bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domains of invasion organelle proteins from apicomplexan parasites are homologous with the Apple domains of blood coagulation factor XI and plasma pre‐kallikrein and are members of the PAN module superfamily
Authors: Brown Philip J. , Gill Andrew C. , Nugent Philip G. , McVey John H. , Tomley Fiona M.
Published: July 2002

Micronemes are specialised organelles, found in all apicomplexan parasites, which secrete molecules that are essential for parasite attachment to and invasion of host cells. Regions of several microneme proteins have sequence similarity to the Apple domains (A‐domains) of blood coagulation factor XI (FXI) and plasma pre‐kallikrein (PK). We have used mass spectrometry on a recombinant‐expressed, putative A‐domain from the microneme protein EtMIC5 from Eimeria tenella, to demonstrate that three intramolecular disulphide bridges are formed. These bridges are analogous to those that stabilise A‐domains in FXI and PK. The data confirm that the apicomplexan domains are structural homologues of A‐domains and are therefore novel members of the PAN module superfamily, which also includes the N‐terminal domains of members of the plasminogen/hepatocyte growth factor family. The role of A‐domains/PAN modules in apicomplexan parasites is not known, but their presence in the microneme suggests that they may be important for mediating protein–protein or protein–carbohydrate interactions during parasite attachment and host cell invasion.
Identification of two new μ‐adaptin‐related proteins, μ‐ARP1 and μ‐ARP2
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Kilimann Manfred W
Published: July 2002

We report the cDNA cloning, primary structure and tissue distribution of two new proteins homologous to μ‐adaptins, the medium chains of the clathrin coat adaptor complexes. Both predicted proteins share 60% amino acid sequence identity with each other and 27–31% identity with μ1‐adaptin (ap47) and μ2‐adaptin (ap50). Lower similarity (23–25% identity) is found with two other μ‐adaptin‐related proteins, p47A/B, and there is similarity over the N‐terminal 150 amino acids with the adaptin small chains and δ‐COP. The mRNAs of both molecules are expressed in all tissues analyzed, but with different profiles of relative abundance. μ‐ARP1 is most abundant in brain, ovary and lung, whereas μ‐ARP2 is prominently expressed in testis. These proteins suggest the existence of as yet uncharacterized types of clathrin‐ or non‐clathrin‐associated protein coats in cellular membrane traffic, of which they are probably prototype subunits, and provide molecular markers and probes for their characterization.
Paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy of native and cobalt substituted manganese superoxide dismutase from Escherichia coli
Authors: Renault Jean Philippe , Verchère-Béaur Catherine , Morgenstern-Badarau Irène , Piccioli Mario
Published: July 2002

Manganese containing superoxide dismutase from E. coli has been investigated through paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum of the native form was rationalized using a τs=3×10−11 s for the Mn(III) ion, consistent with previous estimates from NMRD measurements. Mn(III) has been replaced by a Co(II) ion and a tentative assignment of the NMR spectrum of the Co(II)‐substituted derivative has been proposed, based on T1, chemical shifts and 1D‐NOE data. The metal coordination geometry is provided by three histidines and a carboxylate group. The presence of a solvent molecule as a loosely bound fifth ligand is also proposed. The NMR data of the Co(II)‐substituted derivative of E. coli MnSOD differs from those of Co(II)SOD from other bacterial sources. This suggests that Co(II) substitution is an efficient method to address the problem of metal ion selectivity in superoxide dismutase.
Two distinct states of the thylakoid bf complex
Authors: Heimann Sebastian , Klughammer Christof , Schreiber Ulrich
Published: July 2002

Under normal physiological conditions the state of the cyt bf complex is characterized by rapid reoxidation kinetics of cyt b‐563 following flash‐illumination. It is known that these kinetics are dramatically slowed down under oxidizing conditions. Here we show that this slow‐down of cyt b‐563 oxidation is the consequence of a relatively slow (half‐time of several minutes) transformation of the cyt bf complex into a distinctly different state (termed state‐s). Reversal to the normal state requires strong reductive treatment or light‐induced electron transport. The results are in line with a recent model of functional cyt bf dimers [Cramer et al., Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 47 (1996), 477–508], if it is assumed that state‐s reflects the monomeric state of the bf complex.
The effect of aging and an oxidative stress on peroxide levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential in isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Cavazzoni Marika , Barogi Silvia , Baracca Alessandra , Parenti Castelli Giovanna , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the effect of ageing and of adriamycin treatment on the bioenergetics of isolated rat hepatocytes. Ageing per se, whilst being associated with a striking increase of hydrogen peroxide in the cells, induces only minor changes on the mitochondrial membrane potential. The adriamycin treatment induces a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential in situ and a consistent increase of the superoxide anion cellular content independently of the donor age. The hydrogen peroxide is significantly increased in both aged and adult rat hepatocytes, however, due to the high basal level in the aged cells, it is higher in aged rat cells not subjected to oxidative stress than that elicited by 50 μM adriamycin in young rat hepatocytes. The results suggest that a hydrogen peroxide increase in hepatocytes of aged rats is unable to induce major modifications of mitochondrial bioenergetics. This contrasts with the damaging effect of adriamycin, suggesting that the effects of the drug may be due to the concomitant high level of both superoxide and hydrogen peroxide.
Escherichia coli TEM1 β‐lactamase in CTAB reverse micelles: exchange/diffusion‐limited catalysis
Authors: Moreno-Hagelsieb Gabriel , Gómez-Puyou Armando , Soberon Xavier
Published: July 2002

