bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave dielectric properties of spinel-structured Li0.5Ga2.5O4 ceramics with cation ordering on octahedral sites
Authors: Takahashi Susumu , Kan Akinori , Ogawa Hirotaka
Published: September 2016

The effect of firing temperature on the cation distributions of Li+ and Ga3+ in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of Li0.5Ga2.5O4 ceramics was investigated and the microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were also characterized in this study. 7Li and 71Ga solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra revealed the preferential occupations of the Ga3+ cations in tetrahedral sites of the Li0.5Ga2.5O4 ceramics, whereas the octahedral sites of the ceramics were occupied by the Li+ and Ga3+ cations. Moreover, the order/disorder behavior of Li+ and Ga3+ cations on the octahedral sites was examined by Raman spectroscopy and crystal structure refinements; the fractions of disordered (Fd3m) Li0.5Ga2.5O4 ceramic increased from 0.9 to 10.3%, depending on the firing temperature. From this result, it is considered that the coexistence of the ordered (P4332) and disordered Li0.5Ga2.5O4 ceramics is suggested. As a result, the covalency of the cation–oxygen bonds in the GaO4 tetrahedron and MO6 octahedron (M = Li+ and Ga3+) was strongly affected by the order/disorder behavior of the Li+ and Ga3+ cation in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The εr of the ceramics increased from 6.1 to 10.1 with increasing firing temperature, depending on the relative density and fraction of the disordered phase. Q · f also markedly improved from 18,546 to 237,962 GHz.
Genetic diversity of pomegranate germplasm collection from Spain determined by fruit, seed, leaf and flower characteristics
Authors: Martinez-Nicolas Juan J. , Melgarejo Pablo , Legua Pilar , Garcia-Sanchez Francisco , Hernández Francisca
Published: September 2016

Background.Miguel Hernandez University (Spain) created a germplasm bank of the varieties of pomegranate from different Southeastern Spain localities in order to preserve the crop’s wide genetic diversity. Once this collection was established, the next step was to characterize the phenotype of these varieties to determine the phenotypic variability that existed among all the different pomegranate genotypes, and to understand the degree of polymorphism of the morphometric characteristics among varieties.

Methods.Fifty-three pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) accessions were studied in order to determine their degree of polymorphism and to detect similarities in their genotypes. Thirty-one morphometric characteristics were measured in fruits, arils, seeds, leaves and flowers, as well as juice characteristics including content, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and maturity index. ANOVA, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis showed that there was a considerable phenotypic diversity (and presumably genetic).

Results.The cluster analysis produced a dendrogram with four main clusters. The dissimilarity level ranged from 1 to 25, indicating that there were varieties that were either very similar or very different from each other, with varieties from the same geographical areas being more closely related. Within each varietal group, different degrees of similarity were found, although there were no accessions that were identical. These results highlight the crop’s great genetic diversity, which can be explained not only by their different geographical origins, but also to the fact that these are native plants that have not come from genetic improvement programs. The geographic origin could be, in the cases where no exchanges of plant material took place, a key criterion for cultivar clustering.

Conclusions.As a result of the present study, we can conclude that among all the parameters analyzed, those related to fruit and seed size as well as the juice’s acidity and pH had the highest power of discrimination, and were, therefore, the most useful for genetic characterization of this pomegranate germplasm banks. This is opposed to leaf and flower characteristics, which had a low power of discrimination. This germplasm bank, more specifically, was characterized by its considerable phenotypic (and presumably genetic) diversity among pomegranate accessions, with a greater proximity existing among the varieties from the same geographical area, suggesting that over time, there had not been an exchange of plant material among the different cultivation areas. In summary, knowledge on the extent of the genetic diversity of the collection is essential for germplasm management. In this study, these data may help in developing strategies for pomegranate germplasm management and may allow for more efficient use of this germplasm in future breeding programs for this species.
The relationship between different exercise modes and visuospatial working memory in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Biye , Lu Yue , Zhu Qin , Shi Zhihao , Ren Jie
Published: September 2016

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between different exercise modes and visuospatial working memory in healthy older adults. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A total of 111 healthy older adults were enrolled in the study. They were classified by the exercise-related questionnaire to be in an open-skill group, closed-skill group or sedentary group. In experiment 1, the participants performed a visuospatial working memory task. The results indicated that both closed-skill (p< 0.05) and open-skill (p< 0.01) groups reached a higher accuracy than the sedentary group. Experiment 2 examined whether the exercise-induced benefit of working memory was manifested in passive maintenance or active manipulation of working memory which was assessed by visuospatial short-term memory task and visuospatial mental rotation task, respectively. The results showed that the open-skill (p< 0.01) group was more accurate than the sedentary group in the visuospatial short-term memory task, whereas the group difference in the visuospatial mental rotation task was not significant. These findings combined to suggest that physical exercise was associated with better visuospatial working memory in older adults. Furthermore, open-skill exercises that demand higher cognitive processing showed selective benefit for passive maintenance of working memory.
Identification of phasiRNAs and their drought‐ responsiveness in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Shuai Peng , Su Yanyan , Liang Dan , Zhang Zhoujia , Xia Xinli , Yin Weilun
Published: September 2016

