bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Record Multiphoton Absorption Cross‐Sections by Dendrimer Organometalation
Authors: Simpson Peter V. , Watson Laurance A. , Barlow Adam , Wang Genmiao , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: January 2016

Large increases in molecular two‐photon absorption, the onset of measurable molecular three‐photon absorption, and record molecular four‐photon absorption in organic π‐delocalizable frameworks are achieved by incorporation of bis(diphosphine)ruthenium units with alkynyl linkages. The resultant ruthenium alkynyl‐containing dendrimers exhibit strong multiphoton absorption activity through the biological and telecommunications windows in the near‐infrared region. The ligated ruthenium units significantly enhance solubility and introduce fully reversible redox switchability to the optical properties. Increasing the ruthenium content leads to substantial increases in multiphoton absorption properties without any loss of optical transparency. This significant improvement in multiphoton absorption performance by incorporation of the organometallic units into the organic π‐framework is maintained when the relevant parameters are scaled by molecular weights or number of delocalizable π‐electrons. The four‐photon absorption cross‐section of the most metal‐rich dendrimer is an order of magnitude greater than the previous record value.
A Computational and Experimental Approach Linking Disorder, High‐Pressure Behavior, and Mechanical Properties in UiO Frameworks
Authors: Hobday Claire L. , Marshall Ross J. , Murphie Colin F. , Sotelo Jorge , Richards Tom , Allan David R. , Düren Tina , Coudert François‐Xavier , Forgan Ross S. , Morrison Carole A. , Moggach Stephen A. , Bennett Thomas D.
Published: January 2016

Whilst many metal–organic frameworks possess the chemical stability needed to be used as functional materials, they often lack the physical strength required for industrial applications. Herein, we have investigated the mechanical properties of two UiO‐topology Zr‐MOFs, the planar UiO‐67 ([Zr6O4(OH)4(bpdc)6], bpdc: 4,4′‐biphenyl dicarboxylate) and UiO‐abdc ([Zr6O4(OH)4(abdc)6], abdc: 4,4′‐azobenzene dicarboxylate) by single‐crystal nanoindentation, high‐pressure X‐ray diffraction, density functional theory calculations, and first‐principles molecular dynamics. On increasing pressure, both UiO‐67 and UiO‐abdc were found to be incompressible when filled with methanol molecules within a diamond anvil cell. Stabilization in both cases is attributed to dynamical linker disorder. The diazo‐linker of UiO‐abdc possesses local site disorder, which, in conjunction with its longer nature, also decreases the capacity of the framework to compress and stabilizes it against direct compression, compared to UiO‐67, characterized by a large elastic modulus. The use of non‐linear linkers in the synthesis of UiO‐MOFs therefore creates MOFs that have more rigid mechanical properties over a larger pressure range.
Conformational Switching of π‐Conjugated Junctions from Merocyanine to Cyanine States by Solvent Polarity
Authors: Arjona‐Esteban Alhama , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: January 2016

Directed by the solvent polarity, the prevalent conformation of a polymethine dye bearing a branched π‐conjugated junction can be switched from a heptamethine donor–acceptor (DA) merocyanine‐type π‐conjugated system to a nonamethine DAD cyanine‐type π‐conjugated scaffold. Concomitantly the absorption maximum shifts from 585 nm in dichloromethane to 748 nm in methanol solution.
Catalytically Active Rh Sub‐Nanoclusters on TiO2 for CO Oxidation at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Guan Hongling , Lin Jian , Qiao Botao , Yang Xiaofeng , Li Lin , Miao Shu , Liu Jingyue , Wang Aiqin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2016

The discovery that gold catalysts could be active for CO oxidation at cryogenic temperatures has ignited much excitement in nanocatalysis. Whether the alternative Pt group metal (PGM) catalysts can exhibit such high performance is an interesting research issue. So far, no PGM catalyst shows activity for CO oxidation at cryogenic temperatures. In this work, we report a sub‐nano Rh/TiO2 catalyst that can completely convert CO at 223 K. This catalyst exhibits at least three orders of magnitude higher turnover frequency (TOF) than the best Rh‐based catalysts and comparable to the well‐known Au/TiO2 for CO oxidation. The specific size range of 0.4–0.8 nm Rh clusters is critical to the facile activation of O2 over the Rh–TiO2 interface in a form of Rh−O−O−Ti (superoxide). This superoxide is ready to react with the CO adsorbed on TiO2 sites at cryogenic temperatures.
Shaping PEDOT nanoparticles for use in 3D tissue phantoms
Authors: Wailes Elizabeth M. , MacNeill Christopher M. , McCabe Eleanor , Levi‐Polyachenko Nicole H.
Published: January 2016

