bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene Inks as Versatile Templates for Printing Tiled Metal Oxide Crystalline Films
Authors: Liu Muchun , Chen Po‐Yen , Hurt Robert H.
Published: December 2017

There is great interest in exploiting van der Waals gaps in layered materials as confinement reaction vessels to template the synthesis of new nanosheet structures. The gallery spaces in multilayer graphene oxide, for example, can intercalate hydrated metal ions that assemble into metal oxide films during thermal oxidation of the sacrificial graphene template. This approach offers limited control of structure, however, and does not typically lead to 2D atomic‐scale growth of anisotropic platelet crystals, but rather arrays of simple particles directionally sintered into porous sheets. Here, a new graphene‐directed assembly route is demonstrated that yields fully dense, space‐filling films of tiled metal oxide platelet crystals with tessellated structures. The method relies on colloidal engineering to produce a printable “metallized graphene ink” with accurate control of metal loading, grain size/porosity, composition, and micro/nanomorphologies, and is capable of achieving higher metal–carbon ratio than is possible by intercalation methods. These tiled structures are sufficiently robust to create free standing papers, complex microtextured films, 3D shapes, and metal oxide replicas of natural biotextures.
A Visible‐Light‐Driven Iminyl Radical‐Mediated C−C Single Bond Cleavage/Radical Addition Cascade of Oxime Esters
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Ye , Chen Jia‐Rong , Wang Peng‐Zi , Yang Meng‐Nan , Liang Dong , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: December 2017

A room‐temperature, visible‐light‐driven N‐centered iminyl radical‐mediated and redox‐neutral C−C single bond cleavage/radical addition cascade reaction of oxime esters and unsaturated systems has been accomplished. The strategy tolerates a wide range of O‐acyl oximes and unsaturated systems, such as alkenes, silyl enol ethers, alkynes, and isonitrile, enabling highly selective formation of various chemical bonds. This method thus provides an efficient approach to various diversely substituted cyano‐containing alkenes, ketones, carbocycles, and heterocycles.
Boosting Electrochemical Water Oxidation with Metal Hydroxide Carbonate Templated Prussian Blue Analogues
Authors: Indra Arindam , Paik Ungyu , Song Taeseup
Published: December 2017

The development of efficient and stable catalyst systems with low‐cost, abundant, and non‐toxic materials is the primary demand for electrochemical water oxidation. A unique method is reported for the syntheses of metal hydroxide carbonate templated Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) on carbon cloth and their outstanding water oxidation activities in alkaline medium. The best water oxidation activity is obtained with cobalt hydroxide carbonate templated t‐CoII‐CoIII with an overpotential as low as 240 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It produces constant current over 50 h in chronoamperometric measurements. Moreover, the catalysts outperform the activities of the PBAs prepared without any template and even the noble metal catalyst RuO2. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies show that the PBAs are transformed into layered hydroxide–oxyhydroxide structures during electrochemical process and provide the active sites for the water oxidation.
Deuterated Molecular Ruby with Record Luminescence Quantum Yield
Authors: Wang Cui , Otto Sven , Dorn Matthias , Kreidt Elisabeth , Lebon Jakob , Sršan Laura , Di Martino‐Fumo Patrick , Gerhards Markus , Resch‐Genger Ute , Seitz Michael , Heinze Katja
Published: December 2017

The recently reported luminescent chromium(III) complex 13+ ([Cr(ddpd)2]3+; ddpd=N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridine‐2‐yl‐pyridine‐2,6‐diamine) shows exceptionally strong near‐IR emission at 775 nm in water under ambient conditions (Φ=11 %) with a microsecond lifetime as the ligand design in 13+ effectively eliminates non‐radiative decay pathways, such as photosubstitution, back‐intersystem crossing, and trigonal twists. In the absence of energy acceptors, such as dioxygen, the remaining decay pathways are energy transfer to high energy solvent and ligand oscillators, namely OH and CH stretching vibrations. Selective deuteration of the solvents and the ddpd ligands probes the efficiency of these oscillators in the excited state deactivation. Addressing these energy‐transfer pathways in the first and second coordination sphere furnishes a record 30 % quantum yield and a 2.3 millisecond lifetime for a metal complex with an earth‐abundant metal ion in solution at room temperature.
Incorporation of 2,6‐Connected Azulene Units into the Backbone of Conjugated Polymers: Towards High‐Performance Organic Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Xin Hanshen , Ge Congwu , Jiao Xuechen , Yang Xiaodi , Rundel Kira , McNeill Christopher R. , Gao Xike
Published: December 2017

Azulene is a promising candidate for constructing optoelectronic materials. An effective strategy is presented to obtain high‐performance conjugated polymers by incorporating 2,6‐connected azulene units into the polymeric backbone, and two conjugated copolymers P(TBAzDI‐TPD) and P(TBAzDI‐TFB) were designed and synthesized based on this strategy. They are the first two examples for 2,6‐connected azulene‐based conjugated polymers and exhibit unipolar n‐type transistor performance with an electron mobility of up to 0.42 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is among the highest values for n‐type polymeric semiconductors in bottom‐gate top‐contact organic field‐effect transistors. Preliminary all‐polymer solar cell devices with P(TBAzDI‐TPD) as the electron acceptor and PTB7‐Th as the electron donor display a power conversion efficiency of 1.82 %.
Stocking impact, population structure and conservation of wild brown trout populations in inner Galicia (NW Spain), an unstable hydrologic region
Authors: Vera Manuel , Martinez Paulino , Bouza Carmen
Published: December 2017

1. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is an important conservation resource in the Iberian Peninsula. The Atlantic is considered the most hydrologically stable region for the species, although inner Galicia (NW Spain) shows Mediterranean (unstable) climatic conditions. The Galician region, threatened by past releases of brown trout individuals from central European origin, harbours two native lineages, one of them endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. These populations are thus highly valuable for conservation, as well as being important for recreational fisheries.

2. In total, 546 individuals from 16 sampling sites (15 natural locations from inner Galicia and one from a central European hatchery stock) were genotyped for 11 nuclear markers (10 microsatellite loci and the LDH‐C* locus) to analyse genetic variability, population structure and introgression impact from stocking in order to assess the conservation status of brown trout in the region. Moreover, correlation among hatchery introgression and environmental variables relevant for species population dynamics was also investigated.

3. Genetic variability was within the range of Iberian brown trout (He = 0.500–0.600). Stocking impact was higher than previously reported values for the Atlantic region and was related to environmental instability. Highly significant native population differentiation was observed in the whole region (FST = 0.283), at least four main genetic groups being detected across the geographic distribution studied.

4. Conservation strategies at local level (including the creation of genetic refuges and temporal monitoring of genetic composition) are suggested to agencies and administrations for the sustainable management of brown trout.
Chiral effects in gauge theories and the chiral chemical potential
Authors: Acosta Avalo J. L. , Pérez Rojas H.
Published: December 2017

The chiral balance is broken as a result of an anomaly relation for the axial current in a strongly magnetized electron–positron gas in QED. The pair creation process, due to the decay of longitudinal axial photons (out of light cone), induces an imbalanced chirality and contributes to a chiral current along the external magnetic field B. In our case, a pseudo‐vector longitudinal mode generates the chiral charge density. A chiral chemical potential is not necessary. Only an electromagnetic chemical potential is introduced, but the chiral effect is valid even when it vanishes. A nonzero fermion mass is assumed, which is usually considered vanishing. The introduction of a chiral chemical potential in the frame of electroweak theory at finite temperature and density is discussed. It is not compatible with the Standard Model, since the spontaneous symmetry breaking prevents the conservation of the weak neutral charge.
A Comparative Transcriptomics Workflow for Analyzing Microarray Data From CHO Cell Cultures
Authors: Chen Chun , Le Huong , Follstad Brian , Goudar Chetan T.
Published: December 2017

Microarray‐based comparative transcriptomics analysis is a powerful tool to understand therapeutic protein producing mammalian cell lines at the gene expression level. However, an integrated analysis workflow specifically designed for end‐to‐end analysis of microarray data for CHO cells, the most prevalent host for commercial recombinant protein production, is lacking. To address this gap, an automated data analysis workflow in R that leverages public domain analysis modules is developed to analyze microarray based gene expression data. In addition to testing the global transcriptome differences of CHO cells at different conditions, the workflow identifies differentially expressed genes and pathways with intuitive visualizations as the outputs. The utility of this automated workflow is demonstrated by comparing the transcriptomic profiles of recombinant protein expressing CHO cells with and without a temperature shift. Statistically significant differential expression at the gene, pathway, and global transcriptome levels are identified and visualized. An automated workflow like the one developed in this study will enable rapid translation of CHO culture microarray data into biologically relevant information for mechanism‐driven cell line optimization and bioprocess development.
Adding practical experience to computer security course
Authors: Stanisavljevic Zarko , Vuletic Pavle
Published: December 2017

Computer security has become one of the core areas according to IEEE Computer Society and ACM Joint Task Force curriculum guidelines for undergraduate degree programs in computer engineering and software engineering. At the University of Belgrade, School of Electrical Engineering there is a course called Computer Security that is taught to software engineering and computer engineering students for the past 9 years. During this time a significant change was made to the course regarding the level of practical students’ work. Several factors initiated the change: the recommendations in the curriculum guidelines, the analysis of the students’ success at the exams, and the students’ opinion. The impact of gradual transition from no practical activities at all to laboratory exercises and practical project at the course are described in this paper. Results show that the introduction of laboratory exercises at the course helped students to better understand some of the core areas and that the introduction of practical project increased their overall knowledge in the computer security area.
Strictly Conserved Residues in Euphorbia tirucalli β‐Amyrin Cyclase: Trp612 Stabilizes Transient Cation through Cation–π Interaction and CH–π Interaction of Tyr736 with Leu734 Confers Robust Local Protein Architecture
Authors: Aiba Yukari , Watanabe Takumi , Terasawa Yuri , Nakano Chiaki , Hoshino Tsutomu
Published: December 2017

