bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitosan hydrogels for targeted dye and protein adsorption
Authors: Boardman Saskia J. , Lad Rajan , Green David C. , Thornton Paul D. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThere is an urgent requirement to devise and develop highly‐effective materials for the purification of industrial wastewater. Colored effluents are particularly problematic due to their toxicity in plants, aquatic organisms, and animals, dictating that polymeric adsorbents are highly sought for their capture. Chitosan hydrogels are a cost‐effective substrate for the adsorption of dye molecules as they contain a biopolymeric gelator that can form hydrogels with a polymer content as low as 3% by mass. Such materials are also highly suited for use within a biomedical context as carrier vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of protein macromolecules, due to their hydrophilic nature. We disclose the capability chitosan‐based hydrogels to noncovalently adsorb both reactive and disperse dye molecules, and a model anionic protein from aqueous solution. The materials generated offer both a platform for dye removal from industrial wastewater, and for the encapsulation and pH‐mediated release of protein macromolecules. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44846.
Imidazolium‐functionalized norbornene ionic liquid block copolymer and silica composite electrolyte membranes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: He Xiaohui , Wang Zijie , Zhou Weihua , Jiang Xiong , Han Zhilong , Chen Defu 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTImidazolium‐functionalized norbornene and benzene‐functionalized norbornene were synthesized and copolymerized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization to afford a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymers {5‐norbornene‐2‐methyl benzoate‐block‐5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylate‐1‐hexyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide [P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)]} with good thermal stability. On this basis, the solid electrolyte, P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), through blending with LiTFSI, and the nanosilica composite electrolyte, P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–LiTFSI–SiO2, through blending with LiTFSI and nanosilica, were prepared. The effects of the PILs and silica compositions on the properties, morphology, and ionic conductivity were investigated. The ionic conductivity was enhanced by an order of magnitude compared to that of polyelectrolytes with lower PIL compositions. In addition, the ionic conductivity of the nanosilica composite polyelectrolyte was obviously improved compared with that of the P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–LiTFSI polyelectrolyte and increased progressively up to a maximum with increasing silica content when SiO2 was 10 wt % or lower. The best conductivity of the P(NPh‐b‐NIm‐TFSI)–20 wt % LiTFSI–10 wt % SiO2 composite electrolyte with 7.7 × 10−5 S/cm at 25 °C and 1.3 × 10−3 S/cm at 100 °C were obtained, respectively. All of the polyelectrolytes exhibited suitable electrochemical stability windows. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44884.
Reinforcement of styrene‐butadiene/polybutadiene rubber compounds by modified silicas with different surface and networked states
Authors: Ryu Changseok , Yang Jae‐Kyoung , Park Wonhyeong , Seo Youngjun , Jung Kim Sun , Kim Doil , Park Soonhee , Seo Gon 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, the reinforcement performance of the modified silicas prepared through the incorporation of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (AP) and further reaction of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BG) to styrene‐butadiene/butadiene rubber (SBR/BR) compounds was investigated to discuss the effect of surface and networked states on the properties of silica‐filled rubber compounds. The adjustment of the ratio of BG to AP varied the surface and networked states of silica. The amino and glycidyl groups dispersed on the silica and the networks formed on/between silica particles considerably influenced the properties of SBR/BR compounds reinforced with the modified silicas. The presence of amino group increased viscosity of the rubber compounds due to the attrition between rubber chains and silica particles, while the entanglement of rubber chains with the networks successfully improve both wet traction and rolling resistance, without sacrificing the fundamental properties of the rubber compounds, even though no coupling agents were applied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44893.
Design and Discovery of New Combinations of Mutant DNA Polymerases and Modified DNA Substrates
Authors: Rosenblum Sydney L. , Weiden Aurora G. , Lewis Eliza L. , Ogonowsky Alexie L. , Chia Hannah E. , Barrett Susanna E. , Liu Mira D. , Leconte Aaron M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChemical modifications can enhance the properties of DNA by imparting nuclease resistance and generating more‐diverse physical structures. However, native DNA polymerases generally cannot synthesize significant lengths of DNA with modified nucleotide triphosphates. Previous efforts have identified a mutant of DNA polymerase I from Thermus aquaticus DNA (SFM19) as capable of synthesizing a range of short, 2′‐modified DNAs; however, it is limited in the length of the products it can synthesize. Here, we rationally designed and characterized ten mutants of SFM19. From this, we identified enzymes with substantially improved activity for the synthesis of 2′F‐, 2′OH‐, 2′OMe‐, and 3′OMe‐modified DNA as well as for reverse transcription of 2′OMe DNA. We also evaluated mutant DNA polymerases previously only tested for synthesis for 2′OMe DNA and showed that they are capable of an expanded range of modified DNA synthesis. This work significantly expands the known combinations of modified DNA and Taq DNA polymerase mutants.
