bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of concurrent chemoradiation therapy to the base of tongue in a preclinical model
Authors: Benedict Peter A. , Ruiz Ryan , Verma Avanti , Dion Gregory R. , Oh Philmo , Wang Binhuan , Ahmed Omar H. , Hiwatashi Nao , Bing Renjie , Victor Kristen , Hu Kenneth S. , Johnson Aaron , Branski Ryan C. , Amin Milan R.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a clinically relevant model of oropharyngeal concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) in order to quantify the effects of CCRT on tongue function and structure. CCRT for advanced oropharyngeal cancer commonly leads to tongue base dysfunction and dysphagia. However, no preclinical models currently exist to study the pathophysiology of CCRT‐related morbidity, thereby inhibiting the development of targeted therapeutics.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Twenty‐one male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: 2 week (2W), 5 month (5M), and control (C). The 2W and 5M animals received cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, and five fractions of 7 Gy to the tongue base; the C animals received no intervention. In vivo tongue strength and displacement, as well as hyoglossus muscle collagen content, were assessed. Analyses were conducted 2 weeks or 5 months following completion of CCRT in the 2W and 5M groups, respectively.

Results

Peak tetanic and twitch tongue forces were significantly reduced in both 2W and 5M animals compared to controls (tetanic: P = .0041, P = .0089, respectively; twitch: P = .0201, P = .0020, respectively). Twitch half‐decay time was prolonged in 2W animals compared to controls (P = .0247). Tongue displacement was significantly reduced across all testing parameters in 5M animals compared to both the C and 2W groups. No differences in collagen content were observed between experimental groups.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to describe a preclinical model of CCRT to the head and neck with an emphasis on clinical relevance. Tongue strength decreased at 2 weeks and 5 months post‐CCRT. Tongue displacement increased only at 5 months post‐CCRT. Fibrosis was not detected, implicating alternative causative factors for these findings.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 1783–1790, 2018
Intranasal tissue necrosis associated with opioid abuse: Case report and systematic review
Authors: Morrison Danielle A. , Wise Sarah K. , DelGaudio John M. , Chowdhury Naweed I. , Levy Joshua M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Opioid abuse is a common disorder affecting over 2 million Americans. Intranasal tissue necrosis is a previously described sequela of nasal opioid inhalation, with a similar presentation to invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS). The goal of this case report and systematic review is to evaluate the evidence supporting this uncommon disease, with qualitative analysis of the presentation, management and treatment outcomes.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Review Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines were utilized to identify English‐language studies reporting intranasal mucosal injury associated with prescription opioid abuse. Primary outcomes included clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

Results

Systematic review identified 61 patients for qualitative analysis. Common clinical features include facial pain without a history of chronic sinusitis or known immunodeficiency. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed superficial debris with underlying tissue necrosis, consistent with a preliminary diagnosis of IFRS. Characteristic pathologic findings include mucosal ulceration with an overlying acellular substrate, often with polarizable material. Fungal colonization is often reported, with several accounts of angiocentric invasion in immunocompetent patients. Complete symptom resolution is expected following surgical debridement with cessation of intranasal opioid inhalation, with 89% of identified patients experiencing a complete resolution of disease.

Conclusion

Intranasal opioid abuse is a prevalent condition associated with chronic pain and tissue necrosis that is clinically concerning for invasive fungal disease. Whereas IFRS must be excluded, even in patients without known immunodeficiency, complete resolution of symptoms can be expected following surgical debridement with cessation of opioid abuse. Laryngoscope, 1767–1771, 2018
Detailed Analysis of Pancreatic Tumor Cell Attachment on Gradient PDEGMA Brushes
Authors: Großhans Sabine , Lilge Inga , Schönherr Holger
Published: December 2017

Poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA) brushes show interesting thermoresponsive behavior that can be applied for cell release surfaces. Here it is shown that PDEGMA thickness gradients, which are synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, allow the systematic and precise analysis of the attachment of PaTu 8988 cells. By pumping the polymerization solution into the reactor with vertically fixed initiator samples, PDEGMA gradients with linearly increasing dry ellipsometric thickness with typical slopes of 2.5 nm cm−1 are obtained. A very narrow transition of PaTu 8988t cell attachment is observed that starts for a thickness larger than 7.1 ± 0.2 nm. For PDEGMA layers thicker than 8.7 ± 0.2 nm no attached cells are found. This very narrow transition in brush properties within a thickness difference of <2 nm from cell‐adherent to cell‐nonadherent can be determined in much greater detail than before owing to the thickness gradients with shallow slope.
Effect of cold working on oxidation behavior and nature of oxide film formed on carbon steel
Authors: Dubey Vivekanand , Roychowdhury Supratik , Kain Vivekanand
Published: December 2017