Controlling the relative concentrations of surfactant, oxidant iron (III) chloride, 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer in water, and mechanical influences such as sonication and stirring, resulted in the synthesis of PEDOT nanoparticles with various dimensions and aspect ratios. Having a ratio of two or more of surfactant compared to the oxidant led to a greater yield of thinner nanofibers, as did utilizing a more dilute concentration of the reactants. These nanoparticles were shown to be cyto‐compatible in 3D culture for both human and mouse cells. The key feature is that PEDOT nanoparticles with a variety of morphologies can be obtained using water only without the need for hexanes in the procedures. The synthesized PEDOT nanoparticles absorb light across the infrared spectrum and in turn are capable of generating heat for biologically relevant studies of hyperthermia in three dimensional tissue phantoms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43378.
Bio‐inspired synthesis of molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membrane for selective recognition and separation of artemisinin
Authors: Cui Jiuyun , Wu Yilin , Meng Minjia , Lu Jian , Wang Chen , Zhao Juan , Yan Yongsheng
Published: January 2016

Inspired from the highly bioadhesive performance of mussel protein, a simple, yet efficient synthetic method for efficiently imprinting of Artemisinin (Ars) was developed to prepare the bio‐inspired molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In this work, attributed to the unique properties of polydopamine (pDA) modified layers and ATRP technology, the uniform recognition sites for efficiently selective extraction of the Ars with high stability could be obtained on the MIMs surfaces. In addition, the maximum adsorption capacity of the MIMs is 158.85 mg g−1 by the Langmuir isotherm model, which is remarkable higher than NIMs. Additionally, because of the formation of the uniform specific recognition cavities on membrane surfaces, the as‐prepared MIMs exhibited a rapid adsorption dynamics and well‐fitted for the pseudo‐second‐order rate equation, also, possessed an excellent per‐selectivity performance (βartemether/Ars values is 0.18) of template molecule, which clearly demonstrated the potential value of this method in the selective separation and purification of Ars. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43405.
Evaluating industrial drying of cellulosic feedstock for bioenergy: a systems approach
Authors: Sokhansanj Shahab , Webb Erin
Published: January 2016

A large portion of herbaceous and woody biomass must be dried following harvest. Natural field drying is possible if the weather cooperates. Mechanical drying is a certain way of reducing the moisture content of biomass. This paper presents an engineering analysis applied to drying of 10 Mg h−1 (exit mass flow) of biomass with an initial moisture content ranging from 25% to 70% (wet mass basis) down to 10% exit moisture content. The requirement for hog fuel to supply heat to the dryer increases from 0.5 dry Mg to 3.8 dry Mg h−1 with the increased initial moisture of biomass. The capital cost for the entire drying system including equipment for biomass size reduction, pollution control, dryer, and biomass combustor sums up to more than $4.7 million. The operating cost (electricity, labor, repair, and maintenance) minus fuel cost for the dryer alone amount to 4.05 Mg−1 of dried biomass. For 50% moisture content biomass, the cost of fuel to heat the drying air is $7.41/ dry ton of biomass for a total $11.46 per dry ton at 10% moisture content. The fuel cost ranges from a low of $2.21 to a high of $18.54 for a biomass at an initial moisture content of 25% to 75%, respectively. This wide range in fuel cost indicates the extreme sensitivity of the drying cost to initial moisture content of biomass and to ambient air humidity and temperature and highlights the significance of field drying for a cost effective drying operation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Regioselective Synthesis of N‐Heteroaromatic Trifluoromethoxy Compounds by Direct O−CF3 Bond Formation
Authors: Liang Apeng , Han Shuaijun , Liu Zhenwei , Wang Liang , Li Jingya , Zou Dapeng , Wu Yangjie , Wu Yusheng
Published: January 2016

The first one‐step method for the synthesis of ortho‐N‐heteroaromatic trifluoromethoxy derivatives by site‐specific O−CF3 bond formation using hydroxylated N‐heterocycles and Togni's reagent is described. The approach enables the unprecedented syntheses of a wide range of six or five‐membered N‐heteroaromatic trifluoromethoxy compounds containing one or two heteroatoms from most commonly used hydroxylated N‐heterocycles. Notable advantages of this method include its simplicity and mild conditions, avoidance of the need for metals or toxic reagents, and compatibility with a variety of functional groups. Furthermore, this method is especially suitable for the larger scale application.
A Molecular Imaging Approach to Mercury Sensing Based on Hyperpolarized 129Xe Molecular Clamp Probe
Authors: Guo Qianni , Zeng Qingbin , Jiang Weiping , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Luo Qing , Zhang Xu , Bouchard Louis‐S. , Liu Maili , Zhou Xin
Published: January 2016

Mercury pollution, in the form of mercury ions (Hg2+), is a major health and environmental hazard. Commonly used sensors are invasive and limited to point measurements. Fluorescence‐based sensors do not provide depth resolution needed to image spatial distributions. Herein we report a novel sensor capable of yielding spatial distributions by MRI using hyperpolarized 129Xe. A molecular clamp probe was developed consisting of dipyrrolylquinoxaline (DPQ) derivatives and twocryptophane‐A cages. The DPQ derivatives act as cation receptors whereas cryptophane‐A acts as a suitable host molecule for xenon. When the DPQ moiety interacts with mercury ions, the molecular clamp closes on the ion. Due to overlap of the electron clouds of the two cryptophane‐A cages, the shielding effect on the encapsulated Xe becomes important. This leads to an upfield change of the chemical shift of the encapsulated Xe. This sensor exhibits good selectivity and sensitivity toward the mercury ion. This mercury‐activated hyperpolarized 129Xe‐based chemosensor is a new concept method for monitoring Hg2+ ion distributions by MRI.
Bioavailability Studies and in vitro Profiling of the Selective Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter Subtype 1 (EAAT1) Inhibitor UCPH‐102
Authors: Haym Isabell , Huynh Tri H. V. , Hansen Stinne W. , Pedersen Martin H. F. , Ruiz Josep A. , Erichsen Mette N. , Gynther Mikko , Bjørn‐Yoshimoto Walden E. , Abrahamsen Bjarke , Bastlund Jesper F. , Bundgaard Christoffer , Eriksen Anette L. , Jensen Anders A. , Bunch Lennart
Published: January 2016

