bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Atom Hybridization Matters: Ultrafast Humidity Response of Graphdiyne Oxides
Authors: Yan Hailong , Guo Shuyue , Wu Fei , Yu Ping , Liu Huibiao , Li Yuliang , Mao Lanqun
Published: February 2018

Graphdiyne oxide (GDO), the oxidized form of graphdiyne (GDY), exhibits an ultrafast humidity response with an unprecedented response speed (ca. 7 ms), which is three times faster than that of graphene oxide (GO) with the same thickness and O/C ratio. The ultrafast humidity response of GDO is considered to benefit from the unique carbon hybridization of GDO, which contains acetylenic bonds that are more electron‐withdrawing than ethylenic bonds in GO, consequently giving rise to a faster binding rate with water. This distinctive structure‐based property enables the fabrication of a novel GDO‐based humidity sensor with an ultrafast response speed and good selectivity against other kinds of gas molecules as well as high sensitivity. These properties allow the sensor to accurately monitor the respiration rate change of human and hypoxic rats.
Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric [2+2] Cyclization/Penicillin–Penillonic Acid Rearrangement
Authors: Zhang Ming , Yu Changjun , Xie Junqiu , Xun Xudong , Sun Wangsheng , Hong Liang , Wang Rui
Published: February 2018

Enantioselective synthesis of imidazolidin‐5‐ones through a phosphoric acid catalyzed reaction between azlactones and N‐substituted β‐carbolines is reported. The reaction takes place via an initial formal [2+2] cycloaddition to generate an α‐amino‐β‐lactam, which subsequently undergoes an acid‐catalyzed asymmetric penicillin–penillonic acid (PPA) rearrangement with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first [2+2] cyclization of azlactones with imines and the first asymmetric PPA rearrangement, which are linked together by the phosphoric acid catalyst.
Atomically Dispersed Metal Sites in MOF‐Based Materials for Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Liang Zibin , Qu Chong , Xia Dingguo , Zou Ruqiang , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2018

Metal sites play an essential role in both electrocatalytic and photocatalytic energy conversion. The highly ordered arrangements of the organic linkers and metal nodes as well as the well‐defined pore structures of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) make them ideal substrates to support atomically dispersed metal sites (ADMSs) located in their metal nodes, linkers, and pores. Porous carbon materials doped with ADMSs can be derived from these ADMS‐incorporating MOF precursors through controlled treatments. These ADMSs incorporated in pristine MOFs and MOF‐derived carbon materials possess unique advantages over molecular or bulk metal‐based catalysts and bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for energy‐conversion applications. This Review presents recent progress in the design and incorporation of ADMSs in MOFs and MOF‐derived materials for energy‐conversion applications.
Tailored Microstructured Hyperpolarizing Matrices for Optimal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Cavaillès Matthieu , Bornet Aurélien , Jaurand Xavier , Vuichoud Basile , Baudouin David , Baudin Mathieu , Veyre Laurent , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas , Jannin Sami , Copéret Christophe , Thieuleux Chloé
Published: February 2018

Tailoring the physical features and the porous network architecture of silica‐based hyperpolarizing solids containing TEMPO radicals, known as HYPSO (hybrid polarizing solids), enabled unprecedented performance of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d‐DNP). High polarization values up to P(1H)=99 % were reached for samples impregnated with a mixture of H2O/D2O and loaded in a 6.7 T polarizer at temperatures around 1.2 K. These HYPSO materials combine the best performance of homogeneous DNP formulations with the advantages of solid polarizing matrices, which provide hyperpolarized solutions free of any—potentially toxic—additives (radicals and glass‐forming agents). The hyperpolarized solutions can be expelled from the porous solids, filtered, and rapidly transferred either to a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer or to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
A Stable Metal–Organic Framework Featuring a Local Buffer Environment for Carbon Dioxide Fixation
Authors: He Hongming , Sun Qi , Gao Wenyang , Perman Jason A. , Sun Fuxing , Zhu Guangshan , Aguila Briana , Forrest Katherine , Space Brian , Ma Shengqian
Published: February 2018

A majority of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) fail to preserve their physical and chemical properties after exposure to acidic, neutral, or alkaline aqueous solutions, therefore limiting their practical applications in many areas. The strategy demonstrated herein is the design and synthesis of an organic ligand that behaves as a buffer to drastically boost the aqueous stability of a porous MOF (JUC‐1000), which maintains its structural integrity at low and high pH values. The local buffer environment resulting from the weak acid–base pairs of the custom‐designed organic ligand also greatly facilitates the performance of JUC‐1000 in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide under ambient conditions, outperforming a series of benchmark catalysts.
Conductive poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyethylene/graphene blend‐nanocomposites: Relationship between rheology, morphology, and electrical conductivity
Authors: Rafeie O. , Razavi Aghjeh M. K. , Tavakoli A. , Salami Kalajahi M. , Jameie Oskooie A.
Published: February 2018

