bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids Used in the Disruption of Escherichia Coli Cells
Authors: Sintra Tânia E. , Vilas Miguel , Martins Margarida , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Lobo Ferreira Ana I. M. C. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F. , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Tojo Emília , Coutinho João A. P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTwelve surface‐active ionic liquids (SAILs) and surface‐active derivatives, based on imidazolium, ammonium, and phosphonium cations and containing one, or more, long alkyl chains in the cation and/or the anion, were synthetized and characterized. The aggregation behavior of these SAILs in water, as well as their adsorption at solution/air interface, were studied by assessing surface tension and conductivity. The CMC values obtained (0.03–6.0 mM) show a high propensity of these compounds to self‐aggregate in aqueous media. Their thermal properties were also characterized, namely the melting point and decomposition temperature by using DSC and TGA, respectively. Furthermore, the toxicity of these SAILs was evaluated using the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (Gram‐negative). According to the EC50 values obtained (0.3–2.7 mg L−1), the surface‐active compounds tested should be considered “toxic” or “highly toxic”. Their ability to induce cell disruption of Escherichia coli cells (also Gram‐negative), releasing the intracellular green fluorescent protein (GFP) produced, was investigated. The results clearly evidence the capability of these SAILs to act as cell disruption agents.
Influence of Seed Size on the Quality of High‐Performance Multicrystalline Silicon Ingots Grown by Fused Quartz Particle Seeding
Authors: Mi Changcheng , Ding Junjing , Cai Yanhuan , Zhou Bing , Dong Hui , Luo Jianming , Huang Xinming 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe performance of high‐performance multicrystalline silicon ingots is studied as a function of fused quartz seed particle size. Four kinds of Si ingots are grown using fused quartz particles having four distinct particle sizes, seed Nos. 1–4, corresponding to mesh sizes of 10–30, 30–50, 50–70, and 70–100, respectively. Each seed type is employed to have the same particle density area of ≈220 particles per cm2. The experimental results show that the Si ingot grown using 50–70 mesh seeds (seed No. 3) has the best uniformity of initial nucleation and subsequent grains, resulting in the lowest density of dislocation clusters. The Si ingots are cut into bricks and Si wafers are sliced from different positions of each brick and further studied. As a result, the average conversion efficiency is the highest for the ingot grown using No. 3 seeds (50–70 mesh) at 18.34%, ≈0.22% (absolute value) higher than that observed when employing 10–30 mesh seeds (seed No. 1, 18.12%).
High‐Throughput Dimensional Evaluation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Sato Kimiyasu , Tominaga Yuichi , Hotta Yuji 
Published: January 2019

AbstractExfoliation of layered materials is a key to obtaining high‐performance 2D nanomaterials. Rapid and inexpensive exfoliation methods of the layered materials have been proposed recently. Along with the development, high‐throughput dimensional evaluation methods for the 2D nanomaterials are required as well. A novel method of dimensional evaluation for 2D nanomaterials is evolved. That can be characterized by utilization of synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction. A bulky amount of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) particles in solvents via wet jet milling is exfoliated and h‐BN 2D nanomaterials in plenty is obtained. Employing the resultant h‐BN 2D nanomaterials as measurement specimens, validity of the dimensional evaluation method is verified. With the powerful characterization method at hand, it is expected that optimization of various exfoliation processes will flourish in the near term.
Corporate governance and environmental social governance disclosure: A meta‐analytical review
Authors: Lagasio Valentina , Cucari Nicola 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper provides, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the first meta‐analysis of evidence about the influence of the corporate governance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure, in a setting where the disclosure of information is voluntary but not discretionary. We apply meta‐analysis to a sample of 24 empirical studies to clarify the relationship of board size, board independence, women on board, number of board meeting, CEO duality, and company ownership with ESG disclosure. Our results show that board independence, board size, and women directorship visibly enhance ESG voluntary disclosure; board ownership and CEO duality do not improve the level of ESG disclosure; and some hesitations remain in respect of the number of board meetings and institutional and family ownership. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the corporate governance mechanisms that lead to more ESG disclosure and highlight the need of new approach on these issues.
