bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the Diameter Limit of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes in SWCNT: Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Pfohl Moritz , Glaser Konstantin , Graf Arko , Mertens Adrian , Tune Daniel D. , Puerckhauer Tanja , Alam Asiful , Wei Li , Chen Yuan , Zaumseil Jana , Colsmann Alexander , Krupke Ralph , Flavel Benjamin S.
Published: August 2016

In this work, for the first time, the diameter limit of surfactant wrapped single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in SWCNT:C60 solar cells is determined through preparation of monochiral small and large diameter nanotube devices as well as those from polychiral mixtures. Through assignment of the different nanotube chiralities by photoluminescence and optical density measurements a diameter limit yielding 0% internal quantum efficiency (IQE) is determined. This work provides insights into the required net driving energy for SWCNT exciton dissociation onto C60 and establishes a family of (n,m) species which can efficiently be utilized in polymer‐free SWCNT:C60 solar cells. Using this approach the largest diameter nanotube with an IQE > 0% is found to be (8,6) with a diameter of 0.95 nm. Possible strategies to extend this diameter limit are then discussed.
Carbon‐Coated Si Nanoparticles Anchored between Reduced Graphene Oxides as an Extremely Reversible Anode Material for High Energy‐Density Li‐Ion Battery
Authors: Agyeman Daniel Adjei , Song Kyeongse , Lee Gi‐Hyeok , Park Mihui , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: August 2016

Improving the lithium (Li) storage properties of silicon (Si)‐based anode materials is of great significance for the realization of advanced Li‐ion batteries. The major challenge is to make Si‐based anode materials maintain electronic conduction and structural integrity during cycling. Novel carbon‐coated Si nanoparticles (NPs)/reduced graphene oxides (rGO) composites are synthesized through simple solution mixing and layer‐by‐layer assembly between polydopamine‐coated Si NPs and graphene oxide nanosheets by filtration, followed by a thermal reduction. The anodic properties of this composite demonstrate the potency of the novel hybrid design based on two dimensional materials for extremely reversible energy conversion and storage. A high capacity and an extremely stable cycle life are simultaneously realized with carbon‐coated Si/rGO composite, which has a sandwich structure. The unprecedented electrochemical performance of this composite can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of polydopamine and rGO. The polydopamine layer forms strong hydrogen bonding with rGO through chemical cross‐linking, thus firmly anchoring Si NPs on rGO sheets to prevent the aggregation of Si NPs and their electronic contact loss. Finally, its structural feature with stacked rGO clipping carbon‐coated Si NPs inside it enables to keep the overall electrode highly conductive and mechanically robust, thus maintaining its initial capacity even with extended cycling.
In situ adaptive tabulation for the CFD simulation of heterogeneous reactors based on operator‐splitting algorithm
Authors: Bracconi Mauro , Maestri Matteo , Cuoci Alberto
Published: August 2016

In situ Adaptive Tabulation algorithm is applied to efficiently solve the chemical substep in the context of the simulation of heterogeneous reactors. A numerical strategy—specifically conceived for unsteady simulation of catalytic devices—has been developed and interfaced, in the context of the operator splitting technique, with the solution of the chemical substep, which requires 70–90% of the total computational time. The algorithm performances have been illustrated by considering a single channel of a honeycomb reactor operating the catalytic partial oxidation of methane and a methane steam reforming packed bed reactor. The application of in situ adaptive tabulation resulted in a speed‐up of the chemical substep up to ∼500 times with an overall speed‐up of ∼5–15 times for the whole simulation. Such reduction of the computation effort is key to make affordable fundamental computational fluid dynamics simulations of chemical reactors at a level of complexity relevant to technological applications. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 95–104, 2017
Outcomes of evaluation and testing of 660 individuals with hearing loss in a pediatric genetics of hearing loss clinic
Authors: Mehta Devanshi , Noon Sarah E. , Schwartz Emily , Wilkens Alisha , Bedoukian Emma C. , Scarano Irene , Crenshaw E. Bryan , Krantz Ian D.
Published: August 2016

Hearing loss is a relatively common condition in children, occurring in approximately 2 out of every 1,000 births with approximately 50% of reported diagnoses having a primary genetic etiology. Given the prevalence and genetic component of hearing loss, coupled with a trend toward early diagnosis with the institution of universal newborn hearing screening, The Genetics of Hearing Loss Clinic was established at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to manage the diagnosis, testing, and genetic counseling for individuals and families. This paper described a cohort of 660 individuals with a diagnosis of hearing loss evaluated between July 2008 and July 2015 in the Genetics of Hearing Loss Clinic. To elucidate the cause of hearing loss in this cohort for better management and prognostication, testing included single nucleotide polymorphism chromosomal microarray, hearing loss next generation sequencing panel, and additional clinical tests inclusive of thyroid and renal function studies, temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging, and electrocardiogram. Of those evaluated, most had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, occurring in 489/660 (74%). Additionally, 612/660 (93%) of patients presented with a nonsyndromic form of hearing loss (no other observed clinical findings at the time of exam), of which pathogenic mutations in GJB2 were most prevalent. Of the individuals with syndromic manifestations (48/660), Usher and Waardenburg syndrome were most commonly observed. A family history of hearing loss (first degree relative) was present in 12.6% of families with available information. Through molecular analyses, clinical examination, and laboratory testing, a definitive etiologic diagnosis was established in 157/660 (23.8%) of individuals. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visceral myopathy: Clinical and molecular survey of a cohort of seven new patients and state of the art of overlapping phenotypes
Authors: Moreno Carolina Araujo , Metze Konradin , Lomazi Elizete Aparecida , Bertola Débora Romeo , Barbosa Ricardo Henrique Almeida , Cosentino Viviana , Sobreira Nara , Cavalcanti Denise Pontes
Published: August 2016

