bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The characteristics of temper outbursts in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Rice Lauren J. , Woodcock Kate , Einfeld Stewart L.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive understanding of temper outbursts in Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). A survey was developed from interviews conducted with individuals with PWS and their caregivers. The survey was completed by 101 primary caregivers. The findings suggest that outburst frequency decreases with age while duration increases. Adolescents exhibited more severe behaviors than children or adults. No differences were found across gender or genetic subtype. Provocations fit into three themes: goal blockage, social injustice, and difficulty dealing with change. Distracting the person or giving them space to calm down were the only management strategies judged effective. Risperidone, sertraline, and fluoxetine were the most common medications prescribed for outbursts, though parents reported only minor effects.
An additional patient with a homozygous mutation in DCPS contributes to the delination of Al‐Raqad syndrome
Authors: Alesi Viola , Capolino Rossella , Genovese Silvia , Capriati Teresa , Loddo Sara , Calvieri Giusy , Calacci Chiara , Diociaiuti Andrea , Diamanti Antonella , Novelli Antonio , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: October 2018

DCPS gene encodes for a protein involved in gene expression regulation through promoting cap degradation during mRNA decapping processes. Mutations altering the DCPS function have been associated to a distinct disorder, Al‐Raqad syndrome, so far described only in two families. We report on a patient harboring a novel homozygous missense mutation in DCPS, presenting with growth retardation, craniofacial anomalies, skin dyschromia, and neuromuscular defects. This case study explains the molecular spectrum of DCPS mutations and might contribute to the phenotypic delineation of this rare condition.
Prenatal profile of Pallister‐Killian syndrome: Retrospective analysis of 114 pregnancies, literature review and approach to prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Salzano E , Raible SE , Kaur M , Wilkens A , Sperti G , Tilton RK , Bettini LR , Rocca A , Cocchi G , Selicorni A , Conlin LK , McEldrew D , Gupta R , Thakur S , Izumi K , Krantz ID
Published: October 2018

Pallister‐Killian syndrome (PKS) is a tissue limited mosaic disorder, characterized by variable degrees of neurodevelopmental delay and intellectual disability, typical craniofacial findings, skin pigmentation anomalies and multiple congenital malformations. The wide phenotypic spectrum of PKS in conjunction with the mosaic distribution of the i(12p) makes PKS an underdiagnosed disorder. Recognition of prenatal findings that should raise a suspicion of PKS is complicated by the fragmentation of data currently available in the literature and challenges in diagnosing a mosaic diagnosis on prenatal testing. Ultrasound anomalies, especially congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart defects, and rhizomelic limb shortening, have been related to PKS, but they are singularly not specific and are not present in all affected fetuses. We have combined prenatal data from 86 previously published reports and from our cohort of 114 PKS probands (retrospectively reviewed). Summarizing this data we have defined a prenatal growth profile and identified markers of perinatal outcome which collectively provide guidelines for early recognition of the distinctive prenatal profile and consideration of a diagnosis of PKS as well as for management and genetic counseling.
Preliminary observations of mitochondrial dysfunction in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Hossain Waheeda A. , Tessman Robert , Krishnamurthy Partha C.
Published: October 2018

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex multisystem disorder because of errors in genomic imprinting with severe hypotonia, decreased muscle mass, poor suckling, feeding problems and failure to thrive during infancy, growth and other hormone deficiency, childhood‐onset hyperphagia, and subsequent obesity. Decreased energy expenditure in PWS is thought to contribute to reduced muscle mass and physical activity but may also relate to cellular metabolism and disturbances in mitochondrial function. We established fibroblast cell lines from six children and adults with PWS and six healthy controls for mitochondrial assays. We used Agilent Seahorse XF extracellular flux technology to determine real‐time measurements of several metabolic parameters including cellular substrate utilization, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)‐linked respiration, and mitochondrial capacity in living cells. Decreased mitochondrial function was observed in the PWS patients compared to the healthy controls with significant differences in basal respiration, maximal respiratory capacity, and ATP‐linked respiration. These results suggest disturbed mitochondrial bioenergetics in PWS although the low number of studied subjects will require a larger subject population before a general consensus can be reached to identify if mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing factor in PWS.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Cascade Synthesis of Functionalized Isoquinolines
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Lin , Dong Lin
Published: October 2018

A highly efficient Rh(III)‐catalyzed one‐pot reaction for the synthesis of functionalized α‐carbonyl isoquinolines from 2H‐imidazoles and alkenes has been successfully developed. This type of structure is constructed by using a transition‐metal‐catalyzed cascade: C−H bond activation, alkenylation, annulation, and hydrolysis.
The Unintended Consequences of Presuming that Counsel's Intentional Omissions Were Unintentional
Authors: Lampert Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Arbitrators sometimes see aspects of a dispute the parties don't argue. But discussions on how to deal with that situation usually presume the omission is unintentional. Sometimes, but surely not always.
Legislation Seeks to Boost Mediation Use For Commercial Matters in India
Authors: Narayan Chitra
Published: October 2018

A group of mediators in India started to work on policy and legislation for mediation as a part of their aspiration to grow mediation in India. This was not a government move, but an initiative that many mediators participated in: to reimagine policies for dispute resolution that would place mediation as an integral part of the system.
Association between lymphocyte count and neurological outcomes in post‐cardiac arrest patients treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Miyatake Hidemitsu , Fujino Kazunori , Tanaka Sachiko , Tsujita Yasuyuki , Horie Minoru , Eguchi Yutaka
Published: October 2018