The functions of Trp612, Leu734, and Tyr736 of Euphorbia tirucalli β‐amyrin synthase were examined. The aliphatic variants (Ala, Val, Met) of Trp612 showed almost no activity, but the aromatic variants exhibited high activities: 12.5 % of the wild‐type activity for the W612H variant, 43 % for W612F, and 63 % for W612Y. That is, the enzymatic activities of the variants increased in proportion to the increase in π‐electron density. Thus, the major function of Trp612 is to stabilize transient cations through a cation–π interaction. The Phe and Tyr variants caused a distorted folding conformation, especially at the E‐ring site, which generated the aberrantly cyclized products germanicol and lupeol. The L734G and L734A variants exhibited significantly decreased activities but yielded taraxerol in a high production ratio. The Val, Ile, and Met variants showed markedly high activities (56–78 % of wild‐type activity); therefore, appropriate steric bulk is required at this position. The aliphatic variants of Tyr736 showed markedly decreased activities, but the Phe mutant exhibited high activity (67 %), which indicates that the π electrons are critical for catalysis. Homology modeling indicated that Tyr736 and Leu734 are perpendicular to the substrate and are situated face to face, which suggests that a CH–π interaction occurs between Tyr736 and Leu734, reinforcing the protein architecture, and that Tyr736 cannot stabilize cationic intermediates through a cation–π interaction.
A Single Mutation Increases the Activity and Stability of Pectobacterium carotovorum Nitrile Reductase
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Li Min , Xu Jian‐He , Zhang Zhi‐Jun
Published: December 2017

Nitrile reductases are considered to be promising and environmentally benign nitrile‐reducing biocatalysts to replace traditional metal catalysts. Unfortunately, the catalytic efficiencies of the nitrile reductases reported so far are very low. To date, all attempts to increase the catalytic activity of nitrile reductases by protein engineering have failed. In this work, we successfully increased the specific activity of a nitrile reductase from Pectobacterium carotovorum from 354 to 526 U gprot−1 by engineering the substrate binding pocket; moreover, the thermostability was also improved (≈2‐fold), showing half‐lives of 140 and 32 h at 30 and 40 °C, respectively. In the bioreduction of 2‐amino‐5‐cyanopyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐one (preQ0) to 2‐amino‐5‐aminomethylpyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐one (preQ1), the variant was advantageous over the wild‐type enzyme with a higher reaction rate and complete conversion of the substrate within a shorter period. Homology modeling and docking analysis revealed some possible origins of the increased activity and stability. These results establish a solid basis for future engineering of nitrile reductases to increase the catalytic efficiency further, which is a prerequisite for applying these novel biocatalysts in synthetic chemistry.
Silica‐Supported Molecular Catalysts for Tandem Reactions
Authors: Jin Ronghua , Zheng Dongsong , Liu Rui , Liu Guohua
Published: December 2017

The development of silica‐supported molecular catalysts for tandem reactions is an important research direction of heterogeneous catalysis. Besides their significant merits in sustainable catalytic processes, numerous strategies have been utilized to construct silica‐supported molecular catalysts. Here, we emphasize tandem reactions and summarize the recent advances in sequential organic transformations. This paper is composed of four parts. The beginning part introduces silica as supports. The second part provides a large number of examples for the construction of non‐chiral molecular catalysts used for tandem reactions. The third part offers an outline for the construction of chiral molecular catalysts used for enantioselective tandem reactions. Finally, the perspectives for the further development of silica‐supported molecular catalysts for tandem reactions are addressed.
Enhanced Turnover for the P450 119 Peroxygenase‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation of Styrenes by Random Mutagenesis
Authors: Wang Li , Wei Siping , Pan Xianchao , Liu Pingxian , Du Xi , Zhang Chun , Pu Lin , Wang Qin
Published: December 2017

A randomized library is constructed based on pET30a‐CYP119‐T214V plasmid. This library of random mutants of CYP119‐T214V was screened by means of the reduced CO difference spectra and epoxidation of styrene. By using directed evolution, a new CYP119 quadruple mutant S148P/I161T/K199E/T214V is constructed, expressed, and purified. This quadruple mutant significantly increases the turnover rate and conversion for the asymmetric epoxidation of styrene and its derivatives. The kcat. value of cis‐β‐methylstyrene epoxidation catalyzed by the quadruple mutant exhibits an approximately 10‐fold increase, relative to the previously reported T213M mutant under the same conditions. This is the first engineered CYP119 peroxygenase for the epoxidation of cis‐β‐methylstyrene with a high turnover rate. The proposed mechanism, on the basis of a molecular docking study, for the asymmetric epoxidation suggests that the introduction of an acidic amino acid side chain into the active site and a hydrophobic amino acid into the substrate channels of CYP119 peroxygenase might result in high efficiency for the formation of compound I, and its subsequent peroxygenation by reconstructing the hydrogen‐bonding interaction and increasing the substrate affinity and access.
The relationship between negative metacognitive thoughts, pain catastrophizing and adjustment to chronic pain
Authors: Ziadni M.S. , Sturgeon J.A. , Darnall B.D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Cognitive appraisals, most notably pain catastrophizing, play an important role in chronic pain. The role of metacognition and its impact on the relationship between pain catastrophizing and health are understudied. The identification of metacognition as a moderator of psychological constructs may have clinical and empirical implications. We hypothesized that negative metacognitive beliefs would moderate the relationships between pain catastrophizing and emotional functioning and physical activity.

