bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation of Island Flora and Fauna
Authors: Cronk Quentin 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Islands, especially small oceanic islands, are highly sensitive to the introduction of alien biota. As islands have often been stopovers in the early development of international trade, there have been many opportunities for the introduction of alien organisms. As island food webs are simple, the addition of species can destabilise them (trophic interference) causing the collapse of normal trophic interactions and potentially the extirpation of whole ecosystems. In St Helena the native ecosystems were largely destroyed by events set in train after human discovery of the island, particularly the introduction of the goat. Ecosystem repair is challenging: total eradication of invasives can be problematic. If total eradication is impossible, classical biological control is an alternative. Gene drive biological control is an emerging technology that may be used in future. One consequence of wholesale ecosystem destruction is that many island species are ‘ultra‐rare’ (reduced to total populations of 10 individuals or less). In such cases, inbreeding may have caused fitness problems compounding extinction risk. In such cases, genetic rescue may be required, via the deliberate beneficial increase of the allele pool from other populations or even other species via adaptive introgression.

Key Concepts

Island ecosytems are vulnerable to introduced species.

Terrestrial mamals do not disperse well and are absent from oceanic islands.

Introduced species, especially mammalian herbivores and carnivores, destabilise existing trophic structure (trophic interference) and can lead to the collapse of ecosystems.

Total eradication of invasives, or their biological control, can sometimes be possible to eliminate or mitigate the effect of invasives.
De Novo
Methylation in Cancer
Authors: Funata Sayaka , Fukayama Masashi , Kaneda Atsushi 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Epigenetics is the mechanism of gene expression regulation, which does not change DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences. Once CpG dinucleotides at the promotor regions are methylated, downstream genes are repressed. This process is essential for normal development and differentiation and is involved in cancer pathogenesis. Many tumour‐suppressor genes are repressed by aberrant promotor methylation. In addition, clinical cancer cases are classified into distinct subgroups based on DNA methylation accumulation patterns, suggesting that there might be a characteristic pathway of tumorigenesis in each subgroup. For example, the high‐methylation subgroup of colorectal cancer arises from sessile serrated adenomas that show similar high‐methylation accumulation and
BRAF
mutation. In gastric tumorigenesis, infection of pathogens, for example,
Helicobacter pylori
and Epstein‐Barr virus, can induce
de novo
methylation in gastric epithelial cells. Advances in the knowledge of DNA methylation accumulation patterns and the causal event of methylation induction lead to understanding molecular tumorigenic mechanisms.

Key Concepts

DNA methylation is mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs).

DNA demethylation is mediated by Ten‐eleven‐translocation (TET) family enzymes.

Tumour‐suppressor genes are frequently hypermethylated and silenced in cancer.

Clinical cancer cases are classified into distinct subgroups based on DNA methylation accumulation patterns.

Chronic inflammation may induce DNA methylation into epithelial cells.

Epstein‐Barr virus infection can induce DNA methylation into host cells.

Disruption of TET function through mutation of
IDH
or
TET
genes can cause aberrant DNA methylation.

Aberrant methylation might be used for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Importance of Mutation Analysis in Anti‐Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yu Bing 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Advances in cancer genome research have led to a paradigm shift of anti‐cancer treatment from cytotoxic chemotherapy to targeted therapy. Mutation analysis plays an indispensable role in identifying actionable molecular events, predicting responses to targeted therapies and ensuring optimal treatment. It helps clinical decision making to achieve efficient and cost‐effective anti‐cancer treatment. Liquid biopsy is a less invasive but promising strategy for repeated mutation analyses in cancer patients since it provides temporal information that is tumour‐ and treatment‐specific. Liquid biopsy can provide diagnostic and prognostic information and has the potential to replace tissue biopsy. This information can be used to assess tumour heterogeneity, monitor tumour dynamics before, during and after treatment, detect minimal residual disease and recurrence and identify resistance to therapy. Mutation analysis has become an integral part of precision cancer medicine.

Key Concepts

Anti‐cancer therapy is moving from the morphology‐based ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ strategy to mutation profile‐based ‘personalised medicine’.

