bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐Adrenergic stimulation of interleukin‐1α and interleukin‐6 expression in mouse brown adipocytes
Authors: Burýšek Ladislav , Houštěk Josef
Published: July 2002

Mouse brown adipocytes in primary culture were shown to contain high levels of mRNA for interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) which could be further stimulated up to 9‐fold by norepinephrine (NE). Even higher stimulation by NE, up to 40‐fold, was found in case of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Time‐course of activation of both genes was biphasic, but the response of IL‐6 gene was slower than of IL‐1α gene. IL‐1α mRNA level reached the maximum after 1 h and the second, lower increase, occurred after 8 h. IL‐6 mRNA level showed first maximum after 2 h, but the highest level was found after 8 h. Similarly to NE, the expression of IL‐1α and IL‐6 genes was stimulated by selective β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, β3‐selective agonist CGP‐12117, forskoline and db‐cAMP. The activation of both genes by CGP‐12177 was dose‐dependent with the optimum at 100 nM concentration. Stimulation of α‐adrenergic receptors by cirazoline and oxymetazoline was without any effect. When the expression of IL‐6 was studied at the protein level, the stimulation of IL‐6 gene via β3‐receptors resulted in secretion of IL‐6 up to the concentration 10 ng/ml culture media in 24 h. The results indicate a new type of regulation of expression of IL‐1α and IL‐6 genes in brown adipocytes by catecholamines acting via β3‐adrenergic receptors. The resulting increase in IL‐6 production by brown adipocytes could significantly contribute to systemic levels of IL‐6.
Sperm capacitation is, after all, a prerequisite for both partial and complete acrosome reaction
Authors: Jaiswal Bijay S , Cohen-Dayag Anat , Tur-Kaspa Ilan , Eisenbach Michael
Published: July 2002

The acrosome reaction (AR) – an essential step in mammalian fertilization – can occur, according to the consensus, only in capacitated spermatozoa. In apparent contrast, recent reports have demonstrated that human spermatozoa incubated in vitro in an albumin‐free medium and therefore believed to be non‐capacitated, do undergo the AR. With the aim of determining unequivocally whether or not capacitation is required for the AR and whether albumin is essential for capacitation, we compared the potential to undergo partial and complete AR (induced by phorbol myristate ester or by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187) between human spermatozoa incubated in a capacitating medium, albumin‐free medium, and non‐capacitating medium. The results clearly demonstrate that capacitation is, after all, a prerequisite for both partial and complete AR. Albumin, on the other hand, is essential only for acquiring the capacity to undergo complete, not partial AR.
Submolecular resolution of single macromolecules with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Czajkowsky Daniel M. , Shao Zhifeng
Published: July 2002

The intrinsically high signal‐to‐noise ratio of atomic force microscopy (AFM) permits structural determination of individual macromolecules to, at times, subnanometer resolution directly from unprocessed images, avoiding the conditions and possible consequences of averaging over an ensemble of molecules. In this article, we will review some of the most recent achievements in imaging single macromolecules with AFM.
N‐copine: a novel two C2‐domain‐containing protein with neuronal activity‐regulated expression
Authors: Nakayama Takashi , Yaoi Takeshi , Yasui Mitsuru , Kuwajima Goro
Published: July 2002

Neuronal activity is often associated with changes in gene expression. By a two‐dimensional cDNA‐display system, restriction landmark cDNA scanning, we identified a novel gene whose expression in the hippocampus was up‐regulated by kainate stimulation. The mRNA expression was detected only in brain and up‐regulated by the stimulation evoking CA3‐CA1 long‐term potentiation. The encoded protein contains two copies of C2‐domain, known as the Ca2+‐binding domain of PKC‐γ, and shows 49% identity with human copine I. We designated this protein N‐copine (neuronal‐copine). N‐copine may have a role in synaptic plasticity.
Circular β‐lactamase: stability enhancement by cyclizing the backbone
Authors: Iwai Hideo , Plückthun Andreas
Published: July 2002

We have cyclized the polypeptide backbone of β‐lactamase with a short peptide loop as a novel method for protein stabilization, using intein‐mediated protein ligation. Successful cyclization was proven by mass spectrometry and subsequent re‐linearization by proteolytic cleavage, as well as by resistance against carboxypeptidase. Under the conditions of the experiment, no disulfide bond is present. The circular form of β‐lactamase was found to be significantly more stable against irreversible aggregation upon heating than the linear form. The circular form could be purified from the linear one either by this heat treatment or by a his‐tag which became exopeptidase‐resistant by cyclization. The increased stability of the circular form is probably due to the decreased conformational entropy in the unfolded state and in the intermediate states. While the introduction of additional disulfide bonds for protein stabilization follows the same rationale, the cyclization strategy may disturb the structure less and thus constitute a general method for stabilizing those proteins with N‐ and C‐termini in close proximity.
Association of the proto‐oncogene product Dbl with G protein βγ subunits
Authors: Nishida Kazuhiko , Kaziro Yoshito , Satoh Takaya
Published: July 2002

