bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9 Assisted Multiplex Genome Editing Technique in Escherichia coli
Authors: Feng Xu , Zhao Dongdong , Zhang Xueli , Ding Xiang , Bi Changhao
Published: May 2018

Genome editing for site‐specific chromosome modification is one of the most significant techniques in biological research. While conventional techniques usually deal with one genomic locus at a time, multiple genomic targets are often required to be modified to develop microbial cell factories. Thus, it is necessary to develop techniques for simultaneous editing of multiple loci. In this work, the authors develop a CRISPR/Cas9 assisted multiplex genome editing (CMGE) technique in Escherichia coli. With this editing method, all functional parts are assembled into replicable plasmids, and stringent inducible expression systems are used to control Cas9 gene expression, which is to decouple transformation from editing process to increase editing efficiency. A modular assembly strategy is designed to enable construction of the complex multi‐gRNA plasmid. With this technique, two and three loci are able to be modified with 100% and 88.3% efficiencies, while four loci can be edited with more than 30%, which are the best results reported. Although developed in model organism, the strategy of CMGE can be adapted to other prokaryotic cells. This is a well designed and illustrated technique with no special requirement, can be used by any biological lab easily.
Antidiuretic hormone release associated with increased intracranial pressure independent of plasma osmolality
Authors: Keller William J. , Mullaj Elda
Published: May 2018

Objective

Introduce and evaluate a new model which explains the release of brain antidiuretic hormone (ADH) independent of plasma osmolality.

Methods

Systematic review and critical analysis of the professional literature.

Results

Primary electronic database searches using key terms revealed 57,432 hits. Secondary searches with application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and manual inspection for completeness reduced the total number of studies to fourteen (N = 14). Twelve (N = 12) studies investigated human subjects in the hospital settings, and two (N = 2) studies investigated animals (rhesus monkeys and dog) under invasive experimental conditions. All fourteen studies included direct or indirect indicators of intracranial pressure (ICP), measurements of plasma ADH, and plasma osmolality or urine osmolality. Findings, in brief, reveal a stable and positive association between increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and increased ADH release, in patients with low or normal blood osmolality. Findings are reliable and reproducible across human and animal populations.

Conclusions

Findings support the proposed model, which explains increase secretion of brain ADH when plasma osmolality is low or within normal limits. Mechanical pressures exerted on hypothalamic nuclei, especially paraventricular and supra‐optic nuclei, as a consequence of increased intracranial pressure, produce release of ADH, independent of plasma osmolality. The mechanical pressure model explains release of ADH previously unexplained by traditional plasma osmolality models. Findings have important clinical implications for the medical and surgical management of patients.
Alterations of brain network hubs in reflex syncope: Evidence from a graph theoretical analysis based on DTI
Authors: Park Bong Soo , Lee Yoo Jin , Park Jin‐Han , Kim Il Hwan , Park Si Hyung , Lee Ho‐Joon , Park Kang Min
Published: May 2018

Objective

We evaluated global topology and organization of regional hubs in the brain networks and microstructural abnormalities in the white matter of patients with reflex syncope.

Methods

Twenty patients with reflex syncope and thirty healthy subjects were recruited, and they underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. Graph theory was applied to obtain network measures based on extracted DTI data, using DSI Studio. We then investigated differences in the network measures between the patients with reflex syncope and the healthy subjects. We also analyzed microstructural abnormalities of white matter using tract‐based spatial statistics analysis (TBSS).

Results

Measures of global topology were not different between patients with reflex syncope and healthy subjects. However, in reflex syncope patients, the strength measures of the right angular, left inferior frontal, left middle orbitofrontal, left superior medial frontal, and left middle temporal gyrus were lower than in healthy subjects. The betweenness centrality measures of the left middle orbitofrontal, left fusiform, and left lingual gyrus in patients were lower than those in healthy subjects. The PageRank centrality measures of the right angular, left middle orbitofrontal, and left superior medial frontal gyrus in patients were lower than those in healthy subjects. Regarding the analysis of the white matter microstructure, there were no differences in the fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values between the two groups.

Conclusions

We have identified a reorganization of network hubs in the brain network of patients with reflex syncope. These alterations in brain network may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying reflex syncope.
RETRACTED: Long noncoding RNA UFC1 is activated by E2F1 and exerts oncogenic properties by functioning as a ceRNA of FOXP3
Authors: Xi Jie , Feng Jing , Zeng Saitian , Huang Ping
Published: May 2018

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers around the world. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered to be important regulators of some biological processes. Recently, it has been reported that linc‐UFC1 is a putative oncogene in some cancers. However, the functional roles of linc‐UFC1 have not been investigated in cervical cancer. Here, it was demonstrated that linc‐UFC1 expression was significantly increased in cervical cancer tissues, and its overexpression was associated with the poor survival of patients with cervical cancer. Loss‐of‐function assays indicated that linc‐UFC1 exerted as an oncogene because it promoted the growth and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that linc‐UFC1 upregulated FOXP3 expression through competitively binding miR‐34a. Finally, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays provided evidence that E2F1 could directly bind to the linc‐UFC1 promoter region and enhance its transcription. Taken together, our findings indicate that the linc‐UFC1 expression signature may serve as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer, and it is also highlighted that the E2F1‐linc‐UFC1/miR‐34a/FOXP3 axis may be a potentially therapeutic target of cervical cancer.
Genetically determined height was associated with lung cancer risk in East Asian population
Authors: Wang Lu , Huang Mingtao , Ding Hui , Jin Guangfu , Chen Liang , Chen Feng , Shen Hongbing
Published: May 2018