Visceral motility dysfunction is a key feature of genetic disorders such as megacystis‐microcolon‐intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS, MIM moved from 249210 to 155310), chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO, MIM609629), and multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (MSMDS, MIM613834). The genetic bases of these conditions recently begun to be clarified with the identification of pathogenic variants in ACTG2, ACTA2, and MYH11 in individuals with visceral motility dysfunction. The MMIHS was associated with the heterozygous variant in ACTG2 and homozygous variant in MYH11, while the heterozygous variant in ACTA2 was observed in patients with MSMDS. In this study, we describe the clinical data as well as the molecular investigation of seven individuals with visceral myopathy phenotypes. Five patients presented with MMIHS, including two siblings from consanguineous parents, one had CIPO, and the other had MSMDS. In three individuals with MMIHS and in one with CIPO we identified heterozygous variant in ACTG2, one being a novel variant (c.584C>T—p.Thr195Ile). In the individual with MSMDS we identified a heterozygous variant in ACTA2. We performed the whole‐exome sequencing in one sibling with MMIHS and her parents; however, the pathogenic variant responsible for her phenotype could not be identified. These results reinforce the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the visceral myopathies. Although many cases of MMIHS are associated with ACTG2 variants, we suggest that other genes, besides MYH11, could cause the MMIHS with autosomal recessive pattern. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First‐Generation Subporphyrinatoboron(III) Sensitizers Surpass the 10 % Power Conversion Efficiency Threshold
Authors: Copley Graeme , Hwang Daesub , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: August 2016

Subporphyrinatoboron(III) (SubB) sensitizers were synthesized for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prototype, which comprises a sterically demanding 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl scaffold, a meso‐ethynylphenyl spacer, and a cyanoacrylic acid anchoring group, achieved an open‐circuit voltage VOC of 836 mV, short‐circuit current density JSC of 15.3 mA cm−2, fill factor of 0.786, and a photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of 10.1 %. Such astonishing figures suggest that a bright future lies ahead for SubB in the realm of DSSCs.
Reversible Electrochemical Modulation of a Catalytic Nanosystem
Authors: della Sala Flavio , Chen Jack L.‐Y. , Ranallo Simona , Badocco Denis , Pastore Paolo , Ricci Francesco , Prins Leonard J.
Published: August 2016

A catalytic system based on monolayer‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) that can be electrochemically modulated and reversibly activated is reported. The catalytic activity relies on the presence of metal ions (Cd2+ and Cu2+), which can be complexed by the nanoparticle‐bound monolayer. This activates the system towards the catalytic cleavage of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNPP), which can be monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. It is shown that Cu2+ metal ions can be delivered to the system by applying an oxidative potential to an electrode on which Cu0 was deposited. By exploiting the different affinity of Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions for the monolayer, it was also possible to upregulate the catalytic activity after releasing Cu2+ from an electrode into a solution containing Cd2+. Finally, it is shown that the activity of this supramolecular nanosystem can be reversibly switched on or off by oxidizing/reducing Cu/Cu2+ ions under controlled conditions.
A Multidimensional Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis Strategy for Structurally Diverse and Complex Macrocycles
Authors: Nie Feilin , Kunciw Dominique L. , Wilcke David , Stokes Jamie E. , Galloway Warren R. J. D. , Bartlett Sean , Sore Hannah F. , Spring David R.
Published: August 2016

Synthetic macrocycles are an attractive area in drug discovery. However, their use has been hindered by a lack of versatile platforms for the generation of structurally (and thus shape) diverse macrocycle libraries. Herein, we describe a new concept in library synthesis, termed multidimensional diversity‐oriented synthesis, and its application towards macrocycles. This enabled the step‐efficient generation of a library of 45 novel, structurally diverse, and highly‐functionalized macrocycles based around a broad range of scaffolds and incorporating a wide variety of biologically relevant structural motifs. The synthesis strategy exploited the diverse reactivity of aza‐ylides and imines, and featured eight different macrocyclization methods, two of which were novel. Computational analyses reveal a broad coverage of molecular shape space by the library and provides insight into how the various diversity‐generating steps of the synthesis strategy impact on molecular shape.
Acidic Ultrafine Tungsten Oxide Molecular Wires for Cellulosic Biomass Conversion
Authors: Zhang Zhenxin , Sadakane Masahiro , Hiyoshi Norihito , Yoshida Akihiro , Hara Michikazu , Ueda Wataru
Published: August 2016

