bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative emotion evoked by viewing snakes has a motivating effect on cognitive processing in human children with or without intellectual disability
Authors: Masataka Nobuo
Published: May 2017

Background

It is well known that prioritization of the processing of threatening stimuli generally induces deleterious effects on task performance. However, a study recently reported that emotion (possibly fear) evoked by viewing images of snakes exerts a facilitating effect upon making judgments of the images’ color in neurotypical adults and schoolchildren. Here, the author has attempted to confirm the relevance of this notion in children with and without intellectual disability.

Methods

The author here compared the reaction time required to name the colors of snake and flower images between children with Down syndrome (DS) and mental age matched, typically‐developing (TD) children.

Results

Snake images were responded to faster than flower images in both the groups, while the children with DS tended to respond more slowly overall.

Conclusions

As in TD children, negative emotion can have a motivating effect on cognitive processing in children with DS. Some implications of the findings are pointed out with respect to the lower‐level task persistence as a characteristic motivational orientation in children with DS.
Elevated expression of Tie1 is accompanied by acquisition of cancer stemness properties in colorectal cancer
Authors: Torigata Miku , Yamakawa Daishi , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: May 2017

The Tie receptors 1 and 2 (Tie1/2) play crucial roles in embryonic angiogenesis. Recent studies suggest enhanced expression of Tie1 in several types of cancer and negative correlations between Tie1 levels and clinical outcome. These observations suggest important functions of Tie1 not only for vascular formation but also in tumorigenesis. Ligands for Tie2, that is angiopoietins 1‐4, have been identified, but not for Tie1. To determine the molecular functions of Tie1, its detailed characterization in tumors would be helpful. Herein, we report that Tie1 is up‐regulated in colorectal cancer. Detailed analysis using tumor‐bearing models and immunohistochemistry combined with Flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting (FACS) revealed that Tie1 protein was expressed in a small population of malignant tumor cells. Intriguingly, Tie1 expression was observed and could be maintained only in vivo. Further analysis using sphere‐formation culture revealed that Tie1‐positive cells are enriched within the population of tumor cells with cancer stemness properties. Indeed, Tie1‐positive tumor cells derived from a murine model overexpressed Lgr5, a typical stemness marker for colorectal cancer. Our results provide a novel insight into Tie1 function in tumorigenesis and suggest clinical applications to target cancer stem cells.
TAB3 defect induces augmented cardioprotection loss from ischemic injury
Authors: Sheng Yang , Xu Changfu , Zeng Wenping
Published: May 2017

The transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase‐binding protein 3 (TAB3) plays a crucial role in modulating cell apoptosis and proliferation in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the functional role of TAB3 in the heart is not well reported. In our study, we first investigated the role of TAB3 in ischemia heart diseases. For in vitro studies, cardiomyocytes (CMs) were isolated from both TAB3 knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice, and the apoptosis ratios were tested after a 48‐h ischemic stimulation. A proliferation test and tubeformation assay were underwent at normoxia condition. For in vivo studies, the MI model was completed for both TAB3 KO and WT mice. Echocardiography was evaluated at 3 days and 28 days post‐MI, whereas the hemodynamics test was performed 28 days post‐MI. The histology results of the apoptosis, proliferation of myocardium, neovasculation of microvessels, and infarct zone assessments were determined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, Ki67 immunostaining, α‐SMA/CD31 immunostaining, and the Masson–Trichrome method, respectively. Expression changes of the related proteins caused by TAB3 deficiency were confirmed using both quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Our results indicate that the absence of TAB3 induced more CMs apoptosis, decrease cardiomyocyte proliferation, and weaker angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Worse cardiac function and enlarged scar formation were detected in TAB3 KO mice, and increased expression of active‐caspase‐3 and decreased expression of NF‐κB/p65, Akt, Bcl‐2/Bax, and VEGF occurred. In summary, our findings indicate that the absence of TAB3 plays a harmful role in ischemic heart disease.
Contrast induced‐acute kidney injury following peripheral angiography with carbon dioxide versus iodinated contrast media: A meta‐analysis and systematic review of current literature
Authors: Ghumman Saad S. , Weinerman Jonathan , Khan Aazib , Cheema Mubeen S. , Garcia Marlene , Levin Daniel , Suri Rajeev , Prasad Anand
Published: May 2017

Objective

We conducted a meta‐analysis to compare the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with carbon dioxide (CO2) versus iodinated contrast media (ICM).

Background

Contrast induced‐acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a known complication following endovascular procedures with ICM. CO2 has been employed as an alternative imaging medium as it is nontoxic to the kidneys.

Methods

Search of indexed databases was performed and 1,732 references were retrieved. Eight studies (7 observational, 1 Randomized Controlled Trial) formed the meta‐analysis. Primary outcome was AKI. Fixed effect model was used when possible in addition to analysis of publication bias.

