bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spray‐Cast Multilayer Organometal Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated in Air
Authors: Mohamad David K. , Griffin Jonathon , Bracher Christopher , Barrows Alexander T. , Lidzey David G.
Published: August 2016

Spray‐coating is a versatile coating technique that can be used to deposit functional films over large areas at speed. Here, spray‐coating is used to fabricate inverted perovskite solar cell devices in which all of the solution‐processible layers (PEDOT:PSS, perovskite, and PCBM) are deposited by ultrasonic spray‐casting in air. Using such techniques, all‐spray‐cast devices having a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.9% are fabricated. Such performance compares favorably with reference devices spin‐cast under a nitrogen atmosphere that has a champion PCE of 12.8%. Losses in device efficiency are ascribed to lower surface coverage and reduced uniformity of the spray‐cast perovskite layer.
Functional abilities in children and adults with the CDKL5 disorder
Authors: Fehr Stephanie , Downs Jenny , Ho Gladys , de Klerk Nick , Forbes David , Christodoulou John , Williams Simon , Leonard Helen
Published: August 2016

Functional abilities in the CDKL5 disorder have been described as severely impaired, yet some individuals are able to run and use phrases for speech. Our study investigated gross motor, hand function, and expressive communication abilities in individuals with the CDKL5 disorder. Data for 108 females and 16 males registered with the International CDKL5 disorder database and with a pathogenic CDKL5 mutation were analyzed. Relationships between functional abilities, age, genotype, and gender were analyzed using regression models. Over half of the females could sit on the floor and nearly a quarter could walk 10 steps. Fewer males could complete these tasks although one boy was able to sit, walk, and run. Most females and few males were able to pick up a large object. Females mostly used gestures to communicate while males mostly used other forms of non‐verbal communication. Compared to those with no functional CDKL5 protein, individuals with truncating variants after aa 781 were more likely to be able to stand (OR 5.7, 95%CI 1.2, 26.6) or walk independently (4.3, 95%CI 0.9, 20.5), and use more advanced communication methods such as words (OR 6.1, 95%CI 1.5–24.2). Although abilities were markedly impaired for the majority with the CDKL5 disorder, some females and a few males had better functional abilities. This variability may be related to underlying gene variants, with females with a late truncating variant having better levels of ability than those with no functional protein. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silver‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling (CDC) Strategy for the Construction of Dialkyl/Dibenzyl Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thia‐/oxazepin‐11‐yl Phosphonates
Authors: Saha Debasmita , Kaur Tanpreet , Sharma Anuj
Published: August 2016

An efficient and simple cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) procedure for the synthesis of dialkyl dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepin‐11‐yl phosphonates/dialkyl dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepin‐11‐yl phosphonates in high yields has been developed. The reaction employed dibenzothiazepines/dibenzo‐oxazepines as imine counterparts, silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a catalyst, and potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) as an oxidant.
Bedside quantitative electroencephalography improves assessment of consciousness in comatose subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Claassen Jan , Velazquez Angela , Meyers Emma , Witsch Jens , Falo M. Cristina , Park Soojin , Agarwal Sachin , Michael Schmidt J. , Schiff Nicholas D. , Sitt Jacobo D. , Naccache Lionel , Sander Connolly E. , Frey Hans‐Peter
Published: August 2016

Objective

Accurate behavioral assessments of consciousness carry tremendous significance in guiding management, but are extremely challenging in acutely brain‐injured patients. We evaluated whether electroencephalography (EEG) and multimodality monitoring parameters may facilitate assessment of consciousness in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of 83 consecutively treated adults with subarachnoid hemorrhage. All patients were initially comatose and had invasive brain monitoring placed. Behavioral assessments were performed during daily interruption of sedation and categorized into 3 groups based on their best examination as (1) comatose, (2) arousable (eye opening or attending toward a stimulus), and (3) aware (command following). EEG features included spectral power and complexity measures. Comparisons were made using bootstrapping methods and partial least squares regression.

Results

We identified 389 artifact‐free EEG clips following behavioral assessments. Increasing central gamma, posterior alpha, and diffuse theta‐delta oscillations differentiated patients who were arousable from those in coma. Command following was characterized by a further increase in central gamma and posterior alpha, as well as an increase in alpha permutation entropy. These EEG features together with basic neurological examinations (eg, pupillary light reflex) contributed heavily to a linear model predicting behavioral state, whereas brain physiology measures (eg, brain oxygenation), structural injury, and clinical course added less.