Porous Mn‐Doped FeP/Co3(PO4)2 Nanosheets as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting in a Wide pH Range
Authors: Liu Haoxuan , Peng Xianyun , Liu Xijun , Qi Gaocan , Luo Jun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDevelopment of highly active and stable electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is important for future renewable energy systems. In this study, porous Mn‐doped FeP/Co3(PO4)2 (PMFCP) nanosheets on carbon cloth are utilized as a highly efficient 3 D self‐supported binder‐free integrated electrode for the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) over a wide pH range. Specifically, overpotentials of 27, 117, 85 mV are required for the PMFCP nanosheets to attain 10 mA cm−2 for HER in 0.5 m H2SO4, 1.0 m phosphatebuffered saline (PBS), and 1.0 m KOH, respectively. In addition to the excellent performance for HER electrocatalysis, PMFCP nanosheets were also efficient electrocatalysts for the OER. Thus, the PMFCP nanosheets can serve as anodes and cathodes for overall water splitting (OWS). The OWS working voltages to attain 10 mA cm−2 are found to be 1.75, 1.82, and 1.61 V in acid, neutral, and alkaline electrolytes, respectively. Chronopotentiometric tests show that the PMFCP electrode can maintain its excellent pH‐universal OWS activity for more than 30 000 s. This work also provides new insights into developing high‐performance electrocatalysts for water splitting over a wide pH range. The improvement in electrochemical performance by introduction of Mn dopant and nano‐holes offers new opportunities in the development of effective electrodes for other energy‐related applications.
Synthesis of MCM‐41‐Supported Metal Catalysts in Deep Eutectic Solvent for the Conversion of Carbohydrates into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Feng Yunchao , Yan Guihua , Wang Ting , Jia Wenlong , Zeng Xianhai , Sperry Jonathan , Sun Yong , Tang Xing , Lei Tingzhou , Lin Lu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA series of MCM‐41 supported metal catalysts (denoted M/D41) were prepared by using the deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐mediated ionothermal synthesis strategy. Al/D41 was found to have excellent performance in the conversion of carbohydrates into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Furthermore, the production of HMF from glucose could be performed at high concentrations in choline chloride aqueous solution (CAS; 32 wt %, relative to the reaction phase) and as a result, CAS is a more promising solvent than water and DES for HMF production.
Rapid Nondestructive Fractionation of Biomass (≤15 min) by using Flow‐Through Recyclable Formic Acid toward Whole Valorization of Carbohydrate and Lignin
Authors: Zhou Hao , Tan Liping , Fu Yingjuan , Zhang Huayong , Liu Na , Qin Menghua , Wang Zhaojiang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWhole valorization of carbohydrate and lignin from biomass was achieved by rapid flow‐through fractionation (RFF) within 15 min. Wheat straw was effectively deconstructed into its principle components without degradation by using easily recyclable aqueous formic acid (72 wt %) at 130 °C. The obtained cellulose‐rich solid showed a nearly complete glucan recovery and 73.8 % glucose conversion after enzymatic hydrolysis. Xylan also reached full recovery with negligible furfural formation with a sum of 80 % of oligo/mono xylose in spent liquor and 20 % of xylan remaining in the solid. Up to 75.4 % lignin was dissolved in the spent liquor and further fractionated into water‐insoluble (WIL) and water‐soluble lignin (WSL) by dilution with water. WIL showed a non‐condensed and well‐preserved structure with 84.5 % β‐O‐4 remaining, which is believed to be beneficial for catalytic conversion into low‐molecular‐weight chemicals and fuels. The concentration of employed formic acid was below the formic acid/water azeotrope, and therefore the reaction medium could be restored through simple distillation. Together with the joint valorization of lignin and carbohydrates, the presented RFF is a promising process for sustainable biorefinery.
