bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explanation by a putative triester‐like mechanism for the thio effects and Mn2+ rescues in reactions catalyzed by a hammerhead ribozyme
Authors: Zhou De-Min , He Qiu-Chen , Zhou Jing-Min , Taira Kazunari
Published: July 2002

Divalent metal ion‐dependent hammerhead ribozymes can cleave any RNA with a NUX triplet, wherein the N can be any residue and X can be C, U or A. In recent literature on the mechanism of action of hammerhead ribozymes, one important role of divalent metal ions is generally suggested to be an electrophilic catalyst by directly coordinating with the pro‐Rp oxygen of the scissile phosphate to stabilize the transition state. This proposal was made on the basis of thio effects and the proposed electrophilic catalyst is very attractive as an explanation for the catalytic activity of metalloenzymes. Reexamination of thio effects with substrates having a GUA triplet at the cleavage site shows that, in agreement with the previous finding, the cleavage rate, in the presence of Mg2+ ions, is significantly reduced in the case of the phosphorothioate substrate (RpS), wherein the pro‐Rp oxygen at the scissile phosphate is replaced by sulfur, while the cleavage rate is reduced to a much lesser extent for the other isomer (SpS), wherein the pro‐Sp oxygen at the scissile phosphate is replaced by sulfur. However, more careful examination of the rescue ability of Mn2+ ions with these isomers demonstrates that more thiophilic Mn2+ ions rescue the reaction not only with the RpS isomer but also with the SpS isomer and, importantly, to a greater extent for the SpS isomer. These results argue against the previous conclusion that a metal ion is directly coordinating with the pro‐Rp oxygen of the scissile phosphate to stabilize the transition state. In this paper we try to elucidate the possible origin of the thio effects and propose a `triester‐like' mechanism in reactions catalyzed by hammerhead ribozymes.
Mistletoe lectin I forms a double trefoil structure
Authors: Sweeney Edel C , Tonevitsky Alexander G , Palmer Rex A , Niwa Hidie , Pfueller Uwe , Eck Juergen , Lentzen Hans , Agapov Igor I , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P
Published: July 2002

The quaternary structure of mistletoe lectin I (MLI), a type II ribosome inactivating protein, has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. A definitive molecular replacement solution was determined for MLI using the co‐ordinates of the homologue ricin as a search model. MLI exists as an [AB]2 dimer with internal crystallographic two‐fold symmetry. Domain I of the B chains is non‐covalently associated through interactions involving three looped chains (α, β, γ) in each molecule of the dimer, forming a double trefoil structure. The ricin molecule which shares 52% sequence homology with MLI has a disulphide bridge between Cys20 and Cys39 in the α loop. An evolutionary mutation has replaced Cys39 with serine in MLI. This mutation appears to allow the α loop the flexibility required to take up its place at the dimer interface, and also suggests a rationale for why ricin does not form dimers. Measurement of retention times using FPLC gel filtration confirms that dimerisation also occurs in solution between MLI B chains with an association constant K
a=106 M.
Identification and functional characterization of DR6, a novel death domain‐containing TNF receptor
Authors: Pan Guohua , Bauer Johannes H , Haridas Valsala , Wang Shuxia , Liu Ding , Yu Guoliang , Vincenz Claudius , Aggarwal Bharat B , Ni Jian , Dixit Vishva M
Published: July 2002

Tumor nectosis factor (TNF) receptors are key players in inflammation and immune regulation. A new member of this family, termed death receptor‐6 (DR6), has been identified. Like other death receptors, DR6 is a type I transmembrane receptor, possesses four extracellular cysteine‐rich motifs and a cytoplasmic death domain. DR6 is expressed in most human tissues and abundant transcript was detected in heart, brain, placenta, pancreas, thymus, lymph node and several non‐lymphoid cancer cell lines. DR6 interacts with TRADD, which has previously been shown to associate with TNFR1. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DR6 in mammalian cells induces apoptosis and activation of both NF‐κB and JNK.
Displacement of OmpF loop 3 is not required for the membrane translocation of colicins N and A in vivo
Authors: Bainbridge Graeme , Armstrong Geoffrey A , Dover Lynn G , Whelan Kenneth F , Lakey Jeremy H
Published: July 2002

The pore‐forming colicins N and A require the porin, OmpF, in order to translocate across the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. We investigated the hypothesis that in vivo, colicins N and A may traverse the outer membrane through the OmpF channel. In order to accommodate a polypeptide in the pore, the mid‐channel constriction loop of OmpF, L3, would need to undergo a conformational change. We used five OmpF cystine mutants, which fix L3 in the conformation determined by X‐ray crystallography, to investigate L3 movement during colicin activity in vivo. Sensitivity to colicins N and A of E. coli cells expressing these OmpF cystine mutants was determined using cell survival and in vivo potassium efflux and fluorescence assays. Results indicate that gross movement of L3 is not required for colicin N or A activity and that neither of these colicins crosses the outer membrane of E. coli through the lumen of the OmpF pore.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of the Wiskott‐Aldrich Syndrome protein by Lyn and Btk is regulated by CDC42
Authors: Guinamard Rodolphe , Aspenström Pontus , Fougereau Michel , Chavrier Philippe , Guillemot Jean-Claude
Published: July 2002

The Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare immunodeficiency disease affecting mainly platelets and lymphocytes. Here, we show that the WAS gene product, WASp, is tyrosine phosphorylated upon aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcϵRI) at the surface of RBL‐2H3 rat tumor mast cells. Lyn and the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), two protein tyrosine kinases involved in FcϵRI‐signaling phosphorylate WASp and interact with WASp in vivo. Interestingly, expression of a GTPase defective mutant form of CDC42, that interacts with WASp, is accompanied by a substantial increase in WASp tyrosine phosphorylation. This study suggests that activated CDC42 recruits WASp to the plasma membrane where it becomes phosphorylated by Lyn and Btk. We conclude that WASp represents a connection between protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathways and CDC42 function in cytoskeleton and cell growth regulation in hematopoietic cells.
Genomic structure and promoter analysis of the p62 gene encoding a non‐proteasomal multiubiquitin chain binding protein
Authors: Vadlamudi Ratna K , Shin Jaekyoon
Published: July 2002

p62 is a novel immediate early response gene encoding a ubiquitin chain binding protein. To investigate the mechanism of p62 gene expression, we isolated and characterized the 20 kb long human p62 gene. The p62 gene contains seven introns and eight exons. The splice sites conformed to the GT/AG rule, except introns 6 and 7 which used the unusual GC dinucleotides. The p62 promoter is TATA‐less, and 357 nucleotides of the 5′‐flanking region contain basic machineries for transcription. A reporter gene linked to 1800 nucleotides of the 5′‐flanking region was rapidly activated by various extracellular signals. The presence of a CpG island as well as multiple binding sites for SP‐1, AP‐1, NF‐κB, and Ets‐1 family in the promoter region supports the regulated activation of the p62 gene.
Poliovirus 2A proteinase cleaves directly the eIF‐4G subunit of eIF‐4F complex
Authors: Ventoso Ivan , MacMillan Susan E , Hershey John W.B , Carrasco Luis
Published: July 2002

The initiation of translation on eukaryotic mRNA is governed by the concerted action of polypeptides of the eIF‐4F complex. One of these polypeptides, eIF‐4G, is proteolytically inactivated upon infection with several members of the Picornaviridae family. This cleavage occurs by the action of virus‐encoded proteinases: 2Apro (entero‐ and rhinovirus) or Lpro (aphthovirus). An indirect mode of eIF‐4G cleavage through the activation of a second cellular proteinase has been proposed in the case of poliovirus. Although cleavage of eIF‐4G by rhino‐ and coxsackievirus 2Apro has been achieved directly in vitro, a similar activity has not been documented to date for poliovirus 2Apro. We report here that a recombinant form of poliovirus 2Apro fused to maltose binding protein (MBP) directly cleaves human eIF‐4G from a highly purified eIF‐4F complex. Efficient cleavage of eIF‐4G requires magnesium ions. The presence of other initiation factors such as eIF‐3, eIF‐4A or eIF‐4B mimics in part the stimulatory effect of magnesium ions and probably stabilizes the cleavage products of eIF‐4G generated by 2Apro. These results suggest that efficient cleavage of eIF‐4G by MBP‐2Apro requires a proper conformation of this factor. Finally, MBP‐2Apro protein cleaves an eIF‐4G‐derived synthetic peptide at the same site as rhino‐ and coxsackievirus 2Apro (R485‐G486).
Isolation and characterization of the Candida albicans gene for mRNA 5′‐triphosphatase: association of mRNA 5′‐triphosphatase and mRNA 5′‐guanylyltransferase activities is essential for the function of mRNA 5′‐capping enzyme in vivo1
Authors: Yamada-Okabe Toshiko , Mio Toshiyuki , Matsui Mitsuaki , Kashima Yuji , Arisawa Mikio , Yamada-Okabe Hisafumi
Published: July 2002

The amino acid sequence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNA 5′‐triphosphatase (TPase) diverges from those of higher eukaryotes. In order to confirm the sequence divergence of TPases in lower and higher eukaryotes, the Candida albicans gene for TPase was identified and characterized. This gene designated CaCET1 (. lbicans mRNA 5′‐apping nzyme triphosphatase ) has an open reading frame of 1.5 kb, which can encode a 59‐kDa protein. Although the N‐terminal one‐fifth of S. cerevisiae TPase (ScCet1p) is missing in CaCet1p, CaCet1p shares significant sequence similarity with ScCet1p over the entire region of the protein; the recombinant CaCet1p, which was expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S‐transferase (GST), displayed TPase activity in vitro. CaCET1 rescued CET1‐deficient S. cerevisiae cells when expressed under the control of the ADH1 promoter, whereas the human capping enzyme derivatives that are active for TPase activity but defective in mRNA 5′‐guanylyltransferase (GTase) activity did not. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis revealed that C. albicans Cet1p can bind to the S. cerevisiae GTase in addition to its own partner, the C. albicans GTase. In contrast, neither the full‐length human capping enzyme nor its TPase domain interacted with the yeast GTase. These results indicate that the failure of the human TPase activity to complement an S. cerevisiae cet1Δ null mutation is attributable, at least in part, to the inability of the human capping enzyme to associate with the yeast GTase, and that the physical association of GTase and TPase is essential for the function of the capping enzyme in vivo.
Isolation and sequence of cDNA encoding the motilin precursor from monkey intestine. Demonstration of the motilin precursor in the monkey brain
Authors: Huang Zhong , De Clercq Peggy , Depoortere Inge , Peeters Theo L
Published: July 2002

