bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Emissive Organic Single‐Molecule White Emitters by Engineering o‐Carborane‐Based Luminophores
Authors: Tu Deshuang , Leong Pakkin , Guo Song , Yan Hong , Lu Changsheng , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2017

The development of organic single‐molecule solid‐state white emitters holds a great promise for advanced lighting and display applications. Highly emissive single‐molecule white emitters were achieved by the design and synthesis of a series of o‐carborane‐based luminophores. These luminophores are able to induce multiple emissions to directly emit high‐purity white light in solid state. By tuning both molecular and aggregate structures, a significantly improved white‐light efficiency has been realized (absolute quantum yield 67 %), which is the highest value among the known organic single‐molecule white emitters in the solid state. The fine‐tuning of the packing modes from H‐ to J‐ and cross‐stacking aggregates as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonds are successful in one molecular skeleton. These are crucial for highly emissive white‐light emission in the solid state.
Controlling Regioselectivity in the Enantioselective N‐Alkylation of Indole Analogues Catalyzed by Dinuclear Zinc‐ProPhenol
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Gnanamani Elumalai , Hung Chao‐I (Joey)
Published: June 2017

The enantioselective N‐alkylation of indole and its derivatives with aldimines is efficiently catalyzed by a zinc‐ProPhenol dinuclear complex under mild conditions to afford N‐alkylated indole derivatives in good yield (up to 86 %) and excellent enantiomeric ratio (up to 99.5:0.5 e.r.). This method tolerates a wide array of indoles, as well as pyrrole and carbazole, to afford the corresponding N‐alkylation products. The reaction can be run on a gram scale with reduced catalyst loading without impacting the efficiency. The chiral aminals were further elaborated into various chiral polyheterocyclic derivatives. The surprising stability of the chiral N‐alkylation products will open new windows for asymmetric catalysis and medicinal chemistry.
Opening a Can of Worm(‐like Micelle)s: The Effect of Temperature of Solutions of Functionalized Dipeptides
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Su Hao , Brasnett Christopher , Poole Robert J. , Rogers Sarah , Cui Honggang , Seddon Annela , Adams Dave J.
Published: June 2017

A simple heat/cool cycle can be used to significantly affect the properties of a solution of a low‐molecular‐weight gelator at high pH. The viscosity and extensional viscosity are increased markedly, leading to materials with very different properties than when the native solution is used.
Chiral Gold Nanoclusters: Atomic Level Origins of Chirality
Authors: Zeng Chenjie , Jin Rongchao
Published: June 2017

Chiral nanomaterials have received wide interest in many areas, but the exact origin of chirality at the atomic level remains elusive in many cases. With recent significant progress in atomically precise gold nanoclusters (e.g., thiolate‐protected Aun(SR)m), several origins of chirality have been unveiled based upon atomic structures determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The reported chiral Aun(SR)m structures explicitly reveal a predominant origin of chirality that arises from the Au–S chiral patterns at the metal–ligand interface, as opposed to the chiral arrangement of metal atoms in the inner core (i.e. kernel). In addition, chirality can also be introduced by a chiral ligand, manifested in the circular dichroism response from metal‐based electronic transitions other than the ligand's own transition(s). Lastly, the chiral arrangement of carbon tails of the ligands has also been discovered in a very recent work on chiral Au133(SR)52 and Au246(SR)80 nanoclusters. Overall, the origins of chirality discovered in Aun(SR)m nanoclusters may provide models for the understanding of chirality origins in other types of nanomaterials and also constitute the basis for the development of various applications of chiral nanoparticles.
Postgraduate student satisfaction: A multilevel analysis of PTES data
Authors: Muijs Daniel , Bokhove Christian
Published: June 2017

Student satisfaction has received growing attention in Higher Education systems in recent years, and are increasingly used for internal and external accountability in the sector. This does leave us with questions on the extent to which variance in student satisfaction can be explained by Higher Education Institution (HEI) and course attended rather than by individual student characteristics; and on what factors may predict student satisfaction. In this study we used the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) to look at these questions in a sample of approximate 70000 UK postgraduate students from 100 HEI's. Firstly, confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the validity of the proposed multidimensional structure of student satisfaction in PTES. Then multilevel models were used to look at variance at three levels (HEI, course and student), and the relationships between institutional and student factors collected in PTES and student satisfaction. Two years of data (2014 and 2015) were used. Findings suggest that over 90% of variance is explained at the student level for all dimensions of student satisfaction in both years, with variance at the HEI level being particularly low. Individual student characteristics explain more variance than institutional characteristics, but only some (such as BME status) are significant, and explained variance is low. These findings suggest using student satisfaction as an accountability measure in HE may be highly problematic.
Teaching critical thinking: Cultural challenges and strategies in Singapore
Authors: Tan Charlene
Published: June 2017

