bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive biology of the brown smooth-hound shark, Mustelus henlei (Chondrichthyes: Triakidae), off northwestern Mexico based on macroscopic and histological analyses
Authors: Soto-López Katherin , Ochoa-Báez Rosa I , Tovar-Ávila Javier , Galván-Magaña Felipe
Published: June 2018

The brown smooth-hound shark Mustelus henlei is one of the most abundant species caught by the artisanal elasmobranch fishery off northwestern Mexico. The present study estimates the reproductive parameters for M. henlei using, for the first time, histological analysis and survey data collected from May 2008 to May 2016. Mustelus henlei was reported in the landings from February to November each year (n = 1,469). Total length (TL) varied between 450 and 1,530 mm (average = 753 mm, SD = 111). The sex ratio (male:female) was similar to the 1:1 ratio. Gravid females were caught during April, August, and November. Average fecundity was 9. Length at maturity was 656 mm TL for females and 636 mm TL for males, and length at maternity, estimated for the first time for this species, was 676 mm TL. The first phases of spermatogenesis and oogenesis were identified through histological analysis of gonads from immature individuals. Semen storage was detected in the oviducal gland of females at the terminal zone, whereas in males spermatozeugmata was detected in the seminal vesicles. According to the species reproductive parameters, M. henlei can be categorized as a species of high biological productivity among elasmobranchs and can thus support certain level of fishing pressure off northwestern Mexico if adequate fishing management and regulatory measures are employed. Some of the reproductive parameters that were estimated for this species in the present study were different from those estimated for other stocks from Mexican and United States waters.

Key words: reproduction, length at maturity, length at maternity, semen storage, Mustelus henlei.
Microbial diversity of a closed salt lagoon in the Puertecitos area, Upper Gulf of California
Authors: Kozlowski Jessica A , Johnson Markes E , Ledesma-Vázquez Jorge , Birgel Daniel , Peckmann Jörn , Schleper Christa
Published: June 2018

Located 20 km south of Puertecitos on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, is a salt-crusted lagoon with a surface area of approximately 265,000 m2 that is isolated from the adjacent Upper Gulf of California by a 50-m wide berm. The berm rises 2 m above mean sea level extending for 530 m across the lagoon’s seaward front to bar replenishment by normal seawater except possibly by seepage. On another side of the lagoon an extinct Pliocene volcano, Volcán Prieto, marks an equally abrupt boundary delineated by basalt flows. The lagoon’s well-constrained physical geography represents a high-salinity environment under conditions of extreme aridity, flooded only during rare events associated with subtropical storms. The Volcán Prieto Lagoon (so named herein) formed through distinct stages in developmental geomorphology outlined in this study. A duplicate set of sediment cores (17 cm in length) were retrieved from the lagoon and sampled for biological associations that record high-diversity colonization and stratification of microbial mats dominated by bacteria. Small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of different horizons revealed at least 25 major named bacterial phyla and 8 major named archaeal phyla as well as several unnamed candidate taxa from miscellaneous groups. Lipid biomarker analyses of the same horizons revealed that cyanobacteria contributed significantly to biomass production only at shallow depth, whereas the lipids of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria persisted to a depth of 15 cm, although with decreasing contents. The lipid patterns also showed that sulfate-reducing bacteria became more abundant with depth, whereas the contents of archaeal lipids increased from 1 to 5 cm depth but remained relatively constant below. Closed lagoons on the Gulf of California are widely distributed over the length of the Baja California Peninsula, but detailed taxonomic studies regarding the diverse microbial communities that colonized these extreme habitats have only begun to shed light on complex colonization patterns.
Key words: coastal processes, closed lagoons, Gulf of California, microbial assemblages, lipid biomarkers.
GeneExpressScore Signature: a robust prognostic and predictive classifier in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Tian Xianglong , Sun Tiantian , Yu Chenyang , Cao Yingying , Yan Tingting , Shen Chaoqin , Lin Yanwei , Fang Jing‐Yuan , Hong Jie , Chen Haoyan
Published: June 2018

Although several prognostic signatures have been developed for gastric cancer (GC), the utility of these tools is limited in clinical practice due to lack of validation with large and multiple independent cohorts, or lack of a statistical test to determine the robustness of the predictive models. Here, a prognostic signature was constructed using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model and a training dataset with 300 GC patients. The signature was verified in three independent datasets with a total of 658 tumors across multiplatforms. A nomogram based on the signature was built to predict disease‐free survival (DFS). Based on the LASSO model, we created a GeneExpressScore signature (GESGC) classifier comprised of eight mRNA. With this classifier patients could be divided into two subgroups with distinctive prognoses [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.41–6.66, P < 0.0001]. The prognostic value was consistently validated in three independent datasets. Interestingly, the high‐GESGC group was associated with invasion, microsatellite stable/epithelial–mesenchymal transition (MSS/EMT), and genomically stable (GS) subtypes. The predictive accuracy of GESGC also outperformed five previously published signatures. Finally, a well‐performed nomogram integrating the GESGC and four clinicopathological factors was generated to predict 3‐ and 5‐year DFS. In summary, we describe an eight‐mRNA‐based signature, GESGC, as a predictive model for disease progression in GC. The robustness of this signature was validated across patient series, populations, and multiplatform datasets.
Indirect effects of parental and peer attachment on bullying and victimization among adolescents: The role of negative automatic thoughts
Authors: Balan Raluca , Dobrean Anca , Balazsi Robert
Published: June 2018

