bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of translation initiation factor eIF4A is required for apoptosis mediated by Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus
Authors: Dong Shu‐Mei , Cui Ji‐Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xue‐Wen , Kou Tian‐Chao , Cai Qiu‐Chen , Xu Sha , You Shan , Yu Dong‐Shuai , Ding Lei , Lai Jian‐Hua , Li Ming , Luo Kai‐Jun
Published: September 2017

Apoptotic hemocytes induced by Microplitis bicoloratus parasitism have been reported, and M. bicoloratus bracovirus (MbBV) is known to be the apoptosis inducer. However, the mechanism how MbBV regulates apoptosis remains unclear. eIF4A, one of translation initiation factors, was found from a Spodoptera litura transcriptome, the expression of which in the parasitized hemocytes of S. litura was inhibited in RT‐qPCR analysis. The western blot also illustrated eIF4A at 6‐day post‐parasitization was inhibited in hemocytes. For testing interaction of MbBV–eIF4A–apoptosis, a cDNA clone encoding 1,266 bp of eIF4A was obtained from S. litura hemocytes and sequenced. Then, a 48 kDa V5‐fusion protein of the eIF4A was detected by using the anti‐V5 antibody at 72‐h post‐transfection in the High Five cells, which is located in the cell cytoplasm. In vitro, overexpression of eIF4A rescued the apoptotic High Five cells induced by MbBV. Conversely, in vivo, loss of eIF4A proteins by dsRNA feeding increased apoptosis of hemocytes. Furthermore, RNAi and parasitism significantly increased apoptosis of hemocytes in S. litura. These findings suggested that MbBV inhibited the expression of eIF4A, which was required for apoptosis mediated by MbBV. This study will contribute to biological pest control and enhance our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying polydnavirus–parasitoid–host interaction.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacodynamics of ABT‐122, a Tumor Necrosis Factor– and Interleukin‐17–Targeted Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Fleischmann Roy M. , Wagner Frank , Kivitz Alan J. , Mansikka Heikki T. , Khan Nasser , Othman Ahmed A. , Khatri Amit , Hong Feng , Jiang Ping , Ruzek Melanie , Padley Robert J.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) independently contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ABT‐122 is a novel dual variable domain immunoglobulin that selectively and simultaneously targets human TNF and IL‐17A. The aim of treatment with ABT‐122 is to evoke a greater clinical response than that achieved by targeting either cytokine alone. This study was undertaken to present the pooled safety, tolerability, and exploratory pharmacodynamics of ABT‐122 based on 2 phase I, placebo‐controlled, multiple ascending‐dose studies in patients with primarily inactive RA.

Methods

Patients (n = 44) receiving stable dosages of methotrexate (2.5–25 mg/week) were randomized to receive subcutaneous placebo, ABT‐122 1 mg/kg every other week (4 doses), or ABT‐122 0.5, 1.5, or 3 mg/kg weekly (8 doses) and were evaluated through 45 days after the last dose (day 92). Serum samples for the assessment of inflammation markers and chemokines were collected at baseline and on postdose days 3, 5, 8, 15, 29, 57, 64, 78, and 92.

Results

No clinically significant findings regarding the safety of ABT‐122 were observed. The rates of treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) were similar in patients receiving ABT‐122 and those receiving placebo. Only 1 serious AE (and no systemic hypersensitivity reactions or dose‐limiting toxicities) was observed in patients treated with ABT‐122. The incidence of infections was similar between patients treated with ABT‐122 and those receiving placebo, with no serious infection reported. The levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL23, and soluble E‐selectin were significantly decreased following ABT‐122 treatment relative to placebo treatment. Although patients had essentially inactive RA, exploratory clinical parameters suggested potential antiinflammatory effects following treatment with ABT‐122.

Conclusion

The results of these phase I studies suggest that dual neutralization of TNF and IL‐17 with ABT‐122 has characteristics acceptable for further exploration of therapeutic potential in TNF‐ and IL‐17A–driven immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
DNA Methylation in Embryo Development: Epigenetic Impact of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)
Authors: Canovas Sebastian , Ross Pablo J. , Kelsey Gavin , Coy Pilar
Published: September 2017

