bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitotic phosphorylation of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) reduces its DNA binding activity
Authors: Sekiya Takeshi , Murano Kensaku , Kato Kohsuke , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagata Kyosuke
Published: December 2016

During mitosis, higher order chromatin structures are disrupted and chromosomes are condensed to achieve accurate chromosome segregation. CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed C2H2‐type zinc finger protein which is considered to be involved in epigenetic memory through regulation of higher order chromatin architecture. However, the regulatory mechanism of CTCF in mitosis is still unclear. Here we found that the DNA‐binding activity of CTCF is regulated in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner during mitosis. The linker domains of the CTCF zinc finger domain were found to be phosphorylated during mitosis. The phosphorylation of linker domains impaired the DNA‐binding activity in vitro. Mutation analyses showed that amino acid residues (Thr289, Thr317, Thr346, Thr374, Ser402, Ser461, and Thr518) located in the linker domains were phosphorylated during mitosis. Based on these results, we propose that the mitotic phosphorylation of the linker domains of CTCF is important for the dissociation of CTCF from mitotic chromatin.
Micro‐CT Finite Element Analysis of Thermal Residual Stresses and Fracture in Metal‐Ceramic Composites
Authors: Basista Michał , Węglewski Witold , Bochenek Kamil , Poniżnik Zuzanna , Nowak Zdzisław
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a simple way of using X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) in numerical modeling of material properties of metal‐ceramic composites. It shows step by step the proposed methodology with details of the finite element mesh creation, so that it can easily be reproduced by interested researchers. Two case studies are considered to show the proposed approach at work: i) determination of processing‐induced residual stresses in hot pressed Cr/Al2O3 and NiAl/Al2O3 particulate composites and ii) determination of J‐integral for an interpenetrating phase composite made of porous alumina preform infiltrated with molten copper. The method is straightforward and effective but has its limitations that are pointed out.
Molecular Engineering of Conjugated Polymers for Solar Cells: An Updated Report
Authors: Xiao Shengqiang , Zhang Qianqian , You Wei
Published: December 2016

The device efficiency of polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells has recently surpassed 11%, as a result of synergistic efforts among chemists, physicists, and engineers. Since polymers are unequivocally the “heart” of this emerging technology, their design and synthesis have consistently played the key role in the device efficiency enhancement. In this article, the first focus is a discussion on molecular engineering (e.g., backbone, side chains, and substituents), then the discussion moves on to polymer engineering (e.g., molecular weight). Examples are primarily selected from the authors contributions; yet other significant discoveries/developments are also included to put the discussion in a broader context. Given that the synthesis, morphology, and device physics are inherently related in explaining the measured device output parameters (Jsc, Voc and FF), we will attempt to apply an integrated and comprehensive approach (synthesis, morphology, and device physics) to elucidate the fundamental, underlying principles that govern the device characteristics, in particular, in the context of disclosing structure‐property correlations. Such correlations are crucial to the design and synthesis of next generation materials to further improve the device efficiency.
From Palladium to Brønsted Acid Catalysis: Highly Enantioselective Regiodivergent Addition of Alkoxyallenes to Pyrazolones
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wei Zhao , Zhang Jinlong , Yang Huameng , Xia Chungu , Jiang Gaoxi
Published: December 2016

A highly enantioselective regiodivergent addition of alkoxyallenes to pyrazolones was developed to afford multiply functionalized alkylated products bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in high yields with excellent stereoselectivities. One approach is enabled by palladium catalysis, thus leading to branched allylic pyrazol‐5‐ones under mild reaction conditions. The other is catalyzed by a chiral Brønsted acid to give linear products exclusively. Moreover, the usefulness of this new method was highlighted by converting the allylic products into other interesting multifunctionalized pyrazolone derivatives which would be of great potential for the exploitation of pharmaceutically important molecules.
Controlling Singlet–Triplet Energy Splitting for Deep‐Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Cui Lin‐Song , Nomura Hiroko , Geng Yan , Kim Jong Uk , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: December 2016

The development of efficient metal‐free organic emitters with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties for deep‐blue emission is still challenging. A new family of deep‐blue TADF emitters based on a donor–acceptor architecture has been developed. The electronic interaction between donor and acceptor plays a key role in the TADF mechanism. Deep‐blue OLEDs fabricated with these TADF emitters achieved high external quantum efficiencies over 19.2 % with CIE coordinates of (0.148, 0.098).
Rice husk‐derived porous carbon/silica particles as green filler for electronic package application
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Yu , Chen Tsung‐Yi , Kuo Wei‐Chiao , Lai Yi‐Shao , Yang Ping‐Feng , Lin Hong‐Ping
Published: December 2016

