bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Study of Oxygen Vacancy Tunable Transport Properties of Few‐Layer MoO3−x Enabled by Vapor‐Based Synthesis
Authors: Hanson Eve D. , Lajaunie Luc , Hao Shiqiang , Myers Benjamin D. , Shi Fengyuan , Murthy Akshay A. , Wolverton Chris , Arenal Raul , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: March 2017

Bulk and nanoscale molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) has shown impressive technologically relevant properties, but deeper investigation into 2D MoO3 has been prevented by the lack of reliable vapor‐based synthesis and doping techniques. Herein, the successful synthesis of high‐quality, few‐layer MoO3 down to bilayer thickness via physical vapor deposition is reported. The electronic structure of MoO3 can be strongly modified by introducing oxygen substoichiometry (MoO3−x), which introduces gap states and increases conductivity. A dose‐controlled electron irradiation technique to introduce oxygen vacancies into the few‐layer MoO3 structure is presented, thereby adding n‐type doping. By combining in situ transport with core‐loss and monochromated low‐loss scanning transmission electron microscopy–electron energy‐loss spectroscopy studies, a detailed structure–property relationship is developed between Mo‐oxidation state and resistance. Transport properties are reported for MoO3−x down to three layers thick, the most 2D‐like MoO3−x transport hitherto reported. Combining these results with density functional theory calculations, a radiolysis‐based mechanism for the irradiation‐induced oxygen vacancy introduction is developed, including insights into favorable configurations of oxygen defects. These systematic studies represent an important step forward in bringing few‐layer MoO3 and MoO3−x into the 2D family, as well as highlight the promise of MoO3−x as a functional, tunable electronic material.
Fe2O3 Nanoneedles on Ultrafine Nickel Nanotube Arrays as Efficient Anode for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yang , Xu Jing , Feng Tao , Yao Qiaofeng , Xie Jianping , Xia Hui
Published: March 2017

High performance of electrochemical energy storage devices depends on the smart structure engineering of electrodes, including the tailored nanoarchitectures of current collectors and subtle hybridization of active materials. To improve the anode supercapacitive performance of Fe2O3 for high‐voltage asymmetric supercapacitors, here, a hybrid core‐branch nanoarchitecture is proposed by integrating Fe2O3 nanoneedles on ultrafine Ni nanotube arrays (NiNTAs@Fe2O3 nanoneedles). The fabrication process employs a bottom‐up strategy via a modified template‐assisted method starting from ultrafine ZnO nanorod arrays, ensuring the formation of ultrafine Ni nanotube arrays with ultrathin tube walls. The novel developed NiNTAs@Fe2O3 nanoneedle electrode is demonstrated to be a highly capacitive anode (418.7 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1), matching well with the similarly built NiNTAs@MnO2 nanosheet cathode. Contributed by the efficient electron collection paths and short ion diffusion paths in the uniquely designed anode and cathode, the asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit an excellent maximum energy density of 34.1 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 3197.7 W kg−1 in aqueous electrolyte and 32.2 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 3199.5 W kg−1 in quasi‐solid‐state gel electrolyte.
Ein Aluminium‐Fluorid‐Komplex mit gekoppelter Ammonium‐Einheit als außergewöhnlich aktiver kooperativer Katalysator in der asymmetrischen Carboxycyanierung von Aldehyden
Authors: Brodbeck Daniel , Broghammer Florian , Meisner Jan , Klepp Julian , Garnier Delphine , Frey Wolfgang , Kästner Johannes , Peters René
Published: March 2017

Al‐F‐Bindungen gehören zu den stärksten bekannten σ‐Bindungen und weisen sogar höhere Bindungsenergien als Si‐F‐Bindungen auf. Trotz eines Stabilitätsvorteils und einer potenziell hohen Lewis‐Acidität von Al‐F‐Komplexen, wurden diese bisher nicht als strukturell definierte Katalysatoren für enantioselektive Reaktionen beschrieben. Hier zeigen wir, dass Al‐F‐Salen‐Komplexe mit gekoppelten Ammonium‐Einheiten eine außergewöhnlich hohe katalytische Aktivität in asymmetrischen Carboxycyanierungen aufweisen. Neben aromatischen Aldehyden wurden auch Enale und aliphatische Substrate effizient umgesetzt. Umsatzzahlen bis zu ca. 104 wurden erreicht, wohingegen sie mit vorherigen Katalysatoren üblicherweise im Bereich von 101–102 lagen. Anders als Al‐Me‐ und Al‐Cl‐Salen‐Komplexe sind die analogen Al‐F‐Spezies bemerkenswert stabil gegenüber Luft, Wasser und Hitze, und sie konnten nach der Katalyse unverändert zurückgewonnen werden. Sie zeichnen sich laut DFT‐Rechnungen durch eine beträchtlich erhöhte Lewis‐Acidität aus.
Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands Engage Multiple Anti‐Cancer Molecular Targets
Authors: Fung Sin Ki , Zou Taotao , Cao Bei , Lee Pui‐Yan , Fung Yi Man Eva , Hu Di , Lok Chun‐Nam , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: March 2017

