bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation of the Dinuclear Trithiolato‐Bridged Arene Ruthenium Complex Diruthenium‐1 in an Apoferritin Nanocage: Structure and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Petruk Ganna , Monti Daria Maria , Ferraro Giarita , Pica Andrea , D'Elia Luigi , Pane Francesca , Amoresano Angela , Furrer Julien , Kowalski Konrad , Merlino Antonello
Published: January 2019

The effects of encapsulating the cytotoxic dinuclear trithiolato‐bridged arene ruthenium complex [(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2(μ2‐S‐p‐C6H4tBu)3]Cl (DiRu‐1) within the apoferritin (AFt) nanocage were investigated. The DiRu‐1‐AFt nanocarrier was characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, ICP‐MS, CD and X‐ray crystallography. In contrast to previously reported Au‐ and Pt‐based drug‐loaded AFt carriers, we found no evidence of direct interactions between DiRu‐1 and AFt. DiRu‐1‐AFt is cytotoxic toward immortalized murine BALB/c‐3T3 fibroblasts transformed with SV40 virus (SVT2) and human epidermoid carcinoma A431 malignant cells, and exhibits moderate selectivity for these cancer cells over normal BALB/c‐3T3 cells. DiRu‐1‐AFt triggers the production of reactive oxygen species, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and induces cell death via p53‐mediated apoptosis. Comparison between our data and previous results suggests that the presence of specific interactions between a metal‐based drug and AFt within the protein cage is not essential for drug encapsulation.
Application of positron emission tomography imaging to personalize esophagogastric cancer care
Authors: Mondaca Sebastian , Janjigian Yelena Y.
Published: January 2019

Positron emission tomography can guide staging and perioperative therapies in patients with localized esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. Ongoing research is investigating the clinical usefulness of functional imaging with tumor‐specific radiolabeled molecules to optimize biomarker selection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Finite Morse Index Implies Finite Ends
Authors: Wang Kelei , Wei Juncheng
Published: January 2019

We prove that finite Morse index solutions to the Allen‐Cahn equation in ℝ2 have finitely many ends and linear energy growth. The main tool is a curvature decay estimate on level sets of these finite Morse index solutions, which in turn is reduced to a problem on the uniform second‐order regularity of clustering interfaces for the singularly perturbed Allen‐Cahn equation. Using an indirect blowup technique, in the spirit of the classical Colding‐Minicozzi theory in minimal surfaces, we show that the obstruction to the uniform second‐order regularity of clustering interfaces in ℝn is associated to the existence of nontrivial entire solutions to a (finite or infinite) Toda system in ℝn–1. For finite Morse index solutions in ℝ2, we show that this obstruction does not exist by using information on stable solutions of the Toda system. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultra‐Weak Metal−Metal Bonding: Is There a Beryllium‐Beryllium Triple Bond?
Authors: Rohman Shahnaz S. , Kashyap Chayanika , Ullah Sabnam S. , Guha Ankur K. , Mazumder Lakhya J. , Sharma Pankaz. K.
Published: January 2019

Metal‐metal triple bonds featurings‐block element have not been reported until now. Only Be−Be double bonds between have been predicted theoretically based on the intuitive electron donation from fours1type electron‐donating ligands. Herein, we theoretically predicted a novel species featuring a Be−Be triple bond in the Li6Be2molecule. The molecule was found to be thermodynamically stable. The presence of the triple bond was confirmed by adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP), electron localization function (ELF), and atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the Be−Be triple bond was analyzed by using compliance matrix, pointing towards its ultra‐weak nature.
Assembling All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Li3N‐Protected Anodes
Authors: Kızılaslan Abdulkadir , Akbulut Hatem
Published: January 2019

The construction of all‐solid‐state batteries is now easier after the successful synthesis of sulfur‐based solid electrolytes with extremely high ionic conductivities. Utilizing lithium metal as the anode in these batteries requires a protective solid electrolyte layer to prevent corrosion due to the highly reactive nature of lithium. Li3N coating on lithium metal is a promising way of preventing the degradation of the electrolyte during charge and discharge. In this study, utilization of a Li3N‐coated lithium anode and Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte are reported, where a quaternary reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/S/carbon black/Li7P3S11 composite is used as cathode in the assembled cell. Our results indicate that protecting the Li metal with a Li3N coating does not affect the electrochemical characteristics of the cell and extends the cycle life of the battery. A cell assembled with a protective layer was shown to having 306 mAh g−1 capacity after 120 cycles at 160 mAh g−1 current density, whereas a cell without protective layer had a capacity of 260 mAh g−1.
Interindividual and Regional Variability in Drug Transporter Abundance at the Human Blood–Brain Barrier Measured by Quantitative Targeted Proteomics
Authors: Billington Sarah , Salphati Laurent , Hop Cornelis E. C. A. , Chu Xiaoyan , Evers Raymond , Burdette Doug , Rowbottom Christopher , Lai Yurong , Xiao Guangqing , Humphreys W. Griffith , Nguyen Tot Bui , Prasad Bhagwat , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: January 2019

