bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Dual‐Stimuli‐Responsive Microcontainers with Two Payloads in Different Storage Spaces for Preprogrammable Release
Authors: Cong Ying , Li Qiuju , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: February 2017

Stimuli‐responsive microcontainers have become a major topic of interest, from fundamental aspects to applications in materials science. However, microcontainers that enable the loading of multiple species and programmable release are mostly unexplored. Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of a dual‐responsive organic/inorganic hybrid microcontainer with two payloads in separate storage spaces that is formed by the rapid UV‐initiated polymerization of Pickering emulsions. The stellate mesopore silica nanoparticles with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafted inside the mesopores were loaded with one compound (Nile red) and used as Pickering emulsifiers to stabilize oil‐in‐water droplets. Upon UV irradiation, pH‐responsive monomers were polymerized in the presence of 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) to form hybrid colloidal microcontainers. The release of Nile red and CFDA could be selectively activated by changing the temperature or pH value.
Improved removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash via mechano‐chemical treatment
Authors: Wang W.X. , Qiao Y. , Li T. , Liu S. , Zhou J. , Yao H. , Yang H. , Xu M.
Published: February 2017

This contribution reports an alternative method for synthesizing zeolite from coal fly ash via mechano‐chemical treatment. The raw fly ash was size reduced to <75 μm and then mechanically grounded via a wet ball milling system for 6 h in the presence of a 2.0 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to synthesize zeolite. The synthesized zeolite and the raw fly ash were then used to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The results show that, under equilibrium conditions, the maximum removal of Cr(VI) increases from 0.803 mg/g of the raw fly ash to 1.549 mg/g of the synthesized zeolite. The improved Cr(VI) removal capacity of the synthesized zeolite can be attributed to the formation of zeolite X, and to a lesser extent, the improved physical adsorption capacity. Low‐valence iron (e.g. Fe3O4) in the raw fly ash and the synthesized zeolite plays a significant role in reducing and removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfation roasting characteristics of copper‐bearing materials
Authors: Ozer M. , Acma E. , Atesok G.
Published: February 2017

In this study, the sulfation roasting characteristics of copper‐bearing ore and its flotation products as chalcopyrite concentrate and tailings were investigated in detail. For this aim, the roasting‐leaching experiments and thermal analyses were conducted on the samples. As a result of the leaching of sulfated products obtained from the roasting experiments, the maximum Cu extractions were achieved as 94.7%, 99.5% and 82.7%, for run of mine, chalcopyrite concentrate and the flotation tailings, at the roasting temperatures of 550, 650 and 525 °C, respectively. It was also found that the copper extractions began to decrease owing to decomposition of copper sulfates above these temperatures. It was indicated that the decomposition temperature of copper sulfates differ for each samples. On the other hand, thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analyses were subjected to identify the thermal behaviors of the samples. The results showed that the formation of metal sulfates occurred in a wide temperature range (394–650 °C) for chalcopyrite. On the contrary, copper sulfation reactions took place at narrow temperature ranges of 450–560 °C and 480–550 °C for the run of mine ore and the flotation tailing, respectively. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effect of amino silane functional montmorillonite on intumescent flame‐retarded SEBS and its mechanism
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Tang Shawei , Zhou Xiaoqin , Gu Shengheng , Huang Kai , Xu Jianjun , Wang Xia , Li Ying
Published: February 2017

A functional modified montmorillonite (F‐OMMT) was prepared by intercalating pristine montmorillonite using phosphonium salt and subsequent grafting through alkyl amino silane coupling. The synergistic effect of F‐OMMT on the flame retardancy and char‐forming mechanism of intumescent flame‐retarded polystyrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene (SEBS) composite (SEBS/IFR) was investigated. When 2 wt % F‐OMMT was introduced to the SEBS/IFR composite, the limited oxygen index (LOI) value of the composite increased from 24.9% to 26.9%, and the peak heat release rate significantly reduced according to microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) test. The outer char demonstrated that F‐OMMT produced dense and intact nanoparticles with a stabilised graphite structure. Meanwhile, F‐OMMT helped form a crosslinking network containing large amounts of P, O, N, and Si in the char layer. Along with IFR, the amino functional group on the clay released nonflammable ammonia in the gaseous phase, the enhanced blowing effect can overcome the high‐viscosity resistance of SEBS, more intumescent coating with strengthened clay platelets was then produced. In addition, the tensile properties of SEBS/IFR/F‐OMMT composite increased evidently for the good dispersion effect. F‐OMMT can serve as an effective and environmentally friendly additive for SEBS/IFR composite. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44953.
Strengthening mechanism of poly(acrylamide)/graphene oxide/laponite dual nanocomposite hydrogels
Authors: Ling Jing , Li Na , Yang Xue , Ma Jianjun , Du Juan , Wang Di , Tan Yun , Yue Fan , Xu Shimei
Published: February 2017

