bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein in podocyte functioning
Authors: Rachubik Patrycja , Piwkowska Agnieszka 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is a 39‐kDa protein belonging to the Ena/VASP protein family, which is involved in adhesion, migration, cell–cell interaction, and regulation of pathways connected with actin cytoskeleton remodeling. VASP is phosphorylated at Tyr39, Ser157, Ser239, Thr278, and Ser322 mainly by tyrosine kinase Abl, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, protein kinase G, AMP‐activated protein kinase, and protein kinase D1, respectively. VASP phosphorylation, as a regulator of actin dynamics, may lead to impaired reorganization of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton not only by indirect interaction of VASP with actin but also by regulation of other signaling pathways. A few studies have shown that VASP participates in the development of renal diseases and mediates podocyte movement through its interaction with proteins of the slit diaphragm. VASP phosphorylation may cause reduced actin filament assembly in podocytes and mediate disturbances in regulation of filtration barrier permeability as a consequence of podocyte foot process effacement. In this paper, we describe the role of VASP in podocyte function, mainly in the context of actin dynamics and glomerular filtration barrier permeability. In addition, we discuss the involvement of VASP and its phosphorylated forms in the development of kidney diseases.
The Influence of RuO2Distribution and Dispersion on the Reactivity of RuO2−SnO2Composite Oxide Catalysts Probed by CO Oxidation
Authors: Xu Xianglan , Liu Fuyan , Huang Jin , Luo Wenping , Yu Jing , Fang Xiuzhong , Lebedeva Olga E. , Wang Xiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo elucidate the distribution and dispersion of RuO2species on the reactivity, RuO2−SnO2catalysts with 2 % and 5 % Ru contents have been prepared with impregnation (IMP), deposition‐precipitation (DP) and co‐precipitation (CP) methods, and probed by CO oxidation. With IMP and DP methods, RuO2crystallites are predominantly formed on the catalyst surface, which is favorable for CO oxidation. Moreover, the IMP catalyst possesses surface RuO2having smaller mean crystallite size and better dispersion than the DP catalyst, thus SnRuO‐IMP displays higher activity than SnRuO‐DP at the same Ru loadings. However, with CP method, RuO2species is mainly present as Ru4+cations in the lattice of rutile SnO2to form a solid solution structure below the lattice capacity, which is less reactive than the surface RuO2due to the restriction by the SnO2lattice. In conclusion, surface RuO2is revealed to be the active species, whose amount and dispersion determine the activity of the catalysts. By changing preparation methods, the distribution of RuO2species in the catalysts is varied and impacts the reactivity of the catalysts evidently. The traditional impregnation is found to be the best method to prepare RuO2−SnO2, which shows the highest activity among all the catalysts.
Nickel‐Copper‐Catalyzed Hydroacylation of Vinylarenes with Acyl Fluorides and Hydrosilanes
Authors: Ueda Yusuke , Iwai Tomohiro , Sawamura Masaya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe hydroacylation of vinylarenes with acyl fluorides and hydrosilanes was enabled by a synergistic bimetallic Ni/Cu‐catalytic system, giving access to the corresponding branched ketone products. The reaction takes place under mild conditions at 25–80 °C and tolerates base‐sensitive functional groups such as methoxycarbonyl and acetoxy groups.
Hydrogel‐Derived Honeycomb Ni3S4/N,P‐C as an Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalyst
Authors: Hu Xuejiao , Li Tiancheng , Tang Yidan , Wang Yirong , Wang Ao , Fu Gengtao , Li Xiaodong , Tang Yawen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe development of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts with low costs for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential, but remains challenging. Herein, a new synthetic process is proposed to prepare Ni3S4 particles embedded in N,P‐codoped honeycomb porous carbon aerogels (Ni3S4/N,P‐HPC) through a hydrogel approach. The preparation of Ni3S4/N,P‐HPC begins with the sol–gel polymerization of tripolyphosphate, chitosan, and guanidine polymer that contains metal‐binding sites, allowing for the uniform incorporation of Ni ions into the gel matrix, freeze‐drying, and subsequent carbonization under an inert atmosphere. This synthesis resolves difficulties in synthesizing the pure Ni3S4 phase caused by the instability of Ni3S4 at high temperature, while affording good control of the porous structure and N,P‐doping of carbon aerogels. The synergy between the structural advantages of N,P‐carbon aerogels (such as easily accessible active sites, high specific surface area, and excellent electron transport) and the intrinsic electrochemical properties of Ni3S4 result in the outstanding OER performance of Ni3S4/N,P‐HPC, with overpotentials as low as 0.37 V at 10 mA cm−2. The work outlined herein offers a simple and effective method for the development of carbon‐based electrocatalysts for renewable energy conversion.