Results

In this meta‐analysis, 677 patients underwent 754 peripheral angiographic procedures. Compared with ICM, CO2 was associated with a decreased incidence of AKI (4.3% vs. 11.1%; OR 0.465, 95% CI: 0.218‐0.992; P = 0.048). Subgroup analysis of four studies that included granular data for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) did not demonstrate a decreased incidence of AKI with CO2 (4.1% vs. 10.0%; OR 0.449, 95% CI: 0.165–1.221, P = 0.117). Patients undergoing CO2 angiography experienced a higher number of nonrenal events including limb/abdominal pain (11 vs. 0; P = 0.001) and nausea/vomiting (9 vs. 1; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

In comparison to ICM, CO2 use is associated with a modestly reduced rate of AKI with more frequent adverse nonrenal events. In studies that use CO2 as the primary imaging agent, the average incidence of AKI remained high at 6.2%—supporting the concept that factors other than renal toxicity from ICM may contribute to renal impairment following peripheral angiography. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bilateral hydronephrosis due to obstructive ureteral stone associated with norovirus gastroenteritis
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Furuno Kenji , Chong Pin Fee , Tezuka Junichiro , Mizuno Yumi , Aoki Tomonobu , Ishii Eiichi
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Recently, cases of urinary tract calculi causing hydronephrosis and postrenal renal failure associated with viral gastroenteritis were documented, yet few were related to norovirus. During norovirus gastroenteritis, observation of oliguria, aciduria, low FENa value, and elevation of blood or urinary uric acid level may necessitate clinical workout for nephrolithiasis.
Isolation, Biosynthesis and Chemical Modifications of Rubterolones A–F: Rare Tropolone Alkaloids from Actinomadura sp. 5‐2
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Benndorf René , Leichnitz Daniel , Klassen Jonathan L. , Vollmers John , Görls Helmar , Steinacker Matthias , Weigel Christiane , Dahse Hans‐Martin , Kaster Anne‐Kristin , de Beer Z. Wilhelm , Poulsen Michael , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: May 2017

The discovery of six new, highly substituted tropolone alkaloids, rubterolones A–F, from Actinomadura sp. 5‐2, isolated from the gut of the fungus‐growing termite Macrotermes natalensis is reported. Rubterolones were identified by using fungus‐bacteria challenge assays and a HRMS‐based dereplication strategy, and characterised by NMR and HRMS analyses and by X‐ray crystallography. Feeding experiments and subsequent chemical derivatisation led to a first library of rubterolone derivatives (A–L). Genome sequencing and comparative analyses revealed their putative biosynthetic pathway, which was supported by feeding experiments. This study highlights how gut microbes can present a prolific source of secondary metabolites.
Phosphine‐Mediated Sequential Annulation Reaction: Access to Functionalized Benzofurans and 4,5‐Dihydrobenzofurans
Authors: Liang Ling , Dong Xuelin , Huang You
Published: May 2017

A new strategy for the facile access to multi‐functionalized benzofurans and 4,5‐dihydrobenzofurans has been explored. The advantages of the present protocol include readily obtainable starting materials, mild and metal‐free conditions, expedient and practical processes, excellent yields, and easy scale‐up. The reaction demonstrated high efficiency to construct two rings in a single step. The zwitterionic intermediate generated from the conjugated attack of PPh3 to the ene‐yne‐ketone was proposed to be the key intermediate toward these valuable scaffolds.
Bis(6‐methylene‐2,2′‐bipyridine)phenylphosphine—A Flexible Ligand for the Construction of Trinuclear Coinage‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Schäfer Sebastian , Gamer Michael T. , Lebedkin Sergei , Weigend Florian , Kappes Manfred M. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: May 2017

Bis‐(6‐methylene‐2,2′‐bipyridine)phenylphosphine (PN4) was designed as a tailor‐made ligand with different metal binding sites (N and P) to support metallophilic interactions between the different coinage metals, as these are far less common than homometallic interactions, typically between gold(I) ions. Furthermore, the phosphorus(V)sulfide derivative of PN4 was synthesized to get additional structural information in the solid state. Two mononuclear gold complexes [(PN4)AuCl] and [(PN4)2Au]ClO4 were synthesized first. Then, the two hetero trimetallic gold complexes [(PN4)2AuAg2](OTf)3 (Tf=triflate) and [(PN4)2AuCu2](OTf)3 were synthesized by selectively filling the bipyridine coordination compartments with the lighter coinage metals. For comparison two trinuclear silver complexes, that is, [(PN4)2Ag3]OTf and [(PN4)(py)2Ag3(μ‐Cl)(μ3‐Cl)]ClO4 (py=pyridine) were prepared. All compounds were fully characterized including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, 15N,19F and 109Ag NMR spectroscopy. The photophysical properties of the new compounds were determined in the solid state. These revealed a different behavior between the Au–Cu and Au–Ag/Ag–Ag compounds. [(PN4)2AuAg2](OTf)3 was found to be the brightest emitter. Time‐dependent density functional calculations were performed to illuminate the differences in the photophysical properties.
Enzymatic Halogenation: A Timely Strategy for Regioselective C−H Activation
Authors: Schnepel Christian , Sewald Norbert
Published: May 2017

Halogenating enzymes are increasingly attracting attention for biocatalytic C−H functionalization. Despite its importance for synthetic chemistry, selective introduction of halogens using conventional approaches often remains challenging, whereas biocatalysis offers excellent catalyst‐controlled selectivity without requiring protecting groups or hazardous reagents. Owing to the high prevalence of halogenated secondary metabolites, a still growing repertoire of halogenases has been identified. Recently, flavin‐dependent tryptophan halogenases came into focus for synthetic use. Nevertheless, these enzymes still suffer from severe deficiencies. Herein, current attempts in optimizing tryptophan halogenases have been compiled. Enzyme discovery, structure elucidation and mechanisms are reviewed with focus on biosynthesis of halogenated arenes. Emphasis is also given to random and rational engineering, high‐throughput screening and implementation of halogenases into one‐pot processes.
Mechanistic Investigations of the Synthesis of Size‐Tunable Ni Nanoparticles by Reduction of Simple NiII Diamide Precursors
Authors: Bhattacharyya Koyel X. , Pradel Christian , Lecante Pierre , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: May 2017