DNA methylation can be considered a component of epigenetic memory with a critical role during embryo development, and which undergoes dramatic reprogramming after fertilization. Though it has been a focus of research for many years, the reprogramming mechanism is still not fully understood. Recent results suggest that absence of maintenance at DNA replication is a major factor, and that there is an unexpected role for TET3‐mediated oxidation of 5mC to 5hmC in guarding against de novo methylation. Base‐resolution and genome‐wide profiling methods are enabling more comprehensive assessments of the extent to which ART might impair DNA methylation reprogramming, and which sequence elements are most vulnerable. Indeed, as we also review here, studies showing the effect of culture media, ovarian stimulation or embryo transfer on the methylation pattern of embryos emphasize the need to face ART‐associated defects and search for strategies to mitigate adverse effects on the health of ART‐derived children.
Prognostic and predictive role of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) treated with up‐front pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Zucali Paolo Andrea , Lopci Egesta , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Giordano Laura , Perrino Matteo , Ciocia Gianluigi , Gianoncelli Letizia , Lorenzi Elena , Simonelli Matteo , De Vincenzo Fabio , Setti Lucia Rebecca , Bonifacio Cristiana , Bonomi Maria , Bombardieri Emilio , Chiti Arturo , Santoro Armando
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of metabolic parameters analyzed at baseline and at interim FDG‐PET in predicting disease outcome in unresectable MPM patients receiving pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy. A consecutive series of MPM patients treated between February 2004 and July 2013 with first‐line pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy, and evaluated by FDG‐PET and CT scan at baseline and after two cycles of chemotherapy, was reviewed. Best CT scan response was assessed according to modified RECIST criteria. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were correlated with FDG‐PET parameters, such as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and percentage changes in SUVmax (∆SUV) and TLG (∆TLG). Overall, 142 patients were enrolled; 77 (54%) received talc pleurodesis before chemotherapy. Baseline SUVmax and TLG showed a statistically significant correlation with PFS and OS (P < 0.05) in both group of patients (treated and untreated with pleurodesis). In 65 patients not receiving pleurodesis, SUVmax reduction ≥25% (∆SUV ≥ 25%) and TLG reduction ≥30% (∆TLG ≥ 30%) were significantly associated with longer PFS (P < 0.05). Patients showing both ∆SUV ≥ 25% and ∆TLG ≥ 30% responses had a significant reduction in the risk of disease progression (HR:0.31, P < 0.001) and death (HR:0.52, P = 0.044). Neither ∆SUV nor ∆TLG showed similar association with survival outcomes in patients treated with pleurodesis. Our study confirmed the prognostic role of baseline FDG‐PET in a large series of MPM patients treated with first‐line pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy. Moreover, use of ∆SUV ≥ 25% and ∆TLG ≥ 30% as cut‐off values to define early metabolic response supported the role of FDG‐PET in predicting disease outcome and treatment response in patients not receiving pleurodesis.
miR‐206 inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting CDK9
Authors: Pang Chi , Huang Gang , Luo Kaili , Dong Yuying , He Fengtian , Du Guankui , Xiao Man , Cai Wangwei
Published: September 2017

miR‐206 plays an important role in regulating the growth of multiple cancer cells. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) stimulates the production of abundant prosurvival proteins, leading to impaired apoptosis of cancer cells. However, it is unknown whether CDK9 is involved in the miR‐206‐mediated growth suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In this study, we found that the expression level of miR‐206 was significantly lower in HCC cell lines than that in normal hepatic cell line (L02). Meanwhile, CDK9 was upregulated in HCC cell lines. Moreover, miR‐206 downregulated CDK9 in HCC cells via directly binding to its mRNA 3′ UTR, which resulted in a decrease of RNA PolII Ser2 phosphorylation and Mcl‐1 level. Additionally, miR‐206 suppressed the cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Similarly, silence or inhibition of CDK9 also repressed the cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Taken together, the results demonstrated that miR‐206 inhibited the growth of HCC cells through targeting CDK9, suggesting that the miR‐206‐CDK9 pathway may be a novel target for the treatment of HCC.
Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate acute allergic rhinitis in rats
Authors: Li Chunlei , Fu Yanxia , Wang Yinyin , Kong Yanhua , Li Mengdi , Ma Danhui , Zhai Wanli , Wang Hao , Lin Yuting , Liu Sihan , Ren Fangli , Li Jun , Wang Yi
Published: September 2017

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been extensively investigated as a potential antiinflammatory treatment in many inflammatory‐related diseases; however, it remains unclear whether MSCs could be used to treat acute allergic rhinitis. A rat model of allergic rhinitis was treated with MSCs. The effect of MSCs on the inflammation of allergic rhinitis was evaluated by sneezing, nose rubbing, the pathology of the nasal mucosa, and the expression of interleukin 4, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and immunoglobulin E in the serum of rats. Also, the population of MSCs isolated from umbilical cords of humans was evaluated to determine if they could inhibit the symptoms and inflammation of acute allergic rhinitis in a rat model. We observed that this population of cells inhibited sneezing, nose rubbing, and changes in the pathology of the nasal mucosa. Intriguingly, we observed that MSCs reduced the expression of interleukin 4, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and immunoglobulin E in the serum. Furthermore, MSCs reduced the expression of histamine and the recruitment of macrophages in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats. We reasoned that the effect of MSCs on allergic rhinitis might be through its regulation of the secretion of related cytokines from macrophages during the process of acute allergic rhinitis. This work suggested that MSCs from the umbilical cords of humans could be used as a positive clinical therapy for the human disease.
Real‐time optical coherence tomography coregistration with angiography in percutaneous coronary intervention–impact on physician decision‐making: The OPTICO‐integration study
Authors: Leistner David M. , Riedel Matthias , Steinbeck Lisa , Stähli Barbara E. , Fröhlich Georg M. , Lauten Alexander , Skurk Carsten , Mochmann Hans‐Christian , Lübking Laura , Rauch‐Kröhnert Ursula , Schnabel Renate B. , Westermann Dirk , Blankenberg Stefan , Landmesser Ulf
Published: September 2017

Aims

Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging allows for high‐resolution characterization of coronary lesions. Difficulties in matching cross‐sectional OCT‐images with angiographic lesion localization may limit optimal clinical utilization. We sought to prospectively assess the impact of a novel system of real‐time OCT coregistration with angiography (ACR) on physician decision‐making during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Methods and Results

Strategy for PCI (stent ‐ length, ‐ diameter, ‐ strategy, landing zone) and PCI‐optimization (stent‐malappostion, ‐underexpansion, edge‐dissections, geographical mismatch) was prospectively assessed in 50 patients with 58 coronary lesions after (I) angiography, (II) OCT imaging, and (III) ACR.

