bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetische DNA‐Nanoröhren: Gezielte Synthese und Anwendung nanoskopischer Kanäle
Authors: Liu Xiaoguo , Zhao Yan , Liu Pi , Wang Lihua , Lin Jianping , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2018

Biomakromolekulare Nanoröhren spielen eine wichtige physiologische Rolle für transmembranäre Transportvorgänge von Ionen/Molekülen im intrazellulären Transport und in der interzellulären Kommunikation. Während genetisch kodierte Protein‐Nanoröhren das In‐vivo‐Geschehen dominieren, findet seit Anbruch der strukturellen DNA‐Nanotechnologie die In‐vitro‐Konstruktion biomimetischer DNA‐Nanoröhren zunehmende Beachtung. Der abiotische Gebrauch der DNA‐Assemblierung stellt einen potenten Bottom‐up‐Ansatz zur rationalen Erstellung komplexer Materialien in beliebiger Größe und Form im Nanomaßstab zur Verfügung. So kann eine typische DNA‐Nanoröhre entweder mittels parallel ausgerichteter DNA‐Doppelstrukturen oder über ein geschlossenes DNA‐Kachelgitter assembliert werden. Diese künstlichen DNA‐Nanoröhren können maßgeschneidert und targetspezifisch modifiziert werden, um ihre biomimetischen Funktionen zu erfüllen, wie z. B. für den Transport von Ionen/Molekülen, für Bioreaktoren, Wirkstofftransport und Biomolekularsensorik. Dieser Aufsatz zielt darauf ab, die jüngsten Fortschritte der Entwicklungsstrategien zusammenzufassen, einschließlich der Beschreibung und Anwendung biomimetischer DNA‐Nanoröhren.
A Janus Nickel Cobalt Phosphide Catalyst for High‐Efficiency Neutral‐pH Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Rui , Xiao Bing , Gao Qiang , Zheng Ya‐Rong , Zheng Xu‐Sheng , Zhu Jun‐Fa , Gao Min‐Rui , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: October 2018

Transition‐metal phosphides have stimulated great interest as catalysts to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but their use as bifunctional catalytic electrodes that enable efficient neutral‐pH water splitting has rarely been achieved. Herein, we report the synthesis of ternary Ni0.1Co0.9P porous nanosheets onto conductive carbon fiber paper that can efficiently and robustly catalyze both the HER and water oxidation in 1 m phosphate buffer (PBS; pH 7) electrolyte under ambient conditions. A water electrolysis cell comprising the Ni0.1Co0.9P electrodes demonstrates remarkable activity and stability for the electrochemical splitting of neutral‐pH water. We attribute this performance to the new ternary Ni0.1Co0.9P structure with porous surfaces and favorable electronic states resulting from the synergistic interplay between nickel and cobalt. Ternary metal phosphides hold promise as efficient and low‐cost catalysts for neutral‐pH water splitting devices.
Composition Tailoring via N and S Co‐doping and Structure Tuning by Constructing Hierarchical Pores: Metal‐Free Catalysts for High‐Performance Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Yang Hengpan , Wu Yu , Lin Qing , Fan Liangdong , Chai Xiaoyan , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin , Lin Zhiqun
Published: October 2018

A facile route to scalable production of N and S co‐doped, hierarchically porous carbon nanofiber (NSHCF) membranes (ca. 400 cm2 membrane in a single process) is reported. As‐synthesized NSHCF membranes are flexible and free‐standing, allowing their direct use as cathodes for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Notably, CO with 94 % Faradaic efficiency and −103 mA cm−2 current density are readily achieved with only about 1.2 mg catalyst loading, which are among the best results ever obtained by metal‐free CO2RR catalysts. On the basis of control experiments and DFT calculations, such outstanding CO Faradaic efficiency can be attributed to the co‐doped pyridinic N and carbon‐bonded S atoms, which effectively decrease the Gibbs free energy of key *COOH intermediate. Furthermore, hierarchically porous structures of NSHCF membranes impart a much higher density of accessible active sites for CO2RR, leading to the ultra‐high current density.
In‐Plane Epitaxial Growth of Highly c‐Oriented NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) Membranes with Superior H2/CO2 Selectivity
Authors: Sun Yanwei , Liu Yi , Caro Jürgen , Guo Xinwen , Song Chunshan , Liu Yi
Published: October 2018

Preferred‐orientation control has significant impact on the separation performance of MOF membranes. Under most conditions the preferred orientation of MOF membranes is dominated by the Van der Drift mechanism of evolutionary growth selection so that the obtained orientation may not be optimized for practical application. In this study, highly c‐oriented NH2‐MIL‐125 membranes were prepared on porous α‐alumina substrates by combining oriented seeding and controlled in‐plane epitaxial growth. Dynamic air–liquid interface‐assisted self‐assembly of c‐oriented NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti) seed monolayers, the use of layered TiS2 as the metal precursor, and single‐mode microwave heating were crucial in ensuring the preferred c‐orientation while simultaneously suppressing undesired twin growth. Owing to reduced grain boundary defects, the prepared c‐oriented membranes showed an ideal H2/CO2 selectivity of 24.8, which was 6.1 times higher than that of their randomly oriented counterparts under similar operating conditions.
Milde Chlorhomologisierung von Estern durch Chloracetat‐Claisen‐Reaktion unter kontinuierlichen Durchflussbedingungen
Authors: Ganiek Maximilian A. , Ivanova Maria V. , Martin Benjamin , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2018