The Rho family of GTP‐binding proteins has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular functions including actin cytoskeleton‐dependent morphological change. Its activity is directed by intracellular signals mediated by various types of receptors such as G protein‐coupled receptors. However, the mechanisms underlying receptor‐dependent regulation of Rho family members remain incompletely understood. The guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Dbl targets Rho family proteins thereby stimulating their GDP/GTP exchange, and thus is believed to be involved in receptor‐mediated regulation of the proteins. Here, we show the association of Dbl with G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) in transient co‐expression and cell‐free systems. An amino‐terminal portion conserved among a subset of Dbl family proteins is sufficient for the binding of Gβγ. In fact, Ost and Kalirin, which contain this Gβγ‐binding motif, also associate with Gβγ. c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase was synergistically activated upon co‐expression of Dbl and Gβ in a dominant‐negative Rho‐sensitive manner. However, GEF activity of Dbl toward Rho as measured by in vitro GDP binding assays remained unaffected following Gβγ binding, suggesting that additional signals may be required for the regulation of Dbl.
The impact of new manufacturing requirements on production line productivity and quality at a focused factory
Authors: Mukherjee Ashok , Mitchell Will , Talbot F.Brian
Published: July 2002

This research studies how changes in manufacturing requirements affect production line performance in a focused factory. Specifically, we examine whether production line labor productivity and conformance quality decline as the range of models produced and the heterogeneity of production volume increase in a factory designed for high volume production of a narrow range of models. We use the organizational nature of production lines to argue that the performance of focused production lines will decline when the lines adopt new manufacturing tasks that are outside the scope of the absorptive capacity developed through the execution of their prior focused manufacturing task, but not otherwise. The study examines four years of data from 16 production lines of a compressor manufacturing factory of the Copeland Corporation. Our statistical analysis identifies limits to change, suggests paths to successfully changing the manufacturing requirements of a focused factory, and places the operations strategy discussion of focused factories in a dynamic environment.
Alexithymia and anxiety: compounded relationships? A psychometric study
Authors: Berthoz S. , Consoli S. , Perez-Diaz F. , Jouvent R.
Published: July 2002

This study is a careful examination of the relationships between different components of the alexithymia construct and state versus trait anxiety. In order to study the relations between anxiety and alexithymia in a subclinical population, we administered to 125 female college students a test battery including measures of alexithymia (TAS26), state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depression (QD2A). Results indicated positive correlations between depression, anxiety (state and trait) and alexithymia scores. Partial correlations revealed a tight link between trait anxiety and alexithymia. Furthermore, in agreement with the view that alexithymia is a multidimensional construct, the various alexithymia dimensions were found to be diversely correlated with anxiety. On the basis of partial correlation analyses, a descriptive model of the relationships between depression, state anxiety, trait anxiety and alexithymia was postulated. This model was confirmed by pathways analyses.
Risk tolerance and asset allocation for investors nearing retirement
Authors: Hariharan Govind , Chapman Kenneth S. , Domian Dale L.
Published: July 2002

This paper uses a large individual-level data set to isolate the effects of risk tolerance on portfolio composition. We test and confirm two predictions of the Capital Asset Pricing Model: (1) increased risk tolerance reduces an individual’s propensity to purchase risk-free assets; and (2) higher risk tolerance does not affect the composition of an individual’s portfolio of risky assets. More specifically, we find that risk tolerant investors nearing retirement do not reduce their bond allocations in order to buy more stock. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Student-Managed Investment Funds at Metropolitan Universities
Authors: Kahl Douglas R.
Published: July 2002

The number of student-managed investmentfinds has grown rapidly in recent years. In the four decades since the first student-managed investment fimd was established at Gannon University, the number of such&nds has grown at a rate of less than one per year to thirty-four in 1993. However, that rate of growth has changed dramatically in recent years. Oak Associates Ltd., the Akron, Ohio based investment-management com- pany, has funded ten student-managed investment finds since January 1996. The fund established by Oak Associates Ltd. at The University of Akron provides students with the opportunity to learn about investing real money on a real-time basis. The Oak Grant provides significant educational opportunities at the University and some real chal- lenges in the organization and management of the finds.
Compliance and effectiveness of 1 year's home telemonitoring. The report of a pilot study of patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: de Lusignan Simon , Wells Sally , Johnson Paul , Meredith Karen , Leatham Edward
Published: July 2002

Patients with a diagnosis of heart failure, registered at the study practice, were recruited into the study. First, they had a cardiologist's assessment. They were then randomised into telemonitored patients who measured pulse, BP, weight and video consulted, and controls.

Aim:

To examine the acceptability, effectiveness and reliability of home telemonitoring.

Results:

A high proportion of those invited took part (n‐20/24). Compliance with measuring weight, pulse and BP remained high throughout the study. The data collection system and secure web‐server were reliable. The telemonitoring group complied better with collecting prescriptions for their cardiac drugs. Video consulting started with enthusiasm, but became less useful. There were no significant differences in the quality of life (GHQ) and Chronic Heart Failure (Guyatt) questionnaire scores between the telemonitored group and the controls.

Conclusions:

Home telemonitoring is an acceptable reliable intervention. Baseline rates for compliance with self‐monitoring are set out in this study. Benefit in terms of compliance with medication and self‐monitoring is still seen after 1 year. Video consulting over ordinary telephone lines did not show sustained benefit, and was not complied with.
Desulfobacteraceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: September 2020

De.sul.fo.bac.te.ra.ce'ae. N.L. masc. n.
Desulfobacter
, type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfobacteraceae
, the family of
Desulfobacter
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobacteria / Desulfobacterales / Desulfobacteraceae

Cells are oval, vibrio, or rod shaped and occur singly or in pairs. Gram‐stain‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Motile or nonmotile. Strict anaerobes with a respiratory and fermentative (some members) type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophs (all species) and chemolithoautotrophs (most species). Simple organic compounds can serve as sole electron donors and carbon sources and are oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway) or the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (only the genus
Desulfobacter
). The genus “
Desulfamplus
,” whose name is not validly published, is only capable of incomplete substrate oxidation. Chemolithoautotrophic growth on H
2
and CO
2
. Sulfate and often sulfite and thiosulfate can serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to sulfide. Fermentative growth on a few organic compounds might occur. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. The major menaquinones are MK‐7 and MK‐7(H
2
). The family currently accommodates seven genera with validly published names. Members of this family are found in anoxic sediments of brackish water or marine systems.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 41.3–52.0 (Genome,
T
m
, LC).