Preprocedural OCT imaging altered stent‐length (58.9%), diameter (33.9%), and PCI‐strategy (12.5%) in 40 (71.4%) lesions. The use of ACR resulted in additional changes in PCI strategy in 40.7% of mostly complex lesions in comparison to OCT imaging alone and involved mainly device landing zone (24.1%) and stent length (22.2%). Postprocedural OCT imaging revealed the need for PCI optimization in 52.2% of the lesions, whereas post‐procedural ACR had no further impact.

Conclusions

Real‐time OCT ACR had significant impact on PCI strategy, favoring mainly complete lesion coverage especially in complex lesions.
The effectiveness and safety of the Impella ventricular assist device for high‐risk percutaneous coronary interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Ait Ichou Jamal , Larivée Natasha , Eisenberg Mark J. , Suissa Karine , Filion Kristian B.
Published: September 2017

Background

Small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies have examined the effectiveness and safety of the Impella device, a percutaneous left ventricular assist device, in the setting of high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data are sparse and results are conflicting. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Impella device in high‐risk patients undergoing PCI via a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs and observational studies that evaluated the Impella device in high‐risk patients undergoing PCI. Inclusion was restricted to studies in which ≥10 patients received the Impella device; both uncontrolled and controlled (versus intra‐aortic‐balloon pump [IABP]) studies were included.

Results

A total of 20 studies (4 RCTs, 2 controlled observational studies, and 14 uncontrolled observational studies; 1,287 patients) were included, with follow‐up ranging from 1 to 42 months. The use of Impella resulted in improved procedural and hemodynamic characteristics in controlled and uncontrolled studies. In controlled studies, the 30‐day rates of all‐cause mortality and MACE were similar across groups. In most uncontrolled studies, the 30‐day rates of all‐cause mortality were generally low (range: 3.7%–10%), though rates of MACE were slightly higher (range: 5%–20%).

Conclusion

The Impella device was found to improve procedural and hemodynamic parameters, but only limited randomized data are available regarding clinical outcomes associated with its use. Large, multicenter RCTs are needed to definitively establish the effectiveness of the Impella device among high‐risk PCI patients.
Natural Calcium‐Based Residues for Carbon Dioxide Capture in a Bubbling Fluidized‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Chalermwat Nattha , Rattanaprapanporn Rujee , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Poompradub Sirilux
Published: September 2017

Used clamshells (Paphia undulata), as a precursor of calcium oxide (CaO) sorbents, were employed for carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption in a bubbling fluidized‐bed reactor. To find the optimal calcination conditions, a 2k experimental design was used to vary the ground clamshell particle size, heating rate, and calcination time at 950 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The heating rate was the most significant factor affecting the CO2 adsorption capacity of the obtained CaO sorbent. The maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of the CaO obtained under these study conditions was higher than that of commercial CaO.
Successive Conditioning in Complex Artificial Wastewater Increases the Performance of Electrochemically Active Biofilms Treating Real Wastewater
Authors: Riedl Sebastian , Brown Robert Keith , Klöckner Sarah , Huber Katharina J. , Bunk Boyke , Overmann Jörg , Schröder Uwe
Published: September 2017

This study focuses on improving the treatment capacity and current output of electrochemically active microorganisms (EAM) during real wastewater treatment. A multi‐carbon‐source artificial wastewater consisting of several carbon sources, which represent typical fermentation and hydrolysis products derived from the otherwise myriad wastewater constituents, was developed as a more realistic simulation thereof. An electrochemically preselected inoculum was obtained by means of re‐suspension of a well‐established EAM biofilm, which was subsequently used to inoculate sterile electrodes. Repeating this procedure yielded increasingly enriched and conditioned biofilms with improved performance. After cultivation in the complex artificial medium, highly efficient fourth generation EAM biofilms were fed real wastewater (i. e. effluent after primary settling) and outperformed those cultivated using a single substrate (i. e. acetate) in terms of current output and chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation rates.
Asymmetric Reduction of Prochiral Ketones by Using Self‐Sufficient Heterogeneous Biocatalysts Based on NADPH‐Dependent Ketoreductases
Authors: Benítez‐Mateos Ana I. , San Sebastian Eneko , Ríos‐Lombardía Nicolás , Morís Francisco , González‐Sabín Javier , López‐Gallego Fernando
Published: September 2017

