bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A synthetic biology approach for the fabrication of functional (fluorescent magnetic) bioorganic–inorganic hybrid materials in sponge primmorphs
Authors: Markl Julia S. , Müller Werner E. G. , Sereno Dayane , Elkhooly Tarek A. , Kokkinopoulou Maria , Gardères Johan , Depoix Frank , Wiens Matthias 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDuring evolution, sponges (Porifera) have honed the genetic toolbox and biosynthetic mechanisms for the fabrication of siliceous skeletal components (spicules). Spicules carry a protein scaffold embedded within biogenic silica (biosilica) and feature an amazing range of optical, structural, and mechanical properties. Thus, it is tempting to explore the low‐energy synthetic pathways of spiculogenesis for the fabrication of innovative hybrid materials. In this synthetic biology approach, the uptake of multifunctional nonbiogenic nanoparticles (fluorescent, superparamagnetic) by spicule‐forming cells of bioreactor‐cultivated sponge primmorphs provides access to spiculogenesis. The ingested nanoparticles were detected within intracellular vesicles resembling silicasomes (silica‐rich cellular compartments) and as cytosolic clusters where they lent primmorphs fluorescent/magnetic properties. During spiculogenesis, the nanoparticles initially formed an incomplete layer around juvenile, intracellular spicules. In the mature, extracellular spicules the nanoparticles were densely arranged as a surface layer that rendered the resulting composite fluorescent and magnetic. By branching off the conventional route of solid‐state materials synthesis under harsh conditions, a new pathway has been opened to a versatile platform that allows adding functionalities to growing spicules as templates in living cells, using nonbiogenic nanoscale building blocks with multiple functionalities. The magnet‐assisted alignment renders this composite with its fluorescent/magnetic properties potentially suitable for application in biooptoelectronics and microelectronics (e.g., microscale on‐chip waveguides for applications of optical detection and sensing).
LC–QToF–MS method for quantification of ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin in human plasma and its application
Authors: Fachi Mariana Millan , Vilhena Raquel Oliveira , Boger Beatriz , Domingos Eric Luiz , dos Santos Josiane Marlei Müller Fernandes , Junkert Allan Michael , de Fátima Cobre Alexandre , Momade Danilo Raul Ossufo , Beraldi‐Magalhães Francisco , de Liz Marcus Vinicius , Cordeiro‐Santos Marcelo , Pontarolo Roberto 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this research, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–QToF–MS) method for simultaneous quantification of the anti‐tuberculosis drugs ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin in human plasma. Plasma samples spiked with cimetidine (internal standard) were extracted using protein precipitation with acetonitrile containing 1% formic acid. Separation was performed using a C18 column under flow gradient conditions with water and acetonitrile, both containing 5 mm ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid. The method was validated according to the ANVISA and US Food and Drug Administration guidelines for bioanalytical method validation. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 0.2–5 μg ml−1 for ethambutol, 0.2–7.5 μg ml−1 for isoniazid, 1–40 μg ml−1 for pyrazinamide and 0.25–2 μg ml−1 for rifampicin, all with adequate precision and accuracy. The method was reproducible, selective and free of carryover and matrix effects. The validated LC–QToF–MS method was successfully applied to real samples and shown to be applicable to future therapeutic and pharmacokinetic monitoring studies.