Einfluss von Mahlhilfsmitteln auf die Staubungsneigung
Authors: Londershausen Tim , Vaupel Kai , Prziwara Paul , Schmidt Eberhard 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDie zumeist unerwünschte Freisetzung von Partikeln aus Schüttgütern kann bei den unterschiedlichsten Handhabungen der Materialien erfolgen und eine Gefährdung für Mensch und Umwelt darstellen. Die Staubungsneigung ist somit eine wichtige Eigenschaft eines Materials und dabei abhängig von der jeweiligen Art der Beanspruchung. In der hier vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Staubungsneigung und der Einfluss von Mahlhilfsmitteln auf diese mit einer Fallapparatur und einer Rotationsapparatur untersucht. Die ermittelten Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Staubungsneigung von Schüttgütern durch die Zugabe von Mahlhilfsmitteln erheblich gesteigert werden kann.
The Driving Force for the Acylation of β‐Lactam Antibiotics by L,D‐Transpeptidase 2: Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) Study
Authors: Ibeji Collins U. , Lawal Monsurat M. , Tolufashe Gideon F. , Govender Thavendran , Naicker Tricia , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Lamichhane Gyanu , Kruger Hendrik G. , Honarparvar Bahareh 
Published: April 2019

Abstractβ‐lactam antibiotics, which are used to treat infectious diseases, are currently the most widely used class of antibiotics. This study focused on the chemical reactivity of five‐ and six‐membered ring systems attached to the β‐lactam ring. The ring strain energy (RSE), force constant (FC) of amide (C−N), acylation transition states and second‐order perturbation stabilization energies of 13 basic structural units of β‐lactam derivatives were computed using the M06‐2X and G3/B3LYP multistep method. In the ring strain calculations, an isodesmic reaction scheme was used to obtain the total energies. RSE is relatively greater in the five‐(1a–2c) compared to the six‐membered ring systems except for 4b, which gives a RSE that is comparable to five‐membered ring lactams. These variations were also observed in the calculated inter‐atomic amide bond distances (C−N), which is why the six‐membered ring lactams C−N bond are more rigid than those with five‐membered ring lactams. The calculated ΔG# values from the acylation reaction of the lactams (involving the S−H group of the cysteine active residue from L,D transpeptidase 2) revealed a faster rate of C−N cleavage in the five‐membered ring lactams especially in the 1–2 derivatives (17.58 kcal mol−1). This observation is also reflected in the calculated amide bond force constant (1.26 mDyn/A) indicating a weaker bond strength, suggesting that electronic factors (electron delocalization) play more of a role on reactivity of the β‐lactam ring, than ring strain.
Early Time Solvation Dynamics Probed by Spectrally Resolved Degenerate Pump‐Probe Spectroscopy
Authors: Silori Yogita , Seliya Pankaj , De Arijit K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe dynamic role of solvent in influencing the rates of physico‐chemical processes (for example, polar solvation and electron transfer) has been extensively studied using time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Here we study ultrafast excited state relaxation dynamics of three different fluorescent probes (DNTTCI, IR‐140 and IR‐144) in two polar solvents, ethanol and ethylene glycol, using spectrally resolved degenerate pump‐probe spectroscopy. We discuss how time‐resolved emission spectra can be directly used for constructing relaxation correlation function, obviating spectral reconstruction and estimation of time‐zero spectrum in non‐polar solvents. We show that depending on the specific probe used, the relaxation dynamics is governed either by intramolecular vibrational relaxation (for IR140) or by intermolecular solvation (for DNTTCI) or by both (for IR144). We further show (using DNTTCI as a probe) that major differences in solvation by ethanol and ethylene glycol is contributed by early time (<1 ps) dynamics.