We report kinetic data of penicillin hydrolysis catalyzed by β‐lactamase entrapped in reverse micelles formed with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), n‐octane, hexanol and aqueous buffer. The K
cat of this diffusion‐limited reaction can be improved in aqueous buffer by a factor of 1.1–1.2 just by increasing the phosphate buffer concentration from 50 to 100 mM. In reverse micelles, increasing the buffer concentration has little effect on K
cat when the size of the empty micelle is below the size of the protein. However, in larger micelles, the effect is enhanced and the K
cat improves several fold, changing the form of the curve of K
cat versus Wo from bell‐shaped to almost hyperbolic. The results indicate that micellar exchange and internal diffusion may limit the reaction in reverse micelles and provide further evidence that the form of the curve depends on other factors besides the relationship between the size of the enzyme and that of the empty reverse micelle.
Enhancement of the traveling front speeds in reaction-diffusion equations with advection
Authors: Kiselev Alexander , Ryzhik Leonid
Published: July 2002

We establish rigorous lower bounds on the speed of traveling fronts and on the bulk burning rate in reaction-diffusion equation with passive advection. The non-linearity is assumed to be of either KPP or ignition type. We consider two main classes of flows. Percolating flows, which are characterized by the presence of long tubes of streamlines mixing hot and cold material, lead to strong speed-up of burning which is linear in the amplitude of the flow,

U

. On the other hand the cellular flows, which have closed streamlines, are shown to produce weaker increase in reaction. For such flows we get a lower bound which grows as

U^{1/5}

for a large amplitude of the flow.

Nous établissons rigoureusement une estimation inférieure de la vitesse de propagation de fronts et du taux global de combustion pour des équations de réaction-diffusion avec convection donnée. La non-linéarité est de type KPP ou de type “ignition”. Nous considérons deux principales classes d’écoulements. Les écoulements de percolation, caractérisés par la présence de longs tubes de lignes de courant mélangeant des régions chaudes et froides, entraı̂nent une accélération importante du taux de combustion, linéaire en fonction de l’intensité

U

de l’écoulement. D’autre part, les écoulements circulaires, avec lignes de champs fermées, conduisent à une augmentation plus faible du taux de réaction. Pour de tels écoulements, nous obtenons une estimation inférieure qui croı̂t comme

U^{1/5}

pour des écoulements de grande amplitude.
Quasiconvex functions, $\mathit{SO}(n)$ and two elastic wells
Authors: Zhang Kewei
Published: July 2002

We use

W^{1,∞}

approximations of minimizing sequences to study the growth of some quasiconvex functions near their zero sets. We show that for

\mathit{SO}(n)

, the quasiconvexification of the distance function

\mathrm{dist}^2(·, \mathit{SO}(n))

can be bounded below by the distance function itself. In certain cases of the incompatible two elastic well structure, we establish a similar result. We also prove that for small Lipschitz perturbations of

\mathit{SO}(n)

) and of the two well structure, the Young measure limits of gradients supported on these perturbed sets are Dirac masses.
Stationary solutions for the Cahn–Hilliard equation
Authors: Wei Juncheng , Winter Matthias
Published: July 2002

We study the Cahn–Hilliard equation in a bounded domain without any symmetry assumptions. We assume that the mean curvature of the boundary has a nondegenerate critical point. Then we show that there exists a spike-like stationary solution whose global maximum lies on the boundary. Our method is based on Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction and the Brouwer fixed-point theorem.

Nous étudions l’équation de Cahn et Hilliard dans un domaine ouvert en ne supposant de symétrie pour le domaine. Nous supposons que la courbure moyenne sur la frontière a un point critique non dégénéré. Nous montrons qu’il existe une solution stationnaire avec un pic qui atteint son maximum sur la frontière du domaine. Notre méthode utilise la réduction de Lyapunov et Schmidt et le théorème du point fixe de Brouwer.
Levels of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF‐a)in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Setten G.‐B.Van , Edström Lars , Stibler Helena , Rasmussen Susan , Schultz Gregory
Published: July 2002