The association between parental and peer attachment and youths’ bullying involvement is well documented. However, there is little research examining mechanisms linking the quality of relationships with parents and peers to bullying perpetration and victimization. The present study investigated the indirect effects of attachment to the mother, the father, and peers on bullying and victimization through children's negative automatic thoughts in a sample of 476 adolescents (10–17 years). Path analysis indicated that attachment to both parents as well as attachment to peers was indirectly related to both bullying and victimization through their relationship with adolescents’ negative automatic thoughts. When particular cognitive contents of negative automatic thoughts were examined, only hostile thoughts emerged as a mechanism explaining the association between poor relationships with parents and peers and bullying involvement as perpetrator, whereas poor attachment with each socialization agent had an indirect effect on bullying victimization via hostility and social threat thoughts.
Heterogeneous/Homogeneous Mediators for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Zhang Ze‐Wen , Peng Hong‐Jie , Zhao Meng , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: June 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries deliver a high theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1, and hold great promise to serve as a next‐generation high‐energy‐density battery system. Great progress has been achieved in cathode design to deal with the intrinsic problems of sulfur cathodes, including low conductivity, the dissolution of polysulfide intermediate, and volume fluctuation. However, aiming at the practical applications of Li–S batteries, the weight percentage of sulfur in cathode materials and the overall areal sulfur loading need to be significantly increased, which inevitably complicate the process and cause heavy shuttle effect, slow redox kinetics, and more undesirable reaction pathways. Recently, rationally designing efficient mediators, as well as incorporating them into a working battery, emerges to be a promising method to construct high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries. The influence of mediators on Li–S batteries appears to be the enhancement in redox kinetics and the increase in reaction efficiency. In this feature article, the mechanistic understanding of redox kinetics in Li–S reactions is discussed, and then a comprehensive analysis of the recent advances in both heterogeneous and homogeneous mediator design is provided. A mediator perspective in building high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries is also included.
Atomically Thin Defect‐Rich Fe–Mn–O Hybrid Nanosheets as High Efficient Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Teng Yuan , Wang Xu‐Dong , Liao Jin‐Feng , Li Wen‐Guang , Chen Hong‐Yan , Dong Yu‐Jie , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: June 2018

Engineering non‐noble metal–based electrocatalysts with superior water oxidation performance is highly desirable for the production of renewable chemical fuels. Here, an atomically thin low‐crystallinity Fe–Mn–O hybrid nanosheet grown on carbon cloth (Fe–Mn–O NS/CC) is successfully synthetized as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. The synthesis strategy involves a facile reflux reaction and subsequent low‐temperature calcination process, and the morphology and composition of hybrid nanosheets can be tailored conveniently. The defect‐rich Fe–Mn–O ultrathin nanosheet with uniform element distribution enables exposure of more catalytic active sites; moreover, the atomic‐scale synergistic action of Mn and Fe oxide contributes to an enhanced intrinsic catalytic activity. Therefore, the optimized Fe–Mn–O hybrid nanosheets, with lateral sizes of about 100–600 nm and ≈1.4 nm in thickness, enable a low onset potential of 1.46 V, low overpotential of 273 mV for current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 63.9 mV dec−1, and superior durability, which are superior to that of individual MnO2 and FeOOH electrode, and even outperforming most reported MnO2‐based electrocatalysts.
The Improved Delivery to Breast Cancer Based on a Novel Nanocarrier Modified with High‐Affinity Peptides Discovered by Phage Display
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Guo Zhaoming , He Bing , Dai Wenbing , Zhang Hua , Wang Xueqing , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2018

Ligand‐targeted nanosystems have the potential to realize site‐specific tumor therapy and alleviate unwanted side effects of many chemotherapeutic agents, and one of the most key issues seems to be the construction of an effective nanocarrier. Based on different processes of phage display techniques, 38 cell‐binding peptides and 32 cell‐internalizing peptides are discovered. Four of these ligand peptides [FIPFDPMSMRWE (FIP), NASSFPTNSRWA (NAS), GLHTSATNLYLH (GLH), and ALAVAPSRWWNE (ALA), respectively] exhibit high affinity to MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Among them, NAS and ALA are reported for the first time, whose affinities are 20.6 and 76.3 times that of the random peptide control, respectively. Both NAS and ALA modifications to doxorubicin‐loaded lipid nanosytems [LP(DOX)] show stronger tumor inhibition, longer animal survival time, and less body weight loss, compared to unmodified or control peptide modified nanosystems, on an MCF7 tumor‐bearing mouse model. In conclusion, the cell‐binding peptide NAS and cell‐internalizing peptide ALA can be used for ligand‐targeted delivery of antitumor drugs. It seems that the in vivo antitumor effect of these ligand‐targeted nanosystems is closely related to their ligand–cell affinity, but fairly tolerant of the ligand types.
Self‐Support Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates with the Function of Enriching Analytes
Authors: Liu Dequan , Yang Huan , Chen Xinyu , Ma Yaodong , Liu Qiming , Li Junshuai , He Deyan
Published: June 2018