An Improved Strategy for the Chemical Synthesis of 3′,5′‐Cyclic Diguanylic Acid
Authors: Grajkowski Andrzej , Takahashi Mayumi , Kaczyński Tomasz , Srivastava Suresh C. , Beaucage Serge L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe physiological functions of c‐di‐GMP and its involvement in many key processes led to its recognition as a major and ubiquitous bacterial second messenger. Aside from being a bacterial signaling molecule, c‐di‐GMP is also an immunostimulatory molecule capable of inducing innate and adaptive immune responses through maturation of immune mammalian cells. Given the broad biological functions of c‐di‐GMP and its potential applications as a nucleic‐acid‐based drug, the chemical synthesis of c‐di‐GMP has drawn considerable interest. An improved phosphoramidite approach to the synthesis of c‐di‐GMP is reported herein. The synthetic approach is based on the use of a 5′‐O‐formyl protecting group, which can be rapidly and chemoselectively cleaved from a key dinucleotide phosphoramidite intermediate to enable a cyclocondensation reaction leading to a fully protected c‐di‐GMP product in a yield ∼80%. The native c‐di‐GMP is isolated, after complete deprotection, in an overall yield of 36% based on the commercial ribonucleoside used as starting material. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stakeholder engagement mechanisms and their contribution to eco‐innovation: Differentiated effects of communication and cooperation
Authors: Garcés‐Ayerbe Concepción , Rivera‐Torres Pilar , Suárez‐Perales Inés 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study analyses the effect of communication and cooperation—as engagement mechanisms of stakeholder's integration capacity—on eco‐innovation intensity in firms. With this purpose, a mediation model is conducted, controlling by activity sector and firm's size. Results show that communication, as the first stakeholder engagement mechanism, has a positive effect on eco‐innovation strategy and that communication is a step that comes before cooperation. Results show that cooperation with stakeholders also supports eco‐innovation strategy development. It is therefore concluded that, when firms reach the greatest degree of stakeholder integration, through cooperation mechanisms, eco‐innovation strategy is greater than when there is only communication. This study provides three types of contribution to the literature: First, the effects of two types of stakeholder engagement mechanisms, communication, and cooperation, on firm's eco‐innovation strategy are separately analysed, as the interconnection between them. Second, the study proposes a novel way of measuring eco‐innovation that enables us to consider different degrees of eco‐innovative intensity based on a capital model that includes the accumulation of tangible and intangible assets derived from activities recently adopted by firms to reduce environmental impact. Third, this study provides empirical evidence to previous literature, generally case study‐based, of the effect that the stakeholder integration process has on eco‐innovation, through communication and cooperation mechanisms.
The influence of potential stressors on oviposition site selection and subsequent growth, survival and emergence of the non‐biting midge (Chironomus tepperi)
Authors: Hale Robin , Colombo Valentina , Hoak Molly , Pettigrove Vin , Swearer Stephen E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTheory predicts that animals should prefer habitats where their fitness is maximized but some mistakenly select habitats where their fitness is compromised, that is, ecological traps. Understanding why this happens requires knowledge of the habitat selection cues animals use, the habitats they prefer and why, and the fitness costs of habitat selection decisions. We conducted experiments with a freshwater insect, the non‐biting midge Chironomus tepperi to ask: (a) whether females respond to potential oviposition cues, (b) to explore whether oviposition is adaptive in relation to metal pollution and conductivity, and (c) whether individuals raised in poor quality sites are more likely to breed in similarly poor locations. We found the following: (a) females responded to some cues, especially conductivity and conspecifics, (b) females preferred sites with higher concentrations of bioavailable metals but suffered no consequences to egg/larval survival, (c) females showed some avoidance of high conductivities, but they still laid eggs resulting in reduced egg hatching, larval survival, and adult emergence, and (d) preferences were independent of natal environment. Our results show that C. tepperi is susceptible to ecological traps, depending on life stage and the relative differences in conductivities among potential oviposition sites. Our results highlight that (a) the fitness outcomes of habitat selection need to be assessed across the life cycle and (b) the relative differences in preference/suitability of habitats need to be considered in ecological trap research. This information can help determine why habitat preferences and their fitness consequences differ among species, which is critical for determining which species are susceptible to ecological traps.
