bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of glycosylation sites on Litopenaeus vannamei hemocyanin
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Li Ruiwei , Aweya Jude Juventus , Wang Fan , Zhong Mingqi , Zhang Yueling
Published: March 2019

The respiratory glycoprotein hemocyanin has been implicated in immune‐related functions. Using lectin blotting, we show that the binding of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) hemocyanin to concanavalin A decreases markedly with O‐glycosidase treatment but not with PNGase F. Twelve O‐glycosylation sites, three on the large hemocyanin subunit and nine on the small hemocyanin subunit (HMCs), were identified by LC‐MS/MS. Importantly, when the glycosylation sites at Thr‐537, Ser‐539, and Thr‐542 on the C terminus of HMCs were replaced with alanine, the resultant mutant hemocyanin had reduced carbohydrate content, coupled with a fourfold reduction in bacterial agglutination and 0.2‐fold reduction in antibacterial activities toward Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest that the glycosylation sites on shrimp hemocyanin are closely related to its immunological functions.
Ribosomal mutation in helix 32 of 18S rRNA alters fidelity of eukaryotic translation start site selection
Authors: Antony A Charles , Ram Anup Kumar , Dutta Kalloly , Alone Pankaj V.
Published: March 2019

The 40S ribosome plays a critical role in start codon selection. To gain insights into the role of its 18S rRNA in start codon selection, a suppressor screen was performed that suppressed the preferential UUG start codon recognition (Suppressor of initiation codon: Sui− phenotype) associated with the eIF5G31R mutant. The C1209U mutation in helix h32 of 18S rRNA was found to suppress the Sui− and Gcn− (failure to derepress GCN4 expression) phenotype of the eIF5G31R mutant. The C1209U mutation suppressed Sui− and Gcd− (constitutive derepression of GCN4 expression) phenotype of eIF2βS264Y, eIF1K60E, and eIF1A‐ΔC mutation. We propose that the C1209U mutation in 40S ribosomal may perturb the premature head rotation in ‘Closed/PIN’ state and enhance the stringency of translation start site selection.
Distributed adaptive control for multiple nonholonomic systems with nonlinearly parameterized uncertainties
Authors: Gu Jianzhong , Li Wuquan , Yang Hongyong
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the distributed adaptive control problem for multiple nonholonomic systems with nonlinearly parameterized uncertainties. Under the assumption that the graph topology is directed and the leader is globally reachable, distributed adaptive controllers are designed recursively by using backstepping technique and algebra graph theory. It is shown that all the followers' outputs will exponentially converge to the reference output signal while all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded. Finally, two simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control scheme.
Self‐Powered Distributed Water Level Sensors Based on Liquid–Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Ship Draft Detecting
Authors: Zhang Xiangqian , Yu Min , Ma Ziran , Ouyang Han , Zou Yang , Zhang Steven L. , Niu Hukai , Pan Xinxiang , Xu Minyi , Li Zhou , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2019

Ship draft measurement is of great significance for ensuring navigation safety and facilitating ship control. In this work, a self‐powered water level sensor based on a liquid–solid tubular triboelectric nanogenerator (LST‐TENG) is proposed and analyzed. The LST‐TENG is made of multiple copper electrodes uniformly distributed along a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube. When water flows into the PTFE tube, it induces alternating flows of electrons between the main electrode and the distributed bottom electrodes. The obvious peaks in the derivative of open‐circuit voltage with respect to time are found to correspond with the electrode distribution. Then it can be utilized as a robust and sensitive indicator for detecting the water level as the number of obvious peaks in the derivative of open‐circuit voltage is directly related to the water level height. The ship draft is successfully detected using the LST‐TENG with an accuracy of 10 mm. It shows that the water level sensor has stable performance for liquid–solid interface monitoring. Therefore, this LST‐TENG is self‐powered, robust, and accurate for extensive applications in marine industry.
Oxidative N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed [8+2] Annulation of Tropone and Aldehydes: Synthesis of Cycloheptatriene‐Fused Furanones
Authors: Xia Fei , Gao Zhong‐Hua , Zhang Chun‐Lin , Ye Song
Published: March 2019

The N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed [8+2] oxidative annulation of tropone with aldehydes was developed, giving cycloheptatriene‐fused furanones in moderate to good yields. Further reduction of the cycloadducts afforded cycloheptane‐fused furanones and dihydrofuranones in good yields.

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A meta‐analysis of whole genome duplication and the effects on flowering traits in plants
Authors: Porturas Laura D. , Anneberg Thomas J. , Curé Anne E. , Wang Shengpei , Althoff David M. , Segraves Kari A.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Polyploidy, or whole genome duplication (WGD), is common in plants despite theory suggesting that polyploid establishment is challenging and polyploids should be evolutionarily transitory. There is renewed interest in understanding the mechanisms that could facilitate polyploid establishment and explain their pervasiveness in nature. In particular, premating isolation from their diploid progenitors is suggested to be a crucial factor. To evaluate how changes in assortative mating occur, we need to understand the phenotypic effects ofWGDon reproductive traits.

Methods

We used literature surveys and a meta‐analysis to assess howWGDaffects floral morphology, flowering phenology, and reproductive output in plants. We focused specifically on comparisons of newly generated polyploids (neopolyploids) and their parents to mitigate potential confounding effects of adaptation and drift that may be present in ancient polyploids.

