bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intramolecular Singlet Fission in an Antiaromatic Polycyclic Hydrocarbon
Authors: Wu Yishi , Wang Yuancheng , Chen Jianwei , Zhang Guanxin , Yao Jiannian , Zhang Deqing , Fu Hongbing
Published: June 2017

Singlet fission (SF), in which one singlet exciton (S1) splits into two triplets (T1) on adjacent molecules through a correlated triplet‐pair 1(TT) state, requires precise but difficult tuning of exciton energetics and intermolecular electronic couplings in the solid state. Antiaromatic 4nπ dibenzopentalenes (DPs) are demonstrated as a new class of single‐chromophore‐based intramolecular SF materials that exhibit an optically allowed S2 state with E(S2)>2×E(T1) and an optically forbidden S1 state. Ultrafast population transfer from a high‐lying S2 state to a 1(TT) state was observed in monomeric solution of styryl‐substituted DP (SDP) on a sub‐picosecond timescale. There is evidence of exciton diffusion (ED) of the 1(TT) state to yield two individual long‐lived triplets in SDP thin film. The overall triplet yield via intramolecular SF and subsequent triplet‐pair diffusion can be as high as 142±10 % in thin film.
A Porphyrin Complex as a Self‐Conditioned Electrode Material for High‐Performance Energy Storage
Authors: Gao Ping , Chen Zhi , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Mueller Jonathan E. , Jung Christoph , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Diemant Thomas , Fuhr Olaf , Jacob Timo , Behm R. Jürgen , Ruben Mario , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: June 2017

The novel functionalized porphyrin [5,15‐bis(ethynyl)‐10,20‐diphenylporphinato]copper(II) (CuDEPP) was used as electrodes for rechargeable energy‐storage systems with an extraordinary combination of storage capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. The ability of CuDEPP to serve as an electron donor or acceptor supports various energy‐storage applications. Combined with a lithium negative electrode, the CuDEPP electrode exhibited a long cycle life of several thousand cycles and fast charge–discharge rates up to 53 C and a specific energy density of 345 Wh kg−1at a specific power density of 29 kW kg−1. Coupled with a graphite cathode, the CuDEPP anode delivered a specific power density of 14 kW kg−1. Whereas the capacity is in the range of that of ordinary lithium‐ion batteries, the CuDEPP electrode has a power density in the range of that of supercapacitors, thus opening a pathway toward new organic electrodes with excellent rate capability and cyclic stability.
Water‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Few‐Layer Black Phosphorous in a Dark Environment
Authors: Hu Zehua , Li Qiang , Lei Bo , Zhou Qionghua , Xiang Du , Lyu Zhiyang , Hu Fang , Wang Junyong , Ren Yinjuan , Guo Rui , Goki Eda , Wang Li , Han Cheng , Wang Jinlan , Chen Wei
Published: June 2017

Black phosphorus (BP) shows great potential in electronic and optoelectronic devices owing to its semiconducting properties, such as thickness‐dependent direct bandgap and ambipolar transport characteristics. However, the poor stability of BP in air seriously limits its practical applications. To develop effective schemes to protect BP, it is crucial to reveal the degradation mechanism under various environments. To date, it is generally accepted that BP degrades in air via light‐induced oxidation. Herein, we report a new degradation channel via water‐catalyzed oxidation of BP in the dark. When oxygen co‐adsorbs with highly polarized water molecules on BP surface, the polarization effect of water can significantly lower the energy levels of oxygen (i.e. enhanced electron affinity), thereby facilitating the electron transfer from BP to oxygen to trigger the BP oxidation even in the dark environment. This new degradation mechanism lays important foundation for the development of proper protecting schemes in black phosphorus‐based devices.
Protonation of Nitramines: Where Does the Proton Go?
Authors: Saal Thomas , Rahm Martin , Christe Karl O. , Haiges Ralf
Published: June 2017

The reactions of nitramine, N‐methyl nitramine, and N,N‐dimethyl nitramine with anhydrous HF and the superacids HF/MF5 (M=As, Sb) were investigated at temperatures below −40 °C. In solution, exclusive O‐protonation was observed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Whereas no solid product could be isolated from the neat HF solutions even at −78 °C, in the HF/MF5 systems, protonated nitramine MF6− salts were isolated for the first time as moisture‐sensitive solids that decompose at temperatures above −40 °C. In the solid state, depending on the counterion, O‐protonated or N‐protonated cations can be formed, in accord with theoretical calculations which show that the energy differences between O‐protonation and N‐protonation are very small. The salts [H2N‐NO2H][AsF6], [H3N‐NO2][SbF6], [MeHNNO2H][SbF6], and [Me2NNO2H][SbF6] were characterized by their X‐ray crystal structures.
Synthesis and structure of para‐toluene sulfonamide lanthanide complexes and their application in the polymerization of ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Wang Li‐Jun , Peng Ling , Cen Bo , Wang Yu‐Long , Tao Xian , Shen Ying‐Zhong
Published: June 2017

