bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass using native cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger ITV02 under liquid state fermentation
Authors: Infanzón‐Rodríguez María Ines , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Juan Arturo , del Moral Sandra , Calderón‐Santoyo Montserrat , Aguilar‐Uscanga María Guadalupe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical characteristics of an enzymatic extract obtained from autochthonous fungus Aspergillus niger ITV02 and its application in the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw and corn stubble pretreated by steam explosion. The enzymatic extract was obtained by submerged fermentation using delignified sweet sorghum bagasse as a carbon source. The results obtained showed that the enzymatic extract had β‐glucosidase and endoglucanase activities. The effects of pH and temperature on cellulase activity were evaluated and its thermostability was determined. The optimal parameters of the β‐glucosidase and endoglucanase activities obtained were pH 5 and 70 °C. The enzymatic extract of A. niger ITV02 was used to hydrolyze wheat straw and corn stubble, and the hydrolysis yields were compared with those obtained by a commercial cellulase (Celluclast 1.5L NS 50013) and CellicCTec3. The results showed that with the use the mixture of Celluclast 1.5L‐A. niger ITV02 and CellicCTec3‐A. niger ITV02 in the hydrolysis, conversions of 86.36% and 67.8% were obtained, respectively. Glucose production for the mixture extract increased 2.15 times more than when the enzyme was used independently alone. The present work shows that A. niger ITV02 has a potential as an enzyme producer for lignocellulosic hydrolysis.
Role of Polymers in Enhancing the Performance of Electrochemical Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Suriyakumar Shruti , Bhardwaj Preetam , Grace Andrews Nirmala , Stephan A. Manuel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this modern era, there is an increasing significance in the usage of supercapacitor devices in power applications due to their outstanding power density, ultrafast charging/discharging capability, and prolonged cycling ability. Extensive efforts are being made to improve their capacitive performance by engineering high‐performing polymeric materials as electrode and electrolyte materials. Predominantly, the employment of conducting polymer (CP)‐based composite materials as electrode materials has led to practical and theoretical benefits such as the outstanding surface area that facilitates quick access of dispersed electrolyte ions. The insertion of carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and porous carbon within the CPs matrix has an imperative role in refining the overall system‘s specific capacitance. The electrodes′ specific capacitance proficiency and cycling constancy are improved synergistically by integrating both materials for efficient energy‐storage applications. This Minireview encompasses the storage mechanism in different gel polymer‐based electrolytes and their role in enhancing the pseudocapacitance of redox‐active materials for supercapacitor applications. Further, the Minireview focuses on the influence of conducting polymers in promoting the device performance with a view on the synthesis methodology and pseudocapacitive nature. The different types of supercapacitors designed with polymer gel electrolyte, solid polymer electrolyte, and biodegradable polymer‐based electrolytes for improved supercapacitive performance are critically reviewed.
Transport of Sodium Ions in Solids: Progress in First‐Principle Theoretical Formulation of Potential Solid Sodium‐Ion Electrolytes
Authors: Yu Yuran , Xu Hongjie , Wang Zhuo , Shao Guosheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAll‐solid‐state sodium ion batteries (ASSIBs) have attracted great attention due to ever‐increasing safety concern about current lithium ion batteries and the limited natural reserves of lithium. A major materials basis to enable high‐performance ASSIBs lies in delivering ultra‐fast Na+ conductors, which is yet even more challenging than developing solid electrolytes for the lithium‐ion batteries. This is largely attributed to limited fundamental understanding of the transportation characteristics of sodium ions, which is rather different from the smaller alkali lithium ions. Here, we have carried out a perspective review of recent advances in theoretical formulation of novel solid electrolytes, focusing on methods, achievements, and the potential and shortcomings of identified materials systems. Efforts are made in offering a dependable framework to formulate fundamentally competitive materials to support developing “better” solid sodium‐ion batteries.