Type genus
:
Desulfobacter
Widdel 1981, VL7 (Effective publication: Widdel 1980).
Endozoicomonadaceae
Authors: Glaeser Stefanie P. , Kämpfer Peter
Published: September 2020

En.do.zo.i.co.mo.na.da.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Endozoicomonas
type genus of the family;
‐aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Endozoicomonadaceae
the
Endozoicomonas
family.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Oceanospirillales / Endozoicomonadaceae

Cells are Gram‐stain‐negative, rod shaped, and motile. Chemoorganotrophs with aerobic and partially anaerobic growth. Optimal growth temperature is 25–30°C. Salts are required for growth, at least 0.5% (w/v) NaCl. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone Q‐9. Predominant polyamines are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. Predominant fatty acids are composed of summed feature C
16:1
ω7
c
/C
16:1
ω6
c
and C
16:0
; species dependent also on summed feature C
18:1
ω7
c
/C
18:1
ω6
c
. The major hydroxy fatty acid is C
10:0
3‐OH. The DNA G + C content of the genomic DNA is between 47 and 51 mol%. The family
Endozoicomonadaceae
is assigned within the class
Gammaproteobacteria
to the order
Oceanospirillales
based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny. Members of the family are associated with eukaryotic hosts in marine habitats. Members of the family are the genera
Endozoicomonas, Parendozoicomonas
, and
Kistimonas
. Based on its phylogenetic placement and further characteristics, the genus
Sansalvadorimonas
should also be placed within the family. The type genus is
Endozoicomonas
.

DNA G + C content (mol%):
47–51.

Type genus:
Endozoicomonas
Kurahashi and Yokota 2007
VP
.
Methanothrix
Authors: Akinyemi Taiwo S. , Shao Nana , Whitman William B.
Published: September 2020

Me.tha'no.thrix. N.L. neut. n.methanummethane; Gr. fem. n.thrix, hair; N.L. fem. n.Methanothrix, methane (‐producing) hair.

Halobacterota / Methanosarcinia / Methanotrichales / Methanotrichaceae / Methanothrix

Straight, rod‐shaped cells with flat ends, usually 0.8–1.3 μm wide by 2.0–6.0 μm long enclosed in a tubular sheath. Forms short (∼5–25 μm) to long (>150 μm) flexible chains of cells within the sheath. Nonmotile. Gram‐stain‐negative. Lipids containmyo‐inositol, ethanolamine, and galactose as the polar head groups. Oxygen‐tolerant anaerobe. Organotrophic, splitting acetate into methane and CO2for energy generation. Some strains split formate into H2and CO2without producing methane. CO2can be reduced to methane in coculture withGeobacterspp. via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Growth factors such as vitamins are stimulatory. Yeast extract is required, stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on the strain. NaCl is not required for growth. Optimal temperatures range from 34 to 37°C for mesophilic strains and 55 to 60°C for thermophilic strains; optimal pH range is 7.0–7.8. Gas vacuoles are generally found in thermophilic strains. Occur in both mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic sludge digesters as well as anaerobic sediments. Synonymous with the genusMethanosaeta.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 51–61 (genome).

Type species:Methanothrix soehngeniiHuser et al. 1982, VL10.
Dehalogenimonas
Authors: Moe William M. , Rainey Fred A.
Published: September 2020

De.ha.lo.ge.ni.mo'nas. L. prep.
de
, away, off; N.L. neut. n.
halogenum
, halogen; L. fem. n.
monas
, unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Dehalogenimonas
a dehalogenating monad, reflecting the ability of these bacteria to dehalogenate chlorinated alkanes.

Chloroflexi / Dehalococcoidia / Dehalococcoidales / Dehalococcoidaceae / Dehalogenimonas

Cells of
Dehalogenimonas
species are irregular cocci. Endospores are not produced. Cells stain Gram‐negative. The strains are nonmotile. Strictly anaerobic. Mesophilic with optimum temperature of about 30°C. Neutrophilic with an optimum pH of about 7.0. Chemotrophic with halogenated organics as electron acceptors and H
2
or formate as electron donors. Cellular fatty acid profiles include unsaturated (C
18:1
ω9
c
and C
16:1
ω9
c
) and saturated straight‐chain (C
16:0
and C
14:0
) fatty acids. Representatives of this genus have been isolated or enriched from contaminated groundwater, sediment, and grape pomace.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 49.2–56.3 (genome analysis).

Type species:
Dehalogenimonas lykanthroporepellens
Moe et al. 2009.
Desulfogranum gen. nov
.
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: September 2020

De.sul.fo.gra'num. L. pref.
de
, from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
, sulfur; N.L. pref.
desulfo
‐, prefix used to characterize a dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing prokaryote; L. neut. n.
granum
, grain; N.L. neut. n.
Desulfogranum
, a sulfate‐reducing grain.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobulbia / Desulfobulbales / Desulfobulbaceae / Desulfogranum gen. nov.

