Correction to: Involutions of Type G2 over a Field of Characteristic Two

Algebras and Representation Theory - We would like to correct two errors in our paper Involutions of type G2 over a field of characteristic 2 [2].     

Graphitic‐Carbon Layers on Oxides: Toward Stable Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biomass Conversion Reactions

Conversion of biomass‐derived molecules involves catalytic reactions under harsh conditions in the liquid phase (e.g., temperatures of 250 °C and possibly under either acidic or basic conditions). Conventional oxide‐supported catalysts undergo pore structure collapse and surface area reduction leading to deactivation under these conditions. Here we demonstrate an approach to deposit graphitic carbon to protect the oxide surface. The heterogeneous catalysts supported on the graphitic carbon/oxide composite exhibit excellent stability (even under acidic conditions) for biomass conversion reactions.     

Keratin Scaffolds Containing Casomorphin Stimulate Macrophage Infiltration and Accelerate Full-Thickness Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice

Impaired wound healing is a major medical challenge, especially in diabetics. Over the centuries, the main goal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been to invent biomaterials that accelerate the wound healing process. In this context, keratin-derived biomaterial is a promising candidate due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, we evaluated an insoluble fraction of keratin containing casomorphin as a wound dressing in a full-thickness surgical skin wound model in mice (n = 20) with iatrogenically induced diabetes. Casomorphin, an opioid peptide with analgesic properties, was incorporated into keratin and shown to be slowly released from the dressing. An in vitro study showed that keratin-casomorphin dressing is biocompatible, non-toxic, and supports cell growth. In vivo experiments demonstrated that keratin-casomorphin dressing significantly (p < 0.05) accelerates the whole process of skin wound healing to the its final stage. Wounds covered with keratin-casomorphin dressing underwent reepithelization faster, ending up with a thicker epidermis than control wounds, as confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. This investigated dressing stimulated macrophages infiltration, which favors tissue remodeling and regeneration, unlike in the control wounds in which neutrophils predominated. Additionally, in dressed wounds, the number of microhemorrhages was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as compared with control wounds. The dressing was naturally incorporated into regenerating tissue during the wound healing process. Applied keratin dressing favored reconstruction of more regular skin structure and assured better cosmetic outcome in terms of scar formation and appearance. Our results have shown that insoluble keratin wound dressing containing casomorphin supports skin wound healing in diabetic mice.     

Stable,High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(phthalaldehyde)

Low ceiling temperature, thermodynamically unstable polymers have been troublesome to synthesize and keep stable during storage. In this study, stable poly(phthalaldehyde) has been synthesized with BF₃‐OEt₂ catalyst. The role of BF₃ in the polymerization is described. The interaction of BF₃ with the monomer is described and used to maximize the yield and molecular weight of poly(phthalaldehyde). Various Lewis acids were used to investigate the effect of catalyst acidity on poly(phthalaldehyde) chain growth. In situ nuclear magnetic resonance was used to identify possible interactions formed between BF₃ and phthalaldehyde monomer and polymer. The molecular weight of the polymer tracks with polymerization yield. The ambient temperature stability of poly(phthalaldehyde) was investigated and the storage life of the polymer has been improved. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 55, 1166–1172