Aim

To examine lymphocyte counts as a predictive prognostic marker in patients with coma after cardiac arrest.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients with coma after cardiac arrest admitted to the intensive care unit of Shiga University of Medical Science (Otsu, Japan). Lymphocyte counts were measured for 6 days from admission. Neurological outcome was assessed as favorable or unfavorable using cerebral performance categories. Associations between lymphocyte count and prognosis were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Forty‐six patients were assessed from February 2012 to December 2016. Survivors had significantly higher lymphocyte counts than non‐survivors on days 2 and 5. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphocyte count was not associated with 90‐day mortality. Patients with favorable neurological outcome at discharge had significantly higher lymphocyte counts on days 2–6 than patients with unfavorable outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, including possible confounders, showed that lymphocyte counts on days 2–4 and 6 were associated with neurological outcome (day 2: odds ratio [OR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58–0.97, P = 0.029; day 3: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47–0.98, P = 0.04; day 4: OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.16–1.00, P = 0.05; day 6: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–0.99, P = 0.046). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated high accuracy for predicting neurological outcome for each lymphocyte count on days 2–6 using the area under the curve, day 4 values being most accurate (day 2: 0.776, day 3: 0.787, day 4: 0.909, day 5: 0.774, day 6: 0.839).

Conclusion

Lymphocyte counts on days 2–4 and 6 after cardiac arrest are associated with neurological outcome; counts on day 4 most accurately predict neurological outcome.
Outcome of cell suspension allografts in a patient with Huntington's disease
Authors: Maxan Alexander , Mason Sarah , Saint‐Pierre Martine , Smith Emma , Ho Aileen , Harrower Timothy , Watts Colin , Tai Yen , Pavese Nicola , Savage Julie C. , Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Gould Peter , Rosser Anne E. , Dunnett Stephen B. , Piccini Paola , Barker Roger A. , Cicchetti Francesca
Published: October 2018

For patients with incurable neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's (HD) and Parkinson's disease, cell transplantation has been explored as a potential treatment option. Here, we present the first clinicopathological study of a patient with HD in receipt of cell‐suspension striatal allografts who took part in the NEST‐UK multicenter clinical transplantation trial. Using various immunohistochemical techniques, we found a discrepancy in the survival of grafted projection neurons with respect to grafted interneurons as well as major ongoing inflammatory and immune responses to the grafted tissue with evidence of mutant huntingtin aggregates within the transplant area. Our results indicate that grafts can survive more than a decade post‐transplantation, but show compromised survival with inflammation and mutant protein being observed within the transplant site. Ann Neurol 2018;84:950–956
Enantioselective Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation Enabled by Chiral Carboxylic Acid Cooperation
Authors: Pesciaioli Fabio , Dhawa Uttam , Oliveira João C. A. , Yin Rongxin , John Michael , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2018

The enantioselective cobalt(III)‐catalyzed C−H alkylation was achieved through the design of a novel chiral acid. The cobalt(III)‐catalyzed enantioselective C−H activation was characterized by high position‐, regio‐ and enantio‐control under exceedingly mild reaction conditions. Thereby, the robust cooperative cobalt(III) catalysis proved tolerant of valuable electrophilic functional groups, including hydroxyl, bromo, and iodo substituents. Mechanistic studies revealed a considerable additive effect on kinetics and on a negative non‐linear‐effect.
Eine elektrophile Brom‐Redoxkatalyse zur Synthese von Alkaloidbausteinen durch selektive aliphatische C‐H‐Aminierung
Authors: Bergès Julien , García Belén , Muñiz Kilian
Published: October 2018

Eine neue homogene Brom(−I/I)‐Redoxkatalyse wird beschrieben, die auf monomeren Brom(I)‐Verbindungen mit übertragbaren Phthalimidatogruppen basiert. Diese Katalysatoren ermöglichen intermolekulare C‐H‐Aminierungen an zuvor nicht zugänglichen aliphatischen Positionen und erweitern somit das Synthesepotenzial der direkten C‐N‐Bindungsbildung einschließlich ihrer Anwendung in der Synthese von Alkaloidbausteinen. Dieser Aspekt wird anhand eines neuen synthetischen Zugangs zu Aspidospermidin demonstriert. Neben der Katalyseentwicklung wurden die Strukturen der beteiligten Brom(I)‐Schlüsselkatalysatoren vollständig, auch mit Röntgenstrukturanalysen, aufgeklärt.
Highly Enantiospecific Borylation for Chiral α‐Amino Tertiary Boronic Esters
Authors: Qi Qingqing , Yang Xuena , Fu Xiaoping , Xu Shiqing , Negishi Ei‐ichi
Published: October 2018

Herein we report a highly efficient and enantiospecific borylation method to synthesize a wide range of enantiopure (>99 % ee) α‐amino tertiary boronic esters. The configurationally stable α‐N‐Boc substituted tertiary organolithium species and pinacolborane (HBpin) underwent enantiospecific borylation at −78 °C with the formation of a new stereogenic C−B bond. This reaction has a broad scope, enabling the synthesis of various α‐amino tertiary boronic esters in excellent yields and, importantly, with universally excellent enantiospecificity (>99 % es) and complete retention of configuration.
A Tailored DNA Nanoplatform for Synergistic RNAi‐/Chemotherapy of Multidrug‐Resistant Tumors
Authors: Liu Jianbing , Song Linlin , Liu Shaoli , Zhao Shuai , Jiang Qiao , Ding Baoquan
Published: October 2018

