bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Litter dominates surface fluxes of carbonyl sulfide in a Californian oak woodland
Authors: Sun Wu , Maseyk Kadmiel , Lett Céline , Seibt Ulli
Published: January 2016

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is a promising tracer for partitioning terrestrial photosynthesis and respiration from net carbon fluxes, based on its daytime co‐uptake alongside CO2 through leaf stomata. Because ecosystem COS fluxes are the sum of plant and soil fluxes, using COS as a photosynthesis tracer requires accurate knowledge of soil COS fluxes. At an oak woodland in Southern California, we monitored below‐canopy surface (soil + litter) COS and CO2 fluxes for 40 days using chambers and laser spectroscopy. We also measured litter fluxes separately and used a depth‐resolved diffusion‐reaction model to quantify the role of litter uptake in surface COS fluxes. Soil and litter were primarily COS sinks, and mean surface COS uptake was small (∼1 pmol m−2 s−1). After rainfall, uptake rates were higher (6–8 pmol m−2 s−1), and litter contributed a significant fraction (up to 90%) to surface fluxes. We observed rapid concurrent increases in COS uptake and CO2 efflux following the onset of rain. The patterns were similar to the Birch effect widely documented for soils; however, both COS and CO2 flux increases originated mainly in the litter. The synchronous COS‐CO2 litter Birch effect indicates that it results from a rapid increase in litter microbial activity after rainfall. We expect that the drying‐rewetting cycles typical for mediterranean and other semiarid ecosystems create a pronounced seasonality in surface COS fluxes. Our results highlight that litter uptake is an important component of surface COS exchange that needs to be taken into account in ecosystem COS budgets and model simulations.
GEM‐CEDAR challenge: Poynting flux at DMSP and modeled Joule heat
Authors: Rastätter Lutz , Shim Ja Soon , Kuznetsova Maria M. , Kilcommons Liam M. , Knipp Delores J. , Codrescu Mihail , Fuller‐Rowell Tim , Emery Barbara , Weimer Daniel R. , Cosgrove Russell , Wiltberger Michael , Raeder Joachim , Li Wenhui , Tóth Gábor , Welling Daniel
Published: January 2016

Poynting flux into the ionosphere measures the electromagnetic energy coming from the magnetosphere. This energy flux can vary greatly between quiet times and geomagnetic active times. As part of the Geospace Environment Modeling‐coupling energetics and dynamics of atmospheric regions modeling challenge, physics‐based models of the 3‐D ionosphere and ionospheric electrodynamics solvers of magnetosphere models that specify Joule heat and empirical models specifying Poynting flux were run for six geomagnetic storm events of varying intensity. We compared model results with Poynting flux values along the DMSP‐15 satellite track computed from ion drift meter and magnetic field observations. Although being a different quantity, Joule heat can in practice be correlated to incoming Poynting flux because the energy is dissipated primarily in high latitudes where Poynting flux is being deposited. Within the physics‐based model group, we find mixed results with some models overestimating Joule heat and some models agreeing better with observed Poynting flux rates as integrated over auroral passes. In contrast, empirical models tend to underestimate integrated Poynting flux values. Modeled Joule heat or Poynting flux patterns often resemble the observed Poynting flux patterns on a large scale, but amplitudes can differ by a factor of 2 or larger due to the highly localized nature of observed Poynting flux deposition that is not captured by the models. In addition, the positioning of modeled patterns appear to be randomly shifted against the observed Poynting flux energy input. This study is the first to compare Poynting flux and Joule heat in a large variety of models of the ionosphere.
Native Defect‐Induced Hysteresis Behavior in Organolead Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Hui , Lu Haipeng , Xie Fangyan , Zhou Shuang , Zhao Ni
Published: January 2016

Despite the high power conversion efficiency and ease of fabrication, planar‐junction organolead halide perovskite solar cells often exhibit anomalous hysteretic current–voltage (I–V) characteristics. In this work, the origin of the I–V hysteresis is studied by fine‐tuning the precursor ratio of methylammonium lead iodide and thus varying the native defects in the material. It is shown that the perovskites synthesized from “PbI2 excess,” “methylammonium iodide excess,” and “stoichiometric” precursors exhibit identical film morphology but different I–V hysteresis in a planar solar cell configuration. Through a comparative analysis on the temperature‐dependent continuous and stepwise‐stabilized I–V responses of the three devices, a model involving transport and trapping of the ionic native defects is proposed. The active energy of the transport process is estimated to be between 0.10 and 0.18 eV, most likely associated with the vacancy‐mediated iodide ion migration. The lower activation energy of the “PbI2 excess” and “Stoichiometric” samples indicates that the presence of methylammonium vacancies may provide a favorable pathway for the migration of iodide ions due to reduced steric hindrance. Furthermore, the slow trapping and release processes of iodide ions at the TiO2/perovskite interface are accounted for the long time scale current decay (or raise) following a voltage change.
Planar‐Chiral Cyclopentadienyl‐Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Enantioselective Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Silyl Enolates under Unusually Mild Conditions
Authors: Kanbayashi Naoya , Yamazawa Arisa , Takii Koichiro , Okamura Taka‐aki , Onitsuka Kiyotaka
Published: January 2016

We report the asymmetric allylic alkylation of allylic chlorides with silyl enolates as a carbon nucleophile using a planar‐chiral cyclopentadienyl‐ruthenium (Cp′Ru) catalyst. The reaction proceeds under unusually mild conditions to give the desired branched products with complete regioselectivity and high enantioselectivity, and reactive functional groups, such as aldehyde, can be tolerated. In this reaction system, Cp′Ru plays an important role in activating both silyl enolate and allylic chloride.