Although the selective excitatory amino acid transporter subtype 1 (EAAT1) inhibitor UCPH‐101 has become a standard pharmacological tool compound for in vitro and ex vivo studies in the EAAT research field, its inability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier makes it unsuitable for in vivo studies. In the present study, per os (p.o.) administration (40 mg kg−1) of the closely related analogue UCPH‐102 in rats yielded respective plasma and brain concentrations of 10.5 and 6.67 μm after 1 h. Three analogue series were designed and synthesized to improve the bioavailability profile of UCPH‐102, but none displayed substantially improved properties in this respect. In vitro profiling of UCPH‐102 (10 μm) at 51 central nervous system targets in radioligand binding assays strongly suggests that the compound is completely selective for EAAT1. Finally, in a rodent locomotor model, p.o. administration of UCPH‐102 (20 mg kg−1) did not induce acute effects or any visible changes in behavior.
Facile Synthesis of Large‐Pore Bicontinuous Cubic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Intracellular Gene Delivery
Authors: Meka Anand Kumar , Niu Yuting , Karmakar Surajit , Hartono Sandy Budi , Zhang Jun , Lin Chun Xiang Cynthia , Zhang Hongwei , Whittaker Andrew , Jack Kevin , Yu Meihua , Yu Chengzhong
Published: January 2016

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have promising biomedical applications; however the synthesis of MSNs with a bicontinuous cubic Ia3d mesostructure and large pore size has been a long‐standing challenge. Herein we report a systematic study on the synthesis of KIT‐6 type MSNs (KIT‐6‐MSNs) using fluorocarbon‐hydrocarbon mixed surfactants as templates and ethanol as a co‐solvent. KIT‐6‐MSNs have a pore size of 9 nm and a particle size in the range of 200–400 nm. The role of ethanol in the synthesis of KIT‐6‐MSNs is crucial because ethanol increases the miscibility of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants, thereby increasing the packing parameter and favoring the formation of an Ia3d structure. Excessive fluorocarbon surfactants help the formation of nanosized morphology. After hydrophobic modification, the large‐pore KIT‐6‐MSNs show a high loading capacity towards genetic molecules and successfully deliver the survivin siRNA into a human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cell line, knocking down the gene expression associated with cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Photochemical Reactions in Self‐Assembled Organic Monolayers Characterized by using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Guo Chao , Li Min , Kang ShiZhao
Published: January 2016

Research on the supramolecular self‐assembly behavior at interfaces is of great importance to improving the performance of nanodevices that are based on optical functional materials. In this Minireview, several photoinduced isomerization and polymerization reactions in self‐assembled organic monolayers on surfaces are discussed. Typical organic molecules contain azobenzene, alkynyl, or olefins groups. The feature surface base is a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface or a gold surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used as a strong tool to characterize new species’ structures before and after illumination.
Asynchronous cellular automata and pattern classification
Authors: Sethi Biswanath , Roy Souvik , Das Sukanta
Published: January 2016

This article designs an efficient two‐class pattern classifier utilizing asynchronous cellular automata (ACAs). The two‐state three‐neighborhood one‐dimensional ACAs that converge to fixed points from arbitrary seeds are used here for pattern classification. To design the classifier, (1) we first identify a set of ACAs that always converge to fixed points from any seeds, (2) each ACA should have at least two but not huge number of fixed point attractors, and (3) the convergence time of these ACAs are not to be exponential. To address the second issue, we propose a graph, coined as fixed point graph of an ACA that facilitates in counting the fixed points. We further perform an experimental study to estimate the convergence time of ACAs, and find there are some convergent ACAs which demand exponential convergence time. Finally, we identify there are 73 (out of 256) ACAs which can be effective candidates as pattern classifier. We use each of the candidate ACAs on some standard datasets, and observe the effectiveness of each ACAs as pattern classifier. It is observed that the proposed classifier is very competitive and performs reliably better than many standard existing classifier algorithms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 370–386, 2016
Facile synthesis of low dimensional CuO nanostructures and their gas sensing applications
Authors: Bhuvaneshwari S. , Gopalakrishnan N.
Published: January 2016