Identification of the surgical indication line for the Denonvilliers’ fascia and its anatomy in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Jianglong , Liu Jing , Fang Jiafeng , Zeng Zongheng , Wei Bo , Chen Tufeng , Wei Hongbo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe high rate of urogenital dysfunction after traditional total mesorectal excision (TME) has caused doubts among scholars on the standard fashion of dissection. We have proposed the necessity to preserve the Denonvilliers’ fascia in patients with rectal cancer. However, how to accurately locate the Denonvilliers’ fascia is unclear. This study aimed to explore anatomical features of the Denonvilliers’ fascia by comparing autopsy findings and observations of surgical videos so as to propose a dissection method for the preservation of pelvic autonomic nerves during rectal cancer surgery.MethodsFive adult male cadaver specimens were dissected, and surgical videos of 135 patients who underwent TME for mid‐low rectal cancer between January 2009 and February 2019 were reviewed to identify and compare the structure of the Denonvilliers’ fascia.ResultsThe monolayer structure of the Denonvilliers’ fascia was observed in 5 male cadaver specimens, and it was located between the rectum, the bottom of the bladder, the seminal vesicles, the vas deferens, and the prostate. The Denonvilliers’ fascia was originated from the rectovesical pouch (or rectum‐uterus pouch), down to fuse caudally with the rectourethral muscle at the apex of the prostate, and fused to the lateral ligaments on both sides. The fascia was thinner on the midline with a thickness of 1.06 ± 0.10 mm. The crown shape of the Denonvilliers’ fascia was slightly triangular, with a height of approximately 5.42 ± 0.16 cm at midline. Nerves were more densely distributed in front of the Denonvilliers’ fascia than behind, especially on both sides of it. Under laparoscopic view, the Denonvilliers’ fascia was originated at the lowest point of the rectovesical pouch (or rectum‐uterus pouch), with a thickened white line which was a good mark for identifying the Denonvilliers’ fascia.ConclusionIdentification of the surgical indication line for the Denonvilliers’ fascia could help us identify the Denonvilliers’ fascia, and it would improve our ability to protect the pelvic autonomic function of patients undergoing TME for rectal cancer.
Synthesis, Biological Activity and Action Mechanism Study of Novel Chalcone Derivatives Containing Malonate
Authors: Guo Tao , Xia Rongjiao , Liu Tingting , Peng Feng , Tang Xuemei , Zhou Qing , Luo Hui , Xue Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA series of novel chalcone malonate derivatives were synthesized and their antibacterial and antiviral activities were evaluated. All target compounds were characterized by spectral data. The results of antimicrobial bioassay showed that one compound (diethyl [3‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐1‐(3‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐oxopropyl]propanedioate) showed excellent antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), with an EC50 value of 10.2 μg/mL, which is significantly superior to bismerthiazol (71.7 μg/mL) and thiodiazole copper (97.8 μg/mL). At the same time, the mechanism of two compounds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, another compound (diethyl [3‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐oxopropyl]propanedioate) showed significant curative activity to tobacco mosaic virus, with a value of 74.3 %, which was superior to 53.3 % of ningnanmycin. The results of microscale thermophoresis also showed that the Kd value of the combination of two compounds with the coat protein of tobacco mosaic virus was 0.211 and 0.166 μmol/L, which was better than 0.596 μmol/L of ningnanmycin. At the same time, the molecular docking of two compounds with tobacco mosaic virus‐coat protein shows that the compound is well embedded in the pocket between the two subunits of tobacco mosaic virus‐coat protein. These results show that chalcone derivatives containing malonate group can be considered as activators in the design of antibacterial and antiviral agents.
Metal‐Rich Chalcogenides for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution: Activity of Electrodes and Bulk Materials
Authors: Siegmund Daniel , Blanc Niclas , Smialkowski Mathias , Tschulik Kristina , Apfel Ulf‐Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMetal‐rich chalcogenides composed of highly abundant elements recently emerged as promising catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Many of these materials benefit from a high intrinsic conductivity as compared to their chalcogen‐rich congeners, greatly reducing the necessity for conductive additives or sophisticated nanostructuring. Herein, we showcase the high potential of metal‐rich transition‐metal chalcogenides for the electrocatalytic hydrogen formation by summarizing the recent progress achieved with M9S8 (pentlandite type) and M3S2 (heazlewoodite type) based materials, which represent the most frequently applied compositions for this purpose. By a detailed electrochemical comparison of bulk as well as pellet electrodes of metal‐rich Fe4.5Ni4.5S8, we also aim at raising awareness in the community for the inherent differences in catalytic properties of the materials themselves and those of the fabricated electrodes, a point that is often disregarded in reports on HER‐catalyst systems.
