bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoherence of black hole superpositions by Hawking radiation
Authors: Arrasmith Andrew , Albrecht Andreas , Zurek Wojciech H.
Published: March 2019

An environment interacting with a system acquires information about it, e.g. about its location. The resulting decoherence is thought to be responsible for the emergence of the classical realm of our Universe out of the quantum substrate. However, this view of the emergence of the classical is sometimes dismissed as a consequence of insufficient isolation and, hence, as non-fundamental. In contrast to many other systems, a black hole can never be isolated from its Hawking radiation which carries information about its location, making this lack of isolation fundamental. Here we consider the decoherence of a “black hole Schrödinger cat”—a non-local superposition of a Schwarzschild black hole in two distinct locations—due to its Hawking radiation. The resulting decoherence rate turns out to be given by a surprisingly simple equation. Moreover, and in contrast to known cases of decoherence, this rate does not involve Planck’s constant ħ.
Effects of 4-Hexylresorcinol on Protein Expressions in RAW 264.7 Cells as Determined by Immunoprecipitation High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Kim Min Keun , Yoon Cheol Soo , Kim Seong Gon , Park Young Wook , Lee Sang Shin , Lee Suk Keun
Published: March 2019

4-Hexylresorcinol (4HR) is a small organic compound that is used as an additive antiseptic and antioxidant, but its molecular properties have not been clearly elucidated. The present study explored the cellular effects of 4HR on RAW 264.7 cells by immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC) using 216 antisera. 4HR-treated cells showed significant decreases in the expressions of proliferation-related proteins, cMyc/MAX/MAD network, p53/Rb/E2F and Wnt/β-catenin signalings, epigenetic modifications, and protein translation. Furthermore, 4HR suppressed the expressions of growth factors and proteins associated with RAS signaling, NFkB signaling, inflammation, and osteogenesis, but elevated the expressions of proteins associated with p53-mediated and FAS-mediated apoptosis, T-cell immunity, angiogenesis, antioxidant, and oncogenic signaling. In a 4HR adherence assay, TNFα, PKC, osteopontin, and GADD45 were strongly adherent to 4HR-coated beads, whereas IL-6, c-caspase 3, CDK4, and c-caspase 9 were not. Many 4HR adherent proteins were expressed at lower levels in 4HR treated RAW 264.7 cells than in non-treated controls, whereas 4HR non-adherent proteins were expressed at higher levels. These observations suggest 4HR affects the expressions of proteins in an adhesion-dependent manner and that its effects on proteins are characteristic and global in RAW 264.7 cells.
Legibility Assessment of Visual Word Form Symbols for Visual Tests
Authors: Tsai Li-Ting , Jang Yuh , Liao Kuo-Meng , Chen Chien-Chung
Published: March 2019

For a reliable visual test, it is important to evaluate the legibility of the symbols, which depends on several factors. Previous studies have compared the legibility of Latin optotypes. This study developed a visual function test based on identification visual capacity for a Chinese reading population. The legibility of word symbols was assessed with three methods: (1) Identification of the contrast thresholds of the character sets, (2) patterns of confusion matrices obtained from analysis of the frequency of incorrect stimulus/response pairs, and (3) pixel ratios of bitmap images of Chinese characters. Then characters of similar legibility in each character set were selected. The contrast thresholds of the final five character sets and the Tumbling E and Landolt C optotypes were evaluated. No significant differences in contrast threshold were found among the five selected character sets (p > 0.05), but the contrast thresholds were significantly higher than those of the E and C optotypes. Our results indicate that combining multiple methods to include the influences of the properties of visual stimuli would be useful in investigating the legibility of visual word symbols.
In vivo investigation of hyperpolarized [1,3-13C2]acetoacetate as a metabolic probe in normal brain and in glioma
Authors: Najac Chloé , Radoul Marina , Le Page Lydia M. , Batsios Georgios , Subramani Elavarasan , Viswanath Pavithra , Gillespie Anne Marie , Ronen Sabrina M.
Published: March 2019

Dysregulation in NAD+/NADH levels is associated with increased cell division and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Conversion of the ketone body acetoacetate (AcAc) to β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) by the mitochondrial enzyme β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH) depends upon NADH availability. The β-HB-to-AcAc ratio is therefore expected to reflect mitochondrial redox. Previous studies reported the potential of hyperpolarized 13C-AcAc to monitor mitochondrial redox in cells, perfused organs and in vivo. However, the ability of hyperpolarized 13C-AcAc to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and its potential to monitor brain metabolism remained unknown. Our goal was to assess the value of hyperpolarized [1,3-13C2]AcAc in healthy and tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Following hyperpolarized [1,3-13C2]AcAc injection, production of [1,3-13C2]β-HB was detected in normal and tumor-bearing mice. Significantly higher levels of [1-13C]AcAc and lower [1-13C]β-HB-to-[1-13C]AcAc ratios were observed in tumor-bearing mice. These results were consistent with decreased BDH activity in tumors and associated with increased total cellular NAD+/NADH. Our study confirmed that AcAc crosses the BBB and can be used for monitoring metabolism in the brain. It highlights the potential of AcAc for future clinical translation and its potential utility for monitoring metabolic changes associated with glioma, and other neurological disorders.
Bimodal Incoherent Digital Holography for Both Three-Dimensional Imaging and Quasi-Infinite–Depth-of-Field Imaging
Authors: Nobukawa Teruyoshi , Katano Yutaro , Muroi Tetsuhiko , Kinoshita Nobuhiro , Ishii Norihiko
Published: March 2019