The application of nanocatalysis based on metal oxides for biomass conversion is of considerable interest in fundamental research and practical applications. New acidic transition‐metal oxide molecular wires were synthesized for the conversion of cellulosic biomass. The ultrafine molecular wires were constructed by repeating (NH4)2[XW6O21] (X=Te or Se) along the length, exhibiting diameters of only 1.2 nm. The nanowires dispersed in water and were observed using high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Acid sites were created by calcination without collapse of the molecular wire structure. The acidic molecular wire exhibited high activity and stability and promoted the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond. Various biomasses including cellulose were able to be converted to hexoses as main products.
Sensitizing DNA Towards Low‐Energy Electrons with 2‐Fluoroadenine
Authors: Rackwitz Jenny , Kopyra Janina , Dąbkowska Iwona , Ebel Kenny , Ranković MiloŠ Lj. , Milosavljević Aleksandar R. , Bald Ilko
Published: August 2016

2‐Fluoroadenine (2FA) is a therapeutic agent, which is suggested for application in cancer radiotherapy. The molecular mechanism of DNA radiation damage can be ascribed to a significant extent to the action of low‐energy (<20 eV) electrons (LEEs), which damage DNA by dissociative electron attachment. LEE induced reactions in 2FA are characterized both isolated in the gas phase and in the condensed phase when it is incorporated into DNA. Information about negative ion resonances and anion‐mediated fragmentation reactions is combined with an absolute quantification of DNA strand breaks in 2FA‐containing oligonucleotides upon irradiation with LEEs. The incorporation of 2FA into DNA results in an enhanced strand breakage. The strand‐break cross sections are clearly energy dependent, whereas the strand‐break enhancements by 2FA at 5.5, 10, and 15 eV are very similar. Thus, 2FA can be considered an effective radiosensitizer operative at a wide range of electron energies.
Photon Energy Becomes the Third Dimension in Crystallographic Texture Analysis
Authors: Grünewald Tilman A. , Rennhofer Harald , Tack Pieter , Garrevoet Jan , Wermeille Didier , Thompson Paul , Bras Wim , Vincze Laszlo , Lichtenegger Helga C.
Published: August 2016

Conventional analysis of the preferred orientation of crystallites (crystallographic texture) involves X‐ray diffraction with area detectors and 2D data output. True 3D, spatially resolved information requires sample rotation in the beam, thus changing the probed volume, which introduces signal smearing and precludes the scanning of complex structures. This obstacle has been overcome by energy‐dispersive Laue diffraction. A method has been devised to reach a large portion of reciprocal space and translate the X‐ray photon energy into the missing third dimension of space. Carbon fibers and lobster exoskeleton as examples of biomineralized tissue have been analyzed. The major potential of this method lies in its “one‐shot” nature and the direct 3D information requiring no previous knowledge of the sample. It allows the texture of large samples with complex substructures to be scanned and opens up the conceptual possibility of following texture changes in situ, for example, during crystallization.
A Precise Chemical Strategy To Alter the Receptor Specificity of the Adeno‐Associated Virus
Authors: Kelemen Rachel E. , Mukherjee Raja , Cao Xiaofu , Erickson Sarah B. , Zheng Yunan , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: August 2016

The ability to target the adeno‐associated virus (AAV) to specific types of cells, by altering the cell‐surface receptor it binds, is desirable to generate safe and efficient therapeutic vectors. Chemical attachment of receptor‐targeting agents onto the AAV capsid holds potential to alter its tropism, but is limited by the lack of site specificity of available conjugation strategies. The development of an AAV production platform is reported that enables incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into specific sites on the virus capsid. Incorporation of an azido‐UAA enabled site‐specific attachment of a cyclic‐RGD peptide onto the capsid, retargeting the virus to the αvβ3 integrin receptors, which are overexpressed in tumor vasculature. Retargeting ability was site‐dependent, underscoring the importance of achieving site‐selective capsid modification. This work provides a general chemical approach to introduce various receptor binding agents onto the AAV capsid with site selectivity to generate optimized vectors with engineered infectivity.
Labilizing the Photoinert: Extraordinarily Facile Photochemical Ligand Ejection in an [Os(N^N)3]2+ Complex
Authors: Scattergood Paul A. , Ross Daniel A. W. , Rice Craig R. , Elliott Paul I. P.
Published: August 2016

Whilst [Os(N^N)3]2+ complexes are supposed to be photochemically inert to ligand loss, the complex [Os(btz)3]2+ (btz=1,1′‐dibenzyl‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,3‐triazolyl) undergoes unprecedented photolytic reactivity to liberate free btz (Φ363≈1.2 %). Further, both cis and trans isomers of the photodechelated ligand‐loss solvento intermediate [Os(κ2‐btz)2(κ1‐btz)(NCMe)]2+ are unambiguously observed and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Chemical Twinning of Salt and Metal in the Subnitridometalates Ba23Na11(MN4)4 with M=V, Nb, Ta
Authors: Wörsching Matthias , Tambornino Frank , Datz Stefan , Hoch Constantin
Published: August 2016