Enzyme‐Encapsulated DNA Hydrogel for Highly Efficient Electrochemical Sensing Glucose
Authors: Zeng Ruijin , Huang Zhenliang , Wang Yankun , Tang Dianping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn innovative bioetching photoelectrochemical (PEC) mode was developed by using enzyme‐encapsulated DNA hydrogel for high‐precision quantification of glucose, using In2O3−CdS nanocomposite as a photoactive matrix. In a proof‐of‐concept study, horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase were encapsulated in situ in DNA hydrogel to initiate enzymatic bioetching of CdS nanoparticles in the presence of target glucose. The bioetching reaction of CdS inhibits the electron transfer efficiency of In2O3 and CdS, which causes a change in photocurrent intensity and thus provides a powerful bioetching PEC strategy with enzyme‐encapsulated DNA hydrogel.
Evaluation of a Bispidine‐Based Chelator for Gallium‐68 and of the Porphyrin Conjugate as PET/PDT Theranostic Agent
Authors: Price Thomas W. , Yap Steven Y. , Gillet Raphaël , Savoie Huguette , Charbonnière Loïc J. , Boyle Ross W. , Nonat Aline M. , Stasiuk Graeme J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this study a bispidine ligand has been applied to the complexation of gallium(III) and radiolabelled with gallium‐68 for the first time. Despite its 5‐coordinate nature, the resulting complex is stable in serum for over two hours, demonstrating a ligand system well matched to the imaging window of gallium‐68 positron emission tomography (PET). To show the versatility of the bispidine ligand and its potential use in PET, the bifunctional chelator was conjugated to a porphyrin, producing a PET/PDT‐theranostic, which showed the same level of stability to serum as the non‐conjugated gallium‐68 complex. The PET/PDT complex killed >90 % of HT‐29 cells upon light irradiation at 50 μm. This study shows bispidines have the versatility to be used as a ligand system for gallium‐68 in PET.
A Chemical History of Polycyclic Musks
Authors: David Olivier R. P. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMusk odorants are ubiquitous in fine perfumery as well as household products, and are divided into four main families, the nitromusks, the macrocyclic musks, the polycyclic aromatic musks, and the alicyclic musks, following their order of appearance on the perfumery market. This article presents the scientific and industrial adventures during the discovery of the seven commercial polycyclic musks, which invigorated the aroma chemistry corporations during the second half of the 20th century, resulting in relentless competition. Research and development strategies are exposed, and reactivity, analytical, mechanistic, and structure–activity relationships aspects are discussed as well as some biographical elements of the main scientific actors, and some fine perfumery examples are given as illustrations of their use.
Desymmetrization of C2‐Symmetric Bis(Boronic Esters) by Zweifel Olefinations
Authors: Linne Yannick , Schönwald Axel , Weißbach Sebastian , Kalesse Markus 
Published: February 2020

Abstractanti‐Configured 1,3‐dimethyl deoxypropionate motifs are important sub structures in natural products. Herein, we describe a bidirectional approach for the rapid construction of natural products featuring such motifs by using C2‐symmetrical 1,3‐bis(boronic esters). As for its application in convergent syntheses it was important to establish a selective mono‐Zweifel olefination we describe the scope and limitations by using different 1,3‐bis(boronic esters) and nucleophiles. This protocol takes advantage of the combination of the Hoppe–Matteson–Zweifel chemistry, which was elegantly put into practice by Aggarwal et al. In order to show its applicability the total syntheses of two natural products, serricornin and (+)‐invictolide, were performed.
