bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Modulation Based on the Terminal Substituent in Twistacenes for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wei Changting , Wu Jie , Zhang Dongyu , Su Wenming , Xiao Jinchong , Cui Zheng
Published: December 2017

Three novel end‐capping twistacene derivatives with phenyl (PyDP), naphthyl (PyDN), and anthryl groups (PyDA) have been designed and synthesized. Given the crystallographic analyses, the as‐prepared molecules exhibited a twisted topological structure with the torsion angles of 35.99° for PyDP and 45.85° for PyDA. In addition, there is no π‐stacking interaction in PyDP. However, PyDA displayed π‐stacking interactions between the terminal intermolecular anthracene groups. The electroluminescent performance of OLEDs shows that devices with PyDP and PyDA outperform the PyDN‐based device, which is attributable to their higher fluorescence quantum yields. The maximum EQE value for PyDP reaches 3.10 %, which illustrates that the terminal substituent can affect the performance of OLEDs to a certain extent.
The prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tangbumrungtham Navarat , Patel Vishal S. , Thamboo Andrew , Patel Zara M. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Ma Yifei , Choby Garret , Hwang Peter H.
Published: December 2017

Background

While Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a known comorbidity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the prevalence of ETD symptoms in the CRS population is poorly understood. We sought to determine the cross‐sectional prevalence of ETD in patients with CRS using the validated Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) and to correlate ETDQ‐7 scores with 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores, endoscopy scores, and computed tomography (CT) scores.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with confirmed CRS completed the ETDQ‐7 and SNOT‐22 at their initial visit to our rhinology clinic. Lund‐Mackay CT and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy scores were also obtained. Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) was calculated.

Results

Among the 101 patients, 49 patients (48.5%) had an ETDQ‐7 score of ≥14.5, signifying clinically significant ETD. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) ETDQ‐7 score of the entire cohort was 17.8 ± 10.1. There was a moderately strong correlation between ETDQ‐7 and the SNOT‐22 ear subdomain (ρ = 0.691, p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between ETDQ‐7 and total SNOT‐22 scores was ρ = 0.491 (p < 0.001), indicating moderate correlation. ETDQ‐7 scores were poorly correlated to objective measures of sinonasal disease, including Lund‐Mackay CT score (ρ = −0.055, p = 0.594) and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy score (ρ = −0.099, p = 0.334).

Conclusion

Symptoms of ETD are highly prevalent among patients with CRS as documented by patient‐reported outcome measures. The correlation between ETDQ‐7 scores and SNOT‐22 ear subdomain scores is moderately strong, while the correlation between ETDQ‐7 scores and SNOT‐22 scores is moderate. ETD severity does not correlate with CT score or nasal endoscopy score.
The association of air pollutants and allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mady Leila J. , Schwarzbach Hannah L. , Moore John A. , Boudreau Robert M. , Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Willson Thomas J. , Lee Stella E.
Published: December 2017

Background

There has been little investigation regarding air quality and rhinitis in the pathophysiology of upper airway disease. In this study, we assessed the impact of inhalant pollutants (particulate matter 2.5 [PM2.5] and black carbon [BC]) on allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease severity.

Methods

CRS patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without polyps (CRSsNP) were identified. Spatial modeling from pollutant monitoring sites was used to estimate exposures for patients meeting the inclusion criteria (total, n = 125; CRSsNP, n = 67; CRSsNP, n = 58). Skin‐prick, intradermal dilutional, and in‐vitro testing methods were utilized to determine aeroallergen sensitization. Disease severity indicators were measured by modified Lund‐Mackay score (LMS), the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), systemic steroid therapy, and number of functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS).

Results

Thirty‐six percent (n = 45) of patients who described rhinitis symptoms demonstrated no reactivity to aeroallergen testing. Sixty‐four percent (n = 80) tested positive for at least 1 allergen, with no differences found between CRSsNP and CRSwNP (62.1% vs 67.2%). There were significant differences in air pollutants between patients testing negative and positive for allergies (nonallergic vs allergic: PM2.5, 11.32 vs 11.07 μg/m3, p = 0.030; BC, 0.81 vs 0.76 absorbance, p =0.044). Nonallergic CRSwNP demonstrated higher PM2.5 compared with allergic counterparts (11.48 vs 11.09 μg/m3, p = 0.032). A similar pattern was observed with BC (0.82 vs 0.75 absorbance, p = 0.017). In CRSsNP, BC correlated significantly with SNOT‐22 (r = 0.55, p = 0.042).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that small inhalant pollutants may contribute to nonallergic symptomatology in patients with and without nasal polyps. Regardless of allergy status, BC may play a role in CRS symptom severity.
Übergangsmetall‐katalysierte selektive Funktionalisierung von C(sp3)‐H‐Bindungen in Naturstoffen
Authors: Karimov Rashad R. , Hartwig John F.
Published: December 2017

Die direkte Funktionalisierung von Naturstoffen ist wichtig für die Untersuchung von Struktur‐Aktivitäts‐ und Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen dieser Moleküle. Jüngste Fortschritte bei Übergangsmetall‐katalysierten Funktionalisierungen von C(sp3)‐H‐Bindungen, den zwar häufigsten, aber inerten Bindungen in Naturstoffen, haben gezeigt, dass selektiv Derivate dieser Naturstoffe hergestellt werden können. Strategien, um eine solche Transformation zu realisieren, werden diskutiert.
Probing the importance of clonality: Single cell subcloning of clonally derived CHO cell lines yields widely diverse clones differing in growth, productivity, and product quality
Authors: Ko Peggy , Misaghi Shahram , Hu Zhilan , Zhan Dejin , Tsukuda Joni , Yim Mandy , Sanford Mark , Shaw David , Shiratori Masaru , Snedecor Brad , Laird Michael , Shen Amy
Published: December 2017

