bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycosyltransferases of the
GT
47 Family
Authors: Geshi Naomi , Harholt Jesper , Sakuragi Yumiko , Jensen Jacob Krüger , Scheller Henrik Vibe
Published: May 2017

CAZy glycosyltransferase family 47 (GT47) consists of enzymes that are all predicted to be inverting glycosyltransferases. The family includes enzymes with diverse donor and acceptor specificities, making it difficult to predict the function of family members that have not been biochemically characterized. The GT47 family is dominated by plant proteins, many or all of which are likely involved in cell wall biosynthesis and located in the Golgi vesicles. Based on the phylogeny, the plant sequences can be classified into six groups (A–E). Most of them remain to have their biochemical function determined, but a few members are relatively well characterized: MUR3 and XGD1 have been shown biochemically to function as xyloglucan β‐1,2‐galactosyltransferase and xylogalacturonan β‐1,3‐xylosyltransferase, respectively. Wall phenotype has been demonstrated in mutants of
arad1
,
gut1/irx10
and
fra8/irx7
, but biochemical function of the corresponding proteins remains to be elucidated. The mutant phenotypes suggest that ARAD1 functions as a pectin arabinosyltransferase while GUT1/IRX10L and FRA8/IRX7 are involved in xylan biosynthesis.
Herbivore Oral Secretions are the First Line of Protection Against Plant‐induced Defences
Authors: Felton Gary W , Chung Seung Ho , Hernandez Maria Gloria Estrada , Louis Joe , Peiffer Michelle , Tian Donglan
Published: May 2017

In order to mount a successful defence, plants must specifically recognize the threat (microbe vs. herbivore), elicit the appropriate signalling pathway (e.g. salicylic acid vs. jasmonic acid) and mount the proper defence. As effective counterploys, herbivores may disrupt defence signalling to suppress defences, detoxify defences, or even sequester these defences in their bodies to avoid toxicity. Our current research has focused on salivary effectors that disrupt plant defence signalling. Our hypothesis is that, as an alternative counterploy, some herbivores may present themselves in ‘disguise’ and thus avoid proper detection. We believe this alternative counterploy has been overlooked, but that it may represent a commonly used strategy by certain herbivores. Emerging evidence suggest that some herbivores may actively deposit microbes in their oral secretions on plants, and thus be ‘mistakenly’ recognized as microbes. Consequently, plants turn on the incorrect signalling pathway and express defences that are ineffective against these intruders.
Insect Detoxification and Sequestration Strategies
Authors: Heckel David G.
Published: May 2017

Plants defend themselves from insect herbivores with a vast array of chemical defences, yet insects have evolved several mechanisms for detoxifying these and even sequestering them for their own use. Gene duplication within the large cytochrome P450 gene family plays diverse roles in detoxification, employing fine‐tuning of substrate specificity, transcriptional control and insensitivity to plant‐derived P450 inhibitors. Multiple mechanisms exist for avoiding activation of glucosinolates and cyanogenic glucosides, and for sequestering or even synthesizing the latter. Housekeeping enzymes have been re‐directed to novel detoxicative functions. Often, the primary molecular target of the plant toxin has mutated to a less sensitive form, and multiple parallel evolutionary responses of this type can be seen in communities of herbivores consuming plants posing the same chemical challenges. These and other mechanisms have enabled insects to continue to exploit plants for food throughout the long history of their co‐evolutionary struggle.
Plant Semiochemicals – Perception and Behavioural Responses by Insects
Authors: Reinecke Andreas , Hilker Monika
Published: May 2017

Plants provide chemical cues that are specific for species, plant organs and the (a)biotic environmental conditions. Insects exploit these cues for various purposes, such as habitat and host plant location, host quality assessment, aggregation, mate finding and location of herbivorous prey. The process of sensing plant infochemicals may be described as multi‐stage filtering that starts at the surface and pores of the sensory organs, continues in the sensillum lumen, with its aqueous phase containing carrier molecules, and molecular receptors in the dendritic membranes of the actual sensory cells. This chemosensory input elicits behavioural responses to plant odour that depend on chemical background information, on habitat features determining how chemical cues travel through space, and on the physiological, as well as motivational, state of the insect. Hence, insect olfactory orientation by plant odours is mediated by a fine‐tuneable olfactory system that is continuously adjusted to the actual needs of the insect.
Transcriptome Responses in Herbivorous Insects Towards Host Plant and Toxin Feeding
Authors: Vogel Heiko , Musser Richard O , de la Paz Celorio‐Mancera Maria
Published: May 2017

Food source is a major determinant of physiological performance and a strong selection force for insect herbivores. The ability to adequately respond to chemical challenges posed by their host plants is the primary determinant of larval fitness. Most herbivorous insects must consume large quantities of plant material to meet their nutritional requirements and, at the same time, cope with numerous mechanical, chemical and protein‐based defences posed by their sessile hosts. Despite the importance of host plants on essential life history traits of insect herbivores, data on global responses to both individual plant‐derived compounds and plant feeding is scarce. Here we discuss the existing data on herbivore responses to host plant exposure, toxin feeding or nutrient limitations, and we make an attempt at identifying changes in genome‐wide expression patterns of generalist and/or specialist herbivores. While generalists face an array of different plant defences, and therefore likely need to invest in broad detoxifying strategies, specialist herbivores need to fine‐tune their adaptation to specific plant defences.
Chemical Regulators of Gibberellin Status and Their Application in Plant Production
Authors: Rademacher Wilhelm
Published: May 2017

