bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The temporal occurrence and possible uses of obsidian mata'a on Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile)
Authors: STEVENSON CHRISTOPHER M. , WILLIAMS CAITLIN
Published: January 2018

One of the more visible tools in the Rapa Nui archaeological record is a large flake modified to form a broad blade and tang. Referred to as mata'a, these implements have conventionally been interpreted as “spear points”, or weapons of war, which are proposed to have been made in large numbers during a period of internal conflict in the late seventeenth century. Obsidian hydration dating of 63 mata'a fragments from the southern coast of Rapa Nui indicates that their usage peaked in the sixteenth century, declined in frequency afterwards, and briefly spiked in the early AD 1700s. This non‐convergence with the period of warfare recorded in the oral history, and the decline in frequency of the tool within the lithic assemblage, argues for an alternative interpretation. The results of previous experimental archaeology focusing on tool breakage patterns and micro‐wear studies, coupled to island deforestation, suggests that the tool had a role to play in forest clearance.
A Wavelet Packet Tree Denoising Algorithm for Images of Atomic‐Force Microscopy
Authors: Schimmack Manuel , Mercorelli Paolo
Published: January 2018

A threshold‐free denoising procedure of acquired discrete Atomic‐force microscopy (AFM) signals using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method is presented in this article. The integration of a denoising procedure into a control structure is extremely important for each kind of system to be controlled. The detection of unavoidable measurement noise in the acquired data of the AFM signal is done by using orthogonal wavelets (Daubechies and Symmlet) and with different polynomial approximation order for each family. The proposed denoising algorithm, based on the free wavelet toolboxes from the WaveLab 850 library of the Stanford University (USA), compares the usefulness of Daubechies and Symmlet wavelets with different vanishing moments. With the help of a seminorm the noise of a sequence is defined as a coherent and incoherent part of the AFM signal. In the first step of the procedure the algorithm analyzes the frequency subspaces of the wavelet packets tree and searches for small or opposing components in the wavelet domains. In the second step of the procedure the incoherent components in the low‐ and high frequency domains are localized and the incoherent is then removed from the AFM signal. The proposed algorithm structure is used to improve the quality of the AFM signals and it can be easily integrated into the existing AFM control hard‐ and software structures. The effectiveness of the proposed denoising algorithm is validated with real measurements.
Evaluation of the Good Behavior Game with a child with fetal alcohol syndrome in a small‐group context
Authors: Wiskow Katie M. , Ruiz‐Olivares Rosario , Matter Ashley L. , Donaldson Jeanne M.
Published: January 2018

We evaluated the Good Behavior Game (GBG) on levels of disruptive behavior of a 4‐year‐old boy with fetal alcohol syndrome during small‐group reading time. We also compared the effectiveness of and preference for choice of a reward to a surprise reward for winning the GBG. Results showed that the GBG was effective to decrease disruptive behavior to similar levels as peers in the group. We did not observe a difference in the effectiveness of the GBG with a choice of reward compared to a surprise reward, but the participant preferred having a choice of reward. We discuss the potential benefit of utilizing the GBG to reduce disruptive behavior during small‐group learning instruction for individual students with disabilities and to aid in the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
Luminescence properties of Tm3+ ions single‐doped YF3 materials in an unconventional excitation region
Authors: Chen Yuan , Liu Qing , Lin Han , Yan Xiaohong
Published: January 2018

According to the spectral distribution of solar radiation at the earth's surface, under the excitation region of 1150 to 1350 nm, the up‐conversion luminescence of Tm3+ ions was investigated. The emission bands were matched well with the spectral response region of silicon solar cells, achieved by Tm3+ ions single‐doped yttrium fluoride (YF3) phosphor, which was different from the conventional Tm3+/Yb3+ ion couple co‐doped materials. Additionally, the similar emission bands of Tm3+ ions were achieved under excitation in the ultraviolet region. It is expected that via up‐conversion and down‐conversion routes, Tm3+‐sensitized materials could convert photons to the desired wavelengths in order to reduce the energy loss of silicon solar cells, thereby enhancing the photovoltaic efficiency.
Luminescence of lemon‐derived carbon quantum dot and its potential application in luminescent probe for detection of Mo6+ ions
Authors: Hoan Bui Thi , Van Huan Pham , Van Hoang Nhu , Nguyen Duy Hung , Tam Phuong Dinh , Nguyen Khoi Thi , Pham Vuong‐Hung
Published: January 2018

This article reports on the first attempt of a systematic study on the synthesis of carbon dots (C‐dots) for the potential applications in labeling and detection of molybdenum ion (Mo6+). Carbon dots (C‐dots) were synthesized directly via a simple hydrothermal method using lemon juices as carbon precursor with different temperatures to control the luminescence of C‐dots. The obtained C‐dots had strong green light emission and the ability to use its luminescence properties as probes for Mo6+ detection application, which is based on Mo6+ induced luminescence quenching of C‐dots. This analysis system exhibits strong sensitivity and good selectivity for Mo6+ ion, and a detection limit as low as 20 ppm is achieved. These results suggest that the present C‐dots have potential application in optoelectronic, labeling and luminescent probing of Mo6+ ions.
Role of respiratory terminal oxidases in the extracellular electron transfer ability of cyanobacteria
Authors: Sekar Narendran , Wang Jian , Zhou Yan , Fang Yi , Yan Yajun , Ramasamy Ramaraja P.
Published: January 2018