Among the challenges faced by educators in promoting critical thinking is that of cultural compatibility. Using Singapore as an illustrative case study, this paper explores the cultural challenges and recommended strategies for the teaching of critical thinking in schools. The research for this study is based on a theoretical framework that focuses on two dominant practices of critical thinking: confrontational and individualistic on the one hand, and collegial and communal on the other. Research data shows that the main cultural challenges are the social expectations of teachers as knowledge transmitters and a perception that critical thinking is essentially adversarial. The recommended strategies are the utilisation of cooperative learning strategies and the provision of a safe learning environment. There are two major implications arising from this research study. The first is a need for policymakers and educators to be cognisant of cultural constraints in the teaching of critical thinking. The second is the significance of teacher efficacy to engender student engagement and successful learning within socio‐cultural constraints. The Singapore experience adds to the existing literature by highlighting the existence and significance of communitarian practices of critical thinking in an Asian context.
A highly sensitive sensor for ethyl acetate by changing fluorescent colour of lanthanide complex
Authors: Zhao Lina
Published: June 2017

A lanthanide complex, namely, [La2(L‐DBTA)3 (CH3OH)2(H2O)2]∙2H2O has been synthesized using a simple reaction of L‐O,O´‐dibenzoyl tartaric acid with LaCl3∙6H2O under ambient temperature. The luminescence spectrum in the solid state at room temperature revealed that the complex exhibited blue‐light emission that originated from ligand. In addition, the lanthanide complex is developed as a fluorescent probe for sensing small molecules. Luminescence studies reveal that the lanthanide complex could detect ethyl acetate sensitively through fluorescence colour change from blue to yellow. Furthermore, the complex exhibited appealing features including high sensitivity and an ultrafast response.
Synthesis and luminescence of novel near‐infrared emitting BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors
Authors: Wu Xuanmin , Xu Dandan , Li Wanwen , Wang Ting , Cao Liwei , Meng JianXin
Published: June 2017

The BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors were prepared by a high temperature solid state method. Their structures were confirmed with XRD and their luminescence properties were investigated. Under excitation at 455 nm, BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors exhibited a broad near infrared emission band peaked at 800 nm, which was assigned to the 4T2→4A2 transition of Cr3+. The near infrared emission intensity reached a maximum at Cr3+ concentration of 0.7%. There was a concentration quenching phenomenon of Cr3+ in BaZrSi3O9 matrix and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was investigated. With efficient near infrared emission in the range of 700–1000 nm, BaZrSi3O9:Cr3+ phosphors may find applications in solar energy conversion.
Heterotrophic production of Chlorella sp. TISTR 8990—biomass growth and composition under various production conditions
Authors: Bouyam Somruethai , Choorit Wanna , Sirisansaneeyakul Sarote , Chisti Yusuf
Published: June 2017

The green microalga Chlorella sp. TISTR 8990 was grown heterotrophically in the dark using various concentrations of a basal glucose medium with a carbon‐to‐nitrogen mass ratio of 29:1. The final biomass concentration and the rate of growth were highest in the fivefold concentrated basal glucose medium (25 g L−1 glucose, 2.5 g L−1 KNO3) in batch operations. Improving oxygen transfer in the culture by increasing the agitation rate and decreasing the culture volume in 500‐mL shake flasks improved growth and glucose utilization. A maximum biomass concentration of nearly 12 g L−1 was obtained within 4 days at 300 rpm, 30°C, with a glucose utilization of nearly 76% in batch culture. The total fatty acid (TFA) content of the biomass and the TFA productivity were 102 mg g−1 and 305 mg L−1 day−1, respectively. A repeated fed‐batch culture with four cycles of feeding with the fivefold concentrated medium in a 3‐L bioreactor was evaluated for biomass production. The total culture period was 11 days. A maximum biomass concentration of nearly 26 g L−1 was obtained with a TFA productivity of 223 mg L−1 day−1. The final biomass contained (w/w) 13.5% lipids, 20.8% protein and 17.2% starch. Of the fatty acids produced, 52% (w/w) were saturated, 41% were monounsaturated and 7% were polyunsaturated (PUFA). A low content of PUFA in TFA feedstock is required for producing high quality biodiesel. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1589–1600, 2017
Different RNA and protein expression of surface markers in rabbit amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kovac Michal , Vasicek Jaromir , Kulikova Barbora , Bauer Miroslav , Curlej Jozef , Balazi Andrej , Chrenek Peter
Published: June 2017

Over the years, there has been much confusion in defining molecular markers of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for other than human species due to a lack of species‐specific antibodies. Therefore, the aim of our study was to define rabbit amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (rAF‐MSCs) and to reflect upon the current identification of AF‐MSCs by providing a summary of detected surface markers in different species. The expression of rAF‐MSC surface markers was analyzed at the protein and mRNA level. Flow cytometry analyses showed that rAF‐MSCs were positive for CD29 and CD44, low positive for CD90, but negative for CD73, CD105, and CD166. Interestingly, RT‐PCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) exposed a discprepancy between transcribed mRNA and protein expression, as the cells expressed mRNA of all MSC markers: CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166. Our results also confirmed the mesenchymal nature of isolated cells by morphology, ultrastructure, and intracellular marker expression profile. In addition, the expression of few pluripotency markers was also detected. We also found that passaging did not affect apoptosis and viability. Similarly, changes in karyotype were not observed during passaging. In conclusion, the provided characteristics may be used as a comprehensive set of criteria to define and characterize rAF‐MSCs, required for the identification of these cells in preclinical investigations. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1601–1613, 2017
Preliminary evaluation of Pleurotus ostreatus for the removal of selected pharmaceuticals from hospital wastewater
Authors: Palli Laura , Castellet‐Rovira Francesc , Pérez‐Trujillo Miriam , Caniani Donatella , Sarrà‐Adroguer Montserrat , Gori Riccardo
Published: June 2017