A series of para‐toluene sulfonamide ligands [TsNHPr‐i(HL1), TsNHBu‐t(HL2), TsNHPh(HL3), TsNHPhMe‐p(HL4), TsNHPhOMe‐p(HL5)] were synthesized by amidation using para‐toluene sulfonyl chloride reacting with different primary amines. A series of homoleptic lanthanide complexes (Ln L3, 1–10) (Ln = La, L = L1 (1), Ln = Gd, L = L2 (2), Ln = La, L = L2 (3), Ln = Gd, L = L2(4), Ln = La, L = L3 (5), Ln = Gd, L = L3 (6), Ln = La, L = L4 (7), Ln = Gd, L = L4(8), Ln = La, L = L5 (9), Ln = Gd, L = L5 (10)) were prepared by amine elimination reactions of the ligands with Ln[N(SiMe3)2]3 (Ln = La, Gd). Complexes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 were all characterized by NMR spectra, and the structures of complex 3 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 3 crystallizes a binuclear cluster, consisting of two La3+ and six (TsNBu‐t)− anions. Three (TsNBu‐t)− anions are chelating to each La3+ as bidentate model with O and N forming three‐membered chelate rings; one of three anions is bridging to another La3+ via oxygen. All complexes were characterized using elemental analysis and infrared spectra. The catalytic properties of complexes 1–10 for the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone were studied and the results showed that all complexes are efficient initiators for this ring‐opening polymerization reaction.
Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation of cyclopentanone over zeolite Y entrapped transition metal‐Schiff base complexes
Authors: Modi Chetan K. , Solanki Naresh , Vithalani Ravi , Patel Dikin
Published: June 2017

Transition metal [M = VO (IV) and/or Cu (II)] complexes with Schiff base ligand, (Z)‐2‐((2‐hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenol (H2L) have been entrapped in the super cages of zeolite‐Y by Flexible Ligand Method. Synthesized materials have been characterized by preferential physico‐chemical techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), elemental analyses (CHN), fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electronic and UV‐reflectance spectra, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, scanning electron micrographs (SEMs), X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalytic competence of zeolite‐Y entrapped transition metal complexes was examined in Baeyer‐Villiger (BV) oxidation of cyclopentanone using 30% H2O2 as an oxidant beside neat complexes to check the aptitude of heterogeneous catalysis over the homogeneous system. The effect of experimental variables such as mole ratio of substrate to an oxidant, amount of catalyst, reaction time, varying oxidants and solvents on the conversion of cyclopentanone was also tested. Under the optimized reaction conditions, one of the zeolite‐Y entrapped transition metal complex viz. [VO(L)H2O]‐Y [where L = (Z)‐2‐((2‐hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenol] was found to be a potential contender by providing 80.22% conversion of cyclopentanone (TON: 10479.42), and the selectivity towards δ‐valerolactone was 83.56%.
Understanding neurophobia: Reasons behind impaired understanding and learning of neuroanatomy in cross‐disciplinary healthcare students
Authors: Javaid Muhammad Asim , Chakraborty Shelly , Cryan John F. , Schellekens Harriët , Toulouse André
Published: June 2017

Recent studies have highlighted a fear or difficulty with the study and understanding of neuroanatomy among medical and healthcare students. This has been linked with a diminished confidence of clinical practitioners and students to manage patients with neurological conditions. The underlying reasons for this difficulty have been queried among a broad cohort of medical, dental, occupational therapy, and speech and language sciences students. Direct evidence of the students’ perception regarding specific difficulties associated with learning neuroanatomy has been provided and some of the measures required to address these issues have been identified. Neuroanatomy is perceived as a more difficult subject compared to other anatomy topics (e.g., reproductive/pelvic anatomy) and not all components of the neuroanatomy curriculum are viewed as equally challenging. The difficulty in understanding neuroanatomical concepts is linked to intrinsic factors such as the inherent complex nature of the topic rather than outside influences (e.g., lecture duration). Participants reporting high levels of interest in the subject reported higher levels of knowledge, suggesting that teaching tools aimed at increasing interest, such as case‐based scenarios, could facilitate acquisition of knowledge. Newer pedagogies, including web‐resources and computer assisted learning (CAL) are considered important tools to improve neuroanatomy learning, whereas traditional tools such as lecture slides and notes were considered less important. In conclusion, it is suggested that understanding of neuroanatomy could be enhanced and neurophobia be decreased by purposefully designed CAL resources. This data could help curricular designers to refocus attention and guide educators to develop improved neuroanatomy web‐resources in future. Anat Sci Educ 11: 81–93. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Oil and eicosapentaenoic acid production by the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultivated outdoors in Green Wall Panel (GWP®) reactors
Authors: Rodolfi Liliana , Biondi Natascia , Guccione Alessia , Bassi Niccolò , D'Ottavio Massimo , Arganaraz Gimena , Tredici Mario R.
Published: June 2017