Carbon steel is extensively used as a structural material in the secondary circuit of nuclear reactors. During fabrication of components such as elbows, T‐joint, expander/reducer, etc., the material is subjected to cold working. Aim of this study is to systematically investigate the effect of cold working on the oxidation behavior of carbon steel in alkaline environment at high temperature and pressure. Specimens from cold worked (up to 30%) carbon steel samples were oxidized in an autoclave at 270 °C for durations of up to 240 h in water of pH25 °C 10–10.2 obtained by adding lithium hydroxide. Oxidation rate, as calculated by weight gain, increased with extent of cold working. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance measurements were done in a borate buffer solution of pH 9.2 at room temperature, to characterize the oxide film formed on cold worked specimens. Impedance measurement followed by Mott–Schottky analysis showed that the defect density in the oxide increased with extent of cold working. Detailed examination established that the type and size of crystallites formed on the outermost oxide layer was the same irrespective of the extent of cold working.
Influence of de‐icing salt chemistry on the corrosion behavior of AA6016
Authors: Schoukens Ine , Cavezza Francesca , Cerezo Jose , Vandenberghe Véronique , Gudla Visweswara C. , Ambat Rajan
Published: December 2017

De‐icing salts are commonly used on European roads during winter and are usually based on chlorides of sodium, magnesium, or calcium. The salt selection depends on the local climate and legislation. Therefore, the chemical composition of the de‐icing mixture can be very different within Europe. This represents an important challenge for the automotive industry as the corrosion behavior of automotive parts is intricately linked to the chemistry of the road environment. Furthermore, the use of aluminium alloys in the automotive industry increases due to a constant search for weight reduction. Till now, most of the corrosion studies on aluminium alloys in chloride based solutions have only been focused on sodium chloride. In this study, the effect of different chloride based salts on the corrosion of AA6016 was investigated. For that purpose, potentiodynamic polarization measurements were combined with surface analysis by SEM‐EDS and depth profiling using GDOES. Salts based on sodium and calcium showed similar effects on the corrosion behavior of AA6016 while the magnesium based salt reduced the corrosion rate. Mixture of sodium and magnesium based salts increased the corrosive attack.
Autoacceleration in Bulk Free‐Radical Polymerization: Effect of Chain Transfer
Authors: Victoria‐Valenzuela David , Herrera‐Ordonez Jorge , Ricardo Cristy L. Azanza , Estévez Miriam
Published: December 2017

The model and methodology for estimating diffusion‐controlled rate coefficients for the methyl methacrylate polymerization system reported in Parts I and II of this series is extended to include the chain transfer reaction to an agent (CTA). Theoretical and experimental results exhibit minima in the rate of polymerization curves at low conversions as it is observed in the absence of CTA. Such minima are proposed to be the onset of the autoacceleration effect where the termination reaction undergoes a transition from chemically controlled to diffusion controlled where the segmental mobility of the chain ends plays a key role. As the CTA concentration increases, the conversion at which the minimum is presented is higher and the autoacceleration is less pronounced. This behavior is explained in terms of the effect of polymer chain entanglements and segmental mobility of the chain ends on the termination rate coefficient k
t.
A recursion theoretic characterization of the Topological Vaught Conjecture in the Zermelo‐Fraenkel set theory
Authors: Gregoriades Vassilios
Published: December 2017

We prove a recursion theoretic characterization of the Topological Vaught Conjecture in the Zermelo‐Fraenkel set theory by using tools from effective descriptive set theory and by revisiting the result of Miller that orbits in Polish G‐spaces are Borel sets.
Tunable Drug Loading and Reinforcement of Polycaprolactone Films by Means of Electrospun Nanofibers of Glycolide Segmented Copolymers
Authors: Márquez Yolanda , Franco Lourdes , Turon Pau , del Valle Luís J. , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: December 2017

Electrospinning of a segmented copolymer having polyglycolide hard segments is successfully performed from 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropanol solutions. During the process, a bactericidal agent, i.e., chlorhexidine (CHX), is effectively loaded, which results in nanofibers with a smaller diameter because of the change in solution conductivity. New fabrics based on molding of alternate layers of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) films and the electrospun scaffolds of the segmented copolymer are prepared and characterized. The thermal molding process renders a PCL matrix homogeneously reinforced with nanofibers that compensate for the loss of mechanical properties caused by incorporation of CHX. Release of CHX is evaluated in different media. Results vary depending on the layer where the drug is incorporated. Thus, systems with an immediate bacteriostatic effect, as well as systems with a potential long term antimicrobial effect, are obtained. Growth inhibition and adhesion assays demonstrate the fast bactericidal effect of samples with CHX loaded in its outer layers.
Structural Evolution of PCL during Melt Extrusion 3D Printing
Authors: Liu Fengyuan , Vyas Cian , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan , Pape Ian , Hinduja Sri , Mirihanage Wajira , Bartolo Paulo
Published: December 2017

Screw‐assisted material extrusion technique is developed for tissue engineering applications to produce scaffolds with well‐defined multiscale microstructural features and tailorable mechanical properties. In this study, in situ time‐resolved synchrotron diffraction is employed to probe extrusion‐based 3D printing of polycaprolactone (PCL) filaments. Time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction measurements reveals the progress of overall crystalline structural evolution of PCL during 3D printing. Particularly, in situ experimental observations provide strong evidence for the development of strong directionality of PCL crystals during the extrusion driven process. Results also show the evidence for the realization of anisotropic structural features through the melt extrusion‐based 3D printing, which is a key development toward mimicking the anisotropic properties and hierarchical structures of biological materials in nature, such as human tissues.
The ropAe gene encodes a porin‐like protein involved in copper transit in Rhizobium etli CFN42
Authors: González‐Sánchez Antonio , Cubillas Ciro A. , Miranda Fabiola , Dávalos Araceli , García‐de los Santos Alejandro
Published: December 2017