In the past few decades, a large variety of therapeutic antibodies and proteins have been expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This mammalian expression system is robust, scalable, relatively inexpensive, and importantly allows for post‐translational modifications that are important for some therapeutic proteins. Historically, CHO cell lines were derived from colonies of cells grown in semi‐solid or liquid plates using either serum‐containing or serum‐free media. Current advancements in cell sorting and imaging technologies have allowed for isolating and imaging single cell progenitors at the seeding step, significantly increasing the probability of isolating clonally derived cell lines. However, it is debatable how much population heterogeneity can be eliminated when clonally derived cell lines, originated from a single cell progenitor, are scaled up. To further investigate this phenomenon, we subcloned two different clonally derived (day 0 imaged and visually inspected) cell lines expressing antibody‐X. The results showed that when six randomly chosen subclones of each line were evaluated in a production assay, these subclones displayed a range of variation in titer, specific productivity, growth, and product quality attributes. Some subclones displayed variations in transgene copy numbers. Additionally, clonal derivation did not assure stability of the derived cell lines. Our findings show that cell heterogeneity exists in a population even when derived from a single cell progenitor. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:624–634, 2018
Surgical anatomy of the superficial temporal artery to prevent facial nerve injury during arterial biopsy
Authors: Shin Kang‐Jae , Shin Hyun Jin , Lee Shin‐Hyo , Koh Ki‐Seok , Song Wu‐Chul
Published: December 2017

To investigate the topographical relationship between the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery (FSTA) and the temporal branch of the facial nerve (TFN) with the aim of preventing nerve injury during FSTA biopsy. Fifty‐seven hemifaces of 33 cadavers were dissected. Vertical lines drawn to the lateral orbital margin (LOM) and the superior root of the helix were used as the anterior and posterior reference positions, respectively. Horizontal lines drawn through the supraorbital margin and lateral canthus were used as the superior and inferior reference points, respectively. The depth and course relationships of the FSTA and TFN were examined. Midpoints between the FSTA and TFN are situated approximately 6.0 and 4.5 cm posterior to the lateral orbital margin at the levels of the lateral canthus and supraorbital margin, respectively. The TFN is generally situated 1–2 cm anteriorly and inferiorly to the FSTA in the temporal region. However, in two cases (3.6%), the TFN ran just underneath the FSTA with only a very small safe distance, making it highly vulnerable to iatrogenic injury. In conclusion, when performing an FSTA biopsy, the surgeon should not dissect below the superficial temporal fascia because there is an overlap between the course of the FSTA and the TFN in a minority of cases. Also, surgical incisions should be made outside the area delineated by an oblique line passing through the points 6.0 and 4.5 cm posterior to the lateral orbital margin at the levels of the lateral canthus and the supraorbital margin, respectively. Clin. Anat. 31:608–613, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The face in marfan syndrome: A 3D quantitative approach for a better definition of dysmorphic features
Authors: Dolci Claudia , Pucciarelli Valentina , Gibelli Daniele M. , Codari Marina , Marelli Susan , Trifirò Giuliana , Pini Alessandro , Sforza Chiarella
Published: December 2017

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare hereditable disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the fibrillin‐1 gene FBN1. Timely diagnosis of MFS is essential to prevent life‐threatening cardiovascular complications; nevertheless it can be difficult owing to the phenotypic variability of the syndrome. No clear quantitative definition of facial abnormalities associated with MFS is available. The aim of this study was to improve the definition of the facial phenotype associated with MFS and to verify the usefulness of a 3D noninvasive quantitative approach for its early recognition. 3D facial images of 61 Italian subjects with MFS, aged 16–64 years (21 males, 38 ± 15 years; 40 females, 41 ± 13 years) were obtained by stereophotogrammetry. From the coordinates of 17 soft‐tissue facial landmarks, linear distances and angles were computed; z score values were calculated to compare patients with healthy reference subjects (400 males, 379 females) matched for sex and age. Student's t test was used for statistical comparisons. All subjects with MFS showed greater facial divergence (P < 0.001; mean z score +1.9) and a lower facial height index (P < 0.001; mean z score −1.9) than reference subjects, both values being influenced by a shorter mandibular ramus (P < 0.001; mean z score −1.9) and a mild but significant increase in facial height (P < 0.001; mean z score +1.2). Palpebral down‐slanting was found in 85% of MFS subjects. There were no sex differences. Quantitative abnormalities identified in this study enrich information about the facial dysmorphism in MFS and confirm its usefulness for early recognition of the disease. Clin. Anat. 31:380–386, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validating a prediction modeling tool for left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)
Authors: Wang Dee Dee , Eng Marvin H. , Greenbaum Adam B. , Myers Eric , Forbes Michael , Karabon Patrick , Pantelic Milan , Song Thomas , Nadig Jeff , Guerrero Mayra , O'Neill William W.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Demonstrate proof‐of‐concept validation of a computed tomography (CT) computer‐aided design prediction modeling tool to identify patients at risk for left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR).

