bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bubble splitting under gas–liquid–liquid three‐phase flow in a double T‐junction microchannel
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Yue Jun , Zhao Shuainan , Yao Chaoqun , Chen Guangwen
Published: August 2017

Gas–aqueous liquid–oil three‐phase flow was generated in a microchannel with a double T‐junction. Under the squeezing of the dispersed aqueous phase at the second T‐junction (T2), the splitting of bubbles generated from the first T‐junction (T1) was investigated. During the bubble splitting process, the upstream gas–oil two‐phase flow and the aqueous phase flow at T2 fluctuate in opposite phases, resulting in either independent or synchronous relationship between the instantaneous downstream and upstream bubble velocities depending on the operating conditions. Compared with two‐phase flow, the modified capillary number and the ratio of the upstream velocity to the aqueous phase velocity were introduced to predict the bubble breakup time. The critical bubble breakup length and size laws of daughter bubbles/slugs were thereby proposed. These results provide an important guideline for designing microchannel structures for a precise manipulation of gas–liquid–liquid three‐phase flow which finds potential applications among others in chemical synthesis. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 376–388, 2018
Adiabatic time to maximum rate evaluation using an analytical approach
Authors: Sanchirico Roberto
Published: August 2017

This article presents an analytical method for the calculation of the adiabatic time to maximum rate. The procedure is developed considering a thermal decomposition process described by a simple n‐order kinetic and is based on the introduction of a special function that is possible by integrating analytically. The application of the method requires the knowledge of the thermokinetic parameters of the process under study and allows the calculation of the adiabatic time to maximum rate without the numerical integration of the heat and mass balance equations or the use of relationships based on particular simplifying hypotheses. Its validity has been demonstrated considering numerical and real experiments (thermal decomposition of trityl azide) providing in both cases times to maximum rate values which are very close to the real ones. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 172–179, 2018
Quantitative and qualitative studies of microorganisms involved in full‐scale autotrophic nitrogen removal performance
Authors: Muñoz‐Palazon Barbara , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Alejandro , Castellano‐Hinojosa Antonio , Gonzalez‐Lopez Jesus , van Loosdrecth Mark C. M. , Vahala Riku , Gonzalez‐Martinez Alejandro
Published: August 2017

Autotrophic nitrogen removal systems have been implemented at full‐scale and provide an efficient way for nitrogen removal from industrial and urban wastewaters. Our study present qualitative and quantitative analysis of archaeal and bacterial amoA genes and Candidatus Brocadiales bacteria analyzed in six full‐scale autotrophic nitrogen removal bioreactors. The results showed that ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were detected in all bioreactors. However, ammonium oxidizing archaea (AOA) were detected only in the non‐aerated technologies. Conversely, different Candidatus Brocadiales phylotypes appeared due to differences in influent wastewater composition and hydraulic retention time (HRT). In the same terms multivariate redundancy analysis confirmed that AOA was positively correlated with temperature, ammonium concentration and low HRT. However, AOB population was positively correlated with pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration. Our data suggested a correlation between the microorganisms involved in the nitrogen removal performance and the operational conditions in the different full‐scale bioreactors. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 457–467, 2018
Gas drying with ionic liquids
Authors: Han Jingli , Dai Chengna , Lei Zhigang , Chen Biaohua
Published: August 2017

The gas drying technology with ionic liquids (ILs) was systematically studied ranging from the molecular level to industrial scale. The COSMO‐RS model was first used to screen the suitable IL and provide theoretical insights at the molecular level. Toward CO2 gas dehydration, we measured the CO2 solubility in single [EMIM][Tf2N] and in the [EMIM][Tf2N] + H2O mixture, as well as the vapor‐liquid equilibrium (VLE) of [EMIM][Tf2N] + H2O system, to justify the applicability of UNIFAC model. Based on the thermodynamic study, the rigorous equilibrium (EQ) stage mathematical model was established for process simulation. The gas drying experiment with IL was also performed and the water content in gas product can be reduced to 375 ppm. It was confirmed that a less flow rate of absorbent, a higher CO2 recovery ratio and a much lower energy consumption can be achieved with IL than with the conventional triethylene glycol (TEG). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 606–619, 2018
Chaotic mixing in a barrier‐embedded partitioned pipe mixer
Authors: Jung Seon Yeop , Ahn Kyung Hyun , Kang Tae Gon , Park Gi Taek , Kim Sang Ug
Published: August 2017

Inspired by the partitioned pipe mixer (PPM), a barrier‐embedded partitioned pipe mixer (BPPM) is designed and analyzed using a numerical simulation scheme. The BPPM is a static mixer, composed of orthogonally connected rectangular plates with a pair of barriers, which divide, stretch, and fold fluid elements, leading to chaotic mixing via the baker's transformation. The aspect ratio of the plate (α) and the dimensionless height of the barrier (β) are chosen as design parameters to conduct a parameter study on the mixing performance. The flow characteristics and mixing performance are analyzed using the cross‐sectional velocity vectors, Poincaré section, interface tracking, and the intensity of segregation. The results indicate that several designs of the BPPM significantly enhance the PPM's mixing performance. The best BPPMs are identified with regard to compactness and energy consumption. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 717–729, 2018
Dynamic formation and scaling law of hollow droplet with gas/oil/water system in dual‐coaxial microfluidic devices
Authors: Sang Fu‐Ning , Chen Zhuo , Wang Yun‐Dong , Xu Jian‐Hong
Published: August 2017