In this study, we investigated cerebrospinal fluid of patients with various neurologicalsymptoms for the presence of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF‐a). 41 samples ofcerebrospinal fluid were collected by lumbar puncture performed routinely due to the clinicalsuspicion of neurological disease from 22 females (age 15–80 years, median 42 years) and from19 males (age 18–82 years, median 48 years). A highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassaywas used to determine the concentration of TGF‐a in the samples. The detection limit of the assaywas about 200 pg TGF‐a. There was no cross‐reactivity to human EGF. We showed CSF indeeddoes contain TGFa. As TGF‐a was detected in all 41 samples investigated, this growth factorappears to be a constant component of CSF. The mean concentration was 5.5 ng TGF‐a (S.D.±2.7 pg/ml, range 1.1 to 13.9 pg/ml). There was no significant correlation between TGF‐aconcentration in CSF and age (r=−0.006) and there was no significant differencebetween females (mean 5.8±3.10 pg/ml) and males (mean 5.2±1.96 pg/ml). No diagnosis wasover represented in patients with TGF‐a concentrations above or below 1 S. D. off the mean.However, highest concentrations of TGF‐a were found in the group of patients with peripheralneurological sensory dysfunctions and polyneuropathy. We conclude that TGF‐a is not only aconstant component of human cerebrospinal fluid in adults but could also be significantly involvedin the pathophysiology of various neurological diseases. The earlier hypothesis that TGF‐a couldmainly have a role in brain development needs hence to be re‐evaluated.
Refractory schizophrenia: Historical and currently prevailing criteria and definitions
Authors: Vanelle JM
Published: July 2002

Various historical aspects of resistant schizophrenia are described: limitations of treatment efficacy, attempts at proposing therapeutic strategies in non-responding patients, first attempts to define resistance in schizophrenia, and first attempts to distinguish resistance factors. Interest in treatment-refractory schizophrenia was stimulated by several studies in the period 1985–1990, including a pivotal study of clozapine. The need to include biological and psychosocial factors when defining resistance was emphasised by a group who defined a systematic approach to treatment resistance in schizophrenia, including degrees of resistance. The concept of a continuum from full remission to complete refractoriness was proposed by an international study group in 1990. Difficulties in identifying patients with refractory schizophrenia include: variability of schizophrenia diagnostic criteria, lack of consensus concerning good treatment practice with neuroleptic agents, and confusion between resistance, chronicity and severity. A better definition of refractoriness is needed, not only for pharmacological studies but also for a more precise characterisation of a possible subgroup of schizophrenia termed ‘Kraepelinian’.
Genome‐wide analysis of DNA methylation identifies the apoptosis‐related gene UQCRH as a tumor suppressor in renal cancer
Authors: Miyakuni Kosuke , Nishida Jun , Koinuma Daizo , Nagae Genta , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Miyazono Kohei , Ehata Shogo
Published: June 2021

DNA hypermethylation is frequently observed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and correlates with poor clinical outcomes. However, the detailed function of DNA hypermethylation in ccRCC has not been fully uncovered. Here, we show the role of DNA methylation in ccRCC progression through the identification of a target(s) of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT). Our preclinical model of ccRCC using the serial orthotopic inoculation model showed the upregulation of DNMT3B in advanced ccRCC. Pretreatment of advanced ccRCC cells with 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine, a DNMT inhibitor, attenuated the formation of primary tumors through the induction of apoptosis. DNA methylated sites were analyzed genome‐wide using methylation array in reference to RNA‐sequencing data. The gene encoding ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH), one of the components of mitochondrial complex III, was extracted as a methylation target in advanced ccRCC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of UQCRH in human ccRCC tissues was lower than normal adjacent tissues. Silencing of UQCRH attenuated the cytochrome c release in response to apoptotic stimuli and resulted in enhancement of primary tumor formation in vivo, implying the tumor‐suppressive role of UQCRH. Moreover, 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine enhanced the therapeutic efficiency of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus in vivo. These findings suggested that the DNMT3B‐induced methylation of UQCRH may contribute to renal cancer progression and implicated clinical significance of DNMT inhibitor as a therapeutic option for ccRCC.
Synaptic density in carriers of C9orf72 mutations: a [11C]UCB‐J PET study
Authors: Malpetti Maura , Holland Negin , Jones P. Simon , Ye Rong , Cope Thomas E. , Fryer Tim D. , Hong Young T. , Savulich George , Rittman Timothy , Passamonti Luca , Mak Elijah , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , O’Brien John T. , Rowe James B.
Published: June 2021

Synaptic loss is an early and clinically relevant feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. Here we assess three adults at risk of frontotemporal dementia from C9orf72 mutation, using [11C]UCB‐J PET to quantify synaptic density in comparison with 19 healthy controls and one symptomatic patient with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. The three pre‐symptomatic C9orf72 carriers showed reduced synaptic density in the thalamus compared to controls, and there was an additional extensive synaptic loss in frontotemporal regions of the symptomatic patient. [11C]UCB‐J PET may facilitate early, pre‐symptomatic assessment, monitoring of disease progression and evaluation of new preventive treatment strategies for frontotemporal dementia.
Piezoelectric Nanogenerators Derived Self‐Powered Sensors for Multifunctional Applications and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Cao Xiaole , Xiong Yao , Sun Jia , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2021