Laponite or graphene oxide (GO) is usually used as a multifunctional crosslinker or a nanofiller to improve the nanocomposite gel strength. To explore the strengthening mechanism of GO/Laponite‐based dual nanocomposite hydrogels, we synthesized a dual nanocomposite hydrogel through in situ polymerization of acrylamide (AM) in the dispersion of GO and Laponite. The interactions between GO and Laponite were confirmed by rheological test. GO and Laponite nanosheets were exfoliated well and dispersed uniformly in the hydrogels at low concentration of GO. Crosslinking network and thermal behaviors were investigated with respect to the concentration of GO and Laponite. The gel exhibited a high mechanical strength of 391 kPa with extensibility of 1420% and a high toughness of 2.58 MJ/m3, which was expected to be applied in biological engineering field. GO is not a much more effective agent than Laponite due to formation of GO aggregates in high concentration of GO. This work provides a guidance for the synthesis of tough dual nanocomposite hydrogels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44963.
Jumping Crystals of Pyrene Tweezers: Crystal‐to‐Crystal Transition Involving π/π‐to‐CH/π Assembly Mode Switching
Authors: Shibuya Yoshiki , Itoh Yoshimitsu , Aida Takuzo
Published: February 2017

Crystals of pyrene tweezers 1 with interdigitating pyrenyl blades jump vigorously at around 160 °C. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis before jumping revealed the presence of a “pyrene tetrad” in the crystal lattice, where four pyrenyl blades are π‐stacked on top of each other. Upon heating the crystal to induce the jumping event, inner two pyrenyl blades in the “pyrene tetrad” probably rotate to switch off their π‐stacking interaction with the neighboring outer pyrenyl blades and form new CH−π bonds. Different from reported salient crystals, our crystal jumps with the release of CHCl3 as inclusion solvent.
Molten Ag2SO4‐based Ion‐Exchange Preparation of Ag0.5La0.5TiO3 for Photocatalytic O2 Evolution
Authors: Zong Shichao , Cheng Cheng , Shi Jinwen , Huang Zhenxiong , Hu Yuchao , Yang Honghui , Guo Liejin
Published: February 2017

Ag0.5La0.5TiO3 with an ABO3 perovskite structure was synthesized by a newly developed ion‐exchange method. Molten Ag2SO4 instead of traditional molten AgNO3 was used as Ag+ source in view of its high decomposition temperature (1052 °C), thereby guaranteeing the complete substitution of Ag+ for Na+ in Na0.5La0.5TiO3 with a stable ABO3 perovskite structure at a high ion‐exchange temperature (700 °C). Under full‐arc irradiation, the O2‐evolution activity of Ag0.5La0.5TiO3 was about 1.6 times that of Na0.5La0.5TiO3 due to the optimized electronic band structures and local lattice structures. On the one hand, the substitution of Ag+ for Na+ elevated the VBM and thus narrowed the band gap from 3.19 to 2.83 eV, thereby extending the light‐response range and, accordingly, enhancing the photoexcitation to generate more charge carriers. On the other hand, the substitution of Ag+ for Na+ induced a lattice distortion of the ABO3 perovskite structure, thereby promoting the separation and migration of charge carriers. Moreover, under visible‐light irradiation, Ag0.5La0.5TiO3 displayed notable O2 evolution whereas Na0.5La0.5TiO3 showed little O2 evolution, thus demonstrating that the substitution of Ag+ for Na+ enabled the use of visible light to evolve O2 photocatalytically. This work presents an effective route to explore novel Ag‐based photocatalysts.
Variable Gain Output Feedback Control of A Networked Temperature Control System Based on Online Delay Estimation
Authors: Suryendu Chhavi , Ghosh Sandip , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a gradient descent method based delay estimator is proposed for use with a variable gain control strategy for networked control systems. The delay estimator is developed in such a way that its boundedness is ensured. The performance of the estimator with variable gain controller is evaluated on a temperature control plant with network in the feedback loop.
Statistical Analysis of Power System Sensitivity Under Random Penetration of Photovoltaic Generation
Authors: Li Yu , Ishikawa Masato
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we aim to analyze the characteristics of feeder voltage variation in power systems due to random allocation of solar photovoltaic systems from a data‐driven approach, search the dangerous photovoltaic system allocation patterns along a specific power system. We conducted the investigation on benchmark radial distribution circuits with a random integration of certain amount of photovoltaic systems. Severe voltage deviation occurs along the tail part of each circuit line, and the connecting nodes between feeder and lateral circuit lines tend to be vulnerable to the integration of photovoltaic systems. Different allocation patterns of photovoltaic systems resulted in a data set of voltage variation in the distribution system, k‐Medoids clustering algorithm was proposed in this study to partition this data set into several clusters, which would contribute to the search of photovoltaic system allocation patterns with similar voltage deviation response.
A comparative investigation of Bombyx mori silk fibroin hydrogels generated by chemical and enzymatic cross‐linking
Authors: Chirila Traian V. , Suzuki Shuko , Papolla Chloé
Published: February 2017

