bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional and Structural Features of the Main Bioactive Polysaccharides Present in the Aloe vera Plant
Authors: Minjares-Fuentes Rafael , Femenia Antoni , Comas-Serra Francesca , Rodríguez-González Victor Manuel
Published: June 2018

Aloe vera (A. barbadensis Miller) is probably one of the most popular plants, widely studied because of numerous properties associated with the polysaccharides present in its gel. In particular, two main types of bioactive polysaccharides can be distinguished in the A. vera gel: an acetylated mannose-rich polymer that functions as storage polysaccharide, and a galacturonic acid–rich polymer as the main component comprising the cell walls of the parenchymatous tissue. Interestingly, most of the beneficial properties related to the aloe plant have been associated with the acetylated mannose-rich polysaccharide, also known as acemannan. However, the composition and structural features of these polysaccharides, as well as the beneficial properties associated with them, may be altered by different factors, such as the climate, soil, postharvest treatments, and processing. Further, different analytical methods have been used not only to identify but also to characterize the main polysaccharides found in parenchyma of A. vera leaf. Within this context, the main aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant information about the structural and compositional features of the main polysaccharides found in the A. vera gel as well as the most relevant analytical techniques used for their identification and their influence on the technological, functional, and beneficial properties related to the A. vera plant.
UM ESBOÇO DE UMA PERSONALIDADE MÍSTICA - DOI 10.5752/P.1983-2478.2014v10n17p13
Authors: Pondé Luiz Felipe
Published: June 2018

ResumoA intenção deste artigo é fazer um esboço do que seria uma personalidade mística portadora de uma ciência mística. Para tal, levantamos alguns instrumentos conceituais para este fim. Percorremos um breve histórico semântico da palavra “mística” no cristianismo. Em seguida, identificamos o que seria o elemento místico nas religiões, segundo o pesquisador Friedrich Von Hügel. Na sequência, analisamos os conceitos de exercícios espirituais do filósofo Pierre Hadot na filosofia antiga e de transcendentalismo (autoconfiança) no romantismo americano de Ralph Waldo Emerson, a fim de neles iluminar o que seria uma filosofia mística. Como último instrumento, vimos o conceito de aristocracia espiritual do filósofo russo Nicolai Berdiaev. Os principais traços dessa personalidade identificados são: ausência do problema de sentido da existência, enfrentamento da contingência, amor espontâneo pela vida, vontade autoconfiante, coragem, generosidade e atenção a presença da dimensão transcendente.Palavras-Chave: Mística. Cristianismo. Exercícios espirituais. Transcendentalismo. AbstractThis article intends to a make a sketch of what would be a mystical personality and its mystical science. In order to do so, we have identified some conceptual tools. First, we have followed a short history of the semantics of the word “mysticism” in Christianity. From there, we have moved onto Friedrich Von Hügel’s concept of mystical element, Pierre Hadot’s spiritual exercises in ancient philosophy, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s transcendentalism (self reliance), and, last, but not least, Nicolai Berdiaev’s concept of spiritual aristocracy. The main traits of the mystical personality we have identified are: lack of fear concerning the problem of meaning life, facing of contingence, spontaneuos love for life, self reliance, courage, generosity and atention to the transcendent dimension.Key words: Mysticism. Christianity. Spiritual exercises.Transcendentalism.
O HAIKAI E A REVELAÇÃO DO INSTANTE - DOI 10.5752/P.1983-2478.2014v10n17p48
Authors: Teixeira Faustino
Published: June 2018

ResumoDentre as formas mais belas e provocadoras da poesia inserem-se os haikais. São “cápsulas” de poemas dotadas de uma beleza e simplicidade que maravilham. Eles tratam daquilo que é mais terrenal, do que está próximo, embora muitas vezes escape ao olhar desatento. Expressam uma atenção particular ao que advém, nos momentos singulares, de encontros e despedidas; evocam sentimentos e estados que acompanham as estações da vida. Não são movidos por razões explicativas, estão simplesmente aí, para indicar e aludir a força e a vitalidade do instante. Sua relação com o espírito zen é muito clara, e guardam a força secreta do despertar.Palavras-Chave: Literatura. Poesia. Espiritualidade. Cotidiano.AbstractAmong the most beautiful and provocative forms of poetry the haikus stand out. They are poems "capsules" endowed with a beauty and simplicity that marvel. They talk about what is most earthly, what's next, although often escape the inattentive gaze. They express a particularly attention in singular moments of meetings and goodbyes. They evoke feelings and states that follow the seasons of life. They are not moved by explanatory reasons, they are simply there to display and allude to the strength and vitality of the moment. Their relationship with the zen spirit is very clear, and they keep the secret force of awakening. Keywords: Literature. Poetry. Spirituality. Everyday.
Contemplative Compassion
Authors: Wales Jordan Joseph ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