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Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue by Novel Magnetic Hydrogel Nanocomposites of Poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Pooresmaeil Malihe , Mansoori Yagoub , Mirzaeinejad Masoumeh , Khodayari Ali
Published: January 2016

In the current research, the sonochemically prepared magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were silylated with triethoxyvinylsilane to produce a core–shell structure containing vinyl moieties on the surface. The radical polymerization of the silylated product with acrylic acid in the presence of N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide, as the cross‐linker, led to the formation of novel magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites (MHNCs) in which some of polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains were chemically grafted onto MNPs (PAA‐grafted MNPs). Vibrating sample magnetometry showed the unique phenomenon of superparamagnetism for the prepared MNPs, silylated MNPs, and PAA‐grafted MNPs. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of methylene blue (MB) using pure hydrogel and MHNCs as an adsorbent. The effects of contact time, PAA‐grafted MNP content, adsorbent mass, and initial pH value of the dye solution on adsorption were investigated. Results showed the MHNC containing 10 wt% of PAA‐grafted MNP (MHNC 10 wt%) had the maximum adsorption capacity. It was observed that the adsorption kinetics of MB followed pseudo–second‐order kinetics. The adsorption equilibrium data obeyed Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum adsorption amount of MB reached 507.7 mg g–1 for MHNC 10 wt%. It was shown that the adsorbed MB could be desorbed from the MHNCs by using methanol solution containing acetic acid and the nanoadsorbents could be recycled.
New Insights into Defect‐Mediated Heterostructures for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: An Xiaoqiang , Li Tong , Wen Bo , Tang Junwang , Hu Ziyu , Liu Li‐Min , Qu Jiuhui , Huang C. P. , Liu Huijuan
Published: January 2016

Understanding the interfacial electronic structures of heterojunctions, a challenging undertaking, is extremely important to the design of photoelectrodes for efficient water splitting. The heterostructured interfaces in terms of crystal defects at the atomic‐level exemplified by TiO2/BiVO4 are studied. Results from both experimental observations and theoretical calculations clearly confirm the spontaneous formation of defective interfaces in the heterostructures. TiO2/BiVO4 junction with engineered interfacial defects can efficiently increase the carrier density and extend the lifetime of electrons. The inherent phenomenon of defective electronic structures in different heterostructures creates a significant impact on their photoelectrochemical performance. The synergetic effect between defect‐mediated mechanism and organic quantum dots sensitization yields significantly increased photoconversion efficiency, which is even superior to that of common metal sulfide sensitized ones. This result demonstrates an approach worthy for the design and fabrication of defect‐mediated heterostructures for water splitting, without utilizing harmful metal sulfides. Moreover, new insights into the influence of intrinsic defects on the interfacial charge transfer process between two different semiconductors for energy‐related applications have also been provided.
Development of on‐line pyroprocessing for liquid thorium fueled reactors
Authors: Stika Milan , Rappleye Devin , Simpson Michael F. , Jeong Sang Mun
Published: January 2016

The electrochemical behavior of thorium and uranium in molten LiF was examined separately and simultaneously at 1173 K using cyclic voltammetry. Inert molybdenum wire served as a working electrode. A platinum wire served as a quasireference electrode. The quality of voltammograms was highly dependent on the degree of dryness of the salt. The experimental results confirmed previous findings for similar salt matrices that thorium is reduced in a single, 4‐electron [Th(IV)/Th] step, whereas uranium is reduced in a two‐step process, including a 1‐electron exchange [U(IV)/U(III)] followed by a 3‐electron exchange [U(III)/U]. Diffusion coefficients for thorium and uranium were calculated and plotted as a function of concentration. Calibration curves of peak current density vs. analyte concentration were developed. Separability of uranium from the thorium‐rich matrix was confirmed feasible. Satisfactory concentration monitoring of uranium was demonstrated, whereas thorium concentration monitoring in the ternary salt was found problematic. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1236–1243, 2016
De novo CD5+ diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: Adverse outcomes with and without stem cell transplantation in a large, multicenter, rituximab treated cohort
Authors: Alinari Lapo , Gru Alejandro , Quinion Carl , Huang Ying , Lozanski Arletta , Lozanski Gerard , Poston Jacqueline , Venkataraman Girish , Oak Eunhye , Kreisel Friederike , Park Steven I. , Matthews Stephanie , Abramson Jeremy S. , Iris Lim Hana , Martin Peter , Cohen Jonathon B. , Evens Andrew , Al‐Mansour Zeina , Singavi Arun , Fenske Timothy S. , Blum Kristie A.
Published: January 2016

