bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified mechanisms for self-RNA recognition by RIG-I Singleton-Merten syndrome variants
Authors: Lässig Charlotte , Lammens Katja , Gorenflos López Jacob Lucián , Michalski Sebastian , Fettscher Olga , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: July 2018

The innate immune sensor retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) detects cytosolic viral RNA and requires a conformational change caused by both ATP and RNA binding to induce an active signaling state and to trigger an immune response. Previously, we showed that ATP hydrolysis removes RIG-I from lower-affinity self-RNAs (Lässig et al., 2015), revealing how ATP turnover helps RIG-I distinguish viral from self-RNA and explaining why a mutation in a motif that slows down ATP hydrolysis causes the autoimmune disease Singleton-Merten syndrome (SMS). Here we show that a different, mechanistically unexplained SMS variant, C268F, which is localized in the ATP-binding P-loop, can signal independently of ATP but is still dependent on RNA. The structure of RIG-I C268F in complex with double-stranded RNA reveals that C268F helps induce a structural conformation in RIG-I that is similar to that induced by ATP. Our results uncover an unexpected mechanism to explain how a mutation in a P-loop ATPase can induce a gain-of-function ATP state in the absence of ATP.
An automated identification and analysis of ontological terms in gastrointestinal diseases and nutrition-related literature provides useful insights
Authors: Koci Orges , Logan Michael , Svolos Vaios , Russell Richard K. , Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan
Published: July 2018

With an unprecedented growth in the biomedical literature, keeping up to date with the new developments presents an immense challenge. Publications are often studied in isolation of the established literature, with interpretation being subjective and often introducing human bias. With ontology-driven annotation of biomedical data gaining popularity in recent years and online databases offering metatags with rich textual information, it is now possible to automatically text-mine ontological terms and complement the laborious task of manual management, interpretation, and analysis of the accumulated literature with downstream statistical analysis. In this paper, we have formulated an automated workflow through which we have identified ontological information, including nutrition-related terms in PubMed abstracts (from 1991 to 2016) for two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis; and two other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, namely, Coeliac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Our analysis reveals unique clustering patterns as well as spatial and temporal trends inherent to the considered GI diseases in terms of literature that has been accumulated so far. Although automated interpretation cannot replace human judgement, the developed workflow shows promising results and can be a useful tool in systematic literature reviews. The workflow is available at https://github.com/KociOrges/pytag.
Metal complexation by histidine-rich peptides confers protective roles against cadmium stress inEscherichia colias revealed by proteomics analysis
Authors: Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya Patcharee , Thippakorn Chadinee , Pannengpetch Supitcha , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya Chartchalerm , Bunmee Nipawan , Sawangnual Suchitra , Prachayasittikul Virapong
Published: July 2018

The underlying mechanism and cellular responses of bacteria against toxic cadmium ions is still not fully understood. Herein,Escherichia coliTG1 expressing hexahistidine-green fluorescent protein (His6GFP) and cells expressing polyhistidine-fused to the outer membrane protein A (His-OmpA) were applied as models to investigate roles of cytoplasmic metal complexation and metal chelation at the surface membrane, respectively, upon exposure to cadmium stress. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) in conjunction with mass spectrometry-based protein identification had successfully revealed the low level expression of antioxidative enzymes and stress-responsive proteins such as manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD; +1.65 fold), alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C (AhpC; +1.03 fold) and DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein (Dps; −1.02 fold) in cells expressing His6GFP in the presence of 0.2 mM cadmium ions. By contrarily, cadmium exposure led to the up-regulation of MnSOD of up to +7.20 and +3.08 fold in TG1-carrying pUC19 control plasmid and TG1 expressing native GFP, respectively, for defensive purposes against Cd-induced oxidative cell damage. Our findings strongly support the idea that complex formation between cadmium ions and His6GFP could prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by interaction between Cd2+and electron transport chain. This coincided with the evidence that cells expressing His6GFP could maintain their growth pattern in a similar fashion as that of the control cells even in the presence of harmful cadmium. Interestingly, overexpression of either OmpA or His-OmpA inE. colicells has also been proven to confer protection against cadmium toxicity as comparable to that observed in cells expressing His6GFP. Blockage of metal uptake as a consequence of anchored polyhistidine residues on surface membrane limited certain amount of cadmium ions in which some portion could pass through and exert their toxic effects to cells as observed by the increased expression of MnSOD of up to +9.91 and +3.31 fold in case of TG1 expressing only OmpA and His-OmpA, respectively. Plausible mechanisms of cellular responses and protein mapping in the presence of cadmium ions were discussed. Taken together, we propose that the intracellular complexation of cadmium ions by metal-binding regions provides more efficiency to cope with cadmium stress than the blockage of metal uptake at the surface membrane. Such findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism and cellular adaptation against cadmium toxicity in bacteria.
‘Rolling’ stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: Sroka Pavel , Staniczek Arnold H. , Kondratieff Boris C.
Published: July 2018