The motilin precursor cDNA has been isolated and sequenced from a cDNA library prepared from monkey small intestine. The sequence indicates a 345 bp open reading frame, a 63 bp 5′ untranslated region and a 154 bp 3′ untranslated region. The sequence encodes a 115 amino acid motilin precursor composed of a 25 amino acid signal peptide, the 22 amino acid motilin peptide and a 68 amino acid motilin associated peptide (MAP). Compared with the human motilin precursor cDNA, there are two amino acid substitutions in the signal peptide, one in motilin and four in the MAP. The presence of the motilin precursor in hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum was demonstrated by RT‐PCR.
An Arabidopsis protein that interacts with the cytokinin‐inducible response regulator, ARR4, implicated in the His‐Asp phosphorylay signal transduction
Authors: Yamada Hisami , Hanaki Naoto , Imamura Aya , Ueguchi Chiharu , Mizuno Takeshi
Published: July 2002

Previously, Arabidopsis thaliana was shown to possess a set of response regulators (ARR‐series), which are implicated in the prokaryotic type of signal transduction mechanism, generally referred to as the His‐Asp phosphorylay. Among them, ARR4 is a typical phospho‐accepting response regulator, whose expression was recently demonstrated to be rapidly induced by a cytokinin‐treatment of the plant. To gain insight into the presumed His‐Asp phosphotransfer signaling mechanism as well as the role of ARR4 in this higher plant, in this study we adopt the widely used yeast two‐hybrid system, and report the identification of an Arabidopsis protein that has an ability to interact physically with the cytokinin‐inducible ARR4 response regulator.
m‐Calpain subunits remain associated in the presence of calcium
Authors: Dutt Previn , Arthur J.Simon C , Croall Dorothy E , Elce John S
Published: July 2002

The hypothesis that calpain subunits dissociate in the presence of Ca2+ has been tested by methods which avoid interference by Ca2+‐induced aggregation and large subunit autolysis. Inactive Cys105Ser‐m‐calpain, bound either to Ni‐NTA‐agarose or to immobilized casein, after incubation with Ca2+, could be recovered in high yield as a heterodimer. Natural bovine m‐calpain, after irreversible inhibition with Z‐LLY‐CHN2, also bound to immobilized casein and was eluted as a heterodimer. The Ca2+ requirements of calpain containing a small subunit with EF‐hand mutations were higher, both before and after autolysis, than those of wild‐type calpain. In mixtures of wild‐type and mutant enzymes, subunit exchange did not occur in the presence of Ca2+. The results demonstrate that the subunits in both natural and recombinant m‐calpain, in the given experimental conditions, remain associated in the presence of Ca2+ both before and after autolysis.
EAST, a novel EGF receptor substrate, associates with focal adhesions and actin fibers
Authors: Lohi Olli , Lehto Veli-Pekka
Published: July 2002

EAST is a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) substrate. It interacts with Eps15, another EGFR substrate which is involved in receptor endocytosis. In this study we show that EAST associates with focal adhesions and actin filaments. First, in immunofluorescence and electron microscopy analysis, an extensive codistribution of EAST with vinculin, paxillin and actin filaments was seen. Second, overexpression of the NH2 terminus of EAST led to a formation of actin‐rich microspikes and membrane protrusions. Third, in cosedimentation assay EAST showed a direct association with actin. These results suggest that EAST is involved in the EGFR‐regulated reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and may be part of a link between cytoskeleton and endocytic machinery.
Impaired production of nitric oxide, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide in glucose 6‐phosphate‐dehydrogenase‐deficient granulocytes
Authors: Tsai Kan-Jen , Hung Iou-Jih , Chow Ching Kwong , Stern Arnold , Chao Sin Sin , Chiu Daniel Tsun-Yee
Published: July 2002

Since the generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide by NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide (NO) by NO synthase (NOS) in granulocytes is NADPH‐dependent, we investigated the production of NO, superoxide and H2O2 in glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)‐deficient human granulocytes. Our results showed that upon stimulation with either 5 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or 10 μM of phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), the production of nitrite in normal granulocytes was elevated, 252±135% and 239±72%, respectively, compared to the resting stage. In contrast, G6PD‐deficient granulocytes did not produce more nitrite upon stimulation with either LPS or PMA compared to the resting stage. Western blot analysis indicated a normal expression pattern of inducible NOS in G6PD‐deficient granulocytes. In addition, the production of H2O2 and superoxide was also significantly impaired in G6PD‐deficient granulocytes compared to control cells. These data demonstrate that G6PD deficiency causes an impairment in the production of NO, superoxide and H2O2.
Homologues of vertebrate type I, II and III intermediate filament (IF) proteins in an invertebrate: the IF multigene family of the cephalochordate Branchiostoma
Authors: Karabinos Anton , Riemer Dieter , Erber Andreas , Weber Klaus
Published: July 2002

