bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tired of innovations? Learned helplessness and fatigue in the context of continuous streams of innovation implementation
Authors: Chung Goo Hyeok , Choi Jin Nam , Du Jing
Published: April 2017

The business environment faced by contemporary organizations is highly uncertain and constantly changing. Thus, organizations have adopted and implemented a continuous stream of innovations to achieve sustainable growth and survival. Considering the demand for additional resources to implement innovations, the present study explores organizational conditions that may lead to innovation‐targeted burnout and fatigue among employees, which impede their active participation in a subsequent innovation. To this end, we propose a theoretical framework that elucidates the effects of previous innovations on the subsequent implementation behavior of employees. We identify two dimensions of the cognitive appraisal of previous innovations (i.e., intensity and failure) that shape employees' beliefs regarding innovations, such as innovation‐targeted helplessness, which ultimately results in innovation fatigue. Data collected from 84 managers and 397 employees of Chinese and Korean organizations prove the significant role of employee perceptions of previous innovations in shaping the innovation‐targeted helplessness and fatigue of employees, which ultimately affect employee behavior toward a subsequent innovation. The present conceptual and empirical analyses suggest that given continuous streams of innovation implementation, managers should carefully consider employee's perceptions of previous innovations (i.e., intensity and failure) for successful implementation of a subsequent innovation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting it right: Solving the decision‐making conundrum
Authors: Rieley James B.
Published: April 2017

Each day, the leaders of private businesses, nonprofit institutions, and government agencies must make decisions, both simple and complex, that can determine the future of their organization. The most effective decision‐making is based on a logical argument derived from a careful examination of available information. A three‐step process that identifies the variables to be assessed and culminates with the construction of a causal loop diagram offers an illuminating framework for both examining and testing the key relationships between each variable. As shown when applied to a decision‐making scenario regarding tourism to Spain's Balearic Islands, this process offers the possibility of uncovering any unintended and potential devastating consequences before key decisions are implemented. Thus, this technique can save enterprises of any size and in any sector from wasting time, money, and other valuable resources.
Living labs as service providers: From proliferation to coordination
Authors: Grotenhuis Frits D. J.
Published: April 2017

The last 15 years have seen the development of hundreds of living lab facilities—user‐centered, open‐innovation ecosystems, often in public‐private partnership, that integrate research and cutting‐edge processes. Despite the opportunities for transformation that these labs offer, some remain underutilized. To fully exploit their potential, better coordination between these facilities and the organizations that they serve is needed. The experiences of various living labs, particularly The Information and Communications Technology for Brain, Body & Behavior network in Wageningen, The Netherlands, highlight how a living lab can facilitate the provision of a wide array of services, ranging from new R&D projects to joint business development. Ultimately, coordination and collaboration are essential to the sustainability of these valuable organizational resources.
SERS detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in a temperature‐responsive sandwich‐hybridization assay
Authors: Zengin Adem , Tamer Ugur , Caykara Tuncer
Published: April 2017

In this study, we report the design of a DNA sensor for the detection of a DNA sequence representative of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) based on a sandwich assay and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurement. The temperature‐responsive hybrid silicon substrate was first prepared via immobilization of capture DNA strand at the surface of gold nanoparticles on the hybrid silicon substrate. A sandwich strategy was then applied for the detection of target DNA that brings a reporter DNA labeled with indocyanine green to the proximity of the surface, leading to high SERS signals. The temperature‐responsive hybrid silicon substrate‐based SERS platform can detect the remarkably lowest HBV DNA concentrations at ~0.44 fm at 25 °C and ~0.14 fm at 37 °C, respectively, which are comparable with the lowest HBV DNA concentration ever via other techniques. We expect this highly sensitive and robust hybrid silicon substrate‐based SERS platform can be extended to detect other biomolecules and chemical species such as viruses, proteins, and small molecules without any labeling. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can abstract screening workload be reduced using text mining? User experiences of the tool Rayyan
Authors: Olofsson Hanna , Brolund Agneta , Hellberg Christel , Silverstein Rebecca , Stenström Karin , Österberg Marie , Dagerhamn Jessica
Published: April 2017

Background

One time‐consuming aspect of conducting systematic reviews is the task of sifting through abstracts to identify relevant studies. One promising approach for reducing this burden uses text mining technology to identify those abstracts that are potentially most relevant for a project, allowing those abstracts to be screened first.

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of the text mining functionality of the abstract screening tool Rayyan. User experiences were collected.

Methods

Rayyan was used to screen abstracts for 6 reviews in 2015. After screening 25%, 50%, and 75% of the abstracts, the screeners logged the relevant references identified. A survey was sent to users.

Results

After screening half of the search result with Rayyan, 86% to 99% of the references deemed relevant to the study were identified. Of those studies included in the final reports, 96% to 100% were already identified in the first half of the screening process. Users rated Rayyan 4.5 out of 5.