This contribution describes seven new species of fossil stoneflies from Cretaceous Burmese amber, all of which are dedicated to present and past members of the Rolling Stones. Two species—Petroperla mickjaggerigen. nov. sp. nov. andLapisperla keithrichardsigen. nov. sp. nov.—are placed in a new family Petroperlidae within the stemline of Systellognatha. The first Cretaceous larval specimen of Acroneuriinae,Electroneuria ronwoodigen. nov. sp. nov., is also described along with another four new species that are placed within the Acroneuriinae genusLargusoperlaChen et al., 2018:Largusoperla charliewattsisp. nov.,Largusoperla brianjonesisp. nov.,Largusoperla micktaylorisp. nov., andLargusoperla billwymanisp. nov. Additional specimens of Acroneuriinae are described without formal assignment to new species due to insufficient preservation. Implications for stonefly phylogeny and palaeobiogeography are discussed.
Nuclear localization of Hif‐3α requires two redundant NLS motifs in its unique C‐terminal region
Authors: Yao Qing , Zhang Peng , Lu Ling , Liu Yunzhang , Li Yun , Duan Cunming
Published: July 2018

Hif‐3α, a member of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) family, enters the nucleus and regulates gene expression in response to hypoxia. The molecular basis of its nuclear localization is not clear. HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α use a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) to enter the nucleus. This motif is not conserved in Hif‐3α. Although there is a conserved Arg/Lys rich motif in the Hif‐3α N‐terminal region, deletion of this region has minimal effect on Hif‐3α nuclear localization. Here, we mapped the functional NLS to the unique C‐terminal region of Hif‐3α and identified two clusters of basic residues critical for its nuclear localization. The two NLS motifs are functionally redundant. Our results, thus, suggest that Hif‐3α nuclear localization is mediated through two redundant NLS motifs located in its unique C‐terminal region.
Kugikakushi (Nail Head Cover) and Funahijiki (Boat‐Shaped Bracket Arm) in Boki‐e
Authors: Koshi Erika , Li Yabin , Tsuchimoto Toshikazu
Published: July 2018

In our examination of Boki‐e, we identified the characteristics of the horizontal elements by focusing on the nail head covers and boat‐shaped bracket arms, and we analyzed the pictorial representation of these characteristics. As a result, we found that in a number of cases, the vertical elements, painted in different ways, were supporting the ridge directly (i.e., base‐to‐ridge posts) without being separated at the joint with the horizontal elements. We believe that it is safe to assume that the houses painted in Boki‐e represent those that existed in medieval Japan. Therefore, we conclude that there indeed were buildings with the base‐to‐ridge post structures at that time.
Methoxyacetic acid [MAK Value Documentation, 2016]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2018

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of 1 ml/m
3
for methoxyacetic acid [
625‐45‐6
] considering the endpoints local and systemic toxicity as well as developmental toxicity. Methoxyacetic acid acts locally as well as systemically. It is the metabolite responsible for the haematotoxicity and reproductive toxicity of the better investigated methoxyethanol. Hence, the MAK value of 1 ml methoxyethanol/m
3
was also assigned to methoxyacetic acid in 2008. A 28‐day study with rats shows a NOAEC for systemic and local effects of 15 ml/m
3
. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. According to this approach, a concentration of 0.9 ml/m
3
for the workplace air can be calculated from this study. Therefore, the MAK value of 1 ml/m
3
is confirmed. Systemic as well as local effects are critical and the assignment to Peak Limitation Category II for systemic effects is retained. However, to avoid sensory irritation, the former excursion factor of 8 seems too high and is reduced to 2 in analogy to the excursion factors for formic acid and acetic acid. The assignment to Pregnancy Risk Group B, substances for which damage to the embryo or foetus cannot be excluded even when the MAK value is observed, is confirmed.

Completed: March 23, 2015
A proposed method for linear accelerator photon beam steering usingEPID
Authors: Barnes Michael P. , Menk Frederick W. , Lamichhane Bishnu P. , Greer Peter B.
Published: July 2018

Beam steering is the process of calibrating the angle and translational position with which a linear accelerator's (linac's) electron beam strikes the x‐ray target with respect to the collimator rotation axis. The shape of the dose profile is highly dependent on accurate beam steering and is essential for ensuring correct delivery of the radiotherapy treatment plan. Traditional methods of beam steering utilize a scanning water tank phantom that makes the process user‐dependent. This study is the first to provide a methodology for both beam angle steering and beam translational position steering based onEPIDimaging of the beam and does not require a phantom. Both theEPID‐based beam angle steering and beam translational steering methods described have been validated againstICProfiler measurement. Wide field symmetry agreement was found between theEPIDandICProfiler to within 0.06 ± 0.14% (1SD) and 0.32 ± 0.11% (1 SD) for flattened and flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) beams, respectively. For a 1.1% change in symmetry measured byICProfiler theEPIDmethod agreed to within 0.23%. For beam translational position steering, theEPIDmethod agreed withICProfiler method to within 0.03 ± 0.05 mm (1SD) at isocenter. TheEPID‐based methods presented are quick to perform, simple, accurate and could easily be integrated with the linac, potentially via theMPCapplication. The methods have the potential to remove user variability and to standardize the process of beam steering throughout the radiotherapy community.
Alternative Strategy Based on Scanning Probe Lithography for Patterning Complex Metallic Nanostrutures on Rigid or Flexible Substrates
Authors: Edely Mathieu , Delorme Nicolas , Siniscalco David , Bardeau Jean‐François
Published: July 2018