The fungus Pleurotus ostreatus was investigated to assess its ability to remove diclofenac, ketoprofen, and atenolol spiked at 10 mg/L each one in hospital wastewater. The degradation test was carried out in a fluidized bed bioreactor testing both the batch and the continuous mode (hydraulic retention time in the range 1.63–3 days). In batch mode, diclofenac disappeared in less than 24 h, ketoprofen was degraded up to almost 50% in 5 days while atenolol was not removed. In continuous mode, diclofenac and ketoprofen removals were about 100% and 70% respectively; atenolol degradation was negligible during the first 20 days but it increased up to 60% after a peak of laccase production and notable biomass growth. In order to identify the enzymatic system involved, further experiments were carried out in flasks. Purified laccase completely transformed atenolol and diclofenac in less than 5 h, but not ketoprofen. In vivo experiments suggested that cytochrome P450 could be involved in diclofenac and ketoprofen degradation, while partial correlation studies confirmed the role of laccase in atenolol and diclofenac degradation. Two intermediates of diclofenac and ketoprofen were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover P. ostreatus was able to reduce chemical oxygen demand of the hospital wastewater which is an important advantage comparing to other fungi in order to develop a wastewater treatment process. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1529–1537, 2017
Target‐directed Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry: A Study on Potentials and Pitfalls as Exemplified on a Bacterial Target
Authors: Frei Priska , Pang Lijuan , Silbermann Marleen , Eriş Deniz , Mühlethaler Tobias , Schwardt Oliver , Ernst Beat
Published: June 2017

Target‐directed dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) is an emerging technique for the efficient identification of inhibitors of pharmacologically relevant targets. In this contribution, we present an application for a bacterial target, the lectin FimH, a crucial virulence factor of uropathogenic E. coli being the main cause of urinary tract infections. A small dynamic library of acylhydrazones was formed from aldehydes and hydrazides and equilibrated at neutral pH in presence of aniline as nucleophilic catalyst. The major success factors turned out to be an accordingly adjusted ratio of scaffolds and fragments, an adequate sample preparation prior to HPLC analysis, and the data processing. Only then did the ranking of the dynamic library constituents correlate well with affinity data. Furthermore, as a support of DCC applications especially to larger libraries, a new protocol for improved hit identification was established.
A Secondary Structural Element in a Wide Range of Fucosylated Glycoepitopes
Authors: Aeschbacher Thomas , Zierke Mirko , Smieško Martin , Collot Mayeul , Mallet Jean‐Maurice , Ernst Beat , Allain Frédéric H.‐T. , Schubert Mario
Published: June 2017

The increasing understanding of the essential role of carbohydrates in development, and in a wide range of diseases fuels a rapidly growing interest in the basic principles governing carbohydrate‐protein interactions. A still heavily debated issue regarding the recognition process is the degree of flexibility or rigidity of oligosaccharides. Combining NMR structure determination based on extensive experimental data with DFT and database searches, we have identified a set of trisaccharide motifs with a similar conformation that is characterized by a non‐conventional C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond. These motifs are present in numerous classes of oligosaccharides, found in everything from bacteria to mammals, including Lewis blood group antigens but also unusual motifs from amphibians and marine invertebrates. The set of trisaccharide motifs can be summarized with the consensus motifs X‐β1,4‐[Fucα1,3]‐Y and X‐β1,3‐[Fucα1,4]‐Y—a secondary structure we name [3,4]F‐branch. The wide spectrum of possible modifications of this scaffold points toward a large variety of glycoepitopes, which nature generated using the same underlying architecture.
A Target‐Directed Chemo‐Photothermal System Based on Transferrin and Copolymer‐Modified MoS2 Nanoplates with pH‐Activated Drug Release
Authors: Zhang Aitang , Li Aihua , Tian Wenxue , Li Zichao , Wei Chen , Sun Yong , Zhao Wei , Liu Mengli , Liu Jingquan
Published: June 2017

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets have attracted significant attention due to their photothermal properties, but the poor solubility and colloidal stability limited their further application in biomedical field. Here, we report a targeted photothermal controllable nanocarrier consisting of MoS2 nanosheets modified with block copolymer P(OEG‐A)‐b‐P(VBA‐co‐KH570) and targeting ligand transferrin. P(OEG‐A)‐b‐P(VBA‐co‐KH570) is synthesized by RAFT polymerization and utilized not only to improve the solubility of MoS2 nanosheets but also efficiently load the anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) through an acid‐cleavable Schiff base linker. Thiol‐functionalized transferrin (Tf‐SH) is anchored onto the surface of MoS2 nanosheets by the formation of disulfide bonds, which could further enhance the cellular uptake of DOX and MoS2 to HepG2 cells for high‐efficiency synergetic therapy. The drug release experiments exhibited the minimal release of DOX at room temperature and neutral pH, and the maximal drug release of 53 % at acidic tumor pH and hyperthermia condition after 48 h. In addition, the DOX‐loaded, Tf‐SH and P(OEG‐A)‐b‐P(VBA‐co‐KH570) modified MoS2 (DOX‐POVK‐MoS2‐Tf) showed better a therapeutic effect than DOX‐POVK‐MoS2 and POVK‐MoS2, probably owing to the combined effects of target‐directed uptake, acid‐triggered drug release, and NIR induced localized heating, which suggest the designed MoS2 nanocarriers are promising for applications in multi‐modal cancer therapy.
The Boltzmann Equation with Specular Boundary Condition in Convex Domains
Authors: Kim Chanwoo , Lee Donghyun
Published: June 2017