Structural Impact of Chelation on Phytate, a Highly Phosphorylated Biomolecule
Authors: Reinmuth Molly , Pramanik Subhamay , Douglas Justin T. , Day Victor W. , Bowman‐James Kristin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Kristin Bowman‐James from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA. The cover image shows an overhead view of the highly phosphorylated biomolecule known as phytate, which resides in significant quantities in nuts and legumes, such as those accompanying the phytate.
Voltammetric Study and Rapid Quantification of Resorcinol in Hair Dye and Biological Samples Using Ultrasensitive Maghemite/MWCNT Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Manasa G. , Bhakta Arvind K. , Mekhalif Zineb , Mascarenhas Ronald J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIncreased concern over the risk resorcinol (RS) pose to ecology and humans, led to its position in European Union Category 1 list of endocrine disruptors. Legal measures restricted RS utilization and hence crucial to monitor its levels in the environment. Herein we report development of highly efficient and economically viable electrochemical sensor for quantitative determination of RS based on 77Maghemite/MultiWall Carbon Nanotube (M/MWCNT) modified carbon paste electrode. M/MWCNT was synthesized via strategic IR irradiation for the first time, a promising approach to overcome other complicated chemical routes. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) were used for characterization. Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), we report the lowest detection limit at 0.02 μM. The potential application of the sensor was accomplished as a result of excellent recoveries made from real samples fortified with RS. Results indicated the proficiency of the sensor reliable for rapid, onsite monitoring of RS water contamination and in biological matrices.
Two dimensional nanomaterial‐based separation membranes
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Ziyi , Zhan Kan , Sun Runqing , Sheng Zhizhi , Wang Miao , Wang Shuli , Hou Xu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTwo dimensional nanomaterials including graphene, hexagonal boron‐nitride, molybdenum disulfide, etc., provide immense potentials for separation applications. However, the tradeoff between selectivity and permeability in choosing 2D nanomaterial‐based membrane is inevitable, limiting the progress on separation efficiency for mass industrial applications. To target these issues, versatile strategies such as the rational design of predefined interlayer channels, membrane nanopores, and reasonable functionalization, as well as new mechanisms have been emerged. In this review, we introduce the recent progress on separation mechanisms of 2D nanomaterial‐based membranes with different structures (including the interlayer channels type and the membrane nanopores type) and their inner surface functionalization. Moreover, the interface designs are discussed, in terms of employing dynamic liquid–liquid/liquid–gas interfaces, to advance the selectivity and permeability of the membranes. We further discuss the variety of separation applications based on 2D nanomaterial‐based membranes. The authors hope this review will inspire the active interest of many scientists in the area of the development and application of membrane science.
Operational Results of an 150/30 kW RSOC System in an Industrial Environment
Authors: Schwarze K. , Posdziech O. , Mermelstein J. , Kroop S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe integration of renewable energy into industrial processes has a high potential for moving to a competitive low‐carbon economy in 2050, as targeted by the European Commission. The vision of the GrInHy project is to provide ‘green’ hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable electricity and to provide grid management services as a reversible generator in the iron‐and‐steel works of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH (Germany). Therefore, an reverse solid oxide cell (RSOC) system was built with a nominal electrolyzer power consumption of 150 kWAC and a power output of 30 kWAC in fuel cell operation with hydrogen, respectively, 25 kWAC with natural gas. A key outcome of the project is to prove high system efficiencies up to 84%LHV in electrolysis mode and more than 50%LHV in fuel cell mode with natural gas are achievable in a real life system. It also showed long‐term operability at degradation rates < 1% kh−1. The findings and results of the first 5,000 h of operation are presented in this paper. The GrInHy prototype demonstrates the technical feasibility of the integration of an RSOC system in an industrial environment as flexible load or power source. It proves that steam electrolyzers have reached a technical readiness that allows their scale‐up to a level at which real life customer demands can be covered.