Interpretation

EEG measures of behavioral states provide distinctive signatures that complement behavioral assessments of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage shortly after the injury. Our data support the hypothesis that impaired connectivity of cortex with both central thalamus and basal forebrain underlies decreasing levels of consciousness. Ann Neurol 2016;80:541–553
Vacancy‐Induced Electronic Structure Variation of Acceptors and Correlation with Proton Conduction in Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Kim Hye‐Sung , Jang Ahreum , Choi Si‐Young , Jung WooChul , Chung Sung‐Yoon
Published: August 2016

In most proton‐conducing perovskite oxides, the electrostatic attraction between negatively charged acceptor dopants and protonic defects having a positive charge is known to be a major cause of retardation of proton conduction, a phenomenon that is generally referred to as proton trapping. We experimentally show that proton trapping can be suppressed by clustering of positively charged oxygen vacancies to acceptors in BaZrO3−δ and BaCeO3−δ. In particular, to ensure the vacancy–acceptor association is effective against proton trapping, the valence electron density of acceptors should not significantly vary when the oxygen vacancies cluster, based on the weak hybridization between the valence d or p orbitals of acceptors and the 2p orbitals of oxygen.
Chemoselective Alternating Copolymerization of Limonene Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide: A New Highly Functional Aliphatic Epoxy Polycarbonate
Authors: Li Chunliang , Sablong Rafaël J. , Koning Cor E.
Published: August 2016

The alternating copolymerization of biorenewable limonene dioxide with carbon dioxide (CO2) catalyzed by a zinc β‐diiminate complex is reported. The chemoselective reaction results in linear amorphous polycarbonates that carry pendent methyloxiranes and exhibit glass transition temperatures (Tg) up to 135 °C. These polycarbonates can be efficiently modified by thiols or carboxylic acids in combination with lithium hydroxide or tetrabutylphosphonium bromide as catalysts, respectively, without destruction of the main chain. Moreover, polycarbonates bearing pendent cyclic carbonates can be quantitatively prepared by CO2 insertion catalyzed by lithium bromide.
Light‐Induced Ambient Degradation of Few‐Layer Black Phosphorus: Mechanism and Protection
Authors: Zhou Qionghua , Chen Qian , Tong Yilong , Wang Jinlan
Published: August 2016

The environmental instability of single‐ or few‐layer black phosphorus (BP) has become a major hurdle for BP‐based devices. The degradation mechanism remains unclear and finding ways to protect BP from degradation is still highly challenging. Based on ab initio electronic structure calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, a three‐step picture on the ambient degradation of BP is provided: generation of superoxide under light, dissociation of the superoxide, and eventual breakdown under the action of water. The well‐matched band gap and band‐edge positions for the redox potential accelerates the degradation of thinner BP. Furthermore, it was found that the formation of P‐O‐P bonds can greatly stabilize the BP framework. A possible protection strategy using a fully oxidized BP layer as the native capping is thus proposed. Such a fully oxidization layer can resist corrosion from water and leave the BP underneath intact with simultaneous high hole mobility.
Cell‐Permeable Peptides Containing Cycloalanine Residues
Authors: Wu Hao , Mousseau Guillaume , Mediouni Sonia , Valente Susana T. , Kodadek Thomas
Published: August 2016

We present here an efficient alternative to N‐methylation for the purpose of morphing protein‐binding peptides into more serum‐stable and cell‐permeable compounds. This involves the incorporation of a cycloalanine (CyAla) into a peptide in a way that avoids difficult coupling steps. We demonstrate the utility of this chemistry in creating a cell‐permeable derivative of a high‐affinity HIV Rev protein‐binding peptide.
Selective and Efficient Removal of Mercury from Aqueous Media with the Highly Flexible Arms of a BioMOF
Authors: Mon Marta , Lloret Francesc , Ferrando‐Soria Jesús , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Armentano Donatella , Pardo Emilio
Published: August 2016

A robust and water‐stable metal–organic framework (MOF), featuring hexagonal channels decorated with methionine residues (1), selectively captures toxic species such as CH3Hg+ and Hg2+ from water. 1 exhibits the largest Hg2+ uptake capacity ever reported for a MOF, decreasing the [Hg2+] and [CH3Hg+] concentrations in potable water from highly hazardous 10 ppm to the much safer values of 6 and 27 ppb, respectively. Just like with biological systems, the high‐performance metal capture also involves a molecular recognition process. Both CH3Hg+ and Hg2+ are efficiently immobilized by specific conformations adopted by the flexible thioether “claws” decorating the pores of 1. This leads to very stable structural conformations reminiscent of those responsible for the biological activity of the enzyme mercury reductase (MR).
Activation of Dihydrogen by Masked Doubly Bonded Aluminum Species
Authors: Nagata Koichi , Murosaki Takahiro , Agou Tomohiro , Sasamori Takahiro , Matsuo Tsukasa , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: August 2016

Activation of dihydrogen by masked dialumenes (Al=Al doubly bonded species) is reported. Reactions of barrelene‐type dialumanes, which have the reactivity as masked equivalents of 1,2‐diaryldialumenes ArAl=AlAr, with H2 afforded dihydroalumanes ArAlH2 at room temperature (Ar: bulky aryl groups). These dihydroalumanes form hydrogen‐bridged dimers [ArHAl(μ‐H)]2 in the crystalline state, while a monomer–dimer equilibrium was suggested in solution. The 1,2‐diaryldialumenes generated from the barrelene‐type dialumanes are the putative active species in the cleavage of H2.
Konjugierte Polymere: Katalysatoren für die photokatalytische Wasserstoffentwicklung
Authors: Zhang Guigang , Lan Zhi‐An , Wang Xinchen
Published: August 2016