Background

LVOT obstruction is a significant and even fatal consequence of TMVR.

Methods

From August 2013 to August 2017, 38 patients in 5 centers underwent TMVR with compassionate use of balloon‐expandable valves for severe mitral valve dysfunction because of degenerative surgical mitral ring, bioprosthesis, or severe native mitral stenosis from to severe mitral annular calcification. All patients had preprocedural CT scans performed for anatomic screening, intraprocedural TEE and invasive hemodynamics performed. Preprocedural prediction modeling was performed utilizing computer‐aided design (CAD) of the neo‐LVOT post‐TMVR. Post‐TMVR CT scans were obtained and compared to pre‐TMVR LVOT modeling datasets for validation.

Results

All patients underwent successful TMVR without device embolization. Seven of the 38 patients experienced LVOT obstruction, defined as an increase of ≥10 mmHg LVOT peak gradient post‐TMVR. Anatomic screening using CT was validated in 20/38 patients as preprocedural predicted neo‐LVOT surface area correlated well with post‐TMVR measurements (R2 = 0.8169, P < 0.0001). A receiver operating curve curve found a predicted neo‐LVOT surface area of ≤ 189.4 mm2 to have 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity for predicting TMVR‐induced LVOT obstruction.

Conclusion

CAD design and CT postprocessing are indispensable tools in predicting LVOT obstruction and necessary for anatomic screening in percutaneous TMVR.
Self‐Assembly Process of a Pd2L4 Capsule: Steric Interactions between Neighboring Components Favor the Formation of Large Intermediates
Authors: Kai Shumpei , Nakagawa Masanori , Kojima Tatsuo , Li Xin , Yamashina Masahiro , Yoshizawa Michito , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: December 2017

The effect of molecular interactions between the components on the self‐assembly process of Pd2L4 structures was investigated by a 1H NMR‐based quantitative approach (QASAP: quantitative analysis of self‐assembly process). Although the self‐assembly of the Pd2L4 cage without interactions between the bent ligands took place, mainly producing small intermediates, the self‐assembly of the Pd2L4 capsule composed of bent ligands with anthracene panels tends to produce large intermediates containing more components than the capsule. This is ascribed to steric interactions between the panels.
A P2‐Type Layered Superionic Conductor Ga‐Doped Na2Zn2TeO6 for All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yuyu , Deng Zhi , Peng Jian , Chen Enyi , Yu Yao , Li Xiang , Luo Jiahuan , Huang Yangyang , Zhu Jinlong , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Han Jiantao , Huang Yunhui
Published: December 2017

Here, a P2‐type layered Na2Zn2TeO6 (NZTO) is reported with a high Na+ ion conductivity ≈0.6×10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature (RT), which is comparable to the currently best Na1+nZr2SinP3−nO12 NASICON structure. As small amounts of Ga3+ substitutes for Zn2+, more Na+ vacancies are introduced in the interlayer gaps, which greatly reduces strong Na+–Na+ coulomb interactions. Ga‐substituted NZTO exhibits a superionic conductivity of ≈1.1×10−3 S cm−1 at RT, and excellent phase and electrochemical stability. All solid‐state batteries have been successfully assembled with a capacity of ≈70 mAh g−1 over 10 cycles with a rate of 0.2 C at 80 °C. 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on powder samples show intra‐grain (bulk) diffusion coefficients DNMR on the order of 12.35×10−12 m2 s−1 at 65 °C that corresponds to a conductivity σNMR of 8.16×10−3 S cm−1, assuming the Nernst–Einstein equation, which thus suggests a new perspective of fast Na+ ion conductor for advanced sodium ion batteries.
Oligonucleotides Incorporating Palladacyclic Nucleobase Surrogates
Authors: Maity Sajal Kumar , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: December 2017

An oligonucleotide incorporating a palladacyclic nucleobase has been prepared by ligand‐directed metalation of a phenylpyridine moiety. This oligonucleotide hybridized with natural counterparts placing any of the canonical nucleobases opposite to the palladacyclic residue. The palladated duplexes had B‐type conformation and melting temperatures comparable to those of respective unmodified duplexes with a single mismatch. In the duplexes placing C, G or T (but not A) opposite to the palladacyclic residue, greatly increased absorptivity suggested formation of a PdII‐mediated base pair. Absorptivity and ellipticity of these duplexes persisted even at the highest temperatures applicable in Tm and CD experiments (90 °C). Evidently the PdII‐mediated base pairs do not dissociate under the experimental conditions.
Microfluidics‐Assisted TIRF Imaging to Study Single Actin Filament Dynamics
Authors: Shekhar Shashank
Published: December 2017

Dynamic assembly of actin filaments is essential for many cellular processes. The rates of assembly and disassembly of actin filaments are intricately controlled by regulatory proteins that interact with the ends and the sides of filaments and with actin monomers. TIRF‐based single‐filament imaging techniques have proven instrumental in uncovering mechanisms of actin regulation. In this unit, novel single‐filament approaches using microfluidics‐assisted TIRF imaging are described. These methods can be used to grow anchored actin filaments aligned in a flow, thus making the analysis much easier as compared to open flow cell approaches. The microfluidic nature of the system also enables rapid change of biochemical conditions and allows simultaneous imaging of a large number of actin filaments. Support protocols for preparing microfluidic chambers and purifying spectrin‐actin seeds used for nucleating anchored filaments are also described. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simple and Rapid Tissue Clearing Method for Three‐Dimensional Histology of the Pancreas
Authors: Wong Hang Sheung , Yeung Patrick Ka Kit , Lai Hei Ming , Lam Karen Siu Ling , Wutian Wu , Chung Sookja Kim
Published: December 2017