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in the clinical treatment of cancer. Herein, a facile strategy is reported to construct a versatile DNA nanostructure as a co‐delivery vector of RNA interference (RNAi) and chemodrugs to combat multidrug‐resistant tumor (MCF‐7R) in vitro and in vivo. In the tailored nanocarrier, two linear small hairpin RNA (shRNA) transcription templates targeting MDR‐associated genes (gene of P‐glycoprotein, a typical drug efflux pump; and gene of survivin, a representative anti‐apoptotic protein) are precisely organized in the chemodrug (doxorubicin, DOX) pre‐loaded DNA origami. With the incorporation of active targeting and controlled‐release elements, these multifunctional DNA nanocarriers can successfully enter the target MCF‐7R cells and synergistically inhibit tumor growth without apparent systemic toxicity. This tailored DNA nanoplatform, which combines RNAi therapy and chemotherapy, provides a new strategy for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant tumors.
Fluoride‐Free Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Titanium Carbide (MXene) Using A Binary Aqueous System
Authors: Yang Sheng , Zhang Panpan , Wang Faxing , Ricciardulli Antonio Gaetano , Lohe Martin R. , Blom Paul W. M. , Feng Xinliang
Published: October 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) titanium carbide (Ti3C2) is emerging as an important member of the MXene family. However, fluoride‐based synthetic procedures remain an impediment to the practical applications of this promising class of materials. Here we demonstrate an efficient fluoride‐free etching method based on the anodic corrosion of titanium aluminium carbide (Ti3AlC2) in a binary aqueous electrolyte. The dissolution of aluminium followed by in situ intercalation of ammonium hydroxide results in the extraction of carbide flakes (Ti3C2Tx, T=O, OH) with sizes up to 18.6 μm and high yield (over 90 %) of mono‐ and bilayers. All‐solid‐state supercapacitor based on exfoliated sheets exhibits high areal and volumetric capacitances of 220 mF cm−2 and 439 F cm−3, respectively, at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1, superior to those of LiF/HCl‐etched MXenes. Our strategy paves a safe way to the scalable synthesis and application of MXene materials.
Supramolecular Electropolymerization
Authors: Ellis Thomas K. , Galerne Melodie , Armao Joseph J. , Osypenko Artem , Martel David , Maaloum Mounir , Fuks Gad , Gavat Odile , Moulin Emilie , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: October 2018

Gaining control over supramolecular polymerization mechanisms is of high fundamental interest to understand self‐assembly and self‐organization processes at the nanoscale. It is also expected to significantly impact the design and improve the efficiency of advanced materials and devices. Up to now, supramolecular polymerization has been shown to take place from unimers in solution, mainly by variations of temperature or of concentration. Reported here is that supramolecular nucleation‐growth of triarylamine monomers can be triggered by electrochemistry in various solvents. The involved mechanism offers new opportunities to precisely address in space and time the nucleation of supramolecular polymers at an electrode. To illustrate the potential of this methodology, supramolecular nanowires are grown an oriented over several tens of micrometers between different types of commercially available electrodes submitted to a single DC electric field, reaching a precision unprecedented in the literature.
Sequences of Sequences: Spatial Organization of Coded Matter through Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Digital Polymers
Authors: Szweda Roza , Tschopp Michel , Felix Olivier , Decher Gero , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: October 2018

A library of 16 digitally encoded polyanions was used in a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte assembly to nanofabricate thin films containing digitally coded strata. The polyanions were digital polyphosphodiesters (d‐PPDE) prepared via an automated phosphoramidite process. Each component of the library contained 10 bytes of ASCII‐encoded text (i.e. 80 coded monomers); thus the entire library allows the writing of a full sentence, which can be stored in a multilayer film as a sequence of sequences. To prepare fully segregated digital domains, non‐coded layers composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were included between the d‐PPDE coded layers as an intermediate barrier. Detailed analysis of the film homogeneity indicated formation of 70 nm‐thick films in which digital layers are kept apart from another by non‐coded interlayers. As a result, the sequence‐coded polymer library could be piled‐up in a defined sequence of layers.
Entdeckung einer chemischen Sonde für MLLT1/3‐YEATS‐Domänen
Authors: Moustakim Moses , Christott Thomas , Monteiro Octovia P. , Bennett James , Giroud Charline , Ward Jennifer , Rogers Catherine M. , Smith Paul , Panagakou Ioanna , Díaz‐Sáez Laura , Felce Suet Ling , Gamble Vicki , Gileadi Carina , Halidi Nadia , Heidenreich David , Chaikuad Apirat , Knapp Stefan , Huber Kilian V. M. , Farnie Gillian , Heer Jag , Manevski Nenad , Poda Gennady , Al‐awar Rima , Dixon Darren J. , Brennan Paul E. , Fedorov Oleg
Published: October 2018

