bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persuasion
Authors: Heath Robert L.
Published: September 2018

Ancient Greeks studied rhetoric by asking which strategies of speaking and writing influence audiences' thoughts and actions. Such humanistic investigation of persuasion advanced as social science in the twentieth century. This inquiry investigates the strategies by which an entity influences the opinions (or other concepts) and actions of oneself and of other persons. Concepts and variables have been used to explain strategies of influence; these are transformed into theories to explain how and why individuals form attitudes, judgments that affect their choices and actions. Specific to strategic communication, persuasion (which today is approached by developing multidimensional theories) is a body of theory and research that offers strategic insights that can be used by communication functions to influence (guide and inform) people's and organizations' choices. Researchers explain how influence occurs, ranging from self‐persuasion to complex, multilayered narrative texts. Such texts become organizational and “public” opinions, the narrative grist of competing zones of meaning—judgments, actions, and aligned interests.
Political Communication
Authors: Gonçalves Gisela
Published: September 2018

The term “political communication” refers to both a set of professional practices and a multidisciplinary field of study focusing on the interaction between the political, media, and public spheres. This entry introduces the main theoretical perspectives and trends in the study of political communication, as well as the most widely used methodologies. Research in political communication focuses on the study of political agents and mediatization; the content of political messages; and the effects of mass and digital media. There are many quantitative and qualitative methods that are habitually used in the rhetorical analysis of political discourse, propaganda studies, voting studies, mass media effects and to study the interplay of influence between government, press, and public opinion. Although it is an autonomous discipline, it is possible to discuss the importance of greater cross‐fertilization with theories and research in related fields, such as public relations, political marketing, and strategic communication.
Practitioner/Communicator Roles
Authors: Tsetsura Katerina
Published: September 2018

This entry profiles the concept of practitioner/communicator role. Research on roles in the field of public relations and strategic communication is conducted on different continents and in different countries around the world. As the research spans across several decades, this entry examines how understanding of the concept and typologies of practitioner roles have changed through the years, in different locations. Various roles that practitioners perform in organizations can impact not only the organization, but also general communication practices and the profession itself.
Professional Communication
Authors: Ngai Cindy Sing‐Bik
Published: September 2018

Professional communication spans various disciplines, making it a valuable and interesting area for investigation. However, its inclusiveness makes it difficult to find a one‐size‐fits‐all definition. It can, furthermore, be approached from different perspectives, often leading to different conclusions and implications. Currently, despite broad exploration from different perspectives, little research is being done to systematically review and streamline previous studies. This entry aims to review the concepts closely related to professional communication, hoping to provide a clearer view of the term. The discussion features a summary of studies of professional communication in various disciplines and of specific communicative elements in professional communication as viewed from linguistic and social perspectives.
Reflective Management: A Reflective Paradigm
Authors: Holmström Susanne
Published: September 2018

During the past decades, a new paradigm for organizational legitimacy has evolved with reflection as the formula for legitimacy. This specific, second‐order mode of self‐observation has decisive consequences for the way an organization understands itself in relation to its environment. Six societal and social mega‐trends in their particular ways activate the need for and set the premises for a reflective perspective and practice within organizations. The theory of a reflective paradigm provides an explanation for the emergence and diffusion of strategic communication processes in the context of social evolution and consequently for the function of strategic communication in a societal perspective, and for the requirements for strategic communication to help an organization comply with legitimating norms.
Resource Dependency Theory
Authors: Sommerfeldt Erich J.
Published: September 2018

This entry details resource dependency theory and its relationship to the strategic communication literature. Resource dependence describes the degree to which organizations are dependent on other groups within their environment for needed resources. The need for resources creates environmental interdependencies and complex power relations. Strategic communication can help organizations manage environmental uncertainty by acting as boundary spanners and engaging in constant environmental scanning to detect environmental turbulence that may affect the exchange of required resources. Given the theory's emphasis on resource exchange, it was used by scholars as a theoretical foundation for modern conceptualizations of organization–public relationships.
Rhetoric
Authors: Vigsø Orla
Published: September 2018

Rhetoric is often considered as a study of expression, but is in fact a theory of how to communicate persuasively in varying contexts. It presents a holistic view on the communication situation, with the strategic goals of the rhetor and the interaction with the public as key elements, and thus constitutes a fitting framework for strategic communication and public relations in general, and in particular for crisis communication. Since the 1960s, rhetoric has developed in several ways to adjust to the changing modes of communication, from speeches to mass media, and the heterogeneity of publics.
Society as Symbolic Action
Authors: Stokes Ashli Quesinberry
Published: September 2018

This entry utilizes Kenneth Burke's conceptualization of society as symbolic action to provide an overview of how language is symbolic of reality. Burke argues that language is a powerful symbolic tool that allows meaning to be created, with each set of vocabularies providing limitations and advantages in describing the reality of human experience. Burke's scholarship has three parts that illuminate society as symbolic action: terministic screens, the definition of man, and dramatistic criticism. Such explanation and the associated critical reasoning are vital to explaining the essence of emergent strategy as the strategic communication by which society is created and enacted.
Uncertainty
Authors: Raupp Juliana J. C.
Published: September 2018