Previously, high‐resolution three‐dimensional imaging of a whole and intact pancreas was not possible, since light is scattered when it passes through cell compartments with different refractive indices. CLARITY is one of the tissue clearing techniques that has yielded success with the central nervous system. To preserve tissue integrity after delipidation, conventional protocols embed tissue in an acrylamide‐based hydrogel, which involves the use of specialized equipment. Recently, we determined that the hydrogel‐embedding step could be simplified and replaced by passive tissue fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA). The whole procedure is less time‐consuming and less error‐prone, and can be completed within a week, compared to conventional CLARITY protocols that may take weeks to complete. Here, the detailed stepwise procedures involved in the simplified CLARITY workflow are applied to the pancreas of wild‐type and gene‐knockout 6‐week old mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the mouse insulin 1 promoter (MIP‐GFP). This technique could facilitate high‐resolution, three‐dimensional imaging of pancreatic islets and comparison between different mouse genotypes under different disease and treatment conditions. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Combining Fluorescence and Bioluminescence Microscopy to Study the Series of Events from Cellular Signal Transduction to Gene Expression
Authors: Goda Kazuhito , Takahashi Takeo , Suzuki Hirobumi
Published: December 2017

The molecular interactions and translocation of signal transduction factors in individual cells can be imaged by fluorescence microscopy. Alternatively, downstream promoter activity in single cells can be imaged by bioluminescence microscopy. However, the same stimuli can lead to different gene expression responses in individual cells. For this reason, it is desirable to simultaneously image signal transduction and gene expression events in the same cells. Here, we describe a method that combines fluorescence and bioluminescence microscopy to image protein kinase C (PKC) translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane and the expression of nuclear factor kappa‐light polypeptide B (NF‐κB)‐regulated genes. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Controlled Electrospray Generation of Nonspherical Alginate Microparticles
Authors: Jeyhani Morteza , Mak Sze Yi , Sammut Stephen , Shum Ho Cheung , Hwang Dae Kun , Tsai Scott S. H.
Published: December 2017

Electrospraying is a technique used to generate microparticles in a high throughput manner. For biomedical applications, a biocompatible electrosprayed material is often desirable. Using polymers, such as alginate hydrogels, makes it possible to create biocompatible and biodegradable microparticles that can be used for cell encapsulation, to be employed as drug carriers, and for use in 3D cell culturing. Evidence in the literature suggests that the morphology of the biocompatible microparticles is relevant in controlling the dynamics of the microparticles in drug delivery and 3D cell culturing applications. Yet, most electrospray‐based techniques only form spherical microparticles, and there is currently no widely adopted technique for producing nonspherical microparticles at a high throughput. Here, we demonstrate the generation of nonspherical biocompatible alginate microparticles by electrospraying, and control the shape of the microparticles by varying experimental parameters such as chemical concentration and the distance between the electrospray tip and the particle‐solidification bath. Importantly, we show that these changes to the experimental setup enable the synthesis of different shaped particles, and the systematic change in parameters, such as chemical concentration, result in monotonic changes to the particle aspect ratio. We expect that these results will find utility in many biomedical applications that require biocompatible microparticles of specific shapes.
Effects of temperature, soil substrate, and microbial community on carbon mineralization across three climatically contrasting forest sites
Authors: Tang Zuoxin , Sun Xiaolu , Luo Zhongkui , He Nianpeng , Sun Osbert Jianxin
Published: December 2017

How biotic and abiotic factors influence soil carbon (C) mineralization rate (RS) has recently emerged as one of the focal interests in ecological studies. To determine the relative effects of temperature, soil substrate and microbial community on Rs, we conducted a laboratory experiment involving reciprocal microbial inoculations of three zonal forest soils, and measured RS over a 61‐day period at three temperatures (5, 15, and 25°C). Results show that both Rs and the cumulative emission of C (Rcum), normalized to per unit soil organic C (SOC), were significantly affected by incubation temperature, soil substrate, microbial inoculum treatment, and their interactions (p < .05). Overall, the incubation temperature had the strongest effect on the RS; at given temperatures, soil substrate, microbial inoculum treatment, and their interaction all significantly affected both Rs (p < .001) and Rcum (p ≤ .01), but the effect of soil substrate was much stronger than others. There was no consistent pattern of thermal adaptation in microbial decomposition of SOC in the reciprocal inoculations. Moreover, when different sources of microbial inocula were introduced to the same soil substrate, the microbial community structure converged with incubation without altering the overall soil enzyme activities; when different types of soil substrate were inoculated with the same sources of microbial inocula, both the microbial community structure and soil enzyme activities diverged. Overall, temperature plays a predominant role in affecting Rs and Rcum, while soil substrate determines the mineralizable SOC under given conditions. The role of microbial community in driving SOC mineralization is weaker than that of climate and soil substrate, because soil microbial community is both affected, and adapts to, climatic factors and soil matrix.
Lipid Degradation During Salt‐Fermented Antarctic Krill Paste Processing and Their Relationship With Lipase and Phospholipase Activities
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Tian Yingying , Cong Peixu , Chen Qinsheng , Li Hongyan , Fan Yan , Xu Jie , Wang Jingfeng , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: December 2017

