bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partially dephosphorylated phosphopeptide AcSer(P)‐Ser(P)‐Ser(P) is an excellent substrate for casein kinase‐2
Authors: Meggio Flavio , Perich John W. , Johns Reginald B. , Pinna Lorenzo A.
Published: July 2002

The synthetic phosphopeptide AcSer(P)‐Ser(P)‐Ser(P), reproducing a recurrent feature of casein and other phosphoproteins, once partially dephosphorylated by acid phosphatase, serves as an efficient substrate for casein kinase‐2. Previous dephosphorylation beyond 30% hinders subsequent phosphorylation and the entirely dephosphorylated peptide is not a substrate at all. The kinetic constants of the partially dephosphorylated phosphopeptide are much more favourable than those of the synthetic peptides SEEEAA, SSEE and SEE, the latter one being totally inert. Optimal phosphorylation occurs at pH values that ensure complete ionization of the phosphoseryl side chains. These data provide incontrovertible demonstration that phosphoserine can replace carboxylic amino acids as specificity determinant for CK‐2, being more effective than glutamic acid itself.
The disulfide bridges of the immunoreactive forms of human pancreatic stone protein isolated from pancreatic juice
Authors: Rouimi P. , de Caro J. , Bonicel J. , Rovery M. , de Caro A.
Published: July 2002

Following the complete sequence elucidation of human pancreatic stone protein (immunoreactive form PSP S1 isolated from pancreatic juice) [(1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 168, 201–207], the location of the three S‐S bridges of the protein was investigated. The cystine‐containing peptides, detected after the separation of the peptic or chymotryptic digests on SP‐Sephadex or Sephadex G‐50, were submitted to Edman degradation and/or to oxidation. The cysteic peptides after separation on SP‐Sephadex or Sephadex G‐50 were characterized by their amino acid compositions. The pairing of the half‐cystines: Cys 3‐Cys 14, Cys 31‐Cys 129 and Cys 104‐Cys 121 was determined. The same experiments carried out with PSP S2–5 (other immunoreactive forms) gave an identical characterization.
Protein kinase C activators inhibit the antigen receptor‐coupled polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase in murine B lymphocytes
Authors: Harnett M.M. , Klaus G.G.B.
Published: July 2002

Protein kinase C activators (e.g. PMA) inhibit the inositol phosphate release generated by crosslinking antigen receptors (sIgM and sIgD) on murine B lymphocytes with anti‐receptor antibodies. Unlike other Ca2+‐mobilizing receptor systems, the antigen receptor signal transduction pathway in B cells is not interrupted by PMA at the level of receptor/G‐protein or G‐protein/polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase coupling. In these cells, PMA, presumably by activating protein kinase C, inhibits inositol phosphate release by direct effects on the polyphosphoinositide‐specific phosphodiesterase.
Changes in DNA methylation are associated with loss of insecticide resistance in the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulz.)
Authors: Field Linda M. , Devonshire Alan L. , Ffrench-Constant Richard H. , Forde Brian G.
Published: July 2002

Insecticide resistance in peach‐potato aphids arises from the overproduction of one of two very closely related esterases (E4 or FE4) that detoxify insecticidal esters, and this is associated with amplification of E4‐related DNA sequences. Some highly resistant aphid clones can spontaneously lose their elevated esterase and hence their resistant phenotype. We report here that such aphids also lose their elevated E4 mRNA whilst retaining their amplified genomic sequences. We have also shown that the amplified E4‐related sequences are highly methylated at MspI sites in all resistant aphid clones examined, but not in those that have lost resistance.
Lipid phosphorylation in isolated rat liver nuclei Synthesis of polyphosphoinositides at subnuclear level
Authors: Capitani Silvano , Bertagnolo Valeria , Mazzoni Meri , Santi Patrizia , Previati Maurizio , Antonucci Adriano , Manzoli Francesco A.
Published: July 2002

Isolated rat liver nuclei and subnuclear fractions synthesize polyphosphoinositides in vitro in a mode dependent on the presence of nuclear membrane, detergent and exogenous substrates. The nuclear membrane is not essential as a source of lipid kinases, since the addition of erogenous phosphatidylinositol or phosphatidylinositol monophosphate to reaction mixtures lacking membranes restores the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol mono‐ and bisphosphate, respectively. Inositide phosphorylation is best accomplished by high‐salt extracted nuclei and pre‐detergent lamina. These data suggest that the nucleus, and especially the nuclear periphery, is a cell compartment in which polyphosphoinositide synthesis occurs; this might be related to the progression of phosphatidylinositol metabolism‐dependent signals to the genetic apparatus.
A stereochemical model for cytokinin activity
Authors: Korszun Z.R. , Knight C. , Chen C.-M.
Published: July 2002

The three‐dimensional structures of several cytokinins were compared and a stereochemical model for cytokinin activity is proposed. This model is used to explain the difference in activity of cis‐ and trans‐zeatin.
Photodynamic action of rose bengal on isolated rat pancreatic acini: stimulation of amylase release
Authors: Matthews E.K. , Cui Z.J.
Published: July 2002

Photodynamic action; Rose bengal; Pancreatic acini; Secretion; Amylase release; (Rat)
Further studies of a new vitamin E analogue more active than α‐tocopherol in the rat curative myopathy bioassay
Authors: Ingold K.U. , Burton G.W. , Foster D.O. , Hughes L.
Published: July 2002