Gregory the Great depicts himself as a contemplative who, as bishop of Rome, was compelled to become an administrator and pastor. His theological response to this existential tension illuminates the vexed questions of his relationships to predecessors and of his legacy. Gregory develops Augustine’s thought in such a way as to satisfy John Cassian’s position that contemplative vision is grounded in the soul’s likeness to the unity of Father and Son. For Augustine, “mercy” lovingly lifts the neighbor toward life in God. Imitating God’s own love for humankind, this mercy likens the Christian to God’s essential goodness and, by this likeness, prepares him or her for the vision of God, which Augustine expects not now but only in the next life. For Augustine, the exercise of mercy can—when useful—involve a shared affection or understanding. Gregory makes this shared affection essential to the neighborly love that he calls “compassion.” In this affective fellowship, Gregory finds a human translation of the passionless unity of Father and Son—so that, for Gregory, compassion becomes the immediate basis for and consequence of seeing God—even in this life. Compassion does not degrade; rather, it retrenches the perfection of contemplation. Reconciling compassionate activity and contemplative vision, this creative renegotiation of Augustine and Cassian both answered Gregory’s own aspirations and gave to the tumultuous post-Imperial West a needed account of worldly affairs as spiritual affairs.
Phenoscape: Semantic analysis of organismal traits and genes yields insights in evolutionary biology
Authors: Mabee Paula M , Dahdul Wasila M , Balhoff James P , Lapp Hilmar , Manda Prashanti , Uyeda Josef , Vision Todd , Westerfield Monte
Published: June 2018

The study of how the observable features of organisms, i.e., their phenotypes, result from the complex interplay between genetics, development, and the environment, is central to much research in biology. The varied language used in the description of phenotypes, however, impedes the large scale and interdisciplinary analysis of phenotypes by computational methods. The Phenoscape project (www.phenoscape.org) has developed semantic annotation tools and a gene–phenotype knowledgebase, the Phenoscape KB, that uses machine reasoning to connect evolutionary phenotypes from the comparative literature to mutant phenotypes from model organisms. The semantically annotated data enables the linking of novel species phenotypes with candidate genes that may underlie them. Semantic annotation of evolutionary phenotypes further enables previously difficult or novel analyses of comparative anatomy and evolution. These include generating large, synthetic character matrices of presence/absence phenotypes based on inference, and searching for taxa and genes with similar variation profiles using semantic similarity. Phenoscape is further extending these tools to enable users to automatically generate synthetic supermatrices for diverse character types, and use the domain knowledge encoded in ontologies for evolutionary trait analysis. Curating the annotated phenotypes necessary for this research requires significant human curator effort, although semi-automated natural language processing tools promise to expedite the curation of free text. As semantic tools and methods are developed for the biodiversity sciences, new insights from the increasingly connected stores of interoperable phenotypic and genetic data are anticipated.
Conducting Polymers and Their Application in Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Abdelhamid Muhammad E. , Snook Graeme A.
Published: June 2018

Considering the excellent chemical and physical properties of conducting polymers (CPs), such as high surface area as well as short path lengths for electronic and ionic transport, along with their flexible nature, places CPs in the spotlight as one of the most widely studied materials for energy storage, and especially for supercapacitor electrodes. This article briefly covers the theory behind CPs, their methods of production and customization, and what makes CPs as desirable materials for supercapacitor applications. In addition, the synthesis of thiophene derivatives, used to impove the stability of the resultant CP, is also presented. One negative effect of using CPs is often associated with the increase of their molecular weight,which results in lower gravimetric performance. Therefore, we discuss the important difference between practical gravimetric capacitance and theoretical gravimetric capacitance. Some of the limitations of CPs (such as limited cycle life) can be improved upon via compositing with carbon materials or metal oxide materials. Finally, a discussion of real‐world devices and prototypes concludes the article. Devices utilizing CPs as the main active component are mainly limited to trial devices and prototypes. Nonetheless, CPs continue to attract interest in the academic world as prospective supercapacitor materials with great potential to outperform the existing commercial devices.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promotes resistance to MEK blockade in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Cheon Seul‐Ki , Kim Hwang‐Phill , Park Ye‐Lim , Jang Jee‐Eun , Lim Yoojoo , Song Sang‐Hyun , Han Sae‐Won , Kim Tae‐You
Published: June 2018

Although MEK blockade has been highlighted as a promising antitumor drug, it has poor clinical efficacy in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer (CRC). Several feedback systems have been described in which inhibition of one intracellular pathway leads to activation of a parallel signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of single‐MEK targeted therapies. Here, we investigated a bypass mechanism of resistance to MEK inhibition in KRAS CRC. We found that KRAS mutant CRC cells with refametinib, MEK inhibitor, induced MIF secretion and resulted in activation of STAT3 and MAPK. MIF knockdown by siRNA restored sensitivity to refametinib in KRAS mutant cells. In addition, combination with refametinib and 4‐IPP, a MIF inhibitor, effectively reduced the activity of STAT3 and MAPK, more than single‐agent treatment. As a result, combined therapy was found to exhibit a synergistic growth inhibitory effect against refametinib‐resistant cells by inhibition of MIF activation. These results reveal that MIF‐induced STAT3 and MAPK activation evoked an intrinsic resistance to refametinib. Our results provide the basis for a rational combination strategy against KRAS mutant colorectal cancers, predicated on the understanding of cross talk between the MEK and MIF pathways.
Modulating ATP binding cassette transporters in papillary renal cell carcinoma type 2 enhances its response to targeted molecular therapy
Authors: Saleeb Rola M. , Farag Mina , Lichner Zsuzsanna , Brimo Fadi , Bartlett Jenni , Bjarnason Georg , Finelli Antonio , Rontondo Fabio , Downes Michelle R. , Yousef George M.
Published: June 2018