Discussion

The text mining function in Rayyan successfully helped reviewers identify relevant studies early in the screening process.
Cold sweetening diversity in Andean potato germplasm from Argentina
Authors: Colman Silvana L , Massa Gabriela A , Carboni Martín F , Feingold Sergio E
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Cold‐induced sweetening (CIS) is the accumulation of sucrose and reducing sugars in potato tubers at low temperatures. This process is central for the potato processing industry. During potato chip and French fry production, reducing sugars participate in the Maillard reaction to produce dark pigmented products not acceptable to consumers. Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum Group Andigena) constitute an enormous wealth of potato germplasm that can contribute to increase genetic diversity in breeding programs of many traits, including CIS.

RESULTS

We analyzed reducing sugar content and chip quality in freshly harvested and cold‐stored tubers from 48 native accessions. Andean accessions showed high variation in reducing sugar content and were classified in three types of CIS responses: type I, reducing sugar content before and after 4°C storage was lower than the value required by industry; type II, reducing sugar content before storage was acceptable, but after 4°C storage incremented up to non‐acceptable levels; and type III, reducing sugar content was unacceptable before and after storage.

CONCLUSION

Five Andean accessions presented acceptable reducing sugar content and good chip quality before and after 4°C storage in a consistent manner throughout several experiments. These features make them a useful source for improving the potato industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fruit position within the canopy affects kernel lipid composition of hazelnuts
Authors: Pannico Antonio , Cirillo Chiara , Giaccone Matteo , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Romano Raffaele , Caporaso Nicola , Sacchi Raffaele , Basile Boris
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to study the variability in kernel composition within the canopy of hazelnut trees.

RESULTS

Kernel fresh and dry weight increased linearly with fruit height above the ground. Fat content decreased, while protein and ash content increased, from the bottom to the top layers of the canopy. The level of unsaturation of fatty acids decreased from the bottom to the top of the canopy. Thus, the kernels located in the bottom layers of the canopy appear to be more interesting from a nutritional point of view, but their lipids may be more exposed to oxidation. The content of different phytosterols increased progressively from bottom to top canopy layers.

CONCLUSION

Most of these effects correlated with the pattern in light distribution inside the canopy. The results of this study indicate that fruit position within the canopy is an important factor in determining hazelnut kernel growth and composition. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of extraction pH on the foaming, emulsification, oil‐binding and visco‐elastic properties of marama protein
Authors: Gulzar Muhammad , Taylor John RN , Minnaar Amanda
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Marama bean protein, as extracted previously at pH 8, forms a viscous, adhesive and extensible dough. To obtain a protein isolate with optimum functional properties, protein extraction under slightly acidic conditions (pH 6) was investigated.

RESULTS

Two‐dimensional electrophoresis showed that pH 6 extracted marama protein lacked some basic 11S legumin polypeptides, present in pH 8 extracted protein. However, it additionally contained acidic high molecular weight polypeptides (∼180 kDa), which were disulfide crosslinked into larger proteins. pH 6 extracted marama proteins had similar emulsification properties to soy protein isolate and several times higher foaming capacity than pH 8 extracted protein, egg white and soy protein isolate. pH 6 extracted protein dough was more elastic than pH 8 extracted protein, approaching the elasticity of wheat gluten.

CONCLUSION

Marama protein extracted at pH 6 has excellent food‐type functional properties, probably because it lacks some 11S polypeptides but has additional high molecular weight proteins. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Inorganic carbon is scarce for symbionts in scleractinian corals
Authors: Tansik Anna L. , Fitt William K. , Hopkinson Brian M.
Published: April 2017

Ocean acidification and changing sea surface temperatures stand to affect the interactions of corals and their Symbiodinium symbionts with regard to the inorganic carbon used for photosynthesis. However, there have been few investigations on the availability of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for algal symbionts in hospite. This study compared the DIC‐associated photosynthetic kinetic parameters of three Caribbean corals and their freshly isolated symbionts, as well as components of the DIC concentrating systems of both corals and symbionts. Species level differences were found in the extent of inorganic carbon saturation among the coral taxa studied. Only Orbicella faveolata was photosynthesizing at maximum rates under current seawater conditions, while Porites astreoides and Siderastrea radians were at or below half DIC saturation. O. faveolata also had significantly more external carbonic anhydrase activity, indicating that this species could produce more CO2 at the coral surface than P. astreoides or S. radians. In contrast and despite differences in Symbiodinium type, the symbionts of all the corals had a similar, very low DIC half saturation constant for photosynthesis and high levels of internal carbonic anhydrase activity, showing that they live in a carbon scarce environment and invest a great deal of energy in concentrating carbon at the site of photosynthesis. Considering the diffusional dynamics of the system and the relationship of host to symbiont kinetic parameters, the most likely cause of this scarcity is host regulation of DIC delivery to the symbionts.
The Combined Influence of Hydrogel Stiffness and Matrix‐Bound Hyaluronic Acid Content on Glioblastoma Invasion
Authors: Chen Jee‐Wei Emily , Pedron Sara , Harley Brendan A. C.
Published: April 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal form of brain cancer. Its high mortality is associated with its aggressive invasion throughout the brain. The heterogeneity of stiffness and hyaluronic acid (HA) content within the brain makes it difficult to study invasion in vivo. A dextran‐bead assay is employed to quantify GBM invasion within HA‐functionalized gelatin hydrogels. Using a library of stiffness‐matched hydrogels with variable levels of matrix‐bound HA, it is reported that U251 GBM invasion is enhanced in softer hydrogels but reduced in the presence of matrix‐bound HA. Inhibiting HA–CD44 interactions reduces invasion, even in hydrogels lacking matrix‐bound HA. Analysis of HA biosynthesis suggests that GBM cells compensate for a lack of matrix‐bound HA by producing soluble HA to stimulate invasion. Together, a robust method is showed to quantify GBM invasion over long culture times to reveal the coordinated effect of matrix stiffness, immobilized HA, and compensatory HA production on GBM invasion.