Board gender diversity and carbon emissions: European evidence on curvilinear relationships and critical mass
Authors: Nuber Claudio , Velte Patrick 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe role of European businesses in addressing environmental issues and climate change has taken center stage with the European Green Deal. With increasing attention to the effect of board gender diversity (BGD) on firms' environmental performance, the question arises whether BGD has any influence on carbon emissions. Based on legitimacy and critical mass theory, this study empirically investigates the impact of BGD on firms' carbon performance (CP), based on total carbon emissions intensity. The paper relies on two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regressions with instrumental variable (IV) and a two‐step generalized method of moments (GMM) system approach to analyze a cross‐country sample of 3123 observations from non‐financial firms in the European STOXX600 index over the 2009–2018 period. Our findings add to the growing empirical evidence twofold: (1) there is a robust linear and positive relationship between BGD and CP, whereas some indication of a U‐shaped relationship is found; and (2) we find that a critical mass of at least two women directors needs to be reached to increase CP. Our research results contribute to the current discussion on sustainable corporate governance, especially in the European capital market, and have implications for researchers, business practice, and regulatory issues alike.
Intravascular lithotripsy for stent under‐expansion: Panacea or Pandora's box?
Authors: Chugh Yashasvi , Brilakis Emmanouil S. 
Published: January 2021

Key Points
Balloon undilatable lesions are common and can be challenging to treat, especially within stents, and require a systematic, algorithmic approach.
Stent under‐expansion is usually treated with high‐pressure balloon inflations, followed by plaque modification balloons, laser with contrast, orbital or rotational atherectomy, and subintimal crossing with coronary artery bypass graft being the ultimate solution is all techniques fail to expand the stent.
Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) appears to be an easy to use and effective tool for treating stent under‐expansion, but further study is needed to confirm its efficacy and (acute and long‐term) safety.
Solitary metastases of lower extremity myxoid liposarcoma to breast: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Omranipour Ramesh , Mashoori Negar , Jahanbin Behnaz , Ghasemi Dorsa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSolitary breast metastases from myxoid liposarcoma are extremely rare. Resection with negative margins seems as an effective treatment leading to improved survival.
Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent and chemoresistant cesarean scar choriocarcinoma
Authors: Bakır Mehmet Sait , Birge Özer , Karadag Ceyda , Doğan Selen , Simsek Tayup 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDepending on the developing laparoscopic technique and experience, the treatment of cesarean scar choriocarcinoma can be safely performed laparoscopically by experts.
Childhood‐onset keratosis lichenoides chronica: A case report
Authors: Nasiri Soheila , Rakhshan Azadeh , Zahedi Khatere , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Gheisari Mehdi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKeratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a rare dermatosis which represents different clinical characteristics between adult‐ and pediatric‐onset cases. We described a childhood case of KLC with features typical for adult‐onset disease. Acitretin led to partial improvement of her skin, but not mucosal, lesions.
Well‐Defined, Versatile and Recyclable Half‐Sandwich Nickelacarborane Catalyst for Selective Carbene‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Wang Linghua , Perveen Saima , Ouyang Yizhao , Zhang Shuai , Jiao Jiao , He Gang , Nie Yong , Li Pengfei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCatalytic carbene‐transfer reactions constitute a class of highly useful transformations in organic synthesis. Although catalysts based on a range of transition‐metals have been reported, the readily accessible nickel(II)‐based complexes have been rarely used. Herein, an air‐stable nickel(II)‐carborane complex is reported as a well‐defined, versatile and recyclable catalyst for selective carbene transfer reactions with low catalyst loading under mild conditions. This catalyst is effective for several types of reactions including diastereoselective cyclopropanation, epoxidation, selective X−H insertions (X = C, N, O, S, Si), particularly for the unprotected substrates. This represents a rare example of carborane ligands in base metal catalysis.