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is the most common nonclear cell RCCs and is known to comprise two histological subtypes. PRCC2 is more aggressive and is molecularly distinct from the other subtypes. Despite this, PRCCs are treated together as one entity, and they show poor response to the current therapies that do not target pathways implicated in their pathogenesis. We have previously detected ABCC2 (an ABC transporter), VEGF, and mTOR pathways to be enriched in PRCC2. In this study, we assess the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways in PRCC2. Twenty RCC cell lines from the Cancer Cell Encyclopedia were compared to the Cancer Genome Atlas PRCC cohort (290), to identify representative PRCC2 cell lines. Cell lines were further validated in xenograft models. Selected cell lines were treated in vitro and in vivo (mice models) under five different conditions, untreated, anti‐VEGF (sunitinib), ABCC2 blocker (MK571), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus) and sunitinib + MK571. Sunitinib +ABCC2 blocker group showed a significant response to therapy compared to the other treatment groups both in vitro (P ≤ 0.0001) and in vivo (P = 0.0132). ABCC2 blockage resulted in higher sunitinib uptake, both in vitro (P = 0.0016) and in vivo (P = 0.0031). Everolimus group demonstrated the second best response in vivo. The double‐treatment group showed the highest apoptotic rate and lowest proliferation rate. There is an urgent need for individualized therapies of RCC subtypes that take into account their specific biology. Our results demonstrate that combined targeted therapy with sunitinib and ABCC2 blocker in PRCC2 has therapeutic potential. The results are likewise potentially significant for other ABCC2 high tumors. However, the results are preliminary and clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in PRCC2 patients.
A dual fluorescence reporter system for high throughput screening of effectors of Kiss1 gene expression
Authors: Li Xiaoning , Wang Sijia , Lu Yanhua , Yin Huanhuan , Xiao Junhua , Li Kai , Ma Lei , Zhou Yuxun
Published: June 2018

Kisspeptin is a multifunctional peptide encoded by the Kiss1 gene that plays critical roles in mammalian puberty onset modulation and fertility maintenance in the hypothalamus. Understanding how Kiss1 expression is regulated is essential for elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for these reproductive events. In this study, we constructed an in vitro dual fluorescence reporter system to facilitate high throughput screening of effectors influencing the expression of Kiss1. In GT1‐7 cells, an enhanced GFP gene was placed under the control of the Kiss1 gene regulatory elements and translated together with this gene. A tdTomato gene cassette was simultaneously introduced into the same cell for normalization of the fluorescence signal. After treatment with different effectors, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. We first tested the efficacy of the system using canonical regulators and then carried out high throughput functional screening to identify chemical compounds that can regulate Kiss1 gene expression. Of 22 tested compounds from natural sources, 13 significantly affected Kiss1 expression. Verification by western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) assays and structural analysis identified two chalcone compounds as possible regulators of Kiss1 gene expression. This system may be suitable for gene functional analysis, drug screening and pharmaceutical studies.
Estimating the uncertainty of calculated out‐of‐field organ dose from a commercial treatment planning system
Authors: Wang Lilie , Ding George X.
Published: June 2018

Therapeutic radiation to cancer patients is accompanied by unintended radiation to organs outside the treatment field. It is known that the model‐based dose algorithm has limitation in calculating the out‐of‐field doses. This study evaluated the out‐of‐field dose calculated by the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (v.11 with AAA algorithm) in realistic treatment plans with the goal of estimating the uncertainties of calculated organ doses. Photon beam phase‐space files for TrueBeam linear accelerator were provided by Varian. These were used as incident sources in EGSnrc Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport through the downstream jaws and MLC. Dynamic movements of the MLC leaves were fully modeled based on treatment plans using IMRT or VMAT techniques. The Monte Carlo calculated out‐of‐field doses were then compared with those calculated by Eclipse. The dose comparisons were performed for different beam energies and treatment sites, including head‐and‐neck, lung, and pelvis. For 6 MV (FF/FFF), 10 MV (FF/FFF), and 15 MV (FF) beams, Eclipse underestimated out‐of‐field local doses by 30%–50% compared with Monte Carlo calculations when the local dose was <1% of prescribed dose. The accuracy of out‐of‐field dose calculations using Eclipse is improved when collimator jaws were set at the smallest possible aperture for MLC openings. The Eclipse system consistently underestimates out‐of‐field dose by a factor of 2 for all beam energies studied at the local dose level of less than 1% of prescribed dose. These findings are useful in providing information on the uncertainties of out‐of‐field organ doses calculated by Eclipse treatment planning system.
Microarchitected Stretching‐Dominated Mechanical Metamaterials with Minimal Surface Topologies
Authors: Al‐Ketan Oraib , Rezgui Rachid , Rowshan Reza , Du Huifeng , Fang Nicholas X. , Abu Al‐Rub Rashid K.
Published: June 2018