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all aerobic forms of life. Its oxidation states (Cu+/Cu2+) make this metal an important cofactor of enzymes catalyzing redox reactions in essential biological processes. In gram‐negative bacteria, Cu uptake is an unexplored component of a finely regulated trafficking network, mediated by protein–protein interactions that deliver Cu to target proteins and efflux surplus metal to avoid toxicity. Rhizobium etliCFN42 is a facultative symbiotic diazotroph that must ensure its appropriate Cu supply for living either free in the soil or as an intracellular symbiont of leguminous plants. In crop fields, rhizobia have to contend with copper‐based fungicides. A detailed deletion analysis of the pRet42e (505 kb) plasmid from an R. etli mutant with enhanced CuCl2 tolerance led us to the identification of the ropAe gene, predicted to encode an outer membrane protein (OMP) with a β–barrel channel structure that may be involved in Cu transport. In support of this hypothesis, the functional characterization of ropAe revealed that: (I) gene disruption increased copper tolerance of the mutant, and its complementation with the wild‐type gene restored its wild‐type copper sensitivity; (II) the ropAe gene maintains a low basal transcription level in copper overload, but is upregulated when copper is scarce; (III) disruption of ropAe in an actP (copA) mutant background, defective in copper efflux, partially reduced its copper sensitivity phenotype. Finally, BLASTP comparisons and a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis highlight the diversification of four RopA paralogs in members of the Rhizobiaceae family. Orthologs of RopAe are highly conserved in the Rhizobiales order, poorly conserved in other alpha proteobacteria and phylogenetically unrelated to characterized porins involved in Cu or Mn uptake.
A Novel Antihypertensive Peptide Identified in Thermolysin‐Digested Rice Bran
Authors: Shobako Naohisa , Ogawa Yutaro , Ishikado Atsushi , Harada Kayo , Kobayashi Etsuko , Suido Hirohisa , Kusakari Takashi , Maeda Mariko , Suwa Makoto , Matsumoto Motonobu , Kanamoto Ryuhei , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: December 2017

Scope

Hypertension is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis. In this study, we investigate the antihypertensive effect of protease‐digested rice bran in a spontaneously hypertension rat (SHR) model. We also purify a novel antihypertensive peptide from the digest.

Methods and results

Thermolysin‐digested rice bran (TRB) is administered to SHRs for 4 weeks, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly using the tail‐cuff method. TRB shows an antihypertensive effect in a dose‐dependent manner. TRB also reduces angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity in lung tissue and serum troponin I levels. TRB is fractionated by HPLC and ACE‐inhibitory activity in the HPLC fractions is measured. Peptides LRA and YY are identified from the two fractions with the strongest ACE‐inhibitory activity. Amino acid sequence of these peptides are found in a vicilin‐like seed storage protein, and identified in rice bran protein using the peptide mass fingerprint method. We confirm that LRA and YY are cleaved by thermolysin digestion of a model synthetic peptide. Orally administered LRA (0.25 mg kg−1) or YY (0.5 mg kg−1) lowers the SBP of SHRs at 4 h after administration.

Conclusion

We identify a novel, orally active antihypertensive peptide, LRA from the digest of rice bran protein.
Radial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a rotating radiofrequency (RF) coil at 9.4 T
Authors: Li Mingyan , Weber Ewald , Jin Jin , Hugger Thimo , Tesiram Yasvir , Ullmann Peter , Stark Simon , Fuentes Miguel , Junge Sven , Liu Feng , Crozier Stuart
Published: December 2017

The rotating radiofrequency coil (RRFC) has been developed recently as an alternative approach to multi‐channel phased‐array coils. The single‐element RRFC avoids inter‐channel coupling and allows a larger coil element with better B1 field penetration when compared with an array counterpart. However, dedicated image reconstruction algorithms require accurate estimation of temporally varying coil sensitivities to remove artefacts caused by coil rotation. Various methods have been developed to estimate unknown sensitivity profiles from a few experimentally measured sensitivity maps, but these methods become problematic when the RRFC is used as a transceiver coil. In this work, a novel and practical radial encoding method is introduced for the RRFC to facilitate image reconstruction without the measurement or estimation of rotation‐dependent sensitivity profiles. Theoretical analyses suggest that the rotation‐dependent sensitivities of the RRFC can be used to create a uniform profile with careful choice of sampling positions and imaging parameters. To test this new imaging method, dedicated electronics were designed and built to control the RRFC speed and hence positions in synchrony with imaging parameters. High‐quality phantom and animal images acquired on a 9.4 T pre‐clinical scanner demonstrate the feasibility and potential of this new RRFC method.
Body Mass Index and Subjective Social Status: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
Authors: Dhurandhar Emily J. , Pavela Gregory , Kaiser Kathryn A. , Dutton Gareth R. , Fontaine Kevin R. , Kim Daniel , Shikany James M. , Allison David B. , Lewis Cora E.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Subjective social status (SSS), or perceived social status, may explain, in part, the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity. The objective of this study was to test whether SSS mediates the relationship between two indicators of SES (income and education) and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A cross‐sectional, structural equation path analysis was applied to the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (n = 2,624). The analysis tested whether SSS (MacArthur scale), education, and income were associated with BMI at the year 20 examination (adjusting for sex, age, and race), and it was hypothesized that the associations of education and income with BMI would be at least partly mediated by SSS.