For in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) of brain distribution of drugs that are transported at the human blood–brain barrier (BBB), it is important to quantify the interindividual and regional variability of drug transporter abundance at this barrier. Therefore, using quantitative targeted proteomics, we compared the abundance of adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette and solute carrier transporters in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) isolated from postmortem specimens of two matched brain regions, the occipital (Brodmann Area (BA)17) and parietal (BA39) lobe, from 30 adults. Of the quantifiable transporters, the abundance ranked: glucose transporter (GLUT)1 > breast cancer resistance protein > P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) > equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT)1 > organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP)2B1. The abundance of multidrug resistance protein 1/2/3/4, OATP1A2, organic anion transporter (OAT)3, organic cation transporter (OCT)1/2, OCTN1/2, or ENT2 was below the limit of quantification. Transporter abundance per gram of tissue (scaled using GLUT1 abundance in BMEC vs. brain homogenate) in BA17 was 30–42% higher than BA39. The interindividual variability in transporter abundance (percentage of coefficient of variation (%CV)) was 35–57% (BA17) and 27–46% (BA39). These data can be used in proteomics‐informed bottom‐up IVIVE to predict human brain drug distribution.
Rational Molecular Designs for Controlling Photochromism: Thermally Activated Valence Isomerization of Phenoxyl‐Imidazolyl Radical Complexes
Authors: Toshimitsu Shota , Shima Kentaro , Mutoh Katsuya , Kobayashi Yoichi , Abe Jiro
Published: January 2019

We report a strategy to control the reversible photoinduced valence isomerization between a biradical and a quinoidal form based on a photochromic phenoxyl‐imidazolyl radical complex (PIC) framework. The thermal equilibrium of the valence isomerization is biased toward the biradical form by substituting the π‐conjugated substituents and the electron‐donating groups, while the equilibrium is biased toward the quinoidal form by twisting the substituting group at the 2‐position of the imidazole ring. The precise control of the reversible photoinduced valence isomerizations is especially important for fundamental spin chemistry. Moreover, because biradicals have several fascinating properties, for example, as initiators for polymerizations, broad absorption in the visible and near‐infrared regions, and large two‐photon absorption cross sections, light‐ and time‐gated open‐shell characteristics would stimulate the development of further photofunctional materials utilizing biradicals.
Molecular Probes for Fluorescence Imaging of ATP in Cells and Tissues
Authors: Jun Yong Woong , Sarkar Sourav , Kim Kyeong Hwan , Ahn Kyo Han
Published: January 2019

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as the main energy source in cells, powers most cellular activities, such as synthesis and transportation of biomolecules, cell signaling, and muscle contraction. Therefore, detection and monitoring of ATP are essential to understand many biological processes, demanding molecular probes with high selectivity and sensitivity, fast response times, along with long‐term monitoring and tissue imaging capability. We overviewed the reported small‐molecule fluorescent probes for ATP by categorizing their recognition elements, along with comments on their merits and limitations. Also, we briefly stated the desirable properties, challenges, and perspectives in the development of ATP probes.
Visible‐Light‐Enhanced Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions of Aryl Chlorides in Water with Pd NPs Supported on a Conjugated Nanoporous Polycarbazole
Authors: Guo Bin , Li Hong‐Xi , Zha Cheng‐Hao , Young David James , Li Hai‐Yan , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: January 2019

The visible‐light‐enhanced catalytic activation of aryl chlorides for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling (SMC) reactions is highly challenging because of the strength of the C−Cl bond. In this work, palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were grown on a conjugated nanoporous polycarbazole (CNP), named Pd/CNP. The hybrid material Pd/CNP could catalyze the SMC reactions of aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids in water under blue LED irradiation at room temperature with high efficiency. This protocol exhibited good functional group tolerance and the catalyst could be recycled without significant loss of its catalytic activity. CNP not only provided photogenerated electrons to enrich the electron density of the Pd NPs but also generated holes for the activation of the arylboronic acids.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Pima Indians
Authors: Lillioja S.
Published: January 2019

More than 50% of Pima Indians/develop NIDDM. This disorder is preceded by impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and we tested the hypothesis that the elevated glucose levels in IGT must be due to reduced β‐cell function. We first determined the plasma glucose/plasma insulin and plasma insulin/insulin resistance relationships in individuals with NGT, relationships which by definition must be normal, and determined if these relationships were intact in individuals with IGT. We also compared Pimas and Caucasians with NGT or IGT. Subjects were assessed with an OGTT, an IVGTT, underwater weighing (for body composition), and a euglycaemic clamp. The results showed that insulin concentrations in Pimas with IGT were not lower than the levels predicted by the relationships found in subjects with NGT. Compared to Caucasians, Pima Indians had elevated insulin concentrations at the same degree of insulin resistance. These studies indicate that insulin resistance, and not β‐cell failure, is the principal lesion determining IGT in Pimas. NIDDM occurs when β‐cell failure develops in the presence of insulin resistance. In some individuals of other races, β‐cell function may be less able to withstand insulin resistance, and presumably in these individuals β‐cell failure assumes a greater importance in the evolution to NIDDM.
Normal Physiology and Phenotypic Characterization of Beta‐cell Function in Subjects at Risk for Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Porte D.
Published: January 2019