Gibberellins and inhibitors of their biosynthesis are widely used in modern agriculture, horticulture and viticulture. Their global market is in the range of US$ 500 million. The gibberellins GA3, GA4and GA7are primarily used to increase fruit yield and/or quality in fruit trees and table and wine grapes. Distinct steps of the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway can be inhibited by growth retardants: chlormequat and mepiquat chloride, ancymidol, flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, uniconazole, and the fungicides tebuconazole and metconazole and daminozide, trinexapac‐ethyl and prohexadione‐calcium are currently used in crop production. Growth retardants reduce shoot elongation, thereby lowering the risk of lodging in cereals, rice and oilseed rape, and making ornamentals more compact. A better canopy structure with improved formation of reproductive structures is induced in cotton and peanuts. In fruit and nut trees, less pruning is required and increases in crop yield and quality are obtained.
Genetic Control of Gibberellin Metabolism and Signalling in Crop Improvement
Authors: Phillips Andrew L.
Published: May 2017

Many developmental processes regulated by gibberellin (GA) impact on crop yield and quality, and genetic variants affected in GA biosynthesis or signalling have been widely exploited in agriculture. Notably, these include alleles of
Rht‐1
and
Sd‐1
that confer a semi‐dwarf habit to wheat and rice, respectively, underpinning the Green Revolution that increased yields in the latter half of the twentieth century. The chapter discusses the utility of various alleles at these and other GA loci in controlling stature, mainly in cereal crops. The scope for the development of additional variants in the GA pathway through mutagenesis or transgenic approaches is also reviewed.
Fatigue and Fracture Reliability of Shell‐Mimetic PE/TiO2 Nanolayered Composites
Authors: Yang Y. J. , Zhang B. , Tan H. F. , Luo X. M. , Zhang G. P.
Published: May 2017

Shell‐mimetic (PE/TiO2)4 nanolayered composites stacked alternatively by 20 nm‐thick PE layers and 55 nm‐thick nanocrystalline TiO2 layers are synthesized by a combination of the layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly and the chemical bath deposition methods. The critical cracking strain and the apparent fracture energy of the bio‐mimetic nanolayered composites are determined as 0.56% and 0.98 J m−2, respectively, by the simply supported beam bending testing. Fatigue properties of the (PE/TiO2)4 nanolayered composites are evaluated by the dynamic bending testing method. The critical fatigue strain amplitude corresponding to the lowest strain amplitude for fatigue cracking of the present (PE/TiO2)4 NLCs is 0.0853%, which is much lower than the critical cracking strain (0.56%) under monotonic bending. The finding indicates that the potential fatigue threat to the long‐term reliability of the bio‐mimetic nanolayered composites needs to be concerned.
Multi‐Atomic Layers of Metallic Aluminum for Ultralong Life Lithium Storage with High Volumetric Capacity
Authors: Gu Jianan , Li Bin , Du Zhiguo , Zhang Chao , Zhang Di , Yang Shubin
Published: May 2017

Metallic aluminum (Al) have been explored as potential anode materials for lithium storage because of its high theoretical capacity (993 mAh g–1) and low voltage plateaus. Al possesses high electric conductivity, low cost and environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, Al suffers from huge volume change (>100%) during the lithiation/delithiation process, which inevitably results in the pulverization of electrode and rapid capacity decay during cycling processes. To circumvent above issues, a simple but efficient strategy is demonstrated to fabricate free‐standing multi‐atomic layers of metallic Al by harnessing the good ductility of Al under pressure. The resultant multi‐atomic Al layers are ultrathin, ≈3 nm, and have a large aspect ratio. Such unique features enable multi‐atomic Al nanosheets to construct uniform and compact films with graphene. Thus, the hybrid films with different ratios are achieved, in which the notorious volume change of metallic Al can be efficiently circumvented via the good flexibility of graphene, and the density of whole electrode can be significantly enhanced. As a consequence, the optimized multi‐atomic Al layers‐graphene (AlL‐G) film exhibits a very high volumetric capacity of 1089 mAh cm–3, high‐rate capability and ultralong cycle life up to 20 000 cycles for lithium storage.
Flexible and Stretchable 3ω Sensors for Thermal Characterization of Human Skin
Authors: Tian Limei , Li Yuhang , Webb Richard Chad , Krishnan Siddharth , Bian Zuguang , Song Jizhou , Ning Xin , Crawford Kaitlyn , Kurniawan Jonas , Bonifas Andrew , Ma Jun , Liu Yuhao , Xie Xu , Chen Jin , Liu Yuting , Shi Zhan , Wu Tianqi , Ning Rui , Li Daizhen , Sinha Sanjiv , Cahill David G. , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2017