Results

SSS had a significant direct effect on BMI (−0.21, P = 0.018). Education had a significant direct relationship with SSS (0.11, P < 0.001) and a small but significant indirect relationship with BMI through SSS (−0.02, P = 0.022). Although income did not have a significant direct relationship with BMI, it did have a significant indirect relationship through SSS (b = −0.05, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Results are consistent with the hypothesized model in which SSS partially mediates the relationship between SES indicators and BMI.
Sex Commonalities and Differences in Obesity‐Related Alterations in Intrinsic Brain Activity and Connectivity
Authors: Gupta Arpana , Mayer Emeran A. , Labus Jennifer S. , Bhatt Ravi R. , Ju Tiffany , Love Aubrey , Bal Amanat , Tillisch Kirsten , Naliboff Bruce , Sanmiguel Claudia P. , Kilpatrick Lisa A.
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study aimed to characterize obesity‐related sex differences in the intrinsic activity and connectivity of the brain's reward networks.

Methods

Eighty‐six women (n = 43) and men (n = 43) completed a 10‐minute resting functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Sex differences and commonalities in BMI‐related frequency power distribution and reward seed‐based connectivity were investigated by using partial least squares analysis.

Results

For whole‐brain activity in both men and women, increased BMI was associated with increased slow‐5 activity in the left globus pallidus (GP) and substantia nigra. In women only, increased BMI was associated with increased slow‐4 activity in the right GP and bilateral putamen. For seed‐based connectivity in women, increased BMI was associated with reduced slow‐5 connectivity between the left GP and putamen and the emotion and cortical regulation regions, but in men, increased BMI was associated with increased connectivity with the medial frontal cortex. In both men and women, increased BMI was associated with increased slow‐4 connectivity between the right GP and bilateral putamen and the emotion regulation and sensorimotor‐related regions.

Conclusions

The stronger relationship between increased BMI and decreased connectivity of core reward network components with cortical and emotion regulation regions in women may be related to the greater prevalence of emotional eating. The present findings suggest the importance of personalized treatments for obesity that consider the sex of the affected individual.
Tissue Sodium Content is Elevated in the Skin and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Women with Lipedema
Authors: Crescenzi Rachelle , Marton Adriana , Donahue Paula M.C. , Mahany Helen B. , Lants Sarah K. , Wang Ping , Beckman Joshua A. , Donahue Manus J. , Titze Jens
Published: December 2017

Objective

To test the hypothesis that tissue sodium and adipose content are elevated in patients with lipedema; if confirmed, this could establish precedence for tissue sodium and adipose content representing a discriminatory biomarker for lipedema.

Methods

Participants with lipedema (n = 10) and control (n = 11) volunteers matched for biological sex, age, BMI, and calf circumference were scanned with 3.0‐T sodium and conventional proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Standardized tissue sodium content was quantified in the calf skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and muscle. Dixon MRI was employed to quantify tissue fat and water volumes of the calf. Nonparametric statistical tests were applied to compare regional sodium content and fat‐to‐water volume between groups (significance: two‐sided P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Skin (P = 0.01) and SAT (P = 0.04) sodium content were elevated in lipedema (skin: 14.9 ± 2.9 mmol/L; SAT: 11.9 ± 3.1 mmol/L) relative to control participants (skin: 11.9 ± 2.0 mmol/L; SAT: 9.4 ± 1.6 mmol/L). Relative fat‐to‐water volume in the calf was elevated in lipedema (1.2 ± 0.48 ratio) relative to control participants (0.63 ± 0.26 ratio; P < 0.001). Skin sodium content was directly correlated with fat‐to‐water volume (Spearman's rho = 0.54; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Internal metrics of tissue sodium and adipose content are elevated in patients with lipedema, potentially providing objective imaging‐based biomarkers for differentially diagnosing the under‐recognized condition of lipedema from obesity.
MiR‐27b‐3p Regulation in Browning of Human Visceral Adipose Related to Central Obesity
Authors: Yu Jing , Lv Yifan , Di Wenjuan , Liu Juan , Kong Xiaocen , Sheng Yunlu , Huang Min , Lv Shan , Qi Hanmei , Gao Mei , Liang Hui , Kim Sarah , Fu Zan , Zhou Hong , Ding Guoxian
Published: December 2017

Objective

Given the rising prevalence of central obesity and the discovery that beige cells appear within white adipose tissue, strategies to enhance these energy‐expending adipocytes or “browning” within white adipose depots have become of therapeutic interest to combat obesity and its associated disorders. This study focused on, the role of microRNA (miRNA)‐27b‐3p in human visceral adipose tissue (VAT) browning.

Methods

Expression of miR‐27b‐3p and UCP1 in VAT and serum of humans was measured. MiR‐27b‐3p was overexpressed or suppressed in human visceral stromal fraction cells to analyze the potential role of miR‐27b‐3p.