Although three-dimensional (3D) imaging and extended depth-of-field (DOF) imaging are completely opposite techniques, both provide much more information about 3D scenes and objects than does traditional two-dimensional imaging. Therefore, these imaging techniques strongly influence a wide variety of applications, such as broadcasting, entertainment, metrology, security and biology. In the present work, we derive a generalised theory involving incoherent digital holography to describe both 3D imaging and quasi-infinite–DOF (QIDOF) imaging, which allows us to comprehensively discuss the functions of each imaging technique. On the basis of this theory, we propose and develop a bimodal incoherent digital holography system that allows both 3D imaging and QIDOF imaging. The proposed system allows imaging objects using spatially incoherent light and reconstructing 3D images or QIDOF images solely by changing the phase pattern of a spatial light modulator and without requiring mechanical adjustments or any other modifications to the setup. As a proof-of-principle experiment, we evaluate the DOF and record holograms of a reflective object with the proposed system. The experimental results show that the generalised theory is effective; our demonstration platform provides the function of 3D and QIDOF imaging.
Pore-scale characteristics of multiphase flow in heterogeneous porous media using the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Bakhshian Sahar , Hosseini Seyyed A. , Shokri Nima
Published: March 2019

This study provides a pore-scale investigation of two-phase flow dynamics during primary drainage in a realistic heterogeneous rock sample. Using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method, a series of three-dimensional (3D) immiscible displacement simulations are conducted and three typical flow patterns are identified and mapped on the capillary number (Ca)-viscosity ratio(M) phase diagram. We then investigate the effect of the viscosity ratio and capillary number on fluid saturation patterns and displacement stability in Tuscaloosa sandstone, which is taken from the Cranfield site. The dependence of the evolution of saturation, location of the displacement front, 3D displacement patterns and length of the center of mass of the invading fluid on the viscosity ratio and capillary number have been delineated. To gain a quantitative insight into the characteristics of the invasion morphology in 3D porous media, the fractal dimension Df of the non-wetting phase displacement patterns during drainage has been computed for various viscosity ratios and capillary numbers. The logarithmic dependence of Df on invading phase saturation appears to be the same for various capillary numbers and viscosity ratios and follows a universal relation.
Microbial Colonization Coordinates the Pathogenesis of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Infant Isolate
Authors: Pope Jillian L. , Yang Ye , Newsome Rachel C. , Sun Wei , Sun Xiaolun , Ukhanova Maria , Neu Josef , Issa Jean-Pierre , Mai Volker , Jobin Christian
Published: March 2019

Enterobacteriaceae are among the first colonizers of neonate intestine. Members of this family, such as Escherichia and Klebsiella, are considered pathobionts and as such are capable of inducing local and systemic disease under specific colonization circumstances. Interplay between developing microbiota and pathogenic function of pathobionts are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the functional interaction between various colonization patterns on an early colonizer, K. pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae 51-5 was isolated from stool of a healthy, premature infant, and found to contain the genotoxin island pks associated with development of colorectal cancer. Using intestinal epithelial cells, macrophages, and primary splenocytes, we demonstrate K. pneumoniae 51-5 upregulates expression of proinflammatory genes in vitro. Gnotobiotic experiments in Il10−/− mice demonstrate the neonate isolate induces intestinal inflammation in vivo, with increased expression of proinflammatory genes. Regulation of microbiota assembly revealed K. pneumoniae 51-5 accelerates onset of inflammation in Il10−/− mice, most significantly when microbiota is naturally acquired. Furthermore, K. pneumoniae 51-5 induces DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, K. pneumoniae 51-5 induced tumors in ApcMin/+; Il10−/− mice was not significantly affected by absence of colibactin activating enzyme, ClbP. These findings demonstrate pathogenicity of infant K. pneumoniae isolate is sensitive to microbial colonization status.
Use of vasopressor for dialysis-related hypotension is a risk factor for death in hemodialysis patients: Nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kanda Eiichiro , Tsuruta Yuki , Kikuchi Kan , Masakane Ikuto
Published: March 2019

Because hypotension during hemodialysis (HD) makes continuation of HD difficult and is associated with mortality, pressor approaches are necessary for patients with hypotension. However, the relationships between the pressor approaches and the risk of death have not been clarified yet. We analyzed data from a nationwide prospective cohort study of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry (n = 29,309). The outcome was all-cause one-year death. The association between the use of pressor approaches and the outcome was examined using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for baseline characteristics, propensity score matched analysis and Bayesian networks. The background features of the patients were as follows: male, 59.6%; average age, 64.5 ± 12.5 years; and patients with diabetes mellitus, 31.5%. The pressor group showed a higher risk of the outcome than the control group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.33 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.47), p = 0.0001]. Propensity score matched analysis also showed that the matched-pressor group had a higher risk of the outcome than the matched-control group [aHR 1.30 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.45), p = 0.0001]. Moreover, the Bayesian network showed a direct causal relationship from the use of pressor approaches to the outcome. The use of oral vasopressors [aHR 1.20 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.35), p = 0.0018], intravenous injection of vasopressors [aHR 1.54 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.79), p = 0.0001] and normal saline [aHR 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.33), p = 0.0066] were associated with a high risk of the outcome. In conclusion, this study showed that the use of pressor approaches during HD may be an independent risk factor for death.
SOX6 blocks the proliferation of BCR-ABL1+ and JAK2V617F+ leukemic cells
Authors: Barbarani Gloria , Fugazza Cristina , Barabino Silvia M. L. , Ronchi Antonella E.
Published: March 2019

