bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomically Precise Nanocluster Assemblies Encapsulating Plasmonic Gold Nanorods
Authors: Chakraborty Amrita , Fernandez Ann Candice , Som Anirban , Mondal Biswajit , Natarajan Ganapati , Paramasivam Ganesan , Lahtinen Tanja , Häkkinen Hannu , Nonappa  , Pradeep Thalappil 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe self‐assembled structures of atomically precise, ligand‐protected noble metal nanoclusters leading to encapsulation of plasmonic gold nanorods (GNRs) is presented. Unlike highly sophisticated DNA nanotechnology, this strategically simple hydrogen bonding‐directed self‐assembly of nanoclusters leads to octahedral nanocrystals encapsulating GNRs. Specifically, the p‐mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA)‐protected atomically precise silver nanocluster, Na4[Ag44(pMBA)30], and pMBA‐functionalized GNRs were used. High‐resolution transmission and scanning transmission electron tomographic reconstructions suggest that the geometry of the GNR surface is responsible for directing the assembly of silver nanoclusters via H‐bonding, leading to octahedral symmetry. The use of water‐dispersible gold nanoclusters, Au≈250(pMBA)n and Au102(pMBA)44, also formed layered shells encapsulating GNRs. Such cluster assemblies on colloidal particles are a new category of precision hybrids with diverse possibilities.
The Role of Bi3+ in Promoting and Stabilizing Iron Oxo Clusters in Strong Acid
Authors: Sadeghi Omid , Amiri Mehran , Reinheimer Eric W. , Nyman May 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMetal oxo clusters and metal oxides assemble and precipitate from water in processes that depend on pH, temperature, and concentration. Other parameters that influence the structure, composition, and nuclearity of “molecular” and bulk metal oxides are poorly understood, and have thus not been exploited. Herein, we show that Bi3+ drives the formation of aqueous Fe3+ clusters, usurping the role of pH. We isolated and structurally characterized a Bi/Fe cluster, Fe3BiO2(CCl3COO)8(THF)(H2O)2, and demonstrated its conversion into an iron Keggin ion capped by six Bi3+ irons (Bi6Fe13). The reaction pathway was documented by X‐ray scattering and mass spectrometry. Opposing the expected trend, increased cluster nuclearity required a pH decrease instead of a pH increase. We attribute this anomalous behavior of Bi/Fe(aq) solutions to Bi3+, which drives hydrolysis and condensation. Likewise, Bi3+ stabilizes metal oxo clusters and metal oxides in strongly acidic conditions, which is important in applications such as water oxidation for energy storage.
Analytical Chemistry: Current Trends in Light of the Historic Beginnings
Authors: Niessner Reinhard 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSelected current trends in analytical chemistry are discussed and traced back to original work published more than a hundred years ago in the same field. Gravimetric microanalysis has been transformed into a mass‐sensitive sensor technology. New developments in molecular spectroscopy are seen in Raman spectroscopy. In the area of chemical sensors, paper‐based devices with visual readout (dipsticks, microfluidic pads) celebrate a revival. In “green” applications, the separation of analytes from complicated matrices is often the key to successful analysis. Continuous separation techniques are essential for the 24/7 production of goods with certified quality. Finally, micro‐ and nanoscale techniques rely on highly selective receptors, and their development is based on detailed understanding of the structure of ligand–receptor complexes.
