the seld assembled AS coatings for reduction of gas pocket formation around the resorbable Mg devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 342–351, 2019.
A laser Raman tweezers study of eryptosis
Authors: Barkur Surekha , Mathur Deepak , Chidangil Santhosh
Published: April 2018

Eryptosis—the suicidal death of erythrocytes—is characterized by membrane blebbing and cell shrinkage. Eryptosis can be triggered by various xenobiotics such as carbon monoxide, lead, and amyloid, and by stressors such as oxidative stress, osmotic shock, and rapid alteration of ambient conditions. We have used Raman tweezers spectroscopy to study eryptosis in single, live cells and have attempted to explore the underlying mechanism, specifically to identify possible Raman signatures of eryptosis. Erythrocytes (red blood cells) were exposed to free radicals, silver nanoparticles, glucose, heat, and osmotic shock to induce eryptosis, and a comparison was made of their Raman spectra, which indicated that these conditions lead to a transition of haemoglobin from the R to the T state. Consequences of eryptosis include dehydration, cell shrinkage, and pH changes, which result in deoxygenation of haemoglobin. This, in turn, can be detected by monitoring the wavenumber shifts associated with Raman marker bands of R to T transitions. In addition, the principal component analysis results indicate differentiation among red blood cells undergone eryptosis due to different conditions.
A synthesis of carbon dioxide and methane dynamics during the ice‐covered period of northern lakes
Authors: Denfeld Blaize A. , Baulch Helen M. , del Giorgio Paul A. , Hampton Stephanie E. , Karlsson Jan
Published: April 2018

The ice‐covered period on lakes in the northern hemisphere has often been neglected or assumed to have less importance relative to the open water season. However, recent studies challenge this convention, suggesting that the winter period is more dynamic than previously thought. In this review, we synthesize the current understanding of under‐ice carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) dynamics, highlighting the annual importance of CO2 and CH4 emissions from lakes at ice‐melt. We compiled data from 25 studies that showed that the ice‐melt period represents 17% and 27% of the annual CO2 and CH4 emissions, respectively. We also found evidence that the magnitude and type of emission (i.e., CO2 and CH4) varies with characteristics of lakes including geographic location, lake morphometry, and physicochemical conditions. The scarcity of winter and spring carbon data from northern lakes represents a major gap in our understanding of annual budgets in these lakes and calls for future research during this key period.
Modelling scholastic underachievement as a contagious disease
Authors: Usaini Salisu , Mustapha Umar Tasiu , Sabiu Salihu Musa
Published: April 2018

Some factors related to students behaviour are perceived to be important for academic failure. Such of these factors and some other factors contribute immensely to the problem of scholastic underachievement that is spreading among students of Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil‐Nigeria. Considering such a problem as a contagious disease, we propose a mathematical model to study how this problem is spread in Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil campus. The model analysis reveals that the reproduction numbers are sufficient to predict whether the problem can persist in the campus environment. Indeed, endemic persistence occurs if the pattern of recruiting new members is through both transition and progression. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters of the model threshold quantities shows that reducing the rates of recruiting new students to weak class through both transition and progression is an effective measure of containing the problem.
Assessing the Utility of Otolith Chemistry for Management of Six Freshwater Fishes from a River–Reservoir System
Authors: Radigan William J. , Carlson Andrew K. , Graeb Brian D. S. , Fincel Mark J.
Published: April 2018