SOX6 is a HMG-box transcription factor expressed in a wide range of tissues. Recent data show that SOX6 expression is altered in different cancers, in the majority of cases being downregulated. To date, no data are available about SOX6 role in hematological malignancies. Here we demonstrate that SOX6 overexpressing BCR-ABL1+ B-ALL cells are unable to promote leukemia in a mouse model. Starting from this observation, we extended our study to a panel of human leukemic cells carrying genetic lesions distinctive of different types of leukemias and myeloproliferative disorders (the BCR-ABL1 translocation and the JAK2V617F amino acid substitution) to dissect the cellular events induced by SOX6. The inhibition of proliferation is the invariant outcome of SOX6 overexpression but it is achieved via two different cellular responses: terminal differentiation in erythroid-biased cells, irrespectively of their mutation, and apoptosis in megakaryocytic-primed and lymphoid cells. Within this context, cells carrying the highest copy number of the JAK2V617F allele better counteract the SOX6-imposed growth arrest. The interrogation of the GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis) human dataset reveals that SOX6 is downregulated in a cohort of AML patients, uncovering a wide anti-proliferative role of SOX6 in a variety of mutant backgrounds.
T cells in mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissue of Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: Oliveira Bárbara M. , Rasteiro Ana M. , Correia Alexandra , Pinto Ana , Meireles Pedro , Ferreira Paula G. , Vilanova Manuel , Teixeira Luzia
Published: March 2019

The importance of immune cells present in the adipose tissue to metabolic homeostasis has been increasingly recognized. Nevertheless, in bovines few studies have so far addressed the immune cell populations resident in this tissue. Here we developed an eight-colour flow cytometry panel to address T cell populations present in bovine adipose tissue. Our results showed that γδ T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ CD3+ non-γδ T cells, as well as NK cells, are present in the mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissue of Holstein-Friesian cows. The frequency of both γδ T cells and CD8+ non-γδ T cells was found higher in mesenteric than in subcutaneous adipose tissue. The majority of T cells in adipose tissue presented a CD45RO+CD62L− phenotype, characteristic of effector memory cells, and the frequency of these cellular populations was higher than in the blood. The ratio of CD4+ T cells over CD8+ T cells was similar between subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissue but different from the one found in blood. Overall, our results highlight particular phenotypic characteristics of bovine adipose tissue T cell populations.
The Impact of Varying Cooling and Thawing Rates on the Quality of Cryopreserved Human Peripheral Blood T Cells
Authors: Baboo Jasmin , Kilbride Peter , Delahaye Mike , Milne Stuart , Fonseca Fernanda , Blanco Magdalena , Meneghel Julie , Nancekievill Alex , Gaddum Nick , Morris G. John
Published: March 2019

For the clinical delivery of immunotherapies it is anticipated that cells will be cryopreserved and shipped to the patient where they will be thawed and administered. An established view in cellular cryopreservation is that following freezing, cells must be warmed rapidly (≤5 minutes) in order to maintain high viability. In this study we examine the interaction between the rate of cooling and rate of warming on the viability, and function of T cells formulated in a conventional DMSO based cryoprotectant and processed in conventional cryovials. The data obtained show that provided the cooling rate is −1 °C min−1 or slower, there is effectively no impact of warming rate on viable cell number within the range of warming rates examined (1.6 °C min−1 to 113 °C min−1). It is only following a rapid rate of cooling (−10 °C min−1) that a reduction in viable cell number is observed following slow rates of warming (1.6 °C min−1 and 6.2 °C min−1), but not rapid rates of warming (113 °C min−1 and 45 °C min−1). Cryomicroscopy studies revealed that this loss of viability is correlated with changes in the ice crystal structure during warming. At high cooling rates (−10 °C min−1) the ice structure appeared highly amorphous, and when subsequently thawed at slow rates (6.2 °C min−1 and below) ice recrystallization was observed during thaw suggesting mechanical disruption of the frozen cells. This data provides a fascinating insight into the crystal structure dependent behaviour during phase change of frozen cell therapies and its effect on live cell suspensions. Furthermore, it provides an operating envelope for the cryopreservation of T cells as an emerging industry defines formulation volumes and cryocontainers for immunotherapy products.
Pathologist-level classification of histologic patterns on resected lung adenocarcinoma slides with deep neural networks
Authors: Wei Jason W. , Tafe Laura J. , Linnik Yevgeniy A. , Vaickus Louis J. , Tomita Naofumi , Hassanpour Saeed
Published: March 2019

Classification of histologic patterns in lung adenocarcinoma is critical for determining tumor grade and treatment for patients. However, this task is often challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of lung adenocarcinoma and the subjective criteria for evaluation. In this study, we propose a deep learning model that automatically classifies the histologic patterns of lung adenocarcinoma on surgical resection slides. Our model uses a convolutional neural network to identify regions of neoplastic cells, then aggregates those classifications to infer predominant and minor histologic patterns for any given whole-slide image. We evaluated our model on an independent set of 143 whole-slide images. It achieved a kappa score of 0.525 and an agreement of 66.6% with three pathologists for classifying the predominant patterns, slightly higher than the inter-pathologist kappa score of 0.485 and agreement of 62.7% on this test set. All evaluation metrics for our model and the three pathologists were within 95% confidence intervals of agreement. If confirmed in clinical practice, our model can assist pathologists in improving classification of lung adenocarcinoma patterns by automatically pre-screening and highlighting cancerous regions prior to review. Our approach can be generalized to any whole-slide image classification task, and code is made publicly available at https://github.com/BMIRDS/deepslide.
Genomics-based diversity analysis of Vanilla species using a Vanilla planifolia draft genome and Genotyping-By-Sequencing
Authors: Hu Ying , Resende Marcio F. R. , Bombarely Aureliano , Brym Maria , Bassil Elias , Chambers Alan H.
Published: March 2019