Die selektive Chlormethylierung funktionalisierter Ester mit Chloressigsäure (CE) und LiHMDS (HMDS= Hexamethyldisilazid) in einem kontinuierlich betriebenen Mikroreaktorsystem wird beschrieben. Diese Homologisierungsmethode nach Claisen wird zum ersten Mal auf die bis‐Chloromethylierung mit Dichloressigsäure (DCE) angewendet, was einen Zugang zu den weniger untersuchten α,α′‐bis‐ Chlorketonen ermöglicht. Durch das Mikroreaktorsystem können die unstabilen dianionischen Enolate der Essigsäuren besser erzeugt werden, was zu bisher unerreicht milden und skalierbaren Reaktionsbedingugen und ausgeglichener Reagenzstöchiometrie führt (−10 °C, <1 min, 1.0–2.4 Äquiv. Dianion). Der selektive Reaktionsverlauf macht die Verwendung der Reaktionsprodukte ohne weitere Aufreinigung möglich, was anhand der Synthese verschiedener Heterozyklen von allgemeinem Interesse demonstriert wird. Zudem wird eine neuartige, katalysatorfreie Substitution der Monochlorketone mit (Hetero)arylzinkenolaten beschrieben, die zu wertvollen 1,4‐Diketonen führt.
An Electrophilic Bromine Redox Catalysis for the Synthesis of Indole Alkaloid Building Blocks by Selective Aliphatic C−H Amination
Authors: Bergès Julien , García Belén , Muñiz Kilian
Published: October 2018

A new homogeneous bromine(−I/I) redox catalysis is described, which is based on monomeric bromine(I) compounds containing transferable phthalimidato groups. These catalysts enable intermolecular C−H amination reactions at previously unaccessible aliphatic positions and thus enlarge the synthetic potential of direct C−N bond formation, including its application in the synthesis of alkaloid building blocks. This aspect is demonstrated by a new synthetic approach to aspidospermidine. In addition to the development of the catalyst system, the structures of the involved bromine(I) key catalysts were fully elucidated, including by X‐ray analyses.
Discovery of an MLLT1/3 YEATS Domain Chemical Probe
Authors: Moustakim Moses , Christott Thomas , Monteiro Octovia P. , Bennett James , Giroud Charline , Ward Jennifer , Rogers Catherine M. , Smith Paul , Panagakou Ioanna , Díaz‐Sáez Laura , Felce Suet Ling , Gamble Vicki , Gileadi Carina , Halidi Nadia , Heidenreich David , Chaikuad Apirat , Knapp Stefan , Huber Kilian V. M. , Farnie Gillian , Heer Jag , Manevski Nenad , Poda Gennady , Al‐awar Rima , Dixon Darren J. , Brennan Paul E. , Fedorov Oleg
Published: October 2018

YEATS domain (YD) containing proteins are an emerging class of epigenetic targets in drug discovery. Dysregulation of these modified lysine‐binding proteins has been linked to the onset and progression of cancers. We herein report the discovery and characterisation of the first small‐molecule chemical probe, SGC‐iMLLT, for the YD of MLLT1 (ENL/YEATS1) and MLLT3 (AF9/YEATS3). SGC‐iMLLT is a potent and selective inhibitor of MLLT1/3–histone interactions. Excellent selectivity over other human YD proteins (YEATS2/4) and bromodomains was observed. Furthermore, our probe displays cellular target engagement of MLLT1 and MLLT3. The first small‐molecule X‐ray co‐crystal structures with the MLLT1 YD are also reported. This first‐in‐class probe molecule can be used to understand MLLT1/3‐associated biology and the therapeutic potential of small‐molecule YD inhibitors.
Facile oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids in basic water medium by employing ruthenium picolinate cluster as an efficient catalyst
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Singh Sandip K. , Saini Anoop K. , Mobin Shaikh M. , Mathur Pradeep
Published: October 2018

Selective transformation of alcohols into carboxylic acids is a crucial process in industry for the synthesis of bulk chemicals. Current methods for the production of acids involve oxygen under pressure or toxic reagents like ruthenium chlorite or iodate or chromium oxides. Herein, we report the preparation of [Ru3(CO)8(C5H4NCO2)2] cluster which is an efficient catalyst precursor for the conversion of primary alcohols into carboxylic acids under aerobic conditions. The catalytic process involves the use of NaOH in a water–isopropanol medium which gives a 90% yield of carboxylic acid (90% yield for benzoic acid in standard reaction). This clean process appears to be safe for the synthesis of various benzoic acids for both laboratory and also industrial purposes.
Green and efficient organic–inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst for oxidative desulfurization of gasoline
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Aghbolagh Zahra Shokri , Monfared Hassan Hosseini
Published: October 2018

A new organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite (TBA‐Si2W18Mn4@SAB) was synthesized by supporting quaternary ammonium salt of sandwich‐type polyoxometalate (TBA‐Si2W18Mn4) on sodium‐activated bentonite (SAB) for catalysing an oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process. The synthesized materials were characterized by means of elemental analysis, 29Si NMR, Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The proposed ODS process was successfully developed on the basis of the catalytic oxidation of organosulfur compounds using TBA‐Si2W18Mn4@SAB as catalyst and CH3COOH/H2O2 as oxidizing agent. The removal of the sulfur content of gasoline reached 97% at a temperature of 35°C after 1 h using 0.10 g of the prepared catalyst. Various experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of reaction time, catalyst amount, reaction temperature and catalyst type on sulfur removal efficiency. The heterogeneous TBA‐Si2W18Mn4@SAB catalyst was found to be reusable for five times. The obtained data illustrated that the use of the TBA‐Si2W18Mn4@SAB/CH3COOH/H2O2 oxidation system could be a convenient strategy for reducing the sulfur content of gasoline fuel under moderate reaction conditions.
Effect of Surface Modification of H+‐Mordenite on the Isomerization of Oleic Acid into Branched‐Chain Isomers
Authors: Fan Mingming , Si Tengfei , Zhang Pingbo
Published: October 2018

