bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Production and Storage Promoted by Organometallic Complexes
Authors: Bellini Marco , Bevilacqua Manuela , Marchionni Andrea , Miller Hamish Andrew , Filippi Jonathan , Grützmacher Hansjörg , Vizza Francesco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Hansjörg Grützmacher at ETH, Zürich, Switzerland, and Francesco Vizza at ICCOM‐CNR in Florence, Italy. The cover image shows a single courageous fish swimming against the main school of fish. This fish represents the few examples of organometallic electrocatalysts that have been successfully used in a fuel cell or in an electrolyzer.
DMSO tolerant NAD(P)H recycler enzyme from a pathogenic bacterium, Burkholderia dolosa PC543: effect of N‐/C‐terminal His Tag extension on protein solubility and activity
Authors: Alpdağtaş Saadet , Çelik Ayhan , Ertan Fatma , Binay Barış 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNAD(P)+ dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH) is an oxidoreductase used as a biocatalyst to regenerate NAD(P)H in reductase‐mediated chiral synthesis reactions. Solvent stability and the need to reduce NADP+ to NADPH, due to the high cost of NADPH, are required features in the industrial usage of FDHs. Therefore, we aimed to identify a novel, robust NADP+ dependent FDH and evaluate the effect of N‐ and C‐ terminus His tag extensions on protein solubility and activity. Herein, we report a novel, DMSO tolerant formate dehydrogenase (BdFDH), which has dual coenzyme specificity and tolerance to acidic pH, from Burkholderia dolosa PC543. N‐ and C‐terminus His‐tagged BdFDHs were expressed separately in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The C‐terminal His‐tagged BdFDH was soluble and active whereas the N‐terminal version was not. The enzyme displays dual coenzyme specificity and resistance to some organic solvents, particularly DMSO, and is able to tolerate acidic pH conditions. The apparent KM values for NADP+, NAD+ and sodium formate (with NADP+), are 1.17, 14.7 and 5.66 mM, respectively. As a result, due to its DMSO tolerance and coenzyme preference, this enzyme can be utilized as an NAD(P)H recycler in several biotransformations particularly when carried out under acidic conditions. Moreover, it can be said that the position of the His tag extension may affect the enzyme solubility and functionality.
Individual and simultaneous adsorption of Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) ions over polyamide resin: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Thangaraj Vidhyadevi , Aravamudan Kannan , Lingam Ravikumar , Subramanian Sivanesan 
Published: October 2018

Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental issue worldwide with rapid increase in global industrial activities (Podder and Majumder [2016]: Water Conserv Sci Eng 1, 103–125). In this study, aromatic polyamide (PA) containing the azomethine group (Vidhyadevi et al. [2012]: Sep Sci Technol 48, 1450–1458) was used as an adsorbent for the individual and simultaneous adsorption of Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) ions from their aqueous solutions. Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic analyses of Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) ions adsorption were also carried out. The kinetic study on heavy metal ions adsorption suggests that the adsorption follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamic study results revealed that the process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. In the multicomponent adsorption system, adsorption of one metal ion was considerably reduced by the presence of other ions in the solution due to competition for the active sites on PA. The adsorption of heavy metal ions over PA was confirmed through FT‐IR, SEM, and EDX analyses. The adsorption capacity of PA was found significantly higher than other adsorbents. The PA could be regenerated and reused even after five cycles for the Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) ions suggesting that adsorption using the PA is a reversible process.
Significance of the present work
Polyamide resin (PA) is an effective adsorbent for the individual and simultaneous removal of Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II).
Maximum adsorption capacity of PA for Ni (II), Cd (II), and Zn (II) ions were found to be better than other commonly used adsorbents.
Repeated desorption studies indicate that the PA may be reused and the adsorption is a reversible process.
Adsorption mechanism of metal ions over PA is explained.