Uncertainty is a fundamental property of human existence. Uncertainty refers to a lack of clarity, sureness, and confidence about something or someone. Behavioral and positivist approaches to uncertainty focus on uncertainty reduction or uncertainty avoidance, and aim to understand the importance of information processing and perception for studying strategic decision making by members of organizations. Interpretive and constructionist approaches, on the other hand, focus on the inherent uncertainty in processes of sensemaking and rhetoric as means to cope with uncertainty. Crisis communication and risk communication are important fields of strategic communication research that are concerned with uncertainty.
Effects of Nano‐Grains and Deformation Nano‐Twins on Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of DZ125 Nickel‐Based Superalloy
Authors: Tang Jun , Luo Hongyun , Guo Jingjing , Lv Jinlong , Zhang Zheng , Ma Yue
Published: September 2018

Nano‐grains on the surface region of the DZ125 directionally solidified nickel based superalloy is obtained through burnishing processing at both room and low temperature. Compared to the low temperature burnished (LTB) specimen, the {111}/[112] type nano‐twins are generated on the room temperature burnished specimen (specimen RTB). The results demonstrate that the nano‐grains could improve the corrosion resistance and promote the formation of compact corrosion product films on the burnished DZ125 alloy surface in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The combined effects of local deformation nano‐twins and lower percentage of Cr2O3 in corrosion product film lead to the fact that the specimen RTB exhibits a relatively lower corrosion resistance compared to the specimen LTB.
Mechanically Guided Post‐Assembly of 3D Electronic Systems
Authors: Kim Bong Hoon , Liu Fei , Yu Yongjoon , Jang Hokyung , Xie Zhaoqian , Li Kan , Lee Jungyup , Jeong Ji Yoon , Ryu Arin , Lee Yechan , Kim Do Hoon , Wang Xueju , Lee KunHyuck , Lee Jong Yoon , Won Sang Min , Oh Nuri , Kim Jeonghyun , Kim Ju Young , Jeong Seong‐Jun , Jang Kyung‐In , Lee Seungmin , Huang Yonggang , Zhang Yihui , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2018

This paper describes deterministic assembly processes for transforming conventional, planar devices based on flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) platforms into those with 3D architectures in a manner that is fully compatible with off‐the‐shelf packaged or unpackaged component parts. The strategy involves mechanically guided geometry transformation by out‐of‐plane buckling motions that follow from controlled forces imposed at precise locations across the FPCB substrate by a prestretched elastomer platform. The geometries and positions of cuts, slits, and openings defined into the FPCB provide additional design parameters to control the final 3D layouts. The mechanical tunability of the resulting 3D FPCB platforms, afforded by elastic deformations of the substrate, allows these electronic systems to operate in an adaptable manner, as demonstrated in simple examples of an optoelectronic sensor that offers adjustable detecting angle/area and a near‐field communication antenna that can be tuned to accommodate changes in the electromagnetic properties of its surroundings. These approaches to 3D FPCB technologies create immediate opportunities for designs in multifunctional systems that leverage state‐of‐the‐art components.
Bandgap Engineering of Single‐Crystalline Perovskite Arrays for High‐Performance Photodetectors
Authors: Gao Hanfei , Feng Jiangang , Pi Yueyang , Zhou Zhonghao , Zhang Bo , Wu Yuchen , Wang Xuedong , Jiang Xiangyu , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2018

Bandgap engineering of single‐crystal lead halide perovskites with remarkable optoelectronic properties, solution processability, and low‐cost nature has been in the forefront of extensive optoelectronic applications. Yet one imminent challenging is to pattern micro‐ and nanostructured perovskite arrays with controlled morphology, precision alignment, and high‐quality single crystallinity owing to the difference of crystallization behaviors between perovskites with diverse halide stoichiometry, leading to the restricted integration of optoelectronic devices. Herein, a facile assembly solution process is developed through cautious regulation, directional dewetting, and microstructured confinement for the nucleation and growth of 1D perovskite single‐crystal arrays with engineered bandgap from 1.7 to 3.1 eV by changing halogen ratios. Photodetectors based on 1D arrays perform a high responsivity of 3.16 × 103 A W−1. In comparison with devices based on perovskite thin film, a notable improvement is achieved owing to the elimination of the carrier recombination in the 1D high‐quality crystalline arrays with the low defect density and long carrier lifetime. This work offers a new insight for the bandgap engineering of patterned single crystals toward the integration of optoelectronic devices.
Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P Interface Nanowire for Enhancing Water Oxidation Catalysis at High Current Density
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Yang Yong , Zhang Shan , Zhu Haishuang , Zhu Xiaoqing , Xing Huanhuan , Zhang Yelong , Huang Bolong , Guo Shaojun , Wang Erkang
Published: September 2018