Sterols and Stanols in Foods and Dietary Supplements Containing Added Phytosterols: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Srigley Cynthia T. , Hansen Steven L. , Smith Sean A. , Abraham Anjalika , Bailey Eileen , Chen Xiang , Chooi Soo Hui , Clement Lisa M. , Dao Michael , Fardin Kia Ali Reza , Mitchell Barb , Mogla Mohit , Ruano Ortiz Juan Antonio , Persons Keith , von Kries Edith , Ware George , Wubben Jason , Cantrill Richard 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn international, multilaboratory collaborative study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Official Method Ce 12‐16 of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) for the determination of plant sterols and stanols, collectively referred to as phytosterols, in foods and dietary supplements containing added phytosterols and in the phytosterol food additive concentrates used to prepare such products. AOCS Official Method Ce 12‐16 involves the extraction of free sterols/stanols and saponified steryl/stanol esters followed by the gas chromatographic separation and flame ionization detection of phytosterol trimethylsilyl ether derivatives. A total of 14 laboratories from six countries successfully completed the analysis of collaborative samples of foods (e.g., baked goods, beverages, margarines; n = 9), dietary supplements (n = 5), and phytosterol concentrates (n = 4). Study results for the contents of total phytosterols (weight/weight) were 0.19–8.4% for foods, 8.7–49% for dietary supplements, and 57–97% for concentrates. AOCS Official Method Ce 12‐16 showed acceptable performance for total and individual phytosterols, indicating that this method was suitable for the determination of added phytosterols in a wide variety of market products and concentrates. AOCS Official Method Ce 12‐16 is appropriate for the determination of the five major phytosterols (i.e., campesterol, stigmasterol, β‐sitosterol, campestanol, and sitostanol) that are the subject of the United States Food and Drug Administration's health claim for phytosterols and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Identification of a PTEN mutation with reduced protein stability, phosphatase activity, and nuclear localization in Hong Kong patients with autistic features, neurodevelopmental delays, and macrocephaly
Authors: Wong Chi Wai , Or Penelope Mei Yu , Wang Yubing , Li Lisha , Li Jing , Yan Mingfei , Cao Ye , Luk Ho Ming , Tong Tony Ming For , Leslie Nick R. , Lo Ivan Fai‐Man , Choy Kwong Wai , Chan Andrew Man Lok 
Published: April 2018

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene inactivated in over 30% of human cancers. It encodes a lipid phosphatase that serves as a gatekeeper of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pathway. Germline mutation frequently occurs in this gene in patients diagnosed with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS). PHTS individuals are characterized by macrocephaly, benign growth of multiple tissues and increased tumor risk. In addition, autistic phenotypes are found in 10–20% of individuals carrying the germline PTEN mutation with macrocephaly. In this report, 13 suspected PHTS patients were screened for mutation in the PTEN gene. A missense variant (c. 302T > C) substituting the isoleucine at codon 101 to a threonine, a single nucleotide insertion (c. 327‐328insC) causing a frame shift mutation and termination at codon 109, and a nonsense variant (c. 1003C > T) truncated the protein at codon 335 were identified. The I101T mutation significantly reduced PTEN protein expression levels by 2.5‐ to 4.0‐fold. Mechanistically, I101T reduced the protein half‐life of PTEN possibly due to enhanced polyubiquitination at Lysine 13. However, the I101T mutant retained almost 30% of the lipid phosphatase activity of the wild‐type protein. Finally, the I101T mutant has reduced phosphorylation at a PTEN auto‐dephosphorylation site at Threonine 366 and a lowered ratio of nuclear to cytosolic protein level. These partial losses of multiple PTEN biochemical functions may contribute to the tissue overgrowth and autistic features of this PHTS patient. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1098–1109. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThe genetics of autism spectrum disorders is highly complex with individual risk influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Mutation in the human PTEN gene confers a high risk of developing autistic behavior. This report revealed that PTEN mutations occurred in 23% of a selected group of Hong Kong patients harboring autistic features with gross overgrowth symptoms. Detailed characterization of a PTEN mutation revealed reduced protein stability as one of the underlying mechanisms responsible for reduced PTEN activity.
Amorphous solid dispersions of carvedilol along with pH‐modifiers improved pharmacokinetic properties under hypochlorhydoria
Authors: Halder Shimul , Tabata Aiko , Seto Yoshiki , Sato Hideyuki , Onoue Satomi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCarvedilol (CAR) belongs to biopharmaceutics classification system class‐II drugs, with poor aqueous solubility and pH‐dependent solubility. The present study aimed to develop a novel amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of CAR with acidic counter ions for pH modifications in microenvironment to improve the pharmacokinetic properties under hypochlorhydric conditions. CAR‐ASD was prepared by freeze‐drying in combination with counter ions and hydroxypropyl cellulose, and their physicochemical properties including dissolution behavior, storage stability, and photostability were characterized. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out after oral administration of CAR samples in both normal and omeprazole‐treated (30 mg/kg, p.o.) rats as a hypochlorhydria model. Among the tested six counter ions, citric acid (CA) was found to be a preferable pH‐modifier of CAR with respect to the dissolution profile and photostability (both potency and colorimetric evaluation). In CAR‐ASD formulation with 50% loading of CA (CAR‐ASD/CA50), amorphization of CAR was observed during the preparation process. After the oral administration of crystalline CAR in rats under hypochlorhydric condition, there was a 34.4% reduction in the systemic exposure of CAR compared with that in normal rats. However, orally‐dosed CAR‐ASD/CA50 resulted in limited alterations of pharmacokinetic behavior between normal and omeprazole‐treated rats. From these findings, addition of CA as pH‐modifier in CAR‐ASD might provide consistent pharmacokinetic behavior of CAR even under hypochlorhydric conditions.