The subnitridometalates Ba23Na11(MN4)4 (M=V, Nb, Ta) crystallize in a new structure type, which shows ionic ortho‐nitridometalate anions and motifs from simple (inter)metallic packings: Na‐centered [Na8] cubes as cutouts of the bcc structure of elemental Na and Na‐centered [Ba10Na2] icosahedra as found in Laves phases, for example. Single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction studies in combination with quantum‐chemical calculations of the electronic structure and Raman spectroscopy support the characterization of the subnitridometalates as “chemical twins”. They consist of independent building units with locally prevalent ionic or metallic bonding in an overall metallic compound.
Coding in 2D: Using Intentional Dispersity to Enhance the Information Capacity of Sequence‐Coded Polymer Barcodes
Authors: Laure Chloé , Karamessini Denise , Milenkovic Olgica , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: August 2016

A 2D approach was studied for the design of polymer‐based molecular barcodes. Uniform oligo(alkoxyamine amide)s, containing a monomer‐coded binary message, were synthesized by orthogonal solid‐phase chemistry. Sets of oligomers with different chain‐lengths were prepared. The physical mixture of these uniform oligomers leads to an intentional dispersity (1st dimension fingerprint), which is measured by electrospray mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the monomer sequence of each component of the mass distribution can be analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (2nd dimension sequencing). By summing the sequence information of all components, a binary message can be read. A 4‐bytes extended ASCII‐coded message was written on a set of six uniform oligomers. Alternatively, a 3‐bytes sequence was written on a set of five oligomers. In both cases, the coded binary information was recovered.
Aging studies on flame retardant treated lignocellulosic fibers
Authors: Molaba Tshepiso Princess , Chapple Steve , John Maya Jacob
Published: August 2016

The study deals with chemical and flame retardant (FR) treatment of flax fabric. Sheets of flax fabric were subjected to chemical treatments using NaOH and silane coupling agents. A phosphate‐based flame retardant (DAP) was also applied to improve the flammability of the fabric. The effects of the chemical treatments and FR treatments on flax fabric were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vertical flame resistance test. Aging studies were carried out by exposing the samples in an environmental chamber at specified conditions for two weeks. The mechanical properties of the fabric, before and after environmental aging, were investigated. Flammability of flax fabric was improved after FR treatment. Thermal studies revealed a shift of decomposition temperature to lower temperatures and an increase in char residue after FR treatment. Despite treatment of the fabric with NaOH and silane, the tensile strength of FR‐treated flax fabric declined by more than 90% after aging for two weeks at 90 °C and 50% RH. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 44175.
Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on a PLLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLLA triblock copolymer and nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Loiola Lívia M. D. , Fasce Laura A. , da Silva Laura C. E. , Gonçalves Maria C. , Frontini Patricia M. , Felisberti Maria I.
Published: August 2016

Composites which combine biocompatible polymers and hydroxyapatite are unique materials with regards to their mechanical properties and bioactivity in the development of temporary bone‐fixation devices. Nanocomposites based on a biocompatible and amphiphilic triblock copolymer of poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) —PLLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLLA— and neat (nHAp) or PEO‐modified (nHAp@PEO) hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were prepared by dispersion in benzene solutions, followed by freeze‐drying and injection moulding processes. The morphology of the copolymers of a PEO block dispersed throughout a PLLA matrix was not changed with addition of the nanofillers. The nHAp particles were spherical and, after modification, the nHAp@PEO nanoparticles were partially agglomerated. In the nanocomposites, these particles characteristics remained unchanged, and the nHAp particles and nHAp@PEO agglomerates were uniformly dispersed through the copolymer matrix. These particles acted as nucleating agents, with nHAp@PEO being more efficient. The incorporation of nHAp increased both the reduced elastic modulus (∼22%) and the indentation hardness (∼15%) in comparison to the copolymer matrix, as determined by nanoindentation tests, while nHAp@PEO addition resulted in lower increments of these mechanical parameters. The incorporation of untreated nHAp was, therefore, more beneficial with regards to the mechanical properties, since the amphiphilic PLLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLLA matrix was already efficient for nHAp nanoparticles dispersion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44187.
Compatibilization of poly(lactic acid)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber blends by using organic montmorillonite as a compatibilizer
Authors: Wang Sisi , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Xu Nai , Huang Hanxiong , Li Tan
Published: August 2016

This work focuses on phase morphology and properties of immiscible poly(lactic acid)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (PLA/EPDM) blends compatibilized with organic montmorillonite (OMMT). Effect of OMMT loading on phase morphology, mechanical properties, and blown film bubble stability was investigated. Transmission electron micrographs show that a large number of OMMT nanolayers locate at interfacial region between PLA and EPDM phase, as well as in EPDM phase due to higher affinity of OMMT with EPDM. Scanning electron micrographs show that EPDM domain size decreases largely with increasing OMMT loading, which is associated with reduction of interfacial energy and inhibition of coalescence by the OMMT locating at the interface, acting as an emulsifier to enwrap the discrete domains. As OMMT loading increases from 0 to 1 phr, elongation at break increases from 20.4 to 151.7% and notched impact strength is enhanced from 8.2 to 31.7 kJċm−2. The reduced EPDM domain is the main reason for enhanced toughness of PLA/EPDM/OMMT samples according to crazing with shear yielding mechanism. However, with more than 2 phr of OMMT, the toughness decreases largely due to excessive stress concentration and OMMT aggregation. Attempts were made to produce ductile films from the PLA/EPDM/OMMT nanocomposites by using blown film extrusion. Improvement in blown film bubble stability and tensile ductility of PLA/EPDM/OMMT films also shows that OMMT is an efficient compatibilizer, as well as a processing aid for PLA/EPDM blends. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44192.
Improving thermo‐oxidative degradation resistance of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composite with antioxidants. Part I: Screening of antioxidants
Authors: Ren D. , Zhang X. X. , Wang H. K. , Li W. J. , Yu Y.
Published: August 2016