Relationship between rheology, morphology, and electrical conductivity of the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyethylene/graphene nano‐platelets ternary system (PVDF/PE/GnP) were investigated. All the blend nanocomposites were prepared via a two‐step melt mixing method. GnP (0.75 and 1.5 wt %) was first compounded with PVDF and then the resulted premixtuers were melt mixed with PE to achieve the desired compositions. The corresponding reference nanocomposites and filler‐less blends were also prepared. Effect of an interfacial agent (PEMA; maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) was also studied in this work. The results of rheological analysis in conjunction with the Raman spectroscopy experiments revealed that GnP had higher affinity to PVDF than PE, which in turn led to creation of conductive networks of GnP (1.5 wt %) in PVDF matrix exhibiting the electrical conductivity of about 10−2 (S/cm). Double percolated micro‐structure was predicted for the PE/PVDF 40/60 (wt/wt) blend containing low GnP content (0.9 wt %) and confirmed via direct electron microscopy and conductivity analysis. Using 5 wt % of the PEMA reduced the conductivity to 10−5 (S/cm) and further increase in PEMA content to 10 wt % led to non‐conductive characteristics. The latter was attributed to the migration of GnP from the PVDF phase to PE/PEMA phase and hence disturbance of double percolated micro‐structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46333.
Reducing‐Autophagy Derived Mitochondrial Dysfunction during Resveratrol Promotes Fibroblast‐Like Synovial Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Cao Wei , Zhang Junqiang , Wang Gaoyuan , Lu Jinsen , Wang Taorong , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: February 2018

In rheumatoid arthritis patients, the fibroblast‐like synovial cells (FLS) growth is not controlled normally, but is similar to the tumor cells proliferation in histology. Our previous studies have shown that resveratrol inhibits the proliferation of FLS and promotes FLS apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in resveratrol‐induced FLS apoptosis have not been determined yet. Here, we showed that the FLS cell viability (following pretreatment with 5 µM H2O2 for 24 hr) exhibited better proliferation performance than at other concentrations via the CCK‐8 assay. The cell apoptotic rate increased with the increasing concentration of resveratrol (0, 40, 80, 160, 320 μM), as detected by TdT‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining and western blotting. Furthermore, the expression level of autophagy‐related proteins (LC3A/B, ATG‐5) decreased with the increased concentration of resveratrol, as determined by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. We also showed that resveratrol induced FLS mitochondrial morphology change. Moreover, mitochondrial function detection showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential was lost with the increased concentration of resveratrol as examined by the JC‐1 assay. The production of ATP in cells was positively and negatively correlated with the resveratrol concentration. Simultaneously, the intracellular calcium release and calcium influx decreased gradually with the increase in resveratrol concentration. Therefore, we proposed that resveratrol can reduce the level of autophagy in FLS. The decrease in the autophagy level can lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may result in mitochondrial dysfunction and promotion of FLS apoptosis. Anat Rec, 301:1179–1188, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vergleich von normativen Modellen zur Berechnung der Rissbreite
Authors: Empelmann Martin , Busse Daniel
Published: February 2018

Mit dem Ziel, einen Überblick über aktuelle normative Modelle zur Berechnung der Rissbreite im Stahlbetonbau zu erhalten, wurden diese am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig zusammengestellt und verglichen. Um einen unabhängigen Vergleich der Modelle sicherzustellen, wurde eine Datenbasis mit Versuchswerten zu Rissbreiten zusammengestellt. Der Modellvergleich wurde auf zentrische Zugversuche, bei denen charakteristische Werte der gemessenen Rissbreiten (95 %‐Quantilwerte) angegeben waren bzw. ermittelt werden konnten, beschränkt. Durch die Vergleichsberechnungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass zwischen den unterschiedlichen Modellen signifikante Abweichungen auftreten. Während der Eurocode 2 die im Versuch gemessenen Rissbreiten tendenziell überschätzt, werden die Rissbreiten mit den Nationalen Anhängen für Deutschland bzw. Österreich überwiegend unterschätzt. Mit dem Modell nach Model Code 2010 werden die Versuchsergebnisse im Mittel ebenfalls überschätzt, die Ergebnisse liegen jedoch zwischen denen nach Eurocode 2 sowie den Nationalen Anhängen für Deutschland bzw. Österreich. Des Weiteren kann mit den Modellen der Nationalen Anhänge für Deutschland und Österreich sowie des Model Code 2010 eine, gegenüber dem Eurocode 2, erhöhte Vorhersagegenauigkeit erreicht werden.
Brückensonderprüfungen in der Praxis
Authors: Stierschneider Elisabeth , Strieder Emanuel , Hilber Raimund , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: February 2018

Um die Planung von Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen an Brückenobjekten möglichst effizient gestalten und so eine lange Restnutzungsdauer des Tragwerks gewährleisten zu können, kommt der Zustandsuntersuchung von bestehenden Brückenstrukturen eine entscheidende Rolle zu. Neben der optischen Inspektion der Brückenobjekte können sowohl zerstörende als auch zerstörungsfreie Untersuchungsmethoden eingesetzt werden, um verschiedene Größen wie die Karbonatisierungstiefe, die Tiefe der Chlorideindringung, die Betondeckung oder die vorhandene Betondruckfestigkeit bestimmen zu können. Auch unterscheiden sich die verschiedenen Prüfverfahren in ihrer räumlichen Ausdehnung, so können einzelne Verfahren nur punktuell an definierten Stellen am Brückenobjekt durchgeführt werden, während andere eine flächige Beurteilung verschiedener Erhebungsparameter erlauben. Ziel jeder Zustandserhebung sollte es sein, die einzelnen Prüfverfahren möglichst gut aufeinander abzustimmen, um schlussendlich eine ansprechende Grundlage für die Instandsetzungsplanung schaffen zu können. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird anhand eines Beispielobjekts in Österreich an der A2 Südautobahn auf die gewählte Vorgehensweise sowie die Ergebnisse der Zustandserhebung eingegangen.
Heat Shock Protein Reports on Proteome Stress
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2018

