bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli W3110 to produce L‐malate
Authors: Dong Xiaoxiang , Chen Xiulai , Qian Yuanyuan , Wang Yuancai , Wang Li , Qiao Weihua , Liu Liming
Published: September 2016

A four‐carbon dicarboxylic acid L‐malate has recently attracted attention due to its potential applications in the fields of medicine and agriculture. In this study, Escherichia coli W3110 was engineered and optimized for L‐malate production via one‐step L‐malate synthesis pathway. First, deletion of the genes encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), pyruvate oxidase (poxB), pyruvate formate lyase (pflB), phosphotransacetylase (pta), and acetate kinase A (ackA) in pta‐ackA pathway led to accumulate 20.9 g/L pyruvate. Then, overexpression of NADP+‐dependent malic enzyme C490S mutant in this multi‐deletion mutant resulted in the direct conversion of pyruvate into L‐malate (3.62 g/L). Next, deletion of the genes responsible for succinate biosynthesis further enhanced L‐malate production up to 7.78 g/L. Finally, L‐malate production was elevated to 21.65 g/L with the L‐malate yield to 0.36 g/g in a 5 L bioreactor by overexpressing the pos5 gene encoding NADH kinase in the engineered E. coli F0931 strain. This study demonstrates the potential utility of one‐step pathway for efficient L‐malate production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 656–664. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of Carbonaceous Materials with Various Lengths in Small Spheroidal Fullerenes and Long CNTs by Tunable Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube Cutting
Authors: Kim Seung‐Hoi , Shin Ueon Sang
Published: September 2016

Tunable cutting of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using high pressure homogenizer and/or HNO3/H2SO4 solution was accomplished, resulting in the production of short CNTs with minimum length of 35 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Zeta sizer analysis showed significant reduction of CNT length from this tunable cutting (e.g. from long and entangled pristine CNTs at about 20 µm to ≥1000 nm, ~400 nm, ~200 nm, and ~100 nm via high pressure jet‐spraying cutting within 5 h, while chemical cutting process using greatly longer hours (48 h) showed a reduction only to about 1000 nm). When CNT sample of average 1000 nm length previously shortened by HNO3/H2SO4 was subjected to the high pressure jet‐spraying cutting process, the reduction progressed faster (≤1 h), producing ≥35 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated restricted formation of hydrophilic functional groups such as carboxylic group and hydroxyl group in the high pressure jet‐spraying cutting, whereas an intensive formation of hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of shortened CNT samples was found after chemical cutting. Such short CNT samples would fulfill the requirements for carbonaceous materials with various lengths in small spheroidal fullerenes and long CNTs. The short CNTs produced are promising for scientific and technological applications in many fields such as electronics, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, and environmental or energy industries.
Configuration and Stability of 1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) Embedded in Graphene
Authors: Wang Yan‐qun , Wang Gui‐xiang
Published: September 2016

The configuration and stability of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) embedded in graphene were studied using density functional theory with all‐electron double numerical polarized basis sets. The results suggested that graphene had a greater impact on the planarity of FOX‐7 molecules than did H‐bonding. Under the synergistic effect of graphene and H‐bonding, the geometry of H‐bonded FOX‐7 embedded in graphene was flatter than that of FOX‐7 without H‐bonds, which facilitated π–π stacking, as well as the stability of FOX‐7 in graphene. The conjugated structure of FOX‐7 contributed to its stability between layers of graphene. When the conjugated structure in FOX‐7 was completely disrupted, the stabilization energy decreased by 48.6%. This theoretical work is useful for gaining new insights into the microscopic interaction of energetic molecules with graphene, and it will provide theoretical guidance for the encapsulation and storage of energetic materials.
Identification of Anthocyanins in Berry Species Using LC‐ESI‐MS Combined with High‐Speed Counter‐Current Chromatography
Authors: Jin Young Ho , Shin Hyun Ju , Ahn Hye Jung , Jang Bong Keun , Park Na Hyun , Hong Jongki
Published: September 2016

Anthocyanins (ACs) and flavonoids were isolated from three different berry species (blueberry, black chokeberry, and cranberry) via high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC). A total of 19 ACs and 9 flavonoids in three berry extracts were characterized using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The MS/MS spectra of ACs and flavonoids produced a commonly abundant [M‐gluc]+ ion due to the easy cleavage of the glycosidic ether bond, which is directly reflected the structural information of the aglycon moiety and linked glucose. Among the identified 19 ACs, the major compounds were identified as glycosylated ACs linked with 3‐O‐galactose, 3‐O‐glucose, 3‐O‐arabinoside, and 3‐O‐xylose. Three ACs and four flavonoids were the first time observed in three berry extracts. Particularly for the black chokeberry extract, the total amounts of ACs were 10‐fold higher than other two berry extracts. LC‐MS/MS combined with HSCCC will be alternative technique for identifying new ACs and for the quality evaluation of ACs in colored fruits.
Clinical significance and functional validation of PPA1 in various tumors
Authors: Luo Dehong , Wang Guanwen , Shen Wenzhi , Zhao Shuangtao , Zhou Wei , Wan Lin , Yuan Liying , Yang Shuang , Xiang Rong
Published: September 2016