Herein, we present a detailed study of the conversion of a nickel(II) diamide precursor to size‐tunable, monodisperse nickel nanoparticles (NPs). The thermal decomposition of nickel(II) dioleylamide, synthesized either independently or in situ, resulted in the formation of Ni NPs without the coproduction of water. Mechanistic studies were conducted on the stability and reduction pathway of the NiII precursor, and on the consequent particle formation. Variations in the ratio of trioctylphosine (TOP) to nickel allowed size tunability, which resulted in nanoparticles that ranged in size from 4 to 11 nm in diameter. The DFT calculations support a mechanistic pathway that involves nickel reduction by imine formation. This water‐free method was extended to the synthesis of water‐sensitive M0 NPs (M=Fe, Co).
Solid‐Liquid Separation of Finely Dispersed Suspensions by Press Filtration under Pulsating Overpressure
Authors: Shevchenko Oleksandr , Tynyna Sergej
Published: May 2017

Die Produktivität von Filtrationsanlagen zur Entwässerung von feindispersen Suspensionen lässt sich durch pulsierenden Überdruck erhöhen. Für Suspensionen von marinen organisch‐mineralischen Sedimenten wurden Pressfiltrationsprozesse bei statischem und pulsierendem Überdruck untersucht. Der Einfluss des statischen Druckanteils, der Druckamplitudencharakteristik, der Druckschwingungsfrequenz und der Filtrationszeit auf das sich bildende Filtratvolumen wurden bestimmt. Basierend auf dem Darcy‐Gesetz wurde ein Modell des Filtrationsprozesses bei statischem Überdruck entwickelt. Bei pulsierendem Überdruck wurden die Experimentplanung und die statistische Datenanalysemethode eingesetzt.
Study of fluid dynamic conditions in the selected static mixers part II‐determination of the residence time distribution
Authors: Stec Magdalena , Synowiec Piotr Maria
Published: May 2017

The presented paper is part of the complete description of fluid‐dynamic conditions in the selected static mixers: Koflo and Kenics. The research was also performed for an empty pipe used as a reference state. The scope of work included the analysis of the residence time distribution in the mentioned devices for different Reynolds numbers for both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The report contains a discussion about residence time distribution functionE(t), cumulative distribution functionF(t), as well as the parameters like the mean residence timetmand the varianceσ2. The main aim of the presented work was to show the applicability of static mixers as chemical reactors and to present their operation characteristics to evaluate the derogations distinguishing them from well known ideal states (i.e. plug flow or ideal mixing). As a result of the accomplished study it was proved that Reynolds number increase results in narrower RTD in all of the tested devices, however the fluid motion is far from plug flow due to axial and radial mixing and the considered equipment should be treated as non‐ideal reactors requiring some additional models for the right description. What is more, in the case of laminar flow, the Kenics static mixer showed the narrowest spread and was considered as the best solution among the studied devices. In the turbulent flow, the difference betweenE(t)functions for all of the mentioned equipment was so small that the suggestion of small impact of insert type on the RTD was made.
Preparation and morphology study of carbon molecular sieve membrane derived from polyimide
Authors: Mondal Subrata , Elkamel Ali , Reinalda Donald , Wang Kean
Published: May 2017

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes were prepared by pyrolysis of polyimide films at three different temperatures (600, 900, and 1100 °C). The physico‐chemical structure and morphology of the derived samples were characterized by a number of techniques. FTIR spectra and SEM/EDX revealed changes in surface chemistry and overall compositions. Raman spectroscopy indicated the co‐existence of ordered graphite and amorphous domains. TEM and XRD suggested that the samples possess a ‘turbostratic’ structure. With the increase of the pyrolytic temperature, the evolution of the microstructure was clearly evidenced. It was observed qualitatively in TEM images and reflected by the d‐spacing. The surface area, pore volume, and size distribution of micropores/small micropores were derived from the standard N2 and CO2 isotherms, respectively, and compared for their roles in determining mesopore, micropore, and small micropores. These surface characteristics were analyzed and compared with the gas adsorption/permeation properties.
Sustained apnea induces endothelial activation
Authors: Eichhorn Lars , Dolscheid‐Pommerich Ramona , Erdfelder Felix , Ayub Muhammad Ajmal , Schmitz Theresa , Werner Nikos , Jansen Felix
Published: May 2017

Background

Apnea diving has gained worldwide popularity, even though the pathophysiological consequences of this challenging sport on the human body are poorly investigated and understood. This study aims to assess the influence of sustained apnea in healthy volunteers on circulating microparticles (MPs) and microRNAs (miRs), which are established biomarkers reflecting vascular function.

Hypothesis

Short intermittent hypoxia due to voluntary breath‐holding affects circulating levels of endothelial cell‐derived MPs (EMPs) and endothelial cell‐derived miRs.