In this study, the effect of antioxidant application (applied in different combinations, ratios and contents) on the thermo‐oxidative degradation resistance of bamboo fiber polypropylene composites (BFPCs) were investigated, with oxidative induction time (OIT), weight loss, surface color, and flexural mechanical properties as the main indicators for evaluation. The results showed the addition of antioxidants could greatly increase the OIT and reduce the weight loss and color change of the composites after 900 h of thermal weathering. Meanwhile, the flexural mechanical properties were little affected or even slightly improved. The combination of 1076 and DLTP antioxidants at a ratio of 2:1 and 0.2 wt % content was found to exhibit the best thermal oxidation resistance with respect to the OIT, mechanical properties and cost. Our study indicate that the OIT can serve as a simple and quick indicator for the evaluation of thermo‐oxidative resistance of BFPC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44198.
The Pharmacogenomic Association of Fcγ Receptors and Cytochrome P450 Enzymes With Response to Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide Treatment in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Cartin‐Ceba Rodrigo , Indrakanti Divya , Specks Ulrich , Stone John H. , Hoffman Gary S. , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Langford Carol A. , Merkel Peter A. , Spiera Robert F. , Monach Paul A. , St.Clair E. William , Seo Philip , Tchao Nadia K. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Brunetta Paul G. , Song Huijuan , Birmingham Dan , Rovin Brad H. ,   for the RAVE–Immune Tolerance Network Research Group
Published: August 2016

Objective

The Rituximab in ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis (RAVE) trial compared rituximab to cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis. We undertook the current study to determine whether known single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Fcγ receptors (FcγR) or cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were associated with the response to treatment with rituximab and cyclophosphamide, respectively.

Methods

Functional SNPs for FcγR (FcγRIIa 519G>A, FcγRIIb 695T>C, FcγRIIIa 559T>G) and CYP enzymes (CYP2B6 1459C>T, CYP2C19 681G>A) were analyzed by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction–amplified genomic DNA. Each SNP was tested as a predictor of complete remission at 6 months or remission with continued prednisone administration using logistic regression and including the covariates of baseline Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis, ANCA type, and new versus relapsing disease. The associations of these SNPs with the secondary outcomes of time to complete remission, time to relapse, or time to B cell reconstitution were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard tests.

Results

No significant associations were identified between complete remission and any FcγR genotype in the rituximab group or any CYP genotype in the cyclophosphamide group. However, when the treatment groups were combined, an association was found between the 519AA genotype of FcγRIIa and complete remission (P = 0.01). The 519AA genotype predicted complete remission (P = 0.006) and a shorter time to complete remission (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The finding that the homozygous FcγRIIa 519AA variant was associated with complete response and a shorter time to complete response in the RAVE trial, independent of treatment type, implies that FcγRIIa may be broadly involved in disease pathogenesis and response to therapy.
Differences in the Spectrum of Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Fine Specificities Between Malaysian and Swedish Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications for Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Too Chun Lai , Murad Shahnaz , Hansson Monika , Alm Linda Mathsson , Dhaliwal Jasbir Singh , Holmdahl Rikard , Jakobsson Per‐Johan , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Rönnelid Johan , Padyukov Leonid
Published: August 2016

Objective

Antibodies to the citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) are important in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the prevalence of ACPAs with different fine specificities in different populations is unclear. This study sought to examine the fine specificity of the antibody responses toward citrullinated proteins in RA patients from Malaysia, an area where genetic and environmental determinants of RA are different from those in more frequently studied cohorts of Caucasian subjects.

Methods

A multiplex analytic microarray system was used to analyze the occurrence of antibodies to 10 different citrullinated peptides (filaggrin [fil307–324], vimentin [Vim2–17, Vim60–75], fibrinogen [Fibα563–583, Fibα580–600, Fibβ36–52, Fibβ62–81a, Fibβ62–81b], enolase [Eno5–21], and type II collagen [CitCII355–378]) in serum samples from 4,089 RA patients (1,231 Malaysian and 2,858 Swedish) and 827 healthy control subjects (249 Malaysian and 578 Swedish). The positive reaction threshold for each peptide was set separately for each population based on a specificity of 98%.

Results

Distinct differences in the frequencies of 5 ACPA fine specificities (Vim60–75, Vim2–17, Fibβ62–81b, Eno5–21, and CitCII355–378) were found between the Malaysian and Swedish RA populations, despite a nearly identical percentage of patients in each population who were positive for anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 antibodies. In Malaysian RA patients compared with Swedish RA patients, the frequencies of antibodies to Vim60–75 (54% versus 44%, corrected P [Pcorr] = 1.06 × 10−8) and CitCII355–378 (17% versus 13%, Pcorr = 0.02) were significantly higher, while the frequencies of antibodies to Vim2–17 (25% versus 32%, Pcorr = 1.91 × 10−4), Fibβ62–81b (15% versus 30%, Pcorr = 2.47 × 10−22), and Eno5–21 (23% versus 50%, Pcorr = 3.64 × 10−57) were significantly lower.