Historically, the creation of lightweight, yet mechanically robust, materials have been the most sought‐after engineering pursuit. For that purpose, research efforts are dedicated to finding pathways to emulate and mimic the resilience offered by natural biological systems (i.e., bone and wood). These natural systems evolved over time to provide the most attainable structural efficiency through their architectural characteristics that can span over multiple length scales. Nature‐inspired man‐made cellular metamaterials have effective properties that depend largely on their topology rather than composition and are hence remarkable candidates for a wide range of application. Despite their geometrical complexity, the fabrication of such metamaterials is made possible by the emergence of advanced fabrication techniques that permit the fabrication of complex architectures down to the nanometer scale. In this work, we report the fabrication and mechanical testing of nature‐inspired, mathematically created, micro‐architected, cellular metamaterials with topologies based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) with cubic symmetries fabricated through direct laser writing two‐photon lithography. These TPMS‐based microlattices are sheet/shell‐ and strut‐based metamaterials with high geometrical complexity. Interestingly, results show that TPMS sheet‐based microlattices follow a stretching‐dominated mode of deformation, and further illustrate their mechanical superiority over the traditional and well‐known strut‐based microlattices and microlattice composites. The TPMS sheet‐based polymeric microlattices exhibited mechanical properties superior to other micrloattices comprising metal‐ and ceramic‐coated polymeric substrates and, interestingly, are less affected by the change in density, which opens the door for fabricating ultralightweight materials without much sacrificing mechanical properties.
Improved Charge Generation via Ultrafast Effective Hole‐Transfer in All‐Polymer Photovoltaic Blends with Large Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) Energy Offset and Proper Crystal Orientation
Authors: Jin Feng , Yuan Jianyu , Guo Wenping , Xu Yalong , Zhang Yannan , Sheng Chuanxiang , Ma Wanli , Zhao Haibin
Published: June 2018

Improved charge generation via fast and effective hole transfer in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) with large highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy offset (ΔEH) is revealed utilizing ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. Blending the same nonfullerene acceptor poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene) (N2200) with three different donor polymers produces all‐polymer blends with different ΔEH. The selective excitation of N2200 component in blends enables to uncover the hole transfer process from hole polaron‐induced bleaching and absorption signals probed at different wavelength. As the ΔEH is enhanced from 0.14 to 0.37 eV, the hole transfer rate rises more than one order and the hole transfer efficiency increases from 12.9% to 86.8%, in agreement with the trend of internal quantum efficiency in the infrared region where only N2200 has absorption. Additionally, Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements indicate that face‐on crystal orientation in both polymer donor and acceptor also plays an important role in facilitating the charge generation via hole transfer in all‐PSCs. Hence, large ΔEH and proper crystal orientation should be considered in material design for efficient hole transfer in N2200‐based heterostructures. These results can provide valuable guidance for fabrication of all‐PSCs to further improve power conversion efficiency.
Skin Pigmentation‐Inspired Polydopamine Sunscreens
Authors: Wang Changping , Wang Dong , Dai Tianjiao , Xu Peng , Wu Peilun , Zou Yuan , Yang Peng , Hu Jingjing , Li Yiwen , Cheng Yiyun
Published: June 2018

Commercial sunscreens usually rely on multiple component formulas against solar irradiation, including UV filters, antioxidants, and nanomaterial matrices. While many efforts are devoted, concern has arisen that the effectiveness and safety issues of most sunscreens are largely limited by their complex formulations, photostability, and toxicity. Inspired by skin pigmentation as primary photoprotective mechanism in human body, novel sunscreen products based on polydopamine (PDA) gels, with a bioinspired protection concept and improved photoprotective capacities, were rationally designed and facilely prepared. The diverse formula of those sunscreen gels can be achieved by the use of PDA nanoparticle, a kind of naturally melanin mimics, to complex/conjugate with different polymers. The resulting PDA sunscreens are bioadhesive, water resistant, and nonskin penetration, yet can be directly removed by towel wiping. They also perform many promising features including superior UV shielding properties, high in vitro and in vivo UV protection efficiencies, nonphototoxicity, and nonirritating nature. These PDA materials in an initial proof‐of‐concept study were described and it is proposed that this class of bioinspired gels will be useful for incident UV protection where simple, safe, and efficient sunscreens are still highly desirable.
Design of a Multispherical Cavity Carbon with In Situ Silica Modifications and Its Self‐Humidification Application on Fuel Cell Anode Support
Authors: Zhang Jiaxi , Liu Dandan , Hou Sanying , Du Li , Song Huiyu , Liao Shijun , Xue Min
Published: June 2018