We establish the global well‐posedness and stability of the Boltzmann equation with the specular reflection boundary condition in general smooth convex domains when an initial datum is close to the Maxwellian with or without a small external potential. In particular, we have completely solved the longstanding open problem after an announcement by Shizuta and Asano in 1977. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Model Incorporating Saturable Pharmacokinetics and Autoinduction for High Rifampicin Doses
Authors: Svensson Robin J. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Diacon Andreas H. , Dawson Rodney , Gillespie Stephen H. , Boeree Martin J. , Simonsson Ulrika S.H.
Published: June 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that increasing doses of rifampicin may shorten tuberculosis treatment. The PanACEA HIGHRIF1 trial assessed safety, pharmacokinetics, and antimycobacterial activity of rifampicin at doses up to 40 mg/kg. Eighty‐three pulmonary tuberculosis patients received 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 mg/kg rifampicin daily over 2 weeks, supplemented with standard doses of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol in the second week. This study aimed at characterizing rifampicin pharmacokinetics observed in HIGHRIF1 using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. The final population pharmacokinetic model included an enzyme turnover model accounting for time‐dependent elimination due to autoinduction, concentration‐dependent clearance, and dose‐dependent bioavailability. The relationship between clearance and concentration was characterized by a Michaelis–Menten relationship. The relationship between bioavailability and dose was described using an Emax relationship. The model will be key in determining exposure–response relationships for rifampicin and should be considered when designing future trials and when treating future patients with high‐dose rifampicin.
Investigating Real‐World Clopidogrel Pharmacogenetics in Stroke Using a Bioresource Linked to Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Tornio Aleksi , Flynn Rob , Morant Steve , Velten Elena , Palmer Colin N. A. , MacDonald Thomas M. , Doney Alex S. F.
Published: June 2017

Clopidogrel efficacy is influenced by genetic variation of cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C19, however, few studies have considered patients who have a stroke. We used electronic medical records (EMRs) linked to a bioresource to examine real‐world implications of clopidogrel pharmacogenetics in stroke. Patients hospitalized for any arterial thrombo‐occlusive (ATO) event who subsequently redeemed clopidogrel prescriptions in the community were entered into the study (n = 651). During 24‐month follow‐up, the primary endpoint of recurrent ATO or death occurred in 299 patients (46%). CYP2C19*2 loss‐of‐function allele carriers had an increased risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.59; P = 0.019). In the ischemic stroke subgroup (n = 94), the estimate of risk was greater (HR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.17–4.24; P = 0.015), which was further supported by a meta‐analysis of available studies. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the clinical impact of CYP2C19*2 on clopidogrel efficacy using a purely EMR approach. This suggests that the risk in the ischemic stroke population may be particularly high.
Left ventricular‐only pacing in heart failure patients with normal atrioventricular conduction improves global function and left ventricular regional mechanics compared with biventricular pacing: an adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy sub‐study
Authors: Burns Kevin V. , Gage Ryan M. , Curtin Antonia E. , Gorcsan John , Bank Alan J.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Right ventricular (RV) pacing can impair left ventricular (LV) function. When timed with native RV activation, LV‐only pacing may cause greater improvements in LV function than biventricular pacing. This study compared the chronic effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on LV mechanics between biventricular pacing and LV‐only pacing in patients with normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction.

Methods and results

The Adaptive CRT (aCRT) algorithm provides LV‐only pacing timed with native RV activation when the AV interval is normal (≤200 ms during sinus rhythm). We studied patients from the aCRT trial with normal AV conduction at their baseline visit and compared changes in cardiac function after 12 months of treatment with conventional biventricular or mostly (≥80%) LV‐only pacing. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to assess LV myocardial strain before and after treatment. Despite similar improvements in Packer's clinical composite scores and LV volumes, LV‐only paced patients (n = 70) had a greater improvement in LV ejection fraction (8.5 ± 11.3% vs. 5.5 ± 10.3%, P = 0.038) and global LV radial strain (6.3 ± 8.6% vs. 4.0 ± 10.1%, P = 0.046) than those randomized to biventricular pacing (n = 91). Strain was improved to a greater extent near the RV pacing lead, in septal and apical regions (P < 0.05 for both regions), in patients receiving LV‐only pacing.