Major genes for NIDDM appear to be rare. Therefore, phenotypic characterization of the pathophysiological changes contributing to hyperglycaemia are assuming increasing importance. Assessment of β‐cell function has been hampered by two major confounding factors during functional testing: variable insulin sensitivity and plasma glucose levels. These and other methodological variables are discussed with recommendations for ameliorating or accounting for their impact. A group of tests as used by the Seattle Group for phenotypic characterization is described including basal immunoreactive insulin (IRI), proinsulin, and proinsulin intermediates (PI); the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg); maximal (AIRmax), and half‐maximal (PG50) capacity to potentiate a non‐glucose secretagogue; and insulin‐sensitivity (S1). Specific examples in the use of this battery of tests are given. It is concluded that such phenotyping will be an important tool for studies of the epidemiology and genetics of NIDDM.
Characteristics of Insulin Release in Healthy Subjects and in Subjects with a Glucokinase (Glu 256 Lys) Mutation
Authors: Grill V. , Alvarsson M.
Published: January 2019

Healthy subjects with previously observed low insulin responses to i.v. glucose have been further characterized. A low insulin response was relatively stable over decades. Adaptability to increased demands for insulin secretion was poor. Hence, dexamethasone treatment for 60 h induced insulin resistance but did not enhance insulin responses to glucose or to arginine. Birth weight was not associated with low insulin responses. Data are compatible with major influences of inherent factors on insulin secretion. Low insulin responses in healthy subjects were compared with responses in glucokinase‐deficient subjects. Second phase of glucose‐induced insulin secretion and glucose‐dependent potentiation of arginine‐induced secretion were decreased in both groups. However, the first phase response to glucose was higher in glucokinase‐deficient subjects. Hence, decreased first phase insulin secretion is not specifically linked to deficiencies in β‐cell metabolism.
Islet Pathology of Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
Authors: Westermark P.
Published: January 2019

Islet amyloid polypeptide (lAPP) gives rise to islet amyloid fibrils in NIDDM. Islet amyloid tends to replace islet cells, especially {3‐cells and may act as a diffusion barrier. It has also been proposed that lAPP amyloid fibrils are {3‐cell cytotoxic. The pathogenesis of islet amyloid is not clear and several factors are probably necessary for amyloid formation. One factor is an amyloidogenic amino acid sequence of lAPP and a second is probably a high local concentration of lAPP. Islet amyloid is not seen in the normal human pancreas and has not been described in the pancreata of transgenic mice over‐expressing human lAPP. However, islet amyloid is rapidly deposited in in vitro cultivated islets from these transgenic animals and in isolated normal human islets transplanted into nude mice. Consequently, besides an amyloidogenic structure and high production of lAPP, further factors are necessary for islet amyloid formation in NIDDM.
Oscillatory Insulin Secretion: a variable phenotypic marker
Authors: Matthews D. R.
Published: January 2019

Oscillatory secretion of endocrine hormones is a widely recognized phenomenon. In man, as well as other species (dog, monkey), during the basal state insulin secretion is oscillatory and, on average, regular with a 13‐min periodicity. In NIDDM there is a loss of regular oscillatory activity, being shorter in duration and irregular in nature. First‐degree relatives of NIDDM subjects with normoglycaemia and obese normal subjects also exhibit this change, reverting to the regular oscillatory characteristic following weight loss in the latter group. The regular insulin secretory oscillations seen in the fasting stage in normal subjects are completely lost by raising the basal glucose concentration only marginally to about 6 mmol l−1. Thus, regular oscillations reflect a 'contented' beta‐cell. Also, in states of hyperglycaemia, pulsatile exogenous insulin is more effective than continuous administration. Additional studies indicate that it is the periodicity of the insulin secretory oscillations and the rate of rise of the first phase insulin secretion in response to a glucose challenge which are the main candidates for successful signalling. Irregular oscillations of insulin can be used as an early marker of beta‐cell under stress, but not as a fixed phenotypic marker.
Phylogeography of lethal male fighting in a social spider mite
Authors: Sato Yukie , Tsuda Yoshiaki , Sakamoto Hironori , Egas Martijn , Gotoh Tetsuo , Saito Yutaka , Zhang Yan‐Xuan , Lin Jian‐Zhen , Chao Jung‐Tai , Mochizuki Atsushi
Published: January 2019

When males fight for access to females, such conflict rarely escalates into lethal fight because the risks and costs involved, that is, severe injury or death, are too high. The social spider mite,Stigmaeopsis miscanthi,does exhibit lethal male fights, and this male–male aggressiveness varies among populations. To understand the evolution of lethal fighting, we investigated aggressiveness in 42 populations and phylogenetic relationships in 47 populations along the Japanese archipelago. By analysis of the male weapon morph, a proxy for aggressiveness, we confirmed the existence of a mildly aggressive (ML) form, besides the low aggression (LW) and high aggression (HG) forms reported earlier. To evaluate demographic history of these three forms, we employed the approximate Bayesian computation approach using mtCOI sequences and taking into consideration the postlast glacial expansion history of the host plant,Miscanthus sinensis. As results, hierarchical split models are more likely to explain the observed genetic pattern than admixture models, and the ML form in the subtropical region was considered the ancestral group. The inferred demographic history was consistent with the one reconstructed for the host plant in a previous study. The LW form was split from the ML form during the last glacial period (20,000–40,000 years BP), and subsequently, the HG form was split from the ML form at the end of or after the last glacial period (5,494–10,988 years BP). The results also suggest that the mite invaded Japan more than once, resulting in the present parapatric distribution of LW and HG forms in eastern Japan.
Genetic differentiation and asymmetric gene flow among Carpathian brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations—Implications for conservation of transboundary populations
Authors: Matosiuk Maciej , Śmietana Wojciech , Czajkowska Magdalena , Paule Ladislav , Štofik Jozef , Krajmerová Diana , Bashta Andriy‐Taras , Jakimiuk Stefan , Ratkiewicz Mirosław
Published: January 2019