Based on the one‐step microfluidic method of producing hollow droplet with thin film, this article studies the effect of water and oil flow rate, gas pressure, and viscosity of aqueous phase on the dynamic formation and size of hollow droplet by analyzing large amounts of data acquired automatically. The results show that the filling stage of hollow droplet is similar to that of microbubble formation, while the necking stage is similar to that of droplet formation process. Furthermore, based on the data and mathematical model describing droplet formation mechanism, a filling stage model including Capillary number of continuous phase is developed. Considering the dynamic interface breakup and displacement of droplet in necking stage, a necking stage model is developed. The results show that the model results considering filling and necking stage fit well with the experimental data, and the relative error is less than 5%. Finally, the same model with parameters is used to predict the size of hollow droplet with other systems and devices, and the model is proved to be relative precise in our experimental conditions. The results presented in this work provide a more in‐depth understanding of the dynamic formation and scaling law of hollow droplet with G/L/L systems in microfluidic devices. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 730–739, 2018
Kinetics of glycerol conversion to hydrocarbon fuels over Pd/H‐ZSM‐5 catalyst
Authors: Xiao Yang , Varma Arvind
Published: August 2017

The utilization of glycerol, primary byproduct of biodiesel production, is important to enhance process economics. In our recent prior work, it was shown that glycerol can be converted to hydrocarbon fuels over bifunctional catalysts, containing a noble metal supported on H‐ZSM‐5. Over Pd/H‐ZSM‐5 catalyst, an optimal ∼60% yield of hydrocarbon fuels was obtained. In the present work, based on experimental data over Pd/H‐ZSM‐5 catalyst, a lumped reaction network and kinetic model are developed. Using differential kinetic experiments over the temperature range 300–450°C, the rate constants, reaction orders, and activation energies are obtained for each reaction step. The predicted values match well with experimental data for glycerol conversion up to ∼90%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5445–5451, 2017
Interface‐shrinkage‐driven breakup of droplets in microdevices with different dispersed fluid channel shape
Authors: Lan Wenjie , Wang Zhihui , Du Yinjie , Guo Xuqiang , Li Shaowei
Published: August 2017

A new droplet breakup mechanism is previously proposed—interface‐shrinkage‐driven breakup. In coaxial microdevices, when the contact angle between the continuous phase and dispersed fluid channel (DFC) is sufficiently low, the new mechanism instead of the classic shear‐driven mechanism dominates the breakup. The present study further investigated the new mechanism in microdevices with DFCs of different shape. Critical contact angles in different devices were determined by theoretical analysis and verified by experiments. It was found that the critical contact angle for the new mechanism depends on the shape of the DFC. The droplet size was measured for different devices when the new mechanism dominated the breakup. In contrast to the case for the shear‐driven mechanism, the droplet size is little affected by the capillary number. Mathematical models were established to predict the droplet size in different devices and results were found to agree well with experimental results. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 367–375, 2018
Semiclassical Asymptotics of the Aharonov‐Bohm Interference Process
Authors: Fischer Stefan G. , Gneiting Clemens , Buchleitner Andreas
Published: August 2017

We systematically derive the semiclassical limit of a charged particle's motion in the presence of an infinitely long and infinitesimally thin solenoid carrying magnetic flux. Our limit establishes the connection of the particle's quantum mechanical canonical angular momentum to the latter's classical counterpart. A picture of Aharonov‐Bohm interference of two half‐waves acquiring Dirac's magnetic phase when passing on either side of the solenoid naturally emerges from the quantum propagator. The resulting interference pattern is fully determined by the ratio of the angular part of Hamilton's principal function to Planck's constant, and the wave interference smoothes out discontinuities in the semiclassical propagator which is recovered in the limit when the above ratio diverges. We discuss the relation of our results to the whirling‐wave representation of the exact propagator, and to previous approaches on the system's asymptotics.
Nanoscale Metal–Organic Layers for Deeply Penetrating X‐ray‐Induced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lan Guangxu , Ni Kaiyuan , Xu Ruoyu , Lu Kuangda , Lin Zekai , Chan Christina , Lin Wenbin
Published: August 2017

We report the rational design of metal–organic layers (MOLs) that are built from [Hf6O4(OH)4(HCO2)6] secondary building units (SBUs) and Ir[bpy(ppy)2]+‐ or [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐derived tricarboxylate ligands (Hf‐BPY‐Ir or Hf‐BPY‐Ru; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) and their applications in X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy (X‐PDT) of colon cancer. Heavy Hf atoms in the SBUs efficiently absorb X‐rays and transfer energy to Ir[bpy(ppy)2]+ or [Ru(bpy)3]2+ moieties to induce PDT by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ability of X‐rays to penetrate deeply into tissue and efficient ROS diffusion through ultrathin 2D MOLs (ca. 1.2 nm) enable highly effective X‐PDT to afford superb anticancer efficacy.
Self‐Cleaning Catalyst Electrodes for Stabilized CO2 Reduction to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Weng Zhe , Zhang Xing , Wu Yueshen , Huo Shengjuan , Jiang Jianbing , Liu Wen , He Guanjie , Liang Yongye , Wang Hailiang
Published: August 2017