© 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S340–S351, 2019
An International Perspective on the Tools and Concepts for Effluent Toxicity Assessments in the Context of Animal Alternatives: Reduction in Vertebrate Use
Authors: Norberg-King Teresa J. , Embry Michelle R. , Belanger Scott E. , Braunbeck Thomas , Butler Joshua D. , Dorn Phil B. , Farr Brianna , Guiney Patrick D. , Hughes Sarah A. , Jeffries Marlo , Journel Romain , Lèonard Marc , McMaster Mark , Oris James T. , Ryder Kathy , Segner Helmut , Senac Thomas , Van Der Kraak Glen , Whale Graham , Wilson Peter 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Since the 1940s, effluent toxicity testing has been used to assess potential ecological impacts of effluents and help determine necessary treatment options for environmental protection prior to release. Strategic combinations of toxicity tests, analytical tools, and biological monitoring have been developed. Because the number of vertebrates utilized in effluent testing is thought to be much greater than that used for individual chemical testing, there is a new need to develop strategies to reduce the numbers of vertebrates (i.e., fish) used. This need will become more critical as developing nations begin to use vertebrates in toxicity tests to assess effluent quality. A workshop was held to 1) assess the state of science in effluent toxicity testing globally; 2) determine current practices of regulators, industry, private laboratories, and academia; and 3) explore alternatives to vertebrate (fish) testing options and the inclusion of modified/new methods and approaches in the regulatory environment. No single approach was identified, because of a range of factors including regulatory concerns, validity criteria, and wider acceptability of alternatives. However, a suite of strategies in a weight-of-evidence approach would provide the flexibility to meet the needs of the environment, regulators, and the regulated community; and this “toolbox” approach would also support reduced reliance on in vivo fish tests. The present Focus article provides a brief overview of wastewater regulation and effluent testing approaches. Alternative methodologies under development and some of the limitations and barriers to regulatory approaches that can be selected to suit individual country and regional requirements are described and discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2745–2757. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Effects of neonicotinoids on putative escape behavior of juvenile wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) chronically exposed as tadpoles
Authors: Lee-Jenkins Stacey S.Y. , Robinson Stacey A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Neonicotinoids are water-soluble neurotoxic insecticides widely used in agriculture that are being detected in nontarget aquatic environments. Nontarget aquatic wildlife, such as amphibians, may be at risk of exposure. Studies using larval stages suggest neonicotinoids are a minor concern to amphibians; however, behavioral effects manifesting later in life are not often considered. Behavioral endpoints could further our understanding of potential sublethal neurotoxic effects after exposure has ended. Using juvenile wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), we investigated the effects of chronic larval exposure to 3 concentrations (1, 10, and 100 μg/L) of formulations containing imidacloprid or thiamethoxam on the putative escape response to a simulated heron attack. We found that control frogs actively responded (i.e., moved or jumped) to the simulated predator attack but frogs exposed to imidacloprid at 10 and 100 μg/L were less likely to respond. The exposed frogs, specifically from the imidacloprid treatment at 10 μg/L (tendency at 100 μg/L) were less likely to leave the attack area compared with controls. However, frogs used refuge similarly among all treatments. Finally, there were no differences in locomotor performance, as measured by total number of jumps and distance traveled during a trial among treatments. In conclusion, our study suggests that exposure to neonicotinoids during amphibian larval development may affect a juvenile frog's ability to perceive or respond to a predator, potentially increasing their vulnerability to predation. Future studies should validate and explore this potential effect further. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3115–3123. © 2018 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Effective Utilization of Waste Red Mud for High Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourav , Fishlock Sam Jeffery , Roy Joy Sankar , Pritam Anurag , Banerjee Debosmita , Deshmukh Sujit , Ghosh Subhasis , McLaughlin James A. , Roy Susanta Sinha 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn recent years, metal oxide‐based, inexpensive, stable electrodes are being explored as a potent source of high performance, sustainable supercapacitors. Here, the employment of industrial waste red mud as a pseudocapacitive electrode material is reported. Mechanical milling is used to produce uniform red mud nanoparticles, which are rich in hematite (Fe2O3), and lower amounts of other metal oxides. A comprehensive supercapacitive study of the electrode is presented as a function of ball‐milling time up to 15 h. Ten‐hour ball‐milled samples exhibit the highest pseudocapacitive behavior with a specific capacitance value of ≈317 F g−1, at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1 in 6 m aqueous potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution. The modified electrode shows an extraordinary retention of ≈97% after 5000 cycles. A detailed quantitative electrochemical analysis is carried out to understand the charge storage mechanism at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The formation of uniform nanoparticles and increased electrode stability are correlated with the high performance. This work presents two significant benefits for the environment; in energy storage, it shows the production of a stable and efficient supercapacitor electrode, and in waste management with new applications for the treatment of red mud.