Demand for all-natural vanilla flavor is increasing, but its botanical source, Vanilla planifolia, faces critical challenges arising from a narrow germplasm base and supply limitations. Genomics tools are the key to overcoming these limitations by enabling advanced genetics and plant breeding for new cultivars with improved yield and quality. The objective of this work was to establish the genomic resources needed to facilitate analysis of diversity among Vanilla accessions and to provide a resource to analyze other Vanilla collections. A V. planifolia draft genome was assembled and used to identify 521,732 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS). The draft genome had a size of  2.20 Gb representing 97% of the estimated genome size. A filtered set of 5,082 SNPs was used to genotype a living collection of 112 Vanilla accessions from 23 species including native Florida species. Principal component analysis of the genetic distances, population structure, and the maternally inherited rbcL gene identified putative hybrids, misidentified accessions, significant diversity within V. planifolia, and evidence for 12 clusters that separate accessions by species. These results validate the efficiency of genomics-based tools to characterize and identify genetic diversity in Vanilla and provide a significant tool for genomics-assisted plant breeding.
Laboratory and in-situ investigations for trapping Pb and Ni with an unusual electrochemical device, the calcareous deposit in seawater
Authors: Carré Charlotte , Gunkel-Grillon Peggy , Serres Arnaud , Jeannin Marc , Sabot René , Quiniou Thomas
Published: March 2019

In seawater, the application of a cathodic current in a metallic structure induces the formation of a calcareous deposit formed by co-precipitation of CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 on the metal surface. A previous study proved that this electrochemical technique is convincing as a remediation tool for dissolved nickel in seawater and that it is trapped as nickel hydroxide in the deposit. Here, the precipitation of a carbonate form with lead is studied. Pb2+ precipitation in calcareous deposit was investigated with a galvanized steel electrode by doping artificial seawater with PbCl2. Results show for the first time the presence of Pb incorporated in its carbonate form in the calcareous deposit. Trapped Pb content increased with initial Pb content in seawater. Simultaneous doping with Ni and Pb revealed that Ni trapping was favoured by higher current densities while Pb trapping was favoured by lower current densities. Finally, preliminary in situ experiments were performed in an industrial bay and validated the incorporation in real conditions of contaminants by precipitation with the calcareous deposit The present work demonstrates that co-precipitation of contaminants under their hydroxide or carbonate form in a calcareous deposit is a promising clean-up device for remediation of contaminated seawater.
Importance of C–H Hydrogen Bonding in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Arimitsu Satoru , Higashi Masahiro
Published: March 2019

This chapter describes the important roles of nonclassical C–H hydrogen bonds in asymmetric catalysis. Recently, many asymmetric catalytic reactions have demonstrated that weak C–H hydrogen bond interactions play important roles in selectivity. This chapter introduces the historical background of C–H hydrogen bonds, describes computational analyses of C–H hydrogen bonds in asymmetric catalysis and presents notable examples of asymmetric catalytic reactions in which C–H hydrogen bonds play important roles in selectivity.
Catalysis by Networks of Cooperative Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Saá José M. , Lillo Victor J. , Mansilla Javier
Published: March 2019

The main paradigm of today's chemistry is sustainability. In pursuing sustainability, we need to learn from chemical processes carried out by Nature and realize that Nature does not use either strong acids, or strong bases or fancy reagents to achieve outstanding chemical processes. Instead, enzyme activity leans on the cooperation of several chemical entities to avoid strong acids or bases or to achieve such an apparently simple goal as transferring a proton from an NuH unit to an E unit (NuH + E → Nu–EH). Hydrogen bond catalysis emerged strongly two decades ago in trying to imitate Nature and avoid metal catalysis. Now to mount another step in pursuing the goal of sustainability, the focus is upon cooperativity between the different players involved in catalysis. This chapter looks at the concept of cooperativity and, more specifically, (a) examines the role of cooperative hydrogen bonded arrays of the general type NuH⋯(NuH)n⋯NuH (i.e. intermolecular cooperativity) to facilitate general acid–base catalysis, not only in the solution phase but also under solvent-free and catalyst-free conditions, and, most important, (b) analyzes the capacity of designer chiral organocatalysts displaying intramolecular networks of cooperative hydrogen bonds (NCHBs) to facilitate enantioselective synthesis by bringing conformational rigidity to the catalyst in addition to simultaneously increasing the acidity of key hydrogen atoms so to achieve better complementarity in the highly polarized transition states.
Onium Ion-assisted Organic Reactions Through Cation–π Interactions
Authors: Yamada Shinji
Published: March 2019