The aim of the study was to detect PPA1 expression in various tumors and to investigate the relationship between PPA1 expression and clinicopathological parameters to further analyze its clinical significance. Immunohistochemical staining detected PPA1 expression in 305 noncancerous tissues and 675 tumor tissues, which included 12 different tumor types. QPCR and western blot examined PPA1 expression in tumor‐derived cell lines including those derived from liver, breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were used to investigate PPA1‐regulated cell growth in tumor cells. Finally, a bioinformatics analysis was used to verify the role of PPA1 in carcinogenesis. Among the 12 types of tumors, PPA1 expression was significantly higher in lung and ovarian cancers (P < 0.001). In lung cancer, PPA1 expression was associated with tumor size, patients’ age, and smoking status, whereas in ovarian cancer, PPA1 expression was associated with pathological grade (P < 0.05). Moreover, we found that PPA1 expression was up‐regulated in lung and ovarian cancer cell lines compared with nontumor cells. In addition, suppression of PPA1 expression by RNA interference in lung and ovarian cancer cells showed increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation, which was mediated by TP53 and p21 signaling. Notably, a bioinformatics analysis was used to verify the function of PPA1 in the development and progression of tumors. PPA1 expression is significantly higher in many tumors, especially those of lung and ovarian origin, which suggests that PPA1 plays an important role in carcinogenesis and in the development of some tumors.
Bipolar disorder increases risk for substance use disorder in teens
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2016

Adolescents with bipolar disorder (BPD) are at increased risk for substance use disorders (SUDs), including cigarette smoking, according to recent research. Studies of children with BPD have found high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, including attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and conduct disorder (CD). But one of the most worrisome comorbidities is the link with SUDs and cigarette smoking.
Integrated care promotes professional communication
Authors: Fritz Gregory K.
Published: September 2016

It's self‐evident that the more complicated a child's presenting problems are, the more critical it is to have the combined expertise of a multidisciplinary team applied to the case. Everyone is aware of how the tremendous expansion of all the sciences in recent decades means that no single individual or discipline can encompass all the knowledge relevant to helping a particular child. Complex developmental and behavioral problems have no single solution; rather, a coordinated multipronged approach best serves such children. What types of expertise are needed, how much professional time is available, who is paid for what service, etc. all must be considered in developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Obviously, collaboration among a team of professionals is the correct approach.
Direct Synthesis of an Iridium(III) Bipyridine Metal–Organic Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Abednatanzi Sara , Derakhshandeh Parviz Gohari , Abbasi Alireza , Van Der Voort Pascal , Leus Karen
Published: September 2016

The heterogenization of an IrIII complex is accomplished by the modification of a nanoporous Ga‐based metal–organic framework (MOF), denoted as COMOC‐4. The introduction of the Ir complex was performed successfully through two different strategies (post‐ and prefunctionalization). The obtained Ir‐based MOF materials were compared in terms of the Ir loading, specific surface area, and crystallinity. In this case, the prefunctionalization approach was a powerful way to obtain a high Ir loading and surface area and preserve the formation of the desired MOF topology. The IrIIICp*Cl@COMOC‐4 (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) material exhibits a good catalytic performance in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using O2 as a clean oxidant. Furthermore, the stability and reusability were examined and showed that the IrIIICp*Cl@COMOC‐4 material could be reused for at least four cycles with no decrease in activity and selectivity. Additionally, no significant leaching of the Ir and Ga species or loss of the crystallinity was observed.
Hydrophilic Quaternary Ammonium‐Group‐Containing [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Models: Synthesis, Structures, and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Song Li‐Cheng , Wang Yong‐Xiang , Xing Xu‐Kang , Ding Shu‐Da , Zhang Long‐Duo , Wang Xu‐Yong , Zhang Hong‐Tao
Published: September 2016

The first quaternary ammonium‐group‐containing [FeFe]‐hydrogenase models [(μ‐PDT)Fe2(CO)4{κ2‐(Ph2P)2N(CH2)2NMe2BzBr}] (2; PDT=propanedithiolate) and [(μ‐PDT)Fe2(CO)4{μ‐(Ph2P)2N(CH2)2NMe2BzBr}] (4) have been prepared by the quaternization of their precursors [(μ‐PDT)Fe2(CO)4{κ2‐(Ph2P)2N(CH2)2NMe2}] (1) and [(μ‐PDT)Fe2(CO)4{μ‐(Ph2P)2N(CH2)2NMe2}] (3) with benzyl bromide in high yields. Although new complexes 1–4 have been fully characterized by spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic studies, the chelated complexes 1 and 2 converted into their bridged isomers 3 and 4 at higher temperatures, thus demonstrating that these bridged isomers are thermodynamically favorable. An electrochemical study on hydrophilic models 2 and 4 in MeCN and MeCN/H2O as solvents indicates that the reduction potentials are shifted to less‐negative potentials as the water content increases. This outcome implies that both 2 and 4 are more easily reduced in the mixed MeCN/H2O solvent than in MeCN. In addition, hydrophilic models 2 and 4 act as electrocatalysts and achieve higher icat/ip values and turnover numbers (TONs) in MeCN/H2O as a solvent than in MeCN for the production of hydrogen from the weak acid HOAc.
Dithienoindophenines: p‐Type Semiconductors Designed by Quinoid Stabilization for Solar‐Cell Applications
Authors: Ren Longbin , Fan Haijun , Huang Dazhen , Yuan Dafei , Di Chong‐an , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: September 2016