Facile Synthesis of Pd@Pt3–4L Core–Shell Octahedra with a Clean Surface and Thus Enhanced Activity toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Bao Shixiong , Vara Madeline , Yang Xuan , Zhou Shan , Figueroa‐Cosme Legna , Park Jinho , Luo Ming , Xie Zhaoxiong , Xia Younan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe front cover artwork for Issue 3/2017 is provided by the Xia group at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The artwork shows a strategy for the synthesis of Pd@Pt3‐4L core–shell octahedra with a clean surface and their transmission electron microscopy images. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201601438.
Mass Transfer Analysis of CO2 Capture by PVDF Membrane Contactor and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Gómez-Coma Lucia , Garea Aurora , Irabien Angel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPost‐combustion processes based on ionic liquids (ILs) and membrane contactors are attractive alternatives to traditional systems. Here, a gas stream composed of 15 % CO2 and 85 % N2 flowed through the lumen side of a hollow‐fiber membrane contactor containing poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐IL (PVDF‐IL) fibers. The IL 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate [emim][Ac] served as an absorbent due to its high chemical absorption and CO2 solubility. The overall mass transfer coefficient (Koverall), activation energy (Ea), and resistances of the hollow‐fiber membrane were quantified. The Koverall value was one order of magnitude higher than those reported in previous works with conventional solvents, and the Ea was lower than formerly stated values for other solvents. A theoretical simulation was conducted to estimate the operational parameters required for 90 % CO2 capture and to quantify intensification effects related to CO2 absorption in a packed column.
Dynamic Matrix Control of a Bubble‐Column Reactor for Microbial Synthesis Gas Fermentation
Authors: Fu Yao , Chang Liang , Henson Michael A. , Liu Xing Gao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA spatiotemporal metabolic model of a representative syngas bubble‐column reactor was applied to design and evaluate dynamic matrix control (DMC) schemes for regulation of the desired by‐product ethanol and the undesired by‐product acetate. This model was used to develop linear step response models for controller design and also served as the process in closed‐loop simulations. A 2 × 2 DMC scheme with manipulation of the liquid and gas feed flows to the column provided a superior performance to proportional integral (PI) control due to slow process dynamics combining the multivariable and constrained nature of the control problem. Ethanol concentration control for large disturbances was further improved by adding the flow of a pure hydrogen stream as a third manipulated variable. The advantages of DMC for syngas bubble‐column reactor control are demonstrated and a design strategy for future industrial applications is provided.