Results

UCP1 expression in human VAT decreased with elevated BMI and waist‐hip ratio, whereas expression of miR‐27b‐3p was found to correlate positively with BMI and waist‐hip ratio. High expression of miR‐27b‐3p was associated with reduced browning ability of human visceral adipocytes. Antagonism of miR‐27b‐3p led to the enhancement of browning ability in human visceral adipocytes.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the decreased browning ability of VAT from humans with obesity and the role of miR‐27b‐3p in regulating browning of human visceral adipocytes. They suggest that miR‐27b‐3p should be further explored as a potential target for the treatment of central obesity.
Improved mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with surface‐treated UHMWPE fibers
Authors: Li Weiwei , Huang Momo , Ma Renliang
Published: December 2017

The surface treatment of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber using potassium permanganate and the mechanical properties of its epoxy composites were studied. After treatment, many changes were happened in the fiber surface: more O‐containing groups (―OH, ―C═O, and ―C―O groups), drastically decreased contact angles with water and ethylene glycol, slightly increased melting point and crystallinity, and formed cracks. Different contents (0.1–0.5 wt%) ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fibers/epoxy composites were prepared. The results indicated that the surface treatment decreased the tensile strength of epoxy composites, but increased the bending strength. When the fiber content was 0.3 wt%, the above properties reached the maximum. At the same fiber content, the interlaminar shear strength of the composites was increased by 26.6% up to the as‐received fiber composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites suggested the storage modulus and tanδ were decreased due to the surface treatment. Fractured surface analysis confirmed that the potassium permanganate treatment was effective in improving the interface interaction.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis in Candida albicans Using SILAC‐Based Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kaneva Iliyana N. , Longworth Joseph , Sudbery Peter E. , Dickman Mark J.
Published: December 2017

Stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) in conjunction with MS analysis is a sensitive and reliable technique for quantifying relative differences in protein abundance and posttranslational modifications between cell populations. We develop and utilise SILAC‐MS workflows for quantitative proteomics in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Arginine metabolism provides important cues for escaping host defences during pathogenesis, which limits the use of auxotrophs in Candida research. Our strategy eliminates the need for engineering arginine auxotrophs for SILAC experiments and allows the use of ARG4 as selectable marker during strain construction. Cells that are auxotrophic for lysine are successfully labelled with both lysine and arginine stable isotopes. We find that prototrophic C. albicans preferentially uses exogenous arginine and down‐regulates internal production, which allow it to achieve high incorporation rates. However, similar to other yeast, C. albicans is able to metabolise heavy arginine to heavy proline, which compromised the accuracy of protein quantification. A computational method is developed to correct for the incorporation of heavy proline. In addition, we utilise the developed SILAC labelling in C. albicans for the global quantitative proteomic analysis of a strain expressing a phosphatase‐dead mutant Cdc14PD.
Targeted On‐line SPE‐LC‐MS/MS Assay for the Quantitation of 12 Apolipoproteins from Human Blood
Authors: Dittrich Julia , Adam Melanie , Maas Hilke , Hecht Max , Reinicke Madlen , Ruhaak L. Renee , Cobbaert Christa , Engel Christoph , Wirkner Kerstin , Löffler Markus , Thiery Joachim , Ceglarek Uta
Published: December 2017

Laborious sample pretreatment of biological samples represents the most limiting factor for the translation of targeted proteomics assays from research to clinical routine. An optimized method for the simultaneous quantitation of 12 major apolipoproteins (apos) combining on‐line SPE and fast LC‐MS/MS analysis in 6.5 min total run time was developed, reducing the manual sample pretreatment time of 3 μL serum or plasma by 60%. Within‐run and between‐day imprecisions below 10 and 15% (n = 10) and high recovery rates (94–131%) were obtained applying the high‐throughput setup. High‐quality porcine trypsin was used, which outperformed cost‐effective bovine trypsin regarding digestion efficiency. Comparisons with immunoassays and another LC‐MS/MS assay demonstrated good correlation (Pearson's R: 0.81–0.98). Further, requirements on sample quality concerning sampling, processing, and long‐term storage up to 1 year were investigated revealing significant influences of the applied sampling material and coagulant on quantitation results. Apo profiles of 1339 subjects of the LIFE‐Adult‐Study were associated with lifestyle and physiological parameters as well as establish parameters of lipid metabolism (e.g., triglycerides, cholesterol). Besides gender effects, most significant impact was seen regarding lipid‐lowering medication. In conclusion, this novel highly standardized, high‐throughput targeted proteomics assay utilizes a fast, simultaneous analysis of 12 apos from least sample amounts.
Importance of the RpoE Regulon in Maintaining the Lipid Bilayer during Antimicrobial Treatment with the Polycationic Agent, Chlorhexidine
Authors: Vidovic Sinisa , Medihala Prabhakara , Dynes James J. , Daida Prasad , Vujanovic Vladimir , Hitchcock Adam P. , Shetty Deeksha , Zhang Haixia , Brown David R. , Lawrence John R. , Korber Darren R.
Published: December 2017