Designing well‐defined nanointerfaces is of prime importance to enhance the activity of nanoelectrocatalysts for different catalytic reactions. However, studies on non‐noble‐metal‐interface electrocatalysts with extremely high activity and superior stability at high current density still remains a great challenge. Herein, a class of Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P interface nanowires is rationally designed for boosting oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis at high current density by partial chemical etching of Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O (Co‐CHH) nanowires with Fe(CN)63−, followed by low‐temperature phosphorization treatment. The resulting Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P interface nanowires exhibit very high OER catalytic performance with an overpotential of only 215 mV at a current density of 50 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 59.8 mV dec−1 in 1.0 m KOH. In particular, Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P exhibits an obvious advantage in enhancing oxygen evolution at high current density by showing an overpotential of merely 291 mV at 800 mA cm−2, much lower than that of RuO2 (446 mV). Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P is remarkably stable for the OER with negligible current loss under overpotentials of 200 and 240 mV for 150 h. Theoretical calculations reveal that Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P is more favorable for the OER since the electrochemical catalytic oxygen evolution barrier is optimally lowered by the active Co‐ and O‐sites from the Co3O4/Fe0.33Co0.66P interface.
Vertex‐Type Engineering of Pt–Cu–Rh Heterogeneous Nanocages for Highly Efficient Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Kai , Du Hongyu , Sriphathoorat Rinrada , Shen Pei Kang
Published: September 2018

Mastery over the architecture and elemental distribution of metal nanocrystals at the nanoscale can effectively tailor and improve their catalytic properties. Herein, the vertex‐type‐selective growth of metallic nanohorns on a central nanocrystal is constructed via a one‐pot solvothermal synthesis, despite the fact that the site‐selective epitaxy of the second phase proceeds on all the vertices of the seeds. The prepared vertex‐type‐selective Pt–Cu–Rh heterogeneous nanocages (HNCs) are composed of a Rh‐decorated Pt–Cu rhombic dodecahedral nanocage and six Pt–Cu–Rh nanohorns protruding from the {100} rather than the {111} vertices of rhombic dodecahedron. Impressively, the Pt–Cu–Rh HNCs exhibit 8.1 times higher specific and 6.8 times higher mass activity toward the ethanol oxidation reaction under acidic conditions than commercial Pt/C catalysts. Besides, the peak potential for CO oxidation on Pt–Cu–Rh HNCs (370.4 mV vs SCE) is 182.0 mV more negative than that on Pt/C, indicating the dramatically enhanced CO tolerance. The excellent electrocatalytic property is attributed to the synergistic effect between Pt, Cu, and Rh components, high specific surface area of nanocages and nanohorns, as well as abundant concave/convex sites and various high‐index facets around the surface.
Hydrogel Interferometry for Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective Chemical Detection
Authors: Sun Mo , Bai Ruobing , Yang Xingyun , Song Jiaqi , Qin Meng , Suo Zhigang , He Ximin
Published: September 2018

Developing ultrasensitive chemical sensors with small scale and fast response through simple design and low‐cost fabrication is highly desired but still challenging. Herein, a simple and universal sensing platform based on a hydrogel interferometer with femtomol‐level sensitivity in detecting (bio)chemical molecules is demonstrated. A unique local concentrating effect (up to 109 folds) in the hydrogel induced by the strong analyte binding and large amount of ligands, combined with the signal amplification effect by optical interference, endows this platform with an ultrahigh sensitivity, specifically 10−14m for copper ions and 1.0 × 10−11 mg mL−1 for glycoprotein with 2–4 order‐of‐magnitude enhancement. The specific chemical reactions between selected ligands and target analytes provide high selectivity in detecting complex fluids. This universal principle with broad chemistry, simple physics, and modular design allows for high performance in detecting wide customer choices of analytes, including metal ions and proteins. The scale of the sensor can be down to micrometer size. The nature of the soft gel makes this platform transparent, flexible, stretchable, and compatible with a variety of substrates, showing high sensing stability and robustness after 200 cycles of bending or stretching. The outstanding sensing performance grants this platform great promise in broad practical applications.
Organic Thin‐Film Capacitive and Resistive Humidity Sensors: A Focus Review
Authors: Najeeb Mansoor Ani , Ahmad Zubair , Shakoor Rana A.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, organic‐based capacitive and resistive humidity sensors, starting from the fundamental working principles, designs, and characterization, are reviewed. The prevalent adoptions of recent technology in the fabrication of the organic humidity sensors are also discussed. This paper is envisioned to serve as a complete reference guide for researchers who are looking forward to developing a more reliable, economical, and effective humidity sensor using organic/polymeric materials.
Associating lattice cluster theory and application to modeling oleic acid + formic acid + formoxystearic acid
Authors: Fröscher Agnes , Langenbach Kai , von Harbou Erik , Hasse Hans
Published: September 2018

The associating lattice cluster theory (ALCT) is developed in this work. It is especially useful for describing mixtures of oligomers of varying architecture. As the influence of the structure is predicted, it can also be applied in cases in which pure component data are lacking. ALCT is used here for the calculation of liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) in the system oleic acid (OA) + formic acid (FA) + formoxystearic acid that is interesting for biopolymer production. Experimental studies of LLE in that system were carried out at 296, 313, and 333 K. Ternary mixtures were prepared from the educts OA and FA using heterogeneous acidic catalysis. Quantitative NMR spectroscopy was applied for the analysis. For the educt system also the excess enthalpy was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry. The prediction of the ternary LLE by ALCT succeeds. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 783–791, 2019
The influence of lifestyle, diet, and reproductive history on age at natural menopause in Spain: Analysis from the EPIC‐Spain sub‐cohort
Authors: Lujan‐Barroso Leila , Gibert Karina , Obón‐Santacana Mireia , Chirlaque María Dolores , Sánchez María‐Jose , Larrañaga Nerea , Barricarte Aurelio , Quirós Jose Ramón , Salamanca‐Fernández Elena , Colorado‐Yohar Sandra , Gómez‐Pozo Basilio , Agudo Antonio , Duell Eric J
Published: September 2018

Objective

To determinate the role of lifestyle factors, recent diet, menstrual factors, and reproductive history in age at natural menopause in adult Spanish women.

