bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Dense NiSe2/CoSe2 Heterointerfaces Coupled with Surface High‐Valence Bimetallic Sites for Synergistically Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Xuerong , Han Xiaopeng , Cao Yanhui , Zhang Yan , Nordlund Dennis , Wang Jihui , Chou Shulei , Liu Hui , Li Lanlan , Zhong Cheng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConstructing heterostructures with abundant interfaces is essential for integrating the multiple functionalities in single entities. Herein, the synthesis of NiSe2/CoSe2 heterostructures with different interfacial densities via an innovative strategy of successive ion injection is reported. The resulting hybrid electrocatalyst with dense heterointerfaces exhibits superior electrocatalytic properties in an alkaline electrolyte, superior to other benchmarks and precious metal catalysts. Advanced synchrotron techniques, post structural characterizations, and density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the introduction of atomic‐level interfaces can lower the oxidation overpotential of bimetallic Ni and Co active sites (whereas Ni2+ can be more easily activated than Co2+) and induce the electronic interaction between the core selenides and surface in situ generated oxides/hydroxides, which play a critical role in synergistically reducing energetic barriers and accelerating reaction kinetics for catalyzing the oxygen evolution. Hence, the heterointerface structure facilitates the catalytic performance enhancement via increasing the intrinsic reactivity of metallic atoms and enhancing the synergistic effect between the inner selenides and surface oxidation species. This work not only complements the understanding on the origins of the activity of electrocatalysts based on metal selenides, but also sheds light on further surface and interfacial engineering of advanced hybrid materials.
Photochemical Activity of Black Phosphorus for Near‐Infrared Light Controlled In Situ Biomineralization
Authors: Shao Jundong , Ruan Changshun , Xie Hanhan , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe photochemical activity of black phosphorus (BP) in near‐infrared (NIR) light controlled in situ biomineralization is investigated. Owing to the excellent NIR absorption, irradiation with NIR light not only promotes degradation of BP into PO43−, but also enhances the chemical activity to accelerate the reaction between PO43− and Ca2+ and promote in situ biomineralization. Mineralization of hydrogels is demonstrated by the preparation of BP incorporated hydrogel (BP@Hydrogel) which delivers greatly improved biomineralization performance under NIR illumination. The biomineralization process which can be controlled by modulating the light irradiation time and location has a high potential in controlling the mechanical properties and osteoinductive ability in tissue engineering. This study also provides insights into the degradation, photochemical activity, and new biological/biomedical applications of BP.
Nightly fasting duration is not associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among non‐shift workers: The Furukawa Nutrition and Health Studymx
Authors: Ueda Mariko , Inoue Yosuke , Hu Huan , Eguchi Masafumi , Islam Zobida , Miki Takako , Fukunaga Ami , Kochi Takeshi , Akter Shamima , Kabe Isamu , Akamatsu Rie , Mizoue Tetsuya 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesWhile several experimental studies in animals and humans have suggested the protective effect of nightly fasting duration (NFD) against cardiometabolic risk factors, few population‐based studies have been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the association between NFD and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Japanese non‐shift workers.MethodsA subset of 1054 non‐shift workers from the Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study were included in this analysis. Participants completed dietary and lifestyle surveys during a periodic checkup. NFD was defined as the time between dinner and breakfast and was categorized into four groups (ie, ≥12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, and ≤9 hours). MetS was defined as ≥3 of the following components: high waist circumference (≥90 cm [men] and ≥80 cm [women]), high triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (<40 mg/dL [men] and <50 mg/dL [women]), hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg), and high fasting glucose (fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c ≥5.6%). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between NFD and MetS.ResultsThe odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of MetS for the highest (≥12 hours) through lowest (≤9 hours) NFD categories were 1.00 (reference), 0.83 (0.51‐1.35), 0.83 (0.48‐1.43), and 0.80 (0.43‐1.48) (P for trend = 0.50) after adjusting for covariates. Further analyses on the relationship between NFD and each MetS component found no significant associations.ConclusionsWe did not find any evidence of a significant association between NFD and MetS among non‐shift workers in Japan.