Fibroin, the major proteinaceous component of the silk fiber produced by larvae of the domesticated silk moth (Bombyx mori), has been widely investigated as a biomaterial for potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Following sol–gel transition, silk fibroin solutions can generate hydrogels that present certain advantages when employed as biomaterials, especially if they are cross‐linked. The subject of this study was the self‐cross‐linking of silk fibroin through a process induced by the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, a method only recently proposed and scarcely reported. The hydrogels were prepared either by physical cross‐linking, by cross‐linking with a natural compound (genipin), or by enzymatic cross‐linking. The products were comparatively characterized in regard to their synthesis and background chemical aspects, physical and optical properties, mechanical properties, secondary structure, swelling/deswelling behavior, enzymatic degradation, and compatibility as substrates for cell adhesion and proliferation. The study confirmed the advantages of the HRP‐induced cross‐linking, which included considerably shorter gelation times, enhanced elasticity of the resulting hydrogels, and improved cytocompatibility. Discrepancies between certain results of this investigation and those reported previously were discussed in detail.
Variations on a nucleosome theme: The structural basis of centromere function
Authors: Moreno‐Moreno Olga , Torras‐Llort Mònica , Azorín Fernando
Published: February 2017

The centromere is a specialized chromosomal structure that dictates kinetochore assembly and, thus, is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. Centromere identity is determined epigenetically by the presence of a centromere‐specific histone H3 variant, CENP‐A, that replaces canonical H3 in centromeric chromatin. Here, we discuss recent work by Roulland et al. that identifies structural elements of the nucleosome as essential determinants of centromere function. In particular, CENP‐A nucleosomes have flexible DNA ends due to the short αN helix of CENP‐A. The higher flexibility of the DNA ends of centromeric nucleosomes impairs binding of linker histones H1, while it facilitates binding of other essential centromeric proteins, such as CENP‐C, and is required for mitotic fidelity. This work extends previous observations indicating that the differential structural properties of CENP‐A nucleosomes are on the basis of its contribution to centromere identity and function. Here, we discuss the implications of this work and the questions arising from it.
Dawn of the organoid era
Authors: Akkerman Ninouk , Defize Libert H.K.
Published: February 2017

Novel and updated approaches of culturing cells in 3D are rapidly advancing our understanding of development, health, and disease. As tissues have been found to behave more realistically in 3D than in 2D cultures, organoid technology in combination with recent advances in the isolation and generation of stem cells, has rapidly become a promising concept in developmental and regenerative research. The development of all kinds of tissues can now be studied “in a dish,” allowing more detailed observations of stem cell maintenance, morphogens, and differentiation. This review explores how organoids have revolutionized academic research over the last 4 decades, and how they may continue to do so. It also addresses remaining hurdles in 3D cell culturing, and how they may be overcome.
Phosphor for phototherapy: Review on psoriasis
Authors: Hemne P. S. , Kunghatkar R. G. , Dhoble S. J. , Moharil S. V. , Singh V.
Published: February 2017

We review developments in the field of phototherapy in terms of the treatment wavelength, dosimetry and phosphor used for different dermatoses. We attempt to categorize skin lesions and diseases by morphology, focusing on conditions that can be treated using phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Recent research and review articles are studied, the treatments explained and information on phototherapy that is applicable to psoriasis and other diseases is tabulated. The clinical features, epidemiology, epitalogy and various types of psoriasis, together with the therapies available to treat them are reported. Needs‐based research has been carried out on narrow and broad band UVB wavelength‐emitting phosphors and psoralen combined with UVA (PUVA) depending upon the disease undergoing treatment. Somewhat detailed descriptions of the different types of therapies used in the treatment of psoriasis are given. Phototherapy is shown to be a good therapeutic option for various types of skin diseases. The use of natural therapy has diminished as more people move towards artificial phototherapy like narrow band UVB, broad band UVB, PUVA and targeted phototherapy. The main advantages of these treatments are that they are safe and reduce erythema following treatment. Regarding safety issue the targated phototherapy pay more attention towards researcher.
Insights into the discrepant luminescence for BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphors prepared by solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction methods
Authors: Xu Jiao , Zhao Yang , Chen Jingjing , Mao Zhiyong , Yang Yanfang , Wang Dajian
Published: February 2017

Two synthesis routes, solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction, were employed to prepare BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphors in this study. Discrepancies in the luminescence green emission at 505 nm for the solid‐state reaction method sample and in the yellow emission at 570 nm for the sample prepared by the precipitation reaction method, were observed respectively. A detail investigation about the discrepant luminescence of BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphors was performed by evaluation of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL)/photoluminescence excitation (PLE), decay time and thermal quenching properties. The results showed that the yellow emission was generated from the BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphor, while the green emission was ascribed to a small amount of Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ compound that was present in the solid‐state reaction sample. This work clarifies the luminescence properties of Eu2+ ions in BaSiO3 and Ba2SiO4 hosts.
Comparison and analysis on the serum‐binding characteristics of aspirin–zinc complex and aspirin
Authors: Zhang Hua‐xin , Zhang Qun , Wang Hong‐lin , Li Li‐wei
Published: February 2017