A simple and cost effective hydrothermal method has been employed to synthesis morphology controlled pure and Cr doped (4 and 8 at. %) CuO nanostructures. Crystalline purity and structure of the nanostructures were validated by X‐ray diffraction and Retvield analyses. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the evolution of rod‐like, sheet‐like and boat‐like morphologies for pure, 4 and 8 at. % Cr doped CuO nanostructures respectively. The optical band gap estimated using the K‐M function plot from diffused reflectance spectroscopy showed a shift in band gap from 1.68 to 1.90 eV with respect to Cr concentration. The synthesized CuO nanostructures were investigated for the efficient room temperature gas sensing of ammonia, ethanol and methanol vapours under different concentrations (100‐600 ppm). The 8 at. % Cr doped CuO nano‐boats showed enhanced gas sensitivity than other CuO nanostructures owing to their typical morphology, larger surface area and related properties.
Directly‐Grown Hierarchical Carbon Nanotube@Polypyrrole Core–Shell Hybrid for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Yesi Yesi , Shown Indrajit , Ganguly Abhijit , Ngo Trung Truc , Chen Li‐Chyong , Chen Kuei‐Hsien
Published: January 2016

A hierarchical carbon nanotube–polypyrrole (CNT–PPy) core–shell composite was fabricated by growing CNTs directly on carbon cloth (CC) as a skeleton followed by electropolymerization of PPy with controlled polymerization time. Direct fabrication of electroactive (CNT–PPy) materials on the flexible CC electrode could reduce the interfacial resistance between the electrode and electrolyte and improve the ion diffusion. The supercapacitor electrode based on optimized PPy/CNT‐CC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, with the highest gravimetric capacitance being roughly 1038 F g−1 per active mass of PPy and up to 486.1 F g−1 per active mass of the PPy/CNT composite. Notably, excellent flexibility and cycle stability up to 10 000 cycles with only 18 % capacitance loss was achieved. At the same time, the fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor (PPy/CNT‐CC∥CNT‐CC) shows the maximum power density of 10 962 W kg−1 at an energy density of 3.9 Wh kg−1 under the operating potential of 1.4 V. The overall high cycle stability and high performance of the fabricated PPy/CNT‐CC flexible electrode is due to the novel binder‐free direct growth process.
Build a better team by engaging creative strengths
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2016

CHICAGO — When you're an academic administrator, you constantly work on projects with teams. Without the proper understanding of the different creative styles your team members possess, you cannot tap the full potential of your team or manage the complicated dynamics that come from many different types of creative styles. In a session led by June Hanley during the annual convention for the Society for College and University Planning, participants were led through an exercise based on The Five Faces of Genius by Annette Moser‐Wellman and given instructions on how to create a well‐rounded team that takes advantage of different creative styles. Hanley outlined the following five types of creativity:
Hiatuses and condensation: an estimation of time lost on a shallow carbonate platform
Authors: Strasser André
Published: January 2016

On shallow carbonate platforms, the sedimentary record is highly fragmentary because low accommodation commonly leads to non‐deposition, erosion, reworking and condensation. Consequently, it is difficult to quantify the time that is actually recorded and to estimate sedimentation rates. The Berriasian platform in the Swiss and French Jura Mountains offers an opportunity to address this problem. Facies evolution through time displays deepening‐shallowing trends of different orders, resulting in a hierarchical stacking of sequences. The sequence‐ and cyclostratigraphic analysis relates these sequences to orbital cycles with durations of 20, 100, and 400 kyr. Many surfaces in the record of shallow‐water carbonates can be interpreted as hiatuses due to non‐deposition in the supratidal realm, reactivation of shoals or scouring by currents. Strongly bioturbated intervals and hardgrounds commonly result from sediment starvation. These same processes and products can be observed on modern carbonate platforms, and the duration of the hiatuses or condensed intervals can be inferred (a few hours to a few hundreds of years). Amalgamations and narrow stacking of such surfaces create sequence‐boundary zones that can be followed over the entire platform. Time lost or condensed in these zones may correspond to hundreds of thousands of years. Time distribution in the studied sections thus is highly irregular: short periods of sedimentation alternated with long periods of non‐deposition, erosion, reworking, and condensation. Furthermore, due to substrate morphology and laterally variable depositional environments, the depositional record of a given time interval varied significantly across the platform. In one example, it can be estimated that – applying modern sedimentation rates – a sedimentary record spanning 800 kyr could have been deposited within 44 kyr if there were no hiatuses or condensations. It becomes clear that, when estimating carbonate production and sediment accumulation rates in ancient records, the shortest possible time spans must be used to minimize the effect of time lost in hiatal surfaces and condensed intervals.
Chemical Synthesis of Monomeric, Dimeric and Tetrameric Forms of the Ectodomain of Influenza Matrix 2 Protein
Authors: Zeng Weiguang , Horrocks Kylie J. , Tan Amabel C. L. , Jackson David C.
Published: January 2016