Here, the design and synthesis of a multispherical cavity carbon (MSCC) material with in situ silica modification and its application as anode catalyst supporter in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are reported. The synthetic method involves a template procedure, where 10–30 nm sized silica nanospheres coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (act as the substrate for aniline polymerization. Pyrolysis of the polymer layer and template etching lead to uniformly distributed MSCC materials. Both the pore sizes and the residue silica content in the inner cavities are controllable during the synthesis. It is further demonstrated that this MSCC material can be used as an anode catalyst supporter in PEMFC systems, where its self‐humidification properties result in enhanced durability. The MSCC‐supported anode exhibits only a 5.4% loss of current density and remains at 860 mA cm−2 after 10 h testing under nonhumidified condition, while commercial catalysts lost 25%. This justifies the promising application of MSCC in PEMFC systems.
Geometry‐Constrained Iminopyridyl Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes to Prepare Tri‐substituted Alkenes Using Alcohol as Reductant
Authors: Wu Ke , Sun Nan , Hu Baoxiang , Shen Zhenlu , Jin Liqun , Hu Xinquan
Published: June 2018

We developed an efficient and straightforward method to prepare tri‐substituted alkenes through palladium‐catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes with aryl bromides. Diarylacetylenes and alkyl(aryl)acetylenes could be well hydroarylated with various aryl bromides in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggested that alcohol was the reductant to provide hydride through β‐H elimination. Gram scale reaction further demonstrated the practicality and efficiency of the newly developed strategy.

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Metal‐free One‐pot Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines from 2‐Hydrazinylpyridines
Authors: Reddy L. Madhava , Reddy V. Veerabadra , Prathima P. Sai , Reddy Ch. Krishna , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: June 2018

A metal‐free one‐pot strategy has been developed for the synthesis of 3‐aryl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines through an oxidative cyclization of 2‐(2‐arylidenehydrazinyl)pyridines by utilizing molecular iodine in DMSO. This is the first report on the synthesis of 3‐aroyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines directly from α‐aryl methyl ketones or ethyl benzoylacetate or styrenes or phenylacetylenes and 2‐hydrazinylpyridines via iodine promoted oxidative cyclization. The catalytic use of iodine makes this method quite simple, more convenient and economical. Moreover, this protocol showed broad substrate scope under mild reaction conditions and could override the usage of hazardous metal reagents.

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Paracyclophane‐based Silver Phosphates as Catalysts for Enantioselective Cycloisomerization/Addition Reactions: Synthesis of Bicyclic Furans
Authors: Force Guillaume , Ki Yvette Lock Toy , Isaac Kévin , Retailleau Pascal , Marinetti Angela , Betzer Jean‐François
Published: June 2018

This manuscript discloses the first use of chiral phosphates based on C2‐symmetric paracyclophane scaffolds as chiral counterions in transition metal catalysis, showing that they may compare favorably with other known chiral phosphates, such as the TRIP phosphate. The targeted catalytic reaction is a silver(I) promoted domino heterocyclization of 2‐(1‐alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐one derivatives, in the presence of C‐, or N‐nucleophiles, which provides an efficient access to substituted bicyclic furans. Results show that high levels of enantioselectivity can be attained with either paracyclophane‐based phosphates or TRIP phosphates, when the nucleophilic reactants display N‐H functions in appropriate positions, near to the nucleophilic center. Therefore, the involvement of H‐bonding between the NH function and the phosphate in the enantiodetermining step is postulated.

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Prison employment and post‐traumatic stress disorder: Risk and protective factors
Authors: James Lois , Todak Natalie
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a sample of prison employees, investigate risk factors, and explore protective factors for PTSD.

Methods

We surveyed 355 Washington State Department of Corrections employees. The survey included the PTSD checklist for the DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), the Critical Incident History Questionnaire, and the Work Environment Inventory.

Results

We found 19% of the sample met the criteria for diagnosable PTSD. Several risk factors were associated with a higher PCL‐5 score, including exposure to critical incidents, and having greater ambiguity in the job role. Being happy with job assignments and having positive relationships with supervisors and coworkers were associated with decreased PCL‐5 score.

Conclusions

Prison employees have a PTSD rate equivalent to Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and higher than police officers, suggesting the importance of developing programs for promoting resilience to stress, incorporating the knowledge gained on risk, and protective factors.
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on nasal patency
Authors: Pitts Kristen D. , Arteaga Alberto A. , Hardy Elliot T. , Stevens Ben P. , Spankovich Christopher S. , Lewis Andrea F.
Published: June 2018

Background

Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. To our knowledge, no study has demonstrated a change in objective or subjective nasal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after a therapeutic trial of CPAP therapy.

Methods

This prospective nonrandomized trial tested the hypothesis that CPAP therapy would result in both objective and subjective improvements in nasal patency in patients with OSA. Prior to initiation of CPAP, acoustic rhinometry (AR) was used to determine nasal volume and minimum cross‐sectional area in the upright and reclined positions. Subjective nasal patency was assessed with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire. Both assessments were repeated at follow‐up visits.

Results

AR data demonstrated a statistically significant increase in total nasal volume (TV) in the reclined position (p = 0.002) and minimum cross‐sectional area (MCA) in both the sitting and reclined positions (p = 0.006, p = 0.021) in OSA patients after >30 days of CPAP therapy and with >70% compliance. NOSE scores decreased significantly (p = 0.038) representing an improvement in nasal patency.