We searched for functional homologues of the four subfamilies of vertebrate cytoplasmic intermediate filament (IF) proteins in the cephalochordate Branchiostoma. The epidermis contains in addition to IF proteins C2 and D1 two novel IF proteins E1 and E2. Both sequence comparisons as well as the obligatory heteropolymer formation by the recombinant proteins identify E1 as a type I keratin and E2 and D1 as type II keratins. In contrast the non‐epidermal B1 forms as type III homologue homopolymeric IF. We propose that type I–III diversification of IF proteins is a property of the chordate branch of metazoa and discuss a possible origin of type IV neurofilaments.
Role of Hsp70 in regulation of stress‐kinase JNK: implications in apoptosis and aging
Authors: Gabai Vladimir L , Meriin Anatoli B , Yaglom Julia A , Volloch Vladimir Z , Sherman Michael Y
Published: July 2002

Cell protection from stresses by the major heat shock protein Hsp72 was previously attributed to its ability to prevent aggregation and to accelerate refolding of damaged proteins. This repair function of Hsp72 may play an important role in cell survival after extremely harsh protein damaging treatments leading to necrotic cell death. On the other hand, protein repair function of Hsp72 cannot explain how it protects cells from stresses which do not cause direct protein damage, e.g. some genotoxic agents. These stresses kill cells through activation of apoptosis, and Hsp72 increases cell survival by interfering with the apoptotic program. Recently it has been found that Hsp72 mediates suppression of a stress‐activated protein kinase, JNK, an early component of stress‐induced apoptotic signalling pathway. This finding provides the basis for the anti‐apoptotic activity of Hsp72. These observations can explain increased stress sensitivity of aged cells in which compromised inducibility of Hsp72 leads to a loss of control of JNK activation by stresses and subsequently to a higher rate of apoptotic death.
p202 self‐associates through a sequence conserved among the members of the 200‐family proteins
Authors: Koul Dimpy , Obeyesekere Nihal U , Gutterman Jordan U , Mills Gordon B , Choubey Divaker
Published: July 2002

Murine p202 is an interferon‐inducible primarily nuclear phosphoprotein (52 kDa) whose expression in transfected cells inhibits colony formation. p202‐binding proteins include the pocket proteins (pRb, p107 and p130), a p53‐binding protein (sm53BP1), and transcription factors (e.g. NF‐κB (p50 and p65), AP‐1 (c‐Fos and c‐Jun), E2F‐1, E2F‐4, MyoD, and myogenin). p202 modulates the transcriptional activity of these factors in transfected cells. Here we demonstrate that p202 self‐associates directly and a sequence in p202, which is conserved among the members of the 200‐family proteins, was sufficient for self‐association in vitro. Our observations reported herein raise the possibility that self‐association of p202 may provide a mechanism for the regulation of its activity.
Interplay effects in highly modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy lung cases treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Fernandez Desmond J. , Sick Justin T. , Fontenot Jonas D.
Published: October 2020

Interplay effects in highly modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy lung cases treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of tumor motion on dose delivery in highly modulated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of lung cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

4D‐CT imaging data of the quasar respiratory phantom were acquired, using a GE Lightspeed 16‐slice CT scanner, while the phantom reproduced patient specific respiratory traces. Flattening filter‐free (FFF) dual‐arc VMAT treatment plans were created on the acquired images in Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Each plan was generated with varying levels of complexity characterized by the modulation complexity score. Static and dynamic measurements were delivered to GafChromic EBT3 film inside the respiratory phantom using an Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator. The treatment prescription was 10 Gy per fraction for 5 fractions. Comparisons of the planned and delivered dose distribution were performed using Radiological Imaging Technology (RIT) software.

Results

For the motion amplitudes and periods studied, the interplay effect is insignificant to the GTV coverage. The mean dose deviations between the planned and delivered dose distribution never went below −2.00% and a minimum dose difference of −5.05% was observed for a single fraction. However for amplitude of 2 cm, the dose error could be as large as 20.00% near the edges of the PTV at increased levels of complexity. Additionally, the modulation complexity score showed an ability to provide information related to dose delivery. A correlation value (R) of 0.65 was observed between the complexity score and the gamma passing rate for GTV coverage.

Conclusions

As expected, respiratory motion effects are most evident for large amplitude respirations, complex fields, and small field margins. However, under all tested conditions target coverage was maintained.
Pulmonary perfusion by chest digital dynamic radiography: Comparison between breath‐holding and deep‐breathing acquisition
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Hasebe Terumitsu , Tomita Kosuke , Kamei Shunsuke , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Imai Yutaka , Takahashi Genki , Kondo Yusuke , Ito Yoko , Sakamaki Fumio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Pulmonary perfusion is an important factor for gas exchange. Chest digital dynamic radiography (DDR) by the deep‐breathing protocol can evaluate pulmonary perfusion in healthy subjects. However, respiratory artifacts may affect DDR in patients with respiratory diseases. We examined the feasibility of a breath‐holding protocol and compared it with the deep‐breathing protocol to reduce respiratory artifacts.

Materials and methods

A total of 42 consecutive patients with respiratory diseases (32 males; age, 68.6 ± 12.3 yr), including 21 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, underwent chest DDR through the breath‐holding protocol and the deep‐breathing protocol. Imaging success rate and exposure to radiation were compared. The correlation rate of temporal changes in each pixel value between the lung fields and left cardiac ventricles was analyzed.