Oval‐shaped rods, 0.8–1.7 × 1.0–3.2 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Gram‐stain‐negative. Motility might occur depending on the species. Anaerobic, having a respiratory and fermentative type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophic, using propionate, ethanol, propanol, lactate, and pyruvate as carbon sources and electron donors. Some species can use mono‐ and disaccharides. Electron donors are incompletely oxidized to acetate. For growth on H
2
+ CO
2
(chemolithoheterotrophic growth) and formate, yeast extract or acetate is required. Sulfate and thiosulfate serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to sulfide; sulfite is used by some species. Fermentative growth on pyruvate (all species) and sugars (some species). Mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature between 25 and 35°C. Neutrophilic, with optimal pH range 6.7–7.5. All species show optimal growth in media with 20–30 g/l of NaCl. Media containing a reductant are necessary for growth. Vitamins or yeast extract seems to be required for growth of some species. Three former members of the genus
Desulfobulbus
are here reclassified as a new genus
Desulfogranum
within the family
Desulfobulbaceae
.
Desulfogranum
species occur in anoxic marine and brackish water sediments.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 45.8–57.5 (genome).

Type species
:
Desulfogranum mediterraneum
comb. nov. (basonym:
Desulfobulbus mediterraneus
Sass et al. 2002, VL87).
Aquisphaera
Authors: Lage Olga Maria , Calisto Rita
Published: September 2020

Aquisphaera
(A.qui.sphae'ra. L. fem. n.
aqua
water; L. fem. n.
sphaera
a ball, globe, sphere; N.L. fem. n.
Aquisphaera
a spherical bacterium living in freshwater).

Planctomycetes / Planctomycetia / Isosphaerales / Isosphaeraceae / Aquisphaera

The genus
Aquisphaera
accommodates Gram‐negative, spherical, and nonmotile bacteria that form small, translucent, smooth, and light pink‐pigmented colonies. Crater‐like structures are distributed around the cell surface. Depending on the medium composition, cells can form large glycocalyces. Extremely large aggregates can be formed in liquid medium. Thin cell sections reveal extensive invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane. Reproduction occurs by budding resembling budding fission. Chemoheterotrophic, strictly aerobic, catalase‐ and cytochrome oxidase‐positive. Vitamin B12 required for growth. Mesophilic (30–35°C), slightly alkaliphilic, and sensitive to NaCl. The major fatty acids are C
18:1
ω9
c
and C
16:0
. The predominant phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. MK‐6 is the major menaquinone oxidized. Members of the class
Planctomycetia
, order
Isosphaerales
, family
Isosphaeraceae
. Known habitats are freshwater sediments.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
:
70.8 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Aquisphaera giovannonii
Bondoso et al. 2011
VP
.
Chitinispirillum
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: September 2020

Chi.ti.ni.spi.ril'lum N.L. neut. n.
chitinum
, chitin; Gr. fem. n.
spira
spiral; N.L. dim. neut. n.
spirillum
a small spiral. N.L. neut. n.
Chitinispirillum,
a spirillum utilizing chitin as substrate.

Fibrobacterota / Chitinispirillia / Chitinispirillales / Chitinispirillaceae / Aquisphaera

The genus
Chitinispirillum
is currently classified in the class
Chitinispirillia,
which forms a deep‐branching lineage within the phylum
Fibrobacterota
. Its closest relative is the genus
Chitinivibrio,
which is also a member of the
Fibrobacterota
. These two genera comprise alkaliphilic fermentative anaerobes utilizing chitin as the only substrate. Members of
Chitinispirillum
are moderately salt‐tolerant obligate alkaliphiles inhabiting anoxic sediments of soda lakes. The genus includes a single species C
. alkaliphilum
, which is the type species of the genus.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 42.9 (genome).

Type species
:
Chitinispirillum alkaliphilum
Sorokin et al. 2016, VL170.
Chitinivibrio
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: September 2020

Chi.ti.ni.vi'bri.o. N.L. neut. n.
chitinum
, chitin; N.L. masc. n.
vibrio
, that which vibrates; N.L. masc. n.
Chitinivibrio
, vibrio‐shaped bacterium utilizing chitin as substrate.

Fibrobacterota / Chitinivibrionia / Chitinivibrionales / Chitinivibrionaceae / Chitinivibrio

The genus
Chitinivibrio
is classified in the class
Chitinivibrionia,
forming a deep independent lineage within the phylum
Fibrobacterota
. Its closest relative is the genus
Chitinispirillum
, which is also a member of the
Fibrobacterota
. Both these two deep lineages are alkaliphilic fermentative anaerobes with extremely narrow metabolic specialization utilizing chitin as the only substrate. Members of the genus
Chitinivibrio
are extremely salt‐tolerant alkaliphiles inhabiting anoxic sediments of hypersaline soda lakes. The genus includes a single species C
. alkaliphilus
, which is the type species of the genus.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 46.2 (genome).

Type species
:
Chitinivibrio alkaliphilus
Sorokin et al. 2014, VL160.
Salinispira
Authors: Spring Stefan
Published: September 2020

Sa.li.ni.spi'ra. L. neut. n.salinumsalt‐cellar; L. fem. n.spiracoil, spire; N.L. fem. n.Salinispiraa saline spiral.