Key Results

The results indicated that across a broad representation of angiosperms, floral morphology traits increased in size, reproductive output decreased, and flowering phenology was unaffected byWGD. Additionally, we found that increased trait variation afterWGDwas uncommon for the phenotypic traits examined.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the phenotypic effects on traits important to premating isolation of neopolyploids are small, in general. Changes in flowering phenology, reproductive output, and phenotypic variation resulting fromWGDmay be less critical in facilitating premating isolation and neopolyploid establishment. However, floral traits for which size is an important component of function (e.g., pollen transfer) could be strongly influenced byWGD.
Calochortus gunnisonii furthers evidence for the complex genetic legacy of historical climate change in the southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Fuller Ryan S. , McGlaughlin Mitchell E.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Climate cycles of the Quaternary have impacted plants at a global scale, leaving behind a complex genetic legacy. Species of the northern Rocky Mountains of North America were exposed to more uniform glacial patterns than the central and southern ranges, where synergistic relationships between temperature and precipitation caused differences in the timing and extent of glacier onset. We examined the genetic impacts of climate oscillations on Calochortus gunnisonii (Liliaceae) in the central and southern Rocky Mountains.

Methods

Populations were sampled from disjunct mountain ranges across the basins of Wyoming and northern and central Colorado. Allelic data from nuclear microsatellites and plastid sequences (trnV‐ndhC, petA‐psbJ, and rpl16) were used to examine patterns of genetic structure between and among populations along the southern Rocky Mountain corridor.

Key Results

We infer considerable population structure concordant with mountain range of origin. Clustering analysis supports separate north and south genetic clusters on either side of major basins in Wyoming, suggesting that populations were maintained in two distinct refugia. Additionally, populations within the Sierra Madre Range of southern Wyoming show localized, divergent genetic signal indicative of a third potential glacial refugium. By contrast, recent genetic admixture is observed in the Laramie, Medicine Bow, and Front ranges, where population expansion from glacial refugia has likely occurred.

Conclusions

We conclude that during climate cycles of the Quaternary, C. gunnisonii experienced periods of population expansion and reduction, habitat fragmentation, isolation in three or more refugia, and admixture mirroring genetic impacts of other southern Rocky Mountains organisms.
Heteranthery in Clarkia: pollen performance of dimorphic anthers contradicts expectations
Authors: Peach Kristen , Mazer Susan J.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Wild plant species that require the services of pollen‐feeding insects for reliable pollination may evolve features that attract and reward their mutualistic partners. Heterantherous species have been proposed to exhibit a “division of labor” whereby “feeding anthers” (which produce pollen that may be consumed by an insect) are distinguished from “reproductive anthers” (which produce pollen more likely to contribute to reproduction). In some heterantherous species, including Clarkia unguiculata (Onagraceae), these two anther types differ with respect to stamen length, anther size, pollen production, and pollen color.

Methods

The primary goal of this study was to test one component of the “division of labor” hypothesis by comparing the performance of the pollen produced by each type of anther in C. unguiculata. To achieve this goal, under greenhouse conditions, we hand pollinated and assessed pollen performance (using epifluorescence microscopy) within ~228 flowers.

Key Results

The pollen produced by the two anther types differed significantly with respect to both stigma and style penetration. The inner series of anthers produce pollen with higher performance than the outer series of longer, dark red anthers.

Conclusions

These findings contradict previous descriptions of the genus, reporting that the inner diminutive series of anthers in Clarkia produce “abortive and nonfunctional” pollen. We outline the future research required to demonstrate the ecological function of heteranthery in this iconic wildflower group.
Low water access as a gendered physiological stressor: Blood pressure evidence from Nepal
Authors: Brewis Alexandra , Choudhary Neetu , Wutich Amber
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The study aims to test novel proposed biocultural pathways linking the stressful lived experience of water insecurity to elevated blood pressure, a risk factor for chronic disease. Using the case of Nepal, where women have primary responsibility for managing household water, allows testing for potentially gendered mechanisms that exacerbate negative physiological consequences of water insecurity for women relative to men.

Methods

Data are from the nationally representative 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), N = 8633 women and 6209 men. Multiple regression models tested effects of low household water access on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as stress biomarkers, comparing women to men. Key covariates included HFIAS food insecurity scores, household wealth class (high, medium, low), and body mass index.

Results

In this cross‐sectional study, low water access was consistently associated with higher women's systolic and diastolic blood pressure across all wealth levels. The strongest results were for the lowest wealth households, where low water access is concentrated. Higher food insecurity was also associated with higher systolic blood pressure values in women in these households. Men showed no such effects.

Conclusions

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a consistent and direct association between living with water insecurity and elevated blood pressure measures. Findings support the proposition that the stress of living with water insecurity could manifest as chronic disease risk. In the Nepali case, the proposed mechanism appears highly gendered, reflecting the culturally prescribed responsibilities women particularly face for managing household water. Living with food insecurity compounds further the apparent effects.
Actininopathy: A new muscular dystrophy caused by ACTN2 dominant mutations
Authors: Savarese Marco , Palmio Johanna , Poza Juan José , Weinberg Jan , Olive Montse , Cobo Ana Maria , Vihola Anna , Jonson Per Harald , Sarparanta Jaakko , García‐Bragado Federico , Urtizberea Jon Andoni , Hackman Peter , Udd Bjarne
Published: March 2019

Objective

To clinically and pathologically characterize a cohort of patients presenting with a novel form of distal myopathy and to identify the genetic cause of this new muscular dystrophy.