Conclusion

Objective and subjective measurements of TV and MCA increased after initiation of CPAP therapy in this prospective study.
Arbitration and the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Authors: Barkett John M.
Published: June 2018

In the April Alternatives, the author presented an introduction to two hypotheticals of potential ethical dilemmas in arbitration practice by discussing the key Model Rules of Professional Conduct affecting attorneys who work in arbitration. Specifically, he focused on Rule 3.3 to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which addresses the lawyer as advocate. He highlighted Model Rule 1.0 definitions, Model Rule 1.6 on confidentiality, and the lawyer's duty of candor to the tribunal. The rules, published by the American Bar Association, can be found at http://bit.ly/2raI3Bh; Part 1 of this article can be found at “Practice Focus: The Duty of Candor, Inadvertent Production of Documents, and Your Arbitration Work,” 36 Alternatives 51 (April 2018)(available at https://bit.ly/2IKTlEz). Part 1's hypotheticals discussed document production and the duty of candor. In this month's concluding Part 2, a third hypothetical analyzes the ethical issues in arbitration representation.
Green: The Color of Money, and the Color of Envy
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: June 2018

English speakers often use envy and jealousy interchangeably.
A Modular Approach for Interlocking Enzymes in Whatman Paper
Authors: Riccardi Caterina , McCormick Shelby , Kasi Rajeswari , Kumar Challa
Published: June 2018

A potentially universal approach is presented for enzyme attachment to cellulose that significantly enhances enzyme stability while retaining high activity, and involves no chemical functionalization of cellulose. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was interlocked in cellulose to form a protein‐friendly surface (named BSA‐Paper), while also providing COOH and NH2groups for subsequent attachment of enzymes. The desired enzyme is then mixed with additional BSA and interlocked on BSA‐Paper. The second BSA layer dilutes and crosslinks the enzyme for improved stability. Laccase was tested as a model enzyme for interlocking on BSA‐Paper, and was found to retain over 100 % activity and was 240 times more stable at 25 °C (half life=180 d) than laccase. This new approach was also tested with a few other enzymes with encouraging results, thus providing a potentially universal method for stabilization of enzymes on cellulose with retention of high activities.
The Electronic State of Hydrogen in the α Phase of the Hydrogen‐Storage Material PdH(D)x: Does a Chemical Bond Between Palladium and Hydrogen Exist?
Authors: Dekura Shun , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Ikeda Ryuichi , Maesato Mitsuhiko , Yoshino Haruka , Ohba Masaaki , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Kawaguchi Shogo , Kubota Yoshiki , Yoshioka Satoru , Matsumura Syo , Sugiyama Takeharu , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

The palladium–hydrogen system is one of the most famous hydrogen‐storage systems. Although there has been much research on β‐phase PdH(D)x, we comprehensively investigated the nature of the interaction between Pd and H(D) in α‐phase PdH(D)x (x<0.03 at 303 K), and revealed the existence of Pd−H(D) chemical bond for the first time, by various in situ experimental techniques and first‐principles theoretical calculations. The lattice expansion, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistivity all provide evidence. In situ solid‐state 1H and 2H NMR spectroscopy and first‐principles theoretical calculations revealed that a Pd−H(D) chemical bond exists in the α phase, but the bonding character of the Pd−H(D) bond in the α phase is quite different from that in the β phase; the nature of the Pd−H(D) bond in the α phase is a localized covalent bond whereas that in the β phase is a metallic bond.
Three‐Dimensional Branched and Faceted Gold–Ruthenium Nanoparticles: Using Nanostructure to Improve Stability in Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Gloag Lucy , Benedetti Tania M. , Cheong Soshan , Li Yibing , Chan Xuan‐Hao , Lacroix Lise‐Marie , Chang Shery L. Y. , Arenal Raul , Florea Ileana , Barron Hector , Barnard Amanda S. , Henning Anna M. , Zhao Chuan , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D.
Published: June 2018

Achieving stability with highly active Ru nanoparticles for electrocatalysis is a major challenge for the oxygen evolution reaction. As improved stability of Ru catalysts has been shown for bulk surfaces with low‐index facets, there is an opportunity to incorporate these stable facets into Ru nanoparticles. Now, a new solution synthesis is presented in which hexagonal close‐packed structured Ru is grown on Au to form nanoparticles with 3D branches. Exposing low‐index facets on these 3D branches creates stable reaction kinetics to achieve high activity and the highest stability observed for Ru nanoparticle oxygen evolution reaction catalysts. These design principles provide a synthetic strategy to achieve stable and active electrocatalysts.
A Hundred‐Year‐Old Experiment Re‐evaluated: Accurate Ab Initio Monte Carlo Simulations of the Melting of Radon
Authors: Smits Odile R. , Jerabek Paul , Pahl Elke , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: June 2018

State‐of‐the‐art relativistic coupled‐cluster theory is used to construct many‐body potentials for the noble‐gas element radon to determine its bulk properties including the solid‐to‐liquid phase transition from parallel tempering Monte Carlo simulations through either direct sampling of the bulk or from a finite cluster approach. The calculated melting temperature are 200(3) K and 200(6) K from bulk simulations and from extrapolation of finite cluster values, respectively. This is in excellent agreement with the often debated (but widely cited) and only available value of 202 K, dating back to measurements by Gray and Ramsay in 1909.
Triggered Metal Ion Release and Oxidation: Ferrocene as a Mechanophore in Polymers
Authors: Di Giannantonio Michela , Ayer Mathieu A. , Verde‐Sesto Ester , Lattuada Marco , Weder Christoph , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: June 2018