The emergence of multidrug resistance in bacteria has reached alarming levels. To solve this growing problem, discovery of novel cellular targets or pathways important for antimicrobial resistance is urgently needed. In this study, we explored how the alternative sigma factor, RpoE, protects Escherichia coli O157 against the toxic effects of the polycationic antimicrobial agent, chlorhexidine (CHX). Susceptibility of this organism to CHX was found to directly correlate to the growth rate, with the faster replicating wild‐type being more susceptible to CHX than its more slowly replicating ΔrpoE O157 mutant. Once the wild‐type and rpoE mutant strains had undergone growth arrest (entered the stationary growth phase), their resistance to CHX became entirely dependent on the functionality of RpoE. The RpoE regulon plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the asymmetric lipid bilayer of E. coli, thereby preventing the intracellular accumulation of CHX. Finally, using a single‐cell, high‐resolution, synchrotron‐based approach, we discovered a subpopulation of the rpoE mutant strain with no detectable intracellular CHX, a predominant characteristic of the wild‐type CHX‐resistant population. This finding reveals a role of phenotypic heterogeneity in antimicrobial resistance.
Combining Phosphoproteomics Datasets and Literature Information to Reveal the Functional Connections in a Cell Phosphorylation Network
Authors: Sacco Francesca , Perfetto Livia , Cesareni Gianni
Published: December 2017

Protein phosphorylation modulates many biological processes. However, the characterization of the complex regulatory circuits underlying cell response to external and internal stimuli is still limited by our inability to describe the phosphorylation network on a global scale. Modern MS‐based phosphoproteomics allows monitoring tens of thousands of phosphorylation sites in multiple conditions, making the approach ideal to explore signaling pathways mediated by phosphorylation. Here, we review recent advances in phosphoproteomics and discuss some of the computational approaches developed to facilitate extraction of signaling information from these datasets. Finally, this review focuses on approaches that integrate prior literature information with unbiased phosphoproteomics experiments.
Taxanes Hybrid Nanovectors: From Design to Physico‐Chemical Evaluation of Docetaxel and Paclitaxel Gold (III)‐PEGylated Complex Nanocarriers
Authors: Marguerit Gwendolyn , Moustaoui Hanane , Haddada Maroua Ben , Djaker Nadia , de la Chapelle Marc Lamy , Spadavecchia Jolanda
Published: December 2017

This study gives an original methodology to synthetize novel metallo‐drugs nanoparticles relevant for medicinal chemistry. Gold (HAuCl4) are complexes with antitumor compounds (paclitaxel (PTX); docetaxel (DTX)) and dicarboxylic acid‐terminated polyethylene‐glycol (PEG) that plays a role of surfactants. The proposed synthesis is fast and leads to hybrid‐metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) in which drug solubility is improved. The interactions between drugs (DTX, PTX), PEG diacid (PEG), and Au (III) ions to form hybrid nanocarriers called DTX IN PEG‐AuNPs and PTX IN PEG‐AuNPs, are characterized by various analytical techniques (Raman and UV–vis spectroscopies) and transmission electron microscopy. The efficient drugs release under pH conditions is also achieved and characterized showing an amazing reversible equilibrium between Au (III)‐complex‐drug and Au0NPs. For therapeutic purposes, such AuNPs are then decorated with the anti‐EGFR polyclonal antibodies, which specifically recognizes the hERG1 channel aberrantly expressed on the membrane of human lung cancer cells. This paper, through an original chemical approach, will occupy an important position in the field of nanomedicine, and hope that novel perspectives will be proposed for the development of high drug‐loading nanomedicines.
Structure and Stability of PEG‐ and Mixed PEG‐Layer‐Coated Nanoparticles at High Particle Concentrations Studied In Situ by Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Schulz Florian , Möller Johannes , Lehmkühler Felix , Smith Andrew J. , Vossmeyer Tobias , Lange Holger , Grübel Gerhard , Schroer Martin A.
Published: December 2017

Ligand‐layer structure and stability of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) coated with α‐methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)‐ω‐(11‐mercaptoundecanoate) (PEGMUA) layers and mixed layers of PEGMUA and 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) at high AuNP concentrations are studied in situ by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The thickness of the ligand layer is modified by the molecular weight of the PEG‐ligands (2 and 5 kDa), and the PEG‐grafting density is decreased by coadsorption of MUA. The response of the conjugates to a pressure of up to 4 kbar is probed. The results indicate strongly hydrated PEG layers at high grafting densities. The stability of the mixed ligand‐layer conjugates is lower. This is most probably due to enhanced interparticle PEG–PEG interactions at lower grafting densities. The presented study demonstrates that a detailed structural characterization of polymer ligand layers in situ and in response to external stimuli is possible with SAXS.
A Macroscopically Relevant 3D‐Metrology Approach for Nanocatalysis Research
Authors: López‐Haro Miguel , Tinoco Miguel , Fernández‐Garcia Susana , Chen Xiaowei , Hungria Ana Belén , Cauqui Miguel Ángel , Calvino José Juan
Published: December 2017