Method

Participants (N = 211) with mixed aetiology chronic pain were primarily Caucasian females with severe average pain intensity. Over the course of 2 weeks, participants completed online daily‐diary measures of pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, mood, physical activity and metacognition.

Results

Participants with higher average levels of daily pain intensity and negative metacognitive beliefs about worry reported higher levels of daily pain catastrophizing, as well as daily depression, and anxiety. Some aspects of metacognitive beliefs (i.e. dangerousness and uncontrollability of thoughts) were also negatively associated with average daily levels of positive affect. However, these effects were not interactive; metacognitive beliefs did not moderate the relationships of pain catastrophizing with other daily variables.

Conclusions

From a daily coping perspective, findings reveal that people with stronger negative metacognitive beliefs report greater emotional distress on a day‐to‐day basis. However, negative metacognitive beliefs did not appear to modify the effects of pain catastrophizing on psychological and physical functioning at the daily level, suggesting that metacognitive beliefs may be better conceptualized as a more parallel indicator of emotional maladjustment to chronic pain whose effects do not reliably manifest in daily measurement models.

Significance

Findings highlight the need to better characterize the value of metacognitive beliefs as an important predictor and therapeutic target. Despite limited evidence of a dynamic relationship between metacognition and daily adjustment to chronic pain, results emphasize the potential importance of interventions that target cognitive appraisal process beyond catastrophizing, including uncontrollability and danger‐laden thought patterns.
Electrochemical Immunoassay for Salmonella Typhimurium Based on an Immuno‐magnetic Redox Label
Authors: Ngoensawat Umphan , Rijiravanich Patsamon , Surareungchai Werasak , Somasundrum Mithran
Published: December 2017

We have described a sensitive voltammetric immunoassay for Salmonella Typhimurium based on the employment of a dual‐function label. Methylene blue was adsorbed onto multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at a loading of 6.5×10−3 mol g−1, and these modified MWCNTs were then adsorbed onto carboxylic acid‐modified Fe2O3 magnetic particles of approx. diameter 1 μm. It was estimated from voltammetry that each magnetic particle delivered 2.3×108 molecules of methylene blue. Following adsorption of monoclonal anti‐Salmonella antibodies onto the particles, the particles were used for the immunomagnetic separation of Salmonella cells, which were then detected in a sandwich assay using methylene blue reduction at screen printed electrodes modified with polyclonal anti‐Salmonella antibodies. Calibration in buffer and in pasteurized milk (10 to 106 CFU mL−1) resulted in LODs of 7.9 CFU mL−1 and 17.3 CFU mL−1 respectively, without pre‐enrichment. The assay platform showed good discrimination against E. coli in both buffer and milk, and the label fabrication process was shown to be reproducible at a 95 % confidence limit as examined by analysis of variance. When stored at 4 °C the labels gave stable assay responses for a period of 60 days.
Analyzing Item Generation with Natural Language Processing Tools for the TOEIC® Listening Test
Authors: Yoon Su‐Youn , Lee Chong Min , Houghton Patrick , Lopez Melissa , Sakano Jennifer , Loukina Anastassia , Krovetz Bob , Lu Chi , Madnani Nitin
Published: December 2017

In this study, we developed assistive tools and resources to support TOEIC® Listening test item generation. There has recently been an increased need for a large pool of items for these tests. This need has, in turn, inspired efforts to increase the efficiency of item generation while maintaining the quality of the created items. We aimed to address this challenge by creating a set of automated tools and resources that support item generation: an automated system that retrieves appropriate real‐world videos, a list of vocabulary tagged with established difficulty levels, and a tool that suggests words and phrases that are similar in distribution to a given word (word similarity tool). These tools and resources were designed to help item writers by providing initial ideas, authentic language, and support for adjusting the variety and complexity of vocabulary in their items. To evaluate the impact of these resources on the efficiency of item generation, seven item writers created listening items using our tools. All tools were considered useful, and the word similarity tool in particular was rated the most useful. The tools are currently applied to English item generation for the TOEIC Listening test, but the method is generic and applicable to other languages.
New petrographic and geochemical tracers for recognizing the provenance quarry of trachyte of the Euganean Hills, northeastern Italy
Authors: Germinario Luigi , Hanchar John M. , Sassi Raffaele , Maritan Lara , Cossio Roberto , Borghi Alessandro , Mazzoli Claudio
Published: December 2017