Utility of prospective pathologic evaluation to inform clinical genetic testing for hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kopp Ryan P. , Stratton Kelly L. , Glogowski Emily , Schrader Kasmintan A. , Rau‐Murthy Rohini , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan A. , Offit Kenneth 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDPatients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) resulting from fumarate hydratase (FH) mutations may present with skin, uterine, and renal tumors, with each having unique pathologic features. This study investigated the association between prospectively identified suspicious pathology (SP) and FH mutations when patients were referred for genetic testing.METHODSThis was an institutional review board–approved cohort study of patients receiving FH testing from 2008 to 2013. SP was defined as a report of HLRCC histologic features identified during a prospective pathologic assessment. The association between SP and FH mutations was analyzed.RESULTSFH testing was performed in 29 patients with a median age of 37 years; 15 (52%) were female, and 18 (62%) were white. Pathologists reported SP from kidney tumors (11 of 18), leiomyomas (9 of 15: uterus [n = 8] and bladder [n = 1]), and metastatic tumors (3 of 6) in 23 of 39 associated specimens (59%) from 21 of the 29 patients (72%). Patients with SP were younger (35 vs 51 years; P = .010), and those with kidney tumors more often had stage pT3 or higher renal cell carcinoma than those without SP (100% vs 33%; P = .006). FH mutations were present in 8 patients with SP (38%) and in 1 patient without SP (13%; P = .37); 7 of these patients had kidney cancer (n for SP = 7), all with N1 disease. Analyzing SP by tissue type identified only SP from renal tumors as being significantly associated with positive testing for an FH mutation (P = .013).CONCLUSIONSSP from kidney tumors was statistically associated with FH mutations. An expert pathologic assessment of renal tumors will facilitate the clinical identification of HLRCC cases, and this will result in genetic testing and targeted cancer screening for patients and at‐risk family members. Cancer 2017;123:2452–58. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Characterizing Structural Stability of Amyloid Motif Fibrils Mediated by Water Molecules
Authors: Choi Hyunsung , Chang Hyun Joon , Lee Myeongsang , Na Sungsoo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn biological systems, structural confinements of amyloid fibrils can be mediated by the role of water molecules. However, the underlying effect of the dynamic behavior of water molecules on structural stabilities of amyloid fibrils is still unclear. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the dynamic features and the effect of interior water molecules on conformations and mechanical characteristics of various amyloid fibrils. We find that a specific mechanism induced by the dynamic properties of interior water molecules can affect diffusion of water molecules inside amyloid fibrils, inducing their different structural stabilities. The conformation of amyloid fibrils induced by interior water molecules show the fibrils’ different mechanical features. We elucidate the role of confined and movable interior water molecules in structural stabilities of various amyloid fibrils. Our results offer insights not only in further understanding of mechanical features of amyloids as mediated by water molecules, but also in the fine‐tuning of the functional abilities of amyloid fibrils for applications.
Probing the Surface of a Laccase for Clues towards the Design of Chemo‐Enzymatic Catalysts
Authors: Robert Viviane , Monza Emanuele , Tarrago Lionel , Sancho Ferran , De Falco Anna , Schneider Ludovic , Npetgat Ngoutane Eloïne , Mekmouche Yasmina , Pailley Pierre Rousselot , Simaan A. Jalila , Guallar Victor , Tron Thierry 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSystems featuring a multi‐copper oxidase associated with transition‐metal complexes can be used to perform oxidation reactions in mild conditions. Here, a strategy is presented for achieving a controlled orientation of a ruthenium–polypyridyl graft at the surface of a fungal laccase. Laccase variants are engineered with unique surface‐accessible lysine residues. Distinct ruthenium–polypyridyl‐modified laccases are obtained by the reductive alkylation of lysine residues precisely located relative to the T1 copper centre of the enzyme. In none of these hybrids does the presence of the graft compromise the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme on the substrate 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid). Furthermore, the efficiency of the hybrids in olefin oxidation coupled to the light‐driven reduction of O2 is highly dependent on the location of the graft at the enzyme surface. Simulated RuII–CuII electron coupling values and distances fit well the observed reactivity and could be used to guide future hybrid designs.
PdAuCu Nanobranch as Self‐Repairing Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gong Hongyu , Cao Xuecheng , Li Fan , Gong Yue , Gu Lin , Mendes Rafael Gregorio , Rummeli Mark H. , Strasser Peter , Yang Ruizhi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDuring start‐up and shut‐down operations of fuel cells, high potential is inevitably experienced at cathode, which leads to the deterioration of the oxygen reduction electrocatalyst. The design of catalysts that can repair themselves under severe conditions has been identified as a primary challenge for fuel cells. Herein, self‐supported PdAuCu branched nanostructure is synthesized by a hydrothermal method. By smartly utilizing the high‐potential treatment, the activity of PdAuCu is significantly enhanced owing to the synergistic effect between the Pd and CuII generated by such treatment. Moreover, the high activity of PdAuCu can be well maintained by repeating the high‐potential treatment. We hence propose this catalyst as a “self‐repairing” catalyst in a broad sense.
Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Dimethylfuran over Heterogeneous Iron Catalysts
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Jun‐ling , Liu He‐yang , Xu Guang‐yue , Zhang Jun‐jie , Liu Jia‐xing , Zhou Guang‐lin , Li Qin , Xu Zhi‐hao , Fu Yao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis work provided the first example of selective hydrodeoxygenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐dimethylfuran (DMF) over heterogeneous Fe catalysts. A catalyst prepared by the pyrolysis of an Fe‐phenanthroline complex on activated carbon at 800 °C was demonstrated to be the most active heterogeneous Fe catalyst. Under the optimal reaction conditions, complete conversion of HMF was achieved with 86.2 % selectivity to DMF. The reaction pathway was investigated thoroughly, and the hydrogenation of the C=O bond in HMF was demonstrated to be the rate‐determining step during the hydrodeoxygenation, which could be accelerated greatly by using alcohol solvents as additional H‐donors. The excellent stability of the Fe catalyst, which was probably a result of the well‐preserved active species and the pore structure of the Fe catalyst in the presence of H2, was demonstrated in batch and continuous flow fixed‐bed reactors.
The electrical synapse: Molecular complexities at the gap and beyond
Authors: Miller Adam C. , Pereda Alberto E. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTGap junctions underlie electrical synaptic transmission between neurons. Generally perceived as simple intercellular channels, “electrical synapses” have demonstrated to be more functionally sophisticated and structurally complex than initially anticipated. Electrical synapses represent an assembly of multiple molecules, consisting of channels, adhesion complexes, scaffolds, regulatory machinery, and trafficking proteins, all required for their proper function and plasticity. Additionally, while electrical synapses are often viewed as strictly symmetric structures, emerging evidence has shown that some components forming electrical synapses can be differentially distributed at each side of the junction. We propose that the molecular complexity and asymmetric distribution of proteins at the electrical synapse provides rich potential for functional diversity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 562–574, 2017
Effective withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs in premonitoring admission to capture seizures during limited video‐EEG monitoring
Authors: Kagawa Kota , Iida Koji , Baba Shiro , Hashizume Akira , Katagiri Masaya , Kurisu Kaoru , Otsubo Hiroshi 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObjectiveWithdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is commonly applied to capture seizures in video‐EEG (vEEG) monitoring for patients with infrequent but intractable seizures. Because of the half‐life of AEDs, AED withdrawal during only vEEG tends to be inadequate to provoke seizures within the vEEG admission. We hypothesize that prewithdrawal of long‐half‐life AEDs in premonitoring admission (PMA) is safe and effective to capture seizures in the limited time of vEEG. We determined the effect of half‐life on the interval between AED withdrawal and seizure occurrence.MethodsWe collected 87 patients with three criteria: (1) seizure occurrence ≤3 per month; (2) AEDs ≥2; (3) AED withdrawal during their admission, among 126 consecutive patients who underwent vEEG in the Department of Neurosurgery, Hiroshima University Hospital between 2011 and 2014. We divided patients into two groups on the basis of half‐life of AED: Group A (23 patients) with phenobarbital (PB) and/or zonisamide (ZNS); Group B (64 patients) with other AEDs. In Group A, PB and ZNS were withdrawn during 4‐day PMA before vEEG started. Further AED withdrawal was performed during vEEG, depending on the seizure occurrence.ResultsThe number of AEDs on admission was significantly higher in Group A (2–6, 3.5 ± 0.9; range, mean ±SD) than in Group B (2–5, 2.8 ± 0.8) (p < 0.01). All 23 Group A patients and 13 (20%) Group B patients underwent AED withdrawal during PMA. Seizures occurred during PMA in two patients in both Group A (9%) and Group B (15%). The first seizure occurred significantly longer after the start of withdrawal in Group A (6.1 ± 2.0 days) than in Group B (2.8 ± 1.3 days) (p < 0.01). Seizures were equally captured between both groups: 96% in Group A and 92% in Group B during vEEG.SignificanceFor epilepsy patients who are treated with PB and/or ZNS, we recommend the planning of AED withdrawal during PMA before the start of vEEG to succeed in capturing seizures during the limited time of vEEG monitoring.