Methods

In total, 12 562 pre‐menopausal women were available for analysis from the EPIC‐Spain sub‐cohort. Women were recruited between 1992 and 1996 in five regions of Spain (Asturias, Granada, Murcia, Navarra, and San Sebastian) and, for these analyses, were followed for 3 years. Questionnaires on diet, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, and reproductive and exogenous hormones history were collected at baseline. Menopause status was updated at a median of 3 years of follow‐up.

Results

After a median of 3 years of follow‐up 1166 women became postmenopausal. An earlier age at menopause was observed in current smokers (HR: 1.29; 95%CI 1.08‐1.55) and in non‐users of oral contraceptives (HR: 1.32; 95%CI 1.01‐1.57). A later age at menopause was observed in women with irregular menses (HR: 0.71; 95%CI 0.56‐0.91) and in women with a higher number of pregnancies (HR: 0.74; 95%CI 0.56‐0.94).

Conclusions

Our results confirm that women who smoked had an earlier age at natural menopause, while use of oral contraceptives, higher number of pregnancies, and irregularity of menses were associated with a prolonged reproductive lifespan. No associations were observed for dietary habits assessed after the age of 40 years.
Healthcare transition from childhood to adulthood in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Peron Angela , Canevini Maria Paola , Ghelma Filippo , Di Marco Fabiano , Vignoli Aglaia
Published: September 2018

Healthcare transition from childhood to adulthood is required to ensure continuity of care of an increasing number of individuals with chronic conditions surviving into adulthood. The transition for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is complicated by the multisystemic nature of this condition, age‐dependent manifestations, and high clinical variability and by the presence of intellectual disability in at least half of the individuals. In this article, we address the medical needs regarding each TSC‐related manifestation in adulthood, and the services and support required. We review existing models of transition in different chronic conditions, discuss our experience in transitioning from the pediatric to the adult TSC Clinic at our Institution, and propose general rules to follow when establishing a transition program for TSC. Although a generalizable transition model for TSC is likely not feasible for all Institutions, a multidisciplinary TSC clinic is probably the best model, developed in accordance with the resources available and country‐specific healthcare systems. Coordination of care and education of the adult team should be always sought regardless of the transition model.
A new animal model for uterine torsion and uterine ischemia‐reperfusion studies, but not fetal hypoxia studies
Authors: Dogan Halef , Timurkaan Necati , Saat Nevzat , Seker Ibrahim , Risvanli Ali
Published: September 2018

The aim of the present study was to develop a new animal model for use in uterine torsion, uterine ischemia‐reperfusion, and fetal hypoxia studies in rats. A total of 14 pregnant rats on their 18th‐19th gestational days were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: those undergoing the shame operation (group 1), and those in which a 360 uterine torsion was performed using a novel technique, which was corrected 6 hours later (group 2). Subsequently, seven female and seven male rat pups aged 1 month were separated from the mothers in each group. The female rats were monitored until puberty via measuring the vaginal apertures. The 1‐month old male rats and the female rats on reaching puberty were decapitated and histopathological tests were performed on the dissected organs, including the cerebral, visceral and genital organs. At the end of the study, no differences were observed between the groups with regard to abortions, offspring death rates and congenital abnormalities. It was observed that the time to reach puberty in female rats born from mothers with uterine torsion was longer, but the difference was statistically insignificant. No microscopic lesions were detected in the cerebral, visceral or genital organs of the offspring. Accordingly, it was concluded that offspring of mothers with the uterine torsion were not affected, at least in the short term. It was generally concluded that this animal model is appropriate for use in uterine torsion and ischemia‐reperfusion studies, but is not appropriate for fetal hypoxia studies.
Comparative effects of parenteral antimalarials in Swiss albino mice after chronic exposure to Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Aghahowa Sylvester , Okolocha Kenka
Published: September 2018