Floodplain habitats often function as spawning, rearing, foraging, and refuge environments for riverine fishes. Although floodplain habitats are important for fish production and recruitment, their natal contributions may vary by species, a topic that has not been thoroughly investigated in large floodplain rivers. We evaluated the natal contributions of floodplain habitats to populations of six socioeconomically important sport fishes in Lake Sharpe, South Dakota, using otolith chemistry. Water samples and age-0 and adult fishes were sampled from five habitat types (canal, embayment, main channel, stilling basin, tributary). Age-0 fishes were classified to known natal habitats with 83% mean accuracy based on otolith Ba:Ca and Sr:Ca signatures, with 89% mean accuracy for Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (89%), crappies Pomoxis spp. (88%), and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides (91%). Floodplain habitats had substantial natal contributions to Bluegill (50%) and crappie (35%) populations. Despite spanning only 0.8% of Lake Sharpe by surface area, a specific floodplain habitat (Hipple Lake) contributed 15% of Largemouth Bass to the Lake Sharpe population—19 times greater than expected under a linear contribution–area relationship. Floodplain habitats had smaller natal contributions (0–5%) for reservoir-oriented species such as Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu and White Bass Morone chrysops than for centrarchids and Yellow Perch Perca flavescens. Given that floodplain habitats in Lake Sharpe, particularly Hipple Lake, are disproportionately important for sport fish populations relative to their size, maintaining river–floodplain connectivity is crucial for effective fisheries management. Otolith chemistry is a tool for sport fish management in Lake Sharpe as it reveals habitat-specific natal contributions of diverse species and can be used to prioritize areas for floodplain protection and rehabilitation, harvest regulations, stock enhancement, and other fisheries management activities.
Fin Ray Removal May Be Deleterious to Pallid Sturgeon
Authors: Steffensen Kirk D. , Hamel Martin J.
Published: April 2018

Calcified fin structures are frequently used to gain an understanding of the age structure of fish populations. For Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus, fin rays have recently been used in microchemistry assessments to understand natal origin and interbasin movements. Although several published studies have shown minor to no ill effects from the removal of the first pectoral fin ray on other sturgeon species, it is unknown how fin ray removal affects Pallid Sturgeon over the long term in an altered river system. Therefore, our objectives were to compare recapture and survival rates of subadult (<800-mm) and adult (≥800-mm) Pallid Sturgeon in the lower Missouri River for fish with and without a fin ray section removed. Recapture efforts resulted in a higher recapture frequency for Pallid Sturgeon that did not have a fin ray section removed (26%) compared to those that had a fin ray section removed (11%). Subadult-sized Pallid Sturgeon appeared to be more sensitive to fin ray removal: no subadults with a fin ray removed were recaptured, whereas recapture frequency was 22% for subadults with fin rays intact. An apparent survival estimate was not quantifiable for subadults with a section of fin ray removed, but the model estimated a 0.42 apparent survival rate for subadults with intact fin rays. Adult-sized Pallid Sturgeon were recaptured at similar frequencies (fin ray removed: 23%; fin rays intact: 34%), and apparent survival estimates did not differ between the two groups of adults. Survival estimates are considered “apparent,” as the model could not differentiate between mortality and emigration. Our results represent a departure from previously published literature and suggest that fin ray removal may be deleterious to the survival and recovery of Pallid Sturgeon. The potential effects of fin ray removal must be thoroughly considered before initiation of future studies.
Quantifying Temporal Trends in Fisheries Abundance Using Bayesian Dynamic Linear Models: A Case Study of Riverine Smallmouth Bass Populations
Authors: Schall Megan K. , Blazer Vicki S. , Lorantas Robert M. , Smith Geoffrey D. , Mullican John E. , Keplinger Brandon J. , Wagner Tyler
Published: April 2018

Detecting temporal changes in fish abundance is an essential component of fisheries management. Because of the need to understand short-term and nonlinear changes in fish abundance, traditional linear models may not provide adequate information for management decisions. This study highlights the utility of Bayesian dynamic linear models (DLMs) as a tool for quantifying temporal dynamics in fish abundance. To achieve this goal, we quantified temporal trends of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu catch per effort (CPE) from rivers in the mid-Atlantic states, and we calculated annual probabilities of decline from the posterior distributions of annual rates of change in CPE. We were interested in annual declines because of recent concerns about fish health in portions of the study area. In general, periods of decline were greatest within the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania. The declines in CPE began in the late 1990s—prior to observations of fish health problems—and began to stabilize toward the end of the time series (2011). In contrast, many of the other rivers investigated did not have the same magnitude or duration of decline in CPE. Bayesian DLMs provide information about annual changes in abundance that can inform management and are easily communicated with managers and stakeholders.
Efficacy and safety of administering pediatric treatment to adolescent patients with mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma within the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group clinical trial
Authors: Sekimizu Masahiro , Hashimoto Hiroya , Mori Tetsuya , Kobayashi Ryoji , Horibe Keizo , Tsurusawa Masahito
Published: April 2018

Background

Currently, there is no standardized treatment for adolescents, aged 15 years or older, with mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL), although this age group has been reported to have a poorer prognosis than younger patients.