The introduction of mechanophores into polymers makes it possible to transduce mechanical forces into chemical reactions that can be used to impart functions such as self‐healing, catalytic activity, and mechanochromic response. Here, an example of mechanically induced metal ion release from a polymer is reported. Ferrocene (Fc) was incorporated as an iron ion releasing mechanophore into poly(methyl acrylate)s (PMAs) and polyurethanes (PUs). Sonication triggered the preferential cleavage of the polymers at the Fc units over other bonds, as shown by a kinetic study of the molar mass distribution of the cleaved Fc‐containing and Fc‐free reference polymers. The released and oxidized iron ions can be detected with KSCN to generate the red‐colored [Fe(SCN)n(H2O)6−n)](3−n)+ complex or reacted with K4[Fe(CN)6] to afford Prussian blue.
Stufen der BIM‐Modellierung im Infrastrukturbereich
Authors: Retzlaff Torsten
Published: June 2018

Die Einführung der BIM‐Modellierung führt bei der Umsetzung von Großbauvorhaben zur Erhöhung der Kosten‐ und Termineffizienz sowie zu einer Reduzierung der Ursachen von Baumängeln und allgemeinen Baurisiken wie Terminüberschreitungen und Kostenerhöhungen. Der derzeitige Stand der digitalen Technik im Bauwesen verbunden mit der Komplexität und fachlichen Bandbreite bei Bauvorhaben im Infrastrukturbereich stellt die ganzheitliche Umsetzung der BIM‐Methode über den Planungs‐ und Bauprozess noch vor Herausforderungen. Am Beispiel von zwei Projekten der Infrastrukturplanung werden unterschiedliche Planungsansätze zur Umsetzung der Ziele der BIM‐Arbeitsweise vorgestellt. Zudem wird aufgezeigt, dass die parteienübergreifende Zusammenarbeit mit den gleichen Datengrundlagen und Planungsresultaten eines BIM‐Modells eine erhöhte rechtliche Abgrenzung der planerischen Verantwortlichkeiten erfordert.
Strategies for Enhancing the Yield of the Potent Insecticide Spinosad in Actinomycetes
Authors: Tao Hui , Zhang Yuchen , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang
Published: June 2018

Spinosad is a potent insecticide that exhibits an excellent environmental and mammalian profile. However, spinosad production in the original producer,Saccharopolyspora spinosa, is insufficient for the huge global demand. Great efforts have been exerted to improve the production of spinosad. Strategies for spinosad overproduction in actinomycetes are reviewed in this article, including metabolic engineering of the precursor and spinosyn biosynthetic pathway, introduction of regulatory genes, genome‐scale metabolic model‐guided engineering, mutagenesis, genome shuffling, fermentation process optimization, omics analysis, and the heterologous biosynthesis of spinosad in other actinomycetes. Furthermore, highly productive industrial strains should be used as heterologous hosts for enhancing spinosad biosynthesis in the future. To accelerate the engineering process, the CRISPR/Cas9 system should be established inSa. spinosafor large‐scale genome editing. Notably, the regulatory mechanism of spinosad biosynthesis remains unclear. Thus, the combining multi‐omics analysis with high‐throughput screening of chemical elicitors would be a promising approach in characterizing the regulatory and signal transduction mechanisms and improving spinosad production inSa. Spinosa.
Mechanical load increase–induced changes in cytoskeletal structure and cellular barrier function in human cerebral endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Dongjoo , Kwon Soonjo
Published: June 2018

Globally, approximately a billion patients are estimated to suffer from neurological disorders. Although there are many therapeutic candidates for the central nervous system, treatment of brain disorders is restricted by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is a highly selective membrane that protects the brain from exogenous substances. This study was undertaken to develop a novel strategy to overcome the BBB and improve the efficiency of drug delivery to the brain by mechanical load increase using hypergravity. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were exposed three times to 20 min hypergravity (10g), with a 20‐min rest period between each exposure. The applied hypergravity reversibly decreased the cellular metabolic activity and increased the permeation rate of fluorescein sodium salt, fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled dextran (FD‐4), and fluorescein‐labeled jacalin. Following the exposure to hypergravity, we also observed structural changes of the cytoskeleton and tight junctions, and an alteration in the expression levels of related genes. These results indicate that increased mechanical load due to the applied hypergravity affects the cytoskeletal arrangement and tight junctions, thereby weakening the cell barrier function and enhancing the permeability of the paracellular pathway. Thus, the mechanical load increase by hypergravity has the potential of being used as a novel strategy to overcome the BBB for brain drug delivery.
A mathematical model of intracellular behavior of microalgae for predicting growth and intracellular components syntheses under nutrient‐replete and ‐deplete conditions
Authors: Ryu Kyung Hwan , Sung Min‐Gyu , Kim Boeun , Heo Seongmin , Chang Yong Keun , Lee Jay H.
Published: June 2018