The association between adult height and risk of lung cancer has been investigated by epidemiology studies, but the results are inconsistent. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses with individual‐level data from two genome‐wide association studies, including a total of 7127 lung cancer cases and 6818 controls, were carried out to explore whether adult height is causally associated with risk of lung cancer. A weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) was created based on genotypes of 101 known height‐associated genetic variants. Association between the wGRS and risk of lung cancer was analyzed by logistic regression for each study separately. The combined effect was calculated using fixed effect meta‐analysis. MR analyses showed that increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.05‐1.35, P = 0.006) associated with taller genetically determined height. Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of the height‐associated wGRS, those in the highest tertile had 1.10‐fold (95% CI: 1.01‐1.20) increased risk of developing lung cancer. Sensitivity analyses excluding BMI‐associated genetic variants demonstrated consistent association. Our study suggested that genetically taller height was associated with increased risk of lung cancer in East Asian population, indicating that increasing height may have a causal role in lung cancer carcinogenesis.
Bioactive Constituents ofJuniperus turbinataGuss. from La Maddalena Archipelago
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Maggi Filippo , Quassinti Luana , Bramucci Massimo , Lupidi Giulio , Ornano Luigi , Ballero Mauro , Sanna Cinzia , Bruno Maurizio , Rosselli Sergio , Bianco Armandodoriano
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive phytochemical study ofJuniperus turbinata(Cupressaceae) collected from La Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia, Italy) is reported. Both the essential oil and the ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts were analyzed. The essential oil appears to belong to a new chemotype compared to other Mediterranean juniper accessions, as it was favored by geographic isolation of the isles. It showed a low content of monoterpene hydrocarbons andα‐terpineol,ent‐manoyl oxide, 1,10‐di‐epi‐cubenol as the major constituents. The ethanolic fraction contained mainly diterpenoids. Among these, 15‐formyloxyimbricatolic acid (7) is a new natural product since it has hitherto been obtained only by synthetic route. The phenolic fraction contained biflavonoids: cupressuflavone (9), followed by minor amounts of amentoflavone (10) and hinokiflavone (11). The essential oil and six purified compounds (1–4,8and9) were assessed for biological activities, namely antioxidant (assessed byDPPH·,ABTS·+andFRAPmethods) and cytotoxic effects towards selected human tumor cell lines (MDA‐MB231, A375 andHCT116 cells). Compound3exhibited higher radical scavenging activity againstABTS·+radical than the reference Trolox. Noteworthy, compound8showed powerful effects towards tumor cell lines, withIC50values in the range of 0.060 – 0.201 μm, which make it a promising anticancer drug candidate.
Ventriculomegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia in a neonate with interstitial 11q 24 deletion in Jacobsen syndrome region
Authors: Puvabanditsin Surasak , Chen Charlotte Wang , Botwinick Marissa , Hussein Karen , Mariduena Joseph , Mehta Rajeev
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Jacobsen syndrome (JS) is a rare contiguous gene disorder caused by partial deletion of the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 11 ranging in size from 7 to 20 Mb. We report a term male neonate with an interstitial deletion of about 12.3 megabase (Mb) of chromosome 11q24.1qter. Our case is the first reported newborn patient with 11q24 deletion.
Reversible manifestations of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis
Authors: Campos Edison M. , Raslau Flavius D. , Salinas Robert , Di Capua Daniela , Slevin John T. , Villamar Mauricio F.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Movement disorders are uncommon manifestations of neurocysticercosis. When present, most are secondary to parenchymal lesions in the basal ganglia. Rarely, movement disorders can occur in racemose/extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis, an aggressive variant frequently associated with cerebrospinal fluid outflow obstruction and hydrocephalus. Appropriate treatment can reverse neurological manifestations.
Closing the Gap in Formic Acid Reforming
Authors: Zhao Long , Lolli Giulio , Wolf Aurel , Mleczko Leslaw
Published: May 2018

Formic acid (FA) has the potential to become the renewable platform chemical in the future chemical industry. To achieve this potential, FA and its conversion processes should be competitive with the traditional platform chemicals and processes. A reaction kinetic study and a process conceptual design of FA reforming to CO are conducted. The optimized process is characteristic of high conversion, selectivity, and overall exergy efficiency, which outperforms the conventional steam methane reformer that is limited by its thermodynamic equilibrium and consequently displays lower overall exergy efficiency. CO generated from FA reforming can be used as the component of ‘renewable syngas' that seems to be attractive in consideration of some important industrial aspects.
Engineered Metalloenzymes with Non‐Canonical Coordination Environments
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Hilvert Donald , Green Anthony P.
Published: May 2018