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a widely studied diatom and has been proposed as a source of oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Recent studies indicate that lipid accumulation occurs under nutritional stress. Aim of this research was to determine how changes in nitrogen availability affect productivity, oil yield, and fatty acid (FA) composition of P. tricornutum UTEX 640. After preliminary laboratory trials, outdoor experiments were carried out in 40‐L GWP® reactors under different nitrogen regimes in batch. Nitrogen replete cultures achieved the highest productivity of biomass (about 18 g m−2 d−1) and EPA (about 0.35 g m−2 d−1), whereas nitrogen‐starved cultures achieved the highest FA productivity (about 2.6 g m−2 d−1). The annual potential yield of P. tricornutum grown outdoors in GWP® reactors is 730 kg of EPA per hectare under nutrient‐replete conditions and 5,800 kg of FA per hectare under nitrogen starvation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2204–2210. © 2017 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of HGF‐binding aptamers with the combination of G4 promoter‐derived aptamer selection and in silico maturation
Authors: Yokoyama Tomomi , Tsukakoshi Kaori , Yoshida Wataru , Saito Taiki , Teramoto Kentaro , Savory Nasa , Abe Koichi , Ikebukuro Kazunori
Published: June 2017

We describe the selection of aptamers based on bioinformatics‐based approaches without Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). SELEX is a potent method; however, it is time intensive and the PCR‐amplification step, which is essential step for SELEX, leads to the loss of good aptamers. We have developed an aptamer‐screening method, G4 promoter‐derived aptamer selection (G4PAS), and an aptamer‐improving method, in silico maturation (ISM). They are based on in silico sequence selection and computer assisted directed evolution, respectively. In this study, we succeeded in identifying new aptamers against hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by G4PAS as well as improving the specificity of the HGF aptamers by ISM. Using ISM improved the specificity of the aptamer for HGF by up to 45‐fold in comparison with the original aptamer. These methods enable easy and efficient identification of good aptamers, and the combination of G4PAS with ISM can thus serve as a potent approach for aptamer identification. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2196–2203. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fermentation strategy for second generation ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzate by Spathaspora passalidarum and Scheffersomyces stipitis
Authors: Nakanishi Simone C. , Soares Lauren B. , Biazi Luiz Eduardo , Nascimento Viviane M. , Costa Aline C. , Rocha George Jackson M. , Ienczak Jaciane L.
Published: June 2017

Alcoholic fermentation of released sugars in pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass is a central feature for second generation ethanol (E2G) production. Saccharomyces cerevisiae used industrially in the production of first generation ethanol (E1G) convert sucrose, fructose, and glucose into ethanol. However, these yeasts have no ability to ferment pentose (xylose). Therefore, the present work has focused on E2G production by Scheffersomyces stipitis and Spathaspora passalidarum. The fermentation strategy with high pitch, cell recycle, fed‐batch mode, and temperature decrease for each batch were performed in a hydrolyzate obtained from a pretreatment at 130°C with NaOH solution (1.5% w/v) added with 0.15% (w/w) of anthraquinone (AQ) and followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. The process strategy has increased volumetric productivity from 0.35 to 0.38 g · L−1 · h−1 (first to third batch) for S. stipitis and from 0.38 to 0.81 g · L−1 · h−1 for S. passalidarum (first to fourth batch). Mass balance for the process proposed in this work showed the production of 177.33 kg ethanol/ton of sugar cane bagasse for S. passalidarum compared to 124.13 kg ethanol/ton of sugar cane bagasse for S. stipitis fermentation. The strategy proposed in this work can be considered as a promising strategy in the production of second generation ethanol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2211–2221. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivatives of Holomycin and Cyclopropaneacetic Acid from Streptomyces sp. DT‐A37
Authors: Ding Hui , Wang Jia‐Nan , Zhang Da‐Shan , Ma Zhong‐Jun
Published: June 2017

On the basis of the one strain–many compounds strategy, five compounds including two new holomycin derivatives 2 – 3, two new cyclopropaneacetic acid derivatives 4 – 5, together with one known compound holomycin (1) were isolated from a marine‐derived bacterium Streptomyces sp. DT‐A37. Their structures were elucidated using NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS analyses. All these compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic activity, and inhibitory activity against BRD4 protein. Compound 1 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against H1975 cells with IC50 value of 1 μm, and its minimal inhibitory concentration values against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were both 64 μm.
Vitamin D enhances omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids‐induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhu Shenglong , Lin Guangxiao , Song Ci , He Zhao
Published: June 2017

Breast cancer is a leading type of cancer in women and generally classified into three subtypes of ER+/PR+, HER2+ and triple negative. Both omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D3 play positive role in the reduction of breast cancer incidence. However, whether combination of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D3 has stronger protective effect on breast carcinogenesis still remains unknown. In this study, we show that the combination of ω‐3 free fatty acids (ω‐3 FFAs) and 1α, 25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D3 (VD3) dramatically enhances cell apoptosis among three subtypes of breast cancer cell lines. Bcl‐2 and total PARP protein levels are decreased in combined treatment MCF‐7 and SK‐BR‐3 cells. Caspase signals play a vital role in cell apoptosis induced by combination. Moreover, Raf‐MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the apoptosis induction by combination of ω‐3 FFAs+VD3. These results demonstrate that the induction of cell apoptosis by combined treatment is dependent on different signaling pathways in three subtypes of breast cancer cell lines.
Coinage Metal Superatomic Cores: Insights into Their Intrinsic Stability and Optical Properties from Relativistic DFT Calculations
Authors: Gam Franck , Paez‐Hernandez Dayan , Arratia‐Perez Ramiro , Liu C. W. , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro
Published: June 2017