Controlled Synthesis of Surfactant‐Free Water‐Dispersible Colloidal Platinum Nanoparticles by the Co4Cat Process
Authors: Quinson Jonathan , Kacenauskaite Laura , Bucher Jan , Simonsen Søren B. , Theil Kuhn Luise , Oezaslan Mehtap , Kunz Sebastian , Arenz Matthias 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe recently reported Co4Cat process is a synthesis method bearing ecological and economic benefits to prepare precious‐metal nanoparticles (NPs) with optimized catalytic properties. In the Co4Cat process, a metal precursor (e.g., H2PtCl6) is dissolved in an alkaline solution of a low‐boiling‐point solvent (methanol) and reduced to NPs at low temperature (<80 °C) without the use of surfactants. Here, the Co4Cat process to prepare Pt NPs is described in detail. The advantages of this new synthesis method for research and development but also industrial production are highlighted in a comparison with the popular “polyol” synthesis. The reduction of H2PtCl6 from PtIV to PtII and further to Pt0 is followed by UV/Vis and XANES/EXAFS measurements. It is demonstrated how the synthesis can be accelerated, how size control is achieved, and how the colloidal dispersions can be stabilized without the use of surfactants. Despite being surfactant‐free, the Pt NPs exhibit surprisingly long‐term (up to 16 months) stability in water over a wide pH range (4–12) and in aqueous buffer solutions. The Co4Cat process is thus relevant to produce NPs for heterogeneous catalysis, electro‐catalysis, or bio/medical applications.
Linked Picolinamide Nickel Complexes as Redox Carriers for Nonaqueous Flow Batteries
Authors: Chu Terry , Popov Ivan A. , Andrade Gabriel A. , Maurya Sandip , Yang Ping , Batista Enrique R. , Scott Brian L. , Mukundan Rangachary , Davis Benjamin L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe use of nickel complexes utilizing non‐innocent ligands based on picolinamide to function as redox carriers in flow batteries was explored. The picolinamide moiety was linked together with −CH2CH2− (bpen), −CH2CH2CH2− (bppn), and −C6H4− (bpb) moieties, resulting in two, three, and four quasi‐reversible waves, respectively, for the nickel complexes and >3 V difference between the outermost positive and negative waves. The redox events were theoretically modelled for each complex, showing excellent agreement (<0.3 V difference) between the experimental and modelled potentials. Bulk cycling of the most soluble complex, Ni(bppn), indicated only one of the three waves was reversible. Therefore, Ni(bppn) has the ability to act as a negative charge redox carrier in flow cells.
Urinary mitochondrial DNA: A potential early biomarker of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Cao Hongdi , Wu Jining , Luo Jing , Chen Xiaolan , Yang Junwei , Fang Li 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial dysfunction and chronic sterile inflammation are common features of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could be a biomarker implicated in the progression of type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy and explore the underlying mechanism.Material and MethodsWe developed a method for relative quantification of mtDNA content in clinical practice. qRT‐PCR was used to measure the mtDNA content both in vivo in CD‐1 mice with diabetes induction by streptozotocin and in vitro in murine endothelial cells and conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes. By pumping mtDNA into the mouse circulation, the effect of mtDNA on the kidney was assessed in mice. In patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 42; 24 males; mean age 57.9 ± 12.00 years), plasma mtDNA was evaluated.ResultsPlasma mtDNA content was significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with significant proteinuria. In vitro, high glucose treatment suppressed intracellular mtDNA content and facilitated the extracellular release of mtDNA, so excessive circulatory mtDNA induced by high glucose might be filtered through the kidney and then into urine. Indeed, urinary mtDNA content was significantly increased in both diabetic patients and mice. Moreover, by pumping excess mtDNA into circulation in mice, filtered mtDNA could trigger inflammation and induce kidney injury.ConclusionExcessive mtDNA filtered through the kidney under diabetic conditions may be involved in chronic renal inflammation. Reduced plasma mtDNA content and increased urinary mtDNA/creatinine ratio might play a potential role as an early biomarker of diabetic nephropathy.