Cyanobacteria are used as anode catalysts in photo‐bioelectrochemical cells to generate electricity in a sustainable, economic, and environmental friendly manner using only water and sunlight. Though cyanobacteria (CB) possess unique advantage for solar energy conversion by virtue of its robust photosynthesis, they cannot efficiently perform extracellular electron transfer (EET). The reasons being, unlike dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria (that are usually exploited in microbial fuel cells to generate electricity), (1) CB do not possess any special features on their outer membrane to carry out EET and, (2) the electrons generated in photosynthetic electron transport chain are channeled into competing respiratory pathways rather than to the anode. CB, genetically engineered to express outer membrane cytochrome S (OmcS), was found to generate ∼nine‐fold higher photocurrent compared to that of wild‐type cyanobacterium in our previous work. In this study, each of the three respiratory terminal oxidases in Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 namely bd‐type quinol oxidase, aa3‐type cytochrome oxidase, and cbb3‐type cytochrome oxidase was knocked‐out one at a time (cyd‐, cox‐, and cco‐ respectively) and its contribution for extracellular ferricyanide reduction and photocurrent generation was investigated. The knock‐out mutant lacking functional bd‐type quinol oxidase (cyd‐) exhibited greater EET by reducing more ferricyanide compared to other single knock‐out mutants as well as the wild type. Further, cyd‐omcs (the cyd‐ mutant expressing OmcS) was found to generate more photocurrent than the corresponding single knock out controls and the wild‐type. This study clearly demonstrates that the bd‐quinol oxidase diverted more electrons from the photosynthetic electron transport chain towards respiratory oxygen reduction and knocking it out had certainly enhanced the cyanobacterial EET.
Using extensional flow to reveal diverse aggregation landscapes for three IgG1 molecules
Authors: Willis Leon F. , Kumar Amit , Dobson John , Bond Nicholas J. , Lowe David , Turner Richard , Radford Sheena E. , Kapur Nikil , Brockwell David J.
Published: January 2018

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently dominate the biopharmaceutical sector due to their potency and efficacy against a range of disease targets. These proteinaceous therapeutics are, however, susceptible to unfolding, mis‐folding, and aggregation by environmental perturbations. Aggregation thus poses an enormous challenge to biopharmaceutical development, production, formulation, and storage. Hydrodynamic forces have also been linked to aggregation, but the ability of different flow fields (e.g., shear and extensional flow) to trigger aggregation has remained unclear. To address this question, we previously developed a device that allows the degree of extensional flow to be controlled. Using this device we demonstrated that mAbs are particularly sensitive to the force exerted as a result of this flow‐field. Here, to investigate the utility of this device to bio‐process/biopharmaceutical development, we quantify the effects of the flow field and protein concentration on the aggregation of three mAbs. We show that the response surface of mAbs is distinct from that of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and also that mAbs of similar sequence display diverse sensitivity to hydrodynamic flow. Finally, we show that flow‐induced aggregation of each mAb is ameliorated by different buffers, opening up the possibility of using the device as a formulation tool. Perturbation of the native state by extensional flow may thus allow identification of aggregation‐resistant mAb candidates, their bio‐process parameters and formulation to be optimized earlier in the drug‐discovery pipeline using sub‐milligram quantities of material.
Enrichment of high affinity subclasses and glycoforms from serum‐derived IgG using FcγRs as affinity ligands
Authors: Boesch Austin W. , Kappel James H. , Mahan Alison E. , Chu Thach H. , Crowley Andrew R. , Osei‐Owusu Nana Y. , Alter Galit , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: January 2018

As antibodies continue to gain predominance in drug discovery and development pipelines, efforts to control and optimize their activity in vivo have matured to incorporate sophisticated abilities to manipulate engagement of specific Fc binding partners. Such efforts to promote diverse functional outcomes include modulating IgG‐Fc affinity for FcγRs to alternatively potentiate or reduce effector functions, such as antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. While a number of natural and engineered Fc features capable of eliciting variable effector functions have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, elucidation of these important functional relationships has taken significant effort through use of diverse genetic, cellular and enzymatic techniques. As an orthogonal approach, we demonstrate use of FcγR as chromatographic affinity ligands to enrich and therefore simultaneously identify favored binding species from a complex mixture of serum‐derived pooled polycloncal human IgG, a load material that contains the natural repertoire of Fc variants and post‐translational modifications. The FcγR‐enriched IgG was characterized for subclass and glycoform composition and the impact of this bioseparation step on antibody activity was measured in cell‐based effector function assays including Natural Killer cell activation and monocyte phagocytosis. This work demonstrates a tractable means to rapidly distinguish complex functional relationships between two or more interacting biological agents by leveraging affinity chromatography followed by secondary analysis with high‐resolution biophysical and functional assays and emphasizes a platform capable of surveying diverse natural post‐translational modifications that may not be easily produced with high purity or easily accessible with recombinant expression techniques.
Mechanisms of the Binding/Dissociation Acceleration of the Target–Guide Interaction by Thermus thermophilus Argonaute
Authors: Jung Seung‐Ryoung , Kim Eunji , Shin Soochul , Song Ji‐Joon , Hohng Sungchul
Published: January 2018