An efficient methodology based on scanning probe lithography technique to design complex metallic nanostructures on rigid or flexible substrates is reported. This maskless method is based on an atomic force microscopy nanoindentation technique for engraving predetermined patterns on a polymer film and creating inverted patterns on the metal surface. The present work then demonstrates that this methodology opens up new possibilities of applications for which an individual control of the height, shape, and periodicity of each printed nano(micro)structure is necessary. The possibilities of the presented method are defined in terms of resolution, height, and shape of the metallic nanostructures and speed of writing. The ability to reproduce 3D arrangement of gold nanostructures allows to create nanostructured substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. The potential of the substrate for biosensing and the effect in particular of the periodicity of the nanostructures are explored by the SERS measurement after immersion of the substrate in a solution of 10−6m thiophenol.
Synthesis of α‐Iodoketones from Allylic Alcohols through Aerobic Oxidative Iodination
Authors: Sanz‐Marco Amparo , Možina Štefan , Martinez‐Erro Samuel , Iskra Jernej , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: July 2018

An efficient method for the synthesis of α‐iodoketones from allylic alcohols and elemental iodine is reported. We show in this paper that the isomerization of allylic alcohols catalyzed by iridium(III) complexes can be combined with an aerobic oxidative iodination protocol, resulting in a straightforward method for the synthesis of a wide range of α‐iodoketones as single constitutional isomers and in high yields under mild reaction conditions.

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β‐Nitroacrylates: A Versatile and Growing Class of Functionalized Nitroalkenes
Authors: Gabrielli Serena , Chiurchiù Elena , Palmieri Alessandro
Published: July 2018

β‐Nitroacrylates are an important subclass of nitroolefins in which an ester and a nitro group are simultaneously linked, in α‐ and β‐positions, to a double bond. This peculiarity makes these nitro derivatives highly reactive with a plethora of nucleophiles, very often under extremely mild reaction conditions, and thus they can serve as excellent building blocks towards highly functionalized materials. Based on the growing application of β‐nitroacrylates in organic synthesis, we considered it to be useful to highlight in this review the most important results obtained over the last ten years.

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Effects of wildfire on floral display size and pollinator community reduce outcrossing rate in a plant with a mixed mating system
Authors: LoPresti Eric F. , Van Wyk Jennifer I. , Mola John M. , Toll Katherine , Miller Timothy J. , Williams Neal M.
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Wildfire changes the demography, morphology, and behavior of plants, and may alter the pollinator community. Such trait changes may drastically alter the outcome of pollination mutualisms on plants; however, the direct role of fire on these mutualisms is poorly known.

Methods

Following a pair of fires in the northern California coast range chaparral, we censused floral visitor communities of Trichostema laxum (Lamiaceae), quantified visiting bee behavior, and estimated outcrossing rates using a widespread Mendelian recessive floral polymorphism across a matrix of populations in burned and unburned sites. We also compared pre‐ and postfire floral visitation in two populations.

Results

Outcrossing rates were significantly lower in burned areas; however, our data suggest that the much larger size of plants in burned areas, not burn status itself, drove this pattern. Large‐bodied bees dominated floral visitor communities after fire, likely recruiting to the abundant postfire floral resources. These bees visited more flowers per plant than did the smaller bees prevalent before fire and in unburned areas, likely increasing selfing through geitonogamy (within‐plant pollination), an effect made possible by the far larger size of plants in burned areas.

Conclusions

Outcrossing rates dropped substantially after wildfires because of changes in the pollinators, plant display size, and their interactions. Reductions in outcrossing following fire may have important implications for population resilience and evolution in a changing climate with more frequent fires.
Risk factors and strategies in nonadherence with subcutaneous immunotherapy: a real‐life study
Authors: Yang Yongshi , Wang Yin , Yang Lin , Wang Jingru , Huang Nan , Wang Xiaolong , Hu Lintao , Jiang Qing , Liu Guanghui , Zhu Rongfei
Published: July 2018

Background

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is still the only causal treatment for allergic diseases. However, conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) administration schedules are time‐consuming and patient nonadherence is a major barrier to achieving a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Our study aimed to analyze the causes leading to discontinuation of SCIT and to determine risk factors associated with nonadherence in respiratory allergies.

Methods

This was a prospective study. Patients with respiratory allergies who had received standardized dust mite SCIT were enrolled from January 2012 to January 2014. And a follow‐up study on these subjects was conducted via telephone interviews on an interval of 3 months and online communication through social network applications. Reasons for discontinuation were documented when patients claimed to stop treatment.