Phased, secondary, small interfering RNA (phasiRNA) perform essential biological functions in plants. However, limited information is available on the role of phasiRNA genes in Populus (poplar), especially during drought stress. In this study, we identified 20 PHAS loci generating 91 phasiRNA in the genome of the model forest tree Populus trichocarpa (P. trichocarpa; western balsam‐poplar) using the control and drought libraries. Our analysis indicated that six PHAS (PtPHA14‐20) initiated by two Populus‐specific miRNAs (miR6445 and miR6427) were specific to Populus. In addition, a total of 47 phasiRNA were found to be drought responsive, and five of them were confirmed by RT‐qPCR. The phase cleavage of three PHAS loci by miRNA, and degradation of nine transcript targets by phasiRNA were experimentally confirmed based on degradome data. The identification of these Populus phasiRNA will contribute to a better understanding of their function and regulation during drought stress.
Impact of ocean resolution on coupled air‐sea fluxes and large‐scale climate
Authors: Roberts Malcolm J. , Hewitt Helene T. , Hyder Pat , Ferreira David , Josey Simon A. , Mizielinski Matthew , Shelly Ann
Published: September 2016

Air‐sea fluxes are a crucial component in the energetics of the global climate system. The largest air‐sea fluxes occur in regions of high sea surface temperature variability, such as ocean boundary, frontal currents and eddies. In this paper we explore the importance of ocean model resolution to resolve air‐sea flux relationships in these areas. We examine the sea surface temperature‐wind stress relationship in high‐pass filtered observations and two versions of the Met Office climate model with eddy‐permitting and eddy‐resolving ocean resolutions. Eddy‐resolving resolution shows marginal improvement in the relationship over eddy‐permitting resolution. However, by focussing on the North Atlantic we show that the eddy‐resolving model has significant enhancement of latent heat loss over the North Atlantic Current region, a long‐standing model bias. While eddy‐resolving resolution does not change the air‐sea flux relationship at small scale, the impact on the mean state has important implications for the reliability of future climate projections.
Optimal allocation of leaf‐level nitrogen: Implications for covariation of Vcmax and Jmax and photosynthetic downregulation
Authors: Quebbeman J. A. , Ramirez J. A.
Published: September 2016

The maximum rate of carboxylation, Vcmax, and the maximum rate of electron transport, Jmax, describe leaf‐level capacities of the photosynthetic system and are critical in determining the net fluxes of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the terrestrial biosphere. Although both Vcmax and Jmax exhibit high spatial and temporal variability, most descriptions of photosynthesis in terrestrial biosphere models assume constant values for Vcmax and Jmax at a reference temperature ignoring intraseasonal, interannual, and water stress‐induced variations. Although general patterns of variation of Vcmax and Jmax have been correlated across groups of species, climates, and nitrogen concentrations, scant theoretical support has been provided to explain these variations. We present a new approach to determine Vcmax and Jmax based on the assumption that a limited amount of leaf nitrogen is allocated optimally among the various components of the photosynthetic system in such a way that expected carbon assimilation is maximized. The optimal allocation is constrained by available nitrogen and responds dynamically to the near‐term environmental conditions of light and water supply and to their variability. The resulting optimal allocations of a finite supply of nitrogen replicate observed relationships in nature, including the ratio of Jmax/Vcmax, the relationship of leaf nitrogen to Vcmax, and the changes in nitrogen allocation under varying water availability and light environments. This optimal allocation approach provides a mechanism to describe the response of leaf‐level photosynthetic capacity to varying environmental and resource supply conditions that can be incorporated into terrestrial biosphere models providing improved estimates of carbon and water fluxes in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum.
Bayesian hierarchical regression analysis of variations in sea surface temperature change over the past million years
Authors: Snyder Carolyn W.
Published: September 2016

Statistical challenges often preclude comparisons among different sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions over the past million years. Inadequate consideration of uncertainty can result in misinterpretation, overconfidence, and biased conclusions. Here I apply Bayesian hierarchical regressions to analyze local SST responsiveness to climate changes for 54 SST reconstructions from across the globe over the past million years. I develop methods to account for multiple sources of uncertainty, including the quantification of uncertainty introduced from absolute dating into interrecord comparisons. The estimates of local SST responsiveness explain 64% (62% to 77%, 95% interval) of the total variation within each SST reconstruction with a single number. There is remarkable agreement between SST proxy methods, with the exception of Mg/Ca proxy methods estimating muted responses at high latitudes. The Indian Ocean exhibits a muted response in comparison to other oceans. I find a stable estimate of the proposed “universal curve” of change in local SST responsiveness to climate changes as a function of sin2(latitude) over the past 400,000 years: SST change at 45°N/S is larger than the average tropical response by a factor of 1.9 (1.5 to 2.6, 95% interval) and explains 50% (35% to 58%, 95% interval) of the total variation between each SST reconstruction. These uncertainty and statistical methods are well suited for application across paleoclimate and environmental data series intercomparisons.
Engineering Hierarchical Hollow Nickel Sulfide Spheres for High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Dan , Sun Wenping , Zhang Yu , Dou Yuhai , Jiang Yinzhu , Dou Shi Xue
Published: September 2016