De novo CD5+ diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are a distinct subgroup of DLBCL with poor prognosis. However the role of rituximab‐containing therapy and salvage stem cell transplantation in this patients’ population remain to be defined. We retrospectively reviewed clinical features and outcomes of 102 patients with de novo CD5+ DLBCL treated with rituximab‐containing therapy at nine different institutions. By Hans’ criteria, 64 patients had activated B‐cell (ABC) subtype, 24 germinal center B‐cell (GCB) subtype, and 14 were not evaluated. No patients had a myc translocation. Eighty‐three patients were treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R‐CHOP), 7 with rituximab, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R‐EPOCH), and 6 with R‐CHOP with methotrexate, 3 g/m2. The overall response rate to front‐line therapy was 85%. The 3‐year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients were 40 and 65%, respectively. The 3‐year PFS for ABC‐ and GCB‐subtypes was 34 and 45%, respectively. The 3‐year OS for ABC‐ and GCB‐subtypes was 62 and 67%, respectively. The median time to second treatment failure was 3 months and 1 month for ABC‐ and GCB‐subtypes, respectively. Twenty of 28 (71%) transplanted patients with autologous, allogeneic, or both, relapsed. This study confirms the poor prognosis of de novo CD5+ DLBCL in a large multi‐center cohort despite initial rituximab‐containing chemotherapy and suggests that stem cell transplantation fails to salvage the majority of these patients. Approaches to prevent recurrence and/or novel therapies for relapsed disease are needed for this subgroup of DLBCL patients. Am. J. Hematol. 91:395–399, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Time to go past genomics?
Authors: Roos‐Weil Damien , Nguyen‐Khac Florence , Bernard Olivier A.
Published: January 2016

Recent advances in massively parallel sequencing technologies have provided a detailed picture of the mutational landscape in CLL and underscored the vast degree of interpatient and intratumor heterogeneities. These studies have led to the characterization of novel putative driver genes and recurrently affected biological pathways, and to the modeling of CLL clonal evolution. We herein review selected aspects including recent advances in the biology of CLL and present cellular and biological processes involved in the development of CLL and potentially other mature B‐cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms. Am. J. Hematol. 91:518–528, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal opioid dose is associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome in children born to women with sickle cell disease
Authors: Shirel Tyler , Hubler Collin P. , Shah Rena , Mager Amy B. , Koch Kathryn L. , Sheth Darshita , Uhing Michael R. , Jones Cresta W. , Field Joshua J.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that higher daily opioid dose is associated with the presence and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD). This was a retrospective study of pregnant women with SCD who required opioids. NAS was evaluated using the Finnegan scoring system and classified as none, mild, and severe. Severe NAS was defined as a Finnegan score ≥ 8 on 3 consecutive tests. Thirty‐four pregnancies were examined in 30 women with SCD. Higher daily morphine dose was associated with a higher percentage of days in the hospital during pregnancy (P < 0.001). Hospital days contributed disproportionately to daily morphine dose as larger amounts of opioids were administered in the hospital compared to home (P = 0.002). Median maternal oral morphine dose was 416 mg for infants with severe NAS compared with 139 mg for those with mild NAS (P = 0.04). For infants with no NAS, median maternal morphine was 4 mg, significantly less than those with mild NAS (P < 0.001). Infants born to women who used on average >200 mg/day of oral morphine equivalent in the last month of pregnancy had a 13‐fold increased risk of severe NAS compared with those who used <200 mg/day. These data demonstrate that higher median daily opioid dose is associated with progressively more severe NAS in pregnant women with SCD. Strategies to decrease pain and avoid hospitalizations are needed to reduce opioid use and NAS. Am. J. Hematol. 91:416–419, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Have splenectomy rate and main outcomes of ITP changed after the introduction of new treatments? A monocentric study in the outpatient setting during 35 years
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Polverelli Nicola , Sollazzo Daria , Romano Marco , Catani Lucia , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola
Published: January 2016

In the last years, rituximab (RTX) and agonists of the thrombopoietin receptor (TPO‐R) eltrombopag and romiplostim have provided new treatment options in persistent and chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Here, we analyzed the changes in therapeutic choices over time and their impact on clinical outcomes in a cohort of 557 ITP outpatients followed at the “L. and A. Seràgnoli” Institute of Hematology, Bologna, Italy, from 1980 to 2015. Overall 397 patients (71%) required front‐line corticosteroids, mainly prednisone. Over the decades, splenectomy was delayed from second to third‐line, but was steadily used in around 15–25% of patients refractory or relapsing after first‐line treatment. Consensually, RTX and TPO‐R agonists emerged as second and third‐line therapy of choice, respectively. Splenectomy was associated with the best response rates and the lower incidences of relapse, while the relapse rate after RTX was comparable to that observed with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. The introduction of TPO‐R agonists gave an alternative to the administration of immunosuppressive drugs and probably contributed to moderate the incidence of infectious complications that remained stable over the decades, despite an increasing use of RTX from the 2000s onwards. Overall responses were similar over time, with over 97% achieving a response in all time‐periods. However, the cumulative risk of bleeding significantly decreased [14.3% (1980–89) vs. 7% (1990–99) vs. 5.6% (2000–09) vs. 0.2% (2010–15)] (P < 0.001), mainly thanks to the optimization of front‐line corticosteroids therapy and to the wider availability of second and third‐line therapies. Am. J. Hematol. 91:E267–E272, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertebral numbers and human evolution
Authors: Williams Scott A. , Middleton Emily R. , Villamil Catalina I. , Shattuck Milena R.
Published: January 2016