Coinage‐metal atomically precise nanoclusters are made of a well‐defined metallic core embedded in a ligand‐protecting outer shell. Whereas gold derivatives are particularly well documented, examples of silver nanoclusters are somewhat limited and copper species remain particularly scare. Our DFT relativistic calculations on superatomic metallic cores indicate that copper species are almost as stable as gold clusters and more stable than their silver counterparts. Thus, for silver superatomic cores, the role of the stabilizing ligands is more crucial in the stabilization of the overall structure, in comparison to copper and gold. Hence, the chemistry of the earlier counterparts of gold, especially copper, should grow quickly with at least characterizations of species related to that found in the heavier elements in the triad, which requires tackling synthetic challenges. Time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT calculations show that with an increase of the cluster core nuclearity, the absorption bands are redshifted, allowing us to differentiate between the clusters types. Moreover, the optical properties of the silver cores are fairly different from that of their Cu and Au relatives.
Iron‐Catalyzed Radical Decarboxylative Oxyalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Alkyl Peroxides
Authors: Zhu Xiaotao , Ye Changqing , Li Yajun , Bao Hongli
Published: June 2017

An iron‐catalyzed oxyalkylation of alkynes with alkyl peroxides as the alkylating reagents has been investigated. Alkyl peroxides are readily available from aliphatic acids and serve simultaneously as the alkylating reagents and internal oxidants. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups of aliphatic acids were readily incorporated into C−C triple bonds and diverse α‐alkylated ketones were synthesized. Mechanism studies revealed that this reaction involves highly reactive alkyl free radicals. A unique equilibrium between lauric acid and water catalyzed by the iron(III) catalyst was observed.
Base‐Mediated Generation of Ketenimines from Ynamides: Direct Access to Azetidinimines by an Imino‐Staudinger Synthesis
Authors: Romero Eugénie , Minard Corinne , Benchekroun Mohamed , Ventre Sandrine , Retailleau Pascal , Dodd Robert H. , Cariou Kevin
Published: June 2017

Ynamides were used as precursors for the in situ generation of highly reactive ketenimines that could be trapped with imines in a [2+2] cycloaddition. This imino‐Staudinger synthesis led to a variety of imino‐analogs of β‐lactams, namely azetidinimines (20 examples), that could be further functionalized through a broad range of transformations.
Effect of process parameters on droplet spreading behaviour over porous surface
Authors: Basit Abdul , KuShaari KuZilati , Siwayanan Parthiban , Azeem Babar
Published: June 2017

Droplet spreading behaviour over a porous surface is a complex phenomenon, and is a basic component of many industrial processes, for example the spray coating process. The coating process has wide applications and this includes coating of urea fertilizer to produce slow release urea. The quality of coating film in such applications is affected by many factors, one of them being droplet spreading on the substrate. Droplet spreading behaviour is affected by process parameters such as viscosity, density, surface tension, impact velocity, porosity, etc. Droplet spreading on a porous surface involves penetration into the porous surface and spreading on the surface. Previously, the effect of individual process parameters has been studied. The current work aims at finding the interactive effect of process parameters on droplet spreading behaviour by using response surface methodology. The combined effect of liquid viscosity, impact velocity, and surface porosity has been studied on contact angle, spreading factor, and residual drop volume. The results show that minimum contact angle can be achieved with maximum impact velocity, minimum porosity, and minimal liquid viscosity. Similar behaviour was observed with droplet residual volume. Maximum spreading factor was attained at minimum viscosity and porosity while impact velocity was at maximum level.
The value of electrocardiography in prognosticating clinical deterioration and mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qaddoura Amro , Digby Geneviève C. , Kabali Conrad , Kukla Piotr , Zhan Zhong‐Qun , Baranchuk Adrian M.
Published: June 2017

The role of electrocardiography (ECG) in prognosticating pulmonary embolism (PE) is increasingly recognized. ECG is quickly interpretable, noninvasive, inexpensive, and available in remote areas. We hypothesized that ECG can provide useful information about PE prognostication. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, abstracts, conference proceedings, and reference lists through February 2017. Eligible studies used ECG to prognosticate for the main outcomes of death and clinical deterioration or escalation of therapy. Two authors independently selected studies; disagreement was resolved by consensus. Ad hoc piloted forms were used to extract data and assess risk of bias. We used a random‐effects model to pool relevant data in meta‐analysis with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); all other data were synthesized qualitatively. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I