Mutation analysis plays an indispensable role in the selection of the most suitable anti‐cancer therapies.

Comprehensive and rapid mutation profiling has a significant impact on precision and so helps avoid under‐treatment, ineffective therapy or over‐treatment.

Failure of anti‐cancer treatment reflects our inability to profile tumour diversity, monitor tumour evolution and adapt therapeutic strategies accordingly.

Liquid biopsy is a less invasive but promising strategy to obtain insights into therapy‐induced selection of cancer cells.

Temporal and dynamic information from repeated liquid biopsy can help clinical decision making in cancer management.
Gene and Cell Therapy for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Garita‐Hernandez Marcela , Goureau Olivier , Dalkara Deniz 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Gene therapy and cell therapy are intersecting fields of biomedical research with the common aim of repairing the direct causes or consequences of genetic diseases by using genes and cells, respectively. Gene therapy is broadly defined as a set of strategies that modify the expression of an individual's genes for therapeutic benefit. It requires the administration of a specific deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (or ribonucleic acid (RNA)) into the patient's cells. Cell therapy on the other hand requires administration of a population of intact live cells to a patient whose cells have been lost due to injury or disease. These emerging strategies can also be applied in acquired diseases in order to re‐establish equilibrium and halt disease progression. In some cases, gene and cell therapy may be combined in order to obtain a therapeutic effect.
In addition to becoming emerging therapeutics in the clinic, these two fields of research continually generate tools, concepts and techniques for elucidating biological questions across multiple disciplines.

Key Concepts

The retina lines the back of the eye and comprises six different types of neuronal cells and their underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Photoreceptors are the light‐sensitive first‐order neurons of the retina which capture the light stimulus and transform it into an electric signal.

Human iPSC have the same features of hESC in terms of their differentiation capacity.

Gene therapy is the use of genetic material as a drug to treat a chronic condition.
Assessment of Disease‐Associated Sequence Variants and Considerations for Functional Validation using Mouse Models
Authors: Cox Timothy C , Cox Liza L 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWhole‐exome and whole‐genome sequencing approaches are rapidly becoming mainstream tools accessible to both basic researchers and clinical teams. Likewise, technological advances in genome editing, such as the CRISPR/Cas system, are poised to revolutionise model system research, making it more feasible to create animal models that truly recapitulate the human condition. However, procedures for identifying disease‐associated sequence variants are still far from robust and there are many biological variables that need to be considered when attempting to functionally validate disease‐associated variants. In this article, we highlight the many limitations and issues that should be considered at different stages throughout this process – from the filtering of sequencing data to the selection of variants, and from the selection of the model organism to the appropriate means of phenotyping.Key ConceptsResearchers must appreciate the limitations of exome sequencing when considering candidate gene variants.Researchers using sequencing services should ensure they receive the original BAM files of their sequencing data.Common bioinformatic algorithms used to process sequencing data are predictive tools only.Bioinformatic tools should not be used in isolation or their outputs taken as proof of disease causation of a variant.Gene expression in a tissue consistent with that affected in patients can be used to help prioritise candidate genes but is not evidence for causation.Demonstration of a functional impact of a given variant in anin vitroassay is useful but does not necessarily mean it is responsible for the disease of interest.Genetic background of the mouse strain(s) can significantly influence the phenotypic presentation.Researchers using animal models should consider the composition of animal chow when modelling a disease with considerable phenotypic variability.
Bioethics after
L
evinas
Authors: Goldim José R 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Bioethics is not a new discipline; nor should it be understood as a mere evolution of medical ethics, or even as simply ethics applied to life. Bioethics seeks to find meaning and justification for old and new practices related to life and living. Alterity, proposed by Levinas, includes the Other in the individual's relationship with the world. The nature of this new relationship is dialogic, leading to mutual commitment and co‐responsibility. Recognising the Other prevents neutrality and furnishes the opening to the mystery of the relation to the Other. The Other is a singular being, always important and significant. The Other is the one who opens up the possibility of living, of establishing relationships that gives meaning to life. Levinas' thought emphasises acting, praxis, effective action and moment of decision.