Spirochaetes / Spirochaetia / Spirochaetales / Spirochaetaceae / Salinispira

The genusSalinispiraaccommodates spirochetes from anoxic hypersaline environments and is represented by one species and strain. Cells of the nomenclatural type,Salinispira pacificaL21‐RPul‐D2T, have a helical shape and a size of 0.2–0.25 × 8–9 μm, stain Gram‐negative, are motile, and produce an orange carotenoid‐like pigment. Spherical bodies can be formed during stationary phase. Optimal conditions for growth are 35°C, a salinity of 5% NaCl, and a pH around 7.0. Preferred substrates for growth are carbohydrates and a few carboxylic acids. Obligate fermentative metabolism with the production of ethanol, acetate, lactate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide during growth on glucose. Oxygen in the gas phase is tolerated but does not stimulate growth. Major cellular fatty acids are C14:0, iso‐C15:0, C16:0, and C18:0. Polar lipids are dominated by an unidentified aminolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid, and two unidentified glycolipids. No detectable lipoquinones or cytochromes. The genome ofSalinispira pacificaL21‐RPul‐D2Tcomprises one circular chromosome with a size of 3.78 Mb that contains 3,450 protein‐coding genes and 50 RNA genes, including two operons of ribosomal RNA genes.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 51.9 (genome analysis).

Type species:Salinispira pacificaBen Hania et al. 2015, VL163.
Histologic Observations of Dermal Wound Healing in a Free-Ranging Blacktip Shark from the Southeastern U.S. Atlantic Coast: A Case Report
Authors: Borucinska Joanna , Adams Douglas H. , Frazier Bryan S.
Published: September 2020

Despite indications that sharks have an exceptional capacity to heal from traumatic injuries, no detailed microscopic observations of integumental wounds have been reported for sharks. This study details the histopathological features of such wounds in a free-ranging shark. An adult male Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus limbatus was collected in 2017 during fisheries-independent sampling efforts in the coastal southeastern U.S. Atlantic. The shark had numerous lesions on his head, torso, and left pectoral fin that were compatible with shark bites. Representative samples from two wounds on the head were examined by light microscopy. The epidermal changes included hyperplasia and hypertrophy; intracellular edema; and the absence of goblet cells, denticles, and chromatophores. In the dermis, fibrinocellular exudation, granulation tissue, and marked skeletal muscle necrosis and regeneration were observed. The above features were comparable to wound healing in bony fish, albeit minor differences were found. Although this case documents exceptionally good regeneration of skeletal muscle in the shark, we found no evidence of unique morphological healing patterns. Further studies on wound healing are needed because recent molecular and genetic findings do suggest evolutionary adaptations enhancing healing in sharks.
Imaging Outcomes for Axial Spondyloarthritis and Sensitivity to Change: A Five‐Year Analysis of the DESIR Cohort
Authors: Sepriano Alexandre , Ramiro Sofia , van der Heijde Désirée , Dougados Maxime , Claudepierre Pascal , Feydy Antoine , Reijnierse Monique , Loeuille Damien , Landewé Robert
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare the sensitivity to change of different imaging scoring methods in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods

Patients from the Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifferérenciées Récentes (DESIR) cohort fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for axial SpA were included. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and spine were obtained at baseline, 1, 2, and 5 years. Each image was scored by 2 or 3 readers in 3 separate reading waves. The rate of change of outcomes measuring inflammation of the spine and SI joints (e.g., Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada [SPARCC] score) and structural damage on MRI (e.g., ≥3 fatty lesions) and radiographs (e.g., modified New York grading) was assessed using multilevel generalized estimating equation models (taking all readers and waves into account). To allow comparisons across outcomes, rates were standardized (difference between the individual's value and the population mean divided by the SD).

Results

In total, 345 patients were included. Inflammation detected on MRI of the SI joints (MRI‐SI joints) (standardized rate range –0.278, –0.441) was more sensitive to change compared to spinal inflammation (range –0.030, –0.055). Structural damage in the SI joints showed a higher standardized rate of change on MRI‐SI joints (range 0.015, 0.274) compared to radiography of the SI joints (range 0.043, 0.126). MRI‐SI joints damage defined by ≥3 fatty lesions showed the highest sensitivity to change (0.274). Spinal structural damage slowly progressed over time with no meaningful difference between radiographic (range 0.037, 0.043) and MRI structural outcomes (range 0.008, 0.027).

Conclusion

Structural damage assessed in pelvic radiographs has low sensitivity to change, while fatty lesions detected on MRI‐SI joints are a promising alternative. In contrast, MRI of the spine is not better than radiography of the spine in detecting structural changes in patients with early axial SpA.
Direct Electroless Deposition of Nickel onto Silicon Nitride Ceramic: A Novel Approach for Copper Metallization of Micro‐/Nano‐fabricated Devices
Authors: Zeb Gul , Duong Thi Luong , Balazinski Marek , Le Xuan Tuan
Published: September 2020