Mice are considered to be a similar model to humans in the pathogenesis of malaria. This study evaluates the effect of parenteral antimalarials on the spleen and liver of Swiss albino mice after chronic exposure to Plasmodium berghei. After chronic exposure to P.  berghei NK65 strain, the level of parasitemia was assessed. The mice were treated for 3 days using chloroquine (5 mg/kg), quinine (10 mg/kg), and artemether (2 mg/kg). The effect of chronic exposure and the pattern of recovery were evaluated. There was significant decrease in total body weight after chronic exposure to P. berghei (P < 0.05). An increase in total weight recovery was seen after day 15 of treatment with the antimalarials; this was more pronounced with artemether. A significant increase in liver and spleen weights due to P. berghei infection was seen. There was a recovery pattern due to decrease in liver and spleen weights following antimalarial administration, which was greatest with artemether (P < 0.05). Significant changes were more in parasitized, quinine and artemether groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in total spleen protein due to chloroquine but a decrease due to quinine and artemether (P < 0.05). No significant changes in liver and spleen albumin were observed after treatment. The highest parasite clearance was observed with artemether, followed by quinine. Five mice died after chronic exposure in all the groups prior to treatment. There was significant enlargement and discoloration of spleen and liver after chronic exposure. This study showed that artemether aided recovery of the liver and spleen better than quinine and chloroquine in albino mice after chronic exposure to P. berghei. This suggests there is potential for improvement in antimalarial therapy.
Comparative medical characteristics of ZDF‐T2DM rats during the course of development to late stage disease
Authors: Pang Yun‐Li , Hu Jing‐Wen , Liu Guang‐Long , Lu Shuai‐Yao
Published: September 2018

Background

There are few reports on the comparative medical characteristics of type 2 diabetes models in late stage. An analysis of comparative medical characteristics of Zucker diabetic fatty type 2 diabetes mellitus (ZDF‐T2DM) rats during the course of development to late stage disease was performed.

Methods

In this study, ZDF rats were fed with high‐sugar and high‐fat diets to raise the fasting blood glucose, and develop of type 2 diabetes. At the late stage of T2DM, the preliminary comparative medical characteristics of the T2DM model were analyzed through the detection of clinical indicators, histopathology, related cytokine levels, and insulin‐related signaling molecule expression levels.

Results

In the T2DM group, the fasting blood glucose was higher than 6.8 mmol/L, the serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels were significantly decreased, and glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were measured as clinical indicators. Regarding pathological indicators, a large number of pancreatic islet cells showed the reduction of insulin secretion, resulting in damaged glycogen synthesis and liver steatosis. At the molecular level, the insulin signal transduction pathway was inhibited by decreasing the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and glycogen synthesis kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) expression levels.

Conclusion

The results show that the ZDF/T2DM rats have typical clinical, histopathological, and molecular characteristics of human T2DM and thus can be used as an effective model for T2DM drug development and treatment of advanced T2DM.
Enhancer and super‐enhancer: Positive regulators in gene transcription
Authors: Peng Yanling , Zhang Yubo
Published: September 2018

Enhancer is a positive regulator for spatiotemporal development in eukaryotes. As a cluster, super‐enhancer is closely related to cell identity‐ and fate‐determined processes. Both of them function tightly depending on their targeted transcription factors, cofactors, and genes through distal genomic interactions. They have been recognized as critical components and played positive roles in transcriptional regulatory network or factory. Recent advances of next‐generation sequencing have dramatically expanded our ability and knowledge to interrogate the molecular mechanism of enhancer and super‐enhancer for transcription. Here, we review the history, importance, advances and challenges on enhancer and super‐enhancer field. This will benefit our understanding of their function mechanism for transcription underlying precise gene expression.
Entropic Uncertainty Relation for Dirac Particles in Garfinkle–Horowitz–Strominger Dilation Space–Time
Authors: Zhang Zuo‐Yuan , Liu Jin‐Ming , Hu Zhengfeng , Wang Yuzhu
Published: September 2018

The quantum‐memory‐assisted entropic uncertainty relation for Dirac particles in the background of a Garfinkle–Horowitz–Strominger (GHS) dilation black hole is investigated, and the relationship between the entropy uncertainty and the quantum entanglement of a hybrid qubit–qutrit state in the GHS space–time analyzed. The results show that the physically accessible uncertainty increases while the inaccessible uncertainty decreases as the dilation parameter of the black hole enhances. Moreover, the evolution behavior of the uncertainty is inversely correlated with that of the entanglement between the quantum memory and the particle to be measured. Meanwhile, a method to steer the entropic uncertainty with the technique of weak measurement reversal is proposed. It is found that the uncertainty can be reduced effectively by adjusting the appropriate measurement strength. These findings may lead to a deeper understanding of entropy uncertainty dynamics, as well as its steering in a curved space–time.
Metallvermittelte Funktionalisierung natürlicher Peptide und Proteine: Biokonjugation mit Übergangsmetallen
Authors: Ohata Jun , Martin Samuel C. , Ball Zachary T.
Published: September 2018

Die selektive Modifikation natürlicher Proteine stellt eine enorme methodologische Herausforderung dar und bedarf einer strikten Kontrolle der Selektivität und des Umfangs einer Reaktion. Demnach existiert ein fortwährender Bedarf an neuen Reaktivitäts‐ sowie Selektivitätskonzepten. Übergangsmetalle zeichnen sich durch ihre Fülle einzigartiger Reaktivitäten aus, welche biologischen Reaktionen und Prozessen gegenüber orthogonal sind. Folglich spielen metallbasierte Methoden eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle in der Biokonjugationschemie. In diesem Aufsatz werden metallbasierte Methoden sowie deren Reaktivitäten und Selektivitäten bei der Funktionalisierung natürlicher Proteine und Peptide diskutiert.
Experimental and computational studies of novel ferrocene–pyranylidene dyads: Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical and linear optical properties
Authors: Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza , Rahimpour Keshvar
Published: September 2018