Recent research studies have shown that oleic acid can be isomerized to saturated C18 branched‐chain fatty acids through H+‐Mordenite with modest yields (approximately 80 wt.%). The dimensions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) (10.3 Å) and triphenylphosphine (TPP) (11.4 Å) are larger than the H+‐Mordenite zeolite, which has a two‐dimensional 8‐member ring (MR) (2.6 Å × 5.7 Å) and 12‐MR (6.5 Å × 7.0 Å) framework. TEOS and TPP are incapable of entering into the internal channels of zeolite, however, they have the ability to poison the acids on the external surface of the H+‐Mordenite. The acidic sites of the specified pore can be selectively catalyzed but most of the active centers on the external surface are deactivated. In this study, all samples were characterized using X‐ray Diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) measurements, thermogravimetry (TG), NH3‐TPD, and 1H MAS NMR. 2,4,6‐Trimethylpyridine was used for the characterization of the external acidic sites. With TEOS (1 wt.%) and 0.1 mol L−1 TPP‐modified H+‐Mordenite, the Bronsted acid sites on the external surface were reduced by 92.7% and the dimers were reduced from 16.19 wt.% to as low as 4.14 wt.% with 90.09 wt.% yield of saturated C18 branched‐chain fatty acids.
An Efficient CaO‐Based Catalyst for Rapid Production of Biodiesel without Glycerol as a by‐Product Using a Tri‐Component Reaction
Authors: Tang Ying , Li Shaoying , Dong Jianlong , Meng Mei , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2018

In this work, commercial CaO was modified using various sodium salts (Na2WO4, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and NaCl), among which NaCl/CaO showed the best catalytic performance for no‐glycerol biodiesel production using three components of rapeseed oil, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and methanol as reactants. 97.1% biodiesel yield was obtained at 1 h in the presence of NaCl/CaO. Various techniques including N2 physical adsorption, XRD, and CO2‐chemical adsorption revealed that the unique catalytic activity of NaCl/CaO was related to its higher degree of crystallinity and relatively weaker surface basicity, and large pore size in the structure compared to other catalysts. Furthermore, it was found that the rapid hydration by impregnation of CaO can be greatly weakened in the presence of NaCl and the pore diameter plays a more important role than the basicity of solid catalysts in this heterogeneous transesterification.
An Accelerated Method for Estimating the Dispersion Stability of Mayonnaise by Oil–Water Separation under Reduced Pressure
Authors: Miyagawa Yayoi , Ogawa Takenobu , Adachi Shuji
Published: October 2018

A novel accelerated method to assess the dispersion instability of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions with a high oil content such as mayonnaise and mayonnaise‐like semisolid dressing was developed. The method focuses on oil–water separation of the emulsions due to the increase in the ionic strength of the aqueous phase by evaporating the water under vacuum. The oil, separated from the emulsion, was absorbed with a filter paper. The oil penetration length increased in proportion to the square root of time after a certain time delay, while pure oil was absorbed with the filter paper with no delay. The time delay was defined as the destabilization time when the oil–water separation started to occur. A longer destabilization time represented higher dispersion stability. The destabilization time was longer for the mayonnaise‐like semisolid dressing containing a thickener, and was shorter for the mayonnaise stored for a longer duration. It is suggested that the effect of the composition of the aqueous phase on instability can be examined by the method.
Flame retardancy of unsaturated polyester composites with modified ammonium polyphosphate, montmorillonite, and zinc borate
Authors: Jiang Mengwei , Zhang Yunshu , Yu Yuan , Zhang Qingwu , Huang Bujun , Chen Zhiquan , Chen Tingting , Jiang Juncheng
Published: October 2018

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was modified using a new method, where the resulting modified APP (MAPP) was obtained by mixing APP with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). MAPP was more effective in improving the flame retardancy of UPR than APP which was due to the improved dispersion of MAPP in UPR composite. Then, the UPR composites were prepared based on dimethyl methylphosphonate, MAPP, montmorillonite, and zinc borate. Finally, the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of the UPR composites were analyzed using the limited oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis, UL‐94 vertical burning test, scanning electron microscopy, cone calorimetry, mechanical tests, and viscosity measurements. The LOI and UL‐94 tests showed that the flame‐retardant properties clearly improved with the addition of fillers in the UPR composites compared to pristine UPR. The synergistic effect of Si‐ and P‐containing flame retardants in this composite resulted in the LOI value increasing from 18.9 to 31.3% and achieved the UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Moreover, the heat release rate was lower than the pristine UPR. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47180.
Finite‐Element Syntheses of Callus and Bone Remodeling: Biomechanical Study of Fracture Healing in Long Bones
Authors: Lipphaus Andreas , Witzel Ulrich
Published: October 2018