Prokaryotic Argonaute facilitates the target recognition process by the guide strand via a still unknown mechanism. Using single‐molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer and systematic mutagenesis of Thermus thermophilus Argonaute and guide‐target base pairing, we study the kinetic roles of various structural features of guide strand in the prokaryotic Argonaute. We reveal that the 5′‐end anchoring of the guide strand, and the sequence complementarity in the seed‐ and mid‐regions greatly accelerate the target binding, and that this acceleration is due to the reduction of the entropic barrier of the binding process. Our data further suggest that the dynamic anchoring of the guide strand to the PAZ domain, which is coupled to target dissociation, does not accompany the partial unwinding of the guide‐target duplex.
Outcomes of intermediate‐risk patients treated with transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: A single center 20‐year experience
Authors: Garcia Santiago , Kelly Rosemary , Mbai Mackenzie , Gurevich Sergey , Oestreich Brett , Yannopoulos Demetris , Adabag Selcuk
Published: January 2018

Background

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in the placement of aortic transcatheter valves (PARTNER) 2A trial (P2). The generalizability of the trial results to the broader population of patients with intermediate surgical risk remains unknown.

Objective

To compare the outcomes of SAVR and TAVR among patients with intermediate surgical risk treated in the VA Healthcare System.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes on all SAVR (1987–2014) and TAVR procedures (2015–2017) performed at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System. Patients were divided into three groups based on their estimated 30‐day mortality risk. The primary outcome was a composite of death or stroke at 30‐days.

Results

A total of 1,049 patients underwent SAVR with (n = 468, 45%) or without CABG (n = 581, 55%) and 110 underwent TAVR during the study period. Intermediate‐risk patients represented 29.4% and 40% of patients undergoing SAVR and TAVR, respectively. The predicted 30‐day mortality risk of intermediate‐risk patients was 5.5% for the SAVR group and 5.2% for the TAVR group (P = 0.54). The observed combined rate of stroke or death at 30‐days for intermediate‐risk patients treated with SAVR and TAVR was 11% and 2.2%, respectively (P = 0.05). The results for SAVR and TAVR at the VA were comparable to the P2 trial and STS database (all P = NS). The results did not change when the analysis was restricted to a more contemporary (2005–2014) surgical cohort or isolated SAVR. The number needed to treat to prevent one death/stroke with TAVR was 10.

Conclusions

Adoption of TAVR as the preferred treatment modality in intermediate‐risk patients may result in significant improvements in morbidity and mortality.
Comparison of rheological properties of dough and antistaling characteristics of Chinese Steamed Bread containing β‐glucan from yeast or oat
Authors: Pan Li‐Hua , Luo Shui‐Zhong , Liu Fei , Luo Jian‐ping
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

The effects of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) flour fortification with β‐glucan (1%–5% of wheat flour) from yeast and oat (YβG, 7.4 × 106 and OβG, 1.3 × 107) on the rheological properties of dough and specific volume, texture, and staling characteristics of CSB, a kind of traditional fermented food but it lacks dietary fiber, have been compared.

Findings

The addition of β‐glucan to the dough formula increased the farinograph water absorption, dough development time, and the resistance to deformation but decreased the dough stability, dough weakening degree, extensibility, peak, hold, final and setback viscosity, and retrogradation value; OβG exerted a greater effect than did YβG. Chinese steamed bread (CSB) with 1%–2% OβG or YβG addition possessed the higher specific volume and resilience and showed the similar hardness, springness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness compared to the control; while, CSB with 4%–5% OβG or YβG addition exhibited a smaller specific volume, a larger hardness and the similar springness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience than did the control. β‐glucan addition resulted in the higher freezable and unfreezable water content and in the lower firmness and amylopectin retrogradation during storage at 25°C, thus retarded CSB staling.

Conclusions

β‐glucan at 1%–2% addition levels was more effective in helping to soften CSB and preventing CSB staling.

Significance and novelty

Conditions that β‐glucans incorporation increased the water‐holding capacity of CSB, restricted water migration, and retarded the long‐term starch retrogradation, thus softening CSB and preventing CSB staling.
Biocatalytic Racemization Employing TeSADH: Substrate Scope and Organic Solvent Compatibility for Dynamic Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Popłoński Jarosław , Reiter Tamara , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

Racemization in combination with a kinetic resolution is the base for a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR). Biocatalytic racemization was successfully performed for a broad scope of sec‐alcohols by employing a single alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) variant from Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus (formerly T. ethanolicus; TeSADH W110A I86A C295A). The catalyst employed as a lyophilized whole cell preparation or cell free extract, which tolerated various non‐water miscible organic solvents under micro‐aqueous or two‐phase conditions, whereby cyclohexane and n‐hexane suited best. Various concepts for combining the enzymatic racemization with an enzymatic kinetic resolution to achieve overall a bis‐enzymatic DKR were evaluated. A proof of concept showed a successful DKR with racemization in aqueous phase combined with acylation in the organic phase.
Copper–Cobalt–Cerium Ternary Oxide as an Additive to a Conventional Platinum‐Group‐Metal Catalyst for Automotive Exhaust Catalysis
Authors: Binder Andrew J. , Toops Todd J. , Parks James E.
Published: January 2018