Methods

Under dry laboratory conditions, 10 trained apneic divers performed maximal breath‐hold. Venous blood samples were taken, once before and at 4 defined points in time after apnea. Samples were analyzed for circulating EMPs and endothelial miRs.

Results

Average apnea time was 329 seconds (±103), and SpO2
at the end of apnea was 79% (±12). Apnea was associated with a time‐dependent increase of circulating endothelial cell‐derived EMPs and endothelial miRs. Levels of circulating EMPs in the bloodstream reached a peak 4 hours after the apnea period and returned to baseline levels after 24 hours. Circulating miR‐126 levels were elevated at all time points after a single voluntary maximal apnea, whereas miR‐26 levels were elevated significantly only after 30 minutes and 4 hours. Also miR‐21 and miR‐92 levels increased, but did not reach the level of significance.

Conclusions

Even a single maximal breath‐hold induces acute endothelial activation and should be performed with great caution by subjects with preexisting vascular diseases. Voluntary apnea might be used as a model to simulate changes in endothelial function caused by hypoxia in humans.
The Drug Discovery and Development Industry in India—Two Decades of Proprietary Small‐Molecule R&D
Authors: Differding Edmond
Published: May 2017

This review provides a comprehensive survey of proprietary drug discovery and development efforts performed by Indian companies between 1994 and mid‐2016. It is based on the identification and detailed analysis of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research companies active in proprietary new chemical entity (NCE) research and development (R&D) in India. Information on preclinical and clinical development compounds was collected by company, therapeutic indication, mode of action, target class, and development status. The analysis focuses on the overall pipeline and its evolution over two decades, contributions by type of company, therapeutic focus, attrition rates, and contribution to Western pharmaceutical pipelines through licensing agreements. This comprehensive analysis is the first of its kind, and, in our view, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the current state of the drug discovery and development industry in India.
Determinants of patient satisfaction with cancer care delivered by the Danish healthcare system
Authors: Heerdegen Anne Christine Stender , Petersen Gitte Stentebjerg , Jervelund Signe Smith
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Patient‐reported quality of care, which is often measured by patients' overall rating of care, is gaining more attention within the field of oncology. The aim of this study was to examine factors that determine adult cancer patients' overall rating of prediagnosis care (PDC) and care provided during treatment (CDT).

METHODS

Data were collected from 2 recurrent nationwide surveys among adult cancer patients in Denmark in 2010 and 2012. Analyses regarding PDC were based on the 2010 study population (n = 3681), and CDT analyses were based on the 2012 follow‐up population (n = 2315). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Overall, 55.1% of patients reported excellent PDC and 61.9% reported excellent CDT. The odds of rating PDC and CDT as excellent differed significantly according to sex, age, and cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, the extent of supportive relatives, comorbidity, self‐reported health, and region of treatment significantly determined ratings of CDT. Patients who reported negative experiences related to waiting time, information, coordination, and continuity of care during PDC and CDT, respectively, were significantly less likely overall to rate their care as excellent. The final regression models for PDC and CDT explained 38.2% and 30.6%, respectively, of the variance in the overall rating.

CONCLUSION

Learning how patient characteristics influence the overall rating of care can enable health care providers to accommodate vulnerable patient groups. Identification of health care aspects that are independently associated with the overall rating of care may enable targeted efforts when planning and prioritizing initiatives aimed at improving the patient‐experienced quality of care.Cancer2017;123:2918–26.©2017 American Cancer Society.
Population‐based geographic access to parent and satellite National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Facilities
Authors: Onega Tracy , Alford‐Teaster Jennifer , Wang Fahui
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Satellite facilities of National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer centers have expanded their regional footprints. This study characterized geographic access to parent and satellite NCI cancer center facilities nationally overall and by sociodemographics.

METHODS

Parent and satellite NCI cancer center facilities, which were geocoded in ArcGIS, were ascertained. Travel times from every census tract in the continental United States and Hawaii to the nearest parent and satellite facilities were calculated. Census‐based population attributes were used to characterize measures of geographic access for sociodemographic groups.

RESULTS

From the 62 NCI cancer centers providing clinical care in 2014, 76 unique parent locations and 211 satellite locations were mapped. The overall proportion of the population within 60 minutes of a facility was 22% for parent facilities and 32.7% for satellite facilities. When satellites were included for potential access, the proportion of some racial groups for which a satellite was the closest NCI cancer center facility increased notably (Native Americans, 22.6% with parent facilities and 39.7% with satellite facilities; whites, 34.8% with parent facilities and 50.3% with satellite facilities; and Asians, 40.0% with parent facilities and 54.0% with satellite facilities), with less marked increases for Hispanic and black populations. Rural populations of all categories had dramatically low proportions living within 60 minutes of an NCI cancer center facility of any type (1.0%‐6.6%). Approximately 14% of the population (n = 43,033,310) lived more than 180 minutes from a parent or satellite facility, and most of these individuals were Native Americans and/or rural residents (37% of Native Americans and 41.7% of isolated rural residents).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial/ethnic and rural populations showed markedly improved geographic access to NCI cancer center care when satellite facilities were included. Cancer 2017;123:3305‐11. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Supporting cancer family caregivers: How can frontline oncology clinicians help?
Authors: Porter Laura S. , Dionne‐Odom J. Nicholas
Published: May 2017