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for energy storage due to the abundance of sodium, especially for grid distribution systems. The practical implementation of SIBs, however, is severely hindered by their low energy density and poor cycling stability due to the poor electrochemical performance of the existing electrodes. Here, to achieve high‐capacity and durable sodium storage with good rate capability, hierarchical hollow NiS spheres with porous shells composed of nanoparticles are designed and synthesized by tuning the reaction parameters. The formation mechanism of this unique structure is systematically investigated, which is clearly revealed to be Ostwald ripening mechanism on the basis of the time‐dependent morphology evolution. The hierarchical hollow structure provides sufficient electrode/electrolyte contact, shortened Na+ diffusion pathways, and high strain‐tolerance capability. The hollow NiS spheres deliver high reversible capacity (683.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (337.4 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and good cycling stability (499.9 mAh g−1 with 73% retention after 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1).
Long‐Term Subconjunctival Delivery of Brimonidine Tartrate for Glaucoma Treatment Using a Microspheres/Carrier System
Authors: Pek Y. Shona , Wu Hong , Mohamed Siti Thaharah , Ying Jackie Y.
Published: September 2016

Core‐shell polymer microspheres with poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) core and poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) shell are developed for the long‐term subconjunctival release of brimonidine tartrate (BT) in order to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma. The PLLA‐rich shell acts as a diffusion barrier, enabling linear release of BT over an extended period of 40 d. The microspheres are encased in a porous non‐degradable methacrylate‐based carrier for ease of subconjunctival implantation in a glaucoma‐induced rabbit model. In vivo release of BT from the microspheres/carrier system has enabled a significant, immediate IOP reduction of 20 mmHg, which is sustained for 55 d. Long‐term IOP reduction may be maintained by periodic replacement of the microspheres/carrier system.
Membrane Tubulation by Elongated and Patchy Nanoparticles
Authors: Raatz Michael , Weikl Thomas R.
Published: September 2016

Advances in nanotechnology lead to an increasing interest in how nanoparticles interact with biomembranes. Nanoparticles are wrapped spontaneously by biomembranes if the adhesive interactions between the particles and membranes compensate for the cost of membrane bending. In the last years, the cooperative wrapping of spherical nanoparticles in membrane tubules has been observed in experiments and simulations. For spherical nanoparticles, the stability of the particle‐filled membrane tubules strongly depends on the range of the adhesive particle–membrane interactions. In this article, it is shown via modeling and energy minimization that elongated and patchy particles are wrapped cooperatively in membrane tubules that are highly stable for all ranges of the particle–membrane interactions, compared to individual wrapping of the particles. The cooperative wrapping of linear chains of elongated or patchy particles in membrane tubules may thus provide an efficient route to induce membrane tubulation, or to store such particles in membranes.
MOF Derived Nonstoichiometric NixCo3−xO4−y Nanocage for Superior Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Antony Rajini P. , Satpati Ashis K. , Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Jagatap Bhagawantrao N.
Published: September 2016

Nonstoichiometric NixCo3−xO4−y 3D nanocages are fabricated through metal–organic framework template route and their electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) characteristics have been investigated. Substitution of Ni in Co3O4 spinel structure improves the intrinsic catalytic activity. Enhanced OER activity stems from the presence of nonstoichiometry and low coordination metal sites, which lower the OH− adsorption energy and improve the conductivity of the catalysts. OER activity is tuned by varying Ni to Co ratio and the best activity is observed for NiCo‐1, having Ni/Co = 1. This is reflected in a lower overpotential (η) of 320 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a lowest Tafel slope of 53 mV dec−1. The turnover frequency value (1.37 × 10−2 s−1) and lower apparent activation energy (35.5 ± 3 kJ mol−1) at η = 350 mV further support the superior intrinsic activity of NiCo‐1. The synergetic effect of porosity, nonstoichiometry, and rich redox centers results in enhancement of the OER activity of NixCo3−xO4−y 3D nanocage. Present work provides a simple strategy to design a low‐cost and efficient electrocatalyst which can be combined with photoelectrode to realize superior solar to hydrogen conversion devices.
Highly Stable Eu(III) and Tb(III) Complexes Based on Triarylborane‐Functionalized Cyclen Derivatives as Visual Temperature Probes and White‐Light Emitters
Authors: Wang Suning , Wu Tian‐Ze , Park Hee‐Jun , Peng Tai , Cao Li‐Xia , Mellerup Soren K. , Yang Guo‐Qiang , Wang Nan , Peng Jin‐Bao
Published: September 2016

New and highly stable Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes based on two triarylborane functionalized cyclen derivative ligands L1 and L2, have been achieved. The Eu(III) and Tb(III) lanthanide compounds have been found to display highly distinct and contrasting temperature‐dependent dual emission and decay lifetimes, rendering them as potential sensitive temperature probes. The emission colors of the new lanthanide complexes can be tuned by controlling the ratio of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes in a binary composite and the temperature. Bright white light emission based on the new binary Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes has been achieved. Furthermore, the triarylborane functionality of the new complexes enables their use as effective probes for anions such as fluoride ions, allowing the further tuning of the lanthanide emission.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Preparation of β,γ‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids by One‐Pot Sequential Double 1,6‐Addition of Grignard Reagents to Methyl Coumalate
Authors: Plevová Kristína , Chang Liang , Martin Emmeline , Llopis Quentin , Dechoux Luc , Thorimbert Serge
Published: September 2016

An efficient regio‐ and stereoselective metal‐catalyzed addition of two Grignard reagents (homo‐coupling, 2 RMgX or hetero‐coupling, R1MgX+R2MgX) to methyl coumalate (methyl 2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐5‐carboxylate) is described. This synthetic approach opens the access to a wide variety of functionalized β,γ‐unsaturated carboxylic acids in a modular way. Control of the chemo‐ and stereoselectivity of this one‐pot procedure is discussed.