Trachyte of the Euganean Hills is a subvolcanic porphyritic rock historically used as carving and building stone in northern and central Italy–primarily from Roman times onward–with the first evidence of its use dating back to prehistory. The numerous quarries and very similar trachyte varieties, as well as the widespread use of this stone, create several problems in defining its provenance for archaeological and historical materials. New petrographic and geochemical tracers for recognizing the provenance quarry of Euganean trachyte are presented here, providing a comprehensive reference database for archaeometric studies. The petrographic markers principally include quantitative data on mineralogical composition and textural features of phenocrysts and groundmass, determined by image analysis of chemical maps acquired by micro X‐ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscope‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy; particular use has been made of data on the abundance and grain‐size distribution of feldspar phenocrysts, phenocrysts‐groundmass ratio, content of SiO2 phases in the groundmass, and the arrangement and grain‐size of microlites in the matrix. The geochemical tracers involve composition of bulk rock and phenocrysts, determined by X‐ray fluorescence and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively; quarry recognition can be achieved using plots built from concentrations of major and trace elements, with mineral‐scale chemistry being the most effective and precise discriminant property, especially in the case of biotite and, secondarily, augite, kaersutite, and magnetite.
Field geology, geochronology, and isotope geochemistry of the Luyuangou gold deposit, China: Implications for the gold mineralization in the eastern Qinling Orogen
Authors: Lei Wanshan , Dai Jun , Zhao Taiping , Zhang Yanfei , Tao Ni
Published: December 2017

Gold deposits are closely related to accretionary processes. Gold mineralization in eastern China, however, is usually > 100 Ma younger than associated collisional orogeny and partly controlled by extensional tectonics. Being controlled by interbedded detachment faults, the Luyuangou hydrothermal deposit is a typical mineralization under extensional tectonic. We present mineral deposit geology, tectonic geology, LA‐ICP MS zircon U–Pb age data, and Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic data for the Luyuangou ore vein and porphyritic dyke, with the aim of elucidating the metallogenesis. The morphological features and ages of zircons from the Luyuangou auriferous lode are similar to the anatectic zircons from migmatite within the Qinling Group (a metamorphic complex unit) of the North Qinling Terrane, indicating that the North Qinling Terrane may be one of the provenances. Although the major age peak of 453 ± 13 Ma (MSWD = 3.3,N = 12) cannot constrain the exact metallogenic timing, the data imply a possible link between the Luyuangou metallization and the North Qinling Terrane. Meanwhile, the weighted‐mean age of post‐ore porphyritic dyke postdates the Luyuangou gold mineralization at 121.1 ± 1.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.21,N = 14). The Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopes of the Luyuangou auriferous lodes and post‐ore porphyritic dyke exhibit prominent differences from those of the Taihua Group and Xiong'er Group and are similar to those of the Qinling Group, implying that the Qinling Group is likely the main ore‐forming provenance of the Luyuangou gold deposit. The S‐Pb isotopes of the main mineralization stage of the Luyuangou gold deposit indicate a distinct deep‐seated source. According to comprehensive analysis, it is proposed that, during the early Mesozoic, the large‐scale continental collision between the Yangtze and the North China Craton involved the underthrusting of the North Qinling Terrane beneath the North China Craton that led to intracontinental folding, thrusting, and thickening without inducing extensive mineralization or magmatic activity. During the late Mesozoic, the subduction of the Pacific Plate induced the instability of the thickened continental crust and the development of the regional extensional structures, large‐scale crust–mantle magmatism as well as deep‐seated or mantle‐derived fluids dissolving materials from the Qinling Group that precipitated at the interbedded detachment faults.
Impact of nationwide health insurance coverage for non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Vinante Valentina , Keller Bettina , Huhn Evelyn A. , Huang Dorothy , Lapaire Olav , Manegold‐Brauer Gwendolin
Published: December 2017

Objective

To describe the changes in women's choices for prenatal testing after the introduction of nationwide health insurance coverage for non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in Switzerland.

Methods

The present retrospective study reviewed data from all women with singleton pregnancies who presented at the prenatal unit of Basel University Hospital, Switzerland, for first‐trimester screening between July 15, 2014, and December 31, 2015. Women were divided into three categories according to their risk for aneuploidy, and the uptake of NIPT in the period before and after the introduction of the nationwide coverage for NIPT was compared.

Results

Overall, 887 women were included in the study: 573 screens were carried out before (group 1) and 314 after (group 2) the introduction of insurance coverage for NIPT. In group 1, 53 (9.2%) had NIPT as compared with 72 (22.9%) in group 2. Among women with intermediate risk for aneuploidies and basic insurance coverage, NIPT increased by 56% (12/88 [14%] vs 32/46 [70%]; P<0.001).

Conclusion

There was a notable increase in the uptake of NIPT; uptake was most significant among women with basic health insurance and intermediate risk for aneuploidy.
Nootkatone confers hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions in a murine model of liver fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis
Authors: Kurdi Amani , Hassan Kamal , Venkataraman Balaji , Rajesh Mohanraj
Published: December 2017

In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions of nootkatone (NTK) were investigated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. CCl4 administration elevated serum aspartate and alanine transaminases levels, respectively. In addition, CCl4 produced hepatic oxidative and nitrative stress, characterized by diminished hemeoxygenase‐1 expression, antioxidant defenses, and accumulation of 4‐hydroxynonenal and 3‐nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, CCl4 administration evoked profound expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine expressions such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and interleukin‐1β in hepatic tissues, which corroborated with nuclear factor κB activation. Additionally, CCl4‐treated animals exhibited higher apoptosis, characterized by increased caspase 3 activity, DNA fragmentation, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation. Moreover, histological and biochemical investigations revealed marked fibrosis in the livers of CCl4‐administered animals. However, NTK treatment mitigated CCl4‐induced phenotypic changes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NTK exerts hepatoprotective and anti‐fibrotic actions by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Platinum(II)‐directed Self‐assembly Loop Complexes for Anion Recognition and Sensing
Authors: Chang Kai‐Chi , Chen Chan‐Yu , Lin Tzu‐Pin , Ku Po‐Jen , Chen Chun‐Lin , Wang Chih‐Ming , Lin Hsiu‐Mei , Tseng Mei‐Chun , Singh Ashutosh S. , Sun Shih‐Sheng
Published: December 2017