Ultrasensitive detection of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals is in high demand in the fields of physical, chemical, biological medicine, and environmental monitoring. Plasmonic noble metal nanocrystals localize electromagnetic field on their surfaces, which can lead to a great increase of Raman intensity of the adsorbed molecules. Herein, self‐supporting Ag nanowire networks with abundance of multiscale gaps as well as with function of enriching analytes are proposed to be simply synthesized to act as an excellent substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy ultrasensitive detection. By effectively combining the hotspots effect of nanogaps and the enriching effect of gaps, the Raman signal is significantly enhanced by a factor of 6 × 105 and the detection limit of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) can reach 1 × 10−7m. Moreover, The R6G molecules can be adsorbed to these “hot spots,” leading to greatly enhanced Raman signals. This study introduces an effective SERS substrate to achieve ultrasensitive Raman detection in the fields of physical, chemical, biological medicine, and environmental monitoring.
Highly Sensitive Dual Self‐Referencing Temperature Readout from the Mn4+/Ho3+ Binary Luminescence Thermometry Probe
Authors: Sekulić Milica , Đorđević Vesna , Ristić Zoran , Medić Mina , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: June 2018

The binary luminescence thermometry probe is prepared from Y2O3:Ho3+ and Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ powders. This probe facilitates self‐referencing temperature readouts with excellent repeatability from both emission intensity ratio and excited state lifetimes. The ratio of intensities of Mn4+ deep red emission from 2E, 4T2→4A2 electronic transitions, and Ho3+ green emission from 5F4,5S2 →5I8 electronic transitions provides temperature measurements over the room temperature to 100 °C temperature range with a superior relative sensitivity of 4.6% °C−1 and temperature resolution of 0.1 °C. Over the same temperature range, the temperature readout from the Mn4+ emission lifetime offers measurements with relative sensitivity better than 0.5% °C−1 and better than 0.2 °C in resolution.
A Composite Elastic Conductor with High Dynamic Stability Based on 3D‐Calabash Bunch Conductive Network Structure for Wearable Devices
Authors: Yu Zhe , Shang Jie , Niu Xuhong , Liu Yiwei , Liu Gang , Dhanapal Pravarthana , Zheng Yanan , Yang Huali , Wu Yuanzhao , Zhou Youlin , Wang Yuxin , Tang Daxiu , Li Run‐Wei
Published: June 2018

As an indispensable basic component of wearable devices, the composite elastic conductor is widely used for elastic electrode and elastic wire. The ideal elastic conductor is expected to have high conductivity and stretchability, and maintain the resistance constant during stretching. However, it's difficult for the current composite elastic conductors filling solid conductive materials. Here, a composite elastic conductor filling liquid‐metal alloy is reported. Highly conductive and freely deformable liquid‐metal filler achieves the elastic conductor with excellent conductivity and stretchability (electrical conductivity of 1.34 × 103 S cm−1, sheet resistance of 17.59 mΩ □−1, and breaking elongation of 116.86%). Importantly, the filler forms novel three‐dimensional Calabash Bunch conductive network structure in elastic matrix, which enables the elastic conductor to have excellent dynamic stability during stretching. The relative resistance variation is only 4.305% at 116.86% strain. This variation is 2–5 orders of magnitude smaller than that of the reported composite elastic conductor at the same strain, which is important for wearable devices to remain performances fairly unchanged undergo large deformation. Finally, it served as elastic electrodes of a stretchable capacitive strain sensor and elastic wires of a stretchable earphone respectively to demonstrate its potential in wearable devices.
How Do Contact and Channel Contribute to the Dirac Points in Graphene Field‐Effect Transistors?
Authors: Peng Song‐ang , Jin Zhi , Zhang Dayong , Shi Jingyuan , Niu Jiebin , Huang Xinnan , Yao Yao , Zhang Yanhui , Yu Guanghui
Published: June 2018

The Dirac point(s) in graphene field‐effect transistors (GFETs) are of great importance for electronic application. However, the lack of the effective means to distinguish the electrical properties of graphene at the contact and channel regions limits a clear understanding of their contributions to the Dirac point(s). A method, which can characterize the electrical properties of graphene under metal contact and in the channel, is developed, respectively. It is found that the Fermi levels of graphene at the contact and channel regions are quite different in the GFETs. The difference in Fermi levels results in the penetration of the doping effect under the contact into the channel with a length as long as 1 µm. The difference also causes the double Dirac point feature in the long‐channel GFET due to the combined graphene properties both in contact and channel. One of the two Dirac points diminished in short‐channel GFET due to the penetration of doping effect under the contact. The study demonstrates that the electrical behavior of short‐channel GFET is dominated by the contact region. This paces a way to deeply understand and further improve the performances of GFETs by controlling the Fermi levels in the whole devices.
Silicon‐Based Hybrid Optoelectronic Devices with Synaptic Plasticity and Stateful Photoresponse
Authors: Chen Yan , Wei Qi , Yin Jiang , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: June 2018