The cation–π interaction is an attractive noncovalent interaction between a cation and a π-face. Owing to the stronger interaction energy than those of the other π interactions, such as π–π and CH–π interactions, the cation–π interaction has recently been recognized as a new tool for controlling the regio- and stereoselectivities in various types of organic reactions. This chapter attempts to cover a variety of organic reactions assisted by interactions between unreactive onium ions and π-faces, which will provide comprehensive knowledge on the role of cation–π interactions in organic synthesis.
Noncovalent Interactions in Hydrogenation and Hydroformylation
Authors: Koshti Vijay S. , Chikkali Samir H.
Published: March 2019

This chapter summarizes the fundamentals of hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. An overview of state-of-the-art developments is presented to set the context. Subsequently, the significance of noncovalent interactions in these reactions is discussed in detail. Hydrogen bonding has been one of the leading noncovalent interactions that has been very frequently used in catalysis, including hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. Recent examples from the literature are presented to illustrate the role of hydrogen bonding in hydrogenation and hydroformylation. The impact of hydrogen bonding on catalyst development through self-assembly and the role of hydrogen bonding in directing a substrate to achieve high enantiomeric excess are discussed.
Influence of Noncovalent Interactions in Catalytic Ring-opening Polymerization Processes
Authors: Mosquera Marta E. G. , Palenzuela Miguel , Fernández-Millán María
Published: March 2019

Interest in noncovalent interactions in ring-opening polymerization (ROP) processes has burgeoned in recent years. Although the presence of these interactions has been proposed in several ROP mechanisms, the field where the role of noncovalent interactions has been emphasized and used for the design of catalysts is the so-called H-bonding catalysts. Both acidic and basic/nucleophilic species can promote the ROP of cyclic monomers via an H-bonding mechanism, as supported by theoretical studies and experimental evidence. In these catalytic systems, the combination of an H-bonding donor (HBD) and an H-bonding acceptor (HBA) leads to a bifunctional catalytic system in which the HBD activates the monomer and the HBA the initiating/propagating alcohol by H-bonding interactions. In most cases, the polymerization takes place under mild conditions with a living character. Very good control of the polymerization is achieved and narrowly dispersed polymers of predictable molecular weights are obtained, although the molecular weights are low to moderate. This type of catalyst is also effective in copolymerization processes. Apart from H-bonding, other noncovalent interactions have hardly been explored for ROP. This is an exciting area that is only in its infancy, and the exploration of the influence of other noncovalent interactions and the search for more active systems while maintaining good polymerization control are still open challenges.
The Nature of Hydrogen Bonding in Adsorbed CO2 and H2O on Solid Amines in CO2 Capture
Authors: Zhai Y. , Wang S. , Chuang Steven S. C.
Published: March 2019

CO2 capture from fossil fuel (coal and natural gas) power plants has been considered a key strategy in mitigating global climate changes. One promising approach under development is the use of solid amine sorbents to bind CO2 in the form of ammonium carbamate from the flue gas of coal-fired power plants in a CO2 capture process. The CO2 capture process by solid amines consists of a number of steps: CO2 adsorption, diffusion and desorption. These steps are governed by the nature of the hydrogen bonding between the ammonium cation and the carbamate anion. This chapter discusses the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, basic principles governing the trapping of infrared energy by greenhouse gases, especially CO2, and the mechanistic step involved in the thermal swing CO2 capture process by solid amines. Infrared spectroscopy is used to illustrate the nature of hydrogen bonding in adsorbed CO2 (i.e. ammonium carbamate) and co-adsorbed CO2/H2O (i.e. hydronium carbamate). In situ infrared spectroscopy shows that hydrogen bonding interactions among these adsorbed species shift the stretching band of N–H and O–H to lower wavenumbers. The extent of hydrogen bonding is reflected in the degree of shift and broadness of the N–H and O–H stretching bands. Fine tuning solid amine (immobilized amine) sorbents for CO2 capture processes requires controlling the structure of amine sites to facilitate CO2 adsorption, diffusion and desorption.
Analysis of Reactivity from the Noncovalent Interactions Perspective
Authors: Boto Roberto A. , Woller Tatiana , Contreras-García Julia , Fernández Israel
Published: March 2019

This chapter illustrates the good performance of the recently introduced noncovalent interactions (NCI) method in understanding molecular reactivity. This method is not only helpful in identifying the nature of the NCIs but can be also used to gain a deeper insight into the influence of such interactions on the outcome of different fundamental transformations in chemistry, including catalysed processes. To this end, representative catalysed transformations were selected where the NCI method was key to rationalizing different aspects such as reactivity trends and selectivity. The catalysed reactions chosen range from relatively simple transformations such as Diels–Alder cycloadditions to more intricate transition metal- and organo-catalysed processes.
Repeat proteins as versatile scaffolds for arrays of redox-active FeS clusters
Authors: Mejias Sara H. , Bahrami-Dizicheh Zahra , Liutkus Mantas , Sommer Dayn Joshep , Astashkin Andrei , Kodis Gerdenis , Ghirlanda Giovanna , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: March 2019

Molecular string of beads: modular extension of a protein backbone builds a chain of electroactive clusters.
p-Phosphonic acid calix[8]arene mediated synthesis of ultra-large, ultra-thin, single-crystal gold nanoplatelets
Authors: Zang Wenzhe , Toster Jeremiah , Das Biswanath , Gondosiswanto Richard , Liu Shiyang , Eggers Paul K. , Zhao Chuan , Raston Colin L. , Chen Xianjue
Published: March 2019