In this study, lipid degradation during the processing of salt‐fermented Antarctic krill paste is studied by evaluating changes in physicochemical parameters, lipid content, and fatty acid composition, phospholipase (phospholipase A1 [PLA1], phospholipase A2 [PLA2], phospholipase C [PLC], and phospholipase D [PLD]) and lipase activities. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are an important source of free fatty acids (FFAs) in Antarctic krill paste, causing an increase in FFA content in the early stage of processing, while phospholipids are intensely hydrolyzed during the mid‐late stages. Lipase activities remains constant, while PLA2 and PLD activities increases during all stages of processing. The relative activities of PLA2 and PLC highly correlates with a decline in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and an increase in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). A high correlation is also observed between relative PLD activity and increased phosphatidic acid (PA). These results suggest that lipase, PLA2, and PLD contribute to the degradation of lipids during the processing of salt‐fermented Antarctic krill paste.

Practical Applications: Due to their abundance of Antarctic krill, fermentation technology can be applied to transform them into a popular condiment. The present study aimes to investigate changes in lipid composition throughout krill salt‐fermentation, and to evaluate their potential effects on fermented krill product. Knowledge of lipase activities during processing is essential to improve the quality of the end products and to further elucidate the complicated mechanisms of lipid degradation.

The study of lipid degradation during processing and storage of krill products is of great concern in order to obtain products of high quality and health. Lipid degradation during the processing of salt‐fermented Antarctic krill paste is studied by evaluating changes in physicochemical parameters, lipid content, and fatty acid composition, phospholipase and lipase activities and the study provides information that Lipase, PLA2, and PLD contribute to the degradation of lipids during the processing of salt‐fermented Antarctic krill paste.
Rapid Determination of the Antioxidant Capacity of Lettuce by an E‐Tongue Based on Flow Injection Coulometry
Authors: Kongwong Pratsanee , Morozova Ksenia , Ferrentino Giovanna , Poonlarp Pichaya , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: December 2017

This work proposes the use of an electronic tongue based on flow injection coulometry for the rapid determination of the antioxidant capacity of fresh lettuce. The e‐tongue consisted of a series of 16 porous carbon electrodes, each poised at a fixed potential from +100 to +850 mV. Each injection leaded to a characteristic hydrodynamic voltammogram, whose profile reflects the composition of antioxidants. The correlation between the peak area recorded by each sensor and the 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) assay was maximum ín the range of potentials between +400 and 750 mV (R2>0.97). Accordingly, the charge measured provided a direct and simple index of the antioxidant capacity. The practical utility of such index was initially demonstrated by determining the best extraction conditions. This consisted in freeze‐drying of lettuce followed by methanolic extraction. Later, the e‐tongue was used to evaluate the effect of storage (one week at 5 °C) on lettuce. The e‐tongue revealed that lettuce lost up to 25 % of their initial antioxidant activity during storage. However, when lettuce samples were pre‐treated with fast cooling or vacuum cooling, the decrease of the antioxidant index was limited to 14 and 15 %. Overall, the e‐tongue is a rapid, simple and sensitive method for the determination of the antioxidant capacity of fresh lettuce samples. Indirectly, these findings suggest also that lettuce may serve as potential dietary sources of natural phenolic antioxidants.
A Biosensor for Genetic Modified Soybean DNA Determination via Adsorption of Anthraquinone‐2‐sulphonic Acid in Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Jamaluddin Raja Zaidatul Akhmar Raja , Heng Lee Yook , Tan Ling Ling , Chong Kwok Feng
Published: December 2017

An electrochemical DNA biosensor for DNA determination of genetically modified (GM) soybean (CaMV 35S target genes) was developed utilizing a new detection concept based on the adsoption of anthraquinone‐2‐sulphonic acid (AQMS) on the reduced graphene oxide nano‐particles (rGO) during DNA hybridization events. The aminated DNA probe for CaMV 35S was immobilized onto poly(n‐butyl acrylate) film modified with succinimide functional groups [poly(nBA‐NAS)] via peptide covalent bond. Nanosheets of rGO were entrapped in the poly(nBA‐NAS) film to form a conducting [poly(nBA‐NAS)‐rGO] film of the DNA biosensor. Besides facilitating the electron transfer reactions, the rGO also functioned as an adsorbent for AQMS. The sensing mechanism of the proposed DNA biosensor involved measuring the oxidation current of the AQMS adsorbed on the electrode surface at −0.50 V using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) before and after a DNA hybridization event. Under optimum conditions, the DNA biosensor demonstrated a linear proportionality between AQMS oxidation signal and logarithm cDNA concentration from 1.0×10−15 M to 1.0×10−8 M target DNA with a detection limit of 6.3×10−16 M. The electrochemical DNA biosensor possessed good selectivity and a shelf life of about 40 days with relative standard deviation of reproducibility obtained in the range of 3.7–4.6% (n=5). Evaluation of the DNA biosensor using GM soybean DNA extracts showed excellent recovery percentages of 97.2–104.0.
Numerical Study on the Combined Heat and Mass Recovery Adsorption Cooling Cycle
Authors: Duong Xuan Quang , Cao Ngoc Vi , Hong Sang Woo , Ahn Sang Hyeok , Chung Jae Dong
Published: December 2017