image
Estimating the Degree of Polymer Stretching during Electrospinning: An Experimental Imitation Method
Authors: Vasilyev Gleb , Burman Michael , Arinstein Arkadii , Zussman Eyal
Published: April 2017

It is commonly accepted that a polymer matrix inside electrospun nanofibers is in a stretched nonequilibrium state. This state develops as a result of significant elongation of the electrospun jet, at a high stretching rate. Due to high deformation level, the entangled polymer network in the jet experiences noticeable topological reorganization, meaning that the electrospinning is accompanied by both elastic and plastic deformations. Despite possible relaxation in the final state of polymer nanofibers due to some residual solvent, they remain noticeably stretched. Measurement or estimation of the resulting degree of stretching is still challenging. In this paper, an experimental method is proposed to estimate the degree of stretching, and electrospun nanofibers made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) segmented block‐copolymer are demonstrated. The rationale of this method is based on the similarity in the behavior of electrospun TPU nanofibers, and stretched cast TPU films; both demonstrate massive contraction upon heating. By comparing the degree of contraction of the nanofibers and the films, the level of polymer network stretching (both elastic and plastic) during electrospinning can be estimated. Depending on the strength of the applied electrostatic field, the degree of stretching of electrospun fibers is found to be noticeably increased in TPU.

image
Recent Advances in Needleless Electrospinning of Ultrathin Fibers: From Academia to Industrial Production
Authors: Yu Miao , Dong Rui‐Hua , Yan Xu , Yu Gui‐Feng , You Ming‐Hao , Ning Xin , Long Yun‐Ze
Published: April 2017

Electrospinning (e‐spinning) has been extensively explored as a simple, versatile, and cost‐effective method in preparing ultrathin fibers from a wide variety of materials. Electrospun (e‐spun) ultrathin fibers are now widely used in tissue scaffold, wound dressing, energy harvesting and storage, environment engineering, catalyst, and textile. However, compared with conventional fiber industry, one major challenge associated with e‐spinning technology is its production rate. Over the last decade, compared with conventional needle e‐spinning, needleless e‐spinning has emerged as the most efficient strategy for large‐scale production of ultrathin fibers. For example, rolling cylinder and stationary wire as spinnerets have been commercialized successfully for significantly improving throughput of e‐spun fibers. The significant advancements in needleless e‐spinning approaches, including spinneret structures, productivity, and fiber quality are reviewed. In addition, some striking examples of innovative device designs toward higher throughput, as well as available industrial‐scale equipment and commercial applications in the market are highlighted.

image
Four‐dimensional contact ‐submanifolds in
Authors: Djorić Mirjana , Munteanu Marian Ioan , Vrancken Luc
Published: April 2017

The analogue of ‐submanifolds in (almost) Kählerian manifolds is the concept of contact ‐submanifolds in Sasakian manifolds. These are submanifolds for which the structure vector field ξ is tangent to the submanifold and for which the tangent bundle of M can be decomposed as , where is invariant with respect to the endomorphism φ and is antiinvariant with respect to φ. The lowest possible dimension for M in which this decomposition is non trivial is the dimension 4. In this paper we obtain a complete classification of four‐dimensional contact ‐submanifolds in and for which the second fundamental form restricted to and vanishes identically.
einhundertundfünfzig
Authors: Remenyi Christian
Published: April 2017

Verblüffendes, Informatives, schon fast Vergessenes: Die Serie Zahlenstatistik des Monats liefert Fakten aus 150 Jahren. In diesem Monat geht es um die Nachrichten aus der Chemie.
Zementchemie in der Schwerelosigkeit
Authors: Plank Johann , Meier Markus R.
Published: April 2017