A series of mono‐condensed ferrocene–pyranylidene dyads in the form of donor–spacer–acceptor hybrid have been synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopies and CHN analysis. The electrochemical and photochemical properties of these compounds were studied using UV–visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. A quantum chemistry study of the synthesized compounds was performed with the density functional theory approach. The studies show that the band gap of this class of compounds can be tuned by changing the acceptor group or the length of the conjugate spacer. Considering all the results obtained, ferrocene has a good performance, as good as or even better than that of bulky aryl amines as donor groups in these systems.
Identification of a 3′‐Untranslated Genetic Variant of RARB Associated With Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: López‐Mejías Raquel , Carmona F. David , Genre Fernanda , Remuzgo‐Martínez Sara , González‐Juanatey Carlos , Corrales Alfonso , Vicente Esther F. , Pulito‐Cueto Verónica , Miranda‐Filloy José A. , Ramírez Huaranga Marco A. , Blanco Ricardo , Robustillo‐Villarino Montserrat , Rodríguez‐Carrio Javier , Alperi‐López Mercedes , Alegre‐Sancho Juan J. , Mijares Verónica , Lera‐Gómez Leticia , Pérez‐Pampín Eva , González Antonio , Ortega‐Castro Rafaela , López‐Pedrera Chary , García Vivar Mari L. , Gómez‐Arango Catalina , Raya Enrique , Narvaez Javier , Balsa Alejandro , López‐Longo Francisco J. , Carreira Patricia , González‐Álvaro Isidoro , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Luis , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Benjamín , Ferraz‐Amaro Iván , Gualillo Oreste , Castañeda Santos , Martín Javier , Llorca Javier , González‐Gay Miguel A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the genetic background influencing the development of cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in which, after quality control and imputation, a total of 6,308,944 polymorphisms across the whole genome were analyzed in 2,989 RA patients of European origin. Data on subclinical atherosclerosis, obtained through assessment of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and presence/absence of carotid plaques by carotid ultrasonography, were available for 1,355 individuals.

Results

A genetic variant of the RARB gene (rs116199914) was associated with CIMT values at the genome‐wide level of significance (minor allele [G] β coefficient 0.142, P = 1.86 × 10−8). Interestingly, rs116199914 overlapped with regulatory elements in tissues related to CV pathophysiology and immune cells. In addition, biologic pathway enrichment and predictive protein–protein relationship analyses, including suggestive GWAS signals of potential relevance, revealed a functional enrichment of the collagen biosynthesis network related to the presence/absence of carotid plaques (Gene Ontology no. 0032964; false discovery rate–adjusted P = 4.01 × 10−3). Furthermore, our data suggest potential influences of the previously described candidate CV risk loci NFKB1, MSRA, and ZC3HC1 (P = 8.12 × 10−4, P = 5.94 × 10−4, and P = 2.46 × 10−4, respectively).

Conclusion

The present findings strongly suggest that genetic variation within RARB contributes to the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA.
The pearl necklace model in protein A chromatography: Molecular mechanisms at the resin interface
Authors: L. Silva Goncalo , Plewka Jacek , Lichtenegger Helga , Dias‐Cabral Ana C. , Jungbauer Alois , Tscheließnig Rupert
Published: September 2018

Staphylococcal protein A chromatography is an established core technology for monoclonal antibody purification and capture in the downstream processing. MabSelect SuRe involves a tetrameric chain of a recombinant form of the B domain of staphylococcal protein A, called the Z‐domain. Little is known about the stoichiometry, binding orientation, or preferred binding. We analyzed small‐angle X‐ray scattering data of the antibody–protein A complex immobilized in an industrial highly relevant chromatographic resin at different antibody concentrations. From scattering data, we computed the normalized radial density distributions. We designed three‐dimensional (3D) models with protein data bank crystallographic structures of an IgG1 (the isoform of trastuzumab, used here; Protein Data Bank: 1HZH) and the staphylococcal protein A B domain (the native form of the recombinant structure contained in MabSelect SuRe resin; Protein Data Bank: 1BDD). We computed different binding conformations for different antibody to protein A stoichiometries (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) and compared the normalized radial density distributions computed from 3D models with those obtained from the experimental data. In the linear range of the isotherm we favor a 1:1 ratio, with the antibody binding to the outer domains in the protein A chain at very low and high concentrations. In the saturation region, a 2:1 ratio is more likely to occur. A 3:1 stoichiometry is excluded because of steric effects.
Targeting immunotherapy for bladder cancer using anti‐CD3× B7‐H3 bispecific antibody
Authors: Ma Wanru , Ma Juan , Ma Ping , Lei Ting , Zhao Man , Zhang Man
Published: September 2018

Objective

B7‐H3 is attractive for cancer immunotherapy with B7‐H3 overexpressed tumors. To explore whether B7‐H3 is an effective target for patients with bladder cancer, anti‐CD3× anti‐B7‐H3 bispecific antibodies (B7‐H3Bi‐Ab) was armed with activated T cells (ATC) to kill bladder cancer cells.