There is growing recognition of the demands placed on unpaid family members of patients with cancer, the need to support family caregivers, and the barriers that exist to meeting their needs. This commentary offers several messages that oncology providers can deliver to family caregivers to support them and empower them to seek the services they need.
Using NCBI BLAST
Authors: Stover Naomi A. , Cavalcanti Andre R.O.
Published: May 2017

BLAST is the most widely used software in bioinformatics research. Its main function is to compare a sequence of interest, the query sequence, to sequences in a large database. BLAST then reports the best matches, or “hits,” found in the database. This simple program has two primary applications. First, if the function of the query sequence is unknown, it may be possible to infer its function based on the recognized functions of similar sequences. Second, if the researcher has a query sequence with a known function, it may be possible to identify sequences in the database that have similar functions. The utility of BLAST therefore depends on the researcher's choice of query sequence and database. An appreciation for the functions and limitations of BLAST is vital to using this program effectively. This unit will introduce the basic concepts behind BLAST, walk through BLAST searching protocols, and interpret common results. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AgI/TMG‐Promoted Cascade Reaction of Propargyl Alcohols, Carbon Dioxide, and 2‐Aminoethanols to 2‐Oxazolidinones
Authors: Li Xue‐Dong , Song Qing‐Wen , Lang Xian‐Dong , Chang Yao , He Liang‐Nian
Published: May 2017

Chemical valorization of CO2 to access various value‐added compounds has been a long‐term and challenging objective from the viewpoint of sustainable chemistry. Herein, a one‐pot three‐component reaction of terminal propargyl alcohols, CO2, and 2‐aminoethanols was developed for the synthesis of 2‐oxazolidinones and an equal amount of α‐hydroxyl ketones promoted by Ag2O/TMG (1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine) with a TON (turnover number) of up to 1260. By addition of terminal propargyl alcohol, the thermodynamic disadvantage of the conventional 2‐aminoethanol/CO2 coupling was ameliorated. Mechanistic investigations including control experiments, DFT calculation, kinetic and NMR studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a cascade pathway and TMG could activate propargyl alcohol and 2‐aminoethanol through the formation of hydrogen bonds and also activate CO2.
Behavioral Phenotyping for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mice
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chi , Cole Toby B. , Costa Lucio G.
Published: May 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by alterations in three behavioral symptom domains: Social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Increasing prevalence of ASD in recent years suggests that exposure to environmental toxicants may be critical in modulating etiology of this disease. As clinical diagnosis of autism still relies on behavioral evaluation, it is important to be able to assess similar behavioral traits in animal models, to provide biological plausibility of associations between environmental exposures and ASD. Rodents naturally exhibit a large number of behaviors that can be linked to similar behaviors in human. In this unit, behavioral tests are described that are relevant to the domains affected in ASD. For the repetitive domain, the T‐maze spontaneous alternation test and marble burying test are described. For the communication domain, neonatal ultrasonic vocalization and olfactory habituation test toward social and non‐social odor are described. Finally, for the sociability domain, the three‐chambered social preference test and the reciprocal interaction test are presented. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Micropatterned Co‐Cultures of Human Hepatocytes and Stromal Cells for the Assessment of Drug Clearance and Drug‐Drug Interactions
Authors: Lin Christine , Khetani Salman R
Published: May 2017

Drug clearance rates from the body can determine drug exposure that can affect efficacy or toxicity. Thus, accurate prediction of drug clearance during preclinical development can help guide dose selection in humans, but animal testing is not always predictive of human outcomes. Because hepatic drug metabolism is a rate‐limiting step in the overall clearance of many drugs, primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) in suspension cultures or monolayers are used for drug clearance predictions. Yet, the precipitous decline in drug metabolism capacity can lead to significant underestimation of clearance rates, particularly for low turnover compounds that have desirable one‐pill‐a‐day dosing regimens. In contrast, micropatterned co‐cultures (MPCCs) of PHHs and fibroblasts display phenotypic stability for several weeks and can help mitigate the limitations of conventional cultures. Here, we describe protocols to create and use MPCCs for drug clearance predictions, and for modeling clinically‐relevant drug‐drug interactions that can affect drug clearance. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New Insights into the Reactivity of Biomass with Butenes for the Synthesis of Butyl Levulinates
Authors: Démolis Alexandre , Eternot Marion , Essayem Nadine , Rataboul Franck
Published: May 2017

This article reports a detailed study on the reactivity of levulinic acid and cellulose with 1‐butene and iso‐butene for the catalytic formation of sec‐ and tert‐butyl levulinates. The influence of catalyst type and various solvent conditions have been investigated to assess the potential of a sustainable transformation. A very simple and efficient procedure was discovered by using reusable Amberlyst‐15 in the absence of solvent to form, from levulinic acid and iso‐butene, tert‐butyl levulinate (70 % yield), a compound very difficult to prepare by other means. sec‐Butyl levulinate (66 % yield) was obtained by using Amberlyst‐15 in γ‐butyrolactone as a biosourced solvent. The original procedure was also extended notably by directly using cellulose as a reactant. In the presence of a catalytic amount of H2SO4, it was possible to form sec‐butyl levulinate (19 % yield) from 1‐butene in a more efficient way than by using the alcohol as an esterifying agent.
Ultrathin Alginate Coatings as Selective Layers for Nanofiltration Membranes with High Performance
Authors: Du Yong , Zhang Chao , Zhong Qi‐Zhi , Yang Xi , Wu Jian , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: May 2017