Methods

We studied 4 families (3 from Spain and 1 from Sweden) suffering from an autosomal dominant distal myopathy. Affected members showed adult onset asymmetric distal muscle weakness with initial involvement of ankle dorsiflexion later progressing also to proximal limb muscles.

Results

In all 3 Spanish families, we identified a unique missense variant in the ACTN2 gene cosegregating with the disease. The affected members of the Swedish family carry a different ACTN2 missense variant.

Interpretation

ACTN2 encodes for alpha actinin2, which is highly expressed in the sarcomeric Z‐disk with a major structural and functional role. Actininopathy is thus a new genetically determined distal myopathy. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:899–906.
Durch sichtbares Licht vermittelte Synthese von β‐Chlorketonen aus Arylcyclopropanen
Authors: Petzold Daniel , Singh Pardeep , Almqvist Fredrik , König Burkhard
Published: March 2019

In diesem Beitrag berichten wir über die durch sichtbares Licht vermittelte Synthese von β‐Chlorketonen aus Arylcyclopropanen, Sauerstoff, Salzsäure und Salpetersäure. Die katalysatorfreie Methode verwendet preisgünstige Standard‐Laborreagenzien und toleriert viele verschiedene funktionelle Gruppen. Darüber hinaus ist die Maßstabsvergrößerung der Reaktion und die späte Funktionalisierung von bioaktiven Verbindungen möglich, wodurch der Cyclopropanring als maskiertes β‐Chlorketon in einer Reaktionssequenz verwendet werden kann. Als Mechanismus schlagen wir eine lichtgetriebene Radikalkette vor, die durch die Reaktion von verdünnter Salzsäure und Salpetersäure zu elementarem Chlor ausgelöst wird. Die mechanistische Hypothese wird durch 18O‐Markierungs‐ und UV/Vis‐Experimente sowie cyclovoltammetrische Messungen und diverse Kontrollreaktionen gestützt.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Synthesis of β‐Chloro Ketones from Aryl Cyclopropanes
Authors: Petzold Daniel , Singh Pardeep , Almqvist Fredrik , König Burkhard
Published: March 2019

We report the visible‐light‐mediated synthesis of β‐chloro ketones from aryl cyclopropanes, oxygen, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid. The operationally simple and catalyst‐free method uses cheap standard laboratory reagents and displays broad functional‐group tolerance. Moreover, scale up of the reaction and late‐stage functionalization of bioactive compounds is possible, providing the opportunity to utilize the cyclopropane ring as a masked β‐chloro ketone in a reaction sequence. We propose a light‐driven radical chain reaction initiated by the reaction of diluted hydrochloric and nitric acid to produce small quantities of molecular chlorine. The mechanistic hypothesis is supported by 18O labelling and UV/Vis experiments, cyclovoltammetry, and several control reactions.
Preparation of epoxidized acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and its compatibilization effect on water‐swellable rubber composites
Authors: Lv Guozheng , Cen Lan , Tan Xinwen , Wu Qihao
Published: March 2019

In this research, water‐swellable rubbers (WSRs) were prepared by the blending of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with epoxidized acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (ENBR), precipitated silica, vulcanizing agents, and polyacrylic acid sodium (PAAS) as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). ENBR was prepared with a molybdenum trioxide catalyst and a tert‐butyl hydroperoxide oxidant through a free‐radical reaction under specific conditions and was used as a compatibilizer to improve the interfacial adhesion of the NBR matrix and hydrophilic components of the WSRs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the structure and properties of ENBR. The dispersion of silica and SAPs in the rubber matrix was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of ENBR enhanced the water‐absorption properties of the WSRs. The NBR–ENBR composites exhibited a higher mechanical performance after water absorption than that without ENBR. Both the swelling ratio and the absorption rate increased with the ENBR content. When the weight ratio of NBR–ENBR was 25/75, an equilibrium swelling ratio of 172% (13% higher than that of the sample without ENBR) was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the addition of ENBR improved the compatibility between the SAPs and the NBR matrix. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47694.
Improved energy dissipation control of overhead cranes
Authors: Zhang Shengzeng , He Xiongxiong , Chen Qiang , Feng Yuanjing
Published: March 2019

In this paper, an improved energy dissipation controller is presented for overhead cranes. Our main contribution is the characterization of overhead cranes for which energy shaping method yields a significant storage function, where a nonlinear coupling controller is delivered that drastically increases the damping of the control system. Additional terms are fabricated to assure a soft start and a limited overshoot. In the frame of the Lyapunov theory, we apply LaSalle's invariance principle to illustrate the corresponding stability. Such a controller is experimented and some results are reported.
Exonic variants of genes related to the vitamin D signaling pathway in the families of familial multiple sclerosis using whole‐exome next generation sequencing
Authors: Pytel Vanesa , Matías‐Guiu Jordi A. , Torre‐Fuentes Laura , Montero‐Escribano Paloma , Maietta Paolo , Botet Javier , Álvarez Sara , Gómez‐Pinedo Ulises , Matías‐Guiu Jorge
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases (AIDs). However, the effect of the genetics of VD on the risk of MS is subject to debate. This study focuses on genes linked to the VD signaling pathway in families with MS. The evaluation of gene variants in all the members of families could contribute to an additional knowledge on the information obtained from case‐control studies that use nonrelated healthy people.

