bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Directed evolution of polypropylene and polystyrene binding peptides
Authors: Rübsam Kristin , Weber Lina , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSurface functionalization of biological inert polymers (e.g., polypropylene PP; polystyrene PS) with material binding peptides facilitates an efficient immobilization of enzymes, bioactive peptides or antigens at ambient temperature in water. The developed robust directed evolution protocol enables to tailor polymer binding anchor peptides (PBPs) for efficient binding under application conditions. Key for a successful directed evolution campaign was to develop an epPCR protocol with a very high mutation frequency (60 mutations/kb) to ensure sufficient diversity in PBPs (47 aas LCI: “liquid chromatography peak I”; 44 aas TA2: “Tachystatin A2”). LCI and TA2 were genetically fused to the reporter egfp to quantify peptide binding on PP and PS by fluorescence analysis. The Peptide‐Polymer evolution protocol (PePevo protocol) was validated in two directed evolution campaigns for two PBPs and polymers (LCI: PP; TA2: PS). Surfactants were used as selection pressure for improved PBP binders (non‐ionic surfactant Triton X‐100; 1 mM for LCI‐PP // anionic surfactant LAS; 0.5 mM for TA2‐PS). PePevo yielded an up to three fold improved PP‐binder (LCI‐M1‐PP: I24T, Y29H, E42 K and LCI‐M2‐PP: D31V, E42G) and an up to six fold stronger PS‐binder (TA2‐M1‐PS: R3S, L6P, V12 K, S15P, C29R, R30L, F33S, Y44H and TA2‐M2‐PS: F9C, C24S, G26D, S31G, C41S, Y44Q).
Effect of an acute moderate‐exercise session on metabolic and inflammatory profile of PPAR‐α knockout mice
Authors: Silveira Loreana S. , Pimentel Gustavo D. , Souza Camila O. , Biondo Luana A. , Teixeira Alexandre Abílio S. , Lima Edson A. , Batatinha Helena A. P. , Rosa Neto José C. , Lira Fábio S. 
Published: October 2017

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) play a major role in metabolism and inflammatory control. Exercise can modulate PPAR expression in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and macrophages. Little is known about the effects of PPAR‐α in metabolic profile and cytokine secretion after acute exercise in macrophages. In this context, the aim of this study was to understand the influence of PPAR‐α on exercise‐mediated immune metabolic parameters in peritoneal macrophages. Mice C57BL/6 (WT) and PPAR‐α knockout (KO) were examined in non‐exercising control (n = 4) or 24 hours after acute moderate exercise (n = 8). Metabolic parameters (glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol [TC], and triacylglycerol [TG]) were assessed in serum. Cytokine concentrations (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and MCP‐1) were measured from peritoneal macrophages cultured or not with LPS (2.5 μg/mL) and Rosiglitazone (1 μM). Exercised KO mice exhibited low glucose concentration and higher TC and TG in serum. At baseline, no difference in cytokine production between the genotypes was observed. However, IL‐1β was significantly higher in KO mice after LPS stimulus. IL‐6 and IL‐1β had increased concentrations in KO compared with WT, even after exercise. MCP‐1 was not restored in exercised KO LPS group. Rosiglitazone was not able to reduce proinflammatory cytokine production in KO mice at baseline level or associated with exercise. Acute exercise did not alter mRNA expression in WT mice. Conclusion: PPAR‐α seems to be needed for metabolic glucose homeostasis and anti‐inflammatory effect of acute exercise. Its absence may induce over‐expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in LPS stimulus. Moreover, moderate exercise or PPAR‐γ agonist did not reverse this response.
