bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed Assembly of Hybrid Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Shanju , Pelligra Candice I. , Feng Xunda , Osuji Chinedum O.
Published: March 2018

Hybrid nanomaterials are molecular or colloidal‐level combinations of organic and inorganic materials, or otherwise strongly dissimilar materials. They are often, though not exclusively, anisotropic in shape. A canonical example is an inorganic nanorod or nanosheet sheathed in, or decorated by, a polymeric or other organic material, where both the inorganic and organic components are important for the properties of the system. Hybrid nanomaterials and nanocomposites have generated strong interest for a broad range of applications due to their functional properties. Generating macroscopic assemblies of hybrid nanomaterials and nanomaterials in nanocomposites with controlled orientation and placement by directed assembly is important for realizing such applications. Here, a survey of critical issues and themes in directed assembly of hybrid nanomaterials and nanocomposites is provided, highlighting recent efforts in this field with particular emphasis on scalable methods.
Dissipative Self‐Assembly Driven by the Consumption of Chemical Fuels
Authors: De Soumen , Klajn Rafal
Published: March 2018

Dissipative self‐assembly leads to structures and materials that exist away from equilibrium by continuously exchanging energy and materials with the external environment. Although this mode of self‐assembly is ubiquitous in nature, where it gives rise to functions such as signal processing, motility, self‐healing, self‐replication, and ultimately life, examples of dissipative self‐assembly processes in man‐made systems are few and far between. Herein, recent progress in developing diverse synthetic dissipative self‐assembly systems is discussed. The systems reported thus far can be categorized into three classes, in which: i) the fuel chemically modifies the building blocks, thus triggering their self‐assembly, ii) the fuel acts as a template interacting with the building blocks noncovalently, and iii) transient states are induced by the addition of two mutually exclusive stimuli. These early studies give rise to materials that would be difficult to obtain otherwise, including hydrogels with programmable lifetimes, vesicular nanoreactors, and membranes exhibiting transient conductivity.
High‐throughput sequencing data clarify evolutionary relationships among North American Vitis species and improve identification in USDA Vitis germplasm collections
Authors: Klein Laura L. , Miller Allison J. , Ciotir Claudia , Hyma Katie , Uribe‐Convers Simon , Londo Jason
Published: March 2018

Premise Of The Study

Grapes are one of the most economically important berry crops worldwide, with the vast majority of production derived from the domesticated Eurasian species Vitis vinifera. Expansion of production into new areas, development of new cultivars, and concerns about adapting grapevines for changing climates necessitate the use of wild grapevine species in breeding programs. Diversity within Vitis has long been a topic of study; however, questions remain regarding relationships between species. Furthermore, the identity of some living accessions is unclear.

Methods

This study generated 11,020 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for more than 300 accessions in the USDA‐ARS grape germplasm repository using genotyping‐by‐sequencing. Resulting data sets were used to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among several North American and Eurasian Vitis species, and to suggest taxonomic labels for previously unidentified and misidentified germplasm accessions based on genetic distance.

Key Results

Maximum likelihood analyses of SNP data support the monophyly of Vitis, subg. Vitis, a Eurasian subg. Vitis clade, and a North American subg. Vitis clade. Data delineate species groups within North America. In addition, analysis of genetic distance suggested taxonomic identities for 20 previously unidentified Vitis accessions and for 28 putatively misidentified accessions.

Conclusions

This work advances understanding of Vitis evolutionary relationships and provides the foundation for ongoing germplasm enhancement. It supports conservation and breeding efforts by contributing to a growing genetic framework for identifying novel genetic variation and for incorporating new, unsampled populations into the germplasm repository system.
Platinum‐Catalysed Ring‐Opening Isomerisation of Piperidine Cyclopropanes
Authors: Barát Viktor , Kasinathan Sivarajan , Bates Roderick W.
Published: March 2018

A range of cyclopropyl‐fused N‐tosyl piperidines have been synthesised and shown to undergo ring‐opening isomerisation on treatment with platinum(II) catalysts. The products can have either an endo‐cyclic or exo‐cyclic double bond. The selectivity is influenced by reaction temperature, solvent and, most significantly, the catalyst. A mechanism involving C−C bond activation and β‐hydride elimination is proposed. When β‐hydride elimination is blocked, a stereospecific platinum‐driven Wagner–Meerwein shift is observed.
Functionalized Proline‐Rich Peptides Bind the Bacterial Second Messenger c‐di‐GMP
Authors: Foletti Carlotta , Kramer Rolf A. , Mauser Harald , Jenal Urs , Bleicher Konrad H. , Wennemers Helma
Published: March 2018

c‐di‐GMP is an attractive target in the fight against bacterial infections since it is a near ubiquitous second messenger that regulates important cellular processes of pathogens, including biofilm formation and virulence. Screening of a combinatorial peptide library enabled the identification of the proline‐rich tetrapeptide Gup‐Gup‐Nap‐Arg, which binds c‐di‐GMP selectively over other nucleotides in water. Computational and CD spectroscopic studies provided a possible binding mode of the complex and enabled the design of a pentapeptide with even higher binding strength towards c‐di‐GMP. Biological studies showed that the tetrapeptide inhibits biofilm growth by the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa.
Recent Advances in Analytical Pyrolysis to Investigate Organic Materials in Heritage Science
Authors: Degano Ilaria , Modugno Francesca , Bonaduce Ilaria , Ribechini Erika , Colombini Maria Perla
Published: March 2018