2
value. We included 39 studies (9198 patients) in the systematic review. There was agreement in study selection (κ: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86‐0.96). Most studies were retrospective; some did not appropriately control for confounders. ECG signs that were good predictors of a negative outcome included S1Q3T3 (OR: 3.38, 95% CI: 2.46‐4.66, P < 0.001), complete right bundle branch block (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 2.46‐6.20, P < 0.001), T‐wave inversion (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19‐2.21, P = 0.002), right axis deviation (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.86‐5.64, P < 0.001), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.45‐2.67, P < 0.001) for in‐hospital mortality. Several ischemic patterns also were significantly predictive. Our conclusion is that ECG is potentially valuable in prognostication of acute PE.
Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates Containing 9‐Deazahypoxanthine and a Five‐Membered Heterocycle as Selective Inhibitors of Plasmodial 6‐Oxopurine Phosphoribosyltransferases
Authors: Kaiser Martin Maxmilian , Baszczyňski Ondřej , Hocková Dana , Poštová‐Slavětínská Lenka , Dračínský Martin , Keough Dianne T. , Guddat Luke W. , Janeba Zlatko
Published: June 2017

Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) are an important class of therapeutic drugs that act as antiviral agents by inhibiting viral DNA polymerases and reverse transcriptases. ANPs containing a 6‐oxopurine unit instead of a 6‐aminopurine or pyrimidine base are inhibitors of the purine salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine‐guanine‐[xanthine] phosphoribosyltransferase (HG[X]PRT). Such compounds, and their prodrugs, are able to arrest the growth of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) in cell culture. A new series of ANPs were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of human HGPRT, PfHGXPRT, and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) HGPRT. The novelty of these compounds is that they contain a five‐membered heterocycle (imidazoline, imidazole, or triazole) inserted between the acyclic linker(s) and the nucleobase, namely, 9‐deazahypoxanthine. Five of the compounds were found to be micromolar inhibitors of PfHGXPRT and PvHGPRT, but no inhibition of human HGPRT was observed under the same assay conditions. This demonstrates selectivity of these types of compounds for the two parasitic enzymes compared to the human counterpart and confirms the importance of the chemical nature of the acyclic moiety in conferring affinity/selectivity for these three enzymes.
Labeling DNA Replication Foci to Visualize Chromosome Territories In Vivo
Authors: Maya‐Mendoza Apolinar , Jackson Dean A.
Published: June 2017

While a detailed understanding of chromatin dynamics is needed to explain how higher‐order chromatin organization influences nuclear function, the molecular principles that regulate chromatin mobility in mammalian nuclei remain largely unknown. Here we describe experimental tools to follow chromatin dynamics by labeling DNA during S phase. Using these methods, we have found that foci labeled during early and mid/late S phase have significantly different dynamic behavior. Spatially constrained heterochromatic foci restrict long‐range transformations of the chromosome territory (CT) structure while providing a structural framework on which highly mobile euchromatic foci undergo positional oscillations that drive local changes in the chromosome shape. Despite often dramatic mobility, we have demonstrated a preservation of structural integrity which ensures that DNA from neighboring CTs is not able to mix freely within the same nuclear space. Finally, other potential applications of the presented protocols are discussed. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Super‐Resolution Microscopy and Single‐Protein Tracking in Live Bacteria Using a Genetically Encoded, Photostable Fluoromodule
Authors: Saurabh Saumya , Perez Adam M. , Comerci Colin J. , Shapiro Lucy , Moerner W. E.
Published: June 2017

Visualization of dynamic protein structures in live cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms governing biological processes. Fluorescence microscopy is a sensitive tool for this purpose. In order to image proteins in live bacteria using fluorescence microscopy, one typically genetically fuses the protein of interest to a photostable fluorescent tag. Several labeling schemes are available to accomplish this. Particularly, hybrid tags that combine a fluorescent or fluorogenic dye with a genetically encoded protein (such as enzymatic labels) have been used successfully in multiple cell types. However, their use in bacteria has been limited due to challenges imposed by a complex bacterial cell wall. Here, we describe the use of a genetically encoded photostable fluoromodule that can be targeted to cytosolic and membrane proteins in the Gram negative bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Additionally, we summarize methods to use this fluoromodule for single protein imaging and super‐resolution microscopy using stimulated emission depletion. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Femtosecond Charge‐Injection Dynamics at Hybrid Perovskite Interfaces
Authors: Grancini Giulia , Viola Daniele , Lee Yonghui , Saliba Michael , Paek Sanghyun , Cho Kyung Taek , Orlandi Simonetta , Cavazzini Marco , Fungo Fernando , Hossain Mohammad I. , Belaidi Abdelhak , Tabet Nouar , Pozzi Gianluca , Cerullo Giulio , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: June 2017

With a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 22 %, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have thrilled photovoltaic research. However, the interface behavior is still not understood and is a hot topic of research: different processes occur over a hierarchy of timescales, from femtoseconds to seconds, which makes perovskite interface physics intriguing. Herein, through femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy with spectral coverage extending into the crucial IR region, the ultrafast interface‐specific processes at standard and newly molecularly engineered perovskite interfaces in state‐of‐the‐art PSCs are interrogated. Ultrafast interfacial charge injection occurs with a time constant of 100 fs, resulting in hot transfer from energetic charges and setting the timescale for the first step involved in the complex charge‐transfer process. This is also true for 20 % efficient devices measured under real operation, for which the femtosecond injection is followed by a slower picosecond component. These findings provide compelling evidence for the femtosecond interfacial charge‐injection step and demonstrate a robust method for the straightforward identification of interfacial non‐equilibrium processes on the ultrafast timescale.
Microbiota Analysis Using an Illumina MiSeq Platform to Sequence 16S rRNA Genes
Authors: Rapin Alexis , Pattaroni Céline , Marsland Benjamin J. , Harris Nicola L.
Published: June 2017