Conclusion

In heart failure patients with normal AV conduction, LV‐only pacing timed with native RV activation may result in greater improvements in LV ejection fraction and myocardial strain compared with biventricular pacing due to better apical and septal function.
Iridium Halide Complexes [1,1‐X2‐8‐SMe2‐1,2,8‐IrC2B9H10]2 (X = Cl, Br, I): Synthesis, Reactivity and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Molotkov Alexander P. , Vinogradov Mikhail M. , Moskovets Alexey P. , Chusova Olga , Timofeev Sergey V. , Fastovskiy Vasilii A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Pavlov Alexander A. , Chusov Denis A. , Loginov Dmitry A.
Published: June 2017

The reactions of thallium salt Tl[7‐SMe2‐7,8‐C2B9H10] with [(cod)RhCl]2 and [Cp*RuCl]4 are accompanied by room‐temperature polyhedral rearrangement, giving rhoda‐ and ruthenacarboranes 1‐cod‐8‐SMe2‐1,2,8‐RhC2B9H10 (2) and 1‐Cp*‐8‐SMe2‐1,2,8‐RuC2B9H10 (3), respectively. According to DFT calculations, the rearrangement could be attributed to the triangular face rotation mechanism. The reaction of iridium derivative 1‐cod‐8‐SMe2‐1,2,8‐IrC2B9H10 (1) with anhydrous hydrohalic acids HX (X = Cl, Br, I) results in the dimeric halide iridacarboranes [1,1‐X2‐8‐SMe2‐1,2,8‐IrC2B9H10]2 [4a–c; X = Cl (a), Br (b), I (c)]. Bromide 4b reacts with Tl[Tl(η‐7,8‐C2B9H11)] and TlCp giving iridacarboranes 8′‐SMe2‐1,1′‐Ir(2,3‐C2B9H11)(2′,8′‐C2B9H10) (5) and 1‐Cp‐8‐SMe‐1,2,8‐IrC2B9H10 (6). The formation of the latter compound is accompanied by demethylation of the SMe2 substituent. The structures of 2, 3, 5 and 6 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Iridacarboranes 4b and [1,1‐Br2‐4‐SMe2‐1,2,3‐IrC2B9H10]2 (7) catalyze the dimerization of diphenylacetylene, giving 1,2,3‐triphenylnaphthalene in 20–24 % yields. Compounds 4b and 7 also effectively catalyze the reductive amination reaction between aldehydes (or ketones) and primary (or secondary) amines in the presence of carbon monoxide, giving the corresponding secondary and tertiary amines in high yields (60–85 %).
Electrochemical Determination of Label Free BRCA Hybridization by Single Use Antioxidant Modified Electrode
Authors: Muti Merve , Muti Mihrican
Published: June 2017

A novel DNA probe based on caffeic acid modified disposable pencil graphite electrodes were developed for the first time for the electrochemical determination of breast cancer gene sequence (BRCA) hybridization. Amino‐linked BRCA probe highly immobilized onto the caffeic acid modified electrode by means of the interaction between the amino group of BRCA probe and the carboxyl group of caffeic acid compared to the bare electrode. 44 % signal enhancement in guanine oxidation signal was measured by caffeic acid modified electrode. Besides, these probes exhibited high selectivity towards its complementary DNA sequences (target). Hybridization between probe and target (BRCA1) was studied to evaluate the selectivity of the probes for complementary, non‐complementary and mismatch sequences. The selectivity was also tested in the presence of mixture containing the target and one base mismatch BRCA sequences in the same ratio (1 : 1). It can be said this probe can select its complementary from the mixture.
Carbon Nanotubes Heavy Metal Detection with Stripping Voltammetry: A Review Paper
Authors: Wang Tingting , Yue Wei
Published: June 2017

The challenge of heavy metal detection for environmental, industrial and medical purposes has led to the development of many analytical techniques. Stripping voltammetry is a very sensitive electrochemical method and has been widely used for heavy metal detection. Carbon nanotubes, a well‐studied carbon material with physical and chemical properties suited for electrode material is commonly employed for sensitive and selective metal detection in electrochemistry. This article reviews the recent (2011–2016) applications of carbon nanotubes as an electrode or electrode surface modifier for heavy metals detection with stripping voltammetry.
A statistical industrial approach for the synthesis conditions of zeolites using fly ash and kaolinite
Authors: Ramírez‐Zamora R.M. , Solís‐López M. , Robles‐Gutierrez I. , Reyes‐Vidal Y. , Espejel‐Ayala F.
Published: June 2017

This work describes the statistical analysis carried out on studies of the synthesis of zeolites using fly ash (FA) and kaolinite and shows the main parameters in the hydrothermal synthesis of eight principal zeolites. The chosen zeolites were faujasite (zeolite X), zeolite A, zeolite P, hydroxysodalite, analcime, chabazite, hydroxycancrintie, and sodalite for FA and kaolinite. The statistical analysis consisted of analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the four principal parameters considered: temperature of synthesis, reaction time, Si/Al ratio of the FA and kaolinite and the solid/liquid ratio in the hydrothermal system. For the use of FA, zeolite P, zeolite X, and hydroxysodalite were the three principal synthesized zeolites in the majority of the studies while zeolite A, zeolite P, and sodalite where the three principal zeolites synthesized when kaolinite was used. In general terms, the use of FA required a low temperature and time of synthesis compared to the use of kaolinite. With regard to the Si/Al ratio, the values were similar in both cases, while the solid/liquid ratio for the use of FA was higher than that for kaolinite. Contrast analysis was carried out showing several differences in the synthesis of the eight types of analyzed zeolites. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 318–332, 2018
Exergy analysis and economic evaluation of the steam superheat utilization using regenerative turbine in ultra‐supercritical power plants under design/off‐design conditions
Authors: Luyao Zhou , Cheng Xu , Gang Xu , Pu Bai , Yongping Yang
Published: June 2017