Current surface modification chemistry of silicon nitride (Si3N4) in the fabrication of micro/nano systems (MEMS/NEMS) mainly relies on multistep chemical processes, essentially consisting of a surface pretreatment and a challenging silanization procedure. Although direct modification of Si3N4 surface has rarely been reported in the literature, here a simple surface functionalization strategy using diazonium chemistry in open air and at room temperature, which provides a practical solution to directly attach aminophenyl groups to pristine silicon nitride without altering its intrinsic properties, is described. These strongly grafted amine‐terminated groups are easily activated to become nuclei for initializing electroless nickel plating (autocatalytic nickel deposition). This electroless nickel plating of silicon nitride while avoiding the multiplicity and complexity of the process steps is ideal for its integration into a typical MEMS/NEMS process flow. In a possible integration scheme, due to its suitable properties, this nickel film serves as a conducting seed layer for the electrolytic deposition of copper to fill the microdevices, thereby avoids the use of typically employed expensive vacuum processes.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure, Compressive Property, and Energy Absorption Response of the Al–Mg–Si Alloy Foams
Authors: Yang Xu-dong , Cheng Ying , He Xiao-lei , Yang Kun-ming , Zong Rong-rong
Published: September 2020

Due to the various structural and functional characteristics of lightweight, energy absorption, and sound/heat insulation, etc., metallic foam materials have been increasingly developed in recent years, especially for the most widely used alloy foams. Herein, the Al–Mg–Si alloy foams with a porosity of 60% are prepared by a powder metallurgy technology in which the carbamide is used as the space holder material. The effect of solution treatment on the microstructure, compressive property, and energy absorption response of the as‐prepared Al–Mg–Si alloy foams is studied. The results show that when the solution temperature (T) is increased from 25 to 555 °C, the room temperature compressive strength of the Al–Mg–Si alloy foams increases from 11.2 to 26.7 MPa, but decreases when T is more than 555 °C. The strengthening mechanisms of solution treatment mainly lie in that the dislocation movement between the grain boundaries can be effectively blocked by the precipitated phases. As to the high‐temperature compressive property of the Al–Mg–Si alloy foams that are solution treated at 555 °C, the compressive strength is found to decrease from 28.7 to 12.3 MPa when the compression temperature is elevated up to 250 °C. Correspondingly, the energy absorption decreases from 17.02 to 9.14 MJ m−3. Compared to the pure Al foam, the high‐temperature softening effect for the Al–Mg–Si alloy foams is more remarkable, which is due to the formation of microcracks in the alloy matrix. The current research provides a cost‐effective and easy‐handle approach to enhance the compressive strength and energy absorption ability of the metallic foam materials.
Well‐Balanced Ambipolar Organic Single Crystals toward Highly Efficient Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: An Ming‐Hui , Ding Ran , Zhu Qin‐Cheng , Ye Gao‐Da , Wang Hai , Du Ming‐Xu , Chen Shuo‐Nan , Liu Yu , Xu Mei‐Li , Xu Ting , Wang Wei , Feng Jing , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2020

Carrier mobility is one of the key issues for applications of organic semiconductors in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Organic single crystals possess much higher carrier mobility compared to amorphous films. However, unipolar properties with unbalanced hole and electron transporting ability have been a bottleneck for the high performance of organic single crystal‐based devices. Here, well‐balanced ambipolar organic single crystals are developed by mixing of n‐ and p‐type molecules with maintained single‐crystalline structures. Carrier mobility of the ambipolar single crystals is manipulated by tuning the mixing ratio, and nearly equal hole and electron mobility can be achieved. Highly efficient single crystal‐based organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) are demonstrated by employing the ambipolar crystals as the mixed host for a red emitter pentacene to realize efficient exciton confinement and energy transfer within the emissive layer. As a result, maximum luminance of 5467 cd m−2 and current efficiency of 2.82 cd A−1 are achieved, which represents, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the record performance for the organic single crystal‐based OLEDs to date. The strategy to manipulate the charge‐transport properties of the organic single crystals in this work represents a significant step toward practical applications of the organic single crystals in optoelectronics.
In Situ Replenishment of Formation Cycle Lithium‐Ion Loss for Enhancing Battery Life
Authors: Palanisamy Manikandan , Parekh Mihit H. , Pol Vilas G.
Published: September 2020

In situ replenishment of formation cycle lithium‐ion loss is considered for the development of longer‐lasting rechargeable batteries, containing a thin lithium reservoir‐electrode to mitigate the formation cycle capacity loss. Synchronized lithium and lithium‐ion batteries (SLLIB) deliver specific charge‐discharge capacities of 147/145 mAh g–1 for mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) versus LiFePO4 and 186/171 mAh g–1 for C‐Si versus LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 at 0.2 C. The energy‐reduced cells (due to solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation) are replenished and achieved an increased energy density of 455 Wh kg–1 with retained flat‐voltage profile for SLLIB–MCMB versus LiFePO4 and 576 Wh kg–1 for SLLIB–C‐Si versus LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 through Li+ ion in situ reservoir replenishment from the reservoir‐electrode to the MCMB/C‐Si anode. Furthermore, reserve mode cycling process delivers charge‐discharge capacities of 126/124 mAh g–1 for SLLIB–Li versus LiFePO4 and 137/136 mAh g–1 for SLLIB–Li versus LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 at 0.2 C, associated with the Li+ ion transportation between reservoir‐electrode and LiFePO4/LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode, confirmed by the Li+ ion diffusion path through MCMB and C‐Si electrodes, using EIS analysis. Ultimately, the in situ reservoir replenishment, replenished cycling and reserve mode cycling processes of SLLIB leads to enhanced battery life.
Strengthened Tumor Photodynamic Therapy Based on a Visible Nanoscale Covalent Organic Polymer Engineered by Microwave Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Lu Yao , Song Ge , He Bing , Zhang Hua , Wang Xueqing , Zhou Demin , Dai Wenbing , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2020