Characterization of the thermal properties of the surface and subsurface structures of the skin can reveal the degree of hydration, the rate of blood flow in near‐surface micro‐ and macrovasculature, and other important physiological information of relevance to dermatological and overall health status. Here, a soft, stretchable thermal sensor, based on the so‐called three omega (i.e., 3ω) method, is introduced for accurate characterization of the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of materials systems, such as the skin, which can be challenging to measure using established techniques. Experiments on skin at different body locations and under different physical states demonstrate the possibilities. Systematic studies establish the underlying principles of operation in these unusual systems, thereby allowing rational design and use, through combined investigations based on analytical modeling, experimental measurements, and finite element analysis. The findings create broad opportunities for 3ω methods in biology, with utility ranging from the integration with surgical tools or implantable devices to noninvasive uses in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.
Multianchored Glycoconjugate‐Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Tool for Selective Killing of Targeted Bacteria via Alternating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Raval Yash S. , Fellows Benjamin D. , Murbach Jamie , Cordeau Yves , Mefford Olin Thompson , Tzeng Tzuen‐Rong J.
Published: May 2017

New technologies that do not rely on antibiotics are urgently needed to treat bacterial infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Herein, the feasibility of using alternating magnetic field (AMF) to selectively kill enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain K99 (EC K99) in the presence of multianchored glycoconjugate‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles is explored. Poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(acrylic acid)‐dopamine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (PEO‐MNPs) are synthesized and functionalized with bacteria‐specific glycoconjugate Neu5Ac(α2‐3)‐Gal‐(β1‐4)Glcβ‐sp (GM3‐MNPs) for specific adherence to EC K99. When such mixtures are exposed to an alternate magnetic field (31 kA m−1, 207 KHz), an ≈3‐log reduction in colony forming units of EC K99 is achieved in 120 min. Moreover, in a mixed‐bacterial culture environment, targeted killing of EC K99 is achieved with minimal damage to nontargeted bacterium. Electron microscopy images along with live/dead staining assays demonstrate visible membrane damage of EC K99 cells in the presence of GM3‐MNPs and AMF. Additionally, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels of EC K99 are significantly diminished in the presence of GM3‐MNPs and AMF. These results suggest that specific glycoconjugate‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles when mediated by AMF can be potentially used as a novel nonantibiotic treatment platform to inactivate/kill targeted bacterial pathogens, with minimal impact on normal microflora and the affected body region/tissue.
A Microfluidic Ion Pump for In Vivo Drug Delivery
Authors: Uguz Ilke , Proctor Christopher M. , Curto Vincenzo F. , Pappa Anna‐Maria , Donahue Mary J. , Ferro Magali , Owens Róisín M. , Khodagholy Dion , Inal Sahika , Malliaras George G.
Published: May 2017

Implantable devices offer an alternative to systemic delivery of drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders. A microfluidic ion pump (µFIP), capable of delivering a drug without the solvent through electrophoresis, is developed. The device is characterized in vitro by delivering γ‐amino butyric acid to a target solution, and demonstrates low‐voltage operation, high drug‐delivery capacity, and high ON/OFF ratio. It is also demonstrated that the device is suitable for cortical delivery in vivo by manipulating the local ion concentration in an animal model and altering neural behavior. These results show that µFIPs represent a significant step forward toward the development of implantable drug‐delivery systems.
Nanostructured CaF2:Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Yb3+/Er3+, Yb3+/Tm3+) Thin Films: MOCVD Fabrication and Their Upconversion Properties
Authors: Pellegrino Anna L. , Cortelletti Paolo , Pedroni Marco , Speghini Adolfo , Malandrino Graziella
Published: May 2017

Calcium fluoride represents one of the most efficient hosts for up‐conversion or down‐conversion emissions. A simple metal organic chemical vapor deposition approach is applied to the fabrication of CaF2 nanostructured thin films using the fluorinated “second‐generation” β‐diketonate compound Ca(hfa)2•diglyme•H2O as a Ca‐F single‐source precursor. The versatility of the process is demonstrated for the fabrication of up‐converting Yb/Er or Yb/Tm codoped CaF2 films on Si, quartz, and glass substrates. The Ln(hfa)3•diglyme (Ln = Tm, Er, Yb) precursors are used as sources of the doping ions. Structural, morphological, and compositional characterization of the films shows the formation of polycrystalline CaF2 films with a very uniform surface and suitable doping. In fact, an appropriate tuning of the mixture composition, i.e., the Ca:Ln ratio in the multicomponent source, permits the deposition of films with the desired stoichiometry. The films show promising up‐conversion properties in the visible and near infrared regions upon laser excitation for both doping mixtures.
Antiferroelectric Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Apachitei Geanina , Peters Jonathan J. P. , Sanchez Ana M. , Kim Dong Jik , Alexe Marin
Published: May 2017

Antiferroelectric tunnel junctions of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/PbZrO3/Co fabricated by pulsed laser deposition and sputtering are reported for the first time. The current–voltage curves highlight the monostability type (threshold) resistive switching corresponding to the antiferroelectric behavior for the PbZrO3 barrier down to ≈4 nm thickness. Tunneling electroresistance values up to 109%, which is much higher than the usual values in ferroelectric tunnel junctions, are observed at room temperature. The resistive switching is attributed to a combination of the nonpolar to polar switching induced by an external field, leading to significant changes in the barrier heights, and the crossover from direct tunneling to Fowler–Nordheim tunneling. At low temperatures, the devices exhibit an inverse tunneling magnetoresistance, in which the resistance is higher in the parallel magnetization state, most probably caused by interfacial Zr and Co ions' hybridization influence on the spin polarization.
Perovskite Chalcogenides with Optimal Bandgap and Desired Optical Absorption for Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Ju Ming‐Gang , Dai Jun , Ma Liang , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: May 2017