A surface‐restructuring strategy is presented that involves self‐cleaning Cu catalyst electrodes with unprecedented catalytic stability toward CO2 reduction. Under the working conditions, the Pd atoms pre‐deposited on Cu surface induce continuous morphological and compositional restructuring of the Cu surface, which constantly refreshes the catalyst surface and thus maintains the catalytic properties for CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons. The Pd‐decorated Cu electrode can catalyze CO2 reduction with relatively stable selectivity and current density for up to 16 h, which is one of the best catalytic durability performances among all Cu electrocatalysts for effective CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons. The generality of this approach of utilizing foreign metal atoms to induce surface restructuring toward stabilizing Cu catalyst electrodes against deactivation by carbonaceous species accumulation in CO2 reduction is further demonstrated by replacing Pd with Rh.
Scalable Dry Production Process of a Superior 3D Net‐Like Carbon‐Based Iron Oxide Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Min , Du Haoran , Kuai Long , Huang Kuangfu , Xia Yuanyuan , Geng Baoyou
Published: August 2017

Carbon‐based transition‐metal oxides are considered as an appropriate anode material candidate for lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, a simple and scalable dry production process is developed to produce carbon‐encapsulated 3D net‐like FeOx/C materials. The process is simply associated with the pyrolysis of a solid carbon source, such as filter paper, adsorbed with ferrite nitrate. The carbon derived from filter paper induces a carbothermal reduction to form metallic Fe, the addition of carbon and iron increase the conductivity of this material. As expected, this 3D net‐like FeOx/C composite delivers an excellent charge capacity of 851.3 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 as well as high stability and rate performance of 714.7 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1 A g−1. Superior performance, harmlessness, low costs, and high yield may greatly stimulate the practical application of the products as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries.
Hibernating Little Pocket Mice Show Few Seasonal Changes in Bone Properties
Authors: Pineda Noellyn , Owen Marjorie , Tucker Claire , Wojda Samantha , Kitchen Stanley , Black Hal , Donahue Seth
Published: August 2017

Periods of disuse or physical inactivity increases bone porosity and decreases bone mineral density, resulting in a loss of bone mechanical competence in many animals. Although large hibernators like bears and marmots prevent bone loss during hibernation, despite long periods of physical inactivity, some small hibernators do lose bone during hibernation. Little pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris) remain underground during winter hibernation and undergo bouts of torpor and interbout arousals, but the torpor bout duration is shorter than other rodent hibernators. Additionally, little pocket mice may enter torpor during summer estivation. In this study, cortical and trabecular bone architectural, mineral, and mechanical properties were analyzed for femurs from little pocket mice captured during 8 different months (March to October) to determine seasonal effects on bone. There were no differences in any bone properties between the pre‐hibernation month of October and the post‐hibernation month of March, suggesting winter hibernation did not adversely affect bone properties. However, cortical area was higher in March than April, May, and June. Bone mechanical and osteocyte lacunar properties were not different between any months. Trabecular bone in the distal femoral epiphysis showed no changes between months. The distal femoral metaphyseal region showed higher trabecular spacing and lower trabecular number in May than August, otherwise, there were no differences in trabecular parameters. The few monthly differences in bone properties may be due to physical inactivity from periodic summer estivation or from the timing of birth and growth in spring and summer months. Anat Rec, 300:2175–2183, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tooth Morphogenesis and FGF4 Expression During Development of Molar Tooth in Three Muroid Rodents: Calomyscus elburzensis (Calomyscidae), Mesocricetus auratus (Cricetidae) and Mus musculus (Muridae)
Authors: Hamidi Kordiyeh , Darvish Jamshid , Matin Maryam M. , Javanmard Athar Sadat , Kilpatrick C. William
Published: August 2017

To date, no studies have examined the tooth formation during developmental stages of brush‐tailed mice (Calomyscidae) and true hamsters (Cricetidae). Herein, we compared the timing of tooth morphogenesis and FGF4 expression pattern during development of the first lower molar in Goodwin's brush‐tailed mouse, Calomyscus elburzensis with two other muroid rodents; the house mouse, Mus musculus (Muridae), model organism for tooth morphogenesis, and the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus which shares great similarities in cusp pattern with brush‐tailed mice. All three species were bred in captivity and developing embryos were isolated at different embryonic days (E). Histological evaluation of lower molars was performed and spatiotemporal pattern of FGF4 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results indicated that morphogenesis of the tooth cusps starts at the beginning of the cap stage of the first lower molar (E14 in house mouse, about E11.5 in golden hamster and E22 in Goodwin's brush‐tailed mouse). During the cap to bell stage (E15 in house mouse, E12 in golden hamster and at about E24 in Goodwin's brush‐tailed mouse), a decrease in the expression of FGF4 was observed in the mesenchyme, except for the cusp tips. According to our observations, the developmental process of the first lower molar formation in Goodwin's brush‐tailed mouse began much later as compared with the other two species. Despite the differences in the temporal pattern of molar development between these three members of the same superfamily (Muroidea), the correlation in the expression of FGF4 with specific stages of tooth morphogenesis supported its regulatory function. Anat Rec, 300:2138–2149, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Golimumab in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Kavanaugh Arthur , Husni M. Elaine , Harrison Diane D. , Kim Lilianne , Lo Kim Hung , Leu Jocelyn H. , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) golimumab treatment in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