Key Concepts

Bioethics is a complex, interdisciplinary and shared reflection on the adequacy of actions related to life and living.

Levinas' thought raises an important discussion on the issue of the difference between the Same and the Other.

Within the framework of Alterity, it is the Other who gives meaning to a person's own existence.

In Levinas' thought, acting is a priority, as are praxis, effective action and moment of decision.

Including the Other in the perspective of an individual's relationship with the world changes this view.
Bounded‐input iterative learning control: Robust stabilization via a minimax approach
Authors: Driessen Brian , Sadegh Nader , Kwok Kwan 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we consider the design problem of making the convergence of the bounded‐input, multi‐input iterative learning controller presented in our previous work robust to errors in the model‐based value of the input‐output Jacobian matrix via a minimax (min‐max or 'minimize the worst case') approach. We propose to minimize the worst case (largest) value of the infinity‐norm of the matrix whose norm being less then unity implies convergence of the controller. This matrix is the one associated with monotonicity of a sequence of input error norms. The input‐output Jacobian uncertainty is taken to be an additive linear one. Theorem 3.1 and its proof show that the worst‐case infinity‐norm is actually minimized by choosing either the inverse of the centroid of the set of possible input‐output Jacobians or a zero matrix. And an explicit expression is given for both the criteria used to choose between the two matrices and the resulting minimum worst‐case infinity norm. We showed previously that the matrix norm condition associated with monotonicity of a sequence of output‐error norms is not sufficient to assure convergence of the bounded‐input controller. The importance of knowing which norm condition is the relevant one is demonstrated by showing that the set of minimizers of the minimax problem formulated with the wrong norm does not contain in general minimizers of the maximum relevant norm and moreover can lead to a gain matrix that destroys the assured convergence of the bounded‐input controller given in previous work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soybean Oil‐Based Polyurethane–(Poly)acrylonitrile Interpenetrating Polymer Networks as Transparent Coating Materials
Authors: Das Subhajit , Kalita Hemjyoti , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this study, soybean oil‐based polyurethane–(poly)acrylonitrile (PU–PAN) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) were synthesized by the reaction of soybean oil‐based polyol, isophorone diisocyanate, and acrylonitrile. The formation of IPN were confirmed by the FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and abrasion resistance were found to be increased with the increase of PU content in the IPN. IPN showed higher thermal stability and lesser burning rate than PU. Surface morphology was observed by SEM and AFM studies. The IPN showed higher hydrophobic nature than PU, studied by contact angle measurement.
Metal–Organic Framework for Emulsifying Carbon Dioxide and Water
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Jianling , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jing , Sang Xinxin , Kang Xinchen , Zhang Bingxing , Luo Tian , Tan Xiuniang , Han Buxing 
Published: August 2016