The bioactivities of the acetates of 2R,4'R,8'R‐ and 25,4'R,8'R‐2,4,6,7‐tetramethyl‐2‐(4',8',12'‐trimethyltridecyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐3,4‐dihydrobenzofuran (RRR‐ and SRR‐1‐Ac) have been measured in the rat curative myopathy bioassay and compared with the RRR and SRR stereoisomers of α‐tocopheryl acetate (RRR‐ and SRR‐2‐Ac). Each stereoisomer of 1 is only slightly more active than the corresponding stereoisomer of 2(RRR‐1‐Ac/RRR‐2‐Ac = 110; SRR‐1‐Ac/SRR‐2‐Ac = 1.16). This finding contrasts with our earlier finding [(1986) FEBS Lett. 205, 117 120], confirmed in the present study, that all‐rac‐1‐Ac is 1.5‐1.9 as active as all‐rac‐2‐Ac. We suggest that the stereochemistry (S vs R) at the 4' and 8' tail carbons is of less biological importance in 1 than in 2.
Protein kinase C‐regulated production of prostacyclin by rat endothelium is increased in the presence of lipoxin A4
Authors: Leszczynski Dariusz , Ustinov Jarkko
Published: July 2002

Prostacyclin is generated by cultured rat endothelial cells. Compound blocking activity of protein kinase C and cyclic nucleotide‐dependent protein kinases (H7) and compound blocking interaction between Ca2+ and calmodulin (W7) diminish generation of prostacyclin in rat endothelial cells. These compounds give a synergistic effect when they are introduced to the endothelial cell cultures simultaneously. Compound HA1004, an inhibitor ofcAMP‐ and cGMP‐dependent protein kinases has no effect on prostacyclin generation. Lipoxin A4, a potent direct stimulator of protein kinase C, rapidly induces prostacyclin generation in rat endothelium in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. Lipoxin A4‐induced generation of prostacyclin can be inhibited by H7 and W7 but not by HA1004. Lipoxin B4 has no significant effect on prostacyclin generation in rat endothelium. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that generation of prostacyclin by rat endothelial cells is regulated via a pathway involving protein kinase C and Ca2+.
GroEL‐related molecular chaperones are present in the cytosol of oat cells
Authors: Grimm R. , Speth V. , Gatenby A.A. , Schäfer E.
Published: July 2002

In eukaryotic cells GroEL‐related molecular chaperones (cpn 60) are considered to be restricted to plastids and mitochondria. Re‐evaluation of the intracellular localization of chaperonins by electron microscopy, using two different anti‐chaperonin antisera, revealed additionally their presence in the cytosol of oat primary leaf and coleoptile cells. The distribution of cpn 60 is not influenced by heat or light treatments.
Intranuclear topological distribution of HIV‐1 trans‐activators
Authors: Miyazaki Yukio , Takamatsu Tetsurou , Nosaka Tetsuya , Fujita Setsuya , Hatanaka Masakazu
Published: July 2002

Subcellular localization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) Tat and Rev was examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). In transfected COS‐7 cells, Tat resided exclusively in the perinocleolar region, while Rev infiltrated fully into the nucleoli. The chimeric Tat in which the nucleolar targeting signal was replaced by that of Rev, which retains trans‐acting activity of Tat, remained still in the perinucleolar region as wild‐type Tat. Perinucleolar distribution of Tat protein suggests the existence of a novel nucleolar architecture that affects transcription.
Recent advances in minisatellite biology
Authors: Armour John A.L. , Jeffreys Alec J.
Published: July 2002

Highly polymorphic tandemly repeated ‘minisatellite’ loci are very abundant in the human genome, and of considerable utility in human genetic analysis. This review describes the use of an ordered‐array Charomid library in the systematic and efficient cloning of these regions, and in the analysis of the relative overlap between the different probes used to screen for hypervariable loci. Recent work on the process of mutation leading to the generation of new‐length alleles is also discussed, including the observation that at least some mutations may be due to unequal exchanges.
Secondary structure of the oct‐3 POU homeodomain as determined by 1H‐15N NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Morita Eugene H. , Shirakawa Masahiro , Hayashi Fumiaki , Imagawa Masayoshi , Kyogoku Yoshimasa
Published: July 2002

Most of the 1H and 15N magnetic resonances of the 66 amino acid long POU homeodomain of mouse Oct‐3 have been assigned by the combined use of the two‐dimensional homonuclear, and two‐ and three‐dimensional heteronuclear NMR methods. The sequential NOE connectivities and amide proton exchange measurements indicate the presence of three helical regions within the domain. The positions of the three helices correspond well to those of other homeodomains, the three‐dimensional structures of which have already been determined. The present NMR study provides the first experimental evidence for the existence of a helix‐turn‐helix motif in the oct‐3 POU homeodomain.
Rab effector domain peptides stimulate the release of neurotransmitter from cell cultured synapses
Authors: Richmond Janet , Haydon Philip G.
Published: July 2002

The involvement of the small GTP‐binding protein rab3A in synaptic transmission was tested by presynaptic microinjection of guanine nucleotides and peptides corresponding to the effector domain of rab3A. When GTPγS injection was paired with presynaptic action potentials, the frequency of MIPSCs was increased and the evoked synaptic current was reduced in magnitude. To more specifically manipulate rab proteins, peptides were microinjected. Injection of the peptide rab3AL(33‐48) or rab3(29‐48) stimulated an increase in the frequency of MIPSC with little effect on action potential evoked synaptic transmission supporting a role for rab proteins in regulating synaptic transmission.
Structural aspects of serpin inhibition
Authors: Schulze Andreas J. , Huber Robert , Bode Wolfram , Engh Richard A.
Published: July 2002