Metal N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes are a promising class of anti‐cancer agents displaying potent in vitro and in vivo activities. Taking a multi‐faceted approach employing two clickable photoaffinity probes, herein we report the identification of multiple molecular targets for anti‐cancer active pincer gold(III) NHC complexes. These complexes display potent and selective cytotoxicity against cultured cancer cells and in vivo anti‐tumor activities in mice bearing xenografts of human cervical and lung cancers. Our experiments revealed the specific engagement of the gold(III) complexes with multiple cellular targets, including HSP60, vimentin, nucleophosmin, and YB‐1, accompanied by expected downstream mechanisms of action. Additionally, PtII and PdII analogues can also bind the cellular proteins targeted by the gold(III) complexes, uncovering a distinct pincer cyclometalated metal–NHC scaffold in the design of anti‐cancer metal medicines with multiple molecular targets.
The Discovery of 2‐Aminobenzimidazoles That Sensitize Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis to β‐Lactam Antibiotics in a Pattern Distinct from β‐Lactamase Inhibitors
Authors: Nguyen T. Vu , Blackledge Meghan S. , Lindsey Erick A. , Minrovic Bradley M. , Ackart David F. , Jeon Albert B. , Obregón‐Henao Andrés , Melander Roberta J. , Basaraba Randall J. , Melander Christian
Published: March 2017

A library of 2‐aminobenzimidazole derivatives was screened for the ability to suppress β‐lactam resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Several non‐bactericidal compounds were identified that reversed intrinsic resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics in a manner distinct from β‐lactamase inhibitors. Activity also translates to M. tuberculosis, with a lead compound from this study potently suppressing carbenicillin resistance in multiple M. tuberculosis strains (including multidrug‐resistant strains). Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the lead compounds act through a mechanism distinct from that of traditional β‐lactamase inhibitors.
Surface grafting of poly(pentafluorostyrene) on the iron and iron oxide particles via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization
Authors: Sutrisno Joko , Pramudya Irawan , Aerken Xuekelaiti , Fuchs Alan
Published: March 2017

A surface grafting technique is reported for synthesis of poly(pentafluorostyrene) via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer onto iron (iron oxide) particles. 4‐Methoxydithiobenzoate is used for the RAFT chain transfer agent. The molecular weight, surface morphology, thickness, thermal properties, and monomer conversion of the grafted polymer are reported. The grafted poly(pentafluorostyrene)–iron particles show a higher thermal transition temperature compared to the nongrafted polymer because it is speculated that the covalent bond between the polymer backbone and the surface of the iron particles restricts the molecular mobility. The monomer conversion increases in proportion to the amount of chain transfer agent (CTA) concentration at early polymerization time. The grafted poly(pentafluorostyrene) shows a “hairy” like polymer architecture with fibril thickness in the range of 80 to 100 nm. A thin coating is expected to maintain the magnetic saturation properties of iron particles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that poly(pentafluorostyrene) has been grafted onto the iron particles utilizing RAFT and 4‐methoxydithiobenzoate as a CTA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44898.
Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Formic Acid Dehydrogenation
Authors: Wu Yongmei , Wen Meicheng , Navlani‐García Miriam , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: March 2017

Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on Ti‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) were synthesized by a deposition–precipitation route and a subsequent reduction with NaBH4. The features of the NPs were studied by XRD, TEM, FTIR, XPS, EXAFS and N2‐physisorption measurements. It was found that the NPs had an average size of 2.9 nm and presented a high dispersion on the surface of Ti‐doped g‐C3N4. Compared to Pd loaded on pristine g‐C3N4, the Pd NPs supported on Ti‐doped g‐C3N4 exhibited a high catalytic activity in formic acid dehydrogenation in water at room temperature. The enhanced activity could be attributed to the small Pd NPs size, as well as the strong interaction between Pd NPs and Ti‐doped g‐C3N4.
How can zygotes segregate entire parental genomes into distinct blastomeres? The zygote metaphase revisited
Authors: Destouni Aspasia , Vermeesch Joris R.
Published: March 2017

Zygote cytokinesis produces two symmetric blastomeres, which contain one copy of each parental genome. Contrary to this dogma, we recently discovered that mammalian zygotes can spontaneously segregate entire parental genomes into different blastomeres and coined this novel form of genome segregation heterogoneic division. The molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of blastomeres with different parental genomes during the first mitotic cycle remain to be elucidated. Here, we speculate on which parental genome asymmetries could provide a mechanistic foundation for these remarkable zygote divisions. In reviewing the field and considering our findings, we revisit the architecture of the first zygotic metaphase by invoking asymmetric interactions between the mitotic spindle and the parental kinetochores. We also speculate on how asynchronous parental cell cycles can be a source of heterogoneic zygote divisions through the formation of parental genome private spindles.
Effects of lysosomal biotherapeutic recombinant protein expression on cell stress and protease and general host cell protein release in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Migani Damiano , Smales C. Mark , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: March 2017