Proper regulation of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential to maintain cellular fitness. Proteome stress causes imbalance of the proteostasis, leading to various diseases represented by neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and metabolic disorders. The biosensor community recently embarked on the development of proteome stress sensors to report on the integrity of proteostasis in live cells. While most of these sensors are based on metastable mutants of specific client proteins, a recent sensor takes advantage of the specific association of heat shock protein 27 with protein aggregates and exhibits a diffusive to punctate fluorescent change in cells that are subjected to stress conditions. Thus, heat shock proteins can be also used as a family of sensors to monitor proteome stress.
Rapid eradication of bacterial phytopathogens by atmospheric pressure glow discharge generated in contact with a flowing liquid cathode
Authors: Motyka Agata , Dzimitrowicz Anna , Jamroz Piotr , Lojkowska Ewa , Sledz Wojciech , Pohl Pawel
Published: February 2018

Diseases caused by phytopathogenic bacteria are responsible for significant economic losses, and these bacteria spread through diverse pathways including waterways and industrial wastes. It is therefore of high interest to develop potent methods for their eradication. Here, antibacterial properties of direct current atmospheric pressure glow discharge (dc‐APGD) generated in contact with flowing bacterial suspensions were examined against five species of phytopathogens. Complete eradication of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, Dickeya solani, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from suspensions of OD600 ≈ 0.1 was observed, while there was at least 3.43 logarithmic reduction in population densities of Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. Analysis of plasma‐chemical parameters of the dc‐APGD system revealed its high rotational temperatures of 2,300 ± 100 K and 4,200 ± 200 K, as measured from N2 and OH molecular bands, respectively, electron temperature of 6,050 ± 400 K, vibrational temperature of 4000 ± 300 K, and high electron number density of 1.1 × 1015 cm−1. In addition, plasma treatment led to formation of numerous reactive species and states in the treated liquid, including reactive nitrogen and oxygen species such as NOx, NH, H2O2, O2, O, and OH. Further examination revealed that bactericidal activity of dc‐APGD was primarily due to presence of these reactive species as well as to UVA, UVB, and UVC irradiation generated by the dc‐APGD source. Plasma treatment also resulted in an increase in temperature (from 24.2 to 40.2 °C) and pH (from 6.0 to 10.8) of bacterial suspensions, although these changes had minor effects on cell viability. All results suggest that the newly developed dc‐APGD‐based system can be successfully implemented as a simple, rapid, efficient, and cost‐effective disinfection method for liquids originating from different industrial and agricultural settings.
Combination drug delivery via multilamellar vesicles enables targeting of tumor cells and tumor vasculature
Authors: Liu Yarong , Kim Yu J. , Siriwon Natnaree , Rohrs Jennifer A. , Yu Zhiqiang , Wanga Pin
Published: February 2018

Blood vessel development is critical for the continued growth and progression of solid tumors and, therefore, makes an attractive target for improving cancer therapy. Indeed, vascular‐targeted therapies have been extensively explored but they have shown minimal efficacy as monotherapies. Combretastatin A4 (CA‐4) is a tubulin‐binding vascular disrupting agent that selectively targets the established tumor endothelium, causing rapid vascular beak down. Despite its potent anticancer potential, the drug has dose‐limiting side effects, particularly in the form of cardiovascular toxicity. Furthermore, its poor aqueous solubility and the resulting limited bioavailability hinder its antitumor activity in the clinic. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of CA‐4, we investigated its application as a combination therapy with doxorubicin (Dox) in a tumor vasculature targeted delivery vehicle: peptide‐modified cross‐linked multilamellar liposomal vesicles (cMLVs). In vitro cell culture studies showed that a tumor vasculature‐targeting peptide, RIF7, could facilitate higher cellular uptake of drug‐loaded cMLVs, and consequently enhance the antitumor efficacy in both drug resistant B16 mouse melanoma and human MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. In vivo, upon intravenous injection, targeted cMLVs could efficiently deliver both Dox and CA‐4 to significantly slow tumor growth through the specific interaction of the targeting peptide with its receptor on the surface of tumor vasculature. This study demonstrates the potential of our novel targeted combination therapy delivery vehicle to improve the outcome of cancer treatment.
Antibody glycoengineering strategies in mammalian cells
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chung Cheng‐Yu , Chough Sandra , Betenbaugh Michael J.
Published: February 2018

