bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Successful Hindcasts of the 2016 Disruption of the Stratospheric Quasi‐biennial Oscillation
Authors: Watanabe S. , Hamilton K. , Osprey S. , Kawatani Y. , Nishimoto E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn early 2016 the quasi‐biennial oscillation in tropical stratospheric winds was disrupted by an anomalous easterly jet centered at ~40 hPa, a development that was completely missed by all operational extended range weather forecast systems. This event and its predictability are investigated through 40 day ensemble hindcasts using a global model notable for its sophisticated representation of the upper atmosphere. Integrations starting at different times throughout January 2016—just before and during the initial development of the easterly jet—were performed. All integrations simulated the unusual developments in the stratospheric mean wind, despite considerable differences in other aspects of the flow evolution among the ensemble members, notably in the evolution of the winter polar vortex and the day‐to‐day variations in extratropical Rossby waves. Key to prediction of this event is simulating the slowly evolving mean winds in the winter subtropics that provide a waveguide for Rossby waves propagating from the winter hemisphere.
Microscopic Characterization of Tensile and Shear Fracturing in Progressive Failure in Marble
Authors: Cheng Yi , Wong Louis Ngai Yuen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCompression‐induced tensile and shear fractures were reported to be the two fundamental fracture types in rock fracturing tests. This study investigates such tensile and shear fracturing process in marble specimens containing two different flaw configurations. Observations first reveal that the development of a tensile fracture is distinct from shear fracture with respect to their nucleation, propagation, and eventual formation in macroscale. Second, transgranular cracks and grain‐scale spallings become increasingly abundant in shear fractures as loading increases, which is almost not observed in tensile fractures. Third, one or some dominant extensional microcracks are commonly observed in the center of tensile fractures, while such development of microcracks is almost absent in shear fractures. Microcracks are generally of a length comparable to grain size and distribute uniformly within the damage zone of the shear fracture. Fourth, the width of densely damaged zone in the shear fracture is nearly 10 times of that in the tensile fracture. Quantitative measurement on microcrack density suggests that (1) microcrack density in tensile and shear fractures display distinct characteristics with increasing loading, (2) transgranular crack density in the shear fracture decreases logarithmically with the distance away from the shear fracture center, and (3) whatever the fracture type, the anisotropy can only be observed for transgranular cracks with a large density, which partially explains why microcrack anisotropy usually tends to be unobvious until approaching peak stress in specimens undergoing brittle failure. Microcracking characteristics observed in this work likely shed light to some phenomena and conclusions generalized in seismological studies.
Doping of [In2(phen)3Cl6]·CH3CN·2H2O Indium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework into Hole Transport Layer for Enhancing Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiencies
Authors: Li Mengru , Xia Debin , Yang Yulin , Du Xi , Dong Guohua , Jiang Aifeng , Fan Ruiqing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained a promising position during the past few years. However, as far as it goes, there is rare combination of the merits of metal–organic framework with PSCs. In this work, a 3D metal–organic framework, namely, [In2(phen)3Cl6]·CH3CN·2H2O (In2) is first introduced into hole transport material of PSCs through band alignment engineering. By this facile strategy, the pinholes in the hole transport layer are effectively reduced, and the migration of Au into the entire PSC structure can be alleviated simultaneously. Meanwhile, In2 also plays a role in enhancing the light absorption of perovskite, which is due to: (1) the large particles of In2 acting as light scattering centers; (2) the emission wavelength of In2 is almost the same as the excitation wavelength of perovskite. Consequently, short‐current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), and fill factor (FF) gain a significant increase from 19.53 to 21.03 mA cm−2, 0.98 to 1.01 V, and 0.67 to 0.74, respectively. Thereby, the power conversion efficiency is remarkably enhanced from 12.8% to 15.8%. In the end, the stability of PSCs should also be improved.