Procedure

The present study analyzed the data of 321 patients with B‐NHL, enrolled in a pediatric clinical trial, comparing the treatment outcomes between adolescents (aged 15–18 years, n = 25) and children (≤15 years, n = 297), with a particular focus on the safety and tolerability of administering pediatric regimens to adolescents.

Results

The probability of event‐free survival (EFS) at 4 years was 79.3 ± 8.3% for the adolescents and 88.0 ± 1.9% for the children (P = 0.236). After adjusting for treatment group and lactate dehydrogenase value at the time of diagnosis, the probability of 4‐year EFS of adolescents was lower than that of children, but only in the patients with central nervous system positive lymphoma or Burkitt leukemia. The frequency of treatment‐related mortalities, severe adverse events (SAEs), and SAEs leading to treatment discontinuation or treatment completion rate was similar in adolescent and pediatric patients. There was no difference in treatment duration between adolescent and pediatric patients.

Conclusions

The treatment outcomes of adolescents with B‐NHL were not statistically different from those of the pediatric patients and the safety of a pediatric regimen in adolescents was similar to that in the pediatric patients. A pediatric treatment foundation can be adopted for adolescents, although further prospective studies and biological investigations are required for treatment optimization.
Maize GO Annotation—Methods, Evaluation, and Review (maize‐GAMER)
Authors: Wimalanathan Kokulapalan , Friedberg Iddo , Andorf Carson M. , Lawrence‐Dill Carolyn J.
Published: April 2018

We created a new high‐coverage, robust, and reproducible functional annotation of maize protein‐coding genes based on Gene Ontology (GO) term assignments. Whereas the existing Phytozome and Gramene maize GO annotation sets only cover 41% and 56% of maize protein‐coding genes, respectively, this study provides annotations for 100% of the genes. We also compared the quality of our newly derived annotations with the existing Gramene and Phytozome functional annotation sets by comparing all three to a manually annotated gold standard set of 1,619 genes where annotations were primarily inferred from direct assay or mutant phenotype. Evaluations based on the gold standard indicate that our new annotation set is measurably more accurate than those from Phytozome and Gramene. To derive this new high‐coverage, high‐confidence annotation set, we used sequence similarity and protein domain presence methods as well as mixed‐method pipelines that were developed for the Critical Assessment of Function Annotation (CAFA) challenge. Our project to improve maize annotations is called maize‐GAMER (GO Annotation Method, Evaluation, and Review), and the newly derived annotations are accessible via MaizeGDB (http://download.maizegdb.org/maize-GAMER) and CyVerse (B73 RefGen_v3 5b+ at doi.org/10.7946/P2S62P and B73 RefGen_v4 Zm00001d.2 at doi.org/10.7946/P2M925).
Influence of metal ion on chelate–aryl stacking interactions
Authors: Malenov Dušan P. , Hall Michael B. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: April 2018

CCSD(T)/CBS and DFT methods are employed to study the stacking interactions of acetylacetonate‐type (acac‐type) chelates of nickel, palladium, and platinum with benzene. The strongest chelate–aryl stacking interactions are formed by nickel and palladium chelate, with interaction energies of −5.75 kcal mol−1 and −5.73 kcal mol−1, while the interaction of platinum chelate is weaker, with interaction energy of −5.36 kcal mol−1. These interaction energies are significantly stronger than stacking of two benzenes, −2.73 kcal mol−1. The strongest nickel and palladium chelate–aryl interactions are with benzene center above the metal area, while the strongest platinum chelate–aryl interaction is with the benzene center above the C2 atom of the acac‐type chelate ring. These preferences arise from very different electrostatic potentials above the metal ions, ranging from very positive above nickel to slightly negative above platinum. While the differences in electrostatic potentials above metal atoms cause different geometries with the most stable interaction among the three metals, the dispersion (correlation energy) component is the largest contribution to the total interaction energy for all three metals.
Synthesis, Optical Resolution, and Circularly Polarized Luminescence of an Axially Chiral Porphyrin Dimer
Authors: Watanabe Risa , Hara Nobuyuki , Imai Yoshitane , Hasegawa Masashi , Ishioka Sumire , Mazaki Yasuhiro , Sugiura Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2018