Recombinant human Acid Alpha Glucosidase (GAA) is the therapeutic enzyme used for the treatment of Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by GAA deficiency in the cell lysosomes (Raben et al., Curr Mol Med. 2002; 2:145–166). The manufacturing process for GAA can be challenging, in part due to protease degradation. The overall goal of this study was to understand the effects of GAA overexpression on cell lysosomal phenotype and host cell protein (HCP) release, and any resultant consequences for protease levels and ease of manufacture. To do this we first generated a human recombinant GAA producing stable CHO cell line and designed the capture chromatographic step anion exchange (IEX). We then collected images of cell lysosomes via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compared the resulting data with that from a null CHO cell line. TEM imaging revealed 72% of all lysosomes in the GAA cell line were engorged indicating extensive cell stress; by comparison only 8% of lysosomes in the null CHO had a similar phenotype. Furthermore, comparison of the HCP profile among cell lines (GAA, mAb, and Null) capture eluates, showed that while most HCPs released were common across them, some were unique to the GAA producer, implying that cell stress caused by overexpression of GAA has a molecule specific effect on HCP release. Protease analysis via zymograms showed an overall reduction in proteolytic activity after the capture step but also revealed the presence of co‐eluting proteases at approximately 80 KDa, which MS analysis putatively identified as dipeptidyl peptidase 3 and prolyl endopeptidase. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:666–676, 2017
Integrating ultrasound into modern medical curricula
Authors: Patel Shilpan G. , Benninger Brion , Mirjalili S. Ali
Published: March 2017

Ultrasonography is widely practiced in many disciplines. It is becoming increasingly important to design well‐structured curricula to introduce imaging to students during medical school. This review aims to analyze the literature for evidence of how ultrasonography has been incorporated into anatomy education in medical school curricula worldwide. A literature search was conducted using multiple databases with the keywords: “Ultrasound OR Ultrasonographic examination*” and “Medical student* OR Undergraduate teaching* OR Medical education*” and “Anatomy* OR Living anatomy* OR Real‐time anatomy.*” This review found that ultrasound curricula vary in stage of implementation, course length, number of sessions offered to students as well as staffing and additional course components. Most courses consisted of didactic lectures supplemented with demonstration sessions and/or hands‐on ultrasound scanning sessions. The stage of course implementation tended to depend on the aim of the course; introductory courses were offered earlier in a student's career. Most courses improved student confidence and exam performance, and more junior students tended to benefit more from learning anatomy with ultrasound guidance rather than learning clinical examination skills. Students tended to prefer smaller groups when learning ultrasound to get more access to using the machines themselves. Ultrasonography is an important skill, which should be taught to medical students early in their careers as it facilitates anatomical education and is clinically relevant, though further objective research required to support the use of ultrasound education as a tool to improve clinical examination skills in medical students. Clin. Anat. 30:452–460, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal homozygosity mapping detects a novel mutation in CHST3 in a fetus with skeletal dysplasia and joint dislocations
Authors: Muys Joke , Blaumeiser Bettina , Jacquemyn Yves , Janssens Katrien
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

In selected cases, homozygosity mapping followed by direct sequencing of one or a few carefully selected candidate genes in a prenatal setting can be beneficial to obtain diagnosis in consanguineous families.
Metal–Organic Framework Mediated Cobalt/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Hybrids as Efficient and Chemoselective Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Olivos‐Suarez Alma I. , Oar‐Arteta Lide , Rozhko Elena , Osadchii Dmitrii , Bavykina Anastasiya , Kapteijn Freek , Gascon Jorge
Published: March 2017

A Co@N‐doped carbon (Co@NC) hybrid was synthesized by thermal decomposition of the metal–organic framework (MOF) ZIF‐67 under N2 atmosphere. These hybrid materials exhibit outstanding catalytic activity and chemoselectivity for the conversion of a wide range of substituted nitroarenes to their corresponding anilines under relatively mild reaction conditions. The high catalytic performance is attributed to the formation of cobalt nanoparticles and to the presence of atomically dispersed Co species in close interaction with nitrogen‐doped graphene. Both active species are formed in situ during the pyrolytic transformation of ZIF‐67. The catalysts could be reused in consecutive runs, exhibiting a slightly lower activity ascribed to blockage of the active sites by strongly adsorbed reaction species. These results open up a pathway for the design of noble‐metal‐free solid catalysts for industrial applications.
Decisive Intermediates Responsible for the Carbonaceous Products of CO2 Electro‐reduction on Nitrogen‐Doped sp2 Nanocarbon Catalysts in NaHCO3 Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Xu Junyuan , Zhang Bingsen , Wang Bolun , Wu KuangHsu , Peng Zhangquan , Li Qingfeng , Centi Gabriele , Su Dang Sheng
Published: March 2017

Nitrogen‐doped sp2 nanocarbon materials have been considered promising catalysts for CO2 electro‐reduction. However, a fundamental understanding about product selectivity and the reaction routes is still lacking. In this report, the reaction mechanism on nitrogen‐doped sp2 nanocarbon materials is resolved by clarifying the authentic origin of the carbonaceous products: CO and HCO2−. Two carbon‐reduction pathways are identified based on a series of comparative studies by using differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and in situ CO adsorption experiments: a dominant pathway leading to CO from CO2 and a secondary pathway leading to HCO2− from HCO3−. Neither hydrocarbon (CxHy) nor alcohol or aldehyde (CxHyOz) were detected in the reduction of CO2. However, CO, which is generally regarded as an intermediate to be transformed into these products on metal catalysts, can undoubtedly be produced and adsorbed on nitrogen‐doped sp2 nanocarbon catalysts during the reaction.
Robust iteratively reweighted SIMPLS
Authors: Alin Aylin , Agostinelli Claudio
Published: March 2017