Chemically Exfoliating Biomass into a Graphene‐like Porous Active Carbon with Rational Pore Structure, Good Conductivity, and Large Surface Area for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Shi‐Yu , Jin Meng , Zhang Yan , Niu Yu‐Bing , Gao Jie‐Chang , Li Chang Ming 
Published: December 2017

AbstractActive carbons have unique physicochemical properties, but their conductivities and surface to weight ratios are much poorer than graphene. A unique and facile method is innovated to chemically process biomass by “drilling” holes with H2O2 and exfoliating into graphene‐like nanosheets with HAc, followed by carbonization at a high temperature for highly graphitized activated carbon with greatly enhanced porosity, unique pore structure, high conductivity, and large surface area. This graphene‐like carbon exhibits extremely high specific capacitance (340 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and high specific energy density (23.33 to 16.67 W h kg−1) with excellent rate capability and long cycling stability (remains 98% after 10 000 cycles), which is much superior to all reported carbons including graphene. Synthesis mechanism for deriving biomass into porous graphene‐like carbons is discussed in detail. The enhancement mechanism for the porous graphene‐like carbon electrode reveals that rationally designed meso‐ and macropores are very critical in porous electrode performance, which can network micropores for diffusion freeways, high conductivity, and high utilization. This work has universal significance in producing highly porous and conductive carbons from biomass including biowastes for various energy storage/conversion applications.
How do consumer perceptions of “local” production benefits influence their visual attention to state marketing programs?
Authors: Khachatryan Hayk , Rihn Alicia , Campbell Ben , Behe Bridget , Hall Charles 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWith increasing market potential due to consumer interest in locally sourced foods, state marketing promotional campaigns are becoming increasingly popular. We quantify consumers’ perceptions of local production benefits and assess the impact of Florida's state agricultural promotional campaign on consumer preferences for and visual attention to fruit‐producing plants. A rating‐based experiment and eye tracking measures were integrated to investigate the relationship between consumers’ perceived benefits of local production, purchase likelihood, and visual attention. Local economy benefits were perceived as the most beneficial (compared to environmental or product quality benefits) with participants’ demographics influencing their perceptions of those benefits. Visual attention to the agricultural promotional campaign logo increased consumers’ purchase likelihood if they perceived locally grown plants as benefiting the local economy. The local production attribute had a positive impact even though consumers who became familiar with the visual stimulus (after repetitive exposures) spent relatively less time visually attending to the campaign logo. [EconLit citations: M3].
Ataluren‐driven restoration of Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome protein function in Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome bone marrow cells
Authors: Bezzerri Valentino , Bardelli Donatella , Morini Jacopo , Vella Antonio , Cesaro Simone , Sorio Claudio , Biondi Andrea , Danesino Cesare , Farruggia Piero , Assael Baroukh Maurice , D'amico Giovanna , Cipolli Marco 
Published: December 2017

AbstractShwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited recessive disease mainly caused by mutations in the Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome (SBDS) gene, which encodes for the homonymous protein SBDS, whose function still remains to be fully established. SDS affects several organs causing bone marrow failure, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal malformations, and cognitive disorders. About 15% of SDS patients develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and are at higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Deficiency in SBDS expression has been associated with increased apoptosis and lack of myeloid differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors. Importantly, most SDS patients carry nonsense mutations in SBDS. Since ataluren is a well‐characterized small molecule inhibitor that can suppress nonsense mutations, here, we have assessed the efficacy of this drug in restoring SBDS expression in hematopoietic cells obtained from a cohort of SDS patients. Remarkably, we show that ataluren treatment readily restores SBDS protein expression in different cell types, particularly bone marrow stem cells. Furthermore, ataluren promotes myeloid differentiation in hematopoietic progenitors, reduces apoptotic rate in primary PBMCs, and brings mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation levels back to normal in both lymphoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs). Since a specific therapy against SDS is currently lacking, these results provide the rationale for ataluren repurposing clinical trials.