The highly conserved ectodomain of M2 protein (M2e) of influenza virus A is one of the most studied vaccine targets for induction of cross‐strain protection. It has been reported that the native form of M2 is a homo‐tetramer linked by disulfide bonds and that antibodies reactive to this form correlate with M2‐mediated protection. Although vaccine constructs mimicking the quaternary structure of M2 have been described, the chemical syntheses of disulfide‐linked dimeric and tetrameric forms of M2e have not yet been reported. By exploiting orthogonal chemistry during the syntheses, we successfully assembled dimeric and tetrameric forms of M2e but found that the antibodies that they elicited had protection properties similar to those of the monomeric form. There was, therefore no advantage mimicking the native conformation to improve vaccine efficacy. Nevertheless, the synthetic strategies have the potential for use in preparation of other dimeric or tetrameric constructs.
A Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Sensor Based on Graphene Quantum Dot/Gold Nanoparticle Nanocomposite Modified Electrode for the Determination of Quercetin in Biological Samples
Authors: Li Jianjun , Qu Jiajia , Yang Ran , Qu Lingbo , de B. Harrington Peter
Published: January 2016

A simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on (graphene quantum dot)/(gold nanoparticle) nanocomposite (GQD/AuNP) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (GQD/AuNP/GCE) was constructed and utilized for the determination of quercetin. The nanocomposite of GQDs and AuNPs can greatly accelerate the electron transfer rate and showed excellent synergistic electrochemical activity for the oxidation of quercetin. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for the quantitative determination of quercetin, the oxidation peak current was linear with the concentration of quercetin in the range of 0.01 to 6.0 μM with a detection limit of 2.0 nM which was more sensitive than most of the reported methods. Under the optimum conditions, the possible coexistence biological matrix including some metal ions, proteins, amino acids and other flavonoids with similar structures had no interference effect on the determination of quercetin. The proposed method was successfully applied to the sensitive determination of quercetin in human plasma samples with satisfactory recoveries.
Proteomic profiling of an undefined microbial consortium cultured in fermented dairy manure: Methods development
Authors: Hanson Andrea J. , Paszczynski Andrzej J. , Coats Erik R.
Published: January 2016

The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA; bioplastics) from waste or surplus feedstocks using mixed microbial consortia (MMC) and aerobic dynamic feeding (ADF) is a growing field within mixed culture biotechnology. This study aimed to optimize a 2DE workflow to investigate the proteome dynamics of an MMC synthesizing PHA from fermented dairy manure. To mitigate the challenges posed to effective 2DE by this complex sample matrix, the bacterial biomass was purified using Accudenz gradient centrifugation (AGC) before protein extraction. The optimized 2DE method yielded high‐quality gels suitable for quantitative comparative analysis and subsequent protein identification by LC‐MS/MS. The optimized 2DE method could be adapted to other proteomic investigations involving MMC in complex organic or environmental matrices.
Consider data, national trends to plan retention efforts
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2016

The completion rate in six years for all undergraduate students who enrolled for the first time in fall 2009 was 52.9 percent. That's a decline of 2.1 percent compared with students who entered the year before, according to Completing College: A National View of Student Attainment Rates — Fall 2009 Cohort, a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Take time to reflect upon your career
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: January 2016

On July 1, I celebrated my 35th anniversary working in higher education. Around this time each year I take time to reflect upon my career. I suggest that you set an annual time to do the same. It might be around the new year, or on your work anniversary, or on your career anniversary, or any time that makes sense for you. It's important to do so if what you want is a meaningful, well‐planned‐out career and not just a string of jobs.
Real‐time imaging of photodynamic action in bacteria
Authors: Gollmer Anita , Felgentraeger Ariane , Maisch Tim , Flors Cristina
Published: January 2016

Fluorescence imaging studies of the processes leading to photodynamic inactivation of bacteria have been limited due to the small size of microorganisms as well as by the faint fluorescence of most photosensitizers. A versatile method based on highly‐sensitive fluorescence microscopy is presented which allows to study, in real time, the incorporation of photosensitizers inside S. aureus upon photodynamic action. The method takes advantage of the fluorescence enhancement of phenothiazine and porphyrin photosensitizers upon entering the bacterial cytosol after the cell wall has been compromised. In combination with typical assays, such as the addition of specific enhancers of reactive oxygen species, it is possible to extract mechanistic information about the pathway of photodynamic damage at the single‐cell level. Imaging experiments in deuterated buffer strongly support a Type‐I mechanism for methylene blue and a very minor role of singlet oxygen.

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Conditional Deletion of Murine Fgf23: Interruption of the Normal Skeletal Responses to Phosphate Challenge and Rescue of Genetic Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Clinkenbeard Erica L , Cass Taryn A , Ni Pu , Hum Julia M , Bellido Teresita , Allen Matthew R , White Kenneth E
Published: January 2016