Computational simulations of fracture healing are a valuable tool to improve fracture treatment and implants. Several finite‐element models have been established to predict callus formation due to mechanobiological rules. This work provides a comprehensive simulation for virtual implantation through the combination of callus simulation and finite‐element structural synthesis (FESS) of (re‐)modeling during and after healing based on Pauwel's theory of histogenesis and Wolff's law. The simulation is based on a linear elastic material model and includes generation of fracture hematoma and initial mesenchymal stem cell concentration out of an unspecified solid, cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation due to mechanical stimuli and time‐dependent axial loading. Three nondisplaced femoral shaft fractures with initial interfragmentary movement of 0.2, 0.6, and 1 mm and one fracture with 4 mm translation are modeled. The predictions of interfragmentary movement during fracture healing, healing success, and healing time agree with observed clinical outcome, animal models, and other numerical models. Initial interfragmentary movement between 0.2 and 1 mm leads to healing success, with the fastest healing occurring at 0.2 mm. The model of the dislocated fractures shows no further bending after remodeling and is loaded with physiological stress of −13 MPa. Ideal load–time graphs may give insight into the bone's ability to withstand loads as healing time progresses, and thus holds potential for applications in rehabilitation planning. Better knowledge of the forces present during fracture healing is needed to deploy simulations for surgical planning and manufacturing of patient individualized implants. Anat Rec, 301:2112–2121, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How Does Oocyte Uptake Occur? A Macroscopic Study of the Ovarian and Oviductal Modifications for Egg Capture in the Coral‐Snake Micrurus corallinus
Authors: Bassi Erick Augusto , de Oliveira Classius , Braz Henrique B. , de Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: October 2018

The processes of follicular development, ovulation, egg capture, and egg transport vary among vertebrates. Therefore, analysis of the reproductive tract of several lineages is needed for understanding the evolutionary changes of the reproductive system. In turtles, the ovulated eggs are released into the coelomic cavity and taken up by one of the two oviducts, a phenomenon called extrauterine migration of eggs. However, the process of egg uptake in lizards is different. The egg is ovulated directly into the infundibulum, and oocyte uptake by the contralateral oviduct rarely occurs. The same pattern has been hypothesized to occur in snakes. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the reproductive tract of female Micrurus corallinus preserved in zoological collections. We examined the anatomical characteristics of the infundibulum and ovary and compared the reproductive output between the ovaries to verify the mechanism of egg capture and the anatomical viability of extrauterine migration of eggs. The reproductive output of the right ovary was higher than that of the left ovary, and the higher number of eggs in the right oviduct is due exclusively to the production of the ipsilateral ovary. Several anatomical features prevent extrauterine migration of eggs, including the asymmetry of the reproductive system, the arrangement of the ovarian follicles in a single row, and the formation of a wrapping around the ovary and infundibulum by the visceral pleuroperitoneum membrane (preventing against ectopic eggs). Therefore, the hypothesis of egg capture by the contralateral oviduct is anatomically infeasible in M. corallinus and possibly in other snakes. Anat Rec, 301:1936–1943, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Mouse Model for Cilia‐Associated Cardiovascular Anomalies with a High Penetrance of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
Authors: Burns Tara A. , Deepe Raymond N. , Bullard John , Phelps Aimee L. , Toomer Katelynn A. , Hiriart Emilye , Norris Russell A. , Haycraft Courtney J. , Wessels Andy
Published: October 2018

Primary cilia are small organelles projecting from the cell surface of many cell types. They play a crucial role in the regulation of various signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the importance of cilia for heart development by conditionally deleting intraflagellar transport protein Ift88 using the col3.6‐cre mouse. Analysis of col3.6;Ift88 offspring showed a wide spectrum of cardiovascular defects including double outlet right ventricle and atrioventricular septal defects. In addition, we found that in the majority of specimens the pulmonary veins did not properly connect to the developing left atrium. The abnormal connections found resemble those seen in patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Analysis of mutant hearts at early stages of development revealed abnormal development of the dorsal mesocardium, a second heart field‐derived structure at the venous pole intrinsically related to the development of the pulmonary veins. Data presented support a crucial role for primary cilia in outflow tract development and atrioventricular septation and their significance for the formation of the second heart field‐derived tissues at the venous pole including the dorsal mesocardium. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that proper formation of the dorsal mesocardium is critically important for the development of the pulmonary veins. Anat Rec, 302:136–145, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Innervation of the Epithelium and Lamina Propria of the Urethra of the Female Rat
Authors: Eggermont Monica , De Wachter Stefan , Eastham Jane , Gillespie James
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to characterize the number, type and distribution of immunochemically identified nerves in epithelium and lamina propria of the female rat urethra. Urethras from female Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 12) were fixed, frozen and sectioned (8 μm). Standard immunohistochemical techniques were used to identify putative nerves using the following antibodies: calcitonin gene related peptide (cgrp), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNos), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (vacht). The number, distribution and characteristics of all immunoreactive (IR) structures adjacent to the urethral epithelium and in the lamina propria was assessed. In the bladder, few cgrp‐IR and vacht‐IR fibers were associated with the urothelium or suburothelium of the lateral wall. In contrast, large numbers of vacht‐IR, nNos‐IR and cgrp‐IR fibers were found close to the epithelium and subepithelium of the bladder neck and throughout the urethra. The number of cgrp‐IR fibers was significantly higher in the urethra in comparison with the bladder neck. A population of undescribed cgrp‐IR cells associated with the bladder neck and proximal urethra has been characterized. Each of these cells appears to be associated with a nerve fiber. In the distal urethra, the number of peptidergic fibers penetrating the epithelium was significantly higher than the rest of the urethra. Clearly, this study has revealed a highly complex and heterogeneous network of putative afferent nerves fibers along the length of the urethra. These structural specializations need to be taken into account when probing the different functions of the urethra. Anat Rec, 302:201–214, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: MiR‐141‐3p Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer via Targeting Yin Yang 1
Authors: Fang Ming , Huang Wenlong , Wu Xinchi , Gao Yuan , Ou Jing , Zhang Xiaolan , Li Yanyun
Published: October 2018