The development of cell‐free and self‐sufficient biocatalytic systems represents an emerging approach to address more complex synthetic schemes under nonphysiological conditions. Herein, we report the development of a self‐sufficient heterogeneous biocatalyst for the synthesis of chiral alcohols without the need to add an exogenous cofactor. In this work, an NADPH‐dependent ketoreductase was primarily stabilized and further co‐immobilized with NADPH to catalyze asymmetric reductions without the addition of an exogenous cofactor. As a result, the immobilized cofactor is accessible, and thus, it is recycled inside the porous structure without diffusing out into the bulk, as demonstrated by single‐particle in operando studies. This self‐sufficient heterogeneous biocatalyst was used and recycled for the asymmetric reduction of eleven carbonyl compounds in a batch reactor without the addition of exogenous NADPH to achieve the corresponding alcohols in 100 % yield and >99 % ee; this high performance was maintained over five consecutive reaction cycles. Likewise, the self‐sufficient heterogeneous biocatalyst was integrated into a plug flow reactor for the continuous synthesis of one model secondary alcohol, which gave rise to a space‐time yield of 97–112 g L−1 day−1; additionally, the immobilized cofactor accumulated a total turnover number of 1076 for 120 h. This is one of the few examples of the successful implementation of continuous reactions in aqueous media catalyzed by cell‐free and immobilized systems that integrate both enzymes and cofactors into the solid phase.
Halogen Contacts‐Induced Unusual Coloring in BiIII Bromide Complex: Anion‐to‐Cation Charge Transfer via Br⋅⋅⋅Br Interactions
Authors: Adonin Sergey A. , Gorokh Igor D. , Novikov Alexander S. , Abramov Pavel A. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: September 2017

A yellow bromobismuthate {(2‐BrPy)2H}[BiBr4] (1, 2‐BrPy=2‐bromopyridinium) transforms into the unusually deeply colored cherry‐red (2‐BrPyH)2[BiBr5] (2). A combination of structural studies and theoretical calculations confirms that the appearance of short non‐covalent Br⋅⋅⋅Br interactions (≈3.3 Å) in 2 is responsible for the anion‐to‐cation charge transfer (LP(Brligand)→σ*(Br‐C)), yielding dramatic changes in optical behavior. This effect opens the way towards novel halogen bonding‐templated halometalate‐based hybrid materials with enhanced optical properties.
High‐Energy‐Density Aqueous Magnesium‐Ion Battery Based on a Carbon‐Coated FeVO4 Anode and a Mg‐OMS‐1 Cathode
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Cang Ruibai , Yan Jun , Cheng Kui , Wang Guiling , Cao Dianxue
Published: September 2017

Porous FeVO4 is prepared by hydrothermal method and further modified by coating with carbon to obtain FeVO4/C with a hierarchical pore structure. FeVO4/C is used as an anodic electrode in aqueous rechargeable magnesium‐ion batteries. The FeVO4/C material not only has improved electrical conductivity as a result of the carbon coating layer, but also has an increased specific surface area as a result of the hierarchical pore structure, which is beneficial for magnesium‐ion insertion/deinsertion. Therefore, an aqueous rechargeable magnesium‐ion full battery is successfully constructed with FeVO4/C as the anode, Mg‐OMS‐1 (OMS=octahedral molecular sieves) as the cathode, and 1.0 mol L−1 MgSO4 as the electrolyte. The discharge capacity of the Mg‐OMS‐1//FeVO4/C aqueous battery is 58.9 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1; this value is obtained by calculating the total mass of two electrodes and the capacity retention rate of this device is 97.7 % after 100 cycles, with almost 100 % coulombic efficiency, which indicates that the system has a good electrochemical reversibility. Additionally, this system can achieve a high energy density of 70.4 Wh kg−1, which provides powerful evidence that an aqueous magnesium‐ion battery is possible.
Hybrid Surfactants with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Heads as a Multifunctional Platform for Interfacial Catalysis
Authors: Donner Adrian , Hagedorn Kay , Mattes Lorenz , Drechsler Markus , Polarz Sebastian
Published: September 2017

Processing of substrates with different solvent compatibility is a persistent problem in homogeneous catalysis, in particular when one starting compound is water soluble and the other is not. A promising concept reported in the literature is micellar catalysis. However, the process of developing catalysts that are surfactants at the same time is still in its early stages. We report the synthesis of a new surfactant system with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) moiety as a head group. Characteristic surfactant properties such as the formation of micelles or liquid crystals is documented. The new surfactant ligand forms coordination compounds with various metals, most importantly Pd2+, in square planar geometry. In addition, the Pd‐NHC compound shows surfactant features, and can be used successfully for C−C cross‐coupling reactions (Suzuki, Heck). The boost in catalytic activity by one order of magnitude compared to analogous but non‐amphiphilic species is reported.
The FOXA2 transcription factor is frequently somatically mutated in uterine carcinosarcomas and carcinomas
Authors: Le Gallo Matthieu , Rudd Meghan L. , Urick Mary Ellen , Hansen Nancy F. ,   National Institutes of Health Intramural Sequencing Center Comparative Sequencing Program, Merino Maria J. , Mutch David G. , Goodfellow Paul J. , Mullikin James C. , Bell Daphne W.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Uterine carcinosarcomas (UCSs) are a rare but clinically aggressive form of cancer. They are biphasic tumors consisting of both epithelial and sarcomatous components. The majority of uterine carcinosarcomas are clonal, with the carcinomatous cells undergoing metaplasia to give rise to the sarcomatous component. The objective of the current study was to identify novel somatically mutated genes in UCSs.