Results

Imaging success rate was higher with the breath‐holding protocol vs the deep‐breathing protocol (97% vs 69%, respectively; P < 0.0001). The entrance surface dose was lower with the breath‐holding protocol (1.09 ± 0.20 vs 1.81 ± 0.08 mGy, respectively; P < 0.0001). The correlation rate was higher with the breath‐holding protocol (right lung field, 41.7 ± 9.3%; left lung field, 44.2 ± 8.9% vs right lung field, 33.4 ± 6.6%; left lung field, 36.0 ± 7.1%, respectively; both lung fields, P < 0.0001). In the lower lung fields, the correlation rate was markedly different (right, 15.3% difference; left, 14.1% difference; both lung fields, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The breath‐holding protocol resulted in high imaging success rate among patients with respiratory diseases, yielding vivid images of pulmonary perfusion.
Factors Associated With Treatment Response in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: A Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Espinosa‐Ortega Fabricio , Holmqvist Marie , Dastmalchi Maryam , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Alexanderson Helene
Published: October 2020

Objective

To identify predictors of response to immunosuppressive therapy after 1 year, with a focus on autoantibodies, in patients newly diagnosed with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) followed longitudinally in an electronic registry.

Methods

We assessed the association between autoantibody‐defined groups and improvement according to American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2016 response criteria.

Results

We identified 156 patients; of those, 111 (71%) were positive for any autoantibody tested, 90% received glucocorticoid treatment at baseline, and 78% received immunosuppressive drugs at some follow‐up point. After 1 year from the index date, the overall median improvement score was 27.5 (interquartile range 10–51). No differences were observed in the total improvement score between the autoantibody‐defined groups. Overall, 62% of patients (n = 96) showed a minimal response, 38% (n = 60) achieved a moderate response, and 19% (n = 30) achieved a major response. Regarding the different levels of response, dermatomyositis‐specific autoantibodies were associated with a moderate response versus the seronegative group (reference), odds ratio 4.12 (95% confidence interval 1.2–16.5). In addition, dysphagia, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, and initial glucocorticoid dose were significant predictors of response after 1 year of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Patients with DM‐specific autoantibodies achieved better levels of response compared to other autoantibody‐defined groups. Dysphagia, a shorter time span from symptom onset to diagnosis, and intensive initial immunosuppressive treatment were associated with a higher response rate after 1 year of pharmacologic treatment from the index date, regardless of autoantibody status.
A Multiscale‐Porous Anion Exchange Membrane for Convenient and Scalable Electrokinetic Concentration of Cationic Species
Authors: Lee Minsoo , Kwon Hyukjin J. , Lim Geunbae
Published: October 2020

A device able to electrokinetically concentrate cationic samples has many potential medical and industrial applications, but until now has remained undeveloped due to the lack of a commercial anion‐permselective material leading to a prohibitively complex fabrication procedure. Herein, a novel multiscale‐porous anion exchange membrane (MP‐AEM) that enables the convenient and scalable electrokinetic concentration of cationic species is proposed. A mechanically enhanced multiscale‐porous structure with a solid framework is realized by adopting polyester resin as an additive to overcome the intrinsic limitations of the AEM material. The scalable MP‐AEM‐embedded electrokinetic concentrator is devised based on the peculiar properties of the MP‐AEM that for allow both ion and fluid transport. With the MP‐AEM, the concentrator is fabricated in a highly streamlined manner consisting only of a simple insertion and assembly. The concentration performance of the MP‐AEM‐embedded electrokinetic concentrator is demonstrated with a positively charged fluorescent dye and a fluorescein‐labeled protein, and the results show enrichment factors of 250 and 500, respectively. The MP‐AEM makes cationic electrokinetic concentration more accessible and scalable, thereby enabling further progress in a wide range of fields.
Shell‐Isolated Plasmonic Nanostructures for Biosensing, Catalysis, and Advanced Nanoelectronics
Authors: Li Chuanping , Jin Yongdong
Published: October 2020

Shell‐isolated nanostructures, consisting of an inert shell and a plasmonic core, have recently been intensively explored for biosensing, catalysis, and nanoelectronics applications owing to their functional shells and unique plasmonic properties. Such designer shell‐isolated plasmonic nanostructures possess the potential to improve the detectability of biosensors and provide powerful platforms to explore in‐depth plasmon enhancement principles and finally boost significantly their photo(electro)catalytic efficiency. In addition, such structural optimization and interface nanoengineering promote solid developments of advanced nanoelectronics toward real applications, revealing new electron transport mechanisms and enabling exploration of new functional and integrated optoelectronic devices. In this overview, the state‐of‐the‐art progresses of shell‐isolated plasmonic nanostructures (SHIPNSs) in the field of biosensing, photo(electro)catalysis, and nanoelectronics is summarized, focusing on the superiority of the core–shell materials in exploration of biosensing, catalytic enhancement mechanisms, and electron transport principles. A brief overview of synthetic methods is introduced, and then the significant importance of shell‐isolated nanomaterials in fabrication and promising direction for future development and challenges are discussed.
Nanoscale Mapping of the Conductivity and Interfacial Capacitance of an Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistor under Operation
Authors: Kyndiah Adrica , Checa Martí , Leonardi Francesca , Millan‐Solsona Ruben , Di Muzio Martina , Tanwar Shubham , Fumagalli Laura , Mas‐Torrent Marta , Gomila Gabriel
Published: October 2020