Compared with the dominant aromatic conjugated materials, photovoltaic applications of their quinoidal counterparts featuring rigid and planar molecular structures have long been unexplored despite their narrow optical bandgaps, large absorption coefficients, and excellent charge‐transport properties. The design and synthesis of dithienoindophenine derivatives (DTIPs) by stabilizing the quinoidal resonance of the parent indophenine framework is reported here. Compared with the ambipolar indophenine derivatives, DTIPs with the fixed molecular configuration are found to be p‐type semiconductors exhibiting excellent unipolar hole mobilities up to 0.22 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is one order of magnitude higher than that of the parent IP‐O and is even comparable to that of QQT(CN)4‐based single‐crystal field‐effect transistors (FET). DTIPs exhibit better photovoltaic performance than their aromatic bithieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (BTT) counterparts with an optimal power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.07 %.
In‐situ production of polyethylene/cellulose nanocrystal composites
Authors: Mannan Tariq M. , Soares João B. P. , Berry Richard M. , Hamad Wadood Y.
Published: September 2016

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are renewable, sustainable, and non‐toxic nanomaterials with high surface area, low density, and strength properties several times higher than many metals and polymers. Cellulose nanocrystals, however, are polar and hard to disperse in nonpolar polymers such as polyethylene. Considering that polyethylene is one of the most important commodity polymers today, a significant sector of the polymer market has not benefited yet from the remarkable properties of CNCs. In this article we present a novel method to overcome this difficulty. Our approach was to modify the surface of CNCs with bifunctional organic molecules having terminal vinyl groups that copolymerize, in‐situ, with ethylene using a constrained geometry catalyst. These hybrid materials compatibilize the hydrophilic CNC and the hydrophobic polyolefin phases, leading to good dispersion of the CNC phase in the polyethylene matrix.
Linear and nonlinear analyses of the effect of chemical reaction on the onset of buoyancy‐driven instability in a CO2 absorption process in a porous medium or Hele‐Shaw cell
Authors: Kim Min Chan , Wylock Christophe
Published: September 2016

To understand CO2 absorption into a basic solution saturated porous medium or a Hele‐Shaw cell, the effect of the chemical reaction between dissolved CO2 and the basic reactant in the solution on the onset of a buoyancy‐driven instability in a gas absorption process is analyzed theoretically. For the infinitely fast reaction, new linear and non‐linear stability equations are derived without the quasi‐steady state assumption (QSSA) and solved analytically. The present stability analysis without the QSSA shows that the important parameters are the dimensionless densification numbers and the reactant concentration ratio. For the physically unstable system, the chemical reaction can induce a non‐monotonic density profile and has an important effect on the onset of instability motion. The effect of the reactant concentration ratio on the stability of the system is strongly dependent on the physical situation. Here, we call the system which is physically stable when there is no chemical reaction as the physically stable system. Even for this physically stable system, the chemical reaction makes the system unstable and induces the gravitational fingering instability motion. Also, it is found that the stability of the physically stable system is relatively insensitive to the non‐monotonicity of the density profile.
Influence of Different Seedling‐Nursing Methods on Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in the Double Rice Cropping System of South China
Authors: Liu Ying L. , Dokohely Mario E. , Fan Chang H. , Li Qiao L. , Zhang Xiao X. , Zhao Hia Y. , Xiong Zheng Q.
Published: September 2016

Numerous studies on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during the rice growth period have focused on paddy fields, but CH4 and N2O emissions from rice seedling nurseries are poorly documented. This holds especially true for South China, where the double rice cropping system dominates. Here, we report CH4 and N2O emissions from three types of rice seedling nurseries in South China: Seedlings raised on wetland soil beds (WSB) with continuous flooding, seedlings raised on dry land soil beds (DSB), and seedlings raised in wet conditions with moist irrigation on plastic trays (WPT). Moreover, global warming potential (GWP) for all the three seedling nursing systems were estimated over a 100‐year horizon. The results show that the WSB method produced the highest CH4 with negligible N2O emissions. Among the three methods, the DSB plots emitted the highest N2O and thus the highest GWP. Relative to the WSB method, the WPT method significantly decreased total CH4 emissions by 45%, and the WPT method decreased GWPs by 28 and 68% compared to the WSB and DSB method, respectively. The GWP of CH4 and N2O of WSB, DSB, and WPT account 30, 68, and 22% of that for the whole transplanted early‐rice growing season for an equal unit area, indicating that GHGs from seedling stage were not negligible. Moreover, the WPT method produced the best rice seedlings. Therefore, utilizing WPT instead of conventional WSB is proposed as a best method for mitigating the GWPs of CH4 and N2O while growing healthy seedlings in rice nurseries in the double rice cropping system in South China.
Adult ciliary neurotrophic factor receptors help maintain facial motor neuron choline acetyltransferase expression in vivo following nerve crush
Authors: Lee Nancy , Rydyznski Carolyn E. , Rasch Matthew S. , Trinh Dennis S. , MacLennan A. John
Published: September 2016

Exogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) administration promotes the survival of motor neurons in a wide range of models. It also increases the expression of the critical neurotransmitter enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by in vitro motor neurons, likely independent of its effects on their survival. We have used the adult mouse facial nerve crush model and adult‐onset conditional disruption of the CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα) gene to directly examine the in vivo roles played by endogenous CNTF receptors in adult motor neuron survival and ChAT maintenance, independent of developmental functions. We have previously shown that adult activation of the CreER gene construct in floxed CNTFRα mice depletes this essential receptor subunit in a large subset of motor neurons (and all skeletal muscle, as shown in this study) but has no effect on the survival of intact or lesioned motor neurons, indicating that these adult CNTF receptors play no essential survival role in this model, in contrast to their essential role during embryonic development. Here we show that this same CNTFRα depletion does not affect ChAT labeling in nonlesioned motor neurons, but it significantly increases the loss of ChAT following nerve crush. The data suggest that, although neither motor neuron nor muscle CNTF receptors play a significant, nonredundant role in the maintenance of ChAT in intact adult motor neurons, the receptors become essential for ChAT maintenance when the motor neurons are challenged by nerve crush. Therefore, the data suggest that the receptors act as a critical component of an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1206–1215, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photocatalytic Properties of All Four Polymorphs of Nanostructured Iron Oxyhydroxides
Authors: Ali Feysal M. , Hmadeh Mohamad , O'Brien Paul G. , Perovic Doug D. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: September 2016

Four different polymorphs of nanostructured iron oxyhydroxides, namely; goethite (α‐FeOOH), akaganeite (β‐FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH), and feroxyhyte (δ‐FeOOH) were synthesized and fully characterized by X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. The relationship between these iron oxyhydroxide polymorphs and their photocatalytic properties was explored by examining the extent of methylene blue (MB) degradation by each polymorph under visible‐light irradiation. Feroxyhyte exhibited the best photocatalytic properties and degraded 85 % of the MB dye in five hours. In comparison, goethite, akaganeite, and lepidocrocite degraded only 40 %, 35 %, and 30 % of the MB in five hours, respectively. To understand this trend, the surface area, particle size and shape, and electronic band properties were systematically studied and discussed. It was found that the rate of MB degradation relates mainly to the surface area of the FeOOH polymorphs more than any other factor. This is the first report of a comparative study of the physical, electronic, and photocatalytic properties of all four polymorphs of nanostructured iron oxyhydroxides.
Hierarchical Hybrids of Mesoporous NiCo2O4 Needles/Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes with High Performance for Lithium Ion Batteries and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Yan Yan , Liu Yuqing , Ni Weiyan , Wu Jinyan , Liu Mingkai , Liu Tianxi
Published: September 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical NiCo2O4‐graphene/carbon nanotube (NiCo‐G/CNT) hybrids with NiCo2O4 needles deposited on a conductive G/CNT template have been facilely produced by a co‐precipitation method. Mesoporous NiCo2O4 needles endow the NiCo‐G/CNT hybrids with high specific surface area, which allows good electrolyte penetration and large electrode–electrolyte contact area, leading to fast ion and electron transfer and excellent strain accommodation. The unique hierarchical structures of NiCo‐G/CNT hybrids ensure complete exposure of their active sites and endow them with dual functionalities that allow them to serve as high‐performance electrodes for both lithium‐ion batteries and oxygen reduction reactions. In particular, the NiCo4‐G/CNT sample delivers a remarkable specific capacitance of 1392 mAh g−1 at current density of 0.1 A g−1, and achieves high electrocatalytic activity with long‐term stability for ORR. This preparation strategy is simple and effective, and can be conveniently extended to fabricate other kinds of binary‐oxide‐based materials for energy‐storage applications.
Bioinspired Rose‐Petal‐Like Substrates Generated by Electropolymerization on Micropatterned Gold Substrates
Authors: Darmanin Thierry , Bombera Radoslaw , Colpo Pascal , Valsesia Andrea , Laugier Jean‐Pierre , Rossi François , Guittard Frédéric
Published: September 2016

Surfaces with high water‐adhesion properties are promising materials for different applications in the field of water treatment and management, such as for water‐harvesting systems or oil/water separation membranes. Herein, we developed rose‐petal‐like substrates that demonstrate interesting parahydrophobic character. This bioinspired material mimics the natural substrate thanks to a combination of two fabrication steps: (1) micropatterning to create a microstructured gold‐coated substrate consisting of square pillars and (2) an electropolymerization process generating nanostructures over the micropillars. Judicious choice of the micropatterning specifications (pillar diameter and pitch), the type of electropolymerizable monomer, and the electrochemical parameters produces a material with both extremely high water contact angles (up to 160°), while retaining a remarkably high water‐adhesion level. Our study suggests that a composite interface is expressed by the existence of the Wenzel state on the micropillars and the Cassie–Baxter state between the pillars (“Cassie‐filled nanostructure”), as observed during our contact‐angle measurements. Indeed, we show that the pitch should be small to obtain the optimal micropillar surface density. Moreover, a relatively low deposition charge of approximately 50 mC cm−2 is preferable for coating the square pillars exclusively with nanostructures.
Identification of solid oxygen‐containing Na‐electrolytes: An assessment based on crystallographic and economic parameters
Authors: Meutzner Falk , Münchgesang Wolfram , Leisegang Tilmann , Schmid Robert , Zschornak Matthias , Ureña de Vivanco Mateo , Shevchenko Alexander P. , Blatov Vladislav A. , Meyer Dirk C.
Published: September 2016