Bio‐based porous carbon/silica particles (denoted as RH‐carbon/silica) were successfully prepared from agricultural waste rice husk by using acid‐hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis under nitrogen condition. As green filler, the cure behavior, thermal‐mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of the epoxy‐carbon/silica biocomposites at different filler contents (5, 9, 17, 29 wt %) were characterized. Because of superior surface properties (surface area, porosity, and silica segment) and high content of carbon component in the RH‐carbon/silica, the characteristics of the biocomposites were significantly improved with the increase of the filler content. At 29 wt % of filler content, the epoxy biocomposites exhibit lower curing temperature (148 °C), lower CTE (42 ppm/°C), higher Tg (123 °C), higher storage modulus (4059 MPa), and higher effective thermal conductivity (0.29 W/mK). In brief, the RH‐carbon/silica particles that can serve not only as reinforcing agent but also as thermal transport medium used in epoxy composite, is a green and high‐performance filler for this purpose. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44699.
Natural sunlight ageing of control and sterilized poly(ethylene terephthalate): Two‐dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopic investigation
Authors: Al Lafi Abdul G. , Abboudi Maher , Aljoumaa Khaled
Published: December 2016

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and two‐dimensional correlation (2D‐COS) spectroscopies were utilized to probe the structural changes occurring upon sunlight ageing up to 6 months in air atmosphere of both control and sterilized poly(ethylene terephthalate), (PET) bottles.Two dominant reactions were found; namely oxidation of the carbonyl groups and trans to gauche transformation of the ethylene glycole units. Oxidation manifested itself by the progressive development of a distinct band at 1690 cm−1assigned to the antisymmetric stretching of the carbonyl band in an aromatic carboxylic acid. Sterilizing the bottles by E‐beam or Gamma rays prior to ageing reduced the correlation intensity of the band at 1690 cm−1, and led to the presence of higher molecular weight compounds such as terephthalic acid in stored water. The infrared spectroscopy combined with 2D‐COS provides a powerful tool to investigate chemical and stero‐chemical modification of polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44736.
Hydrophobic‐hydrophilic surface switching properties of nonchain extended poly(urethane)s for use in agriculture to minimize soil water evaporation and permit water infiltration
Authors: Johnston Priscilla , Freischmidt George , Easton Christopher D. , Greaves Mark , Casey Phillip S. , Bristow Keith L. , Gunatillake Pathiraja A. , Adhikari Raju
Published: December 2016

Preformed plastic films produced from nondegradable materials such as poly(ethylene) are widely used in agriculture to enhance crop production by modifying soil temperature, conserving soil water, and supressing weeds, but are generally removed and disposed of after each growing season. We aim to circumvent the need to retrieve and dispose of plastic films by using water‐borne, degradable polymers that can be sprayed directly onto the soil surface to form a barrier to reduce soil water evaporation. We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of nonchain extended poly(urethane)s (PUs) for this purpose, that were prepared from poly(dimethylsiloxane) (928.3 g mol−1) and poly(ethylene glycol) (1020 g mol−1). These new materials undergo hydrophobic‐hydrophilic switching of their surface properties when in contact with water, which we exploit as a means of minimizing water evaporation from soil when the polymer layer is dry (e.g., in sunny conditions), but permitting the infiltration of liquid water through the treatment into soil during rainfall or sprinkler irrigation. The surface wettability and restructuring phenomena leading to these fascinating properties are intensively investigated using water contact angle measurements, surface‐free energy estimates and depth profiling X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Laboratory pot trials demonstrate that soil water evaporation reduced by more than 70% when soil was treated with a low loading of the polymer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44756.
Risk stratification of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma using immunophenotyping
Authors: Kagdi Huseini H. , Demontis Maria A. , Fields Paul A. , Ramos Juan Carlos , Bangham Charles R. M. , Taylor Graham P.
Published: December 2016

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), a human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated disease, has a highly variable clinical course and four subtypes with therapeutic and prognostic implications. However, there are overlapping features between ATL subtypes and between ATL and nonmalignant (non‐ATL) HTLV‐1 infection complicating diagnosis and prognostication. To further refine the diagnosis and prognosis of ATL, we characterized the immunophenotype of HTLV‐1‐infected cells in ATL and non‐ATL. A retrospective study of peripheral blood samples from 10 HTLV‐1‐uninfected subjects (UI), 54 HTLV‐1‐infected patients with non‐ATL, and 22 with ATL was performed using flow cytometry. All patients with ATL had CD4+ CCR4+ CD26− immunophenotype and the frequency of CD4+ CCR4+ CD26− T cells correlated highly significantly with the proviral load in non‐ATL suggesting CD4+ CCR4+ CD26− as a marker of HTLV‐1‐infected cells. Further immunophenotyping of CD4+ CCR4+  CD26− cells revealed that 95% patients with ATL had a CD7− (≤30% CD7+ cells), whereas 95% HTLV+ non‐ATL had CD7+ (>30% CD7+ cells) immunophenotype. All patients with aggressive ATL had a CCR7+ (≥30%), whereas 92% with indolent ATL and 100% non‐ATL had a CCR7− (<30%) immunophenotype. Patients with nonprogressing indolent ATL were CD127+ but those with progressive lymphocytosis requiring systemic therapy had a CD127− (≤30%) immunophenotype. In summary, HTLV‐1‐infected cells have a CD4+ CCR4+ CD26− immunophenotype. Within this population, CD7− phenotype suggests a diagnosis of ATL, CCR7+ phenotype identifies aggressive ATL, while CCR7− CD127− phenotype identifies progressive indolent ATL.
β‐carotene treatment alters the cellular death process in oxidative stress‐induced K562 cells
Authors: Akçakaya Handan , Tok Sabiha , Dal Fulya , Cinar Suzan Adin , Nurten Rustem
Published: December 2016