In order to effectively utilize the steam superheat of ultra‐supercritical power plants, a regenerative turbine (RT) system was proposed. In the RT system, a portion of the high‐pressure turbine exhaust steam is sent to an extra turbine termed as RT, and the extracted steam of several regenerative heaters (RHs) would be extracted from the RT instead of the intermediate‐pressure turbine. The superheat degree of related extracted steam would decrease and the exergy destruction of the heat transfer process in RHs would be reduced. Thermodynamic and economic analyses of the RT system in a typical 1000 MW power plant were carried out. The results showed that the heat consumption rate would be reduced as compared to the conventional configuration. When the RT isentropic efficiency is set to 85%, the heat consumption rate of the RT system could decrease by 46.9 kJ/kWh as compared to that of the reference system without RT under design condition. The heat consumption rate decrement will be greater with higher RT isentropic efficiency. Meanwhile, thermodynamic analysis of the RT system under off‐design condition showed that the energy saving effect of the RT system would be decreased when the design conditions are no longer met. The exergy analysis showed that the total exergy destruction decrement of related RHs in the RT system decreases as the load drops down. Moreover, the economic analysis revealed that the net economic benefit of the RT system could reach 0.57 M$ per year, and would perform economically within a wide range fluctuations of power market conditions.
Hepatitis C virus reactivation in patients receiving cancer treatment: A prospective observational study
Authors: Torres Harrys A. , Hosry Jeff , Mahale Parag , Economides Minas P. , Jiang Ying , Lok Anna S.
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation in patients receiving cancer treatment has been reported in retrospective studies. We sought to determine prospectively the incidence, predictors, and clinical significance of HCV reactivation during cancer treatment. HCV‐infected patients receiving cancer treatment at our institution between November 2012 and July 2016 were studied. Reactivation was defined as an increase in HCV‐RNA ≥1 log10 IU/mL over baseline and hepatitis flare as an increase in alanine aminotransferase to ≥3 times the upper limit of normal. One hundred patients were studied, 50 with hematologic malignancies and 50 with solid tumors. Reactivation occurred in 23 (23%) patients, including 18 (36%) patients with hematologic malignancies and 5 (10%) patients with solid tumors. In univariate analysis, patients with reactivation were more likely than those without reactivation to have prolonged lymphopenia (median, 95 versus 22 days; P = 0.01) and to have received rituximab (44% versus 9%; P < 0.0001), bendamustine (22% versus 0%; P < 0.001), high‐dose steroids (57% versus 21%; P = 0.001), or purine analogs (22% versus 5%; P = 0.02). Rituximab (odds ratio = 9.52; P = 0.001), and high‐dose steroids (odds ratio = 5.05; P = 0.01) retained significance in multivariable analysis. Of the 23 patients with reactivation, 10 (43%) had hepatitis flare. No patient with reactivation experienced liver failure or liver‐related death within 36 weeks after initiation of cancer treatment. Fourteen patients with hepatitis flare, six of whom had reactivation, required discontinuation or dose reduction of cancer treatment. Conclusion: HCV reactivation occurred in 23% of HCV‐infected patients receiving cancer treatment, and most had an unremarkable clinical course. However, reactivation can affect the cancer treatment plan. Our findings suggest that HCV infection should not contraindicate cancer therapy and infected patients should have access to multiple cancer treatments with close monitoring while receiving regimens associated with HCV reactivation. (Hepatology 2018;67:36‐47).
Development of Kras mutant lung adenocarcinoma in mice with knockout of the airway lineage‐specific gene Gprc5a
Authors: Fujimoto Junya , Nunomura‐Nakamura Sayuri , Liu Yihua , Lang Wenhua , McDowell Tina , Jakubek Yasminka , Ezzeddine Dalia , Kapere Ochieng Joshua , Petersen Jason , Davies Gareth , Fukuoka Junya , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Ehli Erik , Fowler Jerry , Scheet Paul , Kadara Humam
Published: June 2017

Despite the urgency for prevention and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we still do not know drivers in pathogenesis of the disease. Earlier work revealed that mice with knockout of the G‐protein coupled receptor Gprc5a develop late onset lung tumors including LUADs. Here, we sought to further probe the impact of Gprc5a expression on LUAD pathogenesis. We first surveyed GPRC5A expression in human tissues and found that GPRC5A was markedly elevated in human normal lung relative to other normal tissues and was consistently downregulated in LUADs. In sharp contrast to wild‐type littermates, Gprc5a–/– mice treated chronically with the nicotine‐specific carcinogen NNK developed LUADs by 6 months following NNK exposure. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the LUADs exhibited abundant expression of surfactant protein C and lacked the clara cell marker Ccsp, suggesting that these LUADs originated from alveolar type II cells. Next, we sought to survey genome‐wide alterations in the pathogenesis of Gprc5a–/– LUADs. Using whole exome sequencing, we found that carcinogen‐induced LUADs exhibited markedly higher somatic mutation burdens relative to spontaneous tumors. All LUADs were found to harbor somatic mutations in the Kras oncogene (p. G12D or p. Q61R). In contrast to spontaneous lesions, carcinogen‐induced Gprc5a–/– LUADs exhibited mutations (variants and copy number gains) in additional drivers (Atm, Kmt2d, Nf1, Trp53, Met, Ezh2). Our study underscores genomic alterations that represent early events in the development of Kras mutant LUAD following Gprc5a loss and tobacco carcinogen exposure and that may constitute targets for prevention and early treatment of this disease.
A method for detailed movement pattern analysis of tadpole startle response
Authors: Zarei Kasra , Elliott Karen L. , Zarei Sanam , Fritzsch Bernd , Buchholz James H. J.
Published: June 2017