With the arrival of the Internet of Things (IoTs) era, there is a growing requirement for systems with many sensor nodes in a variety of fields of applications. The demands for wireless, sustainable and independent operation are becoming more and more important for large‐scale sensor networks and systems. For these purposes, a self‐powered sensory system that can utilize the self‐harvested energy from its surroundings to drive the sensors and directly sense external stimuli has attracted great attention. The invention and rapid development of piezoelectric generators (PENGs), which take Maxwell's displacement current as the driving force, has been pushing forward research on self‐powered active mechanical sensors, electronic skins, and human‐robotic interaction. Here, this review starts with a brief introduction of piezoelectric materials, fabrication, and performance improvement. Then, the energy harvesters used for self‐power systems based on recent progress are reviewed. After that, PENGs applications toward recent self‐powered active sensors are divided into four aspects and highlighted, respectively. Moreover, some challenges and future directions for the self‐powered multifunctional sensors are put forward. It is believed that through the continuous investigations into PENG‐based self‐powered active sensors, they will soon be used in touch screens, electronic skins, health care, environmental monitoring, and intelligence systems.
Environmentally Friendly Graphene Inks for Touch Screen Sensors
Authors: Tkachev Sergey , Monteiro Miguel , Santos João , Placidi Ernesto , Hassine Mohamed Ben , Marques Pedro , Ferreira Paulo , Alpuim Pedro , Capasso Andrea
Published: June 2021

Graphene‐based materials have attracted significant attention in many technological fields, but scaling up graphene‐based technologies still faces substantial challenges. High‐throughput top‐down methods generally require hazardous, toxic, and high‐boiling‐point solvents. Here, an efficient and inexpensive strategy is proposed to produce graphene dispersions by liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE) through a combination of shear‐mixing (SM) and tip sonication (TS) techniques, yielding highly concentrated graphene inks compatible with spray coating. The quality of graphene flakes (e.g., lateral size and thickness) and their concentration in the dispersions are compared using different spectroscopic and microscopy techniques. Several approaches (individual SM and TS, and their combination) are tested in three solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, and cyrene). Interestingly, the combination of SM and TS in cyrene yields high‐quality graphene dispersions, overcoming the environmental issues linked to the other two solvents. Starting from the cyrene dispersion, a graphene‐based ink is prepared to spray‐coat flexible electrodes and assemble a touch screen prototype. The electrodes feature a low sheet resistance (290 Ω □−1) and high optical transmittance (78%), which provide the prototype with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (14 dB) and multi‐touch functionality (up to four simultaneous touches). These results illustrate a potential pathway toward the integration of LPE‐graphene in commercial flexible electronics.
Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Response‐Driven Upconversion Phosphors
Authors: Viswanath Noolu Srinivasa Manikanta , Cho Jeong Bin , Byun Hye Ryung , Han Joo Hyeong , Unithrattil Sanjith , Jang Joon Ik , Ok Kang Min , Im Won Bin
Published: June 2021

A series of silicate materials with noncentrosymmetric structures, namely, Na3ScSi3O9 (NSSO), NSSO:Ce3+, NSSO:Eu2+, and NSSO:Tb3+, have been successfully synthesized by a microwave‐assisted solid‐state reaction. The materials reveal interesting second‐ and third‐harmonic generation and two‐photon absorption (2PA) properties attributable to the unusual connectivity and unique coordination environments around the cations, as evidenced by detailed structural analysis and maximum entropy method calculations. Upon irradiation with 980 nm laser light, the activator‐doped NSSO materials show an unusual upconversion emission property without using Yb3+ sensitizer ions, because of nonlinear absorption processes, as evidenced from 2PA spectroscopy results. The materials also show good chemical stability compared to NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+. The findings of this work can stimulate the creation of a new scientific field devoted to upconversion luminescence in solid‐state materials.
Expanding the genetic landscape of oral‐facial‐digital syndrome with two novel genes
Authors: Strong Alanna , Simone Laurie , Krentz Anthony , Vaccaro Courtney , Watson Deborah , Ron Hayley , Kalish Jennifer M. , Pedro Helio F. , Zackai Elaine H. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: June 2021

Oral‐facial‐digital syndromes (OFDS) are a heterogeneous and rare group of Mendelian disorders characterized by developmental abnormalities of the oral cavity, face, and digits caused by dysfunction of the primary cilium, a mechanosensory organelle that exists atop most cell types that facilitates organ patterning and growth. OFDS is inherited both in an X‐linked dominant, X‐linked recessive, and autosomal recessive manner. Importantly, though many of the causal genes for OFDS have been identified, up to 40% of OFD syndromes are of unknown genetic basis. Here we describe three children with classical presentations of OFDS including lingual hamartomas, polydactyly, and characteristic facial features found by exome sequencing to harbor variants in causal genes not previously associated with OFDS. We describe a female with hypothalamic hamartoma, urogenital sinus, polysyndactyly, and multiple lingual hamartomas consistent with OFDVI with biallelic pathogenic variants inCEP164, a gene associated with ciliopathy‐spectrum disease, but never before with OFDS. We additionally describe two unrelated probands with postaxial polydactyly, multiple lingual hamartomas, and dysmorphic features both found to be homozygous for an identicalTOPORSmissense variant, c.29 C>A; (p.Pro10Gln). HeterozygousTOPORSpathogenic gene variants are associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, but never before with syndromic ciliopathy. Of note, both probands are of Dominican ancestry, suggesting a possible founder allele.
Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Boron‐Difluoride‐Curcuminoid‐Based Polymers Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence as Biological Imaging Probes
Authors: Paisley Nathan R. , Halldorson Sarah V. , Tran Michael V. , Gupta Rupsa , Kamal Saeid , Algar W. Russ , Hudson Zachary M.
Published: June 2021