YEATS‐Domänen(YD)‐enthaltende Proteine sind eine neue Klasse epigenetischer Zielstrukturen für die Wirkstoffentwicklung. Die YD‐enthaltenden Proteine MLLT1 (ENL/YEATS1) und MLLT3 (AF9/MLLT3) sind oft in Krebs dereguliert und wurden daher als potentielle Zielstrukturen für neue Therapieansätze diskutiert. Wir berichten hier die Entwicklung und Charakterisierung des ersten niedermolekularen Inhibitors der YD in MLLT1 und MLLT3, SGC‐iMLLT. Er ist ein potenter und selektiver Inhibitor der MLLT1/3‐Histon‐Interaktion und zeichnet sich durch exzellente Selektivität gegenüber anderen menschlichen YD‐Proteinen (YEATS2/4) und Bromodomänen aus. Aufgrund der zellulären Aktivität eignet sich die entwickelte chemische Sonde um die biologischen Funktionen der YD in MLLT1/3 und das therapeutische Potential dieser kleinen Proteininteraktionsdomänen zu verstehen.
Biomimetic DNA Nanotubes: Nanoscale Channel Design and Applications
Authors: Liu Xiaoguo , Zhao Yan , Liu Pi , Wang Lihua , Lin Jianping , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2018

Biomacromolecular nanotubes play important physiological roles in transmembrane ion/molecule channeling, intracellular transport, and inter‐cellular communications. While genetically encoded protein nanotubes are prevalent in vivo, the in vitro construction of biomimetic DNA nanotubes has attracted intense interest with the rise of structural DNA nanotechnology. The abiotic use of DNA assembly provides a powerful bottom‐up approach for the rational construction of complex materials with arbitrary size and shape at the nanoscale. More specifically, a typical DNA nanotube can be assembled either with parallel‐aligned DNA duplexes or by closing DNA tile lattices. These artificial DNA nanotubes can be tailored and site‐specifically modified to realize biomimetic functions including ionic or molecular channeling, bioreactors, drug delivery, and biomolecular sensing. In this Minireview, we aim to summarize recent advances in design strategies, including the characterization and applications of biomimetic DNA nanotubes.
“Printing” DNA Strand Patterns on Small Molecules with Control of Valency, Directionality, and Sequence
Authors: Trinh Tuan , Saliba Daniel , Liao Chenyi , de Rochambeau Donatien , Prinzen Alexander Lee , Li Jianing , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: October 2018

The incorporation of synthetic molecules as corner units in DNA structures has been of interest over the last two decades. In this work, we present a facile method for generating branched small molecule‐DNA hybrids with controllable valency, different sequences, and directionalities (5′–3′) using a “printing” process from a simple 3‐way junction structure. We also show that the DNA‐imprinted small molecule can be extended asymmetrically using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and can be replicated chemically. This strategy provides opportunities to achieve new structural motifs in DNA nanotechnology and introduce new functionalities to DNA nanostructures.
Heterolysis of Dihydrogen by Nucleophilic Calcium Alkyls
Authors: Wilson Andrew S. S. , Dinoi Chiara , Hill Michael S. , Mahon Mary F. , Maron Laurent
Published: October 2018

β‐Diketiminato (BDI) calcium alkyl derivatives undergo hydrogenolysis with H2 to regenerate [(BDI)CaH]2, allowing the catalytic hydrogenation of a wide range of 1‐alkenes and norbornene under very mild conditions (2 bar H2, 298 K). The reactions are deduced to take place with the retention of the dimeric structures of the calcium hydrido‐alkyl and alkyl intermediates via a well‐defined sequence of Ca−H/C=C insertion and Ca−C hydrogenation events. This latter deduction is strongly supported by DFT calculations (B3PW91) performed on the 1‐hexene/H2 system, which also indicates that the hydrogenation transition states display features which discriminate them from a classical σ‐bond metathesis mechanism. In particular, NBO analysis identifies a strong second order interaction between the filled α‐methylene sp3 orbital of the n‐hexyl chain and the σ* orbital of the H2 molecule, signifying that the H−H bond is broken by what is effectively the nucleophilic displacement of hydride by the organic substituent.
Copper‐Catalyzed Transsulfinamidation of Sulfinamides as a Key Step in the Preparation of Sulfonamides and Sulfonimidamides
Authors: Yu Hao , Li Zhen , Bolm Carsten
Published: October 2018

Secondary or tertiary sulfinamides are prepared by copper‐catalyzed transsulfinamidation of primary sulfinamides with O‐benzoyl hydroxylamines. Subsequent oxidations of the resulting products lead to the corresponding sulfonamides. Treatment of N‐aryl sulfinamides with O‐benzoyl hydroxylamines under copper catalysis provides N‐aryl sulfonimidamides.
Oil Extraction from Rana catesbeiana by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Mechanical Pressing
Authors: Perina Henrique , Santos Katia Andressa , Fiorese Mônica Lady , Vieira Melissa Gurgel Adeodato , da Silva Edson Antonio , Scheufele Fabiano Bisinella , Borba Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Oil extraction from the fat body of bullfrog (FBB) using supercritical carbon dioxide through supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and mechanical pressing (ME) was assessed. ME extraction was performed within a temperature range from 40 to 90 °C and the SFE at 40 °C and 15 MPa. The peroxide index (PI) and oxidative induction time (OIT) of the oil obtained from the ME were negatively influenced by the increase in the extraction temperature; however, the FBB oil extracted at 40 °C presented a high quality with acidity index and PI values of 4.7 mg KOH g−1 and 0.50 mEq kg−1, respectively. The oils obtained from both processes presented similar physicochemical characteristics, especially related to the composition. Significant amounts of ω‐3 (≈3.5%), ω‐6 (≈19%), and ω‐9 (≈50%) fatty acids were achieved. Thus, the valorization of the FBB through the recovery of its oil may be of great interest mainly due to the high yields achieved (66.7%).
Enhanced Synthesis of Fatty‐Acid Methyl Ester using Oil from Palm Oil Mill Effluents and Immobilized Palm Lipase
Authors: Paichid Nisa , Yunu Tewan , Klomklao Sappasith , Prasertsan Poonsuk , Sangkharak Kanokphorn
Published: October 2018