Bemannte Flüge zum Mars sind derzeit nur möglich, wenn das Raumschiff vom Mond aus startet. Nasa und Esa untersuchen daher, ob sich Behausungen für Menschen auf dem Mond bauen lassen. Vielleicht reicht herkömmlicher Zement als Baustoff?
Autoteile aus Löwenzahn
Authors: Bernhardt Sarah
Published: April 2017

Der Milchsaft von Löwenzahn dient als alternative Kautschukquelle für Motorlager und Reifen.
Transaktionen: Kaufimpulse bleiben stark
Authors: Kretzinger Lukas , Mehran Benjamin , Schneider Bernd
Published: April 2017

Es sind wieder viele Transaktionen in der chemischen Industrie zu erwarten. Dies liegt vor allem an drei Faktoren: Es sind weiterhin Mittel verfügbar, das organische Wachstum ist limitiert und nicht zuletzt ist mit einem Donald‐Trump‐Effekt zu rechnen.
Bilanz Bayer: Kunststoff geht, Saatgut kommt
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2017

Im Jahr 2016 legte Bayer beim Umsatz zu und erwartet, die Monsanto Ende des Jahres zu übernehmen.
Fast verified computation for solutions of algebraic Riccati equations arising in transport theory
Authors: Miyajima Shinya
Published: April 2017

A fast algorithm for enclosing the solution of the nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equation arising in transport theory is proposed. The equation has a special structure, which is taken into account to reduce the complexity. By exploiting the structure, the enclosing process involves only quadratic complexity under a reasonable assumption. The algorithm moreover verifies the uniqueness and minimal positiveness of the enclosed solution. Numerical results show the efficiency of the algorithm.
Accumulation of adverse childhood events and overweight in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Elsenburg Leonie K. , van Wijk Kim J. E. , Liefbroer Aart C. , Smidt Nynke
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study systematically summarizes the evidence of all observational studies investigating the relation between accumulation of adverse life events and measures of overweight in children <18 years.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were systematically searched (last search date 18 February 2015). The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for methodological quality assessment. Study estimates were pooled using a random‐effects model, and sources of heterogeneity were explored (PROSPERO registration number CRD42014014927).

Results

Eighteen articles were included, containing five longitudinal (n = 6,361) and fourteen cross‐sectional and case‐control study results (n = 52,318). The pooled estimate of the longitudinal studies showed that accumulation of adverse life events is positively related to childhood overweight measures (OR [95% CI] = 1.12 [1.01‐1.25]). Cross‐sectional and case‐control study results were heterogeneous. Subgroup analyses showed that cross‐sectional and case‐control studies using a continuous adverse events measure, studies using a continuous overweight measure, and studies in children >6‐12 years also generated positive pooled estimates, while the pooled estimate of studies assessing recent adverse events (past 2 years) was indicative of no relation with overweight.

Conclusions

Accumulation of adverse life events and childhood overweight measures are positively associated. However, increases in overweight measures in response to adverse childhood events do not seem to occur instantaneously.
Beyond the Diffraction Limit
Authors: Eggart Benjamin , Scheible Max B. , Forthmann Carsten
Published: April 2017

Light microscopes enabling superresolution imaging suffer from a standardized quantification method. We demonstrate the quantification of a super‐resolution microscope by using standardized DNA origami samples with the help of two leading camera technologies (EM‐CCD and sCMOS).
Analyzing Filiform Corrosion
Authors: Gips Peter , Becker Torben , Oechsner Ulrich , Federau Gregor
Published: April 2017

Filiform corrosion is a form of corrosion that particularly affects aluminum coated or painted with anti‐corrosive surface protection layers. Exposure to water and oxygen as well as certain salts enhance the production of corrosion foci that infiltrate the space between the metal and its coating, especially when scratched along cutting edges or imperfections. The corrosion slowly expands into fine outgrowths, which occasionally cover an extensive area.
Synthesis of 4A zeolite containing la from kaolinite and its effect on the flammability of polypropylene
Authors: Tang Wufei , Han Jinpeng , Zhang Sheng , Sun Jun , Li Hongfei , Gu Xiaoyu
Published: April 2017

4A zeolites (4A) and 4A zeolites containing La (4A‐La) were prepared by kaolinite and their element composition, morphology, and structure were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). 4A and 4A‐La zeolites were incorporated into PP composite containing intumescent flame retardant (IFR). The thermal behavior and flammability of PP composite were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter test (CCT). Both 4A and 4A‐La zeolites can enhance the flame retardancy of PP composites significantly. LOI for neat PP was only 18.1, it increased to 31.1 for PP/25 wt% IFR; and further increased to 34.1 and 35.5 or PP/23.5 wt% IFR/1.5 wt% 4A or 4A‐La respectively. In CCT, the value of peak heat release rate (PHRR) is 1474 kW/m2 in PP, which sharply decreased to 436, 299 and 248 kW/m2 for PP/IFR, PP/IFR/4A and PP/IFR/4A‐La composite. It was suggested that 4A‐La zeolite could alter the thermal degradation behaviors and enhance the char formation of PP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3461–3471, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of the nanotube oxidation on the rheological and electrical properties of CNT/HDPE nanocomposites
Authors: Nobile Maria Rossella , Valentino Olga , Morcom Melanie , Simon George P. , Landi Giovanni , Neitzert Heinz‐Christoph
Published: April 2017