In this phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive IV placebo (n = 239) or golimumab at 2 mg/kg (n = 241) at weeks 0, 4, 12, and 20. The primary end point was the proportion of patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieving an ACR20 response) at week 14. Controlled secondary end points included change from baseline in Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) score at week 14, proportions of patients with ACR50 and ACR70 responses and ≥75% improvement on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (a PASI75 response) at week 14, and change from baseline at week 24 in the total modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) with modifications for patients with PsA.

Results

At week 14, an ACR20 response was achieved by 75.1% of patients in the golimumab group compared with 21.8% of patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Greater proportions of golimumab‐treated patients had an ACR50 response (43.6% versus 6.3%), an ACR70 response (24.5% versus 2.1%), and a PASI75 response (59.2% versus 13.6%) at week 14 (P < 0.001 for all). Patients in the golimumab group had greater mean changes at week 14 in HAQ DI score (–0.60 versus –0.12; P < 0.001). At week 24, the mean change in total PsA‐modified SHS was –0.4 in the golimumab group and 2.0 in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Through week 24, 40.6% of patients in the placebo group and 46.3% of patients in the golimumab group had ≥1 adverse event (AE); infections were the most common type.

Conclusion

Patients receiving IV golimumab at 2 mg/kg had significantly greater improvements in the signs and symptoms of PsA and less radiographic progression through week 24. AEs were consistent with those seen with other anti–tumor necrosis factor agents.
NF‐κB2 Controls the Migratory Activity of Memory T Cells by Regulating Expression of CXCR4 in a Mouse Model of Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Kurosawa Mie , Arakaki Rieko , Yamada Akiko , Tsunematsu Takaaki , Kudo Yasusei , Sprent Jonathan , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: August 2017

Objective

Dysregulated chemokine signaling contributes to autoimmune diseases by facilitating aberrant T cell infiltration into target tissues, but the specific chemokines, receptors, and T cell populations remain largely unidentified. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the potent chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in the T cell autoimmune response, using alymphoplasia (aly)/aly mice, a model of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

T cell phenotypes in the salivary gland of aly/aly mice were evaluated using immunologic analysis. An in vitro migration assay was used to assess T cell migratory activity toward several chemokines. Gene expression of chemokine receptors and transforming growth factor β receptors (TGFβRs) was measured by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 was administered to the aly/aly mice in order to evaluate its suppressive effect on autoimmune lesions.

Results

Effector memory T (TEM) cells derived from aly/aly mice demonstrated higher in vitro migratory activity toward CXCL12 than did TEM cells from aly/+ mice. CXCL12 expression was specifically up‐regulated in the SS target cells of aly/aly mice. TEM cells from RelB−/− mice, but not Nfkb1−/− mice, also showed high migratory activity toward CXCL12, implicating a role of the nonclassical RelB/NF‐κB2 pathway in the regulation of TEM cell migration. TEM cells from aly/aly mice also overexpressed TGFβR type I (TGFβRI) and TGFβRII. The CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 suppressed autoimmune lesions in aly/aly mice by reducing TEM cell infiltration.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the RelB/NF‐κB2 pathway regulates T cell migration to autoimmune targets through TGFβ/TGFβR‐dependent regulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. This suggests that these signaling pathways are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Cloning and bacterial expression systems for recombinant human heparanase production: Substrate specificity investigation by docking of a putative heparanase substrate
Authors: Pennacchio Angela , Capo Alessandro , Caira Simonetta , Tramice Annabella , Varriale Antonio , Staiano Maria , D'Auria Sabato
Published: August 2017

Human heparanase (HPSE) is an enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix. It is implicated in a multiplicity of physiological and pathological processes encouraging angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. The protein is a heterodimer composed of a subunit of 8 kDa and another of 50 kDa. The two protein subunits are noncovalently associated. The cloning and expression of the two protein subunits in Escherichia coli and their subsequent purification to homogeneity under native conditions result in the production of an active HPSE enzyme. The substrate specificity of the HPSE was studied by docking of a putative substrate that is a designed oligosaccharide with the minimum recognition backbone, with the additional 2‐N‐sulfate and 6‐O‐sulfate groups at the nonreducing GlcN and a fluorogenic tag at the reducing extremity GlcN. To develop a quantitative fluorescence assay with this substrate would be extremely useful in studies on HPSE, as the HPSE cleavage of fluorogenic tag would result in a measurable response.
Take a fresh approach to ongoing challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2017

Bill Popp refuses to settle for the same old approach to the same old challenges. Instead, he embraces a fresh perspective based on the valuable lessons he's learned throughout his 23‐year career in college athletics combined with the wisdom he actively seeks out from colleagues and others in the world of college athletics.
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in the TAVR era: Not so new but definitely improved
Authors: Feldman Ted , Guerrero Mayra
Published: August 2017

Key Points

BAV in the TAVR era is not well studied

BAV resulted in improvements in aortic valve area and transvalvular pressure gradient, and in patients with impaired left ventricle function, ejection fraction improved.