High Levels of DEK Autoantibodies in Sera of Patients With Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and With Early Disease Flares Following Cessation of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy
Authors: Mor‐Vaknin Nirit , Rivas Miguel , Legendre Maureen , Mohan Smriti , Yuanfan Ye , Mau Theresa , Johnson Anne , Huang Bin , Zhao Lili , Kimura Yukiko , Spalding Steven J. , Morris Paula W. , Gottlieb Beth S. , Onel Karen , Olson Judyann C. , Edelheit Barbara S. , Shishov Michael , Jung Lawrence K. , Cassidy Elaine A. , Prahalad Sampath , Passo Murray H. , Beukelman Timothy , Mehta Jay , Giannini Edward H. , Adams Barbara S. , Lovell Daniel J. , Markovitz David M. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe nuclear oncoprotein DEK is an autoantigen associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), especially the oligoarticular subtype. DEK is a secreted chemotactic factor. Abundant levels of DEK and DEK autoantibodies are found in inflamed synovium in JIA. We undertook this study to further characterize the nature of DEK autoantibodies in screening serum samples from 2 different cohorts that consisted mostly of patients with JIA.MethodsDEK autoantibody levels were analyzed in sera from 33 JIA patients, 13 patients with other inflammatory conditions, and 11 healthy controls, as well as in 89 serum samples from JIA patients receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy. Recombinant His‐tagged full‐length DEK protein (1–375 amino acids [aa]) and the 187–375‐aa and 1–350‐aa His‐tagged DEK fragments made in a baculovirus system were used for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. The C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment of DEK was expressed in a glutathione S‐transferase–tagged vector. ELISA results were calculated as area under the curve by the trapezoidal rule.ResultsDEK autoantibody levels were significantly higher in patients with polyarticular JIA than in those with oligoarticular JIA, and were higher in patients with polyarticular JIA who had more active disease after cessation of anti‐TNF therapy. Immunoblotting against the C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment of DEK confirmed that this section of the DEK molecule is the most immunogenic domain.ConclusionDEK autoantibody levels are higher in patients with polyarticular JIA than in those with oligoarticular JIA, and higher in patients who have disease flares after cessation of anti‐TNF therapy. The C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment is the most immunogenic portion of DEK. These findings are significant with respect to the nature of DEK autoantibodies, their contribution to JIA pathogenesis, and their implications for JIA management.
Upconversion in Nanostructured Materials: From Optical Tuning to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sun Tianying , Ai Fujin , Zhu Guangyu , Wang Feng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhoton upconversion that is characterized by high‐energy photon emission followed by lower‐energy excitation has been conventionally studied in bulk materials for several decades. This unique nonlinear luminescence process has become a subject of great attention since 2000 when upconverted emission was demonstrated in nanostructured crystals. In comparison with their bulk counterparts, nanostructured materials provide more room for optical fine‐tuning by allowing flexible compositional integration and structural engineering. Moreover, the high colloidal stability of nanoparticles coupled with high amenability to surface functionalization opens up a number of new applications for upconversion, especially in the fields of biology and life science. In this focus review, we discuss recent developments in upconversion materials through nanostructural design and review emerging biomedical applications that involve these nanostructured upconversion materials. We also attempt to highlight challenging problems of these nanomaterials that constrain further progress in utilizing upconversion processes.
Further Studies on Stability and Stabilization of T‐S Fuzzy Systems With Time‐Varying Delays via Fuzzy Lyapunov‐Krasovskii Functional Method
Authors: Tan Jiyong , Dian Songyi , Zhao Tao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper discusses the issue of stability analysis and stabilization of Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy systems with time‐varying delays. By constructing an appropriate augmented fuzzy Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) including non‐quadratic Lyapunov matrices and triple and quadruple integral term,less conservative and newer stability conditions are introduced. In order to obtain stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), some tighter bounding inequalities are employed to estimate the derivative of LKF. Several examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested approaches.