Oxidizing agents (e.g., H2O2) cause structural and functional disruptions of molecules by affecting lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. As a result, cellular mechanisms related to disrupted macro molecules are affected and cell death is induced. Oxidative damage can be prevented at a certain point by antioxidants or the damage can be reversed. In this work, we studied the cellular response against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and antioxidant–oxidant (β‐carotene–H2O2) interactions in terms of time, concentration, and treatment method (pre‐, co‐, and post) in K562 cells. We showed that co‐ or post‐treatment with β‐carotene did not protect cells from the damage of oxidative stress furthermore co‐ and post‐β‐carotene‐treated oxidative stress induced cells showed similar results with only H2O2 treated cells. However, β‐carotene pre‐treatment prevented oxidative damage induced by H2O2 at concentrations lower than 1,000 μM compared with only H2O2‐treated and co‐ and post‐β‐carotene‐treated oxidative stress‐induced cells in terms of studied cellular parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential [Δψm], cell cycle and apoptosis). Prevention effect of β‐carotene pre‐treatment was lost at concentrations higher than 1,000 μM H2O2 (2–10 mM). These findings suggest that β‐carotene pre‐treatment alters the effects of oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and cell death processes in K562 cells.
Supported Gold Nanoparticles as Reusable Catalysts for Oxidation Reactions of Industrial Significance
Authors: Dias Ribeiro de Sousa Martins Luísa Margarida , Carabineiro Sónia Alexandra Correia , Wang Jiawei , Rocha Bruno Gonçalo Martins , Maldonado‐Hódar Francisco José , Latourrette de Oliveira Pombeiro Armando José
Published: December 2016

The efficient single‐pot oxidative functionalisation of alkanes and alcohols under mild conditions was catalysed by Au nanoparticles supported on Al2O3, Fe2O3, ZnO and TiO2. The obtained materials were tested for cyclohexane oxidation under mild conditions (60 °C, atmospheric pressure) using an environmentally friendly oxidant (H2O2). The materials were also tested in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and methylbenzyl alcohol in the presence of tert‐butylhydroperoxide as the oxidant under microwave irradiation. With regard to cyclohexane oxidation, all materials were highly selective towards the formation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. No traces of byproducts were detected under the optimised conditions. Au on Fe2O3 led to the best results (13.5 % yield). This system showed an interesting almost exclusive formation of cyclohexanol at 4 h reaction time. Catalyst recycling was tested in up to five cycles, and the catalyst maintained almost the original level of activity after three cycles with no significant leaching. With regard to oxidation of benzyl alcohol and methylbenzyl alcohol, all materials were highly selective towards the formation of benzaldehyde or acetophenone, respectively. No traces of byproducts were detected. Addition of Au increased alcohol conversion from 5 (TiO2) to 91 % (Au/TiO2). The recycling of Au/TiO2 was tested in up to 10 cycles, and the catalytic activity remained high in the first four cycles.
Iridium−Rhodium Nanoparticles for Ammonia Oxidation: Electrochemical and Fuel Cell Studies
Authors: Silva Júlio César M. , Assumpção Mônica H. M. T. , Hammer Peter , Neto Almir O. , Spinacé Estevam V. , Baranova Elena A.
Published: December 2016

This study reports the use of carbon‐supported IrRh/C electrocatalysts with different iridium‐to‐rhodium atomic ratios (0 : 100, 50 : 50, 70 : 30, 90 : 10, and 100 : 0) for ammonia electro‐oxidation (AmER) in alkaline media. The materials prepared by using the sodium borohydride method showed a mean diameter of 4.5, 4.8, 4.2, and 4.5 nm for Ir/C, Ir90Rh10/C, Ir70Rh30/C, and Ir50Rh50/C, respectively. According to electrochemical and fuel cell experiments, the Ir50Rh50/C catalyst was the most promising towards AmER. This catalyst, which consisted predominantly of the metallic Ir/Rh phases, showed a 500 % higher current density and 55 % higher maximum power than that obtained for Ir/C. After 8 h galvanostatic electrolysis, 93 % of initial ammonia was degraded when using Ir50Rh50/C, whereas it was only 70 % with Ir/C. The high activity of the Ir50Rh50/C is attributed to a synergic effect of two metals at this iridium‐to‐rhodium ratio, which enhances the kinetics of AmER contributing towards ammonia dehydrogenation at lower potentials.
Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets from Eco‐Friendly Eucalyptus Leaves as High Performance Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors and Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Mondal Anjon Kumar , Kretschmer Katja , Zhao Yufei , Liu Hao , Wang Chengyin , Sun Bing , Wang Guoxiu
Published: December 2016

Nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets were prepared from eucalyptus tree leaves by simply mixing the leaf powders with KHCO3 and subsequent carbonisation. Porous carbon nanosheets with a high specific surface area of 2133 m2 g−1 were obtained and applied as electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries. For supercapacitor applications, the porous carbon nanosheet electrode exhibited a supercapacitance of 372 F g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1 in 1 m H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte and excellent cycling stability over 15 000 cycles. In organic electrolyte, the nanosheet electrode showed a specific capacitance of 71 F g−1 at a current density of 2 Ag−1 and stable cycling performance. When applied as the anode material for lithium ion batteries, the as‐prepared porous carbon nanosheets also demonstrated a high specific capacity of 819 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1, good rate capability, and stable cycling performance. The outstanding electrochemical performances for both supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries are derived from the large specific surface area, porous nanosheet structure and nitrogen doping effects. The strategy developed in this paper provides a novel route to utilise biomass‐derived materials for low‐cost energy storage systems.
Synthesis of a Double‐Network Supramolecular Hydrogel by Having One Network Catalyse the Formation of the Second
Authors: Singh Nishant , Maity Chandan , Zhang Kai , Angulo‐Pachón César A. , van Esch Jan H. , Eelkema Rienk , Escuder Beatriu
Published: December 2016

Self‐assembly of biomolecules catalytically controls the formation of natural supramolecular structures, giving highly ordered complex materials. Such desirable hybrid systems are very difficult to design and construct synthetically. A hybrid double‐network hydrogel with a maximum storage modulus (G′max) of up to 55 kPa can be synthesized by using a self‐assembled hydrogel that catalyses the formation of another kinetically arrested hydrogel network. Tuning of the catalytic efficiency of the first network allowed spatiotemporal control over the evolution of the second network and the resulting mechanical properties. The distribution of active catalytic sites was optimal for catalytic fibres prepared at the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) to give the double‐network hydrogel with highest storage modulus. This approach could be very useful in preparing complex hierarchical structures with tailor‐made properties.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Oxetanes Bearing All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters via Iridium‐Catalyzed C−C Bond‐Forming Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Guo Yi‐An , Lee Wonchul , Krische Michael J.
Published: December 2016

Oxetanes bearing all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters are readily prepared through the iridium‐catalyzed anti‐diastereo‐ and enantioselective C−C coupling of primary alcohols and isoprene oxide. Based on this methodology, an oxetane containing analogue of haloperidol was prepared. A related azetidine formation is also described.
Removal of Recalcitrant Organic Compounds From an Industrial Complex Effluent by Heterogeneous Fenton‐Type Treatment
Authors: Covinich Laura , Felissia Fernando , Fenoglio Rosa , Area María C.
Published: December 2016

Because of their chemical complexity, industrial chemi‐mechanical pulping effluents are evaporated and burned, in spite of the high associated cost involved in these processes. The aim of this study was to remove recalcitrant compounds from this kind of wastewater using a Fenton‐type treatment. The main parameters involved in the process and their influence on the results were determined. Homemade catalysts based on CuO, Fe2O3, NiO, and ZnO, supported on γ‐Al2O3 have been tested for catalytic oxidation, and the CuO/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts showed the greatest effect on total organic carbon (TOC) reduction (52.7%). A series of two‐level factorial experiments was subsequently applied to evaluate the most favorable range of conditions for CuO/γ‐Al2O3 application. The studied variables were hydrogen peroxide concentration ([H2O2], g/L), active phase content (metal oxide supported on alumina,%), mass of catalyst (metal oxide/alumina system, g), and reaction temperature (°C). The highest reduction of all parameters was obtained at the superior level of all variables with CuO/γ‐Al2O3, achieving reductions of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and TOC between 40 and 50%. Increasing catalyst mass did not produce additional benefit. This variable has a significant effect only on the reduction of aromatic compounds. At its low level, reduction in aromatic content exceeded 80%. Color reduction was influenced only by temperature (maximum reduction of 90%).
Degradation of Octocrylene Using Combined Ozonation and Electrolysis Process: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wu Donghai , Zhang Ran , Lu Guanghua , Lin Qiuhong , Liu Fuli , Li Yi
Published: December 2016

This work investigated the use of combined ozonation and electrolysis (ozone‐electrolysis) process for octocrylene (OC) removal from aqueous solution. Degradation kinetics and mechanism were investigated, and the operational parameters were optimized employing response surface methodology (RSM). Compared to sole ozonation or electrolysis, the combined ozone‐electrolysis tests yield synergistic degradation of OC (e.g., 95.1% removal within 10 min) and reduced the energy consumption (e.g., for 90% OC removal, energy requirement was reduced by 29–40%), which may be due to the enhanced production of hydroxyl radicals. The RSM analysis indicated that appropriate increase in the inlet ozone concentration (10–30 mg/L) and initial solution pH (4–10) could enhance the treatment efficiency, while the effect of current density (5–35 mA/cm2) at the cathode was complex. The optimum parameters were determined as the inlet ozone concentration of 26.1 mg/L, cathodic current density of 26.4 mA/cm2, and initial pH of 10. Under these conditions, 87.2% OC removal was experimentally obtained at 5 min treatment, which fitted the model prediction well. These observations suggest that the ozone‐electrolysis process is efficient for OC degradation in aqueous solution, and RSM is suitable for process optimization.
Optimal Removal of Heavy Metals From Leachate Contaminated Soil Using Bioaugmentation Process
Authors: Emenike Chijioke U. , Liew Winney , Fahmi Mohd G. , Jalil Kamilah N. , Pariathamby Agamuthu , Hamid Fauziah S.
Published: December 2016