Konjugierte Polymere mit vollständiger π‐Konjugation stellen eine neue Generation heterogener Photokatalysatoren für die Nutzung von Solarenergie dar. Sie zeichnen sich durch drei wesentliche Merkmale aus, die für photokatalytische Prozesse wichtig sind, nämlich Robustheit, Ungiftigkeit und ihre Aktivität bei Bestrahlung mit sichtbarem Licht. Dies macht sie zu attraktiven Kandidaten für die Produktion im Großmaßstab. Dieser Kurzaufsatz gibt eine Zusammenfassung der aktuellen Entwicklung verschiedener vielversprechender Polymerphotokatalysatoren für die Wasserstoffentwicklung aus wässrigen Lösungen und geht dabei auch auf lineare Polymere, planarisierte Polymere, Triazin‐/Heptazin‐Polymere und andere verwandte konjugierte organische Halbleiter ein. Besonderes Augenmerk soll auf die rationale Beeinflussung der Zusammensetzung, der Architektur sowie der optischen und elektronischen Eigenschaften gelegt werden, die für die photophysikalischen und photochemischen Eigenschaften relevant sind. Einige Trends und die Zukunftsaussichten für konjugierte organische Photokatalysatoren in der künstlichen Photosynthese mittels Wasserspaltung werden auch besprochen.
Unique Electronic Structure in a Porous Ga‐In Bimetallic Oxide Nano‐Photocatalyst with Atomically Thin Pore Walls
Authors: Chen Hui , Yu Guangtao , Li Guo‐Dong , Xie Tengfeng , Sun Yuanhui , Liu Jingwei , Li Hui , Huang Xuri , Wang Dejun , Asefa Tewodros , Chen Wei , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: August 2016

A facile synthetic route is presented that produces a porous Ga‐In bimetallic oxide nanophotocatalyst with atomically thin pore walls. The material has an unprecedented electronic structure arising from its ultrathin walls. The bottom of the conduction band and the top of the valence band of the material are distributed on two opposite surfaces separated with a small electrostatic potential difference. This not only shortens the distance by which the photogenerated charges travel from the sites where they are generated to the sites where they catalyze the reactions, but also facilitates charge separations in the material. The porous structure within the walls results in a large density of exposed surface reactive/catalytic sites. Because of these optimized electronic and surface structures, the material exhibits superior photocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Conjugated Polymers: Catalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Guigang , Lan Zhi‐An , Wang Xinchen
Published: August 2016

Conjugated polymers, comprising fully π‐conjugated systems, present a new generation of heterogeneous photocatalysts for solar‐energy utilization. They have three key features, namely robustness, nontoxicity, and visible‐light activity, for photocatalytic processes, thus making them appealing candidates for scale‐up. Presented in this Minireview, is a brief summary on the recent development of various promising polymer photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions, including linear polymers, planarized polymers, triazine/heptazine polymers, and other related organic conjugated semiconductors, with a particular focus on the rational manipulation in the composition, architectures, and optical and electronic properties that are relevant to photophysical and photochemical properties. Some future trends and prospects for organic conjugated photocatalysts in artificial photosynthesis, by water splitting, are also envisaged.
Increasing citizen science contribution using a virtual peer
Authors: Laut Jeffrey , Cappa Francesco , Nov Oded , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: August 2016

Online participation is becoming an increasingly common means for individuals to contribute to citizen science projects, yet such projects often rely on only a small fraction of participants to make the majority of contributions. Here, we investigate a means for influencing the performance of citizen scientists toward enhancing overall participation. Building on past social comparison research, we pair citizen scientists with a software‐based virtual peer in an environmental monitoring project. Through a series of experiments in which virtual peers outperform, underperform, or perform similarly to human participants, we investigate the influence of their presence on citizen science participation. To offer insight into the psychological determinants to the response to this intervention, we propose a new dynamic model describing the bidirectional interaction between humans and virtual peers. Our results demonstrate that participant contribution can be enhanced through the presence of a virtual peer, creating a feedback loop where participants tend to increase or decrease their contribution in response to their peers' performance. By including virtual peers that systematically outperform the participants, we demonstrate a fourfold increase in their contribution to the citizen science project.
Competition of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution, σ‐Bond Metathesis, and syn Hydrometalation in Titanium(III)‐Catalyzed Hydrodefluorination of Arenes
Authors: Krüger Juliane , Leppkes Jakob , Ehm Christian , Lentz Dieter
Published: August 2016

Several functionalized and non‐functionalized perfluoroarenes were catalytically transformed into their para‐hydrodefluorinated products by using catalytic amounts of titanocene difluoride and stoichiometric amounts diphenylsilane. Turnover numbers of up to 93 were observed. Solution density functional theory calculations at the M06‐2X/TZ(PCM)//M06‐2X/TZ(PCM) level of theory provided insight into the mechanism of TiIII‐catalyzed aromatic hydrodefluorination. Two different substrate approaches, with a Ti–F interaction (pathway A) and without a Ti–F interaction (pathway B), are possible. Pathway A leads to a σ‐bond metathesis transition state, whereas pathway B proceeds by means of a two‐step mechanism through a syn‐hydrometalation intermediate or through a Meisenheimer intermediate. Both pathways are competitive over a broad range of substrates.
Integral Sliding Mode Fault‐Tolerant Control for Spacecraft With Uncertainties and Saturation
Authors: Wenjie Duan , Dayi Wang , Chengrui Liu
Published: August 2016