MicroR‐141‐3p has been found to be downregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), while little is known about the cellular functions and precise signals elicited by miR‐141‐3p in PTC. The results of this study indicated that the expression of miR‐141‐3p was aberrantly down‐regulated in PTC tissues and cell lines, compared with the adjacent normal tissues and normal thyroid epithelial cells. Furthermore, the miR‐141‐3p expression level was negatively associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in PTC. Expression of miR‐141‐3p effectively inhibited cell growth, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed invasion in PTC cells. Meanwhile, miR‐141‐3p knockdown with miR‐141‐3p inhibitor reversed these effects. Consistent with the in vitro study, miR‐141‐3p also exhibited anti‐neoplastic activity in vivo. Moreover, the results revealed that miR‐141‐3p directly recognized the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and negatively regulated the expression of YY1 at both protein and mRNA levels. Ectopic expression of YY1 could effectively abrogate the anti‐metastatic and proapoptotic effects of miR‐141‐3p. In summary, the findings suggested that miR‐141‐3p can act as a tumor suppressor in PTC and may be a potential therapeutic target for PTC treatment. Anat Rec, 302:258–268, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of 20‐week continuous 60 Hz magnetic field exposure on testicular function in sprague‐dawley rats
Authors: Park Sungman , Kim Young‐Jin , Kim Min Soo , Kim Hee‐Sung , Kim Min‐Woo , Kang Yeon‐Mi , Lee Sang‐Kon , Choi Kyoung‐Chan , Kim Nam , Gimm Youn‐Myoung , Kim Yoon‐Won
Published: October 2018

Accumulating evidence does not yet confirm the effect of power line frequency magnetic field (MF) on human health and fertility. We recently reported that, at continuous 60 Hz MF exposure in mice, the dose given as magnetic flux density (tesla; T) and duration of exposure was related to induce testicular germ cell apoptosis. We aimed to characterize the effect of a 20‐week continuous exposure to 60 Hz MF on the motility, morphology, and number of sperm as well as the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in rats. Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed for 20 weeks to 60 Hz MF of 2, 20, or 200 μT for 24 h/day with rats exposed to sham conditions, serving as the control. The exposure to 60 Hz MF of 2 and 20 μT had no effects on testicular in this study. The exposure to 60 Hz MF of 200 μT for 20 weeks induced increases of the apoptotic cells (P < 0.001) in germ cells and decreases of sperm numbers (P < 0.05). However, the MF did not significantly affect the body or testis mass, seminiferous tubule diameter, or the motility or morphology of sperm. This study concluded that exposure to 60 Hz MF of 200 μT can increase testicular germ cell apoptosis, especially spermatogonia, and reduce sperm count. Also compared to previous mice studies, rats are less sensitive than mice to exposure to 60 Hz MF. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:539‐546, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graphical representations and summary indicators to assess the performance of risk predictors
Authors: Antolini Laura , Tassistro Elena , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Bernasconi Davide Paolo
Published: October 2018

The availability of novel biomarkers in several branches of medicine opens room for refining prognosis by adding factors on top of those having an established role. It is accepted that the impact of novel factors should not rely solely on regression coefficients and their significance but also on predictive power measures, such as Brier score and ROC‐based quantities. However, novel factors that are promising at the exploratory stage often result in disappointingly low impact in the predictive power. This motivated the proposal of the net reclassification improvement and the integrated discrimination improvement, as direct measures of predictive power gain due to additional factors based on the concept of reclassification tables. These measures became extremely popular in cardiovascular disease and cancer applications, given the apparently easy interpretation. However, recent contributions in the biostatistical literature enlightened the tendency to indicate as advantageous models obtained by adding unrelated factors. These measures should not be used in practice. A further measure proposed a decade ago, the net benefit, is becoming a standard in assessing the consequences in terms of costs and benefits when using a risk predictor in practice for classification. This work reviews the conceptual formulations and interpretations of the available graphical methods and summary measures for evaluating risk predictor models. The aim is to provide guidance in the evaluation process that from the model development brings the risk predictor to be used in clinical practice for binary decision rules.
Improving the accuracy of the initial rise method and extending its applicability to evaluate the order of kinetics of TL glow peaks
Authors: Maghrabi Mufeed
Published: October 2018

The classical initial rise method is limited to evaluate the activation energy for signal levels that do not exceed 10–15% of the maximum intensity. When it becomes necessary to include higher signal levels the associated error in the activation energy increases. In the present work we introduced a new correction factor for the activation energy obtained by the initial rise method in terms of the percentage of maximum intensity and the geometrical factor of the glow peak. The new expression reflects the dependence of the correction factor on the order of kinetics through the geometrical factor, especially when high signal levels are involved in the analysis. With this correction, the initial rise method can be applied to signal levels up to 70% of the maximum intensity with errors lower than those encountered in applying the classical method at low intensity levels (~10% of the maximum intensity). In addition, the order of kinetics was evaluated based on the difference between the corrected value of E and the one obtained by the initial rise method. The present procedure was applied to the glow curve of Li2B4O7:Mn single crystal. The obtained parameters show very good agreement with curve fitting, peak shape methods and the published data on this material which supports the validity and reliability of the present approach.
Tobacco Mosaic Virus as a Versatile Platform for Molecular Assembly and Device Fabrication
Authors: Chu Sangwook , Brown Adam D. , Culver James N. , Ghodssi Reza
Published: October 2018