Solar cells with organic‐inorganic lead halide perovskites have achieved great success and their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has reached to 22.1%. To address the toxicology of lead element and some stability issues associated with the organic‐inorganic lead halide perovskites, inorganic lead‐free perovskites have gained more attentions from the photovoltaic research community. Herein, a series of chalcogenide perovskites are proposed as optical absorber materials for thin‐film solar cells. SrSnSe3 and SrSnS3 are predicted to be direct bandgap semiconductors with the bandgap value being within the optimal range of 0.9–1.6 eV. Both SrSnSe3 and SrSnS3 not only exhibit good optical absorption properties and carrier mobility, but also possess flexible bandgaps that can be continuously tuned within the grange of 0.9–1.6 eV via the element‐mixing strategy, thereby render both perovskites as promising candidates for photovoltaic applications.
Acenaphtho[1, 2‐k]fluoranthene‐Fused Diimide Derivatives: An Investigation of the Relationship Between Molecular Structure and Device Performance
Authors: Ding Lin , Yang Chi‐Yuan , Zheng Yu‐Qing , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian , Su Zhongmin
Published: May 2017

Organic electron‐acceptor materials play an important role in organic electronics, especially in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. Recently, many non‐fullerene small molecular acceptors have been developed, in which aromatic fused‐imides were proven to be a promising family of excellent electron acceptors. We developed a series of acenaphtho[1,2‐k]fluoranthene‐fused diimides, AFIs (AFI1, AFI2 and AFI3), employing the Diels–Alder reaction as the crucial synthetic step. With electron‐withdrawing diimide groups in their large conjugated backbone, AFIs display a LUMO level around −3.50 eV. These AFI compounds were used as the electron acceptors to fabricate organic photovoltaic devices. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 2.37 % was achieved with a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) up to 0.96 V.
Skeletal maturity of the hand in an East African group from Sudan
Authors: Elamin Fadil , Abdelazeem Nihal , Elamin Ahmed , Saif Duaa , Liversidge Helen M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Studies of skeletal maturity from Africa indicate a delay, reflected in a negative relative skeletal age (RSA). This study aims to evaluate the influence of age, socioeconomic status (SES) and nutritional status on skeletal maturation in a large sample of children from North Sudan.

Materials

The sample consisted 665 males and 1018 females from 3‐25 years from Khartoum. Height, weight, age of menarche and, SES were recorded of patients attending for dental treatment.

Methods

Skeletal age was assigned from hand‐wrist radiographs using the Greulich‐Pyle (GP) atlas (1952). RSA (difference between skeletal and chronological ages) was compared in groups divided by age, sex, height‐for‐age and body‐mass‐index z scores, and SES. Spearman's correlation and studentt‐test was used to compare groups.

Results

Delayed skeletal age was noted across all age in boys. In girls, a delay was observed between ages 6‐10, while advancement occurred between ages 13–18. Maturity was delayed in low height groups (p < .05) and low SES groups. RSA was negatively associated with HAZ in low SES males (R = −0.0.27,p < .001) and low SES females (R = −0.32,p < .001).

Conclusions

There were statistically significant skeletal delays in North Sudanese males and most pre‐menarche females, low height and low SES groups. Post‐menarche females were advanced relative to males and GP references. Low SES impacts were statistically correlated to skeletal delay.
Ligand‐Promoted Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed ortho‐C−H Amination with Free Amines
Authors: Wang Huai‐Wei , Lu Yi , Zhang Bing , He Jian , Xu Hua‐Jin , Kang Yan‐Shang , Sun Wei‐Yin , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: May 2017

Ligand development for rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C−H activation reactions has largely been limited to cyclopentadienyl (Cp) based scaffolds. 2‐Methylquinoline has now been identified as a feasible ligand that can coordinate to the metal center of Cp*RhCl to accelerate the cleavage of the C−H bond of N‐pentafluorophenylbenzamides, providing a new structural lead for ligand design. The compatibility of this reaction with secondary free amines and anilines also overcomes the limitations of palladium(II)‐catalyzed C−H amination reactions.
Effect of microstructure on the dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) composite films
Authors: Mydhili V. , Manivannan S.
Published: May 2017

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT–PSS) was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to form 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA solutions, and their freestanding films were prepared with a simple and cost‐effective solution casting technique at 27 °C in the absence of additives. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed changes in the cocontinuous network to a rodlike morphology in the composite films from 10 to 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. The alternating‐current conductivity was found to obey Jonscher's power law. The obtained values of the dielectric constant at 27 °C were relatively high, and a maximum value of 6.7 × 104 at 100 Hz for 40 vol % PEDOT–PSS'/PVA was observed. The dielectric loss attained a maximum value of about 106 at 100 Hz for 40 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. However, a decrease in the dielectric parameters was observed at 50 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA because of locally induced strain in the microstructure. The variations in polarization with respect to the applied electric field (P–E) were determined for 50, 100, and 500 Hz at 500 V for the freestanding composite films of lower concentrations up to 20 vol % PEDOT–PSS/PVA. In summary, the dielectric and P–E measurements confirmed that the electrical characteristics changed in accordance to the contribution from both resistive and capacitive sites in the PEDOT–PSS/PVA composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45079.
White matter compromise in autism? Differentiating motion confounds from true differences in diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Solders Seraphina K. , Carper Ruth A. , Müller Ralph‐Axel
Published: May 2017