The abundance and distribution of large carnivores in Europe have been historically reduced. Their recovery requires multilevel coordination, especially regarding transboundary populations. Here, we apply nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers to test for admixture level and its impact on population genetic structure of contemporary brown bears (Ursus arctos) from the Eastern, Southern, and Western Carpathians. Carpathian Mountains (Europe). Nearly 400 noninvasive brown bear DNA samples from the Western (Poland) and Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady Mountains in Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine) were collected. Together with DNA isolates from Slovakia and Romania, they were analyzed using the set of eight microsatellite loci and two mtDNA regions (control region and cytochromeb). A set of 113 individuals with complete genotypes was used to investigate genetic differentiation across national boundaries, genetic structuring within and between populations, and movement between populations. Transboundary brown bear subpopulations (Slovakia and Poland) did not show significant internal genetic structure, and thus were treated as cohesive units. All brown bears from the Western Carpathians carried mitochondrial haplotypes from the Eastern lineage, while the Western lineage prevailed in the brown bears from the Bieszczady Mountains. Despite similar levels of microsatellite variability, we documented significant differentiation among the studied populations for nuclear markers and mtDNA. We also detected male‐biased and asymmetrical movement into the Bieszczady Mountains population from the Western Carpathians. Our findings suggest initial colonization of the Western Carpathians by brown bears possessing mtDNA from the Eastern lineage. Genetic structuring among populations at microsatellite loci could be a result of human‐mediated alterations. Detected asymmetric gene flow suggests ongoing expansion from more abundant populations into the Bieszczady Mountains and thus supports a metapopulation model. The knowledge concerning this complex pattern can be implemented in a joint Carpathian brown bear management plan that should allow population mixing by dispersing males.
Verification of measurement waveforms of transient electric field caused by micro‐gap spark using optical electric field probe
Authors: Taka Yoshinori , Kawamata Ken , Ishigami Shinobu , Minegishi Shigeki , Fujiwara Osamu
Published: January 2019

With the widespread use of wearable terminals, machine to machine (M2M) and internet of things (IoT) equipment, electrostatic discharge (ESD: Electrostatic Discharge) due to electrification of humans and objects can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) inside these devices, which is called intra‐EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility). This type of the EMI issue would be often derived from a steep transient electric near field generated by less than 1 kV spark discharges between micro‐gaps. To clarify the characteristics of such electric near field, therefore, an optical electric field probe, which does not disturb any electromagnetic fields to be measured, has been used to measure the transient electric field caused by a micro‐gap spark when charged metal spheres collide, while it is not fully understood whether or not the probe output precisely responds to the transient electric field in the vicinity of the discharge point. In this study, the measured waveforms of the above‐mentioned electric field are verified by comparison with the electrostatic field theoretically derived from image charges and the transient electric field calculated from an image dipole charge model combining a spark resistance law. The result reveals that at a distance near the discharge point the optical field probe does not properly work due to the presence of the electrostatic field, whereas the transient electric field at a distance away from more than twice the diameter of metal spheres from the discharge point can be correctly measured because of sufficient attenuation of the electrostatic field component.
A threefold difference in plant growth response to nitrogen addition between the laboratory and field experiments
Authors: Xu Xiaoni , Yan Liming , Xia Jianyang
Published: January 2019

Quantifying the magnitude of plant response to nitrogen (N) addition is critical in improving our understanding of vegetation productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous studies under both the laboratory (hereafter lab) and field conditions have shown significant increases in plant growth by N addition. However, differences exist when we integrate or compare the results between N‐addition experiments under the lab and field conditions. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis on observations from 139 field and 127 lab experiments to identify their differences and similarities in the N response of plant growth. Overall, there was a threefold difference in the N effect on plant biomass between the lab (+63.1%) and field (+22.2%) experiments. The magnitude of the lab–field difference varied among plant categories and plant tissues. For example, the larger N effect in the lab than field conditions was about twofold for the herbaceous plant but fourfold for the woody species. Furthermore, the N‐induced increase in biomass was allocated more to above‐ground parts in the field but equally to above‐ and below‐ground parts under the lab conditions. We further showed that these differences were jointly attributed to the differential abiotic (i.e., environmental condition and N application methods) and biotic (i.e., interspecific interaction, age, and functional types) factors under these two experimental conditions. These findings highlight more attention should be paid when the results from the lab experiments are translated to understand the N response of the natural plants.
The trophic ecology of a desert river fish assemblage: influence of season and hydrologic variability
Authors: Behn Kathrine E. , Baxter Colden V.
Published: January 2019