PI3K: A master regulator of brain metastasis‐promoting macrophages/microglia
Authors: Blazquez Raquel , Wlochowitz Darius , Wolff Alexander , Seitz Stefanie , Wachter Astrid , Perera‐Bel Julia , Bleckmann Annalen , Beißbarth Tim , Salinas Gabriela , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Proescholdt Martin , Evert Matthias , Utpatel Kirsten , Siam Laila , Schatlo Bawarjan , Balkenhol Marko , Stadelmann Christine , Schildhaus Hans‐Ulrich , Korf Ulrike , Reinz Eileen , Wiemann Stefan , Vollmer Elena , Schulz Mathias , Ritter Uwe , Hanisch Uwe K. , Pukrop Tobias 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMutations and activation of the PI3K signaling pathway in breast cancer cells have been linked to brain metastases. However, here we describe that in some breast cancer brain metastases samples the protein expression of PI3K signaling components is restricted to the metastatic microenvironment. In contrast to the therapeutic effects of PI3K inhibition on the breast cancer cells, the reaction of the brain microenvironment is less understood. Therefore we aimed to quantify the PI3K pathway activity in breast cancer brain metastasis and investigate the effects of PI3K inhibition on the central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment. First, to systematically quantify the PI3K pathway activity in breast cancer brain metastases, we performed a prospective biomarker study using a reverse phase protein array (RPPA). The majority, namely 30 out of 48 (62.5%) brain metastatic tissues examined, revealed high PI3K signaling activity that was associated with a median overall survival (OS) of 9.41 months, while that of patients, whose brain metastases showed only moderate or low PI3K activity, amounted to only 1.93 and 6.71 months, respectively. Second, we identified PI3K as a master regulator of metastasis‐promoting macrophages/microglia during CNS colonization; and treatment with buparlisib (BKM120), a pan‐PI3K Class I inhibitor with a good blood‐brain‐barrier penetrance, reduced their metastasis‐promoting features. In conclusion, PI3K signaling is active in the majority of breast cancer brain metastases. Since PI3K inhibition does not only affect the metastatic cells but also re‐educates the metastasis‐promoting macrophages/microglia, PI3K inhibition may hold considerable promise in the treatment of brain metastasis and the respective microenvironment.
Does financial market growth improve income distribution? A comparison of developed and emerging market economies of the global sample
Authors: Paramati Sudharshan Reddy , Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of this research is to investigate the effects of stock market indicators, banking, and foreign direct investment inflows on income inequalities in developed and emerging market economies around the world. For this reason, the study utilizes annual data that range from 1981 to 2014 on the selected indicators. Given the nature of our variables, we employ panel autoregressive distributed lag models to explore the long‐run estimates of income inequalities. The long‐run estimates indicate that the stock market indicators have significant positive and negative impact on income inequalities in developed and emerging market economies, respectively. Further, our findings show that the banking credit adversely affects income inequalities both in developed and emerging economies. Our results also establish significant short‐run causalities among stock market indicators and income inequalities. Given these findings, we argue that the stock markets are playing an important role in reducing income inequalities in emerging economies whereas they contribute for higher inequalities in developed economies.
Is Instructional Scaffolding Actually Vygotskian, and Why Should It Matter to Literacy Teachers?