Neuromorphic optoelectronic devices with new functionality have attracted much attention since they can be applied in energy‐efficient computing and recognition. Here, a silicon optoelectronic device with a designed configuration resembling the retinal circuitry is reported. This kind of device composed of a silicon photoreceptor and a hafnium metal oxide synapse supports optoelectronic spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity that is manipulated completely by both optical and electrical stimuli. The optoelectronic plasticity allows the lasting modulation of photoresponses by using a transient optoelectronic stimulus. Stateful photoresponses can thus be regulated according to either the illumination intensity or the electrical compliance current.
Liquid Metal Gated Tribotronic Transistors as an Electronic Gradienter for Angle Measurement
Authors: Bu Tianzhao , Jiang Dongdong , Yang Xiang , Liu Wenbo , Liu Guoxu , Guo Tong , Pang Yaokun , Zhao Junqing , Xi Fengben , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2018

Liquid metals (LMs) have attracted great attentions in electronics for great interface contact and flowability. Here, an LM‐gated tribotronic transistor (LMTT) is demonstrated, in which an electrostatic potential is created through the triboelectrification of LM and dielectric layer, and the carrier transport between drain and source can be tuned by the swing‐induced electrostatic potential instead of the traditional gate voltage. Based on the fabricated LMTTs, an electronic gradienter is developed, which can be used for angle measurement and exhibits a great sensitivity, large sensing range, and excellent stability. This work has first introduced the LM into the tribotronic device, which may have potential applications in mechanical calibration, civil engineering, and geologic exploration.
Tailor‐Made Photoconductive Pyrene‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Visible‐Light Driven Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Stegbauer Linus , Zech Sebastian , Savasci Gökcen , Banerjee Tanmay , Podjaski Filip , Schwinghammer Katharina , Ochsenfeld Christian , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: June 2018

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a new class of crystalline porous polymers displaying molecular tunability combined with structural definition. Here, a series of three conjugated, photoactive azine‐linked COFs based on pyrene building blocks which differ in the number of nitrogen atoms in the peripheral aromatic units is presented. The structure of the COFs is analyzed by combined experimental and computational physisorption as well as quantum‐chemical calculations, which suggest a slipped‐stacked arrangement of the 2D layers. Photocurrents of up to 6 µA cm−2 with subsecond photoresponse times are measured on thin film samples for the first time. While all COFs are capable of producing hydrogen from water, their efficiency increases significantly with decreasing number of nitrogen atoms. The trending activities are rationalized by photoelectrochemical measurements and quantum‐chemical calculations which suggest an increase in the thermodynamic driving force with decreasing nitrogen content to be the origin of the observed differences in hydrogen evolution activities.
Simultaneously Enhancing the Thermal Stability, Mechanical Modulus, and Electrochemical Performance of Solid Polymer Electrolytes by Incorporating 2D Sheets
Authors: Tang Wenjing , Tang Shan , Zhang Cuijuan , Ma Qingtao , Xiang Qian , Yang Ying‐Wei , Luo Jiayan
Published: June 2018

Solid state electrolytes are the key components for high energy density lithium ion batteries and especially for lithium metal batteries where lithium dendrite growth is an inevitable obstacle in liquid electrolytes. Solid polymer electrolytes based on a complex of polymers and lithium salts are intrinsically advantageous over inorganic electrolytes in terms of processability and film‐forming properties. But other properties such as ionic conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical modulus, and electrochemical stability need to be improved. Herein, for the first time, 2D additives using few‐layer vermiculite clay sheets as an example to comprehensively upgrade poly(ethylene oxide)‐based solid polymer electrolyte are introduced. With clay sheet additives, the polymer electrolyte exhibits improved thermal stability, mechanical modulus, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability along with reduced flammability and interface resistance. The composite polymer electrolyte can suppress the formation and growth of lithium dendrites in lithium metal batteries. It is anticipated that the clay sheets upgraded solid polymer electrolyte can be integrated to construct high performance solid state lithium ion and lithium metal batteries with higher energy and safety.
Peripatric speciation associated with genome expansion and female‐biased sex ratios in the moss genus Ceratodon
Authors: Nieto‐Lugilde Marta , Werner Olaf , McDaniel Stuart F. , Koutecký Petr , Kučera Jan , Rizk Samah Mohamed , Ros Rosa M.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

A period of allopatry is widely believed to be essential for the evolution of reproductive isolation. However, strict allopatry may be difficult to achieve in some cosmopolitan, spore‐dispersed groups, like mosses. We examined the genetic and genome size diversity in Mediterranean populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus s.l. to evaluate the role of allopatry and ploidy change in population divergence.

Methods

We sampled populations of the genus Ceratodon from mountainous areas and lowlands of the Mediterranean region, and from Western and Central Europe. We performed phylogenetic and coalescent analyses on sequences from five nuclear introns and a chloroplast locus to reconstruct their evolutionary history. We also estimated genome size using flow cytometry (employing propidium iodide) and determined the sex of samples using a sex‐linked PCR marker.

Key Results

Two well‐differentiated clades were resolved, discriminating two homogeneous groups: the widespread C. purpureus and a local group mostly restricted to the mountains in Southern Spain. The latter also possessed a genome size 25% larger than the widespread C. purpureus, and the samples of this group consist entirely of females. We also found hybrids, and some of them had a genome size equivalent to the sum of the C. purpureus and Spanish genome, suggesting that they arose by allopolyploidy.