The molecular characterization of organic materials in samples from artworks and historical objects traditionally entailed qualitative and quantitative analyses by HPLC and GC. Today innovative approaches based on analytical pyrolysis enable samples to be analysed without any chemical pre‐treatment. Pyrolysis, which is often considered as a screening technique, shows previously unexplored potential thanks to recent instrumental developments. Organic materials that are macromolecular in nature, or undergo polymerization upon curing and ageing can now be better investigated. Most constituents of paint layers and archaeological organic substances contain major insoluble and chemically non‐hydrolysable fractions that are inaccessible to GC or HPLC. To date, molecular scientific investigations of the organic constituents of artworks and historical objects have mostly focused on the minor constituents of the sample. This review presents recent advances in the qualitative and semi‐quantitative analyses of organic materials in heritage objects based on analytical pyrolysis coupled with mass spectrometry.
Silica‐Protection‐Assisted Encapsulation of Cu2O Nanocubes into a Metal–Organic Framework (ZIF‐8) To Provide a Composite Catalyst
Authors: Li Bo , Ma Jian‐Gong , Cheng Peng
Published: March 2018

The integration of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to form composite materials has attracted great interest due to the broad range of applications. However, to date, it has not been possible to encapsulate metastable NPs with high catalytic activity into MOFs, due to their instability during the preparation process. For the first time, we have successfully developed a template protection–sacrifice (TPS) method to encapsulate metastable NPs such as Cu2O into MOFs. SiO2 was used as both a protective shell for Cu2O nanocubes and a sacrificial template for forming a yolk–shell structure. The obtained Cu2O@ZIF‐8 composite exhibits excellent cycle stability in the catalytic hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol with high activity. This is the first report of a Cu2O@MOF‐type composite material. The TPS method provides an efficient strategy for encapsulating unstable active metal/metal oxide NPs into MOFs or maybe other porous materials.
Fluorescence sensing of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol based on hierarchical IRMOF‐3 nanosheets fabricated through a simple one‐pot reaction
Authors: Zhu Meihua , Wu Xuemin , Niu Baitong , Guo Hongxu , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2018

Hierarchical IRMOF‐3 nanosheets were firstly fabricated by a simple reflux strategy and were then characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They revealed a high fluorescence quantum yield (13.2%) and showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity for 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) over a concentration range of 1–29 μM in aqueous solution. This work demonstrates that the facile fabrication method for hierarchical IRMOF‐3 nanosheets with favorable selectivity and sensitivity for TNP could produce a new point of view on novel metal–organic framework nanomaterials for on‐line detection of organic pollutants in water.
Electrochemical characterization of laser‐carbonized polyacrylonitrile nanofiber nonwovens
Authors: Go Dennis , Opitz Martin , Lott Philipp , Rahimi Khosrow , Stollenwerk Jochen , Thomas Helga , Möller Martin , Roling Bernhard , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: March 2018

Porous carbon materials represent prospective materials for absorbers, filters, and electronic applications. Carbon fibers with high surface areas can be produced from polyacrylonitrile and spun as thin fibers from solution. The resulting polymer fibers are first stabilized to obtain conjugated ribbons and then carbonized to graphitic structures in a second high‐temperature step in an inert atmosphere. In this study, we investigated a previously described fast laser‐heating process that delivered fibers with a higher crystallinity and surface area compared to the thermally carbonized fibers. In a subsequent KOH‐activation step, the crystalline domains were exfoliated, and the surface of the fibers became macroporous. This led to a reduced specific surface area but a higher capacitance compared to thermally carbonized nanofibers. We report the electrochemical properties of the electrochemical cells and discuss their potential applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46398.
A simple coordination strategy for preparing a complex hydrophobic association hydrogel
Authors: Liu Yudong , Li Zhiying , Niu Na , Zou Jiayun , Liu Fengqi
Published: March 2018

Hydrophobic association hydrogels (HA gels) have been proven to be one of the most popular research interests in physically crosslinking hydrogels. Meanwhile, the association mode of hydrophobic monomers and the structure of the hydrophobic microdomain is crucial to their mechanical properties. In this study, we designed high‐performance complex HA gels by novel complex micelles and acrylamide without small‐molecule surfactants. The complex micelles were prepared by a simple complex of two polymerizable amphiphilic dodecanol polyoxyethylene (n) acrylate monomers (alcohol ethoxylate (n)‐acryloyl chloride, AEO‐3‐AC, AEO‐23‐AC). The coordination effect between these amphiphilic monomers with a large hydrophilic difference greatly improved the strength of the gels. The mechanical properties, including the breaking elongation ratio and tensile strength, could be easily adjusted through the variation of the complex ratio in a relatively broad range. The mechanical strength of the resulting hydrogels with composite micelles were improved almost 200% over those of the hydrogels having either AEO‐3–AC or AEO‐23–AC. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy testing revealed the sizes and morphologies of the complex hydrogels and their composite micelles. The discovery of the coordination provides a new route for preparing high‐performance hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46400.
How Polycomb‐Mediated Cell Memory Deals With a Changing Environment
Authors: Marasca Federica , Bodega Beatrice , Orlando Valerio
Published: March 2018