An integral sliding mode fault‐tolerant control method is proposed to deal with faults with matched uncertainties, unmatched uncertainties, and input saturation. Integral sliding mode, control allocation, and parameter identification are included in this method. The Lyapunov stability conditions of the integral sliding mode control for uncertainties and input saturation, respectively, are obtained, which denote the robustness extent of the controller. The direct method for control allocation is improved by adding a judgement before calculating for each facet. Finally, the fault‐tolerant scheme is applied to a six‐wheel spacecraft and simulations are given to show its effectiveness.
Lower Eigenvalue Bounds on Summation for the Solution of the Lyapunov Matrix Differential Equation
Authors: Zhang Juan , Liu Jianzhou , Huang Hao
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we offer several lower bounds on eigenvalue summation for the solution of the Lyapunov matrix differential equation applying index matrix eigenvalue inequalities and Hölder inequality. Further, we give a numerical example to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived bounds.
A Parameter Dependent Controller Design Approach for Delayed LPV System
Authors: Yin Hai , Gao Jinwu , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the memory state feedback controller synthesis problem for linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems with time‐varying input delay. A novel state transformation is proposed to reduce the influence of time delay, and two types of Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional are employed to guarantee the stability of the closed‐loop system and induced L2 norm performance. The controller gain is formulated to parameter dependent, and design method is then led to a convex optimization problem and solved by parameter gridding technique. A numerical example is provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Role of MAPK‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in the heart during aging in senescence‐accelerated prone mice
Authors: Sreedhar Remya , Giridharan Vijayasree V. , Arumugam Somasundaram , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Palaniyandi Suresh S. , Krishnamurthy Prasanna , Quevedo Joao , Watanabe Kenichi , Konishi Tetsuya , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A.
Published: August 2016

Heart failure is typically related to aging as there is a definite relationship between age‐related changes in the heart and the pathogenesis of heart failure. We have previously reported the involvement of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase protein in cardiac function using animal models of heart failure. To further understand its relationship with aging‐induced heart failure, we have compared its expression in the hearts of senescence accelerated‐prone (SAMP8) mice and their control (SAMR1) with normal aging behavior. We have identified its activation along with reduced expression of 14‐3‐3η protein in SAMP8 mice hearts than in SAMR1 mice. To reveal the downstream signaling, we have measured the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker proteins along with some inflammatory and apoptosis markers and identified a significant increase in SAMP8 mice hearts than that of SAMR1. In addition, we have performed comet assay and revealed a significant DNA damage in the cardiomyocytes of SAMP8 mice when compared with SAMR1 mice. All these results demonstrate the role of 14‐3‐3η protein and the downstream mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis and DNA damage in aging‐induced cardiac malfunction in SAMP8 mice. Thus targeting this signaling might be effective in treating age‐related cardiac dysfunction. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):368–375, 2016
Circulating leptin and NF‐κB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Faustmann Gernot , Tiran Beate , Maimari Theopisti , Kieslinger Petra , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara , Gruber Hans‐Jürgen , Roob Johannes M. , Winklhofer‐Roob Brigitte M.
Published: August 2016

Using the menstrual cycle as a model, this study focused on longitudinal changes and associations within a physiological network known to play a role in female fertility, including, as biologically active nodes, NF‐κB, leptin and adiponectin, β‐carotene, adipose tissue, and progesterone. In 28 women, leptin, adiponectin, β‐carotene, and progesterone concentrations, NF‐κB p65 and p50 activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (known to possess estrogen, progesterone and leptin receptors), total body fat (TBF) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) mass were determined at early (T1) and late follicular (T2) and mid (T3) and late (T4) luteal phase. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were higher, while NF‐κB p65 activation was lower at T3 compared with T1. NF‐κB p65 activation was inversely related to leptin concentrations at T1, T3, and T4. β‐Carotene was inversely related to leptin (T1,T2,T4) and SAT (T1,T3,T4). NF‐κB p50 activation was inversely related to TBF (T4) and SAT (T3,T4), and leptin was positively related to TBF and SAT (T1‐T4). Progesterone was inversely related to leptin (T2,T3), adiponectin (T3), TBF (T3,T4), and SAT (T2,T3,T4). By providing evidence of luteal phase‐specific reduced NF‐κB p65 activation in women under physiological conditions, this study bridges the gap between existing evidence of a Th1‐Th2 immune response shift induced by reduced NF‐κB p65 activation and a Th1‐Th2 shift previously observed at luteal phase. For the first time, inverse regressions suggest inhibitory effects of leptin on NF‐κB p65 activation at luteal phase, along with inhibitory effects of leptin as well as adiponectin on progesterone production in corpus luteum. © 2016 The Authors BioFactors published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 24(4):376–387, 2016
Dietary beta‐carotene and lutein metabolism is modulated by the APOE genotype
Authors: Huebbe Patricia , Lange Jennifer , Lietz Georg , Rimbach Gerald
Published: August 2016