As a key parameter impacting functional and structural heterogeneity, protein glycosylation is a critical quality attribute for antibody biotherapeutic manufacturing. The glycan patterns on recombinant antibodies, particularly on the conserved fragment crystallizable (Fc) region, can have significant effects on an antibody's functional activities including clearance rate, antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and anti‐inflammatory activity. In this review, we examined specific glycan attachments (fucosylation, sialylation, galactosylation, high‐mannose, and bisecting glycans) and their importance to antibody properties. Next, we summarized the recent and current achievements on controlling antibody glycoforms in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and other mammalian cells through multiple strategies including genetic engineering, protein engineering, media modification, and other emerging technologies. Further, the impact of one carbohydrate modification on other glycan structures is also described. Finally, approaches to generate desirable homogenous glycan profiles on antibodies are also detailed. By applying multiple complementary intracellular and extracellular strategies, biotechnologists are well on their ways to precisely tuning antibody glycoforms emerging from bioreactors in the coming decades.
RNAi assisted genome evolution unveils yeast mutants with improved xylose utilization
Authors: HamediRad Mohammad , Lian Jiazhang , Li Hejun , Zhao Huimin
Published: February 2018

Xylose is a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, one of the most abundant feedstocks for biofuel production. Therefore, efficient and rapid conversion of xylose to ethanol is crucial in the viability of lignocellulosic biofuel plants. In this study, RNAi Assisted Genome Evolution (RAGE) was used to improve the xylose utilization rate in SR8, one of the most efficient publicly available xylose utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. To identify gene targets for further improvement, we created a genome‐scale library consisting of both genetic over‐expression and down‐regulation mutations in SR8. Followed by screening in media containing xylose as the sole carbon source, yeast mutants with 29% faster xylose utilization, and 45% higher ethanol productivity were obtained relative to the parent strain. Two known and two new effector genes were identified in these mutant strains. Notably, down‐regulation of CDC11, an essential gene, resulted in faster xylose utilization, and this gene target cannot be identified in genetic knock‐out screens.
Harnessing a methane‐fueled, sediment‐free mixed microbial community for utilization of distributed sources of natural gas
Authors: Marlow Jeffrey J. , Kumar Amit , Enalls Brandon C. , Reynard Linda M. , Tuross Noreen , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Girguis Peter
Published: February 2018

Harnessing the metabolic potential of uncultured microbial communities is a compelling opportunity for the biotechnology industry, an approach that would vastly expand the portfolio of usable feedstocks. Methane is particularly promising because it is abundant and energy‐rich, yet the most efficient methane‐activating metabolic pathways involve mixed communities of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea and sulfate reducing bacteria. These communities oxidize methane at high catabolic efficiency and produce chemically reduced by‐products at a comparable rate and in near‐stoichiometric proportion to methane consumption. These reduced compounds can be used for feedstock and downstream chemical production, and at the production rates observed in situ they are an appealing, cost‐effective prospect. Notably, the microbial constituents responsible for this bioconversion are most prominent in select deep‐sea sediments, and while they can be kept active at surface pressures, they have not yet been cultured in the lab. In an industrial capacity, deep‐sea sediments could be periodically recovered and replenished, but the associated technical challenges and substantial costs make this an untenable approach for full‐scale operations. In this study, we present a novel method for incorporating methanotrophic communities into bioindustrial processes through abstraction onto low mass, easily transportable carbon cloth artificial substrates. Using Gulf of Mexico methane seep sediment as inoculum, optimal physicochemical parameters were established for methane‐oxidizing, sulfide‐generating mesocosm incubations. Metabolic activity required >∼40% seawater salinity, peaking at 100% salinity and 35 °C. Microbial communities were successfully transferred to a carbon cloth substrate, and rates of methane‐dependent sulfide production increased more than threefold per unit volume. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that carbon cloth‐based communities were substantially streamlined and were dominated by Desulfotomaculum geothermicum. Fluorescence in situ hybridization microscopy with carbon cloth fibers revealed a novel spatial arrangement of anaerobic methanotrophs and sulfate reducing bacteria suggestive of an electronic coupling enabled by the artificial substrate. This system: 1) enables a more targeted manipulation of methane‐activating microbial communities using a low‐mass and sediment‐free substrate; 2) holds promise for the simultaneous consumption of a strong greenhouse gas and the generation of usable downstream products; and 3) furthers the broader adoption of uncultured, mixed microbial communities for biotechnological use.
Evaluation of In Vitro α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Potentials of 14 Medicinal Plants Constituted in Thai Folk Antidiabetic Formularies
Authors: Somtimuang Chonlatid , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai
Published: February 2018

The sporadic increase in the occurrence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus have compelled and vigorous search for alternative anti‐diabetic therapeutic approach from medicinal plants and its bioactive. One of the major approach employed is the reduction of gastrointestinal glucose levels through the inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzymes notably α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. In this study, the ethanol extracts of 14 selected plants from Mor Porn's recipe were screened for their α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The ethanolic extract from the stem of Vitex glabrata displayed the highest percentage inhibitory activity of 84.98 ± 0.59 and 84.71 ± 1.51 against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase enzymes, respectively. Chemical investigation of the active extract of V. glabrata indicated that pentacyclic triterpenes were the major compounds responsible for the activity. The result obtained from this study suggests the potential use of V. glabrata as an alternative natural source for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Incorporation of mushroom powder into bread dough—effects on dough rheology and bread properties
Authors: Lu Xikun , Brennan Margaret A. , Serventi Luca , Brennan Charles S.
Published: February 2018

Background and objectives

Mushroom powders from white button, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms were used to replace high‐grade wheat flour at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% in dough and bread manufacture for nutritional enhancement. Dough quality, including rheology properties, stickiness, adhesion, extension, and moisture content, was analyzed. Bread quality, including height, specific volume, moisture content, hardness, springiness, gumminess, and bubbles, was determined.