BAV resulted in changes of planned therapy

BAV techniques remain unstandardized and can be improved
Facet‐Selective Growth of Cadmium Sulfide Nanorods on Zinc Oxide Microrods: Intergrowth Effect for Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Guo Xu , Chen Yubin , Qin Zhixiao , Su Jinzhan , Guo Liejin
Published: August 2017

Well‐designed architectures play an important role in accelerating charge transfer between the different components of hybrid photocatalysts. Herein, we report a simple one‐step hydrothermal method to achieve a CdS/ZnO heterostructure with a novel spatial arrangement. The CdS nanorods were found to be attached to the surface of the ZnO microrods with an intimate face‐to‐face contact, and the heterointerfaces corresponded to {1 0 0} facets of CdS and {1 0 0} facets of ZnO. It was discovered that Zn(OH)2 intermediates were formed at first and then grew into hexagonal ZnO microrods through a solid–solid‐phase transformation. Simultaneously, CdS nuclei grew to nanorods on the {1 0 0} facets of ZnO by oriented attachment during the one‐step hydrothermal process. Under visible‐light irradiation, obtained CdS/ZnO exhibited enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation owing to improved charge separation from the two‐phase intergrowth effect. This work provides a facile hydrothermal route to construct intergrown heterostructures with desired spatial arrangements for improved photocatalytic properties.
Detailed Reaction Mechanisms for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane over La2O3/CeO2 Nanofiber Fabric Catalysts
Authors: Karakaya Canan , Zhu Huayang , Zohour Bahman , Senkan Selim , Kee Robert J.
Published: August 2017

We develop and validate detailed reaction mechanisms to represent the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over a La2O3/CeO2 nanofabric catalyst. The reaction mechanism includes 39 reversible gas‐phase reactions and 52 irreversible surface reactions between 22 gas‐phase species and 11 surface species. We use a model‐based interpretation of spatially resolved concentration and temperature profiles measured by using a laboratory‐scale packed‐bed reactor. The reaction mechanisms are validated for inlet feed compositions in the range of 7≤CH4/O2≤11. The results are supported by a reaction pathway analysis that provides insight into the relative contributions of the gas‐phase and surface reactions to form the desired C2+ and the undesired COx products. The results provide new quantitative insights into the complex nature of the OCM chemistry, which can assist practical process and reactor development.
Optical Limiting Properties of 3,5‐Dithienylenevinylene BODIPY Dyes at 532 nm
Authors: Harris Jessica , Gai Lizhi , Kubheka Gugu , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello , Shen Zhen
Published: August 2017

The optical limiting properties of a series of near infrared absorbing 3,5‐dithienylenevinylene BODIPY (boron‐dipyrromethene) dyes (1–3) that contain donor and acceptor moieties in their π‐conjugation systems were studied by using the z‐scan technique at 532 nm in the nanosecond pulse range. A strong reverse saturable absorption response was observed when the compounds are embedded into poly(bisphenol carbonate A) polymer thin films, which demonstrates that BODIPY dyes with this type of structure are suitable for use in optical limiting applications.
[UO2Cl2(phen)2], a Simple Uranium(VI) Compound with a Significantly Bent Uranyl Unit (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline)
Authors: Schöne Sebastian , Radoske Thomas , März Juliane , Stumpf Thorsten , Patzschke Michael , Ikeda‐Ohno Atsushi
Published: August 2017

A simple synthesis based on UO2Cl2⋅n H2O and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) resulted in the formation of a new uranyl(VI) complex [UO2Cl2(phen)2] (1), revealing a unique dodecadeltahedron coordination geometry around the uranium center with significant bending of the robust linear arrangement of the uranyl (O–U–O) unit. Quantum chemical calculations on complex1indicated that the weak but distinct interactions between the uranyl oxygens and the adjacent hydrogens of phen molecules play an important role in forming the dodecadeltahedron geometry that fits to the crystal structure of1, resulting in the bending the uranyl unit. The uranyl oxygens in1are anticipated to be activated as compared with those in other linear uranyl(VI) compounds.
Stroke or left atrial thrombus prediction using antithrombin III and mean platelet volume in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi Seo‐Won , Kim Bo‐Bae , Choi Dong‐Hyun , Park Geon , Shin Byung Chul , Song Heesang , Kim DongHun , Kim Dong‐Min
Published: August 2017

Background

CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke) and CHA2DS2‐VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category) scores showed just moderate discrimination ability in predicting thromboembolic complications in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hypothesis

To determine the association of antithrombin III (AT‐III) deficiency and mean platelet volume (MPV) with the development of stroke or left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with AF.