The transgenic and knockout (KO) animals involving Fgf23 have been highly informative in defining novel aspects of mineral metabolism, but are limited by shortened lifespan, inability of spatial/temporal FGF23 control, and infertility of the global KO. To more finely test the role of systemic and genetic influences in FGF23 production, a mouse was developed that carried a floxed (“f”)-Fgf23 allele (exon 2 floxed) which demonstrated in vivo recombination when bred to global-Cre transgenic mice (eIIa-cre). Mice homozygous for the recombined allele (“Δ”) had undetectable serum intact FGF23, elevated serum phosphate (p < 0.05), and increased kidney Cyp27b1 mRNA (p < 0.05), similar to global Fgf23-KO mice. To isolate cellular FGF23 responses during phosphate challenge, Fgf23Δ/f mice were mated with early osteoblast type Iα1 collagen 2.3-kb promoter-cre mice (Col2.3-cre) and the late osteoblast/early osteocyte Dentin matrix protein-1-cre (Dmp1-cre). Fgf23Δ/f/Col2.3-cre+ and Fgf23Δ/f/Dmp1-cre+ exhibited reduced baseline serum intact FGF23 versus controls. After challenge with high-phosphate diet Cre– mice had 2.1-fold to 2.5-fold increased serum FGF23 (p < 0.01), but Col2.3-cre+ mice had no significant increase, and Dmp1-cre+ mice had only a 37% increase (p < 0.01) despite prevailing hyperphosphatemia in both models. The Fgf23Δ/f/Col2.3-cre was bred onto the Hyp (murine X-linked hypophosphatemia [XLH] model) genetic background to test the contribution of osteoblasts and osteocytes to elevated FGF23 and Hyp disease phenotypes. Whereas Hyp mice maintained inappropriately elevated FGF23 considering their marked hypophosphatemia, Hyp/Fgf23Δ/f/Col2.3-cre+ mice had serum FGF23 <4% of Hyp (p < 0.01), and this targeted restriction normalized serum phosphorus and ricketic bone disease. In summary, deleting FGF23 within early osteoblasts and osteocytes demonstrated that both cell types contribute to baseline circulating FGF23 concentrations, and that targeting osteoblasts/osteocytes for FGF23 production can modify systemic responses to changes in serum phosphate concentrations and rescue the Hyp genetic syndrome. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Morphological characterization of the oral cavity of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with emphasis on the teeth‐age adaptation
Authors: Elgendy Samir A.A. , Alsafy Mohamed A.M. , Tanekhy Mahmoud.
Published: January 2016

Gilthead sea bream with different age groups that collected from Seawater fisheries, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, were examined by gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy to assess the morphological characteristics of the oral cavity. Teeth patterns showed that the gilthead sea bream is adapted to the feeding pattern according to age development, as it modified from spiny form teeth in young fishes to obelisk‐like teeth and flat dome‐like teeth in growing fishes, with differentiation of teeth into three pairs of canine and conical teeth, that later differentiated to small and large flat teeth. With development, the apical pouch also showed morphological differentiation from curve‐like in small fishes to Y‐letter shape in medium‐sized fishes, which later grow to completely covering the lower jaw in grown adult fishes. Tongue papillae, on the other hand, showed some differentiation being smoother in growing fishes than adult ones. Consistent with development differentiation, the palatine region of young fishes appeared separated from the palate by deep palatine fissure, while that the same palatine region was continuous with the palate with a remnant of palatine fissure as shallow groove was noticed in grown big fishes. Taste buds were characterized in the oral cavity of small and large fishes however in large fishes; the taste buds were more prominent especially at the palate and palatine folds. These and other morphological features of the oral cavity and the feeding habits in small and large gilthead sea bream fishes were recorded. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:227–236, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poor mobility in hospitalized adults of all ages
Authors: Mudge Alison M. , McRae Prue , McHugh Kirstie , Griffin Lauren , Hitchen Andrew , Walker James , Cruickshank Mark , Morris Norman R. , Kuys Suzanne
Published: January 2016

Low levels of activity in hospital inpatients contribute to functional decline. Previous studies have shown low levels of activity in older inpatients, but few have investigated younger inpatients (aged <65 years). This observational study measured activity in older (aged ≥65 years) and younger hospital inpatients on 3 wards (medical, surgical, oncology) in a major teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia, as part of a quality‐improvement intervention to enhance mobility. Using structured behavioral mapping protocols, participants were observed for 2‐minute intervals throughout 4, 4‐hour daytime observation periods. The proportion of time spent at different activity levels was calculated for each participant, and time spent standing, walking or wheeling was compared between age group and wards. There were 3272 observations collected on 132 participants (median, 30 per patient; range, 9–35). The most time was spent lying in bed (mean 57%), with 9% standing or walking. There were significant differences among wards, but no difference between older and younger subgroups. Low mobility is common in adult inpatients of all ages. Behavioral mapping provided measures suitable for use in quality improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:289–291. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Molecularly imprinted ionic liquid magnetic microspheres for the rapid isolation of organochlorine pesticides in environmental water
Authors: Qiao Fengxia , Gao Mengmeng , Yan Hongyuan
Published: January 2016

A new type of molecularly imprinted ionic liquid magnetic microspheres was synthesized by aqueous suspension polymerization, using 4,4′‐dichlorobenzhydrol as a dummy template, and 1‐allyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and methacrylic acid as co‐functional monomers. The results of morphology and magnetic property evaluation of the obtained microspheres demonstrated that it was monodispersed spherical, possessed a rough surface, and an outstanding magnetic properties. Binding experiments revealed that it had a substantial adsorption capacity and strong recognition ability to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aqueous solution. Then the microspheres were applied as an adsorbent of magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction for the selective recognition and rapid determination of OCPs in environmental water. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity of the three types of OCPs (dicofol, tetradifon, and p,p′‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) was achieved in the range of 1.0–100 ng/mL (r ≥ 0.9994). The recoveries at three spiking levels ranged from 82.6 to 100.4% with the RSDs less than 6.9%.
Particle Filters for Laser Manufacturing
Authors: Jakschik Stefan , Meißner Stefan , Blei Steffen
Published: January 2016