The human apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype has been suggested to interact with nutrient metabolism particularly with lipid soluble vitamins. Plasma carotenoid levels are determined by numerous dietary and genetic factors with high inter‐individual variation; however, the APOE genotype has not been systematically examined so far. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the APOE genotype on dietary carotenoid metabolism with special regard to transcriptional regulation of carotenoid absorption, cleavage and adipocyte fat storage. We supplemented targeted replacement mice expressing human APOE3 and APOE4 isoforms with dietary beta‐carotene (BC) and lutein (LUT) for 8 weeks. Plasma BC and adipose tissue BC and LUT levels were in trend lower in APOE4 than APOE3 mice, while hepatic expression of the beta‐carotene oxygenases BCO1 and BCO2 was significantly higher. In contrast to the liver, mRNA levels of proteins involved in carotenoid absorption and cleavage in the small intestinal mucosa as well as of adipogenic markers in the adipose tissue were not different between APOE3 and APOE4 mice. Our data suggest that the hepatic carotenoid cleavage activity is higher in APOE4 mice partially reducing the circulation and extra‐hepatic accumulation of intact carotenoids as compared to APOE3. Therefore we suggest considering the APOE genotype as modulator of carotenoid status in the future. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):388–396, 2016
Depot‐ and gender‐specific expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and toll‐like receptors in adipose tissue of cancer patients
Authors: Shimabukuro Michio , Sato Hiromi , Izaki Hirofumi , Fukuda Daiju , Uematsu Etsuko , Hirata Yoichiro , Yagi Shusuke , Soeki Takeshi , Sakaue Hiroshi , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Sata Masataka
Published: August 2016

Gender difference in obesity‐associated cardiovascular complication could be derived from divergent chronic inflammation. We evaluated depot‐ and gender‐specific regulation of the innate immune system in human adipose tissues. Pair samples were obtained from subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during elective surgery (Male: 35; Female: 27). Expressions of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines were evaluated by semi‐quantitative qPCR. Adipose cell‐size distribution was obtained from tissue samples fixed in osmium tetroxide and analyzed by Beckman Coulter Multisizer. Levels of adiponectin were higher in SAT and VAT of female than those of male (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). NLRP3, IL1β‐IL18, TLR2 were comparable in SAT and VAT between genders. However, TLR4 and TLR9 were increased in female SAT and VAT and HMGB1 in female VAT. Levels of adiponectin were not correlated with mean diameter of adipocyte (φ, μm) in SAT and VAT of male, but negatively well correlated in those of female (r = −0.392 and r = −0.616). Such negative correlations were also observed between levels of TLR2, TLR4, and HMGB1 and φ in female. Levels of NLRP3 and IL1β were positively correlated with φ in male, but not in female. In conclusion, Innate signals were differentially expressed in male and female adipose tissues, suggesting that the depot‐ and gender‐specific signals could be related to gender difference in chronic inflammation. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):397–406, 2016
Curcuma longa polyphenols improve insulin‐mediated lipid accumulation and attenuate proinflammatory response of 3T3‐L1 adipose cells during oxidative stress through regulation of key adipokines and antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Septembre‐Malaterre Axelle , Le Sage Fanny , Hatia Sarah , Catan Aurélie , Janci Laurent , Gonthier Marie‐Paule
Published: August 2016

Plant polyphenols may exert beneficial action against obesity‐related oxidative stress and inflammation which promote insulin resistance. This study evaluated the effect of polyphenols extracted from French Curcuma longa on 3T3‐L1 adipose cells exposed to H2O2‐mediated oxidative stress. We found that Curcuma longa extract exhibited high amounts of curcuminoids identified as curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which exerted free radical‐scavenging activities. Curcuma longa polyphenols improved insulin‐mediated lipid accumulation and upregulated peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma gene expression and adiponectin secretion which decreased in H2O2‐treated cells. Curcuminoids attenuated H2O2‐enhanced production of pro‐inflammatory molecules such as interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and nuclear factor κappa B. Moreover, they reduced intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species elevated by H2O2 and modulated the expression of genes encoding superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzymes. Collectively, these findings highlight that Curcuma longa polyphenols protect adipose cells against oxidative stress and may improve obesity‐related metabolic disorders. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):418–430, 2016
Enhanced production of 2,3‐butanediol in pyruvate decarboxylase‐deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae through optimizing ratio of glucose/galactose
Authors: Choi Eun‐Ji , Kim Jin‐Woo , Kim Soo‐Jung , Seo Seung‐Oh , Lane Stephan , Park Yong‐Cheol , Jin Yong‐Su , Seo Jin‐Ho
Published: August 2016

Galactose and glucose are two of the most abundant monomeric sugars in hydrolysates of marine biomasses. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae can ferment galactose, its uptake is tightly controlled in the presence of glucose by catabolite repression. It is desirable to construct engineered strains capable of simultaneous utilization of glucose and galactose for producing biofuels and chemicals from marine biomass. The MTH1 gene coding for transcription factor in glucose signaling was mutated in a pyruvate decarboxylase (Pdc)‐deficient S. cerevisiae expressing heterologous 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BD) biosynthetic genes. The engineered S. cerevisiae strain consumed glucose and galactose simultaneously and produced 2,3‐BD as a major product. Total sugar consumption rates increased with a low ratio of glucose/galactose, though, occurrence of the glucose depletion in a fed‐batch fermentation decreased 2,3‐BD production substantially. Through optimizing the profiles of sugar concentrations in a fed‐batch cultivation with the engineered strain, 99.1 ± 1.7 g/L 2,3‐BD was produced in 143 hours with a yield of 0.353 ± 0.022 g 2,3‐BD/g sugars. This result suggests that simultaneous and efficient utilization of glucose and galactose by the engineered yeast might be applicable to the economical production of not only 2,3‐BD, but also other biofuels and chemicals from marine biomass.
Solid‐in‐oil nanodispersions for transdermal drug delivery systems
Authors: Kitaoka Momoko , Wakabayashi Rie , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro
Published: August 2016