The essential roles of proteins of the serpin family in many physiological processes, along with new discoveries of their unique folding properties, have attracted intense interest in recent years. Many serpins display unusual mobile behavior attributed to rearrangements of α‐helical or β‐sheet domains, whereby large scale transitions accompany a variety of functions, including inactivation. This unusual behavior was first recognized with the X‐ray structure of modified α1‐proteinase inhibitor. Subsequent experiments, including new X‐ray structures, have revealed a surprising variety of conformations which are functionally important but only partially understood. We review here experimental evidence for conformations relevant to the serpin inhibitory mechanism.
Nucleotide binding of the C‐terminal domains of the major histocompatibility complex‐encoded transporter expressed in Drosophila melanogaster cells
Authors: Wang Kena , Früh Klaus , Peterson Per A. , Yang Young
Published: July 2002

The C‐terminal domains of the mouse transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) were expressed as soluble proteins in Drosophila melanogaster cells and labeled by [α‐32P]8‐azido‐ATP after UV‐irradiation. The relative potencies of the nucleotides in preventing azido‐ATP labeling were in the order of ATP > GTP > CTP > ITP > UTP for both the TAP1 and TAP2 C‐terminal domains, suggesting ATP to be the natural substrate of the transporter. Our data provide the first evidence that the individual C‐terminal domain of either TAP1 or TAP2 can be expressed as a functional ATP‐binding protein.
Laminin extraction and disorganization of collagen fibrils in snail muscles by EDTA treatment
Authors: Humbert‐David Nathalie , Chandrasekaran Subramaniam , Tanzer Marvin L. , Garrone Robert
Published: July 2002

Summary— Snail muscles were extracted by a solution of EDTA and electron microscopy showed that the extract contained dispersed, depolymerized collagen fibrils and cross‐shaped laminin‐like structures. The extracts were purified by ultracentrifugation followed by two different procedures which enriched the content of laminin‐like structures. The laminin‐related molecules displayed unique properties when analyzed by biochemical, immunological and morphological methods. Electrophoretic patterns of the molecular form purified primarily by ion exchange chromatography, resembled EHS‐tumor laminin and displayed a cruciform shape when viewed by electron microscopy. Immunohistology, using antiserum obtained against the agarose gel‐purified protein, showed that this laminin was primarily located in the extracellular matrix surrounding muscle fibers. Western blots using anti‐EHS laminin antibody showed reaction of a 300 kDa subunit of this snail laminin. The protein obtained by another procedure, initially using gel filtration, followed by ion exchange chromatography, also appeared to be a laminin. It had a collapsed cruciform appearance when viewed by electron microscopy. It contained several different subunits, one of which, ca 300 kDa, reacted with anti‐EHS‐laminin antibody and with anti‐snail laminin antibody. In contrast, EHS laminin did not react with the anti‐snail laminin antibody. The composite results suggest that at least two different forms of laminin are extractable from snail muscle and that they share molecular properties and immune determinants with mouse tumor laminin.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in panic disorder: The association with major depression
Authors: Agargün MY , Kara H , Alpkan L , Üçişik M
Published: July 2002

To examine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, we evaluated 69 outpatients with panic disorder. We found a 30% prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The patients with obsessive-compulsive symptoms had an earlier onset of illness and were more likely to have current and past major depression than the other ones.
Stable expression in HEK‐293 cells of the rat α3/β4 subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Stetzer Eva , Ebbinghaus Ullrich , Storch Alexander , Poteur Livia , Schrattenholz Andre , Kramer Gert , Methfessel Christoph , Maelicke Alfred
Published: July 2002

The α3/β4 subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells that co‐expressed a voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel. α3/β4‐nAChR‐expressing clones were identified using the fura‐2 Ca2+ imaging technique, and were further characterised by single‐cell and whole‐cell patch‐clamp studies. Acetylcholine (ACh) induced fast activating currents which showed desensitisation and inward rectification. The conductance of the ACh‐activated channel was 29 pS. The order of potency of the nicotinic agonists tested was . The EC50 value for ACh was 145 μM; the Hill coefficient was close to 2. The currents elicited by ACh were effectively blocked by nicotinic antagonists, but not by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. These properties are comparable to the pharmacological and physiological profile of ganglionic nicotinic receptors and type III currents of cultured hippocampal neurons.
Interaction between cellohexaose and cellulose binding domains from Trichoderma reesei cellulases
Authors: Mattinen Maija-Liisa , Linder Markus , Teleman Anita , Annila Arto
Published: July 2002

Most Trichoderma reesei cellulases consist of a catalytic and a cellulose binding domain (CBD) joined by a linker. We have used cellohexaose as a model compound for the glucose chain to investigate the interaction between the soluble enzyme and cellulose. The binding of cellohexaose to family I CBDs was studied by NMR spectroscopy. CBDs cause line broadening effects and decreasing T
2 relaxation times for certain cellohexaose resonances, whereas there are no effects in the presence of a mutant which binds weakly to cellulose. Yet it remains uncertain how well the soluble cellooligosaccharide mimics the binding of CBD to the cellulose.
Disulfide bond formation is not involved in cap‐binding activity of Xenopus translation initiation factor eIF‐4E
Authors: Wakiyama Motoaki , Sakai Nobuya , Kojima Shuichi , Miura Kin-ichiro
Published: July 2002