Bioremediation of soil contaminated with metals from leachate is a complex process because it requires understanding the microbial interaction common to such contaminated environment. Therefore, this study tried to enhance the reduction of some extractable metals such as Pb, Cu, and Al through bioaugmentation with inocula of bacterial species isolated from leachate‐contaminated soil. Assessment of metal concentrations in the soil was carried out through characterization (US EPA 3050B test method). Furthermore, the persistent microbes were isolated from the contaminated soil before mixing the microbial culture in terms of combinations and concentration (1.3 ABS at 600 nm). The inoculum obtained was dispensed into the induced leachate‐contaminated garden soil (10% v/w). A combination of all the isolated microbes recorded less efficiency, unlike the selective use of only three bacterial species (Lysinibacillus sp., Bacillus sp., and Rhodococcus sp.) which gave better metal removal efficiency to a significant level (p < 0.05); extractable Pb, Al, and Cu were reduced by 71, 72, and 86%, respectively. This indicates that just amending the concentrations of microbes do not give the optimal remediation potential of the microbes, rather selection is very important. Lysinibacillus sp., Bacillus sp., and Rhodococcus sp. were the only isolated Gram‐positive bacteria that possibly influenced the metal removal efficiency when blended together as the bioaugmentation agent. The bioaugmentation process enhanced the reduction in concentrations of the heavy metals within the contaminated soil.
From Folding to Function: Design of a New Switchable Biosurfactant Protein
Authors: Zhao Chun‐Xia , Dwyer Mirjana Dimitrijev , Yu Lei , Middelberg Anton P. J.
Published: December 2016

A new anionic biosurfactant protein (SP16) capable of tuning foaming behaviour by pH or salt has been designed. This biosurfactant exhibits unique foaming behaviour with high sensitivity to pH. A good level of foaming was observed at pH 2 but not at pH 3. A further increase by one pH unit to pH 4 restored good foaming. At pH 5–8, SP16 again showed low foaming propensity, whereas the presence of salt (NaCl) was able to restore foaming again. Interfacial tension and circular dichroism investigations revealed the foaming control mechanism. The high negative charge (−16.6) at pH 6 and above restricted the ability of SP16 to fold into an α‐helical conformation and also restricted surface activity. For pH 5 (−13.6), even though SP16 folds in bulk to give α‐helical structure, the high charge inhibited adsorption at the air–water interface, resulting in a significant lag time of about 150–200 sec to achieve a decrease in interfacial tension. In contrast to its low foaming behaviour at pH 5–8, the presence of salt (NaCl) was found to effectively screen negative charge, thus leading to its folding and a decrease of interfacial tension. This new design offers a new strategy to control foaming behaviour, and elaborates a clear link between charge, structure and interfacial activity for biosurfactants.
A Complementary Aggregation Induced Emission Pair for Generating White Light and Four‐Colour (RGB and Near‐IR) Cell Imaging
Authors: Sarkar Samir Kumar , Mukherjee Sanjoy , Garai Aditya , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: December 2016

A straightforward strategy for the generation of white‐light emission in aqueous media is reported. Using a blue‐emissive AIE‐active (aggregation‐induced emission) 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based sensitizer and a boron‐dipyrromethene‐based red emitter as a dopant, water‐dispersible nanostructures with tuneable emission features are produced. The white‐light emissive (WL) nanoaggregates are stable at neutral pH and have been elegantly utilised for four‐colour cell imaging (including nearinfrared imaging).
Metallosalen‐Based Ionic Porous Polymers as Bifunctional Catalysts for the Conversion of CO2 into Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Luo Rongchang , Chen Yaju , He Qian , Lin Xiaowei , Xu Qihang , He Xiaohui , Zhang Wuying , Zhou Xiantai , Ji Hongbing
Published: December 2016

A series of new metallosalen‐based ionic porous organic polymers (POPs) were synthesized for the first time using a simple unique strategy based on the free‐radical copolymerization reaction. Various techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of these catalysts. These well‐designed materials endowed high surface area, hierarchical porous structures, and enhanced CO2/N2 adsorptive selectivity. Moreover, these POPs having both metal centers (Lewis acid) and ionic units (nucleophile) could serve as bifunctional catalysts in the catalytic conversion of CO2 into high value‐added chemicals without any additional co‐catalyst under mild and solvent‐free conditions, for example, CO2/epoxides cycloaddition and Nformylation of amines from CO2 and hydrosilanes. The results demonstrated that the irregular porous structure was very favorable for the diffusion of substrates and products, and the microporous structural property resulted in the enrichment of CO2 near the catalytic centers in the CO2‐involved transformations. Additionally, the superhydrophobic property could not only enhance the chemoselectivity of products but also promote the stability and recyclability of catalysts.
Detection and in vitro metabolism of the confiscated peptides BPC 157 and MGF R23H
Authors: Cox Holly D. , Miller Geoff D. , Eichner Daniel
Published: December 2016