AbstractForming emulsions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water can largely expand the utility of CO2. Herein we propose for the first time the utilization of a metal–organic framework (MOF) for emulsifying CO2 and water. Owing to the hybrid composition, MOF particles can easily assemble at the CO2/water interface to create a rigid protective barrier around the dispersed droplet. The MOF‐stabilized CO2 and water emulsion has exceptional stability compared to those emulsions stabilized by surfactants or other solids. Moreover, the CO2 and water emulsion stabilized by MOF is “tunable” due to the designable features of MOFs and adjustable character of CO2. Such a novel kind of emulsion composed of CO2, water, and MOF provides a facile route for constructing MOF superstructures with many advantages. The macroporous networks and hollow capsules of different kinds of MOFs have been successfully derived from CO2 and water emulsions.
Highly Efficient Catalytic Formation of (Z)‐1,4‐But‐2‐ene Diols Using Water as a Nucleophile
Authors: Guo Wusheng , Martínez‐Rodríguez Luis , Martin Eddy , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Kleij Arjan W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe first general catalytic and highly stereoselective formation of (Z)‐1,4‐but‐2‐ene diols is described from readily available and modular vinyl‐substituted cyclic carbonate precursors using water as a nucleophilic reagent. These 1,4‐diol scaffolds can be generally prepared in high yields and with ample scope in reaction partners using a simple synthetic method that does not require the presence of any additive or any special precaution unlike the stoichiometric approaches reported to date. Control experiments support the mechanistic view that hyperconjugation within the catalytic intermediate after decarboxylation plays an imperative role to control the stereoselective outcome of these reactions.
DNA Origami Rotaxanes: Tailored Synthesis and Controlled Structure Switching
Authors: Powell John T. , Akhuetie‐Oni Benjamin O. , Zhang Zhao , Lin Chenxiang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMechanically interlocked supramolecular assemblies are appealing building blocks for creating functional nanodevices. Herein, we describe the multistep assembly of large DNA origami rotaxanes that are capable of programmable structural switching. We validated the topology and structural integrity of these rotaxanes by analyzing the intermediate and final products of various assembly routes by electrophoresis and electron microscopy. We further analyzed two structure‐switching behaviors of our rotaxanes, which are both mediated by DNA hybridization. In the first mechanism, the translational motion of the macrocycle can be triggered or halted at either terminus. In the second mechanism, the macrocycle can be elongated after completion of the rotaxane assembly, giving rise to a unique structure that is otherwise difficult to access.
Assembly of a Highly Stable Luminescent Zn5 Cluster and Application to Bio‐Imaging
Authors: Zeng Ming‐Hua , Yin Zheng , Liu Ze‐Hui , Xu Hai‐Bing , Feng Ying‐Chun , Hu Yue‐Qiao , Chang Li‐Xian , Zhang Yue‐Xing , Huang Jin , Kurmoo Mohamedally 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe assembly sequence of the coordination cluster [Zn5(H2Ln)6](NO3)4]⋅8 H2O⋅2 CH3OH (Zn5, H3Ln=(1,2‐bis(benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐ethenol) involves in situ dehydration of 1,2‐bis(benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐1,2‐ethanediol (H4L) through the formation of the [Zn(H3L)2]+ monomer, dimerization to [Zn2(H3L)2]+, dehydration of the ligand to [Zn2(H2Ln)2]+, and the final formation of the pentanuclear cluster. The cluster has the following special characteristics: 1) high stability in both refluxing 37 % HCl and 27 % NH3, 2) low cytotoxicity, and 3) pH‐sensitive fluorescence in the visible‐to‐near‐infrared (Vis/NIR) region in the solid state and in solution. We have applied it as a fluorescent probe both in vivo and in vitro. Its H‐bonding ability is the key to its affinity and selectivity for imaging lysosomes in HeLa cells and tumors in male BALB/C mice. It provides a new type of sensitive and biocompatible fluorescent probe for detecting small tumors (13.5 mm3).
A Terminal Osmium(IV) Nitride: Ammonia Formation and Ambiphilic Reactivity
Authors: Schendzielorz Florian S. , Finger Markus , Volkmann Christian , Würtele Christian , Schneider Sven 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLow‐valent osmium nitrides are discussed as intermediates in nitrogen fixation schemes. However, rational synthetic routes that lead to isolable examples are currently unknown. Here, the synthesis of the square‐planar osmium(IV) nitride [OsN(PNP)] (PNP=N(CH2CH2P(tBu)2)2) is reported upon reversible deprotonation of osmium(VI) hydride [Os(N)H(PNP)]+. The OsIV complex shows ambiphilic nitride reactivity with SiMe3Br and PMe3, respectively. Importantly, the hydrogenolysis with H2 gives ammonia and the polyhydride complex [OsH4(HPNP)] in 80 % yield. Hence, our results directly demonstrate the role of low‐valent osmium nitrides and of heterolytic H2 activation for ammonia synthesis with H2 under basic conditions.
Upregulation of an Artificial Zymogen by Proteolysis