Material and Methods

We studied 94 individuals from 15 families including at least two patients with MS. We performed whole‐exome next generation sequencing on all individuals and analyzed variants of the DHCR7, CYP2R1, CYP3A4, CYP27A1, GC, CYP27B1, LRP2, CUBN, DAB2, FCGR, RXR, VDR, CYP24A1, and PDIA3 genes. We also studied PTH, FGF23, METTL1, METTL21B, and the role of the linkage disequilibrium block on the long arm of chromosome 12, through analysis of the CDK4, TSFM, AGAP2, and AVIL genes. We compared patients with MS, other AIDs and unaffected members from different family types.

Results

The study described the variants in the VD signaling pathway that appear in families with at least two patients with MS. Some infrequent variants were detected in these families, but no significant difference was observed between patients with MS and/or other AIDs and unaffected family members in the frequency of these variants. Variants previously associated with MS in the literature were not observed in these families or were distributed similarly in patients and unaffected family members.

Conclusion

The study of genes involved in the VD signaling pathway in families that include more than one patient with MS did not identify any variants that could explain the presence of the disease, suggesting that VD metabolism could probably play a role in MS more as an environmental factor rather than as a genetic factor. Our study also supports the analysis of cases and unaffected individuals within families in order to determine the influence of genetic factors.
Symbolic reactions or substantive pro‐environmental behaviour? An empirical study of corporate environmental performance under the government's environmental subsidy scheme
Authors: Ren Shenggang , He Duojun , Zhang Tao , Chen Xiaohong
Published: March 2019

Do firms substantively improve their corporate environmental performance (CEP), or do they just react symbolically under the government's environmental subsidy (ENS) scheme? There is little empirical research into this business ethical problem in the literature. To understand how firms respond to the government's ENS scheme, in this study, we empirically examine the relationship between ENS and CEP. Specifically, we distinguish two types of CEP, that is, environmental management performance (EMP) and environmental operational performance (EOP), and then test the effects of ENS on EMP and EOP and the moderating role of environmental enforcement intensity (EEI) in both effects. We collect 5‐year panel data of Chinese listed companies operating in heavily polluting industries for the empirical analysis and find that (a) China's ENS significantly improves EMP, but its effect on EOP is not significant. Subsidized firms mainly respond to the government's ENS scheme through the process‐oriented pro‐environmental behaviour such as implementing the ISO14001 certification to improve EMP rather than the outcome‐oriented pro‐environmental behaviour such as investing on environment‐related R&D projects and energy conservation and emission reduction to improve EOP. This sort of firm pro‐environmental behaviour under the Chinese government's ENS scheme is symbolic rather than substantive. (b) China's EEI positively moderates the effect of ENS on EMP, but its moderating role in the effect of ENS on EOP is not significant. Therefore, the power of the current environmental regulation enforcement mechanism in China is insufficient to push firms to engage in real pro‐environmental activities to improve EOP. Relevant policy implications are discussed in the paper.
Suicide Crisis Syndrome: A review of supporting evidence for a new suicide‐specific diagnosis
Authors: Schuck Allison , Calati Raffaella , Barzilay Shira , Bloch‐Elkouby Sarah , Galynker Igor
Published: March 2019

Suicide is a major public health problem, and suicide rates are still on the rise. Current strategies for identifying individuals at risk for suicide, such as the use of a patient's self‐reported suicidal ideation or evidence of past suicide attempts, have not been sufficient in reducing suicide rates. Recently, research groups have been focused on determining the acute mental state preceding a suicide attempt. The development of an acute suicidal diagnosis, the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS), is aimed at capturing this state to better treat individuals. The SCS has five main evidence‐based components—entrapment, affective disturbance, loss of cognitive control, hyperarousal, and social withdrawal. The SCS may provide clinicians with the ability to identify individuals who are experiencing an acute pre‐suicidal mental state, regardless of their self‐reported suicidal ideation. Future research leading to the incorporation of this diagnosis into clinical practice could improve the quality of care and reduce the personal, societal, and legal burden of suicide.
Applied conversation analysis for counselling and psychotherapy researchers
Authors: O'Reilly Michelle , Lester Jessica
Published: March 2019

Applied Conversation Analysis (CA) is broadly accepted to be a qualitative methodological approach associated with the discursive turn. Although some argue for a distinct observational science paradigm, the current methodological dichotomy positions this work under the qualitative rubric. Applied CA focuses on the sequential design of social interaction, examining language and meaning within institutional settings. It emphasises informing practice and provides a useful form of evidence for therapists and counsellors, as the work is grounded in real‐world therapeutic practices. In therapy, language and talk are fundamental to the process and outcomes. Studying therapeutic social interaction through Applied CA can illuminate processes, improve practice, and utilise best practice to inform care. The focus of this article is our perspective on the value of Applied CA as a form of evidence in counselling and psychotherapy, and to encourage partnership working between academics and clinicians working in the field.
Can Predictive Algorithms Assist Decision‐Making in Social Work with Children and Families?
Authors: Gillingham Philip
Published: March 2019