This study was designed to compare the protein‐binding characteristics of aspirin–zinc complex (AZN) with those of aspirin itself. AZN was synthesized and interacted with a model transport protein, human serum albumin (HSA). Three‐dimensional fluorescence, ultraviolet–visible and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were used to characterize the interaction of AZN with HSA under physiological conditions. The interaction mechanism was explored using a fluorescence quenching method and thermodynamic calculation. The binding site and binding locality of AZN on HSA were demonstrated using a fluorescence probe technique and Förster non‐radiation energy transfer theory. Synchronous fluorescence and CD spectra were employed to reveal the effect of AZN on the native conformation of the protein. The HSA‐binding results for AZN were compared with those for aspirin under consistent experimental conditions, and indicated that aspirin acts as a guide in AZN when binding to Sudlow's site I, in subdomain IIA of the HSA molecule. Moreover, compared with aspirin, AZN showed greater observed binding constants with, but smaller changes in the α‐helicity of, HSA, which proved that AZN might be easier to transport and have less toxicity in vivo.
Development of hydrogels for regenerative engineering
Authors: Guan Xiaofei , Avci‐Adali Meltem , Alarçin Emine , Cheng Hao , Kashaf Sara Saheb , Li Yuxiao , Chawla Aditya , Jang Hae Lin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: February 2017

The aim of regenerative engineering is to restore complex tissues and biological systems through convergence in the fields of advanced biomaterials, stem cell science, and developmental biology. Hydrogels are one of the most attractive biomaterials for regenerative engineering, since they can be engineered into tissue mimetic 3D scaffolds to support cell growth due to their similarity to native extracellular matrix. Advanced nano‐ and micro‐technologies have dramatically increased the ability to control properties and functionalities of hydrogel materials by facilitating biomimetic fabrication of more sophisticated compositions and architectures, thus extending our understanding of cell‐matrix interactions at the nanoscale. With this perspective, this review discusses the most commonly used hydrogel materials and their fabrication strategies for regenerative engineering. We highlight the physical, chemical, and functional modulation of hydrogels to design and engineer biomimetic tissues based on recent achievements in nano‐ and micro‐technologies. In addition, current hydrogel‐based regenerative engineering strategies for treating multiple tissues, such as musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiac tissue, are also covered in this review. The interaction of multiple disciplines including materials science, cell biology, and chemistry, will further play an important role in the design of functional hydrogels for the regeneration of complex tissues.
Lepra‐Erreger in britischen Eichhörnchen
Authors: Bosch Stefan , Lurz Peter W.W. , Meredith Anna L.
Published: February 2017

Auf den Britischen Inseln wurden bei Eichhörnchen mit Haut‐ und Fellveränderungen zwei Erreger der Lepra (Mycobacterium leprae und M. lepromatosis) als Ursache nachgewiesen. M. lepromatosis wurde erstmals 2008 beim Menschen und 2014 erstmals bei einem Tier überhaupt in einem schottischen Eichhörnchen entdeckt. Vermutlich kursieren die Erreger in manchen Gebieten schon seit Jahrzehnten unter den Eichhörnchen, wobei unklar ist, wie die Erreger in die Eichhörnchen gelangten. Aktuelle Forschung soll die Verbreitung und einen möglichen Einfluss auf die ohnehin bedrohten britischen Bestände klären.
Die Sonnenblume – eine Sonnenuhr
Authors: Staiger Dorothee
Published: February 2017

Sonnenblumen (Helianthus annuus) nutzen ihre innere Uhr, um sich morgens dem Sonnenaufgang zuzuwenden. Dies beschleunigt bei jungen Sonnenblumen das Wachstum und erwärmt bei voll erblühten Pflanzen die Blüten, was wiederum die Bestäubung durch Insekten fördert.
Keine halben Sachen: Der Schildkrötenpanzer als „Grabhilfe”
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: February 2017

Der schützende Knochenpanzer der Schildkröten entstand aus Zwischenformen, die Einschränkungen mit sich brachten, aber noch nicht schützten. Neue Fossilfunde zeigen, dass diese stattdessen wohl zuerst das Graben im trockenen Boden erleichterten. Für die Vorfahren der heutigen Schildkröten war das vielleicht der entscheidende Selektionsvorteil, der das Aussterben an der Perm‐Trias‐Grenze verhinderte.
Die Nachricht meines Lebens
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: February 2017

Es wird viel diskutiert über die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf. Aber was bedeutet es eigentlich in der Praxis, wenn eine karrierebewusste Biologin Nachwuchs bekommt? Andrea Hauk – BIUZ‐Lesern bekannt als Autorin der Laborseite – berichtet in unserer neuen Reihe von ihren Erfahrungen.
Pyrrole Derivatives and Diterpene Alkaloids from the South China Sea Sponge Agelas nakamurai
Authors: Chu Mei‐Jun , Tang Xu‐Li , Qin Guo‐Fei , Sun Yan‐Ting , Li Lei , de Voogd Nicole J. , Li Ping‐Lin , Li Guo‐Qiang
Published: February 2017