Ever since Tyson (1699), anatomists have noted and compared differences in the regional numbers of vertebrae among humans and other hominoids. Subsequent workers interpreted these differences in phylogenetic, functional, and behavioral frameworks and speculated on the history of vertebral numbers during human evolution. Even in a modern phylogenetic framework and with greatly expanded sample sizes of hominoid species, researchers’ conclusions vary drastically, positing that hominins evolved from either a “long‐backed” (numerically long lumbar column) or a “short‐backed” (numerically short lumbar column) ancestor. We show that these disparate interpretations are due in part to the use of different criteria for what defines a lumbar vertebra, but argue that, regardless of which lumbar definition is used, hominins are similar to their great ape relatives in possessing a short trunk, a rare occurrence in mammals and one that defines the clade Hominoidea. Furthermore, we address the recent claim that the early hominin thoracolumbar configuration is not distinct from that of modern humans and conclude that early hominins show evidence of “cranial shifting,” which might explain the anomalous morphology of several early hominin fossils. Finally, we evaluate the competing hypotheses on numbers of vertebrae and argue that the current data support a hominin ancestor with an African ape‐like short trunk and lower back. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:S19–S36, 2016. © 2016 American Association of Physical Anthropologists
Fluctuating and directional asymmetry in the long bones of captive cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)
Authors: Reeves Nicole M. , Auerbach Benjamin M. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Skeletal asymmetries reflect developmental stability and mechanical, functional, and physiological influences on bone growth. In humans, researchers have documented the greatest limb bone bilateral asymmetry in diaphyseal breadths, with less asymmetry in articular and maximum length dimensions. However, it remains unclear as to whether the pattern observed for humans is representative of nonhuman primates, wherein bilateral loading may minimize directional asymmetry. This study adds to the small body of asymmetry data on nonhuman primates by investigating patterns of long bone asymmetry in a skeletal sample ofSaguinus oedipus(cotton‐top tamarin).

Materials and Methods

Humeri, radii, ulnae, femora, and tibiae of 76 adult captive cotton‐top tamarin skeletons (48 males, 28 females) were measured bilaterally. We included maximum length, midshaft diaphyseal breadths, and at least one articular measurement for each bone to assess directional (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in each dimension.

Results

Most dimensions exhibit significant FA, and very few have significant DA; DA is limited to the lower limb, especially in knee dimensions. Overall, the magnitudes of asymmetry in tamarins have a consistent ranking that follows the same pattern as found in humans.

Discussion

This first study of DA and FA among multiple dimensions throughout the limbs of a non‐hominoid primate suggests that previously‐reported patterns of human bilateral asymmetry are not exclusive to humans. The results further indicate potential underlying differences in constraints on variation within limb bones. While processes shaping variation await further study, our results argue that different long bone dimensions may reflect dissimilar evolutionary processes. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:41–51, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social power, conflict policing, and the role of subordination signals in rhesus macaque society
Authors: Beisner Brianne A. , Hannibal Darcy L. , Finn Kelly R. , Fushing Hsieh , McCowan Brenda
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Policing is a conflict‐limiting mechanism observed in many primate species. It is thought to require a skewed distribution of social power for some individuals to have sufficiently high social power to stop others' fights, yet social power has not been examined in most species with policing behavior. We examined networks of subordination signals as a source of social power that permits policing behavior in rhesus macaques.

Materials and Methods

For each of seven captive groups of rhesus macaques, we (a) examined the structure of subordination signal networks and used GLMs to examine the relationship between (b) pairwise dominance certainty and subordination network pathways and (c) policing frequency and social power (group‐level convergence in subordination signaling pathways).

Results

Networks of subordination signals had perfect linear transitivity, and pairs connected by both direct and indirect pathways of signals had more certain dominance relationships than pairs with no such network connection. Social power calculated using both direct and indirect network pathways showed a heavy‐tailed distribution and positively predicted conflict policing.

Conclusions

Our results empirically substantiate that subordination signaling is associated with greater dominance relationship certainty and further show that pairs who signal rarely (or not at all) may use information from others' signaling interactions to infer or reaffirm the relative certainty of their own relationships. We argue that the network of formal dominance relationships is central to societal stability because it is important for relationship stability and also supports the additional stabilizing mechanism of policing. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:102–112, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanische Reversibilität der spannungskatalysierten Azid‐Alkin‐Cycloaddition
Authors: Jacobs Monique J. , Schneider Guenter , Blank Kerstin G.
Published: January 2016