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Copper(I) Bromide‐Dimethyl Sulfide‐Catalyzed Direct Sulfanylation of 4‐Hydroxycoumarins and 4‐Hydroxyquinolinones with Arylsulfonylhydrazides and Selective Fluorescence Switch‐ On Sensing of Cadmium(II) Ion in Water
Authors: Paul Sanjay , Shrestha Rajeev , Edison T. N. J. I. , Lee Yong Rok , Kim Sung Hong
Published: September 2016

An efficient protocol for the direct sulfanylation of various 4‐hydroxycoumarins and 4‐hydroxyquinolinones in good yield with arylsulfonylhydrazides as sulfanylating agents was developed via copper(I) bromide⋅dimethyl sulfide‐catalyzed S–O, S–N bond cleavage and C–S cross‐coupling reactions. A highly selective fluorescence turning‐on sensing of cadmium(II) ions in water using the synthesized 3‐sulfanyl‐4‐hydroxycoumarin derivative was also investigated.

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Efficient Hydrogenation of Nitrogen Heterocycles Catalyzed by Carbon‐Metal Covalent Bonds‐Stabilized Palladium Nanoparticles: Synergistic Effects of Particle Size and Water
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhu Jie , Xia Yun‐Tao , Sun Xiao‐Tao , Wu Lei
Published: September 2016

We reveal here the first hydrogenation of nitrogen heterocycles catalyzed by carbon–metal covalent bonds‐stabilized palladium nanoparticles in water under mild conditions. Using a one‐phase reduction method, smaller metal–carbon covalent bond‐stabilized Pd nanoparticles were prepared with a size distribution of 2.5±0.5 nm, which showed extraordinary synergistic effects with water in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrogen heterocycles. Water was supposed to accelerate substrate absorption and synergistic activation of molecular hydrogen on the Pd nanoparticles surface. The nanosized Pd catalyst could be easily recovered and reused for 5 runs.

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Downstream Processing of Nucleoside‐Diphospho‐Sugars from Sucrose Synthase Reaction Mixtures at Decreased Solvent Consumption
Authors: Lemmerer Martin , Schmölzer Katharina , Gutmann Alexander , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: September 2016

Nucleoside‐diphospho‐sugars (NDP‐sugars) are highly demanded as specialty chemicals and as substrates for enzymatic glycosylations. Biocatalysis is efficient for their synthesis; however, downstream processing (DSP) is a bottleneck of the overall production. We describe two scalable DSP routes for recovery of NDP‐glucose (NDP‐glc) from sucrose synthase (SuSy) reaction mixtures. In both routes product precipitation with ethanol replaced size exclusion chromatography (SEC) which, due to high solvent consumption, constitutes the main limiting step of current DSP protocols. We also show that selective phosphomonoester hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase, characterized in that it did not degrade the phosphodiester linkage in NDP‐glc, was a useful alternative to anion‐exchange chromatography (AEC) for capture and initial purification of the product. Based on comprehensive route optimization, we show uridine 5′‐diphosphate glucose (UDP‐glc) recovery at the ≥0.5 g scale in a yield of about 80% and in a purity of 86% (phosphatase route) and 95% (AEC route). Solvent savings of up to 38‐fold compared to the conventional AEC‐SEC route were achieved. There is a clear demand for both new routes, as requirements on DSP regarding purity and costs vary with the field of application. Both DSP routes seem to be applicable to other NDP‐sugars and different methods of their synthesis.

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Gene variants as risk factors for gastroschisis
Authors: Padula Amy M. , Yang Wei , Schultz Kathleen , Tom Lauren , Lin Bin , Carmichael Suzan L. , Lammer Edward J. , Shaw Gary M.
Published: September 2016