Motivated by the chiral supramolecular structures of chlorophylls in photosynthesis proteins, i. e., special pairs present in purple photosynthetic bacteria, photosystems‐I, and ‐II, a chiral porphyrin dimer was designed, synthesized, and resolved to give optically pure forms. Synthesis of the dimer was achieved by using 5,10‐diarylporphyrin as the starting material. The stereochemistry of the dimer was speculated by comparing experimentally and theoretically obtained circular dichroism spectra. Clear circularly polarized luminescence spectra were obtained at 636 nm with dimensionless Kuhn's anisotropy value of ∼2.0 × 10−3.
Crab Shell‐Templated Fe and N Co–Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers as a Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Zhenyi , Hassan Mehboob , Sun An , Bo Xiangjie , Zhou Ming
Published: April 2018

Crab shell, a cheap and abundant biomass waste, is used as a template for preparing iron and nitrogen co‐doped mesoporous carbon nanofibers (Fe/N/meso‐CNFs). Impregnation of phenolic resin, triblock copolymer, cyanamide, and ferric chloride inside the nanochannels of crab shell allows simultaneous morphology control of Fe/N/meso‐CNFs and Fe/N co‐doping after the pyrolysis and removal of crab shell. The Fe/N/meso‐CNFs exhibit large surface area, porous structure and accessible active sites. Such structural uniqueness enables Fe/N/meso‐CNFs ideal for use as an electrocatalyst. The large surface area and porous structure play an important role in exposing electrocatalytically active sites. As a noble‐metal free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), Fe/N/meso‐CNFs show onset potential and half wave potential close to Pt/C with the limiting current density even exceeding that of Pt/C in alkaline solution. Additionally, the Fe/N/meso‐CNFs also present high tolerance towards methanol poisoning and long‐term durability, indicating Fe/N/meso‐CNFs can be regarded as a potential substitution for Pt towards ORR in alkaline solution.
Transition Metal‐Containing Ionic Liquid Crystals with 1‐Decyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium: Facile Syntheses, Crystal Structures, Thermal Properties and NH3 Detection
Authors: Ding Xue‐Da , Shen Nan‐Nan , Li Jian‐Rong , Huang Xiao‐Ying
Published: April 2018

Herein we report on the facile and large‐scale syntheses and characterizations of a series of transition metal‐containing ionic liquids (MILs), namely [C12MMIm]n[MCl4] (M=Fe3+, n=1; M=Cu2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, n=2; C12MMIm=1‐decyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium) by simply stoichiometrically mixing metal chlorides and the IL [C12MMIm]Cl. All of the compounds could be obtained in crystalline state at room temperature in nearly 100% yield. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that all the MIL crystals belong to the space group of P21/c, consisting of [C12MMIm]+ cations and halometallate anions that interact with each other giving rise to supramolecular layered structures via C−H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonding and anion‐π interactions. Thermal properties of the five compounds were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), revealing reversible phase transitions near room temperature. Interestingly, these MILs are air‐ and moisture‐stable when stored in ambient conditions. The [C12MMIm]n[MCl4] (M=Cu2+, Co2+ and Fe3+ ) crystals exhibited obvious colour‐change when exposed to ammonia (NH3) gas, indicating potential applications in ammonia detection.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and H2 Evolution Study of a Spheroid‐Shape Hydride‐Rich Copper Nanocluster
Authors: Dhayal Rajendra S. , Chen Hsuan‐Ping , Liao Jian‐Hong , van Zyl Werner E. , Liu C. W.
Published: April 2018