Large, ultrathin, single-crystal gold platelets are produced in the presence ofp-phosphonic acid calix[8]arene as both a catalyst and stabiliser.
Biomineralization and biosynthesis of nanocrystalline materials and selective uptake of toxic metals controlled by five types of Candida species
Authors: Romero-Núñez Araceli , González Gonzalo , Moreno Abel , Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra
Published: March 2019

Candida species exposed to Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) triggers the biosynthesis of heterogeneous extracellular PbS : Cd and intracellular CdS : Pb.
Following local light-induced structure changes and dynamics of the photoreceptor PYP with the thiocyanate IR label
Authors: Blankenburg Larissa , Schroeder Lea , Habenstein Florian , Błasiak Bartosz , Kottke Tilman , Bredenbeck Jens
Published: March 2019

Steady-state and time-resolved FT-IR spectroscopy of site-specifically incorporated –SCN labels reveals local structure changes and kinetics of PYP after photo-excitation.
Stability and behaviour in aqueous solutions of the anionic cubic silsesquioxane substituted with tetramethylammonium
Authors: Nilsson Emelie J. , Huber Marina , Carlström Göran , Söderman Olle , Bowron Daniel T. , Edler Karen J. , Alfredsson Viveka
Published: March 2019

29Si-NMR, neutron scattering and modelling reveal fragmentation of the anionic cubic silsesquioxanes (octa-tetramethylammonium substituted) and its interactions in aqueous solutions.
Cell-surface display technology and metabolic engineering ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaefor enhancing xylitol production from woody biomass
Authors: Guirimand Gregory , Inokuma Kentaro , Bamba Takahiro , Matsuda Mami , Morita Kenta , Sasaki Kengo , Ogino Chiaki , Berrin Jean-Guy , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko
Published: March 2019

Xylitol is a major commodity chemical widely used in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Energy level tuning of ‘Z’-shaped small molecular non-fullerene electron acceptors based on a dipyrrolo[2,3-b:2′,3′-e]pyrazine-2,6(1H,5H)-dione acceptor unit for organic photovoltaic applications: a joint experimental and DFT investigation on the effect of fluorination
Authors: Sivakumar Gangala , Paramasivam Mahalingavelar , Bharath Dyaga , Rao Vaidya Jayathirtha
Published: March 2019

Three dipyrrolo[2,3-b:2′,3′-e]pyrazine-2,6(1H,5H)-dione based small molecule non-fullerene acceptors with various end-capped fluorine units have been investigated.
Fluorescent hybrid nanospheres induced by single-stranded DNA and magnetic carbon quantum dots
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Guangzhen , Wang Yitong , Liu Huizhong , Dong Shuli , Hao Jingcheng
Published: March 2019

Assembled DNA nanospheres were preparedviaself-assembly with magnetic CQDGd as the building blocks and negatively charged ssDNA as the assembly units.
Synthesis and catalytic application of FER zeolites with controllable size
Authors: Wang Yanan , Gao Yang , Chu Weifeng , Zhao Dongpu , Chen Fucun , Zhu Xiangxue , Li Xiujie , Liu Shenglin , Xie Sujuan , Xu Longya
Published: March 2019

A CTAB assisted synthesis strategy to control the size and performance of FER zeolites is developed.
Amorphous carbon modification on implant surface: a general strategy to enhance osteogenic differentiation for diverse biomaterials via FAK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Li Haotian , Liu Jiaqiang , Wang Hui , Sun Wenjun , Lin Kaili , Wang Xudong , Shen Steve Guofang
Published: March 2019

Amorphous carbon coatings enhance osteogenic differentiation via FAK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
A cyanide-sensing detector in aqueous solution based on anion–π interaction-driven electron transfer
Authors: Men Guangwen , Han Wenkun , Chen Chunrong , Liang Chunshuang , Jiang Shimei
Published: March 2019

A “turn on” fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for cyanide was developed based on anion–π interaction-induced electron transfer.
A functional FePt@MOFs (MIL-101(Fe)) nano-platform for high efficient colorimetric determination of H2O2
Authors: Hu Zunfu , Yin Yongheng , Liu Qingyun , Zheng Xiuwen
Published: March 2019

Surface-modified FePt nanoparticles were loaded into metal–organic frameworks in a facile in situ way and the resulting material (FePt@MOFs NCs) acted as a high efficient colorimetric detection agent for H2O2.
Decarboxylative hydrazination of unactivated carboxylic acids by cerium photocatalysis
Authors: Yatham Veera Reddy , Bellotti Peter , König Burkhard
Published: March 2019

No more substrate restrictions! Cerium photocatalytic decarboxylative hydrazination of carboxylic acids yields synthetically useful hydrazine derivatives under mild reaction conditions.
Palladium-catalysed ligand-free reductive Heck cycloisomerisation of 1,6-en-α-chloro-enamides
Authors: Hou Yangyang , Ma Jing , Yang Hongyi , Anderson Edward A. , Whiting Andy , Wu Na
Published: March 2019

The first example of an intramolecular hydroarylation of 1,6-en-α-chloro-enamides was achieved by a palladium-catalysed ligand-free reductive Heck cycloisomerisation with no competing Heck-cyclised by-product.
Mechanical properties of the ferroelectric metal-free perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3
Authors: Ehrenreich Michael G. , Zeng Zhixin , Burger Stefan , Warren Mark R. , Gaultois Michael W. , Tan Jin-Chong , Kieslich Gregor
Published: March 2019