Sustainable development: Predictors of green consumerism in Slovenia
Authors: Hojnik Jana , Ruzzier Mitja , Manolova Tatiana S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMotivated by the growing worldwide concern for sustainable development, in this study, we explore the antecedents of green consumerism in an economy driven by environmental sustainability concerns. Drawing on a survey of 705 Slovenian consumers, we find that consumers' environmental commitment, perception of eco‐products, and perception of barriers to be green all positively affect the green purchase intention, which in turn positively and significantly affects consumers' purchase of eco‐products. The findings further show that consumers' environmental commitment and perception of eco‐products are the strongest determinants of the green purchase intention. In addition, consumers' demographics determine their perceptions of eco‐products, environmental commitment, and green purchase intention. Implications for marketing practice are provided.
Intrinsic Effect of Carbon Supports on the Activity and Stability of Precious Metal Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation in Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lu Shanfu , Xiang Yan , Jiang San Ping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractElectrocatalyst supports, in particular carbonaceous materials, play critical roles in the electrocatalytic activity and stability of precious metal group (PMG)‐based catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Au for the electrochemical alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) of fuels such as methanol and ethanol in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Carbonaceous supports such as high surface area carbon provide electronic contact throughout the catalyst layer, isolate PMG nanoparticles (NPs) to maintain high electrochemical surface area, and provide hydrophobic properties to avoid flooding of the catalyst layer by liquid water produced. Compared to high surface area carbon, PMG catalysts supported on 1D and 2D carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes show enhanced activity and durability due to the intrinsic effect of the underlying carbonaceous supports on the electronic states of PMG NPs. The modification of the electronic environment, in particular the d‐band centers of PMG NPs, weakens the adsorption of AOR intermediates, facilitates breaking of the C−C bonds, and thus enhances the electrocatalytic activity of PMG catalysts. The doping of heteroatoms further facilitates the electrocatalytic activity for the AOR through the structural, bifunctional, and electronic effects, in addition to the enhanced dispersion of PMG NPs in the carbon support. The prospects for the development of effective PMG‐based catalysts for high‐performance alcohol‐fuel‐based PEMFCs is discussed.
Auto‐tuning charge balance control for improving transient response on buck converter
Authors: Liu Chih‐Wei , Chen Hung‐Yu , Chang‐Chien Le‐Ren 
Published: February 2020

SummaryLoad transient and dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) are commonly seen in the operation of the system processor. These two functions usually encounter large output voltage transient, which is hard to be quickly settled. Charge balance control is one of the prior choices that enables the converter to operate at its optimal charge/discharge slew rate so as to achieve fast transient response. The effectiveness of the optimal performance generally requires precise knowledge of the circuit parameters for charge balance computation. However, parameter drifting due to the manufacturing process may affect the performance, which is hard to implement a power integrated circuit (IC) for wide range applications. Different from the original approaches, this paper proposes an auto‐tuning charge balance control (AT‐CBC) to optimize load transient response and DVS of the buck converter. The auto‐tuning mechanism can save the preknowledge of the output filter and avoid complex calculation in digital control. The function of AT‐CBC is validated by a field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) controlled buck converter. Experimental result shows that the output voltage can be settled within 3 μs for the 750‐mA load step transient. For the 0.3‐V DVS transient, the output voltage can be settled within 4 μs.
Prevention of false peak detection of Brillouin gain spectrum by using peak tracking and trend analysis
Authors: Furukawa Osamu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDistributed optical fiber sensor based on a peak‐frequency change of a spectrum of Brillouin scattering light has been extensively studied since it can measure strain and/or temperature in various applications. The distributed optical fiber sensor observes the spectrum of backscattered light from the specified section according to a spatial resolution and determines strain and/or temperature based on the peak‐frequency change of the spectrum. However, the observed spectrum may have two maximum peaks that correspond to strain and/or temperature included in the specified section of the optical fiber. Overlapped noise by the interrogator system to two peaks on the Brillouin gain spectrum causes false detection of the maximum peak‐frequency. Although this false detection may occur, no workarounds has been discussed yet. This article proposes a workaround by method of “peak tracking and trend analysis” that considers the change of peak intensity to determine peak frequency of the spectrum and confirms its effect of preventing false peak detection of Brillouin gain spectrum.