We have scanned the inorganic crystal structure database using Voronoi‐Dirichlet methodology for inorganic, crystalline, solid Na electrolytes and applied a total of nine different crystallographic and economic parameters in order to evaluate the potential of each material. Especially for stationary electrochemical energy storage — used to counteract the capricious nature of renewable energy sources and momentary variations of energy consumption — Na‐based chemistries have a considerable market share. They rely on solid Na electrolytes separating the Na and S electrode compartments. We used data generated from the currently widest‐spread Na electrolytes to lay a foundation for the crystallographic data mining and Voronoi‐Dirichlet partitioning of the database. The structural data is the basis for the calculation of the above‐mentioned parameters. We introduced an evaluation and scoring scheme to systematise the results and — depending on the weighting scheme — point towards the most promising materials. Aluminosilicates and transition metal oxides seem especially interesting but, depending on the weighting, any of the more than 400 candidates could be the next‐generation solid Na electrolyte.
Advanced Separators for Lithium‐Ion and Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: A Review of Recent Progress
Authors: Xiang Yinyu , Li Junsheng , Lei Jiaheng , Liu Dan , Xie Zhizhong , Qu Deyu , Li Ke , Deng Tengfei , Tang Haolin
Published: September 2016

Li‐ion and Li–S batteries find enormous applications in different fields, such as electric vehicles and portable electronics. A separator is an indispensable part of the battery design, which functions as a physical barrier for the electrode as well as an electrolyte reservoir for ionic transport. The properties of the separators directly influence the performance of the batteries. Traditional polyolefin separators showed low thermal stability, poor wettability toward the electrolyte, and inadequate barrier properties to polysulfides. To improve the performance and durability of Li‐ion and Li–S batteries, development of advanced separators is required. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the fabrication and application of novel separators, including the functionalized polyolefin separator, polymeric separator, and ceramic separator, for Li‐ion and Li–S batteries. The characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these separators are discussed. A brief outlook for the future directions of the research in the separators is also provided.
Co‐tier downlink interference management in dense femtocell networks
Authors: Wang Hwang‐Cheng , Woungang Isaac , Ting Kuo‐Chang , Tseng Chih‐Cheng , Kuo Fang‐Chang , Huang Hung‐Te
Published: September 2016

With the adoption of long‐term evolution standard for 4G mobile communications, the deployment of femtocell base stations (FBSs) to cope with the surging traffic in mobile wireless communication is becoming increasingly popular. However, with the random installation of FBSs, the problem of interference among FBSs is still a challenge. In this paper, assuming the presence of a femtocell management system that can control and coordinate the densely deployed FBSs, a novel power backoff scheme is proposed that determines the appropriate transmit power of each FBS so that the interference is reduced. Simulation results for randomly deployed FBSs in an environment with shadowing using MATLAB are provided, showing that our proposed methods can effectively mitigate the co‐tier downlink interference while improving the system capacity in a densely deployed femtocell network with shared spectrum use. Quantitatively, the average interference is reduced by roughly 90% to 100% of dBm, and the average capacity is increased by more than 80%. These results attest to the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Diagnostic value of positive urinary cytology in the detection of recurrent urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Shanmugam Vignesh , Geraghty Brian , DeSimone Robert A. , Hoda Rana S.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Urothelial carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. The performance of urine cytology (UCy) after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion is quite variable and there is no consensus regarding its role in post‐treatment surveillance. The goal of this study is to retrospectively review the diagnostic value of positive (suspicious or positive for malignancy) diverted urine cytology (DUCy) in the detection of urinary tract recurrence of UCC.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective 10‐year (January 2005 to January 2015) computerized search for all DUCy specimens was conducted. All suspicious (Susp) or positive for malignant cells (PMC) ThinPrep cases were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, surgical, and pathological follow‐up for patients with Susp or PMC UCy were tabulated and analyzed.

Results

During the 10‐year‐period, 1,525 DUCy cases from 408 patients were identified. Of these, 25 cases (1.64%) from 10 patients were called either Susp (13; 0.85%) or PMC (12; 0.79%). The 25 DUCy cases occurred within a mean of 20 months post‐RC. Out of 10 patients, 9 had a concurrent biopsy or a subsequent resection of the recurrent site. Of these 9 patients, 8 (89%) had subsequent biopsy or resection, which showed recurrent UCC. In 5/8 patients, positive DUCy was the very first manifestation of recurrence, which was subsequently confirmed by imaging or histology.

Conclusion

It is our experience that patients with positive UCy after RC have a high likelihood of recurrent UCC and should be counseled and managed accordingly. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:975–979. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin in metabolic complications of human obesity and prediabetes
Authors: Razny Urszula , Fedak Danuta , Kiec‐Wilk Beata , Goralska Joanna , Gruca Anna , Zdzienicka Anna , Kiec‐Klimczak Malgorzata , Solnica Bogdan , Hubalewska‐Dydejczyk Alicja , Malczewska‐Malec Malgorzata
Published: September 2016

Background

Carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla‐OC) participates in bone remodeling, whereas the undercarboxylated form (Glu‐OC) takes part in energy metabolism. This study was undertaken to compare the blood levels of Glu‐OC and Gla‐OC in nonobese, healthy obese, and prediabetic volunteers and correlate it with the metabolic markers of insulin resistance and early markers of inflammation.