A new peptide, body protecting compound (BPC), BPC 157, and a variant of mechano‐growth factor (MGF), MGF R23H, were identified in confiscated vials. BPC 157 has the amino acid sequence, GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, and is currently under investigation for the promotion of healing and recovery in a variety of tissues. In vitro metabolism experiments in plasma demonstrate that MGF R23H has good stability and should be detectable in urine, while BPC 157 forms a stable metabolite that should be detectable in urine. A weak cation exchange solid phase extraction method was validated for detection of BPC 157 in urine. The method has a limit of detection of 0.1 ng/mL, precision of less than 20%, and good linearity, r2 0.998. BPC 157 was stable in urine for at least 4 days. The specificity of the method is improved by measurement of a potential BPC metabolite along with the parent peptide. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric deposition exposes Qinling pandas to toxic pollutants
Authors: Chen Yi‐ping , Zheng Ying‐juan , Liu Qiang , Song Yi , An Zhi‐sheng , Ma Qing‐yi , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: December 2016

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered animals in the world, and it is recognized worldwide as a symbol for conservation. A previous study showed that wild and captive pandas, especially those of the Qinling subspecies, were exposed to toxicants in their diet of bamboo; the ultimate origin of these toxicants is unknown. Here we show that atmospheric deposition is the most likely origin of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the diets of captive and wild Qinling pandas. Average atmospheric deposition was 199, 115, and 49 g·m−2·yr−1 in the center of Xi'an City, at China's Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center (SWARC), and at Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR), respectively. Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ni) and POPs was highest at Xi'an City, intermediate at SWARC, and lowest at FNNR. Soil concentrations of the aforementioned heavy metals other than As and Zn also were significantly higher at SWARC than at FNNR. Efforts to conserve Qinling pandas may be compromised by air pollution attendant to China's economic development. Improvement of air quality and reductions of toxic emissions are urgently required to protect China's iconic species.
Incorporating larval dispersal intoMPAdesign for both conservation and fisheries
Authors: Krueck Nils C. , Ahmadia Gabby N. , Green Alison , Jones Geoffrey P. , Possingham Hugh P. , Riginos Cynthia , Treml Eric A. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: December 2016

Larval dispersal by ocean currents is a critical component of systematic marine protected area (MPA) design. However, there is a lack of quantitative methods to incorporate larval dispersal in support of increasingly diverse management objectives, including local population persistence under multiple types of threats (primarily focused on larval retention within and dispersal between protected locations) and benefits to unprotected populations and fisheries (primarily focused on larval export from protected locations to fishing grounds). Here, we present a flexibleMPAdesign approach that can reconcile multiple such potentially conflicting management objectives by balancing various associated treatments of larval dispersal information. We demonstrate our approach based on alternative dispersal patterns, combinations of threats to populations, management objectives, and two different optimization strategies (site vs. network‐based). Our outcomes highlight a consistently high effectiveness in selecting priority locations that are self‐replenishing, inter‐connected, and/or important larval sources. We find that the opportunity to balance these three dispersal attributes flexibly can help not only to prevent meta‐population collapse, but also to ensure effective fisheries recovery, with average increases in the number of recruits at fishing grounds at least two times higher than achieved by standard habitat‐based or ad‐hocMPAdesigns. Future applications of ourMPAdesign approach should therefore be encouraged, specifically where management tools other thanMPAs are not feasible.
Prevalence of binge and loss of control eating among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity: An exploratory meta‐analysis
Authors: He Jinbo , Cai Zhihui , Fan Xitao
Published: December 2016

Objective

Due to the inconsistency of the research findings in the current literature, the prevalence of binge and loss of control (LOC) eating among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity remains unclear. By using the meta‐analytic approach, this article aimed at exploring the prevalence of binge/LOC eating among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, and at identifying potential moderators, which may have contributed to the heterogeneity of the existing research findings.

Method

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) were searched. The search period covered the research literature up to April 2016. A random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to estimate the overall prevalence. Weighted random‐effects model ANOVAs and univariate random‐effects meta‐regression were applied for the analysis of categorical moderators and continuous moderators, respectively.

Results

Thirty‐six studies were identified. The overall prevalence of binge/LOC eating was estimated to be 26.3% (95% CI: 23.1–29.7%), with 22.2% (95% CI: 18.6–26.3%) and 31.2% (95% CI: 26.1–36.9%) for binge eating and LOC eating, respectively. Treatment status, binge eating vs. LOC eating and assessment methods appeared to be associated with the inconsistencies of the prevalence rates across the studies.