The eukaryotic initiation factor eIF‐4E from Xenopus laevis was expressed in Escherichia coli and refolded in an active form. To define the cysteine residues forming a disulfide bond in Xenopus eIF‐4E, each of the 3 cysteine residues was changed to serine by site‐directed mutagenesis. Cap‐binding activities of the mutant proteins were evaluated by 7‐methyl‐GTP(m7GTP)‐affinity column chromatography. Even the mutant protein containing no cysteine showed an affinity for m7GTP. From the above results and the estimation of the sulfhydryl groups by Ellman's assay method, we concluded that a disulfide bond is not involved in the active Xenopus eIF‐4E.
African origin of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus1
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi , Orito Etsuro , Ohba Ken-ichi , Kato Takanobu , Kondo Yutaka , Mboudjeka Innocent , Zekeng Leopold , Kaptue Lazare , Bikandou Blaise , M'Pele Pierre , Takehisa Jun , Hayami Masanori , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Gojobori Takashi
Published: July 2002

Ninety‐four GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV‐C/HGV) RNA‐positive serum samples were obtained from all over the world. We found that all 15 GBV‐C/HGV isolates from the Pygmies and the Bantu in the Central African region had a 12‐amino acid indel (i.e. insertion or deletion) in the non‐structural protein (NS) 5A region. Phylogenetic analyses of the NS5A region, using GBV‐A as an outgroup, showed that these 15 isolates had diverged from the common ancestor much earlier than the remaining isolates, indicating an African origin of GBV‐C/HGV.
Human/mouse interleukin‐1 receptor/receptor accessory protein interactions in IL‐1β‐induced NFκB activation
Authors: Layé Sophie , Lundkvist Johan , Bartfai Tamas
Published: July 2002

We examined whether functional heterologous complexes between human IL‐1RI (hIL‐1RI) and murine IL‐1R accessory protein (mIL‐1RAcP) can be formed, utilizing human fibroblast HEK 293 cells and murine fibroblast C127 cells, non‐transfected or stably transfected with hIL‐1RI (C127‐hIL‐1RI), respectively. In non‐transfected C127 cells, IL‐1β signalled through the mIL‐1RI‐mIL‐1RAcP complex and activated NFκB p50/p65 heterodimers. In C127‐hIL‐1RI cells, IL‐1β signalled through the hIL‐1RI and activated both p65/p65 and p50/p65 NFκB complexes, where only the activation of NFκB p65/p65 was dependent on mIL‐1RAcP. Thus, clearly both homologous and heterologous IL‐1RI‐IL‐1RAcP interactions support NFκB translocation, but with differences in signalling pattern.
Treatment of delirium with phototherapy: a case report
Authors: Droogleever Fortuyn HA , Schoemaker JH
Published: July 2002

A case is described where phototherapy rapidly restored sleep-wake disturbances and concurrent symptoms of delirium in a patient who did not respond to conventional treatment with haloperidol. In this case, the delirious state may have been caused by a change in metabolism as a result of sepsis. Exposition of the patient to 8,000 Lux during 1.5 h for 5 consecutive days was sufficient to suppress all delirious symptoms and to normalize sleep. This result may encourage the setup of systematic studies towards the extent of desynchronization between various rhythmic cycles in delirium and towards the value of phototherapy for the restoration of normal circadian rhythmicity.
Targeted Chemotherapy of Glioblastoma Spheroids with an Iontronic Pump
Authors: Waldherr Linda , Seitanidou Maria , Jakešová Marie , Handl Verena , Honeder Sophie , Nowakowska Marta , Tomin Tamara , Karami Rad Meysam , Schmidt Tony , Distl Joachim , Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth , von Campe Gord , Schäfer Ute , Berggren Magnus , Rinner Beate , Asslaber Martin , Ghaffari‐Tabrizi‐Wizsy Nassim , Patz Silke , Simon Daniel T. , Schindl Rainer
Published: April 2021