Ringed seal demography in a changing climate
Authors: Reimer Jody R. , Caswell Hal , Derocher Andrew E. , Lewis Mark A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractClimate change is affecting species’ distributions and abundances worldwide. Baseline population estimates, against which future observations may be compared, are necessary if we are to detect ecological change. Arctic sea ice ecosystems are changing rapidly and we lack baseline population estimates for many ice‐associated species. Provided we can detect them, changes in Arctic marine ecosystems may be signaled by changes in indicator species such as ringed seals (Pusa hispida). Ringed seal monitoring has provided estimates of survival and fertility rates, but these have not been used for population‐level inference. Using matrix population models, we synthesized existing demographic parameters to obtain estimates of historical ringed seal population growth and structure in Amundsen Gulf and Prince Albert Sound, Canada. We then formalized existing hypotheses about the effects of emerging environmental stressors (i.e., earlier spring ice breakup and reduced snow depth) on ringed seal pup survival. Coupling the demographic model to ice and snow forecasts available from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project resulted in projections of ringed seal population size and structure up to the year 2100. These projections showed median declines in population size ranging from 50% to 99%. Corresponding to these projected declines were substantial changes in population structure, with increasing proportions of ringed seal pups and adults and declining proportions of juveniles. We explored if currently collected, harvest‐based data could be used to detect the projected changes in population stage structure. Our model suggests that at a present sample size of 100 seals per year, the projected changes in stage structure would only be reliably detected by mid‐century, even for the most extreme climate models. This modeling process revealed inconsistencies in existing estimates of ringed seal demographic rates. Mathematical population models such as these can contribute both to understanding past population trends as well as predicting future ones, both of which are necessary if we are to detect and interpret future observations.
Why is premorbid BMI consistently elevated in clinical samples, but not in risk factor samples, of individuals with eating disorders?
Authors: Muratore Alexandra F. , Lowe Michael R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBody image disturbance is widely viewed as contributing to the development and maintenance of disordered eating. Yet this perspective is not inconsistent with the possibility that elevated premorbid BMIs also increase the risk of developing eating disorders. Research examining whether actual body size may play a role in eating disorder development reveals a curious pattern of findings. Few prospective risk factor studies conducted with community‐based samples found a relationship between premorbid BMI and subsequent eating disorder pathology whereas retrospective research conducted with clinical samples indicates a consistent pattern of elevated premorbid BMIs relative to population norms or control groups. This study documents these disparate findings, considers potential explanations for them and proposes further study of premorbid BMI as a factor contributing to the psychopathology of eating disorders, particularly among those who come to the attention of treatment providers.
Hitchhiking the high seas: Global genomics of rafting crabs
Authors: Pfaller Joseph B. , Payton Adam C. , Bjorndal Karen A. , Bolten Alan B. , McDaniel Stuart F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPopulation differentiation and diversification depend in large part on the ability and propensity of organisms to successfully disperse. However, our understanding of these processes in organisms with high dispersal ability is biased by the limited genetic resolution offered by traditional genotypic markers. Many neustonic animals disperse not only as pelagic larvae, but also as juveniles and adults while drifting or rafting at the surface of the open ocean. In theory, the heightened dispersal ability of these animals should limit opportunities for species diversification and population differentiation. To test these predictions, we used next‐generation sequencing of genomewide restriction‐site‐associated DNA tags (RADseq) and traditional mitochondrial DNA sequencing, to investigate the species‐level relationships and global population structure of Planes crabs collected from oceanic flotsam and sea turtles. Our results indicate that species diversity in this clade is low—likely three closely related species—with no evidence of cryptic or undescribed species. Moreover, our results indicate weak population differentiation among widely separated aggregations with genetic indices showing only subtle genetic discontinuities across all oceans of the world (RADseq FST = 0.08–0.16). The results of this study provide unprecedented resolution of the systematics and global biogeography of this group and contribute valuable information to our understanding of how theoretical dispersal potential relates to actual population differentiation and diversification among marine organisms. Moreover, these results demonstrate the limitations of single gene analyses and the value of genomic‐level resolution for estimating contemporary population structure in organisms with large, highly connected populations.