In a population‐based case‐control study in California of 228 infants, we investigated 75 genetic variants in 20 genes and risk of gastroschisis with regard to maternal age, race/ethnicity, vitamin use, and smoking exposure. We hypothesized that genes related to vascular compromise may interact with environmental factors to affect the risk of gastroschisis. Haplotypes were constructed for 75 gene variants using the HaploView program. Risk for gastroschisis associated with each gene variant was calculated for both the homozygotes and the heterozygotes, with the homozygous wildtypes as the referent. Risks were estimated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by logistic regression. We found 11 gene variants with increased risk and four variants with decreased risk of gastroschisis for heterozygous (ORh) or homozygous variants (ORv) genotypes. These included NOS3 (rs1036145) ORh = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2–0.7); NOS3 (rs10277237) ORv = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.3–6.0); ADD1 (rs12503220) ORh = 2.9 (95% CI: 1.6–5.4), GNB3 (rs5443) ORh = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1–0.5), ORv = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2–0.9); ICAM1 (rs281428) ORv = 6.9 (95% CI: 2.1–22.9), ICAM1 (rs3093030) ORv = 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2–5.6); ICAM4 (rs281438) ORv = 4.9 (95% CI: 1.4–16.6), ICAM5 (rs281417) ORh = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1–4.1), ORv = 4.8 (95% CI: 1.7–13.6); ICAM5 (rs281440) ORh = 23.7 (95% CI: 5.5–102.5), ORv = 20.6 (95% CI: 3.4–124.3); ICAM5 (rs2075741) ORv = 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1–4.4); NAT1 ORv = 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1–0.9). There were additional associations between several gene variants and gastroschisis among women aged 20–24 and among mothers with and without vitamin use. NOS3, ADD1, ICAM1, ICAM4, and ICAM5 warrant further investigation in additional populations and with the interaction of additional environmental exposures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Marfan syndrome: Report of a complex phenotype due to a 15q21.1 contiguos gene deletion encompassing FBN1, and literature review
Authors: Dordoni Chiara , Ciaccio Claudia , Santoro Graziano , Venturini Marina , Cavallari Ugo , Ritelli Marco , Colombi Marina
Published: September 2016

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder that primarily involves skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular systems with large inter‐ and intra‐familial variability in terms of age of onset, severity, and aortic disease. The causal gene, FBN1, encodes for fibrillin 1, a multi‐domain glycoprotein essential for many biological functions, including deposition and formation of elastic fibers. Reports describing chromosomal alterations involving FBN1 are rare, but in the last years their number has increased after copy number state analyses, such as multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization, were adopted as routine diagnostic tools. Herein we report a patient with MFS and an atypical facial appearance and neuropsychiatric involvement likely not attributable to MFS due to a 15q21.1 deletion that involves part of FBN1 and 13 additional contiguous genes listed in OMIM. We compare his phenotype with those of the few patients described in the literature who share similar 15q11.2 deletions. This report expands the phenotype of patients with 15q11.2 deletion involving FBN1 and its contiguous genes, and suggests a possible role for these other genes in the pathogenesis of the observed unusual clinical signs that are not explained by FBN1 haploinsufficiency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel missense mutation of CMT2P alters transcription machinery
Authors: Hu Bo , Arpag Sezgi , Zuchner Stephan , Li Jun
Published: September 2016

Objective

Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2P (CMT2P) has been associated with frameshift mutations in the RING domain of LRSAM1 (an E3 ligase). This study describes families with a novel missense mutation of LRSAM1 gene and explores pathogenic mechanisms of CMT2P.

Methods

Patients with CMT2P were characterized clinically, electrophysiologically, and genetically. A neuronal model with the LRSAM1 mutation was created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The neuronal cell line along with fibroblasts isolated from the patients was used to study RNA‐binding proteins.

Results

This American family with dominantly inherited axonal polyneuropathy reveals a phenotype similar to those in previously reported non‐US families. The affected members in our family cosegregated with a novel missense mutation Cys694Arg that alters a highly conserved cysteine in the RING domain. This mutation leads to axonal degeneration in the in vitro neuronal cell line. Moreover, using protein mass spectrometry, we identified a group of RNA‐binding proteins (including FUS, a protein critically involved in motor neuron degeneration) that interacted with LRSAM1. The interactions were disrupted by the Cys694Arg mutation, which resulted in reduction of intranuclear RNA‐binding proteins.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that the mutant LRSAM1 may aberrantly affect the formation of transcription machinery. Given that a similar mechanism has been reported in motor neuron degeneration of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, abnormalities of RNA/RNA‐binding protein complex may play a role in the neuronal degeneration of CMT2P. Ann Neurol 2016;80:834–845
Synthese, Charakterisierung und Anwendungen von Metall‐Nanopartikeln nach Fixierung auf N‐dotiertem Kohlenstoff: Katalyse jenseits der Elektrochemie
Authors: He Lin , Weniger Florian , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: September 2016

Metall‐Nanopartikel, die auf N‐dotierten Kohlenstoffmaterialien fixiert wurden, haben sich als neuartige Katalysatoren für verschiedene organische Umwandlungen herausgestellt. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden Strategien für die Synthese von auf N‐dotiertem Kohlenstoff fixierten Metallkompositen und ihre Charakterisierung nach neuestem Stand der Technik beschrieben. Die katalytischen Anwendungen dieser faszinierenden Materialien für industriell relevante Reaktionen wie Oxidationen, Hydrierungen, die Fischer–Tropsch‐Synthese und die H2‐Entwicklung werden zusammengefasst. Zudem werden die Auswirkungen eines N‐Einbaus in die verschiedenen katalytischen Systeme verdeutlicht.
Aligned MoOx/MoS2 Core–Shell Nanotubular Structures with a High Density of Reactive Sites Based on Self‐Ordered Anodic Molybdenum Oxide Nanotubes
Authors: Jin Bowen , Zhou Xuemei , Huang Li , Licklederer Markus , Yang Min , Schmuki Patrik
Published: September 2016