Cells and tissues are continuously exposed to a changing microenvironment, hence the necessity of a flexible modulation of gene expression that in complex organism have been achieved through specialized chromatin mechanisms. Chromatin‐based cell memory enables cells to maintain their identity by fixing lineage specific transcriptional programs, ensuring their faithful transmission through cell division; in particular PcG‐based memory system evolved to maintain the silenced state of developmental and cell cycle genes. In evolution the complexity of this system have increased, particularly in vertebrates, indicating combinatorial and dynamic properties of Polycomb proteins, in some cases even overflowing outside the cell nucleus. Therefore, their function may not be limited to the imposition of rigid states of genetic programs, but on the ability to recognize signals and allow plastic transcriptional changes in response to different stimuli. Here, we discuss the most novel PcG mediated memory functions in facing and responding to the challenges posed by a fluctuating environment.
Detection of metronidazole in honey and metronidazole tablets using carbon dots‐based sensor via the inner filter effect
Authors: Zhao Jianru , Pan Xiaohua , Sun Xiaobo , Pan Wei , Yu Guifeng , Wang Jinping
Published: March 2018

In this work, carbon dots (CDs) with a high quantum yield (22.3%) were easily prepared by hydrothermal pyrolysis of acid fuchsin 6B and hydrogen peroxide at 180°C for 10 h. The resultant CDs possess a narrow size distribution in the range of 2.6 to 3.2 nm and emit blue fluorescence. Interestingly, the absorption band of metronidazole (MTZ) centered at 318 nm can complementary overlap with the excitation band of the as‐prepared CDs centered at 320 nm, resulting in an inner filter effect (IFE) in high efficiency. In fact, the fluorescence quenching of the CDs depends on the concentration of MTZ. Therefore, a simple method for the detection of MTZ can be established using the CDs‐based sensor via the IFE. The linear range of the proposed method was 0–10 μg mL−1 with the limit of detection as low as 0.257 μg mL−1. This CDs‐based sensor had been applied for the detection of MTZ in honey and MTZ tablets with the recoveries in the range of 98.0% to 105.1% and 95.7% to 106.5%, respectively. Therefore, the as‐prepared CDs have a potential to be developed as a MTZ sensor with high selectivity, sensitivity and accuracy.
Tailor‐made computational protocols for precise characterization of small biological building blocks using QM and MM approaches
Authors: Chandramouli Balasubramanian , Del Galdo Sara , Mancini Giordano , Tasinato Nicola , Barone Vincenzo
Published: March 2018

Computational modeling involving Quantum Mechanics (QM) and Molecular Mechanics (MM) calculations are widely utilized to unveil the atomic‐molecular properties that underpin their inherent characteristic features. The choice over the either of the QM and MM methods or a multiscale composite approach is driven by the target property of interest, and of course, the molecular size. Often, tailor‐made schemes need to be devised to match the specific study purpose. Herein, we provide a perspective of these approaches addressing their effectiveness in terms of the delicate balance between the accuracy and computational feasibility. We focus on representative examples to highlight how different approaches can be fruitfully exploited for modeling the conformational landscape, and possibly, the spectroscopic behavior of biochemical molecules, especially amino acids building blocks.
Separation and Characterization of Organic Chlorides in a Chinese Crude Oil
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Ma Rui , Ding Liang , Yuan Huiying , Wu Bencheng , Zhu Jianhua
Published: March 2018

A crude oil from Shengli oilfield of China was extracted with N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) for separation and enrichment of organic chlorides. The resulting extract with relatively higher chlorine concentration was analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Among the identified heteroatom compounds in the extract sample, nitrogen‐containing compounds were most abundant in the extract sample, followed by chlorine‐, sulfur‐, and oxygen‐containing compounds, respectively. Four organochlorines with an aromatic core structure, i.e., 5‐chloro‐2‐methylaniline, 2‐chloro‐6‐methylaniline, 4‐chloro‐2‐nitrotoluene, and 1‐(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethanone, were identified from crude oil extract. The dominant abundant organic chloride is 5‐chloro‐2‐methylaniline with relative content of 65.1% in the total of identified organic chlorides, followed by 1‐(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethanone of 16.3%, 2‐chloro‐6‐methylaniline of 14.5%, and 4‐chloro‐2‐nitrotoluene of 4.1%, respectively.
Impact of environmental knowledge and product quality on student attitude toward products with recycled/remanufactured content: Implications for environmental education and green manufacturing
Authors: Sun Hongyi , Teh Pei‐Lee , Linton Jonathan D.
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the impact of environmental knowledge and perceived product quality on purchasing intention and purchasing behavior of recycled products: A4 paper, mobile phones and printers. The intent is to understand how to move future generations toward more sustainable behavior, as currently unsustainable amounts of waste are generated across the Far East. Expectancy value theory and the theory of reasoned action are applied to the purchase of products with recovered and/or recycled content (n= 215). The study indicates: (1) a significant positive relationship was found between both theintention to purchaseand thepurchase of recycled products; (2) theperception of recycled product riskhas a significant negative impact on theperception of recycled product qualityand theattitude toward environmental protection; (3)perceived quality of recycled productis positively related toattitude toward environmental protection; (4)perceived quality of recycled productandattitude to environmental protectionare positively related tointention to purchase recycled products; and (5) surprisingly, knowledge regarding environmental damage and pollution is unrelated toattitude toward environmental protection. This study offers new insights into the impact of education on environmental protection, purchasing of greener products and the need for environmental education to move from a goal of understanding to that of action.
Adductor magnus: An EMG investigation into proximal and distal portions and direction specific action
Authors: Benn Matthew L. , Pizzari Tania , Rath Leanne , Tucker Kylie , Semciw Adam I.
Published: March 2018