METHODS

We whole exome sequenced paired tumor and nontumor DNAs from 14 UCSs and orthogonally validated 464 somatic variants using Sanger sequencing. Fifteen genes that were somatically mutated in at least 2 tumor exomes were Sanger sequenced in another 39 primary UCSs.

RESULTS

Overall, among 53 UCSs in the current study, the most frequently mutated of these 15 genes were tumor protein p53 (TP53) (75.5%), phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) (34.0%), protein phosphatase 2, regulatory subunit A, alpha (PPP2R1A) (18.9%), F‐box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) (18.9%), chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 4 (CHD4) (17.0%), and forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) (15.1%). FOXA2 has not previously been implicated in UCSs and was predominated by frameshift and nonsense mutations. One UCS with a FOXA2 frameshift mutation expressed truncated FOXA2 protein by immunoblotting. Sequencing of FOXA2 in 160 primary endometrial carcinomas revealed somatic mutations in 5.7% of serous, 22.7% of clear cell, 9% of endometrioid, and 11.1% of mixed endometrial carcinomas, the majority of which were frameshift mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the findings of the current study provide compelling genetic evidence that FOXA2 is a pathogenic driver gene in the etiology of primary uterine cancers, including UCSs. Cancer 2018;124:65‐73. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Handling translucent specimens in an opaque Kubelka–Munk Environment
Authors: Tomsia Thomas P. , Fairman Hugh S.
Published: September 2017

Computer‐color matching usually employs a subset of Kubelka–Munk equations which require that each specimen analyzed be at complete hiding. This set of equations is preferred because they are simpler than their counterpart equations that operate at incomplete hiding. On the other hand, in coatings and plastics very often colorant specimens must be utilized that, either because of their nature or concentration, fail to qualify as being at complete hiding. This communication examines techniques for handling such cases and makes recommendations for obtaining the theoretical opaque reflectance of the specimens from measurements over both black and white. In addition, the article recommends a new relationship that more aptly characterizes the contrast ratios required than previous methods have done.
Comparative Study of Molecular Basket Sorbents Consisting of Polyallylamine and Polyethylenimine Functionalized SBA‐15 for CO2 Capture from Flue Gas
Authors: Wang Dongxiang , Wang Xiaoxing , Song Chunshan
Published: September 2017

Polyallylamine (PAA)‐based molecular basket sorbents (MBS) have been studied for CO2 capture in comparison with polyethylenimine (PEI)‐based MBS. The characterizations including N2 physisorption, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that PAA (Mn=15 000) is more rigid and has more steric hindrance inside SBA‐15 pores than PEI owing mainly to its different polymer structure. The effects of temperature and PAA loading on the CO2 sorption capacity of PAA‐based MBS have been examined by TGA by using 100 % CO2 gas stream and compared with PEI/SBA‐15. It was found that the capacity of the PAA/SBA‐15 sorbent increased with increasing temperature. The optimum capacity of 88 mgCO2 gsorb−1 was obtained at 140 °C for PAA(50)/SBA‐15 whereas the optimum sorption temperature was 75 and 90 °C for PEI‐I(50)/SBA‐15 (PEI‐I, Mn=423) and PEI‐II(50)/SBA‐15 (PEI‐II, Mn=25 000), respectively. The capacity initially increased with the increase of PAA loading and then dropped at high amine contents, owing to the increased diffusion barrier. The highest CO2 capacity of 109 mgCO2 gsorb−1 was obtained at a PAA loading of 65 wt %, whereas the PAA(50)/SBA‐15 sorbent gave the best amine efficiency of 0.23 molCO2 molN−1. The effect of moisture was examined in a fixed‐bed flow system with simulated flue gas containing 15 % CO2 and 4.5 % O2 in N2. It was found that the presence of moisture significantly enhanced CO2 sorption over PAA(50)/SBA‐15 and greatly improved its cyclic stability and regenerability. Compared with PEI/SBA‐15, PAA/SBA‐15 possesses a better thermal stability and higher resistance to oxidative degradation. However, the CO2 sorption rate over the PAA(50)/SBA‐15 sorbent was much slower.
BiVO4 Fern Architectures: A Competitive Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dubal Deepak P. , Patil Deepak R. , Patil Santosh S. , Munirathnam N. R. , Gomez‐Romero Pedro
Published: September 2017

The development of high‐performance anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is currently subject to much interest. In this study, BiVO4 fern architectures are introduced as a new anode material for LIBs. The BiVO4 fern shows an excellent reversible capacity of 769 mAh g−1 (ultrahigh volumetric capacity of 3984 mAh cm−3) at 0.12 A g−1 with large capacity retention. A LIB full cell is then assembled with a BiVO4 fern anode and LiFePO4 (LFP, commercial) as cathode material. The device can achieve a capacity of 140 mAh g−1 at 1C rate, that is, 81 % of the capacity of the cathode and maintained to 104 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 8C, which makes BiVO4 a promising candidate as a high‐energy anode material for LIBs.
Evolutionarily significant units of the critically endangered leaf frog Pithecopus ayeaye (Anura, Phyllomedusidae) are not effectively preserved by the Brazilian protected areas network
Authors: de Magalhães Rafael Félix , Lemes Priscila , Camargo Arley , Oliveira Ubirajara , Brandão Reuber Albuquerque , Thomassen Hans , Garcia Paulo Christiano de Anchietta , Leite Felipe Sá Fortes , Santos Fabrício Rodrigues
Published: September 2017