Conclusion

Serum ACPA fine specificities differ between RA patients in different populations, although the total proportions of individuals positive for ACPAs are similar. Differing patterns of ACPA fine specificity could be attributed to variations in genetic and/or environmental factors.
A journal's impact factor is influenced by changes in publication delays of citing journals
Authors: Shi Dongbo , Rousseau Ronald , Yang Liu , Li Jiang
Published: August 2016

In this article we describe another problem with journal impact factors by showing that one journal's impact factor is dependent on other journals' publication delays. The proposed theoretical model predicts a monotonically decreasing function of the impact factor as a function of publication delay, on condition that the citation curve of the journal is monotone increasing during the publication window used in the calculation of the journal impact factor; otherwise, this function has a reversed U shape. Our findings based on simulations are verified by examining three journals in the information sciences: the Journal of Informetrics, Scientometrics, and the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology.
Development and validation of a streamlined autism case confirmation approach for use in epidemiologic risk factor research in prospective cohorts
Authors: Newschaffer Craig J. , Schriver Emily , Berrigan Lindsay , Landa Rebecca , Stone Wendy L. , Bishop Somer , Burkom Diane , Golden Anne , Ibanez Lisa , Kuo Alice , Lakes Kimberly D. , Messinger Daniel S. , Paterson Sarah , Warren Zachary E.
Published: August 2016

The cost associated with incorporating standardized observational assessments and diagnostic interviews in large‐scale epidemiologic studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) risk factors can be substantial. Streamlined approaches for confirming ASD case status would benefit these studies. We conducted a multi‐site, cross‐sectional criterion validity study in a convenience sample of 382 three‐year olds scheduled for neurodevelopmental evaluation. ASD case classification as determined by three novel assessment instruments (the Early Video‐guided Autism Screener E‐VAS; the Autism Symptom Interview, ASI; the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers Expanded, STAT‐E) each designed to be administered in less than 30 minutes by lay staff, was compared to ADOS scores and DSM‐based diagnostic assessment from a qualified clinician. Sensitivity and specificity of each instrument alone and in combination were estimated. Alternative cutpoints were identified under different criteria and two‐stage cross validation was used to avoid overfitting. Findings were interpreted in the context of a large, prospective pregnancy cohort study utilizing a two‐stage approach to case identification. Under initial cutpoints, sensitivity ranged from 0.63 to 0.92 and specificity from 0.35 to 0.70. Cutpoints giving equal weight to sensitivity and specificity resulted in sensitivity estimates ranging from 0.45 to 0.83 and specificity ranging from 0.49 to 0.86. Several strategies were well‐suited for application as a second‐stage case‐confirmation. These included the STAT‐E alone and the parallel administration of both the E‐VAS and the ASI. Use of more streamlined methods of case‐confirmation in large‐scale prospective cohort epidemiologic investigations of ASD risk factors appears feasible. Autism Res 2017, 10: 485–501. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of 60‐GHz millimeter waves on stress and pain‐related protein expression in differentiating neuron‐like cells
Authors: Haas Alexis J. , Le Page Yann , Zhadobov Maxim , Boriskin Artem , Sauleau Ronan , Le Dréan Yves
Published: August 2016

Millimeter waves (MMW) will be increasingly used for future wireless telecommunications. Previous studies on skin keratinocytes showed that MMW could impact the mRNA expression of Transient Receptor Potential cation channel subfamily Vanilloid, member 2 (TRPV2). Here, we investigated the effect of MMW exposure on this marker, as well as on other membrane receptors such as Transient Receptor Potential cation channel subfamily Vanilloid, member 1 (TRPV1) and purinergic receptor P2X, ligand‐gated ion channel, 3 (P2 × 3). We exposed the Neuroscreen‐1 cell line (a PC12 subclone), in order to evaluate if acute MMW exposures could impact expression of these membrane receptors at the protein level. Proteotoxic stress‐related chaperone protein Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) expression level was also assessed. We used an original high‐content screening approach, based on fluorescence microscopy, to allow cell‐by‐cell analysis and to detect any cell sub‐population responding to exposure. Immunocytochemistry was done after 24 h MMW exposure of cells at 60.4 GHz, with an incident power density of 10 mW/cm2. Our results showed no impact of MMW exposure on protein expressions of HSP70, TRPV1, TRPV2, and P2 × 3. Moreover, no specific cell sub‐populations were found to express one of the studied markers at a different level, compared to the rest of the cell populations. However, a slight insignificant increase in HSP70 expression and an increase in protein expression variability within cell population were observed in exposed cells, but controls showed that this was related to thermal effect. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:444–454, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of cyclic peptides with biological activities from biologically active peptides: the case of peptide modulators of melanocortin receptors
Authors: Hruby Victor J.
Published: August 2016