Decision support systems (DSS) which incorporate algorithms trained using administrative data have been promoted as the next promising development in initiatives to improve and assist decision‐making in social work with children and families. In this article, research and grey literature about DSS designed, and in some cases implemented, in the USA, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand are analysed to assess the extent to which they are currently able to meet this promise. The challenges of developing DSS for social work are identified and ideas are suggested to overcome them. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Decision support systems (DSS) are being developed for social work with children and families and they may transform how decisions are made with important consequences for both service users and the profession.

Current DSS are mostly not very accurate in their predictions and further work is required in their development and on the data used to train the algorithms.

The next stage in the development of DSS will require long‐term commitment by social workers to work in collaboration with data scientists and researchers. It will also be expensive. Social workers need to lead the debate about whether DSS are worth the investment.

‘Decision support systems are being developed for social work with children and families and they may transform how decisions are made’
Genetically Encoded Biotin Analogues: Incorporation and Application in Bacterial and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Hohl Adrian , Mideksa Yonatan G. , Karan Ram , Akal Anastassja , Vogler Malvina , Groll Michael , Rueping Magnus , Lang Kathrin , Feige Matthias J. , Eppinger Jörg
Published: March 2019

The biotin–streptavidin interaction is among the strongest known in nature. Herein, the site‐directed incorporation of biotin and 2‐iminobiotin composed of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins is reported. 2‐Iminobiotin lysine was employed for protein purification based on the pH‐dependent dissociation constant to streptavidin. By using the high‐affinity binding of biotin lysine, the bacterial protein RecA could be specifically isolated and its interaction partners analyzed. Furthermore, the biotinylation approach was successfully transferred to mammalian cells. Stringent control over the biotinylation site and the tunable affinity between ncAAs and streptavidin of the different biotin analogues make this approach an attractive tool for protein interaction studies, protein immobilization, and the generation of well‐defined protein–drug conjugates.
Heterogeneous lupus‐specific lesions and treatment outcome, in a single patient, over a period of time
Authors: Fernandes Melissa , Taulaigo Anna V. , Vidal Carolina , Agostini Patrick , Riso Nuno , Moraes‐Fontes Maria Francisca
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

The report highlights the importance of strict clinico‐histological correlations when skin biopsies are performed in diagnostic doubt in systemic lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, PUVA is never indicated in autoimmune conditions involving photosensitivity, due to high potential for internal and cutaneous aggravation of the disease, as the authors observed in this case.
Multidisciplinary clinical approach by sharing oral examination information to treat a diabetes patient with dysgeusia
Authors: Matsunaga Kazuyuki , Yoshida Yasuko , Takemaru Makoto , Yamashiro Keisuke , Monden Ikuko , Inohara Ken , Nakagawa Saki , Maeda Eriko , Nakahama Kanako , Kohriyama Tatsuo , Takashiba Shogo
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Taste alteration is one of the complications of severe diabetes. It is important in diabetes treatment to assess taste alteration and perform dietary counseling, therapeutic exercise, and oral care. In this case, multidisciplinary clinical approach by medical staff was successful for a severely diabetic patient with dysgeusia.
Selective One‐Step Aerobic Oxidation of Cyclohexane to ϵ‐Caprolactone Mediated by N‐Hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI)
Authors: Wang Lingyao , Zhang Yuanbin , Du Renfeng , Yuan Haoran , Wang Yongtao , Yao Jia , Li Haoran
Published: March 2019

The selective one‐step aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane to ϵ‐caprolactone was achieved in the presence of N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) and aldehyde under mild conditions. Remarkably, 12 % of cyclohexane was converted with a selectivity of 77 % of ϵ‐caprolactone and 15 % of KA oil. Control experiments indicated that NHPI accelerated the oxidation of aldehydes and peroxy radicals generated from aldehydes in situ were the key intermediates in the period of CH bond activation. 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO) addition and a series of m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m‐CPBA) oxidation experiments showed that the oxidation proceeded via a complex radical chain mechanism.
Green Oxidation of n‐Octanol on Supported Nanogold Catalysts: Formation of Gold Active Sites under Combined Effect of Gold Content, Additive Nature and Redox Pretreatment
Authors: Pakrieva E. , Kolobova E. , Mamontov G. , Bogdanchikova N. , Farias M. H. , Pascual L. , Cortés Corberán V. , Martinez Gonzalez S. , Carabineiro S. A. C. , Pestryakov A.
Published: March 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 06/2019 is provided by researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University (Russia), Tomsk State University (Russia), UNAM (México), CSIC (Spain) and Universidade do Porto (Portugal). The image shows the oxidation of n‐octanol over supported nanogold catalysts. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201801566.
Mahkota Dewa Subcritical Water Extraction Process: Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Hashim Nurmaryam Aini , Mudalip Siti Kholijah Abdul , Harun Noorlisa , Man Rohaida Che , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Arshad Zatul Iffah Mohd , Shaarani Shalyda M. , Azmir Jannatul
Published: March 2019