Protected areas (PAs) are essential for biodiversity conservation, but their coverage is considered inefficient for the preservation of all species. Many species are subdivided into evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) and the effectiveness of PAs in protecting them needs to be investigated. We evaluated the usefulness of the Brazilian PAs network in protecting ESUs of the critically endangered Pithecopus ayeaye through ongoing climate change. This species occurs in a threatened mountaintop ecosystem known as campos rupestres. We used multilocus DNA sequences to delimit geographic clusters, which were further validated as ESUs with a coalescent approach. Ecological niche modeling was used to estimate spatial changes in ESUs’ potential distributions, and a gap analysis was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brazilian PAs network to protect P. ayeaye in the face of climate changes. We tested the niche overlap between ESUs to gain insights for potential management alternatives for the species. Pithecopus ayeaye contains at least three ESUs isolated in distinct mountain regions, and one of them is not protected by any PA. There are no climatic niche differences between the units, and only 4% of the suitable potential area of the species is protected in present and future projections. The current PAs are not effective in preserving the intraspecific diversity of P. ayeaye in its present and future range distributions. The genetic structure of P. ayeaye could represent a typical pattern in campos rupestres endemics, which should be considered for evaluating its conservation status.
The effect of human‐modified landscape structure on forest grouse broods in two landscape types
Authors: Huhta Esa , Helle Pekka , Nivala Vesa , Nikula Ari
Published: September 2017

The population sizes and the breeding success of Finnish tetraonids have been decreasing for decades. In this study, the presence of a grouse hen with a brood in a landscape was used to indicate habitat‐related breeding success. We combined the locations of 938 black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), 388 capercaillie (T. urogallus), and 917 hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) broods after the breeding season in mid‐August with landscape data by employing Geographic Information System and grouse data derived from the Finnish wildlife triangle censuses conducted during 1997–2004. Two large study areas with different landscape structures, northern forest‐mire area and southern cultivated area, were selected for the investigation. The presence of grouse broods was positively related to the amount of old coniferous mixed forest. Grouse broods may prefer this forest habitat because of a rich understorey cover and a rich bilberry field layer offering a diversity of insects as food. Broods had a strong positive response to the amount of forest habitat. The effect of forest fragmentation on the broods’ distribution did not increase even with decreasing forest habitat. We suggest that there are several ecological causes for the observed spatial correlations. Predation on nests and broods by generalist predators is presumably high in human‐modified open and semi‐open landscapes. Against our expectations, the effect of landscape composition on grouse broods was more marked in the northern than in the southern study area, most likely because predator populations are more food‐regulated in the north. This finding supports the alternative prey hypothesis. Further, large drained and reforested peatland mire areas had a negative impact on grouse broods in the north. In the drainage areas, decreased availability of vegetation cover and insect food, increased predation risk, and drowning of chicks in ditches may increase brood mortality.
The native‐exotic species richness relationship varies with spatial grain of measurement and environmental conditions
Authors: Tarasi Dennis D. , Peet Robert K.
Published: September 2017

Biological invasions can have dramatic impacts on communities and biodiversity, and are critical considerations in conservation and management decisions. We present a novel analysis to determine how exotic species success varies with community richness and scale of measurement. Using 5,022 plots representing natural vegetation of the Carolinas, we calculated native and exotic species richness of all vascular plants at five grain sizes. To avoid spatial pseudoreplication, we randomly selected unique subplots from each larger plot, re‐selecting 100 times to develop an empirical distribution of the native‐exotic richness relationship (NERR). Because observed NERRs vary with spatial scale, we developed separate scale‐specific null‐model distributions to compare to the empirical data. For each spatial scale, we compared the empirical distribution of 100 slopes to the null distribution containing 99 permutations of species origin per empirical slope. We also analyzed the dataset according to broad assignments corresponding to environmental conditions, using the formation type assigned to each community. The plots followed across most scales the general trend that exotic richness increases with native richness. At the smallest scale, however, the NERR was negative. The slope of the NERR is significantly higher than the null model at the largest observed scale and significantly lower than the null model at the smallest two observed scales. The NERR for most formations follows the general pattern with scale for the entire dataset. Warm temperate forests expressed essentially 0 slope at the largest spatial grain, decreasing to a negative relationship at 1 m2 and smaller. Temperate freshwater marshes and wet meadows and shrublands expressed a positive relationship at all spatial grains, demonstrating that unique environmental and biogeographic conditions differentially affect exotic species. Further, these results indicate that exotic species are unevenly distributed across natural communities and that community assembly processes vary with scale.
Three‐in‐One Crystal: The Coordination Diversity of Zinc Polypyridine Complexes
Authors: Otto Sven , Moll Johannes , Förster Christoph , Geißler Daniel , Wang Cui , Resch‐Genger Ute , Heinze Katja
Published: September 2017