It is highly desirable to develop environmentally friendly processes for fabricating thin‐film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes (NFMs) from natural materials. However, the nanofiltration performance of such TFC NFMs is not satisfactory for practical applications owing to the lack of efficient methods for constructing ultrathin, uniform, stable coatings as selective layers. In this study, a contra‐diffusion strategy is used to fabricate TFC NFMs with ultrathin cross‐linked alginate coatings as selective layers without the use of any organic solvents. The as‐prepared NFMs show a water permeation flux that is nearly one order of magnitude higher than that of other alginate‐based TFC NFMs with similar salt rejection, and represents the best performance among all TFC NFMs from natural materials. These NFMs also demonstrate excellent mono‐/divalent ion selectivity, as well as good long‐term operation stability and antifouling properties. Furthermore, this strategy maximizes the reactant usage rate, minimizes the waste discharge and provides new insight into environmentally friendly fabrication of TFC NFMs.
Polyimidazolium Salts: Robust Catalysts for the Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide into Carbonates in Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Zhong Wei , Bobbink Felix D. , Fei Zhaofu , Dyson Paul J.
Published: May 2017

There is a growing interest in sustainable heterogeneous catalysts based on organic polymers. Here, we describe a series of polyimidazolium salt catalysts, prepared from the direct reaction of arene‐bridged bis‐ and tris‐alkyl halides with trimethylsilylimidazole. The polyimidazolium salts were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques and it was found that their morphology and porosity could be controlled by adjusting the steric parameters of the spacer in the alkyl‐halide starting materials. Moreover, the polymers are excellent heterogeneous organocatalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to afford cyclic carbonates at atmospheric pressure under solvent‐free conditions. The polymer catalysts exhibit long‐term stability and may be recycled and reused at least 10 times.
Cell density modulates intracellular mass transport in neural networks
Authors: Cintora Patricia , Arikkath Jyothi , Kandel Mikhail , Popescu Gabriel , Best‐Popescu Catherine
Published: May 2017

In order to fully understand brain connectivity and elucidate the mechanisms involved in central nervous system disease, the field of neuroscience depends on quantitative studies of neuronal structure and function. Cell morphology and neurite (axonal and dendritic) arborization are typically studied by immunohistochemical and fluorescence techniques. However, dry mass content and intracellular mass transport rates have largely been under‐investigated given the inherent difficulties in their measurement. Here, spatial light interference microscopy (SLIM) and dispersion‐relation phase spectroscopy (DPS) were used to measure pathlength fluctuations that report on the dry mass and transport within cultured primary neurons across low, medium, and high cell density conditions. It was found that cell density (confluence) affects significantly both the growth rate and mass transport. The analysis method is label‐free and does not require neuronal tracing, particle tracking, or neuron reconstruction. Since SLIM can upgrade any existing phase contrast microscope and the imaging and analysis are high‐throughput, we anticipate that this approach will be embraced by neuroscientists for broad scale studies. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Coupling biogeochemical tracers with fish growth reveals physiological and environmental controls on otolith chemistry
Authors: Grammer Gretchen L. , Morrongiello John R. , Izzo Christopher , Hawthorne Peter J. , Middleton John F. , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: May 2017

Biogeochemical tracers found in the hard parts of organisms are frequently used to answer key ecological questions by linking the organism with the environment. However, the biogeochemical relationship between the environment and the biogenic structure becomes less predictable in higher organisms as physiological processes become more complex. Here, we use the simultaneous combination of biogeochemical tracers and fish growth analyzed with a novel modeling framework to describe physiological and environmental controls on otolith chemistry in an upwelling zone. First, we develop increasingly complex univariate mixed models to describe and partition intrinsic (age effects) and extrinsic (environmental parameters) factors influencing fish growth and otolith element concentrations through time. Second, we use a multivariate mixed model to investigate the directionality and strength between element‐to‐element and growth relationships and test hypotheses regarding physiological and environmental controls on element assimilation in otoliths. We apply these models to continuous element (Na, Sr, Mg, Ba, Li) and growth increment profiles (monthly resolution over 17 yr) derived from otoliths of reef ocean perch (Helicolenus percoides), a wild‐caught, site‐attached, fully marine fish. With a conceptual model, we hypothesize that otolith traits (elements and growth) driven by environmental conditions will correlate both within an otolith, reflecting the time dependency of growth and element assimilation, and among individuals that experience a similar set of external conditions. We found some elements (Sr:Ca and Na:Ca) are mainly controlled by physiological processes, while other elements (Ba:Ca and Li:Ca) are more environmentally influenced. Within an individual fish, the strength and direction of correlation varies among otolith traits, particularly those under environmental control. Correlations among physiologically regulated elements tend to be stronger than those primarily controlled by environmental drivers. Surprisingly, only Ba:Ca and growth are significantly correlated among individuals. Failure to appropriately account for intrinsic effects (e.g., age) led to inflated estimates of among individual correlations and a depression of within individual correlations. Together, the lack of among‐individual correlations of otolith traits in properly formulated models and the biases that can be introduced by not including appropriate intrinsic covariates suggest that caution is needed when assuming multi‐elemental signatures are reflective solely of shared environments.
Morpho‐physiological response of Retama monosperma to extreme salinity levels
Authors: Zunzunegui María , Esquivias Mari Paz , Fernández‐González Pablo , Valera‐Burgos Javier , Díaz Barradas Mari Cruz , Gallego‐Fernández Juan B.
Published: May 2017

Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss is a coastal shrub growing on sandy soils in the SW of the Iberian Peninsula and in the NW of Morocco. Although a native species, it has been considered to show an invasive behaviour. Tolerance of R. monosperma to salinity—one of the most limiting factors of coastal systems—was assessed as an eventual explanation to its invasive character.