Subcritical water extraction and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to investigate mangiferin and antioxidant extraction from Mahkota Dewa fruits at different operating temperatures. The mangiferin yield and antioxidant activity were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography and 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay method, respectively. The diffusivity and intermolecular interactions were determined by mean squared displacement (MSD) and radial distribution function (RDF) analysis, respectively. The temperature exerts a momentous effect on mangiferin yield and antioxidant activity of the extract. TheMSDresult showed an increment in diffusivity coefficient of mangiferin with temperature. The RDF analysis revealed hydrogen bonding formations between mangiferin and water through OH2O••HMR4(OH1)interaction that plays a role in the extraction process.
Designation of a Nano‐Fe3O4 Based Composite Electrode with Long Cycle Life for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Dong Xichao , Gu Chong , Ge Shuaipeng , Su Zhiming , Lu Yingxi , Guo Changqing , Shao Guangyu , Zhong Yunwang , Liu Anhua
Published: March 2019

In order to address the issue of large volume expansion and poor electrical conductivity of Fe3O4‐based anodes for lithium‐ion batteries, carbon and SiOx/SiC heterojunction double‐shell coated Fe3O4(FexSiy) nanocomposites were synthesized by crosslinking, pyrolysis and decarbonization of sol particles. The particles were produced by the reaction of iron carbonyl with liquid polycarbosilane using pitch as isolator, which is a low cost and easy to scale up preparation method. It is found that the double‐shell structure of the nanoparticles not only solves the problem of comminution of Fe3O4 during cycling, but also ensures stable cycling and superior rate performance. The FeOSiC‐30 anode delivers a high reversible capacity (1357.2 mAh g−1 for 550 cycles at 1 A g−1 and 1060.7 mAh g−1 for 2500 cycles at 5 A g−1). The excellent electrochemical performance can be contributed to the novel structure: 1) the uniform carbon layer can improve the electrical conductivity and ensure the formation of a stable SEI; 2) different active materials can relieve the stress caused by volume variation and also contribute additional capacity; 3) the small particle size can offer a strong kinetic of electrochemical reactions and lithium ion transfer. These results can strongly support the improvement of the capacity of Fe3O4‐based anodes by the unique multi‐function structural design, also providing new pathways for the design of other electrode materials.
Fully sp2‐Carbon‐Linked Crystalline Two‐Dimensional Conjugated Polymers: Insight into 2D Poly(phenylenecyanovinylene) Formation and its Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Becker Daniel , Biswal Bishnu P. , Kaleńczuk Paula , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Giebeler Lars , Addicoat Matthew , Paasch Silvia , Brunner Eike , Leo Karl , Dianat Arezoo , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Berger Reinhard , Feng Xinliang
Published: March 2019

Cyano‐substituted polyphenylene vinylenes (PPVs) have been the focus of research for several decades owing to their interesting optoelectronic properties and potential applications in organic electronics. With the advent of organic two‐dimensional (2D) crystals, the question arose as to how the chemical and optoelectronic advantages of PPVs evolve in 2D compared with their linear counterparts. In this work, we present the efficient synthesis of two novel 2D fully sp2‐carbon‐linked crystalline PPVs and investigate the essentiality of inorganic bases for their catalytic formation. Notably, among all bases screened, cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) plays a crucial role and enables reversibility in the first step with subsequent structure locking by formation of a C=C double bond to maintain crystallinity, which is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A quantifiable energy diagram of a “quasi‐reversible reaction” is proposed, which allows the identification of further suitable C−C bond formation reactions for 2D polymerizations. Moreover, the narrowing of the HOMO–LUMO gap is delineated by expanding the conjugation into two dimensions. To enable environmentally benign processing, the post‐modification of 2D PPVs is further performed, which renders stable dispersions in the aqueous phase.
Donor and Ring‐Fusing Engineering for Far‐Red to Near‐Infrared Triphenylpyrylium Fluorophores with Enhanced Fluorescence Performance for Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Wen Si‐Yu , Zhang Wei , Ren Tian‐Bing , Zhang Qian‐Ling , Liu Yu‐Peng , Shi Ling , Hu Rongfeng , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Yuan Lin
Published: March 2019

Fluorescent probes have become an indispensable tool in the detection and imaging of biological and disease‐related analytes due to their sensitivity and technical simplicity. In particular, fluorescent probes with far‐red to near‐infrared (FR‐NIR) emissions are very attractive for biomedical applications. However, many available FR‐NIR fluorophores suffer from small Stokes shifts and sometimes low quantum yields, resulting in self‐quenching and low contrast. In this work, we describe the rational design and engineering of FR‐NIR 2,4,6‐triphenylpyrylium‐based fluorophores (TPP‐Fluors) with the help of theoretical calculations. Our strategy is based on the appending of electron‐donating substituents and fusing groups onto 2,4,6‐triphenylpyrylium. In contrast to the parent TPP with short emission wavelength, weak quantum yields, and low chemical stability, the obtained novel TPP‐Fluors display some favorable properties, such as long‐wavelength emission, large Stokes shifts, moderate to high quantum yields, and chemical stability. TPP‐Fluors demonstrate their biological value as mitochondria‐specific labeling reagents due to their inherently positive nature. In addition, TPP‐Fluors can also be applied to develop ratiometric fluorescent probes, as the electron‐donating ability of the 2,6‐phenyl substituents is closely correlated with their emission wavelength. A proof‐of‐concept ratiometric probe has been developed by derivatizing the amino groups of TPP‐Fluor for the detection and imaging of nitroreductase in vitro and in hypoxic cells.
The Influence of Chemical Change on Protein Dynamics: A Case Study with Pyruvate Formate‐Lyase
Authors: Hanževački Marko , Čondić‐Jurkić Karmen , Banhatti Radha Dilip , Smith Ana‐Sunčana , Smith David M.
Published: March 2019