Findings

Mushroom powder‐substituted dough showed significantly less stability, higher water absorption capacity, less peak energy, and less extensibility than the control dough. The bread with mushroom powder were smaller in specific loaf volume (except for the 5% porcini mushroom), exhibited reduced springiness, and reduced height (except for the 5% porcini mushroom) compared to the control samples. Moreover, the addition of mushroom powder altered the porosity properties of the bread.

Conclusions

Mushroom‐supplemented bread have a place in the market as a functional, novel bread product, by delivering more dietary fiber, high‐quality protein, and other bioactive components to consumers. Further research on the nutritional properties of these final bread products should be carried out in the future.

Significance and novelty

White button, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms were incorporated into wheat bread to evaluate their effects on the dough quality and the physical‐textural properties of final bread products.
Direct C(sp2)−H Hydroxylation of Arenes with Palladium(II)/Oxygen Using Sulfoximines as a Recyclable Directing Group
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Guin Joyram
Published: February 2018

The aerobic palladium(II) catalysis presented herein offers facile entry to various substituted phenols through site‐selective C−H hydroxylation of arenes by using sulfoximines as a reusable directing group. The notable aspects of our method include the use of molecular oxygen (O2) as the sole oxidant, the activation of molecular oxygen through aldehyde autoxidation, operational simplicity, and the mechanistic studies into the catalytic C−H hydroxylation process.
New Water‐Soluble Cluster Compound {Zn(en)3}3[V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅ (Ethylenediamine)3⋅10 H2O as a Synthon for the Generation of Two New Antimonato Polyoxovanadates
Authors: Mahnke Lisa K. , Warzok Ulrike , Lin Mengxi , Näther Christian , Schalley Christoph A. , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

A new antimonato polyoxovanadate {Zn(en)3}3[V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅3 en⋅10 H2O (en=ethylenediamine) synthesized under hydrothermal conditions exhibits remarkable solubility in water. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) investigations on an aqueous solution demonstrate that the cluster core remains fully intact for 72 h. At longer times, slow transformation into a {V14Sb8O42} cluster is observed. The conversion reaches 50 % after 14 days and is complete after approximately 20 days. The rate of this {V15Sb6}→{V14Sb8} cluster transformation is significantly increased in the presence of ammonium acetate. Applying the new compound as a synthon in the presence of 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) led to crystallization of {Zn(phen)3}2[Zn(en)2V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅23 H2O after a short reaction time, whereas addition of Sb2O3 led to fast crystallization of {(Zn(en)2(H2O)2)(Zn(en)2)}[Zn(en)2V15Sb6O42(H2O)] ⋅8.5 H2O. In the crystal structure of {Zn(en)3}3 [V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅3 en⋅10 H2O, the en molecules are seen to be attached to the cluster anion through Sb−N bonds. In the structures of the two new compounds obtained, the [V15Sb6O42(H2O)]6− anions are expanded by Zn2+‐centered complexes through Zn−O−V bond formation.
Nucleophilic Substitution in Solution: Activation Strain Analysis of Weak and Strong Solvent Effects
Authors: Hamlin Trevor A. , van Beek Bas , Wolters Lando P. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: February 2018

We have quantum chemically studied the effect of various polar and apolar solvents on the shape of the potential energy surface (PES) of a diverse collection of archetypal nucleophilic substitution reactions at carbon, silicon, phosphorus, and arsenic by using density functional theory at the OLYP/TZ2P level. In the gas phase, all our model SN2 reactions have single‐well PESs, except for the nucleophilic substitution reaction at carbon (SN2@C), which has a double‐well energy profile. The presence of the solvent can have a significant effect on the shape of the PES and, thus, on the nature of the SN2 process. Solvation energies, charges on the nucleophile or leaving group, and structural features are compared for the various SN2 reactions in a spectrum of solvents. We demonstrate how solvation can change the shape of the PES, depending not only on the polarity of the solvent, but also on how the charge is distributed over the interacting molecular moieties during different stages of the reaction. In the case of a nucleophilic substitution at three‐coordinate phosphorus, the reaction can be made to proceed through a single‐well [no transition state (TS)], bimodal barrier (two TSs), and then through a unimodal transition state (one TS) simply by increasing the polarity of the solvent.
Enhanced Li Storage Stability Induced by Locating Sn in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Wei , Kou Lu‐Qing , Zhang Xue , Shi Ya‐Ru , Li Tao‐Hai , Li Feng , Zhou Jing‐Ming , Wei Yu
Published: February 2018