A 3D nanometrological approach, which considers as an unbiased validation criterion the quantitative match between values of properties determined by macroscopic characterization techniques and those determined from the nanoscopic results, is developed to unveil the details of complex nanocatalysts. This approach takes into account both the peculiar characteristics of this type of materials and the large influence of noise in the tilt series. It combines, in an optimized way, the latest experimental developments in high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy mode (HAADF‐STEM) tomography, such as batch tomography, image denoising by undecimated wavelet transforms, improved reconstructions by total variation minimization and a more efficient, user‐independent, segmentation scheme. To illustrate the use of this novel approach, the 3D structural characterization of a model nanocatalyst comprising gold nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of CeO2 nanocubes is performed, and the obtained results used to compute the values of different macroscopic chemical and textural properties. Comparison with values obtained by macroscopic characterization techniques match very closely those obtained by 3D nanometrology. Importantly, the new approach described in this work also illustrates a pipeline for nearly fully automated HAADF‐STEM tomography studies, guaranteeing reliable correlations between nanoscopic and macroscopic properties.
Understanding TGEV–ETEC Coinfection through the Lens of Proteomics: A Tale of Porcine Diarrhea
Authors: Arango Duque Guillermo , Acevedo Ospina Hamlet Adolfo
Published: December 2017

Porcine diarrhea and gastroenteritis are major causes of piglet mortality that result in devastating economic losses to the industry. A plethora of pathogens can cause these diseases, with the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC) being two of the most salient. In the December 2017 issue of Proteomics Clinical Aplications, Xia and colleagues used comparative proteomics to shed light on how these microbes interact to cause severe disease . The authors discovered that TGEV induces an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐like phenotype that augments cell adhesion proteins mediating the attachment of ETEC to intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, coinfection was found to modulate several host proteins that could bolster pathogen persistence. Importantly, the authors observed that ETEC suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by TGEV, which may in turn promote the long‐term survival of both microbes.
Is it simpler to leave or to stay put? Desired immobility in a Mexican village
Authors: Mata‐Codesal Diana
Published: December 2017

This paper ethnographically explores particular ways of staying put in a Mexican village that builds upon a myriad of present and past mobilities. By doing so, the research contributes to open the black box of rural immobility. Three broad types of stayers are identified: desired, acquiescent, and involuntary stayers. The ethnographic material supports the explanatory power of breaking down the aspiration phase from the realisation one to understand the (mis)matching between desires and capacities for situations of permanence. The research particularly explores how villagers willing to remain, have managed to stay put in a context of high physical mobility, and how staying villagers perceive the desirability and feasibility of staying put compared with that of migrating. Staying put, similarly to migration, is often part of complex life strategies that involve changing mobility–immobility articulations. In the particular ethnographic context, staying put is ascribed an intrinsic positive value. Migration (whether internal or international) has an instrumental value as the means to be able to remain in the village.
Variable Barrier Height AlGaAs/GaAs Quantum Cascade Laser Operating at 3.7 THz
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Tse , Hirayama Hideki
Published: December 2017

THz (QCLs) are promising large output power semiconductor‐based THz sources with narrow bandwidths and wide operating frequency ranges. However, the operating temperature of THz QCLs is still limited by the design of its active region. Matyas et al. (2012) theoretically predicted that AlGaAs/GaAs THz QCLs with higher optical gain could be obtained by introducing a variable barrier height structure (Matyas et al., J. Appl. Phys. 2012, 111, 103106). Based on the proposed variable barrier QC structure, we fabricate AlGaAs/GaAs three‐well type THz QCLs with an additional very thin second extraction barrier and a low barrier height emission barrier. With this device, we obtain lasing operation at 3.7 THz at a maximum operating temperature of 145 K.
The Interplay of Product Involvement and Sustainable Consumption: An Empirical Analysis of Behavioral Intentions Related to Green Hotels, Organic Wines and Green Cars
Authors: Rahman Imran
Published: December 2017

Prior research has not fully shown how type and level of product involvement can have different effects on behavioral intentions regarding different green products. The purpose of this study is to examine how consumer involvement affects purchase intentions, willingness to pay more and willingness to sacrifice for three green products – green hotels, organic wines and green cars. By applying consumer involvement and elaboration likelihood theory, this study investigates whether significant differences exist between high‐ and low‐involvement consumers' behavioral intentions for these three environmental products. Results reveal that consumers' behavioral intentions depend strongly on the type of environmental product considered and the underlying type and extent of involvement associated with the product category. As products can be distinctly different depending on the associated involvement, consumption dynamics and attributes, it is important for marketers to take note of the differences when designing marketing campaigns for green products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Surface functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by the photo‐responsive strategy of π‐π stacking and azide‐grafting
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kang Zhixin , Chen Dexin , Bessho Takeshi
Published: December 2017

In this communication, we report a new, simple, and eco‐friendly method to develop highly dispersible multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by π‐π stacking and azide‐grafting. MWCNTs were functionalized via standard physisorption, followed by nitrene addition using azido compounds upon ultraviolet activation. The functionalized MWCNTs show excellent dispersibility without raising distinct damage, which can bear comparison with that of MWCNTs oxidized with mixture acids. This method allows for the improvement of the chemical compatibility of MWCNTs with specific polymers for application in nanotube‐based composites and opens a potential pathway for surface protection.
Sputtering of bismuth thin films under MeV Cu heavy ion irradiation: Experimental data and inelastic thermal spike model interpretation.
Authors: Mammeri S. , Msimanga M. , Dib A. , Ammi H. , Pineda‐Vargas C.A.
Published: December 2017