This study reports on new bis‐2‐butyl dithiophosphate‐stabilized polyhydrido copper nanoclusters, [Cu32(H)20{S2P(O2Bu)2}12], 1H, and [Cu20H11{S2P(O2Bu)2}9], 2H. The clusters 1H and 2H have been characterized by a variety of techniques including multinuclear NMR (1H, 2H, 31P), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and low temperature X‐ray crystallography. The presence of hydride ligands was supported by the 2H NMR spectrum of the deuteride analogs [Cu32(D)20{S2P(O2Bu)2)12], 1D and [Cu20D11{S2P(O2Bu)2}9], 2D. The metal skeleton of 1H revealed that a hexacapped rhombohedron of fourteen copper atoms was sandwiched between two sets of eighteen (9x2) copper atoms in a cup shape and the entire cluster is an elongated triangular gyrobicupola. The metal core is stabilized by 20 hydride ligands via various (μ3, μ4, μ5)‐H coordination modes and 12 dithiophosphate ligands coordinated either in tetrametallic tetraconnective (η4: μ2, μ2) or trimetallic tetraconnective (η3: μ2, μ2) patterns. The structural motif of 2H showed fascinating correlations with 1H having an elongated triangular orthobicupola framework of eighteen (9x2) copper atoms with an encapsulated linear Cu2 unit along the C3 axis and protected by 11 (μ3, μ4)‐H and 9 dithiophosphate ligands in a tetrametallic tetraconnective (η4: μ2, μ2) mode. The isopropyl derivatives, [Cu32(H)20{S2P(OiPr)2}12], 3H and [Cu20(H)11{S2P(OiPr)2}9], 4H, were used to study H2 evolution under different physico‐chemical conditions and proved to be excellent models for hydrogen storage materials. Additionally, following H2 evolution under sunlight irradiation, mild thermolysis (∼60 oC) and acidification, cluster 3H converted into [Cu8(H){S2P(OiPr)2}6]+, 5H. Intriguingly 5H can react with Cu+ salt in the presence of [BH4]− and re‐form 3H. Cluster 4H also reproducibly re‐formed via the reaction between 5H and [BH4]− from which a continuous cycle of cluster conversion and H2 evolution is proposed. Rhombus‐shaped copper nanoparticles fabricated from further reductions of 3H and 4H showed the intermediary role of metal hydrides in the formation of metal nanoparticles under wet chemical methods.
Engineering a pH‐Sensitive Liposomal MRI Agent by Modification of a Bacterial Channel
Authors: Yang Li‐Min , Zheng Hui , Ratnakar James S. , Adebesin Bukola Y. , Do Quyen N. , Kovacs Zoltan , Blount Paul
Published: April 2018

MscL is a bacterial mechanosensitive channel that serves as a cellular emergency release valve, protecting the cell from lysis upon a drop in external osmolarity. The channel has an extremely large pore (30 Å) and can be purified and reconstituted into artificial membranes. Moreover, MscL is modified to open in response to alternative external stimuli including changes in pH. These properties suggest this channel's potential as a triggered “nanopore” for localized release of vesicular contents such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and drugs. Toward this end, several variants of pH‐triggered MscL nanovalves are engineered. Stealth vesicles previously been shown to evade normal in vivo clearance and passively accumulate in inflamed and malignant tissues are reconstituted. These vesicles are loaded with 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid gadolinium complex (Gd‐DOTA), an MRI contrast reagent, and the resulting nanodevices tested for their ability to release Gd‐DOTA as evidenced by enhancement of the longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) of the bulk water proton spins. Nanovalves that are responsive to physiological pH changes are identified, but differ in sensitivity and efficacy, thus giving an array of nanovalves that could potentially be useful in different settings. These triggered nanodevices may be useful in delivering both diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Multicloud service composition: A survey of current approaches and issues
Authors: Lahmar Fatma , Mezni Haithem
Published: April 2018

During the last decade, cloud computing became a natural choice to host and provide various computing resources as on‐demand services. To better satisfy user requirements, cloud services may be combined while considering the constraints of the virtualized environment, including security policies, resources availability, and interoperability. Extensive surveys have been conducted to study the major issues related to the cloud service composition problem. However, very few works have studied such issues in a multicloud setting. To fill this gap, we provide in this paper a systematic literature review on multicloud service composition. We start with a background on service composition in single clouds. Then, we present the multicloud taxonomy, and we study how service composition was tackled by researchers in multicloud environments. Finally, we identify the challenges and the requirements of multicloud service composition, as well as the future directions.
1D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Micro/Nanocrystals: Fabrication, Assembly, and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Xu Xiuzhen , Zhang Xiujuan , Deng Wei , Jie Jiansheng , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: April 2018