A numerical simulation of the performance of a fin‐tube‐type adsorption bed with silica gel/water working pairs was conducted. Three models of the heat recovery cycle, the mass recovery cycle, and a combined heat and mass recovery cycle were closely examined. The main goals were to determine 1) the conditions under which these advanced cycles were most effective and 2) the optimum recovery time. Mass recovery enhanced both the coefficient of performance (COP) and specific cooling power (SCP) by up to 24 and 37.5 %, respectively, at 60 °C, and the enhancements of the COP and SCP were 5.0 and 16.0 %, respectively, at 90 °C. Heat recovery increased the COP by 12.56 %, but reduced the SCP by 10.84 % at 60 °C, whereas, at 90 °C, the COP increased by 11.83 % and SCP decreased by 5.96 %. The mass recovery is more influential at a low heating temperature than that at a high heating temperature. Therefore, in the combined heat and mass recovery cycles, the main contribution to the enhancement of the COP comes from mass recovery at lower water temperature. However, at a high heating temperature, the COP increases mainly due to heat recovery.
MicroRNA‐transcription factor interactions and their combined effect on target gene expression in colon cancer cases
Authors: Mullany Lila E. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Wolff Roger K. , Stevens John R. , Samowitz Wade , Slattery Martha L.
Published: December 2017

Transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression: TFs by influencing messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and miRNAs by influencing mRNA translation and transcript degradation. Additionally, miRNAs and TFs alter each other's expression, making it difficult to ascertain the effect either one has on target gene (TG) expression. In this investigation, we use a two‐way interaction model with the TF and miRNA as independent variables to investigate whether miRNAs and TFs work together to influence TG expression levels in colon cancer subjects. We used known TF binding sites and validated miRNA targets to determine potential miRNA‐TF‐TG interactions, restricting interactions to those with a TF previously associated with altered risk of colorectal cancer death. We analyzed interactions using normal colonic mucosa expression as well as differential expression, which is measured as colonic carcinoma expression minus normal colonic mucosa expression. We analyzed 3518 miRNA‐TF‐TG triplets using normal mucosa expression and 617 triplets using differential expression. Normal colonic RNA‐Seq data were available for 168 individuals; of these, 159 also had carcinoma RNA‐Seq data. Thirteen unique miRNA‐TF‐TG interactions, comprising six miRNAs, four TFs, and 11 TGs, were statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons in normal colonic mucosa, and 14 unique miRNA‐TF‐TG interactions, comprising two miRNAs, two TFs, and 13 TGs, were found for carcinoma‐normal differential expression. Our results show that TG expression is influenced by both miRNAs as well as TFs, and the influence of one regulator impacts the effect of the other on the shared TG expression.
Is CCS still relevant?
Authors: Hughes Gordon
Published: December 2017

Does the commercial deployment of carbon capture and storage still make sense in the power generating sector when fuels, other than coal can be used? For countries where coal predominates is it worthwhile adopting what is still an expensive technology? Have governments, particularly those in the developed nations, been too reticent to say that overall, the economics don't stack up and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is just too expensive?

These are some of the areas explored in a study, “The Bottomless Pit: The Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage”. In this interview, the report's author Gordon Hughes, Professor of Economics at the University of Edinburgh, tells GHGS&T about his findings. The report is published by the Global Warming Policy Foundation.
Milder disease stage in patients with primary biliary cholangitis over a 44‐year period: A changing natural history
Authors: Murillo Perez Carla F. , Goet Jorn C. , Lammers Willem J. , Gulamhusein Aliya , van Buuren Henk R. , Ponsioen Cyriel Y. , Carbone Marco , Mason Andrew , Corpechot Christophe , Invernizzi Pietro , Mayo Marlyn J. , Battezzati Pier Maria , Floreani Annarosa , Pares Albert , Nevens Frederik , Kowdley Kris V. , Bruns Tony , Dalekos George N. , Thorburn Douglas , Hirschfield Gideon , LaRusso Nicholas F. , Lindor Keith D. , Zachou Kalliopi , Poupon Raoul , Trivedi Palak J. , Verhelst Xavier , Janssen Harry L.A. , Hansen Bettina E. ,   on behalf of the GLOBAL PBC Study Group
Published: December 2017

Changes over time in the presenting features and clinical course of patients with primary biliary cholangitis are poorly described. We sought to describe temporal trends in patient and disease characteristics over a 44‐year period across a large international primary biliary cholangitis cohort of 4,805 patients diagnosed between 1970 and 2014, from 17 centers across Europe and North America. Patients were divided into five cohorts according to their year of diagnosis: 1970‐1979 (n = 143), 1980‐1989 (n = 858), 1990‐1999 (n = 1,754), 2000‐2009 (n = 1,815), and ≥2010 (n = 235). Age at diagnosis, disease stage, response to ursodeoxycholic acid, and clinical outcomes were compared. Mean age at diagnosis increased incrementally by 2‐3 years per decade from 46.9 ± 10.1 years in the 1970s to 57.0 ± 12.1 years from 2010 onward (P < 0.001). The female to male ratio (9:1) and antimitochondrial antibody positivity (90%) were not significantly variable. The proportion of patients presenting with mild biochemical disease (according to Rotterdam staging) increased from 41.3% in the 1970s to 72.2% in the 1990s (P < 0.001) and remained relatively stable thereafter. Patients with a mild histological stage at diagnosis increased from 60.4% (1970‐1989) to 76.5% (1990‐2014) (P < 0.001). Correspondingly, response to ursodeoxycholic acid according to Paris‐I criteria increased; 51.7% in the 1970s and 70.5% in the 1990s (P < 0.001). Recent decades were also characterized by lower decompensation rates (18.5% in the 1970s to 5.8% in the 2000s, P < 0.001) and higher 10‐year transplant‐free survival (48.4%, 68.7%, 79.7%, and 80.1% for each respective cohort; P < 0.001). Conclusion: In recent decades, a pattern of primary biliary cholangitis presentation consistent with an older age at diagnosis alongside reduced disease severity has been noted; the observed trends may be explained by an increase in routine testing of liver function and/or a changing environmental trigger. (Hepatology 2018;67:1920‐1930).
Metal‐citrate complex transport in Kineococcus radiotolerans
Authors: Huta Brian P. , Miller Nigel H. , Robertson Eleanor L. , Doyle Robert P.
Published: December 2017