The manufacturing industry is characterised by a multitude of processes. From joining and separation technologies by means of laser, soldering and gluing, surface processing such as drilling, sintering and milling, and the utilisation of fluxes or production processes such as rapid prototyping — there is a wide range of various technologies. All these procedures have one thing in common: They generate harmful particles of any size, form and composition. These particles have an undesirable effect as they have impact on humans, machines and products because of their chemical and physical characteristics. They can cause diseases, affect machine functionalities and pollute products, thus can be responsible for malfunctions and production failures.
Flavonoid metabolite 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid formed by human microflora decreases arterial blood pressure in rats
Authors: Najmanová Iveta , Pourová Jana , Vopršalová Marie , Pilařová Veronika , Semecký Vladimír , Nováková Lucie , Mladěnka Přemysl
Published: January 2016

Scope

A number of studies have suggested that higher flavonoid intake is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality. The direct vasodilatory potential of flavonoids is one proposed mechanism for this link. However, the bioavailability of flavonoid aglycones is low. The metabolites of flavonoids could therefore explain/contribute to the effect.

Methods and results

We tested a series of quercetin metabolites formed by both human enzymes and colon microflora. In vitro, a number of these metabolites resulted in vasodilation of isolated rat aortic rings, precontracted with norepinephrine. However, 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (3HPPA) was clearly the most potent with an effect of about one order better than quercetin or its close methylderivatives isorhamnetin and tamarixetin. In contrast, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronide was void of any effect. The vasodilatory activity of 3HPPA was confirmed by in vivo experiments on both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Subsequent experiments showed that the arterial blood pressure decrease found after 3HPPA was associated with the peripheral action of the compound on vascular beds and was NO‐based.

Conclusion

This is the first study showing that a metabolite of flavonoids formed by human microflora has haemodynamic effects.
Anti‐flavivirus Activity of Different Tritylated Pyrimidine and Purine Nucleoside Analogues
Authors: McGuigan Christopher , Serpi Michaela , Slusarczyk Magdalena , Ferrari Valentina , Pertusati Fabrizio , Meneghesso Silvia , Derudas Marco , Farleigh Laura , Zanetta Paola , Bugert Joachim
Published: January 2016

A series of tritylated and dimethoxytritylated analogues of selected pyrimidine and purine nucleosides were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against two important members of the genus Flavivirus in the Flaviviridae family, the yellow fever (YFV) and dengue viruses (DENV). Among all compounds tested, the 5′‐O‐tritylated and the 5′‐O‐dimethoxytritylated 5‐fluorouridine derivatives exerted potency against YFV. Interestingly in the series of purine analogues, the 5′O, N‐bis‐tritylated fludarabine derivative revealed strong inhibitory activity against DENV at μm concentrations, however significantly weaker potency against YFV.
Synergistic effects of 4A zeolite on the flame‐retardant properties and thermal stability of an efficient halogen‐free flame‐retardant EVA composite
Authors: Huang Jianguang , Liang Minyi , Feng Caimin , Liu Hongbo
Published: January 2016

The synergistic effects of 4A zeolite (4A) on the thermal degradation, flame retardancy, and char formation of an efficient halogen‐free flame‐retardant ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer composite (EVA/IFR) were investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter test (CCT), digital photography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and thermogravimetric analytical (TGA) methods. It was found that a small amount of 4A clearly improved the LOI value of the EVA/IFR composite and reinforced the fire retardant performance with a great reduction in the combustion parameters of the EVA/IFR system from the CCT test. The entire composites passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating test. The TGA and integral procedure decomposition temperature (IDPT) results showed that 4A enhanced the thermal stability of the EVA/IFR system and increased the char residue content effectively. The morphological structures observed by digital and SEM imaging revealed that 4A could promote EVA/IFR to form a more continuous and compact intumescent char layer. The LRS and EDS results demonstrated that by introduction of 4A into the EVA/IFR system, a more graphite structure was formed with increase phosphorus content in the char residue. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:380–387, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Screening for potential serum biomarkers in rat mesangial proliferative nephritis
Authors: Lu Yang , Chen Xiaoniao , Yin Zhong , Zhu Shuying , Wu Di , Chen Xiangmei
Published: January 2016