Phase 1 Concentration‐QTc and Cardiac Safety Analysis of the MDM2 Antagonist KRT‐232 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, Multiple Myeloma, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Taylor Adekemi , Lee Dana , Allard Martine , Poland Bill , Greg Slatter J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCardiac safety and plasma concentration‐QTc interval analyses were completed using data from 2 phase 1 studies of the selective mouse double minute chromosome 2 antagonist, KRT‐232, in patients with solid tumors or multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received KRT‐232 doses of 15 to 480 mg once daily (QD; N = 130). A linear mixed‐effects model related change from baseline Fridericia‐corrected QT interval (ΔQTcF) to KRT‐232 plasma concentrations. The final model included parameters for the intercept (with between‐subject variability), KRT‐232 concentration–ΔQTcF slope, and baseline QTcF effect on the intercept. Diagnostic plots indicated an adequate model fit. Mean (90% confidence interval) predicted ΔQTcF values at the maximum clinical dose (480 mg QD) were 2.04 (0.49‐3.60) milliseconds for patients with solid tumors and 4.52 (2.35‐6.69) milliseconds for patients with AML. Because the 90% confidence interval upper bound of the mean ΔQTcF was predicted to be below 10 milliseconds at doses up to 480 mg QD in patients with solid tumors, multiple myeloma, or AML, KRT‐232 does not result in clinically meaningful QT prolongation at the doses currently under investigation in clinical trials. No significant cardiac safety concerns were identified at these doses.
How to Manage a Crystallization Process Aimed at Obtaining a Desired Combination of Number of Crystals and Their Distribution by Size: Learn Here
Authors: Nanev Christo N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractManaging a crystallization process adequately, it is possible to obtain a crystalline product having the desired crystal size distribution. Recommendations for selecting crystallization parameters that are needed to achieve this goal are given basing of a theoretical analysis in which special attention is paid to the growth of crystals from solutions with a preset concentration. Mathematical equations which enable calculation of the theoretical yield for the crystallization process have been elaborated. New formula giving the crystal nuclei number per unit volume as a function of both supersaturation and nucleation time has been devised based on the logistic kinetics of crystal nucleation proceeding under constant supersaturation. The quantitative relation between number density and mean size of crystals growing in batch crystallization is calculated. The calculation shows that the mean size of crystals reached at any time of their growth is inversely proportional to root third of the crystal number density.
Limited heat tolerance in an Arctic passerine: Thermoregulatory implications for cold‐specialized birds in a rapidly warming world
Authors: O'Connor Ryan S. , Le Pogam Audrey , Young Kevin G. , Robitaille Francis , Choy Emily S. , Love Oliver P. , Elliott Kyle H. , Hargreaves Anna L. , Berteaux Dominique , Tam Andrew , Vézina François 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Arctic animals inhabit some of the coldest environments on the planet and have evolved physiological mechanisms for minimizing heat loss under extreme cold. However, the Arctic is warming faster than the global average and how well Arctic animals tolerate even moderately high air temperatures (Ta) is unknown.

Using flow‐through respirometry, we investigated the heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity of snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis; ≈31 g, N = 42), a cold specialist, Arctic songbird. We exposed buntings to increasing Ta and measured body temperature (Tb), resting metabolic rate (RMR), rates of evaporative water loss (EWL), and evaporative cooling efficiency (the ratio of evaporative heat loss to metabolic heat production).

Buntings had an average (±SD) Tb of 41.3 ± 0.2°C at thermoneutral Ta and increased Tb to a maximum of 43.5 ± 0.3°C. Buntings started panting at Ta of 33.2 ± 1.7°C, with rapid increases in EWL starting at Ta = 34.6°C, meaning they experienced heat stress when air temperatures were well below their body temperature. Maximum rates of EWL were only 2.9× baseline rates at thermoneutral Ta, a markedly lower increase than seen in more heat‐tolerant arid‐zone species (e.g., ≥4.7× baseline rates). Heat‐stressed buntings also had low evaporative cooling efficiencies, with 95% of individuals unable to evaporatively dissipate an amount of heat equivalent to their own metabolic heat production.