The morphological, rheological and electrical properties of nanocomposites based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), prepared by melt mixing, have been investigated. The effects of temperature, MWNT concentration and nanotube surface treatment have been analyzed. A good dispersion of oxidized nanotubes in the HDPE matrix was found using electron microscopy investigations, as has also been found in the case of related nonfunctionalized MWNTs. The rheological oscillatory shear tests in the melt state have been carried out with strain amplitude values within the linear viscoelastic region. The rheological measurements on the nonfunctionalized MWNT/HDPEs revealed that the percolation threshold was temperature dependent with lower values at higher temperatures. At low frequencies, the oxidized MWNTs/HDPE composites showed storage modulus and complex viscosity values lower than the corresponding values measured for nanocomposites prepared with nonfunctionalized MWNTs. The conductivity decrease is more than 2 orders of magnitude for the sample with 2.5 wt% oxidized MWNTs, compared to the un‐oxidized comparator materials. A constant voltage, long‐term stability test allowed to estimate the average number of electrically active percolation paths and showed that stepwise conductivity loss is preceded by a strong increase in the noise amplitude related to the electrical current. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:665–673, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Materials with required dielectric properties: Computational development and production of polymer‐ceramic composites
Authors: Vaucher Sébastien , Yakovlev Vadim V. , Yeung Hannah
Published: April 2017

Many applications in wireless communication, microelectronics, and microwave power engineering rely on dielectrics with particular dielectric properties. This article proposes an original approach that can be used for producing materials with required complex permittivity. The technique is based on an inverted power‐law mixing rule model computing volume fractions in which three or more prime materials should be taken to get in the resulting homogeneous mixture the required dielectric properties. Functionality of the approach is demonstrated by production of composites from a polymer matrix (polymethyl methacrylate) and two inorganic fillers (silicon and alumina). The composites are made by mechanically mixing the powders and axially hot‐pressing and cooling the mixture. Complex permittivity of the samples is measured by a split‐post resonator method. Experimental data on dielectric properties of the samples help calibrate the technique; for the used powders, the Looyenga power‐law model is found to be most adequate. In the produced samples, the target values of dielectric constant are reached with a higher precision than the ones of the loss factor; however, analysis of the production process and error propagation in the computations suggest that deviations of the resultant complex permittivity fall in the anticipated ranges. Features and issues of both computational and production parts of the technique are finally discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:319–326, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Concurrent effects of wafer temperature and oxygen fraction on cryogenic silicon etching with SF6/O2 plasmas
Authors: Tinck Stefan , Tillocher Thomas , Georgieva Violeta , Dussart Rémi , Neyts Erik , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: April 2017

Cryogenic plasma etching is a promising technique for high‐control wafer development with limited plasma induced damage. Cryogenic wafer temperatures effectively reduce surface damage during etching, but the fundamental mechanism is not well understood. In this study, the influences of wafer temperature, gas mixture and substrate bias on the (cryogenic) etch rates of Si with SF6/O2 inductively coupled plasmas are experimentally and computationally investigated. The etch rates are measured in situ with double‐point reflectometry and a hybrid computational Monte Carlo – fluid model is applied to calculate plasma properties. This work allows the reader to obtain a better insight in the effects of wafer temperature on the etch rate and to find operating conditions for successful anisotropic (cryo)etching.
Crystal structure analysis, covalent docking, and molecular dynamics calculations reveal a conformational switch in PhaZ7 PHB depolymerase
Authors: Kellici Tahsin F. , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Jendrossek Dieter , Papageorgiou Anastassios C.
Published: April 2017

An open and a closed conformation of a surface loop in PhaZ7 extracellular poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase were identified in two high‐resolution crystal structures of a PhaZ7 Y105E mutant. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed high root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) of the 281–295 loop, in particular at residue Asp289 (RMSF 7.62 Å). Covalent docking between a 3‐hydroxybutyric acid trimer and the catalytic residue Ser136 showed that the binding energy of the substrate is significantly more favorable in the open loop conformation compared to that in the closed loop conformation. MD simulations with the substrate covalently bound depicted 1 Å RMSF higher values for the residues 281–295 in comparison to the apo (substrate‐free) form. In addition, the presence of the substrate in the active site enhanced the ability of the loop to adopt a closed form. Taken together, the analysis suggests that the flexible loop 281–295 of PhaZ7 depolymerase can act as a lid domain to control substrate access to the active site of the enzyme. Proteins 2017; 85:1351–1361. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutron scattering shows a droplet of oleic acid at the center of the BAMLET complex
Authors: Rath Emma M. , Duff Anthony P. , Gilbert Elliot P. , Doherty Greg , Knott Robert B. , Church W. Bret
Published: April 2017