Mechanophore, d. h. Moleküle, die spezifisch auf die Einwirkung einer mechanischen Kraft reagieren, sind die Schlüsselbausteine mechanisch aktiver Materialien. Die Möglichkeit einer mechanisch induzierten Cycloreversion von Triazol‐Molekülen kann mithilfe von Dichtefunktionalrechnungen ermittelt werden. Wir berichten über eine Reihe von Triazol‐Molekülen, die durch eine spannungskatalysierte Azid‐Alkin‐Cycloaddition synthetisiert werden und vergleichen diese mit den 1,4‐ und 1,5‐Regioisomeren, die in der Reaktion eines Azids mit einem terminalen Alkin entstehen. Wir zeigen, dass eine Cycloreversion prinzipiell möglich ist, und dass die Geometrie der Kraftangriffspunkte die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Cycloreversion entscheidend beeinflusst. Wir haben die mechanische Stabilität der Triazol‐Moleküle darüber hinaus auch mit der Stabilität von Polymeren verglichen, wie sie häufig als Kraftüberträger in mechanochemischen Experimenten verwendet werden. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde DIBAC (Azadibenzylcyclooctin) als ein vielversprechender Mechanophor für zukünftige Anwendungen identifiziert.
Effect of Component Mobility on the Properties of Macromolecular [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Chen Zhen , Aoki Daisuke , Uchida Satoshi , Marubayashi Hironori , Nojima Shuichi , Takata Toshikazu
Published: January 2016

Macromolecular [2]rotaxanes comprising a polymer axle and crown ether wheel were synthesized to evaluate the effect of component mobility on the properties of the axle polymer, especially its crystallinity. Living ring‐opening polymerization of δ‐valerolactone with a pseudorotaxane initiator with a hydroxy group at the axle terminus was followed by end‐capping with a bulky isocyanate. This yielded macromolecular [2]rotaxanes (M2Rs) possessing polyester axles of varying molecular weights. The crystallinity of the axle polymers of two series of M2Rs, with either fixed and movable components, was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. The results revealed that the effect of component mobility was significant in the fixed and movable M2Rs with a certain axle length, thus suggesting that the properties of the axle polymer depend on the mobility of the polyrotaxane components.
Low‐Temperature Solution Synthesis of Few‐Layer 1T ′‐MoTe2 Nanostructures Exhibiting Lattice Compression
Authors: Sun Yifan , Wang Yuanxi , Sun Du , Carvalho Bruno R. , Read Carlos G. , Lee Chia‐hui , Lin Zhong , Fujisawa Kazunori , Robinson Joshua A. , Crespi Vincent H. , Terrones Mauricio , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: January 2016

Molybdenum ditelluride, MoTe2, is emerging as an important transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMD) material because of its favorable properties relative to other TMDs. The 1T ′ polymorph of MoTe2 is particularly interesting because it is semimetallic with bands that overlap near the Fermi level, but semiconducting 2H‐MoTe2 is more stable and therefore more accessible synthetically. Metastable 1T ′‐MoTe2 forms directly in solution at 300 °C as uniform colloidal nanostructures that consist of few‐layer nanosheets, which appear to exhibit an approx. 1 % lateral lattice compression relative to the bulk analogue. Density functional theory calculations suggest that small grain sizes and polycrystallinity stabilize the 1T ′ phase in the MoTe2 nanostructures and suppress its transformation back to the more stable 2H polymorph through grain boundary pinning. Raman spectra of the 1T ′‐MoTe2 nanostructures exhibit a laser energy dependence, which could be caused by electronic transitions.
Preparation of PVDF/CaCO3 hybrid hollow fiber membranes for direct contact membrane distillation through TIPS method
Authors: Song Yang , Wang Ziyi , Wang Qin , Li Baoan , Zhong Benhe
Published: January 2016

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)–CaCO3 hybrid hollow fiber membranes with a cellular structure and prominent permeability were fabricated via the thermally induced phase separation method for membrane distillation. CaCO3 nanoparticles were introduced to the casting solution to improve the properties of the membranes. The effect of CaCO3 dosage on the morphology was investigated. The prepared membranes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, SEM, and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that liquid–liquid phase separation preceded solid–liquid phase separation during the spinning process. Low dosages of CaCO3 had a strong influence on the crystallization of PVDF molecules. The contact angle of the membrane increased with the addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles. The maximum dead end pure water flux was as high as 1295.5 L/(m2 h). The direct‐contact membrane distillation flux of the optimized PVDF/CaCO3 hybrid membrane achieved 63.98 kg/(m2 h) at the feed temperature of 90 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43372.
Effect of the dissolution time on the structure and properties of lyocell‐fabric‐based all‐cellulose composite laminates
Authors: Adak Bapan , Mukhopadhyay Samrat
Published: January 2016

In this study, all‐cellulose composite laminates were prepared from lyocell fabric with ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride), a conventional hand layup method, and compression molding. Eight layers of lyocell fabric, which were impregnated with ionic liquid, were stacked symmetrically and hot‐pressed under compression molding for various times; this resulted in the partial dissolution of the surface of the lyocell fibers. The dissolved cellulose held the laminas together and resulted in a consolidated laminate. Finally, the prepared laminate was impregnated in water to remove the ionic liquid and to regenerate a matrix phase in situ; this was followed by hot‐press drying. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies were used to analyze composite structures. With increasing dissolution time, the void content in the composites decreased, and the interlaminar adhesion improved. For LC‐2h and LC‐3h, the highest tensile strength and modulus values obtained were 48.2 MPa and 1.78 GPa, respectively. For LC‐4h, the highest flexural strength and modulus values obtained were 53.96 MPa and 1.2 GPa, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43398.
Optimizing the water, carbon, and land‐use footprint of bioenergy production in Mexico ‐ Six case studies and the nationwide implications
Authors: Hennecke Anna M. , Mueller‐Lindenlauf Maria , García Carlos A. , Fuentes Alfredo , Riegelhaupt Enrique , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: January 2016