Covalent organic polymers (COPs) possess fascinating features including large surface area, tunable pore size, good stability, and biodegradability. As advanced functional materials, both their synthesis and potential use must be further explored. In an effort to facilitate enhanced photodynamic therapy of cancer, here a porphyrin‐containing nanoscale COPs (nCOP) via a facile microwave synthesis method, followed by the loading of a thioredoxin‐1 inhibitor PX‐12, is fabricated. The obtained nCOP‐PX‐12 is visible in vitro and in vivo due to the existence of meso‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP). With the acid‐cleavable imine group, it demonstrates pH‐responsive drug release. Additionally, the released TAPP achieves mitochondria targeting which can induce mitochondrial‐dependent tumor cell apoptosis with laser irradiation. The combination therapy can induce immunogenic cell death and APCs activation, while PX‐12 is found to remodel the tumor hypoxic microenvironment via blocking the downstream signaling pathways of thioredoxin‐1. The nanosystem also exhibits excellent tumor accumulation and biosafety. After a single intratumoral dose of nCOP‐PX‐12 with relatively low density of laser, 98.5% primary cancer, 65.3% untreated distant tumors and 83.2% lung metastasis are inhibited. Overall, this study improves the synthesis of multifunctional nCOP and proposes a powerful photodynamic therapy with high specificity to overcome the resistance of hypoxic tumors.
Giant Domain Wall Conductivity in Self‐Assembled BiFeO3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Lisha , Xu Kun , Li Qian , Daniels John , Zhou Hua , Li Jiangyu , Zhu Jing , Seidel Jan , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: September 2020

Ever‐increasing demand on electronic devices with ultrahigh‐density non‐volatile data storage has attracted great interest in novel ferroelectric memories based on conductive ferroelectric domain walls. Embedded in an insulating material, ferroelectric domain walls have the capability of being (re)created, displaced, erased, and altered in their spatial configurations and electronic characteristics. However, the domain wall conductivities are in most cases not yet sufficiently high to ensure the current density required to drive read‐out circuits operating at high speeds. In this work, a giant domain wall current (>10 µA) of a single charged domain wall is obtained through conductive atomic force microscopy with a bias field of 4 V. This is achieved in self‐assembled BiFeO3 nanocrystals grown by sol‐gel method on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 substrates. Local configurations of domains and domain wall types are studied using vector piezoresponse force microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electronic microscopy. The enhancement of the wall current is shown to be due to the formation of conducting pathways of charged defects accumulated along domain walls and traversing the nanocrystals. The diverse domain walls can be manipulated by electric field in a perpendicular architecture. The perpendicular array structure of BiFeO3 nanocrystals should have great potentials for developing perpendicular nanoelectronic prototypes.
Self‐Assembled GO Honeycomb Microarray for Selective Cancer Cell Capture and Single Cell Analysis of Proteolytic Expression
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Lu Qinghua
Published: September 2020

Proteolytic enzymes expressed by circulating tumor cells are proved to facilitate their invasion into multiple organs via cleaving natural ECM networks, leading to consequent metastasis colonization and malignant lethality. Recent evidence suggests the rare metastasis initiating cells with higher proteolytic levels among circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may strongly increase the risk of metastasis. Beyond selective CTC capture, the heterogeneity in proteases expression provides a promising indicator for metastasis happening. To this end, the graphene oxide (GO) honeycomb microarray with single CTC matched sizes is fabricated via the self‐assembly breath figure approach, which serves as an integrated protocol for selective CTC capture and single‐cell analysis of protease activity. Contributing to synergistic effects of structure and chemistry, CTCs can be efficiently isolated and individually trapped in each honeycomb hole. Meanwhile, the crosstalk among CTCs can be erased by blocking direct cell‐to‐cell contact, which offers promising potentials in the single‐cell analysis of protease expression. Integrating specific capture and in situ analysis of single CTCs on GO micropatterned surface is of significant importance in various biological and clinical applications such as cancer diagnostics and cancer therapeutic evaluation.
Phase Change Material‐Containing Mesoporous Zeolite Composite for Adsorption Heat Recovery
Authors: Choi Jihye , Valtchev Valentin , Moteki Takahiko , Ogura Masaru
Published: September 2020

A mesoporous zeolite is proposed as a phase change material (PCM) carrier. Owing to its physicochemical properties, the PCM‐containing adsorbent has dual functions, namely simultaneous adsorption, and heat storage. In this study, the mesoporous chabazite‐type zeolite SSZ‐13, is prepared under various conditions to obtain optimized mesoporous SSZ‐13 (MSSZ‐13) as a PCM‐containing adsorbent. The PCM is then successfully introduced in the created mesopore space through vapor phase synthesis, and the micropores could be utilized as an adsorption field. The efficiency of the as‐prepared PCM‐containing MSSZ‐13 is evaluated by a dehumidification process. The afforded experimental results show suppressed bed temperature ramping, owing to the recovery of the heat generated upon H2O adsorption through the PCM. Moreover, the relative amount of adsorbed water increases at the initial period of time‐on‐stream of the contacting humid fluid.
Asymmetric Fluorination Reactions promoted by Chiral Hydrogen Bonding‐based Organocatalysts
Authors: Auria‐Luna Fernando , Mohammadi Somayeh , Divar Masoumeh , Gimeno M. Concepción , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: September 2020

Fluorinated compounds can exhibit interesting biological properties. The importance of these species has made that the chemistry of fluorine has experienced a great development. On this review, the recent advances on asymmetric fluorination reactions promoted by chiral hydrogen bonding‐based organocatalysts are discussed. Hence, examples using phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid, (thio)urea and squaramide derivatives are illustrated. The growth of this field is amazing. We have only considered pivotal works in which direct fluorination takes place using a fluorinating agent, leaving aside the reactions where a fluorine atom is incorporated from the beginning as part of other reactants. Herein, the scarce existing examples on this field of research have been compiled.