Authors: Smagorinsky Peter 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this commentary, the author reconceives Vygotsky's zone of proximal development (ZPD), particularly its conflation with the notion of instructional scaffolding. The author reviews Vygotsky's description of theZPDand how it has come to be misinterpreted; summarizes Wood, Bruner, and Ross's introduction of the scaffolding metaphor and how it emerges from a poor translation; and provides a different, more accurate translation of theZPDas the zone of next development as available in the documentary filmThe Butterflies of Zagorsk. The author argues that the conflation of scaffolding with theZPDhas produced a trivialization of Vygotsky's greater body of work, which focused on long‐term, socially mediated human development not short‐term learning. The author makes a case for contextualizing Vygotsky's attention to theZPD(better translated as zone of next development) in a broader reading of his work and its emphasis on how people develop over time rather than through brief pedagogical intervention.
This Is What We Came Here to Do: Literacy at the Heart of Institutional Culture Change
Authors: Hogan Nika , Rose Shelagh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis department focuses on literacy leaders, including school and instructional leaders, teachers, and external partners, who are working to improve outcomes for adolescent and adult learners in a wide range of education settings. Columns investigate the challenges and complexities inherent in such work and share lessons learned, impactful strategies and approaches, and promising pathways forward.
Particle‐coated electrospun scaffold: A semi‐conductive drug eluted scaffold with layered fiber/particle arrangement
Authors: Khorshidi Sajedeh , Karkhaneh Akbar 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, an antibacterial fiber/particle scaffold with improved hydrophilicity has been fabricated. To this end, polyaniline (PANi)/polycaprolactone (PCL) was processed to fibers via electrospinning. Thereafter, ciprofloxacin was loaded in oxidized alginate/gelatin mixture. The mixture was then electrosprayed onto PANi‐based fibers. After particle solidification, oxidized alginate and gelatin simultaneously were crosslinked and encapsulated the ciprofloxacin. The particle/fiber scaffold enabled controlled release of ciprofloxacin. Moreover, the scaffold offered a semi‐conductive structure in which the conductive fibers were interrupted by insulating particles. The scaffold proved higher hydrophilicity, better cell adhesion and proliferation compared with the pristine fibers. Furthermore, the scaffold demonstrated extensive antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria tested. The construct with layered fiber/particle arrangement and benefited from electrical semi‐conductivity, relevant surface hydrophilicity and controlled release of an antibacterial component can be a potent nerve tissue engineering scaffold. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3248–3254, 2018.
Comparison of visible and UVA phototoxicity in neural culture systems micropatterned with digital projection photolithography
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Parastoo , Bowser Devon A. , Brown J. Quincy , Moore Michael J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPhotopolymerization provides a favorable method for hydrogel formation due to its simplicity, convenience, and versatility. However, the light exposure required to initiate photopolymerization is known to have a cytotoxic effect on encapsulated cells. Here, a 3D in vitro model of the nervous system microenvironment, micropatterned through the use of digital projection photolithography using a single hydrogel formulation that cross‐links similarly under ultraviolet A (UVA, 315–400 nm) and visible light (400–700 nm) exposure, is presented. This setup allowed for the investigation of neuronal responses to different light wavelengths and exposure times during photoencapsulation, while ruling out effects due to the hydrogel formulation or photoinitiators used. Cellular studies—including neurite viability, DNA fragmentation, and neurite outgrowth for both UVA and visible light irradiation, the most common spectra used in biological photomicropatterning applications—were performed to assess the effect of light source on neuronal cultures. These studies indicated that while cell death occurs after exposure to either spectrum, visible light was less phototoxic than UVA, when using comparable levels of irradiation, and interestingly, glial cells were more susceptible to phototoxicity than neuronal cells. Thus, while utilizing visible light for micropatterning and cell encapsulation for nervous system applications is beneficial, it is helpful to keep the light exposure low to ensure optimal neuronal survival and growth. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 134–144, 2019.