We here probe the mechanical properties of the metal-free perovskite [MDABCO](NH4)I3, a material that recently has been discovered as promising ferroelectric.
Planar rings in nano-Saturns and related complexes
Authors: Bachrach Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen substitution into the ortho positions in polyaryl macrocycles creates planar or ribbon structures leading to such structures as this nano-Saturn with a flat ring.
Electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of a cobalt framework with (3,7)-c topology
Authors: Hua Carol , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: March 2019

A Co(ii) framework containing a 7-c Co dimer forms a (3,7)-c binodal net incorporating redox-active triarylamine and light-active azobenzene moieties.
Investigating water vapour sorption kinetics of aluminium MOFs by powder X-ray diffraction
Authors: Fröhlich Dominik , Hügenell Philipp , Reinsch Helge
Published: March 2019

The water sorption behaviour of aluminium MOF CAU-10 and CAU-15-Cit was followed by in situ powder X-ray diffraction.
Photomechanical bending behavior of photochromic diarylethene crystals induced under polarized light
Authors: Hirano Akira , Kitagawa Daichi , Kobatake Seiya
Published: March 2019

The photoinduced bending velocity of photochromic diarylethene crystals depends on the polarization angle of UV light.
Theory of cyclic voltammetry in random arrays of cylindrical microelectrodes applied to carbon felt electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Tichter Tim , Andrae Dirk , Mayer Jacob , Schneider Jonathan , Gebhard Marcus , Roth Christina
Published: March 2019

In order to quantitatively investigate the kinetic performance and the pore size distribution of carbon felt electrodes for the application in vanadium redox flow batteries, the theory of cyclic voltammetry (CV) is derived for a random network of cylindrical microelectrodes on the base of convolutive modeling.
Excited states and excitonic interactions in prototypic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dimers as models for graphitic interactions in carbon dots
Authors: Shi Baimei , Nachtigallová Dana , Aquino Adélia J. A. , Machado Francisco B. C. , Lischka Hans
Published: March 2019

The HOMO–LUMO transition in a stacked circum-1-coronene dimer as a model for excimer interactions in carbon dots.
Triangular graphene nanofragments: open-shell character and doping
Authors: Sandoval-Salinas María E. , Carreras Abel , Casanova David
Published: March 2019

In this work we study the intricacies of the electronic structure properties of triangular graphene nanofragments (TGNFs) in their ground and low-lying excited states by means ofab initioquantum chemistry calculations.
Chiral arylideneaminoimidazolidin-4-ones: green synthesis and isomerisation mechanism in solution
Authors: Bouzayani Nadia , Marque Sylvain , Kacem Yakdhane , Kraïem Jamil , Bourdreux Flavien , Marrot Jérôme , Ben Hassine Béchir
Published: March 2019

Arylideneaminoimidazolidin-4-ones synthesized from (l)-α-amino acid via a full green procedure in water (atom economy 91.7% and E-factor 0.09) have been investigated by NMR spectroscopies and DFT calculations, highlighting a development of the species according to an isomerization mechanism.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of graphene-reinforced polyimide coatings
Authors: Wu Xing , Zhang Yan , Du Peng , Jin Zhengyu , Zhao Haichao , Wang Liping
Published: March 2019

The prepared PheG/PI-Si composites prepared, characterized by excellent comprehensive properties, show their potential in wear resistance and lubrication applications.
Tuning the electrochemical behavior of organodisulfides in rechargeable lithium batteries using N-containing heterocycles
Authors: Wang Dan-Yang , Si Yubing , Li Junjie , Fu Yongzhu
Published: March 2019

N-containing heterocycles can tune the electrochemical properties of organodisulfides in lithium batteries. 2,2′-Dipyridyl disulfide exhibits outstanding cycling stability.
Highly rough surface coatings via the ambient temperature deposition of thermosetting polymers
Authors: Mehanna Yasmin A. , Upton Rebekah L. , Crick Colin R.
Published: March 2019

A new materials fabrication approach that facilitates the heat curing of thermosetting polymers, while depositing a film at room temperature.
New insights on the nature of impurity levels in V-doped In2S3: why is it impossible to obtain a metallic intermediate band?
Authors: Ghorbani Elaheh , Erhart Paul , Albe Karsten
Published: March 2019

We have studied all possible oxidation states of vanadium in In2S3and found that creation of a metallic intermediate band inside the band gap of vanadium doped In2S3is not possible.
The role of miRNAs in the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Jin-yan , Chen Li-juan
Published: March 2019

Cervical cancer (CC) with early metastasis of the primary tumor results in poor prognosis and poor therapeutic outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that play a substantial role in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally and influence the development and progression of tumors. Numerous studies have discovered that miRNAs play significant roles in the invasion and metastasis of CC by affecting specific pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathways. miRNAs also effectively modulate the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Many studies provide new insights into the role of miRNAs and the pathogenesis of metastatic CC. In this review, we will offer an overview and update of our present understanding of the potential roles of miRNAs in metastatic CC.
LncRNA BRE-AS1 interacts with miR-145-5p to regulate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate carcinoma and has early diagnostic values
Authors: Chen Zhongjun , Zhen Ming , Zhou Jiajie
Published: March 2019