Near‐infrared‐emitting polymers were prepared using four boron‐difluoride‐curcuminoid‐based monomers using ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Well‐defined polymers with molecular weights of ≈20 kDa and dispersities <1.07 were produced and exhibited near‐infrared (NIR) emission in solution and in the solid state with photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL) as high as 0.72 and 0.18, respectively. Time‐resolved emission spectroscopy revealed thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in polymers containing highly planar dopants, whereas room‐temperature phosphorescence dominated with twisted species. Density functional theory demonstrated that rotation about the donor–acceptor linker can give rise to TADF, even where none would be expected based on calculations using ground‐state geometries. Incorporation of TADF‐active materials into water‐soluble polymer dots (Pdots) gave NIR‐emissive nanoparticles, and conjugation of these Pdots with antibodies enabled immunofluorescent labeling of SK‐BR3 human breast‐cancer cells.
Alkene Isomerization Revitalizes the Coates–Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Massad Itai , Marek Ilan
Published: June 2021

The [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement of allylic vinyl acetals, first investigated by Coates nearly four decades ago, is set apart from other variants of the Claisen rearrangement owing to the versatile monoprotected 1,5‐dicarbonyl motif featured in the products. Unfortunately, the synthetically elusive nature of the substrates has thus far precluded the widespread application of this attractive transformation. Herein, we show that the key allylic vinyl acetals can be efficiently generated through alkene isomerization of their readily available regioisomeric counterparts (derived from allylic alcohols and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes), thus enabling the first systematic study of the substrate scope of this rearrangement, as well as the discovery of exceptionally mild conditions for its mediation by Lewis and Brønsted acids.
A Universal Strategy for Organic Fluid Phosphorescence Materials**
Authors: Sun Siyu , Wang Jie , Ma Liangwei , Ma Xiang , Tian He
Published: June 2021

It is an accepted approach to construct room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials by suppressing the non‐radiative decay process. However, there is limited success in developing fluid phosphorescence materials owing to the ultrafast non‐radiation relaxation of vibration and collision of molecules in fluid matrixes. Here, a universal deep‐eutectic‐solvent strategy is proposed for developing pure organic phosphorescent fluid materials that are able to generate effective phosphorescent emissions at both room temperature (ΦRTP,293 K≈30 %) and even higher temperature (ΦRTP,358 K≈4.53 %). Based on these findings, a qualitative analytical method was developed for leak detection and a quantitative analytical technique was further validated to help visually identify the heat distribution of irregular surfaces. This advancement empowers the current organic phosphorescent system offering an alternative to determine moisture and heat from non‐invasive photoluminescence emission colors.
Hemocompatibility of polymers for use in vascular endoluminal implants
Authors: Ammann Kaitlyn R. , Hossainy Syed F. A. , Hossainy Sahir , Slepian Marvin J.
Published: June 2021

Implanted polymers for cardiovascular applications may function as structural supports, barriers, or provide a means for local drug delivery. Several thermoplastic biodegradable drug delivery polymers are potential candidates for blood‐contacting implant applications. For intravascular applications specifically, a criterion for material selection is the intrinsic hemocompatibility of the baseline polymer. As an initial screening approach for selection of polymers for in vivo use, thin films of polyesters: poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA); polyanhydrides: poly(fatty acid dimer‐co‐sebacic acid) (PFAD:SA) and poly(biscarboxyphenoxypropane‐co‐sebacic acid) (PCPP:SA); and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐ylated polyesters: PLA:PEG, PCL:PEG and PCL:PLA:PEG polymers were spin‐cast on glass cover slips and placed in an in vitro flow system exposing them at a controlled shear to overflowing human whole blood. Platelet adherence, aggregate formation, and thrombus formation, as well as leukocyte adherence were assessed following 5 min of flow. At 5 min of flow the rank order of materials, in terms of least to most thrombogenic was: PCL < PFAD:SA < PCPP:SA < PLGA < PLA. All PEGylated materials, in general, had less thrombus formation than baseline unmodified materials.
Dual‐crosslinked hydrogels with metal coordination from novel co‐polyaspartamide containing 1,2‐dihydroxy and imidazole pendant groups
Authors: Dang Dat Quoc , Park Nuri , Kim Jaeyun , Kim Ji‐Heung
Published: June 2021

Herein, a series of new polyaspartamide derivatives, PolyAspAm(API/APD)s, is prepared from polysuccinimide, which is the thermal polycondensation product of aspartic acid, via successive ring‐opening using 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole (API) and 3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol (APD). Metal‐coordinated hydrogels are generated by adding divalent metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+) to the aqueous polymer solution. The resulting gels can adhere strongly to various substrates. Further, novel dual‐crosslinked hydrogels are prepared, where the first network is generated via acetal formation between the massive 1,2‐hydroxyl groups of the polymer and glutaldehyde as the crosslinker. Subsequent immersion of the product gel in various metal ion‐containing solutions forms a second network via metal coordination, thereby affording mechanically robust hydrogels. Multiple metal‐coordination interactions are expected to occur between the imidazole functional groups and metal cations. The mechanical properties of resulting gel vary depending on the metallic species. These novel kinds of hydrogels are expected to find biomedical applications as adhesives and antibacterial soft matter.
Facile fabrication and structural elucidation of lignin based macromolecular green composites for multifunctional applications
Authors: Pathayappurakkal Mohanan Dhilin , Pathayappurakkal Mohan Nimegha , Selvasudha Nandakumar , Thekkilaveedu Saranya , Kandasamy Ruckmani
Published: June 2021