The present work demonstrates the self‐organized formation of anodic molybdenum oxide nanotube arrays. The amorphous tubes can be crystallized to MoO2 or MoO3 and be converted fully or partially into molybdenum sulfide. Vertically aligned MoOx/MoS2 nanotubes can be formed when, under optimized conditions, defined MoS2 sheets form in a layer by layer arrangement that provide a high density of reactive stacking misalignments (defects). These core–shell nanotube arrays consist of a conductive suboxide core and a functional high defect density MoS2 coating. Such structures are highly promising for applications in electrocatalysis (hydrogen evolution) or ion insertion devices.
Manganese(I)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation: The Key Role of a 7‐Membered Manganacycle in H‐Transfer and Reductive Elimination
Authors: Yahaya Nasiru P. , Appleby Kate M. , Teh Magdalene , Wagner Conrad , Troschke Erik , Bray Joshua T. W. , Duckett Simon B. , Hammarback L. Anders , Ward Jonathan S. , Milani Jessica , Pridmore Natalie E. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Lynam Jason M. , Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: September 2016

Manganese‐catalyzed C−H bond activation chemistry is emerging as a powerful and complementary method for molecular functionalization. A highly reactive seven‐membered MnI intermediate is detected and characterized that is effective for H‐transfer or reductive elimination to deliver alkenylated or pyridinium products, respectively. The two pathways are determined at MnI by judicious choice of an electron‐deficient 2‐pyrone substrate containing a 2‐pyridyl directing group, which undergoes regioselective C−H bond activation, serving as a valuable system for probing the mechanistic features of Mn C−H bond activation chemistry.
Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters by Nickel‐Catalyzed Heck Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Desrosiers Jean‐Nicolas , Hie Liana , Biswas Soumik , Zatolochnaya Olga V. , Rodriguez Sonia , Lee Heewon , Grinberg Nelu , Haddad Nizar , Yee Nathan K. , Garg Neil K. , Senanayake Chris H.
Published: September 2016

A nickel‐catalyzed Heck cyclization for the construction of quaternary stereocenters is reported. This transformation is demonstrated in the synthesis of 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles, which are prevalent motifs seen in numerous biologically active molecules. The method shows broad scope, proceeds in synthetically useful yields, and provides a rare means to construct stereochemically complex frameworks by nonprecious‐metal catalysis.
Two‐Dimensional Mesoscale‐Ordered Conducting Polymers
Authors: Liu Shaohua , Zhang Jian , Dong Renhao , Gordiichuk Pavlo , Zhang Tao , Zhuang Xiaodong , Mai Yiyong , Liu Feng , Herrmann Andreas , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2016

Despite the availability of numerous two‐dimensional (2D) materials with structural ordering at the atomic or molecular level, direct construction of mesoscale‐ordered superstructures within a 2D monolayer remains an enormous challenge. Here, we report the synergic manipulation of two types of assemblies in different dimensions to achieve 2D conducting polymer nanosheets with structural ordering at the mesoscale. The supramolecular assemblies of amphipathic perfluorinated carboxylic acids and block co‐polymers serve as 2D interfaces and meso‐inducing moieties, respectively, which guide the polymerization of aniline into 2D, free‐standing mesoporous conducting polymer nanosheets. Grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering combined with various microscopy demonstrates that the resulting mesoscale‐ordered nanosheets have hexagonal lattice with d‐spacing of about 30 nm, customizable pore sizes of 7–18 nm and thicknesses of 13–45 nm, and high surface area. Such template‐directed assembly produces polyaniline nanosheets with enhanced π–π stacking interactions, thereby resulting in anisotropic and record‐high electrical conductivity of approximately 41 S cm−1 for the pristine polyaniline nanosheet based film and approximately 188 S cm−1 for the hydrochloric acid‐doped counterpart. Our moldable approach creates a new family of mesoscale‐ordered structures as well as opens avenues to the programmed assembly of multifunctional materials.
Generation of Sulfonyl Radicals from Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates and Sulfur Dioxide: The Synthesis of 3‐Sulfonated Coumarins
Authors: Zheng Danqing , Yu Jiyao , Wu Jie
Published: September 2016

A catalyst‐free approach for the generation of sulfonyl radicals from aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates in the presence of DABCO⋅(SO2)2 is realized. The combination of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, DABCO⋅(SO2)2, and aryl propiolates affords 3‐sulfonated coumarins in good to excellent yields. This tandem reaction process involves radical addition, spirocyclization, and 1,2‐migration of esters. Additionally, the in situ diazotization of a number of anilines allows the directional synthesis of desired 3‐sulfonated coumarins in a one‐pot, two‐step process.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: Catalysis beyond Electrochemistry
Authors: He Lin , Weniger Florian , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: September 2016

Metal nanoparticles deposited on N‐doped carbon materials have emerged as novel catalysts for various organic transformations. In this Minireview, strategies for the synthesis of metal composites on N‐doped carbon supports and their state‐of‐the‐art characterization are briefly described. The catalytic application of these fascinating materials in several industrially relevant reactions, including oxidations, hydrogenations, Fischer–Tropsch syntheses, and H2generation, is also summarized. Furthermore, the effects of nitrogen incorporation on the different catalytic systems are highlighted.
The effect of solvent on postcuring in free radical photopolymerization
Authors: Zhang Huijing , Nie Jun , Muhyodin Ghulam , Zhu Xiaoqun
Published: September 2016