The value of evaluating the abdominal aorta in patients <50 years of age presenting for abdominal ultrasound
Authors: Necas Martin , Adams Matt , Brennan Orlaith , Curtis Nicole , Heslop Rachel , Woodrow‐Smith Emma 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionPractitioners of US routinely include a survey of the abdominal aorta during abdominal US in accordance with international guidelines. Such practice is of uncertain value in younger patients.MethodologyThis study was a retrospective review of 2000 abdominal US examinations which included visualisation of the aorta in patients <50 years of age. Patient demographics and referral details were recorded, and US images and reports were reviewed for the presence of aortic and periaortic pathology.ResultsThe most common indications for US were abdominal pain (1337, 44%), deranged liver function tests (453, 15%), nausea and/or vomiting (229, 8%), elevated inflammatory markers (146, 5%), pancreatitis (134, 4%) and pyrexia (127, 4%). Fewer than half (977, 49%) of the reports contained a comment regarding the aorta. Aortic pathology was reported in 2 (0.1%) cases. Both were reported as aortic ectasia and both represented a false‐positive diagnosis. One male patient had a known abdominal aortic aneurysm with endovascular aortic repair. No new aortic aneurysms were found. All cases of atherosclerotic disease were ignored, and none were reported. Periaortic pathology was encountered on 1 patient, but this was known. No case of new periaortic pathology was detected.ConclusionRoutine and indiscriminate imaging of the abdominal aorta during abdominal US in patients <50 years of age is not evidence based. No new case of abdominal aortic aneurysm or new para‐aortic pathology was detected, all cases of atherosclerosis were ignored, and two false‐positive diagnoses of aortic ectasia were made.
Chemistry of Soft Porous Crystals: Structural Dynamics and Gas Adsorption Properties
Authors: Krause Simon , Hosono Nobuhiko , Kitagawa Susumu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this Minireview, we discuss the fundamental chemistry of soft porous crystals (SPCs) by characterizing their common structural features and the resulting structural softness and transitions. In particular, we focus on the recently emerging properties based on metastable transitions and those arising from local dynamics. By comparing the resulting adsorption properties to those of commonly applied rigid adsorbents, we highlight the potential of SPCs to revolutionize adsorption‐based technologies, considering our current understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects. We provide brief outlines for the experimental and computational characterization of such phenomena and offer an outlook toward next‐generation SPCs likely to be discovered in the next decade.
CRISPRi‐mediated programming essential gene can as a Direct Enzymatic Performance Evaluation & Determination (DEPEND) system
Authors: Tan Shih‐I , Yu Peng‐Jui , Ng I‐Son 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHarnessing enzyme expression for production of target chemicals is a critical and multifarious process, where screening of different genes by inspection of enzymatic activity plays an imperative role. Here, we conceived an idea to improve the time‐consuming and labor‐intensive process of enzyme screening. Controlling cell growth was achieved by the Cluster Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPRi) system with different single guide RNA targeting the essential gene can (CRISPRi::CA) that encodes a carbonic anhydrase for CO2 uptake. CRISPRi::CA comprises a whole‐cell biosensor to monitor CO2 concentration, ranging from 1% to 5%. On the basis of CRISPRi::CA, an effective and simple Direct Enzymatic Performance Evaluation & Determination (DEPEND) system was developed by a single step of plasmid transformation for targeted enzymes. As a result, the activity of different carbonic anhydrases corresponded to the colony‐forming units. Furthermore, the enzymatic performance of 5‐aminolevulinic acid synthetase (ALAS), which converts glycine and succinate‐CoA to release a molecule of CO2, has also been distinguished, and the effect of the chaperone GroELS on ALAS enzyme folding was successfully identified in the DEPEND system. We provide a highly feasible, time‐saving, and flexible technology for the screening and inspection of high‐performance enzymes, which may accelerate protein engineering in the future.
A simplified and reliable LC–tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of ulipristal acetate in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Peng Chun , Zhao Shunbo , Tang Ling , Wang Keli , Wang Yan , Ding Li 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, a simplified, sensitive and reliable LC–tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the quantification of ulipristal acetate (UPA) in human plasma and for the investigation of pharmacokinetic profile of UPA following a single oral administration of ella (UPA 30‐mg tablet) in healthy Chinese volunteers. Plasma samples were analyzed after being processed by protein precipitation with methanol. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Kinetex EVO C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 2.6 μm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase composed of methanol and water containing 2 mm ammonium acetate and 0.3% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The chromatographic running time was 4.0 min per sample. The MS detection was performed via an LC system with the positive ion electrospray ionization interface in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transition of m/z 476.2 → 134.1 for UPA and m/z 479.3 → 416.2 for UPA‐d3 [internal standard (IS)], respectively. UPA and IS were monitored without severe interference from the biological matrices. The method was linear over the wide concentration range of 0.300–300 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were well within the limits required for bioanalytical assays. The method was first used to describe the pharmacokinetic characteristic of UPA after a single oral administration of ella in healthy Chinese volunteers. Based on a between‐study comparison, there were statistically significant differences (p < .05) between Chinese and Caucasian volunteers for the systemic exposure of UPA, suggesting that race seems to significantly impact the systemic exposure of UPA.