Recently, we reported on a ternary mixed‐oxide catalyst that showed low‐temperature CO oxidation activity under lean exhaust conditions without inhibition by hydrocarbons such as propene. However, the hydrocarbon oxidation activity of this Cu–Co–Ce (CCC) catalyst cannot be considered as a stand‐alone solution to low‐temperature automotive exhaust catalysis. To achieve both low‐temperature oxidation of pollutants and a reduction in the total platinum‐group‐metal (PGM) content, we examined a 50 % physical mixture of traditional Pt/Al2O3 and our CCC catalyst in two simulated exhaust protocols. Using this physical mixture, we were able to obtain equivalent or better hydrocarbon activity than the baseline Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with half the total PGM content as well as increased sulfur tolerance for the CCC component of the mixture. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy data confirmed that despite exposure of sulfur‐sensitive CCC to SO2, Cu+‐carbonyl binding sites could still be seen if the catalyst was mixed with Pt/Al2O3.
Ring‐Expanded N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes for Copper‐Mediated Azide–Alkyne Click Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Sebest Filip , Dunsford Jay J. , Adams Matthew , Pivot Jeremy , Newman Paul D. , Díez‐González Silvia
Published: January 2018

A series of well‐defined copper(I) complexes bearing ring‐expanded N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands has been applied to the azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. The obtained results notably showed that the six‐membered NHC ligands outperform well‐established five‐membered ones. [CuI(Mes‐6)] displayed a remarkable catalytic activity while respecting the strict criteria for click reactions.
Recent Membrane Developments for CO2 Separation and Capture
Authors: Norahim Nadia , Yaisanga Pacharaporn , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Charinpanitkul Tawatchai , Klaysom Chalida
Published: January 2018

Increasing concerns on global warming and climate change have led to numerous attempts and advanced technology developments to tackle the problem of excessive greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere. One of the technical strategies receiving great attention is the application of membrane technology for greenhouse gas separation/capture. Such technology exhibits significant advantages over other conventional methods in terms of removal efficiency, compactness, and environmental friendliness. Many state‐of‐the‐art membrane developments as well as its applications to post‐combustion treatment, which could be a promising approach for reducing CO2 emission from point sources, are thoroughly reviewed. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey on the future perspective of membrane technologies as a potential solution for CO2 removal and utilization is provided.
Hierarchically Porous Multilayered Carbon Barriers for High‐Performance Li–S Batteries
Authors: Chang Zhi , Ding Bing , Dou Hui , Wang Jie , Xu Guiyin , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2018

As one of the most promising energy storage devices, the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries is limited by the low electrical conductivity of sulfur and the notable “shuttle effects” of sulfur‐based electrodes. In this work, we describe a hierarchically porous N‐doped zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)‐derived carbon nanosphere (N‐ZDC) with an outer shell and an inner honeycomb‐like interconnected nanosheet network as sulfur host material for high‐performance and long‐term lithium–sulfur batteries. The N‐ZDC serves as multilayered barrier against the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. The porously inner interconnected carbon network of the N‐ZDC facilitates the electron and ion transportation, ensures a high sulfur loading, and accommodates a volume expansion of the sulfur species. As a result, the optimized N‐ZDC4/S electrodes displayed high initial specific capacities of 1343, 1182, and 698 mAh g−1 at 0.5, 1, and 2 C, respectively, and an ultraslow capacity decay of only 0.048 % per cycle at 2 C over 800 cycles. Even with a high sulfur loading of 3.1 mg cm−2, N‐ZDC4/S still delivered a reversible capacity of 956 mAh g−1 and stabilizes at 544 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C, revealing the great potential of the novel carbon nanospheres for energy storage application.
Spin Crossover in a Hexaamineiron(II) Complex: Experimental Confirmation of a Computational Prediction
Authors: Bernhardt Paul V. , Bilyj Jessica K. , Brosius Victor , Chernyshov Dmitry , Deeth Robert J. , Foscato Marco , Jensen Vidar R. , Mertes Nicole , Riley Mark J. , Törnroos Karl W.
Published: January 2018

Single crystal structural analysis of [FeII(tame)2]Cl2⋅MeOH (tame=1,1,1‐tris(aminomethyl)ethane) as a function of temperature reveals a smooth crossover between a high temperature high‐spin octahedral d6 state and a low temperature low‐spin ground state without change of the symmetry of the crystal structure. The temperature at which the high and low spin states are present in equal proportions is T1/2=140 K. Single crystal, variable‐temperature optical spectroscopy of [FeII(tame)2]Cl2⋅MeOH is consistent with this change in electronic ground state. These experimental results confirm the spin activity predicted for [FeII(tame)2]2+ during its de novo artificial evolution design as a spin‐crossover complex [Chem. Inf. Model. 2015, 55, 1844], offering the first experimental validation of a functional transition‐metal complex predicted by such in silico molecular design methods. Additional quantum chemical calculations offer, together with the crystal structure analysis, insight into the role of spin‐passive structural components. A thermodynamic analysis based on an Ising‐like mean field model (Slichter–Drickammer approximation) provides estimates of the enthalpy, entropy and cooperativity of the crossover between the high and low spin states.
Phosphine/Sulfoxide‐Supported Carbon(0) Complex
Authors: Lozano González Mariana , Bousquet Laura , Hameury Sophie , Alvarez Toledano Cecilio , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Branchadell Vicenç , Maerten Eddy , Baceiredo Antoine
Published: January 2018