Assessing the likelihood of the soil surface to condense vapour: The Negev experience
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Kronenfeld Rafael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe likelihood of dew to provide water to cyanobacteria (CB) and crustose lichens (CL) on soil is a matter of great controversy. Although vapour condensation takes place on cobbles of the Negev Highlands, facilitating lush cover of CL, controversy exists regarding the possible contribution of dew to CB and CL inhabiting the loessial soil of the Negev Highlands. To evaluate this matter, temperature, and measurements of the nonrainfall water (NRW) were conducted during the dewy season (August–November 2019). They included periodical NRW measurements using cloths attached to the (a) soil surface, (b) on top of 10 × 10 × 5‐ to 6‐cm cobbles, and (c) on 10 × 10 × 0.2‐cm glass plates (the cloth‐plate method, CPM). Additionally, temperature measurements took place at the soil and the cobble surfaces and in the air at 10‐cm height above ground. Air temperature and the relative humidity measured by an adjacent meteorological station facilitated the calculation of the dew‐point temperature (Td). Taking the CPM as reference, 24 mornings with NRW ≥0.03 mm (the threshold of lichen metabolism) were recorded. Vapour condensation, that is, NRW ≥0.1 mm were recorded during 16 mornings on the cobbles (with a maximum of 0.21 mm) but never on the soil, where maximum NRW reached only 0.023 mm. Surface temperature never reached Td. We therefore conclude that unlike lithic lichens that inhabit bedrocks and cobbles in the Negev Highlands, dew cannot be regarded as a meaningful direct source of water for CB or CL biocrusts on soil.
Hans Jonas and the Ethics of Human Subjects Research
Authors: Diekema Douglas S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the 1960s, human experimentation and public funding of research increased significantly, and with the rise of the modern teaching hospital, the distinction between clinical care and experimentation became more and more blurred. Yet little in the way of meaningful government regulation existed in the United States prior to 1970. In 1966, Paul Freund, the president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, appointed an interdisciplinary working group to consult on the issues being raised by human experimentation. Contributions from the group were published in a 1969 issue of Daedalus titled Ethical Aspects of Experimentation with Human Subjects. In the lead essay, Hans Jonas challenged then‐conventional understandings of the moral problems posed by research involving humans and argued for an alternative moral framework. To Jonas, it mattered whether the physician was trying to make the patient well rather than trying to find out how to improve the health of future patients.
Longitudinal patterns of cortical thinning in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Gaetano Laura , Naegelin Yvonne , Amann Michael , Parmar Katrin , Papadopoulou Athina , Wuerfel Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Sprenger Till , Magon Stefano 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn multiple sclerosis (MS), cortical atrophy is correlated with clinical and neuropsychological measures. We aimed to examine the differences in the temporospatial evolution of cortical thickness (CTh) between MS‐subtypes and to study the association of CTh with T2‐weighted white matter lesions (T2LV) and clinical progression. Two hundred and forty‐three MS patients (180 relapsing–remitting [RRMS], 51 secondary‐progressive [SPMS], and 12 primary‐progressive [PPMS]) underwent annual clinical (incl. expanded disability status scale [EDSS]) and MRI‐examinations over 6 years. T2LV and CTh were measured. CTh did not differ between MS‐subgroups. Higher total T2LV was associated with extended bilateral CTh‐reduction on average, but did not correlate with CTh‐changes over time. In RRMS, CTh‐ and EDSS‐changes over time were negatively correlated in large bilateral prefrontal, frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital areas. In SPMS, CTh was not associated with the EDSS. In PPMS, CTh‐ and EDSS‐changes over time were correlated in small clusters predominantly in left parietal areas. Increase of brain lesion load does not lead to an immediate CTh‐reduction. Although CTh did not differ between MS‐subtypes, a dissociation in the correlation between CTh‐ and EDSS‐changes over time between RRMS and progressive‐MS was shown, possibly underlining the contribution of subcortical pathology to clinical progression in progressive‐MS.