The micronome of mesenchymal stromal cells is partially responsive to inflammation
Authors: Fayyad‐Kazan Hussein , Fayyad‐Kazan Mohammad , Merimi Makram , Meuleman Nathalie , Bron Dominique , Lagneaux Laurence , Najar Mehdi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) display a special immunological profile that allows their potential use as immunotherapeutic cells. Nowadays, foreskin (FSK) represents a valuable reservoir of MSCs with International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) compliant criteria and relevant functional properties. However, their mode of action is poorly understood and needs to be more elucidated to optimize their therapeutic use. Because microRNAs (miRNAs) act as key regulators in a wide variety of biological processes, we decided to establish the micronome of FSK‐MSCs, the influence of inflammation and the predicted target pathways. Here, we provide the full list of unchanged and additional four differentially expressed miRNAs, miR‐199b, ‐296‐3p and ‐589‐5p being downregulated whilst miR‐146‐3p being upregulated, in MSCs following their exposure to a cocktail of proinflammatory cytokines. MicroRNA target prediction in addition to Pathway enrichment analysis performed using miRNet, showed that miR‐296‐3p is linked to antigen processing and presentation pathway. Collectively, our data indicate that the micronome of FSK‐MSCs is partially responsive to inflammation. Differentially expressed miRNAs are subsequently modulated by inflammation and seem to be involved in regulating the immunological fate of FSK‐MSCs. These miRNAs deserve more attention in order to optimize MSC‐based therapy and achieve the appropriate therapeutic effect.
Na‐Doped C70 Fullerene/N‐Doped Graphene/Fe‐Based Quantum Dot Nanocomposites for Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Ultrahigh Coulombic Efficiency
Authors: Wang Chunlian , Zhang Yang , He Wen , Zhang Xudong , Yang Guihua , Wang Zhaoyang , Ren Manman , Wang Lianzhou 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNa‐doped C70 fullerene (Na‐C70)/N‐doped graphene (N‐GN)/Fe‐based nanocomposites (Na‐C70/N‐GN/FBNCs) with the multiple morphologies are fabricated through an in situ one‐step method with multifunction sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) as the structural template and the main raw material. Fe‐based quantum dots (FBQDs) can be embeded in the ordered mesoporous hybrid carbon structure of Na‐C70 and N‐GN through a spontaneous chelation reaction of SLS with iron ions and carbonization under relatively mild hydrothermal treatment. We investigate the influences of the molar ratio of SLS/Fe on the structure, components, and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites. Its unique hybrid carbon structure offers metallicity and superconductivity, countless bonding sites of Na ions, and facilitates the transfer of electrons and Na ions during prolonged cycling. The nanocomposites for sodium‐ion batteries anodes can achieve the highest discharge capacities of 1898 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1, and can retain a reversible capacity of 238 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, which are significantly better than those of lithium‐ion batteries. The discharge and charge capacities at 1 A g−1 after 30th cycles are 356 and 119 mAh g−1, respectively, with an ultrahigh coulombic efficiency of 299 % and the highest coulombic efficiency of 463 % after 220 cycles.
Porous Ni−Mo−S Nanowire Network Film Electrode as a High‐Efficiency Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Ma Zizai , Meng Huijie , Wang Mei , Tang Bin , Li Jinping , Wang Xiaoguang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDeveloping noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts with excellent activity and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for promoting the generation of H2 by electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, a novel 3D self‐supported Ni−Mo−S nanowire network film electrode was prepared by facile electroplating nickel−molybdenum on nickel foam followed by sulfurization as bifunctional catalysts for both HER and OER. Electrochemical measurements reveal that superb high catalytic activity and durability is acquired on the Ni−Mo−S electrode, which can afford an electrocatalytic current density of 100 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of 290 mV for the HER and an overpotential of 390 mV for the OER in alkaline medium. Coupled with the superior and robust OER catalytic activity, an alkaline electrolyzer that can achieve 100 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 2.0 V was constructed by applying Ni−Mo−S||Ni−Mo−S for overall water splitting, thus indicating a homogeneous, cost‐effective, and earth‐abundant material system for highly efficient H2 production.