Cadaveric studies indicate that adductor magnus is structurally partitioned into at least two regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the direction‐specific actions of proximal and distal portions of adductor magnus, and in doing so determine if these segments have distinct functional roles. Fine‐wire EMG electrodes were inserted into two portions of adductor magnus of 12 healthy young adults. Muscle activity was recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) across eight tests (hip flexion/extension, internal/external rotation, abduction, and adduction at 0°, 45°, and 90° hip flexion). Median activity within each action (normalized to peak) was compared between segments using repeated measures nonparametric tests (α = 0.05). An effect size (ES = z‐score/√sample size) was calculated to determine the magnitude of difference between muscle segments. The relative contribution of each muscle segment differed significantly during internal rotation (P < 0.001; ES = 0.88) and external rotation (P = 0.003, ES = 0.79). The distal portion was most active during extension [median (interquartile range); 100(0)% MVIC)] and internal rotation [58(34)% MVIC]. The proximal portion was most active during extension [100(49)% MVIC] and adduction [59(64)%MVIC], with low level activity during external rotation [15(41)%MVIC]. This study suggests that adductor magnus has at least two functionally unique regions. Differences were most evident during rotation. The different direction‐specific actions may imply that each segment performs separate roles in hip stability and movement. These findings may have implications on injury prevention and rehabilitation for adductor‐related groin injuries, hamstring strain injury, and hip pathology. Clin. Anat. 31:535–543, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of primary lymph node sites in survival and mortality prediction in Hodgkin lymphoma: a SEER population‐based retrospective study
Authors: Ebied Amr , Thanh Huan Vuong , Makram Omar Mohamed , Sang To Kim , Ghorab Mohamed , Ngo Huyen Thi , Iraqi Ahmed , Kamel Mohamed Gomaa , Dang Tran Ngoc , Vuong Nguyen Lam , Hirayama Kenji , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: March 2018

As diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) continue to improve, patient‐related factors affecting survival become more difficult to identify. Very little is known about the relationship between the primary site of lymph node (LN) involvement and survival of HL patients. We retrospectively analyzed the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database for 12,658 HL patients reported between 1973 and 2010 using survival analysis and time‐interval multiple logistic regression (MLR) to disclose that relationship. The effect of all primary LN sites on the survival of HL patients was supported. The intra‐abdominal (IAB) primary LN site was significantly associated with the worst survival. The pelvic (P) LN sites were significantly and independently associated with nearly 2 times and 2.5 times the probability of having 1‐year overall mortality (OM) and 1‐year cancer‐specific mortality (CSM), respectively. Head, face and neck (HFN) primary LN sites were significant and independent predictors of better overall and HL‐specific survival. A worse survival with the intra‐abdominal primary LN site was probably related to their association with higher age, or advanced stages of HL. The biological basis behind the aggressiveness of intra‐abdominal and pelvic LN sites is yet to be investigated.
Antitumor effects of duvelisib on Epstein–Barr virus‐associated lymphoma cells
Authors: Kawada Jun‐ichi , Ando Shotaro , Torii Yuka , Watanabe Takahiro , Sato Yoshitaka , Ito Yoshinori , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous oncogenic virus that is associated with B cell lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous studies have shown that the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is activated in EBV‐associated lymphomas and can be a novel therapeutic target. An oral dual inhibitor of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ, duvelisib, is in clinical trials for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. In this study, we evaluated how duvelisib affects the activity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and if it has antitumor effects in EBV‐associated lymphoma cell lines. We found that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was activated in most of the B and T cell lymphoma cell lines tested. Additionally, duvelisib treatment inhibited cellular growth in the tested cell lines. Overall, B cell lines were more susceptible to duvelisib than T and NK cell lines in vitro regardless of EBV infection. However, the additional influence of duvelisib on the tumor microenvironment was not assessed. Duvelisib treatment induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in EBV‐positive and ‐negative B cell lines, but not in T cell lines. Furthermore, duvelisib treatment reduced the expression of EBV lytic genes (BZLF1 and gp350/220) in EBV‐positive B cell lines, suggesting that duvelisib suppresses the lytic cycle of EBV induced by B cell receptor signaling. However, duvelisib did not induce a remarkable change in the expression of EBV latent genes. These results may indicate that there is therapeutic potential for duvelisib administration in the treatment of EBV‐associated B cell lymphomas and other B cell malignancies.
Gene panel testing of 5589 BRCA1/2‐negative index patients with breast cancer in a routine diagnostic setting: results of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hauke Jan , Horvath Judit , Groß Eva , Gehrig Andrea , Honisch Ellen , Hackmann Karl , Schmidt Gunnar , Arnold Norbert , Faust Ulrike , Sutter Christian , Hentschel Julia , Wang‐Gohrke Shan , Smogavec Mateja , Weber Bernhard H. F. , Weber‐Lassalle Nana , Weber‐Lassalle Konstantin , Borde Julika , Ernst Corinna , Altmüller Janine , Volk Alexander E. , Thiele Holger , Hübbel Verena , Nürnberg Peter , Keupp Katharina , Versmold Beatrix , Pohl Esther , Kubisch Christian , Grill Sabine , Paul Victoria , Herold Natalie , Lichey Nadine , Rhiem Kerstin , Ditsch Nina , Ruckert Christian , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Auber Bernd , Rump Andreas , Niederacher Dieter , Haaf Thomas , Ramser Juliane , Dworniczak Bernd , Engel Christoph , Meindl Alfons , Schmutzler Rita K. , Hahnen Eric
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of germ line mutations in non‐BRCA1/2 genes associated with hereditary breast cancer (BC) is low, and the role of some of these genes in BC predisposition and pathogenesis is conflicting. In this study, 5589 consecutive BC index patients negative for pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations and 2189 female controls were screened for germ line mutations in eight cancer predisposition genes (ATM, CDH1, CHEK2, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and TP53). All patients met the inclusion criteria of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer for germ line testing. The highest mutation prevalence was observed in the CHEK2 gene (2.5%), followed by ATM (1.5%) and PALB2 (1.2%). The mutation prevalence in each of the remaining genes was 0.3% or lower. Using Exome Aggregation Consortium control data, we confirm significant associations of heterozygous germ line mutations with BC for ATM (OR: 3.63, 95%CI: 2.67–4.94), CDH1 (OR: 17.04, 95%CI: 3.54–82), CHEK2 (OR: 2.93, 95%CI: 2.29–3.75), PALB2 (OR: 9.53, 95%CI: 6.25–14.51), and TP53 (OR: 7.30, 95%CI: 1.22–43.68). NBN germ line mutations were not significantly associated with BC risk (OR:1.39, 95%CI: 0.73–2.64). Due to their low mutation prevalence, the RAD51C and RAD51D genes require further investigation. Compared with control datasets, predicted damaging rare missense variants were significantly more prevalent in CHEK2 and TP53 in BC index patients. Compared with the overall sample, only TP53 mutation carriers show a significantly younger age at first BC diagnosis. We demonstrate a significant association of deleterious variants in the CHEK2, PALB2, and TP53 genes with bilateral BC. Both, ATM and CHEK2, were negatively associated with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative tumor phenotypes. A particularly high CHEK2 mutation prevalence (5.2%) was observed in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive tumors.
Collagen from Marine Biological Sources and Medical Applications
Authors: Felician Fatuma Felix , Xia Chunlei , Qi Weiyan , Xu Hanmei
Published: March 2018

Collagen is the most studied protein with a wide range of applications including pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetics, leather, and film industries due to its special characteristics that are high biocompatibility, good bioactivity, and weak antigenicity. Although collagen sources are abundant, the outbreak of varied diseases among land animals posed threat to its utilization in our daily life. Thus, a probe for an alternative source began, which in turn revealed the immense untapped marine sources, such as fish, jellyfish, and some marine Mammals. The present article deals with a brief description of collagen, its characteristics, marine sources, extraction, collagen peptides and their biological activities, potential use and application in various field.
Tyrosinase Inhibitors from the Aerial Parts of Wulfenia carinthiacaJacq.
Authors: Mutschlechner Benjamin , Rainer Bettina , Schwaiger Stefan , Stuppner Hermann
Published: March 2018

Activity guided isolation of a MeOH extract of the aerial plant parts of Wulfenia carinthiaca Jacq. (Plantaginaceae), using a mushroom tyrosinase assay, resulted in the isolation of five phenylethanoid glucosides and four iridoid glycosides. Two of them, 2′‐O‐acetylisoplantamajoside and 2′,6″‐O‐diacetylisoplantamajoside, represent new natural products. Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of all isolated compounds revealed that the observed activity is not related to the isolated phenylethanoid glycosides but mainly due to the presence of the iridoid glycoside globularin (IC50 41.94 μm; CI95% ± 16.61/11.89 μm). Interestingly, structurally close related compounds (globularicisin, baldaccioside, and isoscrophularioside) showed no or only a weak tyrosinase inhibitory activity.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2018

…the importance of including families in pediatric rounds

…accuracy of psychotic symptoms scales

…link between being bullied and carrying weapons to school
Long‐term clinical and quality of life outcomes after stenting of femoropopliteal artery stenosis: 3‐year results from the STROLL study
Authors: Bunte Matthew C. , Cohen David J. , Jaff Michael R. , Gray William A. , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Li Haiyan , Feiring Andrew , Cioppi Marco , Hibbard Robert , Gray Bruce , Khatib Yazan , Jessup David , Patarca Roberto , Du Jing , Stoll Hans‐Peter , Massaro Joe , Safley David M. ,   STROLL Study Investigators
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and health status outcomes of patients undergoing superficial femoral artery (SFA) revascularization using the Shape Memory Alloy Recoverable Technology (S.M.A.R.T.®) nitinol self‐expanding stent through 3 years of follow‐up.