Design of biologically active peptides is of critical importance for the development of potent, selective, nontoxic bioavailable drugs. A major approach that has been developed to accomplish this is the development of methods for the design and synthesis of a wide variety of cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics. In this short and general review, we outline the methods that have been developed for cyclization of peptides and how these have been used for peptide and peptidomimetic design using the melanotropin peptides and melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R to illustrate aspects of this approach.
Comparison of the National Early Warning Score in non-elective medical and surgical patients
Authors: Kovacs C , Jarvis S W , Prytherch D R , Meredith P , Schmidt P E , Briggs J S , Smith G B
Published: August 2016

Background

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is used to identify deteriorating patients in hospital. NEWS is a better discriminator of outcomes than other early warning scores in acute medical admissions, but it has not been evaluated in a surgical population. The study aims were to evaluate the ability of NEWS to discriminate cardiac arrest, death and unanticipated ICU admission in patients admitted to surgical specialties, and to compare the performance of NEWS in admissions to medical and surgical specialties.

Methods

Hospitalwide data over 31 months, from adult inpatients who stayed at least one night or died on the day of admission, were analysed. The data were categorized as elective or non-elective surgical or medical admissions. The ability of NEWS to discriminate the outcomes above in these different groups was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

There were too few outcomes to permit meaningful comparison of elective admissions, so the analysis was constrained to comparison of non-elective admissions. NEWS performed equally well, or better, for surgical as for medical patients. For death within 24 h the AUROC for surgical admissions was 0·914 (95 per cent c.i. 0·907 to 0·922), compared with 0·902 (0·898 to 0·905) for medical admissions. For the combined outcome of any of death, cardiac arrest or unanticipated ICU admission, the AUROC was 0·874 (0·868 to 0·880) for surgical admissions and 0·874 (0·871 to 0·877) for medical admissions.

Conclusion

NEWS discriminated deterioration in non-elective surgical patients at least as well as in non-elective medical patients.
Preformulation of FK506 Prodrugs for Improving Solubility
Authors: Na Young‐Guk , Jun Hye‐Suk , Kim Daehee , Park Byong‐Chul , Lim Si‐Kyu , Lee Ki‐Ho , Hwang Sung‐Joo , Park Jeong‐Sook , Jung Sang‐Hun , Cho Cheong‐Weon
Published: August 2016

In order to improve water solubility of a lipophilic drug, tacrolimus (FK506), two prodrugs (FK506‐G or FK506‐S) such as FK506‐M32‐LS‐G (FK506‐G) and FK506‐M32‐LS‐SL (FK506‐S) were synthesized. Two prodrugs (FK506‐G or FK506‐S), including FK506, were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), enzymatic kinetics, and cytotoxicity. A phase solubility test was conducted in distilled water, and the solubility of two prodrugs (FK506‐G or FK506‐S) was measured in various pH values for pH solubility profiles. Most interesting was that FK506‐S showed the highest solubility, 866 μg/mL in water. In vitro enzymatic kinetics of two prodrugs (FK506‐G or FK506‐S) in human plasma was evaluated by measuring the decrease of FK506‐G or FK506‐S as well as the increase of FK506 by HPLC, and FK506‐G or FK506‐S was metabolized in 1 h in human plasma. Two prodrugs (FK506‐G or FK506‐S) including FK506 showed an IC50
of 336.6 μg/mL for FK506, 337.9 μg/mL for FK506‐G, or 480.1 μg/mL for FK506‐S against a conjunctive cell line, Clone 1‐5c‐4 cells. Taken together, FK506‐S could be the most optimal prodrug for aqueous preparations based on preformulation data.
Post‐Assembly Filling of Supported Lipid Bilayers by Soluble Lipid Derivatives
Authors: Chung Minsub , Kim Bumsang , Won Jong‐In
Published: August 2016

Supported lipid bilayers (SLB) are widely used model biological membranes formed on glass or silica surfaces. Though subtle differences from the properties of free‐standing membranes have been reported, its integrity and completeness is seldom questioned. In this report, we show that several different molecules, including some dye‐labeled lipids, can insert from water into preformed and seemingly complete bilayers. The amount of insertion and the bilayer properties after filling were analyzed by a fluorescence bleaching/quenching experiment. The nature of this post‐assembly saturation of SLB is discussed and supported by comparative experiments. This counter‐intuitive but very reproducible result may help to further understand this model bilayer system.
An expanded framework for biomolecular visualization in the classroom: Learning goals and competencies
Authors: Dries Daniel R. , Dean Diane M. , Listenberger Laura L. , Novak Walter R.P. , Franzen Margaret A. , Craig Paul A.
Published: August 2016