A glasshouse experiment, where young plants were irrigated with different NaCl concentrations (5 to 600 mM), was designed. R. monosperma physiological performance was examined by measuring gas exchange, quantum yield, and water potential, at 7, 30, and 60 days after reaching the assigned NaCl concentration. At the end of the experiment, after measuring free proline content in cladodes, plants were harvested, separated in stems, roots, and root nodules, and weighted and Na + content was measured in roots and cladodes.

Although plants survived to high NaCl concentrations, increasing levels of salinity resulted in a progressive reduction in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and water potential, and also in a progressive increase in proline and Na + content. Roots accumulated more Na+ than cladodes in all situations. Biomass allocation pattern was modified by the NaCl levels.

The high tolerance of R. monosperma to a continued exposure to salinity could be one of the factors explaining its high expansion rate in coastal areas.
Terrestrial vertebrate predators drive the structure and functioning of aquatic food webs
Authors: Breviglieri Crasso Paulo Bosco , Romero Gustavo Quevedo
Published: May 2017

Predators that forage at boundaries between ecosystems can affect prey from adjacent ecosystems, thereby triggering consumptive and non‐consumptive cascading effects, which may affect diversity and food web structure across ecosystems. In the present study, we manipulated the access of insectivorous birds, lizards, and anurans to tank bromeliads in scrub vegetation in southern Brazil. We measured cascading effects on the community structure of aquatic invertebrates inhabiting bromeliad leaves and on the ecosystem processes of decomposition rate and bromeliad growth. The exclusion of terrestrial vertebrate predators increased the biomass of Odonate and Tabanid apex predators, which shifted the body size structure of the assemblage and generated inverted biomass pyramids that were top‐heavy. Within bromeliads with larger aquatic predators, the species composition and abundance of other aquatic invertebrates also changed, resulting in higher abundance of mesopredators and scrapers, and lower abundance of shredders. Under those conditions, the detritus decomposition rate decreased, and bromeliads produced more leaves, perhaps because of the higher deposition of nitrogenous waste by mesopredators. Our results highlight that the effects of terrestrial vertebrate predators can propagate across aquatic ecosystems, altering species composition, body size structure, food web organization, and ecosystem function.
Effect of ivabradine in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the EDIFY randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Komajda Michel , Isnard Richard , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Metra Marco , Pieske Burkert , Ponikowski Piotr , Voors Adriaan A. , Dominjon Fabienne , Henon‐Goburdhun Cécile , Pannaux Matthieu , Böhm Michael ,   on behalf of the prEserveD left ventricular ejectIon fraction chronic heart Failure with ivabradine studY (EDIFY) Investigators
Published: May 2017

Aims

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial assessed whether heart rate (HR) reduction with ivabradine improves cardiac function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

The prEserveD left ventricular ejectIon fraction chronic heart Failure with ivabradine studY (EDIFY) included 179 patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes II and III, in sinus rhythm, with HR of ≥70 b.p.m., NT‐proBNP of ≥220 pg/mL (BNP ≥80 pg/mL) and left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥45%. Ivabradine (or placebo) was titrated to 7.5 mg b.i.d. Patients were followed for 8 months on the change and assessed for three co‐primary endpoints: echo‐Doppler E/e′ ratio, distance on the 6‐min walking test (6MWT), and plasma NT‐proBNP concentration. At baseline, median E/e′ was 12.8 [interquartile range (IQR): 9.9–16.3], median distance on the 6MWT was 320 m (IQR: 247–375 m), and median NT‐proBNP was 375 pg/mL (IQR: 253–701 pg/mL). Baseline median HR was 75 b.p.m. (IQR: 70–107 b.p.m.). A total of 171 patients (87 in the ivabradine group, 84 in the placebo group) were evaluated for treatment efficacy. After 8 months of treatment, findings showed a median change in HR of −13.0 b.p.m. (IQR: −18.0 to −6.0 b.p.m.) in the ivabradine group and −3.5 b.p.m. (IQR: −11.5 to 3.0 b.p.m.) in the placebo group [estimated between‐group difference: 7.7 b.p.m.; 90% confidence interval (CI) −10 to −5.4; P < 0.0001]. No evidence of improvement was found in any of the three co‐primary endpoints. There was almost no change in median E/e′ in either of the two groups [median change: +1.0 (IQR: −0.8 to 2.9) in the ivabradine group; −0.6 (IQR: −2.2 to 1.4) in the placebo group; estimated between‐group difference: 1.4, 90% CI 0.3–2.5; P = 0.135]. There were no meaningful changes in the other co‐primary endpoints and no apparent trends. There was no significant safety concern.