Two pairs of new non‐brominated racematic pyrrole derivatives, (±)‐nakamurine D (1) and (±)‐nakamurine E (2), two new diterpene alkaloids, isoagelasine C (16) and isoagelasidine B (21), together with 13 known pyrrole derivatives ((±)‐3 – 15), five known diterpene alkaloids (17 – 20, 22) were isolated from the South China Sea sponge Agelas nakamurai. The racemic mixtures, compounds 1 – 4, were resolved into four pairs of enantiomers, (+)‐1 and (−)‐1, (+)‐2 and (−)‐2, (+)‐3 and (−)‐3, and (+)‐4 and (−)‐4, by chiral HPLC. The structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical calculations, quantitative measurements of molar rotations, application of van't Hoff's principle of optical superposition, and comparison with the literature data. The NMR and MS data of compound 3 are reported for the first time, as the structure was listed in SciFinder Scholar with no associated reference. These non‐brominated pyrrole derivatives were found in this species for the first time. Compound 18 showed valuable cytotoxicities against HL‐60, K562, and HCT‐116 cell lines with IC50 values of 12.4, 16.0, and 19.8 μm, respectively. Compounds 16 – 19, 21, and 22 showed potent antifungal activities against Candida albicans with MIC values ranging from 0.59 to 4.69 μg/ml. Compounds 16 – 19 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against Proteusbacillus vulgaris (MIC values ranging from 9.38 to 18.75 μg/ml).
Quantitative PCR is a Valuable Tool to Monitor the Performance of DNA‐Encoded Chemical Library Selections
Authors: Li Yizhou , Zimmermann Gunther , Scheuermann Jörg , Neri Dario
Published: February 2017

Phage‐display libraries and DNA‐encoded chemical libraries (DECLs) represent useful tools for the isolation of specific binding molecules from large combinatorial sets of compounds. With both methods, specific binders are recovered at the end of affinity capture procedures by using target proteins of interest immobilized on a solid support. However, although the efficiency of phage‐display selections is routinely quantified by counting the phage titer before and after the affinity capture step, no similar quantification procedures have been reported for the characterization of DECL selections. In this article, we describe the potential and limitations of quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods for the evaluation of selection efficiency by using a combinatorial chemical library with more than 35 million compounds. In the experimental conditions chosen for the selections, a quantification of DNA input/recovery over five orders of magnitude could be performed, revealing a successful enrichment of abundant binders, which could be confirmed by DNA sequencing. qPCR provided rapid information about the performance of selections, thus facilitating the optimization of experimental conditions.
Non‐coding RNAs: emerging regulatory factors in the derivation and differentiation of mammalian parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells
Authors: Cui Jihong , Xie Xin
Published: February 2017

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PESCs) are ESCs derived from early parthenogenetic embryos. Haploid PESCs, containing haploid DNA, originate from a single sperm or occyte, while, diploid PESCs originate from two fused occytes. Most PESC lines used so far are diploid. PESCs exhibit representative pluripotent stem cell features, such as the capacity for self‐renewal and the pariticular molecular signatures. Whereas, PESCs display distinctive properties, such as differential regulation of X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) and divergent monitor of genes involved in multiple biological processes. PESCs are considered promising in the regeneration medicine and developmental biology. Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially miRNAs and lncRNAs, have garnered increasing attention over the past 2 decades. They are now known to be involved in almost all cellular processes due to their full‐range regulation of gene expression. Numerous studies have indicated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) displayed distinct signatures of ncRNA genes, which play key roles in the pluripotency and self renewal of ESCs. However, the expression pattern of ncRNAs in PESCs and their roles in the derivation and differentiation of PESCs were rarely reported. In this paper, we reviewed recent research on the derivation and differentiation of PESCs and describe the emerging role of ncRNAs in these processes.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and renal function: A complex relationship
Authors: James Rodriguez Ruben , Prasad Anand
Published: February 2017

Key Points

The baseline severity of chronic kidney disease appears related to the risk of acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Severity of AKI is related to increased risk of mortality following TAVR.

The pathophysiology of AKI and its impact on mortality in TAVR patients remains unclear.
Catalytic Stability Study of a Pd‐Ni2P/C Catalyst for Formic Acid Electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Shuli , Chang Jinfa , Xue Huaiguo , Xing Wei , Feng Ligang
Published: February 2017

In this work, the catalytic stability of Pd‐Ni2P/C, a highly efficient anode catalyst for direct formic acid fuel cells, was studied by using electrochemical and physical techniques. The dynamic stability was probed in an accelerated stability test (AST) by using cyclic voltammetry for 1000 cycles, and a very low performance decay rate was observed on the Pd‐Ni2P/C catalyst compared with a homemade Pd/C catalyst. About 60 % of the initial peak current density, three times higher than that of the homemade Pd/C catalyst, was retained after the AST on the Pd‐Ni2P/C catalyst. There were no obvious structure and morphology changes in the Pd‐Ni2P/C catalyst revealed by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, or transmission electron microscopy characterization. However, largely increased Pd particle sizes that appear on the Pd/C catalyst might lead to serious performance decay. The strong interaction of Pd and Ni2P in the catalyst system might increase the anchoring of Pd nanoparticles on the support surface, thus less Pd was lost during electrocatalysis. Steady‐state stability tests further confirmed the high stability of the Pd‐Ni2P/C catalyst, and the high anti‐poisoning ability to CO‐like intermediates would maintain the high stability. The results are important for an in‐depth understanding of the contribution of Ni2P in the catalyst system.
Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer (HAT) Initiated by Intramolecular Ligand–Metal Electron Transfer
Authors: Herrmann Hendrik , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: February 2017

Hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) is of key importance for several catalytic and biological processes, and provides an elegant access to C−H activation. In synthetic chemistry, a photoactivated metal complex is often employed to abstract an oxygen‐ or nitrogen‐bound hydrogen, and the as‐generated oxygen‐ or nitrogen‐centered radical is the hydrogen‐atom acceptor for HAT. Here, we report the first examples for HAT processes initiated by one‐electron oxidation of urea azines. A further novelty is that the HAT‐initiating oxidation can be realized by intramolecular ligand–metal electron transfer in copper(II)‐urea azine complexes. These complexes are first characterized in the solid state, in which they are stable. Electron‐transfer‐initiated HAT processes are observed upon dissolving the complexes in organic solvents, and the kinetics of these processes varies with the solvent polarity. The carbon‐centered radicals formed by HAT can either be trapped with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) or undergo radical recombination reactions with itself, yielding diamagnetic end‐products.
Design, Synthesis, and Antiviral Activity of Novel Chalcone Derivatives Containing a Purine Moiety
Authors: Gan Xiuhai , Wang Yanjiao , Hu Deyu , Song Baoan
Published: February 2017

To find new antiviral agents, novel chalcone derivatives containing a purine moiety were designed and synthesized by combining bioactive substructures. The antiviral activities of the derivatives against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were evaluated. Results showed that most of the derivatives showed antiviral activities. Compounds 3n and 3p exhibited excellent curative, protective and inactivation activities against TMV, with the EC50 values of 452.4, 416.2, 241.2 and 438.7, 418.6, 261.7 µg•mL−1, respectively, which were better than those of ribavirin (585.8, 436.0 and 268.7 µg•mL−1). Compounds 3n and 3p showed remarkable curative and protective activities against CMV. Compound 3n showed a moderate affinity to TMV coat protein, with binding constant Ka and Kd values of 1.5 × 104 L•mol−1 and 79.8 µmol•L−1, respectively. These findings provided an important structural insight for further designs of highly active chalcone derivatives and a basis for further study on their mechanism of action.
Two New 2D POMs‐Based Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compounds Constructed from the Proline and 4,4’‐Bipy Mixed Ligands
Authors: Ren Yanli , Yang Dandan , Li Na , Huang Rudan
Published: February 2017

Two new 2D hybrid compounds derived from Keggin‐type [BW12O40]5− anion, proline and 4,4’‐bipy were synthesized, namely, [CoII2(proline)(4,4’‐bipy)(H4,4’‐bipy)2(OH)(H2O)2][BW12O40]•3H2O (1) and [CoII3(proline)2(4,4’‐ bipy)2(H4,4’‐bipy)4(OH)2(H2O)4][BW12O40]2•6H2O (2). They are characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and XPS spectra. All compounds represent 2D framework, but the structures possess some distinctions to a certain degree. In compound 1, 1D wave‐like chains are formed. The chains and polyanions are stacked each other in an ABAB fashion to yield a 2D network. However, compared with compound 1, compound 2 exhibits the same construction except for the opposite arrangement mode. Moreover, their electrochemical behaviors and fluorescence properties have been investigated. The electrochemical properties show that compounds 1, 2 display good electrocatalytic activities for the reduction of nitrite.
Confining for Stability: Heterogeneous Catalysis with Transition Metal (Oxide) Nanoparticles Confined in the Secondary Pore Network of Mesoporous Scaffolds
Authors: Ciotonea Carmen , Mazilu Irina , Dragoi Brindusa , Catrinescu Cezar , Dumitriu Emil , Ungureanu Adrian , Alamdari Houshang , Petit Sabine , Royer Sébastien
Published: February 2017

A melt infiltration strategy allows the encapsulation of transition metal (oxide) nanoparticles in the intra‐wall pores of SBA‐15 supports, providing ultrafine particles that are stable at high temperatures (up to 900 °C, oxidizing–reducing atmospheres). Selective localization of transition metal (oxide) precursor in the secondary pores is achieved in the presence of organic structure‐directing agent occluded in the intra‐wall pores, and by applying an intermediate diffusion step during preparation.
A parallel C4.5 decision tree algorithm based on MapReduce
Authors: Mu Yashuang , Liu Xiaodong , Yang Zhihao , Liu Xiaolin
Published: February 2017

In the supervised classification, large training data are very common, and decision trees are widely used. However, as some bottlenecks such as memory restrictions, time complexity, or data complexity, many supervised classifiers including classical C4.5 tree cannot directly handle big data. One solution for this problem is to design a highly parallelized learning algorithm. Motivated by this, we propose a parallelized C4.5 decision tree algorithm based on MapReduce (MR‐C4.5‐Tree) with 2 parallelized methods to build the tree nodes. First, an information entropy‐based parallelized attribute selection method (MR‐A‐S) on several subsets for MR‐C4.5‐Tree is proposed to confirm the best splitting attribute and the cut points. Then, a data splitting method (MR‐D‐S) in parallel is presented to partition the training data into subsets. At last, we introduce the MR‐C4.5‐Tree learning algorithm that grows in a top‐down recursive way. Besides, the depth of the constructed decision tree, the number of samples and the maximal class probability in each tree node are used as the termination conditions to avoid the over‐partitioning problem. Experimental studies show the feasibility and the good performance of the proposed parallelized MR‐C4.5‐Tree algorithm.
The demography of tree species response to climate: sapling and canopy tree survival
Authors: Canham Charles D. , Murphy Lora
Published: February 2017