This study aims to answer the question if and how biofuels can be produced in Mexico without aggravating water scarcity, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and avoiding indirect land‐use changes. We analyzed environmental impacts of six potential maize‐bioethanol production systems in Mexico on water resources, land use, and GHG emissions by using a life cycle assessment approach. Three irrigated high‐input maize systems and three rain‐fed low‐yield systems were analyzed. Inventory data was acquired by soil sampling and interviews with farmers. For the water footprint, field water balances were modeled using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) AquaCrop Model. For the carbon footprint, the BioGrace tool was used. Based on the results of status‐quo analysis, scenarios with improved agricultural management were defined to identify optimization potential. Additionally, the producible amount of biofuels was estimated on a national level. The analyses showed that improving management in rain‐fed agriculture offers the best opportunities for biofuel production without compromising regional water availability and without unwanted indirect effects on food prices and GHG emissions. Around 3.4% of Mexican gas consumption could be produced from maize bioethanol in Mexico without the above mentioned unwanted effects. By optimizing green water use in rain‐fed maize production, around 3 billion m3 of non‐productive soil evaporation would be put into productive use. This is around 10% of the total water extracted from aquifers in Mexico. From this we conclude that unproductive soil evaporation is an underestimated water resource which should be considered in water management. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An in vitro compartmentalization‐based method for the selection of bond‐forming enzymes from large libraries
Authors: Gianella Paul , Snapp Erik L. , Levy Matthew
Published: January 2016

We have developed a generalized in vitro compartmentalization‐based bead display selection strategy that allows for the identification of enzymes that can perform ligation reactions. Although a number of methods have been developed to evolve such enzymes, many of them are limited in library size (106–107), do not select for enzymes using a scheme that allows for multiple turnover, or only work on enzymes specific to nucleic acids. This approach is amenable to screening libraries of up to 1012 protein variants by allowing beads to be overloaded with up to 104 unique mutants. Using this approach we isolated a variant of sortase A from Staphylococcus aureus that shows a 114‐fold enhancement in kcat/KM in the absence of calcium compared to the wild‐type and improved resistance to the inhibitory effects of cell lysates. Unlike the wild‐type protein, the newly selected variant shows intracellular activity in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells where it may prove useful for intracellular labeling or synthetic biological applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1647–1657. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical and experimental role of ring finger protein 180 on lymph node metastasis and survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Deng J , Liang H , Zhang R , Hou Y , Liu Y , Ying G , Pan Y , Hao X
Published: January 2016

Background

The hypermethylation of ring finger protein (RNF) 180 DNA promoter is significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. The present study explored the potential mechanism of RNF180-regulated lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer.

Methods

Associations between clinicopathological and survival data and RNF180 expression in gastric cancer tissues were analysed. The effects of RNF180 re-expression on gastric cancer cells were determined by means of proliferation, invasion, growth and lymphangiogenesis assays. A genome microarray was used to find potential target genes associated with lymphatic metastasis of gastric cancer cells regulated by RNF180.

Results

RNF180 was silenced or downregulated in 99 (73·9 per cent) of 134 gastric cancer tissues compared with 41·8 per cent of paired non-tumour tissues from patients. As an independent prognostic indicator of gastric cancer, RNF180 expression in gastric cancer tissues was negatively related to the number of metastatic lymph nodes. RNF180 was also downregulated in all seven gastric cancer cell lines examined. The re-expression of RNF180 in gastric cancer cells inhibited colony formation, proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro; re-expression of RNF180 also suppressed tumour growth and lymphangiogenesis in mice. Furthermore, re-expression of RNF180 downregulated the expression of hepatocyte growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP-14, vascular endothelial growth factor C/D and chemokine receptor 7 in gastric cancer cells; it also downregulated the expression of podoplanin in tumour tissue of nude mice.

Conclusion

RNF180 appears to act as a suppressor gene that inhibits lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.Surgical relevanceBiological mechanisms that lead to lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer have not been clarified. Ring finger protein (RNF) 180 has been shown to participate in the processes of lymph node metastasis in several human malignancies.In this study, silencing or downregulation of RNF180 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. In vitro, RNF180 expression suppressed the common biological characteristics of gastric cancer cells (HGC-27), including proliferation, invasion, lymphangio genesis and chemotaxis. RNF180 expression also inhibited tumour growth and tumour lymphangiogenesis in vivo.These results show that RNF180 is capable of inhibiting lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer by suppressing the intracellular activation of malignant molecular signals. Therefore, RNF180 could be considered as a promising biomarker for evaluation of the tumour aggressiveness and may be a target for future therapeutic intervention.
TPD‐ and DPP‐based Small Molecule Donors Containing Pyridine End Groups for Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Kim Jungwoon , Eun Song Chang , Lee Sang Kyu , Lim Eunhee
Published: January 2016