By locating elemental Sn in an open anionic framework, the particle cracking arising from huge volume expansion of Sn‐based anode materials during lithiation/delithiation is alleviated, and the cycling stability is greatly improved. The Sn‐based metal–organic framework anode material shows superior cyclic stability, with a capacity retention >92 % (after 200 cycles) and high lithium storage capacity (610 mAh g−1).
A biosurfactant for inhibiting clay hydration in aqueous solutions: Applications to petroleum industry
Authors: Moslemizadeh Aghil , Samadzadeh Hafshejani Karim , Shahbazi Khalil , Zaravi Dezfuli Mohammad , Zendehboudi Sohrab
Published: February 2018

The development of high performance and environmentally‐friendly clay stabilizers is still crucial to the drilling industry. This study aims to evaluate the impact of mulberry leaf extract (MLE), a biosurfactant as a clay stabilizer, on hydration of sodium bentonite in aqueous solutions. Several experimental techniques including sodium bentonite inhibition, sedimentation, filtration, zeta potential, particle size, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are utilized in this study. Based on the results, MLE aqueous solution loads a larger amount of sodium bentonite in contrast to deionized water, leading to a low rheological profile. Sodium bentonite is not able to form a stable dispersion in the MLE aqueous solution. The capability of sodium bentonite to control the fluid loss is considerably lost upon exposure to the aqueous solutions of MLE. In the presence of MLE, the zeta potential of sodium bentonite dispersion shifts towards positive values, implying the instability of the water film surrounding the sodium bentonite particles. Sodium bentonite particles are larger in the MLE aqueous solution, representing a lower degree of particle delamination. A lower water content is observed in TGA for sodium bentonite modified by MLE. In SEM analysis, sodium bentonite particles show larger aggregates in the MLE aqueous solution. MLE aqueous solutions also have larger shale cuttings, in contrast to deionized water. All experiments confirm the promising features of MLE as an excellent clay stabilizer during drilling through clay rich shales. In addition to the superior performance in the drilling industry, MLE exhibits an environmentally‐friendly characteristic which is an asset for this biosurfactant.
Numerical research on the biomechanical behaviour of braided stents with different end shapes and stent‐oesophagus interaction
Authors: Ni Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Yan‐Hong , Zhao Hai‐Xia , Pan Chang‐Wang
Published: February 2018

Quasi‐static and dynamic numerical analyses are carried out by referring to computational models of commercial self‐expandable braided stents with 3 commonly used end shapes, to evaluate the influence of different end shapes of stent on the biomechanical interaction between stent and oesophagus. The end shape has no influence on the equivalent stress, but has a great influence on the contact stress in the narrowest zone of the oesophagus‐neoplasm system. However, the end shapes have significant effect on the equivalent stress and the contact stress in the healthy area of the oesophagus in contact with the stent ends. The results show that the maximum equivalent stress of the oesophagus occurs in the zone contact with the cup‐shaped end and the maximum contact stress occurs in the zone contact with the edge of the trumpet‐shaped stent end. Moreover, the stent apposition is almost not affected by the end shapes. Although small zones with an incomplete stent apposition appear in the transition zones of spherical‐cup‐shaped stent, such occurrence might not contribute to stent malapposition or stent migration. Therefore, these stents with 3 types of end shapes all have good stent apposition. Finally, the numerical simulation results can be used to assess the mechanical performance of stents with different end shapes, the effectiveness of stent expansion therapy, and the possibility of complications after stent implantation.
Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus and High Blood Glucose With HMG‐CoA Reductase Inhibitors Using a Postmarketing Surveillance Database in Japan
Authors: Hashiguchi Masayuki , Maruyama Junya , Shimizu Mikiko , Takahashi Daichi , Shiga Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2018

To investigate whether 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, we performed a nested case‐control study using a postmarketing surveillance database in Japan. The database cohort included 26,849 cases of statin use and 5308 cases of other lipid‐lowering drug use in patients with hyperlipidemia. Participants received at least 1 type of statin, had a clear medication history of statin use, and had no complications of diabetes mellitus. Cases were defined as onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia during statin intake. For each case, 20 controls were randomly selected and matched by time point. The factors associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia during statin intake examined included sex, age, body mass index, statin use duration, complications, concomitant medication, and clinical laboratory tests. Statin‐associated diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia was identified based on abnormal elevation of blood glucose concentrations beyond the reference range. A total of 19,868 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 24 were patients in the case group. Two complicating factors, fatty liver (adjusted odds ratio 16.10) and hyperuricemia (adjusted odds ratio 28.96), were extracted for onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. Nonalcoholic fatty liver was associated with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and insulin resistance, and hyperuricemia was associated with lifestyle. This study suggested that the onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia might be increased with statin use in patients with complications of fatty liver and hyperuricemia.
Controls on denitrification potential in nitrate‐rich waterways and riparian zones of an irrigated agricultural setting
Authors: Webster Alex J. , Groffman Peter M. , Cadenasso Mary L.
Published: February 2018