During free radical photopolymerization, with an increasing degree of conversion, the viscosity increased and vitrification occurred. The unreacted double bonds had difficulty diffusing to the reactive site in the vitrifying polymer. However, the free radicals generated in the vitrifying matrix could survive for a long time. Thus, the postcuring process occurred. In this study, free radical photopolymerization kinetics of methacrylate with or without solvent was investigated by real‐time FTIR, which was combined with a heating device. Results showed that without solvent, postcuring occurred only by heating at a higher temperature than the glass transition temperature of the polymer. However, with solvent, the postcuring occurred even at room temperature, where only a small amount of solvent was enough to cause postcuring. The lifespan of the free radicals inside the polymer was over 10 h. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44223.
Characterization of polyacrylonitrile, poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐vinyl acetate), and poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) based activated carbon nanofibers
Authors: Faraji Sahand , Yardim M. Ferhat , Can Dilek Suadiye , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: September 2016

In this study, three different acrylonitrile (AN)‐based polymers, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐vinyl acetate) [P(AN‐co‐VAc)], and poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) [P(AN‐co‐IA)], were used as precursors to synthesize activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs). An electrospinning method was used to produce nanofibers. Oxidative stabilization, carbonization, and finally, activation through a specific heating regimen were applied to the electrospun fibers to produce ACNFs. Stabilization, carbonization, and activation were carried out at 230, 600, and 750 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and porosimetry were used to characterize the fibers in each step. According to the fiber diameter variation measurements, the pore extension procedure overcame the shrinkage of the fibers with copolymer precursors. However, the shrinkage process dominated the scene for the PAN homopolymer, and this led to an increase in the fiber diameter. The 328 m2/g Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area for ACNFs with PAN precursor were augmented to 614 and 564 m2/g for P(AN‐co‐VAc) and P(AN‐co‐IA), respectively. The TGA results show that the P(AN‐co‐IA)‐based ACNFs exhibited a higher thermal durability in comparison to the fibers of PAN and P(AN‐co‐VAc). The application of these copolymers instead of AN homopolymer enhanced the thermal stability and increased the surface area of the ACNFs even in low‐temperature carbonization and activation processes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44381.
The influence of paraffin wax addition on the isothermal crystallization of LLDPE
Authors: Gumede Thandi P. , Luyt Adriaan S. , Pérez‐Camargo Ricardo A. , Müller Alejandro J.
Published: September 2016

The influence of paraffin wax addition on the isothermal crystallization kinetics of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) was studied in a temperature range where the wax was always in the molten state and could be considered a solvent for LLDPE. The LLDPE/wax blends were prepared by melt mixing in the following compositions: 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40. The results obtained show that the rate of isothermal crystallization is depressed by wax addition at constant crystallization temperatures. LLDPE needs a higher amount of supercooling to start crystallizing as the content of wax increases in the blends. The Flory–Huggins theory (FH) for polymer/diluent mixtures was applied employing equilibrium melting temperature values obtained by extrapolation with the Hoffman–Weeks method. The results of the FH analysis indicate that the interactions between wax and LLDPE are nonlinear and strongly depend on composition. This nonlinear composition dependence of wax/LLDPE interactions is reflected in the complex way in which the overall crystallization kinetics rate depends on both supercooling and composition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44398.
Development of dieldrin, endosulfan, and hexachlorobenzene‐imprinted polymers for dye‐displacement array sensing
Authors: Silverio Ofelia V. , So Regina C. , Elnar Katrina Jean S. , Malapit Christian A. , Nepomuceno Ma. Cristine M.
Published: September 2016

Due to the toxicity associated with the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, new materials capable of selectively capturing and detecting these compounds are highly desirable. In this study, imprinted polymers were prepared using three organochlorine pesticides—dieldrin (DE), endosulfan (EN), or hexachlorobenzene (HCB) as templates. The MIPs were polymerized via precipitation polymerization. The yields were over 90% with particle sizes ranging from 62 to 214 nm. Binding studies combined with GC‐ECD analysis showed that each template is more selective to its corresponding MIP compared with the other two structurally homologous templates. These results were consistent with those obtained using UV–vis where more bromocresol green (BCG) dye was released when higher template concentrations were introduced to the corresponding BCG‐impregnated MIPs. Since unique selectivity response pattern for each of the MIPs was obtained, this demonstrated that the MIPs were selective and can be potentially used in dye‐displacement array sensing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44401.
Altered Mitochondrial Anatomy of Trigeminal Ganglia Neurons in Diabetes
Authors: Rusu M.C. , Mănoiu V.S. , Vrapciu A.D. , Hostiuc S. , Mirancea N.
Published: September 2016