Common findings from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include reduced fractional anisotropy (FA), and increased mean and radial diffusivity (MD, RD) of white matter tracts. However, findings may be confounded by head motion. We examined how group‐level motion matching affects DTI comparisons between ASD and typically developing (TD) groups. We included 57 ASD and 50 TD participants, comparing three subsets at increasing levels of motion‐matching stringency: full sample (FS); quality‐controlled (QC); and quantitatively‐matched (QM). Groups were compared on diffusivity measures using Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and probabilistic tractography. Two methods for estimating diffusivity were compared: dti‐fit and restore. TBSS: In set FS, FA was reduced in the ASD compared to the TD group throughout the right hemisphere. This effect was less extensive in set QC and absent in set QM. However, effect sizes remained stable or increased with better quality‐control in some regions. Tractography: In set QM, MD was significantly higher in ASD overall and RD was higher in bilateral ILF. Effects were more robust in QM than in FS or QC sets. Effect sizes in several tracts increased with stringent quality matching. Restore improved tensor estimates, with some increases in effect sizes, but did not fully compensate for reduced quality. Findings suggest that some previously reported DTI findings for ASD may have been confounded by motion. However, effects in the tightly matched subset indicate that tract‐specific anomalies probably do exist in ASD. Our results highlight the need for careful quality‐control and motion‐matching. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1606–1620. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die intelligente Brücke im digitalen Testfeld Autobahn
Authors: Haardt Peter , Dabringhaus Sarah , Friebel Wolf Dieter , Bayerstorfer Robert , Bäumler Tobias , Freundt Ursula
Published: May 2017

Unter dem Begriff „Intelligente Brücke” erfolgt in einem Forschungscluster der Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen die Entwicklung eines adaptiven Systems zur kontinuierlichen Bereitstellung relevanter Informationen für eine ganzheitliche Zustandsbewertung durch den Einsatz von geeigneter Sensorik in Verbindung mit Analyse‐ und Bewertungsverfahren. Hierdurch werden online Hinweise auf zu erwartende Schädigungen und Zustandsänderungen ermöglicht. Im Rahmen des digitalen Testfelds Autobahn werden ausgewählte Entwicklungen „Einwirkungsüberwachung”, „Instrumentierte Fahrbahnübergänge und Lager” sowie „Sensornetze” an einer Spannbetonbrücke im Autobahnkreuz Nürnberg umfänglich vorgestellt und damit bundesweit zugänglich gemacht. Das Gesamtsystem besteht aus den Komponenten eines Informationssystems zur Analyse und Bewertung von Messdaten instrumentierter Bauteile. Die dabei durchzuführenden Untersuchungen beziehen sich auf die fortlaufende Aktualisierung des objektbezogenen Lastmodells und Analysen zur Restlebensdauer der Brücke sowie der untersuchten Bauteile. Die erfassten und aufbereiteten Informationen werden der zuständigen Straßenbauverwaltung online zur Verfügung gestellt. Das System wird im Rahmen eines fünfjährigen Untersuchungsprogramms betrieben, analysiert und weiterentwickelt.
In vitro evaluation of potential transporter‐mediated drug interactions of evogliptin
Authors: Lee Dae Y. , Chae Hye W. , Shim Hyun J.
Published: May 2017

To date, little is known about the transporter‐mediated drug–drug interaction (DDI) potential of evogliptin, a novel DPP‐4 inhibitor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the DDI potential of evogliptin using various in vitro assays in transporter‐expressing cell lines. After incubating evogliptin with cells overexpressing OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, there was no notable cellular accumulation of evogliptin (fold accumulation, 0.41–1.86). In bidirectional transport assays using a Caco‐2 cell monolayer, a high efflux ratio (ER, 522) of evogliptin was observed, which was significantly decreased (97.96%) in the presence of a potent P‐gp inhibitor. In assays using MDCKII‐BCRP cell monolayers, by contrast, a low net ER (1.16–1.26) was found. In similar cellular uptake and bidirectional studies with probe substrates of P‐gp, BCRP, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, the active transport of the substrates was not significantly suppressed by evogliptin. These results suggest that evogliptin may be a substrate of P‐gp, but not a substrate of BCRP, OAT1B1, OAT1B3, OAT1, OAT3 or OCT2, and not an inhibitor of any of these transporters. Therefore, it could be concluded that evogliptin has some DDI potential involving P‐gp, but it has low potential of DDI mediated by the other transporters.
What Provides Justification for Cheating—Producing or Observing Counterfactuals?
Authors: Bassarak Claudia , Leib Margarita , Mischkowski Dorothee , Strang Sabrina , Glöckner Andreas , Shalvi Shaul
Published: May 2017

When people can profit financially by lying, they do so to the extent to which they can justify their lies. One type of justification is the observation and production of desirable counterfactual information. Here, we disentangle observing and producing of desired counterfactuals and test whether the mere observation is sufficient or whether one actually needs to produce the information in order to justify lying. By employing a modified version of the Die‐Under‐Cup task, we ask participants to privately roll a die three times and to report the outcome of the first die roll (with higher values corresponding to higher payoffs). In all three conditions, participants produce (roll the die) and observe the first die roll, which is relevant for pay. We manipulate whether participants produce and observe versus only observe the second and third die roll outcomes, which are both irrelevant for pay. Results reveal that people lie to the same extent—when producing and observing the counterfactuals, and when merely observing them. It seems that merely observing counterfactual information is sufficient to allow people to use this information to justify their lies. We further test whether creativity and moral disengagement are associated with dishonesty and replicate the finding showing that unethical behavior increases with creativity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of anthocyanin‐rich foods in obesity control through gut microbiota interactions
Authors: Jamar Giovana , Estadella Débora , Pisani Luciana Pellegrini
Published: May 2017