Results

A total of 311 patients were enrolled in the study. The adherence rate at year 3 was 64.6%. Fifty‐nine patients (19.0%) dropped out in year 1, 31 (10.0%) in year 2, and 20 (6.4%) in year 3. Reasons for nonadherence included inconvenience (32.7%), ineffectiveness (25.5%), improvement of symptoms (22.7%), and adverse reactions (14.5%). Children had higher adherence than adults (70.7% vs 55.0%) (p < 0.05). The dropout reasons were different among the children and adults groups (p < 0.005). The follow‐up work was carefully and thoroughly done. All the 311 (100%) patients accepted the telephone interview, and 296 (95.2%) patients submitted questions and got rapid replies from doctors online.

Conclusion

Adherence to SCIT was less than satisfactory in the real‐life study. A close communication between doctors and patients is helpful in enhancing adherence with AIT in clinical practice.
Remodeled cortical inhibition prevents motor seizures in generalized epilepsy
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Lupien‐Meilleur Alexis , Tazerart Sabrina , Lachance Mathieu , Samarova Elena , Araya Roberto , Lacaille Jean‐Claude , Rossignol Elsa
Published: July 2018

Objective

Deletions of CACNA1A, encoding the α1 subunit of CaV2.1 channels, cause epilepsy with ataxia in humans. Whereas the deletion of Cacna1a in γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) interneurons (INs) derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) impairs cortical inhibition and causes generalized seizures in Nkx2.1Cre;Cacna1ac/c mice, the targeted deletion of Cacna1a in somatostatin‐expressing INs (SOM‐INs), a subset of MGE‐derived INs, does not result in seizures, indicating a crucial role of parvalbumin‐expressing (PV) INs. Here we identify the cellular and network consequences of Cacna1a deletion specifically in PV‐INs.

Methods

We generated PVCre;Cacna1ac/c mutant mice carrying a conditional Cacna1a deletion in PV neurons and evaluated the cortical cellular and network outcomes of this mutation by combining immunohistochemical assays, in vitro electrophysiology, 2‐photon imaging, and in vivo video‐electroencephalographic recordings.

Results

PVCre;Cacna1ac/c mice display reduced cortical perisomatic inhibition and frequent absences but only rare motor seizures. Compared to Nkx2.1Cre;Cacna1ac/c mice, PVCre;Cacna1ac/c mice have a net increase in cortical inhibition, with a gain of dendritic inhibition through sprouting of SOM‐IN axons, largely preventing motor seizures. This beneficial compensatory remodeling of cortical GABAergic innervation is mTORC1‐dependent and its inhibition with rapamycin leads to a striking increase in motor seizures. Furthermore, we show that a direct chemogenic activation of cortical SOM‐INs prevents motor seizures in a model of kainate‐induced seizures.

Interpretation

Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting that the remodeling of cortical inhibition, with an mTOR‐dependent gain of dendritic inhibition, determines the seizure phenotype in generalized epilepsy and that mTOR inhibition can be detrimental in epilepsies not primarily due to mTOR hyperactivation. Ann Neurol 2018;84:436–451
Repeated Intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Oh Ki‐Wook , Noh Min‐Young , Kwon Min‐Soo , Kim Hyun Young , Oh Seong‐il , Park Jinseok , Kim Hee‐Jin , Ki Chang‐Seok , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of 2 repeated intrathecal injections of autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

In a phase 2 randomized controlled trial (NCT01363401), 64 participants with ALS were randomly assigned treatments (1:1) of riluzole alone (control group, n = 31) or combined with 2 BM‐MSC injections (MSC group, n = 33). Safety was assessed based on the occurrence of adverse events. The primary efficacy outcome was changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS‐R) score from baseline to 4 and 6 months postinjection. Post hoc analysis includes investigation of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and long‐term survival analysis.

Results

Safety rating showed no groupwise difference with absence of serious treatment‐related adverse events. Mean changes in ALSFRS‐R scores from baseline to 4 and 6 months postinjection were reduced in the MSC group compared with the control group (4 months: 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48–4.47, p < 0.001; 6 months: 3.38, 95% CI = 1.23–5.54, p = 0.003). The MSC group showed decreased proinflammatory and increased anti‐inflammatory cytokines. In good responders, transforming growth factor β1 significantly showed inverse correlation with monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. There was no significant difference in long‐term survival between groups.

Interpretation

Repeated intrathecal injections of BM‐MSCs demonstrated a possible clinical benefit lasting at least 6 months, with safety, in ALS patients. A plausible action mechanism is that BM‐MSCs mediate switching from pro‐ to anti‐inflammatory conditions. A future randomized, double‐blind, large‐scale phase 3 clinical trial with additional BM‐MSC treatments is required to evaluate long‐term efficacy and safety. Ann Neurol 2018;84:361–373
The Synthesis of Quinazolinones from Olefins, CO, and Amines over a Heterogeneous Ru‐clusters/Ceria Catalyst
Authors: An Jinghua , Wang Yehong , Zhang Zhixin , Zhao Zhitong , Zhang Jian , Wang Feng
Published: July 2018