Mesangial proliferative nephritis (MesPGN) is a common kidney disease worldwide. The main feature of the disease is mesangial cell proliferation‐induced injury to kidney function. In this study, we explored serum biomarkers for kidney function injury in anti‐Thy1 nephritis. We found that mesangial proliferation were increased on days 5 and 7, and recovered by day 14 in anti‐Thy1 nephritis. 24‐h urine protein, the ratio of urine protein to urine creatine, serum creatine, and blood urea nitrogen, were increased at days 5 and 7 in the model. We found that TXN, BET1, PrRP, VGF, and NPS differed strongly from controls on days 5 and, associated with kidney injury when detected by SELDI‐TOF MS. Moreover, we applied LC‐MS to detect differential protein expression and found A2M, C3, ITIH4, ITIH3, VDBP, AFM, and SERPINF2 to be upregulated, and ES1, HPX, SERPINC1, SERPINA1F, SERPINA4, SERPINA3K, SPI, TF, VNN3, SERPINF1, and PON1 to be downregulated, on days 5 and 7, associated with kidney injury. The levels of VNN3 and VDBP were validated by Western blotting. Overall, this study explored a group of candidate biomarkers of mesangial proliferation inducing kidney injury, to provide the basis of an assessment model for MesPGN in the future.
Protocatechuic Acid Attenuates Osteoclastogenesis by Downregulating JNK/c‐Fos/NFATc1 Signaling and Prevents Inflammatory Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Park Sun‐Hyang , Kim Ju‐Young , Cheon Yoon‐Hee , Baek Jong Min , Ahn Sung‐Jun , Yoon Kwon‐Ha , Lee Myeung Su , Oh Jaemin
Published: January 2016

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) plays a critical role in nutritional metabolism; it is a major metabolite of anthocyanins, which are flavonoids with a range of health benefits. PCA has a variety of biological activities including anti‐oxidant, antiinflammatory, anti‐apoptosis, and anti‐microbial activities. However, the pharmacological effect of PCA, especially on osteoclastogenesis, remains unknown. We examined the effect of PCA on receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. PCA dose‐dependently inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and suppressed the bone‐resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. At the molecular level, PCA suppressed RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of JNK among MAPKs only, without significantly affecting the early signaling pathway. PCA also suppressed RANKL‐stimulated expression of c‐Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) at the mRNA and protein levels, without altering c‐Fos mRNA expression. Additionally, PCA down‐regulated the expression of downstream osteoclastogenesis‐related genes including β3‐integrin, DC‐STAMP, OC‐STAMP, Atp6v0d2, CTR, and CtsK. Mice treated with PCA efficiently recovered from lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone loss in vivo. Thus, PCA inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation and function by suppressing JNK signaling, c‐Fos stability, and expression of osteoclastic marker genes. These results suggest that PCA could be useful in treatment of inflammatory bone disorders. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomimetic Concealing of PLGA Microspheres in a 3D Scaffold to Prevent Macrophage Uptake
Authors: Minardi Silvia , Corradetti Bruna , Taraballi Francesca , Sandri Monica , Martinez Jonathan O. , Powell Sebastian T. , Tampieri Anna , Weiner Bradley K. , Tasciotti Ennio
Published: January 2016

Scaffolds functionalized with delivery systems for the release of growth factors is a robust strategy to enhance tissue regeneration. However, after implantation, macrophages infiltrate the scaffold, eventually initiating the degradation and clearance of the delivery systems. Herein, it is hypothesized that fully embedding the poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide acid) microspheres (MS) in a highly structured collagen‐based scaffold (concealing) can prevent their detection, preserving the integrity of the payload. Confocal laser microscopy reveals that non‐embedded MS are easily internalized; when concealed, J774 and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) cannot detect them. This is further demonstrated by flow cytometry, as a tenfold decrease is found in the number of MS engulfed by the cells, suggesting that collagen can cloak the MS. This correlates with the amount of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α produced by J774 and BMDM in response to the concealed MS, comparable to that found for non‐functionalized collagen scaffolds. Finally, the release kinetics of a reporter protein is preserved in the presence of macrophages, only when MS are concealed. The data provide detailed strategies for fabricating three dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds able to conceal delivery systems and preserve the therapeutic molecules for release.
Excavatolide B inhibits nonsmall cell lung cancer proliferation by altering peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma expression and PTEN/AKT/NF‐Kβ expression
Authors: Velmurugan Bharath Kumar , Yang Hsueh‐Hui , Sung Ping‐Jyun , Weng Ching‐Feng
Published: January 2016

Marine organisms are proven to be rich source of secondary metabolites that can be used to treat various diseases. Excavatolide B (Exc.B), the most abundant metabolite was found in the marine coral Briareum excavatum exhibits cytotoxic effects against lung cancer cell. Treatment of the A549 cells with Exc.B significantly reduced its cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest at subG1 phase in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, respectively. Apoptosis induction by Exc.B was further confirmed by decreased pro‐caspase 3 expressions and increased proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression. Furthermore, Exc.B increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and also decreased the antioxidant enzymes such as, Catalase, GPx, SOD, GST, and GSH. The proteomic analysis data revealed that total thirty six proteins were altered by Exc.B. STRING database showed that most of the altered proteins have no interaction between each other. Based on these data, KSR1, RuVBL2, PPAR‐γ, and Tenascin X proteins were chosen to validate the 2DE data by Western blotting. Additional experiments demonstrated that Exc.B induced PTEN expression and inhibited pAKT and NF‐kB expression. These results provide a novel insight into mechanisms underlying the inhibition of A549 cells growth by excavatolide B. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 290–301, 2017.