Conclusions

These data suggest that a new species of Ceratodon arose via peripatric speciation, potentially involving a genome size change and a strong female‐biased sex ratio. The new species has hybridized in the past with C. purpureus.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular trans‐Disilylation of Alkynones with Unactivated Disilanes
Authors: He Tao , Liu Li‐Chuan , Guo Le , Li Bin , Zhang Qing‐Wei , He Wei
Published: June 2018

Disilylation of alkynes could provide rapid entry to synthetically useful 1,2‐bissilyl‐alkenes, but is currently limited to activated disilanes reacting in an intramolecular fashion. Reported herein is an efficient rhodium(I)‐catalyzed intermolecular disilylation of a wide array of alkynones with unactivated disilanes. Importantly, this reaction produces exclusively trans‐disilylation products, selectivity that has been rarely reported. These disilylation products were transformed into interesting pentacyclic vinyl silane ethers, among other additional synthetic manipulations. Mechanistic studies uncovered that the unactivated disilanes underwent facile Si−Si activation and crossover under the reaction conditions.
Nanoquencher‐Based Selective Imaging of Protein Glutathionylation in Live Mammalian Cells
Authors: Mao Xin , Yuan Peiyan , Yu Changmin , Li Lin , Yao Shao Q.
Published: June 2018

Changes in the cellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and protein S‐glutathionylation (PSSG) are closely associated with a number of human diseases. Despite recent advances, few thiol‐reactive, small‐molecule GSH sensors could selectively detect GSH over other endogenous thiols, and none was capable of detecting PSSG in live mammalian cells. By using a dye‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoquencher (qMSN) capped with anti‐GSH antibody capable of highly selective binding toward GSH and glutathionylated proteins over other molecules, we have successfully developed a fluorescence GSH/PSSG nanosensor, which showed unprecedented selectivity toward PSSG even in the presence of GSH, had amplifiable and programmable fluorescence Turn‐ON properties, and could be used to image endogenous PSSG in live mammalian cells under stimulated conditions for the first time.
Application of Claisen Rearrangement and Olefin Metathesis in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Meshram Milind
Published: June 2018

Several new synthetic methods to diverse polycycles and heterocycles on the basis of [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement and ring‐closing metathesis as key steps are summarized. In this regard, Claisen, aza‐Claisen, and Overman rearrangements are used in combination with other popular reactions such as ring‐closing metathesis, Suzuki coupling, Diels–Alder reaction, and retro‐Diels–Alder reaction. To this end, we prepared polycycles (e.g., cyclophanes, cage molecules), heterocycles (e.g., oxepins, azapins), carbocycles, and spirocycles with the use of the above protocol.
A Biotinylated and Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Targeted Glutathione‐Responsive Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yu Ligang , Wang Qiong , Yeung Ka‐Wing , Fong Wing‐Ping , Lo Pui‐Chi
Published: June 2018

A biotinylated glutathione (GSH)‐responsive zinc(II) phthalocyanine has been prepared and characterized. With a 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyl moiety, its fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation were silenced in its intact state. Upon exposure to high concentration of GSH, its photosensitizing properties were restored in phosphate buffered saline and inside tumor cells. It also showed preferential uptake on HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells (with higher biotin receptor expression) rather than Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (with lower biotin receptor expression). Upon irradiation, it caused photocytotoxicity with an IC50 value down to 0.1 μm on HepG2 cells. Moreover, it can localize in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing ER stress after light irradiation.
Estradiol‐mediated regulation of hepatic iNOS in obese rats: Impact of Src, ERK1/2, AMPKα, and miR‐221
Authors: Panic Anastasija , Stanimirovic Julijana , Obradovic Milan , Sudar‐Milovanovic Emina , Perovic Milan , Lackovic Milena , Petrovic Nina , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate in vivo effects of estradiol on the regulation of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the high fat (HF) diet‐induced obesity. Also, we aimed to investigate whether activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), Src kinase, and miR‐221 is involved in estradiol‐mediated regulation of iNOS in the liver of obese male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard laboratory diet or a HF diet for 10 weeks. Half of HF rats were treated with estradiol intraperitoneally (40 μg/kg), whereas the other half were placebo‐treated 24 H before euthanasia. Results show that estradiol treatment of HF rats decreased hepatic iNOS mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein expression (P < 0.01), the protein levels of p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB (P < 0.05) and ERα (P < 0.05), ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P < 0.001), and ERα/Src kinase association (P < 0.05). By contrast, hepatic Src protein level (P < 0.05), AMPKα phosphorylation (P < 0.05), and miR‐221 expression (P < 0.05) were increased in HF rats after estradiol treatment. Our results indicate that estradiol in vivo regulates hepatic iNOS expression in obese rats via molecular mechanisms involving ERK1/2, AMPK, Src, and miR‐221 signaling.
High Cell Density Perfusion Culture has a Maintained Exoproteome and Metabolome
Authors: Zamani Leila , Lundqvist Magnus , Zhang Ye , Aberg Magnus , Edfors Fredrik , Bidkhori Gholamreza , Lindahl Anna , Mie Axel , Mardinoglu Adil , Field Raymond , Turner Richard , Rockberg Johan , Chotteau Veronique
Published: June 2018