Foodweb analyses can provide insight as to how species persist in naturally dynamic environments and how these communities may respond to anthropogenic alteration. In the remaining undammed rivers of the arid southwestern United States, it is thought that plasticity in feeding behavior allows native fishes to thrive in the context of natural fluctuations in temperature, sediment, and resource availability associated with extreme swings in season and hydrology. There have been few evaluations of this hypothesis, in part owing to the rarity of rivers that retain their natural environmental dynamics and complement of native species. We investigated the feeding ecology of the fish assemblage of one such river, the Little Colorado River, Arizona, focusing on four native species: bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), and endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). Over two years, we sampled fish diets in July, September, January, March, and June, encompassing turbid and clear‐water conditions across seasons. We quantified food resource contributions to fish diets in fish‐centered food webs, comparing diversity of trophic linkages and linkage‐strength distribution across time. We used ordination analyses to investigate differences in diets among species and changes in diet composition across seasons and conducted seasonal comparisons of gut fullness. We observed a high diversity of dietary items (as absolute numbers and consumer–resource ratios) within a fish assemblage that was apparently resistant to extreme and recurrent environmental variability. Fish diet diversity was ~2× that of the nearby dammed Colorado River's tailwater, and over 50% of fish‐resource linkages were weak (<1% of species’ diet). Native fishes consumed a mix of terrestrial and aquatic resources. Notably, the water column‐feeding humpback chub consumed the largest percentage of terrestrially derived food items and appeared to capitalize on food resources made available by a summer flash flood, consuming twice as much during this flood than during other seasons (based on gut fullness, corrected by estimates of food quality). Other fishes exhibited similar dietary variation. Such opportunist/generalist strategies, coupled with diverse food resources, may be important to the persistence of these and other native fishes in dynamic environments.
Silver Nanowires Contained Nanofluids with Enhanced Optical Absorption and Thermal Transportation Properties
Authors: Zhu Dahai , Huang Guiwen , Zhang Liye , He Yan , Xie Huaqing , Yu Wei
Published: January 2019

Two kinds of silver nanowires (100 nm in diameter, 20 μm and 100 μm in length) are prepared. The thermo‐physical characteristics, viscosity, and photothermal conversion performance of the silver nanowires (AgNWs) contained ethylene glycol nanofluids are investigated in detail. It is found that thermal conductivity of 100 μm AgNWs contained nanofluids is higher than that of 20 μm AgNWs with the same diameters of 100 nm. Viscosity test shows that the nanofluid is a Newtonian fluid, and the longer silver nanowires, the greater viscosity. In addition, photothermal conversion efficiency of silver nanowires contained nanofluid is studied. We can observe that the 100 μm AgNWs contained nanofluid has a higher photothermal conversion efficiency than that containing 20 μm AgNWs. Moreover, we find that there is a certain correlation between heat transfer and photothermal conversion of nanofluid. It demonstrates that the high heat transfer property of nanofluid will benefit for its photothermal conversion efficiency and the mechanism is proposed. This work provides a new idea to improve photothermal conversion efficiency. We can choose materials with high thermal conductivity and strong light absorption ability to enhance the photothermal conversion performance of nanofluids.
A Microporous Zirconium Metal‐Organic Framework Based on trans‐Aconitic Acid for Selective Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Wang Sujing , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Martineau‐Corcos Charlotte , Maurin Guillaume , Serre Christian
Published: January 2019

The discovery of naturally occurring linker‐based zirconium MOFs with permanent porosity and accessible functional groups remains a challenge. Using trans‐aconitic acid to assemble with Zr6 oxoclusters under green and scalable conditions, a novel microporous Zr‐aconitate framework has been prepared successfully with a high space‐time yield. This MOF is isostructural to the previously reported Zr‐fumarate, however with a smaller pore size and an abundant concentration of free acetic acid functional groups. This MOF shows an excellent chemical stability under various conditions, including boiling water, concentrated acids, and basic solution with pH below 12. Furthermore, this compound not only shows a higher carbon dioxide uptake compared to the Zr‐fumarate analogue but also exhibits a notably enhanced adsorptive selectivity for carbon dioxide over nitrogen in the entire pressure range.
Crystal Structures of Photochemically Prepared (Xe2F11)2(MF6) (M = Sn, Pb) and (XeF5)4(Sn5F24) Containing Six‐ and Seven‐Coordinated Tin(IV)
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny
Published: January 2019

Single crystals of [Xe2F11]2[SnF6], [Xe2F11]2[PbF6], and [XeF5]4[Sn5F24] were grown from saturated aHF solutions upon crystallizations. The crystal structures of isotypic [Xe2F11]2[SnF6] and [Xe2F11]2[PbF6] consist of [Xe2F11]+ cations and [MF6]2– anions (M = Sn, Pb) that interact by means of fluorine bridge contacts. The single crystal structure determination of [XeF5]4[Sn5F24] reveals that it is built of two‐dimensional ([Sn5F24]4–)∞ grids and [XeF5]+ cations located between them. The 2D grids have a wave‐like conformation. The ([Sn5F24]4–)∞ layer contains, both, six‐ and seven‐coordinated Sn(IV) interconnected by bridging fluorine atoms. The coordination of Sn(IV) by seven fluorine atoms is unprecedented. Attempts to synthesize and grow single crystals of the [XeF5][MF5] (M = Zr, Hf, Ni, Pd) compounds failed.
A Phenylalanine Derivative Containing a 4‐Pyridine Group Can Construct Both Single Crystals and a Selective Cu‐Ag Bimetallohydrogel
Authors: Wei Chuan‐Wan , Wang Xiao‐Juan , Gao Shu‐Qin , Wen Ge‐Bo , Lin Ying‐Wu
Published: January 2019