Überlegungen zu Gebirgsinjektionen für den Tunnelbau im gestörten Gebirgsverband mittels Manschettenrohren
Authors: Wannenmacher Helmut , Entfellner Manuel , Krenn Harald 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGrouting into an open borehole is a process that has been well described academically. Numerous grouting techniques and grouting criteria are available for various applications and combinations of rock mass/ground. Tube á manchette (TAM) or sleeve port grouting systems have until now mostly been used in specialized civil engineering work in soft ground. In order to be able to carry out grouting successfully in faulted rocks, cased drilling is necessary in order to maintain the stability of the borehole for the insertion of the sleeve pipe. Under these premises, fundamental considerations for successful TAM grouting in faulted rocks are presented. The rheological properties of the grout used, the form and size of the injection opening and the strength and thickness of the sheathing compound significantly influence the penetration into the surrounding rock mass. Increased effective pressure is necessary in order to break through the sheathing compound and also to overcome friction losses during the grouting process. The necessity of high effective pressure and the emergence of the grout at the sleeve ports can, in contrast to an open borehole, increase the risk of jacking the ground in the course of grouting and this has to be carefully taken into account and investigated in advance. The interaction of effective grouting pressures and friction losses of the grouting system and their effect on the grouting process in faulted rock are described through the formulation of a general grouting criteria for TAM grouting.
A novel transpalatal‐transoral robotic surgery approach to clival chordomas extending into the nasopharynx
Authors: Henry Laura E. , Haugen Thorsen W. , Rassekh Christopher H. , Adappa Nithin D. , Weinstein Gregory S. , O'Malley Bert W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn this paper, we present three cases where a novel transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach was used to resect clival chordomas extending into the nasopharynx to demonstrate progress in the evolution of robotic surgery of the head and neck.MethodsThe first patient had a history of metastatic chordoma resection and presented with trismus and dysphagia; the second and third patients had first presentation with nasal congestion and facial numbness, respectively. All patients underwent a novel transpalatal‐TORS resection.ResultsTotal resection was achieved in the first patient and near‐total resections were achieved in the second and third patients. All patients had minimal postoperative morbidity and no patients experienced significant adverse events.ConclusionClival chordomas are rare, potentially dangerous lesions with a high rate of recurrence. The novel transpalatal‐TORS approach to these tumors presented in this series represents advancement in the realm of minimally invasive surgery of the head and neck. This approach offers patients total or near‐total control of these lesions with minimal intraoperative and postoperative side effects.
Outcomes following head neck free flap reconstruction requiring interposition vein graft or vascular bridge flap
Authors: Di Taranto Giuseppe , Chen Shih‐Heng , Elia Rossella , Sitpahul Ngamcherd , Chan Jeffrey C. Y. , Losco Luigi , Cigna Emanuele , Ribuffo Diego , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundInterposition vein grafts (IVG) and vascular bridge flaps (VBF) have been exploited as vascular conduit in challenging head and neck reconstructions.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 6025 flaps. The effect of patients' characteristics and length of IVG on flap compromise and loss were analyzed. Comparison between IVG and VBF was performed.ResultsThe flap compromise and loss rates for the overall group were 8.2% and 3.2%, respectively. An IVG was used in 309 free flaps. The average length of the vein grafts was 6.9 ± 4.2 cm. An unplanned return to the operation room occurred in 32 cases (10.4%) and failure of the flap in 12 patients (3.9%). Binary logistic regression found a significant association between flap compromise and loss rates and length of IVG, hypertension, prior radiation, and neck dissection. In the multiple regression model, length of IVG and prior radiation significantly influenced the outcomes. Thirty‐nine patients underwent reconstruction with a long IVG (>10 cm). Twenty‐six patients underwent surgical reconstruction with radial forearm flap as a VBF. The rate of flap compromise was higher in the group with a long IVG (P = .01).ConclusionsIn head and neck free flap reconstruction, the length of IVGs and history of radiotherapy are associated with flap compromise and loss. In case of long distance between the pedicle and the recipient site, the use of a VBF bridge should be considered as a safe alternative.