Methods

Nonobese (body mass index [BMI] <30 kg/m2; n = 34) and obese subjects (30 <BMI <40 kg/m2; n = 98), both sexes, aged 25 to 65 years, were divided into healthy control, normal weight subjects, healthy obese, and obese with biochemical markers of prediabetes. The subgroups with obesity and low or high Gla‐OC or Glu‐OC were also considered for statistical analysis. After 2 weeks of diet standardization, venous blood was sampled for the determination of Gla‐OC, Glu‐OC, lipid profile, parameters of inflammation (hsCRP, interleukin 6, sE‐selectin, sPECAM‐1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin).

Results

Gla‐OC in obese patients was significantly lower compared to nonobese ones (11.36 ± 0.39 vs 12.69 ± 0.90 ng/mL, P = .048) and weakly correlated with hsCRP (r = −0.18, P = .042), visfatin concentration (r = −0.19, P = .033), and BMI (r = −0.17, P = .047). Glu‐OC was negatively associated with fasting insulin levels (r = −0.18, P = .049) and reduced in prediabetic individuals compared with healthy obese volunteers (3.04 ± 0.28 vs 4.48 ± 0.57, P = .025).

Conclusions

Decreased blood concentration of Glu‐OC may be a selective early symptom of insulin resistance in obesity, whereas the decreased level of Gla‐OC seems to be associated with the appearance of early markers of low grade inflammation accompanying obesity.
Cre‐inducible site‐specific recombination in zebrafish oligodendrocytes
Authors: Pinzon‐Olejua Alejandro , Welte Cornelia , Chekuru Avinash , Bosak Viktoria , Brand Michael , Hans Stefan , Stuermer Claudia A.O.
Published: September 2016

Background:The conditional Cre/lox system has recently emerged as a valuable tool for studies on both embryonic and adult Zebrafish. Temporal control and site‐specific recombination are achieved by using the ligand‐inducible CreERT2and administration of the drug tamoxifen (TAM) or its active metabolite, 4‐Hydroxytamoxifen (4‐OHT).Results:Here we report the generation of a transgenic Zebrafish line, which expresses an mCherry‐tagged variant of CreERT2under the control of themyelin basic protein a(mbpa) promoter. Our analysis shows that larval and adult expression of the transgene recapitulates the endogenousmbpaexpression pattern in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, combination with a Cre‐dependent EGFP reporter results in EGFP‐expressing oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerve in TAM‐ or 4‐OHT‐treated larvae and 4‐month‐old fish, but not in untreated controls.Conclusions:The transgenic Zebrafish lineTg(mbpa:mCherry‐T2A‐CreERT2)elicitsCreERT2expression specifically in myelinating glia cells. Cre‐inducible targeted recombination of genes in oligodendrocytes will be useful to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms of myelination in vivo during development (myelination) and regeneration (remyelination) after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). It will also allow targeted expression and overexpression of genes of interest (transgenes) in oligodendrocytes at defined developmental and adult stages.Developmental Dynamics 246:41–49, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoxia augments MHC class I antigen presentation via facilitation of ERO1‐α‐mediated oxidative folding in murine tumor cells
Authors: Kajiwara Toshimitsu , Tanaka Tsutomu , Kukita Kazuharu , Kutomi Goro , Saito Keita , Okuya Koichi , Takaya Akari , Kochin Vitaly , Kanaseki Takayuki , Tsukahara Tomohide , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirata Koichi , Sato Noriyuki , Tamura Yasuaki
Published: September 2016

To establish an effective cancer immunotherapy, it is crucial that cancer cells present a cancer‐specific antigen in a hypoxic area, a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we show the impact of hypoxia on MHC class I antigen presentation in vitro and in vivo in murine tumors. Activation of antigen‐specific CTLs by tumor cells that had been pre‐incubated under a condition of hypoxia was enhanced compared with that by tumor cells pre‐incubated under a condition of normoxia. Cell surface expression of MHC class I‐peptide complex on the tumor cells was increased under a condition of hypoxia, thereby leading to higher susceptibility to specific CTLs. We show that the hypoxia‐inducible ER‐resident oxidase ERO1‐α plays an important role in the hypoxia‐induced augmentation of MHC class I‐peptide complex expression. ERO1‐α facilitated oxidative folding of MHC class I heavy chains, thereby resulting in the augmentation of cell surface expression of MHC class I‐peptide complex under hypoxic conditions. These results suggest that since the expression of MHC class I‐peptide complex is augmented in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, strategies for inhibiting the function of regulatory T cells and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and/or immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising for improving cancer immunotherapy.
Apatite‐Like Complex Oxides in the Ca–Cr–Cu–O System: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, XPS and Magnetic Study
Authors: Bazuev Gennady V. , Tyutyunnik Alexander P. , Kuznetsov Michail V. , Samigullina Rina P.
Published: September 2016