Nature employs a limited number of genetically encoded, metal‐coordinating residues to create metalloenzymes with diverse structures and functions. Engineered components of the cellular translation machinery can now be exploited to encode non‐canonical ligands with user‐defined electronic and structural properties. This ability to install “chemically programmed” ligands into proteins can provide powerful chemical probes of metalloenzyme mechanism and presents excellent opportunities to create metalloprotein catalysts with augmented properties and novel activities. In this Concept article, we provide an overview of several recent studies describing the creation of engineered metalloenzymes with interesting catalytic properties, and reveal how characterization of these systems has advanced our understanding of nature's bioinorganic mechanisms. We also highlight how powerful laboratory evolution protocols can be readily adapted to allow optimization of metalloenzymes with non‐canonical ligands. This approach combines beneficial features of small molecule and protein catalysis by allowing the installation of a greater variety of local metal coordination environments into evolvable protein scaffolds, and holds great promise for the future creation of powerful metalloprotein catalysts for a host of synthetically valuable transformations.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on Multicenter‐Bonded [MI]8 (M=Mn, Zn) Clusters with Cubic Aromaticity
Authors: Hu Huan‐Cheng , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2018

A new concept for constructing metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) based on multicenter‐bonded [MI]8 (M=Mn, Zn) clusters with cubic aromaticity is discussed. In principle, intermolecular/intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding, π–π stacking, coordinated covalent bonding and ionic bonding usually account for the structures of MOFs, and multicentered bonds generally exist in cation, anion, neutral and zwitterionic radicals, while rarely appear in MOFs. Meanwhile, aromaticity became one of the most vexing yet fascinating key concepts in chemistry since the proposition of the structure of benzene molecule in 1865. In this context, this concept article exhibits the preparation, structures, characterization methods, theoretical analysis of current research for MOFs which feature with multicentered bonding [MI]8 (M=Mn, Zn) cluster with cubic aromaticity, followed by their fluorescence probe and magnetic properties are also summarized. Finally, prospective outlook in this field is given.
A Strategy of “Self‐Isolated Enhanced Emission” to Achieve Highly Emissive Dual‐State Emission for Organic Luminescent Materials
Authors: Xu Yanzi , Ren Lin , Dang Dongfeng , Zhi Ying , Wang Xiaochi , Meng Lingjie
Published: May 2018

Currently, the commonly developed organic luminescent materials (OLMs) usually exhibit poor luminescent performance in aggregated solid states compared with their well‐dissolved solution states, making it a tough goal to achieve the highly emissive dual‐state emission. To overcome this limitation, a “self‐isolated enhanced emission” (SIEE) strategy through flexible alkyl chains to suppress the emission‐quenched π–π stacking in solids is proposed here and, based on this guideline, remarkable emission efficiency with photoluminescence quantum yields up to 99.72 % in solution and 77.46 % in the solid state are achieved for the SIEE constructed DBBT‐C8, which is then successfully used in solid‐state displays and data encryption.
Double‐layered dual‐tuned RF coil using frequency‐selectable PIN‐diode control at 7‐T MRI
Authors: Han Sang‐Doc , Heo Phil , Kim Han‐Joong , Song Hyunwoo , Kim Donghyuk , Seo Jeung‐Hoon , Ryu Yeunchul , Noh Young , Kim Kyoung‐Nam
Published: May 2018

This article presents a dual‐tuned (DT) radiofrequency (RF) coil for signal acquisition of 2 nuclei, namely, hydrogen (1H) and sodium (23Na), in the ultra‐high magnetic field of a 7‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The double‐layered dual‐tuned (DLDT) coil comprises a 2‐loop coil configuration per single‐pair geometry, with the 1H and 23Na coils being located on the outside and inside, respectively. The 1H and 23Na single‐pair elements are tuned to resonance frequencies of 297.20 and 78.61 MHz, respectively. The single‐pair geometry of the DLDT coil is extended to an 8‐pair configuration to cover the human head, and the operation mode is transmission/reception (Tx/Rx). The 8‐pair DLDT Tx/Rx coil array is designed with a non‐overlapped single pair between the 1H coil elements for geometric decoupling, and capacitive decoupling is implemented to minimize the mutual inductance coupling. The 2 resonance frequencies are fed through a single RF port to a common matching board, and each frequency is selected using the voltages at both ends of a PIN diode. Through use of the PIN diode in the DLDT coil configuration, with a voltage drop at both ends, different resonance frequencies can be selected for each coil element in accordance with the diode ON/OFF state. The experiments conducted showed that the proposed DLDT coil is effective in acquiring signals of 1H and 23Na in the MRI system.
Self‐Assembly of 1D Helical Nanostructures into Higher Order Chiral Nanostructures in Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Jiang Hejin , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: May 2018