The anti‐cancer complex, Bovine Alpha‐lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumors (BAMLET), has intriguing broad‐spectrum anti‐cancer activity. Although aspects of BAMLET's anti‐cancer mechanism are still not known, it is understood that it involves the oleic acid or oleate component of BAMLET being preferentially released into cancer cell membranes leading to increased membrane permeability and lysis. The structure of the protein component of BAMLET has previously been elucidated by small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) to be partially unfolded and dramatically enlarged. However, the structure of the oleic acid component of BAMLET and its disposition with respect to the protein component was not revealed as oleic acid has the same X‐ray scattering length density (SLD) as water. Employing the difference in the neutron SLDs of hydrogen and deuterium, we carried out solvent contrast variation small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments of hydrogenated BAMLET in deuterated water buffers, to reveal the size, shape, and disposition of the oleic acid component of BAMLET. Our resulting analysis and models generated from SANS and SAXS data indicate that oleic acid forms a spherical droplet of oil incompletely encapsulated by the partially unfolded protein component. This model provides insight into the anti‐cancer mechanism of this cache of lipid. The model also reveals a protein component “tail” not associated with the oleic acid component that is able to interact with the tail of other BAMLET molecules, providing a plausible explanation of how BAMLET readily forms aggregates. Proteins 2017; 85:1371–1378. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A guide to the effects of a large portion of the residues of triosephosphate isomerase on catalysis, stability, druggability, and human disease
Authors: Olivares‐Illana Vanesa , Riveros‐Rosas Hector , Cabrera Nallely , Tuena de Gómez‐Puyou Marietta , Pérez‐Montfort Ruy , Costas Miguel , Gómez‐Puyou Armando
Published: April 2017

Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) is a ubiquitous enzyme, which appeared early in evolution. TIM is responsible for obtaining net ATP from glycolysis and producing an extra pyruvate molecule for each glucose molecule, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is placed in a metabolic crossroad that allows a quick balance of the triose phosphate aldolase produced by glycolysis, and is also linked to lipid metabolism through the alternation of glycerol‐3‐phosphate and the pentose cycle. TIM is one of the most studied enzymes with more than 199 structures deposited in the PDB. The interest for this enzyme stems from the fact that it is involved in glycolysis, but also in aging, human diseases and metabolism. TIM has been a target in the search for chemical compounds against infectious diseases and is a model to study catalytic features. Until February 2017, 62% of all residues of the protein have been studied by mutagenesis and/or using other approaches. Here, we present a detailed and comprehensive recompilation of the reported effects on TIM catalysis, stability, druggability and human disease produced by each of the amino acids studied, contributing to a better understanding of the properties of this fundamental protein. The information reviewed here shows that the role of the noncatalytic residues depend on their molecular context, the delicate balance between the short and long‐range interactions in concerted action determining the properties of the protein. Each protein should be regarded as a unique entity that has evolved to be functional in the organism to which it belongs. Proteins 2017; 85:1190–1211. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacometric Modeling of Liver Metastases' Diameter, Volume, and Density and Their Relation to Clinical Outcome in Imatinib‐Treated Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Schindler E , Krishnan SM , Mathijssen RHJ , Ruggiero A , Schiavon G , Friberg LE
Published: April 2017

Three‐dimensional and density‐based tumor metrics have been suggested to better discriminate tumor response to treatment than unidimensional metrics, particularly for tumors exhibiting nonuniform size changes. In the developed pharmacometric modeling framework based on data from 77 imatinib‐treated gastrointestinal patients, the time‐courses of liver metastases' maximum transaxial diameters, software‐calculated actual volumes (Vactual) and calculated ellipsoidal volumes were characterized by logistic growth models, in which imatinib induced a linear dose‐dependent size reduction. An indirect response model best described the reduction in density. Substantial interindividual variability in the drug effect of all response assessments and additional interlesion variability in the drug effect on density were identified. The predictive ability of longitudinal tumor unidimensional and three‐dimensional size and density on overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were compared using parametric time‐to‐event models. Death hazard increased with increasing Vactual. This framework may guide early clinical interventions based on three‐dimensional tumor responses to enhance benefits for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Photophysical properties of the isomorphic emissive RNA nucleobase analogues and effect of water solution, ribose, and base pairing: A theoretical study
Authors: Zhang Laibin , Kong Xiangmu , Wang Mei , Zheng Mengmeng
Published: April 2017