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of lignin based macromolecular polymeric composites and applications thereof. Here lignin is complexed with pectin and/ or gellan gum, to form two different macromolecular green composites LP and LPG. The best ratios screened out through evaluation of nanoparticle characterization and rheology, then confirmed by surface morphology. The superior thermal stability is proved by DSC analysis. The reaction groups involving in complexation are confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopic evaluation where the methoxy or methyl group of lignin interacts with the hydroxyl group of pectin and gellan gum to form nanocomposites. The reduced particle size and surface charge confirm the complexation due to interaction between ionizable functional groups. The applications of these composites are validated by their dye adsorption capacity and anti‐microbial properties (after loading of green silver nanoparticles) which proves the multifunctional properties of novel composites. The maximum dye removal efficiency of both composites is independent of initial dye concentration. Dye adsorption capacity is best fitted by Freundlich adsorption isotherms that follow pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetics. The antibacterial study of developed silver nanoparticle loaded and unloaded composites shows wide spectrum activity against E. coli and S. aureus, with higher inhibition efficiency against gram‐negative organism.
Passion for the past: Effect of charity appeals and nostalgia on clothing donation intentions
Authors: Kim Seeun , Childs Michelle L.
Published: June 2021

Although consumers' clothing disposal behavior is of considerable interest in the research community, there is a lack of empirical studies that thoroughly examine how consumers respond to charity messages in the context of clothing donation. Drawing on construal level theory, this study aims to contribute to the topic by examining the interplay of charity appeals (other‐ vs. self‐benefit) and social emotion (nostalgia vs. control) on clothing donation behavior. Our results show that consumers reveal greater donation intentions toward other‐benefit appeals than self‐benefit appeals. Also, the results indicate that high nostalgic consumers tend to reveal greater donation intentions than low nostalgic consumers (Study 1). Further, the charity appeals effect is moderated by situationally induced nostalgia. Specifically, we found that the congruent matching of other‐benefit appeals with nostalgia increases donation intentions (Study 2). These findings provide important implications, both theoretically and managerially, by systematically highlighting how different charity appeals can be beneficial in charitable advertising, depending on nostalgia highlighting the sentimental longing for the past.
Green extraction of rice bran proteins and full revaluation of the remaining by‐products
Authors: Rajchman Mikaela , Gutiérrez María Belén , Curutchet Ana , Cozzano Sonia
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

Full fat rice bran is a highly nutritional by‐product of white rice production underutilized at present, with 90% of it being employed as a cheap feedstock. This study aimed to apply a water‐and‐citric‐acid extraction method as a green technique to obtain a protein concentrate from rice bran. Extractions were carried out through a heat treatment, varying time and temperature, and optimized using response surface methodology based on protein purity, followed by citric acid (50% w/w) precipitation. Co‐products obtained after the procedure were also characterized to determine their functional properties.

Findings

Increasing temperature and time yielded higher protein purity, so 75 °C for 90 min was applied. Under these conditions, the protein concentrate contained 69.5% of protein, the supernatant had 60.6% of soluble carbohydrates, and their corresponding bioaccessible fraction had better antioxidant capacity than that of the bran. Finally, the sediment was similar in composition and functional properties to rice bran, which means high dietary fiber content.

Conclusions

A protein concentrate, hypoallergenic and with high nutritional value, and two other functional fractions could be obtained through this environmentally friendly method.

Significance and novelty

This technique could help meet the demand of proteins throughout the world.
Organocatalytic Strategies for the Development of the Enantioselective Inverse‐electron‐demand Hetero‐Diels‐Alder Reaction
Authors: Laina‐Martín Víctor , Fernández‐Salas Jose A. , Alemán José
Published: June 2021

Cycloaddition reactions, in particular Diels‐Alder reactions, have attracted a lot of attention from organic chemists since they represent one of the most powerful methodologies for the construction of carbon‐carbon bonds. In particular, inverse‐electron‐demand hetero‐Diels‐Alder reactions have been an important breakthrough for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Among all their variants, the organocatalytic enantioselective version has been widely explored since the asymmetric construction of diversely functionalized scaffolds under reaction conditions encompassed within the green chemistry field is of great interest. In this review, a profound revision on the latest advances on the organocatalytic asymmetric inverse‐electron demand hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction is shown.
Native Chemical Ligation‐Based Fluorescent Probes for Cysteine and Aminopeptidase N Using meso‐thioester‐BODIPY
Authors: Lee Uisung , Kim Tae‐Il , Jeon Sungjin , Luo Yongyang , Cho Siyoung , Bae Jeehyeon , Kim Youngmi
Published: June 2021