Discussion

The findings of this meta‐analysis indicated that binge/LOC eating was prevalent among more than one quarter of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Considering the close relationship between disordered eating behaviors and obesity, future research concerning overweight and obesity among children and adolescents needs to take binge/LOC eating into consideration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:91–103)
Invasive plant alters community and ecosystem dynamics by promoting native predators
Authors: Smith‐Ramesh Lauren M.
Published: December 2016

Placing invasion in a more complete food web context expands our understanding of species invasions to reflect the inherent complexity of ecological networks. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) has traditionally been predicted to dominate native communities through mechanisms embodied in popular hypotheses such as direct plant–plant interactions (allelopathy) and plant–herbivore interactions (enemy escape). However, garlic mustard also interacts directly with native predators by providing habitat for web‐building spiders, which colonize the dry fruit structures (siliques) that garlic mustard leaves behind after it senesces. This interaction may lead to altered food web structure, resulting previously unexamined invasion consequences. This idea was tested in a field experiment including three treatments in which garlic mustard siliques were left intact (S+), removed (S−), or native species dominated and garlic mustard was absent (N). When siliques were intact, estimated insect abundance was locally reduced in invaded plots compared to native plots, but this relationship disappeared when siliques were removed. Phosphorus availability and the growth of one native plant species were both elevated in invaded plots where siliques were intact compared to plots where siliques were removed. Results indicate that garlic mustard's close association with web‐building spiders initiates cascading invader impacts on the native community and ecosystem properties. This work supports recent theory suggesting that taking a broader food web perspective may help predict invasion impacts in different environmental contexts.
Benchmarking Uranyl Peroxide Capsule Chemistry in Organic Media
Authors: Neal Harrison A. , Szymanowski Jennifer , Fein Jeremy B. , Burns Peter C. , Nyman May
Published: December 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is research led by May Nyman at Oregon State University in collaboration with scientists at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. The cover image depicts the transfer of uranyl peroxide clusters from an aqueous phase to an organic phase in a nuclear power plant cooling tower, showing how the fundamental science of actinides is related to the industrial nuclear fuel cycle.
Simulating clinical trials with and without intracranial EEG data
Authors: Goldenholz Daniel M. , Tharayil Joseph J. , Kuzniecky Rubin , Karoly Philippa , Theodore William H. , Cook Mark J.
Published: December 2016

Objective

It is currently unknown whether knowledge of clinically silent (electrographic) seizures improves the statistical efficiency of clinical trials.

Methods

Using data obtained from 10 patients with chronically implanted subdural electrodes over an average of 1 year, a Monte Carlo bootstrapping simulation study was performed to estimate the statistical power of running a clinical trial based on (1) patient‐reported seizures with intracranial electroencephalogram (icEEG) confirmation, (2) all patient‐reported events, or (3) all icEEG‐confirmed seizures. A “drug” was modeled as having 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% efficacy in 1,000 simulated trials each. Outcomes were represented as percentage of trials that achieved p < 0.05 using Fisher's exact test for 50% responder rates (RR50) and the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for median percentage change (MPC).

Results

At each simulated drug strength, the MPC method showed higher power than RR50. As drug strength increased, statistical power increased. For all cases except RR50 with drug of 10% efficacy, using patient‐reported events (with or without icEEG confirmation) was not as statistically powerful as using all available intracranially confirmed seizures (p < 0.001).

Significance

With simulation, this study demonstrates that additional accuracy in seizure detection using chronically implanted icEEG improves statistical power of clinical trials. Newer invasive and noninvasive seizure detection devices may have the potential to provide greater statistical efficiency, accelerate drug discovery, and lower trial costs.
Developmental effects of the industrial cooling water additives morpholine and sodium hypochlorite on lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)
Authors: Thome Christopher , Mitz Charlotte , Sreetharan Shayenthiran , Mitz Charles , Somers Christopher M. , Manzon Richard G. , Boreham Douglas R. , Wilson Joanna Y.
Published: December 2016

Chemicals used in the prevention of corrosion and biofouling may be released into the environment via industrial cooling water discharges. The authors assessed the impacts of 2 commonly used chemicals, morpholine and sodium hypochlorite, on development in lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). Embryos were exposed chronically, beginning at fertilization or at the eyed stage. Acute 96-h exposures were also examined at 4 development stages. Chronic morpholine resulted in median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of 219 ± 54 mg/L when exposure began at fertilization and 674 ± 12 mg/L when exposure began at the eyed stage, suggesting that embryos are more sensitive earlier in development. Chronic morpholine exposure advanced hatching by up to 30%, and the early hatching embryos were up to 10% smaller in body length. A decrease in yolk conversion efficiency was also observed in embryos exposed to chronic morpholine concentrations of 1000 mg/L. The majority of effects from morpholine exposure manifested near hatch, possibly reflecting changes in chorion permeability at the end of embryonic development. Sodium hypochlorite only impacted survival with chronic exposure from fertilization, where the total residual chlorine LC50 was 0.52 ± 0.11 mg/L. Acute exposures to both chemicals had minimal effects up to the highest tested concentrations. Overall, the results suggest that the risk during development from exposure to morpholine and sodium hypochlorite is low under normal operating conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1955–1965. © 2016 SETAC
Assessing hydrogeologic controls on dynamic groundwater storage using long‐term instrumental records of water table levels
Authors: Boutt David F.
Published: December 2016