The syntheses, structures, and photophysical properties of two new zinc(II) complexes bearing the tridentate N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridin‐2‐ylpyridine‐2,6‐diamine (ddpd) ligand are presented. Structural investigations through single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry, NMR spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations revealed a diverse coordination behavior that depends on the counterion. Spectroscopic (UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy) and theoretical techniques (DFT and time‐dependent DFT calculations) were employed to explore the photophysical properties of the complexes.
Protonation of Coordinated Dinitrogen Using Protons Generated from Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Tamizmani Masilamani , Sivasankar Chinnappan
Published: September 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Chinnappan Sivasankar from Pondicherry University, India. The cover image shows a novel strategy to make an N–H bond from dinitrogen and molecular hydrogen at room temperature and 1àatm pressure.
Arylboronate Ester Protected Amino Acids as Orthogonal Building Blocks for Fmoc Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Liu Chao , Zou Yan , Song Hui , Jiang Yuan‐Ye , Hu Hong‐Gang
Published: September 2017

Three new arylboronate ester protected amino acids and their on‐resin deprotection methods have been developed. These useful building blocks were found to exhibit favorable chemical properties that are fully compatible with Fmoc strategy solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Furthermore, the formation of over‐oxidation side‐product methionine was minimized by using N‐methyl‐N‐phenylaniline N‐oxide as the oxidizing reagent. Effective application of the three new amino acids for the synthesis of different types of peptidomimetics has been demonstrated by high‐quality preparation of lipidated peptide MP‐196 C‐C8, on‐resin head‐to‐tail cyclization of desotamide B, and lactam bridging of hPTHrP‐(11–19) through a facile and metal‐free procedure by standard Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis.
On the Asymmetric Induction in Proline‐Catalyzed Aldol Reactions: Reagent‐Controlled Addition Reactions of 2,2‐Dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐5‐one to Acyclic Chiral α‐Branched Aldehydes
Authors: Marjanovic Trajkovic Jasna , Milanovic Vesna , Ferjancic Zorana , Saicic Radomir N.
Published: September 2017

Reagent stereocontrol in the proline‐catalyzed aldol reaction of 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐5‐one 1 with chiral aldehydes has been investigated. Synthetically useful levels of diastereoselectivity could be achieved in reactions with acyclic chiral α‐oxy and α‐amino aldehydes in both matched and mismatched cases. By using this reaction as a key step, two medicinally relevant azasugars, 1‐deoxy‐galactonojirimycin (9) and 2,5‐dideoxy‐2,5‐imino‐d‐altritol (10), were efficiently synthesized.
Systematic Synthesis of Diphenyl‐Substituted Carotenoids as Molecular Wires
Authors: Lim Boram , Oh Eun‐Taek , Im JongOne , Lee Kyu Sang , Jung Hyunuk , Kim Minsoo , Kim Dahye , Oh Jung Taek , Bae Sung‐Hee , Chung Wook‐Jin , Ahn Kwang‐Hyun , Koo Sangho
Published: September 2017

A general method for the construction of diphenyl‐substituted carotenoids has been developed through the stereoselective synthesis of dienyl sulfones with a phenyl substituent. Systematic synthetic pathways to the dienyl sulfones were delineated starting from readily available acetophenones with para‐substituent X of various electronic natures, which provided the carotenoids with diverse physicochemical characteristics. The sulfone olefination method together with the Ramberg–Bäcklund reaction produced a 9,9′‐cis‐10,10′‐diphenylcarotene and all‐trans‐9,9′‐diphenylcarotenes. Conductance measurements of the all‐trans carotenoids by the scanning tunnelling microscopy break‐junction method revealed a positional effect of the phenyl groups as well as a polar effect of the phenyl substituent X according to the electronic nature.
High‐Temperature‐Endurable, Flexible Supercapacitors: Performance and Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Qin Bin , Wang Xueting , Sui Dong , Zhang Tengfei , Zhang Miao , Sun Zhenhe , Ge Zhen , Xie Yuqing , Zhou Ying , Ren Yuxin , Han Yu , Ma Yanfeng , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2017

Current state‐of‐the‐art supercapacitors all have a limited operational temperature, and thus, extension of the temperature range is in high demand. In this work, high‐temperature‐endurable, flexible supercapacitors were fabricated by a very simple method and by using commercially available, low‐cost materials. The device could be operated efficiently at 120 °C, and even after 10 000 cycles at an operation voltage of 2.5 V, approximately 75 % of its capacitance was retained. Furthermore, its performance remained essentially unchanged even under high bending conditions. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that there were three factors causing capacitance fading and an increase in the internal resistance. The first one was fusion of the separator during high‐temperature electrochemical charging/discharging, which led to an increase in the internal resistance. The second factor was decomposition of the separator, which resulted in the accumulation of deposits on the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes. The third factor was that possible physical separation of the active materials on the positive electrode from the current collector led to a drastic increase in internal resistance.
Utilization of reduction slag and waste sludge for Portland cement clinker production
Authors: Lin Kae‐Long , Lo Kang‐Wei , Hung Ming‐Jui , Hwang Chao‐Lung , Cheng Ta‐Wui , Chang Yu‐Min
Published: September 2017