Traits affecting survival from seedling through adult stages are key elements of tree life histories, and it is widely assumed that variation in survival of adult trees plays an important role in the distribution of species along climate gradients. We use data from plots censused by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program during the years 2000–2011 to quantify relationships between two key aspects of climate—mean annual temperature and growing season water deficit—and rates of sapling and canopy tree survival for the 50 most common tree species in the eastern United States. Our analyses include consideration of the effects of tree size, competition, and nitrogen deposition to avoid confounding effects and to provide context for the importance of variation in climate relative to other factors. Tree size and competitive effects, including the effect of tree size on sensitivity to competition, had the greatest impact on observed variation in survival for all of the species. Survival varied as a function of nitrogen deposition in 20 of the 50 species, and responses were stronger in saplings than in canopy trees. Despite clear sorting of the presence of the tree species along regional gradients of temperature and water deficit, there was only modest evidence that either sapling or canopy tree mortality varied systematically along those gradients. For 24 of the 50 species, the most parsimonious models did not include either temperature or water deficit variables. The exceptions to this were for several species of colder climates in which survival declined significantly in warmer climates. In 40 of the 50 species, there was no significant variation in survival as a function of either average growing season water deficit or the most extreme individual growing season water deficit during the 20 yr preceding the end of the census interval. The frequency of all but the most xeric of our study species declines at some point along a water deficit gradient. But it is seedling survival (reported in earlier work), rather than survival of saplings and canopy trees, that varies systematically along water deficit gradients.
A Reduced Graphene Oxide‐based Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for the Detection of Interaction between Cisplatin and DNA based on Guanine and Adenine Oxidation Signals
Authors: Yardım Yavuz , Vandeput Marie , Çelebi Metin , Şentürk Zuhre , Kauffmann Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2017

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) for subsequent dsDNA immobilization. The interaction of cisplatin with dsDNA was studied at this modified electrode. Quantitative investigations were performed by adsorptive transfer stripping voltammetry (AdTSV) using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The morphology and structure of graphene oxide (GO) and ERGO modified GCEs (GO/GCE and ERGO/GCE, respectively) were characterized by UV‐vis, FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Compared with the bare GCE and the GO/GCE, the ERGO/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of dsDNA due to guanine and adenine groups, testified by high oxidation peak currents and decreased oxidation potentials. The interaction of micromolar concentrations of cisplatin with surface confined dsDNA was readily detected as inferred from the decrease of the voltammetric oxidation peaks of guanine and adenine. This trend was significantly greater at the ERGO/GCE compared to the GO/GCE. The interaction of cisplatin with dsDNA was also studied in solution phase by AdTSV with detection at the ERGO/GCE.
Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction using a Silver–Zinc Alloy
Authors: Hatsukade Toru , Kuhl Kendra P. , Cave Etosha R. , Abram David N. , Feaster Jeremy T. , Jongerius Anna L. , Hahn Christopher , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: February 2017

We report on CO2 electroreduction activity and selectivity of a polycrystalline AgZn foil in aqueous bicarbonate electrolyte. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements show that the alloy foil was slightly enriched in zinc both at the surface and in the bulk, with a surface alloy composition of 61.3±5.4 at % zinc and with Ag5Zn8 as the most prominent bulk phase. AgZn is active for CO2 reduction; CO is the main product, likely due to the weak CO binding energy of the surface, with methane and methanol emerging as minor products. Compared to pure silver and pure zinc foils, enhancements in activity and selectivity for methane and methanol are observed. A five‐fold increase is observed in the combined partial current densities for methane and methanol at −1.43 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), representing a four‐ to six‐fold increase in faradaic efficiency. Such enhancements indicate the existence of a synergistic effect between silver and zinc at the surface of the alloy that contributes to the enhanced formation of further reduced products.
Optimal power allocation for relay‐based cooperative communication systems with energy harvesting
Authors: Ajirak Marzieh , Omidi Mohammad Javad , Saeedi‐Sourck Hamid , Minasian Arin
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the problem of throughput maximization in cooperative communication systems is considered, in which the nodes use energy harvesters instead of conventional energy sources. The 3‐node Gaussian relay channel with decode‐and‐forward relaying scheme is investigated, where the source and relay harvest energy from the environment. In this work, optimal power levels for 2 cases are obtained. First, a deterministic model is considered, where the noncausal (offline) knowledge of the harvested energy and channel states is available. The problem is shown to be a convex optimization problem, where the solutions to which are derived using convex optimization techniques. Then, the online case is investigated, in which only the casual knowledge of the harvested energy and channel states are used. In the online setting, the problem is formulated as a Markov decision process. The performance of the system in both offline and online cases, along with a few suboptimal schemes introduced in the literature, is evaluated using computer simulations.
Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir with or without ribavirin in direct‐acting antiviral–experienced patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Poordad Fred , Wells Jennifer , Hyland Robert H. , Yang Yin , Dvory‐Sobol Hadas , Stamm Luisa M. , Brainard Diana M. , McHutchison John G. , Landaverde Carmen , Gutierrez Julio
Published: February 2017