Viruses are unique biological agents that infect living host cells through molecular delivery of a genomic cargo. Over the past two decades advancements in genetic engineering and bioconjugation technologies have allowed the unprecedented use of these “unfriendly” biological molecules, as nanoscopic platforms for the advancement of an array of nanotechnology applications. This mini‐review focuses on providing a brief summary of key demonstrations leveraging the versatile characteristics of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) for molecular assembly and bio‐device integration. A comprehensive discussion of genetic and chemical modification strategies along with potential limiting factors that impact the assembly of these macromolecules is presented to provide useful insights for adapting TMV as a potentially universal platform toward developing advanced nanomaterials. Additional discussions on biofabrication techniques developed in parallel to enable immobilization, alignment, and patterning of TMV‐based functional particles on solid surfaces will highlight technological innovations that can be widely adapted for creating nanoscopic device components using these engineered biomacromolecules. Further exploitation in the design of molecular specificity and assembly mechanisms and the development of highly controllable and scalable TMV‐device integration strategies will expand the library of nanoscale engineering tools that can be used for the further development of virus‐based nanotechnology platforms.
Theoretically Predicted New Multicyclic Compound by Stilbene Dimer
Authors: Kang Baotao , Lee Jin Yong , Kang Sunwoo
Published: October 2018

Host molecules with a cavity or scaffold with a limited space have been utilized for photodimerization of trans‐stilbene dimer with [2 + 2] cycloaddition. The degrees of freedom of the molecules inside the cavity are generally constrained. The cycloaddition reaction of trans‐stilbene dimer was investigated for variously constrained with inter‐stilbene distances and torsional angles by ab‐initio calculations at MP2/6‐31G* level of theory. In a very short inter‐stilbene distance, a new multicyclic compound (P1) was obtained, while [2 + 2] cycloaddition product (P2) was obtained from a wide range of geometries. Both inter‐stilbene distance and torsional angle play a pivotal role in determining which product (P1 or P2) could be obtained from the cycloaddition reaction of trans‐stilbene dimer.
The case against categorical risk estimates
Authors: Scurich Nicholas
Published: October 2018

Risk estimates can be communicated in a variety of forms, including numeric and categorical formats. An example of the latter is “low/medium/high risk.” The categorical format is preferred by judges and practitioners alike, and is mandated by the most commonly utilized forensic risk assessment instruments (the HCR‐20 and the Static‐99). This article argues against the practice of communicating risk in categorical terms on empirical and normative grounds. Empirically, there is no consensus about what level of risk corresponds to a particular category, such as “high risk.” Moreover, recent studies indicate that categorizing an otherwise continuous risk estimate does not add incremental predictive validity to the risk estimate. Normatively, categorization obscures what is fundamentally a value judgment about the relative costs and benefits of correct (e.g., true positive) and incorrect (e.g., false positive) outcomes. Such a judgment is inherently non‐scientific and invades the province of the jury. Indeed, categorical risk estimates are in principle no different than “dangerousness predictions,” which are simply binary and which have been denounced by the field. The fact that alternative risk communication formats have limitations does not justify continuing the pervasive practice of communicating categorical risk estimates.
Cell culture media for recombinant protein expression in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells: History, key components, and optimization strategies
Authors: Ritacco Frank V. , Wu Yongqi , Khetan Anurag
Published: October 2018

The culture of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells for modern industrial applications, such as expression of recombinant proteins, requires media that support growth and production. Such media must support high viable cell densities while also stimulating the synthesis and extracellular transport of biologic products. Early media development efforts in this area yielded basic formulations to sustain growth, viability, and cellular function, albeit comprising animal sourced components, and complex constituents used in batch culture mode. Subsequent improvements included the development of serum‐free and chemically defined (CD) media, the identification of critical nutrients, growth factors, and potentially inhibitory or toxic cellular metabolites, and the use of fed‐batch and perfusion culture techniques to optimize nutrient delivery while minimizing accumulation of unwanted waste products. This review is comprised of sections covering milestones in the evolution of mammalian cell culture media, nutrient composition and formulation requirements, optimization strategies, consistency and scalability of powder and liquid media preparation for industrial applications, and key recent advances driving progress in CHO cell culture medium design and development. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1407–1426, 2018
Effects of social identity and schadenfreude on attitude toward brand sponsoring an instant replay review: The moderating role of rivalry and suspense
Authors: Kim Jihoon (Jay) , Kim Jooyoung
Published: October 2018