Our results suggest that buntings’ well‐developed cold tolerance may come at the cost of reduced heat tolerance. As the Arctic warms, and this and other species experience increased periods of heat stress, a limited capacity for evaporative cooling may force birds to increasingly rely on behavioral thermoregulation, such as minimizing activity, at the expense of diminished performance or reproductive investment.
Habitat filtering drives the local distribution of congeneric species in a Brazilian white‐sand flooded tropical forest
Authors: Ribeiro Kelly F. O. , Martins Valéria F. , Wiegand Thorsten , Santos Flavio A. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe investigation of ecological processes that maintain species coexistence is revealing in naturally disturbed environments such as the white‐sand tropical forest, which is subject to periodic flooding that might pose strong habitat filtering to tree species. Congeneric species are a good model to investigate the relative importance of ecological processes that maintain high species diversity because they tend to exploit the same limiting resources and/or have similar tolerance limits to the same environmental conditions due to their close phylogenetic relationship. We aim to find evidence for the action and relative importance of different processes hypothesized to maintain species coexistence in a white‐sand flooded forest in Brazil, taking advantage of data on the detailed spatial structure of populations of congeneric species. Individuals of three Myrcia species were tagged, mapped, and measured for diameter at soil height in a 1‐ha plot. We also sampled seven environmental variables in the plot. We employed several spatial point process models to investigate the possible action of habitat filtering, interspecific competition, and dispersal limitation. Habitat filtering was the most important process driving the local distribution of the three Myrcia species, as they showed associations, albeit of different strength, to environmental variables related to flooding. We did not detect spatial patterns, such as spatial segregation and smaller size of nearby neighbors, that would be consistent with interspecific competition among the three congeneric species and other co‐occurring species. Even though congeners were spatially independent, they responded to differences in the environment. Last, dispersal limitation only led to spatial associations of different size classes for one of the species. Given that white‐sand flooded forests are highly threatened in Brazil, the preservation of their different habitats is of utmost importance to the maintenance of high species richness, as flooding drives the distribution of species in the community.
A critical comparison of integral projection and matrix projection models for demographic analysis
Authors: Doak Daniel F. , Waddle Ellen , Langendorf Ryan E. , Louthan Allison M. , Isabelle Chardon Nathalie , Dibner Reilly R. , Keinath Douglas A. , Lombardi Elizabeth , Steenbock Christopher , Shriver Robert K. , Linares Cristina , Begoña Garcia Maria , Funk W. Chris , Fitzpatrick Sarah W. , Morris William F. , DeMarche Megan L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStructured demographic models are among the most common and useful tools in population biology. However, the introduction of integral projection models (IPMs) has caused a profound shift in the way many demographic models are conceptualized. Some researchers have argued that IPMs, by explicitly representing demographic processes as continuous functions of state variables such as size, are more statistically efficient, biologically realistic, and accurate than classic matrix projection models, calling into question the usefulness of the many studies based on matrix models. Here, we evaluate how IPMs and matrix models differ, as well as the extent to which these differences matter for estimation of key model outputs, including population growth rates, sensitivity patterns, and life spans. First, we detail the steps in constructing and using each type of model. Second, we present a review of published demographic models, concentrating on size‐based studies, which shows significant overlap in the way IPMs and matrix models are constructed and analyzed. Third, to assess the impact of various modeling decisions on demographic predictions, we ran a series of simulations based on size‐based demographic data sets for five biologically diverse species. We found little evidence that discrete vital rate estimation is less accurate than continuous functions across a wide range of sample sizes or size classes (equivalently bin numbers or mesh points). Most model outputs quickly converged with modest class numbers (≥10), regardless of most other modeling decisions. Another surprising result was that the most commonly used method to discretize growth rates for IPM analyses can introduce substantial error into model outputs. Finally, we show that empirical sample sizes generally matter more than modeling approach for the accuracy of demographic outputs. Based on these results, we provide specific recommendations to those constructing and evaluating structured population models. Both our literature review and simulations question the treatment of IPMs as a clearly distinct modeling approach or one that is inherently more accurate than classic matrix models. Importantly, this suggests that matrix models, representing the vast majority of past demographic analyses available for comparative and conservation work, continue to be useful and important sources of demographic information.