Improvement of functional properties of a thermostable β‐glycosidase for milk lactose hydrolysis
Authors: Ionata Elena , Marcolongo Loredana , La Cara Francesco , Cetrangolo Giovanni P. , Febbraio Ferdinando 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this work, a new exploitation of the thermostable β‐glycosidase from Sulfolobus solfataricus expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to create functional foods for low lactose diets was evaluated. For this purpose, the lactose hydrolysis reaction using immobilized and soluble enzymes was investigated. Activity and stability at different conditions of pH and temperature were tested. The immobilization process had a big impact on the catalysis performance, leading to an enhancement of the enzymatic reaction rate on lactose, as demonstrated by the increasing of 2 and 2.5 folds of Kcat and Kcat/KM, respectively. Moreover, the maximal activity for the immobilized form was referred at pH 6.5 instead of 7.0, leading to an improvement of the catalytic performance at milk pHs. Although the soluble enzyme was already weakly inhibited by the reaction products, the immobilization further reduced the inhibitory action of glucose increasing the Ki from 96.7 to 110.4 mM. Finally, the immobilized enzyme showed high hydrolysis rate in whole milk that yielded 99% of lactose breakdown in 10 and 30 min at 60 and 40°C, respectively. These results support the application of the immobilized β‐glycosidase for the development of new functional foods particularly suitable to the alleviation of lactose intolerance.
Educational tool for the learning of thermal comfort control based on PMV‐PPD indices
Authors: Ruz Mario L. , Garrido Juan , Vázquez Francisco 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an interactive educational tool designed for the learning of thermal comfort concepts is presented. Thermal comfort is one of the fundamental aspects of indoor environmental quality and energy savings in buildings. Comfort‐based control and energy management constitute an important emergent sub‐discipline of engineering studies. The developed tool allows for the definition of the thermal model of a house. Based on this model, thermal comfort is estimated through the predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) indices, and energy consumption is also calculated. The tool can communicate through Modbus TCP/IP protocol, providing external connectivity and data collection from the different sensors available in a building management system (BMS). In this way, it is possible to calculate in real‐time the aforementioned comfort indices and propose corrective control indications to maintain the indoor‐air conditions inside the optimal comfort range. A simple control strategy that can be applied to conventional HVAC systems is also addressed. The tool is available for degree students in control engineering. A survey was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed tool.
Automatic manipulator for remote measurement of linear dimensions—development and integration in education courses
Authors: Šulc Jovan , Bajči Brajan , Reljić Vule , Milenković Ivana , Šešlija Dragan , Dudić Slobodan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractToday, many different components in the industry are very expensive and are hardly accessible to individual users who want to examine them and gain knowledge through a real experiment. This paper describes the development of a remote device for measuring linear dimensions and integration into an educational course. The experiment is dedicated to students in technical fields. A new, unique device—automatic manipulator for remote measurement of linear dimensions provides reliable and precise measurement of linear dimensions in laboratory conditions. It is possible to operate the device directly or remotely via the Internet, using CEyeClon Viewer software, in several different modes. Also, an example of a test for knowledge verification is presented. Students provided feedback on the quality of the course through the evaluation questionnaire. The results show that learning with remote laboratories can be very successful.