Authors: Liu Zhe , Lebrun Vincent , Kitanosono Taku , Mallin Hendrik , Köhler Valentin , Häussinger Daniel , Hilvert Donald , Kobayashi Shu , Ward Thomas R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractRegulation of enzymatic activity is vital to living organisms. Here, we report the development and the genetic optimization of an artificial zymogen requiring the action of a natural protease to upregulate its latent asymmetric transfer hydrogenase activity.
Few‐Layer Antimonene by Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation
Authors: Gibaja Carlos , Rodriguez‐San‐Miguel David , Ares Pablo , Gómez‐Herrero Julio , Varela Maria , Gillen Roland , Maultzsch Janina , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas , Abellán Gonzalo , Zamora Félix 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe report on a fast and simple method to produce highly stable isopropanol/water (4:1) suspensions of few‐layer antimonene by liquid‐phase exfoliation of antimony crystals in a process that is assisted by sonication but does not require the addition of any surfactant. This straightforward method generates dispersions of few‐layer antimonene suitable for on‐surface isolation. Analysis by atomic force microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy confirmed the formation of high‐quality few‐layer antimonene nanosheets with large lateral dimensions. These nanolayers are extremely stable under ambient conditions. Their Raman signals are strongly thickness‐dependent, which was rationalized by means of density functional theory calculations.
Total Synthesis of the Diterpenoid (+)‐Harringtonolide
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Jun , Hu Lin , Ma Zhiqiang , Li Ruining , Zhang Zhen , Tao Cheng , Cheng Bin , Li Yun , Wang Huifei , Zhai Hongbin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDescribed herein is the first asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐harringtonolide, a natural diterpenoid with an unusual tropone imbedded in a cagelike framework. The key transformations include an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction and a rhodium‐complex‐catalyzed intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition to install the tetracyclic core as well as a highly efficient tropone formation.
Multilayer Microcapsules for FRET Analysis and Two‐Photon‐Activated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Huiling , Han Mingjuan , Sun Bingbing , Li Junbai 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMicrocapsules obtained by layer‐by‐layer assembly provide a good platform for biological analysis owing to their component diversity, multiple binding sites, and controllable wall thickness. Herein, different assembly species were obtained from two‐photon dyes and traditional photosensitizers, and further assembled into microcapsules. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was shown to occur between the two‐photon dyes and photosensitizers. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with one‐ and two‐photon lasers, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy were used to analyze the FRET effects in the microcapsules. The FRET efficiency could easily be controlled through changing the assembly sequence. Furthermore, the capsules are phototoxic upon one‐ or two‐photon excitation. These materials are thus expected to be applicable in two‐photon‐activated photodynamic therapy for deep‐tissue treatment.
Efficient O‐Functionalization of Carbohydrates with Electrophilic Reagents
Authors: Tolnai Gergely L. , Nilsson Ulf J. , Olofsson Berit 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNovel methodology for O‐functionalization of carbohydrate derivatives has been established using bench‐stable and easily prepared iodonium(III) reagents. Both electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating aryl groups were introduced under ambient conditions and without precautions to exclude air or moisture. Furthermore, the approach was extended both to full arylation of cyclodextrin, and to trifluoroethylation of carbohydrate derivatives. This is the first general approach to introduce traditionally non‐electrophilic groups into any of the OH groups around the sugar backbone. The methodology will be useful both in synthetic organic chemistry and biochemistry, as important functional groups can be incorporated under simple and robust reaction conditions in a fast and efficient manner.
An Organocatalytic Cope Rearrangement
Authors: Kaldre Dainis , Gleason James L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe first example of an organocatalytic Cope rearrangement is reported. Acyclic and cyclic acyl hydrazides catalyze the rearrangement of 1,5‐hexadiene‐2‐carboxaldehydes via iminium ion formation. A correlation between ring size and catalyst activity was observed for the cyclic hydrazides, with seven‐ and eight‐membered‐ring catalysts being the most active. Diazepane carboxylate 5 c (10 mol %) catalyzed the rearrangement of a range of dienes at room temperature in acetonitrile using triflic acid as a co‐catalyst. Preliminary proof of principle for asymmetric catalysis was provided by rearrangement of 3,3‐dimethyl‐7‐phenyl‐1,5‐heptadiene‐2‐carboxaldehyde in the presence of a novel 7‐substituted diazepane carboxylate.