The optimization of bioprocesses for biopharmaceutical manufacturing by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells can be a challenging endeavor and, today, heavily relies on empirical methods treating the bioreactor process and the cells as black boxes. Multi‐omics approaches have the potential to reveal otherwise unknown characteristics of these systems and identify culture parameters to more rationally optimize the cultivation process. Here, the authors have applied both metabolomic and proteomic profiling to a perfusion process, using CHO cells for antibody production, to explore how cell biology and reactor environment change as the cell density reaches ≥200 × 106 cells mL−1. The extracellular metabolic composition obtained in perfusion mode shows a markedly more stable profile in comparison to fed‐batch, despite a far larger range of viable cell densities in perfusion. This stable profile is confirmed in the extracellular proteosome. Furthermore, the proteomics data shows an increase of structural proteins as cell density increases, which could be due to a higher shear stress and explain the decrease in cell diameter at very high cell densities. Both proteomic and metabolic results shows signs of oxidative stress and changes in glutathione metabolism at very high cell densities. The authors suggest the methodology presented herein to be a powerful tool for optimizing processes of recombinant protein production.
The factors associated with impulse control behaviors in Parkinson's disease: A 2‐year longitudinal retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kon Tomoya , Ueno Tatsuya , Haga Rie , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Impulse control behaviors (ICBs) are impulsive–compulsive behaviors often associated with dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although remission can occur inICB, only four reports on the ratio of remission and the persistence ofICBhave been published, and the associated factors withICBremission or persistence have been little known. Therefore, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the remission, persistence, and development ofICBand those associated factors in patients withPD.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated aPDdatabase at Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan. One hundred and forty‐eight patients withPDwho could be followed up for 2 years were enrolled.ICBwas assessed using the Questionnaire for Impulsive–Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's disease. Motor severity (Hoehn and Yahr scale and United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale), cognitive function (Mini–Mental State Examination), and other clinical variables (sex, age, onset age, disease duration, olfactory dysfunction, and dyskinesia) and medications used to treatPDwere assessed. Univariate analyses were performed.

Results

Seven patients were excluded because of the exclusion criteria, and 141 patients were analyzed. Thirty patients (21.3%) hadICBat baseline, and these patients also had significantly higher use of pergolide. TheICBremission rate was 60%, theICBpersistence ratio was 40%, and theICBdevelopment ratio was 12.6% over 2 years. Statistically, younger age and pergolide use were associated withICBpersistence. Being male, having dyskinesia, and rotigotine, entacapone, zonisamide, and istradefylline use were associated withICBdevelopment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that younger age and pergolide use may be the new associated factors withICBpersistence and that entacapone, zonisamide, and istradefylline use may be associated with the development ofICB. Drug profiles and medication practices in Japan may explain the association of these factors withICB.
Mental fatigue and impaired cognitive function after an acquired brain injury
Authors: Jonasson Axel , Levin Christopher , Renfors Marielle , Strandberg Sara , Johansson Birgitta
Published: June 2018

Objective

Mental fatigue is a common subjective symptom following an acquired brain injury. In many cases, this is long‐lasting with a considerable negative impact on work, studies, social activities, and quality of life. No objective test for mental fatigue exists today. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mental fatigue can be objectively measured.

Materials and Methods

This study included 32 controls with no mental fatigue and 42 well‐rehabilitated participants who suffered from long‐term mental fatigue following stroke, traumatic brain injury, encephalitis or meningitis, and late effects after brain tumor. Attention, processing speed and working memory were assessed using a test and retest design following a demanding reading exercise.

Results

Significant interactions were found for tests measuring processing speed, working memory, and attention. The control group improved at the second test, while those who suffered from mental fatigue did not.

Conclusions

This study indicates impaired cognitive performance over time after cognitive activity for individuals suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury.
Design of an analysis virtual tool for PV sourced microgrid systems
Authors: Martínez Nolasco Juan J. , Padilla Medina José A. , Barranco Gutiérrez Alejandro I. , Pérez Pinal Francisco J. , Prado Olivares Juan , Herrera Ramírez Carlos A.
Published: June 2018

This work presents the development of a virtual tool used in the power management of a microgrid connected to a PV arrangement. The virtual tool proposes five different control strategies used as main power management controller. Those strategies can be selected and compared to evaluate their different time responses and overall characteristics. In addition, results of an integrative evaluation of the virtual tool is reported, which was conducted using different Learning Gain Surveys. It was found that this pedagogical approach was appreciated by students and they learned the main concepts in spite of this methodology was new for them. Final recommendation and conclusions are provided at the end of this paper.
Outcome of 449 adult patients with rhabdomyosarcoma: an observational ambispective nationwide study
Authors: Bompas Emmanuelle , Campion Loïc , Italiano Antoine , Le Cesne Axel , Chevreau Christine , Isambert Nicolas , Toulmonde Maud , Mir Olivier , Ray‐Coquard Isabelle , Piperno‐Neumann Sophie , Saada‐Bouzid Esma , Rios Maria , Kurtz Jean‐Emmanuel , Delcambre Corinne , Dubray‐Longeras Pascale , Duffaud Florence , Karanian Marie , Le Loarer François , Soulié Patrick , Penel Nicolas , Blay Jean‐Yves
Published: June 2018