Genetic overlap between endometriosis and endometrial cancer: evidence from cross‐disease genetic correlation and GWAS meta‐analyses
Authors: Painter Jodie N. , O'Mara Tracy A. , Morris Andrew P. , Cheng Timothy H. T. , Gorman Maggie , Martin Lynn , Hodson Shirley , Jones Angela , Martin Nicholas G. , Gordon Scott , Henders Anjali K. , Attia John , McEvoy Mark , Holliday Elizabeth G. , Scott Rodney J. , Webb Penelope M. , Fasching Peter A. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Ekici Arif B. , Hein Alexander , Rübner Matthias , Hall Per , Czene Kamila , Dörk Thilo , Dürst Matthias , Hillemanns Peter , Runnebaum Ingo , Lambrechts Diether , Amant Frederic , Annibali Daniela , Depreeuw Jeroen , Vanderstichele Adriaan , Goode Ellen L. , Cunningham Julie M. , Dowdy Sean C. , Winham Stacey J. , Trovik Jone , Hoivik Erling , Werner Henrica M. J. , Krakstad Camilla , Ashton Katie , Otton Geoffrey , Proietto Tony , Tham Emma , Mints Miriam , Ahmed Shahana , Healey Catherine S. , Shah Mitul , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Dunning Alison M. , Dennis Joe , Bolla Manjeet K. , Michailidou Kyriaki , Wang Qin , Tyrer Jonathan P. , Hopper John L. , Peto Julian , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Burwinkel Barbara , Brenner Hermann , Meindl Alfons , Brauch Hiltrud , Lindblom Annika , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Couch Fergus J. , Giles Graham G. , Kristensen Vessela N. , Cox Angela , Zondervan Krina T. , Nyholt Dale R. , MacGregor Stuart , Montgomery Grant W. , Tomlinson Ian , Easton Douglas F. , Thompson Deborah J. , Spurdle Amanda B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEpidemiological, biological, and molecular data suggest links between endometriosis and endometrial cancer, with recent epidemiological studies providing evidence for an association between a previous diagnosis of endometriosis and risk of endometrial cancer. We used genetic data as an alternative approach to investigate shared biological etiology of these two diseases. Genetic correlation analysis of summary level statistics from genomewide association studies (GWAS) using LD Score regression revealed moderate but significant genetic correlation (rg = 0.23, P = 9.3 × 10−3), and SNP effect concordance analysis provided evidence for significant SNP pleiotropy (P = 6.0 × 10−3) and concordance in effect direction (P = 2.0 × 10−3) between the two diseases. Cross‐disease GWAS meta‐analysis highlighted 13 distinct loci associated at P ≤ 10−5 with both endometriosis and endometrial cancer, with one locus (SNP rs2475335) located within PTPRD associated at a genomewide significant level (P = 4.9 × 10−8, OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.07–1.15). PTPRD acts in the STAT3 pathway, which has been implicated in both endometriosis and endometrial cancer. This study demonstrates the value of cross‐disease genetic analysis to support epidemiological observations and to identify biological pathways of relevance to multiple diseases.
Regulation of NCAPG by miR‐99a‐3p (passenger strand) inhibits cancer cell aggressiveness and is involved in CRPC
Authors: Arai Takayuki , Okato Atsushi , Yamada Yasutaka , Sugawara Sho , Kurozumi Akira , Kojima Satoko , Yamazaki Kazuto , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Seki Naohiko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEffective treatments for patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) have not yet been established. Novel approaches for identification of putative therapeutic targets for CRPC are needed. Analyses of RNA sequencing of microRNA (miRNA) expression revealed that miR‐99a‐3p (passenger strand) is significantly downregulated in several types of cancers. Here, we aimed to identify novel miR‐99a‐3p regulatory networks and therapeutic targets for CRPC. Ectopic expression of miR‐99a‐3p significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa cells. Non‐SMC condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG) was a direct target of miR‐99a‐3p in PCa cells. Overexpression of NCAPG was detected in CRPC clinical specimens and was significantly associated with shorter disease‐free survival and advanced clinical stage. Knockdown of NCAPG inhibited cancer cell aggressiveness. The passenger strand miR‐99a‐3p acted as an antitumor miRNA in naïve PCa and CRPC. NCAPG was regulated by miR‐99a‐3p, and its overexpression was involved in CRPC pathogenesis. Involvement of passenger strand of miRNA in cancer pathogenesis is novel concept, and identification of antitumor miRNA regulatory networks in CRPC might be provided novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for this disease.