Partial least squares regression is a very powerful multivariate regression technique to model multicollinear data or situation where the number of explanatory variables is larger than the sample size. Two algorithms, namely, Non‐linear Iterative Partial Least Squares (NIPALS) and Straightforward implementation of a statistically inspired modification of the partial least squares (SIMPLS) are very popular to solve a partial least squares regression problem. Both procedures, however, are very sensitive to the presence of outliers, and this might lead to very poor fit for the bulk of the data. A robust procedure, which is a modification of the SIMPLS algorithm, is introduced and its performance is illustrated by an extensive Monte Carlo simulation and 2 applications to real data sets. The new procedure is compared with the most recent proposals in literature demonstrating a better robust performance.
A 2D Metal Oxide Nanosheet as an Efficient Additive for Improving Na‐Ion Electrode Activity of Graphene‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Park Boyeon , Oh Seung Mi , Jin Xiaoyan , Adpakpang Kanyaporn , Lee Nam‐Suk , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: March 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Seong‐Ju Hwang at the Ewha Womans University. The image depicts the critical role of exfoliated metal oxide nanosheets as additives in improving the sodium‐ion electrode functionality of metal‐chalcogenide–graphene nanocomposites. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201605192.
Selective Electrochemical Bleaching of the Outer Leaflet of Fluorescently Labeled Giant Liposomes
Authors: Perez Jimenez Ana Isabel , Challier Lylian , Aït‐Yahiatène Eric , Delacotte Jérôme , Labbé Eric , Buriez Olivier
Published: March 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the project team of Oliver Buriez at the Ecole Normale Supérieure of Paris. The image depicts the electrochemical bleaching of vesicles with retained fluorescence. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201605786.
Uniqueness of Tangent Cones for Two‐Dimensional Almost‐Minimizing Currents
Authors: De Lellis Camillo , Spadaro Emanuele , Spolaor Luca
Published: March 2017

We consider two‐dimensional integer rectifiable currents that are almost area minimizing and show that their tangent cones are everywhere unique. Our argument unifies a few uniqueness theorems of the same flavor, which are all obtained by a suitable modification of White's original theorem for area‐minimizing currents in the euclidean space. This note is also the first step in a regularity program for semicalibrated two‐dimensional currents and spherical cross sections of three‐dimensional area‐minimizing cones.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation into Higher Hydrocarbons and Oxygenates: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Bounds and Progress with Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Prieto Gonzalo
Published: March 2017

Under specific scenarios, the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 with renewable hydrogen is considered a suitable route for the chemical recycling of this environmentally harmful and chemically refractory molecule into added‐value energy carriers and chemicals. The hydrogenation of CO2 into C1 products, such as methane and methanol, can be achieved with high selectivities towards the corresponding hydrogenation product. More challenging, however, is the selective production of high (C2+) hydrocarbons and oxygenates. These products are desired as energy vectors, owing to their higher volumetric energy density and compatibility with the current fuel infrastructure than C1 compounds, and as entry platform chemicals for existing value chains. The major challenge is the optimal integration of catalytic functionalities for both reductive and chain‐growth steps. This Minireview summarizes the progress achieved towards the hydrogenation of CO2 to C2+ hydrocarbons and oxygenates, covering both solid and molecular catalysts and processes in the gas and liquid phases. Mechanistic aspects are discussed with emphasis on intrinsic kinetic limitations, in some cases inevitably linked to thermodynamic bounds through the concomitant reverse water–gas‐shift reaction, which should be considered in the development of advanced catalysts and processes.
Lower respiratory tract viral infections: Diagnostic role of exfoliative cytology
Authors: Martínez‐Girón Rafael , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: March 2017

Viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTI) remain one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For many years, the diagnosis of VLRTI was based on laboratory techniques such as viral isolation in cell culture, antigen detection by direct fluorescent antibody staining, and rapid enzyme immunoassay. Radiological imaging and morphology also play an important role in diagnosing these infections. Exfoliative cytology provides a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and valuable means to diagnose and manage VLRTI. Here we review viral‐associated cytomorphological changes seen in exfoliated cells of the lower respiratory tract. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:614–620. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RACK1 is necessary for the formation of point contacts and regulates axon growth
Authors: Kershner Leah , Welshhans Kristy
Published: March 2017

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is a multifunctional ribosomal scaffolding protein that can interact with multiple signaling molecules concurrently through its seven WD40 repeats. We recently found that RACK1 is localized to mammalian growth cones, prompting an investigation into its role during neural development. Here, we show for the first time that RACK1 localizes to point contacts within mouse cortical growth cones. Point contacts are adhesion sites that link the actin network within growth cones to the extracellular matrix, and are necessary for appropriate axon guidance. Our experiments show that RACK1 is necessary for point contact formation. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) stimulates an increase in point contact density, which was eliminated by RACK1 shRNA or overexpression of a nonphosphorylatable mutant form of RACK1. We also found that axonal growth requires both RACK1 expression and phosphorylation. We have previously shown that the local translation of β‐actin mRNA within growth cones is necessary for appropriate axon guidance and is dependent on RACK1. Thus, we examined the location of members of the local translation complex relative to point contacts. Indeed, both β‐actin mRNA and RACK1 colocalize with point contacts, and this colocalization increases following BDNF stimulation. This implies the novel finding that local translation is regulated at point contacts. Taken together, these data suggest that point contacts are a targeted site of local translation within growth cones, and RACK1 is a critical member of the point contact complex and necessary for appropriate neural development. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1038–1056, 2017
A simulation approach to assessing environmental risk of sound exposure to marine mammals
Authors: Donovan Carl R. , Harris Catriona M. , Milazzo Lorenzo , Harwood John , Marshall Laura , Williams Rob
Published: March 2017