Prolonged space flight, specifically microgravity, presents a problem for space exploration. Animal models with altered connections of the vestibular ear, and thus altered gravity sensation, would allow the examination of the effects of microgravity and how various countermeasures can establish normal function. We describe an experimental apparatus to monitor the effects of ear manipulations to generate asymmetric gravity input on the tadpole escape response. To perform the movement pattern analysis, an imaging apparatus was developed that uses a high‐speed camera to obtain time‐resolved, high‐resolution images of tadpole movements. Movements were recorded in a temperature‐controlled test chamber following mechanical stimulation with a solenoid actuator, to elicit a C‐start response. Temperature within the test cell was controlled with a recirculating water bath. Xenopus laevis embryos were obtained using a standard fertilization technique. Tadpole response to a controlled perturbation was recorded in unprecedented detail and the approach was validated by describing the distinct differences in response between normal and one‐eared tadpoles. The experimental apparatus and methods form an important element of a rigorous investigation into the response of the tadpole vestibular system to mechanical and biochemical manipulations, and can ultimately contribute to improved understanding of the effects of altered gravity perception on humans.
Effect of different home‐cooking methods on textural and nutritional properties of sweet potato genotypes grown in temperate climate conditions
Authors: Nicoletto Carlo , Vianello Fabio , Sambo Paolo
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The European Union (EU) market for sweet potato is small but is growing considerably and and has increased by 100% over the last 5 years. The cultivation of sweet potato in temperate climate conditions has not considered extensively and could be a new opportunity for the EU market. Healthy and qualitative traits of different sweet potato cultivars grown in temperate climate conditions were evaluated in accordance with four cooking methods.

RESULTS

Traditional cultivars showed high hardness and adhesiveness values. The highest concentrations of sugars (especially maltose) and phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic) were found in samples treated by boiling and steaming. High antioxidant activity was found in fried potatoes. Qualitative traits of sweet potatoes treated by microwaves did not report any significant variation compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Traditional and new sweet potato cultivars can be cultivated in temperate climate conditions and show interesting qualitative properties, especially as a result of the presence of antioxidant compounds. Concerning global quality, colored varieties expressed a better profile than traditional Italian ones and they are suitable for the European market, giving new opportunities for consumers and producers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Planktotrons: A novel indoor mesocosm facility for aquatic biodiversity and food web research
Authors: Gall Andrea , Uebel Udo , Ebensen Uwe , Hillebrand Helmut , Meier Sandra , Singer Gabriel , Wacker Alexander , Striebel Maren
Published: June 2017

We established a new indoor mesocosm facility, 12 fully controlled “Planktotrons”, designed to conduct marine and freshwater experiments for biodiversity and food web approaches using natural or artificial, benthic or planktonic communities. The Planktotrons are a unique and custom‐tailored facility allowing long‐term experiments. Wall growth can be inhibited by a rotating gate paddle with silicone lips. Additionally, temperature and light intensity are individually controllable for each Planktotron and the large volume (600 L) enables high‐frequency or volume‐intense measurements. In a pilot freshwater experiment various trophic levels of a pelagic food web were maintained for up to 90 d. First, an artificially assembled phytoplankton community of 11 species was inoculated in all Planktotrons. After 22 d, two ciliates were added to all, and three Daphnia species were added to six Planktotrons. After 72 d, dissolved organic matter (DOM, an alkaline soil extract) was added as an external disturbance to six of the 12 Planktotrons, involving three Planktotrons stocked with Daphnia and three without, respectively. We demonstrate the suitability of the Planktotrons for food web and biodiversity research. Variation among replicated Planktotrons (n = 3 minimum) did not differ from other laboratory systems and field experiments. We investigated population dynamics and interactions among the different trophic levels, and found them affected by the sequence of ciliate and Daphnia addition and the disturbance caused by addition of DOM.
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Dystonias: Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, and Practical Considerations
Authors: Reese René , Volkmann Jens
Published: June 2017

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi‐DBS) is among the most effective treatment options for dystonias. Because the term “dystonia” is defined by a characteristic phenomenology of involuntary muscle contractions, which may present with a large clinical and pathogenetic heterogeneity, decision making for or against GPi‐DBS can be difficult in individual patients.

Methods

A search of the PubMed database for research and review articles, focused on “deep brain stimulation” and “dystonia” was used to identify clinical trials and to determine current concepts in the surgical management of dystonia. Patient selection in previous studies was recategorized by the authors using the new dystonia classification put forward by a consensus committee of experts in dystonia research. The evidence and knowledge gaps are summarized and commented by the authors taking into account expert opinion and personal clinical experience for providing practical guidance in patient selection for DBS in dystonia.