Used during sport games to guard against incorrect calls by referees, instant replay review has provided sponsoring brands an additional advertising opportunity. Although instant replay video (IRV) encourages sport spectators to stay focused on the screen, no study has examined how viewer perception of and attitude toward an ad or brand tied to IRV are formed or how such formations might vary in different circumstances. Applying social identity theory and the concept of schadenfreude (i.e., the experience of joy when observing another's misfortune), the current study examined sport fan perceptions of an IRV‐sponsoring ad and its sponsoring brand. Results from an experiment using a 2 (rivalry level: high vs. low) × 2 (suspense level: high vs. low) between‐subjects design revealed that the positive emotion induced by a negative instant replay outcome for the opposing team (i.e., schadenfreude) led to positive attitude toward the ad (Aad‐IRV) and the sponsoring brand (Ab‐IRV). Importantly, the results indicate that the effects of schadenfreude on Aad‐IRV were greater when the level of rivalry was higher. Participants exposed to the high rivalry game condition showed a stronger relationship between schadenfreude and Aad‐IRV than the low rivalry game group. In addition, when the participants felt high suspense during the game, the schadenfreude resulting from a negative outcome of the rivalry team produced a significantly positive effect on Aad‐IRV. However, no such schadenfreude effect was observed in the low suspense situations. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Exploring the C‐Terminal Tail Dynamics: Structural and Molecular Perspectives into the Therapeutic Activities of Novel CRMP‐2 Inhibitors, Naringenin and Naringenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide, in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Lawal Maryam F. , Olotu Fisayo A. , Agoni Clement , Soliman Mahmoud E.
Published: October 2018

The collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP‐2) is hyperphosphorylated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). These phosphorylation events are mediated by specific kinase proteins, GSK3β and Cdk5, and occur at target phosphorylation sites majorly located at the C‐terminal tail of CRMP‐2. The abilities of naringenin (NAR) and naringenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide (NAR‐7‐O‐G) to selectively bind CRMP‐2 and reduce its phosphorylation have been previously demonstrated; the molecular interplay between these events remains unresolved. Using computational tools, we unravel the possible mechanisms by which these molecules disrupt CRMP‐2 phosphorylation. Structural and dynamic analyses revealed that while the C‐terminal tail of unbound CRMP‐2 was extended and subtly organized, notable conformational disarray and rigidity characterized this region when bound by NAR and NAR‐7‐O‐G. Consequentially, atomistic motions of constituent phosphorylation sites were restricted, indicative of structural occurrences that could distort the accessibility of interactive kinase proteins. A similar pattern was observed at a target phosphorylation site located in the globular domain of CRMP‐2. MM/PBSA analyses revealed that both compounds interacted favorably with CRMP‐2 while crucial residues that enhanced their selective binding include Glu353, Thr349, Lys254, Asp140 and Arg75. These structural insights provide mechanistic events that could contribute towards the structure‐based design of anti‐AD molecules which can bind CRMP2 selectively and alter its phosphorylation process.
Loganin prevents BV‐2 microglia cells from Aβ1‐42‐induced inflammation via regulating TLR4/TRAF6/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Cui Yong , Wang Yanjie , Zhao Danyu , Feng Xiaofan , Zhang Lin , Liu Chun
Published: October 2018

Neuroinflammation is closely related with the pathogenesis and progress of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Loganin, an iridoid glycoside obtained from traditional Chinese medicine Cornus officinalis, has properties of inhibiting inflammation and improving memory. The present study was aimed to investigate effects of loganin on Aβ‐induced inflammation and to explore the underlying mechanisms. BV‐2 microglia cells were stimulated with 10 µM Aβ1‐42 for 24 h to induce inflammatory damage. According to results of CCK‐8 assay, the doses of loganin in present work were 10 and 30 µM. We found that treatment with loganin could inhibit Aβ1‐42‐induced microglia activation. Furthermore, loganin treatment prevented the over‐production of Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Macrophage Chemotactic Protein 1(MCP‐1), Nitric oxide (NO), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the up‐regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in Aβ1‐42‐stimulated BV‐2 cells. Results from Western blots demonstrated that loganin inhibited Aβ1‐42‐induced elevation in Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (MyD88) and TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Loganin treatment also attenuated the increased phosphorylation level of IRAK4 caused by Aβ1‐42. Additionally, loganin alleviated nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 subunit in Aβ1‐42‐stimulated BV‐2 cells, and this phenomenon could be reversed by TLR4 agonist LPS. Further, the anti‐inflammatory effects of loganin were attenuated when TLR4 signaling pathway was re‐activated by LPS. Taken together, our data indicated that loganin could attenuate inflammatory response induced by Aβ in BV‐2 microglia cells, partially through deactivating the TLR4/TRAF6/NF‐κB axis.
IRGM promotes glioma M2 macrophage polarization through p62/TRAF6/NF‐κB pathway mediated IL‐8 production
Authors: Xu Yanwen , Liao Chuanpeng , Liu Renli , Liu Jing , Chen Zhongping , Zhao Huafu , Li Zongyang , Chen Lei , Wu Changpeng , Tan Hui , Liu Wenlan , Li Weiping
Published: October 2018