This study analyzes a long‐term regional compilation of water table response to climate variability based on 124 long‐term groundwater wells distributed across New England, USA, screened in a variety of geologic materials. The New England region of the USA is located in a humid‐temperature climate underlain by low‐storage‐fractured metamorphic and crystalline bedrock dissected by north–south trending valleys filled with glacial and post‐glacial valley fill sediments. Uplands are covered by thin glacial till that comprises more than 60% of the total area. Annual and multi‐annual responses of the water table to climate variability are assessed to understand how local hydraulic properties and hydrogeologic setting (located in recharge/discharge region) of the aquifer influence the hydrologic sensitivity of the aquifer system to climate variability. This study documents that upland aquifer systems dominated by thin deposits of surface till comprise ~70% of the active and dynamic storage of the region. Total aquifer storage changes of +5 to −7 km3 occur over the region during the study interval. The storage response is dominated by thin and low permeability surficial till aquifer that fills and drains on a multi‐annual basis and serves as the main mechanism to deliver water to valley fill aquifers and underlying bedrock aquifers. Whereas the till aquifer system is traditionally neglected as an important storage reservoir, this study highlights the importance of a process‐based understanding of how different landscape hydrogeologic units contribute to the overall hydrologic response of a region.
Primary cutaneous melanoma of the scalp: Patterns of recurrence
Authors: Sparks David S. , Read Tavis , Lonne Michael , Barbour Andrew P. , Wagels Michael , Bayley Gerard J. , Smithers B. Mark
Published: December 2016

INTRODUCTION

Patients with primary melanoma of the scalp have been reported to have worse disease‐related outcomes compared with other anatomical regions. There are few studies in the literature specifically addressing recurrence patterns and treatment outcomes for primary scalp melanoma as a discrete anatomical sub‐region. We sought to identify key features adversely influencing disease control and survival and to clarify the role of resection plane, margin, and method of reconstruction in the management of this disease process.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical study of medical records was performed evaluating all patients with primary melanoma of the scalp treated at two hospitals in southeast Queensland between 2004 and 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were eligible for analysis. There were 46 recurrences in 38 patients in the cohort accounting for a recurrence rate of 35.5%. The local recurrence rate was 15.9% with 12 in‐transit metastases after diagnosis. Regional and distant recurrence rates were 12.1% and 15%, respectively. At a median follow up of 30.5 months, disease‐free survival was 47% and overall survival was also 47%. On multi‐variate analysis, the deeper resection plane (sub‐galeal) had a lower disease‐free survival rate compared with the supra‐galeal resection plane (P = 0.032).

DISCUSSION

Our results support the hypothesis that primary scalp melanoma represents a unique aggressive subcategory with high rates of in‐transit disease and poor disease‐related and survival outcomes. There is a need for robust prospective comparative studies to address the significance of resection plane in the management of patients with scalp melanoma.
No scholar is an island: The impact of sharing in the work life of scholars
Authors: Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie , Christian Lisa , Anderson Robert , Ali‐Saleh Suzan , Nicholas Dave , Watkinson Anthony , Woodward Hazel
Published: December 2016

The sharing of scholarly articles is an intrinsic and often ignored facet of the value and mission of scholarship. It is so entwined in the daily work life of scholars that it has almost become second nature, an integral part of the research process itself. This article addresses this often overlooked area of research in usage studies. In an international survey of 1,000 published scholars, the Beyond Downloads project examined their sharing behaviours in order to gain a more contextualized and accurate picture of their usage beyond download patterns and citation counts. Scholars share published articles with others as a mode of content discovery and dissemination, particularly if they work in groups, and most expect to increase their sharing in the future. While their methods of sharing articles may change, and their reasons for sharing may vary from self‐promotion to the more altruistic motives of scientific progress, they desire to share the final published versions of articles with their colleagues.
A computer‐aided diagnostic system for detecting diabetic retinopathy in optical coherence tomography images
Authors: ElTanboly Ahmed , Ismail Marwa , Shalaby Ahmed , Switala Andy , El‐Baz Ayman , Schaal Shlomit , Gimel’farb Georgy , El‐Azab Magdi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Detection (diagnosis) of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images for patients with type 2 diabetes, but almost clinically normal retina appearances.

Methods

The proposed computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) system detects the DR in three steps: (a) localizing and segmenting 12 distinct retinal layers on the OCT image; (b) deriving features of the segmented layers, and (c) learning most discriminative features and classifying each subject as normal or diabetic. To localise and segment the retinal layers, signals (intensities) of the OCT image are described with a joint Markov‐Gibbs random field (MGRF) model of intensities and shape descriptors. Each segmented layer is characterized with cumulative probability distribution functions (CDF) of its locally extracted features, such as reflectivity, curvature, and thickness. A multistage deep fusion classification network (DFCN) with a stack of non‐negativity‐constrained autoencoders (NCAE) is trained to select the most discriminative retinal layers’ features and use their CDFs for detecting the DR. A training atlas was built using the OCT scans for 12 normal subjects and their maps of layers hand‐drawn by retina experts.

Results

Preliminary experiments on 52 clinical OCT scans (26 normal and 26 with early‐stage DR, balanced between 40–79 yr old males and females; 40 training and 12 test subjects) gave the DR detection accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 92%; 83%, and 100%, respectively. The 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity have been obtained in the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation test for all the 52 subjects.

Conclusion

Both the quantitative and visual assessments confirmed the high accuracy of the proposed computer‐assisted diagnostic system for early DR detection using the OCT retinal images.