Quinazolinones, an important class of heterocyclic compounds, have been widely used in pharmaceuticals because of their biological activity. However, the efficient and economical synthesis of quinazolinones has remained a challenge. A novel synthetic approach has now been developed to produce quinazolinones from olefins, CO, and amines over heterogeneous Ru‐clusters/ceria catalyst in the absence of acids, bases, and oxidants. Furthermore, H2O is generated as the only by‐product. A series of quinazolinones with aromatic or non‐aromatic substituents can be obtained in yields of up to 99 %. The Ru‐clusters/ceria can be reused at least four times. The analysis of the E‐factor (environmental impact factor) for the synthesis of 2‐ethyl quinazolinone suggests that this system is more environmentally friendly than other processes reported previously.
Der Click‐Cage: Organell‐spezifische Photoaktivierung von Lipid‐Botenstoffen
Authors: Wagner Nicolai , Stephan Milena , Höglinger Doris , Nadler André
Published: July 2018

Lipidbotenstoffe üben ihre zelluläre Funktion auf kurzen Zeitskalen auf subzellulärer Ebene aus, dennoch ermöglichen aktuelle experimentelle Ansätze nur die Modulation der Konzentration dieser Moleküle auf der Ebene ganzer Zellen. In dieser Zuschrift beschreiben wir eine neuartige, Cumarin‐basierte photolabile Schutzgruppe, die durch Click‐Chemie mit chemischen Gruppen zur gezielten Lokalisierung von Lipidbotenstoffen in spezifischen Organellen modifiziert werden kann. Wir zeigen, dass photoaktivierbare Sphingosin‐ und Arachidonsäure‐Derivate selektiv in Mitochondrien, im ER, in Lysosomen und in der Plasmamembran akkumulieren. Durch Vergleich von intrazellulären Calcium‐Transienten nach lokaler Photoaktivierung liefern wir klare Indizien für die Annahme, dass die präzise intrazelluläre Lokalisation von Botenstoffkonzentrationsanstiegen von großer Bedeutung für das Resultat zellulärer Signalkaskaden ist. Wir gehen davon aus, dass diese neuartige Klasse von photoaktivierbaren Botenstoffen neue Ansätze für das Studium zellulärer Prozesse auf der Ebene einzelner Organellen ermöglichen wird.
A Two‐Photon H2O2‐Activated CO Photoreleaser
Authors: Li Yong , Shu Yingzheng , Liang Muwen , Xie Xilei , Jiao Xiaoyun , Wang Xu , Tang Bo
Published: July 2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) is proposed as an active pharmaceutical agent with promising pharmaceutical prospects, as it has been involved in multifaceted modulation of diverse physiological and pathological processes. However, questions remain for therapeutic application of inhaled CO attributed to the inherent great affinity between CO and hemoglobin. Therefore, a robust platform with the function of CO transport and controllable release, depending on the local status of an organism, is of prominent significance for effectively avoiding the side effects of CO inhalation and optimizing the biological regulation function of CO. Utilizing the oxidative stress biomarker H2O2 as a trigger and combining with photo‐control, a two‐photon H2O2‐activated CO photoreleaser, FB, featuring highly sensitive and specific H2O2 sensing and photocontrollable CO release, was developed and the vasodilation effect of CO against angiotensin II was demonstrated.
Stimulus‐Triggered Formation of an Anion–Cation Exciplex in Copper(I) Complexes as a Mechanism for Mechanochromic Phosphorescence
Authors: Hupp Benjamin , Nitsch Jörn , Schmitt Tanja , Bertermann Rüdiger , Edkins Katharina , Hirsch Florian , Fischer Ingo , Auth Michael , Sperlich Andreas , Steffen Andreas
Published: July 2018

The investigation of the mechanisms of mechanochromic luminescence is of fundamental importance for the development of materials for photonic sensors, data storage, and luminescence switches. The structural origin of this phenomenon in phosphorescent molecular systems is rarely known and thus the formulation of structure–property relationships remains challenging. Changes in the M–M interactions have been proposed as the main mechanism with d10 coinage metal compounds. Herein, we describe a new mechanism—a mechanically induced reversible formation of a cation–anion exciplex based on Cu–F interactions—that leads to highly efficient mechanochromic phosphorescence and unusual large emission shifts from UV‐blue to yellow for CuI complexes. The low‐energy luminescence is thermo‐ and vaporesponsive, thus allowing the generation of white light as well as for recovering the original UV‐blue emission.
Catalytic N2O decomposition over CeMeOy/γ‐Al2O3 (Me = Mn, Cu, Zn) catalysts prepared by impregnation method
Authors: Zhang Yuanyang , Guo Yaqiong , Li Na , Feng Yaoyu
Published: July 2018