Chirality and hierarchy are two important aspects of biological systems. Investigation of the hierarchical self‐assembly of chiral supramolecular nanostructures leads not only to biomimics but also provides deep understanding of the self‐assembly and function in biological systems. While it is generally well‐known how small molecules can self‐assemble into nanostructures like chiral nanofibers, nanobelts, nanotubes and nanotwists, it is still less frequently investigated how these nanostructures can be further assembled into higher ordered chiral nanostructures. In this review, we mainly focus on how these 1D helical nanostructure can be further assembled into higher ordered or complex chiral nano/microstructures such as nanospirals, super‐nanohelices, helical nanotubes, nanoflowers, toroids, microflowers, microtubular flowers and dendritic chiral nanotwists. Moreover, some applications including asymmetric catalysis, cell adhesion, chiral optics and chiral recognition based on these nanostructures are discussed.
A real‐time bus‐subway transfer scheme recommendation systems
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tu Lai , Zhang Fan , Huang Benxiong , Liu Jin
Published: May 2018

Bus and subway service is an important public transportation. Besides the major goal of carrying passengers around, providing accurate and reliable travel information for passengers is also an important business consideration. The route and its traveling time can directly affect the number of people choosing the line. Traditional approaches to obtain route and its traveling time rely on historical experience, which are both non‐scalable and incomplete. The wide adoptions of On Board Units (OBUs) in public transportation provide new opportunities. In this paper, we associate bus GPS data with station locations to derive the traveling time between two stations and make a short forecast. To our best knowledge, this is the first paper that utilizes real‐time bus GPS data and subway arrival station data to design route and give its traveling time for a passenger.
Thermally Activated Self‐metalation of Carboxy‐functionalized Porphyrin Films on MgO Nanocubes
Authors: Kollhoff Fabian , Schneider Johannes , Berger Thomas , Diwald Oliver , Libuda Jörg
Published: May 2018

We investigated the adsorption of different free‐base carboxyl‐functionalized porphyrins, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐21,23H‐porphyrin (2H‐TCPP) and 5(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenyl‐21,23H‐porphyrin (2H‐MCTPP), on MgO nanocubes combining IR, UV/Vis and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the films was monitored in‐situ during annealing. Both porphyrins bind to the nanocubes via one and two acid groups respectively, yielding monolayer films consisting of tilted molecules. For 2H‐TCPP, two acid groups remain free and give rise to a characteristic IR band. Self‐assembly in a tilted adsorbate layer suppresses metalation at room temperature, in contrast to non‐functionalized 2H‐TPP, which adsorbs flat‐lying. Upon heating, 2H‐MCTPP undergoes full metalation at temperatures below 280 °C, whereas 2H‐TCPP does not metalate at all. The hindered metalation reaction is attributed to the rigidity of the adsorbate film preventing complexation. Our results show that the properties of porphyrin films on oxides can be tuned in a wide range via the position and arrangement of carboxyl anchoring groups.
Nonlinear Optical and Laser Damage Properties of KDP Crystal with Trace Impurities in Bulk
Authors: Wen Jibin , Geng Feng , Wang Fengrui , Huang Jin , Jiang Xiaodong , Deng Qinghua , Cao Linhong
Published: May 2018

Small‐sized potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) samples cut from the pyramid sector of a large KDP boule are observed to have different impurity content. The nonlinear absorption properties of two KDP samples containing different impurities are characterized by Z‐scan technique with picosecond laser at 355 nm wavelength. Reverse saturable absorption effects are found in samples, with nonlinear absorption coefficients of 7.35 × 10−2 cm GW−1 and 15.91 × 10−2 cm GW−1. The sample with more impurity contents exhibits stronger nonlinear absorption. Such behavior is considered to be a result of nonlinear energy coupling under 355 nm laser irradiation assisted by impurity defects. Nanosecond laser‐induced damage test at 355 nm of the two KDP samples is further investigated. The bulk damage thresholds of the two samples are 4.7 and 0.423 J cm−2 respectively, indicating that impurity‐induced nonlinear absorption might play an important role in laser‐induced damage processes.
One‐Step Lignocellulose Fractionation by using 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid as a Biogenic and Recyclable Catalyst
Authors: Weidener Dennis , Klose Holger , Leitner Walter , Schurr Ulrich , Usadel Björn , Domínguez de María Pablo , Grande Philipp M.
Published: May 2018

To develop novel biorefinery concepts, the use of bio‐based catalysts and solvents must be aligned with the principles of green chemistry. In this context, biogenic 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a very promising yet underused molecule with high potential for application as an acid catalyst, combining feasibility and sustainability with efficient and straightforward recovery. In this study, FDCA was evaluated as a catalyst in the recently developed OrganoCat pretreatment, a biphasic lignocellulose fractionation system. The catalyst was investigated for the efficient fractionation of the three main components—lignin, cellulose and noncellulosic sugars—with particular focus on the lignin quality, on the effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulosic residue, and on the noncellulosic sugar extraction. To address recovery of FDCA from the OrganoCat system, a method was developed, leading to the recovery of >97 % of FDCA with a spectroscopic purity of >99 %, maintaining full activity in consecutive runs.
The epidemiology of avian pox and interaction with avian malaria in Hawaiian forest birds
Authors: Samuel Michael D. , Woodworth Bethany L. , Atkinson Carter T. , Hart Patrick J. , LaPointe Dennis A.
Published: May 2018