Highly Conductive Hierarchical C/C Composites to Eliminate Conductive Agent in EDLC Electrodes
Authors: Chang Panpan , Wang Chengyang , Kinumoto Taro , Tsumura Tomoki , Chen Mingming , Toyoda Masahiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Professor Mingming Chen at Tianjin University (China) and Professor Masahiro Toyoda at Oita University (Japan). The cover picture shows a typical frame‐filling C/C composite, in which graphene guarantees rapid electron conduction and fast ion transmission, and numerous nanoporous carbons derived from amphiphilic carbonaceous materials (ACM) provide sufficient micropores to accumulate electric double layers for energy storage. Nowadays, although carbon black (CB) has no contribution to specific capacitance, it is still indispensable when fabricating an EDLC electrode to guarantee a satisfactory power output of whole EDLCs. Therefore, there arises an appeal for conductive EDLC electrode materials. In our work, aiming at a CB‐free EDLC electrode, we constructed a series of porous frame‐filling type C/C composites that have both ample specific surface area (SSA) and adequate electrical conductivity (e‐conductivity). Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201700650.
Self‐Assembly through Noncovalent Preorganization of Reactants: Explaining the Formation of a Polyfluoroxometalate
Authors: Schreiber Roy E. , Avram Liat , Neumann Ronny 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHigh‐order elementary reactions in homogeneous solutions involving more than two molecules are statistically improbable and very slow to proceed. They are not generally considered in classical transition‐state or collision theories. Yet, rather selective, high‐yield product formation is common in self‐assembly processes that require many reaction steps. On the basis of recent observations of crystallization as well as reactions in dense phases, it is shown that self‐assembly can occur by preorganization of reactants in a noncovalent supramolecular assembly, whereby directing forces can lead to an apparent one‐step transformation of multiple reactants. A simple and general kinetic model for multiple reactant transformation in a dense phase that can account for many‐bodied transformations was developed. Furthermore, the self‐assembly of polyfluoroxometalate anion [H2F6NaW18O56]7− from simple tungstate Na2WO2F4 was demonstrated by using 2D 19F–19F NOESY, 2D 19F–19F COSY NMR spectroscopy, a new 2D 19F{183W} NMR technique, as well as ESI‐MS and diffusion NMR spectroscopy, and the crucial involvement of a supramolecular assembly was found. The deterministic kinetic reaction model explains the reaction in a dense phase and supports the suggested self‐assembly mechanism. Reactions in dense phases may be of general importance in understanding other self‐assembly reactions.
Approaches for Selective Synthesis of Ullazine Donor–Acceptor Systems
Authors: Drigo Nikita A. , Paek Sanghyun , Huckaba Aron J. , Schouwink Pascal A. , Tabet Nouar , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMethods for effective synthesis for the four possible isomeric 3,9‐diphenylullazine carboxaldehydes and reactive halogen intermediates are described. Ullazine donor–acceptor (D–A) dyes were studied using UV/Vis, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. X‐ray single crystal diffraction analysis independently confirmed the structures of two key intermediates. A D–A dye based on ullazine with dihexylmalonate acceptor was tested as a dopant‐free hole‐transporting material (HTM) in a perovskite solar cell, exhibiting promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaching 13.07 %.