Intense underwater sounds caused by military sonar, seismic surveys, and pile driving can harm acoustically sensitive marine mammals. Many jurisdictions require such activities to undergo marine mammal impact assessments to guide mitigation. However, the ability to assess impacts in a rigorous, quantitative way is hindered by large knowledge gaps concerning hearing ability, sensitivity, and behavioral responses to noise exposure. We describe a simulation‐based framework, called SAFESIMM (Statistical Algorithms For Estimating the Sonar Influence on Marine Megafauna), that can be used to calculate the numbers of agents (animals) likely to be affected by intense underwater sounds. We illustrate the simulation framework using two species that are likely to be affected by marine renewable energy developments in UK waters: gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We investigate three sources of uncertainty: How sound energy is perceived by agents with differing hearing abilities; how agents move in response to noise (i.e., the strength and directionality of their evasive movements); and the way in which these responses may interact with longer term constraints on agent movement. The estimate of received sound exposure level (SEL) is influenced most strongly by the weighting function used to account for the specie's presumed hearing ability. Strongly directional movement away from the sound source can cause modest reductions (~5 dB) in SEL over the short term (periods of less than 10 days). Beyond 10 days, the way in which agents respond to noise exposure has little or no effect on SEL, unless their movements are constrained by natural boundaries. Most experimental studies of noise impacts have been short‐term. However, data are needed on long‐term effects because uncertainty about predicted SELs accumulates over time. Synthesis and applications. Simulation frameworks offer a powerful way to explore, understand, and estimate effects of cumulative sound exposure on marine mammals and to quantify associated levels of uncertainty. However, they can often require subjective decisions that have important consequences for management recommendations, and the basis for these decisions must be clearly described.
Does reintroducing large wood influence the hydraulic landscape of a lowland river at multiple discharges?
Authors: Matheson Adrian , Thoms Martin , Southwell Mark , Reid Michael
Published: March 2017

Large wood is a key structural and functional component of rivers, and it is reintroduced to provide physical habitat, encourage channel stability, and influence in‐channel hydraulic conditions at a range of scales. Typically, studies assessing the influence of reintroduced wood on in‐channel hydraulic character have been undertaken at relatively small scales—at a site. Relatively little is known about how reintroduced wood influences in‐channel hydraulic character at larger reach scales and over different discharges. In this study, the hydraulic character or hydraulic landscape of multiple reference (wooded), control (unwooded), and managed (wood reintroduced) reaches (average length = 430 m) at 10 different discharges in the Barwon‐Darling River, Australia, were analysed. Landscape scale hydraulic character was compared using spatial metrics describing the size, shape, and relative location of hydraulic patches in each reach. It was hypothesised that reintroducing wood would significantly influence hydraulic landscapes within the managed reaches, with those reaches becoming more similar to reference reaches. The reintroduction of wood into the Barwon‐Darling River did not significantly influence the hydraulic landscapes of the managed reaches; instead, they remained more similar to control reaches across discharges. Discharge did significantly influence the hydraulic landscape, with stepwise changes in the character of the hydraulic landscape in response to increasing discharge. The limited influence of reintroduced wood on the hydraulic landscapes is hypothesised to be because reintroduced wood did not match naturally occurring wood in terms of the character of individual pieces or their spatial distribution within the reach.
Adaptive advantages of appearance: predation, thermoregulation, and color of webbing built by New Zealand's largest moth
Authors: Yule Kirsty , Burns Kevin
Published: March 2017

Prey are often difficult to locate visually, which may help them avoid predators. However, an animal's appearance might also evolve in response to the abiotic environment. Here, we investigate the processes that determine the appearance of silk webbing built by New Zealand's largest endemic moth Aenetus virescens (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), whose larvae burrow into the trunks of native trees. Larvae cover tunnel entrances with silk webbing, detritus, and epiphytes, giving them a similar appearance to tree bark. First, we conducted spectral analyses of webbing and background bark in avian tetrahedral color space to test whether webbing made larvae less visible to predatory parrots. Next, we manipulated the spectral contrast of webbing and background bark and assessed its effect on predation by parrots for over 2 yr. Last, we measured the effect of webbing on tunnel temperatures and quantified how temperatures within tunnels affected larval growth. Results indicate that webbing made larvae less visible to predatory parrots. However, webbing contrast to background bark did not affect predation by parrots. Instead, webbing increased temperatures within tunnels and facilitated more rapid larval growth. Overall results indicate that the appearance of organisms that are difficult to locate visually may not always result from selection by predators.
Persistence of an egg mass polymorphism in Ambystoma maculatum: differential performance under high and low nutrients
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Resetarits William J.
Published: March 2017