Despite the purported role of avian pox (Avipoxvirusspp.) in the decline of endemic Hawaiian birds, few studies have been conducted on the dynamics of this disease, its impact on free‐living avian populations, or its interactions with avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum). We conducted four longitudinal studies of 3–7 yr in length and used generalized linear models to evaluate cross‐sectional prevalence of active pox infection and individuals with healed deformities that had recovered from pox. Our goal was to understand how species, season, elevation, malaria infection, and other biological characteristics influenced pox infection in ʻApapane, Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, ʻIʻiwi, and Japanese White‐eye across low‐, mid‐, and high‐elevation forests on the island of Hawaiʻi. We also used multi‐state capture‐recapture (longitudinal) models to estimate pox infection rates, recovery rates, and potential pox‐related mortality. Pox infection rates were typically highest in low‐elevation forests, followed by mid‐elevation forests, and lowest in high‐elevation forests. We also found seasonal changes in pox prevalence throughout the annual cycle; typically increasing from spring through summer, peaking in fall, and declining in winter. These seasonal changes occurred in low‐ and mid‐elevation forests, but not in high elevations where pox infection was low. Seasonal and elevation patterns of pox infection are like those for avian malaria, strongly implicating mosquito vectors, rather than other biting arthropods or contact transmission, as the primary source of transmitting both diseases. Most native Hawaiian birds recovered from pox infection within 6 months; frequently without permanent lesions. Contrary to our expectations, we found no direct evidence that pox is a substantial mortality factor in any of the three native bird species we studied. Birds with chronic malaria infection were more likely to have both active pox infection and healed pox lesions suggesting a synergistic interaction that may influence the evolution of pox virulence. Because pox infection can be assessed visually, and birds have a high recovery rate, this disease may be a sensitive indicator of the seasonal and annual risk of transmission of malaria in Hawaiʻi.
A Consecutive Four‐Component Synthesis of Polysubstituted Thiophenes in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Adib Mehdi , Rajai‐Daryasarei Saideh , Pashazadeh Rahim , Jahani Mehdi , Yazzaf Rozita , Amanlou Massoud
Published: May 2018

An efficient and straightforward four‐component synthesis of mono‐, bi‐ and tricyclic thiophenes from C–C + C + C + S atom fragments from 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, aldehydes, activated methylene halides and elemental sulfur in aqueous medium is described. Arylidene‐1,3‐dicarbonyls, N‐phenacylpyridinium bromides/N‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)pyridinium chloride, pyridinium ylides and 2,3‐dihydrofurans are believed to be the key intermediates of these consecutive transformations. This synthetic strategy provides a potential route to the construction of a library of highly substituted thiophenes with a large substrate scope in good‐to‐excellent yields.
Triazole‐Functionalized Norbornadiene‐Quadricyclane Photoswitches for Solar Energy Storage
Authors: Petersen Anne U. , Jevric Martyn , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper
Published: May 2018

Herein work on 2,3‐substituted norbornadiene‐quadricyclane molecular photoswitches designed for solar energy storage purposes is presented. A series of six new systems bearing 1,4‐ or 1,5‐alkyl triazoles as the acceptor unit combined with various aryl donor groups, as well as four functional intermediates, were synthesized and fully characterized. The new photoswitches were evaluated by measuring optical absorption profiles, activation energies for the thermal conversion of quadricyclanes to norbornadienes, as well as the storage energy densities. These triazoles featured a molar energy storage of 81.2–101 kJ mol–1corresponding to energy densities of 215–267 kJ kg–1. The optical absorption profiles exhibited absorption onsets up to 382 nm and a study of the thermally activated conversion from high‐energy quadricyclanes to norbornadienes revealed energy storage half lives of up to 402 days at 25 °C. The modular nature of the “click chemistry” synthesis concept used herein enables access to a large range of compounds with tailored properties such as solubility, thermal half‐life, and solar spectrum match.
First Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Pandangolide 1
Authors: Show Krishanu , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Kumar Pradeep
Published: May 2018

The first total synthesis of the proposed structure of pandangolide 1 is reported. The synthesis was carried out using both an organocatalytic approach and a chiral‐pool approach. The required stereochemistry at C‐3 and C‐5 was installed by using an organocatalytic aldol reaction and a stereoselective ketone reduction. The construction of the 12‐membered core was achieved by 2‐methyl‐6‐nitrobenzoic anhydride‐mediated Shiina lactonization. The structure of target molecule was confirmed unambiguously by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, but the optical rotation and NMR spectroscopic data of the synthetic pandangolide 1 were found to be inconsistent with the natural product.
Development of Highly Energy Densified Ink for 3D Printable Batteries
Authors: Park Sujin , Nenov Nenko S. , Ramachandran Arathi , Chung Kyeongwoon , Hoon Lee Sea , Yoo Jungjoon , Yeo Jeong‐gu , Bae Chang‐Jun
Published: May 2018