Methods

AT‐III and MPV were analyzed in 352 patients with AF. The primary endpoint was a composite of ischemic stroke event and incidental LA thrombus.

Results

There were 50 events (14.2%) during a mean 35.4 months of follow‐up. A significantly higher stroke or LA thrombus rate was observed in the low–AT‐III group (<70%) than that in the high–AT‐III group (≥70%). A significantly higher stroke or LA thrombus rate was observed in the high‐MPV group (≥7.0 fL) than that in the low‐MPV group (<7.0 fL). AF patients with an MPV ≥7.0 fL and AT‐III deficiency had higher stroke or LA thrombus risk than those without an MPV ≥7.0 fL and AT‐III deficiency. In the Cox proportional hazard analysis, high MPV was found to be an independent predictor of stroke or LA thrombus risk (hazard ratio: 6.408; 95% confidence interval: 2.874‐14.286). Although AT‐III deficiency was not an independent predictor of stroke or LA thrombus risk, a trend was observed.

Conclusions

High MPV and AT‐III deficiency were predictive markers for stroke or LA thrombus. Their predictive power for stroke was independent of antiplatelet treatment, anticoagulation therapy, and a high CHA2DS2‐VASc score in patients with AF.
Production of Single Contracting Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Cardiomyocytes: Matrigel Mattress Technique
Authors: Cadar Adrian G. , Feaster Tromondae K. , Durbin Matthew D. , Hong Charles C.
Published: August 2017

This unit describes the published Matrigel mattress method. Briefly, we describe the preparation of the mattress, replating of the human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CM) on the Matrigel mattress, and hiPSC‐CM mattress maintenance. Adherence to this protocol will yield individual, robustly shortening hiPSC‐CMs, which can be used for downstream applications. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On BH3 Mimetics and Ca2+ Signaling
Authors: Ferdek Pawel E. , Jakubowska Monika A.
Published: August 2017

Preclinical Research

BH3 mimetics are anticancer agents that reproduce the spatial arrangement of the BH3 domain of Bcl‐2 family proteins. Just like the BH3‐only proteins, these compounds bind to the hydrophobic cleft of the pro‐survival Bcl‐2 members such as Bcl‐2 or Bcl‐xL, and disrupt their heterodimerization with pro‐apoptotic Bax or Bak, sensitizing cells to chemotherapy. In recent years, it has become clear that Bcl‐2 family proteins are engaged in regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, including Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores as well as Ca2+ fluxes across the plasma membrane. Given that BH3 mimetics shift the balance between the prosurvival and proapoptotic Bcl‐2 members, they might indirectly exert effects on intracellular Ca2+ signals. Indeed, it has been reported that some BH3 mimetics release Ca2+ from the intracellular stores causing Ca2+ overload in the cytosol. Therefore, the effects of any new BH3 mimetics on cellular Ca2+ homeostasis should be tested before these compounds progress to clinical trials. Drug Dev Res 78 : 313–318, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors in evolution: Roles in development of mesoderm and neural tissues
Authors: Gyoja Fuki
Published: August 2017

Basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors have attracted the attention of developmental and evolutionary biologists for decades because of their conserved functions in mesodermal and neural tissue formation in both vertebrates and fruit flies. Their evolutionary history is of special interest because it will likely provide insights into developmental processes and refinement of metazoan‐specific traits. This review briefly considers advances in developmental biological studies on bHLHs/HLHs. I also discuss recent genome‐wide surveys and molecular phylogenetic analyses of these factors in a wide range of metazoans. I hypothesize that interactions between metazoan‐specific Group A, D, and E bHLH/HLH factors enabled a sophisticated transition system from cell proliferation to differentiation in multicellular development. This control mechanism probably emerged initially to organize a multicellular animal body and was subsequently recruited to form evolutionarily novel tissues, which differentiated during a later ontogenetic phase.
Psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa on symptoms of depression: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Linardon Jake , Wade Tracey , de la Piedad Garcia Xochitl , Brennan Leah
Published: August 2017

Objective

Depressive symptoms are an important risk factor and consequence of binge eating and purging behavior in bulimia nervosa (BN). Although psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms of BN in the short‐ and long‐term, it is unclear whether psychotherapy for BN is also effective in reducing depressive symptoms. This meta‐analysis examined the efficacy of psychotherapy for BN on depressive symptoms in the short‐ and long‐term.

Method

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on BN that assessed depressive symptoms as an outcome were identified. Twenty‐six RCTs were included.

Results

Psychotherapy was more efficacious at reducing symptoms of depression at post‐treatment (g = 0.47) than wait‐lists. This effect was strongest when studies delivered therapist‐led, rather than guided self‐help, treatment. No significant differences were observed between psychotherapy and antidepressants. There was no significant post‐treatment difference between CBT and other active psychological comparisons at reducing symptoms of depression. However, when only therapist‐led CBT was analyzed, therapist‐led CBT was significantly more efficacious (g = 0.25) than active comparisons at reducing depressive symptoms. The magnitude of the improvement in depressive symptoms was predicted by the magnitude of the improvement in BN symptoms.