A series of CeMeOy/γ‐Al2O3 (Me = Mn, Cu, Zn) samples for effective catalytic N2O decomposition were prepared by impregnation method with large specific surface area support. The H2‐TPR and O2/CO2‐TPD results showed that the addition of CeO2 to samples of MeOx/γ‐Al2O3 was beneficial for the reduction of catalytic components, the desorption of surface oxygen, and the total amount of basic sites on the sample surface. The characterization of TPR, TPD, and XRD, and so forth indicated that synergistic action among catalytic components on the support was probably the origin of good activity towards N2O decomposition over Ce(1.2)MeOy/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. The test that lasted for 200 hr showed that the sample of Ce(1.2)MeOy/γ‐Al2O3 prepared by impregnation method had good stability on N2O decomposition in a mixture containing certain amounts of O2 and H2O under applied experimental conditions. The characterization results of SEM and EDX over samples before and after stability indicated that the prepared Ce(1.2)MeOy/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst had good stable structure, which would provide the basis for further study, such as pilot‐scale investigation, in this field.
Antimicrobial and anti‐quorum‐sensing properties and paint film usage of novel diazaborine‐based copolymers
Authors: Kocak Gökhan , Cicek Hüseyin , Ceylan Özgür , Bütün Vural
Published: July 2018

To meet high hygiene requirements, intensive studies are being carried out on antimicrobial materials. This study reports the synthesis of 3‐((1‐hydroxybenzo[d][1,2,3]diazaborinin‐2(1H)‐yl)sulfonyl)propyl methacrylate (DAZBMA) and its polymer, which is antimicrobial [tested with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923 and MU 40) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Candida albicans ATCC 10239] on solid surfaces. Antibiofilm capability was tested against MU 40. Although DAZBMA and its polymer show a high quorum‐sensing inhibition property (tested with Chromobacterium violaceum CV 026 and CV 12472 and P. aeruginosa PA01), the lesser antibacterial activity of the polymer was improved by copolymerizing DAZBMA with quaternized 2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. The paint films containing the prepared copolymer are highly active against all tested bacteria and show an antibiofilm effect against hospital‐acquired multiple‐antibiotic‐resistant MU 40. The novel copolymer can be used in water‐soluble paints to reduce its biofilm production and pathogenicity, especially for paints used in hospitals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46907.
Functional MXene Materials: Progress of Their Applications
Authors: Li Xiuqin , Wang Chengyin , Cao Yu , Wang Guoxiu
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, two‐dimensional materials have many applications in materials science. As a novel two‐dimensional layered material, MXene possesses distinct structural, electronic, and chemical properties; thus, it has potential applications in many fields, including battery electrodes, energy storage materials, sensors, and catalysts. Up to now, more than 70 MAX phases have been reported. However, in contrast to the variety of MAX phases, the existing MXene family merely includes Ti2C, Ti3C2, (Ti1/2, Nb1/2)2C, (V1/2, Cr1/2)3C2, Nb2C, Ti3CN, Ta4C3, V2C, and Nb4C3. Among these materials, the Ti3C2Tx MXene exhibits prominently high volumetric capacitance, and the rate at which it transports electron is suitable for electrode materials in batteries and supercapacitors. Hence, Ti3C2Tx is commonly utilized as an electrode material in ion batteries such as Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Al3+ batteries. What is more, Ti2C has the biggest specific surface area among all of these potential MXene phases, and therefore, Ti2C has remarkably high gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities. In addition, Ti2CO2 materials display extremely high activity for CO oxidation, which makes it possible to design catalysts for CO oxidation at low temperatures. Furthermore, Ti3C2Tx with O, OH, and/or F terminations can be used for water purification owing to excellent water permeance, favorable filtration ability, and long‐time operation ability. This review supplies a relatively comprehensive summary of various applications of MXenes over the past few years.
Robust Decentralized Adaptive Fuzzy Control of Large‐Scale Nonaffine Nonlinear Systems With Strong Interconnection and Application to Automated Highway Systems
Authors: Wang Zhengwu , Huang Yi‐Shao
Published: July 2018

A novel decentralized adaptive fuzzy controller is developed for a class of large‐scale uncertain nonaffine nonlinear systems in this paper. Incorporating the benefits of fuzzy systems, implicit function theorem, and robust control technique, the interconnections between subsystems are extended to general unknown nonlinear functions. No a priori knowledge of lower and upper bounds on lumped uncertainties is required to implement each local controller. The resulting closed‐loop large‐scale system is proved to be asymptotically stable. The controller design is applicable to an automated highway system and simulation results confirm its practical usefulness.
Sliding Mode Observer Design for a Parabolic PDE in the Presence of Unknown Inputs
Authors: Orlov Yury , Chakrabarty Sohom , Zhao Dongya , Spurgeon Sarah K.
Published: July 2018

This paper considers observer design for systems modeled by linear partial differential equations (PDEs) of parabolic type, which may be subject to unknown inputs. The system is assumed to have only one spatial dimension, over which it is discretised to obtain what is referred to as the lattice system, which is a set of linear time invariant (LTI) ordinary differential equations (ODEs) having a canonical Toeplitz‐like structure with a specific sparsity pattern. This lattice structure is shown to be particularly appropriate for step‐by‐step sliding mode observer design that can reconstruct the state estimates at the points of discretisation and estimate the unknown input. Simulation results for both stable and unstable PDEs show that accurate state estimates can be provided at the points of discretisation. An approach to reconstruct the unknown input is demonstrated.
Improving educational outcomes for at‐risk students
Authors: Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn , Boden Joseph
Published: July 2018