A thorough understanding of the molecular biosciences requires the ability to visualize and manipulate molecules in order to interpret results or to generate hypotheses. While many instructors in biochemistry and molecular biology use visual representations, few indicate that they explicitly teach visual literacy. One reason is the need for a list of core content and competencies to guide a more deliberate instruction in visual literacy. We offer here the second stage in the development of one such resource for biomolecular three‐dimensional visual literacy. We present this work with the goal of building a community for online resource development and use. In the first stage, overarching themes were identified and submitted to the biosciences community for comment: atomic geometry; alternate renderings; construction/annotation; het group recognition; molecular dynamics; molecular interactions; monomer recognition; symmetry/asymmetry recognition; structure‐function relationships; structural model skepticism; and topology and connectivity. Herein, the overarching themes have been expanded to include a 12th theme (macromolecular assemblies), 27 learning goals, and more than 200 corresponding objectives, many of which cut across multiple overarching themes. The learning goals and objectives offered here provide educators with a framework on which to map the use of molecular visualization in their classrooms. In addition, the framework may also be used by biochemistry and molecular biology educators to identify gaps in coverage and drive the creation of new activities to improve visual literacy. This work represents the first attempt, to our knowledge, to catalog a comprehensive list of explicit learning goals and objectives in visual literacy. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(1):69–75, 2017.
Topographical anatomy of cricothyroid membrane and its relation with invasive airway access
Authors: Develi Sedat , Yalcin Bulent , Yazar Fatih
Published: August 2016

Cricothyroidotomy is a surgical procedure involving penetration through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to maintain airway patency during life‐threatening emergency conditions. Complications such as bleeding and laryngeal stenosis can result from it. Our aim in this study was to identify the anatomical structures located on the membrane and to ascertain whether there is a safe area on the membrane for this procedure. Thirty larynx specimens fixed with 10% formaldehyde in the Department of Anatomy were dissected. The cricothyroid artery, the cricothyroid vein, the common artery and vein formed by the cricothyroid vessels, the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland and lymph nodes were observed on the membrane. The cricothyroid membrane was divided into four quadrants and the most common locations of these anatomical structures on the membrane were recorded. The cricothyroid artery and vein were located on the upper half of the membrane, the common vein was found in the midline, coursing to the thyroid gland, and the lobus pyramidalis and lymph nodes were located on the left side of the midline. Overall, the anatomical structures were mostly located on the upper half and lower left quadrant of the cricothyroid membrane. Thus, the lower right quadrant seems safer for invasive procedures such as needle cricothyroidotomy or other cannulation techniques. Needle puncture or cannulation through the lower right quadrant of the cricothyroid membrane will injure fewer anatomical structures so there should be fewer complications due to degradation of the vascular supply to this region. Clin. Anat. 29:949–954, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variations in lung lymphatic drainage into the inferior tracheobronchial lymph nodes junction: Applications in lung cancer
Authors: Ndiaye Assane , Dimarino Vincent , Ndiaye Aïnina , Gaye Magaye , Ba Papa Salmane , Nazarian Serge
Published: August 2016

The group of inferior tracheobronchial lymph nodes (ITB) is a lymphatic junction through which the lymph from both lungs is carried. Lymphatic activity in this area can be used to assess the lymphatic spreading of lung cancers. Our aim was to quantify lymph drainage from the lung segments towards the ITB group and to determine the direction of the lymph flow into other mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes. We injected dye directly into the subpleural lymphatic vessels in 100 lung segments of 25 fresh cadaver subjects; the cadavers were then dissected. Thirty‐eight segments (38%) drained into the ITB group in 18 subjects. The drainage into the ITB group involved 15.6% of the upper lobe segments, 87.5% of the middle lobe segments, and 70.6% of the lower lobe segments in the right lung. On the left, 6.9% of the upper lobe segments and 83.3% of the lower lobe segments were drained into the ITB group. For three subjects, the dye did not pass beyond the ITB group. The efferent vessels of the ITB group drained towards the right paratracheal and tracheoesophageal chains in 12 subjects and through the left ascending recurrent chain in five subjects. For six subjects, the efferent channels reached the abdominal lymph nodes. A contralateral drainage involved 14 segments (36%). The size and variety of the segments that drain into the ITB group, coupled with the efferent contralateral mediastinal and abdominal pathways, account for the severity of metastasis to this area. Clin. Anat. 29:955–962, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathological feature and prognosis of primary hepatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Liu Zhen , Tian Yangzi , Liu Shushang , Xu Guanghui , Guo Man , Lian Xiao , Fan Daiming , Zhang Hongwei , Feng Fan
Published: August 2016

Compared to gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), hepatic GIST is very rare in clinic. Reports on clinicopathological feature and prognosis of this rare disease are limited in literature. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to summarize clinical and pathological features as well as prognosis of the primary hepatic GIST. One case of primary hepatic GIST from our center and 22 cases reported in MEDLINE or China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were enrolled into this study. Clinicopathological features as well as survival data of hepatic GIST were analyzed and compared with 297 gastric GISTs and 59 small intestinal GISTs from our center. Majority of the 22 cases (95.7%) of hepatic GIST was larger than 5 cm in size, and 75.0% of the tumors were over 5/50 HPF in mitotic index. Most of the hepatic GISTs (85.7%) displayed spindle cell shape in morphology. All of the hepatic GIST (100%) enrolled in this study were classified as high‐risk category by the National Institute of Health (NIH) risk classification. The 5‐year median disease‐free survival (DFS) time was 24.0 months and 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rate was 33.3%, respectively. Distribution of clinicopathological features was significantly different among hepatic, gastric, and small intestinal GIST. The DFS and DSS of hepatic GIST were significantly lower than those of the other two groups. Majority of the hepatic GIST is large in size and highly malignant. Prognosis of the primary hepatic GIST is worse than that of gastric GIST and small intestinal GIST.