Obesity is characterized by low‐grade inflammation and a number of metabolic disorders. Distal gut microbes' content (microbiota) is not yet fully understood but evidence shows that it is influenced by internal and external factors that modulate its composition and function. The evidence that gut microbiota composition can differ between healthy and obese individuals, as well as for those who maintain specific dietary habits, has led to the study of this environmental factor as a key link between the pathophysiology of obesity and gut microbiota. Data obtained about the role of anthocyanins (ACNs) in microbiota may lead to different strategies to manipulate bacterial populations and promote health. Anthocyanins have been identified as modulators of gut microbiota that contribute to obesity control and these bioactive compounds should be considered to have a prebiotic action. This review addresses the relevance of knowledge about the influence of anthocyanins‐rich food consumption on microbiota, and their health‐promoting potential in the pathophysiology of obesity. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):507–516, 2017
Development and validation of an LC‐ESI‐MS/MS approach to determine a highly hydrophobic drug, norcantharidin palmitate, and apply to a preliminary pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Tao Xiaoguang , Zheng Qi , Xu Hang , Zhang Yu , Lei Tian , Yin Tian , He Haibing , Tang Xing
Published: May 2017

In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of norcantharidin palmitate (NCTD‐PAL) in rats, we developed and validated an LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method. The NCTD‐PAL and internal standard (triamcinoloneacetonide palmitate, TAP) were separated on a Phenomenex Kinetex®XB C18 column, and the mobile phase was composed of tetrahydrofuran (THF)–acetonitrile (20/80, v/v) and an aqueous phase containing 0.2% ammonium hydroxide at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The ESI interface operated in positive mode was used to acquire the mass spectrometric data, and the transition ions were m/z 635.50 → 168.95 and 673.65 → 397.13 for NCTD‐PAL and IS, respectively. The method had a linear range of 10–2000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The accuracy (RE, %) was within ±10.1%, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD, %) were 10.9 and 13.8%, respectively. The extraction recovery of NCTD‐PAL at different concentrations ranged from 89.3 to 102.0%. The validated approach was efficaciously applied to a pharmacokinetic study of NCTD‐PAL in rats via intravenous injection. Based on these results obtained, this method is practical and suitable for a wide range of applications.
The assessment of laboratory parameters in children with fever and febrile seizures
Authors: Gontko – Romanowska Krystyna , Żaba Zbigniew , Panieński Paweł , Steinborn Barbara , Szemień Michał , Łukasik – Głębocka Magdalena , Ratajczak Krystian , Górny Jacek
Published: May 2017

Objective

The aim of the research paper was to assess selected laboratory results in children with fever without seizures and febrile seizure.

Materials and Methods

The paper presents an analysis of a group of 306 children aged 6 months – 5 years who were admitted with diagnosed fever without seizures and febrile seizures in Specialized Health Care Centre for Mother and Child in Poznan between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2009. Out of the diagnostics procedures performed in children the following ones were taken into consideration: BCC and CRP.

Results

Of the analyzed group of 306 children, 59.48% were boys and 40.52% were girls. In the studied group 61.93% were boys and control group 56.15% were boys. Mean age of admitted children was 22 months. In the study group mean body temperature was 39.0°C and in the control group 38.6°C. A statistically significant difference was found between body temperature of study and control group (p = .005). The mean C‐reactive protein level in the study group was 15.73 mg/L and in the control group 58.20 mg/L. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils (p < .001). There was also a statistically significant difference between the number of hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets.

Conclusions

The study showed that children with FS, had statistically significant higher neutrophils level compared to those with fever without seizures. The number of lymphocytes was lower in children with FS than in children with fever without seizures.
Virtual world, defined from a technological perspective and applied to video games, mixed reality, and the Metaverse
Authors: Nevelsteen Kim J. L.
Published: May 2017

There is no generally accepted definition for a virtual world, with many complimentary terms and acronyms having emerged implying a virtual world. Advances in networking techniques such as host migration of instances, mobile ad hoc networking, and distributed computing, bring in to question whether architectures can actually support a virtual world. Without a concrete definition, controversy ensues and it is problematic to design an architecture for a virtual world. Several researchers provided a definition but aspects of each definition are still problematic and simply can not be applied to contemporary technologies. The approach of this article is to sample technologies using grounded theory and to obtain a definition for a “virtual world” that is directly applicable to technology. The obtained definition is compared with related work and used to classify advanced technologies such as a pseudo‐persistent video game, a MANet, virtual and mixed reality, and the Metaverse. The results of this article include a break down of which properties set apart the various technologies; a definition that is validated by comparing it with other definitions; an ontology showing the relation of the different complimentary terms and acronyms; and the usage of pseudo‐persistence to categories those technologies, which only mimic persistence.
Aggregate Formation of Oligonucleotides that Assist Molecular Imaging for Tracking of the Oxygen Status in Tumor Tissue
Authors: Yoshihara Kazuki , Takagi Kohei , Son Aoi , Kurihara Ryohsuke , Tanabe Kazuhito
Published: May 2017