Polymorphisms play critical roles in allowing organisms to adapt to novel environments while enabling ecological speciation under divergent selection. Ambystoma maculatum, the spotted salamander, exhibits a unique polymorphism in the structure and appearance of its egg masses with two common morphs, white and clear. Amphibian egg jelly layers mediate interactions between embryos and the environment and are more responsive to ecological pressures of natural selection than other egg coat components. The A. maculatum egg mass polymorphism was hypothesized to be adaptive with regard to varying dissolved nutrient levels in ponds. We conducted two mesocosm experiments, collected field data, and constructed a population projection model to determine how dissolved nutrient levels affect embryonic and larval development and relate to the distribution of the morphs in natural ponds. We found that upon hatching there was an interaction between nutrient level and egg mass morph wherein individuals from white morphs were larger in low nutrient habitats. This interaction persisted throughout the larval stage, and along with the higher abundance of white morphs in ponds with low conductivity, we demonstrate that the white morph is advantageous in low nutrient environments. Our findings provide evidence for the role of environmental heterogeneity in enabling the persistence of a structural egg mass polymorphism, with maintenance occurring across multiple scales and persistence across its range. This indicates that polymorphisms can maximize performance in heterogeneous environments, while persisting over long timescales without leading to sympatric speciation.
Opposing effects of Nrf2 and Nrf2‐activating compounds on the NLRP3 inflammasome independent of Nrf2‐mediated gene expression
Authors: Garstkiewicz Martha , Strittmatter Gerhard E. , Grossi Serena , Sand Jennifer , Fenini Gabriele , Werner Sabine , French Lars E. , Beer Hans‐Dietmar
Published: March 2017

The transcription factor Nrf2 regulates the expression of genes required for protection from xenobiotic and oxidative stress. Under normal conditions Nrf2 is constantly degraded upon ubiquitination, mediated by the Nrf2 inhibitor Keap1. Inflammasomes represent stress‐induced protein complexes. They are critically involved in acute and chronic inflammation through caspase‐1‐mediated activation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Here, we demonstrate that Nrf2 is a positive regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In contrast, Nrf2‐activating compounds, including the anti‐inflammatory drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF), inhibit inflammasome activation. Both effects are independent of the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 and, at least in part, not interdependent. On the other hand, NLRP3 inflammasome activation induces a rapid and partly caspase‐1‐ and Keap1‐independent degradation of Nrf2. These data argue against a simultaneous activation of both stress‐related pathways. Finally, we provide evidence that the cross‐regulation of both pathways is controlled by a physical interaction between the Nrf2/Keap1 and NLRP3 complexes.
Evaluation of Enzymatic Kinetics of GOx‐based Electrodes by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy at Redox Competition Mode
Authors: Morkvenaite‐Vilkonciene Inga , Ramanaviciene Almira , Genys Povilas , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: March 2017

Glucose oxidase (GOx) is an enzyme, which is used for the development of enzymatic biofuel cells. Therefore in this research redox competition mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (RC‐SECM) was applied for the investigation of glucose oxidase (GOx) catalyzed reaction kinetics. The GOx was immobilized by glutaraldehyde on substrates of different electrical conductivity: (i) gold covered glass was used as conducting substrate and (ii) plastic poly(methyl methacrylate) was used as non‐conducting substrate. Current vs distance dependencies were registered by SECM at different concentrations of glucose in the absence of redox mediator. The potential of −750 mV vs Ag/AgCl(3 M KCl) was applied to the microelectrode (ME), which was used as a probe in SECM, in order to register oxygen reduction current. Consumption of oxygen by the GOx based layer was evaluated according to principles determined by Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. Apparent Michaelis constants KM(app.) were calculated from the dependencies of current vs glucose concentration. In both these cases the KM(app.) value increased when the distance between ME and enzyme modified surface was increasing from 10 to 30 μm, while the KM(app.) value decreased by increasing the distance from 30 to 60 μm.
A Controlled Randomized Preliminary Trial of a Modified Dissonance‐Based Eating Disorder Intervention Program
Authors: Green M. A. , Willis M. , Fernandez‐Kong K. , Reyes S. , Linkhart R. , Johnson M. , Thorne T. , Lindberg J. , Kroska E. , Woodward H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

We conducted a controlled randomized preliminary trial of a modified dissonance‐based eating disorder program (n = 24) compared to an assessment‐only control condition (n = 23) via a longitudinal design (baseline, postintervention, 2‐month follow‐up) in a community sample of women (N = 47) with clinical (n = 22) and subclinical (n = 25) eating disorder symptoms.

Method

The traditional content of the Body Project, a dissonance‐based eating disorder prevention program, was modified to include verbal, written, and behavioral exercises designed to dissuade self‐objectification and maladaptive social comparison. Women with clinical and subclinical symptoms were included in the target audience to investigate both the treatment and the indicated prevention utility of the modified dissonance program. Body dissatisfaction, self‐esteem, self‐objectification, thin‐ideal internalization, maladaptive social comparison, trait anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms were evaluated in the control and the modified dissonance condition at baseline, postintervention, and 2‐month follow‐up.