1D perovskite micro/nanocrystals (1D PMCs) have captured the interest of scientists because they have fascinating properties and many potential technological applications. In comparison to polycrystalline perovskite films, 1D PMCs with well‐defined crystal structures possess larger carrier mobilities, higher photoluminescence quantum yields, and longer carrier diffusion lengths, making them an attractive system for both fundamental research and device applications. Here, recent developments in the controllable fabrication of 1D PMCs with excellent optoelectronic properties are described. Special attention is paid to methods for the aligned/patterned assembly of 1D PMCs, including evaporation‐induced self‐assembly, meniscus‐assisted self‐assembly, confinement self‐assembly, and template‐guided self‐assembly methods. Recent progress in the use of 1D PMCs in photodetectors, lasers, light‐emitting diodes, and solar cells is also reviewed. Finally, the challenges and outlook of 1D PMCs in future device applications are presented.
Computational Screening of 2D Materials and Rational Design of Heterojunctions for Water Splitting Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Zihe , Wu Dihua , Zhang Xin , Zhao Xudong , Zhou Zhen
Published: April 2018

As the energy crisis and environmental issues become increasingly serious, photocatalytic water splitting has received extensive attention as a promising method for the production of clean energy. However, available photocatalysts still have a long way to go. In light of the inherent advantages of 2D materials, reducing the thickness of nanosheets to monolayers is an effective strategy to achieve high photocatalytic activity. In this work, over 50 000 inorganic compounds from the Materials Project Database are screened, and 205 layered materials are obtained as candidates for water splitting photocatalysts. By exfoliating those layered materials and further examination, 36 kinds of 2D monolayers with validated stability and appropriate band edge position are achieved. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity, type‐II van der Waals heterostructures are fabricated according to structure and band edge position, and show ideal band edge positions with effective spatial separation of electrons and holes. From layered materials to 2D monolayers and then to type‐II heterojunctions, a high‐throughput computational materials design framework is proposed to gradually enhance the quantum efficiency and performance for photocatalytic water splitting. This screening algorithm exhibits excellent credibility and feasibility, and meanwhile provides substantial candidate catalysts for consequent experimental investigations on photocatalytic water splitting.
Conductivity of two‐dimensional composites with randomly distributed elliptical inclusions
Authors: Mityushev V. , Rylko N. , Bryła M.
Published: April 2018

Analytical approximate formulae for the effective conductivity tensor of the two‐dimensional composites with elliptical inclusions are derived in the form of polynomial approximations in concentration. New formulae explain the seeming contradiction between various formulae derived in the framework of self consistent methods. Random composites with high conducting inclusions of two different shapes (elliptical and circle) of the same area are compared. It is established that greater relative concentration of ellipses increases the effective conductivity.
Development of two-component rotating seals
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2018

In hydraulic applications, seals made from two polyurethane components can resolve the conflict between impermeability and strength. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is now doing research into rotating seals in which polyurethanes are bonded to high-performance plastics.
An update on aircraft oil bearing chamber sealing
Authors: Michaelis Susan
Published: April 2018

On board aircraft, the common use of engine compressor, pressurised air to seal the oil bearing chamber and as a source for the cabin bleed-air supply provides a mechanism for low-level oil leakage in routine engine operations. This is of great concern and was discussed previously in this newsletter in a feature entitled ‘Oil bearing seals and aircraft cabin air contamination’ (Sealing Technology April 2016, pages 7–10). Further to this article, Dr Susan Michaelis has now been awarded an MSc for her extensive work in researching the issue of oil leakage past seals in aircraft gas turbine engines. [1] An update on this research and associated initiatives is provided by this article.
Do Antitakeover Provisions Spur Corporate Innovation? A Regression Discontinuity Analysis
Authors: Chemmanur Thomas J. , Tian Xuan
Published: April 2018

We study the effect of antitakeover provisions (ATPs) on innovation. To establish causality, we use a regression discontinuity approach that relies on locally exogenous variation generated by shareholder proposal votes. We find a positive, causal effect of ATPs on innovation. This positive effect is more pronounced in firms that are subject to a larger degree of information asymmetry and operate in more competitive product markets. The evidence suggests that ATPs help nurture innovation by insulating managers from short-term pressures arising from equity markets. Finally, the number of ATPs contributes positively to firm value for firms involved in intensive innovation activities.
The Benefits and Vulnerabilities of a Warming Europe
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: April 2018