Drawing on data from a longitudinal study of at‐risk youth (n = 593), this article reports on the analysis of factors that enabled these youth to succeed at school. It considers the impact of three baseline factors (age, gender, ethnicity) and a number of time‐dynamic factors [positive school environment, additional educational support, positive peer and parent relationships, exclusion/expulsion from school, depression and externalising individual risk, as well as the involvement of a range of services (mental health, justice, welfare)] upon educational progress. Over time, the educational status of this group of youth deteriorated. Differences were observed for indigenous, older and male youth who had poorer outcomes on average. Positive peer groups and a positive school environment predicted better outcomes, while the use of harsh disciplinary practices such as expulsion was the strongest predictor of poorer educational outcomes and had a pervasive negative impact on all three educational progress measures. Formal services did not make an appreciable difference to educational outcomes, while the provision of additional educational support only contributed to keeping youth enrolled in educational programmes but did not appreciably improve their educational outcomes. Improving educational outcomes for at‐risk youth requires a pan‐system response, whereby schools reduce the use of expulsion and create a positive school climate, other professionals support schools to retain challenging students at school and the positive resources generated by pro‐social peer groups are harnessed.
A novel bioluminescent detection of exonuclease I activity based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated pyrophosphate release
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Sun Yue , Lu Jianzhong
Published: July 2018

Here we report a novel bioluminescence (BL) method for exonuclease I (Exo I) detection based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated pyrophosphate release. An inert hairpin probe with a blocked protruding 3′‐terminal biotinylated nucleotide was designed, and a blocked 3′‐terminal nucleotide of the probe would be removed only in the presence of Exo I, thus rendering the probe with a free 3′‐hydroxyl group. Subsequently, with nucleotide incorporation by TdT, huge amounts of pyrophosphates were generated. After the conversion of pyrophosphate to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through ATP sulfurylase, BL was emitted by the reaction of d‐luciferin and ATP with firefly luciferase. Therefore, Exo I activity was indirectly quantified in the range 1–500 mU with a detection limit of 0.05 mU/μl. Moreover, the developed approach was successfully applied to investigate the inhibitory effect of streptavidin on cleavage of Exo I and also determine Exo I activity in spiked serum samples. Overall, the proposed method has high sensitivity and selectivity, and can be universally extended to the detection of other nucleases using terminal extension as a signal amplification method and BL as a detection signal, having potential application in the diagnosis of nuclease‐related diseases or evaluation of nuclease functions in biological systems.
Lymph node regression and survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Davies A R , Myoteri D , Zylstra J , Baker C R , Wulaningsih W , Van Hemelrijck M , Maisey N , Allum W H , Smyth E , Gossage J A , Lagergren J , Cunningham D , Green M , Kelly M , Ngan S , Qureshi A , Gaya A , Griffin N , Jacques A , Goh V , Deere H , Chang F , Mahadeva U , Gill-Barman B , George S , Dunn J , Zeki S , Meenan J , Hynes O , Tham G , Iezzi C , Dellaportas D , Cowie A , Knight W , Valeri N
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim was to define the pathological response in lymph nodes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for oesophageal adenocarcinoma and to quantify any associated survival benefit.

Methods

Lymph nodes retrieved at oesophagectomy were examined retrospectively by two pathologists for evidence of a response to chemotherapy. Patients were classified as lymph node-negative (either negative nodes with no evidence of previous tumour involvement or negative with evidence of complete regression) or positive (allocated a lymph node regression score based on the proportion of fibrosis to residual tumour). Lymph node responders (score 1, complete response; 2, less than 10 per cent remaining tumour; 3, 10–50 per cent remaining tumour) and non-responders (score 4, more than 50 per cent viable tumour; 5, no response) were compared in survival analyses using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Among 377 patients, 256 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 68 of 256 patients (26·6 per cent) had a lymph node response and 115 (44·9 per cent) did not. The remaining 73 patients (28·5 per cent) had negative lymph nodes with no evidence of regression. Some patients had a lymph node response in the absence of a response in the primary tumour (27 of 99, 27 per cent). Lymph node responders had a significant survival benefit (P < 0·001), even when stratified by patients with or without a response in the primary tumour. On multivariable analysis, lymph node responders had decreased overall (hazard ratio 0·53, 95 per cent c.i. 0·36 to 0·78) and disease-specific (HR 0·42, 0·27 to 0·66) mortality, and experienced reduced local and systemic recurrence.