Metallohydrogels are attractive biomaterials, whereas formation of a selective bimetallogel in aqueous solution has rarely been explored. In this study, we show that a phenylalanine derivative containing a 4‐pyridine group can not only assemble to form single crystals with copper acetate, but also selectively generate a Cu‐Ag bimetallohydrogel upon further addition of silver nitrate, which exhibits excellent multi‐responsiveness. This study represents a novel example of a selective bimetallohydrogel in aqueous solution, which provides insights into the formation of a bimetallohydrogel and clues for future design of more functional biomaterials.
Influence of Cathodic Pretreatment in the Electrocatalytic Properties PANI Modified Electrodes
Authors: Barbosa Nathália V. , Troiani Estela P. , Silva Quésia G. , Afonso André S. , Faria Ronaldo C.
Published: January 2019

Herein, we reported the detection of dopamine (DA) based on use of a cathodically pretreated polyaniline (PANI) modified electrode. The PANI electrode presents a remarkable change in their electrocatalytic properties after a simple cathodic pretreatment, which consisted in applying a potential of −0.7 V for 3 s. While the as‐prepared PANI shows no electrochemical response for DA, the cathodically pretreated PANI presented reversible electrochemical responses with well‐defined anodic and cathodic peaks. The electrochemical behavior of DA at the PANI electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the anodic peak currents increased proportionally to the DA concentration, displaying a linear relationship in the concentration range of 0.11 to 1.75×10−4 M with a detection limit of 13.7 μM (3 σ/slope). Recovery studies in pharmaceutical formulations presented values between 98 % and 104 %. The cathodically pretreated PANI electrode was successfully applied for DA detection in real samples of pharmaceutical formulation showing good agreement with spectrometric comparative method. The unexpected easily capability of modulate the electrocatalytic properties of the electropolymerized PANI film using a simple pretreatement was successfully demonstrated. The cathodically pretreatment PANI electrode showed electrochemical responses for DA with excellent selectivity, sensitivity, and high stability.
Spatial Confinement Effects of Microcapsule Catalyst for Improved Coking‐ and Sintering‐Resistant Behaviors Toward CO2 Reforming of Methane Reaction
Authors: Han Bing , Amoo Cederick Cyril , Zhang Guihua , Cheng Shilin , Mazonde Brighton , Javed Mudassar , Gai Xikun , Lu Chengxue , Yang Ruiqin , Xing Chuang
Published: January 2019

The CO2 dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction is an important technology with high prospects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously producing syngas for industrial usage. To date, the lack of an effective catalyst for the reaction has inhibited its commercialization. The coking and sintering behaviors of the catalysts are key factors for commercial production of syngas from DRM reaction. A microcapsule catalyst prepared by sol–gel method with Ni/ZSM‐5 as core and amorphous SiO2 as shell is successfully synthesized. The characterizations of the catalysts are analyzed using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), NH3 temperature programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), and thermogravimetry & differential scanning calorimetry (TGA‐DSC). The spatial confinement of the Ni metal particles between the SiO2 shell and ZSM‐5 suppresses Ni particles aggregation by strengthening the interaction between Ni particles and ZSM‐5 core. The coking‐resistant ability is equally improved. The capsule catalysts isolate the contact between the carbon deposits and the nickel active centre, thus improving the activity of the catalysts. 10Ni/ZSM‐5@SiO2 emerged superior in activity in comparison to other catalysts.
Exergy analysis of a hybrid solar‐fossil fuel power plant
Authors: Vakilabadi M. Akbari , Bidi Mokhtar , Najafi A.F. , Ahmadi Mohammad H.
Published: January 2019

In this study, exergy analysis, energy analysis, and mathematical modeling are performed in a 35 MW solar‐fossil fuel power plant. The losses of exergy and energy in different components and also changes of the efficiency of exergy and energy are analyzed at a specific day, 20th June. The assumed power plant in this study is Solar Electric Generating Station VI (SEGS VI), located in California's Mojave Desert. A parametric study, under different working conditions, including different working pressures, temperatures, collector output temperature, steam flow rate, and heat transfer fluid (HTF) flow rate is studied and the effect of variation of parameters on the performance of the plant is investigated. Authors found that, the maximum exergy loss happens in the collector and the maximum energy loss occurs in the condenser. Energy analysis shows that 47% of the total loss energy in the cycle happens in the condenser, as the main component that wastes energy. From exergy analysis, the collector and then boiler are the main components wasting exergy where 68.32% of total exergy loss occurs in these two components in hybrid mode (solar‐fossil fuel). Exergy and Energy efficiency variations throughout the day show that minimum exergy efficiency (32.7%) and maximum energy efficiency (23%) occurs at 12 am. Exergy efficiency variation versus turbine inlet pressure shows that the maximum exergy efficiency (26%) accure at 95 bar. The changes of the absorbed heat and solar irradiation of the 20th of June shows a good agreement with the measured data in validated reference.
Effects of processing method on chemical compositions and nutritional quality of ready‐to‐eat sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)
Authors: Li Meng , Qi Yanxia , Mu Lin , Li Zhibo , Zhao Qiancheng , Sun Jing , Jiang Qinghua
Published: January 2019