Novel Li‐ion battery inks are integral elements to increase mechanical integrity and energy density of 3D printable batteries. Conventional battery inks have been limited to the Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) and N‐methyl‐2 pyrrolidon (NMP) solvent that are unpleasant of long drying process and environmentally hazard solvent. As a novel Li‐ion battery ink for highly energy densified 3D printable batteries, we have developed acrylate‐based curable inks which demonstrate fast process, highly cross‐linked polymerization and more eco‐friend suspension. Here, we report a novel development of curable LIB ink with fundamental studies of rheology, curing behavior and electrochemical performances. The viscosity and activation energy of curable LIB inks are low and shear shinning behavior and 118.9 kJ/mol, respectively, which are appropriate for the extrusion 3D printer with nozzle radius of 0.75 mm and the speed of 5 mm/sec. Furthermore, electrochemical performance of capacity, oxidation peak and cycle retention is comparable to conventionally fabricated electrode.
Convergence of detection probability, computational gains, and asymptotic analysis of an algorithm for physical‐layer intrusion detection system
Authors: Yousaf Awais , Loan Asim , Babiceanu Radu F. , Maglaras Leandros , Yousaf Onaiza
Published: May 2018

Asymptotic analysis of an algorithm is crucial for practical engineering design. It provides important information about the performance of an algorithm in terms of time complexity, space complexity, and input scale. Based on these performance metrics, engineers can utilize available resources for efficient implementation of the algorithm. In this paper, asymptotic analysis is performed for an algorithm designed for a physical‐layer intrusion detection system (PLIDS). The algorithm first solves Fredholm integral equation of the first kind using Tikhonov regularization. Then, the solution of this equation is used to design a criterion for detection of smart jamming attacks at physical‐layer of the TCP/IP protocol stack. The proposed detection criterion works in constant time. The asymptotic performance metric derived for PLIDS gives insights about its algorithmic behavior. Convergence of detection probability and computational gain of using PLIDS, over higher‐layer intrusion detection systems, are also explained. Finally, apart from asymptotic performance, the detection performance metrics of the PLIDS are also discussed.
Antiwrinkle and antimelanogenesis activity of the ethanol extracts of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don for development of the cosmeceutical ingredients
Authors: Lee Jongsung , Ji Jun , Park See‐Hyoung
Published: May 2018

To develop the ingredient with the cosmeceutical function, the antiwrinkle and antimelanogenesis effects of the ethanol extract of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don were investigated. DPPH radical scavenging activity was significantly increased with the extract of L. cuneata G. Don. Cell viability on CCD986Sk human fibroblast was also increased by the ethanol extract of L. cuneata G. Don. The inhibitory function of the extract of L. cuneata G. Don on collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase was evaluated. Protein expression level of Claudin‐1, Occludin, and ZO‐1 was up‐regulated in HaCaT human keratinocyte by the extract of L. cuneata G. Don. In addition, the extract of L. cuneata G. Don inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 murine melanoma cells by decreasing MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 protein levels and increasing the phosphorylated Erk and Akt. Thus, these findings would be useful for developing the new cosmeceutical formulations based on the extract of L. cuneata G. Don.
Functionalized silk fibers from transgenic silkworms for wound healing applications: Surface presentation of bioactive epidermal growth factor
Authors: Wöltje Michael , Böbel Melanie , Bienert Michaela , Neuss Sabine , Aibibu Dilibaier , Cherif Chokri
Published: May 2018

Growth factors play a crucial role in wound healing in general and are promising tools for the treatment of chronic wounds as they can restore the physiological wound healing process. In growth factor‐loaded wound dressings, human epidermal growth factor (EGF) is released in a burst and washed out quickly. The developed matrix consists of recombinant EGF produced in transgenic silkworms as a fusion protein with the fibroin light chain. The covalent linkage prevents EGF from draining into the surrounding tissue while presenting the growth factor on the surface. EGF‐functionalized silk membranes and nonwovens lead to a 2.5‐fold increase in the cell number of fibroblasts, while retaining full bioactivity even after e‐beam sterilization. EGF is long‐term presented without burst release and significantly reduces the wound area by 15% in an in vitro wound model. Hence, the cost‐effective production of a biomaterial using transgenic silkworm larvae in combination with a growth factor paves the way for a promising new multifactorial wound cover for chronic wound healing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2643–2652, 2018.
Effect of OATP1B1/1B3 Inhibitor GDC‐0810 on the Pharmacokinetics of Pravastatin and Coproporphyrin I/III in Healthy Female Subjects
Authors: Liu Lichuan , Cheeti Sravanthi , Yoshida Kenta , Choo Edna , Chen Eugene , Chen Buyun , Gates Mary , Singel Stina , Morley Roland , Ware Joseph , Sahasranaman Srikumar
Published: May 2018