A new carbon(0) complex 2 with two different L ligands, a phosphine and a sulfoxide, was synthesized and fully characterized. This new type of carbone exhibits excellent coordination ability, in contrast to the related phosphine/sulfide‐supported carbon(0) complexes. Several organometallic complexes were isolated and, of special interest, the νav(CO) value of RhI‐dicarbonyl complex indicates that 2 has a donor capability superior to classical NHCs.
Supramolecular Recognition of Three Way Junction DNA by a Cationic Calix[3]carbazole
Authors: Yang Zhaozheng , Chen Yan , Li Gang , Tian Zhangmin , Zhao Liang , Wu Xi , Ma Qi , Liu Mingzhe , Yang Peng
Published: January 2018

DNA three‐way junctions (TWJ‐DNA) are intermediate structures in DNA replication and/or recombination. They play very important roles in biological processes, but more subtle functions are still unknown due partially to the lack of a fluorescent ligand. In this study, a cationic calix[3]carbazole (2) has been synthesized and its properties of interacting with TWJ‐DNA have been evaluated by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), gel electrophoresis, and1H NMR studies. The results show that2binds to the central hydrophobic cavity of TWJ‐DNA. Moreover, it could selectively bind to TWJ‐DNA over duplex and quadruplex DNA. Furthermore,2possesses the capability of serving as the TWJ‐DNA probe as its trap‐II excimer emission is turned on by TWJ‐DNA.
A Saturn‐Like Complex Composed of Macrocyclic Oligothiophene and C60 Fullerene: Structure, Stability, and Photophysical Properties in Solution and the Solid State
Authors: Shimizu Hideyuki , Park Kyu Hyung , Otani Hiroyuki , Aoyagi Shinobu , Nishinaga Tohru , Aso Yoshio , Kim Dongho , Iyoda Masahiko
Published: January 2018

A Saturn‐like 1:1 complex composed of macrocyclic oligothiophene E‐8T7A and C60 fullerene (C60) was synthesized to investigate the interaction between macrocyclic oligothiophenes and C60 in solution and the solid state. Because the Saturn‐like 1:1 complex E‐8T7A⋅C60 is mainly stabilized by van der Waals interactions between C60 and the sulfur atoms of the E‐8T7A macrocycle, C60 is rather weakly incorporated inside the macro‐ring in solution. However, in the solid state the Saturn‐like 1:1 complex preferentially formed single crystals or nanostructured polymorphs. Interestingly, X‐ray analysis and theoretical calculations exhibited hindered rotation of C60 in the Saturn‐like complex due to interactions between C60 and the sulfur atoms. Furthermore, the photoinduced charge transfer (CT) interaction between E‐8T7A and C60 in solution was investigated by using femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. The ultrafast TA spectral changes in the photoinduced absorption bands were attributed to the CT process in the Saturn‐like structure.
Directed Self‐Assembly, Symmetry Breaking, and Electronic Modulation of Metal Oxide Clusters by Pyramidal Heteroanions
Authors: Sartzi Harikleia , Long De‐Liang , Sproules Stephen , Cronin Leroy , Miras Haralampos N.
Published: January 2018

Mixed valence/metal polyoxometalate (POM) clusters are one of the most interesting host species because they show the ability to incorporate a wide range of heteroatoms of various charges and geometries. We report herein the incorporation of pyramidal EO32− heteroanions (E=PH, S, Se, Te) that are responsible not only for directing the templated assembly of a family of mixed‐metal POMs but also for the symmetry‐breaking of the traditional Dawson architecture and modulation of the electronic characteristics of the cluster's shell. The isolated family of POMs consists of four members: (Me2NH2)5Na2[Mo11V7O52(HPO3)]⋅MeOH⋅5 H2O (1), (NH4)7[Mo11V7O52(SO3)]⋅12 H2O (2), K7[Mo11V7O52(SeO3)] ⋅31 H2O (3), and (Me2NH2)6Na[Mo11V7O52(TeO3)]⋅15 H2O (4), and were characterized by X‐ray structural analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV/Vis, FTIR, elemental analysis, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies in concert with density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations have been used to elucidate the effect of the heteroatom on the electronic properties of the cluster.
All‐in‐One: Electroactive Nanocarbon as Simultaneous Platform and Label for Single‐Step Biosensing
Authors: Cheng Zhao Xuan , Bonanni Alessandra
Published: January 2018

We demonstrate here that an electroactive nanocarbon material can simultaneously work as both platform and label for the detection of mycotoxins. The versatility of the material for the immobilization of biorecognition elements was combined with its ability to provide an intrinsic electrochemical signal upon reduction of the oxygen functionalities on its surface. The intensity of peak current reflects the availability of oxygen functionalities for reduction, which can be directly correlated to the specific biorecognition event. We show that the use of electroactive nanocarbon as all‐in‐one biosensing component enables sensitive quantification of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) as model mycotoxin analyte, but it can be easily implemented to develop label‐free, cost‐effective and fast bioanalytical devices for universal biosensing.
Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of Thioamide with an α‐Vinyl Appendage
Authors: Cui Jin , Ohtsuki Akimichi , Watanabe Takumi , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: January 2018