The growth of an organism is highly dependent on the acquisition of carbon and metals, and availability of these nutrients in the environment affects its survival. Organisms can obtain both nutrients simultaneously through proteins of the CitMHS superfamily. Bioinformatic studies suggested a CitMHS gene (Accession number ABS03965.1) in Kineococcus radiotolerans. Radio flux assays following 14‐C radiolabelled citrate, either free or complexed to a variety of metal ions, in K. radiotolerans demonstrated internalization of the citrate when bound to select metal ions only, primarily in the form of calcium‐citrate. A pH response was also observed, consistent with a permease (ATP independent) mechanism as noted for other CitMHS family members, with greater uptake at pH 7 compared to pH 10. These results confirm the ability of K. radiotolerans to transport complexed citrate.
Melanoma patterns of care in Ontario: A call for a strategic alignment of multidisciplinary care
Authors: Look Hong Nicole J. , Cheng Stephanie Y. , Baxter Nancy N. , Wright Frances C.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

Variability in melanoma management has prompted concerns about equitable and timely treatment. We investigated patterns of melanoma diagnosis and treatment using population‐level data.

Methods

Patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma were identified retrospectively from the Ontario Cancer Registry (2003‐2012) and deterministically linked with administrative databases to identify incidence, disease characteristics, geographic origin, and multimodal treatment within a year of diagnosis. Melanoma treatment was categorized as inadequate or adequate based on multidisciplinary clinical algorithms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model factors associated with treatment adequacy.

Results

From 2003 to 2012, 22 918 patients with invasive melanoma were identified with annual age/sex standardized incidence rates of 11.7‐14.3/100 000 for females and 13.4‐15.9/100 000 for males. Melanoma occurred at median age of 62 and primarily on extremities (43.9%). Within 1 year after diagnosis, 86.7% of patients received surgery as primary therapy. A total of 2312 (10.6%) patients received inadequate or no treatment after diagnosis. Receiving adequate treatment was associated with consultation with dermatology (OR 1.92, CI 1.71‐2.14), plastic surgery (OR 4.80, CI 4.32‐5.34), or general surgery (OR 2.15, CI 1.94‐2.38).

Conclusions

Significant variation exists in melanoma management and nearly one in nine patients is inadequately treated. Referral to sub‐specialized providers is critical for ensuring appropriate care.
Rapid characterization of the absorbed chemical constituents of Tangzhiqing formula following oral administration using UHPLC–Q‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Lei , Wu Ming‐Jiang , Chen Xin‐Ze , Zhang Hong‐Min , Ding Li‐Qin , Tian Fu‐Ying , Fu Xiao‐Meng , Qiu Feng , Zhang De‐Qin
Published: December 2017

Tangzhiqing formula, a Chinese herbal formula, is used for the treatment of type II diabetes and prediabetes. Although its effectiveness has been certified by clinical use, its absorbed chemical constituents are not comprehensively represented. Thence, in order to reveal potential bioactive components and metabolism of Tangzhiqing formula, an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was developed. A total of 86 absorbed components, including 38 prototype compounds and 48 metabolites, were identified in rat plasma, urine, and feces after oral administration of Tangzhiqing formula. This was the first systematic study on the chemical constituents and metabolic profiling of Tangzhiqing formula. The results indicated that alkaloids and flavonoids were main absorbed components, and glucuronidation and sulfation were the major metabolites. Moreover we concluded that alkaloids and flavonoids first underwent demethylation and hydrolysis reactions before biotransformed to phase II metabolites. This study provided valuable data for safety estimation of Tangzhiqing formula, which will be advantageous for clinical application.
A combination of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and surface plasmon resonance sensing of gold nanoparticles for the determination of ziram pesticide
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh , Rastegarzadeh Saadat , Pourreza Nahid
Published: December 2017

We have developed a reliable, fast, and highly sensitive analytical method utilizing dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and gold nanoparticles probes for ziram (zinc bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate)) determination. The method is based on the in situ formation of gold nanoparticles in carbon tetrachloride as an organic phase. It was found that the trace levels of ziram influenced the formation of gold nanoparticles, leading to absorbance change of a sedimented phase. The results of the colorimetric ziram determination were in the concentration range of 0.12–2.52 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.06 ng/mL. The formation of the stable and dispersed gold nanoparticles in the organic phase provides a good precision for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method, resulting in the relative standard deviation of 3.8 and 1.2% for 0.56 and 1.58 ng/mL of ziram, respectively. This method has been successfully used for the ziram determination in samples of well and river water, soil, potato, carrot, wheat, and paddy soil.
Determination of Intimate Composition of Theranostic Polyplexes Based on (Co)Polymers of Poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride)
Authors: Haladjova Emi , Mountrichas Grigoris , Pispas Stergios , Rangelov Stanislav
Published: December 2017