Pyruvate formate‐lyase (PFL) catalyzes the reversible conversion of pyruvate and coenzyme A (CoA) into formate and acetyl‐CoA in two half‐reactions. For the second half‐reaction to take place, the S−H group of CoA must enter the active site of the enzyme to retrieve a protein‐bound acetyl group. However, CoA is bound at the protein surface, whereas the active site is buried in the protein interior, some 20–30 Å away. The PFL system was therefore subjected to a series of extensive molecular dynamics simulations (in the μs range) and a host of advanced analysis procedures. Models representing PFL before and after the first half‐reaction were used to examine the possible effect of enzyme acetylation. All simulated structures were found to be relatively stable compared to the initial crystal structure. Although the adenine portion of CoA remained predominantly bound at the protein surface, the binding of the S−H group was significantly more labile. A potential entry channel for CoA, which would allow the S−H group to reach the active site, was identified and characterized. The channel was found to be associated with accentuated fluctuations and a higher probability of being in an open state in acetylated systems. This result suggests that the acetylation of the enzyme assumes a prominent functional role, whereby the formation of the acyl intermediate serves to initiate a subtle signaling cascade that influences the protein dynamics and facilitates the entry of the second substrate.
Radiosynthesis of (R,S)‐[18F]GE387: A Potential PET Radiotracer for Imaging Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) with Low Binding Sensitivity to the Human Gene Polymorphism rs6971
Authors: Qiao Luxi , Fisher Emily , McMurray Lindsay , Milicevic Sephton Selena , Hird Matthew , Kuzhuppilly‐Ramakrishnan Nisha , Williamson David J. , Zhou Xiouyun , Werry Eryn , Kassiou Michael , Luthra Saijinder , Trigg William , Aigbirhio Franklin I.
Published: March 2019

Translocator protein (TSPO) is a biomarker of neuroinflammation, which is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases and has been exploited as a positron emission tomography (PET) target. Carbon‐11‐labelled PK11195 remains the most applied agent for imaging TSPO, despite its short‐lived isotope and low brain permeability. Second‐generation radiotracers show variance in affinity amongst subjects (low‐, mixed‐, and high‐affinity binders) caused by the genetic polymorphism (rs6971) of the TSPO gene. To overcome these limitations, a new structural scaffold was explored based on the TSPO pharmacophore, and the analogue with a low‐affinity binder/high‐affinity binder (LAB/HAB) ratio similar (1.2 vs. 1.3) to that of (R)‐[11C]PK11195 was investigated. The synthesis of the reference compound was accomplished in six steps and 9 % overall yield, and the precursor was prepared in eight steps and 8 % overall yield. The chiral separation of the reference and precursor compounds was performed using supercritical fluid chromatography with >95 % ee. The absolute configuration was determined by circular dichroism. Optimisation of reaction conditions for manual radiolabelling revealed acetonitrile as a preferred solvent at 100 °C. Automation of this radiolabelling method provided R and S enantiomers in respective 21.3±16.7 and 25.6±7.1 % decay‐corrected yields and molar activities of 55.8±35.6 and 63.5±39.5 GBq μmol−1 (n=3). Injection of the racemic analogue into a healthy rat confirmed passage through the blood–brain barrier.
Long‐term fatigue in survivors of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: The Lymphoma Study Association SIMONAL cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mounier Nicolas , Anthony Sabine , Busson Raphaël , Thieblemont Catherine , Ribrag Vincent , Tilly Hervé , Haioun Corinne , Casasnovas René‐Olivier , Morschhauser Franck , Feugier Pierre , Delarue Richard , Ysebaert Loic , Sebban Catherine , Broussais‐Guillaumot Florence , Damaj Gandhi , Nerich Virginie , Jais Jean‐Philippe , Laborde Lilian , Salles Gilles , Henry‐Amar Michel
Published: March 2019

Background

Long‐term survivors of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) must cope with treatment complications and late toxicities that affect their health‐related quality of life. Little is known about the risk‐to‐benefit ratio of new agents like rituximab. The impact of treatment regimens and health disorders on long‐term fatigue levels was investigated in a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Two self‐administered questionnaires, the 20‐item Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‐20) and a Life Situation Questionnaire, were mailed in 2015 to NHL survivors enrolled onto 12 successive clinical studies (1993‐2010) conducted by the Lymphoma Study Association. Private addresses were obtained for 3317 survivors, of whom 1671 (50%) returned the questionnaires. Severe fatigue was defined as MFI‐20 scores ≥60 on dimension scales scored from 0 to 100. Linear regression models were used to assess factors that were linked to increased fatigue levels.