Calcium chromates Ca5(CrO4)3Cux(OH)1–x with apatite structure and different content of copper and OH– groups have been synthesized by solid‐phase reactions under usual conditions in air. The composition, structure, degree of oxidation of the elements, and the properties of the produced chromates have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and magnetochemical methods. It was concluded that the reason for the apatite stabilization is the introduction of Cu+ and Cu2+ cations into the hexagonal O(4) sites in the tunnels of the Ca5(CrO4)3OH apatite structure. This is caused by the substitution of OH– according to the scheme OH– → (Cu+O)– or 2 OH– → (Cu2+O2)2– which gives rise to infinite chains along the c‐axis.
Effect of Ternary Eutectic Salt on the Calcium Sulfate Oxygen Carrier for Chemical Looping Combustion of Coal Char
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Ding Ning , Li Huijun , Lv Mingming , Guan Ning , Liu Zhigang
Published: September 2016

The effect of a ternary eutectic salt (43.5 % Li2CO3–31.5 % Na2CO3–25 % K2CO3) on the CaSO4 oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion (CLC) of coal char is experimentally investigated in a bench‐scale fluidized‐bed reactor with steam as the gasification agent at atmospheric pressure and 925 °C. The ternary eutectic catalyst is added to the CaSO4 oxygen carrier by physical mixing and impregnation, respectively. The enhanced carbon conversion and shortened reaction time in the fluidized bed reactor, coupled with the high weight loss rate of CaSO4 reduction with CO in the thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), suggest that the reactions of coal char gasification and CaSO4 reduction are synergistically catalyzed in the presence of the ternary eutectic salt. The modified oxygen carriers prepared by physical mixing and impregnation show no significant difference in carbon conversion and gasification rates according to the experimental results. The sample with catalyst impregnated into the mixture of anhydrite and coal char gives higher activity compared to the samples with catalyst impregnated into the coal char or anhydrite solely, due to the more uniform distribution of the catalyst.
Carbon Nanocatalysts for Aquathermolysis of Heavy Crude Oil: Insights into Thiophene Hydrodesulfurization
Authors: Guo Kun , Gu Minfen , Yu Zhixin
Published: September 2016

Various carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), ketjenblack (KB) carbon, and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), are investigated as catalysts for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction in the aquathermolysis of heavy crude oil. XRD and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the crystallinity and graphitization of these carbon samples. Their morphologies and structures are determined by TEM. Surface functional groups are analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, and specific surface area and pore volume are studied by nitrogen adsorption–desorption. To evaluate the HDS activity of carbon nanocatalysts, thiophene is employed as a model compound because its ring structure is commonly present in asphaltene and resin components of heavy crude oil. The reactions are conducted under conditions similar to those of actual reservoir conditions of 120–180 °C and <3 MPa. Reaction parameters, namely, catalyst dosage, temperature, and reaction time, are studied to optimize the HDS performance. Results show that factors such as degree of graphitization and specific surface area play critical roles in the enhanced HDS activity of GNPs and KB compared with that of CNTs. This work opens up the opportunity for the implementation of carbon nanomaterials as sustainable metal‐free catalysts in the in situ upgrading and recovery of heavy crude oil.
Tissue-specific selenium accumulation and toxicity in adult female Xenopus laevis chronically exposed to elevated dietary selenomethionine
Authors: Massé Anita J. , Muscatello Jorgelina R. , Hogan Natacha S. , Janz David M.
Published: September 2016

Selenium (Se) is a developmental toxicant that is also capable of altering the bioenergetic and endocrine status of adult fish. To date, aquatic ecotoxicological research has predominantly focused on the toxic effects of Se in fish, and minimal information has been published related to amphibians. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential toxicity associated with chronically elevated dietary Se consumption in adult female amphibians utilizing the model species Xenopus laevis. Adult X. laevis females were fed a diet augmented with L-selenomethionine at measured concentrations of 0.7 µg Se/g (control), 10.9 µg Se/g, 30.4 µg Se/g, or 94.2 µg Se/g dry mass for 68 d, after which they were bred with untreated males. Ovary, egg, liver, muscle, and blood samples were collected from female frogs after completion of the exposure period and subsequent breeding to ascertain Se tissue distribution, muscle and liver triglyceride and glycogen levels, and plasma cortisol concentrations. The concentrations of Se measured in female tissues excluding the liver were significantly increased in proportion with dietary intake. No significant differences were observed among treatment groups with respect to biometric indices, energy stores, or stress response of adult female X. laevis after Se exposure, which suggests that this amphibian species is capable of accumulating substantial quantities of this element in their tissues with no adverse effects on fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1047–1055. © 2016 SETAC
T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants has distinct genetic and epigenetic features compared to childhood cases
Authors: Doerrenberg Mareike , Kloetgen Andreas , Hezaveh Kebria , Wössmann Wilhelm , Bleckmann Kirsten , Stanulla Martin , Schrappe Martin , McHardy Alice C , Borkhardt Arndt , Hoell Jessica I
Published: September 2016