Results

We predicted a statistically significant 2 (condition: control, modified dissonance) x 3 (time: baseline, postintervention, 2‐month follow‐up) interaction in the mixed factorial multivariate analyses of variance results. Results confirmed this hypothesis. Eating disorder risk factors and symptoms decreased significantly among participants in the modified dissonance condition at postintervention and 2‐month follow‐up compared to baseline; symptom improvement was greater among participants in the modified compared to the control condition. A secondary analysis indicated symptom improvement did not vary as a function of symptom status (clinical, subclinical), suggesting the program is efficacious in both indicated prevention and treatment applications.

Conclusion

Results provide preliminary support for the modified dissonance program.
The long‐term effects of youth mentoring on student mentors' civic engagement attitudes and behavior
Authors: Goldner Limor , Golan Daphna
Published: March 2017

The current study was designed to explore the delayed effect of participating in youth mentoring programs, training in civic engagement, and activism on a sample of 337 Israelis 5 to 10 years after serving as student mentors. Qualitative and quantitative findings showed that these former mentors' perception of the contribution of mentoring was correlated with their current civic engagement attitudes and activism. Further, the perceived quality of training during mentoring was correlated with the overall perceived contribution of mentoring and current civic engagement attitudes. A mediation model showed that the perceived quality of training was correlated with the former mentors' perceived mentoring contribution. This in turn was correlated with current civic engagement attitudes, which themselves were correlated with their current civic engagement activism. The former mentors' narratives revealed their attainment of new skills and abilities, including an increased ability to relate to and understand young children and disadvantaged populations.
GM13133 is a negative regulator in mouse white adipocytes differentiation and drives the characteristics of brown adipocytes
Authors: You LiangHui , Zhou YaHui , Cui XianWei , Wang XingYun , Sun YaZhou , Gao Yao , Wang Xing , Wen Juan , Xie Kaipeng , Tang RanRan , Ji ChenBo , Guo XiRong
Published: March 2017

Obesity is tightly associated with the disturbance of white adipose tissue storing excess energy. Thermogenic adipocytes (brown and beige) exert a critical role of oxidizing nutrients at the high rates through non‐shivering thermogenesis. The recruitment of brown characteristics in white adipocytes, termed browning, has been considered as a promising strategy for treating obesity and associated metabolic complications. Recently, long noncoding RNAs play a crucial role in regulating tissue development and participating in disease pathogenesis, yet their effects on the conversion of white into brown‐like adipocytes and thermogenic function were not totally understood. Here, we identified a mouse brown adipose specific expressed lncRNA, termed GM13133. Moreover, a considerable amount of GM13133 is expressed in adipocytes and actively modulated by cold, β3‐adrenergic agonist and cAMP stimuli, implying a potential role in the conversion from white to brown adipocytes. Overexpression of GM13133 did not affect the proliferation of mouse white pre‐adipocytes, but inhibited white adipocyte differentiation by decreasing lipid accumulation. The forced expression of GM13133 also significantly drove the conversion of white into brown‐like adipocytes with the enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and the induced expression of brown adipocytes specific markers. A global mRNA analysis further indicated the possible regulatory role of cAMP signaling pathway in GM13133 mediated white‐to‐brown adipocytes conversion. Our results identified a lncRNA‐mediated modulation in primary mouse white adipocyte differentiation and indicate the functional significance of GM13133 in promoting browning of white adipocytes and maintenance of thermogenesis, further providing a potential strategy to treating obesity.
Temperature Preference and Sex Differentiation in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Santi Saïdou , Rougeot Carole , Toguyeni Aboubacar , Gennotte Vincent , Kebe Ibrahima , Melard Charles
Published: March 2017

The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has a genetic sex determination system in which high temperature induces masculinization. The thermosensitive period for sex differentiation is short and occurs very early (from 6 to 8 days posthatching [dph]). As young juveniles can encounter high masculinizing temperature (36.5°C) in African water points, we aimed to determine the thermal preference of sexually undifferentiated juveniles and investigate if they spontaneously move toward high masculinizing temperature. Experiments were carried out in an environmental continuum (28–28–28°C and 28–32–36.5°C) made up of three 50‐L aquariums connected together. Four hundred larvae from 10 different full‐sib progenies were reared successively from 2 to 14 dph in these facilities. Before and after thermal treatments, fish were reared at 28°C until sex ratio determination at 70 dph. In the control continuum, fish were nearly equally distributed in the three compartments. Conversely, in the thermal continuum, compartment occupation significantly differed with progeny and period. During the highly thermosensitive period, two of five progenies significantly preferred (54.7% and 39.8% occupation) the 36.5°C compartment. All tested progenies reared in thermal continuum and separated 36.5°C aquarium showed a skewed sex ratio toward the male phenotype (78–100%). Nevertheless, no correlation was found between 36.5°C compartment occupation and sex ratio in thermal continuum groups. As masculinization temperature could be encountered in African water points during the spawning season, we discussed the adaptive advantage for the African catfish to display a sex differentiation process controlled by a temperature effect.
Facile Synthesis of Novel 3‐(4‐phenylisothiazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Ambati Srinivasa Rao , Gudala Satish , Sharma Archi , Penta Santhosh , Reddy Velatooru Loka , Bomma Yashwanth , Janapala Venkateswara Rao , Pola Someshwar
Published: March 2017