Successful treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most lethal tumor of the brain, is presently hampered by (i) the limits of safe surgical resection and (ii) “shielding” of residual tumor cells from promising chemotherapeutic drugs such as Gemcitabine (Gem) by the blood brain barrier (BBB). Here, the vastly greater GBM cell‐killing potency of Gem compared to the gold standard temozolomide is confirmed, moreover, it shows neuronal cells to be at least 104‐fold less sensitive to Gem than GBM cells. The study also demonstrates the potential of an electronically‐driven organic ion pump (“GemIP”) to achieve controlled, targeted Gem delivery to GBM cells. Thus, GemIP‐mediated Gem delivery is confirmed to be temporally and electrically controllable with pmol min−1 precision and electric addressing is linked to the efficient killing of GBM cell monolayers. Most strikingly, GemIP‐mediated GEM delivery leads to the overt disintegration of targeted GBM tumor spheroids. Electrically‐driven chemotherapy, here exemplified, has the potential to radically improve the efficacy of GBM adjuvant chemotherapy by enabling exquisitely‐targeted and controllable delivery of drugs irrespective of whether these can cross the BBB.
InGaN Micro‐LED Array Enabled Advanced Underwater Wireless Optical Communication and Underwater Charging
Authors: Lin Runze , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhou Gufan , Qian Zeyuan , Cui Xugao , Tian Pengfei
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the underwater applications of micro‐LED (light‐emitting diode) in light emission, optical detection, and solar cell are demonstrated. Based on a high‐bandwidth and low‐power micro‐LED array, duplex underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) and underwater charging are realized. Using the non‐return‐to‐zero on‐off‐keying modulation scheme, the maximum modulation bandwidth and data rate of a micro‐LED transmitter in the 2.3 m duplex UWOC system are 251.3 MHz and 660 Mbps, respectively. In addition, the micro‐LED‐based photodetector can achieve maximum data rates of 52.5 and 60 Mbps at 0 and −5 V in the same UWOC system, respectively. Furthermore, while achieving the communication function, the micro‐LED is used to realize the collection of external light energy, which is successfully employed to drive a 660 nm laser diode, proving the photovoltaic power generation of micro‐LED. This experiment has made a breakthrough in the duplex UWOC system based on an InGaN micro‐LED array, and verifies significant potential of micro‐LED application in the field of duplex UWOC and underwater charging.
Hydrogen‐Bond‐Induced High Performance Semitransparent Ternary Organic Solar Cells with 14% Efficiency and Enhanced Stability
Authors: Lu Xi , Cao Luye , Du Xiaoyang , Lin Hui , Zheng Caijun , Chen Zhenhua , Sun Bo , Tao Silu
Published: April 2021

Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) have huge potential in terms of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). However, the inherent contradiction between active layer absorption and average visible‐light transmittance (AVT) hinders the follow‐up development of ST‐OSC. To solve this problem, hydrogen bond strategy has been adopted to simultaneously improve the photon trapping capability and film thickness tolerance of the devices. Here, an organic small molecule material DIBC is introduced into PM6:Y6 system to form an intramolecular hydrogen bond with Y6, through which a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.20% is obtained. It is noted that when the active layer thickness is varied from 70 to 150 nm, the PCE values distributed in the range of 16.39–17.20%, which exhibits excellent film thickness tolerance. Moreover, ST‐OSCs are achieved with a maximum PCE of 14% and a high AVT of 21.60%, which is among the best reported results of ST‐OSCs. In addition, hydrogen‐bond‐based ST‐OSCs show superior thermal and light stability in the atmospheric environment corresponding to the control devices. This work provides a feasible solution for ST‐OSC with outstanding efficiency and high AVT, which is of great significance for the industrial production of BIPVs in the future.
Stretchable, Transparent, Permeation Barrier Layer for Flexible Optics
Authors: Zhao Yineng , Huo Ni , Ye Sheng , Boromand Arman , Ouderkirk Andrew J. , Tenhaeff Wyatt E.
Published: April 2021

Flexible, compliant permeation barrier layers are critically needed in the optics/optoelectronics industry to protect deformable, polymer‐based optical elements, such as those found in variable focus lenses. To address these needs, a transparent and deformable polymeric permeation barrier coating consisting of poly(1H,1H,6H,6H‐perfluorohexyl diacrylate) (pPFHDA) is prepared by initiated chemical vapor deposition. pPFHDA is a highly crosslinked fluoropolymer, which is deposited onto temperature‐sensitive elastomeric membranes at ambient temperature with high uniformity and conformality. This is believed to be the first demonstration of vapor deposition of the PFHDA monomer. Coatings with thicknesses nominally ranging from 200 to 750 nm are prepared and shown to be impermeable to high‐index optical fluid (polyphenyl thioether) over 2 months at 70 °C, which translates to more than 4 year lifespan at room temperature, even after being subjected to 0.26% biaxial strain. Moreover, due to its amorphous nature, the pPFHDA is transparent from wavelengths of 300–1690 nm and also thermally stable to temperatures of 300 °C. These properties should make pPFHDA coating a particularly compelling candidate for flexible optical/optoelectronic devices requiring transparent and compliant barrier layers.
Craniosynostosis is a feature of CHD7‐related CHARGE syndrome
Authors: De Luca Chiara , Picone Simonetta , Cassina Matteo , Marziali Simone , Morlino Silvia , Camerota Letizia , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Castori Marco , Paolillo Piermichele , Salviati Leonardo , Brancati Francesco
Published: April 2021

CHARGE syndrome is a rare genetic multiple‐malformation disorder characterized by wide phenotypic variability. It is often caused by heterozygous variants in CHD7 and, more rarely, SEMA3E. Although craniofacial alterations are frequent in this condition, to date craniosynostosis is not considered part of the clinical spectrum. Here, we report bi‐coronal craniosynostosis in a newborn affected by CHARGE syndrome caused by the de novo heterozygous c.6157C>T, p.(Arg2053*) CHD7 variant. We found two additional subjects in the literature with different craniosynostoses and distinct CHD7 alterations. The inclusion of CHD7‐related CHARGE syndrome in the group of rare causes of syndromic craniosynostoses is proposed.
Association between shape changes and bone remodeling patterns in the middle face during ontogeny in South American populations
Authors: Brachetta‐Aporta Natalia , Gonzalez Paula N. , Bernal Valeria
Published: April 2021