Two structurally simple Pt(II)‐directed self‐assembly loop complexes were prepared by reactions of cis‐(PEt3)2Pt(OTf)2 and the corresponding pyridylamide‐functionalized pyridyl ligands. Both Pt(II)‐based complexes exhibit singlet fluorescence, indicating that the platinum metal serves only as a structural, rather than a direct photophysical role within the loop framework. The crystal structure of complex 1 shows a distorted loop conformation with a hydrophobic pocket defined by the bridging ligands. The anion binding affinities of these two complexes were investigated with a range of anions. Such studies using UV–vis absorption, fluorescence, and 1H NMR titrations showed that complex 1 exhibits excellent binding sensitivity and selectivity for benzoate over acetate in solution via a combination of electrostatic, hydrogen‐bonding, and π–π interactions, whereas complex 2 shows comparable binding affinities toward acetate and benzoate due to the lack of favorable aromatic π–π interaction.
RETRACTED: Long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) RMST in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC): Expression analysis and biological roles research
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Dequan , Wu Xingrao , Zeng Yueqin , Li Lan , Hou Yu , Li Wenhui , Liu Zhijie
Published: December 2017

Microarray showed that lncRNA RMST was differentially expressed in cervical cancer. Further experiments were conducted to detect the expression and biological function of RMST in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Microarray was used to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs in TNBC. QRT‐PCR was applied to uncover the expression of RMST in TNBC tissues. The cell viability of RMST‐transfected TNBC cells were probed by CKK‐8 assay and colony formation assay. TUNEL assay was conducted to test the cell apoptosis and FCM assay was exerted to detect the cell cycle. The invasion and migration ability of transfected cells were examined by transwell assay. RMST played its biological function through regulating the mRNA or protein expression in cytoplasm. CCK‐8 and colony formation assay unveiled that RMST could slow down the proliferation of TNBC cells to influence the tumor progression. TUNEL results revealed that RMST could enhance cell apoptosis in TNBC. The cell cycle detected by FCM assay indicated that RMST might induce the block of G0/G1 phase thus inhibiting TNBC cell proliferation. RMST overexpression could also restrain the invasion and migration abilities of TNBC cells. RMST played a role of tumor suppressor in TNBC through inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and migration, enhancing cell apoptosis, and regulating cell cycle.
Nicotine increases colon cancer cell migration and invasion through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT): COX‐2 involvement
Authors: Dinicola Simona , Masiello Maria G. , Proietti Sara , Coluccia Pierpaolo , Fabrizi Gianmarco , Catizone Angela , Ricci Giulia , de Toma Giorgio , Bizzarri Mariano , Cucina Alessandra
Published: December 2017

Cigarette smoking is a recognized risk factor for colon cancer and nicotine, the principal active component of tobacco, plays a pivotal role in increasing colon cancer cell growth and survival. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on cellular Caco‐2 and HCT‐8 migration and invasion, focusing on epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, and COX‐2 pathway involvement. In both these cell lines, treatment with nicotine increased COX‐2 expression and the release of its enzymatic product PGE2. Moreover, nicotine‐stimulated cells showed increased migratory and invasive behavior, mesenchymal markers up‐regulation and epithelial markers down‐regulation, nuclear translocation of the β‐catenin, increase of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity, and enhanced NF‐κB expression. Noticeably, all these effects are largely mediated by COX‐2 activity, as simultaneous treatment of both cell lines with nicotine and NS‐398, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, greatly reduced the number of migrating and invading cells and reverted nicotine‐induced EMT. These findings emphasize that nicotine triggers EMT, leading hence to increased migration and invasiveness of colon cancer cells. Thereby, the use of COX‐2 inhibitor drugs might likely counteract nicotine‐mediated EMT effects on colon cancer development and progression.
Secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 regulates the progression of neuropathic pain in mice following spinal nerve ligation
Authors: Tang Jun , Ji Qing , Jin Li , Tian Mi , Zhang Li D. , Liu Xiao Y.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have shown that the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in modulating neuropathic pain after sciatic nerve injury. In this study, we explored the role of secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (SFRP1), a Wnt antagonist, in neuropathic pain using a mouse model following spinal nerve ligation (SNL). We found SNL‐induced SFRP1 downregulation in the spinal cord. Further, overexpression of SFRP1 via spinal injection into the spinal cord attenuated SNL‐induced allodynia, hyperalgesia, and neuroinflammation. Consistently, in vitro assays also showed decreased expression of SFRP1 in spinal cord astrocytes after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Overexpression of SFRP1 significantly alleviated the secretion of LPS‐induced proinflammatory factors in spinal cord astrocytes. Furthermore, spinal injection of LPS‐treated astrocytes induced allodynia and hyperalgesia, which were reversed by the overexpression of SFRP1 in these cells. Additionally, SNL increased Wnt3a and β‐catenin levels and also induced an increase in nuclear expression of β‐catenin; these effects were all attenuated by SFRP1. Finally, we found that downregulation of SFRP1, mainly through DNA methylation, is involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Taken together, these results suggested that the SFRP1/Wnt3a/β‐catenin signaling pathway might be a suitable therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
Effects of small interfering RNA targeting TLR4 on expressions of adipocytokines in obstructive sleep apnea hyponea syndrome with hypertension in a rat model
Authors: Wu Jing‐Guo , Xun Nan , Zeng Li‐Jin , Li Zhen‐Yu , Liang Yan‐Bing , Tang Hao , Ma Zhong‐Fu
Published: December 2017