Oil from palm oil mill effluents (POME) was utilized as the substrate for fatty‐acid methyl ester (FAME) production using lipase from palm fruit immobilized to chitosan beads as a catalyst. The optimal reaction conditions consisted of a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 6:1 mol mol−1, 6 g immobilized lipase per 10 g of POME oil at an incubation temperature of 35°C, a mixing speed of 200 rpm (with a 5 cm orbital diameter), and a reaction time of 24 h. Under optimal conditions, the FAME content was 93.6% methanol‐free basis. In addition, immobilized lipase retained 90.5% after six subsequent reaction cycles (compared with the FAME content of the first batch). The properties of FAME were characterized and found to fulfill both Thailand and ASTM standards.
Regeneration of Used Frying Oils by Selected Metal–Organic Frameworks as Adsorbents
Authors: Yılmaz Emin , Güner Melike
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to utilize seven synthesized metal–organic frameworks (MOF) and three natural clays as adsorbents in regenerating used frying oil. First, surface and pore properties, and morphologies of the adsorbents were determined, and used frying oil was treated at 0.1% addition (w/w) level. Then, physicochemical properties, mineral, and fatty‐acid compositions of oil were analyzed. Finally, a recycling study was performed over five cycles with three selected adsorbents. Although there were only small improvements in oil color values, oil turbidity was significantly reduced with the adsorbents. Free fatty acidity values were reduced by 50.6% and 42.2% with Ti‐MOF and zeolitic‐MOF (ZIF‐8‐MOF) adsorbent treatments. Likewise, peroxide value reductions ranged from 43.6% with the Ti‐MOF to 18.1% with natural zeolite. Reductions in the total polar materials (TPM) were the highest (42.5%) with aluminum‐MOF (Al‐MOF) followed by the ZIF‐8‐MOF (40.4%). Contents of aluminum, zinc, phosphorous, chromium, magnesium, and potassium were measured in the control and adsorbent‐treated oil samples, and it was found that there was no leakage of minerals from the MOF into the oil, but rather some reductions due to adsorption. Furthermore, recycling studies with Ti‐MOF, Cr‐MOF, and sepiolite showed that the MOF can be used up to five times with only small activity losses compared with sepiolite. Overall, this study demonstrated the great potential of the MOF as adsorbents for frying oil regeneration, and pointed out that more research needed to design and synthesize new MOF structures for applying in the edible oil industry.
Microencapsulation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)‐Rich Oil with Skimmed Milk Components Protects against Polymerization
Authors: Holgado Francisca , García‐Martínez M. Carmen , Velasco Joaquín , Ruiz‐Méndez M. Victoria , Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria
Published: October 2018

Oils rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are currently used in functional foods because of the positive health effects of some CLA isomers. In this work, microencapsulation of a CLA‐rich oil (containing approx. 80% of a mixture of 9c, 11 t, and 10 t, 12c‐ linoleic acid) with skimmed milk components is proposed as a means to protect it from oxidation and polymerization. The main physicochemical characteristics, i.e. glass transition temperature, mean oil globule size, and distribution, were evaluated. Microencapsulated samples, both intact and devoid of free oil fraction, along with the bulk oil, were oxidized at 30 °C in the dark for 3 months. Throughout storage, free and encapsulated oil fractions were separately extracted from samples and analyses including substrate loss by Gas liquid chromatography‐Flame ionization detection, polymer determination by High performance size exclusion chromatography‐Refractive index detection, and tocopherol content determination by High performance liquid chromatography‐Fluorescence detection were performed. Results showed that free oil oxidized much more rapidly than encapsulated oil. High amounts of polymers accumulated in samples with considerable high levels of tocopherols remain in encapsulated oil fractions. In samples devoid of free oil, a drastic change in the physical properties occurred but the oil polymerized to a similar extent to that found in the encapsulated fractions of intact samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ozonated Oil Nanoemulsions
Authors: Tığlı Aydın R. Seda , Kazancı Füsun
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the use of ozonated oil (ozone enriched oil form) is being increasingly preferred for biomedical applications because of its antibacterial activity. Among most important reasons of this choice is the high molecular affinity of the ozone molecule and intracellular effects of the products of ozone and the unsaturated fatty‐acid chemical reactions in cellular signaling systems. The aim of the present study was to synthesize and optimize the ozonated oil nanoemulsion system that would be transferred into the living systems easily, suggesting a promising carrier system for various biomedical applications. By varying formulation parameters (surfactant‐to‐oil ratio, surfactant concentration, mixing rate, and surfactant type), nanoemulsions were investigated in terms of mean particle diameters, distributions, and stabilities. Nanoemulsions with high stability and small droplet diameters (212.7 nm) could be produced under optimized conditions with Tween 40 as the surfactant at a 750 rpm mixing rate using the emulsion inversion point (EIP) low‐energy method. Spherical and uniformly distributed nanoemulsions were observed by SEM, which also supports mean particle diameter measurements. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) studies indicated an ozonide structure within the nanoemulsion system, which remained even after 30 days of storage. The antibacterial activity of ozonated oil emulsions against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli suggests promising applications in the biomedical field.
Impact of vanadium‐, sulfur‐, and dysprosium‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on various properties of PVDF/functionalized‐PMMA blend nanocomposites: Structural, optical, and morphological studies
Authors: Singh N. , Madhav H. , Yadav S. , Jaiswar G.
Published: October 2018