Alternatively activated (M2) macrophage promotes glioma progression and immune escape as the most immunocyte in glioma microenvironment. Finding out the key protein regulating M2 macrophage polarization is necessary for improving treatment. Whether immunity related GTPase M (IRGM) is involved in glioma development and M2 macrophage polarization is unknown. IRGM and M2 macrophage marker CD206 expression were examined using immunohistochemistry among 35 glioma and 11 non‐cancerous brain specimens. We found IRGM scores were positively correlated with CD206 scores in glioma specimens and monocyte proportion in blood samples. A172 glioma cells transfected with either IRGM knock‐down lentivirus (Lenti‐IRGM) or control lentivirus (Lenti‐HK) were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. In vivo, xenografted glioma size of the Lenti‐IRGM group was smaller and had weaker fluorescence signal than Lenti‐HK control group. Immunofluorescence results showed that there was obviously decreased IRGM, CD206, and IL‐8 expression in the mice glioma of Lenti‐IRGM group than Lenti‐HK control group. In vitro, flow cytometry results showed that M2 polarization from THP‐1 cocultured with Lenti‐IRGM glioma cells decreased in contrast to that with Lenti‐HK glioma cells; there were less interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and macrophage inflammation protein 3‐α (MIP‐3α), but more interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the supernatant of Lenti‐IRGM glioma cells than matched control. Western blot and immunofluorescence displayed that IRGM strongly promoted sequestosome‐1 (p62/SQSTM1), necrosis factor receptor‐activating factor 6 (TRAF6) expression and NF‐κB transportation to the nucleus. Realtime PCR results demonstrated IRGM also promoted NF‐κB downstream cytokines IL‐8 and MIP‐3α mRNA expression. These data suggested that IRGM could promote glioma development and M2 macrophage polarization by regulating p62/TRAF6/NF‐κB pathway‐mediated IL‐8 production.
Mesenchymal stem cells induced anti‐inflammatory features in B cells from breast tumor draining lymph nodes
Authors: Mehdipour Fereshteh , Razmkhah Mahboobeh , Rezaeifard Somayeh , Bagheri Mandana , Talei Abdol‐Rasoul , Khalatbari Behzad , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: October 2018

The immune‐modulatory effect of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) on B cells in cancer has not been well elucidated. Herein, the interaction between B cells and ASCs isolated from the breast fat of either normal (nASCs) or breast cancer women (cASCs) was investigated. B cells derived from breast tumor draining lymph nodes were co‐cultured with nASCs or cASCs and B cells proliferation was assessed in direct and transwell assays. Moreover, B cells were co‐cultured with cASCs, nASCs or mesenchymal stromal cells of the tumor tissue (TSCs) and B cell cytokine production was assessed using flow cytometery. cASCs or TSCs were co‐cultured with either intact or B cell depleted lymphocytes and frequencies of CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs, IL‐10+ or IFN‐γ+CD4+ T cells were assessed. Results showed that co‐culture of B cells with ASCs in transwell chambers did not affect B cell proliferation. nASCs, however, was able to significantly reduce B cell proliferation in direct co‐culture experiments (P = 0.004). The frequencies of IL‐10+, TNF‐α+, IL‐2+, and IFN‐γ+ B cells were not significantly different in the co‐cultures of B cells with ASCs or TSCs. But the TNF‐α+/ IL‐10+ B cells ratio decreased in all co‐cultures, a reduction merely significant in B cell‐cASCs co‐culture (P = 0.01). The frequencies of CD4+ T cells subsets in either intact or B cell depleted lymphocytes did not undergo significant changes following co‐culture with ASCs or TSCs. Therefore, ASCs is capable of inhibiting B cell proliferation in a contact dependent manner and shifting the cytokine profile of B cells toward an anti‐inflammatory profile.
Transradial left gastric artery embolization to treat severe obesity: A pilot study
Authors: Pirlet Charles , Ruzsa Zoltan , Costerousse Olivier , Nemes Balázs , Merkely Béla , Poirier Paul , Bertrand Olivier F.
Published: October 2018

Background

Bariatric surgery is currently the only effective treatment with long‐lasting results to treat severe obesity.

Objectives

We performed a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of percutaneous distal embolization of the left gastric artery (LGA) using a transradial approach.

Methods and Results

We recruited seven severely obese male patients (mean age 48 ± 7 years) referred for diagnostic coronary angiography. Mean baseline weight was 160 ± 27 kg and body mass index was of 52 ± 8 kg/m2. We successfully injected 300–500 μm polyvinyl alcohol particles using 5Fr catheters and all distal LGA were occluded at the end of procedures. Mean procedure duration was 24 ± 13 min and mean fluoroscopy time was 10 ± 5 min. Six patients reported mild transient epigastric discomfort, which resolved with proton pump inhibitors. At 2 months, the average weight loss was of 7 ± 6 kg (median loss: −10 kg [−2, −11]), 6 ± 12 kg (median loss: −9 kg [−16, +4]) at 6 months and 13 ± 17 kg (median loss: −11 kg [0, −25]) up to 12 months after index procedures.

Conclusion

Percutaneous transradial LGA embolization appears to be a promising technique to reduce the obesity burden. Randomized trials are required to further delineate the risk/benefit ratio, potential clinical indications and long term results.
A sentinel in Mitraclip intervention: Catch the enemy!
Authors: Calcagno Simone , Cimino Sara , Cerbelli Bruna , Sardella Gennaro
Published: October 2018

Cerebral ischemic lesions occurring during transcatheter valve interventions are common feared complications and the use of filter device seems to reduce their incidence. We report the case of an 84‐year old female patient with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing MitraClip. During the trans‐esophageal echocardiography (TEE)‐guided procedure was detected the presence of a little fibrin strand adherent to the steerable guide catheter for which we decided to implant the Claret CE Pro (Claret Medical, Inc. Santa Rosa, CA, USA) cerebral protection device and to continue the procedure during which the thrombus disappeared. At the end of the procedure a big thrombus was detected in the distal filter. The histologic analysis of the debris captured by the filters showed the presence of a thrombus, compatible with the image identified by TEE.