The Klingon batbugs: Morphological adaptations in the primitive bat bugs, Bucimex chilensis and Primicimex cavernis, including updated phylogeny of Cimicidae
Authors: Ossa Gonzalo , Johnson Joseph S. , Puisto Anna I. E. , Rinne Veikko , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Waag Austin , Vesterinen Eero J. , Lilley Thomas M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Cimicidae is a family of blood‐dependent ectoparasites in which dispersion capacity is greatly associated with host movements. Bats are the ancestral and most prevalent hosts for cimicids. Cimicids have a worldwide distribution matching that of their hosts, but the global classification is incomplete, especially for species outside the most common Cimicidae taxa. In this study, we place a little‐studied cimicid species, Bucimex chilensis, within a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cimicidae by sequencing the genomic regions of this and other closely related species. For this study, we collected B. chilensis females from Myotis chiloensis in Tierra del Fuego, 1,300 km further south than previously known southernmost distribution boundary. We also sequenced COI regions from Primicimex cavernis, a species which together with B. chilensis comprise the entire subfamily Primiciminae. Using Bayesian posterior probability and maximum‐likelihood approaches, we found that B. chilensis and P. cavernis clustered close to each other in the molecular analyses, receiving support from similar morphological features, agreeing with the morphology‐based taxonomic placement of the two species within the subfamily Primiciminae. We also describe a previously unrecognized morphological adaptation of the tarsal structure, which allows the austral bat ectoparasite, B. chilensis, to cling on to the pelage of its known host, the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis). Through a morphological study and behavioral observation, we elucidate how this tarsal structure operates, and we hypothesize that by clinging in the host pelage, B. chilensis is able to disperse effectively to new areas despite low host density. This is a unique feature shared by P. cavernis, the only other species in Primiciminae.
Determination of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in heart failure patients
Authors: Roura Santiago , Rudilla Francesc , Gastelurrutia Paloma , Enrich Emma , Campos Eva , Lupón Josep , Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Querol Sergi , Bayés‐Genís Antoni 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsCell therapy can be used to repair functionally impaired organs and tissues in humans. Although autologous cells have an immunological advantage, it is difficult to obtain high cell numbers for therapy. Well‐characterized banks of cells with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that are representative of a given population are thus needed. The present study investigates the HLA allele and haplotype frequencies in a cohort of heart failure (HF) patients.Methods and resultsWe carried out the HLA typing and the allele and haplotype frequency analysis in 247 ambulatory HF patients. We determined HLA class I (A, B, and C) and class II (DRB1 and DQB1) using next‐generation sequencing technology. The allele frequencies were obtained using Python for Population Genomics (PyPop) software, and HLA haplotypes were estimated using HaploStats. A total of 30 HLA‐A, 56 HLA‐B, 23 HLA‐C, 36 HLA‐DRB1, and 15 HLA‐DQB1 distinct alleles were identified within the studied cohort. The genotype frequencies of all five HLA loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We detected differences in HLA allele frequencies among patients when the etiological cause of HF was considered. There were a total of 494 five‐loci haplotypes, five of which were present six or more times. Moreover, the most common estimated HLA haplotype was HLA‐A*01:01, HLA‐B*08:01, HLA‐C*07:01, HLA‐DRB1*03:01, and HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (6.07% haplotype frequency per patient). Remarkably, the 11 most frequent haplotypes would cover 31.17% of the patients of the cohort in need of allogeneic cell therapy.ConclusionsOur findings could be useful for improving allogeneic cell administration outcomes without concomitant immunosuppression.