Discussion

These findings suggest that psychotherapy is effective for reducing depressive symptoms in BN in the short‐term. Whether these effects are sustained in the long‐term is yet to be determined, as too few studies conducted follow‐up assessments. Moreover, findings demonstrate that, in addition to being the front‐running treatment for BN symptoms, CBT might also be the most effective psychotherapy for improving the symptoms of depression that commonly co‐occur in BN.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Migratory Insertion of Isocyanides into C(thiophene)–SMe Bonds: Access to Atom‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Vahabi Amir Hossein , Alizadeh Abdolali , Khavasi Hamid Reza , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: August 2017

PdII‐catalyzed CN‐directed addition of isocyanides to C(sp2)–SMe bonds of thiophenes (generated in situ) effectively recycles the SMe activating group into thioimidate products. The catalytic sequence includes selective C(sp2)–SMe bond activation/migratory insertion of isocyanides into C(sp2)–PdIV and subsequent C(sp2)–SMe bond‐forming reductive elimination from imidoyl–PdIV–SMe complexes. Through these transition‐metal‐catalyzed addition reactions we have established isocyanides as a new template for atom‐transfer reactions. This groundbreaking research avoids the use of ancillary ligands that is a constant feature of all previously reported addition reactions with C–S bonds. This process proceeds through a high‐valent PdII/IV catalytic cycle, which – to the best of our knowledge – has not been previously reported in this regard. Isocyanide insertion into C(Ar)–S bonds through addition is also unprecedented. Finally, the resulting thioimidates were demonstrated to be convenient precursors for the synthesis of thieno[2,3‐c]pyrroles by targeting the recycled SMe group for the second time in a cascade reaction process.
Efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination of ibuprofen and caffeine in the management of moderate to severe dental pain after third molar extraction
Authors: Weiser T. , Richter E. , Hegewisch A. , Muse D.D. , Lange R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Ibuprofen is an effective analgesic treatment with a ceiling effect at doses above 400 mg. This study compared the combination of ibuprofen 400 mg and caffeine 100 mg with ibuprofen 400 mg monotherapy, caffeine and placebo in the analgesic treatment of moderate to severe acute dental pain following third molar extraction.

Methods

Phase III, active‐/placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, single‐centre, two‐stage, parallel‐group study in adult patients with at least moderate baseline pain intensity. Primary endpoint was defined as the time‐weighted sum of pain relief and pain intensity difference over 8 h (SPRID0–8 h), secondary endpoints included duration of pain relief, time to meaningful pain relief and more.

Results

N = 748 patients were enrolled and N = 562 treated. Mean baseline pain intensity was 7.7 on a 0–10 numerical rating scale. Analysis of SPRID0–8 h demonstrated superior analgesic effects for a single dose of ibuprofen/caffeine versus ibuprofen, caffeine and placebo over 8 h, rescue medication in this stage was requested by more patients on ibuprofen (32.5%) than on ibuprofen/caffeine (16.0%). Median time to meaningful pain relief was shorter for ibuprofen/caffeine (1.13 h) compared with ibuprofen (1.78 h; p = 0.0001). More patients on ibuprofen/caffeine than on ibuprofen reported meaningful pain relief. Adverse events were infrequent and mostly mild or moderate across treatment groups. Tolerability was rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by most patients in both treatment groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated clinically relevant superiority of ibuprofen/caffeine over monotherapy with ibuprofen in patients with acute dental pain. All treatments were well tolerated.

Significance

This trial showed superior efficacy of 400/100 mg ibuprofen/caffeine, compared to 400 mg ibuprofen alone, for treating acute pain, reflecting that caffeine is an effective analgesic adjuvant. Data on efficacy of 400 mg ibuprofen combined with caffeine for the treatment of acute pain were not available yet.
Bi‐enzyme Electrochemical Sensor for Selective Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides with Phenolic Leaving Groups
Authors: Stoytcheva Margarita , Zlatev Roumen , Montero Gisela , Velkova Zdravka , Gochev Velizar
Published: August 2017

An amperometric bi‐enzyme sensor for detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) with phenolic leaving groups, which are not electroactive, is presented in this work. The biosensing platform was created by a simple, controllable, and reproducible one‐step electrodeposition onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode of a chitosan bionanocomposite with entrapped carboxylated multi walled carbon nanotubes, organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The OPs determination involved a sequence of OPH and HRP‐catalyzed reactions resulting in phenolic radicals production, which were quantified by registering the current of their reduction at a potential of −50 mV vs. Ag, AgCl/KClsat.The developed sensor was applied for the determination of prothiofos, as an example. At optimized conditions (pH 7.25 and H2O2 concentration 200 μmol L−1), a LOD as low as 0.8 μmol L−1 was attained, while the linear concentration range was extended from 2.64 μmol L−1 up to 35 μmol L−1. The main advantage of the proposed bi‐enzyme sensor is its selectivity toward the OPs with phenolic leaving groups, excluding the interference of the nitrophenyl‐substituted OPs.
Future climate vulnerability – evaluating multiple lines of evidence
Authors: Michalak Julia L , Withey John C , Lawler Joshua J , Case Michael J
Published: August 2017