Denitrification, the microbial conversion ofNO3−to N gases, is an important process contributing to whether lotic and riparian ecosystems act as sinks for excessNO3−from agricultural activities. Though agricultural waterways and riparian zones have been a focus of denitrification research for decades, almost none of this research has occurred in the irrigated agricultural settings of arid and semiarid climates. In this study, we conducted a broad survey of denitrification potential in riparian soils and channel sediments from 79 waterway reaches in the irrigated agricultural landscape of California's Central Valley. With this approach, we sought to capture the wide range of variation that arose from diverse waterway management and fluctuating flow conditions, and use this variation to identify promising management interventions. We explored associations of denitrification potentials with surface waterNO3−‐N, organic matter, flow conditions, vegetation cover, near‐channel riparian bank slope, and channel geomorphic features using generalized linear mixed models. We found strong associations of sediment denitrification potentials with reach flow conditions, which we hypothesize was the result of variation in microbial communities’ tolerance to dry‐wet cycles. Denitrification potentials in riparian soils, in contrast, did not appear affected by flow conditions, but instead were associated with organic matter, vegetation cover, and bank slope in the riparian zone. These results suggest a strong need for further work on how denitrification responds to varying flow conditions and dry‐wet cycles in non‐perennial lotic ecosystems. Our findings also demonstrate that denitrifier communities respond to key features of waterway management, which can therefore be leveraged to control denitrification through a variety of management actions.
Full percutaneous biventricular support with two Impella pumps: the Bi‐Pella approach
Authors: Pappalardo Federico , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Latib Azeem
Published: February 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used for acute respiratory distress syndrome, refractory cardiogenic shock, and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with uncertain neurological status, and, until recently, it was the only minimally invasive option to achieve biventricular support. However, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increases left ventricular afterload and requires systemic anticoagulation, which is a major contraindication in the context of thrombolytic therapy following an ischaemic stroke. Conversely, the Impella heart pumps by design unload the ventricle and require minimal anticoagulation. We report the first case of mechanical circulatory supported with Impella CP on the left and Impella RP on the right (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA) for acute biventricular failure due to suspected acute myocarditis in the context of thrombolytic therapy for ischaemic stroke.
Cancer diagnosis in patients with heart failure: epidemiology, clinical implications and gaps in knowledge
Authors: Ameri Pietro , Canepa Marco , Anker Markus S. , Belenkov Yury , Bergler‐Klein Jutta , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Farmakis Dimitrios , López‐Fernández Teresa , Lainscak Mitja , Pudil Radek , Ruschitska Frank , Seferovic Petar , Filippatos Gerasimos , Coats Andrew , Suter Thomas , Von Haehling Stephan , Ciardiello Fortunato , de Boer Rudolf A. , Lyon Alexander R. , Tocchetti Carlo G. ,   for the Heart Failure Association Cardio‐Oncology Study Group of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: February 2018

Cancer and heart failure (HF) are common medical conditions with a steadily rising prevalence in industrialized countries, particularly in the elderly, and they both potentially carry a poor prognosis. A new diagnosis of malignancy in subjects with pre‐existing HF is not infrequent, and challenges HF specialists as well as oncologists with complex questions relating to both HF and cancer management. An increased incidence of cancer in patients with established HF has also been suggested. This review paper summarizes the epidemiology and the prognostic implications of cancer occurrence in HF, the impact of pre‐existing HF on cancer treatment decisions and the impact of cancer on HF therapeutic options, while providing some practical suggestions regarding patient care and highlighting gaps in knowledge.
Analytical Determination of Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) in Olive Oils. Comparison with Other Vegetable Oils
Authors: Rébufa Catherine , Artaud Jacques
Published: February 2018

Olive oil is mainly consumed in the Mediterranean basin and is an important source of lipids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Vitamin E (tocopherols) and phylloquinone (vitamin K1), are present in oils. If vitamin E is the subject of numerous studies, it is not the case for phylloquinone. The aim of this work is to uncover the latest advancements on phylloquinone contents in olive and vegetable oils. A bibliometric study, from Google Scholar and Web of Science databases, on the determination of phylloquinone content in vegetable oils made it possible to count a large number of scientific papers related to food matrices but few articles on olive and vegetable oils. The analysis of relevant works allows the comparison of the phylloquinone content of olive oils to the other vegetable oils. The different steps of oil sample preparation before their analysis are reviewed. A compilation of analytical conditions and methods is realized and it is be found that liquid chromatography with post reduction column and fluorescence detection is the technique most appropriate. On the basis of their phylloquinone content, two oil groups are highlighted; olive oil belongs to the oil groups (canola, soybean, pumkin, avocado, and cottonseed) having higher values (60–348 μg 100 g−1) of phylloquinone.

Pratical Application: Phylloquinone (or vitamin K1) content in vegetable oils and particularly in olive oils is little documented. Phylloquinone exists under E and Z forms in oils. The recommended daily intake (for women and men) varies between 55 and 120 μg day−1 for patients without anticoagulant medication. The knowledge of the two isomers content in vegetable oils is important in nutrition and heath fields because only the E isomer is bioactive.