Novel hybrid nanoparticulate systems that exhibit potential to combine therapeutic, diagnostic, and sensing modalities in a single nanoparticle are investigated. They are composed of a homopolymer of poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride) (or its copolymer with poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]), DNA, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Using the approach of classic dynamic and static light scattering, parameters such as molar mass, particle size, geometry and density, and intimate composition are determined, trying to establish what the theranostic polyplexes really carry. According to the analysis, the polyplex particles are composed of up to 154 DNA molecules and 1612 (co)polymer molecules at amino‐to‐phosphate groups ratio (N/P) of 0.5 and 1 DNA and up to 252 (co)polymer molecules at higher N/P ratios. The particle morphology is consistent with “hairy surface on a compact sphere” with density that is lower than the density of the familiar copolymer micelles. The introduction of AuNPs does not influence the density and structure of the carriers, which could be related to the low number fraction of polyplex particles carrying AuNPs. Additional data from transmission electron microscopy, electrophoretic light scattering, and analytical ultracentrifugation validate the morphology, structure, and molar mass of the theranostic nanoassemblies and confirm the conclusions derived from light scattering.
Sequential Bulk Anionic Polymerization of α‐Methylstyrene and Isoprene to Form Diblock and Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Li Yifan , Knauss Daniel M.
Published: December 2017

α‐Methylstyrene (AMS) is determined to polymerize anionically by initiation with sec‐bultyllithium under bulk conditions with control of molecular weight depending on reaction time. Furthermore, the reactivity between AMS and isoprene in a mixture at a high AMS concentration (90% v/v) indicates a strong inclination for almost sole isoprene polymerization (>97%). The microstructure of the polyisoprene is determined to be predominately 1,4‐polyisoprene in the bulk AMS polymerization. These results afford a sequential process for the formation of diblock and triblock copolymers whereby the anionic initiation of AMS in the bulk produces a living poly(α‐methylstyrene) (PAMS) that upon addition of isoprene results in a living PAMS‐b‐polyisoprene (PAMS‐b‐PI). Triblock copolymer can be prepared by adding N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine to increase the crossover reaction to reinitiate AMS from the living diblock and form PAMS‐b‐PI‐b‐PAMS. Gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal gravimetric analysis are used to characterize the products.
Temperature‐Responsive Electrophoretic Deposition of Sulfone‐Containing Nonionic Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Kimizu Ken , Takasu Akinori
Published: December 2017

Recently, it has been found that nonionic aliphatic and aromatic poly(ester sulfone)s show anode selective electrophoretic behavior, and it is shown that the electrophoresis is induced by a partial charge separation of the protic solvent at the dispersion interface. In this paper, the first example of temperature‐responsive electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is reported. Electrophoresis of a nonionic sulfone‐containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) [poly(NIPAM)] is performed above the lower critical solution temperature. The poly(NIPAM) is prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer radical copolymerization of NIPAM with a sulfone‐containing methacrylate. After EPD, adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells on the deposited surfaces is also demonstrated, aiming at the subsequent temperature‐sensitive detachment.
One‐Pot Two‐Step (First ROP, Then SET‐LRP) Synthesis of Polycaprolactone‐Polyacrylate Star Block Copolymers
Authors: Trindade Suelen G. , Bortolotto Tanize , Ciolino Andrés E. , Schmidt Vanessa , Giacomelli Cristiano
Published: December 2017

A one‐pot, two‐step method is applied to the controlled synthesis of polyacrylate‐b‐(polycaprolactone)2 three‐arm AB2‐type star block polymers. First, ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone is carried out in toluene using either stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2) or diphenyl phosphate (DPP) as catalyst, and a multifunctional initiator featuring one bromoester and two alcohol groups. Then, single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of methyl acrylate and isobornyl acrylate is conducted in the same reaction vessel after sequential addition of its typical reactants, apart from the (PCL)2‐Br macroinitiator generated in the first step, in either toluene/toluene + phenol or toluene/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent systems. DPP (the ROP catalyst) from the first step is found to take part in an acid–base reaction with tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (the SET‐LRP N‐ligand) in the second part, but stoichiometry could be adjusted to avoid interference and keep the controlled nature of the polymerizations. Interestingly, the electrochemically active Sn(Oct)2 ROP catalyst does not interfere with the SET‐LRP process. Well‐defined poly(methyl acrylate)‐b‐(polycaprolactone)2 and poly(isobornyl acrylate)‐b‐(polycaprolactone)2 are thus synthesized through a simple and cost‐effective experimental procedure. The technique also applies to the synthesis of linear block copolymers.
Sharp Senses for Industrial Drones
Authors: Thümer Dirk
Published: December 2017

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also called drones, are going to be a big thing. Between drones for military reconnaissance and combat and the booming toy multicopter market there is a broad range of commercial UAV applications. A decisive factor for the quality and application possibilities of these drones is the built‐in sensor technology and thus the know‐how of specialists.