Five‐year overall survival (OS) of localized RMS exceeds 70% in children (<18) but is very poor in adult patients. We analyzed the outcome and prognostic factors (PF) of a national series of adult patients with RMS in a large study. The study population consisted of two different cohorts: a retrospective cohort (157 adult patients treated in 13 reference centers between 05/1981 and 02/2010) and the prospective cohort (292 patients with RMS diagnosed and treated between 01/2010 and 12/2014 in France) included in the NetSarc database. A descriptive analysis of patients’ characteristics and prognostic factors was conducted on both series which were compared. In the retrospective series, histological subtypes were embryonal (E‐RMS) for 21% of patients, alveolar (A‐RMS) for 35% of patients, and “adult‐type” P‐RMS (pleomorphic, spindle cell RMS, not otherwise specified) (P) for 44% patients. This distribution significantly differed in the prospective cohort: A‐RMS: 18%; E‐RMS: 17%; and P‐RMS 65%. With a median follow‐up of 8.5 years, 5‐year OS for localized RMS and advanced RMS (with nodes and/or metastases) was 43% and 5%, respectively, (P < 0.0001), and median OS was 51, 33, and 16 months for E‐RMS, A‐RMS, and P‐RMS, respectively, in the retrospective cohort. The median OS was less than 40 months for the prospective nationwide cohort for the entire population. In a multivariate analysis of the retrospective study, independent prognostic factors for OS were A‐RMS, R0 resection, and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). For localized RMS, age and use of pediatric chemotherapy (CT) regimen are independent prognostic factors. Adult patients with RMS have a poorer overall survival than pediatric patients, and survival varies considerably across histological subtypes.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking of Novel Thiazoles and [1,3,4]Thiadiazoles Incorporating Sulfonamide Group as DHFR Inhibitors
Authors: Riyadh Sayed M. , El‐Motairi Shojaa A. , Ahmed Hany E. A. , Khalil Khaled D. , Habib EL‐Sayed E.
Published: June 2018

2‐(1‐{4‐[(4‐Methylphenyl)sulfonamido]phenyl}ethylidene)thiosemicarbazide (3) was exploited as a starting material for the synthesis of two novel series of 5‐arylazo‐2‐hydrazonothiazoles 6a – 6j and 2‐hydrazono[1,3,4]thiadiazoles 10a – 10d, incorporating sulfonamide group, through its reactions with appropriate hydrazonoyl halides. The structures of the newly synthesized products were confirmed by spectral and elemental analyses. Also, the antimicrobial, anticancer, and DHFR inhibition potency for two series of thiazoles and [1,3,4]thiadiazoles were evaluated and explained by molecular docking studies and SAR analysis.
Isopropylamine as Amine Donor in Transaminase‐Catalyzed Reactions: Better Acceptance through Reaction and Enzyme Engineering
Authors: Dawood Ayad W. H. , Weiß Martin S. , Schulz Christian , Pavlidis Ioannis V. , Iding Hans , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: June 2018

Amine transaminases (ATA) have now become frequently used biocatalysts in chemo‐enzymatic syntheses including industrial applications. They catalyze the transfer of an amine group from a donor to an acceptor leading to an amine product with high enantiopurity. Hence, they represent an environmentally benign alternative for waste intensive chemical amine synthesis. Isopropylamine (IPA) is probably one of the most favored amine donors since it is cheap and achiral, but nevertheless there is no consistency in literature concerning reaction conditions when IPA is best to be used. At the same time there is still a poor understanding which structural properties in ATA are responsible for IPA acceptance. Herein, we demonstrate, on the basis of the 3FCR enzyme scaffold, a substantial improvement in catalytic activity towards IPA as the amine donor. The asymmetric synthesis of industrial relevant amines was used as model reaction. A systematic investigation of the pH‐value as well as concentration effects using common benchmark substrates and several ATA indicates the necessity of a substrate‐ and ATA‐dependent reaction engineering.
Acidification Optimization and Granulation of a Steel‐Slag‐Derived Sorbent for CO2 Capture
Authors: Sun Jian , Liu Wenqiang , Hu Yingchao , Yang Yuandong , Xu Yongqing , Xu Minghou
Published: June 2018

Steel slag was used as a low‐cost feedstock to prepare CaO‐based sorbents for CO2 capture by acidification treatment, and the acidification process was optimized. Four main acidification parameters (i.e., extraction time, extraction temperature, acetic acid concentration, and solid/liquid ratio) were investigated. The solid/liquid ratio and extraction time are the most important factors that affect the CO2 capture capacity and stability of the sorbents. The CO2 sorption performance of optimal steel‐slag‐derived sorbent is more stable than that of naturally occurring limestone, due to the low Si/Ca ratio and the presence of MgO with high anti‐sintering ability. CaO‐based pellets with high resistance to attrition and compression were produced by extrusion of the steel‐slag‐derived sorbent powders.
Interdependent Sequence Selectivity and Diastereoselectivity in the Alkylation of DNA by Decarbamoylmitomycin C
Authors: Aguilar William , Paz Manuel M. , Vargas Anayatzinc , Zheng Maggie , Cheng Shu‐Yuan , Champeil Elise
Published: June 2018