We explored the effects of RNA interference‐mediated silencing of TLR4 gene on expressions of adipocytokines in obstructive sleep apnea hyponea syndrome (OSAS) with hypertension in a rat model. Systolic blood pressure of caudal artery and physiological changes were observed when establishing rat models of OSAS with hypertension. Mature rat adipocytes were induced from separated and cultured primary rat adipocytes. To transfect rat mature adipocytes, TLR4 siRNA group and negative control (NC) siRNA group were established. Expressions of TLR4 mRNA of adipocytes were examined after silenced by siRNA by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), expressions of inflammatory cytokines, and adipocytokines of adipocytes were detected. Blood pressure in rat caudal artery was higher in the intermittent hypoxia group than that of the blank control group by 29.87 mmHg, and cardiocytes in the former group showed physiological changes, which indicated successful establishment of rat models of OSAS with hypertension. Red particles could be seen in mature rat adipocytes when stained with Oil Red O. Transfection of TLR4 mRNA was significantly suppressed in the TLR4 siRNA group, which didn't happen in the untransfected control group. Rats in the TLR4 siRNA group had significantly reduced expressions of such inflammatory cytokines as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and such adipocytokines as visfatin, adiponectin (ADN), and leptin than those in the untransfected control group. RNA interference‐mediated silencing of TLR4 gene could regulate occurrence and development of OSAS with hypertension in rats by downregulating expressions of adipocytokines.
miR‐424‐5p reduces ribosomal RNA and protein synthesis in muscle wasting
Authors: Connolly Martin , Paul Richard , Farre‐Garros Roser , Natanek Samantha A. , Bloch Susannah , Lee Jen , Lorenzo Jose P. , Patel Harnish , Cooper Cyrus , Sayer Avan A. , Wort Stephen J. , Griffiths Mark , Polkey Michael I. , Kemp Paul R.
Published: December 2017

Background

A loss of muscle mass occurs as a consequence of a range of chronic and acute diseases as well as in older age. This wasting results from an imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation with a reduction in synthesis and resistance to anabolic stimulation often reported features. Ribosomes are required for protein synthesis, so changes in the control of ribosome synthesis are potential contributors to muscle wasting. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known regulators of muscle phenotype and have been shown to modulate components of the protein synthetic pathway. One miRNA that is predicted to target a number of components of protein synthetic pathway is miR‐424‐5p, which is elevated in the quadriceps of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Targets of miR‐424‐5p were identified by Argonaute2 pull down, and the effects of the miRNA on RNA and protein expression were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in muscle cells in vitro. Protein synthesis was determined by puromycin incorporation in vitro. The miRNA was over‐expressed in the tibialis anterior muscle of mice by electroporation and the effects quantified. Finally, quadriceps expression of the miRNA was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in patients with COPD and intensive care unit (ICU)‐acquired weakness and in patients undergoing aortic surgery as well as in individuals from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study.

Results

Pull‐down assays showed that miR‐424‐5p bound to messenger RNAs encoding proteins associated with muscle protein synthesis. The most highly enriched messenger RNAs encoded proteins required for the Pol I RNA pre‐initiation complex required for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, (PolR1A and upstream binding transcription factor). In vitro, miR‐424‐5p reduced the expression of these RNAs, reduced rRNA levels, and inhibited protein synthesis. In mice, over‐expression of miR‐322 (rodent miR‐424 orthologue) caused fibre atrophy and reduced upstream binding transcription factor expression and rRNA levels. In humans, elevated miR‐424‐5p associated with markers of disease severity in COPD (FEV1%), in patients undergoing aortic surgery (LVEF%), and in patients with ICU‐acquired weakness (days in ICU). In patients undergoing aortic surgery, preoperative miR‐424‐5p expression in skeletal muscle was associated with muscle loss over the following 7 days.