Developed as an oral anticancer drug to treat estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, GDC‐0810 was shown to be a potent inhibitor of organic anion‐transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1/1B3) from an in vitro assay. A clinical study was conducted to assess the drug‐drug interaction potential between GDC‐0810 and pravastatin, which is a relatively selective and sensitive OATP1B1/1B3 substrate. Fifteen healthy female subjects of non‐childbearing potential were enrolled in the study. On day 1 in period 1, a single 10‐mg dose of pravastatin was administered to all subjects. Following a 4‐day washout period, 600 mg of GDC‐0810 was administered once daily on days 5 through 8 in period 2 to achieve steady‐state concentrations. On day 7, a single dose of 10‐mg pravastatin was coadministered with the 600‐mg GDC‐0810 dose. Concentrations of pravastatin (periods 1 and 2) and GDC‐0810 (period 2 only) were quantified in blood samples and subsequently used to calculate the pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters. The pravastatin mean maximal concentration and area under the curve values were approximately 20% and 41% higher, respectively, following pravastatin coadministration with GDC‐0810 compared to pravastatin alone. Based on the magnitude of change in this drug‐drug interaction study, dose adjustments for pravastatin (and other OATP1B1/1B3 substrates) were not considered necessary when administered with GDC‐0810. Retrospectively, the endogenous biomarkers of OATP1B1/1B3, coproporphyrin I and III, were also measured and showed changes comparable to those of pravastatin, indicating their utility in detecting weak inhibition of OATP1B1/1B3 in the clinical setting.
Changes in nano‐mechanical properties of human epidermal cornified cells depending on their proximity to the skin surface
Authors: Milani Pascale , Chlasta Julien , Abdayem Rawad , Kezic Sanja , Haftek Marek
Published: May 2018

During formation of the stratum corneum (SC) barrier, terminally differentiated keratinocytes continue their maturation process within the dead superficial epidermal layer. Morphological studies of isolated human corneocytes have revealed differences between cornified envelopes purified from the deep and superficial SC. We used atomic force microscopy to measure the mechanical properties of native human corneocytes harvested by tape‐stripping from different SC depths. Various conditions of data acquisition have been tested and optimized, in order to obtain exploitable and reproducible results. Probing at 200 nN allowed us to investigate the total stiffness of the cells (at 50 nm indentation) and that of the cornified envelopes (at 10 to15 nm), and lipid envelopes (at 5 to 10 nm). The obtained data indicated statistically significant differences between the superficial (more rigid) and deep (softer) corneocytes, thus confirming the existence of depth and maturation‐related morphological changes within the SC. The proposed approach can be potentially used for minimally invasive evaluation of various skin conditions such as aging, skin hydration, and pathologies linked to SC.
Periodontitis and placental growth factor in oral fluids are early pregnancy predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chaparro Alejandra , Zúñiga Edgardo , Varas‐Godoy Manuel , Albers Daniela , Ramírez Valeria , Hernández Marcela , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Acuña‐Gallardo Stephanie , Rice Gregory , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: May 2018

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects around 7% to 10% of all pregnancies. Early detection of predisposition to GDM is the first step in developing efficacious preventive treatment. The objective of the present study was to establish the utility of placental proteins presents in oral fluids (gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] and saliva), and periodontal disease status as early pregnancy predictors of GDM.

Methods

A nested case control within a prospective cohort was conducted. Pregnant systemically healthy women, aged between 18 and 40 years at 11 to 14 weeks gestation were included. Samples of oral fluids were collected and a complete maternal/obstetric and periodontal history was obtained. The concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in a nested case control sample of the prospective cohort. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the association. The evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers was performed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

There were recruited 212 pregnant women at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, of these, 14 women (i.e., 6.6%) developed GDM, and displayed significant greater bleeding on probing (BOP) [P = 0.0003]; periodontal probing depth (PD) [P = 0.0028]; clinical attachment level (AL) [P = 0.0008] and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) [P = 0.0001]. Similarly, initial glycemia and GCF‐PlGF concentrations were significantly greater in women with GDM [P = 0.0012, and P = 0.0019, respectively]. When data were subjected to ROC curve analysis, the combination of initial glycemia and GCF‐PlGF concentration delivered an area under the ROC curve of 0.897. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrate an association between glycemia (OR 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.38; P = 0.005) and GCF‐PlGF concentrations in women who developed GDM (OR 1.68, CI 1.05 to 2.68 P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, the results support that first trimester maternal glycemia combined with GCF‐PlGF concentrations could be a surrogate biomarker for the future development of GDM in pre‐symptomatic women.
MET in gastric cancer with liver metastasis: The relationship between MET amplification and Met overexpression in primary stomach tumors and liver metastasis
Authors: Kim Han S. , Chon Hong J. , Kim Hyunki , Shin Su‐Jin , Wacheck Volker , Gruver Aaron M. , Kim Jong S. , Rha Sun Y. , Chung Hyun C.
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

Although MET amplification/overexpression was observed in a subset of gastric cancer (GC) patients, the relationship between MET amplification/overexpression in primary GC and liver metastasis was unclear.

Methods

GC samples and matched liver metastases (N = 47) were analyzed by fluorescence/silver in‐situ hybridization (FISH/SISH) and by immunohistochemistry for MET amplification and MET expression, respectively. MET‐copy number (CN) and Met expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA‐STAD, N = 356) were also analyzed.