The direct catalytic asymmetric aldol reaction is an emerging catalytic methodology that provides atom‐economical access to functionalized chiral building blocks. Thioamides are useful aldol donors due to their high‐fidelity chemoselective enolization and divergent post‐aldol transformations. Herein we describe the incorporation of an α‐vinyl appendage on a thioamide, which expands the utility of aldol adducts for natural product synthesis. This vinylated thioamide was not accommodated under the previously identified catalyst settings, but the newly developed catalytic conditions furnished aldol products containing the pendant vinyl group.
Enantiomeric resolution and modeling of DL‐alanine‐DL‐tryptophan dipeptide on amylose stationary phase
Authors: Ali Imran , Khattab Raffat A. , Alothman Zeid A. , Badjah Ahmad Yacine , Alwarthan Abdulrahman
Published: January 2018

The enantiomeric resolution of DL‐alanine‐DL‐tryptophan dipeptide is described on amylose stationary phase. The eluent used was CH3OH─CH3COONH4 (10mM)─CH3CN (50: 40, 10) at 0.8‐mL/min flow, 230‐nm detection, 25‐minute run time, and 25°C ± 1°C temperature. The chiral phase was amylose [AmyCoat RP (15 cm × 0.46 cm × 5 micron)]. The magnitudes of the retention factors (k) were 2.71, 3.52, 5.11, and 7.75. The magnitudes of separation factor (α) were 1.19, 1.57, and 1.51 while the resolution factors (Rs) were 3.25, 14.84, and 15.76. The limits of detection and quantitation were of 2.5 to 5.4 and 12.8 to 27.5 μg/mL. The enantiomeric resolution is controlled by hydrogen, hydrophobic, π‐π, steric, etc interactions. The elution order of the enantiomer was supported by the modeling data. The described method is fast, reproducible, precise, and selective, which can be used successfully for evaluating the enantiomers of the reported dipeptide.
Power‐to‐Liquids as Renewable Fuel Option for Aviation: A Review
Authors: Schmidt Patrick , Batteiger Valentin , Roth Arne , Weindorf Werner , Raksha Tetyana
Published: January 2018

Severe reductions in the greenhouse gas intensity of aviation fuels are required to get a growing aviation sector on a flightpath compliant with the Paris Climate Agreement. Introducing renewable energy into aviation is challenging. The power‐to‐liquid (PtL) pathway uses renewable electricity, CO2, and water to synthesize a sustainable alternative fuel that chemically resembles conventional jet fuel. The state‐of‐art of key technologies for PtL fuel production as well as the environmental and techno‐economic performance of the resulting fuel in comparison with fossil and biomass‐derived jet fuel are reviewed.
Estragol aus Estragon
Authors: Prasse Agneta , Zeller Klaus‐Peter , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Berger Stefan , Sicker Dieter
Published: January 2018

Estragol ist ein in vielen Pflanzen aus L‐Phenylalanin gebildetes Phenylpropanoid. Es kommt auch im ätherischen Öl des Französischen Estragons vor, aus dem es destillativ abgetrennt wurde. Estragon zählt neben Schnittlauch, Petersilie und Kerbel zu den vier Fines Herbes der französischen Haute Cuisine. Eine Aufnahme von Estragol in Gewürzmengen ist harmlos (dazu Rezepte), eine Überdosierung sollte vermieden werden. Estragol wurde 1892 das erste Mal als Naturstoff in Estragonöl beschrieben. Im Basischen isomerisiert Estragol zum konstitutionsisomeren trans‐Anethol. Die erste Synthese gelang 1904 über eine Wurtz‐Fittig‐Reaktion aus Allylbromid, 4‐Bromanisol und Magnesium. Estragol ist ein Paradebeispiel für spektroskopische Interpretationen. Dazu werden alle Spektren präsentiert. Dieser Beitrag setzt die Reihe zur Isolierung und Spektroskopie von Naturstoffen fort und basiert auf einer Bachelorarbeit. Er ergänzt die Kapitel des Buchs “Classics in Spectroscopy” von S. Berger und D. Sicker (Wiley‐VCH 2009).
L'impartition des activités logistiques dans le secteur de la santé: les leçons d'une expérience canadienne
Authors: Beaulieu Martin , Roy Jacques , Landry Sylvain
Published: January 2018

Logistics activities are seen by many healthcare organizations as an opportunity for financial savings. The level of logistics complexity in these organizations may explain the challenges they face in applying solutions common in other industries. This case study of a medical‐supply distribution outsourcing initiative to a logistics services provider by a group of hospitals in a region of Canada helps elucidate this complexity. The objective of this article is to identify the dissonances between various points of view in order to articulate lessons for managers while taking into account the specifics of the healthcare sector. By examining information from several sources, this study shows the necessity of: 1) setting objectives and managing expectations in order to maintain the interest and participation of stakeholders throughout the project; 2) updating internal logistics processes prior to outsourcing; 3) carefully considering a gradual transition phase by ensuring short‐term benefits for both partners; 4) requiring problem‐solving skills as a selection criterion for the logistics services provider to ensure continuous improvement in the performance of the outsourced activity; and 5) developing a governance accountability framework to support problem solving between all parties involved. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation study of sweetening and dehydration of natural gas stream using MEG solution
Authors: Alnili Firas , Barifcani Ahmed
Published: January 2018