Methods

High expressions of B7‐H3 on human bladder cancer cells were detected, including Pumc‐91 and T24 cells, and their chemotherapeutic drug‐resistant counterparts. ATC generated from healthy donors were stimulated with anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) for 13 days. The ability of ATC armed with B7‐H3Bi‐Ab to kill bladder cancer cells was detected by flow cytometry, LDH, Elisa, and luciferase quantitative assay. Moreover, ATC generated from bladder cancer patients was armed with B7‐H3Bi‐Ab to verity the cell killing by the methods as previously described.

Results

Compared with unarmed ATC, a significant increased cytotoxicity of B7‐H3Bi‐Ab‐armed ATC against bladder cancer cells was discovered. The B7‐H3Bi‐Ab‐armed ATC secreted more IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and expressed high levels of activation marker CD69. Interestingly, despite the presence of immunosuppression in patients and resistance in chemotherapeutic drug‐resistant cancer cell lines, B7‐H3Bi‐Ab‐armed ATC from patients with bladder cancer still showed significant cytotoxic activity against bladder cancer cells and their chemotherapeutic drug‐resistant counterparts.

Conclusion

B7‐H3 is an effective target for bladder cancer. B7‐H3Bi‐Ab enhances the ability of ATC to kill bladder cancer cells. B7‐H3Bi‐Ab‐armed ATC is promisingly to provide a novel strategy for current bladder cancer therapy.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential and Cholinesterase Inhibition Potential of Extracts from Mentha pulegium L.
Authors: Politeo Olivera , Bektašević Mejra , Carev Ivana , Jurin Mladenka , Roje Marin
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work was to perform the phytochemical analysis as well as antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of hot water and methanolic extracts from Mentha pulegium L., Lamiaceae, wild growing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a plant that is traditionally used in Bosnia and Herzegovina medicine to treat gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. By HPLC‐DAD analysis of tested extracts, 15 phenol compounds were identified and quantified. Rosmarinic acid was the most abundant compound in both extracts, followed by ellagic acid, eriodictyol, naringenin and chlorogenic acid. Both extracts were demonstrated good radical scavenging potential, reducing power and ability to inhibit lipid oxidation. The tested extracts also showed low ability to inhibit protein oxidation and low or no acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition potential. The promising radical scavenging potential, reducing power and lipid protection potential of tested extracts indicates that the extracts of M. pulegium could be useful in preventing free radical linked diseases, as well as food protecting antioxidants.
An Alcohol Dehydrogenase from the Short‐Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase Family of Enzymes for the Lactonization of Hexane‐1,6‐diol
Authors: Dithugoe Choaro D. , van Marwijk Jacqueline , Smit Martha S. , Opperman Diederik J.
Published: September 2018

Biocatalytic production of lactones, and in particular ϵ‐caprolactone (CL), have gained increasing interest as a greener route to polymer building blocks, especially through the use of Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs). Despite several advances in the field, BVMOs, however, still suffer several practical limitations. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)‐mediated lactonization of diols in turn has received far less attention and very few enzymes have been identified for the conversion of diols to lactones, with horse‐liver ADH (HLADH) remaining the catalyst of choice. Screening of a diverse panel of ADHs, AaSDR‐1, a member of the short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase family, was found to produce ϵ‐caprolactone from hexane‐1,6‐diol. Moreover, cofactor regeneration by an NADH oxidase eliminated the requirement of co‐substrates, yielding water as the sole by‐product. Despite lower turnover frequencies as compared to HLADH, higher selectivity was found for the production of CL, with HLADH forming significant amounts of 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid and adipic acid through aldehyde dehydrogenation/oxidation of the gem‐diol intermediates. Also, CL yield were shown to be dependent on buffer choice, as structural elucidation of a Tris adduct confirmed the buffer amine to react with aliphatic aldehydes forming a Schiff‐base intermediate which through further ADH oxidation, forms a tricyclic acetal product.
Silver Oxide‐Based Semiconductors for Solar Fuels Production and Environmental Remediation: a Solid‐State Chemistry Approach
Authors: Galante Miguel T. , Sotelo Paola , Hossain Mohammad K. , Vali Abbas , Raamann Asti , Longo Claudia , Macaluso Robin T. , Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: September 2018

A solid‐state perspective is offered for a discussion of silver‐based ternary and quaternary oxide semiconductors for applications related to solar fuels photogeneration and environmental remediation. The rather unique d10 electron configuration in these compounds is shown to impart interesting effects on their optoelectronic properties, and in turn, the photocatalytic activity of these compounds. This Minireview focuses on the structural aspects, electronic band structures, synthetic advances, and finally photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications of 32 compounds within the two oxide families, of the generic formula: AgxByOz or AgxByCnOz, where B and C are metals or non‐metals other than silver.
Layered Bimetallic Metal‐Organic Material Derived Cu2SnS3/SnS2/C Composite for Anode Applications in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Foley Sarah , Geaney Hugh , Bree Gerard , Mukherjee Soumya , Zaworotko Michael J. , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: September 2018