The feasibility of recycling the reduction slag, limestone sludge, iron‐oxide sludge, and stone sludge produced in the manufacture of cement was investigated through compressive strength testing, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The major crystalline phases of ecocement clinkers, namely C3S, β‐C2S, C4AF, and C3A, were observed. C3S content decreased and β‐C2S and α‐C2S content increased in the reduction slag. The compressive strength of EcoA pastes (ecocement contain 78% of limestone sludge, 19.51% of stone sludge and 2.49% iron‐oxide sludge) was similar to that of commercial ordinary Portland cement. The Q0 (−70 ppm) species shifted to the Q1 (−80 ppm), and Q2 (−87 ppm) species during curing. The addition of stone sludge, iron‐oxide sludge, and limestone sludge had no negative effect on the hydration of the cement pastes. In contrast, the addition of reduction slag negatively affected the formation of clinker minerals. Cement samples with reduction slag content of 1–7 wt % had lower 28‐, 60‐, and 90‐day compressive strength than did the control mix. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 669–677, 2018
Optimization of peroxone reaction rate using metaheuristic approach in the dearomatization and discoloration process
Authors: Alizadeh Kordkandi Salman , Mohaghegh Motlagh Amir
Published: September 2017

The main objective of this research focused on the optimization of apparent reaction rate constants (kapp) for degradation of a diazo compound, reactive yellow 42 (RY42) using peroxone reaction. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was adopted to evaluate the effects of initial RY42 concentration, influent ozone mass flow rate, initial ozone (O3)/peroxide hydrogen ratio (H2O2), and pH on the discoloration rate constant. A proposed model by ANN was chosen after analysis of the topology based on R‐square (R2) and mean squared error (MSE) criteria followed by coupling the obtained best net with a novel evolutionary algorithm named Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA). Although the relative importance of pH and O3/H2O2 on kapp was at the same level (about 18%), initial dye concentration (34%), and influent ozone mass flow rate (30%) were the most important factors. A systematic ANN‐COA approach indicated that the optimum values of pH and O3/H2O2 for 150 mg L−1 of RY42 were 7.5 and 1.44 L h−1, respectively, resulted in relatively different kapp for decolorization (0.18 min−1) and dearomatization (0.056 min−1). To confirm the validity of kinetic analysis, the predicted values were correlated with experimental values, which indicated the high degree of accuracy (R2= 0.98) for optimization of the peroxone process. This research with the experimental and modeling studies can be used as a guide for the design of full‐scale treatment processes for various types of industrial wastewater containing aromatic compounds with diazo groups. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 695–702, 2018
Solvent free acetalization of glycerol with formaldehyde over hierarchical zeolite of BEA topology
Authors: Sonar Shilpa K. , Shinde Akash S. , Asok Aswathy , Niphadkar Prashant S. , Mayadevi S. , Joshi Praphulla N. , Bokade Vijay V.
Published: September 2017

The hierarchical H/BEA zeolites were prepared by postsynthesis treatment. The portion of the parent H/BEA zeolite was treated with aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution with different alkali volume to H/BEA zeolite weight (5, 10, 30,150, and 300 mL/g) ratios. The physicochemical properties of samples were evaluated by powder X‐ray diffraction, Pyridine Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NH3 temperature programme desorption, Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of various catalysts was investigated in solvent free acetalization of glycerol with formaldehyde. Among all the catalysts, a hierarchical H/BEA prepared by treating H/BEA with 5 mL aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution per gram of H/BEA exhibited the highest specific surface area and high acidity. This optimal hierarchical H/BEA5 catalyst has shown an excellent catalytic activity with glycerol conversion of 78% and 1,3 dioxalane selectivity of 85% under mild operating parameters than reported. H/BEA5 was found to be highly stable and recyclable. The acetalization of glycerol with formaldehyde follows first order reversible using PseudoHomogeneous model. In present study, the activation energy for this reaction is found to be 46.95 KJmol−1 which is lower than reported. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 797–807, 2018
Heavy metals and arsenic phytoavailability index in pioneer plants from a semipermanent natural wetland
Authors: Gómez‐Bernal Juan Miguel , Ruiz‐Huerta Esther Aurora , Armienta Hernández María Aurora , Luna‐Pabello Víctor Manuel
Published: September 2017

The total concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and As in mining‐impacted soils and pioneer plants from a semi‐permanent natural wetland was determined by X‐ray fluorescence. Results showed that the maximum values in soil were Fe > Zn > Pb > Mn > As > Cu and in plants were Zn > Pb > As > Cu, and Mn and Fe were found in variable concentrations. Bouteloa repens showed the highest translocation factor (TF) for all heavy metals, and the highest phytoavailability index (PI) for Fe, Cu, As, and Mn. However, Typha dominguensis was the plant species with the most elevated bioconcentration factor (BCF) for Mn and Fe and PI for Pb and Zn, while Cyperus manimae showed the maximum BCF for As, Pb, and Cu, and the highest PI for Mn. For Eleocharis ovata the maximum BCF and PI were for Zn and As, respectively. The PI indicates the availability of heavy metals and As in the environment and their bioaccumulation in plants. The plant species reported in this study are pioneer plants that can easily become established due to their environmental resilience and physiologic characteristics. This study shows that B. repens and T. dominguensis are species that translocate heavy metals and accumulate them in their various organs, and therefore, these plants are suggested as good candidates for phytostabilization in similar semi‐permanent natural wetlands. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 980–988, 2018