The effect of commercial processing methods on the nutritional value of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicas was examined in this study. RTE sea cucumber products named RTE‐T and RTE‐V were prepared by two commercial methods, traditional processing, and vacuum cooking, respectively. Proximate, polysaccharide and mineral element composition, amino acid profiles, and true retention values of RTE sea cucumber products were evaluated and compared. Both commercial processing methods significantly changed the nutrient composition in RTE products, except that of Zn and Cu. Comparison of true retention values among RTE products showed that novel commercial method of vacuum cooking resulted in lower nutrient loss and had a shorter processing time than traditional processing. However, soaking after vacuum cooking significantly increased the nutrient loss of RTE sea cucumber. Therefore, vacuum cooking without soaking may be a promising alternative for producing RTE sea cucumber products with high nutritional quality.
Depths and spreads in futures markets: Relationship with order execution, submission, and cancellation
Authors: Frino Alex , Kovačević Ognjen , Mollica Vito
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the relationship between limit order submissions and liquidity. We find that there is a negative relationship between the limit order arrival rate and the depth at the best quotes (limit order queue length) and a positive relationship between submissions and bid–ask spreads. This is consistent with queuing theory, which predicts that an increase in the limit order arrival rate increases the queue length and the time to execution of a limit order. Consequently, limit order traders cover the increase in costs and risks associated with the increase in the time to execution of limit orders by increasing bid–ask spread.
Comprehensive molecular and clinicopathological analysis of vascular malformations: A study of 319 cases
Authors: Ten Broek Roel W. , Eijkelenboom Astrid , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , Kamping Eveline J. , Kets Marleen , Verhoeven Bas H. , Grünberg Katrien , Schultze Kool Leo J. , Tops Bastiaan B. J. , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J. L. , Flucke Uta
Published: January 2019

Vascular malformations are part of overgrowth syndromes characterized by somatic mosaic mutations or rarely by germline mutations. Due to their similarities and diversity, clinicopathological classification can be challenging. A comprehensive targeted Next Generation Sequencing screen using Unique Molecular Identifiers with a technical sensitivity of 1% mutant alleles was performed for frequently mutated positions in ≥21 genes on 319 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. In 132 out of 319 cases pathogenic mosaic mutations were detected affecting genes previously linked to vascular malformations e.g. PIK3CA (n=80), TEK (TIE2) (n=11), AKT1 (n=1), GNAQ (n=7), GNA11 (n=4), IDH1 (n=3), KRAS (n=9), and NRAS (n=1). Six cases harbored a combination of mutations in PIK3CA and in GNA11 (n=2), GNAQ (n=2), or IDH1 (n=2). Aberrations in PTEN and RASA1 with a variant allele frequency approaching 50% suggestive of germline origin were identified in six out of 102 cases tested; four contained a potential second hit at a lower allele frequency. Ninety‐one of the total 142 pathogenic mutations were present at a variant allele frequency <10% illustrating the importance of sensitive molecular analysis. Clinicopathological characteristics showed a broad spectrum and overlap when correlated with molecular data. Sensitive screening of recurrently mutated genes in vascular malformations may help to confirm the diagnosis and reveals potential therapeutic options with a significant contribution of PIK3CA/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathway mutations. The co‐existence of two activating pathogenic mutations in parallel pathways illustrates potential treatment challenges and underlines the importance of multigene testing. Detected germline mutations have major clinical impact.
Small Dense Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Bilal , Arshad Tamoore , Patel Samarth , Lee Emily , Albhaisi Somaya , Sanyal Arun J. , Stravitz R. Todd , Driscoll Carolyn , Sterling Richard K. , Reichman Trevor , Bhati Chandra , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation (LT). Although LT is associated with dyslipidemia, particularly atherogenic lipoprotein subparticles, the impact of these subparticles on CVD‐related events is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of small dense (sdLDL‐C) low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL‐C) on CVD events. Prospectively enrolled patients (N = 130) had detailed lipid profile consisting of traditional lipid parameters and sdLDL‐C and were followed for CVD events. The primary endpoint was a CVD composite consisting of myocardial infarction (MI), angina, need for coronary revascularization, and cardiac death. Mean age of the cohort was 58 ± 11 years, and the most common etiology of liver disease (LD) was hepatitis C virus (N = 48) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (N = 23). A total of 20 CVD events were noted after median follow‐up of 45 months. The baseline traditional profile was similar in patients with and without CVD events. A serum LDL‐C cutoff of 100 mg/dL was unable to identify individuals at risk of a CVD event (P = 0.86). In contrast, serum concentration of atherogenic sdLDL‐C >25 mg/dL was predictive of CVD events with a hazard ratio of 6.376 (95% confidence interval, 2.65, 15.34; P < 0.001). This relationship was independent of diabetes, hypertension, sex, ethnicity, LD, obesity, and statin use. Conclusion: sdLDL‐C independently predicted CVD events whereas LDL‐C did not. Thus, sdLDL‐C may provide a useful clinical tool in risk stratifying and managing patients after LT.
The Senses of Birth intervention to decrease cesarean and prematurity rates in Brazil
Authors: Lansky Sônia , Oliveira Bernardo J. , Peixoto Eliane R.M. , Souza Kleyde V. , Fernandes Luísa M.M. , Friche Amélia A.L.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To increase knowledge and promote cultural change toward valuing normal birth, and to lower rates of cesarean and unnecessary interventions during childbirth in Brazil via the Senses of Birth (SoB) exhibition.