The polymeric blend was fabricated with crystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/amorphous functionalized‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in 70/30 w/w ratio by chemical mixing method. Functionalization of PMMA was achieved with 2‐amino‐5‐nitrobenzoic acid. The prepared polymer blend was used as a matrix to synthesize nanocomposites with undoped/doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Doping in ZnO was achieved with vanadium, sulfur, and dysprosium elements as a dopant. The structural, optical, electronic, and morphological properties of undoped/doped nanosized ZnO and blended nanocomposites were accessed through sophisticated analytical techniques, that is, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), UV–vis–diffuse reflectance spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The FTIR band at 1165–1176 cm−1in functionalized‐PMMA indicate the formation of aliphatic C‐N bond along with aromatic1H chemical shift (δ) at 7.134, 7.829 and 8.210 ppm confirm the successfully functionalization of PMMA. The prominent XRD peak at 2θ = 20.8° in nanocomposites shown improvement in β‐phase of PVDF. The results show that Dy doped ZnO nanoparticles create remarkable effect on various properties of nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47116.
Three turns in the evolution of China–Russia presidential pseudo‐alliance
Authors: Baev Pavel K.
Published: October 2018

The unique quality of relations between Russia and China cannot be captured by the term “partnership,” but the development of high‐level ties does not signify a process of alliance building. The two states stand, in geopolitical terms, back‐to‐back to each other, as Russia gives priority attention to the confrontation on its Western theatre and China focuses of security matters in East Asia and trade relations with the United States. The China–Russia presidential pseudo‐alliance has experienced at least three major turns in its development since the middle of this decade. Presently, it has transformed into a one‐sided Russian dependency upon indifferent China and is certain to experience further challenges, as the two parties proceed along clearly diverging courses.
Adaptive Anatomical Specialization of the Intestines of Alpacas Taking into Account their Original Habitat and Feeding Behaviour
Authors: Vater Anke , Maierl Johann
Published: October 2018

The gastrointestinal tract of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos)is most efficiently adapted to its habitat at high altitudes. Alpacas, just like ruminants, feed on hardly digestible forage. However, it has been demonstrated that the anatomy of the camelid digestive tract has developed independently of ruminants and not in homology to them. Despite a long history of domestication and an increasing number of animals worldwide, little research has been done on the intestinal anatomy of alpacas. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical features of the alpaca's intestines and to explain anatomical peculiarities in the context of evolutionary function and morphology. Another goal of this study was the demonstration of weaknesses of the intestinal anatomy predisposing alpacas to certain clinical presentations. Six animals were used for dissection. The basic structure of the intestines was comparable to that in ruminants. However, a number of characteristic peculiarities were found in alpacas, like the duodenal ampulla and the proximal and distal loop of the ascending colon. The jejunum and ileum, unlike those of ruminants, had their own mesentery largely separated from the ascending mesocolon. The main blood supply was provided by the cranial and caudal mesenteric artery. The particular lymph nodes were located along the branches of these two arteries. The spiral colon seemed to play a major role in intestinal digestion and water resorption. The size of the distal fermentation chamber allows the presumption that alpacas belong to the group of animals practicing a fractionated fermentation in the proximal and distal fermentation chambers. Anat Rec, 301:1840–1851, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uterine Receptivity in Merriam's Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami)
Authors: Dudley Jessica S. , Murphy Christopher R. , Thompson Michael B. , Mcallan Bronwyn M.
Published: October 2018

The uterine surface undergoes significant remodeling, termed the “plasma membrane transformation,” during pregnancy to allow for implantation of the blastocyst and formation of the placenta in viviparous amniote vertebrates. Unlike other species within the superorder Euarchontoglires, which have a hemochorial (highly invasive) placenta, kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) exhibit a less invasive endotheliochorial placenta. We characterized the changes that occur to membrane molecules and the cellular ultrastructure of the uterine epithelium during early pregnancy in Merriam's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. Epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) is an adhesion protein that forms the adherens junction and is localized to the lateral plasma membrane of uterine epithelium during the nonreproductive state but localizes nonspecifically in the uterine epithelium immediately preceding implantation. Desmosomes are a type of cadherin that form junctional complexes along the lateral plasma membrane of epithelium. Dsg‐2, a marker for desmosomes, is localized along the lateral plasma membrane in non‐pregnant animals but redistributes to the apical region of the lateral plasma membrane during early pregnancy. The shift in desmosome and cadherin distribution before implantation suggests that there is a reduction in lateral adhesion between epithelial cells to allow for invasion by the blastocyst. Surprisingly, although Kangaroo rats form a less invasive placenta, these same changes occur during pregnancy in species with highly invasive placentation, such as the laboratory rat and human. These commonalities suggest that it is not through the retention of lateral adhesion that the blastocyst is prevented from further invasion in this rodent species. Anat Rec, 301:1928–1935, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteophytes in the Cervical Vertebral Bodies (C3–C7)—Demographical Perspectives
Authors: Ezra David , Hershkovitz Israel , Salame Khalil , Alperovitch‐Najenson Deborah , Slon Viviane
Published: October 2018