In the present work, a comprehensive theoretical investigation on the excited state properties of the isomorphic emissive RNA nucleobase analogues, namely tzA, tzG, tzC, and tzU, was performed. Vertical transition energies are determined with the time‐dependent density functional theory method at both the B3LYP and CAM‐B3LYP levels using the 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. The nature of the low‐lying singlet excited states is discussed and the results are compared with the findings from experiment and those for thieno analogues and natural bases. In gas phase, it was found that the S1 state is ππ* in nature for all the tz‐bases except for tzA, for which the S1 state is predicted to be nπ* in nature with the ππ* state being the S2. While in water solution, the S1 state for all tz‐bases are predicted to be ππ* dominated by the configuration HOMO→LUMO. Compared with natural bases, the lowest ππ* states are about 0.85–1.22 eV red‐shifted. When compared with thieno analogues, it is interesting to note that the S1 state (ππ*) transition energies of the two counterparts from the two alphabets are nearly equal due to the very little differences of their HOMO‐LUMO gaps. In addition, it was found that the hydration + PCM model can perfectly reproduce the photophysical properties of the tz‐bases since the calculated excitation maxima and fluorescence are in good agreement with the experimental data. The microenvironment effects of linking to ribose, base pairing, and further hydration of base pairs were also studied.
Coexistence of diffuse panbronchiolitis and asthma: reciprocity of neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation
Authors: Takeyama Kiyoshi , Shimizu Yuri , Ishii Masanobu , Hara Hiroko , Kondo Mitsuko , Tamaoki Jun
Published: April 2017

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and asthma are obstructive airway diseases, the former being characterized by Th1‐type and the latter by Th2‐type airway inflammation. Differential diagnosis is often a problem, but coexistence has rarely been reported. A 76‐year‐old man with asthma was admitted to our hospital because of one‐month history of dyspnoea on exertion with bilateral diffuse granular shadows. He also had a history of chronic sinusitis. Auscultation of the lungs showed coarse crackles and wheezes. Laboratory data revealed an elevated total serum immunoglobulin E and a high titre of cold agglutinin. Bronchoscopic evaluations of the shadows revealed compatible pathological findings in both DPB and asthma. Low‐dose macrolide caused a prompt reduction of symptoms, along with improvements in radiographic findings and pulmonary functions, whereas the eosinophilic airway inflammation transiently worsened. When DPB and asthma coexist, the balance of Th1/Th2 immune response may be reciprocally altered by therapeutic intervention.
Theory about the Embryo Cryo‐Treatment
Authors: Vladimirov Iavor K. , Tacheva Desislava , Diez Antonio
Published: April 2017

Background

To create hypothesis, which can give a logical explanation related to the benefits of freezing/thawing embryos. Cryopreservation is not only a technology used for storing embryos, but also a method of embryo treatment that can potentially improve the success rate in infertile couples.

Methods

From the analysis of multiple results in assisted reproductive technology, which have no satisfactory explanation to date, we found evidence to support a ‘therapeutic’ effect of the freezing/thawing of embryos on the process of recovery of the embryo and its subsequent implantation.

Results

Freezing/thawing is a way to activate the endogenous survival and repair responses in preimplantation embryos. Several molecular mechanisms can explain the higher success rate of ET using thawed embryos compared to fresh ET in women of advanced reproductive age, the higher miscarriage rate in cases of thawed blastocyst ET compared to thawed ET at early cleavage embryo, and the higher perinatal parameters of born children after thawed ET. Embryo thawing induces a stress. Controlled stress is not necessarily detrimental, because it generates a phenomenon that is counteracted by several known biological responses aimed to repair mitochondrial damage of membrane and protein misfolding. The term for favorable biological responses to low exposures to stress is called hormesis.

Conclusions

This thesis will summarize the role of cryopreservation in the activation of a hormetic response, preserving the mitochondrial function, improving survival, and having an impact on the process of implantation, miscarriage, and the development of pregnancy.
Planetary Boundaries and Sustainability Indicators. A Survey of Corporate Reporting Boundaries
Authors: Antonini Carla , Larrinaga Carlos
Published: April 2017

The aim of this research is twofold: (a) to inquire into the methodological foundations of boundary setting for improved sustainability reporting and (b) to explore current corporate practice in this area, with a particular emphasis on environmental indicators. The paper contends that the boundaries of significant sustainability indicators should encompass all entities over which there is sustainability control, together with indirect impacts arising from activities across the supply chain, and not merely direct impacts caused by entities within boundaries based on financial control. The paper explores, through an empirical study of the sustainability reports disclosed by some of the top FT500 companies, how corporations are setting environmental boundaries in practice. Results show a lack of ambition in the practice of setting organizational and operational boundaries. Most reporting entities define organizational boundaries restricted to financial control, and most of the indirect environmental impacts sought remain undisclosed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
National Museum of Qatar
Authors: Winterstetter Thomas , Toth Agatha , Sobek Werner , Baur Marco , Graser Konrad
Published: April 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Im Zuge des Ausbaus von Doha, der Hauptstadt von Katar, zu einem weltweiten Finanz‐, Kultur‐ und Tourismuszentrum entstand auf der Grundlage eines Entwurfs von Atelier Jean Nouvel (AJN) der Neubau des Nationalmuseums (National Museum of Qatar, NMoQ). Das unverwechselbare dreidimensionale Design und die Größe des Projekts stellten höchste Anforderungen an Planung und Installation des Haupttragwerks und der Gebäudehülle.
Hypoxia-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Stemness in Brain Tumor Cells
Authors: Prasad Pankaj , Mittal Shivani Arora , Chongtham Jonita , Mohanty Sujata , Srivastava Tapasya
Published: April 2017