The use of DNA aggregates could be a promising strategy for the molecular imaging of biological functions. Herein, phosphorescent oligodeoxynucleotides were designed with the aim of visualizing oxygen fluctuation in tumor cells. DNA–ruthenium conjugates (DRCs) that consisted of oligodeoxynucleotides, a phosphorescent ruthenium complex, a pyrene unit for high oxygen responsiveness, and a nitroimidazole unit as a tumor‐targeting unit were prepared. In general, oligonucleotides have low cell permeability because of their own negative charges; however, the DRC formed aggregates in aqueous solution due to the hydrophobic pyrene and nitroimidazole groups, and smoothly penetrated the cellular membrane to accumulate in tumor cells in a hypoxia‐selective manner. The oxygen‐dependent phosphorescence of DRC in cells was also observed. In vivo experiments revealed that aggregates of DRC accumulated in hypoxic tumor tissue that was transplanted into the left leg of mice, and showed that oxygen fluctuations in tumor tissue could be monitored by tracking of the phosphorescence emission of DRC.
Advanced oxidation protein products induce hepatocyte epithelial–mesenchymal transition via a ROS‐dependent, TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Shibo , Xie Fang , Zhang Qifan , Cui Zhonglin , Cheng Xinsheng , Zhong Feng , He Kun , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2017

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during the progression of liver fibrosis in response to chronic liver injury. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of hepatocyte EMT remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) had an effect on hepatocyte EMT. The human L02 hepatocyte cell line and hepatocytes from normal Sprague–Dawley rats were challenged with AOPP treatment in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The expression of cell and molecular markers of EMT in L02 hepatocytes were studied using Western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays. Hepatocyte migratory potential was analyzed using a wound healing assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using the dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay. In liver tissue sections, expression of EMT markers was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and collagen was assessed using histochemical staining with Masson's trichrome. The findings were that AOPP treatment resulted in EMT in hepatocytes, which was associated with reduced expression of E‐cadherin, increased expression of vimentin, increased deposition of collagen protein, and enhanced cell migration in vivo and in vitro. AOPP was also found to promote migration in L02 cells, and to promote the production of ROS and the activation of TGF‐βR and Smad signaling. Inhibition of the generation of intracellular ROS and TGF‐β receptor blocking could reverse AOPP‐induced EMT in hepatocytes. This study has identified a novel mechanism in the regulation of hepatocyte EMT, and the findings may have implications for the control of liver fibrosis.
Interpretation of Seemingly Contradictory Data: Low NMR S2 Order Parameters Observed in Helices and High NMR S2 Order Parameters in Disordered Loops of the Protein hGH at Low pH
Authors: Smith Lorna J. , Athill Roya , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Hansen Niels
Published: May 2017

At low pH, human growth hormone (hGH) adopts a partially folded state, in which the native helices are maintained, but the long loop regions and side‐chain packing become disordered. Some of the S2 order parameters for backbone N−H vectors derived from NMR relaxation measurements on hGH at low pH initially seem contradictory. Three isolated residues (15, 20, and 171) in helices A and D exhibit low order parameter values (<0.5) indicating flexibility, whereas residue 143 in the centre of a long flexible loop region has a high order parameter (0.82). Using S2 order parameter restraining MD simulations, this paradox has been resolved. Low S2 values in helices are due to the presence of a mixture of 310‐helical and α‐helical hydrogen bonds. High S2 values in relatively disordered parts of a protein may be due to fluctuating networks of hydrogen bonds between the backbone and the side chains, which restrict the motion of N−H bond vectors.
[60]Fullerene‐Based Macrocycle Ligands
Authors: Li Yanbang , Gan Liangbing
Published: May 2017

Macrocycle ligands have three or more donor sites. Selective replacement of skeleton carbon atoms by heteroatoms and vacancies in C60 could lead to various macrocycle ligands with a cage‐shaped backbone. Theoretical calculations indicate that such C60‐based macrocycle ligands are as stable as C60 thermodynamically according to their similar HOMO–LUMO gaps. The synthesis of these ligands is a challenging task. Nevertheless important progresses have been reported. This concept article focuses on the structures of possible C60‐based macrocycle ligands and related synthetic results.
Nitrated Fatty Acids Modulate the Physical Properties of Model Membranes and the Structure of Transmembrane Proteins
Authors: Franz Johannes , Bereau Tristan , Pannwitt Stefanie , Anbazhagan Veerappan , Lehr Alexander , Nubbemeyer Udo , Dietz Ulrich , Bonn Mischa , Weidner Tobias , Schneider Dirk
Published: May 2017

Nitrated fatty acids (NO2‐FAs) act as anti‐inflammatory signal mediators, albeit the molecular mechanisms behind NO2‐FAs’ influence on diverse metabolic and signaling pathways in inflamed tissues are essentially elusive. Here, we combine fluorescence measurements with surface‐specific sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and coarse‐grained computer simulations to demonstrate that NO2‐FAs alter lipid organization by accumulation at the membrane–water interface. As the function of membrane proteins strongly depends on both, protein structure as well as membrane properties, we consecutively follow the structural dynamics of an integral membrane protein in presence of NO2‐FAs. Based on our results, we suggest a molecular mechanism of the NO2‐FA in vivo activity: Driven by the NO2‐FA‐induced lipid layer reorganization, the structure and function of membrane‐associated (signaling) proteins is indirectly affected.
One‐Stage Syngas‐to‐Fuel Conversion with Printed Catalyst Layers in Microstructured Reactors
Authors: Sun Chenghao , Klumpp Michael , Binder Joachim R. , Pfeifer Peter , Dittmeyer Roland
Published: May 2017