Methods

The SoB intervention targeted 22 621 participants in three Brazilian cities in 2015. The effects of the exhibition in knowledge, perceptions, and preferences regarding childbirth were analyzed in a multi‐method study. Pre‐ and post‐exhibition survey responses of 17 501 (77.0%) visitors, 1947 (8.6%) non‐pregnant women, and all pregnant women (n=1287) were collected at the exhibition. A follow‐up survey was completed by 555 (43.0%) postpartum women who had participated at SoB while pregnant. Univariate analyses were used to compare before and after changes.

Results

There was a significant increase in knowledge about normal birth, varying from 10.0% to 25.0% among general visitors (P<0.001) and 27.3% to 42.0% among pregnant women (P<0.001). Perceptions and preferences for normal birth also changed, reaching 83.0% of general visitors and 87.4% of pregnant women.

Conclusion

SoB was found to effectively improve knowledge about and preference for normal birth. Scaling‐up the intervention might contribute to cultural change toward valuing normal birth, and might decrease the rate of unnecessary cesarean and premature birth in Brazil.
Ameliorating the antimicrobial resistance crisis: phage therapy
Authors: Saha Dibya , Mukherjee Raju
Published: January 2019

Propelled by the overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance is now widespread in the environment, leaving us with limited drugs for treating a large number of resistant pathogens. The use of bacteriophages that kill bacteria has come up as a viable alternative to circumvent the antimicrobial resistance crisis, and phage therapy‐based approaches are fast advancing in recent times. In this minireview, we try to describe the advantages associated with phage therapy and update the latest developments in the field including the clinical trials that are underway. Particularly, we highlight the synergistic bactericidal effect of phages in the presence of sub‐lethal dose of antibiotics and the potency of lytic phages, and their hydrolytic enzymes in expunging pathogens from drug‐tolerant biofilms and animal farm produce. We also discuss how major challenges, including human immune response to phage components, development of bacterial resistance and elimination of intracellular pathogens, presented as potential setbacks to the implementation of phage therapy is being removed using engineered phages and novel formulations. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019
Bone regeneration using three‐dimensional hexahedron channel structured BCP block in rabbit calvarial defects
Authors: Pae Hyung‐Chul , Kang Joo‐Hyun , Cha Jae‐Kook , Lee Jung‐Seok , Paik Jeong‐Won , Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bone regeneration and volume maintenance of the three‐dimensional (3D) structured biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block with porous hexahedron channels in a rabbit calvarial model. In this work, four circular defects (diameter: 8 mm) in calvarium of rabbits were randomly assigned to (1) negative control (control), (2) 3D hexahedron channel structured BCP block, (3) deproteinized bovine bone mineral particle, and (4) deproteinized porcine bone mineral particle. Animals were euthanized at 2 (n = 5) and 8 weeks (n = 5). Outcome measures included micro‐computed tomography (CT) and histomorphometrical analysis. Results indicated that in micro‐CT, BCP group showed the highest new bone volume with significant difference compared to control (p = 0.008) at 8 weeks. Histomorphometrically, total augmented area of BCP group was the highest with significant difference compared to control (p = 0.008) at 8 weeks. BCP group also maintained total volume of the original defect without collapsing. BCP block with 3D hexahedron channel structure seems to have favorable osteogenic and volume maintaining ability and highly porous structure might attribute to new bone formation. Further studies regarding the optimal internal structure and porosity of the BCP block bone substitute are needed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2254–2262, 2019.
BMN 673 (talazoparib): A potent PARP inhibitor for triple negative breast cancer with different genetic profile
Authors: Guney Eskiler Gamze , Cecener Gulsah , Egeli Unal , Tunca Berrin
Published: January 2019

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of BMN 673 (talozoparib) on BRCA1 mutant (HCC1937) and wild‐type (MDA‐MB‐231) triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The in vitro cytotoxicity results indicated that BMN 673 had considerable inhibitory effects on HCC1937 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines by inducing apoptosis, multicaspase activity, G2/M arrest, and altering the expression levels of apoptosis‐related genes (P < 0.01). Additionally, BMN 673 indicated no toxicity on MCF‐10A control cells until a certain concentration and incubation time. However, BMN 673, a novel and selective poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor, was more potent in TNBC cells bearing BRCA1 mutant than those with wild‐type BRCA1. In conclusion, our study, for the first time, demonstrated a molecular mechanism of the induction of apoptosis by BMN 673 in TNBC with different genetic profile. However, further investigations regarding the exact molecular mechanisms underlying BMN 673‐inducing apoptotic death and gene‐cell line associations are required.