Activation of pluripotency regulatory circuit is an important event in solid tumor progression and the hypoxic microenvironment is known to enhance the stemness feature of some cells. The distinct population of cancer stem cells (CSCs)/tumor initiating cells exist in a niche and augment invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Previously, studies have reported global hypomethylation and site-specific aberrant methylation in gliomas along with other epigenetic modifications as important contributors to genomic instability during glioma progression. Here, we have demonstrated the role of hypoxia-mediated epigenetic modifications in regulating expression of core pluripotency factors, OCT4 and NANOG, in glioma cells. We observe hypoxia-mediated induction of demethylases, ten-eleven-translocation (TET) 1 and 3, but not TET2 in our cell-line model. Immunoprecipitation studies reveal active demethylation and direct binding of TET1 and 3 at the Oct4 and Nanog regulatory regions. Tet1 and 3 silencing assays further confirmed induction of the pluripotency pathway involving Oct4, Nanog, and Stat3, by these paralogues, although with varying degrees. Knockdown of Tet1 and Tet3 inhibited the formation of neurospheres in hypoxic conditions. We observed independent roles of TET1 and TET3 in differentially regulating pluripotency and differentiation associated genes in hypoxia. Overall, this study demonstrates an active demethylation in hypoxia by TET1 and 3 as a mechanism of Oct4 and Nanog overexpression thus contributing to the formation of CSCs in gliomas.
Re: Diagnostic accuracy of individual antenatal tools for prediction of small‐for‐gestational age at birth. B. Poljak, U. Agarwal, R. Jackson, Z. Alfirevic and A. Sharp. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49: 493–499.
Authors: Deter R. L.
Published: April 2017

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 49: 493–499
Industrial use of HiPIMS and the hiP‐V hiPlus technology
Authors: Eichenhofer Gerhard , Fernandez Ivan , Wennberg Ambiörn
Published: April 2017

It has been demonstrated by several groups that HiPIMS is a state of the art tool for applying demanding coatings with superior film properties. The real industrial breakthrough for the HiPIMS‐technology, has not yet happened. On the other hand, the up till now available HiPIMS‐PS were mainly been up‐scaled “prototypes”, far away from industrial work horses. With the hiP‐V HiPIMS power system, a direct derivative of a robust power supply technology already in commercial use for public transportation systems, another milestone is set to make the HiPIMS technology go mainstream.

HiPIMS is not a revolution that will make all other technologies obsolete, yet it is a very powerful complement. With a reliable, multi‐functional power supply and with a rapid arc‐handling, it could possibly be a start of a new era in thin film production. Just consider the possibility of etching and implantation to increase cleanliness and adhesion of the samples.

Until now, most of the R&D work done in HiPIMS, has been dedicated to hard coatings and tool coatings. Here, HiPIMS is surely useful but not the expected technological breakthrough. For the future, the implementation of the new positive reverse pulse, the hiP‐V hiPlus HiPIMS technology, is opening a whole new field of possible applications for i.e. nonconductive substrates where no bias can be applied. Glass and plastics can be processed with remarkable results in hardness, enhanced film properties and additionally, it is achieved at lower substrate temperatures.

It has been a slow start for HiPIMS, but the future looks bright.
Tagungen: Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis 2/2017
Authors: Blasek Gerhard
Published: April 2017

Bericht über das 24. Neue Dresdner Vakuumtechnische Kolloquium am 29. und 30. September 2016 in Dresden
“Numb‐Leg” in a CrossFit Athlete: A Case Presentation
Authors: Esser Stephan , Thurston Mckennan , Nalluri Krishna , Muzaurieta Aurelio
Published: April 2017

Participation in CrossFit athletics and Olympic‐style lifting by the general populace has rapidly increased in the last 10 years. Such athletic engagement poses unique, inadequately defined risks to the participant. We describe the case of a 36‐year‐old man who presented to an outpatient sports medicine clinic with 6 weeks of numbness and tingling in the lateral right proximal thigh. After thorough examination and electromyographic testing, he was found to have a lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy caused by performing supine gluteal bridges with a weighted barbell resting across his anterior thighs. His case exemplifies the unique exercise demands and injury risks of CrossFit‐style exercise. Sports medicine providers should be familiar with both trends in sports/fitness participation and the associated unique risks that such sports pose, so as to adequately counsel patients on safety of participation and to correctly identify the cause of injury when evaluating patients in the clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

V