Probing nanoscale electrical properties of organic semiconducting materials at the interface with an electrolyte solution under externally applied voltages is key in the field of organic bioelectronics. It is demonstrated that the conductivity and interfacial capacitance of the active channel of an electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistor (EGOFET) under operation can be probed at the nanoscale using scanning dielectric microscopy in force detection mode in liquid environment. Local electrostatic force versus gate voltage transfer characteristics are obtained on the device and correlated with the global current–voltage transfer characteristics of the EGOFET. Nanoscale maps of the conductivity of the semiconducting channel show the dependence of the channel conductivity on the gate voltage and its variation along the channel due to the space charge limited conduction. The maps reveal very small electrical heterogeneities, which correspond to local interfacial capacitance variations due to an ultrathin non‐uniform insulating layer resulting from a phase separation in the organic semiconducting blend. Present results offer insights into the transduction mechanism at the organic semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces at scales down to ≈100 nm, which can bring substantial optimization of organic electronic devices for bioelectronic applications such as electrical recording on excitable cells or label‐free biosensing.
Self‐Winding Gelatin–Amyloid Wires for Soft Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Lutz‐Bueno Viviane , Bolisetty Sreenath , Azzari Paride , Handschin Stephan , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: October 2020

The origin of self‐winding mechanisms in plants’ tendrils has fascinated scientists for centuries and continues to inspire developments in material science and nanotechnology. Here, bioinspired water‐responsive wires that replicate these mechanisms, including the formation of coils and chiral perversions, are presented. A right‐handed gelatin matrix is loaded with rigid left‐handed amyloid fibrils and roll–dry‐spun into wires in which self‐winding activation emerges from simultaneous bending and twisting deformations. Wire bending is a consequence of amyloid fibrils’ concentration and distribution within the wire, whereas twisting is controlled by amyloid fibrils’ orientation. The resultant wires can be functionalized by organic molecules and inorganic nanoparticles, and potential applications in magnetic actuators and sensors are demonstrated. The simple fabrication method and the remarkable spontaneous self‐winding response of these gelatin–amyloid wires exemplify how biomaterials based on mixed proteins have striking potential to develop advanced and tunable properties that can serve robotics, soft machines, and engineering systems.
White Dendrimer Organic Light Emitting Diodes: Exciton Formation and Transfer
Authors: von Reventlow Lorenz Graf , Jiang Wei , Stoltzfus Dani M. , Russell Steven M. , Burn Paul L. , Colsmann Alexander
Published: October 2020

In this work solution‐processed organic white‐light emitting diodes comprising a blend of red and blue phosphorescent dendrimers are presented. In contrast to common small molecule blended‐dye organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), the bulky dendrons between the light emitting moieties increase the spacing and hamper the transfer of excitons between the dyes. The reduced transfer of the excitons from the blue dye to the red dye enables greater control over OLED color avoiding the issue in which small variations in the concentration of the red dye can dramatically change the emission color. Thus, the approach leads to enhanced manufacturing reproducibility. Transient electroluminescence measurements provide detailed insights into the charge carrier and exciton formation and transfer dynamics within the device.
In Situ Realization of Water‐Mediated Interfacial Processes at Nanoscale in Aprotic Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Shen Zhen‐Zhen , Lang Shuang‐Yan , Zhou Chi , Wen Rui , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: October 2020

A fundamental understanding of the remarkable impact of water on the interfacial processes of lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) reactions is of great significance for the practical application of Li–O2 batteries. However, clarifying the growth pathway and surface dynamics of active products regulated by water at the nanoscale is still at a preliminary stage. Here, the interfacial evolution of cathode processes mediated by water in Li–O2 batteries is successfully revealed by using in situ atomic force microscopy. Under the regulation of additive water, the morphology of discharge product Li2O2 is changed from a toroidal shape to a lamellar one with water content increasing, by contrast, the latter one shows a lower decomposition potential with faster dynamics upon charging. Moreover, real‐time visualization directly shows that inducing water into the DMSO‐based electrolyte can switch the pathway of Li2O2 nucleation from a surface‐mediated mechanism to solution‐mediated mechanism, which in turn affects product distribution and battery performance. Furthermore, it is found that the applied current density and additive water can antagonistically impact the interfacial behavior. The insights into the effect of water on the nucleation modes and evolution processes of Li2O2 provides a deeper understanding of the interfacial reactions in Li–O2 batteries.
Parkinson’s family dynamics and caregiver sense of coherence: A family‐systems approach to coping in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Villaseñor Teresita , Perrin Paul B. , Donovan Emily K. , McKee Grace B. , Henry Richard S. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Lageman Sarah K.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The population of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is growing in Mexico and the United States, and there is an increasing need for family members to provide caregiving. This study examined the connections between family dynamics and coping, or sense of coherence, among PD caregivers in Mexico (n = 148) and the United States (n = 105).

Methods

Caregivers completed measures of family dynamics and sense of coherence across indices of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.

Results

Although caregivers in Mexico and the United States had similar levels of sense of coherence and family dynamics reflecting strengths/adaptability and being overwhelmed with difficulties, caregivers in Mexico had worse disrupted communication. Family dynamics explained: 24.2% of the variance in caregiver comprehensibility in the United States and 17.5% in Mexico; 34.1% in manageability in the United States and 23.5% in Mexico; and 22.6% in meaningfulness in the United States and 22.7% in Mexico (all Ps < 0.001). In both Mexico and the United States, family strengths/adaptability uniquely predicted caregiver comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Being overwhelmed with difficulties uniquely predicted comprehensibility in Mexico and manageability and meaningfulness in the United States.