Natural gas is currently an important and popular fossil fuel and will likely continue to be in the future. In addition, natural gas can be considered as a source of hydrocarbon for petrochemical industries. Despite the fact that natural gas is mostly considered a “clean” fuel compared to other fossil fuels, the natural gas found in reservoir deposits is not necessarily “clean” and free of impurities. Natural gas consists primarily of methane, but it also contains considerable amounts of light and heavier hydrocarbons as well as contaminating compounds of CO2, N2, H2S, and other impurities. These impurities are undesirable compounds and cause several technical problems such as corrosion and environment pollution. However, many natural gas streams in different areas contain huge quantities of H2S and CO2. Many technologies can be used to purify the natural gas from acid gases. These technologies include Amine absorption, the adsorption process, cryogenic processes, and membranes. Therefore, this study aims to simulate the gas sweetening process by using the Aspen HYSYS V.7.3 program. Moreover, in this simulation work, MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) was selected as an absorbent for the gas sweetening process: it achieved high acid gas removal and reduced the water content from a stream of natural gas. In addition, the simulation work also achieved process optimization using several MEG concentrations and temperatures. It also investigated the effect of MEG concentrations and the inlet temperature of MEG on the regeneration reboiler temperature and duty.
Histological scoring of immune and stromal features in breast and axillary lymph nodes is prognostic for distant metastasis in lymph node‐positive breast cancers
Authors: Grigoriadis Anita , Gazinska Patrycja , Pai Trupti , Irhsad Sheeba , Wu Yin , Millis Rosemary , Naidoo Kalnisha , Owen Julie , Gillett Cheryl E , Tutt Andrew , Coolen Anthonius CC , Pinder Sarah E
Published: January 2018

The prognostic importance of lymph node (LN) status and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), is well established, particularly TILs in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). So far, few studies have interrogated changes in involved and uninvolved LNs and evaluated if their morphological patterns add valuable information for the prediction of disease progression in breast cancer. In a cohort of 309 patients enriched for TNBCs (170/309), we histologically characterised immune and stromal features in primary tumours and associated involved and uninvolved axillary LNs on routine haematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Of the 309 patients, 143 had LN‐positive disease. Twenty‐five histopathological features were assessed, including the degree of TIL presence, quantitative and qualitative assessment of germinal centres (GCs) and sinus histiocytosis. Multivariate and cross‐validated proportional hazard regression analyses were used to identify optimal covariate sets for prediction of distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS). The degree of intratumoural and peritumoural immune infiltrate was associated with architectural changes in both uninvolved and involved LNs. By including clinicopathological characteristics as well as tumour and LN histopathological features in L2‐regularised proportional hazard models, the prediction of 5‐year DMFS was improved by 3–15% over the baseline in all cancers and in TNBCs. In LN‐positive cancers, the combination of Salgado's classification, lymphocytic lobulitis, size and number of GCs in the uninvolved LNs and location of GCs in the involved LNs carried significant prognostic information. From these features, a multivariate cross‐validation‐stable risk signature was constructed, which identified low‐risk groups within both LN‐positive breast cancers and the LN‐positive TNBCs group with a 10‐year DMFS probability of 78 and 87%, respectively. This study illustrates that, by incorporating histopathological patterns of involved and uninvolved LNs combined with primary tumour immune and stromal features, the prediction of developing distant metastasis in LN‐positive breast cancers can be estimated more accurately.
A novel ANO5 splicing variant in a LGMD2L patient leads to production of a truncated aggregation‐prone Ano5 peptide
Authors: Xu Jing , Xu Li , Lau Yeh Siang , Gao Yandi , Moore Steven A , Han Renzhi
Published: January 2018

Mutations in ANO5 cause several human diseases including gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia 1 (GDD1), limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2L (LGMD2L), and Miyoshi myopathy 3 (MMD3). Previous work showed that complete genetic disruption of Ano5 in mice did not recapitulate human muscular dystrophy, while residual expression of mutant Ano5 in a gene trapped mouse developed muscular dystrophy with defective membrane repair. This suggests that truncated Ano5 expression may be pathogenic. Here, we screened a panel of commercial anti‐Ano5 antibodies using a recombinant adenovirus expressing human Ano5 with FLAG and YFP at the N‐ and C‐terminus, respectively. The monoclonal antibody (mAb) N421A/85 was found to specifically detect human Ano5 by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining. The antigen epitope was mapped to a region of 28 residues within the N‐terminus. Immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections from healthy control subjects showed that Ano5 is localized at the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The muscle biopsy from a LGMD2L patient homozygous for the c.191dupA mutation showed no Ano5 signal, confirming the specificity of the N421A/85 antibody. Surprisingly, strong Ano5 signal was detected in a patient with compound heterozygous mutations (c.191dupA and a novel splice donor site variant c.363 + 4A > G at the exon 6–intron 6 junction). Interestingly, insertion of the mutant intron 6, but not the wild‐type intron 6, into human ANO5 cDNA resulted in a major transcript that carried the first 158‐bp of intron 6. Transfection of the construct encoding the first 121 amino acids into C2C12 cells resulted in protein aggregate formation, suggesting that aggregate‐forming Ano5 peptide may contribute to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy.
Advanced Treatment of the Antibiotic Production Wastewater by Ozone/Zero‐Valent Iron Process
Authors: Ji Yanping , Pan Zhicheng , Yuan Donghai , Lai Bo
Published: January 2018