The microbiota have been shown to play an important role in diverse biological processes including immunity, metabolism, and digestion. Assessing the exact composition of the microbiota has proven challenging due to the often unknown growth specificities of its members, and culture‐based approaches typically fail to capture the complete diversity of microorganisms present. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods provide an efficient means to gather information about cultured and uncultured members of the microbiota. This article provides a method to characterize bacterial communities in terms of species composition using high‐throughput sequencing. Briefly, by extracting the entire DNA content of a microbiota sample and performing a targeted high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, a phylogenetic marker for prokaryotes, prediction of the composition of the entire bacterial community is made possible. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of Oligodeoxynucleotides Containing a C8‐2′‐Deoxyguanosine Adduct Formed by the Carcinogen 3‐Nitrobenzanthrone
Authors: Chatterjee Arindom , Malik Chanchal K. , Basu Ashis K.
Published: June 2017

This unit describes the detailed procedure in five parts for the synthesis of the C8‐2′‐deoxyguanosine‐3‐aminobenzanthrone adduct located in a desired site in an oligonucleotide. The synthesis of the protected 2′‐deoxyguanosine, O
6‐benzyl‐N
2‐DMTr‐3′‐5′‐bisTBDMS‐C8‐Br‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, is described in the first part. The synthesis of the reduced carcinogen 3‐aminobenzanthrone is detailed in part two. The third part outlines the key step of the adduct formation between the reduced carcinogen and the protected nucleoside by a palladium‐catalyzed cross coupling reaction. The final two parts describe phosphoramidite synthesis from the nucleoside‐carcinogen adduct followed by its site‐specific incorporation into DNA by solid‐phase oligonucleotide synthesis. The adducted oligonucleotides are purified by reversed‐phase HPLC and characterized by mass spectrometry. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plant iTRAQ‐Based Proteomics
Authors: Handakumbura Pubudu P. , Hixson Kim K. , Purvine Samuel O. , Jansson Christer , Paša‐Tolić Ljiljana
Published: June 2017

We present a simple one‐pot extraction protocol, which rapidly isolates hydrophilic metabolites, lipids, and proteins from the same pulverized plant sample. Also detailed is a global plant proteomics sample preparation method utilizing iTRAQ multiplexing reagents that enables deep proteome coverage due to the use of HPLC fractionation of the peptides prior to mass spectrometric analysis. We have successfully used this protocol on several different plant tissues (e.g., roots, stems, leaves) from different plants (e.g., sorghum, poplar, Arabidopsis, soybean), and have been able to successfully detect and quantify thousands of proteins. Multiplexing strategies such as iTRAQ and the bioinformatics strategy outlined here, ultimately provide insight into which proteins are significantly changed in abundance between two or more groups (e.g., control, perturbation). Our bioinformatics strategy yields z‐score values, which normalize the expression data into a format that can easily be cross‐compared with other expression data (i.e., metabolomics, transcriptomics) obtained from different analytical methods and instrumentation. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation of Large‐Grained α‐High Strength Gypsum with FGD Gypsum
Authors: Shao Duoduo , Zhao Bin , Zhang Hongqi , Wang Zhiguang , Shi Cuijie , Cao Jilin
Published: June 2017

Using FGD gypsum as the raw material, short columnar‐shaped α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate can be prepared with succinic acid in hydrothermal autoclave method with a low salt content. The influence of washing times, slurry concentration, salt content, reaction temperature, pH and the amount of succinic acid were investigated. The research shows that: short columnar α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate with the length of 50 μm and length‐diameter ratio of 1, dry compressive strength of which is similar to 40 grade was obtained at the slurry concentration of 14%, salt content of 3%, succinic acid of 0.07% after three times washing under 115°C without the change of pH value. After 5 times circulation of mother liquid, the morphology of the product had no significant difference with the initial product and recycling rate of sodium chloride was not less than 90%.
Quantitative NMR Approach to Optimize the Formation of Chemical Building Blocks from Abundant Carbohydrates
Authors: Elliot Samuel G. , Tolborg Søren , Sádaba Irantzu , Taarning Esben , Meier Sebastian
Published: June 2017

The future role of biomass‐derived chemicals relies on the formation of diverse functional monomers in high yields from carbohydrates. Recently, it has become clear that a series of α‐hydroxy acids, esters, and lactones can be formed from carbohydrates in alcohol and water solvents using tin‐containing catalysts such as Sn‐Beta. These compounds are potential building blocks for polyesters bearing additional olefin and alcohol functionalities. An NMR approach was used to identify, quantify, and optimize the formation of these building blocks in the Sn‐Beta‐catalyzed transformation of abundant carbohydrates. Record yields of the target molecules can be achieved by obstructing competing reactions through solvent selection.
Direct Electro‐oxidation of Dimethyl Ether on Pt−Cu Nanochains
Authors: Gavriel Bar , Sharabi Ronit , Elbaz Lior
Published: June 2017