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) BRE-AS1 has recently proven to be a tumor suppressor in lung cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of lncRNA BRE-AS1 in prostate carcinoma (PC). In the present study we found that plasma BRE-AS1 and miR-145-5p were both down-regulated in PC patients than in healthy controls. Down-regulation of BRE-AS1 and miR-145-5p effectively distinguished early-stage PC patients from healthy controls. A significant and positive correlation between BRE-AS1 and miR-145–5p was only found in PC patients. BRE-AS1 overexpression mediated miR-145-5p up-regulation in PC cells, while miR-145-5p overexpression did not significantly affect BRE-AS1. Overexpression of BRE-AS1 and miR-145-5p led to inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of PC cells. miR-145-5p inhibitor attenuated the effects of BRE-AS1 overexpression on cancer cell behaviors. Therefore, lncRNA BRE-AS1 may regulate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in PC by interacting with miR-145-5p.
A Case of Burkitt's Lymphoma in a Child Presenting with Obstructive Jaundice and Requiring Surgical Intervention
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Malhotra Payal , Jain Sandeep , Kapoor Gauri
Published: March 2019

Burkitt's lymphoma is a high-grade B non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and rarely presents with jaundice. We discuss the case of a 6-year-old male child presenting with fever, jaundice, and abdominal distention. Computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed a heterogeneous lymph node mass at the pancreatic head with intrahepatic biliary dilation. Serum bilirubin was 26 mg/dL with direct fraction of 12.4 mg/dL. Biopsy and staging confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma stage 3, group B. In view of hyperbilirubinemia, chemotherapeutic drugs doses were modified and rituximab was added. Persistent jaundice necessitated percutaneous biliary drainage so that chemotherapy could be continued. Despite complete response, jaundice and biliary dilatation remained. Hence, a side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy was performed after which the liver function normalized. Presently the child is well. NHL is a chemosensitive disease. If the serum bilirubin does not normalize quickly, biliary drainage is essential to allow administration of curative chemotherapy and prevent chronic liver damage.
Clinicopathological Study of Marrow Infiltration by Lymphoproliferative Disorders: A 2-year Experience from a Cancer Institute
Authors: Mallikarjun Sai , Hussain Abid , Bhopal Triveni , Lakshmi Sree , Sinha Sudha , Fameena Fatima
Published: March 2019

Bone marrow (BM) examination is an essential tool in evaluation and staging of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The aim of this study is to overview the approach to the use of unilateral versus bilateral BM sampling in lymphoproliferative disorders for diagnosis and staging. All cases diagnosed as lymphoproliferative disorders from January 2014 to January 2017 were studied. Bilateral trephine biopsy and aspiration of 414 cases were assessed for involvement patterns and presence/absence of background changes. Bone marrow involvement (BMI) was seen in 109 (26.3%) cases. The cases ranged from 2 to 80 years. BMI was more frequent in B-cell lymphomas than T-cell lymphomas as was the incidence (B-NHL= 87/109 [79.8%]; T-NHL=21/109 [19.1%]). Among B-cell lymphomas, BMI was most frequent in chronic lymphocytic lymphoma followed by B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (BLL) and mantle cell lymphoma. Among T-cell lymphomas, BMI was most frequent in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (TLL). A single case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) had BMI. Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) and bone marrow trephine (BMT) agreed in 97% of cases (401 of 414: 308 both negative, 93 both positive). Additional 13 cases were diagnosed on BMT whereas BMA was negative for these cases. Background changes (fibrosis and necrosis) were common in TLL followed by BLL. Of the 109 positive cases, 4 were missed by unilateral BMT. Peripheral spill of lymphoma was seen in 14 of 109 cases. BMT involvement by lymphoma is more commonly seen in lymphoblastic lymphoma. Bilateral trephine biopsy remains gold standard to determine the marrow involvement and staging and assess the remission.
Retrosigmoid Approach for Resection of Medium-Sized Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Link Michael J. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Feng Yening , Peris-Celda Maria , Graffeo Christopher S.
Published: March 2019

Objectives This video was aimed to describe the relevant anatomy and key surgical steps of retrosigmoid approach for gross total resection of a medium-sized vestibular schwannoma (VS).

Design The procedure is described in a surgical instructional video.

Setting The surgery took place at a tertiary skull base referral center.

Participant Patient is a 63-year-old woman who reported with nonserviceable hearing (Pure Tone Average 60 dB Hearing level, Word Recognition Score 45%), occasional tinnitus, and a VS in the left cerebellopontine angle (CPA), extending into internal auditory canal (IAC), measuring 1.7 cm parallel to the petrous temporal bone.

Main Outcome Measures The VS was resected by retrosigmoid approach.

Results The surgery results gross total resection of the VS with postoperative House–Brackmann grade 1 facial nerve function and no postoperative complications.

Conclusion The retrosigmoid approach is a good strategy to remove VS involving the CPA and the IAC.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/B6K_UkrKitg.
A Rare Case of Extraskeletal Primary Osteosarcoma of Breast: How We Managed
Authors: Sharma Kailash Chand , Singh Yogendra , Kumar Rajiv , Maheshwari Udip , Pasricha Sunil , Koyyala Venkata Pradeep Babu
Published: March 2019

Primary osteosarcoma arising in breast is a rare form of extra skeletal osteosarcoma, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers and 12.5% of sarcomas arising in breast. Fewer than 150 cases of primary osteosarcoma of breast have been reported in the medical literature in the last 50 years. It was reported to have worse outcome compared to typical skeletal osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma of breast presents in elderly age group unlike skeletal osteosarcoma, which occurs in young people. Diagnosis is by histopathological examination of malignant osteoid and ruling out underlying skeletal involvement.