Conclusion

The development of family‐systems interventions for PD caregivers to improve family strengths/adaptability and help families deal with difficulties may increase caregiver coping.
Validating a predictive model of cannabinoid inheritance with feral, clinical, and industrial Cannabis sativa
Authors: Wenger Jonathan P. , Dabney Clemon J. , ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Chandra Suman , Radwan Mohamed M. , Majumdar Chandrani G. , Weiblen George D.
Published: October 2020

Premise

How genetic variation within a species affects phytochemical composition is a fundamental question in botany. The ratio of two specialized metabolites in Cannabis sativa, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can be grouped into three main classes (THC‐type, CBD‐type, and intermediate type). We tested a genetic model associating these three groups with functional and nonfunctional alleles of the cannabidiolic acid synthase gene (CBDAS).

Methods

We characterized cannabinoid content and assayed CBDAS genotypes of >300 feral C. sativa plants in Minnesota, United States. We performed a test cross to assess CBDAS inheritance. Twenty clinical cultivars obtained blindly from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and 12 Canadian‐certified grain cultivars were also examined.

Results

Frequencies of CBD‐type, intermediate‐type, and THC‐type feral plants were 0.88, 0.11, and 0.01, respectively. Although total cannabinoid content varied substantially, the three groupings were perfectly correlated with CBDAS genotypes. Genotype frequencies observed in the test cross were consistent with codominant Mendelian inheritance of the THC:CBD ratio. Despite significant mean differences in total cannabinoid content, CBDAS genotypes blindly predicted the THC:CBD ratio among clinical cultivars, and the same was true for industrial grain cultivars when plants exhibited >0.5% total cannabinoid content.

Conclusions

Our results extend the generality of the inheritance model for THC:CBD to diverse C. sativa accessions and demonstrate that CBDAS genotyping can predict the ratio in a variety of practical applications. Cannabinoid profiles and associated CBDAS segregation patterns suggest that feral C. sativa populations are potentially valuable experimental systems and sources of germplasm.
Craniocervical junction issues after infancy in achondroplasia
Authors: Smid Cory J. , Legare Janet M. , Modaff Peggy , Pauli Richard M.
Published: October 2020

More information is available concerning risks of craniocervical junction issues in infancy than at later ages. Therefore, we elected to quantify the risks at greater than 1 year of age through a retrospective analysis of 477 individuals with achondroplasia using a REDCap database. Evaluation of these 477 individuals revealed 77 (16.1%) who had pathologic neurologic manifestations after 1 year of age related to the craniocervical junction. Within this subpopulation of 77 individuals, 43 (55.8%) underwent craniocervical decompression surgery, or 9.0% of the total population. Whether decompressed or not, most individuals with craniocervical junction issues after infancy had a normal outcome, without long‐term neurological sequelae (57/77, 74.0%). The remaining 20 had various long‐term neurological issues. This is the first cohort based estimate of risks related to the upper cervical spine in individuals with achondroplasia specifically beyond infancy.
One‐pot multicomponent synthesis of novel 2‐(piperazin‐1‐yl) quinoxaline and benzimidazole derivatives, using a novel sulfamic acid functionalized Fe3O4 MNPs as highly effective nanocatalyst
Authors: Esam Zohreh , Akhavan Malihe , Bekhradnia Ahmadreza
Published: October 2020

The immobilization of sulfonic acid on the surface of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a novel acid nanocatalyst has been successfully reported. The morphological features, thermal stability, magnetic properties, and other physicochemical properties of the prepared superparamagnetic core–shell (Fe3O4@PFBA–Metformin@SO3H) were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. It was applied as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 2‐(piperazin‐1‐yl) quinoxaline and benzimidazole derivatives via a one‐pot multiple‐component cascade reaction under green conditions. The results displayed the excellent catalytic activity of Fe3O4@PFBA–metformin@SO3H as an organic–inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst in condensation and multicomponent Mannich‐type reactions. The easy separation, simple workup, excellent stability, and reusability of the nanocatalyst and quantitative yields of products and short reaction time are some outstanding advantages of this protocol.
Analyse der thermischen Dehnung von Fahrbahndeckenbetonen aus dem BAB‐Netz
Authors: Spilker Alexandra , Stelzner Ludwig , Weise Frank , Wieland Marko
Published: October 2020