Theoretical study on the reaction mechanisms of Michael chirality addition between propionaldehyde and nitroalkene catalyzed by an enantioselective catalyst
Authors: Zhou Xinming , Li Ling , Sun Xuejun , Wang Yajun , Du Dongmei , Fu Hui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe asymmetric Michael addition between propionaldehyde and nitroalkene catalyzed by 8‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐1,2,3,3a,8,8a‐hexahydropyrrolo[2,3‐b]indole‐2‐carboxylic acid has obtained relatively high yields and excellent enantioselectivities at room temperature. In this study, the molecular structures and optical activity of the most stable conformation I are optimized at B3LYP/6‐311++ G(d,p) level. We find that levorotatory conformation I catalyzing the same Michael addition can produce laevo‐product A and dextrorotatory conformation I′ can obtain the dextral‐product A'. These results have guiding significance for further studying on the new chemzymes and the mechanism of the obtained different chiral products.
Bidirectional individual corresponding colors data
Authors: Cai Shengyan , Fairchild Mark D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe precision of corresponding colors data is critical to improve chromatic adaptation models. This research aims to obtain high precision and individually resolved corresponding colors data, as well as to look into the reversibility of chromatic adaptation. The experiment included 2 phases. The illumination changes were simply reverses of one another. The mean results of the forward phase across 9 observers were adopted as the test colors in the reverse phase. The CIEDE2000‐unit standard deviations of the results across 9 observers in the forward and reverse phases are 2.81 and 2.56, respectively. The standard error of the mean of the results of individual observers and across 9 observers of the 2 phases are all less than 1.0 CIEDE2000 unit, very significantly more precise than previously reported data. Nevertheless, by examination of the bidirectional procedures, it is concluded that there might be need to improve accuracy or contemplate a reality in which chromatic adaptation is not a reversible process (ie, has a significant hysteresis effect). The mean biases between the test colors of the forward phase and the visual results of the reverse phase for each individual across 5 colors are averaged at 7.2 CIEDE2000 units. The average value for overall data is nearly 6.0 CIEDE2000 units. This indicates that chromatic adaptation in this experiment is not reversible. The discrepancies are rather large and need to be explored further. One possible, but by no means definitive, explanation is that the biases are might be caused by memory distortions in the experiment.
Remission of loss of control eating and changes in components of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shank Lisa M. , Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Radin Rachel M. , Shomaker Lauren B. , Wilfley Denise E. , Young Jami F. , Brady Sheila , Olsen Cara H. , Reynolds James C. , Yanovski Jack A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivePediatric loss of control (LOC) eating prospectively predicts the worsening of metabolic syndrome components. However, it is unknown if remission of LOC eating is associated with improvements in metabolic health. Therefore, we conducted a secondary analysis of a trial that enrolled adolescent girls with LOC eating, examining whether LOC remission (vs. persistence) at end‐of‐treatment was associated with changes in metabolic syndrome components at 6‐month follow‐up.MethodOne hundred three adolescent girls (age 14.5 ± 1.7 years; BMI‐z 1.5 ± 0.3; 56.3% non‐Hispanic White, 24.3% non‐Hispanic Black) with elevated weight (75th–97th BMI %ile) and reported LOC eating were assessed for metabolic syndrome components at baseline and again six months following the interventions. The main effects of LOC status at end‐of‐treatment (persistence vs. remission) on metabolic syndrome components (waist circumference, lipids, glucose, and blood pressure) at 6‐month follow‐up were examined, adjusting for baseline age, depressive symptoms, LOC frequency, fat mass, and height, as well as race, change in height, change in fat mass, and the baseline value of each respective component.ResultsYouth with LOC remission at end‐of‐treatment had lower glucose (83.9 ± 6.4 vs. 86.5 ± 5.8 mg/dL; p = .02), higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (50.3 ± 11.8 vs. 44.8 ± 11.9 mg/dL; p = .01), and lower triglycerides (84.4 ± 46.2 vs. 96.9 ± 53.7 mg/dL; p = .02) at 6‐month follow‐up when compared with youth with persistent LOC, despite no baseline differences in these components. No other component significantly differed by LOC eating status (ps > .05).DiscussionReducing LOC eating in adolescent girls may have a beneficial impact on some components of the metabolic syndrome.