Conclusions

These data suggest that miR‐424‐5p regulates rRNA synthesis by inhibiting Pol I pre‐initiation complex formation. Increased miR‐424‐5p expression in patients with conditions associated with muscle wasting is likely to contribute to the inhibition of protein synthesis and loss of muscle mass.
Cephalic muscle development in the Australian lungfish,Neoceratodus forsteri
Authors: Ziermann Janine M. , Clement Alice M. , Ericsson Rolf , Olsson Lennart
Published: December 2017

Lungfishes are the extant sister group of tetrapods. As such, they are important for the study of evolutionary processes involved in the water to land transition of vertebrates. The evolution of a true neck, that is, the complete separation of the pectoral girdle from the cranium, is one of the most intriguing morphological transitions known among vertebrates. Other salient changes involve new adaptations for terrestrial feeding, which involves both the cranium and its associated musculature. Historically, the cranium has been extensively investigated, but the development of the cranial muscles much less so. Here, we present a detailed study of cephalic muscle development in the Australian lungfish,Neoceratodus forsteri, which is considered to be the sister taxon to all other extant lungfishes.Neoceratodusshows several developmental patterns previously described in other taxa; the tendency of muscles to develop from anterior to posterior, from their region of origin toward insertion, and from lateral to ventral/medial (outside‐in), at least in the branchial arches. The m.protractor pectoralis appears to develop as an extension of the most posterior m.levatores arcuum branchialium, supporting the hypothesis that the m.cucullaris and its derivatives (protractor pectoralis, levatores arcuum branchialium) are branchial muscles. We present a new hypothesis regarding the homology of the ventral branchial arch muscles (subarcualis recti and obliqui, transversi ventrales) in lungfishes and amphibians. Moreover, the morphology and development of the cephalic muscles confirms that extant lungfishes are neotenic and have been strongly influenced via paedomorphosis during their evolutionary history.
Understanding the cascade of GCM and downscaling uncertainties in hydro‐climatic projections over India
Authors: Sharma Tarul , Vittal H. , Chhabra Surbhi , Salvi Kaustubh , Ghosh Subimal , Karmakar Subhankar
Published: December 2017

India is a major agrarian country strongly impacted by spatio‐temporal variations in the Indian monsoon. The impact assessment is usually accomplished by implementing projections from general circulation models (GCMs). Unfortunately, these projections cannot capture the dynamicity of the monsoon and require either statistical (SD) or dynamical (DD) downscaling of the GCM projections to a finer resolution. Both downscaling techniques can capture the spatio‐temporal variation in climatic variables but are marred by uncertainty in the projections resulting from the choice of the GCM and downscaling method, which affects climate change adaptations. Here, we assessed uncertainties in the projections of hydro‐climatic variables over India by considering multiple downscaling techniques, multiple GCMs, and their combined effects (referred as the total uncertainty). Multiple hydrological variables were simulated by implementing the variable infiltration capacity model that considered outputs from DD (derived by the coordinated regional climate downscaling experiment, CORDEX) and SD forced with multiple GCM simulations. Our results showed that the SD projections captured the observed spatio‐temporal variability of hydro‐climatic variables more efficiently than the DD projections. Importantly, contribution from the downscaled projections to the total uncertainty was significantly smaller compared to the inter‐GCM uncertainty.

We believe uncertainty analysis is an important component of good scientific practice; however, several researchers appear to be rather reluctant to embrace the concept of uncertainty in making projections, predictions, and forecasting. It remains a common practice to show climate change exercises to decision‐makers/stakeholders, without uncertainty bounds. Here, a successful attempt was made to identify the key sources of uncertainty and adequately bracket the uncertainty, indicating a requirement of the code of practice to provide formal guidance, particularly for climate‐change impact assessments. This consequently emphasized the importance of follow‐up research to understand the inter‐GCM uncertainty, which has a significant impact on sustainable agriculture and water resources management in India.
Endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green‐neomannosyl human serum albumin
Authors: Park Young Min , Quan Yu Hua , Kwon Ki Hyeok , Cho Jae‐Gu , Woo Jeong‐Soo , Kim Beop‐Min , Lee Yun‐Sang , Jeong Jae Min , Kim Hyun Koo , Song Jae‐Jun
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy of the head and neck region using indocyanine green‐neomannosyl human serum albumin (ICG:MSA) and a custom‐made intraoperative color‐and‐fluorescence‐merged imaging system (ICFIS).

Methods

Using mouse and rabbit models of tongue cancer, we performed sentinel lymph node biopsy using an ICG:MSA tracer and custom imaging system equipped with an endoscope.

Results

ICG:MSA was localized to the cervical lymph node on the ipsilateral side for up to 30 minutes compared to ICG tracer (ICG n = 3, IGC:MSA n = 3). Detection of sentinel lymph nodes was attempted after injecting ICG:MSA in the mouse tongue cancer model (n = 3). During the operation, lymph nodes were easily identified and resected using ICFIS without the aid of other magnifiers. In the rabbit tongue cancer model (n = 3), the ICFIS equipped with 30‐degree endoscopy was used to confirm the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy. The entire sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure was performed using the ICFIS with the 30‐degree endoscope. We detected and dissected sentinel lymph nodes in the rabbit model without the other sentinel lymph node detection tools.

Conclusion

We confirmed the usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy using a near infrared fluorescence technique and endoscopic system. Avoidance of radiation exposure and shine‐through phenomena, which are problems of sentinel lymph node biopsy using conventional radioisotopes, are advantages of our surgical technique. By combining the endoscopic system with a sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, we avoided visible neck scars, which lead to excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E135–E140, 2018