Die Kenntnis von Materialeigenschaften spielt bei der Entwicklung oder Optimierung von Betonen und Bauweisen für den Straßenbau sowie der Qualitätssicherung eine bedeutende Rolle. Gleichermaßen bilden physikalische Materialkennwerte die Grundlage für die rechnerische Dimensionierung und die Restsubstanzbewertung von Betonfahrbahndecken. Eine relevante Kenngröße bei der Untersuchung thermisch induzierter Spannungs‐ und Verformungszustände stellt der thermische Ausdehnungskoeffizient dar. Im Zuge der systematischen Weiterentwicklung der rechnerischen Dimensionierung, aber auch im Zusammenhang mit der gezielten Verbesserung der Gebrauchseigenschaften von Betonfahrbahndecken gilt es zu hinterfragen, ob lastunabhängige Formänderungseigenschaften der verwendeten Betone aktuell ausreichend Beachtung finden, ob allgemeine Literaturwerte für die heutigen Fahrbahndeckenbetone stets Gültigkeit besitzen und ob deren Implementierung in numerische Modelle zu realitätsnahen Vorhersagen führt. Für eine empirische Herangehensweise ist die Verfügbarkeit adäquater Prüfverfahren von entscheidender Bedeutung. In Deutschland existiert aktuell jedoch kein standardisiertes oder genormtes Verfahren für die prüftechnische Bestimmung des thermischen Ausdehnungskoeffizienten von Beton. Daher wurden unter Beachtung straßenbauspezifischer Gesichtspunkte zwei Prüfansätze entwickelt, die in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt sowie hinsichtlich möglicher Messunsicherheiten und Messungenauigkeiten diskutiert werden. Außerdem werden ausgewählte Ergebnisse aus Analysen an Bestandsbetonen aus dem BAB‐Netz dargestellt. Im Ergebnis sollen die Untersuchungen einen Beitrag zur Schaffung der prüftechnischen Voraussetzungen für eine abgesicherte Quantifzierung der thermischen Dehnung von Fahrbahndeckenbetonen leisten.
Biochemistry and molecular biology in health science education: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” conference
Authors: Ha Chung Eun , Kuit Tracey , Nicodemus Nemencio A. , Yu Gracia Fe B. , Macaulay Janet O.
Published: October 2020

In many health‐related programs biochemistry and molecular biology are core subjects, but these subjects are often not the students main focus. This challenges educators to develop curriculum that demonstrates the relevance of biochemistry and molecular biology and engages these students. This conference session discussed the value of biochemistry and molecular biology education in the health sciences and the methodologies which can be implemented.
Can sustainability report assurance be a collaborative process and practice beyond the ritual of verification?
Authors: Channuntapipat Charika
Published: October 2020

This study examines the role of assurance for sustainability reporting whether it has the role beyond a verification mechanism for corporate sustainability reporting. This paper looks beyond the discourse about managerial and professional capture in sustainability report assurance practice. Drawing on the in‐depth interviews with assurance practitioners for sustainability reporting in the United Kingdom from different professional backgrounds, it provides an evidence‐based illustration on how sustainability report assurance service can contribute to more corporate sustainable actions. The findings also highlight the potential influences of the assurance providers on the assurance process and corporate decision‐making. The conceptualization of the assurance from the service perspective and of the assurance providers as transformational leaders enables this paper to challenge the current framing of the assurance services as a verification ritual that constraint its impacts and contributions to sustainable development.
Corporate sustainability strategies in institutional adversity: Antecedent, outcome, and contingency effects
Authors: Nwoba Arinze Christian , Boso Nathaniel , Robson Matthew J.
Published: October 2020

This study examines (i) how top‐level managerial institutional ties drive corporate sustainability strategies of emerging market firms operating under conditions of institutional adversity; (ii) the impact of corporate sustainability strategies on market performance; and (iii) the moderating role of financial resource slack on the relationships between corporate sustainability strategies and market performance. The study builds from institutional development logic and the structure–conduct–performance paradigm. Primary data are collected from 300 firms operating in a major sub‐Saharan African market. Findings show that top‐level managerial institutional linkages with regulatory national governmental officials, local community leaders, and top managers at other firms drive corporate proactive and responsive sustainability strategies, which in turn influence market performance. In addition, the findings reveal that financial resource slack strengthens the path between corporate proactive sustainability strategies and market performance, but not the path between corporate responsive sustainability strategies and market performance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Above and beyond? How businesses can drive sustainable development by promoting lasting pro‐environmental behaviour change: An examination of the IKEA Live Lagom project
Authors: Elf Patrick , Isham Amy , Gatersleben Birgitta
Published: October 2020

Current global changes require new business approaches driving sustainable development on all fronts. To date, most business approaches have focused on sustainable marketing and corporate social responsibility initiatives. In this field study, we examine IKEA's Live Lagom project, a 3‐year behaviour change initiative that aimed to explore how to go above and beyond conventional approaches demonstrating how businesses could support sustainable development by supporting their customers' attempts to live more sustainable lifestyles. We examined the effectiveness of the project involving multifaceted behaviour change interventions, testing for behavioural changes both during and after the project period. In addition, we explored changes in participants' attitudes towards the company. Findings show that the extensive set of interventions led to changes in pro‐environmental behaviours across all three participant groups with potentially positive impacts on the customer–company relationship. The article thus provides a call for further businesses to engage in similar behaviour change projects that would allow citizens to engage in more sustainable lifestyles and behaviours across contexts.
Navigating the Biological‐Material Interface with the Guide of Chemical Biology
Authors: Shieh Peyton
Published: October 2020

Research at the biological‐material interface often has translation in mind, with applications in medical implants, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. While the clinical impact of this research is undeniable, a clearer picture of the in vivo behavior of materials is needed to address longstanding limitations in performance and function. Advances in chemical biology and biotechnology have propelled our understanding of how small molecules and biologics behave in living systems. Adapting these techniques to the study of synthetic materials, enabled by modern polymer chemistry, will bring molecular resolution to biological‐material interactions and guide the development of next‐generation biomaterials for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.