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Nickel‐Catalyzed Direct Trifluoroethylation of Aryl Iodides with 1,1,1‐Trifluoro‐2‐Iodoethane via Reductive Coupling
Authors: Li Han , Sheng Jie , Liao Guang‐Xu , Wu Bing‐Bing , Ni Hui‐Qi , Li Yan , Wang Xi‐Sheng
Published: September 2020

A nickel‐catalyzed direct trifluoroethylation of aryl iodides with an industrial raw material CF3CH2I has been developed, demonstrating high efficiency, excellent functional‐group compatibility, especially with large sterically hindered groups. The key to success is the combination of nickel with readily available nitrogen and phosphine ligands. The powerful potential of this strategy is further demonstrated by the late‐stage modification of several derived bioactive molecules.

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Au–Manganese Oxide Nanostructures by a Plasma‐Assisted Process as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution: A Chemico‐Physical Investigation
Authors: Bigiani Lorenzo , Gasparotto Alberto , Andreu Teresa , Verbeeck Johan , Sada Cinzia , Modin Evgeny , Lebedev Oleg I. , Morante Juan Ramón , Barreca Davide , Maccato Chiara
Published: September 2020

Earth‐abundant and eco‐friendly manganese oxides are promising platforms for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis. Herein, a versatile and potentially scalable route to gold‐decorated manganese oxide‐based OER electrocatalysts is reported. In particular, MnxOy (MnO2, Mn2O3) host matrices are grown on conductive glasses by plasma assisted‐chemical vapor deposition (PA‐CVD), and subsequently functionalized with gold nanoparticles (guest) as OER activators by radio frequency (RF)‐sputtering. The final selective obtainment of MnO2‐ or Mn2O3‐based systems is then enabled by annealing under oxidizing or inert atmosphere, respectively. A detailed material characterization evidences the formation of high‐purity MnxOy dendritic nanostructures with an open morphology and an efficient guest dispersion into the host matrices. The tailoring of MnxOy phase composition and host–guest interactions has a remarkable influence on OER activity yielding, for the best performing Au/Mn2O3 system, a current density of ≈5 mA cm−2 at 1.65 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and an overpotential close to 300 mV at 1 mA cm−2. Such results, comparing favorably with literature data on manganese oxide‐based materials, highlight the importance of compositional control, as well as of surface and interface engineering, to develop low‐cost and efficient anode nanocatalysts for water splitting applications.
Transfer Learning as Tool to Enhance Predictions of Molecular Properties Based on 2D Projections
Authors: Lentelink Niklas Julian , Palkovits Stefan
Published: September 2020

Images of molecules are widely used to predict molecule properties in teaching and chemical research. A trained chemist can easily derive molecule properties by analyzing its structure and evaluate its functional groups. To predict, for example, the water solubility of an organic compound a chemist would intuitively count the number of polar groups, consider the size of the molecule, and estimate the water/molecule interaction by counting the number of H‐bond donors and acceptors. Therefore, 2D molecule representations and their directly accessible features should provide enough information to predict the molecule's structure‐dependent properties. To support this thesis, different image‐based machine learning approaches as dense neural networks, convolutional neural networks, clustering, data augmentation, and transfer learning are compared and evaluated in this work. The influence of the image size as well as the network size is discussed. Finally, a simple yet effective dense neural network trained on expert preselected, visually accessible features, is presented and its efficiency and comparability to other more complex methods are demonstrated.
Sugarcane response to polyhalite fertilizer in Brazilian Oxisols
Authors: Pavinato Paulo Sergio , Corá José Eduardo , de Camargo Santos Aline , Herrera Wilfrand Ferney Bejarano , Pavuluri Kiran , Pierce Francis J.
Published: September 2020

Polyhalite (PYH), (K2SO4·MgSO4·2CaSO4·2H2O), contains four nutrients of great importance to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), but has lower water solubility than traditional K fertilizers. Two studies were conducted to determine if PYH fertilizer (11.6% K) promoted sugarcane response comparable to other K fertilizers on highly weathered, acidic Oxisol soils in Brazil. A pot study compared PYH with potassium chloride (KCl, 50% K) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4, 40% K and 17% S), both amended to the same Ca, Mg, and S contents, applied at five rates ranging from 0 to 166 kg K ha−1in limed and unlimed soil. A field study evaluated PYH with KCl applied in a 5–30–10 blend at planting followed by sidedress applications of K as PYH or KCl in the establishment year and two ratoon crops. In the pot study, there were minimal effects of fertilizer source and application rate on early growth in sugarcane while liming was detrimental. Uptake of K in the biomass was linear and similar among fertilizer sources. PYH increased S uptake and soil tests compared to KCl and K2SO4. In the field study, KCl and PYH had similar sugarcane yield and quality with K uptake in both exceeding K applied and PYH increased S uptake and soil test SO4–S. These studies confirm nutrient release from PYH to sugarcane was adequate and comparable to KCl and K2SO4, with some effect of PYH on nutrient uptake and soil test that did not affect sugarcane yield or quality.