The optimal retreatment strategy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1–infected patients who fail direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based regimens remains unknown. In this phase 2, open‐label study conducted at a single center in the United States, patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who previously failed to achieve sustained virological response (SVR) on a DAA‐based regimen were randomized to receive treatment with a fixed‐dose combination tablet of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir with or without ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks. Patients were stratified by their cirrhosis and past nonstructural protein (NS) 5A inhibitor exposure. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with SVR at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). SVR12 was achieved by 24 of 24 patients (100%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 86‐100) receiving sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir alone and 24 of 25 (96%; 95% CI, 80‐100) receiving the same treatment with RBV. None of the patients discontinued sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir therapy because of an adverse event (AE). The most commonly reported AEs with sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir alone were diarrhea and bronchitis; and with sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir plus RBV were fatigue, anemia, gastroenteritis, and nausea. Conclusion: A fixed‐dose combination of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir‐voxilaprevir was well tolerated and effective at achieving virological response in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and past DAA treatment experience. (Hepatology 2017;65:1803‐1809).
Brentuximab vedotin in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The Hellenic experience
Authors: Angelopoulou Maria K. , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Batsis Ioannis , Sakellari Ioanna , Gkirkas Konstantinos , Pappa Vasiliki , Giannoulia Panagiota , Apostolidis Ioannis , Apostolopoulos Christos , Roussou Paraskevi , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Dimou Maria , Kyrtsonis Marie‐Christine , Palassopoulou Maria , Vassilopoulos Georgios , Moschogiannis Maria , Kalpadakis Christina , Margaritis Dimitrios , Spyridonidis Alexander , Michalis Eurydiki , Anargyrou Konstantinos , Repousis Panagiotis , Hatzimichael Eleutheria , Bousiou Zoi , Poulakidas Elias , Grentzelias Dimitrios , Harhalakis Nikolaos , Pangalis Gerassimos A. , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Tsirigotis Panagiotis
Published: February 2017

This retrospective study aimed to describe the Hellenic experience on the use of brentuximab vedotin (BV) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) given within its indication. From June 2011 to April 2015, ninety‐five patients with R/R HL, who received BV in 20 centers from Greece, were analyzed. Their median age was 33 years, and 62% were males. Sixty‐seven patients received BV after autologous stem cell transplantation failure, whereas 28 patients were treated with BV without a prior autologous stem cell transplantation, due to advanced age/comorbidities or chemorefractory disease. The median number of prior treatments was 4 and 44% of the patients were refractory to their most recent therapy. The median number of BV cycles was 8 (range, 2‐16), and the median time to best response was the fourth cycle. Fifty‐seven patients achieved an objective response: twenty‐two (23%), a complete response (CR), and 35 patients (37%), a partial, for an overall response rate of 60%. Twelve patients (13%) had stable disease, and the remaining twenty‐six (27%) had progressive disease as their best response. At a median follow‐up of 11.5 months, median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 8 and 26.5 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that chemosensitivity to treatment administered before BV was associated with a significantly increased probability of achieving response to BV (P = .005). Bulky disease (P = .01) and response to BV (P <.001) were significant for progression‐free survival, while refractoriness to most recent treatment (P = .04), bulky disease (P = .005), and B‐symptoms (P = .001) were unfavorable factors for overall survival. Among the 22 CRs, 5 remain in CR with no further treatment after BV at a median follow‐up of 13 months. In conclusion, our data indicate that BV is an effective treatment for R/R HL patients even outside clinical trials. Whether BV can cure a fraction of patients remains to be seen.
Temporal trends in minimally invasive myomectomy before and after the US Food and Drug Administration recommendation against electric morcellation
Authors: Pereira Nigel , Frankel William C. , Hutchinson Anne P. , Patel Hency H. , Mostisser Cheri , Elias Rony T.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To investigate the temporal trends in minimally invasive myomectomy at one reproductive medicine center before and after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation against electric morcellation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was undertaken of patients undergoing minimally invasive myomectomy between April 1, 2012, and April 30, 2016, at a center in New York. Temporal trends in laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RAM), and laparoscopically assisted myomectomy (LAM), and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes before and after the April 2014 recommendation were compared.

Results

Minimally invasive myomectomy was performed in 73 patients. No difference was noted in the rates of minimally invasive myomectomy 2 years before (35/74 [47.3%]) and after (38/79 [48.1%]) the FDA's recommendation. The ratio of abdominal to minimally invasive myomectomy remained relatively constant before (68/59=1.15) and during the study period (80/73=1.10). There was a significant decrease in LM and RAM and a corresponding rise in LAM immediately after the recommendation (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The rates of minimally invasive myomectomy before and after the FDA's recommendation did not differ, indicating that technical modifications to laparoscopic technique can allow surgeons to offer minimally invasive myomectomy to patients with symptomatic leiomyomas.
Validity of self‐reported age at marriage in rural India
Authors: Raj Anita
Published: February 2017

Despite being questioned as a survey measurement tool, self‐reported age at marriage appeared valid in rural India, where a lack of birth records persists.