Climate change will markedly alter the structure and function of ecosystems, with important implications for land management. Yet scientists’ ability to predict future ecological conditions is hampered by uncertainty in both climate projections and ecological responses to climate change. More data are now available – from small‐scale experimental results to continental vegetation model projections – to improve understanding of climate vulnerability. Integrating these resources can strengthen vulnerability assessments but managers may become skeptical of the assessment process when information sources generate conflicting outcomes. We discuss practical approaches to integrating multiple lines of evidence in vulnerability assessments, and illustrate these approaches using three case studies: Oregon white oak in the Willamette Valley, whitebark pine in south‐central Idaho, and sagebrush steppe on the Columbia Plateau. These cases demonstrate that although weaving together multiple lines of evidence can be challenging, unique insights can emerge even when there is divergence in projected changes.
Integrating the social sciences to enhance climate literacy
Authors: Shwom Rachael , Isenhour Cindy , Jordan Rebecca C , McCright Aaron M , Robinson Jennifer Meta
Published: August 2017

The climate literacy movement aspires to help members of the general public understand the global climate system, locate and assess scientifically credible climatic information, communicate about climate change in an educated and objective manner, and make informed and responsible decisions in response to climate‐change impacts. When these goals are not met, society will likely be further imperiled by the effects of a changing climate. Climate literacy programs have traditionally promoted education on the biophysical science of the climate system but have largely failed to integrate relevant knowledge from the social sciences. We argue that understanding human behavior and the social drivers of climate change are essential for the public to fully appreciate the climate system, and that this knowledge can inform decision making related to climate‐change mitigation and adaptation. Teaching students to evaluate different forms of evidence will also improve climate literacy and lead them to ask how scientists know what they know. Finally, we suggest two new social science principles that could advance interdisciplinary climate literacy goals.
Peripheral nerve growth within a hydrogel microchannel scaffold supported by a kink‐resistant conduit
Authors: Shahriari Dena , Shibayama Masataka , Lynam Daniel A. , Wolf Kayle J. , Kubota Go , Koffler Jacob Y. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Campana Wendy M. , Sakamoto Jeff S.
Published: August 2017

Nerve repair in several mm‐long nerve gaps often requires an interventional technology. Microchannel scaffolds have proven effective for bridging nerve gaps and guiding axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Nonetheless, fabricating microchannel scaffolds at this length scale remains a challenge and/or is time consuming and cumbersome. In this work, a simple computer‐aided microdrilling technique was used to fabricate 10 mm‐long agarose scaffolds consisting of 300 µm‐microchannels and 85 µm‐thick walls in less than an hour. The agarose scaffolds alone, however, did not exhibit adequate stiffness and integrity to withstand the mechanical stresses during implantation and suturing. To provide mechanical support and enable suturing, poly caprolactone (PCL) conduits were fabricated and agarose scaffolds were placed inside. A modified salt‐leaching technique was developed to introduce interconnected porosity in PCL conduits to allow for tuning of the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and strain to failure. It was shown that the PCL conduits were effective in stabilizing the agarose scaffolds in 10 mm‐long sciatic nerve gaps of rats for at least 8 weeks. Robust axon ingress and Schwann cell penetration were observed within the microchannel scaffolds without using growth factors. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3392–3399, 2017.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun laminin‐functionalized silk fibroin/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibrous scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Rajabi Mina , Firouzi Masoumeh , Hassannejad Zahra , Haririan Ismaeil , Zahedi Payam
Published: August 2017

The peripheral nerve regeneration is still one of the major clinical problems, which has received a great deal of attention. In this study, the electrospun silk fibroin (SF)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated and functionalized their surfaces with laminin (LN) without chemical linkers for potential use in the peripheral nerve tissue engineering. The morphology, surface chemistry, thermal behavior and wettability of the scaffolds were examined to evaluate their performance by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements, respectively. The proliferation and viability of Schwann cells onto the surfaces of SF/PEO nanofibrous scaffolds were investigated using SEM and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. The results showed an improvement of SF conformation and surface hydrophilicity of SF/PEO nanofibers after methanol and O2 plasma treatments. The immunostaining observation indicated a continuous coating of LN on the scaffolds. Improving the surface hydrophilicity and LN functionalization significantly increased the cell proliferation and this was more prominent after 5 days of culture time. In conclusion, the obtained results revealed that the electrospun LN‐functionalized SF/PEO nanofibrous scaffold could be a promising candidate for peripheral nerve tissue regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1595–1604, 2018.
Pharmacokinetic changes with growth and development between birth and adulthood
Authors: O'Hara Kate
Published: August 2017

Children undergo many changes related to growth and development as they move from birth to adulthood. Throughout this period the pharmacokinetic processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion also undergo significant changes. These changes can affect the safety and efficacy of medications administered to children and account for the differences in dosing and toxicity seen in this population. This paper describes the pharmacokinetic changes throughout the neonatal period, childhood and into adolescence along with some practical advice on managing medications in these populations.