Transdermal administration of drugs has advantages over conventional oral administration or administration using injection equipment. The route of administration reduces the opportunity for drug evacuation before systemic circulation, and enables long‐lasting drug administration at a modest body concentration. In addition, the skin is an attractive route for vaccination, because there are many immune cells in the skin. Recently, solid‐in‐oil nanodisperison (S/O) technique has demonstrated to deliver cosmetic and pharmaceutical bioactives efficiently through the skin. S/O nanodispersions are nanosized drug carriers designed to overcome the skin barrier. This review discusses the rationale for preparation of efficient and stable S/O nanodispersions, as well as application examples in cosmetic and pharmaceutical materials including vaccines. Drug administration using a patch is user‐friendly, and may improve patient compliance. The technique is a potent transcutaneous immunization method without needles.
Delays in the presentation to stroke services of patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke
Authors: Hurst K , Lee R , Sideso E , Giles M , Handa A
Published: August 2016

Background

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that carotid endarterectomy should be scheduled within 2 weeks of symptoms. The recent National Stroke Strategy has reduced the time interval to 48 h. This study aimed to review the possible delays.

Methods

This study analysed patients with confirmed transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, referred to a single tertiary centre clinic and followed up 1 month after the event. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the rapid-access clinic pathway, and details of previous medication and treatment.

Results

Some 150 patients presented with a confirmed TIA or minor stroke during a 5-month interval (June to October 2014). Fifty-one (34·0 per cent) had a history of TIA or stroke and 35 (23·3 per cent) had undergone an ‘index’ event in the 5 days before presentation. Forty-five patients (30·0 per cent) experienced a reduction or loss of vision. Of this group, 32 had a deficit in vision only, none of whom attributed these symptoms to a cerebrovascular event. Overall 92 (61·3 per cent) of the 150 patients had a delay in presentation to medical services. Forty-seven (31·3 per cent) had residual symptoms at the clinic appointment. Eighty-eight patients (58·7 per cent) did not think they were having a stroke and 54 (36·0 per cent) were unaware of the National Stroke Strategy (FAST campaign – Face, Arm, Speech, Time).

Conclusion

Two-thirds of patients were not aware they were having a stroke, one-third were unaware of the FAST campaign and nearly one-third presented with eye symptoms. Inclusion of eye symptoms and reaffirmation of the need to react might avoid unnecessary delays in the presentation of patients with TIA and minor stroke.
Magnetite‐Binding Flagellar Filaments Displaying the MamI Loop Motif
Authors: Bereczk‐Tompa Éva , Pósfai Mihály , Tóth Balázs , Vonderviszt Ferenc
Published: August 2016

This work aimed at developing a novel method for fabricating 1 D magnetite nanostructures with the help of mutated flagellar filaments. We constructed four different flagellin mutants displaying magnetite‐binding motifs: two contained fragments of magnetosome‐associated proteins from magnetotactic bacteria (MamI and Mms6), and synthetic sequences were used for the other two. A magnetic selection method identified the MamI mutant as having the highest binding affinity to magnetite. Filaments built from MamI loop‐containing flagellin subunits were used as templates to form chains of magnetite nanoparticles along the filament by capturing them from suspension. Our study represents a proof‐of‐concept that flagellar filaments can be engineered to facilitate formation of 1 D magnetite nanostructures under ambient conditions. In addition, it proves the interaction between MamI and magnetite, with implications for the role of this protein in magnetotactic bacteria.
Transhepatic implant of a trimmed Melody™ valved stent in tricuspid position in a 1‐year‐old infant
Authors: Cools Bjorn , Rega Filip , Gewillig Marc
Published: August 2016

Percutaneous valved stent implantation is precluded in small infants because large delivery sheaths and large devices. We describe a procedure in a 1‐year‐old boy in whom a 19 mm Epic™ valve in tricuspid position had become dysfunctional. As the internal diameter of the prosthetic valve was about 16 mm, the only available valve was the Melody™ valved stent. Technical modifications were required to address issues like venous access, the bulky delivery system, and the length of the valved stent. The Melody™ valved stent was surgically trimmed and mounted on a 16 mm Tyshak balloon, access was provided transhepatically through a short 18 Fr sheath. After deployment, the intrahepatic route was sealed with two vascular plugs (8 and 10 mm) in tandem. The procedure was uncomplicated with perfect valve function 18 months after implant. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin during peripheral vascular interventions
Authors: Ortiz Daniel , Singh Maharaj , Jahangir Arshad , Allaqaband Suhail , Khitha Jayant , Bajwa Tanvir K. , Mewissen Mark W.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the association of access site complications and the use of unfractionated heparin versus bivalirudin during subinguinal peripheral vascular intervention.