The morphology of facial bones is modeled by processes of bone formation and resorption induced by interactions between tissues and compensatory responses. However, the role of remodeling patterns on the morphological changes within and among populations has been scarcely explored. Here, we assess the association between facial shape and the underlying bone cell activity throughout the ontogeny in two Amerindian populations that represent the extremes of craniofacial variation in South America. The sample comprises 71 individuals (36 adults and 35 subadults) representing hunter‐gatherers from Patagonia and horticulturists from Northwest Argentina. We analyzed the shape and size of the zygomatic and the maxilla, and compared them with the patterns of bone formation and resorption. Bone formation and resorption were described by quantitative histological analysis of bone surfaces. Morphological changes were described by landmarks and semilandmarks digitized on 3D surfaces obtained from CT images. The results from multivariate statistics analysis show that the patterns of bone remodeling are associated with variation in the morphology of the middle face. We found a similar pattern of facial shape variation along the ontogenetic trajectory in the two samples, and a similar trend in the amount of formation and resorption activities across ages. The main differences between samples were found in the distribution of the areas of bone formation and resorption, possibly associated with mechanical bone response to masticatory loading. These findings provide clues about the processes and mechanisms of bone development involved in the facial morphological differentiation in human populations from southern South America.
Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis: Incidence and Predictive Characteristics Among Participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: McAlindon Timothy E. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Roberts Mary B. , Duryea Jeffrey , Haugen Ida K. , Schaefer Lena F. , Smith Stacy E. , Mathiessen Alexander , Eaton Charles
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate age, sex, race, osteoarthritis (OA) severity, metabolic factors, and bone health as risk factors for erosive hand OA at baseline and its incidence over a 48‐month period.

Methods

This was a longitudinal cohort study that included participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) with complete hand radiographs from baseline and 48‐month visits who were eligible at baseline for incident erosive hand OA (i.e., had or were at risk for knee OA [criterion for OAI inclusion] and did not currently have erosive hand OA). Individuals were classified as having erosive hand OA if the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade was ≥2 in at least 1 interphalangeal joint on 2 different fingers and central erosion was present in at least 1 joint.

Results

Of the 3,365 individuals without prevalent erosive hand OA at baseline, 86 (2.6%) developed erosive hand OA during the 48‐month period. Risk factors included older age (relative risk [RR] per SD 1.63 [95% confidence interval 1.35–1.97]), female sex (RR 2.47 [95% confidence interval 1.52–4.02]), greater OA severity (sum K/L grade 13.9 versus 5.3; P < 0.001), and less cortical width (1.38 mm versus 1.52 mm; P < 0.001). After 48 months, subjects who had developed erosive hand OA were characterized by greater progression of radiographic OA (i.e., joint space narrowing, K/L grade progression [RR 1.35], and loss of cortical thickness [RR 1.23]), adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, and baseline OA severity (sum K/L grade).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that erosive hand OA is more common in older women and is strongly associated with severity of articular structural damage and its progression. Individuals who develop erosive hand OA have thinner bones prior to erosive hand OA development and as it progresses, suggesting that erosive hand OA is a disorder of skeletal frailty.
Casearia sylvestris Essential Oil Degradation Products Generated by Leaf Processing
Authors: Carvalho Flávio A. , Oda Fernando B. , Crevelin Eduardo J. , Crotti Antônio E. M. , dos Santos André G.
Published: April 2021

Casearia sylvestris is an endemic tree of the Latin America that the essential oil (EO) has anti‐inflammatory and gastroprotective actions. This study evaluates the chemical composition of the EO from the volatile fractions of in natura, fresh, and dried C. sylvestris var. sylvestris and var. lingua leaves. For both varieties, the dried leaves presented higher EO yield as compared to fresh leaves. The major EO chemical components were (E)‐caryophyllene, α‐humulene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, and humulene epoxide II. In both varieties, the content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons decreased and oxygenated sesquiterpenes increased on going from in natura to fresh and dried leaves, which indicated that leaf drying and hydrodistillation modified the volatile composition. The results also suggested that bicyclogermacrene and (E)‐caryophyllene were oxidized during processing, to generate spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, respectively. C. sylvestris varieties and in natura, fresh, and dried leaves differed in terms of the chemical composition of volatiles, which could affect the EO biological activities.
Pea proteins: Variation, composition, genetics, and functional properties
Authors: Daba Sintayehu D. , Morris Craig F.
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives

Field pea is a leading crop for plant‐based protein. Expanded market demand may necessitate targeted breeding and a deeper understanding of the level of variation and the factors affecting pea protein content, composition, and functionality.

Findings

Pea protein content varies from 13% to 38% and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Protein‐regulating genes per se directly and genes involved in starch biosynthesis indirectly play key roles in determining pea protein content and composition. Protein content is often negatively correlated with starch content and seed yield. A thorough analysis of the potential variation in the functional properties of pea protein is needed.

Conclusions

Since multiple genes and environmental variables influence pea protein, critical designing of a breeding scheme is essential to improve pea for protein isolation. The economics of protein isolation necessitates a high value for the starch‐rich by‐product. Improving protein and starch contents together may be complicated due to a negative association between these two traits. Two strategies to improve pea seed quality may be suggested: improving protein and starch together, or targeting varieties for specific end‐uses. Large‐scale evaluation of the functional properties of protein in broader germplasm and the inclusion of molecular breeding approaches are also relevant.