Applying complexity theory to explain partner cooperation: The role of transaction cost‐related factors and elements of relational exchanges
Authors: Xue Jinjie , Lu Shaokai , Shi Benshan , Yang Xia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUsing complexity theory, we seek to better understand the configurations of causal factors stimulating joint ventures' cooperation in Chinese manufacturing context. To this end, we adopt two dominant perspectives of transaction cost economics and relational exchange theory to identify transaction cost‐related factors and elements of relational exchanges as critical factors in joint ventures' cooperation. We apply fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis on a sample of 268 joint venture partners to test research propositions. The findings indicate a need for competence trust and goodwill trust and also show that extorting rent cost should be emphasized. Results reveal those six configurations of causal factors that explain high intention to cooperate. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation and Characterization of Functional Human Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Kirwan Peter , Jura Magdalena , Merkle Florian T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNeurons in the hypothalamus orchestrate homeostatic physiological processes and behaviors essential for life. Defects in the function of hypothalamic neurons cause a spectrum of human diseases, including obesity, infertility, growth defects, sleep disorders, social disorders, and stress disorders. These diseases have been studied in animal models such as mice, but the rarity and relative inaccessibility of mouse hypothalamic neurons and species‐specific differences between mice and humans highlight the need for human cellular models of hypothalamic diseases. We and others have developed methods to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into hypothalamic neurons and related cell types, such as astrocytes. This protocol builds on published studies by providing detailed step‐by‐step instructions for neuronal differentiation, quality control, long‐term neuronal maintenance, and the functional interrogation of hypothalamic cells by calcium imaging. Together, these protocols should enable any group with appropriate facilities to generate and study human hypothalamic cells. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photoinduced Charge Separation in Semiconductor‐Quantum‐Dot/Organic‐Molecule Hybrids
Authors: Tkachenko Nikolai V. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSemiconductor colloidal quantum dot/organic molecule nanohybrids are gaining momentum due to the relative ease with which an efficient photoinduced charge transfer in the desired direction can be achieved between the dot and the molecule. At the same time analysis of the experimental studies of such systems, and in particular transient absorption spectroscopy data, is a challenging task because of the statistical nature of hybrid formation and the complex kinetics of the photoreactions. This Minireview aims to find common ground for comparing the photoinduced charge‐separation reactions in quantum dot/organic molecule hybrids. It also discusses a common set of parameters which would help to compare different quantum dot/molecule hybrids as well as progress in developing design principles to achieve controllable photoinduced charge separation in such hybrids.
Optimal control of an invasive species using a reaction‐diffusion model and linear programming
Authors: Bonneau Mathieu , Johnson Fred A. , Smith Brian J. , Romagosa Christina M. , Martin Julien , Mazzotti Frank J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractManaging an invasive species is particularly challenging as little is generally known about the species’ biological characteristics in its new habitat. In practice, removal of individuals often starts before the species is studied to provide the information that will later improve control. Therefore, the locations and the amount of control have to be determined in the face of great uncertainty about the species characteristics and with a limited amount of resources. We propose framing spatial control as a linear programming optimization problem. This formulation, paired with a discrete reaction‐diffusion model, permits calculation of an optimal control strategy that minimizes the remaining number of invaders for a fixed cost or that minimizes the control cost for containment or protecting specific areas from invasion. We propose computing the optimal strategy for a range of possible model parameters, representing current uncertainty on the possible invasion scenarios. Then, a best strategy can be identified depending on the risk attitude of the decision‐maker. We use this framework to study the spatial control of the Argentine black and white tegus (Salvator merianae) in South Florida. There is uncertainty about tegu demography and we considered several combinations of model parameters, exhibiting various dynamics of invasion. For a fixed one‐year budget, we show that the risk‐averse strategy, which optimizes the worst‐case scenario of tegus’ dynamics, and the risk‐neutral strategy, which optimizes the expected scenario, both concentrated control close to the point of introduction. A risk‐seeking strategy, which optimizes the best‐case scenario, focuses more on models where eradication of the species in a cell is possible and consists of spreading control as much as possible. For the establishment of a containment area, assuming an exponential growth we show that with current control methods it might not be possible to implement such a strategy for some of the models that we considered. Including different possible models allows an examination of how the strategy is expected to perform in different scenarios. Then, a strategy that accounts for the risk attitude of the decision‐maker can be designed.