Scientists evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of a warmer climate on European countries, finding a range of effects on tourism, electricity demand, and ecosystem production.
Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide rescues learning and memory impairments in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects
Authors: Scuderi Caterina , Bronzuoli Maria Rosanna , Facchinetti Roberta , Pace Lorenzo , Ferraro Luca , Broad Kevin Donald , Serviddio Gaetano , Bellanti Francesco , Palombelli Gianmauro , Carpinelli Giulia , Canese Rossella , Gaetani Silvana , Steardo Luca , Steardo Luca , Cassano Tommaso
Published: April 2018

In an aging society, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exerts an increasingly serious health and economic burden. Current treatments provide inadequate symptomatic relief as several distinct pathological processes are thought to underlie the decline of cognitive and neural function seen in AD. This suggests that the efficacy of treatment requires a multitargeted approach. In this context, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) provides a novel potential adjunct therapy that can be incorporated into a multitargeted treatment strategy. We used young (6-month-old) and adult (12-month-old) 3×Tg-AD mice that received ultramicronized PEA (um-PEA) for 3 months via a subcutaneous delivery system. Mice were tested with a range of cognitive and noncognitive tasks, scanned with magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI/MRS), and neurochemical release was assessed by microdialysis. Potential neuropathological mechanisms were assessed postmortem by western blot, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence. Our data demonstrate that um-PEA improves learning and memory, and ameliorates both the depressive and anhedonia-like phenotype of 3×Tg-AD mice. Moreover, it reduces Aβ formation, the phosphorylation of tau proteins, and promotes neuronal survival in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus. Finally, um-PEA normalizes astrocytic function, rebalances glutamatergic transmission, and restrains neuroinflammation. The efficacy of um-PEA is particularly potent in younger mice, suggesting its potential as an early treatment. These data demonstrate that um-PEA is a novel and effective promising treatment for AD with the potential to be integrated into a multitargeted treatment strategy in combination with other drugs. Um-PEA is already registered for human use. This, in combination with our data, suggests the potential to rapidly proceed to clinical use.
DISC1 regulates lactate metabolism in astrocytes: implications for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Jouroukhin Yan , Kageyama Yusuke , Misheneva Varvara , Shevelkin Alexey , Andrabi Shaida , Prandovszky Emese , Yolken Robert H. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Aja Susan , Sesaki Hiromi , Pletnikov Mikhail V.
Published: April 2018

Our knowledge of how genetic risk variants contribute to psychiatric disease is mainly limited to neurons. However, the mechanisms whereby the same genetic risk factors could affect the physiology of glial cells remain poorly understood. We studied the role of a psychiatric genetic risk factor, Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1), in metabolic functions of astrocytes. We evaluated the effects of knockdown of mouse endogenous DISC1 (DISC1-KD) and expression of a dominant-negative, C-terminus truncated human DISC1 (DN-DISC1) on the markers of energy metabolism, including glucose uptake and lactate production, in primary astrocytes and in mice with selective expression of DN-DISC1 in astrocytes. We also assessed the effects of lactate treatment on altered affective behaviors and impaired spatial memory in DN-DISC1 mice. Both DISC1-KD and DN-DISC1 comparably decreased mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporter 4 and glucose uptake by primary astrocytes. Decreased glucose uptake was associated with reduced oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis as well as diminished lactate production in vitro and in vivo. No significant effects of DISC1 manipulations in astrocytes were observed on expression of the subunits of the electron transport chain complexes or mitofilin, a neuronal DISC1 partner. Lactate treatment rescued the abnormal behaviors in DN-DISC1 male and female mice. Our results suggest that DISC1 may be involved in the regulation of lactate production in astrocytes to support neuronal activity and associated behaviors. Abnormal expression of DISC1 in astrocytes and resulting abnormalities in energy supply may be responsible for aspects of mood and cognitive disorders observed in patients with major psychiatric illnesses.