Significance and novelty

The variation in pea protein content, composition, and functional properties as well as the contributing environmental and genetic factors are discussed in this study. The review also explores the influence of starch biosynthesis genes in pea protein composition and provides a brief overview of protein fractionation methods. Research needs and breeding strategies are suggested for improving pea protein.
A Strategy to Develop Efficient Ag3PO4‐based Photocatalytic Materials Toward Water Splitting: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Hasija Vasudha , Raizada Pankaj , Hosseini‐Bandegharaei Ahmad , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Van Le Quyet , Nguyen Van‐Huy , Singh Pardeep
Published: April 2021

The escalating demands for energy sources and cumulative global environmental apprehensions have synergistically contributed to advancements in solar‐driven technologies to utilize renewable energy resources. Photocatalytic water splitting, which is considered the most promising and sustainable process to harness solar energy for H2 and O2 evolution, is of particular interest. The photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 is attributed to its visible‐light active 2.43 eV band gap energy, tunable facet crystal structure, and high thermal stability. The suitable valence band (+2.85 V) potential of Ag3PO4 is suggestive of its extraordinary oxidation capability. Herein, recent advances in preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) based photocatalytic materials for water splitting are reviewed. The well‐suited synthesis methods and rational engineering aspects for eliminating the significant limitations of self‐photocorrosion and minimum absorption in the solar spectrum are highlighted. The achievement of Ag3PO4‐based photocatalytic materials in water splitting is elaborately discussed, with the main focus on heterostructure formation, facet morphology, and plasmonic phenomena. Besides, some vital accomplishments in bandgap modulation and attaining the required surface energy to achieve an attractive yield of H2 and O2 in the region of visible‐light are also presented. Finally, a conclusive summary outlines this all‐inclusive review with appropriate recommendations for photocatalytic water splitting to meeting a green approach shortly. We expect this comprehensive study could provide a guideline to tailor more efficient Ag3PO4‐based photocatalytic materials with broad research prospects toward water splitting and other sustainable applications.
Heterogeneous Catalyzed Chemoselective Reductive Amination of Halogenated Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Dumoleijn Kim N. R. , Villa Alberto , Marelli Marcello , Prati Laura , Moonen Kristof , Stevens Christian V.
Published: April 2021

The chemoselective conversion of a specific functional group in a multifunctional substrate is of great importance in the chemical industry to obtain cost efficient, sustainable and waste free processes. This work focuses on the chemoselective amination of halogenated aromatic aldehydes with dimethyl amine towards halogenated aromatic amines, a raw material used in the production of for example agrochemical active ingredients. It was found that by combining palladium, a metal known for dehalogenation reactions, and copper, known for its direct hydrogenation of aldehydes to alcohols, in one heterogeneous bimetallic catalyst, a synergistic effect is obtained. By depositing copper onto a palladium on carbon catalyst with a Cu/Pd ratio of at least 1 : 1, the yield could be increased from 66 % (Pd/C) to 98 % (PdCu/C). Moreover, this highly active and stable catalyst also showed suppressed dehalogenation side‐reactions in several other chemical conversions such as hydrogenation of nitro functional groups and hydrogenation of aldehydes.
Mechanism of Oxidative Ring‐Closure as Part of the Hygromycin Biosynthesis Step by a Nonheme Iron Dioxygenase
Authors: Ali Hafiz Saqib , Henchman Richard H. , de Visser Sam P.
Published: April 2021

Nonheme iron dioxygenases catalyze vital reactions for biosystems including the biosynthesis of antibiotics. One such enzyme, namely the hygromycin biosynthesis enzyme (HygX), performs an oxidative ring‐closure reaction to form an ortho−ester product, which is a relevant reaction step for drug synthesis and biotechnology. To understand the selective reaction mechanism of oxidative ring‐closure to form ortho−ester products in HygX, we investigated its catalytic reaction mechanism leading to various products. Large active site cluster models were set‐up and various pathways for substrate activation have been calculated. The work identifies a high‐valent iron(IV)‐oxo species in the quintet spin state as the active oxidant that selectively abstracts a proton of an alcohol group of the substrate, which is followed by a hydrogen atom abstraction from a tertiary C−H group and rapid electron transfer. The latter‐formed biradical intermediate rearranges to form the desaturated ring‐closed product. The calculations show that an active site Lys residue donates positive charge to the metal−oxo group and guides the reaction to a chemoselective desaturation pathway.
Interactive Competition Between Individual Diffusion Layers during Cyclic Voltammetry at Random Arrays of Band and Disk Electrodes: A Thorough Analysis Based on Global Simulations
Authors: Pireddu Giovanni , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian , Oleinick Alexander
Published: April 2021

This work validates a posteriori the use of the theory developed ca. 40 years ago by Amatore and Savéant for regular arrays of electroactive band or disk electrodes. This theory has been profitably used and widely applied in more than 900 research papers for the treatment of the voltammetric responses of arrays of nanoelectroactive objects that were necessarily random by construction. In this work we show that competitive diffusion interaction between the active sites enforce redistribution of individual diffusion layer which homogenize dimensions of the solution volumes ‘feeding’ each active site. For arrays of nanodisk electrodes, it also validates the corresponding approximation assuming that its voltammetric behavior is to that afforded by identical independent cylindrical unit cells performing in parallel.
Polypyrrole/Graphene Composite Interlayer: High Redox Kinetics of Polysulfides and Electrochemical Performance of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Unique Pyrrolic Nitrogen Sites
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Gao Hongcheng , Ning Shunlian , Lin Jiaju , Wen Jingbo , Kang Xiongwu
Published: April 2021