Matrices based on lineal and star fumarate‐metha/acrylate copolymers for bone tissue engineering: Characterization and biocompatibility studies
Authors: Bravi Costantino M. Leticia , Oberti Tamara G , Cortizo Ana M. , Cortizo M. Susana 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article presents the preparation of matrices from two new families of fumaric copolymers and the effect of structural differences on their physicochemical and biological behavior. Diisopropyl fumarate (DIPF) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) or N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) were copolymerized by conventional radical and RAFT polymerization to obtain lineal or start architectures, respectively. These copolymers were characterized by spectroscopic (FTIR and 1H‐NMR) and chromatographic methods. The thermal stability was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis, showing some differences in relation to the architecture and chemical nature of copolymers. SEM morphological analysis demonstrated that the surface of the matrices derived from OEGMA exhibited an irregular and rough surface, while DIPF–NIPAM copolymers presented smooth surface with nearly no significant porosity. The matrix obtained of both kinds of copolymers presented no cytotoxicity as it was evaluated using a model of macrophages on culture. Moreover, cell growth was better on the surfaces of the DIPF–NIPAM matrices, suggesting a good interaction with this matrix and its potential application as matrices for tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 195–203, 2019.
Ultrashort echo time imaging for quantification of hepatic iron overload: Comparison of acquisition and fitting methods via simulations, phantoms, and in vivo data
Authors: Tipirneni‐Sajja Aaryani , Loeffler Ralf B. , Krafft Axel J. , Sajewski Andrea N. , Ogg Robert J. , Hankins Jane S. , Hillenbrand Claudia M. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundCurrent R2*‐MRI techniques for measuring hepatic iron content (HIC) use various acquisition types and fitting models.PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy and precision of R2*‐HIC acquisition and fitting methods.Study TypeSignal simulations, phantom study, and prospective in vivo cohort.PopulationIn all, 132 patients (58/74 male/female, mean age 17.7 years).Field Strength/Sequence2D‐multiecho gradient‐echo (GRE) and ultrashort echo time (UTE) acquisitions at 1.5T.AssessmentSynthetic MR signals were created to mimic published GRE and UTE methods, using different R2* values (25–2000 s−1) and signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR). Phantoms with varying iron concentrations were scanned at 1.5T. In vivo data were analyzed from 132 patients acquired at 1.5T. R2* was estimated by fitting using three signal models. Accuracy and precision of R2* measurements for UTE acquisition parameters (SNR, echo spacing [ΔTE], maximum echo time [TEmax]) and fitting methods were compared for simulated, phantom, and in vivo datasets.Statistical TestsR2* accuracy was determined from the relative error and by linear regression analysis. Precision was evaluated using coefficient of variation (CoV) analysis.ResultsIn simulations, all models had high R2* accuracy (error <5%) and precision (CoV <10%) for all SNRs, shorter ΔTE (≤0.5 msec), and longer TEmax (≥10.1 msec); except the constant offset model overestimated R2* at the lowest SNR. In phantoms and in vivo, all models produced similar R2* values for different SNRs and shorter ΔTEs (slopes: 0.99–1.06, R2 > 0.99, P < 0.001). In all experiments, R2* results degraded for high R2* values with longer ΔTE (≥1 msec). In vivo, shorter and longer TEmax gave similar R2* results (slopes: 1.02–1.06, R2 > 0.99, P < 0.001) for the noise subtraction model for 25≤R2*≤2000 s−1. However, both quadratic and constant offset models, using shorter TEmax (≤4.7 msec) overestimated R2* and yielded high CoVs up to ∼170% for low R2* (<250 s−1).Data ConclusionUTE with TEmax ≥ 10.1 msec and ΔTE ≤ 0.5 msec yields accurate R2* estimates over the entire clinical HIC range. Monoexponential fitting with noise subtraction is the most robust signal model to changes in UTE parameters and achieves the highest R2* accuracy and precision.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1475–1488.