Background

Limited long‐term data are available describing the durability of benefits after femoropopliteal revascularization.

Methods

In a multicenter, prospective, core‐lab adjudicated study, 250 subjects with de novo or restenotic femoropopliteal arterial lesions were treated with the S.M.A.R.T.® stent. The primary endpoint of target vessel patency, a composite of ultrasound‐assessed patency and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), was evaluated through 3 years. Secondary endpoints included stent fracture and health status. Health status was measured using generic and disease‐specific instruments, including the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ).

Results

At 3‐year follow‐up, Kaplan‐Meier estimated target vessel patency was 72.7%, freedom from clinically driven TLR was 78.5%, and the incidence of stent fracture was 3.6%. The PAQ summary score was markedly impaired at baseline (mean 37.3 ± 19.6 points) and improved substantially at 1 month (mean change from baseline of 31.4 points, 95% CI: 28.5‐34.3; P < 0.001). Disease‐specific health status benefits assessed by the PAQ were largely preserved through 3 years of follow‐up (mean change from baseline, 28.0 points, 95% CI: 24.3‐31.7; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing revascularization for moderately complex SFA disease, use of the self‐expanding S.M.A.R.T® stent was associated with a high rate of target vessel patency through 3 years and led to substantial and sustained health status benefits.
Density Functional Theory Simulations of Water Adsorption and Activation on the (−201) β‐Ga2O3 Surface
Authors: Anvari Roozbeh , Spagnoli Dino , Parish Giacinta , Nener Brett
Published: March 2018

Density functional theory calculations are used to study the molecular and dissociative adsorption of water on the (−201) β‐Ga2O3 surface. The effect of adsorption of different water‐like species on the geometry, binding energies, vibrational spectra and the electronic structure of the surface are discussed. The study shows that although the hydrogen evolution reaction requires a small amount of energy to become energetically favourable, the over potential for activating the oxygen evolution reaction is quite high. The results of our calculations provide insight as to why a high voltage is required in experiments to activate the water‐splitting reaction, whereas previous studies of gallium oxide predicted very low activation energies for other energetically more favourable facets. Application of this work to studies of GaN‐based chemical sensors with gallium oxide surfaces shows that it is possible to select the gate bias so that the sensors are not influenced by water‐splitting reactions. It was also found that in the region where water splitting does not occur, the surface can exist in two states, that is, water or hydroxyl terminated.
Dual‐Selective and Dual‐Enhanced SERS Nanoprobes Strategy for Circulating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Detection
Authors: Pang Yuanfeng , Wang Chongwen , Xiao Rui , Sun Zhiwei
Published: March 2018

The detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a blood sample can be a very powerful noninvasive approach for the early detection and therapy of liver cancer. However, the extreme rarity of tumor cells in blood containing billions of other cells makes the capture and identification of CTCs with sufficient sensitivity and specificity a real challenge. Here, a magnetically assisted surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor for HCC CTC detection is reported for the first time. The biosensor consists of two basic elements: anti‐ASGPR antibody‐Fe3O4@Ag magnetic nanoparticles and anti‐GPC3 antibody‐Au@Ag@DTNB nanorods. According to the dual‐selectivity of the anti‐ASGPR and anti‐GPC3 antibodies and the dual‐enhancement SERS signal of the MNPs silver shell and the Au@Ag NRs SERS tags, a limit of detection of 1 cell mL−1 for HCC CTC in human peripheral blood samples with a linear relationship from 1 to 100 cells mL−1 can be obtained. The system shows good performance in real serum, which suggests it may be a promising tool for HCC clinical diagnosis.
Circularly polarized luminescence of helically assembled pyrene π‐stacks on RNA and DNA duplexes
Authors: Nakamura Mitsunobu , Ota Fuyuki , Takada Tadao , Akagi Kazuo , Yamana Kazushige
Published: March 2018

In this report, we describe the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of the RNA duplexes having one to four 2′‐O‐pyrene modified uridines (Upy) and the DNA duplexes having two, four, and six pyrene modified non‐nucleosidic linkers (Py). Both the pyrene π‐stack arrays formed on the RNA and DNA double helical structures exhibited pyrene excimer fluorescence. In the pyrene‐modified RNA systems, the RNA duplex having four Upys gives CPL emission with glum value of <0.01 at 480 nm. The structure of pyrene stacks on the RNA duplex may be rigidly regulated with increase in the Upy domains, which resulted in the CPL emission. In the DNA systems, the pyrene‐modified duplexes containing two and four Pys exhibited CPL emission with glum values of <0.001 at 505 nm. The pyrene π‐stack arrays presented here show CPL emission. However, the glum values are relatively small when compared with our previous system consisting of the pyrene‐zipper arrays on RNA.
Advanced treatment of phenol by H2O2/UV/activated carbon coupling: Influence of homogeneous and heterogeneous phase
Authors: Flouret Alexandre , de Almeida Maria Carolina , de Oliveira Tatianne Ferreira , de Sá Fernando Pereira
Published: March 2018