It is still a grand challenge to achieve high performance lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries of high capacity, high‐rate performance and long cycling performance, especially at lean electrolyte condition. Herein, a multi‐functional composite interlayer is developed by in‐situ polymerizing pyrrole (PPy) on graphene nanosheet (PPy/G) and examined by Fourier Transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The graphene layers in PPy/G assure the high conductivity of the composite interlayer, while the high content of pyrrolic nitrogen sites of PPy in PPy/G composite interlayer can effectively trap the polysulfides (PSs) and promote the redox kinetics of PSs, which is valuable to suppress PSs dissolution and enhance utilization of sulfur content in Li−S batteries. Besides, the composite interlayer also facilitates the homogenous flux of Li+ and inhibits the growth of Li dendrite on Li metal anode. As a result, PPy/G interlayer delivers an impressive capacity of 535 mAh g−1 at 5 C and an area capacity of 5.18 mAh cm−2 at a sulfur load of 5.8 mg cm−2 after 100 cycles. A steady capacity of 664 mAh g−1 is also accomplished in lean‐electrolyte condition after 100 cycles.
Metabolic imaging with hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate magnetic resonance imaging in patients with renal tumors—Initial experience
Authors: Tang Shuyu , Meng Maxwell V. , Slater James B. , Gordon Jeremy W. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Stohr Bradley A. , Larson Peder E. Z. , Wang Zhen Jane
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment selection for localized renal tumors is challenging because of their variable biologic behavior and limitations in the preoperative assessment of tumor aggressiveness. The authors investigated the emerging hyperpolarized (HP) 13C magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to noninvasively assess tumor lactate production, which is strongly associated with tumor aggressiveness.

METHODS

Eleven patients with renal tumors underwent HP 13C pyruvate MRI before surgical resection. Tumor 13C pyruvate and 13C lactate images were acquired dynamically. Five patients underwent 2 scans on the same day to assess the intrapatient reproducibility of HP 13C pyruvate MRI. Tumor metabolic data were compared with histopathology findings.

RESULTS

Eight patients had tumors with a sufficient metabolite signal‐to‐noise ratio for analysis; an insufficient tumor signal‐to‐noise ratio was noted in 2 patients, likely caused by poor tumor perfusion and, in 1 patient, because of technical errors. Of the 8 patients, 3 had high‐grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), 3 had low‐grade ccRCC, and 2 had chromophobe RCC. There was a trend toward a higher lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio in high‐grade ccRCCs compared with low‐grade ccRCCs. Both chromophobe RCCs had relatively high lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratios. Good reproducibility was noted across the 5 patients who underwent 2 HP 13C pyruvate MRI scans on the same day.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrate the feasibility of HP 13C pyruvate MRI for investigating the metabolic phenotype of localized renal tumors. The initial data indicate good reproducibility of metabolite measurements. In addition, the metabolic data indicate a trend toward differentiating low‐grade and high‐grade ccRCCs, the most common subtype of renal cancer.

LAY SUMMARY

Renal tumors are frequently discovered incidentally because of the increased use of medical imaging, but it is challenging to identify which aggressive tumors should be treated.

A new metabolic imaging technique was applied to noninvasively predict renal tumor aggressiveness.

The imaging results were compared with tumor samples taken during surgery and showed a trend toward differentiating between low‐grade and high‐grade clear cell renal cell carcinomas, which are the most common type of renal cancers.
Synaptic inputs to broad thorny ganglion cells in macaque retina
Authors: Bordt Andrea S. , Patterson Sara S. , Girresch Rebecca J. , Perez Diego , Tseng Luke , Anderson James R. , Mazzaferri Marcus A. , Kuchenbecker James A. , Gonzales‐Rojas Rodrigo , Roland Ashley , Tang Charis , Puller Christian , Chuang Alice Z. , Ogilvie Judith Mosinger , Neitz Jay , Marshak David W.
Published: April 2021

In primates, broad thorny retinal ganglion cells are highly sensitive to small, moving stimuli. They have tortuous, fine dendrites with many short, spine‐like branches that occupy three contiguous strata in the middle of the inner plexiform layer. The neural circuits that generate their responses to moving stimuli are not well‐understood, and that was the goal of this study. A connectome from central macaque retina was generated by serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy, a broad thorny cell was reconstructed, and its synaptic inputs were analyzed. It received fewer than 2% of its inputs from both ON and OFF types of bipolar cells; the vast majority of its inputs were from amacrine cells. The presynaptic amacrine cells were reconstructed, and seven types were identified based on their characteristic morphology. Two types of narrow‐field cells, knotty bistratified Type 1 and wavy multistratified Type 2, were identified. Two types of medium‐field amacrine cells, ON starburst and spiny, were also presynaptic to the broad thorny cell. Three types of wide‐field amacrine cells, wiry Type 2, stellate wavy, and semilunar Type 2, also made synapses onto the broad thorny cell. Physiological experiments using a macaque retinal preparation in vitro confirmed that broad thorny cells received robust excitatory input from both the ON and the OFF pathways. Given the paucity of bipolar cell inputs, it is likely that amacrine cells provided much of the excitatory input, in addition to inhibitory input.