Results

Significant overlap existed between MET amplification and Met expression in both primary stomach tumors (P = 0.013) and liver metastasis (P = 0.001). In TCGA‐STAD, MET‐CN (≥4 copies) and MET expression were also positively correlated (r = 0.761; P = 0.017). Comparative analysis revealed a strong association between MET expression and MET amplification (85% concurrence) in primary stomach tumors and matched liver metastasis. MET status in synchronous liver metastasis (N = 36) was correlated with primary stomach tumors. However, a significant correlation between primary tumors and liver metastases was not observed in patients with metachronous liver metastasis. Survival analyses revealed that both MET amplification and MET overexpression were prognostic of poor outcomes.

Conclusions

MET amplification and Met overexpression were positively correlated in GC. MET status should be re‐evaluated in GC patients with liver metastasis, especially for metachronous metastasis.
Application of denaturing capillary electrophoresis for the detection of prognostic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 genes in brain tumors
Authors: Benesova Lucie , Belsanova Barbora , Kramar Filip , Halkova Tereza , Benes Vladimir , Minarik Marek
Published: May 2018

Malignant transformation in gliomas is frequently supplemented by somatic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 genes. It has recently emerged that mutations in these genes are associated with prolonged survival and should be used as prognostic factor in management of brain cancer patients. There are several approaches in use for the detection of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations; however, these often exhibit shortcomings such as convoluted protocols with long processing time, complex (and costly) dedicated fluorescent probes, and/or demand on amounts of input DNA. Therefore, a simple and rapid method would be highly desired. Here, we present development and validation of simple and reliable isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutation detection assay using denaturing capillary electrophoresis. The detection sensitivity in terms of the limiting mutated allele fraction detectable estimated from a series of dilution runs was 2.9%. The method was validated by comparing to results obtained by a widely accepted detection technique, the multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, on a set of 85 brain tumors. The concordance of both methods was 100%, but denaturing capillary electrophoresis assay required fivefold lower input of DNA (1 versus 5 μL of DNA at concentrations typically between 10 and 30 ng/μL).
Predictors of Treatment Completion for Families Referred to Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy After Child Abuse
Authors: Celano Marianne , NeMoyer Amanda , Stagg Anna , Scott Nikia
Published: May 2018

Despite advances in the dissemination of evidence‐based therapy for abuse‐related traumatic stress, many referred children fail to complete treatment. Using archival data from a sample of children participating in trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT) at a hospital‐based child advocacy center, analyses explored the impact of baseline child traumatic stress symptoms, a second (nonprimary) caregiver's treatment attendance, and the number of assessment sessions on treatment completion while controlling for demographic variables. We conducted analyses separately for the total sample (n = 77) and for a subsample of children 6 years of age or older (n = 65) who completed measures of traumatic stress. Families who completed TF‐CBT had fewer pretreatment assessment sessions, odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% CI [0.19, 0.88], and greater nonprimary caregiver session attendance, OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.03, 1.64], than families who did not complete treatment. Child age, race, and insurance status did not predict treatment completion. Among children at least 6 years of age, treatment completion was related to younger child age, OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.59, 0.98], and fewer diagnostic evaluation sessions, OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.11, 0.74], but not to baseline traumatic stress symptoms. Findings may suggest benefits of shortening the assessment period and including a second caregiver in TF‐CBT.
Behavioral response of canada geese to egg‐oiling and nest removal
Authors: Beaumont Matthieu , Rodrigue Jean , Pilotte Catherine , Chalifour Émilie , Giroux Jean‐François
Published: May 2018

Controlling overabundant goose populations remains a wildlife management challenge. Although reducing adult survival is considered more effective than reducing fecundity, egg‐oiling, and egg removal are often preferential techniques for controlling temperate nesting Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in urban and peri‐urban settings. Little is known about the effect of these methods on the subsequent behavior of geese and their potential effects on population dynamics. We aimed to determine how long Canada geese nesting in southern Quebec, Canada remain at the nest site following egg‐oiling, whether birds submitted to egg‐oiling or nest removal persist in the area to molt and whether they return to breed in the study area the following year, and if so, how far do they nest from their previous nest location. We studied 996 nests initiated by 442 neck‐collared females between 2006 and 2012 including 76 that were oiled, 91 that were removed, 143 that suffered complete loss of the clutch by predators, were flooded, or abandoned, and 686 that were successful. We found that egg‐oiling delayed nest abandonment past the expected hatching date and that the delay increased when applying the treatment later in incubation. We observed only 10 cases of renesting and most occurred after nest flooding. Females that had their nests removed or whose nest failed had a greater probability of leaving the study area to molt elsewhere than females that were successful or those that had their eggs treated with oil. The probability that a female survived and returned to nest in the area was not related to the fate of its nest in the previous year and was estimated at 0.71 (95% CI = 0.67–0.74). The mean distance between successive nesting attempts was not related to the previous year nest fate and averaged 78 ± 8 m. Nest success and thus recruitment was reduced during years with the experimental treatments, but strong philopatry indicates that treatments must be repeated every year to have an effect on the local population growth. If the goal is to keep the geese longer at their nest site, then coating eggs with oil as late as possible in incubation will result in geese remaining at the nest site well past the expected hatch date. If the goal is to cause the geese to leave the nest site, then nest removal should be favored. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.