In this work, a heterogeneous catalytic wet peroxide process combining activated carbon (AC) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/ultraviolet radiation was applied for the aqueous‐phase removal of phenol. The influence of the pH and peroxide concentration were determined according to a factorial plan. The kinetic contribution of radical mechanisms () was estimated using a radical scavenger (tert‐butyl alcohol). The degradation kinetics was modelled by a global pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model based on the sum of the effects during the treatment process. The results showed that these two variables significantly affected the percentage removal. The peroxide concentration exerted a positive effect (i.e., as the H2O2 concentration increased, the percentage removal also increased). Additionally, as the pH value increased, the degradation accelerated, and the kinetic constant (khomogeneous) increased from 0.00938 min−1 to 0.02772 min−1. The results obtained in the presence of AC demonstrated the ability of AC to ameliorate the degradation of phenol; for example, was 45.69 % to 41.35 %.
Chemical Design of Nuclear‐Targeting Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Intra‐nuclear Drug Delivery
Authors: Pan Limin , Shi Jianlin
Published: March 2018

Targeted drug delivery has been widely explored for efficient tumor therapy with desired efficacy but minimized side effects. It is widely known that large numbers of DNA‐toxins, such as doxorubicin, genes, reactive oxygen species, serving as therapeutic agents, can result in maximized therapeutic effects via the interaction directly with DNA helix. So after cellular uptake, these agents should be further delivered into cell nuclei to play their essential roles in damaging the DNA helix in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate the first paradigm established in our laboratory in developing nuclear‐targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on MSNs for enhanced therapeutic efficiency in the hope of speeding their translation into the clinics. Firstly, nuclear‐targeting DDSs based on MSNs, capable of intranuclear accumulation and drug release therein, were designed and constructed for the first time, resulting in much enhanced anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo. Such an MSNs‐based and nuclear‐targeted drug/agent delivery strategy was further applied to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) of malignant tumors, intra‐nuclearly deliver therapeutic genes, photosensitizers, radio‐enhancement agents and photothermal agents to realize efficient gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and photothermal therapy, respectively.
Study of Computation Method of Iron Loss Considering Magnetic Anisotropy by Processing Residual Stress
Authors: DOI SATOSHI , AOKI TETSUYA , OKAZAKI KEIICHI , TAKAHASHI YASUHITO , FUJIWARA KOJI
Published: March 2018

Mass productions of the motor core such as the blanking of the electromagnetic steel sheet and the shrink fit cause the residual strain in the material, processing strain, which prevents the movement of magnetic walls and increases the magnetic loss in the motor. Conventionally, the increase of the magnetic loss by the processing stress was evaluated with trial products, because it could not be done in the design phase. Particularly, the residual stress generated by processing has a complicated relationship with the direction of the magnetization vector, which has made it difficult to estimate iron loss considering processing strain. So, this paper clarified the relationship between the stress tensor and the magnetization vector, and proposed a consideration method of the stress in magnetic field analysis. As a result of validating the development method with the ring test piece, we confirmed that the intended modeling can be reproduced. Furthermore, we showed the usefulness of the development method in the motor model.
Frog's DCs have it all in one
Authors: Robert Jacques
Published: March 2018

Although the amphibian Xenopus laevis produces antibodies as diversified as those from mammals in the primary repertoire, antibody affinity maturation after immunization is relatively poor and has been associated with a poor B cell selection of AID‐mediated hypermutations and lack of germinal centers in the spleen, the only secondary lymphoid organ of this amphibian. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Neely et al., [Eur. J. Immunol. 2018. 48: 430–440] have unveiled the role of distinctive dendritic cell (DC) subset, XL cells, which have the capacity to acquire and retain native antigens for B cell maturation. The complementary evidence presented by this study (immunohistology, tracing antigen complexes, flow cytometry analysis and gene expression profiles of sorted XL cells) provides novel fundamental insights into a major evolutionary step in functional and cellular specialization of DC and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in regulating B cell responses.
Room for advancement: The regulatory fit of bottom‐rank intermediate feedback
Authors: Hamstra Melvyn R. W. , Schreurs Bert
Published: March 2018

This research tests the hypothesis that promotion‐focused individuals experience regulatory fit from bottom rank, intermediate performance‐feedback. Prior research suggests promotion‐focused individuals experience fit in high social ranks (power). Bottom performance ranks may appear psychologically opposite to high power, which might lead one to expect that promotion‐focused individuals experience fit at top ranks. We propose that the opposite occurs in intermediate performance ranking feedback, in that promotion‐focused individuals experience regulatory fit at a bottom rank, because bottom rank implies having something to gain (yielding eagerness), whereas top rank implies having something to lose (yielding vigilance). Study 1 (N = 261) supports the notion that ranks affect eagerness/vigilance. Study 2 (N = 199) extends these findings by examining engagement from regulatory fit.
Bioturbation facilitates DDT sequestration by activated carbon against recontamination by sediment deposition
Authors: Lin Diana , Cho Yeo-Myoung , Tommerdahl Jake P. , Werner David , Luthy Richard G.
Published: March 2018