The sputtering of bismuth (Bi/Si) thin films deposited onto silicon substrates and irradiated by swift Cuq+ heavy ions (q = +4 to +7) was investigated by varying both the ion energy over the 10 to 26‐MeV range and the ion fluence ϕ from 5.1 × 1013 cm−2 to 3.4 × 1015 cm−2. The sputtering yields were determined experimentally via the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry technique using a 2‐MeV He+ ion beam. The measured sputtering yields versus Cu7+ ion fluence for a fixed incident energy of 26 MeV exhibit a significant depression at very low ϕ‐values flowed by a steady‐state regime above ~1.6 × 1014 cm−2, similarly to those previously pointed out for Bi thin films irradiated by MeV heavy ions. By fixing the incident ion fluence to a mean value of ~2.6 × 1015 cm−2 in the upper part of the yield saturation regime, the measured sputtering yield data versus ion energy were found to increase with increasing the electronic stopping power in the Bi target material. Their comparison to theoretical predicted models is discussed. A good agreement is observed between the measured sputtering yields and the predicted ones when considering the contribution of 2 competitive processes of nuclear and electronic energy losses via, respectively, the SRIM simulation code and the inelastic thermal spike model using refined parameters of the ion slowing down with reduced thermophysical proprieties of the Bi thin films.
Effect of AA2024‐T3 surface pretreatment on the physicochemical properties and the anticorrosion performance of poly(γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) sol‐gel coating
Authors: Mrad M. , Ben Amor Y. , Dhouibi L. , Montemor M. F.
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the dependence of the anticorrosion performance of a poly(γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) (poly(γ‐GPTMS)) sol‐gel coating on AA2024‐T3 aluminum alloy surface state. Two different AA2024‐T3 surface pretreatment procedures were tested: a degreasing with acetone and a chemical multistep etching process (industrial chemical etching pretreatment). Poly(γ‐GPTMS) coatings were deposited onto both pretreated surfaces using the dip‐coating technique. Surfaces were characterized principally by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance, contact angles, and roughness measurements. Moreover, for the coated AA2024‐T3 surfaces, a pull‐off test was used to evaluate the poly(γ‐GPTMS) adhesion to the pretreated surface. Bare surface properties depended on the applied pretreatment. The chemically etched surface was the roughest and the most concentrated in hydroxyl groups. In addition, comparatively to the degreased surface, it has a more hydrophobic character. Poly(γ‐GPTMS) coating revealed an uneven nature and a poor adhesion once it was deposited onto the degreased surface. Coatings anticorrosion performances were evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements (EIS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data proved that the sol‐gel coating applied onto the chemically etched surface had better anticorrosion performance.
Superior Self‐Powered Room‐Temperature Chemical Sensing with Light‐Activated Inorganic Halides Perovskites
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Zhang Meng , Bo Renheng , Barugkin Chog , Zheng Jianghui , Ma Qingshan , Huang Shujuan , Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y. , Catchpole Kylie R. , Tricoli Antonio
Published: December 2017

Hybrid halide perovskite is one of the promising light absorber and is intensively investigated for many optoelectronic applications. Here, the first prototype of a self‐powered inorganic halides perovskite for chemical gas sensing at room temperature under visible‐light irradiation is presented. These devices consist of porous network of CsPbBr3 (CPB) and can generate an open‐circuit voltage of 0.87 V under visible‐light irradiation, which can be used to detect various concentrations of O2 and parts per million concentrations of medically relevant volatile organic compounds such as acetone and ethanol with very quick response and recovery time. It is observed that O2 gas can passivate the surface trap sites in CPB and the ambipolar charge transport in the perovskite layer results in a distinct sensing mechanism compared with established semiconductors with symmetric electrical response to both oxidizing and reducing gases. The platform of CPB‐based gas sensor provides new insights for the emerging area of wearable sensors for personalized and preventive medicine.
Carbon‐Supported Nickel Selenide Hollow Nanowires as Advanced Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Xuming , Zhang Jiaolong , Wang Zhenguang , Wang Hongkang , Zhi Chunyi , Yu Denis Y. W. , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: December 2017

Carbon‐supported nickel selenide (Ni0.85Se/C) hollow nanowires are prepared from carbon‐coated selenium nanowires via a self‐templating hydrothermal method, by first dissolving selenium in the Se/C nanowires in hydrazine, allowing it to diffuse out of the carbon layer, and then reacting with nickel ions into Ni0.85Se nanoplates on the outer surface of the carbon. Ni0.85Se/C hollow nanowires are employed as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries, and their electrochemical performance is evaluated via the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy combined with ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements. It is found that Ni0.85Se/C hollow nanowires exhibit greatly enhanced cycle stability and rate capability as compared to Ni0.85Se nanoparticles, with a reversible capacity around 390 mA h g−1 (the theoretical capacity is 416 mA h g−1) at the rate of 0.2 C and 97% capacity retention after 100 cycles. When the current rate is raised to 5 C, they still deliver capacity of 219 mA h g−1. The synthetic methodology introduced here is general and can easily be applied to building similar structures for other metal selenides in the future.