A new platinum–copper alloy electrocatalyst for the direct electro‐oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) has been synthesized in an easy and low‐cost approach and studied by using an array of techniques, including X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. Structural characterization revealed that the synthesized PtCu nanoparticles (3 nm on average) formed homogeneous nanochains without aggregation of metallic platinum or copper. The catalyst's activity towards electro‐oxidation of DME was tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) in a full cell and was found to be promising. The direct DME fuel cell (DDMEFC) studied in this work has relatively high energy density, of 13.5 mW cm−1 and thus shows great potential as fuel for low power fuel cells. The newly synthesized PtCu catalyst exhibited almost double the performance of commercial PtRu in electrocatalytic DME oxidation.
New cooperative strategy for cognitive radios with wireless powered primary users
Authors: Azmat Freeha , Zhou Yulin , Chen Yunfei
Published: June 2017

Conventional strategy for cognitive radios does not assume any energy harvesting capability at the primary users. However, this is not the case when primary users are wirelessly powered, especially in wireless sensor works that are widely used in the Internet of Things. In this paper, we propose a new cooperative strategy where the secondary user transmits data if the primary users are detected to be idle or harvest energy, in contrast to conventional strategy where the secondary user only transmits data if the primary users are detected idle. The performances of this new strategy are analysed. Numerical results show that primary user can achieve energy gain from the transmission of secondary user and that secondary user can also achieve throughput gain by transmitting data when primary user performs energy harvesting. On the other hand, secondary user harvests less energy on average using the new strategy as it has to transmit data when primary user harvests energy.
Food insecurity and eating disorder pathology
Authors: Becker Carolyn Black , Middlemass Keesha , Taylor Brigitte , Johnson Clara , Gomez Francesca
Published: June 2017

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to investigate eating disorder (ED) pathology in those living with food insecurity. A secondary aim was to investigate whether any‐reason dietary restraint, weight self‐stigma, and worry increased as level of food insecurity increased.

Method

Participants (N = 503) seeking food from food pantries completed questionnaires assessing level of food insecurity, demographics, ED pathology, dietary restraint, weight self‐stigma, and worry.

Results

Consistent with hypotheses, participants with the highest level of food insecurity (i.e., adults who reported having hungry children in their household) also endorsed significantly higher levels of binge eating, overall ED pathology, any‐reason dietary restraint, weight self‐stigma, and worry compared to participants with lower levels of food insecurity. Contrary to hypotheses, compensatory behaviors also increased as level of food insecurity worsened. Overall, 17% of those in the child hunger food insecurity group reported clinically significant ED pathology.

Discussion

This is the first study to assess the full spectrum of ED pathology in a low‐income, marginalized population with food insecurity. Given that food insecurity is a global concern, results from this study suggest that greater attention to the association between ED pathology and food insecurity is warranted by researchers around the world.
Reconciling niches and neutrality in a subalpine temperate forest
Authors: Furniss Tucker J. , Larson Andrew J. , Lutz James A.
Published: June 2017

The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity has been put forth to explain species coexistence in forests worldwide, but its assumption of species equivalence has been met with much debate. Theoretical advancements have reconciled the opposing concepts of neutral and niche theories as two ends of a continuum, improving our understanding of global patterns in diversity and community assembly. However, the relative importance of niche and neutral processes remains understudied in temperate forests. To determine the balance of niche and neutral processes in climatically limited subalpine temperate forests, we established the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot, a 13.64‐ha plot comprising 27,845 stems ≥1 cm diameter at breast height (1.37 m) representing 17 species at 3100 m elevation on the Colorado Plateau. We examined the fit of niche‐ and neutral‐based models to the species abundance distribution (SAD), and tested three underlying assumptions of neutral theory. The neutral model was a poor fit to the SAD, but we did not find the alternative model to provide a better fit. Using spatial analyses, we tested the neutral assumptions of functional equivalence, ecological equivalence, and habitat generality. Half of species analyzed were characterized by non‐neutral recruitment processes, and the two most abundant species exhibited asymmetric competitive and facilitative interactions with each other. The assumption of habitat generality was strongly contradicted, with all common species having habitat preferences. We conclude niche‐based processes play the dominant role in structuring subalpine forest communities, and we suggest possible explanations for variation in the relative importance of niche vs. neutral processes along ecological gradients.
Disturbance‐mediated facilitation by an intertidal ecosystem engineer
Authors: Wright Jeffrey T. , Gribben Paul E.
Published: June 2017