We evaluated bioturbation as a facilitator for in situ treatment with a thin layer of activated carbon to treat dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)-contaminated sediment and contaminant influx by sediment deposition. Using the freshwater worm Lumbriculus variegatus as a bioturbator, microcosm time-series studies were conducted for 4 mo and monitored for DDT flux and porewater concentration profiles by polyethylene passive samplers. With bioturbators present, the thin-layer activated carbon amendment reduced DDT flux by >90% compared with the same simulated scenario without activated carbon amendment. In contrast, a clean sediment cap without activated carbon was ineffective in reducing flux when bioturbation was present. In simulated scenarios with contaminant influx through deposition of contaminated sediment, bioturbation facilitated in situ activated carbon treatment, reducing 4-mo DDT flux by 77% compared with the same scenario without bioturbation. Porewater concentration profiles and activated carbon dose profiles confirmed effective mixing of activated carbon particles down to 1-cm depth. A mass transfer model was developed to predict flux with consideration of bioturbation and sediment deposition processes. Predicted flux values were consistent with experimental results and confirm that bioturbation activity helps reduce DDT sediment-to-water fluxes in activated carbon–treated sediment with recontamination by contaminated sediment deposition. To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine experimental and modeling results showing how bioturbation enhances activated carbon amendment effectiveness against ongoing contaminant influx by sediment deposition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2013–2021. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

Bioturbation enhances the performance of in-situ activated carbon (AC) amendment against ongoing contaminant influx by reducing contaminant sediment-to-water flux. DDT = dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane.
Satellite glial cells represent a population of developmentally arrested Schwann cells
Authors: George Dale , Ahrens Paige , Lambert Stephen
Published: March 2018

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that form sheaths around the neuronal cell body. This unique arrangement of SGCs allows it to exert a highly regulated control over the neuronal microenvironment. Not much is known about the origin of SGCs. In this study, we examine the development of SGCs. We show that rat SGCs develop postnatally and these cells express a number of markers associated with Schwann cell precursors, in particular cadherin‐19 (CDH19) even in adult DRGs. We developed a method for the purification of SGCs and showed that they are transcriptionally and morphologically very similar to adult rat Schwann cells (SCs). Finally, we demonstrate that purified SGCs are capable of myelinating embryonic axons when cocultured with those axons. Based on these observations we hypothesize that SGCs represent a population of cells in the SC lineage, whose further differentiation appears to be arrested through contact with DRG neuronal soma.
Future Directions for Rigor in the Changing Higher Education Landscape
Authors: Campbell Corbin M.
Published: March 2018

This chapter offers a synthesis of the volume and suggestions for how to implement a reframed understanding of rigor as faculty, administrators, and researchers in higher education.
Patterns of recurrence in oral tongue cancer with perineural invasion
Authors: Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Xu Bin , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Katabi Nora , Pfister David G. , Lee Nancy Y. , Patel Snehal G. , Ghossein Ronald A. , Wong Richard J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Although perineural invasion (PNI) is recognized as an adverse prognostic factor in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the patterns of failure are poorly defined.

Methods

Patients with oral tongue SCC who received primary surgical treatment were identified. Specimens were reviewed by head and neck pathologists. Disease‐specific survival (DSS) and locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), regional recurrence‐free survival (RRFS), and distant recurrence‐free survival (DRFS) were calculated. The PNI and PNI characteristics were analyzed as predictors of outcome. The utility of grading the extent of PNI was assessed by quantifying the number of PNI foci per slide reviewed, nerve caliber, and percent circumference involved.

Results

Patients with PNI had a decreased DSS; however, PNI was not predictive of LRFS or RRFS. Patients with PNI were more likely to develop a distant recurrence and 19.40 (confidence interval [CI] 6.70‐56.14; P < .001) times more likely to develop a distant recurrence if PNI foci density was >1.

Conclusion

The presence of PNI in oral tongue SCC predicts worse DSS, with distant recurrence as the most common pattern of failure. High PNI foci density is associated with worse DRFS.
Relationship between innovation‐led HR policy, strategy, and firm performance: A serial mediation investigation
Authors: Do Hoa , Budhwar Pawan S. , Patel Charmi
Published: March 2018

This research examines the relationship between innovation‐led strategy and innovation‐led HR policy (hereafter, management initiatives) and innovation performance. Our research model is theorized and tested in the Vietnamese context, based on the servant leadership theory and componential theory of creativity. We draw upon constructs of management initiatives, servant leadership, employee creativity, and firm innovation to hypothesize serial mediation mechanisms linking management initiatives to firm performance. Using a multilevel sample of 56 service firms, we conduct multilevel path analyses. We find that (a) individual‐level servant leadership mediates the top‐down relationship between management initiatives and employee creativity, (b) employee creativity mediates the bottom‐up relationship between individual‐level servant leadership and firm‐level innovation, and (c) firm‐level innovation mediates the bottom‐up relationship between employee creativity and firm‐level market performance. We conclude by discussing both theoretical and practical implications.