Here, we report the synthesis of a bimetallic 2D interpenetrated metal‐organic material (MOM) and its use as a sacrificial precursor for the formation of a Cu2SnS3/SnS2/C composite. The one‐step sulfurisation of the novel Sn/Cu‐MOM represents a facile method for the preparation of an effective anode material for Li‐ion battery applications. The Cu2SnS3/SnS2/C composite was characterised by XRD, TGA, TEM and SEM. Electrochemical analysis was conducted on SnCu2SnS3/SnS2/C anodes in half cell configurations between 0–3 V and 0–1 V. Anodes cycled between 0–1 V exhibited markedly more stable capacity retention (315 mAh/g after 100 cycles), as only alloying of the Li with Sn took place within this potential window, compared to a combination of conversion and alloying for the wider potential range. This stability of the Li alloying based capacity was further enhanced by replacing the planar Cu foil with a rough dendritic Cu foil as the current collector, resulting in an improved capacity retention of 84 % after 100 cycles.
To Loop or Not to Loop: Influence of Hinge Flexibility on Self‐Assembly Outcomes for Acridine‐Based Triazolylpyridine Chelates with Zinc(II), Iron(II), and Copper(II)
Authors: Miron Caitlin E. , Fleischel Olivier , Petitjean Anne
Published: September 2018

Coordination‐driven self‐assembly has been established as an effective strategy for the efficient construction of intricate architectures in both natural and artificial systems, for applications ranging from gene regulation to metal–organic frameworks. Central to these systems is the need for carefully designed organic ligands, generally with rigid components, that can undergo self‐assembly with metal ions in a predictable manner. Herein, we report the synthesis and study of three novel organic ligands that feature 3,6‐disubstituted acridine as a rigid spacer connected to two 2‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine “click” chelates through hinges of the same length but differing flexibility. The flexibility of these “three‐atom” hinges was modulated by i) moving from secondary to tertiary amide functional groups and ii) replacing an sp2 amide carbon with an sp3 methylene carbon. In an effort to understand the role of hinge flexibility in directing self‐assembly into mononuclear loops or dinuclear cylinders, the impact of these changes on self‐assembly outcomes with zinc(II), iron(II), and copper(II) ions is described.
Protein Glycosylation through Sulfur Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx) Chemistry: The Key Role of a Fluorosulfate Thiolactoside
Authors: Marra Alberto , Dong Jiajia , Ma Tiancheng , Giuntini Stefano , Crescenzo Elisa , Cerofolini Linda , Martinucci Marco , Luchinat Claudio , Fragai Marco , Nativi Cristina , Dondoni Alessandro
Published: September 2018

Protein glycosylation is the most complex post‐translational modification process. More than 50 % of human cells proteins are glycosylated, whereas bacteria such as E. coli do not have this modification machinery. Indeed, the carbohydrate residues in natural proteins affect their folding, immunogenicity, and stability toward proteases, besides controlling biological properties and activities. It is therefore important to introduce such structural modification in bioengineered proteins lacking the presence of carbohydrate residues. This is not trivial as it requires reagents and conditions compatible with the protein's stability and reactivity. This work reports on the introduction of lactose moieties in two natural proteins, namely ubiquitin (Ub) and l‐asparaginase II (ANSII). The synthetic route employed is based on the sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) coupling of a lactose tethered arylfluorosulfate (Lact‐Ar‐OSO2F) with the ϵ‐NH2 group of lysine residues of the proteins. This metal‐free click SuFEx reaction relies on the properties of the fluorosulfate employed, which is easily prepared in multigram scale from available precursors and reacts chemoselectively with the ϵ‐NH2 group of lysine residues under mild conditions. Thus, iterative couplings of Lact‐Ar‐OSO2F to Ub and ANSII, afforded multiple glycosylations of these proteins so that up to three and four Lact‐Ar‐OSO2 groups were introduced in Ub and ANSII, respectively, via the formation of a sulfamoyl (OSO2‐NH) linkage.
Retracted: A Temperature‐, pH‐ and Voltage‐Responsive Nanogate with a Remarkably High Factor of Change in Ion Currents due to ON/OFF Switching
Authors: Dettori Riccardo , Yang Quan , Achenie Luke E. K. , Schwarz Roland D.
Published: September 2018

In biological cells, nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in cell membranes are capable of controlling the flow of ions, for example, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ by responding to stimuli, for example, pH and voltage. Inspired by NPCs, researchers have been endeavoring to develop nanogates to achieve the control of ion transport, but the developed nanogates only have a low factor of change in ion currents due to ON/OFF switching. As such nanopores with high temperature and pH responsivities were developed in this work. According to the experimental results, at a voltage of 3 V, the change in ion currents due to pH change is up to a factor of 170, which is remarkably high compared to other nanogates reported. Quantum chemical (QC) calculation results show that a protonated cytosine molecule (C+) and an unprotonated cytosine molecule (C) form three pairs of hydrogen bonds and consequently a nucleobase pair, CC+, leading to the binding of various strands, assembly of a strand net, and blockage of ion transport. The nanogate developed is capable of responding to temperature change. At a voltage of 3 V, the factor of change in ion currents in response to temperature variation is as high as 110. Further experiments were performed to investigate the influence of the NaCl concentrations and small opening diameters exerted on nanogate performance.