For reasons not yet understood, nearly all infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are diagnosed with the B‐cell type, with T‐ALL in infancy representing a very rare exception. Clinical and molecular knowledge about infant T‐ALL is still nearly completely lacking and it is also still unclear whether it represents a distinct disease compared to childhood T‐ALL. To address this, we performed exome sequencing of three infant cases, which enabled the detection of mutations in NOTCH2, NOTCH3, PTEN, and KRAS. When analyzing the transcriptomes and miRNomes of the three infant and an additional six childhood T‐ALL samples, we found 760 differentially expressed mRNAs and 58 differentially expressed miRNAs between these two cohorts. Correlation analysis for differentially expressed miRNA‐mRNA target pairs revealed 47 miRNA–mRNA pairs, with many of them previously described to be aberrantly expressed in leukemia and cancer. Pathway analysis revealed differentially expressed pathways and upstream regulators related to the immune system or cancerogenesis such as the ERK5 pathway, which was activated in infant T‐ALL. In summary, there are distinct molecular features in infant compared to childhood T‐ALL on a transcriptomic and epigenetic level, which potentially have an impact on the development and course of the disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors affecting soil moisture spatial variability for a humid forest hillslope
Authors: Gwak Yongseok , Kim Sanghyun
Published: September 2016

Soil moisture is an important variable in explaining hydrological processes at hillslope scale. The distribution of soil moisture along a hillslope is related to the spatial distribution of the soil properties, the topography, the soil depth, and the vegetation. In order to investigate the factors affecting soil moisture, various environmental data were collected from a humid forest hillslope in this study. Several factors (the wetness index; the contributing area; the local slope; the soil depth; the composition of sand, silt, and clay; the scaling parameter; the hydraulic conductivity; the tree diameter at breast height; and the total weighted basal area) were evaluated for their effect on soil moisture and its distribution over the hillslope at depths of 10, 30, and 60 cm. Both linear correlation analysis and empirical orthogonal function analysis indicated that the soil texture was a dominant factor in soil moisture distribution. The impact of soil hydraulic conductivity was important for all soil moisture ranges at a depth of 30 cm, but those at 10 and 60 cm were limited to very wet and dry conditions, respectively. The relationships of the various factors with the spatial variability of soil moisture indicated the existence of a threshold soil moisture that is related to the composition of the soil and the factors related to the distribution of water in the study area.
Synergy of interleukin 10 and toll‐like receptor 9 signalling in B cell proliferation: Implications for lymphoma pathogenesis
Authors: Feist Maren , Kemper Judith , Taruttis Franziska , Rehberg Thorsten , Engelmann Julia C. , Gronwald Wolfram , Hummel Michael , Spang Rainer , Kube Dieter
Published: September 2016

A network of autocrine and paracrine signals defines B cell homeostasis and is thought to be involved in transformation processes. Investigating interactions of these microenvironmental factors and their relation to proto‐oncogenes as c‐Myc (MYC) is fundamental to understand the biology of B cell lymphoma. Therefore, B cells with conditional MYC expression were stimulated with CD40L, insulin‐like growth factor 1, α‐IgM, Interleukin‐10 (IL10) and CpG alone or in combination. The impact of forty different interventions on cell proliferation was investigated in MYC deprived cells and calculated by linear regression. Combination of CpG and IL10 led to a strong synergistic activation of cell proliferation (S‐phase/doubling of total cell number) comparable to cells with high MYC expression. A synergistic up‐regulation of CDK4, CDK6 and CCND3 expression by IL10 and CpG treatment was causal for this proliferative effect as shown by qRT‐PCR analysis and inhibition of the CDK4/6 complex by PD0332991. Furthermore, treatment of stimulated MYC deprived cells with MLN120b, ACHP, Pyridone 6 or Ruxolitinib showed that IL10/CpG induced proliferation and CDK4 expression were JAK/STAT3 and IKK/NF‐κB dependent. This was further supported by STAT3 and p65/RELA knockdown experiments, showing strongest effects on cell proliferation and CDK4 expression after double knockdown. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed a dual binding of STAT3 and p65 to the proximal promotor of CDK4 after IL10/CpG treatment. Therefore, the observed synergism of IL10R and TLR9 signalling was able to induce proliferation in a comparable way as aberrant MYC and might play a role in B cell homeostasis or transformation.
Bessel‐beam illumination in dual‐axis confocal microscopy mitigates resolution degradation caused by refractive heterogeneities
Authors: Chen Ye , Glaser Adam , Liu Jonathan T. C.
Published: September 2016

One of the main challenges for laser‐scanning microscopy of biological tissues with refractive heterogeneities is the degradation in spatial resolution that occurs as a result of beam steering and distortion. This challenge is particularly significant for dual‐axis confocal (DAC) microscopy, which achieves improved spatial‐filtering and optical‐sectioning performance over traditional confocal microscopy through off‐axis illumination and collection of light with low‐numerical aperture (NA) beams that must intersect precisely at their foci within tissues. DAC microscope image quality is sensitive to positional changes and distortions of these illumination‐ and collection‐beam foci. Previous studies have shown that Bessel beams display improved positional stability and beam quality than Gaussian beams when propagating through tissues with refractive heterogeneities, which suggests that Bessel‐beam illumination may enhance DAC microscopy of such tissues. Here, we utilize both Gaussian and Bessel illumination in a point‐scanned DAC microscope and quantify the resultant degradation in resolution when imaging within heterogeneous optical phantoms and fresh tissues. Results indicate that DAC microscopy with Bessel illumination exhibits reduced resolution degradation from microscopic tissue heterogeneities compared to DAC microscopy with conventional Gaussian illumination.

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