Neurons from sensory ganglia are exposed to oxidative attack in diabetes. Altered mitochondrial morphologies are due to impaired dynamics (fusion, fission) and to cristae remodeling. This study aimed to evaluate using transmission electron microscopy mitochondrial changes in diabetic trigeminal ganglia suggestive for ignition of apoptosis, in absence of “classical” morphological signs of apoptosis. We used samples of trigeminal ganglia (from six type 2 diabetes human donors and five streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats). In human diabetic samples we found three main distributions of mitochondria: (a) small “dark” normal mitochondria, seemingly resulted from fission processes; (b) small “dark” damaged mitochondria, with side‐vesiculations (single‐ and double‐coated), large matrix vesicles and cytosolic leakage of reactive species, mixed with larger “light” mitochondria, swollen, and with crystolysis; (c) prevailing “light” mitochondria. In STZ‐treated rats a type (c) distribution prevailed, except for nociceptive neurons where we found a different distribution: large and giant mitochondria, suggestive for impaired mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial fenestrations, matrix vesicles interconnected by lamellar cristae, and mitochondrial leakage into the cytosol. Thus, the ultrastructural pattern of mitochondria damage in diabetic samples of sensory neurons may provide clues on the initiation of intrinsic apoptosis, even if the classical morphological signs of apoptosis are not present. Further studies, combining use of biochemical and ultrastructural techniques, may allow a better quantification of the degree in which mitochondrial damage, with membrane alterations and cytosolic leaks, may be used as morphological signs suggesting the point‐of‐no return for apoptosis. Anat Rec, 299:1561–1570, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals using a Virus‐Based Colorimetric Sensor
Authors: Moon Jong‐Sik , Lee Yujin , Shin Dong‐Myeong , Kim Chuntae , Kim Won‐Geun , Park Minji , Han Jiye , Song Hyerin , Kim Kyujung , Oh Jin‐Woo
Published: September 2016

A simple and portable colorimetric sensor based on M13 bacteriophage (phage) was devised to identify a class of endocrine disrupting chemicals, including benzene, phthalate, and chlorobenzene derivatives. Arrays of structurally and genetically modified M13 bacteriophage were fabricated so as to produce a biomimetic colorimetric sensor, and color changes in the phage arrays in response to several benzene derivatives were characterized. The sensor was also used to classify phthalate and chlorobenzene derivatives as representatives of endocrine disrupting chemicals. The characteristic color patterns obtained on exposure to various benzene derivatives enabled similar chemical structures in the vapor phase to be classified. Our sensing approach based on the use of a genetically surface modified M13 bacteriophage offers a promising platform for portable, simple environmental monitors that could be extended for use in numerous application areas, including food monitoring, security monitoring, explosive risk assessment, and point of care testing.
Homogeneous Control of Pneumatic Cylinders Based on Time Delay Model and Artstein Transformation
Authors: Edjekouane E. , Riachy S. , Ghanes M. , Barbot J.‐P.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, an experimental second order model with time delay is considered in order to design a robust control of pneumatic cylinders. This model is derived by using the well known Strejc identification method. The design of the proposed homogeneous control law is synthesized thanks to Artstein transformation which allows to deal with the delay on the input. Real‐time experimental tests and comparisons with some existing works are conducted to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Enzymatically prepared redox‐responsive hydrogels as potent matrices for hepatocellular carcinoma cell spheroid formation
Authors: Moriyama Kousuke , Naito Shono , Wakabayashi Rie , Goto Masahiro , Kamiya Noriho
Published: September 2016

Cellular spheroids have been received much attention in the biological and biomedical fields, especially as a base material for drug assays, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Hydrogels have potential for scalable preparation of spheroids because they provide a spatial environment suitable for three‐dimensional cell cultivation. Herein, the potential use of a redox‐responsive hydrogel as a scaffold for preparation and recovery of spheroids is reported. A hydrogel composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which can be degraded using cysteine as a reducing agent under mild conditions, is prepared by mixing an octa‐thiolated PEG derivative (8‐arm PEG‐SH), horseradish peroxidase and a small phenolic compound (Glycyl‐L‐tyrosine). Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) are encapsulated in the hydrogel and cellular spheroids formed by proliferation within the scaffolds. After seven days of cultivation, the size of the HepG2 spheroids reached a diameter between ≈40 and 60 μm, depending on the 8‐arm PEG‐SH concentration. Liver‐specific functions of the HepG2 spheroids such as albumin secretion and urea production are retained at higher levels than those of cells prepared from traditional two‐dimensional mono layers. These results suggest that the system presented here has potential for preparation of cellular spheroids for tissue engineering applications.
Management of knee osteoarthritis. Current status and future trends
Authors: Ondrésik Marta , Azevedo Maia Fatima R. , da Silva Morais Alain , Gertrudes Ana C. , Dias Bacelar Ana H. , Correia Cristina , Gonçalves Cristiana , Radhouani Hajer , Amandi Sousa Rui , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Reis Rui L.
Published: September 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects a large number of the population, and its incidence is showing a growing trend with the increasing life span. OA is the most prevalent joint condition worldwide, and currently, there is no functional cure for it. This review seeks to briefly overview the management of knee OA concerning standardized pharmaceutical and clinical approaches, as well as the new biotechnological horizons of OA treatment. The potential of biomaterials and state of the art of advanced therapeutic approaches, such as cell and gene therapy focused primarily on cartilage regeneration are the main subjects of this review. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 717–739. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.