Conclusion

Lymph node regression is a strong prognostic factor and may be more important than response in the primary tumour.
Novel determination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in human plasma by UPLC–MS/MS method: Application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R. , Basalious Emad B. , Badr Kamal A.
Published: July 2018

A novel and sensitive LC–MS/MS method was developed, optimized and validated for quantification of sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) in human plasma using ledipasvir as an internal standard (IS). Sample preparation was done using acetonitrile for precipitation of plasma proteins. Chromatographic analysis was done on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as a mobile phase. The Xevo TQD LC–MS/MS system was run with electrospray ionization mode. The developed method was optimized and then validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Linearity was found to be in the range of 0.25–3500 ng/mL for SOF and 1–1000 ng/mL for VEL. A short run time of 1.5 min allows swift analysis of many plasma samples per day. The developed method was successfully utilized for estimating both SOF and VEL in the plasma of healthy human volunteers participated in a bioequivalence study.
Similar changes in neuropsychological functioning in english and spanish speaking HIV patients
Authors: Akpa Onoja , Miyahara Sachiko , Taiwo Babafemi , Evans Scott , Berzins Baiba , Robertson Kevin
Published: July 2018

Objective

Primary language has been reported to influence the results of neuropsychological (NP) testing. We sought to determine whether being a primary Spanish versus English speaker affects changes in neuropsychological evaluations in persons living with HIV.

Method

Data from 209 (188 English speakers and 21 Spanish speakers) ART‐naïve HIV‐infected adults were extracted from ACTG A5303, a 48‐week randomized clinical trial of two HIV treatment regimens. Participants’ mean (standard deviation) age and years of education were 35.1 (10.7) and 14.3 (2.7) years respectively. Changes from baseline to week 48 of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in individual, total, and domain z‐scores for NP tests and Global Deficit Scores (GDS) were compared between the primary languages using linear regression models, adjusted for baseline scores and years of education.

Results

Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable except Spanish speakers had less years of education than the English speakers (p < 0.001). Although differences in some NP measures and domains were detected at baseline, the adjusted changes in individual, total and domain NPz‐scores from baseline to 48 weeks of ART were not significantly different between the two primary language groups. The 48‐week changes in GDS were also similar.

Conclusion

Changes in NP during ART were similar between English and Spanish speaking HIV‐infected individuals for all NP measures. This suggests that studies of longitudinal changes in NP can pool participants across these languages.
Bridging the gap between corporate social responsibility and new green product success: The role of green organizational identity
Authors: Song Wenhao , Ren Shengce , Yu Jun
Published: July 2018

In this study we explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility and new green product success based on organizational identity theory. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 150 companies in China. The results indicate that corporate social responsibility positively affects both green organizational identity and green adaptive ability. We also find that green organizational identity and green adaptive ability are positively influences on new green product success. In addition, we find that green organizational identity partially mediates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and green adaptive ability. Moreover, green organizational identity fully mediates the link between corporate social responsibility and new green product success. This means that corporate social responsibility indirectly and positively affects new green product success through green organizational identity. These results suggest that managers should seek to enhance their organizational sense of green identity and improve their organizational green adaptive ability, which will facilitate their firm's sustainable development. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings for environmental policy are also discussed.
Decomposition analysis of corporate carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions in Japan: Integrating corporate environmental and financial performances
Authors: Yagi Michiyuki , Managi Shunsuke
Published: July 2018

Recent empirical studies often support the positive relationship between corporate environmental performance (CEP) in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and corporate financial performance (CFP). However, this depends on the measurements of CEP (the absolute and relative CEP) and CFP (accounting‐based and market‐based CFP). To understand the relationship structurally, based on the literature, this study proposes identity models that integrate CO2 and GHG emissions and financial factors. The models decompose CO2 (GHG) emissions into carbon intensity (GHG intensity), energy intensity, the cost‐to‐sales ratio, the total‐assets‐turnover ratio (TATR), leverage, and equity. The model of supply‐chain GHG emissions additionally adopts supply‐chain GHG intensity. As a decomposition method, this study uses the log‐mean Divisia index. As an application example of the CO2 model, this study targets Japanese manufacturing firms in 16 sectors from fiscal years (FY) 2011 to 2015. Results show that the change in CO2 emissions as of 2015 (−802.1 kilotonnes [kt]) is decomposed into 2922.5 kt for carbon intensity, −26036.3 kt for energy intensity, −6350.5 kt for the cost‐to‐sales ratio, −8495.6 kt for the TATR, −7912.3 kt for leverage, and 45070.1 kt for equity. Average values of relative contribution ratios are 20.6% for carbon intensity, 19.1% for energy intensity, and the remaining approximately 60% for financial factors. Among the 16 sectors, as of 2015, the change in total CO2 emission is statistically significantly positive for equity and significantly negative for the TATR and leverage.
Improving final grade prediction accuracy in blended learning environment using voting ensembles
Authors: Predić Bratislav , Dimić Gabrijela , Rančić Dejan , Štrbac Perica , Maček Nemanja , Spalević Petar
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with the comparative analysis of prediction classifiers in the blended learning environment. The model proposed in this paper predicts students’ final grades based on activities within different educational environments. A comparative study of classifier performance has been performed in order to determine the classifier most suitable for multiclass feature dataset. Important results for different classes have been obtained using different classifiers, and the majority vote scheme is subsequentially used to form an ensemble based on Naïve Bayes, Hidden Naïve Bayes, J48 decision tree and Random Forest. According to experimental evaluation, there is a significant improvement of proposed model's precision and accuracy regarding the students’ grades prediction in blended learning environment scenario. The major contribution of the research presented in this paper is an efficient multi‐class prediction model applicable to aforementioned environment.