meso‐Carboxyl‐BODIPY responds to small electronic changes resulting from acyl substitution reactions with a marked change in fluorescence. Herein, the minute changes that accompany the thioester to amide conversion encountered in native chemical ligation (NCL) are exploited in the construction of fluorescent “turn‐on” probes. Two fluorogenic probes, 1 a and 4, derived from a meso‐thioester‐BODIPY scaffold, were designed for the selective detection of cysteine (1 a) and aminopeptidase N (4), respectively. The aromatic (1 a) and aliphatic (4) thioesters of meso‐carboxyl‐BODIPY are nonfluorescent. However, specific analyte‐induced conversion to the meso‐amide derivative caused significant spectral changes and a dramatic fluorescence enhancement. Probe 1 a exhibited a large fluorescence “turn‐on” response with high selectivity toward cysteine via a tandem NCL reaction. Probe 4 was successfully applied to the monitoring and imaging of endogenous aminopeptidase N in live cancer cells.
High‐Pressure Reverse Osmosis for Industrial Water Recycling: Permeate‐Sided Pressure Drop as Performance‐Limiting Factor
Authors: Kleffner Christine , Braun Gerd , Antonyuk Sergiy
Published: June 2021

In the chemical industry large amounts of saline wastewater occur. Its disposal into rivers is a considerable burden to the ecosystem. To strive for a circular economy and enable a viable raw material recycling, energy‐efficient concentration processes are requisite. High‐pressure reverse osmosis meets this criterion, but its industrial application demands suitable membrane elements that withstand the exceptional operation conditions and provide sufficient performance. Hence, new requirements regarding the design of spiral‐wound elements arise. To identify those, specific performance‐limiting effects need a better understanding.
Effects of Postoperative Day and NR1I2 on Tacrolimus Clearance in Chinese Liver Transplant Recipients—A Population Model Approach
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Xu Li , Cui Jianrong , Shen Su , Li Xingang
Published: June 2021

We aimed to explore the new biomarkers influencing tacrolimus in vivo behavior in Chinese liver transplant recipients. A total of 418 drug concentration samples of 41 liver transplant patients were collected for modeling. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using the nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach. The potential covariates, such as postoperative day (POD), age, body weight, hepatic and renal function, and recipient genetic polymorphisms (ABCB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NR1I2) were evaluated using forward‐inclusion and backward‐elimination methods. A 1‐compartment model was used describing the in vivo behavior of tacrolimus in liver transplant patients. The estimates of CL/F and V/F were 8.88 L/h and 495.82 L, respectively. Two covariates, POD and NR1I2 rs2276707 genotypes, were incorporated into the final population pharmacokinetic model, and they could significantly impact the CL/F: CL/F (L/h) = 8.88 × (POD/16)0.18 × e0.91 × NR1I2 × eηCL. The model evaluation and validation indicated a stable and precise performance of the final model. The functional annotation using ENCODE data indicated that rs2276707 was located on the higher peak of the H3K4Me1 and H3K4Me3 histone marker. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating NR1I2 rs2276707 genotypes is another biomarker impacting tacrolimus clearance in liver transplant recipients. The NR1I2 gene polymorphism may affect the in vivo behavior of tacrolimus by regulating gene expression.
Computational Screening of 3 d Transition Metal Atoms Anchored on Defective Graphene for Efficient Electrocatalytic N2 Fixation
Authors: Song Wei , Xie Kun , Guo Yongliang , Fu Ling , He Chaozheng
Published: June 2021

The synthesis of ammonia (NH3) through the electrochemical reduction of molecular nitrogen (N2) is a promising strategy for significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional industrial processes. Herein, we report the design of a series of monovacancy and divacancy defective graphenes decorated with single 3d transition metal atoms (TM@MVG and TM@DVG; TM=Sc−Zn) as electrocatalysts for the nitrogen‐reduction reaction (NRR) aided by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By comparing energies for N2 adsorption as well as the free energies associated with *N2 activation and *N2H formation, we successfully identified V@MVG, with the lowest potential of −0.63 V, to be an effective catalytic substrate for the NRR in an enzymatic mechanism. Electronic properties, including Bader charges, charge density differences, partial densities of states, and crystal orbital Hamilton populations, are further analyzed in detail. We believe that these results help to explain recent observations in this field and provide guidance for the exploration of efficient electrocatalysts for the NRR.
Early maladaptive schemas and depression in adulthood: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bishop Amy , Younan Rita , Low Jennifer , Pilkington Pamela D.
Published: June 2021

Background

Improved understanding of the specific cognitive risk factors associated with depression is needed to inform prevention and treatment approaches. Recent research has examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and depression, but the findings were yet to be integrated using meta‐analytic methods. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence on the relationship between depression and EMS.

Method

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, by searching the PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL databases. Included studies were peer‐reviewed journal articles that examined the relationship between one or more EMS and depression in adulthood in participants aged 18 years or older.