Carbon dioxide and submersed macrophytes in lakes: linking functional ecology to community composition
Authors: Titus John E. , Pagano Angela M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEvaluating plant community response to atmospheric CO2 rise is critical to predicting ecosystem level change. Freshwater lakes offer a model system for examining CO2 effects as submersed macrophyte species differ greatly in their growth responses to CO2 enrichment, and free CO2 concentrations among these habitats show a wide range of natural, spatial variation. We determined free CO2 concentrations in the water column and sediment porewater in littoral zones with pH < 6.0 in Adirondack Mountain (New York, USA) lakes, and derived a community CO2 responsiveness index (CCRI) based on quantitative sampling of 15 submersed macrophyte communities coupled with greenhouse‐derived growth responses to CO2 enrichment of constituent species to test two hypotheses: (1) CCRI, which is higher for communities dominated by species with greater growth responses to CO2 enrichment, is positively correlated to free [CO2] in the water column, and (2) in natural communities, the percent of sediment CO2‐using species, which are relatively unresponsive to CO2 enrichment, is negatively correlated to free [CO2]. A significant positive correlation (P = 0.003) between our physiologically based CCRI and the concentration of free CO2 in the water column supported our primary hypothesis that sites with higher levels of free CO2 are dominated by species with greater growth responses to CO2 enrichment. Our CCRI is also highly significantly correlated (P < 0.001) to the first axis scores for the same vegetation data from polar ordination. Finally, the relative importance of species that use sediment CO2 as a photosynthetic carbon source is significantly negatively correlated (P = 0.029) with the concentration of free CO2 in the water column. Our results indicate that natural variations in CO2 levels are important determinants of submersed macrophyte community composition. Further, we demonstrate the utility of a physiologically‐based index of community composition, our CCRI, as an ecologically valid measure of community response to CO2.
Diffuse brain damage in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Giorgio Antonio , Zhang Jian , Costantino Francesco , De Stefano Nicola , Frezzotti Paolo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBrain changes within and beyond the visual system have been demonstrated in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type of glaucoma. These changes have been often interpreted as a neurodegenerative process due, at least partially, to the raised intraocular pressure (IOP). In this context, normal tension glaucoma (NTG), a form of POAG with IOP <21 mm Hg despite the typical glaucomatous findings, represents the most suitable model of glaucoma to test the validity of this hypothesis. We acquired multimodal brain MRI in NTG patients (n = 17) and compared them with demographically matched groups of POAG patients with raised IOP (n = 17) and normal controls (NC, n = 29). Voxelwise statistics was performed with nonparametric permutation testing.Both NTG and POAG patients showed, compared to NC, significantly more gray matter atrophy in both the visual system and in nonvisual brain regions and altered diffusion tensor imaging‐derived anatomical connectivity (AC; lower fractional anisotropy and/or higher diffusivities). Compared with NTG, POAG had both more atrophic visual cortex and higher axial diffusivity in nonvisual regions. Functional connectivity (FC) with respect to NC was altered in NTG at short‐range level [visual network (VN), ventral attention network] and in POAG at long‐range level (between secondary VN and limbic network). FC of POAG was higher than NTG in both VN and executive network.This study provides further evidence that diffuse structural and functional abnormalities across glaucoma brain may be, at least partially, independent of raised IOP and the consequent retinal degeneration. This further defines glaucoma as a condition with neurodegeneration spreading. Hum Brain Mapp 39:532–541, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patients’ and therapists’ experiences of general change mechanisms during bug‐in‐the‐eye and delayed video‐based supervised cognitive‐behavioral therapy. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Probst Thomas , Jakob Marion , Kaufmann Yvonne M. , Müller‐Neng Julia M. B. , Bohus Martin , Weck Florian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial investigated whether bug‐in‐the‐eye (BITE) supervision (live computer‐based supervision during a psychotherapy session) affects the manner in which patients and therapists experience general change mechanisms (GCMs) during cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT).MethodA total of 23 therapists were randomized either to the BITE condition or the control condition (delayed video‐based [DVB] supervision). After each session, both patients (BITE: n = 19; DVB: n = 23) and therapists (BITE: n = 11; DVB: n = 12) completed the Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Bernese Post Session Report (BPSR). The HAQ total score and the 3 secondary factors of the BPSR (interpersonal experiences, intrapersonal experiences, problem actuation) functioned as GCMs. Multilevel models were performed.ResultsFor patients, GCMs did not develop differently between BITE and DVB during CBT. Therapists rated the alliance as well as interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences not significantly different between BITE and DVB during CBT, but they perceived problem actuation to increase significantly more in BITE than in DVB (p < .05).ConclusionBITE supervision might be helpful in encouraging CBT therapists to apply interventions, which focus on the activation of relevant problems and related emotions.