Unraveling the Beneficial Microstructure Evolution in Pyrite for Boosted Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Wang Jie , Qin Jinwen , Jiang Yan , Mao Baoguang , Wang Xin , Cao Minhua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPyrite FeS2 as a high‐capacity electrode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by its unstable cycling performance owing to the large volume change and irreversible phase segregation from coarsening of Fe. Here, the beneficial microstructure evolution in MoS2‐modified FeS2 is unraveled during the cycling process; the microstructure evolution is responsible for its significantly boosted lithium storage performance, making it suitable for use as an anode for LIBs. Specifically, the FeS2/MoS2 displays a long cycle life with a capacity retention of 116 % after 600 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, which is the best among the reported FeS2‐based materials so far. A series of electrochemical tests and structural characterizations substantially revealed that the introduced MoS2 in FeS2 experiences an irreversible electrochemical reaction and thus the in situ formed metallic Mo could act as the conductive buffer layer to accelerate the dynamics of Li+ diffusion and electron transport. More importantly, it can guarantee the highly reversible conversion in lithiated FeS2 by preventing Fe coarsening. This work provides a fundamental understanding and an effective strategy towards the microstructure evolution for boosting lithium storage performances for other metal sulfide‐based materials.
Continuous Electrochemical Synthesis of Iso‐Coumarin Derivatives from o‐(1‐Alkynyl) Benzoates under Metal‐ and Oxidant‐Free
Authors: Lin Xinxin , Fang Zheng , Zeng Cuilian , Zhu Chenlong , Pang Xinyan , Liu Chengkou , He Wei , Duan Jindian , Qin Ning , Guo Kai 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA non‐oxidant and metal‐free strategy for synthesizing iso‐coumarin by using a continuous electrochemical microreactor to initiate an oxidative cyclization reaction of o‐(1‐alkynyl) benzoate and radicals. This efficient and clean continuous electrosynthesis method not only avoids the complicated gas protection operation and production of by‐products in the batch processes, but also help to overcome the difficulty that batch metal catalysis and electrocatalysis are difficult to scale up, and has the potential for pilot‐scale experiment.
Lactic fermentation of cooked navy beans by Lactobacillus paracaseiCBA L74 aimed at a potential production of functional legume‐based foods
Authors: Colucci Cante Rosa , Gallo Marianna , Nigro Federica , Passannanti Francesca , Salameh Dana , Budelli Andrea , Nigro Roberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years, scientific interest in the development of non‐dairy‐based functional foods is increasing progressively and the fermentation of cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetable‐based foods is becoming an important scientific research topic for the production of new probiotic products. In particular, legumes represent a possible alternative to protein foods from animal origins and an adequate fermentation substrate as they contain high amount of nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins, and minerals, which are all useful to the growth and metabolic activity of certain microorganisms. This work focuses on the feasibility of developing a dry legume‐based functional product using a fermentation process carried out on a 10% w/v navy bean suspension, in a lab‐scale stirred batch reactor. After soaking and cooking dried navy beans, the fermentation tests performed on the resulting medium using Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 showed a maximum bacterial count of 109 CFU/mL after 20 hours and a maximum lactic acid concentration of 1.9 g/L after 16 hours of process time. A freeze‐drying process was performed on the fermented bean suspension, showing a 2‐log microbial reduction and a bacterial viability in the resulting probiotic powder of 3.7 × 108 CFU/g.
Greener Routes to Biomass Waste Valorization: Lignin Transformation Through Electrocatalysis for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels Production
Authors: Garedew Mahlet , Lin Fang , Song Bing , DeWinter Tamara M. , Jackson James E. , Saffron Christopher M. , Lam Chun Ho , Anastas Paul T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLignin valorization is essential for biorefineries to produce fuels and chemicals for a sustainable future. Today's biorefineries pursue profitable value propositions for cellulose and hemicellulose; however, lignin is typically used mainly for its thermal energy value. To enhance the profit potential for biorefineries, lignin valorization would be a necessary practice. Lignin valorization is greatly advantaged when biomass carbon is retained in the fuel and chemical products and when energy quality is enhanced by electrochemical upgrading. Though lignin upgrading and valorization are very desirable in principle, many barriers involved in lignin pretreatment, extraction, and depolymerization must be overcome to unlock its full potential. This Review addresses the electrochemical transformation of various lignins with the aim of gaining a better understanding of many of the barriers that currently exist in such technologies. These studies give insight into electrochemical lignin depolymerization and upgrading to value‐added commodities with the end goal of achieving a global low‐carbon circular economy.
Synthesizing High‐Capacity Oxyfluoride Conversion Anodes by Direct Fluorination of Molybdenum Dioxide (MoO2)
Authors: Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Self Ethan C. , Jafta Charl J. , Borisevich Albina Y. , Meyer Harry M. , Bridges Craig A. , Nanda Jagjit , Dai Sheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh‐capacity metal oxide conversion anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are primarily limited by their poor reversibility and cycling stability. In this study, a promising approach has been developed to improve the electrochemical performance of a MoO2 anode by direct fluorination of the prelithiated MoO2. The fluorinated anode contains a mixture of crystalline MoO2 and amorphous molybdenum oxyfluoride phases, as determined from a suite of characterization methods including X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical measurements indicate that fluorination facilitates the conversion reaction kinetics, which leads to increased capacity, higher coulombic efficiency, and better cycling stability as compared to the nonfluorinated samples. These results suggest that fluorination after prelithiation not only favors formation of the oxyfluoride phase but also improves the lithium‐ion diffusivity and reversibility of the conversion reaction, making it an attractive approach to address the problems of conversion electrodes. These findings provide a new route to design high‐capacity negative electrodes for LIBs.