Die einstufige Treibstoffsynthese durch Kombination von Fischer‐Tropsch‐Synthese (FTS) und hydrierender Spaltung (HC) in einem mikrostrukturierten Reaktor wird untersucht. Dabei werden die Katalysatoren in einer sequenziellen Anordnung als aktive Wandbeschichtung in den Mikrokanälen aufgebracht. Im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen mikrostrukturierten Reaktoren mit gepackten Betten lassen sich hier die einzelnen Reaktionszonen unabhängig voneinander temperieren. Eine Steigerung der Selektivität und der Produktivität zu C5 – C20 bei simultaner Erhöhung von FTS‐ und HC‐Temperatur sowie die Langzeitstabilität der katalytisch aktiven Wandbeschichtung konnten demonstriert werden.
Common problems and artifacts encountered in solution‐state NMR experiments
Authors: Torres Allan M. , Price William S.
Published: May 2017

NMR experiments contain many parameters that need to be set properly to produce spectra free from errors and artifacts. Modern NMR spectrometers nowadays incorporate standard experimental templates with ideal parameters that suit many common samples. These address many of the problems associated with most parameters but because of the variety of samples and various experiments that can be performed, the obtained spectra can be less than ideal displaying unwanted artifacts and inaccurate spectral properties. In this paper, some of the most common problems and artifacts in NMR experiments are presented and solutions discussed.
Establishment of a novel quantum dots‐encoded microbead‐based flow cytometric method for quantification of soluble FcεRIα in serum
Authors: Lin Kun , Xu Wen , Li Wanwan , Leng Yuankui , Wu Weijie , Peng Xia , Liang Yuting , Li Li
Published: May 2017

The soluble form of the transmembrane glycoprotein, FcεRIα which corresponds to the high‐affinity receptor for IgE, is found in serum. Growing evidence suggests the pathogenic role of IgE and FcεRI in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal of this study is to develop a sensitive and standardized cytometric assay for quantification of sFcεRIα. A membrane emulsification technique was utilized to incorporate CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots and Fe3O4 nanoparticles into poly (styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) microbeads. The beads were then carboxylated and coated with capture antibody monoclonal anti‐human FcεRIα. This antibody binds to FcεRIα but does not block the binding of FcεRIα to IgE. After incubation with standards or serum samples, the microbeads were incubated with excessive native human IgE, followed by incubation with Phycoerythrin (PE) conjugated anti‐human IgE. The resulting quantum dot microbeads were gated, and sFcεRIα quantification was analyzed based on PE fluorescence intensity. The method exhibited good linearity (R2 > 0.99), and the limit of detection was established at 0.29 ng/mL with the dynamic range of up to 200 ng/mL. The precision of the assay validated by intra‐ and inter‐assay variability met the acceptance criteria with the mean recovery falling within 80–110% of the theoretical concentration and a corresponding CV < 20%. We tested 149 serum samples which 89 were from SLE patients and 60 were from healthy volunteers. For the first time, we detected an increased sFcεRIα level in the serum of SLE patients, which was confirmed by a commercial ELISA kit. Compared to ELISA, this novel method is more sensitive and efficient. It allows for the simple comparative analysis of sFcεRIα levels in health and disease. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
N‐Iodosuccinimide (NIS) in Direct Aromatic Iodination
Authors: Bergström Maria , Suresh Ganji , Naidu Veluru Ramesh , Unelius C. Rikard
Published: May 2017

N‐Iodosuccinimide (NIS) in pure trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) offers a time‐efficient and general method for the iodination of a wide range of mono‐ and disubstituted benzenes at room temperature, as demonstrated in this paper. The starting materials were generally converted into mono‐iodinated products in less than 16 hours at room temperature, without byproducts. A few deactivated substrates needed addition of sulfuric acid to increase the reaction rate. Another exception was methoxybenzenes that preferentially were iodinated by NIS in acetonitrile with only catalytic amounts of TFA.
High Electrochemical Capacitance by Chemically Grafting Polyaniline Chains onto an Aniline‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Nanotubes/Titanium Electrode
Authors: Faraji Masoud , Hasanzadeh Reza
Published: May 2017

A nanocomposite electrode composed of polyaniline and graphene oxide (PANI‐g‐GO) was prepared by grafting polyaniline chains onto aniline‐functionalized graphene oxide deposited on TiO2 nanotubes/Ti electrode. The surface morphology of the fabricated electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their electrochemical activity was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). TEM and SEM results revealed that the PANI nanoparticles were uniformly loaded on the graphene sheets. The PANI‐g‐GO/TiO2 nanotubes/Ti electrodes exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 816 F g−1 at a current density of 7.0 A g−1 with 88 % capacitance retention after 2000 charge/discharge processes in 1.0 m H2SO4 solution, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of PANI/GO, good covalent bonding between PANI/GO, and a unique nanocomposite microstructure with high surface area.