Background

Compared to unfractionated heparin, bivalirudin has been associated with fewer bleeding complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention but more ischemic events. The safety and efficacy of direct thrombin inhibitors in peripheral vascular interventions is not well defined.

Methods

We compared the incidence of in‐hospital access site complications and discharge status among patients in the multicenter, prospective Vascular Quality Initiative registry who underwent peripheral vascular intervention between August 2007 and January 2014 using bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin. Propensity score matching was used to obtain a balanced cohort of 1,524 patients in each treatment group.

Results

Patients treated with bivalirudin had a significantly lower incidence of access site hematomas (2.4% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.018), shorter post‐procedural hospitalization (1.0 vs. 1.2 days, P < 0.001) and lower rates of discharge to a nursing home or rehabilitation center rather than home (7.61% vs. 9.73%, P = 0.034) when compared with unfractionated heparin‐treated patients. The incidence of in‐hospital access site occlusion, distal embolization, and mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

Patients who received bivalirudin had lower rates of access site hematoma, shorter length of stay, and improved discharge status compared with unfractionated heparin during hospitalization for peripheral vascular intervention. Randomized comparisons of these agents are needed to confirm these findings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hemorrhagic and ischemic outcomes of Heparin vs. Bivalirudin in carotid artery stenting: A meta‐analysis of studies
Authors: Omran Jad , Abdullah Obai , Abu‐Fadel Mazen , Gray William A , Firwana Belal , Drachman Douglas E , Mahmud Ehtisham , Aronow Herebert D , White Christopher J , Al‐Dadah Ashraf S
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Bivalirudin, has been shown to have comparable efficacy and better safety profile when compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in percutaneous coronary interventions. Bivalirudin's safety in carotid artery stenting (CAS) was associated with better outcomes than heparin in some studies. In this Meta analysis we examine the hemorrhagic and ischemic outcomes associated with Bivalirudin compared to UFH during CAS.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Random‐effects meta‐analysis method was used to pool risk ratio (RR) for both Heparin and Bivalirudin with 95% confidence interval (CI). Study outcomes included hemorrhagic complications; major/minor bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as well as ischemic complications including ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and 30 day mortality.

Results

A total of four studies were included enrolling 7,784 patients. Compared to UFH, Bivalirudin was associated with significantly lower major bleeding events with a relative risk (RR) of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.35–0.80; I2 = 0%). Minor bleeding events were significantly lower in the Bivalirudin group with a RR of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.2–0.82; I2 = 0%). Looking into other outcomes, there were no significant differences between anticoagulation strategies in terms of ischemic stroke (RR 0.8, with 95% CI: 0.60–1.06), intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.73 with 95% CI: 0.27–1.98), myocardial infarction (RR 1.01 with 95% CI: 0.59–1.73) or 30 day mortality (RR 0.83 with 95% CI: 0.47–1.47).

Conclusion

Compared to UFH, Bivalirudin is associated with lower bleeding risk when used during CAS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long sheath use in femoral artery catheterizations in infants <15 kg is associated with a higher thrombosis rate
Authors: Ding Linda , Pockett Charissa , Moore John , El‐Said Howaida
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To examine the factors contributing to arterial thrombosis after catheterization, particularly the use of long vs. short introducer sheaths, and propose a new protocol to address risks.

Background

Post‐procedure arterial compromise is an important concern in pediatric cardiac catheterizations. For certain interventional procedures, the use of a long sheath is necessary, however, the incidence of complications when using such sheaths has not yet been studied.

Methods

This retrospective review includes patients <15 kg who underwent femoral artery catheterization at our institution from Feb 2006 to June 2014. The study examined 29 long sheath and 40 matched interventional short sheath cases. Data collected included age, weight, time to arterial access, total sheath duration, and arterial complications. The long sheath and short sheath groups, and confounding factors, were compared for complication rate.

Results

The incidence of arterial compromise was 38% (11/29) in the long sheath group compared to 15% (6/40) for short sheaths (P = 0.029). Arterial thrombosis was documented by ultrasound, CT, or angiography in 71% (12/17) patients. Time to arterial access and total sheath duration were not statistically significant factors. Weight was an independent risk factor, with infants <5 kg having a higher complication rate compared to infants >5 kg at 38.2% (13/34) and 11.4% (4/35), respectively (P = 0.004). Sheath length remained statistically significant after taking weight and age into account (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

The use of a long sheath in infants <15 kg is a significant risk factor for arterial compromise compared to short sheaths. Lower patient weight is also a contributing factor to increased incidence of complication, particularly in those <5 kg. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Markedly different tissue types on optical coherence tomography imaging in a patient with multiple lesion drug‐eluting stent in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Rheude Tobias A. , Xhepa Erion , Byrne Robert A.
Published: August 2016