Vertebral osteophytes are an age‐dependent manifestation of degenerative changes in the spine. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of cervical osteophytosis in a large study population. To do so, we developed a grading system for osteophytosis, enabling the assessment of their presence and severity in the cervical spine, and applied it to the analysis of dried cervical vertebral bodies (C3–C7) from 273 individuals. Statistical analyses were carried out per motion segment, while testing for the effect of age, sex, and ethnicity. The highest prevalence of osteophytes was found in motion segment C5/C6 (48.2%), followed by C4/C5 (44.1%), and last C6/C7 and C3/C4 (40.5%). Severe osteophytes are most commonly seen in motion segment C5/C6. In all motion segments, the inferior discal surface of the upper vertebra manifests more osteophytes than the superior discal surface of the lower one. Osteophytes prevalence is sex‐dependent only in the upper cervical vertebrae (C3–C4), and age‐ and ethnicity‐dependent for all vertebrae. Anat Rec, 302:226–231, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Brain and Inner Ear of the Early Paleocene “Condylarth” Carsioptychus coarctatus: Implications for Early Placental Mammal Neurosensory Biology and Behavior
Authors: Cameron Joe , Shelley Sarah L. , Williamson Thomas E. , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: October 2018

Mammals underwent a profound diversification after the end‐Cretaceous mass extinction, with placentals rapidly expanding in body size and diversity to fill new niches vacated by dinosaurs. Little is known, however, about the brains and senses of these earliest placentals, and how neurosensory features may have promoted their survival and diversification. We here use computed tomography (CT) to describe the brain, inner ear, sinuses, and endocranial nerves and vessels of Carsioptychus coarctatus, a periptychid “condylarth” that was among the first placentals to blossom during the few million years after the extinction, in the Paleocene. Carsioptychus has a generally primitive brain and inner ear that is similar to the inferred ancestral eutherian/placental condition. Notable “primitive” features include the large, anteriorly expanded, and conjoined olfactory bulbs, proportionally small neocortex, lissencephalic cerebrum, and large hindbrain compared to the cerebrum. An encephalization quotient (EQ) cannot be confidently calculated because of specimen crushing but was likely very small, and comparisons with other extinct placentals reveal that many Paleocene “archaic” mammals had EQ values below the hallmark threshold of modern placentals but within the zone of nonmammalian cynodonts, indicative of small brains and low intelligence. Carsioptychus did, however, have a “conventional” hearing range for a placental, but was not particularly agile, with semicircular canal dimensions similar to modern pigs. This information fleshes out the biology of a keystone Paleocene “archaic” placental, but more comparative work is needed to test hypotheses of how neurosensory evolution was related to the placental radiation. Anat Rec, 302:306–324, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Filamin‐A as a Balance between Erk/Smad Activities During Cardiac Valve Development
Authors: Toomer Katelynn , Sauls Kimberly , Fulmer Diana , Guo Lilong , Moore Kelsey , Glover Janiece , Stairley Rebecca , Bischoff Joyce , Levine Robert A. , Norris Russell A.
Published: October 2018

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 2.4% of the population and has poorly understood etiology. Recent genetic studies have begun to unravel the complexities of MVP and through these efforts, mutations in the FLNA (Filamin‐A) gene were identified as disease causing. Our in vivo and in vitro studies have validated these genetic findings and have revealed FLNA as a central regulator of valve morphogenesis. The mechanisms by which FLNA mutations result in myxomatous mitral valve disease are currently unknown, but may involve proteins previously associated with mutated regions of the FLNA protein, such as the small GTPase signaling protein, R‐Ras. Herein, we report that Filamin‐A is required for R‐Ras expression and activation of the Ras–Mek–Erk pathway. Loss of the Ras/Erk pathway correlated with hyperactivation of pSmad2/3, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) production and enlarged mitral valves. Analyses of integrin receptors in the mitral valve revealed that Filamin‐A was required for β1‐integrin expression and provided a potential mechanism for impaired ECM compaction and valve enlargement. Our data support Filamin‐A as a protein that regulates the balance between Erk and Smad activation and an inability of Filamin‐A deficient valve interstitial cells to effectively remodel the increased ECM production through a β1‐integrin mechanism. As a consequence, loss of Filamin‐A function results in increased ECM production and generation of a myxomatous phenotype characterized by improperly compacted mitral valve tissue. Anat Rec, 302:117–124, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Luminescent Thermometry by a Y/Eu Binary Layered Rare‐Earth Hydroxide (LRH) via In Situ Intercalation with Neutral Terbium(III) Complexes
Authors: Zhu Qi , Li Siyuan , Jin Jianfeng , Xu Zhixin , Li Xiaodong , Sun Xudong , Li Ji‐Guang
Published: October 2018

Temperature‐sensitive luminescent materials have aroused great interest for practical applications in optical sensors. Layered rare‐earth hydroxides (LRHs) possess rich interlayer chemistry and adjustable composition; thus, they are the promising candidates for designing functional materials, usually through an ion exchange process. Herein, the intercalation of neutral TbIII complex rather than ion exchange was successfully performed in situ into the gallery of Y/Eu binary LRHs by using a hydrothermal process. Interestingly, the swollen LRHs are chameleon luminophores, exhibiting color emissions from green to pink that were tunable through variations in temperature ranging from 77 to 450 K. Because of the highly sensitive and temperature‐dependent emissions, novel optical temperature sensors for 1D and 2D thermal imaging were fabricated by employing the chameleon luminophores, which displayed luminescence capable of reversibly undergoing repeated thermocycles. The present work opens up new fields in layered inorganic materials.
Beobachtungen zur Linearität der Schädigungsakkumulation im Holzbau
Authors: Niebuhr Peter , Sieder Mike
Published: October 2018