Conclusions

In patients with HFpEF, HR reduction with ivabradine did not improve outcomes. These findings do not support the use of ivabradine in HFpEF.
Clinical relevance of circulating anti‐ENA and anti‐dsDNA secreting cells from SLE patients and their dependence on STAT‐3 activation
Authors: de la Varga Martínez Raquel , Rodríguez‐Bayona Beatriz , Añez Gustavo A. , Medina Varo Fermín , Pérez Venegas José J. , Brieva José A. , Rodríguez Carmen
Published: May 2017

Disturbances of plasma cell homeostasis and auto‐antibody production are hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of circulating anti‐ENA and anti‐dsDNA antibody‐secreting cells, to determine their dependence on plasma cell‐niche cytokines and to analyze their clinical value.

The study was performed in SLE patients with serum anti‐ENA and/or anti‐dsDNA antibodies (n = 57). Enriched B‐cell fractions and sorted antibody‐secreting cells (CD19lowCD38high) were obtained from blood. dsDNA‐ and ENA‐specific antibody‐secreting cells were identified as cells capable of active auto‐antibody production in culture.

The addition of a combination of IL‐6, IL‐21, BAFF, APRIL, and CXCL12 to the cultures significantly augmented auto‐antibody production and antibody‐secreting cell proliferation, whereas it diminished apoptosis. The effect on auto‐antibody production was dependent on STAT‐3 activation as it was abrogated in the presence of the JAK/STAT‐3 pathway inhibitors ruxolitinib and stattic. Among patients with serum anti‐dsDNA antibodies, the detection of circulating anti‐dsDNA‐antibody‐secreting cells was associated with higher disease activity markers.

In conclusion, auto‐antibody production in response to plasma cell‐niche cytokines that are usually at high levels in SLE patients is dependent on JAK/STAT‐3 activation. Thus, patients with circulating anti‐dsDNA antibody‐secreting cells and active disease could potentially benefit from therapies targeting the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Chloride Ion Battery Review: Theoretical Calculations, State of the Art, Safety, Toxicity, and an Outlook towards Future Developments
Authors: Gschwind Fabienne , Euchner Holger , Rodriguez‐Garcia Gonzalo
Published: May 2017

Batteries in which chloride ions act as shuttles have only been under investigation for a few years, but already several publications have dealt with this topic. In this review, we extensively report for the first time the state of the art, as well as research on chloride ion batteries and chloride conduction. In addition, we present a theoretical screening along with calculations of the capacities and volumetric and gravimetric densities, as well as an analysis of safety and toxicity. At the end, possible future approaches are evaluated.
Curcumin and its two analogues improve oxidative stability of fish oil under long‐term storage
Authors: Huang Qiaoxian , Chen Jian , Liu Chunjiang , Wang Cheng , Shen Chenghui , Chen Yiyi , Li Qingyong
Published: May 2017

Adding antioxidant is one of the most effective ways to prevent oil systems from oxidation. Curcumin (Cur) and its derivatives have a significant antioxidant activity as potential antioxidants. In this work, the oxidative stability of fish oil treated with three different concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/g) of Cur, its two synthetic analogues (compounds 14 and 25) and α‐tocopherol (positive control) are determined after 70 days at 4 and 25 °C. The antioxidants are evaluated by acid (AV), peroxide (PV), conjugated diene (CD) values, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) as well as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in fish oil. Results show that Cur and α‐tocopherol could protect fish oil from oxidation more effectively than compound 14 and 25 at 4 °C, whereas compound 14 and 25 could protect fish oil from oxidation more effectively than Cur and α‐tocopherol at 25 °C. Temperature is an important factor on lipid oxidation in the process of fish oil storage resulted from antioxidant activity of compounds determined by temperature. Curcumin shows the decreased ability to protect fish oil from oxidation with increasing temperature. Compounds 14 and 25 show increasing ability to protect fish oil from oxidation with increasing temperature.

Practical applications: Compounds 14 and 25 are potential antioxidants to extend expiration date of the fish oil product.

Temperature is a key variable for fish oil storage. Compounds 14 and 25 show higher biological stability than that of Curcumin. In long‐term storage at 25 °C, compounds 14 and 25 perform better antioxidant activity in fish oil than Curcumin, and tocopherol.
Catalysts' influence on thermochemical decomposition of waste tires
Authors: Kordoghli Sana , Paraschiv Maria , Kuncser Radu , Tazerout Mohand , Zagrouba Fethi
Published: May 2017

In this article, correlation between the influence of catalysts on waste tires pyrolysis at small‐ and laboratory‐scale installation are highlighted. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of tires rubber thermochemical transformations were evaluated using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). For that purpose, Zeolite (ZSM‐5), alumina (Al2O3), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and magnesium oxide (MgO) were used as catalyst. It was found that all catalysts induce a delayed onset of pyrolytic process and MgO and CaCO3 significantly reduced the activation energy (Ea) from 246.89 kJ⋅mole−1 (thermal pyrolysis) to 121.82 and 128.34 kJ⋅ mole−1, respectively. At laboratory scale, a fixed‐bed reactor was used to distinguish how the contact manner between tires and catalysts influences the yield of pyrolysis products as well as the gas quality. It was proved that CaCO3 and Al2O3 are the most suitable catalysts for increasing the gas fraction, while the MgO promotes the formation of liquid fraction. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1560–1567, 2017