Toxicity of sulfide to early life stages of wild rice (Zizania palustris)
Authors: Fort Douglas J. , Todhunter Kevin , Fort Troy D. , Mathis Michael B. , Walker Rachel , Hansel Mike , Hall Scott , Richards Robin , Anderson Kurt 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

The sensitivity of wild rice (Zizania palustris) to sulfide is not well understood. Because sulfate in surface waters is reduced to sulfide by anaerobic bacteria in sediments and historical information indicated that 10 mg/L sulfate in Minnesota (USA) surface water reduced Z. palustris abundance, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency established 10 mg/L sulfate as a water quality criterion in 1973. A 21-d daily-renewal hydroponic study was conducted to evaluate sulfide toxicity to wild rice and the potential mitigation of sulfide toxicity by iron (Fe). The hydroponic design used hypoxic test media for seed and root exposure and aerobic headspace for the vegetative portion of the plant. Test concentrations were 0.3, 1.6, 3.1, 7.8, and 12.5 mg/L sulfide in test media with 0.8, 2.8, and 10.8 mg/L total Fe used to evaluate the impact of iron on sulfide toxicity. Visual assessments (i.e., no plants harvested) of seed activation, mesocotyl emergence, seedling survival, and phytoxicity were conducted 10 d after dark-phase exposure. Each treatment was also evaluated for time to 30% emergence (ET30), total plant biomass, root and shoot lengths, and signs of phytotoxicity at study conclusion (21 d). The results indicate that exposure of developing wild rice to sulfide at ≥3.1 mg sulfide/L in the presence of 0.8 mg/L Fe reduced mesocotyl emergence. Sulfide toxicity was mitigated by the addition of Fe at 2.8 mg/L and 10.8 mg/L relative to the control value of 0.8 mg Fe/L, demonstrating the importance of iron in mitigating sulfide toxicity to wild rice. Ultimately, determination of site-specific sulfate criteria taking into account factors that alter toxicity, including sediment Fe and organic carbon, are necessary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2217–2226. © 2017 SETAC
Modeling of natural convection and radiative heat transfer in inclined thermosyphon system installed in the roof of a building
Authors: Ababsa Dalila , Bougoul Saadi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSome construction laws require the integration of an open thermosyphon system having multiple functions to the building roof. In order to analyze the efficiency of this system, a numerical model was developed. This model is based on the study of the natural convection coupled with radiative heat transfer in an inclined air channel. Two configurations are studied, the first one is a simple channel formed by two parallel plates and the second one is equipped with fin blades joined to the upper plate. The air flow in the channel which is due to the buoyancy forces is fully turbulent and the turbulence was modeled using the k‐ε model. Some numerical results obtained were validated using the experimental ones of Khedari et al. (2002) and those of Nouanégué and Bilgen (2009). The effect of the radiative heat transfer on the mean Nusselt number was shown. Correlations for Nusselt numbers were obtained for the two configurations as functions of the geometric parameters and the Rayleigh number. The main objective of this study is to use these correlations in other models to facilitate the operation of this system
Effect of Human Serum on Killing Activity of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Stanley Denise , McGrath Betty J. , Lamp Kenneth C. , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: February 2017

Study Objective. To investigate the effects of pooled human serum (PHS) on the killing activity of vancomycin and teicoplanin against two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from patients treated for endocarditis.Design. An in vitro assessment of antibiotic susceptibility and killing rates.Setting. An urban university teaching hospital.Patients. Pooled human serum from patients treated for endocarditis.Interventions. Two clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were obtained from patients treated for endocarditis. Media consisted of cation‐supplemented Mueller‐Hinton broth alone and in 1:1 dilutions with PHS, 2‐hour heat‐inactivated PHS (HI‐PHS), ultrafiltrate (UF), and 2‐hour heat‐inactivated ultrafiltrate (HI‐UF). Heat inactivation of PHS and UF was accomplished by treatment at 56°C for 2 hours.Measurements and Main Results. Killing curves with vancomycin and teicoplanin were performed using drug concentrations of 45 μg/ml and a starting inoculum of ∼1 × 106 colony‐forming units (cfu)/ml. Bactericidal rates (‐log cfu/ml/hr) were calculated from the slope of the killing curves over 0–12 hours (mean 3–8 replicates).Conclusions. The killing activity of vancomycin in PHS and HI‐PHS against both isolates was significantly greater than all other media tested (p<0.0001). Ultrafiltrate tended to reverse this enhancement effect. Addition of PHS or UF did not enhance teicoplanin's killing activity against either isolate. Further investigations in our laboratory will determine if the factor is antibiotic class or organism specific.