We synthesized two new thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD)‐ and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based small molecules having pyridine end groups, TPDTPy and DPPTPy, using the Stille and Suzuki coupling reactions, respectively. The optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of these small molecules depended on the introduced electron‐accepting units of TPD and DPP. DPPTPy exhibited a relatively low‐energy bandgap (Eg) of 1.82 eV compared to TPDTPy (2.22 eV) because of the stronger electron‐withdrawing ability of DPP compared to TPD. Organic photovoltaic cells with the inverted ITO/ZnO/small molecule:(6,6)‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester/MoO3/Ag structure were fabricated. The DPPTPy‐based device showed a relatively high power conversion efficiency of 0.62% compared to TPDTPy (0.16%), mainly because of the red‐shifted UV absorption, lower Eg, and the higher short‐circuit current of DPPTPy.
Study on the Electrochemical Property of Microporous Cobalt Phosphite [Co11(HPO3)8(OH)6]
Authors: Lee Dong Heon , Kang Myunggoo , Paek Seung‐Min , Jung Hyun
Published: January 2016

Crystalline microporous cobalt phosphite, Co11(HPO3
)8(OH)6, was prepared via facile hydrothermal route without the use of any templates or surfactants. The cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2
·6H2O) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (NaH2PO2
·H2O) were employed as reactants, and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3
) was added to adjust the pH. The resultant Co11(HPO3
)8(OH)6 shows dumbbell‐like shape with a size of several micrometers. The obtained materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The Co11(HPO3
)8(OH)6 is applied as electrochemical energy storage electrode material because of its unique microporous nature. Different aqueous electrolytes (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) have been tested in order to study the effect of electrolyte cations on electrochemical behavior. To investigate the capacity and stability of Co11(HPO3
)8(OH)6 electrode, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GC), and cycle stability were performed in aqueous electrolytes with different cations at room temperature. We found that the electrochemical behavior of these materials is strongly dependent on the species of electrolyte cations (Li+, Na+, and K+).
Brain white matter integrity in heroin addicts during methadone maintenance treatment is related to relapse propensity
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Jia , Li Qiang , Ye Jianjun , Chen Jiajie , Liu Jierong , Li Zhe , Li Yongbin , Yan Xuejiao , Wang Yarong , Wang Wei
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Cognitive deficits caused by heroin‐induced white matter (WM) impairments hinder addicts' engagement in and benefit from treatment. The predictive value of WM integrity in heroin addicts during methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for future relapse is unclear.

Methods

Forty‐eight MMT patients were given baseline diffusion tensor imaging scans and divided into heroin relapsers (HR, 25 cases) and abstainers (HA, 23 cases) according to the results of 6‐month follow‐up. Intergroup comparisons were performed for fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD). The correlation between diffusion tensor imaging indices and the degree of heroin relapse was analyzed.

Results

Compared with HA group, HR group had reduced FA in the right retrolenticular part, left anterior and posterior limb of internal capsule, bilateral anterior corona radiata, and right external capsule. Three out of the six regions showed increased RD, with no changes in AD. The FA and AD values in the left posterior limb of internal capsule correlated negatively with the heroin‐positive urinalysis rate within follow‐up.

Conclusions

Lower WM integrity in MMT patients may add to neurobiological factors associated with relapse to heroin use. Strategies for improving WM integrity provide a new perspective to prevent future relapse to heroin abuse.
The use of a proteinaceous “cushion” with a polystyrene‐binding peptide tag to control the orientation and function of a target peptide adsorbed to a hydrophilic polystyrene surface
Authors: Imanaka Hiroyuki , Yamadzumi Daisuke , Yanagita Keisuke , Ishida Naoyuki , Nakanishi Kazuhiro , Imamura Koreyoshi
Published: January 2016

In immobilizing target biomolecules on a solid surface, it is essential (i) to orient the target moiety in a preferred direction and (ii) to avoid unwanted interactions of the target moiety including with the solid surface. The preferred orientation of the target moiety can be achieved by genetic conjugation of an affinity peptide tag specific to the immobilization surface. Herein, we report on a strategy for reducing the extent of direct interaction between the target moiety and surface in the immobilization of hexahistidine peptide (6His) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) on a hydrophilic polystyrene (PS) surface: Ribonuclease HII from Thermococcus kodakaraensis (cHII) was genetically inserted as a “cushion” between the PS‐affinity peptide tag and target moiety. The insertion of a cushion protein resulted in a considerably stronger immobilization of target biomolecules compared to conjugation with only a PS affinity peptide tag, resulting in a substantially enhanced accessibility of the detection antibody to the target 6His peptide. The fluorescent intensity of the GFP moiety was decreased by approximately 30% as the result of fusion with cHII and the PS‐affinity peptide tag but was fully retained in the immobilization on the PS surface irrespective of the increased binding force. Furthermore, the fusion of cHII did not impair the stability of the target GFP moiety. Accordingly, the use of a proteinaceous cushion appears to be promising for the immobilization of functional biomolecules on a solid surface. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:527–534, 2016
Solution Observation of Dimerization and Helix Handedness Induction in a Human Carbonic Anhydrase–Helical Aromatic Amide Foldamer Complex
Authors: Jewginski Michal , Fischer Lucile , Colombo Cinzia , Huc Ivan , Mackereth Cameron D.
Published: January 2016