Results

A total of 51 studies were included (k = 743; pooled N = 17,830). All 18 EMSs were positively correlated with depression, with effect sizes ranging from small (r = .23 [.17, .29]; Entitlement) to large (r = .53 [.46, .60]; Social Isolation; r = .50, 95% CI [.45, .54]; Defectiveness/Shame).

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that individuals who feel like they do not belong, or that they are flawed, bad or unlovable, report higher levels of depression. However, most studies used cross‐sectional designs, and further longitudinal research is needed to establish the direction of the relationship between EMS and depression. These findings can guide preventative and treatment approaches. Focusing treatment on the Social Isolation and Defectiveness/Shame EMS may aid in relieving depressive symptoms.
Resubstitution method for big size Boolean logic design targeting look‐up‐table implementation
Authors: Lemberski Igor , Suponenkovs Artjoms
Published: June 2021

A scalable design method to perform multilevel network minimization targeting k‐input look‐up‐tables (k‐LUT) is proposed. It contributes toward the big size logic design theory and application. The method is based on the resubstitution which is formulated and solved as a covering task: A node function, which depends on an input selected for the resubstitution, is split into a set of dichotomies. The selected input is removed, and the minimal set of inputs to cover the dichotomies are sought. The resubstitution procedure runs on top of the k‐LUT network produced by existing synthesis tools (SIS, ABC). Scalability is achieved by the extraction of windows, which satisfy given constraints (number of inputs, nodes, etc.). The window logic is described using the proposed extended programmable logic array (PLA) table, which contains information about don't cares. Experiments show that the best networks obtained using SIS and ABC can be further improved by applying our method. Also, big benchmarks from the EPFL library are processed, and for almost half of them, improvements are achieved.
IL‐33/ST2 axis deficiency exacerbates neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Ma Qiyun , Qian Yan , Jiang Jingxian , Wu Jingjing , Song Meijuan , Li Xinyu , Chen Zhongqi , Wang Zhengxia , Zhu Ranran , Sun Zhixiao , Huang Mao , Ji Ningfei , Zhang Mingshun
Published: June 2021

Objective

The IL‐33/ST2 axis has been extensively investigated in type 2 eosinophilic inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the IL‐33/ST2 axis in neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

House‐dust mite (HDM) extract and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered to establish a murine model of neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation. The formation of neutrophilic extracellular traps (NETs) in the lung tissues was demonstrated by immunofluorescence imaging. Mature IL‐33 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by Western blotting. The neutrophilic chemokine KC produced by bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) or primary alveolar epithelial cells was measured with a commercial ELISA kit.

Results

In the present study, we observed neutrophilic inflammation and tight junction damage in the lungs of mice sensitised with HDM and LPS. Furthermore, sensitisation with HDM and LPS resulted in the formation of NETs, accompanied by increased levels of mature IL‐33 in the BALF. Moreover, LPS damaged the epithelial tight junction protein occludin directly or indirectly by inducing NET formation. Surprisingly, IL‐33 deficiency augmented neutrophilia and epithelial barrier injury in the lungs of mice after sensitisation with HDM and LPS. Similarly, the absence of ST2 exacerbated the neutrophilic inflammatory response, decreased the expression of occludin and exacerbated the severity of neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation in an HDM/LPS‐induced mouse model. Mechanistically, BMDMs and alveolar epithelial cells from IL‐33‐ or ST2‐deficient mice tended to produce higher levels of the neutrophilic chemokine KC.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the IL‐33/ST2 axis may play a protective role in neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation.
Productivity, niche availability, species richness, and extinction risk: Untangling relationships using individual‐based simulations
Authors: Furness Euan N. , Garwood Russell J. , Mannion Philip D. , Sutton Mark D.
Published: June 2021

It has often been suggested that the productivity of an ecosystem affects the number of species that it can support. Despite decades of study, the nature, extent, and underlying mechanisms of this relationship are unclear. One suggested mechanism is the “more individuals” hypothesis (MIH). This proposes that productivity controls the number of individuals in the ecosystem, and that more individuals can be divided into a greater number of species before their population size is sufficiently small for each to be at substantial risk of extinction. Here, we test this hypothesis using REvoSim: an individual‐based eco‐evolutionary system that simulates the evolution and speciation of populations over geological time, allowing phenomena occurring over timescales that cannot be easily observed in the real world to be evaluated. The individual‐based nature of this system allows us to remove assumptions about the nature of speciation and extinction that previous models have had to make. Many of the predictions of the MIH are supported in our simulations: Rare species are more likely to undergo extinction than common species, and species richness scales with productivity. However, we also find support for relationships that contradict the predictions of the strict MIH: species population size scales with productivity, and species extinction risk is better predicted by relative than absolute species population size, apparently due to increased competition when total community abundance is higher. Furthermore, we show that the scaling of species richness with productivity depends upon the ability of species to partition niche space. Consequently, we suggest that the MIH is applicable only to ecosystems in which niche partitioning has not been halted by species saturation. Some hypotheses regarding patterns of biodiversity implicitly or explicitly overlook niche theory in favor of neutral explanations, as has historically been the case with the MIH. Our simulations demonstrate that niche theory exerts a control on the applicability of the MIH and thus needs to be accounted for in macroecology.