In this study, ozone/zero‐valent iron (ZVI) process is investigated to treat the refractory noxious antibiotic production wastewater. Effects of reaction conditions such as initial pH (2.5–8), ozone flow rate (0–0.5 L min−1), Fe0 dosage (0–7 g L−1), stirring speed (0–400 rpm), temperature (8–80 °C), and reaction time (0–60 min) on biochemical oxygen demand after five days (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal are studied, respectively. The results showed that high COD removal (79.9%) and BOD5/COD ratio (0.36) are obtained under the optimal conditions (initial pH 2.5, Fe0 dosage = 60 g L−1, ozone flow rate = 0.25 L min−1, reaction temperature = 30 °C, stirring speed = 300 rpm, reaction time = 60 min). The results indicate that refractory noxious compositions can be transferred and decomposed by the ozone/ZVI process dramatically. In addition, three control experiments (i.e., air/ZVI process, ZVI process, and ozone process) are performed to confirm the superiority of the ozone/ZVI process. Moreover, the degradation process is analyzed by UV–vis, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and excitation‐emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopies. Therefore, the ozone/ZVI process is a potential and effective method for the advanced treatment of antibiotic production wastewater.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis after risk‐reducing surgery in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers
Authors: Harmsen Marline G. , Piek Jurgen M. J. , Bulten Johan , Casey Murray J. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Mourits Marian J. , Greene Mark H. , Slangen Brigitte F. M. , van Beurden Marc , Massuger Leon F. A. G. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , de Hullu Joanne A.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO) is recommended for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers because of their increased risk of ovarian carcinoma. Despite RRSO, metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis occasionally is diagnosed.

METHODS

The literature was searched for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with peritoneal carcinomatosis after risk‐reducing surgery. The authors were asked for additional data. Clinical and histopathological data were descriptively analyzed. Cases were compared with a single‐institution control cohort.

RESULTS

Of 36 cases, 86.1% concerned BRCA1 mutation carriers. The median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 30‐71 years) at the time of risk‐reducing surgery and 60 years (range, 37‐75 years) at the time of diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The median interval between the 2 events was 54.5 months (range, 11‐292 months). Peritoneal carcinomatosis was mostly high‐grade serous carcinoma. Histopathological details of the RRSO specimens were retrieved in 8 cases; 5 (62.5%) were found to have serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma and 1 had epithelial atypia. Cases were older (P = .025) at the time of risk‐reducing surgery and harbored more serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (P<.001) compared with women from the control cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis after risk‐reducing surgery occurs predominantly in BRCA1 mutation carriers, usually within 5 years. Data have suggested that surgery at a younger age lowers the rates of peritoneal carcinomatosis. These data can be used in the gynecologic counseling of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. RRSO should include complete salpingectomy. Detailed histopathological examination of specimens removed during RRSO is essential. Cancer 2018;124:952‐9. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Lifestyle factors and subsequent ischemic heart disease risk after hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Leger Kasey J. , Baker K. Scott , Cushing‐Haugen Kara L. , Flowers Mary E. D. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Martin Paul J. , Mendoza Jason A. , Reding Kerryn W. , Syrjala Karen L. , Lee Stephanie J. , Chow Eric J.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether modifiable cardiovascular risk conditions and lifestyle factors were temporally associated with an increased risk for ischemic heart disease and overall mortality in a cohort of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors.

METHODS

HCT recipients who had survived for ≥1 year, were ≥20 years old, and had undergone transplantation between 1970 and 2010 at a transplant referral center were surveyed in 2010‐2011 about cardiovascular health and lifestyle factors (n = 3833). Respondents (n = 2360 [61.6%]) were followed to 2016 for incident ischemic heart disease and overall mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 2360 transplant survivors (median age at the baseline survey, 55.9 years; median time since transplantation, 10.8 years), 162 (6.9%) reported ischemic heart disease at the baseline survey. Among those without ischemic heart disease at the baseline survey (n = 2198), the 5‐year cumulative incidence of subsequent ischemic heart disease was 4.3%. Obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and physical inactivity at baseline were associated with an increased risk for subsequent ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio [HRs] ≥ 1.8). Greater physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake at baseline were associated with subsequent lower overall mortality (HRs ≤ 0.7). When jointly considered, each additional cardiovascular risk condition and each adverse lifestyle factor were independently associated with subsequent ischemic heart disease (HR for risk conditions, 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0‐1.9; HR for lifestyle factors, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2‐2.9), and adverse lifestyle factors remained associated with overall mortality (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5‐2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support strong efforts to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and to treat cardiovascular risk factors aggressively in HCT survivors. This may reduce future ischemic heart disease and overall mortality in this high‐risk population. Cancer 2018;124:1507‐15. © 2018 American Cancer Society.