Mitomycin C (MC), an antitumor drug, and decarbamoylmitomycin C (DMC), a derivative of MC, alkylate DNA and form deoxyguanosine monoadducts and interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Interestingly, in mammalian culture cells, MC forms primarily deoxyguanosine adducts with a 1“‐R stereochemistry at the guanine–mitosene bond (1”‐α) whereas DMC forms mainly adducts with a 1“‐S stereochemistry (1”‐β). The molecular basis for the stereochemical configuration exhibited by DMC has been investigated using biomimetic synthesis. Here, we present the results of our studies on the monoalkylation of DNA by DMC. We show that the formation of 1“‐β‐deoxyguanosine adducts requires bifunctional reductive activation of DMC, and that monofunctional activation only produces 1”‐α‐adducts. The stereochemistry of the deoxyguanosine adducts formed is also dependent on the regioselectivity of DNA alkylation and on the overall DNA CG content. Additionally, we found that temperature plays a determinant role in the regioselectivity of duplex DNA alkylation by mitomycins: At 0 °C, both deoxyadenosine (dA) and deoxyguanosine (dG) alkylation occur whereas at 37 °C, mitomycins alkylate dG preferentially. The new reaction protocols developed in our laboratory to investigate DMC‐DNA alkylation raise the possibility that oligonucleotides containing DMC 1“‐β‐deoxyguanosine adducts at a specific site may be synthesized by a biomimetic approach.
Stereodivergent Alkyne Reduction by using Water as the Hydrogen Source
Authors: Rao Santhosh , Prabhu Kandikere Ramaiah
Published: June 2018

A homogeneous Pd‐catalyzed stereodivergent reduction of alkynes to Z and E alkenes by using H2O as the H2 source is presented. Mediated by a diboron reagent, the transfer hydrogenation has been accomplished to yield the desired geometrical isomer by rational ligand selection. The switchable stereoselectivity achieved using simple phosphine ligands is generally excellent. D2O has also been used as a D2 source for synthesizing the corresponding deuterated olefins. Supported by a gram‐scale synthesis, the reaction can easily be scaled up making it an efficient way to prepare alkenes commercially as well. Mechanistic studies suggest formation of H−PdL2−OAc as the crucial step leading to the presence of two pathways involving H−Pd−B(OR)2 and molecular H2 as active intermediates.
New Spectroscopic Data of 17 Coplanar Polychlorinated Terphenyls Known as Scarcely Investigated Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Schäfer Katharina , Wichmann Hubertus , Surup Frank , Bahadir Müfit
Published: June 2018

Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT), a group of persistent, low‐volatile environmental pollutants are rarely investigated because of their high number of congeners and missing practicable analytical methods. Therefore, the proven strategy is pursued to define a set of reference substances that is analyzed representatively of all PCT. For this purpose, 29 tetra‐ to hepta‐chlorinated terphenyls are chosen, easily reaching a coplanar conformation because of lacking ortho‐substitutions. Now, the synthesis work has been finished by producing the so‐far‐missing 17 single coplanar PCT. Spectroscopic data of these compounds, generated by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, as well as short notes on the synthesis procedures, are provided herein.
Energy‐efficient task scheduling on heterogeneous computing systems by linear programming
Authors: Zhang Yujian , Wang Yun , Tang Xueyan , Yuan Xin , Xu Yifan
Published: June 2018

The continually increasing energy consumption represents a critical issue in modern heterogeneous computing systems. With the aid of dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS), task scheduling is considered an effective software‐based technique for reducing the total energy consumption and minimizing the overall schedule length (makespan). A natural solution is to reclaim the slack time in a given time‐efficient schedule, which is also referred to as a “two‐pass” method or a “rescheduling” method. A number of studies have focused on slack reclamation to achieve energy reductions through heuristics; although, these methods offer suboptimal solutions. In this article, the rescheduling optimization problem is formulated as a linear program for minimizing an energy objective function subject to precedence and deadline constraints implied in the given schedule. Two types of decision variables, ie, frequency duty factors and task intervals, are defined to set up the linear model. Consequently, an optimal solution to the problem can be provided in a straightforward manner by a linear programming solver, which suggests that such a rescheduling problem belongs to the P (polynomial time) class. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach and demonstrate that the performance is superior to that of other competitive algorithms in terms of both energy saving and runtime efficiency.
Effect of sodium fluoride pretreatment on the efficacy of an in‐office bleaching agent: An in vitro study
Authors: Kyaw Khin Yupar , Otsuki Masayuki , Segarra Michelle Sunico , Tagami Junji
Published: June 2018

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the bleaching efficacy using an artificial discolored bovine tooth model. Twenty specimens were prepared from bovine teeth by staining with black tea extract and were divided into two groups (n = 10). In control group, specimens were immersed in distilled water for 30 min. In NaF group, specimens were applied with 0.2% NaF for 30 min. Then, the specimens in each group were bleached by an in‐office bleaching material (Shofu Hi‐Lite, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan). The CIE L*a*b* values were measured by a dental colorimeter before and after 10 consecutive bleaching treatments, and the color difference (ΔE) was calculated. Brightness and color difference (ΔE) increased in both groups per bleaching cycle. There were no statistical differences in ΔE values between both groups (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the application of NaF before bleaching did not interfere with the bleaching effect.