The treatment of in‐stent restenosis after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation remains a major clinical challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging at the time of presentation can provide important information on mechanical factors contributing to stent failure as well as on tissue characteristics of the in‐stent neointimal tissue. We report a case of markedly different tissue types—characterized by heterogeneous and homogeneous signal intensity—observed in a patient with multiple lesion DES in‐stent restenosis. Although both lesions were initially successfully treated with drug‐coated balloon angioplasty, the patient presented with recurrent in‐stent restenosis in the lesion with homogeneous tissue characteristics. Future studies should evaluate whether OCT tissue characterization can guide optimal treatment strategy in patients with DES restenosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional characterization of a GFAP variant of uncertain significance in an Alexander disease case within the setting of an individualized medicine clinic
Authors: Boczek Nicole J. , Sigafoos Ashley N. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Maus Rachel L. , Cousin Margot A. , Blackburn Patrick R. , Urrutia Raul , Clark Karl J. , Patterson Marc C. , Wick Myra J. , Klee Eric W.
Published: August 2016

Key Clinical Message

A de novo GFAP variant, p.R376W, was identified in a child presenting with hypotonia, developmental delay, and abnormal brain MRI. Following the 2015 ACMG variant classification guidelines and the functional studies showing protein aggregate formation in vitro, p.R376W should be classified as a pathogenic variant, causative for Alexander disease.
Mixed Picolinate and Quinaldinate Iron(III) Complexes for the Catalytic Oxidation of Alcohols with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Kon Yoshihiro , Ogawa Atsuko , Uesaka Yumiko , Tamura Masanori , Sato Kazuhiko
Published: August 2016

A series of Fe mixed picolinate and quinaldinate complexes that catalyze the H2O2 oxidation of alcohols are presented. The Fe catalysts are generated in situ by simple mixing of iron acetate with 6‐methylpicolinic acid (6‐MepicH) and 4‐chloropicolinic acid (4‐ClpicH); they showed high catalytic activity for H2O2 oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol to acetophenone. Fe complexes generated in situ as precatalysts were successfully isolated and structurally characterized. Based on the single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and electrochemical measurements of the Fe complexes, the lability of picolinate and/or quinaldinate ligand and the redox potential of FeIII were found to be important factors for the catalytic reaction.
Framework‐Copper‐Catalyzed C−N Cross‐Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Imidazole: Convenient and Ligand‐Free Synthesis of N‐Arylimidazoles
Authors: Devarajan Nainamalai , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: August 2016

A convenient and environmentally benign synthesis of N‐arylimidazoles has been demonstrated by a straightforward reaction catalyzed by the unsaturated coordination sites of Cu in the copper terephthalate metal–organic framework (Cu(tpa)‐MOF). A series of N‐arylimidazoles has been synthesized in excellent yields by the C−N cross‐coupling reaction of arylboronic acids and imidazoles catalyzed by the Cu(tpa)‐MOF using ethanol as a benign solvent. The present ligand‐free catalytic system proceeds smoothly under mild conditions, avoids stoichiometric Cu reagents, tolerates many functional groups, has a wide substrate scope, and is feasible with other nitrogen heterocycles. The stability and heterogeneity of the catalyst is evidenced by the results of a heterogeneity test, and the catalyst can be reused several times without a loss of activity. The easy preparation of the catalyst, its stability, recovery by simple filtration, and reusability reveal Cu(tpa) MOF as a versatile catalyst for academic and industrial applications.
Water Splitting for High‐Yield Hydrogen Production Energized by Biomass Xylooligosaccharides Catalyzed by an Enzyme Cocktail
Authors: Moustafa Hanan M. A. , Kim Eui‐Jin , Zhu Zhiguang , Wu Chang‐Hao , Zaghloul Taha I. , Adams Michael W. W. , Zhang Y.‐H. Percival
Published: August 2016

Green hydrogen production through water splitting at low temperatures is highly desired for hydrogen economy. Herein, we demonstrate an in vitro non‐natural enzymatic pathway to utilize the chemical energy stored in xylooligosaccharides from biomass to split water to produce a nearly theoretical yield of H2 (i.e., ≈9.5 H2 per xylose plus water). This pathway was constructed on the basis of the novel activities of phosphopentomutase catalyzing the conversion of d‐xylose 1‐phosphate into d‐xylose 5‐phosphate and of ribose 5‐phosphate isomerase catalyzing the conversions of d‐xylose 5‐phosphate and d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate. This study suggests that the discovery of novel promiscuous enzyme activities is important to implement complicated biotransformations catalyzed by synthetic enzymatic pathways.
Mass Transfer and Liquid‐Film Formation in a Spray Tower for SO2 Removal in Sodium Hydroxide Solution
Authors: Codolo Milene Costa , Bizzo Waldir Antonio
Published: August 2016

Spray towers allow for controlling air pollution in which a liquid is sprayed in small droplets to produce a large interfacial area for mass transfer between a gas and a liquid phase. An experimental study of a spray tower for removing SO2 is described. The experiments were carried out under different operating conditions by varying the gas velocity, liquid flow rate, and SO2 concentration. SO2 removal efficiency, volumetric mass transfer coefficient, and liquid‐film formation as a result of the collision of droplets against the tower wall are investigated. Removal efficiency and volumetric mass transfer coefficient are analyzed as a function of gas velocity, liquid flow rate, and SO2 concentration, while liquid‐film formation is evaluated as a function of tower height. The results indicate high removal efficiency. Correlations to predict the volumetric mass transfer coefficient are also proposed.