Results

The literature review shows that pallidal deep brain stimulation is most effective in patients with isolated dystonia irrespective of the underlying etiology. In contrast, patients with combined dystonias are less likely to benefit from DBS, because the associated neurological symptoms (e.g., hypotonia or ataxia), with the exception of myoclonus, do not respond to pallidal neurostimulation.

Conclusions

It is important to recognize the clinical features of dystonia, because the distinction between isolated and combined dystonia syndromes may predict the treatment response to pallidal deep brain stimulation. The aim of this review is to help guide clinicians with advising patients about deep brain stimulation therapy for dystonia and refering appropriate candidates to surgical centers.
An asymptotic expansion for the semi‐infinite sum of Dirac‐δ functions
Authors: Rendón Otto , Sigalotti Leonardo Di G. , Klapp Jaime
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we derive an asymptotic expansion for the semi‐infinite sum of Dirac‐δ functions centered at discrete equidistant points defined by the set
. The method relies on the Laplace transform of the semi‐infinite sum of Dirac‐δ functions. The derived series distribution takes the form of the Euler‐Maclaurin summation when the distributions are defined for complex or real‐valued continuous functions over the interval
. For n=1, the series expansion contributes with a term equal to δ(x)/2, which survives in the limit when a→0+. This term represents a correction term, which is in general omitted in calculations of the density of states of quantum confined systems by finite‐size effects.
Cardiac quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) for heart chamber oxygenation
Authors: Wen Yan , Nguyen Thanh D. , Liu Zhe , Spincemaille Pascal , Zhou Dong , Dimov Alexey , Kee Youngwook , Deh Kofi , Kim Jiwon , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , Wang Yi
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in cardiac MRI and to show that mixed‐venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) can be measured non‐invasively using QSM.

Methods

Electrocardiographic‐gated multi‐echo 2D gradient echo data were collected at 1.5 T from 14 healthy volunteers during successive breath‐holds. Phase wraps and fat chemical shift were removed using a graph‐cut‐based phase analysis and IDEAL in an iterative approach. The large susceptibility range from air in the lungs to blood in the heart was addressed by using the preconditioning approach in the dipole field inversion. SvO2 was calculated based on the difference in blood susceptibility between the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV). Cardiac QSM quality was assessed by two independent readers.

Results

Nine out of fourteen volunteers (64%) yielded interpretable cardiac QSM. QSM maps showed strong differential contrast between RV and LV blood with RV blood having higher susceptibility values (291.5 ± 32.4 ppb), which correspond to 78.3 ± 2.3% SvO2.

Conclusion

In vivo cardiac QSM is feasible and can be used to measure SvO2, but improvements in data acquisition are needed. Magn Reson Med 79:1545–1552, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Commentary: Should Pharmacogenomic Evidence Be Considered in Clinical Decision Making? Focus on Select Cardiovascular Drugs
Authors: Bottorff Michael B. , Bright David R. , Kisor David F.
Published: June 2017

Despite advances in technology and guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) that focus on how to use pharmacogene test results, hurdles remain that have delayed the widespread application of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice. These hurdles include a lack of prospective randomized controlled trials to address the utility of pharmacogenomics on clinical outcomes, what the clinical algorithm for pharmacogenomics should be, and whether pharmacogenomics is cost‐effective. However, the implementation of clinical practice guidelines, such as those from professional organizations, is commonplace and often termed the application of evidence‐based medicine. Here, we draw an analogy between the evidence supporting many commonly cited clinical practice guidelines and U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved labeling recommendations and the evidence supporting recommendations from CPIC. Although many clinical practice guideline recommendations are supported by the results of randomized controlled clinical trials, we cite examples of common clinical practices that are supported by levels and types of evidence similar to the evidence supporting many of the CPIC recommendations. Specifically, we discuss clinical recommendations for guidance related to drug–drug interactions, drug–gene interactions, therapeutic range selection, and dosage adjustments based on patient‐specific factors within the context of a select set of cardiovascular therapeutic topics.
Magnetical asymmetric effect in geometrically and electrically symmetric capacitively coupled plasma
Authors: Yang Shali , Zhang Ya , Wang Hongyu , Cui Jianwei , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2017

Magnetical asymmetric effect (MAE) in a geometrically and electrically symmetric capacitively coupled plasma is investigated by a one‐dimensional implicit Particle‐in‐cell/Monte Carlo collision simulation. We applied four types of asymmetric magnetic field parallel to the electrodes and the discharge operates at a single‐frequency rf source of 13.56 MHz and 150 V in argon with the pressure of 30 mTorr. The simulation results show that the asymmetric magnetic field can generate a significant dc self‐bias, which is the result of a particle‐flux balance applied to each electrode. The asymmetric magnetic field with variable gradient can produce controllable asymmetry in the plasma density and ion flux profiles to each electrode, together with a significant change on IEDF shape and width on the powered electrode. It has demonstrated that the MAE is a promising approach to increase the ion flux and still make the ion energy be adjusted in a certain range, that is, independent control of ion flux and energy to the electrode. The results suggest that the MAE can be an effective means to control the plasma properties as an augmentation to conventional measures.