Expedient Synthesis of 2‐Iminothiazolidines via Telescoping Reactions Including Iron‐Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer and Domino Ring‐Opening Cyclization (DROC)
Authors: Coin Guillaume , de Ferrier de Montal Oriane , Dubourdeaux Patrick , Latour Jean‐Marc 
Published: January 2021

Abstract2‐iminothiazolidines are important scaffold for pharmaceutical drugs. Herein, we describe a fast and easy procedure for their synthesis by a telescoping reaction integrating an iron‐catalyzed nitrene transfer under mild conditions. The aziridination reaction of olefins is followed by the domino ring‐opening cyclization (DROC) of the aziridine intermediates with organic isothiocyanates catalyzed by a Lewis acid leading to the desired product. This new synthetic route allows time, step and purification economies, which is in agreement with the development of more efficient processes for the synthesis of small molecules.
A One‐Pot Two‐Step Enzymatic Pathway for the Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Vicinal Diols
Authors: Giovannini Pier Paolo , Müller Michel , Presini Francesco , Baraldi Serena , Ragno Daniele , Di Carmine Graziano , Jacoby Christian , Bernacchia Giovanni , Bortolini Olga 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEnantiomerically enriched 1,2‐diols are prominent compounds that find numerous applications in organic chemistry. They are privileged building blocks for the synthesis of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), broadly used as chiral ligands in asymmetric catalysis, and efficient auxiliaries employed to control the stereochemical outcome of total synthesis. Among the number of strategies developed for the preparation of these molecules, enzyme mediated reactions have gained a crucial role in the toolbox of organic chemists for their high efficiency and sustainability. Herein we describe a one‐pot two‐step protocol designed by combining a thiamine diphosphate (ThDP)‐dependent lyase and a NADH‐dependent reductase. The ThDP‐dependent acetoin:dichlorophenolindophenol oxidoreductase (Ao : DCPIP OR) is exploited to produce enantioenriched α‐hydroxyketones through the benzoin‐type condensation of methylacetoin with either aldehydes or activated ketones. The enantioenriched α‐hydroxyketones undergo the selective reduction into the corresponding 1,2‐diols in the same reaction mixture due to the addition of NAD+ and of the NADH‐dependent acetylacetoin reductase (AAR). Sodium formate was selected as the sacrificial reductive reactant to generate and recycle in situ the precious NADH by formate‐dehydrogenase. Unprecedented reported details on the cloning and expression of the AAR are reported as well.
Copper‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reactions of 2‐Iodo‐2,2‐difluoroacetophenones, Alkynes, and Trimethylsilyl Cyanide
Authors: Wu Pingjie , Zheng Cheng , Wang Xia , Wu Jingjing , Wu Fanhong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA Cu(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of 2‐iodo‐2,2‐difluoroacetophenones, alkynes, and TMSCN is described. The reaction provided a facile method for the synthesis of difluoroacyl‐substituted nitriles, which might be served as potentially useful fluoroorganic intermediates for further transformation in drug discovery. This method has broad substrate scope, good efficiency, and excellent stereoselectivity. Preliminary mechanistic investigation indicated that a radical‐mediated process was involved in this cyanodifluoroalkylation reaction.
Shedding light on CO2: Catalytic synthesis of solar methanol
Authors: Zhang Zeshu , Ding Xue , Yang Xiangguang , Tu Wenguang , Wang Lu , Zou Zhigang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ever‐increasing carbon footprint has resulted in significant environmental impacts. The solar‐driven conversion of CO2 to methanol is an effective solution to the global energy shortage and the current greenhouse gas issue. This critical review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress in the solar‐driven catalytic synthesis of methanol from CO2 and briefly outlines the relationships among the traditional photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and photothermal catalysis. The unique strategies for the design of catalysts are summarized and discussed. Finally, this review emphasizes the crucial issues that should be addressed in the field of photocatalysis.image