Improved pulp bleaching potential of Bacillus subtilis WB800 through overexpression of three lignolytic enzymes from various bacteria
Authors: Ozer Aysegul , Uzuner Ugur , Guler Halil Ibrahim , Ay Sal Fulya , Belduz Ali Osman , Deniz Ilhan , Canakci Sabriye 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA chemical bleaching process of paper pulps gives off excessive amount of chlorinated organic wastes mostly released to environment without exposing complete bioremediaton. Recent alternative and eco‐friendly approaches toward pulp bleaching appear more responsive to environmental awareness. Here we report, direct use of a recombinant Bacillus subtilis bacterium for pulp bleaching, endowed with three ligninolytic enzymes from various bacteria. In addition, efficient bleaching performance from glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) biocatalyst tested for the first time in pulp bleaching applications was also achieved. Simultaneous and extracellular overproduction of highly active GST, laccase, and lignin peroxidase catalysts were also performed by Bacillus cells. Both enhanced bleaching success and improved delignification rates were identified when enzyme combinations tested on both pine kraft and waste paper pulps, ranging from 69.75% to 79.18% and 60.89% to 74.65%, respectively. Furthermore, when triple enzyme combination applied onto the papers from pine kraft and waste pulps, the best ISO brightness values were identified as 66.45% and 64.67%, respectively. The delignification rates of pulp fibers exposed to various enzymatic bleaching sequences were comparatively examined under SEM.In conclusion, the current study points out that in near future, a more fined‐tuned engineering of pulp‐colonizing bacteria may become a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical bleaching.
RNA Isolation from Plant Tissues: A Hands‐on Laboratory Experimental Experience for Undergraduates*
Authors: Zhang Nianhui , Yu Dong , Zhu Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe practice of RNA isolation in undergraduate experimental courses is rare because of the existence of robust, ubiquitous and stable ribonucleases. We reported here modifications to our original protocol for RNA isolation from plant tissues, including the recovery of nucleic acids by ethanol precipitation at 0 °C for 10 min and the assessment of RNA quality by visualizing the banding profile of the separated RNAs on a standard nondenaturing agarose gel to shorten the duration of the whole procedure and simplify the operation. As a result, the modified procedure, including RNA isolation and quality control analysis could be finished in 4 hr and divided into two sessions. Because endogenous ribonucleases released upon disruption of the organelles and vacuoles were effectively and quickly inactivated, measures were taken to protect RNA integrity throughout the whole procedure so that total RNA with high purity and integrity as well as an appropriate yield could be obtained by students. The RNA isolation protocol described here was simple, efficient, flexible, and low cost. Therefore, it is an ideal approach for undergraduates to learn about RNA techniques. The pedagogical approach of the correlation of experimental work with the rationale for the whole protocol described in this report is an effective way for undergraduates to improve their learning of the techniques of RNA isolation and analysis and the theories behind them, as well as experimental design and data analysis. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):253–261, 2018.
Graves’ disease coexisting with resistance to thyroid hormone: a rare case
Authors: Sun Hongping , Xu Shuhang , Xie Shaofeng , Cao Wen , Chen Guofang , Di Hongjie , Zheng Rendong , Li Xingjia , Mao Xiaodong , Liu Chao 
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical MessageA rare case of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) complicated with Graves’ hyperthyroidism was reported. The management of this disease is similar to that of Graves’ disease. Antithyroid drug therapy is the first choice, and iodine therapy and surgery are not recommended due to the possibility of severe hypothyroidism and enlargement of the pituitary gland.
Photoelectrocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Molecular Copper‐Porphyrin Supported on Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes
Authors: Apaydin Dogukan H. , Seelajaroen Hathaichanok , Pengsakul Orathip , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Kunze‐Liebhäuser Julia , Portenkirchner Engelbert 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe report on a self‐assembled system comprising a molecular copper‐porphyrin photoelectrocatalyst, 5‐(4‐carboxy‐phenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrinatocopper(II) (CuTPP‐COOH), covalently bound to self‐organized, anodic titania nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) for photoelectrochemical reduction of oxygen. Visible light irradiation of the porphyrin‐covered TiO2 NTs under cathodic polarization up to −0.3 V vs. Normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) photocatalytically produces H2O2 in pH neutral electrolyte, at room temperature and without need of sacrificial electron donors. The formation of H2O2 upon irradiation is proven and quantified by direct colorimetric detection using 4‐nitrophenyl boronic acid (p‐NPBA) as a reactant. This simple approach for the attachment of a small molecular catalyst to TiO2 NTs may ultimately allow for the preparation of a low‐cost H2O2 evolving cathode for efficient photoelectrochemical energy storage under ambient conditions.
First Principles Calculation of the Reaction Rates for Ligand Binding to Myoglobin: The Cases of NO and CO
Authors: Lábas Anikó , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Harvey Jeremy N. , Oláh Julianna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLigand binding by proteins is among the most fundamental processes in nature. Among these processes the binding of small gas molecules, such as O2, CO and NO to heme proteins has traditionally received vivid interest, which was further boosted by their recently recognized significant role in gas sensing in the body. At the heart of the binding of these ligands to the heme group is the spinforbidden reaction between high‐spin iron(II) and the ligand yielding a low‐spin adduct. We use computational means to address the complete mechanism of CO and NO binding by myoglobin. Considering that it involves several steps occurring on different time scales, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to address the diffusion of the ligand through the enzyme, and DFT calculations in combination with statistical rate calculation to investigate the spin‐forbidden reaction. The calculations yielded rate constants in qualitative agreement with experiments and revealed that the bottleneck of NO and CO binding is different; for NO, diffusion was found to be rate‐limiting, whereas for CO, the spin‐forbidden step is the slowest.
Designing Dual Transglutaminase 2/Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Effective at Halting Neuronal Death
Authors: Basso Manuela , Chen Huan Huan , Tripathy Debasmita , Conte Mariarosaria , Apperley Kim Y. P. , De Simone Angela , Keillor Jeffrey W. , Ratan Rajiv , Nebbioso Angela , Sarno Federica , Altucci Lucia , Milelli Andrea 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn recent years there has been a clear consensus that neurodegenerative conditions can be better treated through concurrent modulation of different targets. Herein we report that combined inhibition of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) synergistically protects against toxic stimuli mediated by glutamate. Based on these findings, we designed and synthesized a series of novel dual TG2–HDAC binding agents. Compound 3 [(E)‐N‐hydroxy‐5‐(3‐(4‐(3‐oxo‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl)thioureido)pentanamide] emerged as the most interesting of the series, being able to inhibit TG2 and HDACs both in vitro (TG2 IC50=13.3±1.5 μm, HDAC1 IC50=3.38±0.14 μm, HDAC6 IC50=4.10±0.13 μm) and in cell‐based assays. Furthermore, compound 3 does not exert any toxic effects in cortical neurons up to 50 μm and protects neurons against toxic insults induced by glutamate (5 mm) with an EC50 value of 3.7±0.5 μm.
Poly(ethylene glycol)–[60]Fullerene‐Based Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Moisture Resistance and Reduced Hysteresis
Authors: Collavini Silvia , Saliba Michael , Tress Wolfgang R. , Holzhey Philippe J. , Völker Sebastian F. , Domanski Konrad , Turren‐Cruz Silver H. , Ummadisingu Amita , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael , Delgado Juan L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA series of [60]fullerenes covalently functionalized with the polymer poly(ethylene glycol) is presented. These new [60]fullerene‐based materials have been incorporated as additives in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), the most common organic–inorganic perovskite used in perovskite solar cells. The extensive photovoltaic study performed by using these materials shows several beneficial effects on the performance of these cells, including a reduction in hysteresis and an increased stability against moisture, whereby the solar cells retain up to 97 % of their initial power conversion efficiency in an ambient atmosphere.