Ecosystem engineers facilitate communities by providing a structural habitat that reduces abiotic stress or predation pressure for associated species. However, disturbance may damage or move the engineer to a more stressful environment, possibly increasing the importance of facilitation for associated communities. In this study, we determined how disturbance to intertidal boulders (i.e., flipping) and the subsequent movement of a structural ecosystem engineer, the tube‐forming serpulid worm Galeolaria caespitosa, from the bottom (natural state, low abiotic stress) to the top (disturbed state, high abiotic stress) surface of boulders influenced the importance of facilitation for intertidal communities across two intertidal zones. Theory predicts stronger relative facilitation should occur in the harsher environments of the top of boulders and the high intertidal zone. To test this prediction, we experimentally positioned boulders with the serpulids either face up or face down for 12 months in low and high zones in an intertidal boulder field. There were very different communities associated with the different boulders and serpulids had the strongest facilitative effects on the more stressful top surface of boulders with approximately double the species richness compared to boulders lacking serpulids. Moreover, within the serpulid matrix itself there was also approximately double the species richness (both zones) and abundance (high zone only) of small invertebrates on the top of boulders compared to the bottom. The high relative facilitation on the top of boulders reflected a large reduction in temperature by the serpulid matrix on that surface (up to 10°C) highlighting a key role for modification of the abiotic environment in determining the community‐wide facilitation. This study has demonstrated that disturbance and subsequent movement of an ecosystem engineer to a more stressful environment increased the importance of facilitation and allowed species to persist that would otherwise be unable to survive in that environment.
Heart rate and its reduction in chronic heart failure and beyond
Authors: Nikolovska Vukadinović Aleksandra , Vukadinović Davor , Borer Jeffrey , Cowie Martin , Komajda Michel , Lainscak Mitja , Swedberg Karl , Böhm Michael
Published: June 2017

Heart rate (HR) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in all the stages of the cardiovascular continuum as well as in patients with pulmonary, cerebrovascular, and renal disease, sepsis, cancer, and erectile dysfunction. In patients with cardiovascular disease, but also in the general population, increased HR represents an important indicator of mortality with each acceleration of HR over 70 b.p.m. increasing the risk. In patients in sinus rhythm with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), a HR >70 b.p.m. increased the risk of hospitalization, and >75 b.p.m. the risk of cardiovascular death as shown in the Systolic Heart Failure Treatment with the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial (SHIFT). Reducing HR with ivabradine by 11 b.p.m. (placebo‐controlled) reduced the primary composite endpoint (cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure). Ivabradine was well tolerated showing benefit irrespective of age or diabetes status, and also in the presence of low systolic blood pressure and severe heart failure (SHIFT trial). Therefore, HR qualifies as a modifiable risk factor in heart failure. In patients with stable coronary disease, HR is a risk marker but HR reduction with ivabradine does not improve outcomes. The role of selective HR lowering remains unclear in patients with pulmonary, renal, cerebrovascular, and other diseases, as the potential benefit of interventions on HR has not been explored in these conditions. Future studies should scrutinize if HR reduction improves outcomes, defining HR as a potential risk factor and therapeutic target in other conditions beyond heart failure.
What Wanzlick Did Not Dare To Dream: Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs) as New Key Players in Transition‐Metal Chemistry
Authors: Paul Ursula S. D. , Radius Udo
Published: June 2017

The first synthesis of cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs) was reported in 2005, and since then this class of carbenes has been on a victory tour in main‐group‐element and transition‐metal chemistry. CAACs are easy to synthesize and among the most nucleophilic (σ‐donating) and simultaneously most electrophilic (π‐accepting) carbenes known to date. These properties have led to a vast number of applications of cAACs in main‐group‐element chemistry in, for example, the activation of small‐molecule compounds and enthalpically strong bonds, as well as in the stabilization of highly reactive main‐group‐element compounds. They also proved to possess outstanding ligand properties in transition‐metal chemistry in, for example, the stabilization of unusual low‐valent transition‐metal complexes, leading to enormously highly active but robust catalysts. Here a brief overview of cAAC‐ligated transition‐metal compounds, mainly in low oxidation states, with an emphasis on nickel complexes, is provided, and a personal account of some of the recent developments in the use of cAACs in coordination chemistry and catalysis is given.
Proteomics approach to identify novel metastatic bone markers from the secretome of PC‐3 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Sung EunJi , Kwon Oh Kwang , Lee Jae‐Mok , Lee Sangkyu
Published: June 2017

Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed, and the most frequent cause of worldwide male cancer‐related deaths annually. The limitations of current prostate cancer screening tests demand the identification of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer bone metastasis. In the present study, we performed a proteomic analysis of secreted proteins from the prostate cancer bone metastasis cell line, PC‐3, and the normal prostate cell line, RWPE‐1. We thus quantified 917 proteins, of which 68 were found to be secreted at higher levels by PC‐3 than by RWPE‐1 cells via LC‐MS/MS. To characterize the highly secreted proteins in the PC‐3 cell line and thereby identify biomarker proteins, we divided the quantifiable proteins into four quantitative categories (Q1–Q4). The KEGG lysine degradation and osteoclast differentiation pathways were demonstrated to be enriched in the highly secreted Q4 protein group. Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta family proteins related to osteoclast differentiation were identified as key regulators of PC‐3 cell proliferation. Immunoblotting was used to confirm the observed high level of pentraxin, follistatin, TGF‐beta family members, and serpin B3 secretion by PC‐3 cells. From the collective results of the present study, we suggest that serpin B3 is a promising novel biomarker candidate for the diagnosis of prostate cancer bone metastasis.