Anonymous fecal sampling and NIRS studies of diet quality: Problem or opportunity?
Authors: Corlatti Luca 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInvestigating the drivers of diet quality is a key issue in wildlife ecology and conservation. Fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (f‐NIRS) is widely used to assess dietary quality since it allows for noninvasive, rapid, and low‐cost analysis of nutrients. Samples for f‐NIRS can be collected and analyzed with or without knowledge of animal identities. While anonymous sampling allows to reduce the costs of individual identification, as it neither requires physical captures nor DNA genotyping, it neglects the potential effects of individual variation. As a consequence, regression models fitted to investigate the drivers of dietary quality may suffer severe issues of pseudoreplication. I investigated the relationship between crude protein and ecological predictors at different time periods to assess the level of individual heterogeneity in diet quality of 22 marked chamois Rupicapra rupicapra monitored over 2 years. Models with and without individual grouping effect were fitted to simulate identifiable and anonymous fecal sampling, and model estimates were compared to evaluate the consequences of anonymizing data collection and analysis. The variance explained by the individual random effect and the value of diet repeatability varied with seasons and peaked in winter. Despite the occurrence of individual variation in dietary quality, ecological parameter estimates under identifiable or anonymous sampling were consistently similar. This study suggests that anonymous fecal sampling may provide robust estimates of the relationship between dietary quality and ecological correlates. However, since the level of individual heterogeneity in dietary quality may vary with species‐ or study‐specific features, inconsequential pseudoreplication should not be assumed in other taxa. When individual differences are known to be inconsequential, anonymous sampling allows to optimize the trade‐off between sampling intensity and representativeness. When pseudoreplication is consequential, however, no conclusive remedy exists to effectively resolve nonindependence.
Effects of historical legacies on soil nematode communities are mediated by contemporary environmental conditions
Authors: Li Xianping , Chen Xiaoyun , Zhu Huimin , Ren Zhuhong , Jiao Jiaguo , Hu Feng , Liu Manqiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBoth contemporary and historical factors are documented to be crucial in regulating species diversity and distribution. Soil fauna contribute substantially to global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, while it is unclear whether and to what extent historical factors shape their diversity patterns. Here, we used soil nematodes as a model organism to test historical effects on soil fauna and to investigate the relative importance of climatic, soil, and historical factors. Based on nematode distribution data in 16 natural sites at a large scale (ranging from 22 to 40°N) in mainland China, we conducted elastic net regression model to test the effects of climatic (e.g., mean and seasonality of temperature/precipitation), soil (e.g., soil carbon, nitrogen, and pH), and historical (e.g., temperature/precipitation anomaly and the velocity of the change since the Last Glacial Maximum) variables on nematode genus richness and Shannon's diversity. Additionally, variation partitioning was used to determine the contribution of the three predictor sets to the explanation of both Jaccard and Bray–Curtis community dissimilarity. We found that climate generally explained more variations in both diversity and composition than soil and historical predictors in our samples. We also showed that although historical factors (e.g., temperature change velocity) were correlated with nematode diversity and composition, the pure effects of these historical factors were negligible. In other words, the historical effects were commonly represented by their interactions with current climatic and soil factors within our selected sites. Our results indicated that contemporary factors, especially climate, may outperform historical factors in regulating soil nematode diversity patterns at large scales.
Ally confrontations as identity‐safety cues for marginalized individuals
Authors: Hildebrand Laura K. , Jusuf Celine C. , Monteith Margo J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThree studies and an integrative data analysis (N = 1,017) demonstrated that confrontations (speaking up against a stereotypical or prejudiced statement), when affirmed by bystanders, serve as an effective safety cue for targets of bias. In Studies 1 and 2, Chinese‐American and White women witnessed anti‐Asian and sexist remarks, respectively. Results revealed that a lone confronter (i.e., a confronter not affirmed by others) was unable to boost identity‐safety (e.g., belonging, safety) compared to when the bias was not confronted, regardless of confronter identity (i.e., ally vs. ingroup confronter). Study 2 demonstrated that other people in the interaction group (i.e., bystanders) must affirm the confrontation for it to serve as an effective safety cue. Study 3 replicated and extended these results among White women for confrontation of sexism and Black women for confrontation of racism. Overall, these studies suggest that confrontations, when affirmed, can serve as a safety cue.