Microalgae is a promising biomass source for renewable fuels and chemicals production. To describe microalgal behavior and improve their cultivation, various kinetic models have been proposed. However, previous works have focused on biomass formation and lipids production only, even though carbohydrates and proteins are also important products, not only for understanding the metabolic behavior of microalgae but also for enhancing the economic viability through value‐added side products. In this study, a new mathematical model is proposed to explain core biological mechanisms of growth and macromolecules syntheses based on the central metabolism of carbon and nitrogen. In the model, microalgal growth is separated as hyperplasia and hypertrophy, to describe the cell growth more precisely under nutrient‐replete and ‐deplete conditions. Sensitivity analysis performed using the model indicates that cell state (e.g., cell death rate) has a strong effect on the lipid production explaining the difficulty of reproducing a microalgae culture experiment.
Mechanisms of precipitate formation during the purification of an Fc‐fusion protein
Authors: Greene Daniel G. , Traylor Steven J. , Guo Jing , Choe Leila H. , Modla Shannon , Xu Xuankuo , Singh Nripen , Lock Lye Lin , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Lee Kelvin H. , Wagner Norman J. , Lenhoff Abraham M.
Published: June 2018

Protein precipitates that arise during bioprocessing can cause manufacturing challenges, but they can also aid in clearance of host‐cell protein (HCP) and DNA impurities. Such precipitates differ from many protein precipitates that have been studied previously in their heterogeneous composition, particularly in the presence of high concentrations of the product protein. Here, we characterize the precipitates that form after neutralization of protein A purified and viral‐inactivated material of an Fc‐fusion protein produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The physical growth of precipitate particles was observed by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small‐angle and ultra‐small‐angle X‐ray scattering to characterize the precipitate microstructure and growth mechanism. The precipitate microstructure is well‐described as a mass fractal with fractal dimension approximately 2. The growth is governed by a diffusion‐limited aggregation mechanism as indicated by a power‐law dependence on time of the size of the principal precipitate particles. Optical microscopy shows that these primary particles can further aggregate into larger particles in a manner that appears to be promoted by mixing. Absorbance experiments at varying pH and salt concentrations reveal that the growth is largely driven by attractive electrostatic interactions, as growth is hindered by an increase in ionic strength. The solution conditions that resulted in the most significant particle growth are also correlated with the greatest removal of soluble impurities (DNA and HCPs). Proteomic analysis of the precipitates allows identification of unique HCP impurities, depending on the buffer species (acetate or citrate) used for the viral inactivation. Most of these proteins have pI values near the precipitation pH, supporting the likely importance of electrostatic interactions in driving precipitate formation.
Developing a Cas9‐based tool to engineer native plasmids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Xiao Yi , Wang Shaojie , Rommelfanger Sarah , Balassy Andrea , Barba‐Ostria Carlos , Gu Pengfei , Galazka Jonathan M. , Zhang Fuzhong
Published: June 2018

The oxygenic photosynthetic bacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (S6803) is a model cyanobacterium widely used for fundamental research and biotechnology applications. Due to its polyploidy, existing methods for genome engineering of S6803 require multiple rounds of selection to modify all genome copies, which is time‐consuming and inefficient. In this study, we engineered the Cas9 tool for one‐step, segregation‐free genome engineering. We further used our Cas9 tool to delete three of seven S6803 native plasmids. Our results show that all three small‐size native plasmids, but not the large‐size native plasmids, can be deleted with this tool. To further facilitate heterologous gene expression in S6803, a shuttle vector based on the native plasmid pCC5.2 was created. The shuttle vector can be introduced into Cas9‐containing S6803 in one step without requiring segregation and can be stably maintained without antibiotic pressure for at least 30 days. Moreover, genes encoded on the shuttle vector remain functional after 30 days of continuous cultivation without selective pressure. Thus, this study provides a set of new tools for rapid modification of the S6803 genome and for stable expression of heterologous genes, potentially facilitating both fundamental research and biotechnology applications using S6803.
An Aminocaprolactam Racemase from Ochrobactrum anthropi with Promiscuous Amino Acid Ester Racemase Activity
Authors: Frese Amina , Barrass Sarah V. , Sutton Peter W. , Adams Joe P. , Grogan Gideon
Published: June 2018

The kinetic resolution of amino acid esters (AAEs) is a useful synthetic strategy for the preparation of single‐enantiomer amino acids. The development of an enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) process for AAEs, which would give a theoretical yield of 100 % of the enantiopure product, would require an amino acid ester racemase (AAER); however, no such enzyme has been described. We have identified low AAER activity of 15 U mg−1 in a homologue of a PLP‐dependent α‐amino ϵ‐caprolactam racemase (ACLR) from Ochrobactrum anthropi. We have determined the structure of this enzyme, OaACLR, to a resolution of 1.87 Å and, by using structure‐guided saturation mutagenesis, in combination with a colorimetric screen for AAER activity, we have identified a mutant, L293C, in which the promiscuous AAER activity of this enzyme towards l‐phenylalanine methyl ester is improved 3.7‐fold.