Results

The study population included 906 men and 765 women, and the median age was 64 years (age range, 24‐95 years). Overall, 811 survivors had received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP)‐like chemotherapy, 518 had received high‐dose CHOP, and 342 had undergone upfront autologous stem cell transplantation; 829 survivors also had received rituximab. In total, 1100 survivors (66%) reported 1 or more late health disorders. Severe fatigue was reported by 602 survivors (37%). Increased fatigue levels were associated (P < .001) with increased age, obesity, and the presence of health disorders, but not with initial treatment or rituximab.

Conclusions

The survey confirms that high proportions long‐term NHL survivors have severe fatigue. The results suggest that initial treatment and the receipt of rituximab have no influence on the development of long‐term fatigue.
Optimizing Dispersion, Exfoliation, Synthesis, and Device Fabrication of Inorganic Nanomaterials Using Hansen Solubility Parameters
Authors: Qin Jinwen , Wang Xin , Jiang Qiwang , Cao Minhua
Published: March 2019

Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) were established by Hansen in 1967 and predict miscibility between different material systems. So far, HSP theory works across polymers, crystalline bulk solids and nanomaterials and can be used to identify single solvents or, more likely, blends of solvents that deliver not only the initial solubility but also control it during reaction processes. This minireview summarizes the recent progress on HSP theory to optimize dispersion, exfoliation, synthesis, and device fabrication of inorganic nanomaterials. First, we briefly introduce HSP theory and determination of HSPs. Then, we discuss in detail the utilization of HSPs for inorganic nanomaterials, focusing on carbon nanomaterials, two‐dimensional non‐graphene nanomaterials, and metal oxide nanoparticles. Finally, challenges and perspectives of HSP theory in inorganic nanomaterials are reviewed.
Recombinant Viral Vectors as Neuroscience Tools
Authors: Chen Shih‐Heng , Haam Juhee , Walker Mitzie , Scappini Erica , Naughton John , Martin Negin P.
Published: March 2019

Recombinant viruses are highly efficient vehicles for in vivo gene delivery. Viral vectors expand the neurobiology toolbox to include direct and rapid anterograde, retrograde, and trans‐synaptic delivery of tracers, sensors, and actuators to the mammalian brain. Each viral type offers unique advantages and limitations. To establish strategies for selecting a suitable viral type, this article aims to provide readers with an overview of viral recombinant technology, viral structure, tropism, and differences between serotypes and pseudotypes for three of the most commonly used vectors in neurobiology research: adeno‐associated viruses, retro/lentiviruses, and glycoprotein‐deleted rabies viruses. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Method to Isolate CD34+ Mononuclear Cells from Canine Peripheral Blood
Authors: Kasimanickam Vanmathy , Kasimanickam Ramanathan
Published: March 2019

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent whereas adult stem cells are multipotent in nature. In recent years, evidence suggests that adult stem cells not only differentiate into specific cell lineages but also transdifferentiate into multiple cell lineages. Progenitor cells are found in adult bone marrow, blood, and other organs and differentiate into numerous cell lineages regardless of origin. Identifying a subset that can differentiate into mature endothelial cells is essential. This article describes peripheral blood collection in adult beagle dogs, isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from the cell fraction, separation of a subset of CD34+ cells using immunomagnetic principles, characterization of PBMNCs and CD34+ cells using flow cytometry, and evaluation of gene expression of CD34, KDR, and CD133 in CD34+ fractions. Efficient methods of isolation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) will promote the ex vivo expansion and transplantation of EPCs in ischemic injury to enable neovascularization. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plasma phase transition (by the fiftieth anniversary of the prediction)
Authors: Norman Genri E. , Saitov Ilnur M.
Published: March 2019

At first, we present a brief review of the problem. Then, we consider plasma phase transition (PPT) as a mechanism of the first order fluid–fluid phase transition in warm dense hydrogen. The pros and cons are analysed. The properties of warm dense hydrogen are investigated by ab initio methods of molecular dynamics using the density functional theory. Strong ionization during the fluid–fluid phase transition in warm dense hydrogen makes this transition close to the prediction of the PPT. Finally, we present differences in the real phase transition from the prediction 1968–1969. Structures are observed with inter‐proton separations that are equal to the distances between protons in the and ions. The transition is not only ionization, but also structural. An analysis of the phase transition counterpart in solid hydrogen under high pressure allows us to reveal partially the character of the new structure. The ionized phase includes complex cluster ions. Van der Waals loops are of abnormal inverted form.
Time‐dependent simulation of ion stopping: Charge transfer and electronic excitations
Authors: Schlünzen N. , Balzer K. , Bonitz M. , Deuchler L. , Pehlke E.
Published: March 2019

The energy loss of charged particles in matter has been studied for many decades, both, analytically and via computer simulations. While the regime of high projectile energies is well understood, low energy stopping in solids is more challenging due to the importance of non‐adiabatic effects and electronic correlations. Here we consider two problems: the charge transfer between substrate and projectile and the role of electronic correlations, specifically formation of doubly occupied lattice sites in the material during the stopping process. The former problem is treated by time‐dependent density functional theory simulations and the latter by non‐equilibrium Green functions.