A series of 3‐(4‐phenylisothiazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (6a–l) derivatives has been efficiently synthesized by straightforward sequential reactions. Tandem Vilsmeier Hack reaction/cyclization/bromination/Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions were successfully applied to the preparation of title compounds in good‐to‐high yields. In the synthetic sequences, 3‐chloro‐3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)acrylaldehydes (2) were found to react with ammonium thiocyanate to yield the corresponding 3‐(isothiazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones (3). These derivatives were brominated with N‐bromo succinamide to yield the corresponding regioselective 3‐(4‐bromoisothiazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (4). Finally, compound 4 was treated with various phenyl/pyrazole/7H–pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidinyl boronic acids 5a–l in the presence of K2CO3 and Pd catalyst in dimethylformamide to yield the corresponding title derivatives 6a–l. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical and spectral studies. All the final compounds were screened against different cancer cell lines (A549, PC3, SKOV3, and B16F10), and among these compounds, 6b, 6g, 6h, and 6l displayed moderate cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines.
Evaluation of titanium carbide thin film coatings on WC‐Co following surface microstructure treatments
Authors: Tanaka C. , Saito T. , Okamoto N. , Suzuki S. , Kitajima A. , Higuchi K.
Published: March 2017

The effects of acid or radio‐frequency (RF) CF4 plasma pre‐treatments before a sputtered titanium carbide (TiC) hard coating thin film were investigated to increase the adhesion strength of TiC on WC‐16wt%Co substrate. The arithmetic average roughness (Ra) was 182.5 nm after a 5‐min aqua regia treatment at 60 °C and 247.8 nm after 30 min of RF CF4 plasma at a substrate temperature of 500 °C. Chemically bonded cobalt disappeared from the WC‐Co substrate surface on treatment with aqua regia for 5 min based on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TiC thin film on substrate with Ra = 150.3 nm after CF4 plasma treatment at 300 °C for 30 min did not delaminate at up to 30 N, in contrast, the substrate with Ra = 182.5 nm after aqua regia treatment at 60 °C for 5 min underwent delamination at below 30 N. The adhesion strength was maximal, with a surface roughness of Ra ≈ 150 nm, with CF4 and aqua regia treatments.
Corrosion performance and mechanical properties of friction stir welded AA2024‐T3 joints under different corrosion solution exposure
Authors: Li N. , Li W. Y. , Yang X. W. , Alexopoulos N. D.
Published: March 2017

Aluminum alloy 2024‐T3 sheets were friction stir welded (FSWed) and the microstructure in the thermo‐mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and stir zone (SZ) were characterized. The effect of corrosion exposure on the joints was evaluated under different solutions (3.5 wt% NaCl, 3.5 wt% NaCl + 1 wt% HCl, and exfoliation corrosion‐EXCO) by immersion tests as well as electrochemical measurements; specimens with pre‐corroded joints were subjected to tensile testing. The results indicate that TMAZ and SZ of the FSWed joints present different corrosion performances for the three corrosion solutions. SZ shows higher corrosion resistance than TMAZ, as the dissolution of precipitates in SZ considerably decreases its susceptibility to corrosion. The joint exposed to the EXCO solution has suffered higher mechanical properties degradation than the other two solutions, while the corrosion resistance of SZ and TMAZ was associated with the presence of the S‐type precipitates and the concentration of H+ and Cl− ions.
A novel phase‐unwrapping method based on pixel clustering and local surface fitting with application to Dixon water–fat MRI
Authors: Cheng Junying , Mei Yingjie , Liu Biaoshui , Guan Jijing , Liu Xiaoyun , Wu Ed X. , Feng Qianjin , Chen Wufan , Feng Yanqiu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a novel 2D phase‐unwrapping method that works robustly in the presence of severe noise, rapid phase changes, and disconnected regions.

Theory and Methods

The MR phase map usually varies rapidly in regions adjacent to wraps. In contrast, the phasors can vary slowly, especially in regions distant from tissue boundaries. Based on this observation, this paper develops a phase‐unwrapping method by using a pixel clustering and local surface fitting (CLOSE) approach to exploit different local variation characteristics between the phase and phasor data. The CLOSE approach classifies pixels into easy‐to‐unwrap blocks and difficult‐to‐unwrap residual pixels first, and then sequentially performs intrablock, interblock, and residual‐pixel phase unwrapping by a region‐growing surface‐fitting method. The CLOSE method was evaluated on simulation and in vivo water–fat Dixon data, and was compared with phase region expanding labeler for unwrapping discrete estimates (PRELUDE).

Results

In the simulation experiment, the mean error ratio by CLOSE was less than 1.50%, even in areas with signal‐to‐noise ratio equal to 0.5, phase changes larger than π, and disconnected regions. For 350 in vivo knee and ankle images, the water–fat swap ratio of CLOSE was 4.29%, whereas that of PRELUDE was 25.71%.

Conclusions

The CLOSE approach can correctly unwrap phase with high robustness, and benefit MRI applications that require phase unwrapping. Magn Reson Med 79:515–528, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.