This review reports the small amount of phylloquinone content data in olive oil in spite of numerous scientific papers on this oil. The knowledge of phylloquinone isomers content in vegetable oils is important in nutrition and health fields since only the E isomer is bioactive. Olive oil is classified with vegetable oils showing a high phylloquinone content.
Luminescent Organogels Generated from Nucleosides Functionalized with Carbazole: Synthesis and Probing for F–
Authors: Jia Xiaoyu , Zhao Jinyu , Xu Shenzheng , Zhang Fushuang , Sun Jingbo , Lu Ran
Published: February 2018

Novel luminescent organogelators based on nucleosides functionalized with carbazole (UC8, UC12 and UC16) were designed and synthesized. Their gelation ability was tested and it was found that both UC12 and UC16 could form stable organogels in toluene/petroleum ether. The UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and IR spectral changes during the gelation of UC12 proved that the self‐assembly was driven by hydrogen‐bonding. The morphology of the xerogel UC16 obtained from toluene/petroleum ether (v/v 1:1) displayed tough rod‐like microstructures, and 3D networks formed from numerous nanofibers were observed for the xerogel UC16 obtained from toluene/petroleum ether (v/v 2:1). It was interesting that the obtained organogels emitting blue light could be destroyed by the addition of F–, accompanied by a reduction of the emission intensity. Therefore, these organogels could be used as sensory materials to recognize F–.
Hydrosilylation of Allenes Over Palladium–Gold Alloy Catalysts: Enhancing Activity and Switching Selectivity by the Incorporation of Palladium into Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Miura Hiroki , Sasaki Suguru , Ogawa Ryoichi , Shishido Tetsuya
Published: February 2018

An efficient synthetic route to alkenylsilanes involving the hydrosilylation of allenes with supported Pd–Au alloy catalysts has been developed. The incorporation of Pd atoms into Au nanoparticles remarkably enhanced the catalytic activity and product selectivity. Pd–Au alloy catalysts with a low Pd/Au ratio were highly effective for the hydrosilylation at an ambient temperature, and the corresponding β‐alkenylsilanes were obtained as a main product in good to high yields.
Poly‐(pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid) Based Nanostructured Platform for the Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Authors: Iordănescu Andreea , Tertis Mihaela , Cernat Andreea , Suciu Maria , Săndulescu Robert , Cristea Cecilia
Published: February 2018

A nanostructured platform based on pyrrole 3‐carboxylic acid was developed and it was used for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen, a biomarker for gastro‐intestinal tract cancers. The conductive polymer offers possibilities for functionalization due to the presence of the carboxylic group. The platform was tailored by polymerizing pyrrole 3‐carboxylic acid at the surface of a graphite‐based screen‐printed electrode by using multiple pulse amperometry and cyclic voltammetry. The carboxylic groups were activated, facilitating the formation of amide covalent bonds with the terminal amine groups from the antibody. Each step's optimization was tracked by performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen in synthetic samples. By comparing pyrrole 3‐carboxylic acid with pyrrole, significantly greater increases of the charge transfer resistance were achieved by using the functionalized monomer for the immobilization step. The binding of the anti‐CEA was reproducible and directly proportional with its concentration. The increase of the charge transfer resistance after the incubation with carcinoembryonic antigen was linearly correlated with the concentration of the sample and the LOD was 33.33 pg mL−1. A simple nanostructured platform for the label‐free detection of a carcinogenic biomarker molecule was developed, thus holding great opportunities for clinical diagnostics and other biosensor applications.
Size and molecular weight determination of polysaccharides by means of nano electrospray gas‐phase electrophoretic mobility molecular analysis (nES GEMMA)
Authors: Weiss Victor U. , Golesne Monika , Friedbacher Gernot , Alban Susanne , Szymanski Wladyslaw W. , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Allmaier Günter
Published: February 2018

Size, size distribution and molecular weight (MW) determination of nanoparticles and that are for example large polymers, are of great interest and pose an analytical challenge. In this context, nano electrospray gas‐phase electrophoretic mobility molecular analysis (nES GEMMA) is a valuable tool with growing impact. Separation of single‐charged analytes according to their electrophoretic mobility diameter (EMD) starting from single‐digit EMDs up to several hundred nm diameters is possible. In case of spherical analytes, the EMD corresponds to the dry nanoparticle size. Additionally, the instrument is capable of number‐based, single‐particle detection following the recommendation of the European Commission for nanoparticle characterization (2011/696/EU). In case an EMD/MW correlation for a particular compound class (based on availability of well‐defined standards) exists, a nanoparticle's MW can be determined from its EMD. In the present study, we focused on nES GEMMA of linear and branched, water‐soluble polysaccharides forming nanoparticles and were able to obtain spectra for both analyte classes regarding single‐charged species. Based on EMDs for corresponding analytes, an excellent EMD/MW correlation could be obtained in case of the branched natural polymer (dextran). This enables the determination of dextran MWs from nES GEMMA spectra despite high analyte polydispersity and in a size/MW range, where classical mass spectrometry is limited. EMD/MW correlations based on linear (pullulans, oat‐ß‐glucans) polymers were significantly different, possibly indicating challenges in the exact MW determination of these compounds by, for example, chromatographic and light scattering means. Despite these observations, nES GEMMA of linear, monosaccharide‐based polymers enabled the determination of size and size‐distribution of such dry bionanoparticles.