The design of synthetic foldamers to selectively bind proteins is currently hindered by the limited availability of molecular data to establish key features of recognition. Previous work has described dimerization of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA) through self‐association of a quinoline oligoamide helical foldamer attached to a tightly binding HCA ligand. A crystal structure of the complex provided atomic details to explain the observed induction of single foldamer helix handedness and revealed an unexpected foldamer‐mediated dimerization. Here, we investigated the detailed behavior of the HCA–foldamer complex in solution by using NMR spectroscopy. We found that the ability to dimerize is buffer‐dependent and uses partially distinct intermolecular contacts. The use of a foldamer variant incapable of self‐association confirmed the ability to induce helix handedness separately from dimer formation and provided insight into the dynamics of enantiomeric selection.
MicroRNA‐455 suppresses non‐small cell lung cancer through targeting ZEB1
Authors: Li Ying‐Jie , Ping Chen , Tang Jian , Zhang Wen
Published: January 2016

MicroRNA‐455 (miRNA‐455), which is downregulated in human cancer, potently mediates the multiple steps of carcinogenesis. However, the role of miR‐455 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carcinogenesis remains unclear. In present study, we determined the mature miRNA‐455 expression in NSCLC tissues and cells by real‐time PCR. Follow‐up studies examined the effects of a miR‐455 mimic (gain of function) on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our data indicate that miR‐455 was significantly down‐regulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues. In functional assays, overexpression of miR‐455 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cell lines. Data from reporter assays showed that miR‐455 directly binds to 3′UTR of ZEB1 and suppresses the endogenous level of ZEB1 protein expression. Furthermore, overexpression of ZEB1 reverses miR‐455‐suppressed malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells. Moreover, we found that upregulation of ZEB1 expression is inversely associated with miR‐455 expression in NSCLC tissues. Taken together, miR‐455 as an anti‐oncogene in non‐small cell lung cancer through up‐regulation of ZEB1 and serve as a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Assessment of quality of life in patients after surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Tokarek Tomasz , Siudak Zbigniew , Dziewierz Artur , Sobczyński Robert , Zasada Wojciech , Sorysz Danuta , Olszewska‐Wityńska Katarzyna , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Krawczyk‐Ożóg Agata , Żabówka Anna , Sadowski Jerzy , Dudek Dariusz
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini‐thoracotomy, mini‐sternotomy, MIAVR) have become an appealing alternative to conventional surgical (SAVR) treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in high‐risk patients.

Background

Aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with AS and treated with transfemoral TAVI, SAVR, mini‐thoracotomy and mini‐sternotomy.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐three patients with symptomatic AS were enrolled in 2011–2013. TAVI group consisted of 39 patients (22.5%), mini‐sternotomy was performed in 44 patients (25.5%), mini‐thoracotomy in 50 (29%), and AVR in 40 patients (23%). QoL was assessed perioperatively, 12 and 24 months after aortic valve replacement (AVR) by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and EQ‐5D‐3L.

Results

Median follow‐up was 583.5 (IQR: 298–736) days. Improvement of health status after procedure in comparison with pre‐operative period was significantly more often reported after TAVI in perioperative period (90.3%; P = 0.004) and 12 months after procedure (100%, P = 0.02). Global MLHFQ, physical and emotional dimension score at 30‐day from AVR presented significant improvement after TAVI in comparison with surgical methods (respectively: 8.3(±8.6), P = 0.003; 4.1(±5.9), P = 0.01; 1.5(±2.6), P = 0.005). Total MLHFQ score was significantly lower (better outcome) in TAVI patients 1 year after procedure (4.8(±6.8), P = 0.004), no differences in somatic and emotional component were found. No differences were found in MLHFQ score 24 months after AVR. Data from EQ‐D5‐3L questionnaire demonstrated significant improvement of QoL at 30‐day follow‐up after TAVI in comparison with surgical methods (1.2(±1.7), P = 0.0008).

Conclusions

TAVI improves QoL in perioperative and 12 months observation in comparison with mini‐thoracotomy, mini‐sternotomy and SAVR. Improvement in QoL was obtained in both generic and disease specific questionnaires. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A DFT Study on the Conversion of Aryl Iodides to Alkyl Iodides: Reductive Elimination of R−I from Alkylpalladium Iodide Complexes with Accessible β‐Hydrogens
Authors: Hao Wei , Wei Junnian , Chi Yue , Walsh Patrick J. , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: January 2016

DFT calculations have been performed on the palladium‐catalyzed carboiodination reaction. The reaction involves oxidative addition, alkyne insertion, C−N bond cleavage, and reductive elimination. For the alkylpalladium iodide intermediate, LiOtBu stabilizes the intermediate in non‐polar solvents, thus promoting reductive elimination and preventing β‐hydride elimination. The C−N bond cleavage process was explored and the computations show that PPh3 is not bound to the Pd center during this step. Experimentally, it was demonstrated that LiOtBu is not necessary for the oxidative addition, alkyne insertion, or C−N bond cleavage steps, lending support to the conclusions from the DFT calculations. The turnover‐limiting steps were found to be C−N bond cleavage and reductive elimination, whereas oxidative addition, alkyne insertion, and formation of the indole ring provide the driving force for the reaction.