Es werden Beobachtungen zum Verlauf der Schädigungsakkumulation vorgestellt, die an Ergebnissen von Versuchen zum Ermüdungsverhalten von Brettsperrholz unter Schubbeanspruchung in Scheibenebene gemacht wurden. Hierbei wird der Verlauf der akkumulierten Verformung als Hinweis auf den Verlauf der akkumulierten Schädigung herangezogen. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass die gängige Annahme eines linearen Schädigungsverlaufs für den Großteil der Lebensdauer im Einstufenkollektiv auf der sicheren Seite liegt, dass es jedoch im Bereich kleiner Lastspielzahlen ein kritisches Spektrum gibt, in dem die Sicherheit der Annahme einer linearen Schädigung fragwürdig und daher tiefergehend zu untersuchen ist.
Eine neue Prüfmethode für Fachwerkknoten aus Holz
Authors: Meyer Nico , Blaß Hans Joachim
Published: October 2018

Das Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten von Verbindungen wird i. d. R. mithilfe von Druck‐ oder Zugversuchen an einzelnen Bauteilen ermittelt. Diese Bauteile können in der späteren Baupraxis u. a. als Druck‐ und Zugdiagonalen in Fachwerkträgern eingesetzt werden. Allerdings weisen die Fachwerkknoten, in denen die Diagonalen an die Gurte angeschlossen werden, aufgrund der kombinierten Einleitung von Zug‐ und Druckkräften ein komplexes Tragverhalten auf. Dieses kann durch Versuche an vollständigen Fachwerkträgern verifiziert werden. Der material‐ und versuchstechnische Aufwand ist hierbei jedoch sehr hoch, zumal pro Versuchsfachwerk i. d. R. lediglich ein bestimmter Fachwerkknoten untersucht werden kann. Alle übrigen Knoten des Fachwerkträgers dienen allein der Erzeugung der Kräfte in dem zu untersuchenden Knoten. Mit der hier vorgestellten Prüfmethode ist es nun möglich, das Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten von Fachwerkknoten praxisnah zu ermitteln, ohne einen kompletten Fachwerkträger prüfen zu müssen. Der Material‐ und Prüfaufwand reduziert sich dadurch signifikant. Damit ergibt sich die Möglichkeit, verschiedene Einflussparameter mit einer genügenden Anzahl von Einzelversuchen zu untersuchen.
Custom edge‐element FEM solver and its application to eddy‐current simulation of realistic 2M‐element human brain phantom
Authors: Yin Wuliang , Lu Mingyang , Tang Jiawei , Zhao Qian , Zhang Zhijie , Li Kai , Han Yan , Peyton Anthony
Published: October 2018

Extensive research papers of three‐dimensional computational techniques are widely used for the investigation of human brain pathophysiology. Eddy current analyzing could provide an indication of conductivity change within a biological body. A significant obstacle to current trend analyses is the development of a numerically stable and efficiency‐finite element scheme that performs well at low frequency and does not require a large number of degrees of freedom. Here, a custom finite element method (FEM) solver based on edge elements is proposed using the weakly coupled theory, which separates the solution into two steps. First, the background field (the magnetic vector potential on each edge) is calculated and stored. Then, the electric scalar potential on each node is obtained by FEM based on Galerkin formulations. Consequently, the electric field and eddy current distribution in the object can be obtained. This solver is more efficient than typical commercial solvers since it reduces the vector eddy current equation to a scalar one, and reduces the meshing domain to just the eddy current region. It can therefore tackle complex eddy current calculations for models with much larger numbers of elements, such as those encountered in eddy current computation in biological tissues. An example is presented with a realistic human brain mesh of 2 million elements. In addition, with this solver, the equivalent magnetic field induced from the excitation coil is applied, and therefore there is no need to mesh the excitation coil. In combination, these significantly increase the efficiency of the solver. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:604–616, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visions of Eye Commensals: The Known and the Unknown About How the Microbiome Affects Eye Disease
Authors: St. Leger Anthony J. , Caspi Rachel R.
Published: October 2018

Until recently, the ocular surface is thought by many to be sterile and devoid of living microbes. It is now becoming clear that this may not be the case. Recent and sophisticated PCR analyses have shown that microbial DNA‐based “signatures” are present within various ethnic, geographic, and contact lens wearing communities. Furthermore, using a mouse model of ocular surface disease, we have shown that the microbe, Corynebacterium mastitidis (C. mast), can stably colonize the ocular mucosa and that a causal relationship exists between ocular C. mast colonization and beneficial local immunity. While this constitutes proof‐of‐concept that a bona fide ocular microbiome that tunes immunity can exist at the ocular surface, there remain numerous unanswered questions to be addressed before microbiome‐modulating therapies may be successfully developed. Here, the authors will briefly outline what is currently known about the local ocular microbiome as well as microbiomes associated with other sites, and how those sites may play a role in ocular surface immunity. Understanding how commensal microbes affect the ocular surface immune homeostasis has the potential revolutionize how we think about treating ocular surface disease.